WHY I PARKOUR WILL END MESON UP ALONE NEW YORK Opinions, Page 05 Features, Page 18 fordSERVE h a m o b s e r v e r. c Ro rfi November 16,2006 CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO FORDHAM UNIVERSITY AT LINCOLN CENTER Volume XXV, Issue 6 Faith under FCLC fire rejects new Students contemplate Rose Hill the role of faith in their attendance lives after Fordham policy hosts panel on teens and religion StaffWriter
Contributing Writer FCLC—The sprawling greens and varsity sports aren't the only no- FCLC—Fordham may be a Jesuit table differences between Fordham's university, but just how important is Lincoln Center and Rose Hill cam- faith to its matriculants? A panel of puses—there's also the attendance religious and academic scholars met policy. At an Oct 25 meeting, the in the Pope Auditorium on Nov. 2 to College Council at Fordham College discuss the waning devotion to reli- at Lincoln Center (FCLC) rejected gion among today's Catholic teens. In adoption of Fordham College at Rose light of this event, Fordham students Hill (FCRH)'s new attendance policy, contemplated the place of faith in their proposed and approved by the FCRH lives. . College Council over the summer. Moderated by the Rev. Edward A. The current FCLC policy allows in- Molloy, president emeritus of Notre structors more flexibility in setting Dame University, the discussion at- their own attendance standards, pro- tracted an audience of visitors as well fessors from both campuses claimed. as Fordham affiliates. V-"*-•' >-.>*&-,_ According to the Rev. Robert R. The fust speaker was Christian Grimes, dean of FCLC, the sudden Smith, author and professor of sociol- appearance of the new FCRH policy ogy at the University of Notre Dame. in the faculty handbook—breaking Smith said that, based on studies and with the standard policy set up by the interviews he has conducted, approxi- University-wide Arts and Sciences mately 12 million Catholic teens in Council—prompted Lincoln Center's the U.S. are weak in terms of overall College Council to consider a change religious strength and engagement in at FCLC.-" thechurch. 4' • KRT However, after notably failing to "Most teens are not [impressed] gain support from professors, die by the standards of their own reli- Parental notification: invasion of privacy FCRH proposal was rejected at Lin- gious faith conditions," Smith said. coln Center, leaving the two under- "Catholic teens [are just more unim- or parents' right to know? graduate colleges with different atten- pressed]" dance policies. Smith said that parents are the most Nancy Young according to the Department of us they are not, then it's different. 'Under the LC policy, I'm free to important factors affecting the faith Editor-in-Chief Education. Otherwise, we work with the exercise my ownjudgment..for an ex- of young people. Margaret McCarty, The Department of Education parents." cused absence," said Sarah Zimmer- founding executive director of the Na- FORDHAM—How much outlines that, although the rights . Higher-level judicial man, professor and associate chair of tional Federation for Catholic Youth should your parents know about under FERPA transfer to a student circumstances, about which me English department at FCLC, who Ministry, who also spoke at the event, your college life? According to at 18, "...a school may disclose parents would be notified, include spoke in favor of keeping the current echoed Smith's statements regarding the Family Educational Rights information from an 'eligible everything from freshman alcohol FCLC policy at the College Council the importance of outside influences, and Privacy Act (FERPA) and student's' education records to the violations, sophomore second- meeting. "I like this policy because claiming that teens require stronger Fordham University policy, as parents of the student, without the time alcohol cases, all drug it doesn't intervene in my relation- mentors and more engaging teach- long as you are a dependent, your student's consent, if the student is cases, harassment, theft and any ship with my students—I can decide ings. parents are entitled to know what a dependent for tax purposes." form of residential life probation, whether or not I need documentation Peter Steinfels, director of Ford- you are doing in college. This clause allows some leeway said Amy Schack, director of in a particular case." ham's Center on Religion and Cul- The U.S. Department of for schools to decide how strictly residential life at Lincoln Center. Three times longer than the policy ture, which sponsored the event, told Education states, "[FERPA] is a they want to abide by FERPA, Parental notification is not that FCLC and FCRH previously The Observer that the Church needs federal law that affords parents according to information on the limited residential students. shared, the new Rose Hill policy in- to stress programs directed at adoles- the right to have access to their U.S. Department of Education Commuters face the same cludes detailed iastructions for what cents—and even programs directed at children's education records, the Web site. Fordham's policy is consequences under the same both faculty and students should do parents of adolescents. right to seek to have the records to keep parents as informed circumstances, Eldredge said. in case of absences due to personal Steinfels said he found the results amended, and the right to have as possible, especially when "The same procedures are in illness, death in a family, or Univer- of Smith's study extremely alarm- some control over the disclosure it comes to students in higher- place," he said. sity-sanctioned activity; as well as ing. "This should be a wakc-up call of personally identifiable level disciplinary circumstances, But what exactly arc the limits on the number of excused ab- to church leaders...it signals how information from the education according to Keith Eldrcdge, dean procedures for parental sences any student may accumulate in much the world has changed since the records." When a student turns of students at Fordham College at notification? a single class. 1960s," he said. 18 or enters a postsccondary Lincoln Center (FCLC). Schack said, "During a judicial "The maximum number of total Kelly Whclan, FCLC ' 10, agreed institution at any age, the rights "The exception to this is if hearing, we usually give a range excused absences will not exceed that her parents' casual attitude toward under FERPA transfer from the a student, is not a dependent," soo FAITH pg. 02 parents to the "eligible student," Eldrcdgc said. "If a student tells SGO NOTIFICATION pg. 04 . see ATTENDANCE pg. 02 02 NEWS November 16,20061 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com NEWS IN BRIEF Students react to midterm elections term elections. "I'm a slacker," METRO: By Nancy Young, Fayollat said. "But I'm from • New York and New Jer- Editor-in-Chief, and California, and it usually goes sey Democrats shared in their Christina Shanahan, - blue anyway, so I felt safe." party's victory in midterm elec- News Editor Fayollat also said that she tions on Nov. 7. Eliot Spitzer, thinks the Democrat takeover the state attorney general, was The Nov. 7 midterm elections is a good change. elected governor of New York resulted in a sweeping Congres- by a record margin, beating sional change as the Democrat- Republican John Faso 69 to 29 ic party gained the majority for percent. the first time in 12 years. • Incumbent Senators Hill- A Facebook.com group, ti- ary Rodham Clinton of New tled, "I will lose all faith in hu- York and Bob Menendez of manity if the midterms go Re- Interested New Jersey both won reelection publican," suggested that many in their races, though Menendez Fordham students supported had faced a challenge from Re- the Democratic party. in politics? publican Tom Kean, Jr. According to a posting on the • Andrew M. Cuomo, who site, students in the Facebook will succeed Spitzer as attorney group said they would feel dif- general, and State Comptroller ferently about the Republican Alan G. Hevesi, who won reelec- party, "if what this administra- tion despite a scandal involving tion said was true, or if they did state workers chauffeuring his somthing effective to fix prob- wife at taxpayers' expense, also lems at home." shared in the Democrats' state- . Other students, such as Jen- wide win in New York. Chuck Kennedy/ KRI nifer Fayollat, FCLC '.07, said Nancy Pelosi, top democrat in the House, is ttiird in line for the presidency. NATIONAL: they did not vote in the mid- • Democrats won control of the House of Representatives, Faith Debate the Senate, and a majority of the nation's governorships in CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Church, in comparison, encourages mesh [with those of the Church]... Donohue also said that young the midterm elections on Nov. its members to be more self-reli- it's an alienating factor [forme,]" she people are dependent upon relation- 7. The victory was seen as a religion probably influenced her ant—and to make decisions outside said. "I [consider myself] Catholic ships and contact with each other, blow to the GOP and President own. "They never pushed me to go of the guidance of the Church. and a spiritual person and I do feel supporting the idea that community George W. Bush's administra- to church or anything," she stated. Molly Garbe, FCLC '09, said, "I that you can exhibit the qualities of is crucial preserving religiosity in tion, fueled in part by voters' Whelan said about the Catholic- feel like with parents and grandpar- Christ and be a compassionate per- youngpeople. T. -,.. . growing frustration with the Church, "[Its] beliefs are too out- ents, everyone went to church—it son and not necessarily agree with "Community is really impor- war in Iraq. dated..! have issues with it because was just something they all did." [certain aspects of the Church]." tant," agreed Zach Farren, FCLC • Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D- I don't agree with a lot of what it Garbe said that she feels the Allison Donohue, director of cam- '10. "Back'inphiOjWhenyougoto. CA) is preparing to become the stands for—my politics are much church's "old-fashioned" beliefs pus ministry at New York City's church everyone knows you and all first .woman J.Y be, JJpeaker of more liberal." will keep the majority of youths at Regis High School, the last speaker your friends go." the House,™tnird in" line to the James Davidson, author, sociolo- a distance. at the event, cited a study that she Farren, a political science major, presidency, artd Sen'. Harry Reid gist and professor at Purdue Univer- . JanineRepka, FCLC'10, echoing said proves, "freshmen [in college] said he classifies himself as a "full- (D-NV) is poised to be the first sity, another speaker at the event, Garbe's sentiments, said she minks are more confident in their faith and fledged Democrat" but also attends Mormon majority- leader in the pinpointed the difference between that as young people are becoming ability to be a part of°the Church than church every Sunday. "I go to church Senate, when the new session the Catholic Church of the 1930s, more liberal, the Church is becom- seniors [are]," indicating that fresh- becauselbelieveinGodandlbelieve of the U.S. Congress begins in 1940s and 1950s and the Church of ing more passe. '.'Because I'm pro- men have yet to experience "disil- what the Catholic Church teaches in January. today, emphasizing the "1960's shift choice and because I'm pro gay lusionment through the critical study termsoftheology,"he said. "Religion „ • The fallout from what to personal autonomy." The new marriage...because my views don't ofreligioa" should guide your life, not run it" • Bush described as a "thumping" for his own party at the polls hit hard in the nation's capitol following the Nov. 7 vote. On Attendance Nov. 8, six-year Secretary of CONMJED FROM FRONT PAGE instructor wishes to have a different current FCLC policy because it others include debate team, ROTC, Defense Donald Rumsfeld of- attendance policy, it must be spelled treats college students as mature presentation of research, the Univer- ficially submitted his resigna- six class meetings for a course that out in the syllabus... including wheth- adults, responsible for their own sity choir and the dance team." tion. meets three days per week, four,.,fo r er and how absences will affect the schedules.,. I think that many Rose Hill's policy instructs admin- • On Nov. 9, Ken Mehlman, a course meeting two days per week, grade for the course," FCLC's policy FCLC College Council members istrators and directors of activities chairman of the Republican Na- ortwo..-. foracourse that meets once believed, as I did, that the FCRH to provide students with a list of the tional Committee, announced a week," reads the new FCRH poli- • "My sense was that die members policy Was more suited to a high dates they will miss regularly sched- that he would be stepping down cy, continuing: "If a faculty member of the FCLC College Council felt school than a college." uled classes at the beginning of the at the end of the year. chooses to allow unexcused ab- there was no need to change the ex- "I think that a less detailed policy semester. However, the policy also • On Nov. 10, Sen. Lincoln sences, die number of excused and isting policy, especially when the new is good because it leaves it to the clearly states that the students are re- Chafee (R-RI), one of six Re- unexcused absences combined may policy was more cumbersome and discretion of the teacher," Sophie sponsible for informing their profes- publican senators to lose their be limited to the maximum number allowed less individual discretion," Means, FCLC '10, said. "I can un- sors of the excused absences. bids for re-election, joined the noted above." said Nicola Pitchford, associate pro- derstand why [FCRH] would want "I personally didn't really have Democrats in opposing Bush's FCLC's policy—which it shares fessor of English and comparative lit- to be more specific, but there's a problem with either of the poli- attempts to reappoint John with tFordham College of Liberal erature at FCRH. She added that the such a thing as going too far." cies," Grimes said, adding however Bolton as U.S.-ambassador to Studies (FCLS) and the College of new policy "just seems to introduce The changes at FCRH also in- "Rose Hill has to deal with athlet- the United Nations before con- Business Administration (CBA), ac- an element of infantilization into the clude an entirely new section ad- ics and excused absences; we just trol of Congress officially turns cording to the faculty handbook- student-professor relationship." dressing absences due to partici- don't have to deal with that here... over to the Democrats. • leaves professors the option of either Leonard Nissim, professor of pation in University-sanctioned I think the [FCRH] feculty wanted requiring attendance at every class or mathematics at FCLC, echoed activity, reading in part: "The most to have a clear statement on the pol- determining their own rules. "If an Pitchford's sentiment "I prefer the visible of these is varsity athletics but icy [towards] varsity athletics." • Blasting phase of water tunnel project nears end By Christina Shanahan Nov. 29, according to Leslie Timoney, a McMahon Hall resident, said she The blasting is just momentarily fright- of work will continue through the News Editor facilities manager in McMahon Hall. won't miss the whistles that accom- ening." summer of 2008." • Timoney said that the project at pany the blasting, which signify the So what can Lincoln Center students The entire project is not sched- LINCOLN CENTER-Rest as- 60th Street and Amsterdam Avenue beginning and the end of the blasts. "I expect from the DEP project in the uled for completion until 2012, sured if you're a McMahon resident is aimed at constructing a 540-foot can sleep through the blasting, but it's coming months? Timoney said that Timoney said. She noted that be- tired of being shaken out of bed by shaft down to a new water tunnel and the whistles that are really annoying, in December and January, concrete tween 2008 and 2012, equipment daily dynamite explosions just outside equipment chamber. As of the end of Arena Boycc said. for the four walls of the shaft will be and piping for a work chamber will Fordham's Lincoln Center campus— November, the dynamite blasting will Cara Ochsenreiter, FCLC '07, also poured at the work site. Also, piping be installed, leading up to "the final The "blasting" phase of the DEP Shaft officially be completed. a residential student, said, "The main for the water tunnel will be underway connection of the new water tun- 24B project will come to an end on Shannon Arena Boyce, FCLC '07, thing is that the drilling is annoying. in February. Timoney said, "This type nel to the distribution system." • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER 1 November 16,20061 NEWS 03 Faith & Critical Reasoning: CALENDAR OF Will Fordham's core requirement change? EVENTS THU.NOV.16 By Christina Shanahan of the Core Curriculum Development Commit- a willingness to look at entirely new approach- News Editor tee, echoed Grimes' statement that no decisions es. Personally, I think [the] Faith and Critical Coffee Break have been made about the place of the Faith & Reasoning [class] is already on target." °12:"30-2:30p.m. Critical Reasoning requirement in the revised Student input about the content of the Faith Student Lounge FORDHAM—As the University prepares to curriculum, but he did note the importance of & Critical Reasoning course is mixed. David Sponsored by the Commuting revise its core curriculum, the Faith & Critical the subject matter at a Jesuit university. Rider, FCLC '08, said he thinks that the course Students Association (CS A) Reasoning requirement is on the minds of stu- "Fordham is, of course, a university with a should not be taught as an introduction to dents and professors alike. Harvard University very strong religious tradition that stresses the world religions, but rather as an "enthusiastic Diversity Through Dinner and is considering a proposal to include a Faith & development of the critical intellect in con- presentation" of Catholicism. Dance Reason course in its curriculum, and while the nection with faith," Wertz said. "Therefore, "This occurs when teachers are themselves American Folk Art Museum Fordham Core Curriculum Development'Com- Fordham has been well positioned to pioneer Catholic, when classic Catholic texts, papal Meet in Lowenstein Lobby at 4:30 mittee will look at Harvard's proposal, they and feature a core curriculum that'includes a encyclicals, and Scripture are read in class, and pjn. do not expect it to inform their own notion of study of the interrelations of faith and reason." when questions from students are answered Sign up in the Office of Student the place of Faith & Critical Reasoning in the Maureen O'Connell, assistant professor respectfully but at the same time faithfully and Leadership and Community De- Fordham core, members of the committee said. of theology, will be teaching freshman Faith directly," Ryder said. velopment (OSLCD) The idea of a Faith & Reason course at Har- & Critical Reasoning next semester. "I love Patrick Redmon, FCLC '07, said, "The Cath- Sponsored by SPARC vard was proposed by a curriculum committee teaching this core [class]," O'Connell said olic faith shows how religion, at its best, does with the goal of increasing students' under- about the Faith & Critical Reasoning require- not deny either reason or revelation. Given RA/FM Application Information standing of the role of religion, in the past, ment. "It's a fascinating way to set the stage for this, and the fact that Fordham is a Catholic Session present and future, a recent Washington Post u students' future explorations." school, the core theology requirements should 8:00p.m. article reported. O'Connell said that the feedback she has focus on the Catholic faith." McMahon 109 The Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., dean of received from students suggests that many . Other students disagreed with Rider's and Sponsored by the Office of Resi- Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), students find the Faith & Critical Reasoning Redmon's sentiments. "I think the Faith & dential Life said that Fordham has never followed the course valuable because the content offers dif- Critical Reasoning course is a sham," Shannon lead of Harvard, but administrators are "very ferent ways of approaching faith. Kelliher, FCLC '07, said. Kelliher said that, as Town Hall Meeting interested in seeing what other schools are do- . Rev. Terrance Klein, assistant professor it is, the course focuses too much on Christian- 5:00-7:00 p.m. ing," as Fordham's own core revision process of theology, addressed the issue of students ity arid only offers a brief introduction to other Cafeteria Atrium is underway. who may not be inclined to take the Faith & faiths. Sponsored by United Student Currently, during freshman year, Fordham Critical Reasoning course because they are not Kelliher said, "What that course should be Government (USG) students are required to take a semester-long religious. doing is really getting in touch with the reli- Faith & Critical Reasoning course, which "It would be a different issue if the class gions that are less common in the school and SUN. NOV. 19 Grimes said is "a topic so characteristic of were, say, 'Introduction to Christianity,' but relating [those religions] to the more common Diversity Through Dinner and Catholics" that presupposes that faith and this course is about faith and reason, two understanding of Christianity." Dance reason are not contradictory. fundamental features of human life, no matter Addressing students who are unhappy with Jazz Dance Class Grimes explained that the Core Curriculum where one comes down on them," Klein said. being required to take a theology course, " Meet in Lowenstein Lobby at Development Committee has not discussed any "ASjI teach the class, and I think as most others Grimes said. "I really don't see the difference 12:00 p.m. specific changes that could alter the theology do, being religious is not an advantage." between [someone complaining about the Sign up in the Office of Student requirement, or the requirements of any other Regarding any future changes to the theol- theology requirement] and someone saying Leadership and Community De- discipline for that matter. "Not a word has been ogy requirement, Klein said, "At this point, [he or she] doesn't want to take mathematics... velopment (OSLCD) said," Grimes emphasized. [the Core Curriculum Development Committee We don't hide the fact that this is a religious Sponsored by SPARC Fred Wertz, professor and chair of the psy- has] tried to make the input process as broad as institution." • chology department at Rose Hill and co-chair possible, and I suppose mat means that there is MON.NOV.20& TUES.NOV21
