^^^^^ www.fclcobse r v e r.com INSIDE: Opinions 5 Features 9 Arts & Culture 13 Literary. 17 OBSERVER Sports 20 February 17, 2005 FORDHAM UNIVERSITY AT LINCOLN CENTER Volume XXIII, Issue 9

'Gates' to Central Park open RAs, admin, at odds over 'Monologues' uphold the mission of the univer- program via one office while By MONIQUE DlMAN sity. Furthermore, as in any providing support from another." Assistant News Editor employer-employee relationship, It was Resident Directors CpRINNE lOZZIO there is a certain necessity for (RDs), the RAs said, who told Editor in Chief consistency among the staff. them mat certain restrictions were Uniquely to these two positions; in place and should be upheld McMahon Hall Resident however, is that the employees Res. Life staff members are Assistants (RAs) and Freshmen are also students, which creates a not allowed to attend in a manner Mentors (FMs) report that they dual role for them. that may be construed as a state- may run the risk of termination if In response to an e-mail from ment against Student Affairs' they do not comply with recent faculty that urged Student Affairs position on the issue and are also restrictions set forth by the to remove restrictions on the aca- not allowed to use their budget to Office of Residential Life, which demically sponsored program, sponsor "Monologue"-related is part of the Division of Student Christopher Rodgers, dean of programming, the RAs said. Affairs, that limits attendance at students, said, "Student Affairs RAs told The Observer that "The Vagina Monologues." hasn't restricted the ability of any they were originally restricted Student Affairs, however, says student to attend the faculty's from posting support for "The that no such threat exists. production of "The [Vagina] Vagina Monologues" on their In conversations with Student Monologues.'" suite doors, as doors were seen Affairs administrators, The Rodgers' e-mail continued, as potential advertisement space Observer was told that in the "Neither [Student Affairs or Res. for RA staff. This stipulation process of reviewing applicants Life] supports the program. My was changed and material on the 'The Gates,'a conceptual art exhibit that spans the walkways for a RA or FM position, appli- sense is that it would be rather space was acceptable if the of Central Park, opened to the public on Feb. 12. See page 11 cants are notified from the begin- inconsistent for Student Affairs employee did not directly gener- for more color photos taken by Emily Dugan, FCLC '06. ning mat it is expected of them to to refrain from supporting the see RAs, page 2 Fordham begins planning its future as 'premier Catholic university'

By LAURA Di OHIO bers of the Fordham commu- Grimes, S.J. Fordham will "pursue its ulti- received over -200^ proposed News Editor nity who are working on the While the goal specifics are mate long-range goal of initiatives; People involved in university's future. not yet finalized, Grimes said reclaiming its position as the working toward these ideas FORDHAM—ThxCbegin- .Among the list of proposals there issan emphasis on "creat- premier Catholic-university in include Fordham President the ning '-of" 'tHe""ambitio'us include expansion of Fordham ing a- distinctive curriculum" the United .States," according' Rev. Joseph M. McShane, Strategic Planning process* for College at Lincoln Center's because "the. education has to. the Strategic Planning mis- S.J., Fordham's Board of Fordham University is under- (FCLC) two-block radius become too generic." In addi- sion statement as endorsed by Trustees, deans, faculty, and way. Over 200 proposed ini- property, a closer integration tion, Strategic Planning aims the Board of Trustees. administrative leaders, tiatives are being prioritized, between the freshmen core! to capitalize on Fordham's Strategic Planning leaders according to the official and although the current stu- classes, and a revaluation of Jesuit identity and its metro- hope for their vision to be met Strategic Planning Web site. dent body will not feel the things like course work, the politan location in New York within seven years. Strategic Planning also hopes direct effects of this long-term peer advising system and City. Judy Mills, who has been to later include the input of project, they are a part of the internships, according to Dean Grimes and those at work at named the Strategic Planning alumni, student leadership and process, according to mem- of FCLC, the Rev. Robert R. Strategic Planning hope that officer, said that they have see PLANNING, page 4

