CRAZY IN Black Snake WHY I ! LOVE .••• -,-"-. • ....-•••••..5fti''- -K WILL END Features, page 15 Moai UP ALONE Arts, page II i ._„. Opinions, page 6 THE OBSERVER March 1,2007 fordhamobserver.com Volume XXV, Issue 10 Unsure if Fordham reacts to first NY FCLC to go you'll be death sentence in 50 years on-air Insured Students plan to submit content for after grad- broadcast on Ford- ham channel

uation? By MEAGHAN DILLON ByNANCY YOUNG ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR EDITOR IN CHIEF FCLC—Students at Ford- ham College at Lincoln Center FORDHAM—"I really don't (FCLC) who are interested in know how I'll be covered after contributing to the TV station I graduate. If I ask my parents that is currently broadcast only they'll probably say [not to] at Rose Hill will now have the worry about it but I really don't opportunity to submit content, know. I'm completely igno- according to Mark Street, as- rant," Leah Jerome, FCRH '07, sistant professor of visual arts said. at FCLC and faculty advisor Jerome is not alone in her un- to the program. Street said he certainty concerning health care plans on using 4the infrastruc- coverage after college. Accord- ture of the broadcasting station ing to the U.S. Census Bureau, * aft Rose Hill as a medium for mete are currently 45 million FCLC students to submit their uninsured Americans and the own content, so that Rose Hill highest percentage ofthose are - and FCLC content will all be between the ages of18-24 (29.6 aired on the same channel as a percent) followed by ages 25- common network. 34 (24.9 percent). Student content has not been Many, students who spoke aired yet on the network, but with The Observer said they Street said he hopes to be air- thought they were covered un- ing content at some point dur- der their parents' insurance as ing the current semester. "Air- long as they were still in school ing student projects depends on but were uncertain of how long If his appeal is denied, Wilson may become one of the first people to be executed in New York State in over fifty years. student interest," Street said. after graduation they would be By DANNY ECHEVARRfA Jurors- in Federal District context, he said he believes "If people follow through and covered. STAFFWRTTER Court in Brooklyn reached mistakes in trial procedures tape events on campus or sub- Gregory J. Pappas, assistant a verdict on Jan. 30, sending will result in the reversal mit essay pieces, we want to vice president of student affairs Wilson to death row. Wilson, of Wilson's sentence. Savitt encourage them to learn some- and dean of student services, FCLC-For the first time who was convicted of mur- cited oversights in jury se- thing through this." said one problem students and in more than 50 years, a New dering two undercover New lection among "a number of Alum Michael Novello, parents are facing in being York jury condemned a man York Police Department fundamental errors in the en- FCLC '05 is working as a con- certain what the rules are is to death. Twenty-four-year- (NYPD) officers, faces ex- tire process." sultant for Lincoln Center TV that insurance companies are old Ronell Wilson's case re- ecution by lethal injection. However, recent reports (LCTV), which is being run in changing those rules. He said, mains open for appeal, and The federal jury's verdict in The New York Times and conjunction with the visual arts "Parents may not read the fine second circuit judges could came almost four years after The New York Post have department. "[LCTV] is meant print They think their kids are still overturn his death sen- the killings Wilson was con- suggested that Wilson's be- to be an open forum for shar- covered but they are not" tence—a potential outcome victed for. On Mar. 10, 2003, havior after, receiving his ing ideas. We accept any cre- He said a policy may change, welcomed by many members in Staten Island, he was con- sentence might negatively ative content and are looking to or may have already changed of the Fordham College at victed of shoting both James affect his appeals process. work cooperatively to advance over the last four years, and say Lincoln Center (FCLC) com- V. Nemorin and Rodney J. Wilson allegedly stuck his the production of any students' that children are covered under munity, according to students Andrews in the head, execu- tongue out at his victims' concept," Novello said. their parents' policy until the and faculty. tion style. The two NYPD families following the an- Novello explained that he age of 23 but that is only if the Ephraim Savitt, Wilson's detectives were attempting nouncement of the jury's was contacted by Street in an children are still in school when lead defense attorney and an to expose an illegal weapons verdict. And when his moth- attempt to help students put at 23; if you graduate before adjunct professor at Ford- sale by operating an under- er visited him at the Metro- together content to air on the that age you won't be covered. ham Law, said Wilson's cover gun buy. politan Detention Center in Fordham channel, which is the "I don't know about the lay- crime did not merit the death Savitt said the circum- Brooklyn on Feb. 3, he shat- campus cable television sys- over period after college," Dan- penalty. "He's not the worst stances surrounding the mur- tered the windows of a vis- tem available on channel 10, ny Witt, FCLC '07, said. He of the worst, which is what ders probably influenced the iting room with a chair, The Novello said. He said he was added, "My intention is to get a the death penalty is aimed jury's decision. New York Times reported. "convinced that this was the job which includes health care. at eliminating," Savitt said. "I think a lot of it was a Savitt did not deny that perfect way to give back to If that doesn't happen, I'll prob- "This was a case involv- call for revenge based on Wilson stuck out his tongue, Fordham" because when he at- ably just take a break from my ing passions and emotions the fact that police officers but he did attempt to explain tended FCLC, the only way to athletic activities for a while." in a very highly-charged at- were the victims, that there why the event occurred. share content outside of class That may not protect him from mosphere. Even jurors who were young widows— one After the jury announced was through the Rose Hill TV illness, but Witt hopes to at least may have otherwise held out of whom actually is a po- Wilson's sentence, a damag- .station. reduce the possibility of activ- for life, they obviously felt lice officer herself—and that ing "verbal exchange" took According to Danny Witt, ity-related injuries. compelled to go along with young children were left or- place between members of FCLC '07 and president of those jurors who were death- phaned," Savitt said. seo INSURANCE po. 3 leaning." Regardless of the case's see DEATH PENALTY p'o. 3 see TELEVISION pg. 5

«ascmra»*a»w»&jicj&a^^ CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO FORDHAM UNIVERSITY AT LINCOLN CENTER 02 NEWS I March 1,2007 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com NEWS IN BRIEF Who merits college aid? By CHRIS BARLOW of four income brackets (fami- academic profile, the higher long as the federal piece is in METRO: ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR lies that make at least $ 111,170 the proportion of need we will there, all those dollars of aid • New Yorkers feeling sticker a year) were granted triple the meet with grant aid." cannot exceed need." shock from their taxes may have FORDHAM—With the costs merit aid of students in the low- He added, however, that the At Fordham, for the class that a very real reason to complain, associated with four years at est income bracket ($37,745 or situation is often complicated entered in the Fall of 2005, "81 says a new report from the city's, a major college or university less). Additionally, families in because need and merit are fac- percent of grant aid was award- Independent Budget Office. Ac- in America continuing their the lowest bracket spent nearly tored into every student's fi- ed to entering Fordham fresh- cording to the Feb. 21 report, steady rise, it was far from six times as much of their over- nancial aid and, while distinct, men who demonstrated need," residents of New York City face good news for many when a all income on costs associated they are not separate. "It comes according to Stace. "The re- a significantly higher tax burden recent article in The Chronicle with college than families in from the institution and it also maining 19 percent helped than residents of any other major of Higher Education, citing a the highest bracket, according comes from the federal govern- Fordham compete for students American city. new study, stated that "(rn]erit to Edventures. ment," he said. "It makes it a with very strong academic • The New York Times reports scholarships are disproportion- Despite these figures, the less black and white issue." [and] talent profiles," which he that the Independent Budget Of- ately awarded to students from vast majority of aid awarded Stace continued, saying that said is usually determined by fice found that combined state high-income families." How- remains need-based, according "financial need is the differ- previous academic excellence, and local taxes take an average ever, at Fordham, according to the report. The study found ence between the cost of atten- exceptional high school GPAs, of $9.02 out of every $100 in in- to financial aid administrators, that, from 1994 to 2004, the dance at a particular institution or performance in auditions for come made by both households this news need not apply. amount of merit aid awarded and the Estimated Family Con- dancers or theatre students. and businesses in New York City. "At the national level, the is- leapt from being equal to six , tribution [EFC]—a figure pro- The total freshmen grant For perspective, the same report sue is one of access to higher percent of the need-based . duced by a federal formula that budged for the Fall" of 2005 found that the overall average tax education for students across awarded to 16 percent. Com- is common to all institutions." was $17.4 million, according burden in the eight other Ameri- the ability spectrum," said Pe- bined federal, state, and insti- This number, which Fordham to Stace, who would not pro- can cities with populations of ter Stace, vice president for tutional grants based on need students may remember from vide more recent figures for the over one million was $6.16 for enrollment for Fordham Uni- equaled $39 billion in 2004— their Free Application for Fed- Fall of 2006, but said that the every $100 of income. Philadel- versity. "Fordham has long compared to $7 billion award- eral Student Aid (FAFSA), numbers "don't change radi- phia took second in the study but been committed to making af- ed in merit aid. estimates how much tuition a cally" from year-to-year. He barely comes close to New York, fordable education possible for "I suppose it may be a reflec- student's family should be able added that specific figures for with a burden of only $7.16 for students from first-generation tion on the private versus pub- to afford, Stace said. the Lincoln Center or Rose Hill every $100 of income. college backgrounds... The na- lic school systems in the U.S.," While the EFC figure and campuses are not reported: tional debate is about what the said Kate Melvin, FCLC '09, the FAFSA process helps many And while the national con- most elite institutions are doing upon he.aring the details of the students pay for college, Stace troversy from The Chronicle to move in the direction that Eduventures report. "But... explained that the regulations Article might still be brewing, Fordham has always served." would [a school] choose a surrounding the government some students just don't see it That national debate, de- higher-income student to give funds can tie an institution's as a class issue. tailed in the Feb. 2 Chronicle merit-based aid to over a low- hands when it comes to merit "I can't really argue with the Of Higher Education article, er-income student with identi- aid. If a student receives any fact that rich kids get it if they •:i|^|r^a^n%-I^eitmiclear^ was most recently ignited by a cal stats?" grant from the federal govern- worked harder," David Claps, |fj|Dwejr^laiitis; facing; iribre scruti-; report from education consul- According to Stace, "Fami- ment, he said, schools legally FCLC '10, said. "If they just |nylmia more inspections kfter the tants Eduventures. The com- lies that show need are eligi- cannot offer an aid package ex- happen to be from the upper :|NfHiciear Regulatory Commission pany found that, from 1994 to ble for need-based grant aid... ceeding the student's total need, bracket, you can't control that- ii|N1RC) lowered the safety racing 2004, students from the highest [and] the stronger a student's as determined by the EFC. "As it's not anybody's fault." • |SuMe plant, located outside Phoe- »nKf?on^:jFeb^22.:::: -:-,V • •'.- y/-^:./;. : i?|^|big«ig. ,tQ, the. Associated Prets X^P), Uie Palo \ferae ppwgr Club Day and Winter Ball at FCLC ^^;i|;pnlyrthe second liuoiear \pwer facility^ in the nation to hayiBjitis safety rating downgraded tojsiich a^low level by the NRC- , thfeother being Ohio's Perry nu- ;cjearplant. 'ffMmag other safety concerns '

• • • In what- many see as a dan- gerous twist for the war in Iraq, U.S. forces reportedly found chemical weapons while raid- ing an insurgent facility outside Falluja on Feb. 20. According to CNN, the deadly chlorine gas was found in a facility that was appar- ently used for manufacturing car bombs, which are frequently det- onated in insurgent attacks. Since January, at least three car bomb attacks have utilized chlo- rine gas, with the most recent attacks—two of them in the past two weeks—killing at least 12 and injuring more than 200. Exposure to chlorine gas is not Obmver necessarily fatal, however, it can Lily Bodonlos, FCLC 2010, gets cozy with the Ram at last Thurdays Rambunction Junction: What's Your Club's Function? cause coughing, nausea, vomit- ing and difficultly breathing, all of which can lead to serious in- juries or death. Chlorine has not seen widespread use in modern USG announces new treasurer warfare since it was used by both the Allied and Central powers in Daniel Rolon, FCLC '08, was unanimously confirmed by United Student Government (USG) members as treasurer of USO and chair of the World War I. Student Activities Budget Committee (SABC), according to Danny Witt, USG president. Rolon takes the place of Yuki-Jennifer Kurumi, former! USG treasurer, Witt said. ' fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER I March 1,2007 NEWS 03 Insurance CALENDAR OF EVENTS CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE a high deductible. You can also pro- activities. ance in the interim in many ways, SAT. MARCH 3 Erika Parker, FCLC '07, said she cure a private plan for approximately The other plan is called Optional such as extending the Fordham plans to go to graduate school for $400 per month." Medical Expense Benefits. Accord- plan if you are on it, buying in- Trip to The Bodies Exhibit English, and she thinks that she will Alex •Moor, FCLC '07, said, "I ing to the brochure of Fordham's surance through your state, and 11 am be covered through her mother's in- really never gave the subject [of plan which can be found on Ford- procuring a private plan." Sign up in OSL&CD (LL408) surance plan until she is 25 as long as health care] much thought until you ham's Web site under your Health Some students, however, are Sponsored by the Science Club she is a student. When asked if she just asked me about it." Moore said eU account, these benefits are avail- not just concerned about how knew what her other options were that if he could not obtain a job with able'to all eligible students at an an- they will be insured between Trip to the Dahesh Museum should she choose not to go on to health care benfits immediately, he nual premium of $1,386. graduation and the time they se- Meet in the Lowensteirt Lobby at 2 graduate school and could not find a would probably purchase some kind In regard to the eligibility for re- cure a job, and those students will p.m. job immediately Parker said, "Nope. of low budget plan. He said, "I'm ceiving these benefits, Seufer said, be joining the millions of already- Sign up in OSL&CD (LL408) I know nothing. I know what my not anticipating any major surgeries "As long as they are registeredstu - uninsured in this age group. Matt Sponsored by La Societe Francaise Momma tells me." anytime soon, so a basic coverage dents they can purchase it" Puckett, FCLC '09, said, "I know Lauren Puccio, FCLC '07, a would do me just fine." Or at least All international students are man- that it can be costly to cover insur- psychology major who is slated to Morr hopes it will. dated to be covered under Fordham's ance on your own but as someone WED. MARCH 7 graduate in May, is currently insured Anotheroptionsomestatesofferfor plan unless they can show proof of who is pursuing a career in music RHA's Disaster Relief Auction under her mother's health plan. "I the interim period is "gap insurance," insurance that the school approves I don't see many job options in 5 p.m. have to renew it each semester but which covers the time between grad- of, in which case they can receive my future that will be able to of- McMahon 109 when I graduate and am no longer a uation and finding a job, and comes a waiver, Seufer said. For domestic fer me that benefit" Sponsored by the Residence Hall full-time student, I don't really know at reduced rates. New York State students the Fordham plan is option- Larissa Acocella, FCRH '07, Association (RHA). what I will do," Puccio said. does not offer gap insurance. That is al, he added said she wasn't worried about her She added, "If I get a full-time job why, according to Pappas, Fordham "Both the domestic and interna- own health care when she gradu- BFA Spring Fundraiser Concert before going on to pharmacy school decided to extend the option for stu- tional plans run with the academic ates, because she knows she will 7 p.m. for a year or two, maybe I will get it dents already on Fordham's plan to calendar," Suefer said. Students, he be able to get an extension on her Pope Auditorium through them, but I'm not really sure stay on it from increments of three, explained, can purchase by semester parents plan due to cronic health Sponsored by Dance Alliance what I'm going to do after college as six, or nine month periods. or full year. He said, "If you purchase issues. She said, "My brother of now." Joesph C. Seufer, president of it for the whole year it won't expire [who also has a chronic health is- THU.MARCH8 Like Puccio, Danielle Buscetta, Special Risk Consultants, Inc., an until the end of summer 2007, even sue] has already done that" Purim Celebration FCLC '07, a psychology and his- insurance agency that exclusively if you graduate or leave prior to that Acocella said she was con- tory double major, will no longer manages college medical and ath- time." cerned for some of her friends. 12:30-2:30 p.m. be covered under her parents' plan letic coverage in the: mid-Atlantic In addition, he said, the coverage is "I have a lot of friends who Student Lounge after graduation. She said, "This is area; including Fordham, said, "We 24 hour and worldwide; so whether are going to be working as free- Sponsored by die Jewish really scary because I am unsure of legally work with the school and not you are living in New York or Texas lancers and they are just hoping Student Organization (JSO) how I am going to be employed after the insurance company. We work you are still covered. they don't break anything." • school ends." very closely with Fordham." Seufer said, "You can only enroll Portions of this calendarare provided'by the So, what do you do if your cover- Seufer said there are two kinds of late for the Fordham plan if you have For more information on the Office of Student Leadership and Community age ends when you are no longer a insurance plans at Fordham. One a life change situation, like, for ex- Fordhamplan, goto full time student? is the Accident Medical Expense ample, losing family coverage." This www.jbrdham.edu Development There are, according to Pappas, Benefit. All students are automati- means, according to Suefer, if you and click on "resources" and then some vehicles and resources that can cally covered under this plan, which, are still covered under your family "student health services." There, help you find insurance in the interim according to Seuffer, is designed to plan until graduation you cannot en- you can create your own Health eU CRIME BLOTTER between school and work. "You can protect me university from incurring roll late in Fordham's plan and once account and find out more infor- procure your own insurance," Pap- costs when students have a minor you graduate you no longer qualify mation about the opportunities for THU.FEB.15 pas said. "Young healthy people accident on school property or in for the plan. health coverage at Fordham. A security officer in the Lowenstein often procure disaster 'insurance at the course of doing school-related Pappas said, "You can find insur- building reported that he had been re- ceiving obscene phone calls that started in January, said Dan kiely,"deputy direc- tor of security. WRITE FOR SAT. FEB. 17 WINTER BALL 2007 Twelve people were stuck on an ele- vator in McMahon Hall at 12:25 p.m. for THE OBSERVER 15 minutes, reported Dan Kiefy, deputy director of security. There were no inju- EMAIL US AT ries and everyone got out safely, he said. [email protected] Death Penalty

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE done anything for him," he said. "In the victims' families and Wilson's certain instances I agree with the mother/ Savitt said, death penalty—in a heinous crime "The perception of the press was when there's no remorse, after it's that [Wilson] showed a disregard for been proven that no rehabilitation is the victims and the families as a reac- possible." tion to the death verdict," Savitt ex- Conversely, Kyle Knies, FCLC '08, plained. "It was a reaction, frankly, said rehabilitation should always exist based on his perception that the vic- as an alternative for criminals. tims' families—and I'm not saying all "Prisons were designed to be a form of them, certainly the widows were of rehabilitation... To punish murder not involved in that, but there were with murder defeats the purpose of some other family-members—were re- the penal system," Knies said. ally attacking his family verbally." Knies said he thought a life sen- Savitt also addressed the episode tence might better suit Wilson than with the chair, saying it was a "nega- death row. "There's no harm in keep- tive reaction" stemming from the fact ing people in prison for the rest of that Wilson "is now separated from his their lives if they're dangerous, but mother and othef close family mem- I think killing "them is unnecessary*" bers when they come to visit him." he said. Even though he acknowledged these Mary Owens, the coordinator of incidents might inspire disapproving Global Outreach for FCLC's Campus public opinions of Wilson, Savitt said Ministry, approached Wilson's case he is confident the incidents will not from a religious perspective. While impact Wilson's appeals process, as Owens said the Catholic Church does they lay "outside the scope of the trial not presently maintain an official record." directive forbidding capital punish- Moreover, Savitt said Wilson has al- ment, she said pro-life positions have ready demonstrated he is not a future influenced the Church to move "tOs, danger. "His behavior in prison only ward an absolute prohibition" of the got better as time progressed, from death penalty. the time that the case was transferred As for her personal stance on the from the state to the federal jurisdic- sentence, Owens said, "It would Ahx UMT/HW Obravw tion," he said. perpetuate the cycle of violence. Mr. Partygoers at this year's Winter's Ball. David Hcrasmc, GSSS '08, dis- Wilson's death via the death pen- agreed. "It seems like prison hasn't alty would not solve anything." • 4 NEWS March 1,2007 THE OBSERVER . fordhamobserver.com FDA approves diet pill to be sold over the counter