Morning Donut Sale No changes in store for Fordham's guest speaker policy Lowenstein Plaza Sponsored by GO! Thailand
topic is relevant to the club or orga- (AAUP), said he does not have truth, but against our own natural THU.NOV.30 By Chadner Navarro nization's mission. It must also be a problem with the part of the curiosities and inclinations as hu- RA/FM Application Information Arfe& Culture Editor determined that the event will not Fordham policy that limits speak- man beings." Session endanger the safety of any mem- ers that could interfere with safety The University, however, does 11:30 a.m. FORDHAM-—Despite recent bers of the University and that the ad University operations. have the final say in the matter McMahon 109 reports of a controversial change University and its functions will "I do have, a problem .with the and can deny the organization of Sponsored by the Office of Resi- in guest speaker policy at Boston not be obstructed in any way, ac- part about forbidding and event any speaker that it deems inappro- dentialLife College (B C), one of Fordham's cording to the policy. that is 'indecent or is grossly ob- priate, Eldredge said. aspirant schools, Fordham admin- Procedural guidelines require a scene,'" Nissim said. "In whose "Our policy is not like Boston MON.DEC4 istrators said they stand by the biographical sketch and a descrip- judgement? Apparently, in the College," he stated. "But it also RA/FM Application Information University's current policy and no tion of the speaker's topic be made judgement of [Student Affairs]. has an element that would allow Session change is being planned, to which available, according to Dorothy That is not in accordance with the the University to protect the com- 9:30p.m. club leaders voiced mixed reac- Wenze}, director of student leader- norms of academic freedom for munity if that became necessary." McMahon 109 tion. ship and community development. students." Student leaders' reactions to the Sponsored by the Office of Resi- Under the new policy at BC, The policy also clarifies that Regarding controversial speakers University's guest speaker policy dential Life student groups that invite guest "expression that is indecent or is and topics, Eldredge said that an run the gamut. . speakers whose viewpoints are not grossly obscene or grossly offen- extensive review would take place Colleen Cox, FCLC Wand a CRIME BLOTTER consistent with Roman Catholic sive on matters such as race, eth- between the administration and the member of Respect Life, a student- beliefs can be mandated to provide nicity, religion, gender, or sexual sponsoring student organization., run pro-life advocacy group, said, THU.NOV.2 a divergent speaker to represent the preference" is considered inconsis- r>fo decision is ever made about the "The goal of creating open discus- Security received an incident church's perspective, the Chroni- tent with the accepted oonduct of fate of the event until both parties sion and exchanging of ideas is report at 6:15 p.m. from an adjunct cle of Higher Education reported. the University. "I think Ford- have discussed the various stipula- already built into Fordham's pol- professor whose small handbag Failure to comply can lead to event- ham's is a well-written policy that tions, both positive and negative, icy." She said that a move towards was allegedly stolen in the ladies cancellation at BC, according to gives us the opportunity to have of having the speaker at Fordham, BC's newly constructed speaker restroom of the fifth floor of The Chronicle. diverse opinions expressed in our Eldredge said. policy would be needless. Lowenstein, Dan Kiely, deputy In light of the policy change at educational community for stu- Lauren Schumacher, FCLC '07, Cox added that what is neces- director of security services, said. BC, administrators at Fordham dent to learn from those opinions," a member of the Sentience Fo- sary would be an open forum for The bag contained credit cards and College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) Keith Eldredgc, dean of students at rum, said that having speakers of students to voice their opinions. was found on the street by a police She said this type of openness emphasized that no such policy ex- FCLC, said. opposing viewpoints present at an officer at 60th St. and Columbus will promote awareness of all event, like at BC, is unnecessary Ave. The handbag was missing ists at Fordham and talks of revi- Eldredge added that the standard ideas, because "dialogue between the credit cards and $20 in cash, sion have yet to occur. used to determine what could be because as adults we should be conflicting ideas is always an According to Fordham Univer- "grossly obscene or offensive" is responsible for making our own ongoing process." Kiely said. sity's current guest speaker policy, that of a "reasonable person's." He decisions about what opinions to Jonathan Cottle, FCLC '08 a series of discussions about any said that he does not sec the differ- believe. and president of the Rainbow WED. NOV. 8 speaker proposed by a club must ence between what a reasonable "We should not be sheltered Alliance, said he finds the policy A custodial employee found take place before a final decision person might find grossly offen- from all points of view simply satisfactory, but would prefer the a bag filled with baking powder is made as to whether (lie speaker sive and what the Catholic Church because we attend a school that University to be more progressive inside Pope Auditorium at 6:00 will come on campus. A conversa- might find grossly offensive, adheres to certain Jesuit ideuls," when dealing with more contro- a.m, Dan Kiely, deputy director of tion about content is part of the ex- Leonard Nissim, a faculty mem- Schumacher said. "The policy be- versial speakers. ' security services, said. He said no Cottle said, "Sometimes a very ploratory protocol and, according ber in the mathematics department ing introduced at Boston College crime was involved, since it turned different viewpoint than the Uni- to the policy, the club or organiza- and member of the American As- goes against not only the Catho- out that the theatre department was versity's is not only appropriate, using the bag as a prop. '' '' tion must prove how a speaker's sociation of University Professors lic Church's teachings regarding it is exactly what we need."* 04 NEWS 1 November 16,20061 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Bookstore takes new initiative for increasing sales and buybacks
By Fionna Duffy b'een forking with the Student spread student-faculty coopera- that many students can buy it Contributing Writer Organization of Latinos (SOL), tion ... USG senators and leaders used." Asian Pacific American Coalition from other clubs will be request- But Christina Rigas, FCLC '08, FCLC—After years of. student (APAC), United Student Govern- ing and collecting textbook order said that despite the professors' complaints regarding overpriced ment (USG) and Chamber Sing- forms from professors throughout efforts, book prices are still too textbooks and disproportionately ers since October, encouraging the duration of this initiative." high. "We shouldn't have to buy low 'buy back' rates, the staff of professors to turn in orders in ad- The clubs will receive minor books online for better prices," the Lincoln Center bookstore, vance. compensation for their contribu- she said. "Getting more used with the help of student clubs, is Through this process, Codring- tion, which will be wholly depen- books from the school store is a asking professors to submit book ton said, the bookstore will gain dent upon their efforts, according much better idea." orders earlier, according to the a better understanding of which to Codrington. "Compensation Other professors simply can- bookstore manager. By doing so, textbooks are necessary for the cannot be calculated at this time not submit orders any earlier. the bookstore staff hopes to order upcoming semester, increasing its because the process is not yet "I always want to think about the next semester's books ahead chances of buying back appropri- complete. The more orders the how I [can] structure an up- of schedule, which will increase ate titles from students. A greater clubs give to the bookstore, the coming class and review the the number of used books avail- supply of used copies will also al- higher their financial gain," she literature that is out there," able and the money students earn low students to spend less money said. Susan Abrams Beck, associate from selling back their books, said on books, Codrington said. She said the clubs' profits will professor of political science Jovi Codrington, the bookstore She added that the approach not reduce the earnings of stu- at FCLC, said. "Those deci- manager. will also allow students to re- Kelly Martin at the FCLC Bookstore. dents selling back their books; the sions are not made as early as Codrington said that the book- ceive more money for many of accordingly, Codrington said. "If money given to the clubs will be the bookstore begins to put out store plans to hold "remote buy the books they sell back—half the books are not being used, the drawn from the budget of Barnes their requests."' back" in .certain areas of the Uni- of the original price—since the student will only receive up to 20 & Noble after final sales. However, according to Co- versity, through which staff mem- bookstore would already know percent," she said. "This is based Codrington said that professors drington, most professors have bers will actively seek students the books will be used the next on the demand [for] the book by have responded well to the clubs' been willing to submit their or- and purchase their texts for half semester. Should the bookstore the wholesaler." letters so far. Some professors ders early. of the original price. The store purchase enough copies as neces- The role of the student clubs said they have long endeavored Codrington said. "We are re- will also offer digital textbooks, sary for a class, students selling in this process has been to write to keep costs low with the use of ceiving more book orders ear- estimated to save students 40 per- subsequent copies will likely re- letters encouraging professors to Fordham-supplied resources. lier for the upcoming semes- cent off the latest prices. To see if ceive a smaller profit, Codrington place orders as soon as possible, George W. Shea, professor of ter;. However, we still have a the. changes are effective, the staff said. Danny Witt, FCLC '07, USG classics at FCLC, said, "I try to lot to go, with only a quarter will monitor the sales of used ver- Because the value of books de- president, said. In the letter USG keep prices under $25, although of the orders in thus far." Co- sus new books, Codrington said. pends on their use in future class- sent out to professors, Witt said they can run to $40 or $50 in rare drington said that the book- Fordham's bookstore, a divi- es, books that will not be used that the reduction of textbook cases. I also use one of my own store has already seen a 25 per- sion of Barnes & Noble, has are worth less and will be priced costs is "only possible with wide- textbooks every year, and I note cent increase in book sales. • USG changes lineup in the Senate Parental Notification
By Meaehan Dillon CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE "Under FERPA, institutions are StaffWriter not required .to.' disclose such of things that might happen. information to the student's FCLC—United Student Govenx-., We send a letter to the students parent, but may do so if: (a) ment (USG)j£cently hadchanges inr,. requesting them to tell (heir parents there is written consent to the representation, ranging from the ad- what's happened and then have disclosure from the student, dition of a senior senator to the resig- their parents call us." or (b) the parent requests the nations of a junior and a sophomore Schack said that students are information o in writing and senator. Patrick Redmon, FCLC '07, usually given about two weeks to provides evidence that the was unanimously voted senior class call home and notify their parents. - student is his or her dependent senator on Oct 26 by the current "If the deadline passes," she said, under the. Internal. Revenue USG slate. Days later, junior senator "I call the student and say, 'you Code of 1986, or (c) the student Suzanna Lee, FCLC '08, and sopho- have about a day before I call.'" has violated a Federal, State, or more senator Cassie Yardeni, FCLC Cally Speed, FCLC '08, said local law or any rule or policy '09, resigned their positions. she had been involved in such a of the University regarding the Typically, three senators are elect- situation, but said she preferred to use or possession of alcohol or ed from each class, but for the 2006- keep the details private. She did a controlled substance, provided 2007 academic year, USG only say, "Residential Life should be that the University has determined elected two senior senators because able to teach the student a lesson that the student has committed a there was not a third person who met without the aid of their parents. disciplinary violation with respect the qualifications for the position, Typically, parental involvement to that use or possession and the according to USG president Danny only makes situations more student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure." Witt, FCLC'07. Oiga Borbatiouk/ The Obserrer complicated and more unpleasant With only two senior senators, Patrick Redmon, newly appointed USG senior senator than they already are." As illustrated in section (b), Danny Larkin and Kit Byrne, both looking out for the general well-be- ity of the remaining senators. Speed said that she does think at NYU, the burden of proof is FCLC '07, USG members invited ing of the students. However, If more than one mem- that haying students call parents on the parents to show that their particular seniors to apply who they Witt said that Yardeni formally ber of the executive board or Senate themselves is ultimately better child is, in fact, a dependent, thought would be fit to fill the vacant withdrew from the University in or- resigns at a given time, the Dean of position, Witt said. Redmon was der to transfer to a different school, Students may be called in to advise nominated for the position by one of and therefore cannot serve in student on which course of action should be "During a judicial hearing, we usually give a range the senior representatives and Witt re- government, since the USG Consti- taken, according to the USG Consti- of things that might happen. We send a letter to the viewed his application, subsequently tution says that only "matriculated tution. students requesting them to tell their parents what's appointing him senator. However, students, who are duly registered at "The other senators in [Lee's and happened and then have their parents call us." before the appointment became of- FCLC," may participate. Lee sent a Yardeni's] class years are looking ficial, the entire USG senate had to letter announcing her resignation to for possible nominees for their posi- ratify it, which was ultimately unani- Witt and the other members of USG. tions," Dorothy Wenzel said, director mous, Witt said. Her decision to resign is due to per- of Student Leadership and Com- than Residential Life staff whereas at Fordham, unless the "I have a lot to learn, but so far I've sonal reasons and other obligations, munity Development, who advises calling. "Students should be able student notifies the University been given some great opportunities according to Witt USG. to explain their situation to their that he or she is not a dependent, to get involved," Redmon said. "USG expects a lot from its sena- Robert Isabella, FCLC '09, said he parents in their own words and the student is still treated as Redmon said he plans to be in- tors, and Suzanna has graciously re- was aware of the resignations in the I think that parents would rather such. volved in the Core Curriculum Re- signed as junior senator," Witt said. senate. However, he said he feels that hear it from their own children." At Fordham, Schack said that vision Committee, in addition to According to the USG Constitu- USG does not have a strong enough At New York University the process of having the student typical USG responsibilities, which tion, in the case of vacancies in the presence on campus. (NYU), one of Fordham 's aspirant call parents "builds character and include attending school events, tit- Semite, the remaining senators from "I don't really feel their presence schools, the interpretation of ethics for the students." She said tending USG meetings, assisting the applicable class of students will on a day-to-day or even week-to- FERPA is slightly different. that students must learn to admit clubs in registration and operation, nominate at least one student who is week basis." Isabella said. According to the guidelines for when they have made a mistake. serving on the Student Activilies eligible to (ill such a senate scat. The Wenzel said that in order to inspire interpreting FERPA outlined on "Parents most typically arc Budget Committee (SABC) to allo- president will appoint one of the stu- 'student leadership and community the NYU Web site, which states thankful [tobeinformed],"Schack cate funding for ticlivitics that serve dents nominated. The appointment development,' in the USG, she must that parents will occasionally call said. "They are glad to know the the needs of the student body, and must then be confirmed by a major- continue to actively advise. • to request a student's records, school cares that much." • 05 I November 16,2006 OPINIONS THE OBSERVER
Reasons why I will end up alone STAFF EDITORIAL (6) Because, if push came to shove, I could bludgeon you to death with Forced parenatal frozen meat
paths. Historically speaking, hon-' notification est men have shot straight from the hip, speaking their mind to hinders maturity Here's a strange one for you: fight injustice and tyranny. When A few weeks ago, I was out to I talked about killing people with A student's level of responsibility should not be artificially dinner with some friends and the large slabs of meat, I just looked constructed by outside forces, it should rather be cultivated subject, as always, fell to mur- crazy. (I trusted Marisa's judg- der—the perfect murder, in fact ment. In keeping with this week's and worked out by the individuals themselves. Does a flawlessly executed (no murder theme, she's still the only Unfortunately, the federal government and Fordham do pun intended) murder have to be -friend I would call if I needed to not think so. pre-meditated? Can a crime of pas- bury a body.) As reported in this issue of The Observer, The Family Ed- sion ever be completely airtight? If Later that day, Marisa (or Mar- you had to, hypothetically, murder Mar, when I want to embarrass ucation Rights and Privacy Act, (FERPA), gives colleges the someone, how would you do it? her) hammered the final nail into right to inform the parents of students, who are classified as (This may sound like the glam- my crazy coffin by e-mailing me dependents on their tax returns, of any disciplinary actions orous beginning of an Agatha Dr. Robert Hare's Psychopathy levied upon a student by a university. Christie novel, but keep in mind, Checklist and italicizing the se- we weren't clinking glasses in rial-killer traits that she thought Fordham, in its quest to fulfill its mission of "cura persona- a hotel bar. We were sitting in a applied to me. The checklist lis," has enacted a slightly different policy, forcing students, Wendy's while two homeless men works as a psycho-diagnostic de- rather than the University, to phone home and confess their threw chicken nuggets at us.) vice for gauging whether some- Courtesy o sins, hi other words, if you'do something naughty, Fordham I thought about these questions one is "Norman Bates-crazy" or "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' Me and my btg doll for approximately two seconds, just "plain-old Nurse Ratched- killed her. forces you to call mommy and daddy and tell on yourself. then answered, candidly and with- crazy." (As far as I know, these While many Fordham administrators say that this policy out filter are not clinical terms.) Marisa singer at Harrah's Atlantic will help build a student's character and force them to be re- highlighted 16 of the 20 traits, City." '1 would probably stab someone sponsible for their own actions, should vie onus of molding in the heart with an icicle...yes, an crossing off "juvenile delinquen- Impulsivity: "I own every mov- icicle. That way,.aftertheyjre dead, cy" and '^promiscuous sexual be- ie Jessica Lange ever starred in, a student's sense of responsibility and trust with his or her the evidence-just melts away. The havior," among others. She was not because I'm impulsive but parents be placed solely at the feet of Fordham? right to scratch those. I'm not a cops might wonder why the corpse because I need them." It's bad enough that the gov- 'Parental is all wet, but..no! No, no...wait slutty car thief. (But I could have Criminal versatility: "At the I would bludgeon • the f person to been if I were afforded more op- supermarket, I've stolen both eminent already sends mixed notification portunities as a child.) I hoped to messages about students' abil- death with a large piece of meat. grapes and loose candy. My de- should be a I saw this on an old episode of argue with her, but soon found pravity knows no bounds." iiy^to be grown-up—$t age "Alfred Hitchock Presents." I out her assessment was as airtight Failure to accept responsi- personal choice as my icicle murder. Look at the "18;
,rr:,n 06 OPINIONS 1 November 16,2006 1 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Sexy or hot? What defines a woman's assets?