Fordham reflects on Black History Preservation groups clash with Lincoln By LILLIAN POLANCO "Black History Month, and Contributing Writer black history itself, should be Center president over proposed designs recognized by all Americans. Over the past couple of It is a part of American histo- By MARY SAILAS "plaza's L-shaped bosque of weeks, members of the ry." Contributing Writer travertine planters with trees Fordham community have So far this month, Fordham planted in the ground and been devoted to recognizing has held several events in FEATURES with free-standing chairs," the importance of African- recognition of Black History Pages .9 to 12 according to an article in The American history and celebrat- Month. The African and New York Times. ing February as Black History African-American studies - Last April, Lincoln Center Bankoff said the plan Month, including the African department at FCLC welcomed for the Performing Arts seems to be "rough-handed and African-American studies Sherrill D. Wilson, director of revealed its plans to trans- in its treatment" of the north department and FCLC's club the New York African Burial form into a dynamic cultural plaza, and described the Molimo. Ground Project, when she gave center for all to enjoy. alterations to the pool and "Black History Month is not a lecture on Feb. 2. However, its plans for the the planting of new trees as just for blacks or African- On Feb. 12, Fordham's club north plaza have spurred out- "significant changes to the Americans," said Irma Asili hosted a Black History cries of disapproval from Concept drawing of proposed original design." Watkins-Owens, associate Month conference at Rose Hill, preservationist groups that redesigned Alice TullyHall Community Board 7 chair of the African and which' featured speakers, say that the renovations (CB7), which deals with thfe African-American studies at including Brian Purnell, pro- would destroy an original "The concerns that [the community concerns of the FCLC. "In my view, this month fessor of African-American design by one of the last cen- Historic Districts Council Upper West Side, also* is an opportunity to build col- studies, and Robert Hill, tury's leading landscape has arc] specifically about focused on the north pla2S lective memory about a still Fordham alumnus and finan- architects, Dan Kilcy. the north plaza," said renovations. Overall, ho neglected past. Remembering cial adviser for American , "The north plaza is an Bankoff. er, CB7 spoke in favor oti together is critical to how we Express. The conference, important piece of 20th cen- The blueprints for the plans, especially the plan and organize our present which targeted issues that tury art," said Simeon north plaza involve changing formation of West 65th and future lives." affect the African-American $fthkof?, executive director the reflecting pool, the "Street of the Arts" Julia Lino, FCLC '06, community and society as a }tot the Historic Districts Vivian Beaumont Theater, would make Lincoln agreed. She explained that whole, also had special perfor- Gouacfl, a city wide advocate and the placement of Henry more inviting to the although she is not African- mances by poets, the Step reserving historic Moore's sculpture. The plans according to CB7.org., American, she feels that ; also propose to: replace the 8WLCDE3IG see HISTORY, page 4 News 2 THE OBSERVER February 17 2005 Fordham celebrates its Jesuit traditions Rare infection found in city

By MONIQUE DIMAN By JOE DELESSIO Health Crisis (GMHC). Assistant News Editor and NATALIE RODRIGUEZ According to the GHMC, early symptoms of LGV, such as ' Features Editors FCLC—Festivities celebrat- swollen glands in the groin and ing Ignatian Heritage Week at After two New York men a painless ulcer that heals on its Fordham College at Lincoln were diagnosed with own, might be overlooked, and Center (FCLC) were held from Lymphogranuloma venereum more serious symptoms, such as Jan. 30 though Feb. 5. (LGV), a rare form of gastrointestinal bleeding and Ignatian Heritage Week is an Chlamydia, the city's anal inflammation, might be annual event celebrated at Department of Health and misdiagnosed. Diagnosing LGV Fordham University that gives Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and is often difficult, because com- the community an opportunity advocacy groups have issued a mercially available testing does to attend events geared toward warning about the infection and not reliably distinguish between an understanding of the offered a reminder to practice strains of Chlamydia. The New Ignatian roots of the college safe sex. Six recent cases of York cases were diagnosed and Jesuit traditions. LGV, which the DOHMH said through definitive testing avail- Campus Ministry's Mary primarly affects gay and bisex- able through the Centers for Owens, coordinator of the ual men, have n6w been diag- Disease Control (CDC). Ignatian Society, felt the week nosed in the United States. According to a statement went well and estimated an Joseph Roccasalvo, professor of theology at FCLC, gave a lec- "LGV is a serious condi- released by the DOHMH, the average of 