13..*.* A OCTET TY^DDEC* - ' - . ..-• * K By MASSIEL TORRES tionist and of one of the nurse CONTRIBUTING WRITER a day with each fat-contain- ing meal. The diet pill works practitioners," she said. by blocking the absorption of Some Fordham students said NEW YORK—A new diet pill fat consumed by the body, the they would feel more compelled could be a problem for college agency said. Alii is only recom- to using the pill because it was students who are battling with mended for adults, 18 years or recently approved by the FDA their weight, according to Ford- older who complement the use to be effective in helping over- ham's student health services. of the pill with, a healthy con- weight people get rid of the Alii, a version of precription densed calorie, low-fat diet and extra pounds, "I would like to weight loss drug Qrlistat, used be thiner overall," said Nicole to facilitate the process of drop- Feliz, FCLS '09. "I would be ping a few pounds for over- " I think that most willing to try [Alii], if it would wheight adults, was approved definitely students - help me lose weight fast," she to be sold over the counter in a said. smaller dosage by the Food and will be attracted to But the opinion of Fordham Drug Adminstration (FDA) on students is mixed when it comes Wed., Feb. 7th. a [non-prescrition] to using a diet pill. "I would According to a product spe- consider using [Alii] depend- cialist for GlaxoSmithKline, weight loss product.» ing on how well it was proven the manufaturer of the over- to work," said Marc Mancuso the-counter version of Orlistat, an excersise routine, the FDA FCLC '07. the diet pill will be available said. Jennifer Chandler FCLC '08 in mass merchandise retailers According to the FDA re- said she was definatly affected and pharmacies where over-the- lease, one of. the side effects of by the 'freshman fifteen.' "I counter drugs are sold as early Alii is a change in bowel habits, feel like I gained a freshman as summer 2007. which might consist of loose 20," she said. Although Chan- The fact that this new pill stools. The FDA also warned dler used a diet pill in the past, will be made available to so for people to check with their she feels very skeptical about many people poses a dilemma doctor before using Alii, par- Alii, she said, because she does for medical professionals who ticularly those who take blood not think diet pills actually think many people will use the thining medications, and or are work. "I used Dextrim...but I diet pill without meeting the re- in treatment for thyroid disease think it worked because I was quirements. "I think that most or diabetes. Also, the agency telling myself I wasn't hungry, definitely students will be at- advised people who have had so I wouldn't eat," Chandler tracted to a [non-prescrition] organ transplants not to take said. weight loss product," said Kath- Alii because the drug may mix The mysteries in the ingre- leen Malara, director of student poorly with other drugs. dients of a diet pill and the health services. "I worry that Students should consider their side effects that these pills can students who do not fit the cri- family history, BMI, past medi- cause, are too much of a risk for teria, without a high body mass cal history and medications they Lobhna Prophete, FCLC'07. "I index (BMI), will seek to get are taking amongst other things, don't know what's in [the diet Jenny Park/The Observer it." before using Alii, Malara said. pill]," she said. "At least with The "Diet Needs" section of CVS at Columbus and 58th street The FDA press release stated "The best thing to do is consult food, I am able to choose for 'that >the-<50 trig capsule of Alii with & Medical Profes'sional...[ myself what's right and wrong -can-be used up to three times students] can talk to our nutri- to eat." •

STUDENTS.

Outstanding faculty Rigorous academic programs Six concentrations Extensive experiential learning opportunities Student faculty ratio 15:1

QtflNNIPIAC UNI &UMINAL I PI8P0TE RjBSOMmON I FAMILY 'i.Jty$Mm I iJpf PKOWSRTY i. TAX A..-; v; SOBQOLQ fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER March 1,2007: NEWS. 05 Student activists head Fair Trade effort

By LAURA SHIN STAFF WRTTER Ochsenreiter, FCLC '07, also raise awareness on campus and said that although Fair Trade to have a group go to the CIW coffee is advertised on campus, McDonald's protest in April in FGLC—At the start of the "it is rarely available." Chicago." spring semester, a group of Quinsland said she recently Katie Skrzek, FCLC '08 and Global Outreach (GO!) stu- wrote a letter to Sodexho Hos- member of the GO! Board, said dents returned to campus with pitality Services0 addressing she knew little, to nothing about goals that went beyond good the situation. The letter also Fair Trade before applying to grades. After a two week long acknowledged the steps that GO! Florida. "Fair Trade prod- visit with the Coalition for Im- Sodexho has already taken to- ucts should absolutely be avail- mokalee Workers in Florida, an wards awareness in the issue, able on campus," she said. "I organization founded and run including making Fair Trade think those students who don't by farm workers, GO! Florida goods available at Rose Hill. "I know about Fair Trade would 2007 leader Cara Ochsenreiter look forward to working with want to learn more." said she and her team returned you to expand the number of Fair Many college campuses are to New York with plans to raise Trade goods Sodexho offers stu- involved in the Fair Trade awareness about the wages and dents at Lincoln Center," Quin- movement, Ochsenreiter said. working conditions of farm sland wrote. Among colleges who already workers. Kierstin Quinsland of Along with making an effort to offer Fair Trade coffee is Bos- the student group Students for work with Sodexho, Quinsland ton College, said Jonathan Solidarity said her club is join- said Students for Solidarity is Giftos, Associate Coordina- ing in the effort as well with the having a "Consumer Responsi- tor of Community Service and objective of getting Fair Trade bility Week" from March 26-30 Service Learning at Fordham, products, products that guaran- with one of the focuses being Fair who said he was a part of the tee fanners received a fair price, Trade. Quinsland said the event effort at Boston College when available on campus. will involve making students he was an undergraduate there. "Getting Fair Trade prod- aware of what Fair Trade cof- After graduating from Bos- ucts on campus is so impor- fee is, providing lists of where ton College, Giftos taught first tant because it allows Fordham they can buy it, collecting sig- grade in Honduras where he students to 'vote with their natures to petition Sodexho to saw firsthand how difficult it dollars,' making a conscious offer it consistently, and raf- was for coffee farmers to make decision to promote social and fling off Fair Trade coffee, tea a living. "The chain of events environmental responsibility," and chocolate. that leads 'from crop to cup is said Quinsland, FCLC '07. GO! Florida 2007 students long and very expensive," he Quinsland said Students for are making efforts off-campus said. "Farmers have very little Solidarity has decided to focus by reaching out to Fair Food leverage in the industry, and on getting Fair Trade coffee and NYC, the local chapter of the they are easily exploited by tea on the Lincoln Center cam- Student Farmworker Alliance, middlemen eager to purchase pus. "Since people drink coffee which is the student organiza- large amounts pf coffee for very every day, it's a great place to little." • Craig Catefate/The Observer tion that works with the Coali- start," she said. tion for Immokalee Workers Giftos said, along with Fair Many hope that all produce will one day be obtained through fair trade practices. According to TransFair USA, •.(CIW), Ochsenreiter said, Och^ Trade goods in the cafeterias, a nonprofit organization that is senreiter said CIWO has been he would like to see Fordham's the only independent third-party Quinsland said that Fair Trade Services, said Fair Trade coffee successful in getting Taco Bell bookstore produce and sell T- certifier of Fair Trade Products coffee "is also guaranteed to has been offered on the. Lincoln to, Require,. foraato, suppliers _,to . shirts jhjit are^weiats^ppjree. in the U.S., consumers of Fair be organic and shade grown. Center campus for a number of give their pickers a living, wage , •'j,he Jesuits arj; ;wedl aware ,of Trade Certified products are "Organic means no pesticides years. "We have agreed with the and decent working conditions, injustice around the world, and guaranteed that farmers, receive were used, and shade grown University to provide at least one and they are now pressuring they have a reputation for speak- a fair price, have safe working means that coffee plants have Fair Trade coffee in all of our McDonald's to do the same. ing against that injustice despite conditions and are empowered been grown among trees, which restaurant locations at Lincoln "We're planning a walk pressures to do otherwise," he to develop a business capacity makes better-tasting coffee and Center and Rose Hill," he said. around New York City to hand said. "Fordham as a Jesuit in- to compete in the marketplace does not cut down acres of jun- Quinsland said, however,-when out pre-written letters from the stitution needs to express that- by eliminating unnecessary gle or forest," she said. she asked for the advertised CIW to McDonald's' manag- identity in all ways that give life middlemen who often take ad- Brian Poteat, General Man- Fair Trade option a,t Jazzman's, ers," Ochsenreiter said. "We toothers." • vantage of these farm workers. ager of Fordham Hospitality she was told it was unavailable. also hope to do other things to FGLC goes on air

Do you have PANIC ATTACKS? CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE dents are working on is run kit. There is no editing equip- by Garret Richard, FCLC '10, ment yet, said Street. United Student Government who has been videotaping At Rose Hill, the TV sta- If so, you may be eligible to participate (USG), the first meeting for bands on campus, to hopefully tion is run through the library, in one Of TWO RESEARCH STUDIES LCTV, which was held on Jan. air performances and inter- according to Colin O'Leary, at New York Presbyterian Hospital- 31, had over 40 people in atten- views on LCTV, according to FCRH '08, who is active with Weifl Cornell Medical College: dance, but it does not yet have Dave De La Fuente, FCLC '10 the Fordham Nightly News, an club status, since the visual and freshman senator on USG. evening news program. Stu- 1. You may be eligible to receive one arts department, in coopera- "I'd be interested in watch- dent involvement in them is of three NO COST forms of • tion with USG, is supervising ing because it is our news and limited to library authorized it. Witt posted flyers advertis- I would want to support peo- and produced shows, he said. psychotherapy (talk therapy) with an ing the meeting and Street said ple I know who are involved," O'Leary also noted that the experienced clinician (Ages 18-70) that he spoke to students in his said Mary Koromec, FCLC morning news program, Ford- No medication used video classes to promote inter- '09, who said she will defi- ham Mornings, Live, which est. A meeting is held at 5:30 nitely tune in when LCTV is premiered on Jan. 31, was start- OR p.m. every Thursday, and at on the air. ed as an effort to put a full day this point is still in discussion Tiffany Che, FCLC '08 said, of programming on me channel 2. You may be eligible to earn $200 stages to talk about any jour-, "I would watch it to see what everyday. "This is not some- nalistic endeavors, according for participation in an MRI study and . it's about, and considering that thing that is going to happen in receive NO COST CBT or medication to Street. I'm a [communications and the near future, but something "While we have yet to broad- media studies] major, I think it that we are getting, closer to," after receiving an MRI (Ages 18-50) cast anything yet, students could be relevant." O'Leary said. have already started submit- "After having held three According to Dr. Albert Aus- For more information on either ting content, with more on the meetings of LCTV, the pro- ter, associate chair of commu- research study, please call Dr. way," Witt said. Students who gram is starting to take shape," nications and media studies, it Barbara Milrod. at 212-746-5868. wish to submit any video or Novello said. "We've acquired will be beneficial for students ideas should attend the meet- a nice video camera, some tape . to have a voice on Fordham ings, Street added. stock and other equipment and television. He said, "At Lincoln Students arc gathering foot- have handed it off to the stu- Center, we arc right next to one age of FCLC events for the dents." According to Street, of the largest media conglomer- pilot program, according to this equipment was purchased ates in the world, the Time War- Alex Morr, FCLC '07 and vice by the dean's office, which ner Center. Students at Lincoln president of USG. provided funds to the group Center have a lot to offer to any One of the projects that stu- for a starter video production TV station." • 06 OPINIONS TmOBSERVER

STAFF EDITORIAL Make health care a priority

Often, when you think of HMO's and securing a job can be a stressful one for many firsthand, affliction and pain are not biased prescription drugs, you probably think of the reasons, not the least of which is that, often, a and can strike at any time and at any age. elderly. Around election time, health care is young person will get kicked off their parents' According to a New York Times article often a hot topic for the aged, who often have plans before they are able to find jobs that from Jan 30th* entitled "Too Young for This: to choose between meals and medication due can afford them the benefits of insurance. Facing Cancer under 40," the rates of some to their limited budgets and the rising costs Increasingly, people are choosing careers, cancers, including colorectal, thyroid and of prescriptions. Do you care?. You should. If such as freelancing, that will never afford testicular, are rising in people ages 20 to not for your grandparents' generation, than them such benefits. 39. for your own. In 2008, health care should be Health' care is something we, as young Health care is no longer an issue that can be a key issue for all of us. adults, need to take seriously. We need to taken for granted by the youth of America. The fact is, at age 22, you might have to know about coverage options, how much they In 2008, health care should be a primary face the same kinds of decisions as your will cost, and what the coverage entails. issue to you when considering which grandparents. In this issue of the Observer, Private insurance plans can be purchased, presidential candidate to vote for. This is we reported that young people, ranging in age but they can be quite costly. If you are not just a problem for our grandparents' from 18 to 34, are actually the largest group feeling risky, you might try to purchase a generation. It is a problem for us, right now. of uninsured or underinsured people in the cheaper plan that might not cover you under Just because you are young, it does not nation. Many Fordham students testified that all circumstances. mean that you are invincible. No one plans to they were uncertain of their options in regard After all, we would like to believe that get sick or hurt, but things happen, and if and to health care after college. illness and death are not typically associated when they do, we should all be in a position The period in between graduation and with youth. But, as many of you may know to get the kind of care we need.

Reasons why I will end up alone (10) Because secret admirers don't leave contact info

q me. "WV 'db'you have to play hungry. I'd probably sleep with things down. Most of my writing disappointed that my stitches were - - . .OBINION&EDITQR,,^,, ^, NancyTJiewr ' anyone who sent hie flowers." is available via Google^-but who still intact "Maybe that's what he's afraid knew anyone was reading this dreck? Everyone warned me not to ask Here's what we know: "Because," I retorted, "I want to know who sent them. You'd of," Boo-Boo shouted from the other This has really opened my eyes to him, I didn't listen. I sent my ex a The flowers arrived, unsigned, understand that.. .if anyone thought room, the possibility of a fan base. Shock of text message. He didn't send the to the Office of Student Activities to send you flowers." shocks: when you spread your legs roses. I went to bed for two days. in Room 408 at around noon on If I couldn't attach a name to my in writing every week, people feel It's at times like these that I find Valentine's Day. They were sent: to "I hope you die, you nasty posies, I decided I would do the next an intimate connection with you.1 Go myself wishing I had a simple me, care of The Observer, and my creature of the night." best thing. I revisited the ProFlowers. figure. brain—like an Anthropology cell phone number was listed on Speeding home in a cab to com website and found out how major—then I could just be the box. fetch my flowers, my immediate much the rosescos t (It may shock thought was, "Gosh, this would you to hear this, but I am a vulgar, 4. He/she has $50.00: happy with the flowers because When I got the call from make a fabulous article!" My second vulgar person at heart.) Apparently, a they smell nice. This charming, Fordham University, telling me thought was, "I should really stop dozen long-stemmed white roses will This just boggles my mind. I anonymous gesture had begun to please come pick up my dozen exploiting my every experience set you back $39.99. Plus shipping don't know anyone with that much to upset me, because I had long-stemmed white roses, I asked just to get cheap laughs." My third and handling, that's probably— money. All my friends look like overcomplicated it. (As my the person on the other end if she thought was, "I wonder how soon what?—about 50 bucks when all's The New York Times Neediest idol, Hedda Gabler once asked, was joking. I had just Men into I can get my gorgeous new roses said and done? "Not too shabby," I Cases. "Oh, what curse is it that makes a snow pile somewhere on Fifth photographed for the paper." thought to myself. "Somebody really For seven days straight, my everything I touch turn ludicrous Avenue and, as I shook fragments loves me. I must snare him like the nose wrinkled. During that time, and mean?") Now, my Valentine's of brown ice from my hair, I didn't First order of business: placing ' elusive bald eagle he is." I called, texted and e-mailed Day delivery seemed positively feel like I warranted tokens of a call to ProFlowers.com, the fine everyone I knew, asking—nay, existential. Without knowing who admiration. Internet establishment that stocked As I arranged my flowers in triargc my box of flowers with more plant crystal vase a large Aquafina bottle, I demanding to know whether they'd sent them, my mind was free to "Do you have any idea who sent find than any 21-year-old male whistled and made a mental checklist sent me anything on Valentine's dwell on all the people who hadn't them?" I asked. should ever have. The woman entitled "What I Know About My' Day. (Common answer: "No. sent them. I was projecting a lot "There's no name on the box," I spoke to gave me every tidbit Secret Admirer." I'm sorry. Should I have?") onto twelve flowers and expecting she replied. "I guess you have a of information I could possibly Without any leads, I considered even more in return. If Freud secret admirer." desire—time of delivery, species 1. He/she does not have my the possibility that a group of were alive today, he'd be having a According to an array of trashy in Latin, my name—except one. Good Samaritans/readers of this field day with me. (Do they have websites, my gift was a declaration address: Because ProFlowers.com deals with unfortunately-titled column might field days in Vienna? Or just extra of '*Happy Love," which is not ••'•'- ' * secret admirers and stalkers on a This rules out my brownie-mailing have pooled their funds and sent sauerbraten?) to be confused with "Bloated daily basis, their strict privacy policy grandmother, the good folks at me the flowers as a means of I saw myself as completely Love" or "Manic-Depressive prevents them from giving out the Entertainment Weekly and my preventing my future suicide. I unsatisfiable; a bottomless pit that Love." White roses symbolize sender's information. The operator roommates, who more or less know don't know why my mind went secret admirers fall into. When purity, innocence, modesty and broke this news to me with real tact where we live. there, it just does sometimes. I really thought about it, I could perfection—four words that have and sensitivity: I ignored my checklist and reason only come up with three people never, ever applied to me. (And, just long enough to hope that my from whom roses wouldn't be oddly enough, form the acronym "Well, I know who sent 'em. But I 2. He/she does, however, have my cell phone number: ex had sent the damn things. ("He disappointing. And one of them "PIMP.") ain't tellin'you." probably just lost my address.. .but was Topher Grace from "That 70's Confusion set in. Someone "Please..." This rules out one man from wanted me back so badly that he Show." had sent me roses—not friendly "No, ma'am. I can't tell you." Greenpeace and another from the spent $50.00 on me—for the first Lest I begin to sound ungrateful, roses—and didn't attach their I slammed the receiver down and Human Rights Campaign. I listened time ever—and felt too ashamed I'd like to formally thank whoever name. Why? Who was this bristled I would clearly have to hunt politely to their speeches on the • of himself to take credit for it. sent me the roses on Valentine's person? What did he look like? my secret admirer down like a dog. street, and then gave them fake Yes. That makes perfect sense.") Day. They were lovely and you Why didn't he send chocolate as There could be no mercy. I would phone numbers. Knowing my logic was looser than had no way of knowing that they well? I needed answers. find this man and I would (rick him Jarcd, the Subway guy's pants, I would ruin my week. After all, it "Why can't you just be happy into marrying me. 3. He/she knows that I write for refused to get my hopes up. That's isn't the sender's fault that I'm a that someone sent you flowers?" "I just don't understand it," I The Observer: still a sore spot for me. If ho had, bottomless pit. my roommate—or as I like to whined out loud. "Who would send he'd be opening up a whole bunch Unless I sent them to myself call him, Boo-Boo—barked at me dowers and not take credit for it? Everyone knows I'm attention- This doesn't really narrow of old stitches; if ho hadn't, I'd be and just forgot about it, • 07 OPINIONS March 1, 2Q07 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com "Jackass" Generation

ByJACKYIEVOLI Nebraska, armed with his trusty STAFF WRITER video camera and a few ideas, may see that he really isn't that "In the future everyone will different from Bam Margera, be famous for IS minutes." and get it into his head that he That future, as predicted by can film similar stunts, post the Andy Warhol, has, come, clips on YouTube and wind up thanks to some inspiration with his own TV show. It hap- from the "Jackass" crew and pened to them, why couldn't it a little website known as Yoii- happen to him? Tube. The difference between In 2000, Bam Margera, John- getting a show on MTV and ny Knoxville, and the rest of getting a- clip on YouTube is the "Jackass" crew exploded simply a matter of filtration, so onto MTV's airwaves with dan- to speak. Obviously, not every gerous stunts and pranks. They idea pitched to a television • invaded the big screen with a station finds its way into our movie in 2002, and another in living rooms, but everything 2006, both providing a slew of makes it onto YouTube. There new stunts, each more ridicu- is no Simon Cowell declaring lous than the last. Each episode things to be "dreadful" or "a and both movies began with the disaster." There is no barrier word "Warning" emblazoned between you, your audience in bold red letters, and urg- and fame. ing viewers not to attempt to One "star" of YouTube, re-enact any stunts or activities Adam Schleichkorn, achieved on the show. These stunts were ' his fame through his "fence- performed by professionals. plowing" video. Basically, Now you don't need to be a the video features him driving professional to perform danger- his car through a fence. The ous stunts to show off to the video sparked a "fence-plowing Russal J. UvtnUThe Oteerrar world. All you need now are a frenzy," gave Adam the name Kimbo, a Miami based street fighter, has many fans on MySpace. few friends, a stupid idea, and "the fence-plowing kid" and period geometry class stood on do we need to struggle through kids with a video camera and a video camera. Anyone can landed him an interview on top of his car while his friend training, auditions and rejec- some stupid ideas. They are doit. Fox News. In an article in the drove at 90 m.p.h. down the tions to become a household now a couple of crazy adults This, "Hey, I can do that New York Times on Feb. 13, street. Obviously, there was name. Try to jump over your with a video camera, some too" idea is what drives us to Adam spoke about his fame. another friend on hand to tape car on a BMX bike, miscalcu- stupid ideas and fame. YouTube film everything and post it five "A week ago, no one knew the stunt and ensure its pres- late the angle of the ramp and allows for you to share your seconds after it happens. The who I was—now my name has ence on YouTube. Suddenly, land on your head. Upload the antics with the rest of the world, boys of "Jackass" started out as. been on every news and talk he's the talk of the school, as clip onto YouTube and you and maybe achieve some fame teenagers filming themselves show." hundreds log on to watch the just might receive five stars (or infamy), whether in your misbehaving and performing Adam achieved instant clip. Instant fame. and the honor of being one school or in your town. stupid stunts. None of them fame through his YouTube As a country obsessed with of the day's favorite or most YouTube has allowed for are particularly attractive or video. Bam Margera is now a instant gratification, why discussed videos. ' Andy Warhol's prediction to talented, but they became millionaire^because of simi- shouldn't we also be obsessed Barn Margera and his crew come true. Everyone is free to (in)famous. Some kid out in lar antics. Some kid in fifth with instant fame? No longer started out as a couple qtcrazy be (in)famous for 15 minutes. •

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[email protected] phone: ^14-^68-1340 /fax; 9\4-96B-667 THEOBSERVER I March 1,2D07 I OPINIONS 08 An STD vaccine for an 11 year-old?