By Colleen Cox Contributing Writer
Men are not wearing T-shirts that say, "Who needs a brain when you have these?" They are not donning pro- vocative Halloween costumes, and neither are they mak- ing women wear clothes like that. Women and girls— they are the ones doing it They choose to dress like that and be viewed that way, to get attention and to be sexy. This is the gist of one young man's response to two New York Times opinion pieces a professor brought to one of my literature classes. The first article, "Halloween on Heels," written on Oct. 16 by Allison Glock, described the writer's inability to find a simple pair of mouse ears in the midst of all the sexy (insert occupation here) costumes. Men can dress as firemen or generic monsters, but women dress as sexy-fire- women or sexy-witches. In the other piece, "Why Aren't We Shocked?," written by Bob Herbert on OcL 16, commented on the lack of discussion about the degradation of girls in two re- cent school tragedies. In the article, Bob Herbert drew attention to that objectifying message from a girl's T-shirt from Aber- crombie & Fitch: "Who needs a brain when you have these?" Jill Johnson/ KRT I cannot be certain if the guy from my class realizesth e impli- When a woman's worth is completely dependent on sex appeal, who Is to blame? cations of what he said, or if he was just ignorant of his words. I would not disagree that there are women (and even men) who plied to a person, means less 'aesthetically pleasing' than inseparable from being a sex object, a walking pair of breasts. freely choose to dress provocatively, and thus to be viewed sex- 'hot' Indeed, 'hot' has become the prevailing adjective, How hypocritical we are: we might criticize cultural prac- ually. After all, sexy-Halloween-nurse is surely not looking for and though it has been overused and abused by Paris Hil- tices that deliver young girls over to be wives, and yet our little someonewithwhomshecandiscussShakespeareorworldnews. ton until it has been almost stripped of sense, it did start girls are being taught to be sexy. Though I would not say that But when a teenager or a pre-teen wears a shirt that asks out with, and still contains, vestiges of its original meaning. a forced marriage is the same as an over-hastened childhood, people to look at her chest and not her face, do we re- Beauty delights the eye; someone who is "hot" delights those differences do not negate the injury done by the latter ally hold her responsible for objectifying herself? She a different organ. He or she "turns you on," is someone in our supposedly free society. In this time and place where probably doesn't even know what the word means. whom you'd like to be with, sleep with, whatever. Even if women are told they can do and be anything they want, why My 12-year-old cousin certainly doesn't understand objecti- the feeling is not as fiery as the word implies, it still means are girls taught to make beauty such a priority? What does ap- fication, but she already wears fake nails and eye make-up that physical attraction, not admiration, and certainly not re- pearance have to do with intelligence or strength of character? makes her look 10 years older. Perhaps she feels the need to spect. When you point out the hot girl in the cafe, you Do I think any girl a dupe of culture if she wants to be be attractive, compelled by some sort of Darwinian survival- don't care about her SAT scores. Does anyone ever say of pretty? Not exactly. Do I think intelligence and beaiity-^-or mechanism, or she believes she is just being stylish. Either a stranger, "Oh, he or she is handsome/beautiful?" Those even sexuality—mutually exclusive? Again; no: But as way, the problem is the same, and the fault does not lie with her. adjectives seem to be used only about people we know, a believer in the original ideals of feminism—of men and It stems from a society that makes girls feel, at ever-younger whose characters and personalities please us. A girl's broth- women's equal value and ability—I count it a sad loss when ages, that they should be attractive. Not even just pretty, but er or father would say she looks pretty or beautiful, not hot. a woman's worth is linked to her sexual appeal or power. attractive. As-in, attracting others physically. Not beauti- 'Hotness,' not maturity, becomes a necessary for acceptance Sex should not'be .presented to children as a condition of i rai;%o'tfresTi-faeed orhealthy brstrbng. Attractive and sexy. in the realm of "grown-up" relationshipsan d love—where sex growing up. Girls should be allowed to be little girls, wiui- eyfir"ciHnire'r(and odrk TS'ridrtotfqite' ih' doing-'SO) borri- ' is assumed^ be ah essential function. The girl with the"Who out make-up, without thinkihg they exist for others' viewing bards youth with images that equate 'beautiful' with needs brains...?" T-shirt probably does want to be the object of pleasure. And women should be free to be beautiful without 'sexy.' Thus, beauty becomes something that, when ap- admirationandlove,butinherworld—ourworkl—thatisalmost needing to be sexy, and to be valuable without being either. • A lesson learned, a hope for change tion results. People simply just need something new some- times. And, as much as I would like to agree with all of the progressives and liberals out there who thought that this year's elections were, as The Nation magazine's editors put it, "a repudiation of Bush and his corrupt presidency" and a forceful rejection of conservatism, the results were prob- By GerasiinosManolatos ably due more to the fact that 12 years of Republican rule Opinions Editor has turned America's foreign and domestic policicies into dead dogmas. My mother was at our vacation home in Florida last The election results were not a signal that heartfelt com- week, watching the election results on TV with one of the passionate conservatism went into sudden cardiac arrest, neighbors. The town where our house is located, Holiday, as many of the headlines seem to show. It was more a sign is a Republican-leaning district, the kind that features an ar- that conservatism has become like the old man riddled with ray of gated communities filled with Staten Island migrants Alzheimer's disease who walks down his block and forgets and highways lined with "Guns 'R Here" stores. where he lives. They, the conservatives, lost their way, mis- My mother looked over at her neighbor hunched over the taking the misguided forest of Bush conservatism for the kitchen counter, a tough-skinned grandmother who always trees. Rhetoric and one-sided tub-thumping replaced criti- gloated about what new thing Her three-year-old grandkid cal thinking and compromise over the last decade, leading did that day. She wasn't too happy now though, rather no- astray the do-gooders of the Right into the realm of polar- ticeably disturbed by what was happening. ized, iron-fisted politics. "I can't believe it," the neighbor said as another race was If there was any lesson to be learned from this election, called for a Democrat. "It's over. The Democrats are go- it wasn't that President Bush is a bad man or that Donald ing to take everything over and destroy everything," she .Rumsfeld didn't know what he was doing—though many muttered to my mother who, apolitical as she is, seemed would argue differently. The lesson was that extreme poli- Chuck Kennedy/KRT too nonchalant about the Democrats' smackdown of their tics do not work. They may work for a decade or so, with Democrats wiped the smirk off Bush's face. Now what? Republican opposition. disastrous effects. But, if history has shown anything, it is My mother thought for a minute; she didn't want to get that people within a society do not tolerate absolute rule for government's crocodiles—lobbyists, ideologues—still involved in a war of words with the neighbor—she did cut long. It is only a matter of time before the people "kick lying in wait. our grass when we were gone, after all. the bums out" , Yet, there is, what Illinois Senator Barack Obama calls "You know, Libby," my mother started, "sometimes you It just so happened that 2006 was that watershed mo- in his book of the same name, "the audacity of hope"— have to change, you know? People just want something ment in American politics. But now that the election-year hope for change, While many things have gone wrong in else sometimes." histrionics are finally over, it's time for politicians who recent years, there still exists the notion itiside each of Wow. Libby was angry. talked a good political game to show their mettle to their us—whether you're a college student taking four courses My mother, a Greek immigrant who has never voted in voters. or a grandmother of four—that there is something better America and docs not follow politics, knows more about But, of course, this is often better said"than done. What- out there waiting for us. how politics work than all of the pundits and Republicans ever "swamp-clearing" the soon to be House Speaker, As for Libby, I leave her with a few words from a speech who were flabbergasted by the election results, including Nancy Pelosi, wants to do in Congress, it's going to take made by former President John F. Kennedy; "Those who look President Bush who said lie was "surprised" by the elec- a Steve Irwin from the deep levels of hell to get rid of the only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER I November 16,2006 OPINIONS 07 Give up trans-fats, give up rights Sharing responsibility in the sack
rupt Congressmen pulling our country to be just as effective, into perilous insurrection despite what . BylfenielaVlaeicH Now that contraceptives for males will we may try to do about it, but if^nothing Contributing Writer become available, it is their responsibility else, we must not forget that we still have to take precaution as well, while in the past control over what goes into our own bod- Within a few years, various forms of con- it had been entirely up to the woman. Men ies. We still run the consumer market, af- traceptive methods will become available can use condoms, of course, but when that ByCassDaubenspeck ter all; we still determine what is bought' to males. This 'male birth control' option method fails, such as a condom breaking, literary Editor and what is sold. We as consumers play creates a long-awaited gender balance in whose responsibility is it? I was curious the main part in that transaction. the safe-sex arena. Women will no longer to see what the males had to say about this I don't eat trans-fat, but if you do, that's For decades, people have been eat- be solely responsible for pregnancy preven- new innovation and I was glad to hear that your business. It's not the business of your ing all kinds of fat, nearly oblivious to tion. There are currently only few forms of most guys said they'd be interested and mayor, or your governor, or your president; the toxie effects. Today, we are lucky male contraceptives that exist, leaving males accept the idea of these new contracep- they are not forcing you to eat anything. It enough to know what those effects can with two options: vasectomies or condoms. tives. When I asked Enrique Contreras, 24, is your business and yours alone. You are be. We know the difference between Many young men don't see vasectomies as FCRH, if he'd be interested in male con- the one poisoning yourself. saturated and unsaturated, high fructose practical because the procedure is a perma- traceptives he said, "I'd do it in a second, So why did the NYC Health Department corn syrup and other chemical additives. nent, irreversible sterilization, and unless a take the pill or the injection. I'd never want propose a statement last month', calling for And just like the generations before us, male decides he no longer wants children, it to get a woman pregnant and have her say all restaurants to ban trans-fat from their we have retained the right to choose, leaves condoms as the alternative method. [she's] not keeping it." Most interviewees kitchens and menus? It seems to me the even if that means making bad choices. It is true that the proper and perfect use of were more comfortable with a daily pill responsibility that we have for what we Sure, contributing to our own coronary condoms is 98% effective in preventing rather than an injection but showed con- eat outside of restaurants is the same re- heart disease seems like one of these pregnancies, but the reality of the matter cern in regards to the side effects of either sponsibility we have eating in them. In bad choices, but it is nonetheless ours to remains that 15% of woman still become method. I was hoping that males would be both realms of stuffing-face, aren't we make. And that is part of what we call pregnant due to the improper use of con- open to this idea because if I were ever to still the one making the food choices? being human. That is having the power doms. If more effective contraceptive sys- be in a situation where I needed to take birth Ostensibly, then, this proposal—which of a free will—a power upon which the tems are available such as male birth con- control, I'd expect that the male involved would inflict serious fines on those res- government should never infringe. trol pills, I think it's a good idea for guys to would to be just as willing to contribute in taurants that did not abide by the strict Thus, while a ban on trans-fat may start using them. taking precautions. Alfonso Messina, 23, rules of the ban—seems to entail much seem at its surface helpful in protecting Although a variety of male contraceptive of FCRH, said, "I'd take a daily pill if that more than a little progressive shove in our nation from illness, the government methods are being tested, a new, no side ef- was available rather than an injection, but I the direction of a healthier world. In fact, will never be able to mandate common fect substance has been discovered and is guess if I was completely sure there were it looks more like a dangerous flirtation sense, no matter how hard they try. Ban- expected to reach the public market within no side effects for the injection, I'd consider with basic human rights. ning trans-fats is not just a frivolous five years. Males will soon have "options it, since it's a less frequent thing." The injec- We already have the choice to eat or idea, but an unnecessary resignation of of a daily pill to be taken orally, a patch or tion method didn't fly so well with most men not eat trans-fat. Just because food con- personal rights. If we don't want to eat gel to be applied to the skin, an injection I asked. They said it sounded "risky." How- tains this toxic ingredient does not mean trans-fats, we won't! We don't need to given every three months or an implant ever, they're in luck because now, alternatives we are obligated to eat it. If you want a create more problems for ourselves by placed under the skin every 12 months," to an injection are available. For those who hamburger (or any food) without trans- complicating the issue—we need only according to researchers. want to engage in sexual activities, it is neces- fat, you can go to the store and purchase pay attention the next time we put food Male oral contraceptives similar to the sary that they take all safety measures in con- ingredients with which to cook such into our mouth. It's a matter of investing female birth control pill have proved to sideratioa It is important to note mat all the a meal. If you want a hamburger with in our own health—learning what trans be just as effective, but there is contro- new contraceptive methods discussed in the trans-fat, you need only go to a McDon- fat is, why it's bad, what foods contain it versy regarding the various side effects article do not provide safety from any sexu- ald's or some other greasy spoon and (the information is definitely available)— and the hormonal manipulations in males., ally transmitted diseases. Therefore, condoms shoujd.be.used along-with.thep##,rr#$ods, purchase what they have on their menu. and then taking responsibility to avoid Nonetheless, numerous ways to stabilize a m Either way.you can still have your ham- eating those foods that may cause harm. male's hormones have come about and, in.,, for protectionfrojn diseases andiofections., burger. And you were perfectly capable Better still, as soon as we quit buying general, the pill has no extreme side effects. Statistics conclude that approximately two of handling a trans-fat/non trans-fat situ- products that contain this fat, change will The side effects of the male pill are for the percent of women get abortions each year ation all by yourself. It's not that com- occur on its own. Where restaurants like most part similar to those that the female and about 20 percent of total pregnancies plicated. Wendy's and KFC have already taken mat- birth control pilf has had for decades. It are terminated due to abortions. It is neces- So what exactly is necessary about a ters into their own hands without a govern- seems as though males don't want to deal sary that both parties in a relationship should ban? Frankly, there doesn't seem to be ment mandate, the dominos have already with these side effects such as high blood have the ability to control a pregnancy. Birth a poignant (or justifiable) reason, except been pushed. No food manufacturer is go- pressure, weight gain, and mood swings, control is available as a prevention method that Bloomberg really wants to pull the ing to stand around and do nothing while but females that take the pill have had to for those who wish to have sexual relations wool over our eyes, and he figures now their competitor^ profit from a change and deal with these issues for many years and it and are not ready for children. The new and is the perfect time for such deceit. With their own sales drop off the deep end. As seems to go unrecognized as if it's just part developing methods may be exceptionally idiots in the Oval Office enforcing mar- soon as others see that no one is interest- of the normal procedure. At last, not only useful. Nowadays, males cannot only rely tial law and sucking natural resources ed in their trans-fat product, they will be woman will have such burdens, men can on females to take precautions, and within out of national sanctuaries without our forced to take the ingredient out and give carry the load too. I personally have never a few years when male contraceptives be- consent, we already believe as a nation the consumer something they want. Soon, taken birth control but if I were in a situ- come readily available, it will be equally the that we lack personal influence in global all restaurants will be posting big emphatic ation where I'd feel it necessary and male responsibility of both males and females. change—so why shouldn't we be swayed signs on their doors and menus that say, versions of the pill were available, I'd say, Knowledge and appropriate use of contra- to believe that we also have no control "We Don't Use Trans Fat!" "Why me? You take the pill!" There is no ceptives can be very helpful in lowering teen over personal issues like what we eat? "...because we need you, customer, and reason that a woman should have that duty pregnancy and abortion rates as well as ef- Yes, there are incompetent, lazy, and cor- we know that's what you wanted." • and not a man, if the contraceptive proves fective as a part of child planning. •
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I? Write for News, Opinions, Arts, Features, Literary, Sports or do tf,v:y; •£*:;'' Layout and Photography 08 OPINIONS I November 16,2006 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.cdm THEOBSERVER A defense of the romantic
for the romantic? ' • sex, indulgent, indifferent, mindless, meaningless No matter how hard I try to recall and preserve sex. my juvenile fantasy of the "Prince Charming" O.K., maybe impulsive sex isn't so bad. I think who would woo me with desperate confessions every romantic can agree to that What could be of intense love for me and whisk me away on a better than uninhibited passion for the romantic white horse, I cannot L, like most of the lingering idealist? We 20 year-olds aren'tready to get married romantics out there, am coming to realize that there yet, so maybe we should be "having fun," fooling just isn't any time foriomance—not with all those around. We need to be affectionate and intimate with 113 West BOth Street By Angelica Brunetti Room 408 StaffWriter people we have to experience before we can really other human beings. My fear is that we will become New York, New York 10023 know who we want to be with. so satisfied and content with having casual sex and (212)636-6015 Most people tell me that I am naive—that I It is sad and unfortunate, but, today, I realize that casual relationships that we will stop looking for Fax: (212) 636-7047 sometimes tend to be silly and childish. Appar- I would be lucky if my current, modem "Prince real, enduring love. We will give up on looking for ently, it is rare and almost unimaginable that L, at Chatming" even held the door open for me. I don't "the one" and make a habit out of manipulating Die the so-called "mature" age of 20, still believe that think I'll ever stop fantasizing like a romantic, but "good enough for tonight" genuine love can be found. Waiting around for the I see now that my "Prince Charming" will not be Casual dates can be fun, but I think both "prag- Editor in Chief ideal relationship (the one that evolves from friend- coming to get me on a white horse. Maybe, he'll in- matists" and idealists can agree mat, most of the Nancy Young ship to romantic and physical intimacy) is foolish stant message me with a "holla back." time, they are nothing but transitory experiences of and unrealistic, the general consensus says. Some people, the same types who accuse the ide- the love scene. Whether we are the "pragmatists" News Editor Actually, rumor has it that what 20 year olds alists of being juvenile, rationalize casual dating as who have come to an understanding that the per- Christina Shanahan should be doing is dating many different people and a distraction from loneliness or heartbreak. I agree fect love does not exist or the idealists who refuse to experiencing all kinds of affairs. I get it It makes ab- with them about certain things: we all need to feel give up hope in finding true love, whether we insist Opinions Editors solute sense to get to know a lot of people. After all, close to someone, perhaps anyone. that serial dating can be advantageous or refuse to Ray Dademo how else will you know who is right for you if you We all look for validation that we are desirable waste time with casual flings, our ultimate objective Gerasimos Manolatos haven't experienced those that are wrong for you? as romantic partners. And let's be honest, maybe seems to be the same. We all want one way or the Yet, there is a part of me that feels wary about the we all just need to get lucky once in a while. Nev- other, to stumble across genuine love. How we fill Features Editor casual dating outlook. In the easygoing, laid back, ertheless, doesn't anyone else see the danger in our up flie time in between is relative to each person. AlinaSoler no-pressure scene, is there time for anything more casual trend? What makes me uneasy about casual But please, don't call me childish for hoping that than superficial relationships? Is there any hope left dating is the expectations that accompany it: casual 'Trince Charming" does somehow exist • Arts & Culture Editors Adam Kaufman Gym access needs a shake-up literary Editor By Jesse Lerer simple solution to this would be to place head- run as high as $1 billion. Clearly, if the money Contributing Writer phone jacks on the machines themselves.) is available for such a large undertaking by the If more space were allocated for the student ath- Universjty, FCLC students should hope some of Jennie Nau For anyone who's ventured into the Lincoln Cen- letics facilities, then newer, more advanced work- those funds are allocated to upgrade the athletics ter gym, several words may come to mind when out equipment would naturally follow suit The . facilities on campus. Are there plans for such a Copy Editors describing his or her workout experience: cramped, solution to the problem then becomes apparent: structure? When asked this question, Fordham's JaneTuy gloomy, ill-equipped. Contrary to their Rose Hill a larger venue is necessary to adequately ensure athletic director Frank McLaughlin stated, "I counterparts who are lucky enough to enjoy the that FCLC students keep their bodies, and not just don't know anything about that" With,, the spoils that come along with a campus housing their minds, healthy. What then can Fordham do project's proposed budget running into the $1 Layout Editor . throngs of sports teams,<$tudents at JFCLCare rel-. to remedy this situation? billion range, FCLC students should not have to egated to a workout area so small and under funded, Well, first, the school should consider using dig deep into their pockets to pay an additional it'd make Tony Little give up on exercising. the room directly across from the gym, usually several hundred dollars, on top of their already Photo Editor In tiie past, Residential Life has allocated some set aside for Tae Kwon Do and other specialty expensive $30,000 tuition, for a gym member- of its own budget to purchase some elliptical fitness fitness programs, as an extension to the current ship off campus. machines for the FCLC gym, and this is a great start workout facilities. It will still be nowhere near Fordham looks to schools such as Colum- Online Editors. However, the fitness facilities at FCLC are in seri- the facilities offered to Rose Hill students, but it bia University and NYU as models of where' Gerasimos Manolatos ous need of a complete revamping if they are to stay will help to ease the cramped feeling of the Cur- it aspires to be in the future. I have visited the JaneTuv in step with the gym facilities available to Rose Hill rent gym. NYU athletic facilities, both of them, and I students. While FCLC does not have a throng of Or perhaps building a completely new athletic can say that they easily put Fordham to shame. Assistant Editors athletic teams to keep healthy and in shape as Rose facility is the answer. If building an entirely new Not only does NYU have two athletic facili- Lauren Doiiard (Features) Hill does, that should not be a reason FCLC students structure to house better athletics facilities for ties, but they include state of the art equipment as Daisy Gqldstein (Arts & Curture) get left in the lurch. What message is Fordham's ad- FCLC students seems way too large an expen- well as a brand new full-length basketball court BranHefa (Sports) ministration sanding to the student body at FCLC diture for the University, then one only needs If Fordham truly wants to stand side by side with Craig Calefate (Photography) when it leaves their campus's gym in such disrepair to review me proposed budget for the revamp- universities such as NYU, than it must first de- Charlotte Canner (Photography) compared to its counterpart in the Bronx? ing of the FCLC campus: a project estimated to cide to raise standards for its own facilities. • Upon entering the gym at FCLC, students are Layout Staff greeted by the gloomy, prison-cellgrey paint that Kelsey Butler covers the gym. Students can take their pick from Callie fisher one of fourtreadmills, two of which are noticeably Susanna Lee beat up and due for a replacement. The absence Loren Avellin of any effective free weights is also a problem, Shaina Oupuy considering the fact that not everyone prefers to use weight lifting machines as a substitute. Those students who wish to do yoga or work out on the padded mats can do so, but only if they can find the Faculty Adviser small space in the comer where the mats are set up. In reality, only a handful of people can really use the padded section of the gym. There is simply not Faculty Graphics Adviser enough room, Students wishing to use elliptical Dave Horn machines are at a disadvantage considering there are only four of them. If you are lucky enough to Circulation Mirugtn snag some time on a workout machine, you can Russel Uartonis check out the local news or sports events around ' Nancy Young the country on the few flat screen televisions pres- ent in the gym. The only catch is you won't be able to hear anything on them because the volume is MfcMfet: always muted so as not to disturb those who are Ib part if The Obsarnr may be reprinted not watching television during their workout (A A series of treadmills at the Rtness Center in McMahon Hall ir reproduced without the imiWHWi ihlW connnt of The Observer ' •aHMMbeird. Letters to the Editor, Opinions articles, and Editorial policies Lettora to the Editor should be typed official tides, and year of graduation (if from the same individual on one topic. ofthe views held by the editorial board and sent to The Observer, Pordhom Uni- applicable) for verification. If submitters The Observer reserves the right to edit of The Observer or Fordham University. ThtStaktrtVotoeofFodharnUnlrarsByat versity, 113 West 60th Street, Room 408, foil to include this information, the edito- all letters and submissions for content, The Editorial is the opinion held by rial boaid will do so at its own discretion. clarity and length. a majority of The Observer's edito- Untoki Cwter, puMshed on atomani Thursdays New York, NY 10023, or e-mailed to [email protected]. Length should The Observer has the right to withhold Opinions arrjdra and cornrrwntar rial board. The editorial is in no way a during the academic year not exceed 20O words. All letters must be any submissions from publication and kMrepresent the view of their authors. reflection ofthe views held by signed and include contact information. will not consider more than two letters These articles are in no way a reflection Fordham University. contact krfonruion vlsi tordhjmobstmr.ccfn THE OBSERVER ARTS & CULTURE November 16,2006 09 CBGB Who? The new world of NYC's Rock Clubs
wattage amps and sweaty drunk people, By Luke Teegarden but don't let that deter you: Tommy's is Staff Writer the real deal for a rock show with no pretense.