20 attendees per ture as part ofFordham's Ignatian Heritage Week.. tion," said New York City department is working with the event. Health Commissioner Thomas CDC oa a local capacity for "The week is a great way for the role of the Jesuit order in conclude with a dinner on Feb. R. Frieden when announcing state-of-the-art LGV testing. students, faculty and staff to Beijing and education in 4 at FCLC. Due to low atten- the diagnosis of the two local While LGV is a bacterial learn more about the Jesuit today's world. dance, however, the event was cases. He added, "It is ... criti- infection that can be treated charisma and heritage," said "Scheduling is always an canceled. To conclude the cal for gay and bisexual men to with antibiotics, early diagnosis Owens. "The Fordham com- issue when you want student week's celebration of Ignatian minimize risky sexual behav- is of the utmost importance. munity is very proud of its participation, and even though Heritage, an event was sched- iors and practice safer sex; "Currently, the screening for Ignatian heritage and tradi- I was a member of the planning uled at Rose Hill on feb. 5 for including limiting the number [LGV] is not that tions." committee, I was only able to students who wished to visit of sex partners and using con- great...because it is so rare," The week started with a attend two of the week's the Jesuits in their home at doms every time you have sex said Associate Director of kick-off Mass at St. Paul the events," said Sarah Dallas, Murray Weigal Hall. to help prevent the spread of Fordham's Student Health Apostle Church that was fol- FCLC '06.. "On Monday Overall, the Ignatian this illness and HIV/AIDS." Services Stephen Ferrar. He lowed by social time to mingle . evening, Father Meynard dis- Heritage Week served as a LGV is more invasive than urges sexually active students to with FCLC Jesuits and cussed, the spiritual encounter chance for people to remember common Chlamydial infections. get tested at Fordham's Health Scholastics, according to an e- between Christianity and the Jesuit philosophies so If not treated, it can cause per- Center. mail sent out by the Vice Chinese culture. I found his ingrained in the education of manent damage to the bowels Ferrar also explained the President for Mission and presentation to be very infor- Fordham University. and disfigurement to the genital difference between a sexually Ministry, the Rev. Gerald mative, and his passion for the "Fordham has found that its area. LGV can also promote the transmitted infection (STI), Blasczczak, S.J. topic was apparent." Catholic and Jesuit origins and spread of fflV/AIDS. such as LGV, and a sexually Other highlights throughout Amanda Pizzuti, FCLC '07, traditions continue to provide "Prevention is about prevent- transmitted disease (STD). the week' included a session who also took advantage of the valuable marks of distinctiveness ing all kinds of sexually trans- "Theoretically, an infection discussing the poetic Jesus, Zen week's events, said, "I thought and a source of strength," states mitted infections, and [LGV], is something that can be cured, Meditation and such self-exam- that the 'Gospel in Limerick' the. Fordham Undergraduate to my understanding,.is particu- whereas a disease is something ining events as "Examination event and the 'Examination of Course Bulletin. "As a conse- larly serious, because it can that can be controlled," he said. of Consciousness: Taking Time Conscience' were very inter- quence, these traditions, reli- cause permanent scarring if it's "There is no contraceptive Out," and "Discernment and esting, but unfortunately not gious ideas, perspectives and val- not treated," said Lynn method that is 100 percent Decision Making." Jesuit- very well-attended." ues hold an important place in Schulman, director of communi- [reliable] outside of absti- focused discussions examined The week was scheduled to the University." • cations for the Gay Men's nence. RAs: administrators try to dispel rumor CRIME BLOTTER WILL RETURN Campus Security Files NEXT ISSUE ate it. Student Affairs confirmed tion as USG President, I have academic freedom. It is hard to that RAs are allowed to post found the two positions, conflict- see a significant difference ISIS- and faculty-made fliers on ing and severely challenging." between imposing this embargo, CALENDAR OF EVENTS their doors. One RA even partic- Kevin Burke, FCLC '06, who and prohibiting RAs from inviting ipated, without interference, in is also an RA, would also not their charges to (say) a Freshman- LINCOLN CENTER selling tickets for the sold-out comment on any of the alleged Faculty Forum." production. Student Affairs said restrictions. Burke, however, did Irma Watkins-Owens, associ- Fri,,Feh.l8 that these are all individual, per- tell The Observer, "In our posi- ate chair of the