By ANGELICA BRUNETTI that all girls entering the sixth the parents and conservative reli- Gov. Perry tried to issue? ings capable of pre-marital sex? STAFF WRITER grade receive Merck & Co.'s new gious groups who had a problem I've thought about it and I've Maybe it's time to get over this vaccine, Gardasil, against HPV. with Gov. Perry's mandate, I felt realized that parents might be denial. I'm kind of relieved that Imagine being an 11-year-old Untillast week, Merck & Co. scared for the morality of these afraid of this measure because the mandate was not successful girl preparing to return to school was making adamant efforts to sweet innocent children, Without they are in denial about their but only because it seems like after a summer of bike riding, ice convince the state legislatures of really thinking about the benefits children's sexual activity. It is there should be more testing and cream, and staying up late watch- 20 other states, including New of this measure, I actually felt true that this kind of ruling can better insurance plans to make ing movies with your best friend. York, to pass similar measures. that if we vaccinated children be intrusive. They think, as par- the whole thing work properly. Here you are, getting ready for , However, the company decided from this STD, they might feel ents, that they should be able to Yet, I'm worried about the vehe- all the privileges that sixth grade to immediately cease their ef- like it wasfckay to have sex. make medical decisions for their ment opposition that the mandate will bring—walking home by forts because of vehement criti- How horrific! I was struck with children. Though it is unjust met from parents and conserva- yourself and being allowed to cism from parents and medical the misconception that Merck & that the government frequently tives. I understand that it is scary hold boy/girl birthday parties. groups. Co. had invented a vaccination becomes involved in issues that to think that one's child might You've passed the fifth grade, Some of the criticism which that would provoke promiscu- are extremely personal, in this someday get an STD, but the so now this sixth grade world is prevented the mandate from ity. If we took away the fear of case, I think it might not have truth is that it is possible. Once yours for the taking—with just being passed made a lot of STDs, children would be able to. been such a bad idea for them to Gardasil's price is reduced and one more condition. You have sense. The drug was too ex- go off and frolic without a care. intervene. the vaccine is properly tested, I to visit the dreaded doctor's of- pensive for uninsured girls and Vaccinating these children could It is often difficult for some hope that conservatives, parents, fice and receive a series of three not adequately tested for side only lead to their moral degrada- parents to think of their inno- and temporary impassioned shots to vaccinate your little effects. However, I cannot make tion. cent children having sex at such moralists will realize that this sixth grade self from human sense of the other reason that the Well, I've gotten over that ini- a young age (or perhaps at any vaccine could be an extremely papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually mandate did not pass. Conserva- tial fit of repulsion and recovered age). I am not a parent, yet even positive thing in that it presents transmitted virus that may cause tive groups and parents' rights from a momentary lapse into I was surprised at the idea of pre- the opportunity to protect a large cervical cancer. advocates complained that the conservative righteousness. Now teens being sexually active. Even number of women from develop- It sounds kind of creepy, right? vaccine would encourage pre- I'm trying to figure out what is if the option of the STD vaccine ing cervical cancer. If a mandate marital sex. so morally wrong about adminis- is made available, parents might such as the one proposed by Gov. Well, what is even stranger is % how close this hypothetical I will admit that I, too, was tering a vaccine to young people decline it because they believe Perry allows a greater number of scenario came to becoming a initially a little taken aback by before they become sexually that their 11 year old is years women to be reached, let's do it. realistic one. Earlier this month, the idea of vaccinating little active to make sure that they are away from becoming sexually I hope that when the time comes, the governor of Texas, Rick sixth graders. Okay, so I was a protected from potential cervi- active. But really, do you think we will all able to admit that 11 Perry, issued an order which, if little bit more than taken aback, cal cancer? Why are parents so that our parents are ever ready to year olds will at some point prob- passed, would have mandated I was repulsed by the idea. Like afraid of a measure like the one admit that we, too, are sexual be- ably become sexually active. • Rest in Peace, Dave

ByMTCHAL"NERIA Holiday season, when he was the STAFF WRITER - happiest and healthiest that he had been in years. They will always In die early morning hours of Mon- cherish the good memories they day February 12th, a good friend of have of him from this time in his mine, Dave CosteU, 22, died from a life. Even though he was able to heroin overdose at his parents'home stay clean for so long, like many iaXoog-Island. ...;..,: heroin addicts, Dave had a relapse. Some of you reading this might In the end, he was simply not think, 'Well, why was she friends strong enough. with a heroin addict?" my response At his memorial service, held on is, don't be so quick to judge. It is a Friday February 16th, there was misconception that heroin addicts, or an overwhelming outpouring of drug users, ate bad people. Many of affection from those remember- them suffer from addictive personali- ing Dave's good heart and pure ty disorder and/or clinical depression soul, but there was also a feeling They are recognized as sick people, of guilt from friends and family and need to be cared for, not hated. who could not save him. I'm not Dave was a junkie, but he was not a sure there was anything any of the bad person, in feet he was loved by people who loved him could do. many of the people around him. Dave's mental pain was beyond I think everyone who knew Dave anyone's control. This is what I would say mat they were lucky to want to believe. I am angry with have known him while he was alive. myself, his other friends, family I learned so much from his life and and parents. his death. I can only speak on my behalf During his life, Dave was one when I say that I don't think I did of the most caring people I knew. enough to help Dave cope with Whenever his friends were depressed his problems. When I learned that or in trouble, he was always there he was using heroin, about a year with a helping hand. Whenever they ago, my reaction was selfish. I did were in need, Dave's friends had a not want to be a friend of a heroin place to stay, food to eat, and some- addict, especially someone I cared body to talk to. about. I did not want to be a wit- It was his rule to always put his ness to his destruction. With this friends before himself. For example, in mind, I still did not realistically when my best friend's parents were consider that he could die. In a getting divorced, and her home was situation like this, death does not unstable, Dave offered his house as seem like a considerable option; it a safe haven. Moreover, he drove crept on me with a surprise. her to school every morning and On the night of his death, Dave back home in the afternoons. Dave broke down. He told one of his also opened his house to a group friends that he did not think he of runaway boys, who would be could stay clean any longer, and rendered homeless without his help. that he was going to do heroin one It is disputable whether Dave's help more time. His friend did not an- always had a positive impact on his ticipate that this would be the last friends'situations, but it is certain that time he would hear Dave's voice. it came from his pure desire to help. I'm angry Dave had to go. I miss He tried his best to help others him and the special friendship that because he couldn't help himself. No Courtesy of MIclialNofla we shared. Heroin, however, does not discriminate- it takes both the matter how much joy he received Dave Costcll: finally at peace ,- from helping others and how much good and the bad. The only thing I love he had for his friends and family, For most of his life, Dave was pain that was eating away nt him, his finally killed him. can say is that I hope Dave finally Dave didn't love himself. No matter diagnosed with depression. He was self-destruction, was unstoppable Before Dave took the last step, found the peace he was looking for how much his love was reciprocated, prescribed different untideprcssants, and too great for him to handle. he was able to stay clean for one and struggled so hard to find. he was unable to find peace. He was but none of them seemed to help. Dave had to struggle against his hundred and two days. His fam- The memory of his kindness and constantly suffering from unimagi- Dave, turned to drugs to ease his mental anguish and a growing ily is thankful for this time they love I will always carry with me. nable psychological pain. sufferings, not enhance them. The drug addiction; this combination shared with him, during the High I miss you. Rest in peace, Dave. • 09 OPINIONS MARCH 1,2007 THEORSERVER fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER Giuliani's Tough Road Ahead By ANDREW HUDSON STAFF WRITER

I'm admittedly giddy about the coining 2008 presidential election, because there are several people that I support, to one degree or another, vying for the nominations of both 113 West 60th Street parties. At this point in the campaign, Room 408 it is easy to envision a ballot filled New York. New York 10023 entirely with candidates I like, or at (212) 636-6015 least have respect for McCain versus fax:(212)636-7047 Obama, for instance, or Giuliani ver- sus Edwards. This was hardly the case Editor in Chief in 2004, when the candidates were Nancy Young almost unimportant, overshadowed by the choice between defending the Managing Editor existing order and unseating a sitting Adam Kaufman president It was a classic "lesser of two evils" scenario that drove many of News Editor us, including myself, behind ironclad walls of ideological radicalism and . Christina Shanahan bitter, angry cynicism that are only now beginning to crack. But that was Opinions Editor only at the end, in the thick of things, right before the electioa In the early running, there was some genuine Features Editor excitement about a few of the politi- Alina Soler cians competing for the Democratic nomination, especially Howard Dean. Arts & Culture Editors In the end, though, Dean's support Chadner Navarro fizzled and faded in die primaries. The problem is that, this early in what Literary Editor is going to be a nearly two year long Marissa Junmark election season, speculation is driven more by political commentators than by public opinion, leading to the kinds Former New York Mayor Rudolph Guiliani . Sports Editor of early political false-positives we ' Kiran Hefa Rudy taking his no-nonsense attitude point out, dealing with City Council term elections, the demographic that saw with Dean. to national office certainly seems like is not at all like having to work with propelled Bush into power and made it would be a refreshing change to Congress. Still, it is hard to deny the 2004 election one of the most Copy Editor Thfe is why I'm somewhat skepti- cal of fee buzz naming former New politics as usual. that Giuliani has a natural talent for heated and charged in decades is still Julian Oqiiendo York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani Rudy has a powerful appeal to leadership. But is instinctual leader- out thare and may yet rear its head astheirontrunnerfortheRepubjican ' independents and moderate democrats ship alone enough to deal with the to drive out "America's mayor." Layout Editor nomination in 2008. Don't get me wary of Hillary, but that doesn't help mountain of bureaucracy that is our Rudy already has enemies out there, Joe Davidson wrong: I like Giuliani, if only because much in the primaries. When John federal government? . snakes in the grass waiting to "Swift of his reputation and my memories of McCain sought the GOP nomination _ However, even bigger questions . Boatf' .his campaigni Fortunately for Photo Editor , his role as "America's mayor" back in 2000, he pulled out a surprising vic- loom regarding the. probabijityllof" a-. him, most of the political-enemies he Russell Martonis in 2001. Admittedly, I never lived in tory in the New Hampshire primary, successful Giuliani nomination bid made as mayor are limited to the tri- New York while he was mayor, nor do but soon fell from the running after and, for that matter, the true politi- state area, but that doesn't do much Online Editors I remember what New York was like the South Carolina primary, which cal state of our country as a whole, good when it comes to his scandal- befcre he was elected Still, even try- excluded independent voters. It is un- hi the end, Rudy is a moderate: a ous marriages. Thus far, there has ing to correct for my distorted, slightly clear yet whether Giuliani's charisma fiscal conservative who is tough on been little reason to give the details Assistant Editors mythical, Midwestern view of Giu- and hero-appeal can overcome the crime, but supports civil unions, a of Giuliani's personal life much na- liani as a pillar of strength after 9/11, woman's right to choose (though tional attention, but this will change Lauren Dollard (Features) tendency of primaries to pick candi- I can't help but find something ap- dates further from the center. he says he hates abortions) and gun once the campaign heats up and less Nicole Boumes-Ney (Arts & Culture) pealing about a New York City mayor control (in cities like New York, but moderate Republican candidates start Luke Teegarden (Arts & Culture) Another problem is that while becoming president Few other posts running New York City is arguably not in rural areas). This puts him at looking for an edge. Whether the in the country require such an ability one of the most challenging executive odds with one of the GOP's most country's loving memory of Giuliani's Charlotte Canner (Photography) to handle instant crisis and deal with a positions in the country, it is also far powerful and volatile constituencies: leadership after 9/11 will survive this Brooke Burge (Layout) single unit as complex and multifac- different than any other executive post Evangelical Christians. Though they scrutiny of his character will say a lot Callie Fisher (Layout) eted as New York, and the prospect of in the country. As critics are quick to stayed home during last year's mid- about where our nation is heading. • Ashley WennersHerron (Copy) Mark Girard (Copy)

Layout Staff In the Mind of a Soldier Kelsey Butler, Callie Fisher, Susanna BySAIRAANEES separate us till now. normal e-mails of my everyday life, back tomorrow. She doesn't write Lee, Lauren Avellino, Shaina Dupuy, STAFF WRITER Now she knows how I have from my friends and some from my that I realize there is no way to speed Russell Castro, Brooke Burge become with her. She knows that the professors, you can find one or two up this process. I sit there and scroll I hate this place. I hate being with conversations can be too much for from her. She keeps me updated with through e-mail after e-mail. I realize Faculty Adviser my friend, who is a soldier, when me. She sends me e-mails and puts subject lines such as "Still based in I have to live with this constant fear Dr. Elizabeth Stone I have to get into her head Her her status in the subject box. She TX.. .orders coming soon." or "Still alongside her. thoughts just sadden me and evoke is forcing me to hear and know the no orders, but feel Iraq is next." So What I can take comfort in is the my fear of losing her. It has gotten truth about her. The real truth is, she through these e-mails, I am reminded fact that this can't go on forever. My Faculty Graphics Adviser to a point where I would prefer not doesn't Want to be alone in all of this. that, pretty soon, my friend might only problem is that I have no idea Joshua Penrod speaking to my best friend rather I don't blame her. However, I don't be going off to war to defend her just exactly how long it will go on for. than pick up her phone call and hear think I'm strong enough to keep on country. I have very little that I can Just when you think the war could Faculty Polling Unit Adviser her tell me that she's going to Iraq. living with the fears that come with take comfort in. She is a fairly new be coming to a close we find out that Dr. Patrick Moynihan When I speak with her on the phone, war. I can't even stand war among soldier with no experience in real we were misled. More troops have to sometimes I like to think she is a friends or any life battle. When it combat That doesn't matter, though. be sent in. More troops mean more Business Manager couple blocks away, like she used comes down to playing with real It should matter. She could die. That chances for her to go. More chances Jeremiah Hernandez to be. Then she talks about how she lives, her life, worse yet.. .count me should matter. for more troops to die. It's more of misses me. It sinks in. She is not out! I hate my ambivalent feelings that an opportunity for me to lose her. Assistant Business Manager here. She is in another state, training I'll check my e-mail very often come along with all this. Sometimes I If that is the case, I know the fear Catherine Wnek to go to Iraq. These long and painful because I'm a college student and wish that maybe she would write that that resides in my life now will go. conversations have become too it's necessary that I do that in order she went to Iraq, and that everything Yes, it will go and an incurable sad- Public Notice: much. Nothing was ever able to to stay on track. In between the is okay and that she will be coming ness will take its place forever. • Ihe Observer may I or reproduced without the ritten consent of 1 Letters to the Editor, Opinions articles, and Editorial policies editorial board. Letters to the Editor should letters must be signed and include will not consider more than two letters way a reflection of the views held by contact infoimation, official titles, from the same individual on one topic. the editorial board of The Observer or' Die Student Voice of Fordham University at be typed and sent to The Ob- server, Fordham University, 113 and year of graduation (if applicable) The Observer reserves the right to edit Fordham University. Lincoln Center, published on alternate Thursdays West 60th Street, Room 408, New for verification. If submitters foil to all letters and submissions for content, Hie Editorial is the opinion held by York, NY 10023, or c-mailed to Include this information, the editorial clarity and length. a majority of The Observer's editorial Printed by Expedl Printing, Brooklyn, N.Y For [email protected], Length board will do so at Its own discretion. Opinion* articles and com* board. The editorial is in no way a contact Information visit lordhamobserver.com should not exceed 200 words. All The Observer has the right to withhold mentarles represent the view of reflection of the views held by any submissions from publication and their authors. These articles ore in no Fordham University. 10 4 March 1>2007 ARTS & CULTURE THE OBSERVES Black Snake Moan brings soulful sleaze