Is punk dead? True, the demise of CBGB 4. PETE'S CANDY STORE - (WIL- iu Octobej was seen by many purists as the LIAMSBURG) 709 LORIMER ST, BE- last nail in a coffin that, even in recent years, TWEEN RICHARDSON ST AND FROST ST. has contained the corpse of a once-power-» ful musical movement. Granted, the very The outdoor patio in the back makes Pete's definition of "punk" has taken on a dubious an ideal summer spot to knock back a few, but alter-ego via the ascension of corporate con- this bar rattles with music year-round. Pete's veyances like TRL and Warped Tour - it's caters to an eclectic brand of folk/Americana hard not to laugh at the legions of Blink-182 musicians such as Brooklyn's own O'Death facsimiles that have adopted the 4-letter and acoustic weirdo Jeff Lewis. A narrow, descriptor. But this is exactly the impetus candlelit back room provides the space for needed to preserve the specter of punk and musicians, an intimate escape from the clamor the aesthetic it created. New York City is of the bar itself. The walls are lined with fad- currently breeding a burgeoning network ed playing-card wallpaper and the tables are of rock venues; and the apple doesn't fall decorated with Chinese newspapers, giving far from the tree. CBGB may now be his- Pete's that "attic" feel. This is where Dylan tory, but its legacy has refused to be ignored. would have hung out if it were 30 years ago. A smorgasbord of independently-run venues has sprung up anew as alternatives Courtesy of Cake Shop 5. SOME DUDE'S LOFT/ART SPACE/ Les Savy Fav rock the Cake Shop to NYC hotspots like Bowery Ballroom, Ir- WAREHOUSE IN BROOKLYN ving Plaza, and Webster Hall. Due to their and the record selection is nothing to scoff at Mercury Lounge, and Webster Hall. North immense popularity as New York's premier Cake Shop's basement stage is accompanied Six is slated to be renovated and renamed the This final "venue" is perhaps the most inte- concert halls, show bills are often inacces- by a formidable sound setup and a full bar, Music Hall of Williamsburg this spring - a gral conduit for music, and one that is keep- sible to smaller, DIY (do-it-yourself) bands. not to mention shows that rarely exceed $10. move that could potentially doom one of (he ing the punk vibe alive. Relics of Brooklyn's Additionally, steep ticket prices oft keep city's more sterling rock clubs to the ranks of industrial past serve as isolated and viable fans with thin budgets away from the action. 2. NORTH SK-(WILLIAMSBURG) 66 N. 6TH other overpriced and congested NYC venues. spaces for high-volume music, hi Brooklyn, Reaction to this situation has now taken the ST, BETWEEN WYTHE AVE. AND KENT AVE. music happens everywhere, including un- form of cozier rock outlets on both sides of 3. TOMMY'S TAVERN-(GREENPOINT) finished loft spaces, old waterfront shipping the river. Of these, here are some suggestions: This Williamsburg joint has been open for 1041 MANHATTAN AVE @ FREEMAN ST. warehouses, and even Uncle Paulie's, de- over five years now, but it hasn't lost its repu- scribed by Todd P as "a temporary structure 1. CAKE SHOP- By Jessica Guerra The hype surrounding her in Britain got lot of the music in the U.S. It's fresh." per's debut. She is evolving from an un- StaffWriter "Sov" the opportunity to audition for Is- Her sudden pop success has surprised derground, sensation into a mainstream land Def Jam Music Group in 2005. An on- Andrew Gnerre, FCLC '08, who heard pop star. "It's refreshing to see a truly What happens when a short, white, fe- the-spot freestyle in front of Def Jam Re- about Lady Sovereign through the in- talented artist who has produced great male, British rapper gets signed to one of cords' CEO Jay-Z and chairman L.A. Reid ternet a year ago. "I was a bit confused singles on her own to be recognized in the most successful hip-hop record com- was impressive enough to get her a record when I heard she reached number one the public sphere," said Cynthia Chou, panies in the United States? The answer contract that same day, making her the first on T.R.L," Gnerre said. "I didn't know FCLC '09. Compared to just five years lies in England's Lady Sovereign, who is non- American female on the Def Jam label. the kids liked the grime so much." ago, when artists like Britney Spears and starting to make a big impact on Ameri- Def Jam took a risk in signing Lady Sov's debut LP, "Public Warning," Backstreet Boys ruled the music scene, ca's rap and pop music scenes. By claim- Sovereign; her music does not sound like came out on Oct. 31 and debuted at #48 pop music consumers seem to be grow- ing the number one position on MTV's the usual mainstream hip-hop America is on Billboard's album chart, a number ing up and welcoming unique artists like Total Request Live on Oct. 17 with her used to. It is a style called "grime," which that is impressive for an overseas rap- Lady Sovereign into the mainstream. • video "Love Me or Hate Me," she es- comes from London's underground mu- tablished her popularity with America's sic scene, and is recognized by its use teens. Now, the self-proclaimed "Big- of electronic beats and fast rapping. And gest Midget in the Game" has success- while there have been other UK rap art- fully risen from the underground to the ists who have tried and failed to find ma- mainstream, proving that the pop audi- jor commercial success in the U.S. (Ms. ence is able recognize talent by giving Dynamite, the Streets, Dizzee Rascal, true artists the attention they deserve. and M.I.A), Sov seems to have struck Twenty-year-old Lady Sovereign a chord with the American audience. grew up in Chalkhill Estate, a pover- Since the signing, Def Jam has been pro- ty-ridden and dangerous public hous- moting Lady Sovereign heavily. She was ing project in London. This upbringing on covers of magazines like The Fader gave her the street credibility to earn and URB. She performed at the Coachel- respect in the rap community. Since be- la, Bumbershoot, and Lollapalooza music ing kicked out of school at age 16, she's festivals. She is currently on a North Amer- been working on her music full time. ican tour until the end of November. Veri- Like many other artists trying to break zon Wireless has used "Love Me or Hate out today, Lady Sovereign got her name Me" in commercials for their cell phones. out by posting her homemade record- The promoting, so it seems, hasn't ings on the Internet and promoting them been in vain. Her MySpace page has through facepix.com, a Myspace-like over 90 thousand friends, and the mu- web community. She won attention from sic on her page has been played more various American and Britis| producers, than 3.5 million times. One of her who helped her create EPs and singles. fans, Jonathan Chang, FCLC '09, ex- Soon after, ,she achieved fame, over the plained of hen .music* ''It's fun, it's real, Internet andniri the )UK's mainstream. i and it's enevgetieMtfe* diffefenti than^a: ffc/i b '61/' of; • '••* .w'vir.s wiilT i;.vH(>! >iM iWU v WW IJVI i ;4(i'r iiiol Hn iHilMirolirt 13 unoj 10 ARTS & CULTURE November 16,2006 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Theater Reviews: 'The Times They Are A-Changin" By Nicole Bournas-Ney ate attempt to add glitz to the show), Staff Writer a lyrical, wistful "Mr. Tambourine Man" features Michael Arden swing- In an attempt to create what can be ing down on a lit moon set piece - it just barely termed "a plot," Twyla was so amazingly un-Dylanesque, in Tharp has Mercilessly shoehorned Bob its sweetness and lack of an edge, Dylan's classics into various pain- that all one can say is "Did they think fully contrived and simplistic setups they were staging 'Caught Between in the new musical "The Times They the Moon and New York City?'" Are A-Changin.'" Though almost There are elements of the show, how- completely lacking a plot, Tharp's ever, that are interesting. Having indi- creation does have an encompassing viduals trained in enunciation sing the framework. The show, which con- lyrics provided moments where one tains twenty-five Dylan songs, plays could pause and maybe, for the first out in the muddled reality of Captain time, (as in "Desolation Row,") real- Ahab's Circus, populated by whip- ize just how great Dylan's poetry is. wielding ringmaster Captain Ahab, Also, I have to say that during a good his son Coyote, the comely runaway portion of the show, seeing the goings Cleo and a band of conflicted clowns. on of Captain Ahab's Circus is a most- Thankfully, Dylan's classic anthems ly pleasant, though oddly ungrounded, "Blowin' in the Wind" and the title experience. More importantly, Twyla song passably (though limping from Tharp is a tremendous choreographer. the soaring notes tacked on) make the The dance in the show is truly amaz- shift from folk to show tune. How- ing, both from Tharp's and the very ever, the rest of the catalogue suffers talented dancers' sides. The fusion noticeably. Part of the problem lies between the songs and the movement, in the orchestrations. While I can't though, is deeply problematic. The really point a finger at anyone and great majority of the dance-clowns accuse them of taking Dylan's songs bouncing, flying, tumbling, and jump- and destroying them (since Dylan ing on the trampoline stage surface-is himself was in on the arrangements), top quality, but seems utterly discon- I can say that many of the songs are nected from the score. The moments mangled and misused in ways that when Tharp attempts to create a par- would make any Dylan fan cringe. • RickStelnhauser/KRT ticular link to the songs, she falls into In 2002 Tharp had a surprise success But unlike Joel's smooth delivery ed. The most egregious misuse is of the error of taking them far too liter- with "Movin' Out," a Vietnam War and relatively simple lyrics, Dylan, Nashville Skyline's "Lay, Lady, Lay." ally. If thegsjo&g is "Man Gave Names themed "dancical" crafted around the a force on the musical scene since Having it sung by a character who to AH the Animals," out march danc- songs of Billy Joel. The mix was mag- the 1950s, is known for his gravely lacks depth, the use of the song as a ers on all fours frf cb\v,*sheep and bear ic, with Tharp bringing out the best in voice, raw emotion and intriguing po- simple, crude come-on to Cleo, who costumes. In short, interpreting Dylan -etryf'" In the "Broadwayification" of stands in the doorway looking sultry . into a wqrld entirely devoid pi meta- j ,ff;r,,, il,^*AwfZ Dylan's songs, many pieces were re- during the number, speaks volumes phor and symbolism was about as bad collaboration was announced, amid a a mistake as Tharp could have made few raised eyebrows, there was great worked and smoothed out. As a result , about the problems Tharp had taking Dylan to the "Great White Way." In - and unfortunately, make it she did.B interest and hope for a hit to result from of this transformation, certain songs in the show stand out as misrepresent- another miscalculation (or desper- the meeting of these two great talents. 'Love, Death, and Interior Decorating: An Evening of One Act Plays' maintain humorous yet enlightening dia- modern environment, "The Quotable As- his brash actions of murder and rebellion. By Ken Lombardi logue throughout the play, as Gale's wit sassin" takes place during the time of the "Walls" and "The Quotable Assassin" StaffWriter helps to undermine the persistent obli- mid-nineteenth century featuring a cha- remain linked through their observations gation felt by Carter. "Arrogance is not otic period of revolution and political of love and death, although "Walls" proves Unconventional off-Broadway plays of- personality," she proclaims in the play turmoil. Set in an intentionally ambigu- slightly more entertaining. This can be at- ten provide more intriguing and thought Directed by the youthfurKeith Boyn- ous Eastern European nation, this per- tributed to its modern setting and contem- provoking theater experiences as opposed ton, a recent graduate of Amherst college, formance focuses upon the intricate re- porary characters which many of us can to their Broadway counterparts. Such is the "Walls" effectively captures the complex lationship between Simon, a cynical and relate with in our own relationships. Re- case with "Love, Death, and Interior Deco- relationships of its two protagonists. Al- treasonous prisoner sentenced to execu- gardless, both plays remain captivating to rating: An Evening of One Act Plays," now though Gale and Carter display Dhanna tion, and Lucia, an author who plans to the viewer as I envisioned these complex performing at the Altered Stages theater on and Greg-like behavior (she is the quirky pen her upcoming novel as a fictional ac- characters as realistic individuals who West 29th Street. Although more low key free spirit while he acts as a yuppie on count of Simon's life. During her inves- defied the convention of more standard performances are significantly less grand Wall Street), both characters are pre- tigation, both Lucia and Simon become plays. In "Walls," when Gale and Carter than mainstream Broadway, style and con- sented as multi-dimefisional individuals enamored with one another and a surprise sit eating birthday cake, despite the fact it tent dominate within the two one-act plays which help to defy the cliche" s of modern plot twist grants the director, Grammy- is actually nobody's birthday, it seemed of this production while reflecting the romance plays. Their relationship is not nominated Sandra Boynton (the mother as though these were real people who highest quality of the theater. Both plays easily identified, nor is a perfect solution of "Walls" director Keith Boynton), with would really sit around and eat cake while explore issues concerning human infatua- presented to their problems. Gale and the opportunity to examine power roles discussing random issues. Through both tion and mortality with engaging results. Carter cannot simply walk through the between genders. Their differences are of its plays, "Love, Death, and Interior During the first play, "Walls," we are in- park and work everything out, though vast, as Simon defies social conformities Decorating" provides its viewers with the troduced to a contemporary pair of friends many romantic dramas often find the while Lucia outright relies upon them. chance to examine human behavior and and former lovers, Gale and Carter. After need to include some type of scene along As the lead role in "The Quotable As- our interactions with those around us. the recent death of her father, Gale begins those lines. Their connection extends sassin," Keith Boynton, who also directs extensive reconstruction on the walls of her past romance and friendship, as they are "Walls," persuasively acts in the central Performance Info: Altered Stages The- deceased parent's house. Carter, a former undeniably linked through their isolation role. Simon displays the aggressive .de- ater-212 West 29th Street between 7th and intimate friend who abandoned Gale years and self deprecation. "Everyone's alone meanor of a revolutionary while adding 8th Avenues. Limited Engagement: Nov. ago, returns to help,her repair both the Gale. It doesn't make you more alone to sensitivity and brashness when relating to 2, 2006-Nov. 18,2006. Performances run house and her rather questionable mental admit it," Carter reveals to his friend. Lucia. As in "Walls," notions of love and Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sun- state. It is revealed that Carter ran off after "Walls" is captivating in its study of two death are explored through the complexities days at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12.75 and can a one night stand with Gale, which proved complex adults who reach out to one an- of the two central characters. Boynton's be purchased by calling 212-352-3101 or detrimental to both her ego and her faith other in the hopes of breaking down both Simon is to be executed and his conversa- visiting www.theatermania.com. Running in humanity. She is suicidal, as evidenced theliteralandsymbolicwallsaroundthem. tions with Lucia focus on his impending time is 2 hours and 25 minutes, including by her friend's compulsion to never leave The second half of "Love, Death, and death. A rather dynamic connection exists intermission. Trains: 1 to28thSt.,A,C,Eto her alone in case she might attempt to take Interior Decorating" consists of a rather between them, as Lucia is indignant, yet 34th St. Courtesy of DARR publicity. • her own life, Aside from this grim detail ambitious play entitled "The Quotable remains compelled to him. She detests his <$f,kGile.?s life, i these twenty-somethings, Assassin'.!' While, "Walls" is set in, a actions although, in tho end cannot resist.. fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER I November 16,2006 ADVERTISEMENTS 11 Smart. Talented. Ambitious. Let*s combine our As you look to the future - equipped with your goals and dreams - you're ready to start your career by putting your education and experience Into action. Join an Industry leader that, like you, is reaching higher and exploring bold new directions. Amerlprlse Financial has more than 110 years of history providing financial solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals. See what you can do about the future - for yourself and those we serve - at Amerlprise Financial. Explore exciting career opportunities as a financial advisor with us. Amerlprlse Financial will be at Fordham University on Monday, October 23 at 6 p.m. In McGlnley Commons, Room 234. amerlprlse.com/campus 1 OFCB EIAST Photos by Marika Rubak fordhampbserver.com THE OBSERVER | Noember 16,2006 I ARTS & CULTURE 13 Fordham's night at the opera .J . ' i?1 "V-., *• Madame Butterfly JoeDavidson Layout Editor carried most of his cinematic proclivities from the the raging undercurrent of emotion and theatricality Marcello Giordani, as Butterfly's American hus- big screen'into the realm of opera. Just as direc- that the opera evokes in an icy, detached manner: band, Pinkerton, and Maria Zifchak, as the ever- The Metropolitan Opera, housed at nearby Lin- tors so often divert from the script, Mr. Minghella Cristina Gallardo-Domas, as the eponymous faithful Suzuki, both handle their characters with coln Center, isn't exactly well-known for its warm- has no problem overhauling Puccini's classic tale Butterfly, carries the production and is the root deft ease and yet, despite their best efforts to the con- hearted customer service. However, with the new of a delusional geisha, desperately in love with an of its problems. Her soprano doesn't quite run at trary, neither inspired any swells of emotion in this season, the rnet is making a calculated attempt to American soldier. full throttle, which is troubling throughout the per- particularviewer. « appeal to a broader audience. Now offering live Yes, Madame Butterfly is about a Japanese gei- formance but proves particularly damning in Act In terms of maintaining a relevant public image, broadcasts on satellite radio, as well as global tele- sha, but it was written as an Italian opera, which Two, Scene One, when she sees her husband's ship the Metropolitan Opera has taken a step in the right casts, the musty, old Met seems to be letting its hair Minghella seems to have forgotten. Minghella's returning to the harbor. "He's returning - and he direction by exploring new and interesting artistic down choice to present the piece as a Japanese drama, loves me!" she sings in what should be a moment territories, which are sure to spark the interest of It was in this climate of change that I came to complete with a Bunraku puppet standing in for the of pure pleasure forButterfly—an d pure despair for a greater number of patrons. However, the Met find myself perched in an orchestra seat of the fa- role ofTrouble, Butterfly's son, focuses on style and the audience, who knows full well just how wrong shouldn't forget its bread and butter, mainly, the mous opera house, waiting for the curtain to rise forgets the tragic substance that courses through the Butterfly is. However, Gallardo- Domas' doesn't music. All else should serve merely as a foil or on Act One of the Anthony Minghella directed opera Han Feng'steautiful costumes and Michael rise to the occasion. When she reaches the height garnish, adding to the overall effect while not en- production of Puccini's classic opera, Madame Levirie's breathtaking sets, which included sliding ofher vocal powers, her voice wilts rather than blos- croaching on the music's power. With its beauti- Butterfly, to begin Well-known for his work on screens and a large mirror hung above the down- soms, and fails to pass the age-old test of any good ful sets and lavish costumes, Madame Butterfly films such as The English JMent and The Tal- ward-sloping stage, are candy for the eyes, but both vocal performance. Indeed, aflerthe famous scene, I forgets its raison d'etre, and the overwhelming ented Mr. Ripley, Mr. Minghella seems to have are negated by the production itself, which presents looked down and found nary a goose-bump. tragedy of the opera falls of deaf ears. • Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera A dancer (Hsin-Ping Chang) in the opening scene from Act I of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." Carmen Rigoletto stage for those of us not well versed^n By JuKaPetraZahran Colon as the Chy Opera, however I did find that to be a Christina Shanahan the language. Contributing Writer flaw in this interpretation of Carmen Playing the News Editor But the vocal performances alone role of Micaela, a small town girl and potential are enough to capture and hold the In our modem world, if you believe you have a fiance of Don Jose was Latonia Moore. Moore's Lincoln Center, seems abuzz aud^encg'S-attention. Even a Monday psdVsorid grasp on the wayihings are done, you* vi - eveiSufqjyffiui mance draws atfu-H • better think again. While some see a traditional, not nearly as passionate as one would expect the Novembe'r 2006 Metropolitan audience,'whose members are not classic'piece and are fulfilled, others see a lack in Although the singers were respectable, the novel Opera schedule comes through with afraid to give the performers well- modernity. This was my main disappointment in designs directors and designers have createdtogive an outstanding line-up, including deserved praise. "Bravos" aplenty seeing Carmen at the City Opera a fewweek s ago. Opera an opportunity to show its vast creativity and Giuseppe Verdi's .Rigoletto. For the echo throughout the auditorium Carmen, a Spanish gypsy who fells in love more glamour was sadly ignored in this performance. It Fordham student living a mere two following solo as-well as group eas%,than she lets on, meets Don Jose, a poised is not to say that the music should be secondary to blocks away, Verdi's masterpiece, performances, attesting that there soldier who quickly trusts Carmen despite her less what is visually displayed on the set, however it conducted by Friedrich Haidler, is a truly is not a bad seat in the house. than honest reputation. is not audacious to approach a piece in a more fall must-see. The elaborate set and costume Rinat Shaham, a confident Mezzo-Soprano, modem tight Opera is in danger of becoming The talented performers complement designs of Rigoletto, made possible portrayed Carmencha splendidly, with her candor obsolete and perhaps it is in its favor to sacrifice one another as they tell the story of a by Metropolitan Opera Shops and and her seductive approach to Carmen's personal- some of the brilliant designs of Puccini and Mo- cursed court jester, Rigoletto, played Metropolitan Costume Department, ity, although not entirely original, was successful zart in anticipation of regaining the momentum by Juan Pons, and his beloved daughter alic|w the audience to delve into in terms of tradition. Rinat Shaham captivated the Opera once had. Gilda, played by Ekaterina Siurina, the"world of royalty and loss. The who is love with the scheming Duke of audience with her beauty as well as die bold vibrato I honestly like the premise you have going on realistic backdrops transport audience Mantua, Marcello Giordani. that trembled through out the theater. - that the production went tooo safe and didn't members to Mantua in the 1500s as Each of the three acts of this Italian Carmen's other lover Escamillio, a courageous really do much with a great Opera like Carmen, the imposing structures and special libretto brings the performance to a bullfighter, stole Carmen's heart and our ears as but you need to really get in there and explicitly effects supplement the developing plot. new, impressive level. The emotions Adrian Gans seduced us with his introduction His describe what it was lacking. Say it and say it The costumes are accurate displays of the actors heighten and are imparted voice was well-controlled yet passionate, qualities clearly and abundantly. You didn't even men- of characters' wealth or prestige and onto the audience through astonishing anyone would seek in a dashing bullfighter. tion the actor, emotion, and singing. I know you serve to show the contrast between arias as Rigoletto's ultimately tragic court scenes and more secular scenes The set for the performance wasn't particularly say it was good, but that's die whole point of the plot thickens. that occur outside the palace. beautiful; the array of columns, drab colors and opera - the operatic singing - and yet you don't Don't speak Italian? Don't So, Lincoln Center students, branch chaotic atmosphere distracted us from Ihe singers. get into to it for more than one sentence. worry—the Met's state-of-the-art Out from your typical Saturday night, Carmen is supposed to immediately demand our Well, since we are being frank, a conserva- translators, which scroll English text trade in ypur loungewear for black attention, but appeared in a bland skirt, as opposed tive take on Opera is quite boring to Ihe numer- across a small screen in front of each tie and take a walk over to your to the vibrant red she's famous for Gans appeared ous youth unappreciative of the music. We are seat, provide a clear and thorough campus' namesake for an experience wrapped in a black cloak, accurate in the bullfight- Irving in a day where opera needs to regain the interpretation of the action on the you'll be sure to remember. • ing world however not visually arousing. momentum it had in earlier centuries. There was The rest of our cast who forth e most part spoke a time when Opera was a new and innovative French rate well, sang their arias as carefully as way to tell a story, and unfortunately, that has one can, but lacked in awe Jt is uncommon to criti- been forgotten It has been "traditional" for the cize an opera for being under-dramatic, especially past 200 years and before a few new productions when one is performing in a center as distinguished here and there it was beginning to fade away. • Carol ROMJ/Oily Opera IbrtySoN/MttnprilM Opart Carmen is now playing at the New York City Opera House Ekaterina Siurina as Gilda and Juan Pons In the title role of Verdi's "Rigoletto." 