African and -Join SPARC ,and other students in a trip to 'Tony and Tina's sonal decisions that the RAs, act- tion, it does require that we under- African-American Studies Wedding." Sign up in LL408 to reserve a spot. ing in the capacity of a student, stand the position of the [Division] department (another sponsoring are making. of Student Affairs, but they don't department), echoed Sherman's Hues., Feb. 22 The most talked-about restric- require us to agree with them." concerns. "I must voice my out- -Graduation is approaching, and for many students that means tion among RAs was that if they Greer Jason, director of Res. rage at what seems to me a bla- finding a job. Learn "The Nuts and Bolts of a Job. Search" at 4 did not abide by the policies, their Life, told The Observer, "I'm tant attempt to carry such polic- p.m. in the Student Lounge. This event is sponsored by the Office punishment would most likely be hesitant to share details from spe- ing into the. academic area of Student Activities (OSA). ' "termination of employment." cific conversations that supervi- through intimidation of our stu- According to Student Affairs, sors have had with individual dents and veiled threats to their Wed., Feb. 23 however, no threat of termination staff To do so would be disre- continued employment," she -Come mingle with yottr professors at SPARC'S exists. Student Affajrs adminis- spectful to a group of students said. "This appears to be an Professor/Student Coffee Hour from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the trators questioned whether words who put a great deal of energy assault on academic freedom." Student Lounge. such as "terminated" was even and commitment into their posi- Rodgers, in an effort to dispel used in conversations and also tions and would lend credence to further hearsay on the matter, -Show your talent and support a good cause at OSA's Tsunami doubted that any RD would rumors, which, to my knowl- told The Observer, "Good lead- Relief Karaoke Night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Student directly tell an RA that he or she edge, are untrue." ers-and our RAs and RDs are just Lounge. would be fired. Several members of the that-don't lead through threats, Catherine Wood, FCLC '06, Fordham faculty feel that these mostly because it's not effective. Wed., March 2 who serves as an RA and is also restrictions do not only violate the RAs and RDs do lead through -Learn the ins and outs of how to make the best impression at president of FCLC's United employer-employee relationship, conversation, and there have Fordham's upcoming Career Fair. The Office of Career Planning Student Government (USG), but may also impinge on RA and been plenty on these issues." and Placement is holding a Career Fair Etiquette workshop from would not confirm that any such FM academic freedom. Stuart Rodgers continued, "Rumors 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in LL402, Be sure to sign up in advance. • policies existed. Wood, howev- Sherman, associate chair of are often caused by miscommu- eir; told The Observer, "When I FCLC's English department (one nication, but are lent strength first took on the position of of the departments that is sponsor- through repetition." • Portions of this calendar are courtesy of the Office of Student Resident Assistant, I did not fully ing the production), said, "This Activities. Additional Reporting By understand some of the expecta- constraint amounts to a remark- ANTHONY HAZEIL tions asked of me. With my posi- ably aggressive interference with Managing Editor February 17, 2005 THE OBSERVER News 3 USG Senator Dufour leaving for music biz CSA hopes for more commuter so many of our initiatives are student involvement on campus By LAURA DI ORIO so close to completion." By NANCY YOUNG items can be inconvenient. As a News Editor Dufour says that he was Contributing Writer result, there was a big demand FCLC—Brandon Dufour, offered a position at ATO to communicate with Facilities FCLC '06, officially resigned Records, where he will focus FCLC—After FCLC com- in an effort to make these prod- as junior senator of FCLC's on his future in the music muters publicly voiced their con- ucts available, as well as dis- United Student Government industry and artist manage- cerns and opinions at the cussing the cost. (USG) at a Feb. 3*USG meet- ment. "I'm excited about my Commuting . Students FCLC is a relatively small ing. He said he will miss future," he said, "but I am sad Association's (CSA) Commuter community, and CSA believes being a part of USG and that, my 'college experience' Forum on Jan. 27, CSA has a ' it is very important that com- working with its future plans is being shortened." better idea of what issues are muters feel welcome and active for the FCLC community. He also said he will contin- most important to