By ANDREW GNERRE STAFF WRITER recognizing that the film might be viewed as a bit risque, said he When an actor is so completely never intended to make such a film. right for a part, it can propel a "I guess that is controversial," said film to become a deeply satisfy- Brewer in reference to the film's ing experience. Even though this poster which depicts Jackson hold- is certainly not the norm for most ing a chain wrapped around Ricci's actors and most roles, it seems to waist, "Maybe in Memphis it's happen quite often for Samuel L. another Saturday night." Every Jackson. It happened as Jules in aspect of the film is handled with "Pulp Fiction," Mr. Glass in "Un- such care and honesty, though, that breakable" and even Neville Flynn while the film certainly presents in "Snakes on a Plane." His latest some fierce situations, it always turn as Lazarus in Craig Brewer's comes off as relatable as opposed new effort, "Black Snake Moan," to offensive. is no different. Some of this suc- This is not only a credit to Brew- cess, however, should also be er but to the actors as well. Jack- attributed to Brewer, who both son and Ricci in particular succeed wrote and directed the film. The in making seemingly unfamiliar filmmaker has triumphed in cre- characters easy to identify with. ating vivid characters, settings, Ricci, who prepared for the part and conflicts. by subsisting on a high-sugar, low- The film revolves around the nutrient diet, does a terrific job of relationship of two mismatched making Rae's reliance on Lazarus souls who have come together believable. She appears as a truly through accidental circumstances. helpless being whose present situ- Lazarus, a former blues musician ation can be rectified only with the turned devout Christian, discov- help of others. In the hands of other ers Rae, played by Christina Ric- actors, the relationship of the char- ci, bloody and unconscious in the acters may have seemed contrived, street. Lazarus soon learns that but Jackson and Ricci bravely im- Rae is afflicted with an extreme mersed" themselves into such de- case of nymphomania, which he manding roles with full aplomb. presumes to be the reason for her "As we started to rehearse, injuries. He then takes it upon there came this trust that be- himself to cure her. His solution came essential to the two. char- mainly includes chaining Rae to acters to have to be able to do his radiator1 As Lazarus contin- the things they had to" do inside ues his attempts to remedy Rae Brace Ta imon/Paramount Classics that house," Jackson said. This and her sexually charged anxiety Justin Timberlake and Christina Ricci star in Craig Brewer's "Black Snake Moan." trust comes through the screen attacksi it becomes clear that per- very clearly as Lazarus and Rae haps* she joan,help him as well. Moan.,'? In VHustle and Flow" it the characters have arrived at a base level, the audience is intro- begin to recognize the bond that While this scenario is unques- was hip-hop, and now in this lat- very different places in their lives duced to entirely new images. We they share. tionably quite dour, the film still est film, Brewer utilizes the blues at the start of the film, it is this have seen Jackson do a lot in films, This total devotion, by both manages to contain moments of to inject vitality into his charac- dirty, uncut blues music that al- but we have never witnessed him the actors and filmmakers, to lightheartedness that serve as a ters, setting and story. In fact, this lows them to connect and heal. drag a half naked girl up his porch the film is what makes "Black nice change of pace. They never raw, soulful music is so prevalent This breed of Mississippi blues steps using a 40-pound chain. Sim- Snake Mo#n" a success. With restrict the momentum of the in the film that it can be consid- also serves as a wonderfully appro- ilarly, we have never seen hip-hop such precarious subject matter, film, however, or come off as cli- ered a character itself. The music priate backdrop to the more brutal star David Banner and Ricci inter- the film could easily have stum* che. Coming from a fairly new hovers around the two main char- and unflinching events of the film. act in such a frank manner before. bled into territory that was too director like Brewer, this balanc- acters, interacts with them and As producer and acclaimed director Perhaps more unsettling to many campy or too overdone at any ing act between the severe and eventually acts as the bond that John Singleton put it, this movie is audiences, though, will be the un- point. Instead, the movie comes the playful is quite an impressive tries to save them both. As Brew- "much more daring than Craig's familiar issues that the film tackles. off as an honest portrayal of feat that fully suggests a talented er has put it, "I see blues a lot other picture ["Hustle and Flow"]. .The fits that Ricci's character's ex- harsh and sometimes unfamiliar filmmaker with much promise. like I see rap; I see it as exorcism It is certainly something people periences, along with the alcohol- themes and characters. It tells a Just like Brewer's last film, music. It articulates, perhaps, the have never seen before." This is fueled religious zeal of Lazarus, tale of how healing can come from "Hustle and Flow," music is cen- things that we are not comfort- an entirely accurate statement on are both somewhat uncharted terri- places unexpected, unpleasant tral to the plot of "Black Snake able articulating." Even though several different levels. Firstly, on tory for Hollywood. Brewer, while and surprisingly appropriate. • "Nan Kempner, American Chic"

By MARIA GUADAGNO STAFF WRITER Hanger after hanger of blazers gerfeld. and jackets are suspended from the Although the separate chambers seemingly endless rack, above which allowed viewers to truly examine Most addictions land you in re- .shelves are stacked with sweaters 16 each garment, with every ruffle hab, but for Nan Kempner, her high. Dozens of shoes neatly line the and pleat visible, it is the closet that obsession landed her on the Best floor, in front Of which avant-garde makes this exhibit worthwhile. It Dressed List's Hall of Fame. From dresses are displayed, including a is unlike anything I have ever seen the 1960s until her death in 2005, Givenchy ivory silk crepe evening before because it truly offers a Kempner acquired an astonishing gown draped, twisted and folded to glimpse into a world that most of us wardrobe, made up of haute couture show every curve, and held in place will never know: high society. Cou- and pret-a-porter from many of the with single rhinestone buckles at the ture gowns draped on mannequins pre-eminent designers of the late shoulder and hip. are ubiquitous on Fifth Avenue, but 20th century. And now until March Since everything in the closet is how often do you see the closet of a 4, the Costume Institute at the Met color coordinated according to Roy woman with the means to buy not is presenting more than 75 of the G. Biv, it not only resembles a rain- just one, but hundreds of them? ensembles that made Mrs. Kempner bow but also suggests the complex- The extensive exhibit has more a style icon in the exhibit "Nan ity of coordination required to cre- inventory than the largest SoHo bou- Kempner, American Chic." ate the stylish ensembles for which tique, easily rivaling a department Quotes from the stylish socialite she was known. store's holdings with one exception: herself cover the walls of the exhibit, Adjacent to the closet, five dif-' Kempner's collection is infinitely including one that recognizes her ferent chambers showcase specific more polished, chic and sophisti- garment habit: "I'm a drunk when aspects of Kempner's wardrobe: cated. This is the first time a single it comes to clothes." The main at- resort wear, tailored pieces, clas- person's wardrobe has ever been traction at the exhibit is a replica of sics, eveningwear and accessories. put on display at the Met. Although Kempner's closet (although a frac- These wares hang on mannequins the suggested admission is $20, we tion of the size). Set behind glass behind acrylic walls, similar to the all know a single George Washing- walls, one can just imagine the petite windows at Bergdorf s, and include ton will get you through the door, blonde-haired woman rummaging* pieces from designers such as Yves, so this is a must see not just, for fashionistas, but for anyone who Courtesy of ttw MrtopoHtan Muttum «f Art through her closet before deciding St. Laurent, Valentino, Oscar de la dreams of the finer things in life. • This ttriking Wes Saint Laurent yellow faille evening jacket Is one star pieces of the on the perfect outfit. Rcnta, John Galliano and Karl La- fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER I March 1,2007 ARTS & CULTURE 11 Country music strikes dissonant chord By LUKE TEEGARDEN ASST, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

One of the great mysteries of our contemporary culture is the intrigue of that all-American, much-maligned phenomenon, country mugic. While this mu- sical variety has been widely misunderstood, stigmatized and ridiculed by the so-called "hip" faction of the American population, the fact remains that country is one of the most popular and best-selling genres of music m the nation. This was proven most recently by the Dixie Chicks' amassing of five Grammies two weeks ago. But why is the phrase "everything but country" such a common response to the inquiry of one's taste in music? I find it hard to believe that those who give this response enjoy "everything" besides country; surely they're not grooving on free jazz, doom metal or Inuit throat singing. So why is the entire genre singled out with such distaste, as op- posed to jazz, blues, glam-rock or any other type of music? Perhaps we should make it clear what exactly we mean by "country music." Maybe the problem is that people don't actually know what country Alex Palomino/The Observer means. After all, it's a pretty Cowboy boots may be popular, but many people still dislike country music. huge category. Lumping in (Country Music Television) if hear what's playing on radio theory: admiration for rap and attitudes in our culture. Can everything from old-school you ever actually watched that stations," Katherine John, a hip-hop, alternative rock and it be denied that, on a sicken- Johnny Cash, to banjo-laden channel, are the faces of coun- Music History professor at even throwaway pop music ex- ingly mainstream whole, we're Appalachian bluegrass * to the try music today. FCLC, said. "They don't like it ists because we are culturally most similar to John Mayer or pop hits of stadium-cowboy These artists, however, don't because they don't hear it often conditioned to worship "the Marian Carey or even 50 Gent? Toby Keith, it seems odd to generate much appeal for our enough to appreciate it," Yet celebrity." Very few celebri- 50 lives in a mansion in Con- tag everything it encompasses demographic as college stu- most of us didn't grow up in ties are cowboys, and most ce- necticut, has his own clothing with one term. Yet that latter dents in New York City. "[Peo- .Compton either, but Snoop and lebrities party at clubs, not in line, and you'd be hard pressed option seeihs to be the default ple] can't relate to it. What are Dre seem to be on everyone's barns. Our generation's biggest to .find anyone (white,iibkpkj association. When we hear country ' songs about, really? party mix. So what gives? celebrities are fashionable, Bo- straight, gay, liberal, conser-. "country music," it's safe to It doesn't attract people," said Perhaps we just think it hemian, modern and "cool"—a vative) who hasn't heard of say that most of us think the Massimo DiGiovanni, FCLC sucks: far cry from country's biggest the "G-Unit." Country music's same thing— crooners in cow- '09. "No one's thinking, 'that's "It could be the soft use of stars, who make a living off of fatal flaw for us has every- boy hats and tacky music vid- a meaningful song about the guitar and melody that makes their Southern drawls, patriotic thing to do with the "cool" eos, stars and stripes waving.? West.'" It makes sense, con- it sound like a hick wrote it. attitudes and tucked-in work factor. It lacks the urban.ap- proudly and (let's get it out of sidering that most of us didn't Or it could be the lyrical con- shirts. We associate those attri- peal that we crave. Until coun- the way) shameless rednecks. grow up on a ranch or attend tent that only an incestuous, butes with a culture we are "nei- try music artists find a way to At least that's the stereotype. line-dances in Texas bars when wife-beating and Confederate- ther familiar with nor fond of. ensconce themselves among Toby Keith, Shania Twain, we were teenagers; it's simply flag-bearing man could relate This is not an attempt to de- the ranks of MTV idolatry, Rascal Flatts, Dwight Yoakam, not in our background. "Kids to," said Manny Voi'gt, FCLC fame country music, but mere- they'll remain outliers of the everything you'd see on CMT don't hear it growing up, they '09. Allow me to venture a ly an observation of trends and mainstream music industry. • Musicians in Movies

By JESSICA GUERRA STAFF WRITER he's won and been nominated for many other awards voted by critics, The transition of multi-platinum boards and audiences. Audiences re- musicians onto the big screen has ally seem to love him—from the last been a long-standing tradition since 12 films he's released, 10 of them the days of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Pre- have earned over $100 million. The sley and the Beatles. Nowadays, diversity of his roles is able to attract there seems to be a resurgence of a wide range of critics and audi- this tradition amongst our genera- ences. He's done well in dramatic tion's pop stars. Several years ago, roles, like the ones he took in "Ali" _ we witnessed some pop starlets try- and "Happyness," as an action hero ing and failing at turning themselves in "Independence Day" (1996) and into leading ladies, and yes, I'm re- in the "Men in Black" films (1997 ferring to Mariah Carey's punch-line and 2002) and as a romantic comedy worthy 2001 film "Glitter" and Brit- lead in "Hitch" (2005). The Fresh ney Spears' 2002 flop "Crossroads." Prince has also maintained his music Not everyone can recreate Barbra career by contributing songs to his Streisand's "Funny Girl" success, film's soundtracks and by producing that is, to be an established recording other albums. artist, star in an Oscar nominated, fi- 2. Mark Wahlberg—Though nancially successful film and win an Wahlberg doesn't speak much now Academy Award for her very first about his early rap career with film performance. Recently it seems Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch, that musicians are learning from the which is best known for their 1991 mistakes of their peers and are taking hit "Good Vibrations," he cannot baby steps to establish themselves as deny that it definitely helped him credible actors by getting their feet Courtnyo! Screen Gems, Inc. get a step closer to Hollywood. His wet in independent films and in sup- Chris Brown appears alongside fellow musician Neyo in the film, Stomp the Yard first cinematic appearance was in porting roles. Justin Timberlakc took nominations in the last five years for made her first big-scrccn appearance ible actor. Fortunately, there are the military comedy "Renaissance the backseat in his first few feature many who have proven that the tran- Best Actor (2001 's "Ali" and 2006's in the large ensemble, crime comedy Man" (1994), in which he played films: last year's straight-to-DVD "Smokin'Aces." sition is not impossible. Here's a top "The PursuitofHnppyness") weren't juvenile delinquent Pvt. Tommy Lee "Edison," January's "Alpha Dog," Past examples have proven how five of the best musicians-turned-ac- enough to prove his credibility as an Haywood. While that film didn't re- and the upcoming "Black Snake difficult it is to move beyond a re- tors from our generation: actor, he's also earned Golden Globe see MUSICIANS pg. 12 Moan." Most recently, Alicia Keys cording career and become a cred- 1, Will Smith—As if two Oscar nominations for the same roles, plus 12 FEATURES I March 1,2007 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Slightly-short-of*Amazing

By KEN LOMBARD! STAFF WRITER force rather than slavery itself. , The story is further strengthened "Amazing Grace," a new drama through the film's notable support- which recently opened nationwide, ing cast of many prominent Brit- vividly reveals one man's struggle ish actors, including Albert Finney to abolish slavery in 19th century ("Erin Brockovich"), Michael Britain. Told with conviction and Gambon (Dumbledore in the last praise for the film's hero, William two "Harry Potter" movies), and Wiiberforce ("Fantastic Four'"s Benedict Cumberbatch (Patrick loan Gruffudd), acclaimed director in "Starter for 10"). As Barbara Michael Apted ("The Up" series, Spooner, the wife of Wiiberforce, "A Coal Miner's Daughter") deliv- young British actress Romola Ga- ers an inspiring narrative. And al- rai turns out an intriguing support- though "Amazing Grace" presents ing performance as the virtuous an intriguing moral struggle con- conscience to her husband. Garai is cerning one man's determination to thoroughly believable as a spouse end slavery based on his personal who actively pushes Wiiberforce faith, the film ultimately proves to stand up for his beliefs and chal- more of an educational lesson than lenge the attitudes and practices of a dramatic piece of cinema. the bourgeoisie. Among the British noble elite, Despite finely tuned acting per- Wiiberforce stands out as a dig- formances from Gruffudd and the nitary -who vehemently opposes rest of the cast, "Amazing Grace" Parliament's acceptance of slavery. eventually suffers from a rather Against strong opposition, Wiiber- drab script. Screenwriter Steven force lobbies bis opponents with Knight lacks any major dramatic the guidance of his Evangelical beat in bis dialogue, as he races faith and his reverence for the clas- to provide as much historical fact sic hymn, "Amazing Grace." within the movie as possible. As Wiiberforce, Gruffudd is stir- Perhaps the screenwriter simply PHOTOBRAPHER/Tlie Observer ring in his portrayal of a socially wished to accurately depict the life Student rush tickets grant cheap access to prestigious NYC arts institutions, such as the Metropolitan Opera. rebellious figure. It is great to see and influence of Wiiberforce, with- Gruffudd in a role which displays out drawing upon artistic licenses Student Discounts Pay Off his acting talent, as opposed to often utilized by more conven- merely standing in front of a blue tional Hollywood biopics such as ByKENLOMBARDI Lincoln Center sells some sort scriptions cost $45 for three con- screen for the latest "Fantastic "Ray" or "The Aviator." Yet STAFF WRITER of a discount ticket, varying certs, and various packages are Four" sequel. Gruffudd said that Knight's screenplay ultimately slightly in its policies from one available throughout the year," this was the most satisfying role ends up feeling as though it could When asked if she had ever site to the next. The Metropoli- Bruning explained. Each sub- of his career: "To be honest, I was have been produced as a presen- purchased a student ticket for tan Opera, for example, offers' scription consists of a monthly fairly ignorant about the story. tation for the History Channel, a Lincoln Center performance, $25 tickets during the weekday performance with showings on When I finished reading the script, as opposed to a full length fea- Johanna Gaymer, FCLC '10, and $35 for the weekend.; The weekdays and weekends. Per- though, I was crying," he said. ture. Nevertheless, in the hands said, "I didn't even know we Lincoln Center Theater provides forming artists include the Mos- While some might envision this of the always magnificent Apted, had cheap tickets available for such tickets for students at a cost cow Soloists, keyboard virtuoso film in the same spirit as "Roots" "Amazing Grace" manages to keep Lincoln Center events or any of $30 while the Jazz at Lincoln Daniel Barenboim and mezzo- or "Amistad," Gruffudd was quick its audiences concentrated upon type of art performances for that Center features price- efficient soprano singer Susan Graham. to set the record straight. He wisely this revolutionary period in Brit- matter." Although members of seats for just $10 each. Bruning also revealed that $10 ain, which often escapes the at- noted that this film is more con- the Fordham community might Je"nn Logue, FCLC '07, fre- student rush tickets are avail- tention of many Americans. • cerned with the impact of Wiiber- be unaware, many notable ven- quently takes advantage of these able at Carnegie Hall, although ues throughout New York offer special student offers. "I always students should check the Hall's .inexpensive and often fairly re- pay just $25 for an orchestra website for. availability and to spectable seats for those budget- seat at the Metropolitan Opera, sign up for a rush ticket e-news- conscious students who wish to which probably would cost at letter. attend noted operas, symphonies, least $100 full price," she said. "Student rush tickets are very ballets and other performing arts Having attended several opera popular among young people, events. performances, Logue said that probably because they cost so Within the Lincoln Center she simply presents her student much less than the regular price complex alone, a dozen different ID at the box office to purchase of admission," a Lincoln Center organizations sell various stu- her discount ticket. "If you give employee also said. Aside from dent discount tickets. A box of- up your addiction to Starbuck's students, artistic venues also fice employee for the New York for a week, you could go see a benefit from these discounts as Philharmonic, housed within the great opera with all the money some young individuals might Lincoln Center complex, said you saved. It's that cheap," continue to attend such shows that student rush tickets are sold Logue also said. even after graduation. From on a daily basis for $12 each. Aside from Lincoln Center, the opera to the ballet, these "These rush tickets are avail- other popular New York venues, performances allow us to ap- able during the day of the perfor- such as Carnegie Hall, also of- preciate performing arts events mance and are limited to two per fer similar discounts. According which we might not otherwise, student ID. Special event tickets to Sarah Bruning, an employee be able to afford. Not to men- are also available online up to 10 at the office of Carnegie Hall tion that these discounts grant days before a performance," the Public Affairs, this historic event an inexpensive artistic diver- Courtesy of Samuel 6oUwyn FBmi employee said. center features a special student sion from tedious studies and Each particular venue within subscription program. "The sub- impending midterms. • loan Gruffudd as William Wiiberforce in Amazing Grace Musicians CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 "House Party 2," and rough city dra- "Chicago," and this summer's new investigating a pedophile. He was film debut was in the violent drama ceive much attention, and Wahlberg mas like "Juice." She first received film version of "Hairspray" where also nominated for an Emmy and a "Boyz N the Hood" in 1991, where played more supporting roles, like in attention for her acting as part of the she plays Motormouth Maybelle. Golden Globe for his performance as he played Doughboy, a slacker out the scare-you-straight drug film "The ensemble of 1996's action, crime 4. Mos Def- This actor/rapper's a heart specialist in the HBO movie for revenge, which wasn't a stretch Basketball Diaries" (1995) and teen drama "Set it Off." In 2003 she was career has consisted of mostly sup- "Something the Lord Made" (2004). from his thuggish rap persona in the thriller'Tear" (1996), he got the star- nominated for an Oscar for her part porting roles, yet he's managed to He served as the comedic relief in N.W.A. Some of his many stand- making role as a young dishwasher- in the musical "Chicago" as prison provide performances which were more mainstream fare, "The Italian out films include: "Friday" (1995), turned-pom-star in 1997's "Boogie warden Matron Mama Morton. As noticeable enough to receive atten- Job" (2003) and "The Hitchhiker's "Anaconda" (1997), "Three Kings" Nights." Since then he's had lead Queen Latifah's career progressed, tion and praise from critics and audi- Guide to the Galaxy" (2005). Mos (1999), and "Barbershop" (2002). roles in action films ("The Big Hit," her image became softer with her ences. His acting and music careers Def has six films coming up within Plus he has done what no other gang- 1998), dramas ("The Yards," 2000), undertaking of more comedic roles basically began simultaneously in the next two years, including "The sta rapper has probably ever thought „ and plenty of remakes ("Planet of the such as in "Beauty Shop" (2005) the Into 1990s, but his acting ca- Brazilian Job" the sequel to "The of doing, starred in a family comedy, Apes," 2001). He received his first and "Last Holiday" (2006). Music reer really took off in 2002 with the Italian Job." "Are We There Yet?" (2005), which Academy Award nomination this plays a largo part in Queen Latifah's romantic film "Brown Sugar." In 5. Ice Cube - Yet another rapper apparently has a sequel coming out year for his supporting role in the career. She made several more rap 2004 he co-starred in the film "The who has made the successful transi- in 2007. Even while appearing in gritty cop drama "The Departed." albums and a jazz album after she Woodsman" and received a Gotham tion from vinyl to film, Ice Cube has over 20 films, he has still continued 3, Queen Latifah - The Grammy started acting. She's created original Award nomination for a break- been able to mold himself into differ- to have a thriving rap career, with his winning rapper began her film ca- songs for her films, and she's done through performance for his role of ent roles for comedies, dramas, and last album reaching Gold certifica- reer in early 1990s comedies like film adaptations of musicals like Sgt. Lucas, a parole officer who's action flicks. His critically acclaimed tion since its release in June 2006. • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER March 1,2007 I ARTS & CULTURE 13 Actor's profile: Amir Wachterman