14 ARTS & CULTURE I November 16,2006 I THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Student Picks for Next Macy's Parade Balloon By Valerie Rose Julie O'Brien, FCLC '08: "I think President Bush won't be able to say you're fired if he w.efe^ balloon." StaffWriter would be a good one. Basically because someone al- Denise Pelusd,' J*CLC '07: "Donald Rumsfeld with a ways has to be holding him up," hole in the balloon. 'Since he's going down. Or a really This year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is cel- Bhagli Sure$j FCLC 'Q7,: "Paris Hilton, because she's big Tom Cruise and a small Katie Holmes, because he's ebrating^lts 80th anniversary. The established American already like a fake balloon. She's an airhead." trying to hide her." tradition is widely known for its famous cartoon bal- Joseph Nolfo, FCLC '08: "Remember the guy Bob Kether Fernandez, FCLC '07:'"Nicole Richie, so we loons. Long-running favorites include Snoopy, Garfield, Ross? With the afro who use to paint on TV? I would can finally see her gain weight." and Elmo. The cartoon balloons have even been used love to see him with a paintbrush in his hand. He had Allison DiRienzq, FCLC '07: "I'd,like-to see Hillary in movies and television shows, the most popular being that show on PBS called 'The Joy of Painting.'" Clinton, because I worked for her. I think it would be "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Friends." While so far, Peggy Jean Craig, FCLC '07: "Kramer from 'Sein- cool." ...... ,, the balloons have only been made in the image of pop- feld.' He's so animated, and why not? Kramer is just Nina Capacchjone, FCLC '07: "Tom Cruise, He ular cartoons, the Observer wanted to know what real humorous to look at, especially when he's jumbo size." thinks he's God already. So why not blow him to a people Fordham students would like to see made into Katie Jo Sheek, FCLC '08: "Rachael Ray so she can hundred times his normal size and fly him through balloons. Here are some students' responses: keep all her energy inside. Or Donald Trump, since he the sky?" • Flannel Pajamas By Ken Lombard! StaffWriter When we first meet Stuart and Nicole, they are sitting this film as a warning against the risks associated with in a rain soaked New York diner with their own respec- marriage and a long term relationship. tive friends. On this first night together, the young ro- Written and directed by veteran independent film- mantic duo laugh, talk, chastise each other, and mock maker Jeff Lipsky, The Flannel Pajamas owes its cred- their friends and family. It is not until an intimate cab ibility to its convincing and resonating dialogue, which ride home later that night when Nicole (Julianne Nichol- adds to the realism of the movie. In the roles of Nicole son) feels comfortable enough to quietly rest her head on and Stuart, Nicholson and Kirk provide convincing act- Stuart's (Justin Kirk) shoulder, thus revealing her true ing performances as a couple who maintain a complex affections. Stuart smiles, yet remains silent, not wanting love for one another. It can be said, however, that neither to react strongly to her gesture. This is one of a handful character entirely hates nor loves his or her significant of moments within "Flannel Pajamas," where the mov- other throughout the film. When residing in their Man- ie's two central protagonists emerge as credible and au- hattan apartment, husband and wife occasionally adore thdntic, as opposed to the stereotypical male and female and predominantly argue with each other over a variety characters of standard Hollywood romantic comedies. of issues, ranging from Nicole's desire to have children An official selection at the Sundance Film Festival, to Stuart's suicidal and immature brother. the Flannel Pajamas is an independent film that re- The Flannel Pajamas is a convincing film about re- mains quite genuine in its depiction of a young couple's lationships, although some scenes involving Nicole's courtship and eventual hardships in maintaining a suc- family are rather out of place and unwarranted. In one cessful romance and marriage. Soon after their initial scene, Nicole's mother assaults Stuart with anti-Semitic mecting.Stuart and Nicole are smitten with each other remarks, which proves distracting and simply unneces- and seem perfect together. But it is not until after their sary. The Flannel Pajamas, as it is very much dialogue wedding ceremony when their problematic setbacks driven and most of the action occurs in one place, proves eventually surface. Both Stuart and Nicole must face lacking in cinematic qualities and seems as though it is family interference! financial burdens and disputes con- in fact a play rather than an actual movie. Yet, as is often corning the appropriate time to start having children. the actual case, most relationships are not stylishly cin- Undoubtedly, those who are young and single will see ematic but intricate and gritty, as this film illustrates. • I'holo fjourtnsy ol Glganllo Plchrro* Justine Kirk and Julianne Nicholson in "Flannel Pajamas. 15 FEATURES November 16,2006 FEATURES THE OBSERVER HD-DVD vs. BtorKay Shedding some light on the latest in high-definition entertainment By PJ Williams Staff Writer Throughout the ages, there have been numerous epic battles that would forever remain in our memories: David vs. Goliath, Godzilla vs. King Kong, Rocky vs. Mr. T and now, HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray. High-definition televisions, HD TVs, are going down in price and be- coming more common in the average consumer's home. Since television technology is continuing to advance, media formats are making then- best attempts to catch up. HD TVs are able to show incredibly detailed images but need a source for these enhanced images. HD-DVD and Blu-Ray are the next and newly advanced level of disk formats. These two formats have various minor details that set them apart and may de- termine which one crashes and which one will be around ten years later. So whatever you do, before you rush out and buy one of these formats, learn their distinct features, and wait to see which one wins the battle of being the next "big thing" in high-definition entertainment. CAPACITY: Blu-Ray is the winner in this category. Their disks can hold up to 50 gigabytes of information, or four and a half hours of high defini- Oloa GoibaSouk/ The Observer tion video or over twenty hours of standard definition video. Although HD-DVD can only store up to 30 gigabytes of data, work is being done Many unknowingly put themselves at risk of contracting to increase its capacity to 45 gigabytes, hi terms of video quality, Blu- Ray movies will look only slightly better. Movies aside, these disks are Hepatitis C, study finds starting to rival the size of computer hard drives. Now, instead of using dozens of disks to back up your music, documents and movies, you will Stop right there. Has your Macall Newman, FCLC '09, just need one or two. roommate borrowed your pearl By Anne Marie DeVito was one of many girls who earrings recently? Has your girl- Staff Writer admitted to loaning earrings friend used your toothbrush? "all the time" to her friends ALLIES: Are you thinking of finally get- toothbrushes, earrings and nail- and roommates. "If they're Blu-Ray has partnered up with quite a few studios such as Sony Pic- ting that sweet tattoo? Before clippers without realizing the cute earrings and they match tures Entertainment, Lionsgate, MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount you do, be aware that such be- dangers involved. my outfit, I'll wear them one and Buena Vista International. HD-DVD, on the other hand, has Uni- havior may put you at a risk of On the topic of toothbrush night," Newman said. "We versal, Warner Brothers and Paramount. contracting the viral disease sharing, many students agreed don't even think [about] it." knovtoi as Hepatitis C. sharing among family mem- Other items like nail-clip- According to a recent study bers was the only safe excuse. pers or razors had different at a large Midwestern college, Jacqueline DiCroce, FCLC '09, reactions between males and EQUIPMENT: 75 percent of college students one of three sisters said, "I'll females. Most females said The first Blu-Ray player released cost $1000, and could only play unknowingly engage in high use my sister's or my mom's that these items were off-limits movies and music. That's why Sony is saying that their soon-to-be-re- risk behavior for the spread of toothbrush. We have the same to sharing. Meaghan Doherty, leased $600 PlayStation 3 will be "too cheap", because of the included Hepatitis. blood, it's in the family." FCLC '09, said, "My mom's a Blu-Ray player. HD-DVD players cost $500-$700. In this aspect, the Hepatitis C is a viral infec- Sam Kulik, FCLC '09, agreed nurse, so I'm a germaphobe. I PlayStation 3 really does look like a good deal but limited availability tion that causes chronic liver that family is the loophole for clean everything." of the PlayStation 3 means thai it might be a while before you can get inflammation that could lead toothbrush sharing. "I would The majority of guys bor- your hands on the cheaper Blu-Ray players. Microsoft will have an HD- to cirrhosis. Translation for the definitely not borrow my room- rowed nail clippers out of ne- DVD add-on for Microsoft's Xbox 360'for about $200, about the same medically inept: it causes liver mate's toothbrush," Kulik in- cessity. "I never have the time price as the PlayStation 3. The key difference is that Microsoft's high damage and can eventually sisted. "I don't know where his to clip!" Kulik said. "So, when definition movie player is optional on the 360. lead to liver cancer. It is also a mouth has been!" I see a pair lying around, I'm sexually transmitted disease as The closeness of roommates in going to grab them and start it is spread through bodily flu- college may make it seem harm- clipping." The Disks: ids. This means the sharing of less to borrow jewelry. How- Outside of dorm life, the po- While not required, most of these HD players will be able to play reg- needles, toothbrushes, razors, ever, borrowing pierced earrings tential to contract Hepatitis C ular DVDs, providing minor improvements in quality. There is also talk nail-clippers or other objects from a friend can transfer Hepa- is highest in contact with nee- that studios will start producing disks that have the regular DVD on one that have traces of blood can titis C. The study found that 53 dles, either from drug use or side and either a HD-DVD or Blu-Ray version on the other side. This also lead to contracting the in- percent of the students said they tattoos. will save on space and cost for electronics retailers. More importantly, fection. had shared jewelry like earrings Joseph Visconti, FCLC '09, this will make shopping easier for casual consumers who can't see these The results of the study con- or body piercings. plans to get a tattoo before differences. So far, it is not possible to make a disk with an HD-DVD cluded that the majority of un- Christmas. Besides searching movie and a Blu-Ray movie on the other. The disks themselves will be dergraduate students are largely for a parlor that will provide expensive, costing up to $40, but most are under $30. unaware of the many everyday high-quality tattoos, he is con- habits that could potentially cerned with sterility. "Clean- spread the Hepatitis C virus. liness is the biggest factor. I Longevity: According to the study, 27 per- mean, you can get more than It's still a toss-up, but here are some predictions on which one cent of the students did not real- AIDS," Visconti said. may win: ize the disease is spread through Are you scared yet? Don't be sharing drug needles, while 77 - just do yourself a favor and HD-DVD is cheaper and that means a lot for consumer products, percent did not know it could be take the proper precautions. especially video games, since these formats are going to be tied spread by cocaine use. Clean nail clippers, earring closely to their gaming counterparts. Microsoft has given consum- "Everyone should be aware of posts and other items using ers a choice: if they want a high-definition movie player, then they the obvious ways to contract it: rubbing alcohol or another an- can upgrade to one, as opposed to being forced to buy one with tattooing, piercing and certain- tiseptic. Verify that the tattoo their PS3. ly, sex," said Kathleen Malara, parlor is using clean instru- director of Student Health Ser- ments (and not hosting drug Blu-Ray will definitely be more expensive but will have all vices at FCLC, Malara stressed deals in the backroom). And, the features and picture quality for highrend consumers,JThere that students should be in the for goodness sakes, send your is logic in spending the extra money to have the best picture habit of maintaining cleanliness xjuPhato Mtux girlfriend to the friendly folks quality possible. In addition, many non-gamers may purchase Be cautious when getting tattooed. Hepa- at CVS to buy her own Oral-B' the PS3 just because it is cheaper than buying a regular Blu- and refrain from borrowing per- titis C can be transmitted through shared sonal items. needles so make sure the tattoo parlor Is toothbrush. You don't want to Ray player. Sony developers have said that the next PlaySta- Consistent with study find- clean and using sterile Instruments, be the next "Tommy Lee and tion won't use disks, but will download content from the Inter- ings, many Fordham students Pamela Anderson Hepatitis C- net, If that's what's going to happen, then maybe we should admitted to sharing items like Positive" couple. • all wait for that and stick with good old DVDs for now. • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER November 16,2006 FEATURES 16 Stick to the healthy Fordham diet Freshman weight gain is down to eight pounds, but LC students are even slimmer Put down that grilled side, Fordham students cheese deluxe and step away By Magda Kalata seem to be reducing this from the venti caramel mac- Staff Writer eight pound average. The chiato, the nightmare of the ~ ' "missing" flyers in the "Freshmen 15" is alive and well, even if it laundry rooms of McMahon, begging for is a little slimmer. return of clothes in the small-medium size This "lite" version of the weight students range may be an indication of the fact that were thought to gain during their first year FCLC students may not be gaining the in college is still, on average, said to be a weight or at least don't keep it on. After hefty eight pounds, according to a study polling twenty students of each sex at the conducted by the Brown University Medi- Lincoln Center campus, average reported cal School. Though the number sounds a weight gain during their first year for fe- lot better than the original, weight gain still males was six pounds and for males, it was can cause future health issues, ranging from actually a loss of four. Of those students long term health risks, such as heart disease who gained weight, 52 percent said they lost all of the weight and close to 35 percent - and diabetes, to more immediate worries, Russell J. Hartonis/The Observer like not fitting into your Seven jeans. said they lost at least five pounds more than An unidentified woman sells DVDs at the 34th street station. October 27,2006. According to a study presented at the an- they had originally gained. nual meeting of the Obesity Society, the The slimphysique ofFCLC students is cer- problem isn't even the actual fact that col- tainly assisted by the many choices for din- lege students gain weight, but rather, that ing outside of the less-than-exemplary food Movie piracy costs U.S. film industry they are not taking it off. The pounds ac- of the cafeteria, and the fact that walking is cumulate, and before anyone has managed possibly the most popular mode of trans- billions to seriously address the problem, today's port in New York City. So next time hunger American students get nicknamed Genera- strikes, lace up your walking shoes and step tion XL. into one of the eateries in the neighborhood Movie piracy is an By MaryAn n Spencer trading and downloading Flattered? Perhaps not, but on the bright for some guilt-free grub. • increasingly growing Staff Writer of movies. problem for film indus- — — GUBA is .using an ad- tries around the world, as. movie fans opt vanced form of technology called Johnny BREAKFAST for illegal content for a fraction of the cost. to help filter online movies. Johnny digi- The Flame (corner of 9th Avenue and As pirating thrives as an extremely profit- tally analyzes video content and gener- 58th Street): able market, organizations are beginning to ates a unique fingerprint for each video. Calories: 439, fat: 25.0g, carbs: 21.3g take notice and create new polices to crack Once Johnny has scanned a video, that Fresh spinach and mushroom egg white down. video is blocked from illegal file trad- omelet Movie piracy consists of any illegal ing or distribution on GUBA's site which 1 Slice of whole wheat toast downloading, copying or distribution of helps protect copyright holders from ille- Total cost: $7.25 movies, which is a widespread problem due gal posting and sharing, according to the to an increasing number of free download- pressrelease. "•'•..», Alan's Marketplace (Columbus Avenue ing sites, available on the Internet. For any- "Hollywood is desperately trying to and 60th Street) •, - one curious-as to how many downloading not make the same mistake the record Calories: 343, fat: lO.Og, carbs: 31.8g programs are out there, try typing in "free industry did, which was not fighting on- Egg and cheese with tomato on a roll '• movie downloads" on google.com, where line piracy as vigilantly as possible. This Total cost: $1.89 over 78 million results will turn up. is very hard to do, since the DVD code According to a recent study conducted is very easy to crack," said Brian Rose, LUNCH by The Institute for Policy Innovation, the professor of communications and media Whym (9th Avenue and 58th Street) United States economy loses $20.5 billion studies at FCLC. Calories: 335, fat: 15.3g, Carbs: 22.5g ' Craig Calefata/The OtBerver per year in lost business, jobs, vvages and As far as looking for solutions to movie Chopped candy cane salad - grilled chicken, fuji apples, asparagus, candy cane beets, taxes due to movie piracy. The study also piracy, Rose said, "Stiffer penalties are feta, basil vinaigrette found that local, state and federal govern- one way to go, but basically anytime in- Total cost: $13.95 ments have lost approximately $837 mil- formation is digitally encoded, regardless lion in tax revenues. of the intricacy of security procedures, Kashkaval (9th Avenue, between 58th and 59th Streets) Losing money is not the only problem some 12-year-old hacker will be bound to Calories: 360, fat: 2.5g, carbs: 71.9g to stem from movie piracy. The study also crack it." Split pea soup found that over 140,000 jobs that would Students have their own opinions on Fresh French bread have normally been created within the what can reduce movie piracy. Total cost: $4.00 movie industry were not as result of pi- "I think they need to reduce the prices rating last year. In addition, there were of DVDs and movie tickets. I would be DINNER a reported $5.5 billion lost earnings for more compelled to buy a DVD if I only Burrito Box (9th Avenue between 57th U.S. workers. had to pay $5," said Kate DiGeronimo, and 58th Streets) "Motion picture piracy hurts not only FCLC '07. Calories: 451, fat: 11.2g, carbs: 69.8g the movie business, but triggers a harm- Yet some students have already stopped Spinach portobello burrito with brown ful domino effect that results in lost jobs downloading because many of the inde- rice and soy cheese on a whole wheat and wages for American workers inside pendent downloading sites do not offer tortilla and outside the industry," said Dan Glick- virus or Spyware protection. Total cost: $6.95 man, MPAA (Motion Picture Association "I was getting too many viruses from of America) chairman and chief execu- downloading free movies," said Laura Ollie's (Broadway, between 67th and tive, in a public statement. Carey, FCLC '07. 68th Streets) Yet many Fordham students, among For students who want to get movies Calories: 589, fat: 6.6g, carbs: 54.7g others, do not like spending money on from the comfort of their own desktops Grilled salmon with szechuan sauce high-priced movie tickets and DVDs, and legally, Apple has released an updated on the side feel that they should be able to utilize any version of iTunes called iTunes 7, which Brown rice resources the Internet has to offer. allows users to securely purchase movies, Total cost: $13.95 Jonathan Cottle, FCLC '08, said stu- television shows and music directly from dents should be allowed to download any the site. However, the software is primarily film that is available to them on the Inter- for convenience, as the prices for the films Craig Calefate'/ lite Observer net. "I think this kind of media should be are very similar to those that are available DESSERTS free to the public," said Cottle. "I do not in hard copy in the stores. Le Pain Quotidien (65th Street, between Columbus and Central Park West) think it is fair for the government to set For some, movie piracy may seem conve- Calories: 140, fat: 0.0g, carbs: 37.9g any kind of regulation." nient and cost effective; however, it is still Students, however, should be fore- illegal and consequences include lawsuits, Fresh fruit salad r t ^ ^.v.