commuters, in the community. Some com- "It saddens me greatly to ue to work with' USG who make up the majority of muters have many concerns have to step down from a President Catherine Wood, FCLC's student population. about the times of different position that I loved being a FCLC '06, and the other USG Feedback was positive, events. Due to the fact that part of," he said. "This is senators on their already pro- according to CSA President many functions take place at especially hard now because posed ideas. © • Brandon Dufour, FCLC '06 Stephanie Perez, FCLC '05, late hours and it takes time to who said she was pleased with travel home, many commuters both the attendance and feed- have become discouraged from back given during and after the participating. Youth lack free speech knowledge, survey says forum. "[The large attendance] s "At times it feels as if the renewed my efforts to improve events planned for students By LAURA DI ORIO educated in the basics of the have their own free speech cur- commuter life in Fordham," she are catered toward residents News Editor First Amendment, and that they tailed." said. "I thought our forum was because of the times that are not gaining any real appreci- Yalof agrees that many high a very successful step in assert- they are scheduled," said The United States ation for what the First school students have not had ing CSA's place in Fordham as Buscetta. Constitution and the rights it Amendment does. Many take it enough practice with the right of a student government rather Aside from time concerns, guarantees the citizens of this for granted," Yalof said in an e- freedom of speech. "The data than as a student club that has many commuters were also country have been around for mail. seems to indicate that students been known way too long for irked by the fact that they were over 200 years. According to a Fordham professor Gwenyth are not very tolerant of First distributing free food." unaware of when events were recent national study, however, Jackaway, who teaches a Amendment rights when they Among the ideas addressed' happening. As a result, a sug- many high school students do course specifically focused on do not sense a tangible and at - the Commuter Forum' gestion was made for CSA to not know enough about, or take the issue of free speech, agrees immediate impact on their include selling Metrocards and utilize' a'posting board in a loca- advantage of, the First that these results probably stem lives," he said. discounted movie tickets' on tion where commuters can Amendment, one of the 1 from the lack of free speech Jackaway understands that campus, a commuter recre- check out any upcoming cam- Constitution's vital rights that discussion in high schools. "I high school students We at the ational lounge, a commuter bul- pus events and other important allows for free speech. have a lot of sympathy with age where they are used to liv- letin board, and better schedul- information. , The study, conducted by the high school teachers; there's a ing under the control of author- ing of commuter and campus Other forum topics includ- University of Connecticut and lot to do," she said. "FVee ities, and this perhaps con- events. ed^concerns for how to raise commissioned by the John S. speech as a topic- is rarely the tributes to their beliefs that the All in all, the event was well money for the tsunami vic- and 'tetn$$ L. Knight subject of an entire course in press should not be granted as received by commuters like tims. Some fundraising ideas Foundation, surveyed 112,003 high school. So there may be much freedom. "They haven't Danielle Buscetta, FCLC '07, include a dance-off, a high school students, 327 princi- inadequate discussion in the achieved their legal majority who said, "I think that the pro- karaoke event and a battle of pals and 7,880 teachers nation- classroom; it may just be yet, so they're still living under posed ideas discussed at the' the boroughs event. Proceeds wide. The results have led touched on." the authority of their parents, forum have great potential to would go directly to the researchers to believe that the In fact, this study found that teachers and their communi- really help out commuters. I tsunami relief. First Amendment is being left student journalism does not ties," she said. "They're used especially like the idea of Other suggested commuter- behind in the nation's high exist in most high schools. to the concept that authorities Metrocards being sold on cam- related events include more schools, according to David Sixteen percent of administra- can tell you what you can and pus at a possible discounted commuter sleepovers, a tri- Yalof, one of the study's orga- tors surveyed said that none of can't do ... so it may seem like * -price." ' campus mixer and co-spon- nizers at the University of the students were enrolled