• By NICOLE BOURNAS-NEY , says he's in a great position to ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR learn about how to develop and get into a character, "As a young When you come to the cur- actor, all your classes teach you rent Mainstage production of so many techniques. You are tak- Brecht's "Man Equals Man," you ing from everything, Stanislav- will see the sheepish, turbaned . skL.movement, everything. You porter Galy Gay transform into develop the way that you work. 0 a well-oiled killing machine I always have to find something named Jeraiah Jip. The actor be- physical, how they [the charac- hind this metamorphosis is Ford- ters] walk, how they sound, do ham's own extremely talented they use a cane? Then I look student actor, Amir Wachterman, more internally." FCLC '09. On opening night of Fordham alum director Colin the show, I had the pleasure of McKenna and set designer Clint speaking to him. Ramos have taken the play and Recalling the beginnings of transplanted it from British-con- his acting career, Wachterman trolled India to an unknown Mid-- explained, "When I was five my die-Eastern destination clearly mother brought me a puppet the- meant to suggest Iraq. Wachter- ater and I started putting on little man commented on this decision, plays and I've never stopped. very much seeing it as a strong Most kids grow out of the 'I want and necessary move. "It's really to be an actor when I grow up'~ great. When Colin and when we I neyer did." His first role came read die play, I thought, '... a in a grade school production: "In Western army trying to invade.' 5th grade I played the cowboy It's what's happening today. It's Zach in the Paperbag Bandit," he so present today, you can't do it remembered, laughing. any other way — man equals man His current role as Galy Gay is is happening today. It's theater a departure from Wachterman's for social change. It's our duty as Amir Wachterman plays Galy Gay in Man=Man. previous credits, typically as artists to put it today." Sir Francis in "The Busybody" should be a. well-rounded hu- lights. I feel lucky to have the comic relief "...it's very different. Here at Fordham, both on the was another favorite. [I got to] man being, have other resources community sense in the theater I usually play character parts or mainstage and in studio shows, create this big, large colorful to pull from besides just theater department. You're already in side kick parts, so this is an inter- Wachterman has played Sir Fran- character, and our director really classes. You need a little bio, a the city. Connections start here." esting new challenge." The role cis in "The Busybody," Bobchin- let us do that, and the world of little foreign language... Love, Looking ahead to where theater of Galy Gay has been a challenge sky in "The Inspector General," the show let us do that. [It was] love, love the faculty; they're might take him, Wachterman for Wachterman because, as he Marcello in "Artist Descending a so much fun to bring color and passionate, caring, talented. We doesn't have any specific plans said of Brecht's creation, "He's Staircase," and Fido in "Bucket life." have great guest artists; each class beyond continuing to hone his not just one character; he goes Head." Speaking of his favorite Wachterman had nothing but is taught by someone different theatrical craft: "The path creates through many different charac- roles, both at Fordham and else- praise for the Fordham Theater and amazing. It's a growing the- itself. I'd like to go to graduate ters. He goes from' Galy Gay to where, Wachterman said, "My Department, which he chose to. ater program; it's getting better school for acting. I want to live Jeraiah Jip;. that's two characters favorite role is Tevye in "Fiddler help guide him on his path to a and better. The theater commu- in New York land pave the pave- at least. But you still have to hold on the Roof." It [connected] to career on the stage, "It's the best nity here is so talented — artistic ments. All I know is that I will be on to the core of Galy Gay." 'personal feelings and traditions theater program in the universe! people who... support each oth- in theater my whole life. Where* As a student actor, Wachterman that I have, that my family has. You get liberal arts - an actor er's shows and hang each other's and when, only God knows." •

Mad Musical Musings

BySIMONEJUNG thing is presented as a fantasy rather than a CONTRIBUTING WRITER reality. When all you can think of is music, there is always the big bad wolf waiting to at- Musichasacertain way ofentering every part tack your precious moment Reality strikes, of your life. It's a feeling you just can't leave. It and the music dissipates into the last scene. I makes you feel completely vulnerable, happy realized this when the bus driver began to pull or miserable. Music can help predict moods. away from the stop. For me, one of these moods has been to dance. 'Tlathead" was definitely the anthem to my It's a non-stop party listening to things like rap- day; the anthem to a generation of kids who infused Lil' Jon to Indian-influenced George move awkwardly. The beat raged on in my Harrisoa All you have to do is find the beat head. I could feel the rattle of my brain as it hit and enough room to swing your hips. the sides of my skull. It was a trance created A few weeks ago, I watched the dazzling by music. I could tell I wasn't the only one lights and sounds of Apple's new iPod com- as I watched a woman in a pink down jacket mercial. While I envied the moves of the mul- dance and sing along to her own song. It's ticolored silhouettes, I thought how perfect funny how music tends to bring out the crazy the song "Flathead" by The Fratellis would be person in you. We're in love. Our eyes close, as the background to my own personal dance our lips part, and we make love to the music party. As my eyes glazed over this iPod com- the best way we know how: dance. mercial, all I could think to do was dance. I As I fingered the notes to Michael Jackson's quickly downloaded the pop hit and listened "Beat It" solo by Eddie Van Halen, I felt pierc- to it pour out of my old computer and fill my ing eyes on me. I forgot I wasn't alone. There room with the richness of high quality pop were probably throngs of people who had rock. watched me dance at the bus stop. I felt like a I felt the surge of musical energy tingle to science experiment All at once those eyes on the tips of my fingers and through my veins. the bus shocked their way to my brain and shut Like an over-enthusiastic church revival at- off my joy to dance. No one else was listening tendee, I felt the power of music infiltrate my to music. No one else could hear the music and bones, hi a matter of seconds, I was up on tonal harmony of the world and feel how that my feet, dancing in my room, listening to my harmony can lead a person to rejoice. It was as unsteady bookshelf hit the wall. It's always if the iPod commercial was over and the next a thrill when you can dance to the beat of a advertisement was for hemorrhoid cream. song, but when it's almost a reason to live, I didn't know it was such a big deal. From then you have to spread the word around. I tappingatoetothedoublebackflip, there seems packed my bag and put on my heavy winter to be a taboo on art in public. It's as if there coat to prepare a spread of musical joy. is an unspoken law against dancing in public. I headed for my bus stop. Cars raced, streak- But judgment is in the eye of the beholder, and ing up and down the avenue. I was clueless I decided I wasn't done fighting. I was listen- to their presence. I had my headphones at the ing to my music and enjoying my company. maximum volume and contemplated doing No New York City-branded glare could stop a back flip off the telephone pole. The bus me from that. While on my way down the came screeching to a halt. As I looked at the block to Fordham, "I'd Rather Dance With bus driver, I noticed his catatonic stare. How You" by Kings of Convenience played through come he wasn't feeling the same overwhelm- my headphones. I felt the music possess me ing joy that I had? It's probably because of once again. There was no need to fuss. I was a lack of music. In the music world, every- dancing, and music was all I cared about. • 14 ARTS & CULTURE | March 1,2007 I THE OBSERVER fordhamdbserver.com Photographing Katrina

By DANIEL CARKIN elements, sections of the wood as most of the photos at the unfamiliar degradations of raphy is neither sentimentally STAFF WRITER peeled and splintered out. A museum were in color, Foley such familiar objects into the staged nor so literal as to be white door bearing the label sticks to black and white. Such foreground. The show offers boring, Foley finds that dif- Last June, Mike Foley waved "private" is propped up against a choice favors subtle varia- a fresh and penetrating-view ficult but powerful space goodbye to the security desk at this pile of pews. By using tions in texture and places the of New- Orleans. His photog- in between — poignancy. • Lowenstein and took a road trip large format old fashioned neg- to New Orleans. With his cam- atives, these photos capture far era packed away in the trunk, more detail than typical today. he was intent on snapping pho- One can even detect the smalj, tographs. His idea was to doc- sections of peeling paint on ument the aftermath of Hurri- this white door. This peeling cane Katrina. He didn't really wood is all that remains of the know what to look for. He ac- hope a church once promised. tually surmised that deciding In another work, Foley cap- beforehand what he should tures a molding couch in a photograph could prevent him living room. Muck covers the from finding something even cushions in angles that run better. skew to the couch's gray and In New Orleans, Foley found white stripes. Through the few signs of the Hurricane doorway in the background, in fhe French Quarter. This we glimpse into the bedroom. quintessential spot in the city There, the bed's mattress was quickly restored for tour- meets a similar fate. Amidst a ists hungry for Gumbo. Yet as moldy room, it tilts at a diago- soon as he stepped outside this nal angle and the bed frame is Disneyland for adults, he was missing. Perhaps the frame sal- appalled by how little work vaged by a survivor. Perhaps had been done on the rest of the the bed frame fell apart due to city. Indeed, it felt more like a flooding. Perhaps part of the ghost town: Dilapidated hous- floor collapsed beneath. View- es simply stood abandoned, ing the ruins of this storm lead and wreckage lined people's the curious viewer to wonder yards as though they forgot to how such familiar objects and put away their yard sale wares scenery become so dilapidated. from a few years ago. Envisioning how and why this Foley became fascinated mattress became destroyed, for with the way in which these example, make the hurricane's ruins and rubbish express a effects so much more chilling subtler type of disappointment. and immediate. Piles of junk gain poignancy Foley is not the first photogra- through his fine eye and the pher to document New Orleans finesse of his lens. One strik- and he probably won't the last. ing photograph shows a pile Yet his photography presents of church pews sitting outside. a striking divergence from the "After constant exposure to the recent show'at the Met. Where- on display in the center gallery from Mar 5 - Mar 25. Starter for 10

ByKENLOMBARDI is mentioned This character serves as a stir- STAFF WRITER ring portrait of a good natured young man who simply wishes to uphold he legacy of When wefirstmeetBrianJackson onscreen a loved one, and we relate to him as a result in "Starter for Ten", a new British romantic Also included in the cast are Brian's dual comedy, he assertively declared, "I want.to love interests, Alice (Alice Eve), a sexually know everything." Yet everything is a rather charged and unsophisticated blonde, and the vague term, and he immediately clarified more pensive brunette, Rebecca (Rebecca GONZAGA-IN-FLORENCE this point with a more specific yearning, "I Hall). While Brian may sexually long for want to know why people actually like jazz." Alice, it is in fact Rebecca with whom he indeed, the young and impressionable Brian develops a stronger personal connection. He (James McAvoy of "The Last King of Scot- endures painfully embarrassing instances land") maintains an avid hunger for knowl- with both women, yet one can reason why he edge as the film chronicles his first year as would in pursuit. Eve and Hall are physically a student at an aristocratic U.K. university. stunning women each in their own right. Eve Set in the mid-80s, elements of nostalgia is sweet and alluring as the venerable blonde are abound as the cast humorously bears beauty who Brian lustfully covets. Hall, on mullets and tacky outfits to further illustrate the other hand, portrays youthful depth and this era. And although the plot reaches near sophistication as a character reminiscent of unbearable predictability, "Starter for. 10" WinonaRyderin"Beetlejuice"or"Heathers." does in fact yield a chaining cinematic ex- In spite of the provocative performances perience due to its talented cast of British from Eve and Hall, it remains difficult for newcomers, including a particularly fine either actress, or anyone in the film for that acting performance from McAvoy as an in- matter, to escape the vapidity of the plot. quisitive young man in search of knowledge. Towards the movie's conclusion, for in- Adapted from a novel by David Nicholls, stance, Brian must make a difficult decision I YEAR • SEMESTER • SUMMER the movie primarily focuses upon Brian's when finally decididng between Alice or Courses: Art • Business • struggles in finding a girlfriend and adjusting Rebecca. One need not view "The Break- to college life. What generates uniqueness to fast Club" or "Pretty in Pink" in order to English • History • Italian • Brian's story stems from his quest to appear ascertain which girl he will eventually pick. International Studies • Music • onTheUniversity Challenge, anactualBritish Yet "Starter for Ten" is ultimately saved Philosophy • Political Science TV game show that quizzes college students through its fresh, young cast and a catchy on a wide array of topics. Indeed, even the soundtrack of some of the best music from • Religion • Sociology •• film's title is a popular catch phrase featured the 80's, including The Cure and The Smiths. Women's Studies on this show as the player to correctly answer The new wave songs provide an atmosphere the first question receives ten starting points. of charm to the film which neatly comple- As Brian methodically strives towards his ments the conviction within the performanc- For more information: big game show appearance, McAvoy proves es of the actors. In a recent conversation, slar 1.800.440.5391 thoroughly convincing in his portrayal of a McAvoy was asked about the rather generic young man who wishes to retain as many storyline, which has been depicted in count- [email protected] facts and snippets of trivia as possible. McA- less other John Hughcs-inspirecl films. "Yes, GONZAGA www.gonzaga.edu/gonzagainflorence v r K s I T Y voy efficiently handles the slapstick mate- it is easy to guess where the movie is noing rial well, without trying loo hard to pull in and what will happen next, but Unit's not a laugh. Yet the true magnetism of his act- the point. Tin's is a story about a boy who is ing capabilities, fully materializes during a trying to grow up and find his place in the scene wherein Brian uncontrollably weeps world," McAvoy said. Perhaps he should during a first date when his deceased father indeed get ten points for that answer. • THE OBSERVER FEATURES Man* 1,2007 I 15 Crazy in Love Something about love makes my friends lose their minds

By JOSHUA CRUZ had been friends before deciding defense, I was not there when it STAFF WRITER to pursue a felationship, yet even all took place and don't condone after all these years of friendship this type of activity in any situa- It's scary to think about how and a wonderful relationship tion. This type of activity is what Save yourself the insanity love can drive you absolutely in- with someone who loved him, occurs when you're "crazy in When it comes to'lovc, some people need more advice than oth- sane. Earlier this month, 43-year- he decided to cheat. Likewise, love." Fortunately for Lisa, nei- ers Some people need the realities oflo\e to be spelled out for old NASA astronaut Lisa Marie Lisa didn't let all these years of ther of the brothers pressed any • „ •, . them. If you 're one oj these people, listen up!: Nowak was arrested on attempt- friendship and her "love" stop charges. The sickest part of all is ed kidnapping, battery and other her from making his life a living that she still communicates with charges in Orlando, Fla. Later, hell once she found out. them, while their war continues "• 1. Don't get into a relation- bitchy girls and girls always the Orlando police added charges She decided to hit him where it to rage on. ship with anyone married. like assholes. All I'm saying of attempted first-degree murder would hurt the most. She had sex One crazy friend would be . Why? Because, you home- is, if you date someone like given the evidence found in enough, one might think. How- wrecker! If this person left his that, don't dare call your best Nowak's vehicle, which included ever, it appears that all of my or her spouse for you, what friend at 2 a.m. because you're a steel mallet, BB gun and other "The American Psychi- friends have at least one story in makes you think he or she upset. If I was your friend, I'd weaponry, reported police of- which their mental health could wouldn't do the same to you? say, "You're a dumbass. Screw ficials. Incredibly, Nowak drove atric Association should come into question. In most Also, how would you feel if- their best friend and call me in from Houston, Texas to Orlando, classify "crazy in love" cases, love is involved. Karen is someone you loved was stolen the morning." Fla. wearing a wig and diapers. a gorgeous young woman whom ' away by some cheap trick? I When Nowak arrived at the as a mental illness. The you love to hate because of how know exactly how you would 3. Don't date/have sex with Orlando International Airport, perfect she appears to be. Yet feel. You would feel like Lisa a co-worker/boss. Basic eth- she attacked Colleen Shipman, a problem with that is even the most beautiful ones Marie Nowak. Mad as hell and ics here, people. These are the woman reportedly romantically everyone would be di- aren't immune from becoming ready to cut a bitch. same incompetent idiots you involved with fellow astronaut', "crazy in love." After rinding spend too much of your time Bill Oefelein, with whom Nowak agnosed with it at some out her lover was seeing another 2. Don't date a jerk. I know with. Do you really want to was in a romantic relationship. point." woman, she chased him around it's hard because -guys love have sex with them too? I wonder what she was listen- Manhattan with her SUV, try- ing to on the drive from Houston with his brother, took pictures ing to slam into his car. When I to Orlando. If I had to guess, I and sent them to her ex-boy- asked her, "What would make position where he or she has been ing worrier." Lisa Marie Nowak would say "I'm Gonna Be (500 friend. Lisa thought she had won you chase someone, putting hurt by someone they love, be- was definitely missing temperance Miles)" by the Proclaimers and the war and that vengeance was yourself and others in danger cause I, too, have known the pain when she decided to attack her "Bizarre Love Triangle" by New hers, but she was wrong. As it from someone you were just of unrequited love, betrayal and romantic rival. Order. In all seriousness though, turns out, her ex-boyfriend knew having sex with?" Her reply was, the realization that you have been The American Psychiatric As- what would make an astronaut, that she would try to sleep with "He ate me out really well, and living in a delusion. The crucial sociation should classify "crazy such a respected member of the his brother and didn't stop her he betrayed my trust." difference between my friends in love" as a mental illness. The community, jeopardize every- because he knew that his brother As the saying goes, "There is a and me is that I have gotten good problem with that is everyone thing for revenge? had herpes. It's disgusting that , thin line between loye~and hate," at being(able to tell who is worth would be diagnosed with it at It's fair to say that, despite either person would let the situ- but I think that between love my love. some point. EverLl could be called this case being in the headlines ation get to this point in the first and hate there should be "crazy All of this crazy behavior "crazy in love" from time to time. because Nowak is an astronaut, place; however, this sordid story • in love." And not the "Crazy in makes me feel much better about Having been in a relationship the story itself isn't that unheard of "love" didn't end there. It gets Love" Beyonce sings about either. my own romantic situation. noW for about^bur yeareTircan of. Everyone who has ever loved • even more insane and just plain I mean the type of crazy that The reason is because I'm in be extremely frustrating at times. someone, or even just loved wrong. makes you practice an alibi in the the middle, between my "crazy Sometimes, very early in the having sex with someone, knows Late one summer night, she mirror. in love" friends and my overly morning, I wake up and just stare that love will make you do crazy stole her ex-boyfriend's license I have to admit that I think I cautious friends. I have this one at the person I've been with for things. I sit back as an observer plates, broke his car windows might, have gone down the same friend that always does the right what seems like forever, and I ask to all the chaos that my friends and spray painted his car. I was crazy road she did. I try putting thing and never takes romantic myself, "Do I have the physical have caused in the name of love, later told that earlier that day she myself in her place and can un- chances, which must get re- strength to hold the pillow down and I'm shocked by how much had met up with his brother and derstand that when someone you ally boring though since life is all long enough?" And just like that, of it can be labeled "insane.'* drugged him. While he was passed love betrays you, it's an insult to about chances and decisions. It's I'm officially "crazy in love" like Just this summer, my good out, she took some pretty compro- your ego and deeply wounds your important for me to be at the center the astronaut, my friends and ev- friend Lisa was dating someone mising photos of him. In my own heart. I empathize with those in a between "stupid slut" and "bor- eryone else. • she had known for years. They

Red Hubar/MCT RedHutaf/MCT NASA astronaut Lisa M. Nowak was assigned to the crew of STS-121 on her first flight (NASA/MCT) Nowak appears for her initial court appearance, Tue., Feb. 6,2007, at the Orange County Jail, in Orlando, Ra. Nowak Is being held without bail aftor police say she attacked her rival for another astronaut's attention at Orlando International Airport. (Pool photo by Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) 16 FEATURES I March 1,2007 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserveficojti Another year 'til dollar beers? Despite fake ID crackdown, underage drinkers still visit city clubs and bars