™—^»-—*-. Total cost: $4.75 warned'as the MPAA is beginning to take hefty fines and even jail time. Yet as the drastic measures to stop movie piracy. In a popularity of pirated content increases, one TastiD-Lite (10th Avenue, between 57th and 58th Streets) : "' ' "' press release issued in July, the MPAA an- can be sure that the entertainment industry Calories: 180, fat: 3.0g; carbs: 12.0g nounced their collaboration with GUBA, will be closely monitoring movie piracy • • Small serving of one of their yurnmyflavors'"• -••*•••'••• '•• •" a popular online video sharing entertain- in an attempt to piit an end the industry's 1 ! Y< 1 ment Website, in order to stop the illegal' fastestgrbwingJJroblerri. -! '': •; •-•Total cost: $3.25' '" ' " ' " " '"' ' •*" "'" ' •'•' ''""'' '' v 1 ilj ob sin 'fjuiG uti { mui :\<(A JIJ& ,1! VlUlyli'>l "T* community projects as well. we get a new project every 4 to 8 weeks," "I think maybe long hours in the library Kuehn said. got me ready for the long hours we some- So far, as a team leader, Kuehn has flry times work," said Luther. Leaving her home walled homes that were previously gutted, state of Indiana and taking classes out of her installed roofing on houses, and been trained comfort zone at Fordham, like philosophy, in wild-land firefighting. helped her enter NCCC with an open mind, Kuehn described wild land firefighting Luther said. as "quite unique." Her team recently burned Kuehn first heard about AmeriCorps dur- 450 acres^ known as "prescribed burning," ing a summer from a co-worker who had so native species are able to thrive. "There participated in AmeriCorps National. Kuehn is nothing quite as spectacular to the eyes majored in communications with a concen- as watching rolling hills on fire, and in this tration in film, and like most seniors, was case, it was a beautiful sight," Kuehn said. looking for something to do after gradua- Luther also describes each experience as tion. Since she could not see herself in the unique. So far, one of her favorites was a film industry at the time, Kuehn visited the house her team worked on in Gulfport, MS. AmeriCorps Web site. A homeowner who had been affected by "At the Web site, you can fill out your pref- Hurricane Katrina in the area hired a pro- erences and one of the programs comes up," fessional contractor to install some drywall Kuehn said. "For me, it was NCCC. I imme- who turned out to be a fraud. Lfuther said Courtesy of Stephanie Luther diately identified with the program and knew the contractor did the installation incorrectly Stephanie Luther is gutting a house in New Orleans with AmeriCorps. in January [after graduating] that it was what and did not cut out any holes for things like May. Tori Kuehn, FCRH '05, is also cur- I wanted to do." ceiling fans. Luther and the rest of her team By Shawn Triggs rently involved in the program, which is Though unable to describe a normal day stepped in and installed the drywall. Staff Writer essentially geared towards 18-24 year olds in NCCC (because there are no "normal" "I've never seen anyone so grateful for who wish to travel the country and volunteer days in NCCC), Luther has done work something they deserved so much," Luther "Eleven people, picked to live and work their time where needed. Kuehn is currently with children, animals and two reconstruc- said. "Regina [the homeowner] came to and travel together for 10 months. Subtract in her second term of AmeriCorps as a team tion projects for hurricane-devastated areas. our base camp a few days later and tear- the cameras, the glamorous cities, the lux- leader for a Southeast region team. During these projects, Luther and her team fully thanked everyone who worked on her ury housing and the exotic vacations. Add After hearing about NCCC from a former worked from early in the morning until 4 home. She used to hug us on the worksite, a couple of hurricanes, a lot of hard work, cross-country teammate, Luther immedi- or 5 p.m., six days a week. Luther and her even when we were covered with sweat and people who really need help; small towns I ately filled out an application and began her teammate's activities ranged from installing drywall dust." love that I never would have visited other- experience. siding and sub-flooring, to dry walling and Similar to Luther's touching experience, wise and some serious good times." This is In graduating from the Honors Program painting to installing hurricane straps and Kuehn said, "Being taken out to dinner by how Stephanie Luther, FCRH '06, describes with a double major in art history and Ger- roofing throughout the day. a homeowner whose house you have gutted herrecentexperiences,.,,, .,.,..,„! < , man, Luther said she never had time to par- "The big thing in NCCC is flexibility or helped construct makes for another f eally Luther has'been participating in a pro- ticipate in any of Fordham's community ser- - you can be trained to do just about any- unique experience." gram called AmeriCorps*NCCC (National vice programs. Luther, however, had known thing," Luther said. "I've learned more about "It's probably less dramatic than anything Civilian Community Corps)' for the past few fellow students who had done community construction than I ever thought I would." on MTV MTV isn't real," JLuther said, re- months; she is currently stationed in New service work through Fordham whose expe- "Each one of my days is different - which ferring back to her Real; World comparison. Orleans and will be finishing her work in riences sparked an interest in participating in is why I enjoy, the program so much —' and "This is as real as it gets." • •,••.!-!•-<>•. Hats: the ultimate male security Election Day: The first time is blanket always the hardest I used to have a baby blanket - when he picked me up, there as a child. It was 'the,perfect was no hat on-his head. By Siew Kwok size for a In" tyke, and made of One of my best friends from Contributing Writer the softest yellow fabric. I used high school is in the Delta to love it, sleep with it, carry it Kappa Epsilon fraternity and I live right next to my district's voting they begin looking it up. I felt my heart around with me, but I was over his fiat brother, Luke, always center and for the past six years, I've seen in my throat during the twenty seconds it it by the time I was five. wears an army-print trucker hat the "Vote aqui" signs posted all over the took them to find my name. I can't ex- A few years after the baby from Wal-Mart Now this kid lamp posts near my building. The signs plain it, but voting was the only thing I blanket stage, men start to wear has thick, straight black hair that never meant anything to me since I was wanted to do at that moment. I would've hats. Ok, sure. That's fine. But makes him look almost like a never old enough to vote. been begging on my hands and knees if have you ever tried to take By Jennie Nau mad scientist, but it is a look that But last year I turned 18, and with-that they denied me my chance to vote now them off their heads? It's like Sports Editor really works for him. His locks- came the ability to join that elite club of that I had finally brought myself there. robbing a small child of his stick out of the sides of his hat voters. Was I excited? Not particularly. I They finally found my name and as I am blanki-poo. Immediately, their hands fly up just enough to perfect the shaggy hair look. La- never read newspapers and hardly follow about to walk into the booth, an elderly into the air and they start dancing around like dies, you know what I'm talking about. politics. Asian woman tells'me that I'm too late. they need to go potty. But Luke wears that hat with everything. On Election Day, I was full of excuses. "I got here at 8:59 p.m.," I erupted and "Give me my hat back! Give me my hat I went to their fiat's formal at the end of last I had an 8:30 a.m. class and was running told her in the most furiously, but polite, back," they wail as their hands clamp down on semester and there was Luke, wearing a shirt, late. I was not sure whether I was even way possible. "Please let me vote!" their head and a look of "Oh-my-God-I-don't- tie, slacks and that damn hat. It's like when you registered to vote as I had never voted It worked. She steps to the side as I walk kriow-what-to-do-with-myself comes over are going out to dinner with your family on before; not to mention that there was a into the booth. For the next two minutes, I their faces. Christmas or Easter and you see boys dressed line to vote. Plus, would my vote really stood there dumbfounded, trying to figure Whoa. Relax. It's just hair. up in grey or navy blue suits wearing neon or- matter? out how to work the gadget before me. At a recent Fordham function, I described ange Puma sneakers. You just want to call E! I told myself I'd vote later on that night Outside, I heard people screaming about Trevor, the guy I'm currently "seeing," toon e Fashion Emergency. Even the next morning just to ease my guilt. In reality, I wasn't tallying up the votes. I felt guilty, know- of my friends as "the hot one with the curly when we went to brunch, Luke turns up in his really planning on it and going to school ing that I was keeping everyone from blonde hair wearing the striped shirt" I met high school varsity lacrosse sweatpants and his almost made me completely forget about going home to their families. Finally, I him while he was hatless but every time we've $5.99 Wal-Mart special. Soon after the formal, it. figured out how to work the machine and gone out since then, he's worn a hat that covers he got his hah* cut, but he continued to tool I got out of school at 5 p.m. because I voted straight down one column. It did up his gorgeous blonde locks. around with that thing on his head because he pretty much spend my life at Fordham, not matter who the candidates were, just Finally I asked him, "Why the hat?" went from looking like Albert Einstein to a new mostly in the Office of Student Leader- as long as I was voting and in my mind, "I hate my hair, it's too puffy," he said. And army cadet ship and Community Development, either accomplishing what I had come to do. he so lovingly added that he doesn't take his Stereotypically, girls are supposed to care working or doing club or committee stuff. I don't know why, but by voting I felt hat off in public. According to Trevor, he only more about their hair than guys. But guys are I got home that night, ate and headed off truly like an American. Looking back takes his hat off for special occasions or in pri- more likely to throw on a hat and go, so when to the gym. Walking back home from my on my first experience, I think the most vate, when the lights are off and the blinds are you see a guy wearing a hat, you think they just workout, I see a man taking down the fulfilling thing about voting was that I drawn. Oh, please, I thought Wah, wah, wah. don't care about what's going on underneath. signs and I ask, "Is it too late to vote?" learned that the system works. The ethos Before we were supposed to meet up one The fact of the matter is, guys actually care too "Nope, you made it just in time. It's of Americans is that we love freedom; Saturday night, we were on the phone making much and are too insecure about their tresses. 8:59 p.m., you have one minute," the guy secondly, we yearn for fairness. If the plans for the evening. I made a joke about his If you arc 19 and balding, yeah, wear a hat I tells me. people feel like elected officials aren't hair and he said, "And that means I'm wearing see your point But if you aren't going to need To be completely honest, I just asked doing their jobs in Washington, our votes a hat tonight I was going to moke an exception Rogaine until after your mid-life crisis, take out of curiosity, but now that I had com- can kick them out. In the end, I learned fin- you but look what you made me do." Ugh. your hat off. Chances arc, your hair isn't as bad mitted myself, it was too late to turn back. that the system only works as long as you So close, yet so far away. But in the end, I won as you think. • So I walk in and tell them my name and moke it work. • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER I November 16,2006 FEATURES 18 Practicing the art of parkour unique physical discipline makes its way to New York By Julian Oquendo "There's about eight different techniques Copy Editor you can practice here," Khan said. As he points out different examples, Araujo jumps Michael Araujo, a 15-year-old nicknamed towards the tree, bounces off with one foot Pyro, considers the dumpster for a second. and lands on the boulder, then leaps and It is an average enough green dumpster in grabs onto the lamppost, climbs it, jumps the middle of Central Park. The dumpster, back to hang off a branch of the tree and at its highest point, just about reaches the swings over the fence to the other side. He height of his chest. Araujo sprints, running returns by diving over the fence and land- up to the dumpster before, in the final in- ing in a roll. stant, vaulting and sailing over. He propels Throughout the day, I would see the tra- himself in midair even further by tapping ceurs, most of them not even out of high the top of the dumpster, giving him a last school, perform different impressive phys- push before landing smoothly on the other ical feats. They could jump as if gravity side. He smiles and runs back to the end of had given up trying to catch them. They the line, as another teenager pulls off the had a special control of their bodies. same move with the same effortlessness. Parkour, however, works along a fine Our trainer, 21-year-old Owais Khan, line. It's not about doing stunts. "Stunts watches my amazement with a smile. This are what you do to impress others," Khan exercise is called vaulting. It involves said. "Parkour is all about self-improve- jumping over the obstacle and planting ment. If it was about being 'extreme' you your hands on the object at the last min- would have seen people doing big jumps ute to push off the last bit of distance. He once or twice instead of an in-depth warm then tells me to try doing it. My agreement up, stretching drills and repeatedly drilling comes in the form of a stuttered, nervous the basics. There's nothing extreme about "Okay..." it." The exercise is for a practice known as According to parkour teachings, there are numerous ways to overcome an obstacle. Jumping over anything becomes Is parkour dangerous? Of course. Like an art of its own, as a young man demonstrates here in Central Park. ' . parkour, a physical discipline that has been any physically demanding activity or sport, quietly making its presence known in New parkour can lead to serious injury without York City. According to the official Web up with and accomplish. The art of parkour com, and an active traceur. When I origi- proper training. Responsible traceurs train site, www.parkour.net, parkour is "an art was developed in France by David Belle. nally contacted him to answer some ques- with experts when they can, and have dis- to help you pass any obstacle; to go from According to the official Web site, Belle tions about parkour, he suggested I train ciplined stretches before starting. point A to point B using only the possibili- was inspired by his father, Raymond Belle, with them on Sundays instead so I could "Jumping between buildings isn't some- ties of the human body." In other words, it who practiced the discipline that would learn about what it is all about for myself. thing that's applauded," Khan said. "We're means being able to see and use the envi- eventually be known as parkour. For the first two hours, Khan taught me the instead impressed by how efficiently and ronment around you as an obstacle course Parkour has mostly spread thanks to the basic rolls, vaults, wall climbs and land- 'naturally one can move through their en- or a playground. 4 Internet. Youtube.com will present a vari- ings. I managed to keep up, and even sur- vironment." The first time I stop myself before reach- ety of videos showcasing traceurs involved prise myself by doing things I djdn't think I The New York Parkour group regularly ing the dumpster. After maybe nine ex- in advanced practices of parkour. They leap was capable of. practices in Central-Park. They also some- hausting tries (and much instruction),. I between buildings and structures, drop' At one point, Khan leads me to an area of times host workshops in Brooklyn. Any- finally accomplish a quirky version of the from rooftops, and perform other compli- Central Park next to a large building with one interested in learning more can visit >;aulj and^andjon^e other, side, in shock by cated physical feats. cement chess tables inside. He then pointed •their Web site, www.nyparkour.cdm. my new accomplishment. Another form of parkour, also seen in the to a section of grass that contained only a By the end of the session, my entire body Using specific moves and techniques, videos, is called free-running. Free-running few trees, two boulders, a lamppost and a is sore. Yet, the feeling of pain is shadowed practitioners of parkour, known as "tra- loosely follows the idea of reaching a des- fence. by another impression: the feeling that ceurs," move through their environment tination, but it incorporates flips, spins and "How many possibilities [to practice tech- NYC has taken a new shape. It looks more with startling ease, either by jumping, other tricks into the movements. niques] do you see here?" He asked me. like a parkour playground now. It looks dropping, vaulting, climbing, rolling or any Khan is the moderator for the New York I said three, on a whim, not really calcu- more like a place where the kid within me other physical action verb they can come, City parkour Web site, ' www.nyparkour. lating the scenario. ,. can have a little more fun. • Best stops along the 1 train By Katie MacWithey Grove and Bleecker. They have amazing Staff Writer desserts, like their whiskey mousse cake that goes great with cappuccino. They have If you haven't quite tackled the subway an assortment of sandwiches and salads, system by now, here's a little help. With the but if you don't have time to stop and eat, convenience of the 1 train right at Columbus just grab a coffee and pastry to go. Circle, you have no excuse to wander the streets of Manhattan aimlessly. Check out 42ND STREET: Although it can be a bit of these great venues, they are extremely easy a tourist trap, Times Square still has a lot to get to and will leave you thanking your to offer. With all of the bright lights and lucky stars that the Metrocard was ever enormous advertisements that have been invented. backdrops for so many movies, Times Square is always an exciting place. Although CHRISTOPHER STREET: Getting off at this there may be a wait to get in, ESPN Zone, stop puts you in the heart of the West Planet Hollywood and Ruby Foo's are well Village! Here, skyscrapers are replaced worth it. Their exciting and fast-paced with brownstones, and the streets no longer atmospheres are hard to beat. Since our •<*"'* go by numbers. There are also great, unique local Tower Records is closing, the Virgin shops and fun restaurants and cafes in the Megastore on Broadway is a great place to Dan Koday/The Obsen«r area. At the corner of Grove and 7th Avenue, get CDs that Borders or Barnes and Noble Looking West from the Southeast comer of 42nd Street at 7th Avenue in Times Square. you will find Pylones, a retro gift shop that doesn't normally carry. Perhaps the most has feminized hammers and screwdrivers, thrilling part of Times Square, though, perfect for the independent woman, or are the Broadway shows. The talent and Get off at 59th and Lexington, and you'll be amazing twist on sushi and southwestern colorful floral toasters and decorated flasks. vibrancy of the performances is superior right in front of Bloomingdales, as well as dining. Be sure to make a reservation If you have a friend with a birthday coming to all else. Stand in the TKTSline the day tons of other great shopping. though, because this hot spot is usually up, this is the perfect place to get a gift of a performance to get discounted tickets. packed. City Grill (268 Columbus Avenue), that you won't find anywhere else. This Another great part of the 42nd Street station 72ND STREET: While it is close enough which has traditional American cuisine, is a area is also home to tons of vintage record is the access it provides to the rest of the city. to walk to from Fordham, this area bears great place for a date or to take your parents. stores; Bleecker Records, House of Oldies Take the S, or shuttle, right over to Grand mentioning. Right outside of the station Caf6 Ronda (249 Columbus) is a great Latin and Vinyl Mania, to name a few. Popular Central Terminal, where you really could is Urban Outfitters, and a little further bistro and has great drink specials. There restaurants like Sushi Samba and Caliente spend a whole day. Around Christmas time, North is the North Face store. Walk over are also some great boutiques, like Olive Cab are all along 7th Avenue, but to stray Grand Central has a great market where you to Columbus and Amsterdam where you'll and Bette's and Wink. If you're in need of away from the mainstream spots, try a small can find amazing gifts for your friends and find some great restaurants. Citrus Bar and jeans, check out a Lucky Brand store on bistro like Cafic Angelique on the corner of family. The N,Q,R,W goes to the East Side. Grill (320 Amsterdam Avenue) provides an 70th Street and Columbus. • .'< ' •' 19 I November 16,2006 LITERARY THE OBSERVER i' Ecstasy Ramblings Embrace and Surface ByJaneTuv Copy/Online Editor Embrace Surface The slightest touch of my lover's skin arouses me. That The body often deceives. momentary closeness instantly Any image is deceiving, but ceases my composure. I lose the body—specifically because control and crave to feel his it's real, it's tangible, it has a skin, yearn for him to grab hold smell, a taste, a temperature, of me, to dominate me. But as a color—often causes one to Roland Barthes says in His "A bypass another's personality. Lover's Discourse," "That other Our carnal desires often make embrace, which is a motion- us forgetful, stupid, deaf. I less cradling," is more fulfill- used to examine the freckles ing. Many call it spooning. This on my boyfriend's porcelain is my favorite bedtime activ- skin when we lay in bed. And ity, because of what it offers: when we weren't together, I the awakening of the body and thought of his freckles: the mind. As my lover and 1 firmly patterns, shapes, tints. I loved press against each other's skin, his body. It was extremely I begin to relax; I feel at ease. soft, especially the soles of his I feel safe. I'm comforted and enormous feet...which amused bewitched at the same time. me. We always intertwined When describing the effect of our bodies when we slept, and this "embrace," Barthes says, the hardest part of breaking "We are in the realm of sleep, up was not being able to see without sleeping; we are within and feel him. My obsession the voluptuous infantilism of with his body prolonged our sleepiness.'*: This trance-like doomed relationship. Barthes state resembles a drug high. The says, "The other's body was mind seems to separate from divided: on one side, the body the body, floating over the dor- proper—skin, eyes—tender, mant form. And then', one body warm; and on the other side, stirs*..and spooning leads to the voice—abrupt,-? reserved, sex. (if not atnight, then surely subject to fits of remoteness, in the morning;) Barthes says, "Within this infantile embrace, what the body gave.