in a natural extension to them that While CSA is already at sored events for both com- Connecticut. journalism-centered classes; the government should also do work for the Metrocard and muters and residents. In addi- The study revealed some only nine percent said that 20 that for the entire country." movie ticket initiatives, some tion, many commuters present results that researchers and percent or more of the students As for how the lack of free proposals may not be put into at the forum requested that other experts have found sur- were taking such classes, speech education can be correct- motion any time soon. While a more events be scheduled on prising. Thirty-six percent of the according to the results. ed, most experts believe there possible commuter lounge was Thursdays, which seems to be a students surveyed believe news- Warren Watson, director of J- must be a jpint effort among a popular idea among com- more popular day among com- papers should get government Ideas, a program designed to high schools, the journalism muters who were confused as muting students. approval of stories before they help high school students learn industry, parents and the stu- to why they cannot have access While CSA's proposed ini- are published; half-believe the about journalism by connecting dents themselves. to the recreational hall for resi- tiatives are aimed at making government can already censor them with professionals in the "These [students] are, after 'dents in McMahon Hall, Perez commuting students feel more the Internet. In addition, more industry, said that schools have all, the journalists of tomorrow," said, "In the past CSA has involved with the university, than a third believe that the First not b»en doing their job when it Watson said. "Schools of educa- explored several options such some commuters, like Buscetta, Amendment "goes too far in the corner to civics education. "I tion need to include First as getting game tables and set- already feel a stable connection rights it guarantees," according was shocked to be honest at the Amendment training for princi- ting them up for events and to the FCLC community, to the findings. The survey also level of indifference, lack of pals and administrators. then putting them in storage. "When I am in class I feel as if found that 75 percent incorrect- knowledge and resistance to the Students must practice these These ideas were eventually put everyone is treated equally no ly believe flag burning is illegal. spirit of our basic freedoms," he rights every day." aside to concentrate on what we matter where their place of res- Although flag burning remains said in an e-mail. "[Students] Jackaway said, "The profes- believe are more important ini- idence is," she said. "I feel as if an issue in Congress and the need to know that citizenship is sional news media should take tiatives such as selling I am a part of the FCLC com- general public, no amendments a fragile, vital right. They must these figures very seriously, Metrocards and discounted munity." have been passed. work at it." too, because in a way it's an movie tickets on campus." As a result of the forum and While the survey's purpose While researchers, professors indictment of the job they're In fact, CSA has already the proposed initiatives, com- was to look for evidence of the and journalism experts alike do doing." arranged for movie tickets to be mittees are being formed with- existence of media programs in not know exactly what has con- All in all, many people available for a rate of $5 for in CSA to address these issues high schools and students' tributed to these results, many believe the results of this study commuting students, a service and more. Activities are also knowledge of the First agree that high school students are dangerous for the future of that has already been accessible being planned for Commuting Amendment, the results suggest have not yet experienced how free speech in our nation's for residents. Students Association Week (C-- that students would be more free speech can directly affect society. "It is frightening One of the more practical SAW), which will be held dur- aware of the First Amendment their lives. because these young people are and urgent concerns brought to ing the week of March 7-11. rights if there were mandatory "Unless students directly coming into the voting pool light at the forum was the lack Some of the week's events classroom lessons centered on experience personally what it very soon," Jackaway said, of feminine hygiene products in include ice skating at Chelsea this issue. means to be censored, they "and this tells me that the kinds the rcstrooms. Some com- Piers, Commuter Jeopardy, "I think the data confirmed rarely feel a serious connection of choices that they'll be mak- muters felt that running to the bowling and a game of