By GABR1ELLE LINZER start letting in students with fake STAFF WRITER IDs or no ID at all." Bars and clubs near campus The weekend has finally ar- insist that there is no current rived. You've barely survived crackdown, but rather a continu- your droning classes and hectic ation of rigid measures focused work schedule by holding on on preventing underage drinkers to the faint hope of a free night from frequenting their facilities. where you can finally let loose. Katy Heinrich, a bartender at Lin- After an hour and a half of coln Park Bar and Grill, a venue applying make-up, fixing your frequented by Fordham students, hair and picking out the perfect said, "We've never allowed shoes, you grab your fake ID underage drinking here. I know to and rush out the door. When you serve minors it's a five hundred arrive at the local bar, a large dollar fine for the bartender and man with an ID scanner stands an additional penalty for the bar." with his arms crossed, blocking Despite Heinrich's assertion, the entrance. To your horror, he 20-year-old Suzanna Lee, FCLC snatches your ID, glances at it '08, said, "I remember freshman momentarily, laughs and throws year; I don't know if the. guy at it back at you yelling, "Better Lincoln Park just didn't care, luck next time!" As you real- but I always used to go to dollar ize what has just occurred, you beer [night]. Now, a few years begin to wonder—why, all of a later, when I'm actually older, he sudden, has a bar that has been always asks for my ID, and some- accepting your ID for months times he doesn't let me in." just denied you service? Perhaps bartenders are simply A recent crackdown on fake becoming sawier when it comes IDs has left many Fordham to fake IDs. Although many students dumbfounded and students often believe they can disappointed. Even bars that effortlessly "pull one over" on a had previously admitted slews bartender or bouncer, they forget of underage drinkers without that many of these men and hesitation are no longer an op- women have been in the business tion. Ritual weekly gatherings at for years. There have also been familiar clubs and weekend plans systems developed in order to are suddenly being cancelled, prevent underage drinkers from due to the fact that underage entering a bar if the bartender or friends can no longer join in. bouncer is doubtful about the va- "I've noticed a crackdown on lidity;; of ah ID. "We have a book to lookup ID's if we suspect that Courtney Lom/Ths Observer men interestingly enough" Marc One of FCLC's most revered institutions, Lincoln Park. Girard, FCLC '10, said. "I've one is fake," Heinrich said. gone out and had to deal with the In.addition, most bartend- back 10 minutes later with an able to find their way into their day students choose to go out. card issue, and sometimes I'll go ers observe their clientele well ID that was shiny as hell. They favorite bars and clubs. "When "Never go out on Saturday " somewhere else, or sometimes enough to know who legitimately could have been undercover I go out, I go with girls who are nights,"lChang said, "It's all just go back because I'm so dis- drinks in their facility and who cops." These poorly laminated well dressed and presentable, 'bridge and tunnel' [crowd]. couraged." is attempting to con them with a IDs covered in holograms are who go to the same clubs a lot. There are cops everywhere The phenomenon seems to fake ID. Graham Murphy, a bar- often easy to spot as fake IDs, Even if one of us doesn't have waiting to bust people." be slowly spreading citywide, tender at The Coliseum Bar and and they certainly do not scan. an ID, we can usually get in For those who refuse to sub- as students at other Manhattan Restaurant in midtown said, "We In order to evade the dreaded anyway," Lee said. mit to the standards of society, universities have noticed a stricter serve all regulars from restaurants scanner, many students inherit Other students befriend don't lose all hope. Through the enforcement of fake ID policies. around here. They're all 25 or expired IDs from older siblings bouncers and bartenders who are implementation of one or more Jake Slovis, NYU '09, said, "A over. We usually don't experi- or friends. "You need a real able to sneak them in without methods of fake ID enforce- lot of it depends on what's trendy ence fake IDs or customers ID of someone older because, much of a hassle. "It's so easy ment evasion, underage drink- at the time. I'll be going to some without IDs, but when we do, basically, everyone scans now," to make friends [with] club ers are still very much able to bar that I think is cool for a while they're fairly obvious." Jonathan Chang, FCLC '09, promoters," Chang .said. "I've continue in their weekend con- and all of a sudden, it will be- "We had a few girls in here said. gone out enough so that people quests, despite increasingly come crowded and they start turn>- with fake IDs last week," Despite the difficulties many at the door know who I am and strict policies that seem to be ing people away. As soon as the Murphy said. "One girl didn't students are experiencing, some just let me in." slowly and steadily sweeping bar isn't trendy anymore, they'll have an ID, [then she] came resourceful students are still Another tactic lies in which the city, one facility at a time. • Getting tangled with men from 'across the pond'

By JENNIE NAU their own bars and clubs that don't his girlfriend, who, in fact, is also again." And he said, "Yeah, sorry STAFF WRITER charge a cover and sell really cheap American. Good lord. about that" Ugh. How stupid. drinks; it's a brilliant idea. Anyway, So I started being called "the To top all of these shenanigans off, I've been living in London for my friends and I were having a drink homewrecker." I didn't really under- at the end of fhe night, James stole about two months, and it has taken when I noticed a group of about stand why, since I didn't think that I my Burberry scarf and ran around me no time at all to figure out the eight British men standing at the bar. had done anything wrong. Alright, ' the bar with it. He tied it around his difference between the kinds of Being an American girl, it was easy maybe I shouldn't have made out neck like an old-fashioned cravat men in New York and London. In to strike up conversation with them, with Andrew, but he kissed me with and scampered down the streets New York, you have to figure out and the next thing I knew, I had made Girl #2 only a few feet away. She's like a gay man in pointe shoes. I whether that cutie you've been eying some new friends. not even his real girlfriend, so no wouldn't have cared if it was a five on the other side of the bar is just a I took a particular liking to James, a one should be mad at me. dollar piece of crap I'd purchased metrosexual or if he really does play blondie with a smirk for a smile. He Thankfully, Andrew went home at a bodega in the city, but it was a for the 'other team.' In London, you seemed innocent and single enough, the next day, so I didn't have to deal gift from my parents and I wanted have to find out, sooner rather than so I figured, "Why not? This could can get kind of intense, so I ended up with that situation anymore. But for it back. It took me a week to later, if that blond-haired blue-eyed be fun." We ended up going out club- getting a little more intoxicated than whatever reason, James and I de- finally get my scarf back, because he Englishmen with the hot accent bing, and things were going pretty planned and making out with An- cided that we were going to pretend wouldn't bring it to me personally. who's been chatting you up all night well when one of his friends men- drew in front of James and Andrew's one another didn't exist.This was A friend of mine actually had to take has a girlfriend. This may seem like tioned that he had a girlfriend.. .after second "girlfriend" (Well, he has childish, I know, but I didn't want it away from him in order to bring it an easy task. Just ask him, right? we had been making out all night. one girlfriend who lives in Wales to get involved with James and his backtome. Even if he lies about it to you, you I wouldn't say I was pissed; I was . and then a mistress, to put it politely, personal problems or end up like Three Brits have cheated on their should at least be able to tell by the more like, "You cheating SOB!" So readily available at school in Lon- Andrew's Girl #2. girlfriends with me thus far, and I embarrassed look on his face. As it I asked, "Do you have a girlfriend?" don). Chaos ensued. AtRoxy's, a A week and a half later, a group bet there would have been more be- turns out, this is definitely not the Looking at me with a straight face, club near Trafalgar Square, I found of us went to Sports Cafe, a bar tween now and June, but cuirently, case in London. staring me directly in the eyes, he out that I had caused a huge fight known for its student Tuesdays and I'm off the market...I found myself On my fourth night 'across the said, "No, I don't. Who told you between Andrew and his mistress. its pound-for-a-pint special. I was a proper English bloke. As for the pond,' some friends and I decided that?" Liar. I should have known. James, cheater extraordinaire, dancing the night away when James cheaters, Andrew and I have become that we were going to go to Inter: Twenty-four hours later, I was started making out with another, came up behind me mid started friends and drinking buddies, but Mission, one of the student bars playing British drinking games with girl, then proceeded to yell at me for dancing with me. I ignored him the James and I still pretend we don't located at the Marylcbonc campus Andrew, a mysterious Brit with dark making out with Andrew. While in first time, but after the third or fourth know each other's name. I guess of the University of Westminster. features and a hot bod, and some of the bathroom, my friend Natasha time, I turned around and said, "1 some men, whether they ore British or Yes, universities in London have his friends. British drinking games told me that James was still with guess this means we arc speaking American, will never grow up, • fprdharhobserver.cqm THE OBSERVER I March 1,2007-1 FEATURES 17 The Top 5: DriwakgW anthems

By ANNE MARIE DEV1TO Girls toss aside their pettiness ing and even furious 'walks confections, this is the song to must intensely pump clenched STAFF WRITER . for three sweet minutes to out the door.' indulge in your fantasy. For fists into the air, hold onto the bond over the issues of wom- drunk girls, it is their practice feelingi°and drink another cold It is 1:45 a.m. in a dimly lit anhood. But certain require- Annoying Factor; no one audition for the next Pussycat one. It's the perfect existential bar with a monosyllabic name ments must be met. First, the really knows the lyrics besides Dolls reality show. Hopefully, song to lead to alcoholism. (such as 'Joe's', 'Smith,' or lyrics must have easy-to-re- the three words that will be they will catch the. eyes of just 'Bar'). The crowd has member lyrics that have been repeated some creepy, old man in flannel Annoying Factor: be cautious dwindled down to the regu- branded in the minds of every who will replenish their self- around strangers as the power lars who stare into the bottom girl. Also, the song must 4. Life is a mystery.... "Like esteem and buy them amaretto of this song could cause inap- of their empty glasses as if have a strong opening that a Prayer" sours. However, word to the propriate hugging, grabbing or hoping to find the secret of is recognizable through the wise, don't feel inspired to touching life. Or at least someone to go most intense fogs of intoxica- Lyrics: "When you call my douse yourself with your sweet home with them. There are the tion. Most importantly, the name I it's like a little prayer drink. You will not be hot, but 1, Here's the thing, we men with loosened ties, re- song must have some uplifting /I'm down on my knees /I merely sticky and drenched started out friends ... "Since cently divorced women taking message of independence and wanna take you there" from your head to your feet. You've been Gone" tequila shots, and who can for- empowerment. With the clear Yeah. get, the 'couple' occupying the understanding of these simple Break out the rosary beads for Lyrics: "Since you 've been corner table (who will obvi- requirements, I give you the this one, girls! No one is better Annoying Factor: things can gone /1 can breathe for the ously find the secret of life in top five Drunk Girl Anthems. known for girl power messages get a little ugly when some first time /I'm so moving on the nearest $70 motel room). than the Material Girl. In light girls decide to use props for I Yeah, yeah / thanks to you / Suddenly, the mood lightens 5. At first, I was afraid, of our strong Jesuit ideals, their performances, nearby now I get / what I want" with a familiar tune and every, I was petrified ... "I Will. singing this classic should re- poles or bar tops may be vio- girl between the ages, of 19 Survive" ally count towards our theology lated The impact of this song and 24 screams, "Oh my God! requirement. It is, after all, has changed the art of break- I loooooove this song!" Lyrics: "I1I will survive / about the holy nature of love 2. Just a small town girl, ing up forever. No longer do The girls gather into a circle as long as I know how to love and has absolutely no sexual livin' in a lonely world... girls sob into wads of tissues in any available Open space I know I will stay alive I I've . undertone. "Don't Stop Believing" with two-day old smears of and begin "singing." To the got all my life to live / and I've Ben and Jerry's on their faces onlookers of the bar, the per- got all my love to give /Iwill Annoying Factor: there are Lyrics: "Don't stop believing while watching all the deleted formance consists ofjoff-key survive " a few high octave notes that /hold onto the feeling / street- scenes of the "The Notebook" shouting to the same four or ' should never be attempted light people " over and over again. Instead, five lyrics paired with drunk- % This is an oldie, but a goody. sober, let alone when alcohol they can display the utmost en, gyrating Britney-esque It touches the hearts of every has seeped in to cause tone No one knows how to power emotional maturity by starting dance moves. However, to girl post-breakup,, mid-break- deafness ballad like a big-haired band a girls-only mosh pit in public each of these drunk girls, this up, or about to graduate Ford- from the 70s. Journey is a places without being arrested. is her moment to shine. This ham without a potential job in 3. Love is like a bomb ... token bar tune that transcends Thank you Kelly Clarkson, for is her inner American Idol on sight. Without fail, every girl "Pour Some Sugar on Me" gender lines, an anthem for giving girls across the nation display, this is her romantic has a particular guy in mind both girls and guys. Its appeal a reason to drink, bond, and comedy movie moment, this when singing this song. On • Lyrics: "Pour some sugar on is in its unbelievable power move on.' Correction, we're song is soooo her life right rare, but delightful occasions, me / ooh, in the name of love / to unite drinkers of all ages. "sooo moving on." now. It is her Drunk Girl that particular guy may even I'm hot, sticky sweet from my Let's face it, no one in college Anthem. be present in the bar! This head to my feet, yeah " . or most bars at 2 a.m. knows Annoying Factor: none, A Drunk Girl Performance allows for great relationship what they are believing in gen- this song is currently in is a beautiful thing to witness. drama laced ^vith finger point- For anyone with a fetish for eral. All they know is, they my iPod on "Repeat" •

What you should know about Windows Vista: Highlights qf Microsoft's latest operating system

By PJ WILLIAMS rity...right now you're probably STAFF WRITER thinking that Vista would be a Security, performance pretty cool upgrade. Well, there So you've probably been hear- are also a couple of negative * •Sui .i • SupcrFctcrt * -Sfaep - ' ing a lot of talk about this new Wet snas. retmenrber© aspects of Vista. One of these is thing called Windows Vista. No, to prevarrt the system requirements. You're it's not some new cleaning spray, rnl going to need a fast computer if nor is it a new sports drink. Vista aa moat and p you plan to upgrade from Win- is Microsoft's new PC operating rjin i-mrs rrintri irr:> tnivrvrry. dows XP to Vista. Even if you system and the next evolution of Irori •A-JI LJ&er &o the do buy a new computer with Windows XP. Due to its recent Accnunl Control Vista already installed, your release, many are unfamiliar purchase is going to be espe- with what the new system has cially expensive because of the to offer its users. Here's an out- The look hardware inside. Then there are line of what Vista's all about: • Stare menu the different versions of Vista. The first thing that you'll utilizo? ei This gets kind of confusing; notice is the new interface. there are several different ver- Microsoft has tried to bring a sions that vary in price due to fresh look to this version of what's included. Microsoft.com Windows. Menus and windows has an in-depth list of the dif- will all have a more colorful, ferent features of the versions visually pleasing look. Though to fit any consumer. this isn't gojng to be reason Bottom line: wait. Only enough for people to upgrade, • Nao Explorers dedicated Windows fans will it is an expected feature shew v*hn! G in be buying a copy of Vista. I especially because Macs are recommend waiting until your infamous for their flashy user opsnes current PC breaks down so you interface. In fact, Microsoft has can just buy a new one with even "borrowed" a few features * Windows, fiktsra ; • Witwdauns Sidebar Vista already installed. This is Smlth/MCT that Macs have had for a while, for two main reasons. The first One of these "new" features A look at Vista's operating system... is that Microsoft is going to be is the Gadget system. Gad- aren't limited to saving you of solitaire to an intense game of why Vista has improved security. pushing their new system and gets are little applications that some time and space. They can World of Warcraft, all the games A lot of this has been automated, Windows XP will soon become serve a simple purpose on the also display games, fun facts that you have on your computer as Vista will look for security obsolete. Software updates and desktop so that you don't have .and even measurement convert- will be neatly organized here. Updates and back up important customer support will eventu- to open up a new window. ers to play around with when With Vista,' games graphics will information if anything happens ally be phased out for Windows Mac users may think that this you're supposed to be working also look better than they did to your computer, It also protects XP, and Vista will start to get sounds a lot like Widgets, and on a term paper. with Windows XP because of you from potential online prob- cool features that you can't get they' re right because Gadgets One area where Microsoft the new DirectX 10 application. lems like viruses, Vista will stop on XP. The second reason is and Widgets are pretty much does have a clear advantage over Without boring you with the viruses before they can actually that you know that it'll work on the same thing. For example, Macs is in gaming, and Vista specifics of how it works, all do harm to your system. Only your system. Upgrading can be a there could be a Gadget that promises not to disappoint. The you need to know is that this time (and really good hackers) little tricky,.and the system may displays the weather so that new Games Explorer feature application makes games look will tell how effective these not run as smoothly as possible, you don't have to open up will allow you to organize all the very pretty. security features actually are, Buying a machine with Vista in- Internet Explorer to search for. games that you install on your Windows' biggest weakness is Great graphics, improved stalled means that all you have it. The Gadgets' capabilities computer, From a casual game all the bugs that it gots, which is interface and better secu- to do is turn it on and enjoy. • 18 FEATURES I March 1,2007 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Becoming domesticated with fried chicken Fordham and

ByALINASOLER I even started to make my favorite harder than it actually is, and this is FEATBRES EDITOR inner peace restaurant meals in the comforts of coming from someone who once my own little kitchen. set spaghetti on fire. But I assure Maybe it was late-night Top'Chef My favorite vacation memories you, it's definitely worth the effort By JULIAN OQUENDO morning and look out the windowc marathons. Maybe it was Rachel usually include Mickey Mouse, tan- And maybe you'll fry your way COPY EDITOR at the sun rising. It's beautiful and Ray (pre-annoying morning show). ning and food. At least one night into your friends' hearts too. calms me down from my busy Or maybe I was just getting tired of during a vacation, I like to eat at an Recently, New York Magazine schedule," said Alyssa Gunsolus, EasyMac, scrambled eggs or what- extra touristy restaurant like Planet Sweet fried chicken , published an issue on finding inner FCLC '09. ever else I could toast and/or burn Hollywood. Besides being a bit of 1 reg. box Capitan Crunch, peace in New York City. The Ob- Relationships were also consid- on my mini George Foreman grill. a movie buff (obsession #6), I love crumbled. server decided to publish its own ered important by the student body Whatever it was, one day I sud- their sweet and crunchy fried chick- 1/2 reg. box plain corn flakes analysis on the subject and'asked in achieving inner peace. denly decided: I want to learn how en tenders. I had seen my mom bread (any brand), crumbled Fordham students how they find "I find that having someone, to cook. and fry chicken before, so I figured I about 3 lbs. of skinless chick- rest and relaxation at college in the [whether a romantic relationship or I'm somewhat of a "jack of all had enough knowledge to try it out en breast city and how they ldok for a more friendship], I love and trust and can trades and master of..." little, not On my first attempt, I breaded 1 lg. egg calming world-perspective. talk to about myself without fear of "none." I tend to go through these the chicken with crushed Frosted 1/4 c. milk The process was as scientific as judgment brings me peace of mind obsessive phases where I feel like Flakes, which was definitely sweet flour messaging people on Facebook to more mat anything else," said Ni- I need to know everything about a and pretty good but not quite right. garlic powder, to taste anonymously report their answers cole Brodeuf, FCLC '07. particular thing, whether it be base- Then my mom suggested a com- pinch of salt and black pepper (in other words, not scientific at all). On theother hand, "avoiding all ball, neurology, fashion, pet care, bination of Captain Crunch and canola oil, for frying The results were somewhat sur- men" was apretty popular response Freudian dream interpretations... regular corn flakes. The result was prising. Simply talking about inner among Fordham students. you name it Until now, the only two exactly what I was looking for su- - Cut chicken breast into thick peace seemed to relax a lot of the Most students could generally obsessions that have stood the test per crunchy with a perfect balance of strips, and season lightly with people I got to sit down with. There agree that inner peace could only of time are the Mete (Shea was like sweet and saltiness. I know it sounds garlic, adding just a pinch of salt was no one answer or formula, and begin and end with oneself and that my second home last season), and really cheesy, but I can honestly say and black pepper throughout. In students, in fact, were very inclined the effort put into find inner peace is martial arts films, which have made that the taste of the chicken made me a small bowl, beat egg and milk. to talk about it essential to the process. me want to change my goal in life feel like I was on vacation again and In a separate bowl, pour flour. There were mixed results as to 'You must have the determination to being a magazine journalist/Thai far, far away from Jersey. In a third (large) bowl, mix whether the city, on its own, was or and the clarity of mind to demand a warrior. Weeks later, I decided to invite my crumbled Captain Crunch and wasn't its own inner peace site. pause every once in a while," said But something about my cooking boyfriend and his friends, my big- corn flakes. '"New York is a crazy place, but Lily Styles, FCLC '09. "Everyone obsession was different I started gest taste testing group yet, over for mere's a kind of tranquility in the jieeds a break from time to timean d off small, strictly sticking to the di- a dinner. I knew they would be more - Coat chicken by first dip- chaos. Walking the streets or riding when you're living in a society that rections and making 'fairly simple' brutally honest than anyone else ping it in the flour, then in the the subway, being anyplace alone is in constant motion, it's hard to re- dishes I found in Mom's recipe stash. could ever be. The feminist in me egg wash. Press crumbled cereal really—museums, restaurants, mind yourself when to stop on your For lack of better words, I really almost cringes thinking about how mix firmly into coated chicken, movies; I like the idea of millions own." sucked. My first culinary creations I spent over an hour crushing cereal making sure to bread the entire of people all together and all apart," According to Pavel Stasny, FCLC usually resulted in spills, minor in- and frying die chicken strips, clad in chicken strip. Repeat until all said Julia Zangrilli, FCLC '08. 'It's '09, "If the person has the will pow- juries and small (but thankfully, a red and white apron. It was a bit too chicken strips are thoroughly a kind of unification through soli- er and is no pussy, then there should containable) fires in my kitchen. "Leave it to Beaver" for me at first. breaded. tude, and I mean that in the most not beaproblem of equilibrium [be- "I can't wait until you're over this But five pounds of chicken later, one positive way." tween] mind, body and spirit!" crap," my mom would say as she of the guys leaned back in his chair - Cook strips in heated oil For others, the process of finding Despite the awkward circum- assisted in damage control. and eloquently said, "That was really until golden brown. Remove inner piece involved trying to get stances, it's relevant to mention I didn't get over it, but I did get bet- f good." And there it was. My and place on a tray line with away from busy city life. "When I how most students said they found ter and became confident enough to crowning achievement My MTV paper towels to absorb ex- can, I go to the ocean. Seeing the themselves comforted by talking stray from recipes. I substituted and Made moment I can cook. cess oil. Serve and enjoy! ocean spread out into what looks about the things they enjoyed do- added ingredients. More recently, Making the chicken sounds a lot like infinity is strangely comforting: ing. Whether it was sharing about I can go to the beach and do noth- walking through the park, watching ing but just be," said one Fordham television or in rarer cases, smok- student ing a joint, there was the common think summer • think fordham For Sydney Painter, FCLC'09,re- denominator of the tranquility of treating indoors is a calming experi- simply talking about it ence. '1 like to heft my Shakespeare With no clear recipe tor inner anthology and some Gatorade [up peace, we are then challenged to onto my bunk bed] and feel cul- find it our own personalities: tured," she said. "Also, I watch a lot "I just think of that one thing of TV on DVD, due to a recent sale to which I am looking forward, at Barnes and Noble. Right now, and I become peaceful and happy I'm focusing on the West Wing—a again, even if it is only briefly," wagon I can't believe I didn't get on said Lindsay Knuckles, FCLC until now. Aaron Sorkin helps me '08. "I guess you could say I give feel closer to gdd." myself various incentives to take "I like to sit in the window sill my mind off the things in life that of the common room early in the would normally get me down." • Interested in writing The Observer?