** My the genital unfailingly appears." mind was connected to his The body is then awakened. body and detached from his I love spooning. It's comfort- mind. And my body was con- ing and pleasurable—infantile nected to his body, detaching and erotic. It's ecstatic. Barthes from my rationale. I stopped says, "...Fulfillment does ex- seeing him as a 'whole,' and ist, and I shall keep on mak- although I was emotionally ing it return: through all the tired from the drama of our meanderings of my amorous relationship, I yearned for history, I shall persist in want- *•*» his body. I wanted to watch ing to rediscover, to renew the him, feel him, taste him...just contradiction—the contrac- mutated By Ronna Duffy not hear him. He was an ob- tion—of the two embraces." • ject of my perverse desire. • Tulip Season stop the blood. When he was fin- out his black suit, wondering if the hall. Outside was brisk and off of it and broken his arm. His By Christina Francovic ished, he ran his blade tinder warm it would really be inappropriate bright, so he closed his eyes and mother ran over with a cold soda Contributing Writer water. He hummed the chorus of to wear the navy one. His mother let the sun warm his cheeks. To- can and held it over the wound. "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" as loved the navy one, but in an at- day was the best he felt in a long He remembered her picking him Life had begun to thaw, leaving he rinsed the pink, hair speckled tempt to avoid family scandal to time. He was happy; not because up and the smell of her perfume everything outside wet. It was foam left in the sink. After rins- a nearly national level he put the his mother was dead, but because as she ran him to the car. He that uncomfortable, cold kind of ing off his face, he stared in the black one on. He could just hear she was no longer in pain. was tall for his age and must have wetness that seeps through the mirror; it was strange how much his aunts and uncles calling every The two hour drive to the funer- been heavy for her to carry. He seams of your shoes and lingers he had changed over the last few family friend and distant relative al mass was too short, he enjoyed remembered how she tied plas- in your socks, making the skin of years. His bright blue eyes were discussing how he wore blue to the time alone in the car with the tic bags over his cast so he could your feet swell and prune. But, duller, his skin slightly less taut his own mother's funeral. He window cracked slightly. The mix still play in the pool with his the sun was out, which was good than he remembered it to have began to resent his family, the of chilly air and heat from the sun friends, and how she would not news for Mother Nature and tulip been. messages they left on his answer- made his cheeks fill with warm allow him to drink anything but season. • He liked the way his clean, ing machines, the flowers they blood and when he got to the milk and orange juice to "build Mark stood in front of the mir- white undershirt felt over his were having sent to the funeral church he looked more like his his bone back." ror, the bottom half of his face newly showered skin, the "scents home, the tears they would cry at old self, bright blue eyes and rosy He sat on the swing for a few lathered and ready for the razor. of soap and cotton filling the bath- church that afternoon. He stuffed cheeks. He walked to the front more moments, and rocked back He preferred the old fashioned ra- room, He was wearing the medal- two handkerchiefs into his breast steps, but couldn't make himself and forth lightly. The park was zors, something about it made him lion his mother had bought him pocket; he would not cry, but his enter. He decided to take a short how he remembered it, but just feel oddly connected to barbers in on his sixteenth birthday, It was sisters would not come prepared. walk in the park across the street. seemed so much smaller. He old movies with spinning red and a Saint Christopher pendant, for The suit was too stiff and his Slush crushed under his shoes now regretted not wearing that white poles outside of their shops, safe travels. Its smooth back stuck shoes squeaked a bit as he walked as he walked through the grassy navy blue suit she had bought He sharpened the blade and pro- to the skin of his chest right over along the wood floor hallways of path over to the swings. He knew for him just before she got sick. ceeded to shave. Ouch. There was his heart. It felt cold and heavy. It his apartment building. It was this park by heart, there was a He looked up and felt warm tears a nick on his neck, He reached was a shame he had to finish get- eleven a.lln. and from the tall tree behind the water fountain filling his eyes. His sisters would over to the toilet paper and ripped ting dressed, he thought. He put slender eastern windows, yellow that was perfect for climbing. have to share one of the handker- a small piece to place over it to on a white dress shirt and pulled strips of sunlight had begun to fill When he was seven he had fallen chiefs. • 20 LITERARY I November 16,2006 THE OBSERVER Aiiasco Photograph by Ifichasl 6oubling/AP iiendo dered how long I had kept a place a poncho over clothes that looked change in the day. They were al- I groaned as I tried to sit up. Contributing Writer in my heart for them. Since the day hand-made. I smiled as I remem- ready playing and joking with The vertigo was increasing again. twenty years ago when we met, I bered our last conversation. She each other, just like we used to do I wanted to fight it, hold it back had wondered if we would ever ail had gone to Ecuador to work with so long ago. Amanda, Sasha, and for a few more minutes, but some They're here. be together again like this. I think local indigenous tribes. Ben had already taken off then- things are just meant to be felt. "Whose dream is this?" Elena it was on all of our minds. I noticed Alejandra behind her heavier clothing and were tiptoe- When I opened my eyes again, asked. She. was sitting on the "All right, so whose dream is staring at my right wrist. I sudden- ing into the blue Caribbean water. Lindsay,'Kayla and Daniel were beach shore wearing a light-blue this?" Elena asked, she had a ly noticed that I was wearing one You guys were the last dream I gone. Sara was the only one left. winter coat that trailed behind her. beautiful smooth accent—stretch- of the wrist bands she had given wanted to have. She was holding my hand and cry- She had taken her snow boots off ing the r's and holding the a's for to all of us when we'd first met. I I eventually lost track of the, ing. -. .i . and was digging her feet into the a second. I fell in love hearing had promised never to take it off sun's transgression. I was racing Sara. My religious experience warm sand. It must have been her talk. I never understood a until I had seen them all again. with Daniel across the shore when twenty years aga How appropri- msnowing/in England; :. . word she: said, but I could listen I'd lost mine in a theater barely I felt as if my stomach had just ate that she should be the last one They're all here. All eleven of to her forever. six months later. But there it was wrapped around itself. I crashed to go, like an angel working as a us had made it. Somehow, I had "I think it's mine," I said. A again, wrapped around my wrist; face first into the sand. hotel bellhop, making sure I was pulled it off. I had brought us all wave swallowed my feet. I felt the adept work of a crafty friend. Then that transgressing feeling comfortable with my surround- together again. They were sitting the sand wrap around my toes "Yeah. My fault," I tossed my came. That sense of vertigo: the ings. in one big group on a dune of sand, and caress my ankles. " sandals off to the side and buried feeling you get when standing on "I don't think it's heaven. It talking. I could only guess where "Julian?" Sasha pounced up my feet in the sand. The grains of the edge of a skyscraper and you doesn't give me that vibe," they had been at the time before and hugged me. I've never heard sand stuck to my feet and ankles. think you will fall. I had that feel- "Will you be happy here? Will it I'd drawn them to this place. There my name sound as beautifully as It was a feeling I was perfectly fa- ing, only I felt like I was falling be lonely?"' was Lindsay, sitting next to Drew. when she said it. She held a tight- within and outside of myself at the "I...don'tkn6w," Like Elena, they were both wear- er V than everybody else and same time. It didn't make sense. "Okay." ing heavy winter clothing. Ben seemed to put a special emphasis 'The last memory that But, for a moment, I was inside The vertigo returned, this time was in a sport's jersey and short on the sound each letter made. I and outside of myself, expand- calmly ajid smoothly. pants, but he lived in Texas, where returned the hug so fiercely that I would ever cloud my ing and contracting back into my "Why us?" .' it might have been warmer. Ann, lifted her off the ground. mind was there and body and the pain... the pain in my "I think you guys were the.last Sasha, and Amanda were in a cor- I went around the group, hug- stomach. When I finally managed memory I wanted to have," I said. ner of the group laughing hysteri- ging this group of people who I'd would always be there to open my eyes, it was night. Then everything ended. Every- cally at a joke Daniel had made. grown so attached to despite how No, not yet Please. thing ended perfectly. Everything Kayla was leaning against a palm far away we'd all lived from each for me.' "Julian, what happened?" Daniel ended perfectly for me. The last tree looking out toward the sea. other. had dragged me back to the group. memory that would ever cloud my She had once confided in me that "Um... so what's going on?" I was still clutching my stomach,, mind was there and would always she hadn't seen the ocean in years. Sara asked. She still sang. I no- miliar with. but the pain was seceding. The be there for me. What was once a Alejandra was sitting in the mid- ticed it in her voice, which hadn't "Are we all here?" Daniel vertigo was still there. clouded and poisoned mind be- dle of the group, smiling, basking changed despite the years. asked. I heard Lindsay cry out, came free. Open. in the sun. And finally, Sara. She "It's a dream, isn't it?" Ann "Most. Those of us I could re- "Where's Elena and Ben?" I saw tears in her eyes. It didn't had climbed a palm tree and was asked. member. A few of us have lost "Shit, where's Amanda?" Kayla matter if they were real or a mem- hanging upside down. Sara, the Oh Ann... of course. I imagined contact with each other. I couldn't yelled. ory anymore The emotion was ideal little sister I never had, and she'd know from the first mo- risk drawing them here without an . "It's okay... they're fine," I man- there. Exactly what I wanted to my little guardian angel who had ment. She didn't seem surprised image of them in my head." aged to cry out. see was there. never been aware of her title. either. Ann was—still is—a "What is this?" Ben asked. There were four left. Lindsay, My friends. Forever mine. I was the last to arrive. I had dreamer. A dreamer, and a writer; "It's a dream, kind of. I'm not Kayla, Sara, and Daniel were She disappeared. My pain was been here many times before, usu- I picked up one of her poetry col- entirely sure myself, It's just that, here, but I knew it wouldn't be for gone. It wasn't night anymore. It ally alone, usually in my dreams. lections from time to time. recently, I've been able to tap much longer. They were staring was morning again and the waves Not frequently enough in my "This is more than just a dream into this place from time to time at me. I felt almost guilty for not were rolling across the sand, waking life. The white gleaming this time... isn't it?" Daniel asked. while I slept. It's a place I can go having kept that one secret. Sara scratching a rhythm out on the sand shimmered under a brilliant I was amazed by how casual and to whenever I want to, I guess. laid her hand on my shoulder. •sand. I stood up and dove into the morning sun. The sun's light was collected • they all were. They Today I just managed to get all of "They went back. They're safe," water. reflected on the transparent ocean were not perplexed about having you to join me. " I said. My memory. Forever remem- water. It was this light that dazzled magically appeared at this place. It was noon now. The day was Sara's eyes suddenly grew larg- bered. my vision as my eyes adjusted. They just seemed at ease to be passing by within the span of er, a gesture that hadn't changed I swam deeper and deeper out, This was my favorite place in the among long-time friends. maybe a few minutes. I could see in all these years. "Oh God... You deeper and deeper down. I didn't real world, and my eternal place "You... how did you do this? the sun steadily crawling across can't hold on for much longer, can need to breathe anymore. That for any other world. You knew... you said we'd all see the sky. It wouldn't be much lon- you?" was over. I was simply floating They're all here. As I walked each other again, but how? How ger before night fell. I knew what I had a feeling she would be the miles underwater next to the shore toward the group, along the stain did you do this?" Lindsay asked. this night meant. first to guess. I smiled, "No." I had loved in life and would re- where the ocean's waves stretched She had her black hair tied back in They were smiling though, "Oh..." Lindsay picked up on it. tain for eternity; •inland as far as they could, I won- a pony tail, and she was wearing and had not perceived the quick "Is this heaven?''. > My paradise; Forever found. • fordhamobserver.com THE OBSERVER November 16,2006 I SPORTS 21 Fordham nearly upsets Lafayette but falls short, 31-24 ping a 51-yard drive with a 32-yard dash to the Ranis' reach when on Lafayette's next Staff Writer put theLeopards up two scores. possession he capped off a 10-play, 80- Fordham place-kicker Micah Cluckey, yard drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass The Lafayette College Leopards rolled FCRH "07, added a 24-yard field goal/with to Ort to put the Leopards up 31 -17. into Rose Hill on Nov. 4 and were almost four seconds left in the half to send the Fordham refused to go quietly, however, upset by the Fordham University Rams, Who Rams to the locker rooms down 21-10. as Jordan took over with the ball on his fell just short of a victory, 31-24. Lafayette On the drive, Skelton was sent to the side- own 42-yard line. On the first play from came into the game as back-tof back Patriot lines with an injury and Jordan stepped up, scrimmage, he completed a 58-yard bomb League champions and possessors of a two- completing his first two passes and leading to wide receiver Sylveter Clarke, FCRH game winning streak against the Rams dat- the Rams to a field goal. '08, to bring the Rams within seven. ing back to 2004. "I was glad to get the opportunity to get in "We knew we were going deep," Jordan Fordham's first possession resulted in a there and lead the team," said quarterback said. "We were fortunate to get a good punt, giving Lafayette quarterback Brad T.J. Jordan, FCRH '09. throw, a good catch and a good run after Maurer the ball on the Leopard 37-yard- Fordham's defense came up big early in the catch...[The play] was uplifting and to line. The senior quarterback led bis team the second half, as Taylor sacked Maurer know we had the ability to score like that on a six-play, 63-yard drive culminating in and picked up the fumble again, returning was a big boost." a 25-yard touchdown pass to senior wide- it 43 yards for a touchdown to bring the The Rams .would not get another chance out Joe Ort less than six minutes into the score to 21-17. to capitalize on that momentum, as the on- game. In addition to the two fumble recover- side kick was recovered by Lafayette, and Fordham evened the score at the end .of ies and the touchdown, Taylor recorded Maurer promptly took a knee on three con- the first quarter, capitalizing on a Maurer IS tackles, six solo, and his performance secutive plays to drain the clock and seal a rumble recovered by linebacker Marcus earned him Patriot League Defensive 31-24 Lafayette victory. Taylor, FCRH '07, on the Lafayette 28-yard Player of the Week honors. Taylor leads Jordan finished the day 6-13 for 116 yards line. John Skelton, FCRH '10, connected the team with 97 tackles, including 10 for and a touchdown, while Skelton went 9-16 on two passes to Clarke to put the Rams in a loss of yards and four sacks. for 80 yards and a touchdown before an in- the end zone and tie the game. Lafayette countered when kicker Rick jury forced him to leave the game. Clarke led With 10 minutes left in the half, Lafayette Ziska ended a 25-yard drive with a 35- all Fordham receivers with four catches for again went on the offensive. The nine-play, yard field goal to put the Leopards up 24- 99 yards and two touchdowns. 64-yard drive was helped by a Fordham pass 17 with just over 12 minutes remaining in The loss dropped Fordham's record to 2-7 interference call on a key third-and-seven, the game. overall, 0-4 in Patriot League play. Lafayette and Lafayette fullback Joe Russo scored On the Rams' next drive, Jordan moved moves to 3-4 overall, 3-1 league. what would be the first of two touchdowns the ball 66 yards on 13 plays, but a Cluck- Fordham will play their final game of the on the day to put Lafayette up 14-7. ey field goal attempt went wide. season against Georgetown University on Ptioto courtesy of Fordham Athletics Russo struck again shortly thereafter, cap- Maurer seemingly put the game out of Nov. 18 at 1:00 p.m. at Jack Coffey Field. • T.J. Jordan prepares to throw a pass. Rebirth of a Dynasty: Yankee fans look to a promising future and success of young players producing. Alex Rodriguez has gle season. Obviously a player their age and health is in serious ByRobWhitbeck like Bernie Williams, Derek been one of the biggest disap- like Alfonso Soriano would be a question. Pettitte has proven Staff Writer Jeter, Andy Pettite and Mariano pointments in Yankees' recent tremendous asset if he returned himself in New York, but may Rivera. The cycle of baseball history. His statistics reflect to his former New York home, not be the same pitcher he used • While it is-still close enough haSftiow come nearly full circle a< seemingly solid^player with iJnit the<-¥ankee&ihave>loo>much to be and maylgiot wivsmweturn 1 to feel the painful sting of a as these players prepare for the4 a respectable, but not stellar money invested in hitting as it for another year. A pitcher disappointing and embarrass- twilights of their careers. average. But every Yankees is. They should pursue a player • like Zito, Schmidt or Suppan ing October, New York Yankees Melky Cabrera has demon- fan knows how deeply his in- like Soriano only if a trade situ- would be much more valuable fans must look forward to what strated the potential and energy consistent play has set back the ation arises through which they to the Yankees. And with the should be a promising future. to become a star, Chien-Ming team. The unfortunate aspect can unload some of their age Boston Red Sox having al- The off-season officially begins Wang has developed into a top- of this situation is if Rodri- and salary for a younger, pre- ready won the Daisuke Matsu- this month, as players file for tier pitcher and Robinson Cano guez was not the highest paid mier player. zaka bidding war, Zito looks free agency and general manag- has showed the skill and con- player in baseball history and Since the Yankees' depth at to be the focus of the Yankees' ers strategize, all trying to ar- sistency required to be a force. was simply a young, unproven. pitching was one of the.worst offseason pursuits. Still, the range the pieces for a run at the This is an encouraging trend, player trying to make his way in the league last season, they, Yankees should ensure that if World Series. The Yankees suf- but the Yankees need to fur- in the harsh New York environ- should aim their. sights on they do decide to heavily court fered a bitter loss to the Detroit ther capitalize on their talent ment, he would have been for- younger pitchers who have Zito, they should not neglect Tigers in the ALCS this past and build from within. Phillip given. However, Rodriguez's the potential to be a winner in the other less high-profile free season, angering fans and man- Hughes is being touted as the salary and arrogance have New York. A few of the pitch- agents on the market. agement alike. However, this best minor leaguer in base- magnified his inability to play ers who may be in pinstripes Early off-season signs are embarrassment at the hands of ball but needs to perform at consistently. The best thing next season in less-publicized looking positive for the Yan- the Tigers could be a blessing; the next level. Hopefully the for both sides in this situation signings could be Tony Armas, kees. In the first two transac- a turning point that will expose Yankees can have him firmly would be a trade for A-Rod out Bruce Chen, Gil Meche or for- tions of the off-season, Jared the team's flaws and catalyze a established as a spot starter or of New York to a' less pressur- mer Yankee Ted Lilly. Jason Wright and Gary Sheffield change. In past years, the Yan- the fifth man in the rotation by ized venue. Rumors have been Marquis, Jeff Suppan and Jeff have departed and the Yankees kees' management and George the end of next season. Brent swirling that A-Rod's long-time Weaver should look to cash in have added four young pitch- Steinbrenner in particular, have Cox is one of the best reliev- friend and new manager of the on their team's World Series ers. Though only one of them systemically exchanged the fu- ers in the minor leagues and Chicago Cubs, Lou Pinella, will win by raising their profiles has major league experience', ture for what turned out to be , is said to be Mariano Rivera's attempt to acquire A-Rod for on the free agent market. Al- all of them are under 25 years a collection of overpaid, un- heir. With relievers Tanyon his new team. If this trade goes though Suppan is older than old, which is exactly what the derachieving fading All-Stars. Sturtze and Ron Villone ex- through and the Yankees are Marquis, his ability to remain Yankees should be looking for With general manager Brian pected to re-sign, this season willing to pay a good portion of healthy and his winning atti- in the .future. Hopefully this Cashman now allegedly pos- should showcase a promising his inflated salary, the Yankees tude might make him a candi- early trend of dumping salary sessing a greater command of young bullpen of Sturtze and may be in a position to acquire date to join the 2007 Yankees. and age for youth and poten- the team, New York may wit- Villone, with Cox in a set-up Carlos Zambrano, a pitcher who Some of the more high-pro- tial will continue and transfer ness the rebirth of a dynasty. role as he prepares for his in- could bolster the pitching staff file free agents available are itself to the bigger deals as The keys to a successful off- evitable usurpation of Rivera's for years to come. Zito and Jason Schmidt, prov- well. season are for the Yankees to closer role. Octavio Dotel has The free agent market is over- en pitchers who may be willing The pain of a post-season recognize the talent they have also' filed for free agency and loaded with a multitude of ag- to move east. If the Yankees elimination can only be com- in their own minor league sys- should be allowed to leave ing, high-priced players such as lose the inevitable bidding war forted by a championship and tem, attempt to unload some of without a fight. In addition, Luis Gonzalez4, Barry Bonds and for Zito, they may be able to an ascension back to the ranks their underperforming veterans the Yankees have an array of Jeromy Burnitz. Though these land Schmidt without much of of the elite. The Yankees'age, and sign free agents who will young, fast players in the mi- players have proven themselves a fight. Kerry Wood's inabil- injuries and pitching problems benefit the team for more than nor leagues that are probably in their careers, the Yankees ity to play a full season healthy were exposed on that cold day just one season. not ready to be starters in the should avoid such players con- severely hurts his value and the in Detroit this past October. majors, but can add energy and The key to the formation of sidering their track record for Yankees have no need for an- Hopefully, the Yankees will be flexibility to the bench. any dynasty is the development signing fizzling All-Stars with other Dotel or Carl Pavano who able to leave that team out on of young players from within The Yankees have the highest bloated contracts. There are will spend most of his time on the Detroit grass and rcemerge the organization. The Yankees' payroll in baseball, but much few free agents on the market the disabled list, Andy Pcttittc with a younger, more excit- dynasty of the 1990s, was largc- of that money is wasted on big who could have a real impact on and Roger