what education leaders already to the issue," Jackaway said. ing as voters are not likely to bookstore, health center or "Human Checkers," according knew anccdotally: that high "Most people don't start to take be in favor of protecting our pharmacy to purchase such to Perez. • school students are not being free speech seriously until they Bill of Rights." News 4 THE OBSERVER February 17 200'? Despite controversy, 'The Vagina Monologues' set to continue students and graduate students." her first year as director of the By GISELLE ISNER Student Affairs declined to production. Staff Writer comment to The Observer "There were around 40 peo- FCLC—The controversy regarding ISIS' petition efforts. ple who auditioned, and I ended surrounding the In Strength I It is not surprising that ISIS up casting 17 people. There are Stand (ISIS) production of Eve obtained many signatures. 10 monologues and an ensem- Ensler's "The • Vagina Members have been diligent in ble to perform in between the Monologues" may have given spreading their message, pre- monologues," Watts said. "We the production more support senting their petition to students have three weeks of rehearsal and publicity than it has on the Lowenstein Plaza almost and a. really big cast. We have a received in past years. daily since the petition was very short amount of time to do "I think the controversy has introduced at the November it. It's a really tight schedule, definitely brought a lot more panel, according to Martinez. but it's going really well. I'm attention to the production than Every student interviewed by excited about it." in previous years, which is kind The Observer was all too aware Although the production is of expected," said ISIS' Co- of the Monologues, the contro- going on as planned, performed President and The Observer's versies surrounding the produc- unedited and in its entirety, ISIS Layout Editor Grace Martinez, tion, and the petitions. once again made the petition FCLC '06., "I am a little tired of all the available for students to sign "The Vagina Monologues" petitions," said Claudia during the first day of ticket ID was produced by ISIS for three Weinstock, FCLC '06. "For a Maggie Shea (right), FCLC '06, practices her monologue at a sales on Feb. 8. years with the financial support little while, every day another Tuesday rehearsal for performances scheduled for Feb. 18-20. "The petition is still going of the Division of Student club would be out here on the As of press time, all performances had been sold out. on because the issue still Affairs until 2004, when plaza with petitions." exists," said Martinez. "ISIS Student Affairs refused to fund Similarly, Keenan Whitmore, on. "I saw it two years ago," he production, according to the as a student group, as well as the production due to particular FCLC '05, is a bit tired of the said. "I did enjoy it. There was Dec. 9, 2004 issue of The the students and faculty who monologues that it considered dispute. "The whole controver- stuff that made me uncomfort- Observer. have signed the petition, feel inappropriate. Since then, talk sy went too far; it was over- able, but that's the point. I'm Eleven academic departments that ISIS should be allowed to of "The Vagina Monologues" done," he said. glad it's going on. It shows that and programs are sponsoring put on the production as a stu- and freedom of speech has been Both Weinstock and in the end academic integrity "The Vagina Monologues," dent club, as it is a production heard around campus. When Whitmore, however, signed the survived. The petition got the which will be performed three run by students mainly for Student Affairs refused to fund petition, and both believe that message out to the faculty and times during the weekend of other students." this year's production as well, "The Vagina Monologues" the administration that this was Feb. 18-20. The departments The controversy surrounding even more attention was gener- should be performed and sup- something the student body was include Communications and the production has captivated ated toward the production. ported at Fordham, despite its interested in." Media Studies, Women's some students' attention and After ISIS sponsored a panel content. ISIS members believe that Studies, English, History, has encouraged them to see discussion on Nov. 17, 2004, "There are other ways to get •their petition and the club's Political Science and Visual Arts "The Vagina Monologues." which was attended by over 200 awareness for an issue, but the efforts to produce "The Vagina Departments, and the Theater "As .long as there's new faculty members and students, best way is to shock people," Monologues" have oaid off. program,'according to Martinez. information about * the ISIS introduced a petition Weinstock said. "That's what "We have found increasing sup- There was even