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EDITOR. nPI /\ fordhamobierver.com THE OBSERVER FORDHAM UNIVERSITY'S AWARD WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER 20 I March 1,2007 LITERARY THE OBSERVER Little Boy Balenciaga ByRAYDADEMO OPINIONS EDITOR

whooshed in and around the tub, the boy peeled off and let it anchor there. He squatted in the dirt and his sparkling cocktail dress, his chic head-wrap, and dumped out the contents of his frayed leather purse. -i- left them in a very expensive pile on the cold marble One stainless-steel coffee pot. Three wax bananas. tile. He took more care with his gloves, pausing to The little boy straightened his black-and- A crumpled wad of Monopoly money. Six chocolate examine the meticulous beadwork and dainty stitch- white mini-dress and took a slug of cranberry juice pudding cups. ing that his mother had once pointed out. from his spill-proof sippy cup. He was chubby for a The boy smiled at his bounty. This collection seven year-old, with a high, round belly and double Two days ago, he had seen his mother smash of items would be perfect for the afternoon he had in chin that lent him the profile of a bite-sized Alfred all the dishes in the house and drive off in her glit- mind: jumping in and out of chalk drawings, enjoy- Hitchcock. In the company of children with runnier tery red car. Watching her swerve into the street, the ing high tea on the ceiling, robbing banks. He lined noses and dirtier shins, he seemed frigid and prissy; boy's stomach had felt wobbly—but he didn't want his treasures up in a neat L and carefully brushed far too standoffish for a fat child's own good. Here, to think about that now. The memory left him with a away the cactus needles that clung to everything, though, in the shadowy solitude of his half-renovated gnawing feeling in his chest, a yawning hollow that purse included. basement, the boy allowed himself to sparkle freely. he couldn't articulate or manage to fill. The previous day, the boy's cactus had been Standing before a cruddy, cracked full-length mirror, Standing naked before another set of mirrors, shot in the face by a band of thieving desperadoes. As he posed himself like a living porcelain doll: pouting the boy scratched his butt and admired the clown the outlaws galloped out of his cul-de-sac, the boy his lips, tossing his hair, balling his fists, twitching smile left behind by his cranberry juice. He reached shook one beefy fist in their direction and used the F- his hips. He may not have had any friends, but he out with two stubby fingers and traced the lines of word. Promptly after, he dug a small hole and buried sure did look fabulous in his mother's high heels. his reflected face, lightly clawing the glass with his his friend upside down, pot-and-all, kicking dirt on nails. the plant corpse with one untied sneaker. The shoes were chunky and white; primeval mules that his mother once wore to a costume party. The boy had hours to fill. After he finished Now, the boy had moved on. He wanted to Now they belonged to the pudgy boy's trunk of dress- his bubble bath, he would probably sit Indian-style sing and dance. In high soprano. up items. As a grin stretched across his pudding-- in the driveway and eat pudding cups. That sounded "Feeeeed the birds, tuppence a bag... stained face, the boy wobbled in the canoe heels and pretty okay, he figured. If she didn't come home to- Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag. Feeeeed the clack-clack-clacked his way across the cement floor. night, he would rifle through her good jewelry and birds...that's what she cries..while overhead, her He took a few tentative steps backward and paused leave a mess for her to find. birds fill the skiiiies." : _» to fall in love with his reflection. What a shame, he For now, though, the churning applause of He danced around the tree with wild aban- thought, that only the tips of his shoes remained vis- the faucet was enough, coming at him like,waves of don, swaying and stretching his arms up toward the ible; the rest swallowed up under his strapless Balen- affection over fantasy footlights. ash-colored sky. Occasionally, he high-kicked the air ciaga, bunched in a twinkling heap around his an- and winded himself. kles. • • ••; - - He was hovering in and out of an unreliable memory; a fantasy he'd glued together from faded Outside these games of pretend, he had no recollections and bits of fried celluloid. He was in a desire to be female. Still, there was something- movie: one that he'd seen a hundred times. . 2 ;i something just beyond the edge of his perception •••' .'• .••• - •••' • that made him ache for a woman's hysterical mood The boy's mother had exposed him to Mary swings. Peggy Lee, Rita Hayworth, Maggie the Cat: Poppins. Now, she was his favorite action hero. u these were the seductresses his mother kept flickering Mlfhe had Iqazned one,thing from his Something., about her .irnperviousness and, pageboy on the family-room television set. The boy studied mother, he understood that the world could[ haircut really appealed to him. them all intently, borrowing their swiveling hips and "Kindly close your mouth," he said to no one smoky baritones to intensify the blues and purples of be unkind to fragile things. M in-particular, adopting an accent of British perfec- his carefully tinted self-portrait. tion. "We are not a codfish." .. Chin high, the boy marched over to his row As he sashayed back and forth, fluttering his of pudding cups and peeled one open. Having forgot- smudged Cleopatra eyes, the boy warbled a song he'd ten a spoon, he stuck his tongue directly inside and heard on his mother's car radio: The little boy straightened his pillbox hat, slurped the chocolate out of its plastic cup, soiling "Like my dress? I must admit it's very smoothed the stickers on his beat-up old purse and the corners of his round face. ooooold. But it's simple and neat. It's just right for tramped across the wet crabgrass of his school's Here and there, the boy's fantasy evaporat- the heat. Save my furs for the cold." playground. It was parent-teacher conference day and ed and he was peripherally aware of two latch-key "Oh, brother!" the boy squealed, wrapping bruisers staring at him from the seesaw, chuckling his head with a silk Hermes scarf and skittering over Aunt Vivian had told him to wait by the swing set while she met with the headmistress. The boy didn't in his direction and slapping their knees. He could to a small potted cactus. "Cactus, look! Look at how tell that his pudding dance was really shocking them, sexy I am. I'm stunning." care about being left alone. In fact he preferred it to spending time with Aunt Vivian, who had been stay- but he didn't care. The boy had no time for morons. When he got no reaction from the stoic cac- ing with him ever since his mother stopped coming He knew all about important things like Anita O'Day tus, the boy thrust one bejeweled finger in the plant's home. The playground was friendlier after school, and crepe-textured silk. Who were these slobs to direction and bellowed: anyway, when it was near-deserted and the boy was laugh at him? The boy hated them. Their puffy coats "What the hell do you know, goddamnitl free to tap dance under the gnarled, arthritic limbs of and bowl-haircuts revolted him. You're nothing but a faggoty old cactus. Sometimes, its massive oak trees. Still, these boys were much stronger and I think I despise you." much dumber than he was, and if he had learned one Bristling, he toddled his way, knock-kneed The boy had no real feelings for his Aunt Viv- thing from his mother, he understood that the world and hesitant, up the basement's rickety staircase and ian. She seemed helpless and blank. It bothered him could be unkind to fragile things. spilled out into the sun-drenched foyer of his empty, that she never knew where anything was kept, that "Hey!" one barked from the seesaw. "What suburban palace. He kicked off his shoes and heaved she couldn't find the silverware at dinnertime. To his are you supposed to be today?" a deep sigh. way of thinking, women were meant to be wicked, glamorous things that threw plates and smoked long The boy did not respond. Instead, he skipped "Honey, I'm home. I'll take my cocktail on cigarettes. Sure, Aunt Vivian smoked—but she also in place, bending over to pick a marigold and toss it the veranda." cried far too much for his taste. in the air. The boy scratched at his balls and noticed All week long, Aunt Vivian had been dress- "Hey!" the bruiser piped up, getting off the the front door standing wide open. Earlier in the af- seesaw and lumbering over to the boy's oak tree. "I ternoon, he'd sat on the stoop, eating chocolate pud- ing him up and dragging him around to musty church- es and frigid cemeteries. Before her arrival, the boy said, 'What are you supposed to be dressed up like?'" ding and drawing the cypress trees that bracketed his He stomped his feet and furrowed his brow, expec- driveway. He must have left it unlocked. Now, dried went to the movies every weekend. Now he hadn't seen one since before his mother drove off in her glit- tantly. October leaves had blown inside and were spiraling The boy glanced over his shoulder at the around the foyer like crinkled, dead dragonflies. tery car. Aunt Vivian had tried to tell him that his mother wasn't ever coming home —something about bruiser, eyeing his hangdog jowls and filthy sneak- The boy shivered. He nudged the door closed her being buried under the dirt in a big cigar box- ers. With a snort, he turned back to his treasures and with his foot. but the boy thought that was just ridiculous. He knew tore into another pudding cup. His mother hadn't been home for two days. she'd be back. Just as soon as she finished getting her The bruiser descended, swatting the pudding The boy wasn't exactly sure of her whereabouts, but nails done or buying a new scarf or doing whatever it out of the boy's hands and shoving him sideways he figured that she wouldn't be gone permanently. was that she was doing. against the tree. Caught off-guard, the boy tumbled, The smell of her Virginia Slims, however faint, still As he walked, his dangerously large high losing a high heel and scraping his shoulder on tough hung in the air, enchanting the house while she was heels sloshing in the cold mud, the boy dragged bark. When he regained his footing, he thought to off getting her nails done or buying a new scarf or behind him a burgundy umbrella —something he'd clutch his raw shoulder and, almost instinctively, doing whatever it was that she was doing. found a few days earlier in the guest room crawl- sank to the ground. "/ don't ordinarily drink with strangers,.,! space. This parasol (as he called it) granted him the He whimpered. most usually drink alone. But you were so awfully power of flight and the boy planned to use it later, Then, he realized Mary Poppins would never nice to ask me...and I'm so terribly far from home. " for a lucrative and uncomplicated bank robbery. On act like such a whiny faggot. In his mother's elegantly decorated bath- cither wrist, turquoise bracelets clanked as the boy The boy wobbled to his feet and slapped the room, the boy filled the porcelain Jacuzzi, as he did swept gnats out of his shadow-streaked eyes. A bright dirt from his halter-top. He hated the shaky stomach every afternoon, with tepid water and Cinderella green haltcr-top rode up over his potbelly. he got from feeling helpless. He locked eyes with the bubble bath, allowing it to brim pink with foamy bruiser and, almost instantly, felt his gooey nerves suds and swcct-smclling perfume. While the water When he reached his favorite tree, the boy .stubbed the ground with the tip of his umbrella turning to steel. He stopped trembling and picked the fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER March 1,2007 I LITERARY 21

wedgie from his butt. children bumped into one another as they hoofed mother going to come home? If he had a shovel, tfie The bruiser shouted again. "What are you across the yard —a haphazard parade of coats, boy considered, he would dig her and his cactus up supposed to be dressed up like?" scarves, and misery. and go to the movies. The boy hummed softly to The boy clenched his fists and snarled, his Aunt Vivian had told him to be nice to the himself, drifting away from the backyard and imag- mouth dripping pudding the way a lion's drips blood. other children. She'd worked hard to assemble this ining a trip to the local cinema. He was buying a He shrieked. play-date and asked him to please not be so unusual. bucket of popcorn for his cactus when he heard the "I'm Mary Poppins, you shitty retard!" Still, the boy didn't need Aunt Vivian to give him creak-clang of the back gate. The boy howled and his attacker took one orders. He had a makeshift army, three handbags full The boy looked up and locked eyes with a step back. Suddenly, he felt powerful, durable; tall. of pudding, and a song in his heart: <. zit-plagued, broad-shouldered sixth-grader. Through With one clean yank, he released his umbrella from "/. am so stunning. I drink cocktails on my the slats of his fence, the boy noticed Philip, the the ground and hoisted it high above his head. The veranda. Old men want to marry me and buy me dia- snot-nosed faggot, wiping his eyes and straining for bruiser's face drained. monds and cigarettes." a better view. "Now, get away from me or I'll smash all After five-or-so minutes of marching, a red- "Hey, you!" the sixth-grader barked. the dishes in your house and burn you with my ciga- haired kindergartener named Philip plopped himself The boy glanced behind him at the army. rette!" on the frozen ground in a heap of his own defiance. They had stopped marching and were now whisper- The bruiser looked to his friend on the see- The little boy stood on top of him and called him a ing amongst themselves. He felt mildly intimidated. saw, who shrugged anxiously. While his attacker's jerk-ass until he agreed to keep marching. When he turned back, the sixth-grader was in his head was turned, the boy set about kicking and punch- A few moments after that, Craig, the neigh- face—a shouting, spitting behemoth with no neck ing the air—like a gorgeous, shrieking windmill. He borhood's only African-American, farted and forgot and one eyebrow. made animal noises and pounded the ground "Yeah, I'm talking to you! You think it's with his umbrella. cool to pick on my little brother? Huh? You The bruiser sprinted back toward think it's cool to step on him?" the seesaw and the boy gave chase, hob- The little boy gasped sharply and patted the bling across the crabgrass in one white heel, ground behind him, searching frantically for his swinging blindly at the^ir and hoping—just umbrella. His fingers grazed the wooden han- hoping—to make contact with the bruiser's dle, just as the sixth grader grabbed him by the ribs. apron strings and flung him across the yard. Eventually though, ' the bruiser SMACK. The boy landed, face-first, on the. proved too fast for him and escaped the boy's freeze-dried ground. He tasted dirt. His face umbrella by dashing around the far end of stung. Terrified of being hit again, he rolled the tetherball court and out into the park- over and shielded his face from the older boy.. ing lot. Glad to be rid of him, the boy put The sixth-grader snatched up the boy's um- his head between his knees and wheezed. He brella. "Is this what you were looking for, you tore off his remaining high heel and chucked little shit?" it against a tree. It felt good to be in con- . The boy's breathing quickened. His chest trol. felt tight. He was gasping for air. . The boy admired his big umbrella "What were you gonna do with it, huh?" and smiled. It was exactly this sort of thing The sixth-grader lifted the umbrella and .that made people like Mary Poppins look brought it down, stopping just short of the little powerful and unafraid. As l\e trudged back boy's face. He did it over and over, so many across the playground, caking his bare socks times that, after a while, the boy could do noth- with mud, the boy wondered how much ing but whimper. longer Aunt Vivian would be talking to the On his back, cringing every time the weap- headmistress. He hoped he had at least ten on came near him, the boy felt helpless in a way minutes. He wanted,to teach the bruiser's that- Mary Poppins never would have. Danger pal—still motionless on the seesaw—a les- loomed large above him.. And where was Mary son. , Poppins? Absent. / When he reached the seesaw, he The grinning sixth-grader lifted the umbrel- tapped its rusted fulcrum with the fat end la high above his head and let it linger there. bf'His-umbrella. The bruiser's pal hung his jQn .the^grojuj)di,1th,e, boy wheezsdoiHiSi^myJiad head and absently fingered the zipper of his disbanded. No one could help himV " ••- •puffy coat. The sixth-grader grunted and tensed up. "Now," the boy began. "We must He raised the umbrella higher and just as he teach you to speak properly. No more slop- prepared to send it crashing down on the little py vowels-. No more of your larking about! boy... Get off that seesaw and find me my shoes! . A reprieve. . . . ' Spit-Spot!" Something had grabbed the umbrella! ;< :••<•[ The little boy peeled his hands from his face and saw a figure: taller and leaner than any sixth-grader, a cigarette dangling from her lips. • Aunt Vivian. The majestic smoking wom- -3- an. The line of children straightened With one flick of her dazzling hand, she instinctively when the little boy passed, ev- had seized the umbrella, yanked it from the be- eryone visibly conscious of their own un- hemoth's hands and tossed it into the bushes. tied shoes and soft posture. As the boy Now, in the little boy's eyes, she shot fire- wobbled past in his white mules, he balls at the sixth-grader and made him pee whacked his palm threateningly, with his pants. the handle of his umbrella—just daring "Go home, you fucking degener- anyone to threaten his hard-won sover- ate," Aunt Vivian said with sheer disgust, eignty. blowing a clean puff of smoke in the air. Of course, no one did. The boy The little boy watched as the sixth- knew they were gutless. This was, after grader turned red and bolted through the gate. all, his backyard and, in spite of every- JEHfc. He looked up at his aunt, but saw no victory thing else, he knew no one wanted to in her eyes. She seemed tired and care-worn. be poked with the pointy end of an um- Jula Pttra/Itw Observer Aunt Vivian heaved with agitation and rubbed brella. to excuse himself. The little boy slapped the backs of her forehead. Focusing on any direction but his, she This appealed to the boy's inner tyrant. He his knees with the umbrella and used the F-w"ord. spoke, tense and worn out: liked being rigid and menacing. Just like Mary Pop- When pale, anemic-looking Evelyn started "God damn it, Rupert. Must you? Must you, pins. to cry, the little boy punched her in the stomach and really?" "Now," he began, shaking his umbrella in shoved her face in a rotten pumpkin shell. He then The boy looked down at his one lonely high a little girl's face, "we're going to march around stole her plastic headband and kept it for himself. heel and bit his lip. His eyes filled with tears but he the backyard...my backyard...and see who gets tired It had only been ten minutes and already the refused to cry. Something had overtaken him —a lost first. If you get tired, the others will walk over you boy's troops looked like staggering zombies, bored feeling that set him adrift; something that ground and squash your body. Then, I will stab you with my and glassy-eyed. They pleaded with him to play a him into the dirt and made his hands feel small. His parasol sixty-seven times. I will also bury you over different game, but there was no use. round face scrunched and, suddenly, it seemed clear there in the bushes, next to my other friend who was "We'll play this game until you get it right. that he had no business pretending to be Mary Pop- shot in the face by bandits. If you cry when I kill Don't slouch." pins. you, you will die a coward's death...and I won't la- When the boy's back was turned, Philip- There was a Mary Poppins. A real one. Or bel your tombstone. That way, no one will ever visit feeling brave and living only two houses away — at least there had been one, once. But now she had your grave...because they"won't know that you're bolted for the fence and got away. vanished. Back into the clouds. buried in the bushes. Also: I am not going to march. "Damn," the little boy whispered to him- Sitting cross-legged in the dirt, the boy felt I am going to stand in the middle of the backyard self, adjusting his new plastic headband and burn- left behind. and sing a song I wrote this morning." ing with impotent fury. Sometimes he hated being a Aunt Vivian dangled one. exquisite hand in It was cold in the backyard and the boy wore child. He wished he knew how to drive a car so that front of his face and said, "Up off the ground, Ru- no coat. His only protection against the elements he could speed down the street and run Philip over. pert. We're going to find your other high heel." was a lily-white apron that he'd found next to the Briefly, he flirted with the idea of chasing him on The boy took his aunt's hand and, to- electric cake-mixer. The other kids were bundled foot, but didn't want to leave his army unattended. gether, they shuffled back inside his moth- like care packages, but still shivered —more from Tired of his army, the boy sat on the rickety er's house, leaving his now-crooked um- fear than cold. steps of his back porch and rested his head in his brella to perish in a nearby cypress tree. • The boy yelled "March!" and the five other hands. Play-dates were boring things. When was his 22 SPORTS | March 1,20071 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Let the Madness begin Soft-spoken Stout

ByROBWHITBECK likely enter the tournament with a in their upset victory over UCLA. STAFF WRITER leads rams to success middle seed and will have a chance to take some teams by surprise. Pittsburgh - The Panthers will The college basketball post sea- have a tournament life that will son tournament is one of the most largely depend on the match-ups popular and unpredictable events they receive. Led by massive 7- in sports. Whether it is the single foot, 270 pound center Aaron Gray, elimination rule of the tournament the Panthers will be able to domi- or the fact that 64 teams have an nate any undersized team. If Gray equal shot at the championship, is neutralized under the boards March Madness remains the pinna- cle of college basketball. Here are a few of the teams to watch this year.