Clemens have also ing and more successful team *ly, centered on the development name players that have not been the Yankees for more than a sin- been mentioned in rumors, but in the spring. ; i, b ;,• 22 SPORTS November 16,2006 THE OBSERVER fordhamobserver.com Early season predictions for the new era of the NBA carried by D-Wade, especially as Shaq . By Adam Kaufman gets closer and closer to his retirement ' Arts and Culture Editor into the police force. The Nets will ride on the wave of Vince Carter's contract This is the year that David Stern has year and the triple-double,.mastery of been waiting for. The National Basket- Jason Kidd. The Cavs are looking more ball Association's commissioner has and more like the early-90s Bulls, with garnered much preseason attention by Hughes looking to be the Pippen to introducing a new, synthetic ball and • James' Jordan, and a supporting cast promising a crackdown on trash talk. of clutch players who will benefit from But this year, it's a league full of play- the star's double teams. ers and teams that should keep fans interested throughout the season. The Western Conference Championship: biggest gift Stern has been given is, of San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns course,, the full-blown superstardom Things are looking a little more of Dwayne Wade and LeBron James, predictable out West. Aside from the but they're only the tip of the iceberg. Clippers and the Mavericks, it does A vast new crop of exciting young • not appear that, too many teams will players is starting to come into bloom, give either one of these powerhouses and they bring with them athleticism a run for their money. Tim Duncan is unlike anything the league has seen completely healthy, and one can never before. Here is an early look at the overestimate the importance of that season that might just be the start of a statement. The Suns, on the other hand, new golden era. have a big question mark in the area of AWARD PREDICTIONS: Amare Stoudamire's knee. Assuming, Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, though, that the big man can continue Cleveland Cavaliers his path to recovery, it will be hard King James will finally get his to stop the three-man wrecking crew crown this year. The Cavs have done he forms along with Steve Nash and a great job of surrounding him with Shawn Marion. key role players like Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden, and as a result, they NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. should go far in the playoffs. Look Phoenix Suns for James to play with more urgency Ken Love/KRT Look for James to be Otoo much for than ever; chances are he wants to end LeBron James goes in for a layup against the Washington Wizards. the Nets to handle. By the time this the debate over who the league's best series rolls around, Kidd's 33 year-old body may start to show signs of aging, player is almost as much as he wants Angeles Clippers knows be has plenty to prove in the and Carter may have already solidified to win. Rookie of the Year: Rudy Gay, Mem- NBA. A gifted athlete and solid shoot- himself a place in the heart and wallet — Other Notable Contenders: phis Grizzlies er, Gay has a chance to step up big for of another team. The Suns, who always Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat; Steve «. Coming off a somewhat disappoint- the Grizzlies, who will miss Pau Gasol look like the best team on paper, should Nash, Phoenix Suns; Elton Brand, Los ing sophomore year at UConn, Gay for the first four months of the season. live up to that expectation this season. With the team's loss comes a huge op- While Duncan and the Spurs will take portunity for Gay, who should expect them to seven games, I don't see any a lot of playing time and a chance to way that San Antonio will be able to a permanent starting position. keep up with them down the home )ther Notable Contenders: Bran- $10 STUDENT RUSH T1CKETS| ' stretch. don Roy, Portland Trailblazers; Randy Foye, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tyrus AT LINCOLN CENTER! Thomas, Chicago Bulls NBA Champions: Phoenix Suns This lineup is too good.for.it to .not be the Suns' yfatvNash will be the Finals Most Improved Player: Jameer. Nelson,». MVP.and Stoudamire and The Matrix Orlando Magic will provide an absolutely terrifying rn-M at ;.\\\rr wily lutll: Nelson is poised to become one of the presence in the frontcourt. With clutch certifiably best point guards in the NBA this fRIDAY, NOVEMBER! 7,8 PM performers like Raja Bell and Leandro season. After a solid second season, we can Barbosa supplying an additional, spark, SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 19,5 PM expect a real breakout year from him. The it looks like the Suns will finally rise, Magic are doing some exciting things, and Six senates Nelson will turn into a real team leader and consistent scorer. pour divers - Other Notable Contenders: Shaun Liv- TEN ADDITIONAL THINGS TO instruments, ingston, Los Angeles Clippers; Eddy Curry, LOOK FOR: New York Knicks; Darko Milicic, Orlando 1. Dwight Howard and Nelson be: the Debussy . Magic coming the hew Penny and Shaq in Orlando. Sonata Cycles Defensive Player of the Year: 2. Isiah Thomas getting at least five Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls more wins out of the Knicks than flu.' frcrd: f.oin{M»et Dvfeusty' Sometimes it seems as if this award was Larry Brown did last season. v»|vi r. 1o (frnsA n MQIWI e I© t made for Ben Wallace—since 2002, only one 3. Rasheed Wallace getting thrown mn'kq intended to compose year (2003) has seen the award go to someone out of 15 games. else (Ron Attest). And while it may take a little i >, pmii for different 4. Former UConn players slowly while for Big Ben to get settled down in Chi- taking over the league, via breakout wintiinatitfni ol in$.!mmcrtts.. He cago, it would be silly to think that this year seasons for Okafor, Gay, Caron Butler imb'ietf only tlirce, including \\ue will not be yet another season-long block party (Washington Wizards), and Ben Gor- mwneflcsnfli Sonata for flute, for Wallace. don (Bulls). Viola, am! H*ro, b«^are tils deafo, - Other Notable Contenders: Omeka Oka- 5. Former Fordham player Smush for, Charlotte Bobcats; Ron Attest, Sacramento I.'i Ibis cfiitinillimj tonctrt, lh» The Chamber Musk Socfefj1 of Parker (Los Angeles Lakers) becom- Kings; Marcus Camby, Denver Nuggets ing one of the most consistent point Delhitty sonatas ** p«h»d w The 36th Annual New York City Marathon was held on Nov. 5, where approximately 38,000 run- ners from all walks of life took to NYC's streets and embarked on the grueling, yet rewarding 26.2 mile course. The marathon began with a grand scene, hordes of runners bunched up, raring to go at the mouth of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in Staten Island; at the finish line in Central Park emerged the stories of a triumphant few. This year's NYC Marathon victors were Marilson Gomes dos Santos of Brazil for the men, with a finish time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 58 seconds, and de- fending champion Jelena Prokup- cuka of Latvia for the women, with a finish time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 4 seconds. There were some famous faces at mis year's race, such as: champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, former U.S. Olympian Shannon Miller, and television chef BobbyFlay. But beyond the expected finishers and the celebrities, fans at the fin- Hemy Ray/tarns/AP ish line and viewers watching from Runners cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge during the 36th Annual New York City Marathon. home were also treated to the feats of the marathon's wheelchair par- the emotion in the crowd," Polk inflammation of the spinal cord the gold in the 800-meter and the Every year, the NYC Marathon ticipants. said. "It's really an inspiring feel- caused by a loss of myelin around silver in the 400-meter races. brings new winners, new celebri- Australian Kurt Fearnley set a ing." . the spine, leaving the area vulner- "I thinl^that was the closest com- ties, and thousands of participants, course record for the men with a Fearnley was bom with lumber able to infections. Despite, her con- petition in the whole marathon," but the images of competitors finish time of 1 hour, 29 minutes, •sacral agenesis, a failure in the dition, McGrory, a member of the said Brian Martin, FCLS '08, who like Fearnley and McGrory bring and 22 seconds. Ameripan Amanda formation of the lower part of the U.S. Wheelchair track team, has watched the marathon on televi- warmth and inspiration to the •McGrory took the women's title spine. But that never stopped him: been competitive all her life. As a sion. "McGrory nosed out [Great hearts of viewers across the nation with a finish time of 1 hour, 34 min- in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, he teenager, she won the gold medal in Britain's] Shelley Woods by two and especially New York. Next utes, and 17 seconds. i.., won, the gold medal in the 4x100- the 200, 400, 800, 1500, and,5000_ seconds for first.place." •,w__w_ Will Polk, FCLS '08, watched the meter and the silver in the 800-me- meter races at the Australian Junior "The wheelchair competition is even more unfamiliar participants,' race from near Third Avenue in the ter races. Nationals track competition. At the special because they've overcome and though afterwards we may no Bronx. McGrory was diagnosed with 2006IPC Athletics World Champi- so many hurdles in life," Polk said. longer remember their names and "When we saw him [Fearnley] transverse myelitis at the age of onships in Assen, The Netherlands "It shows that the marathon is more faces, their stories will stay with coming through, you could just-feel five. Transverse myelitis is an this past September, McGrory took thanjustarace." us. • Fordham Basketball: Championship dreams FCRH '08. Fordham's other Bloomfield is only a Division certainly be double-teamed by Washington University, both of returning starters are Kevin II school and Whittenburg was every opponent. Stout and his whom made it to the big dance Anderson, FCRH '08, Michael able to play his entire bench. great shooting ability will of- last season. Fordham will have Binns, FCRH '08, and Marcus Although the game may only ten face tight coverage as well. to overcome these teams if it Stout, FCRH '08. have been a semi-accurate por- With opponents placing extra is to win the conference title. Taking over for recently trayal of what the team will look focus on Dunston and Stout, the Another extremely important graduated point guard Jermaine like this year, certain aspects of other players on the floor will game on this season's sched- Anderson this season will be the team did make themselves be given increased scoring op- ule is the Feb. 15 home game senior captain Dominjc Osei. evident. Anderson showed that portunities, and they will have against the University of Mas- Anderson's ability to shoot, he is the true role player of the to make the most of them if the sachusetts. This game will be pass and handle the ball will be starting five. He will not put team is going to be successful. televised on ESPN2, and thus difficult to match, leaving the up many points, but will work This season's schedule con- provide Fordham University By Marc Turiano position somewhat of a ques- to get shots for the other play- tains some big name teams some well-deserved national Staff Writer tion mark this season. Fordham ers on the floor. Binns has also that Fordham has not competed publicity. will most likely adopt a point developed a nice outside shot, against in years. Before,the The 2006-07 season is full Fordham University's men's guard-by-committee system, which he could use effectively calendar year is up, the Rams of quality opponents, a neces- basketball team is the face of with Osei, Anderson and Stout to take some of the defensive will play University of Ten- sary trial for the team if it is Fordham athletics. No other sharing the duties. Freshman pressure off of Dunston. Osei, nessee, University of Maryland to achieve success and play to team receives as much national Brenton Butler may come off the lone senior and newest ad- and Texas A & M. By playing its potential. With its strong hype or student support. Head the bench to help handle the ball dition to the starting rotation, schools with such high-qual- line-up of returning players, it coach Dereck Whittenburg as well. With a player of An- showed leadership qualities on ity and well-known basketball is safe to say that this year's has raised the program to new derson's caliber missing from the court to go along with an all programs, Fordham is paving team will surpass last year's heights since he began his ten- the lineup, Fordham's ability to around solid performance. Se- the road for potential success. win total. With an improved ure four years ago. After reach- run the fast break will be par- bastian Greene, FCRH '08, was No matter what the outcomes of squad, there is no reason why ing the Atlantic 10 semi-finals ticularly important to the Rams' a spark off the bench. His in- these games, Fordham will be a the Rams cannot make a deep- last season, the 2006-2007 offense. tense play, hard-nosed defense, better team for having played at er run into the A-10 playoffs Rams look to take home the A- On Nov. 1, Fordham won an and great athletic ability make a higher level of competition. than ever before. Having been 10 championship this season. open exhibition game against him an excellent addition to the However, if the Rams upset at knocked out in the semi-finals Fordham probably has the Bloomfield College by a score team. least one of these teams, or even last year, a run at the cham- strongest returning core of of 92-56. Though the team Once the regular season be- hang close, the event would pionship is certainly within players out of any other Atlan- played well throughout, there gins, all of Fordham's players truly put Fordham basketball on Fordham's sights. At the con- tic 10 school. Four out of the were certainly points in the will have to make their shots to the map and definitely increase clusion of this season, I see Rams' five starters from last game where the pluycrs on the keep defenses from being able our chances of a postseason Fordham as having a solid shot season return this season, in- floor were not on the same page, to shut them down. Dunston, tournament bid. The Atlantic 1Q at the NIT tournament, with a cluding potential A-10 player Despite the stellar turnout, little who is seen by many as the schedule features teams such as chance of obtaining a NCAA of the year Bryant Dunston, can be taken from the contest as team's best player, will almost Xavicr University and George birth. • 241 November 16,2006 SPORTS THE OBSERVER The faces of Fordham basketball ft Alt-Conference Peter Martin First Team: Staff Writer -G Stanley BurrelL Jr., Xavier University -GCariEllion,SE)George Washington -C BR\!ANT DUNSTON, JR, FORDHAM P -F Rashaun Freeman, Sr., UMass -GDeAngeloAlexanda,Sr., Charlotte SecondTeam: -C Ian Vouyoukas, Sr., Saint Louis Marcus Stout #1 Kevin Anderson #14 Michael Binns #21 _ Chris Bethel #50 -F Gary Forbes, Jr., UMass Yean Junior Year: Junior Year: Junior Year: Sophomore •G MARCUS STOUi; JK, Position: Guard/Forward Position: Point Guard Position: Power Forward Position: Forward FORDHAM Height: 6'4 . Height: 6'3 Height: 6'7 Height: 6'5 - G Brian Roberts, Jr., University of Weights: 195 Weight: 185 Weight: 225 Weight: 210 Dayton Hometown: Southfield, M.I. Hometown: Westerville, Ohio Hometown: Aurora, 111. Hometown: Bronx, N.Y. -G Maureece Rice, Jr., George Following a spectacular freshman Perm State transfer Marlon Michael Binns' strong phy- The first Catholic High season which earned him preseason Smith's summer departure from the sique and ability to shoot from School Athletic Association SecondTeam All-Conference 2006-2007 roster has pushed Kevin the outside (17 of SO last sea- (CHSAA) student-athlete "to honors, Marcus Stout experienced Anderson back into the forefront of son), brings back recent mem- sign with Fordham since Bev- a sophomore slump. Forced out the backcourt rotation. ory of former Rams star, Mi- on Robin committed in 1996, l.Xavrer(NCAA) of the lineup after several sub par While adequate in controlling the chael Haynes, FCRH '04. St. Raymond High School's 2. UMass (NCAA) performances in out-of-conference offense, giving up just 46 turnovers, However, unlike Haynes, a Chris Bethel chose to stay 3. George Washington (NTT) games, the 6'4 combo guard found his offense, (3.3 points/game) left true perimeter scorer at 6'8, close to home, declining schol- 4. FORDHAM (NIT) his rhythm again in conference play, much to be desired last season. Binns' greatest asset is his arship offers from A-10 rivals 4.Cbafloae(Nrr) finishing the season among the league Entering his third season as the muscle (a la Charles Oakley of St. Joseph's University and the 6. Saint Louis (NIT) leaders in both scoring and assists per starting point guard, his offensive the Knicks in, the 1990s) University of Rhode Island, 7. Dayton progression is key to the Rams' While the media guide sug- When he became eligible last 8. St Joseph's ' Despite his seemingly unorthodox backcourt success. gests Binns to weigh 225 winter, Bethel worked himself 9. Temple two-handed shooting style, Stout For starters, he will need to im- pounds, he appears to be 10 into the eight-man rotation im- 10. Rhode Island connected on 38 percent of his three- prove upon his 16-percent accuracy pounds stronger this winter. mediately, contributing from ILLaSalle point attempts. Gifted with a silky- from behind the arc. Hitting just five Built Jike a middle linebacker, both forward positions. While 12. Richmond smooth jump-shot off the dribble, his three-pointers all of last season, op- his brute strength and pure ath- his offensive game is evident, 13.StBonaventure range extends beyond 20 feet With ponents began to leave him wide letic ability are a rare weapon posting nine points against RDuquesne the loss of three-point-artist Ander- open beyond 15 feet out, forcing the in the frontcourt. La Salle University in limited son, Stout will be asked to shoulder Rams to play four on five offensive If Binns can exhibit better minutes during in the A-10 Last word: even more of the offensive load from sets. shot selection while main- tournament, and 16 points in Head coach Dereck Whittenburg's the perimeter. The 6'2 guard will be supported taining the defensive produc- the team's first exhibition game team is made for this year. If his 21 point effort (including five by fresnmen Herb Tanner (eligible tion that he demonstrated last against Bloomfield, Bethel's Dunston, Stout, Binns, Greene three-pointers) from the Rams' first to play on Jan '07) and Brenton But- March against Temple Uni- defensive effort will determine and Anderson have over 60 games exhibition game against Bloomfield ler. Should Anderson be unable to versity (nine boards), he will how much time* he plays in of action together as ai unit. As a re^ on Nov. 1 is any preview of what is to shoulder the load as a 35-minute per be doing a great service for 2006. • suit, few A-10 teams will be able to come, Stout is ready for center stage game caliber starter, Stout is another an already undersized Rams' Watch for Bethel to push for match the cohesion the Rams have as one of the elite offensive guards in option to slide over from the wing roster that craves rebounding a starting role from season's developed. the conference. guard position. support. start. Despite starting the 2005-2006 PROJECTION: 15 points/game, four PROJECTION: Four points/game, PROJECTION: Six points/ PROJECTION: Eight points/ season at 3-8, the Rams finishedwit h rebounds/game, three assists/game, three assists/game game, five rebounds/game game, four rebounds/game the best record of Whittenburg's ten- Second Team All-Conference honors ure, 16-16 (9-7) including two con- ference tournamentvictories . Despite compiling a difficult out- of-conference schedule that includes the likes of Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Maryland, Fordham basketball should be competitive against every opponent they face this season. If Greene, Bethel, and Binns are successfully able to step into bigger Biyant Dunston #42 plays for the NBA's Dallas Maver- Sebastian Greene #30 all five positions effectively on de- roles as staples of the starting rota- Year Junior icks, Dunston led the Rams in both Yean Junior fense (finishing second on the team tion, Fordham should vault their way Position: Center scoring and rebounding for the sec- Position: Wing Forward in blocks in 2005-2006), he often into the upper echelon of the Atlantic Height 6'8 ond straight season. Height 6'8 guarded the oppositions' best for- 10 standings, emerging as a national Weight: 233 While his array of offensive post- Weight 188 ward, thereby making him an invalu- darkhorse. Hometown: LefrakCity.N.Y. up moves have progressed through- Hometown: Klein-Gerau, able defensive clog on the perimeter While the success may not match out his collegiate career, (53 percent Germany and in the paint the Rams Cinderella tournament run A graduate of St. John's Prepara- career field goal percentage) the ju- Since his freshman season, Greene into the Sweet Sixteen in 1971, ex- tory School in Queens, N.Y., Bry- nior captain has recently expanded One of the top high school play- has evolved from a bench player pectations are at an all-time high for ant Dunston was an under-recruited his game to the perimeter. ers from state of Indiana in 2003- without a clear role, to the primary good reason, as explained by captain, forward who nearly chose local ri- Last season, Dunston connected 2004, the consensus top 100 high backup forward who played particu- Bryant Dunston. val Iona College. on nearly 50 percent of his 3-point school senior according to Hoo- larly well in conference play. "Postseason is very realistic for Since stepping on the floor in attempts, (19/39) making this versa- sier basketball magazine was the Shooting a robust 50 percent from us," Dunston said. "We've gone 2004, Dunston has emerged as one tile forward even more appealing to centerpiece of head coach Dereck the field during the season, his 16- through so much together. We're of the premiere forwards in the NBA scouts Whittenburg's first recruiting class at point effort at Duqucsne University experienced. I think we are now nation, according to the Sporting Recently named preseason First Fordham (which included the likes is proof that he needs to shoot more, physically and mentally prepared to News yearbook. This year's publi- Team All-Conference for the sec- of Dunston, Stout, Binns, and Kevin averaging just 4.3 points per game. become the team we know we can cation places him as a Top 20 cen- ond straight season, Dunston's Anderson). If Greene's 14 point/nine rebound be. Oiir goal is to win the Atlantic 10 ter nationally, on a list that includes All-Conference defensive honor Tall and lanky, Greene's game re- effort agaiast Bloomfield is evidence championship and go to the NCAA Greg Oden of Ohio State University may be his most valued asset to the sembles that of NBA forward, Tay- that 'ScaBass' is prepared to take on Tournament." and Joakim Noah of the University leain. His 7.6 rebounds per game is shaiui Prince. a bigger offensive role as the start- In 2006-2007, the hex will be of Florida. second among reluming Atlantic 10 Much like tiic Pistons' star, ing small forward, Fordhnin may snapped —Fordhnm basketball will Despite being guarded by elite forwards. Greene's development am be con- have found its third scoring option have its first postseason birth since defensive centers throughout his PROJECTION: 18 points/game, 8.5 sidered an on-going process. An ex- for the coming season. 1992 sophomore campaign, namely rebounds/game, First Team AH A- cellent Iciipcr with tremendous ath- PROJECTION: Nine points/game, PREDICTION: 19-13 (10-6), Tied for George Washington University's 10, Candidate for A-10 Player of leticism, his greatest attribute is his Four rebounds/game, candidate for 4th place in Atlantic 10, NIT Tourna- Pops Mcnsah-Bonsu, who currently the Year versatility on (he floor. Able to play Most 1 mproved Player in A-10 • ment. •