PatjWTSchnelta/KRT University of Florida's Joakim Noah

Florida - As the defending na- tional champion, Florida will ob- viously be a favorite going into the tournament They have both Nabil K. Mark/Centre Dally Itas/MCT shooting ability and two players, Ohio State's Greg Oden

however, the Panthers will have Virginia Tech's Lewis Witcher (21) trouble defending the perimeter.

Virginia Tech - One of many Ohio State - Led by 7-foot, 280 teams out of the ACC with legitimate pound freshman phenomenon championship ambitions, Virginia Greg Oden, Ohio State, similarly Tech is a well-balanced, versatile to Pittsburgh, will easily dominate team. Virginia Tech is led by senior undersized teams. However, they guard Zabian Dowdell and three, have demonstrated their incon- other players, all averaging over sistency this season in big games, 10 points per game; None of those losing to Florida, North Carolina J^yers^wever, are over 6 feet 7 and Wisconsin and only defeat- inches and the Hokies only 7-footer ing one ranked team. Ohio State sees little playing time. Neverthe- should coast through the ear- less, Virginia Tech is a team who has given No. 4 North Carolina two of their four losses and has a reputa- Courtesy of Fordham Athletics tion for playing better in big games. Marcus Stout looks to pass the ball to an open teammate.

By SHAWN TRIGGS me want to do the same." STAFF WRITER Ron Cortes/ Philadelphia Inqutrer/MCT Hailing from Southfield, Pittsburgh's Antonio Graves Mich., Stout has been play- Wearing the No. 1 jer- ing basketball since he was Al Horford and standout Joakim sey for the Fordham Rams five years old when he at- Noah, who can be a force under and standing tall at 6 feet 4 tended the Chuck Daly Camp the boards. With only three losses inches, guard Marcus Stout, (Daly was an old coach of the this season, Florida has earned their FCRH '08, has accom- Detroit Pistons). Stout ex- ranking, but their loss to unranked plished something that only pected to continue his game Florida State and recent loss at 31 Rams before him have at a college like Fordham, the hands of Vanderbilt prove that done—surpassed the 1,000 "because from the begin- they can still be taken by surprise. point mark in his career. Not ning I knew that I had some only has Stout reached this skills and with hard work West Virginia - The Mountaineers milestone, but he is also the I could play college ball." boast a deep team with two 7-foot, leading scorer for the Rams Growing up, Stout idolized 250 pound centers, Rob Summers with 373 points this season. Isiah Thomas, yet does not Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/MCT and Jamie Smalligan, both of whom To Stout, while his 1,000- model his own game after any- North Carolina's Ty Lawson (5) could prove to be a problem for point accomplishment was one and just wants to be the many teams. If they play a defensive, unexpected, it was a great best possible player he can be consistent game, they can really put Her rounds, but may be unable to achievement. "I just feel when stepping on the court. Ted Richardson/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT pressure on teams, as demonstrated play up to the level of their peers. blessed that I was able to be Though he leads the team Duke's (from left) Jon Scheyer, Josh in a situation where I had in steals with 43 this season,. McRoberts and Lance Thomas North Carolina - North Car- good teammates and coaches Stout continues to stay mod- olina plays an exciting, fast- around me to help me reach est and is not totally pleased Duke - Duke coach Mike Krzyze- paced style of offense, led by this goal," Stout said. As the with his performance thus far. wski may have the most victories of Tyler Hansbrough. However, Rams' leading scorer, Stout "Although I am the lead- any coach in college basketball be- the Tarheels starting five is said that he does not feel ad- ing scorer, that doesn't make fore his career is over and rarely los- composed of a sophomore and ditional pressure; it is simply me a leader," Stout said. He es an important post-season game. three freshmen, none of whom his role on the team and is con- said he leads because he is an Although Duke has suffered through are taller than 6 feet 9 inches. fident that he is unstoppable uppcrclassman and is looked a difficult season, they remain one after stepping on the court. up to because he tries to of the most disciplined and wcll- Southern Illinois - Southern "When I am playing, noth- set a good example by giv- coached teams in the NCAA. Led Illinois could be this year's top ing is really going through ing 100 percent everyday. by center Josh McRoberts, Duke sleeper. They do not have a player my mind except trying to do Off the court, Hussey said has a tenacious starting five, but over 6 feet 7 inches, but do have what I can to help the team Stout is a fun guy who loves little in the way of size and depth. u balanced team that is strong de- get the victory," Stout said. to freestyle rap in the locker fensively, though (hey have given "I just try to play my game." room. "I got nothing but re- Vermont - Vermont has estab- up more than 60 points in less than Guard Kevin Husscy, FCRH spect for him," Husscy said. lished itself as a perennial underdog half of their games this season. •08 said that Stout is a quiet "He's going to be a great that remains in contention. Sharp- Their strong defense is comple- guy and leads by example, player for the rest of his col- shooter Mike Trimboli and Joe Tra- mented by senior guard Jamaal "lie motivates me without lege career, and afterwards." pani are complemented by 6-foot- Tatum on offense and should pres- even speaking," Husscy said. Stout hopes to eventually J.n. roilici/Sl. I null Port DtapnteWMGf 11, 270 pound senior center Chris ent a versatile threat to other teams. "By being in the gym later play basketball in the NBA Southern Illinois'* Jamaal Tatum Holm, who both scores and rebounds My Final Four: Virginia Tech, than everyone else, work- and for continued success in effectively. Vermont will most Pittsburgh, Vermont and Florida. • ing on his game, it makes whatever he chooses to do. • 23 SPORTS I March 1,2007 | THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Baseball season on deck By BRENT NYCZ STAFF WRITER

Opening Day is looming over the horizon as players from all 30 Major League Baseall teams are reporting to camp for spring training. As players arrive, man- agers must begin figuring out how they will get new .play- ers to mix in with the old. But even this close to the official start of the season, some teams are still making news with free- agent signings, roster changes and clubhouse drama; and the New York Yankees and New York Mets are no exception. The Yankees have reported that they will feature 12 pitch- ers on their 25-man roster. The roster will include Melky Ca- brera as the fourth outfielder and either Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps to platoon first base with recently signed Doug Mientkie- wicz. Unfortunately, the ros- ter will not feature fan-favorite Bernie Williams, who rejected an offer to attend spring train- ing as a non-roster player. GM Brian Cashman declined to of- fer Williams a roster spot be- cause Williams did not fit into the roster plans for next year. Though. many Yankee players have expressed their desire to see Williams back, Williams re- mains an unrestricted free agent. After recently reporting to spring training, oft-injured Carl Pavano has once again been sidelined with a bone bruise in his left foot. With the signing of Kei Igawa and the return, of Andy Pettitte to the Bronx, Pa- vano was projected as a fifth Bob Larson/KRT starter, but injuries have re- The New York Mets' Morses Alou, with the San Francisco Giants, follows the flight of his solo home run. turned to haunt him once again. The Yankees resigned lefty Ron Villone to one-year minor promotion later in the season. three rotation spots to fill. John the AL East last year, the Bos- The Red Sox and Braves are league contract. Villone will By most accounts, the Mets Maine and long-reliever Oliver ton Red Sox used their mon- poised to give their division battle Sean Henn for the sec- had a quiet off-season. Their Perez will be battling veterans etary resources to finish off an rivals a run for their money. ond lefty reliever spot alongside only major signing brought Chan Ho Park and Aaron Sele, impressive off-season by sign- Though the Yankees and Mets Mike Myers. Lastly, the Yankees Moises Alou to the team as a pick-ups Jorge Sosa and Clau- ing shortstop Julio Logo, right have questions left to be ad- have invited many of their top replacement for Cliff Floyd in dio Vargas, and young guns fielder J.D. Drew, and convert- dressed this spring training, prospects to spring training, in- left field. However, the Mets go Mike Pelfrey and Philip Hum- ed reliever Joel Pineiro. Also both teams should have what cluding highly-touted pitcher into spring training with only ber for those final three spots. finishing in third-place in the it takes to ward off their divi- Philip Hughes. Though it is two definite starters in the rota- As the Yankees and Mets con- NL East last year, the Atlanta sional foes. The foundation of a highly unlikely Hughes will tion: Tom Glavine and Orlando tinue to strengthen their ros- Braves retooled their weak great season all starts at spring earn a spot on the major league Hernandez. With Pedro Marti- ters, their division rivals look bullpen by signing Bob Wick- training. Will either the, Yan- roster, the Yankees will start nez sidelined for the first half to do the same. After a disap- man and trading for both Rafa- kees or Mets have that founda- Hughes at AAA for a possible of the season, the Mets have pointing third-place finish in el Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. tion? Tune in and find out. •

The Last Hurdle

ByMARCTURIANO a Super Bowl championship. real reason he was fired was hate gay people, so I let it be It is no surprise that not a STAFF WRITER However, one key issue still because he was gay. Glenn known" and "I wouldn't want single American pro-football, rouses feelings of hatred and Burke, a former Major League him on my team" when asked basketball, or hockey player has discrimination in professional outfielder, believes that he his opinion on Amaechi. An admitted to being gay during sports, and that is the issue of was traded from the Dodgers athlete's in-game performance his playing career. The sport- homosexuality. because management sus- would certainly suffer from ing world may not be ready for A handful of athletes have pected he was gay, and that he all of the extra mental stress such a move, but it is moving come out of the closet in the was released from his contract he would experience as a re- in the right direction. NBA past. Three years after his re- with Oakland after coming sult of going public as well. commissioner David Stern said tirement, former NFL running clean about his homosexual- Coming out can also pre- that a discussion about openly back David Kopay was the ity. vent an athlete's career from gay players could, be part of first professional team-sport Coming out during one's taking shape in the first place. future rookie orientation pro- athlete to do so. But only a playing career would not Professional teams would be grams. However, as a whole, limited few have possessed only jeopardize said playing taking a huge risk by draft- America is just not ready for the fortitude to do so while career, but would also bring ing an openly gay cqllege such an event. There has been their careers were still in forth an immense amount of athlete. The organization no Jackie Robinson or Mar- tin Luther King, Jr. in the gay Few major boundaries are progress. It only makes sense abuse towards any profession- may come under serious fire world. So much hatred exists left to be broken in the ath- that this is so. Admitting to al athlete who decides to so. from the fans, and ticket sales that it may just take one very millions of people that one's Opposing fans and players may be negatively affected as letic world. Jackie Robinson strong figure to take that giant sexual orientation differs would heckle unrelentingly, well. Coaches and players may broke the color barrier in step, admit his homosexuality from the societal norm can many endorsements would fly not want a gay player on the baseball, Red Aurbach started during his playing career, and out the window, and the play- team either. Actions against an all black line-up in the have major negative implica- take the brunt of the country's gay athletes have been taken NBA, and women are compet- tions for one's career. er's own teammates may be abuse to pave a road for oth- ing with men in PGA events. The discrimination which disapproving as well. Take, by administrators before, such ers. People need to sec that Numerous players in nil of comes with admitting that for example, Tim Hardaway's as when former Penn State it can work, and when that professional sports come from one is gay has made itself remarks after John Amaechi women's basketball coach final hurdle is cleared, the foreign countries, and just a evident in the past. In 1988, came out earlier this month. Rene Portland stated that she sporting world will be a,pet- few weeks ago for the first National League umpire Dave Retired Miami Heat guard forbade lesbians from playing tcr place because of it. • time, a black coach captured Pal lone claimed that the Hardaway proclaimed, "I on her team. THE OBSERVER SPORTS Match'1,2007 I 24 Rams get back on track with win against Duquesne

ByROBBEATSON STAFF WRITER

The Fordham University men's basketball team closed out the month of January with five straight Atlantic 10 wins and opened February tied for first place with the University of Rhode Island and George Washing- ton University. But it all went down hill from there. The Rams then lost four straight A-10 contests, aver- aging a paltry 54 points per game during the streak. On Feb. 18, Ford- ham finally righted the ship against Duquesne University and broke the losing streak with an 86-83 victory. "This is a win we've been waiting for and hoping for," said guard Bren- ton Butler, FCRH '10, who scored a season-high 28 points. "We knew we had gotten ourselves in a bind losing four straight, but we made up our minds that we were going to come out and play with passion and urgency. We knew that if we did that we would come out on top." With the win, the Rams improved to 14-11 overall 7-6 in A-10 play. A University of Dayton loss the same afternoon gave Fordham sole pos- session of sixth place in the confer- ence. Three Rams scored in double dig- its, including Butler, Marcus Stout, FCRH '08, !and Bryant Dunston, ECRH '08, who collected 19 points and 10 rebounds for his third dou- ble-double. Fordham could not have picked a better game to stage an of- Bryant Dunston scores two of his 19 points over Scott Grate of the Dukes.

" • • •-•••••• t , s •• ';. ball and was fouled, resulting in the that we needed to be confident and an 18-7 spurt to stretch their lead pieces are missing...When you play last seven contests. free throws. knock down shots...and that's what to 16 points. The front court trio of good teams you have to be solid in * Despite the offense's resurgence, "It was a great team win," said we did." Stephen Lasme, Gary Forbes and every aspect of the game^and I. Fordham's most important points Fordham head coach Dereck Whit- Fordham's Feb. 15contestagainst Brandon Thomas combined for don't think we weressoli$5bday." .came from a player who recorded tenburg. "[Binns] stepping up and the University of Massachusetts • 41 points as the Minutemen domi- Despite the loss, the Fordham just 10 minutes of playing time; Mi- making those free throws for us at started off a defensive battle, but nated the inside, allowing Fordham faithful made their presenceknown chael Binns, FCRH '08, netted only the end was huge. Hopefully this is the Minutemen's talent proved to only 14 points in the paint." in the second sellout of the year at two points on the day, but his free the start to some better basketball be too much for the Rams, who fell The experience factor certainly the Rose Hill Gym. throws with eight seconds left in for us from here on out." 74-59 in a game that was televised hurt the Rams, whose .^all-junior "I knew [the crowd] was going to the game extended Fordham's lead The victory was the type of deep on ESPN2. Sloppy play led the two lineup could not match up with the be loud," said UMass head coach to three points and secured the win. game Fordham had not been play- teams to score only a combined 12 four seniors of UMass. Travis Ford, "but I didn't expect Binns was subbed in when Dunston ing as of late, with eight players points in the opening ten minutes. "[The three seniors we lost last my team wouldn't be able to hear fouled out, and the 6-foot-7 forward getting at least five minutes and With seven minutes left in the half, year] covered up all that we're me in the locker room before the gave a clutch performance, coming seven players recording points. a 12 point run put UMass ahead missing today," Whittenburg said. game." up with a steal off Duquesne guard "It's a total testament to team 18-6, but Fordham would rally to "The leadership, the toughness, Fans have one more chance Reggie Jackson after a careless play," Butler said. "Whenever we close the gap, trailing 30-27 at half- the defense, the rebounding; all the to catch the Rams at Rose Hill, Fordham backcourt violation gave share the ball, we have players time. fundamental things we need to take when Fordham closes out its the Dukes a chance to pull off the that can knock down the shot at UMass came out of the locker the next step to beat good teams, regular season schedule against comeback. Binns came up with the any time. Coach told us all week room strong and quickly went on we can't do this year because those Temple University on March 3. • Fordham football celebrates impressive incoming class

By PETER MARTIN of the country, Xavier Martin of are slated as the number one and Iona Prep, he may very well see need right now. I eventually STAFF WRITER Brooklyn, N.Y., and Qua'sand two options at the quarterback the field sooner than anticipated. want to become a captain." At Lewis of Rancho Cucamonga, position for next fall, Mara isn't Linebacker Nick Magiera, 6- just under 200 pounds, Magiera Calif., a pair of twins from Tex- phased by the potential compe- foot-1,200, Barrington, 111. projects as a strong safety at the as (Haruna's and Onyearbor's), tition: "I feel that I have an op- As one Fordham great, Marcus Patriot League level. Described quarterback John Skelton's portunity to prove myself here. Taylor, FCRH '06, prepares to as a "freak of nature" by his younger brother, Steve, and 13 Whether I'm ready to play or graduate, another may have fall- high school coach due to his defensive backs/linebackers that not, that'll be determined by the en into the school's lap. Literally. unique combination of strength will look to make an impact next coaching staff. All I can do is pre- Searching for a nearby school and speed, the heavy hitter often fall. Here's a look at two key pare." in Illinois, Coach Masella and draws comparisons to Pittsburgh pieces of the incoming class: When your idol is Super Bowl his staff inadvertently stumbled Steclers safety Troy Polamalu. "I've heard all the comparisons," Quarterback Sean Mara, 6-foot- MVP, Peyton Manning, you upon Barrington. Call it a case Magiera modestly chuckled. 1, 190, Iona Prep, N.Y. know you're looking at the right of being in the right place at the "I just want to play my game." guy to model your preparation right time. Coach liked Magiera. Mara will bring more to Rose Yet for the Fordham faithful, Hill than just his family name after. "[Peyton] just knows the Magiera liked Coach. The rest is history. "I had offers from the Magiera's versatility in the back (his grandfather being former game better than everyone else seven may remind some of former Football's National Signing Day New York Giants owner, the late on the field," Mara remarked. "I Air Force Academy, Northern Il- linois, and Eastern Michigan," Ram, Dan McGrath, FCRH '04, for college-bound high school se- Wellington Mara). The 6-foot-1 admire his ability to be mentally remembered most for his vicious Magiera recalls. "A few Big niors was Feb. 6. While ESPN's southpaw passer capped his se- ahead of everyone else. I think licks as a safety and fearless punt 10 schools liked me, as well as coverage spoke ad nnuscum of nior season by participating in that I incorporate that aspect into returner. "My parents and I loved Michigan State before the coach Notre Dame-bound gunslinger the prestigious U.S. Army All- my game." While Mam may not the school and the coaching staff," Jimmy Clausen and "The next American bowl game. Despite have the .strongest arm or own was fired." Magiera said. "Fordham is just Reggie Bush," USC running back receiving interest from nation- the prototypical physical tools of Enter the opportunity for Ford- academically superior to many of Joe McKnight, Fordham Univer- ally ranked Boston College and a quarterback, lie has displayed ham to snag a legitimate Divi- the schools I was getting offers sity football quietly celebrated Rutgers, among other Division I an elite IQ and feel for the posi- sion I defensive prospect. "I from. I'm excited." If Magiera is its own class of strong signings programs, Mara chose Fordham. tion, despite playing for only four hope to get playing time as a anything like advertised, Ford- thqmsclves. This includes a pair Although John Skelton, FCRH seasons. Should Mara show the freshman," Magiera said. "Start. ham should be excited too. • of halfbacks from opposite ends '10, andT.J. Jordan, FCRH '09, poise and savvy he displayed at Special teams. Whatever they