a big turnout Monologues I am not tired of intended to show Student the Monologues do. It's origi- port for this issue," said for auditions..,"I think there hearing about it," Weinstock Affairs that the FCLC student nal. I can see their [Student Martinez. were a bit more people who said. "I want to know what's body would like to see the pro- Affairs'] point, but I don't In November 2004, for auditioned than expected," said going on." She said she has duction] of "The Vagina agree with it. I think it wouldn't example, the College Council Martinez. never seen "The Vagina Monologues" supported and be so bad if the school hadn't and the United Student Auditions were held over Monologues" but now wants to. funded by Student Activities. allowed it to go on for three Government at FCLC both two days at the end of January, Weinstock may not be Since then, the petition-sign- years before saying it was bad. passed resolutions that disap- according to FCLC sophomore alone; Martinez said she ing process has been a success, It wouldn't be as much of a proved of Student Affairs' deci- Erin Watts, director of "The expects the performances to according to Martinez. "There controversy if they stopped it sion not to fund "The Vagina Vagina Monologues." This is sell out. • are over 300 signatures, and it is from the beginning." Monologues," and that would still growing," she said. "This is Whitmore is likewise glad to assist any academic department METRO NEWS a compilation of faculty, law see that the production will go or program willing to fund the -The Central Park Gates Project is on display until Feb. 28. The project, spearheaded by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, includes 7,500 PLANNING: BLACK HISTORY gates, each 16-feet high. The event is expected to bring in over $80 McShane aims high Team and the Essence Dance Team from million to the city. Seepage 11 for Fordham. color photos. others in the acity. Current Fordham students FCLC's own Molimo club will hold a forum on -The Health Department is asking do not have a major voice in Strategic the origination of the N-word on Feb. 15, which medical providers to be on the lookout Planning because this will only directly will open a discussion for the use of the word in for a rare strain of HIV that is extremely affect students about 10 years from now, the 21st century. In addition, Molimo is currently contagious and resistant to three types of anti-HIV drugs. The strain is according to Mills. organizing a Celebration of Blacks in the Arts said to accelerate the time between infection and the onset of the virus. Mills emphasized that there are more program, which they hope will educate the aspects than just academics that make a great Fordham community about the role of blacks in NATIONAL NEWS school. She used the example of what she American arts. -Arthur Miller, famed playwright of "Death of a Salesman," and called the country's current premier Catholic For some people, Black History Month is not "The Crucible," died from heart failure on Feb. 11 at his home in university, Notre Dame, which is most limited to February. "Black History Month to me Connecticut. known for football, Mills confidently is actually 365 days of the year," said Molimo believes that Fordham has the potential to be club President Jennyfere Thomas, FCLC '05. INTERNATIONAL NEWS recognized on a national level for its own The beginnings of Black History Month can be -North Korea declared Feb. 17 that it will no longer engage in talks sports. "Success in sports is not the most traced back to 1926, when it was organized by regarding abandoning its buildup of nuclear weapons. Previously esti- important aspect," she said, "but it draws Carter Godwin Woodson, an African-American mated to have two to nine bombs, officials now estimate North Korea good attention and helps our cause." historian. Initially known as Negro History Week, could possess up to 15 bombs. As for the coming year, the next steps in Black History Month received its extension in -Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader the timeline of the Strategic Planning process 1976 and has become an annual nationwide cele- Mahmoud Abbas agreed to end the fighting between their nations, include receiving feedback from school lead- bration ever since. during their meeting on Feb. 8; this is not a formal truce, however. ers and presenting the final Integrated Just last year marked the 50th anniversary of -The next heir in line to the throne of England, Prince Charles, Strategic Plan to Fordham's Faculty Senate, the historic United States Supreme Court decision and Camilla Parker Bowles are engaged. Upon the marriage, which the various schools of the university and the of the Brown versus Board of Education case. The date is as yet unknown, Bowles' will be referred to as "her royal Board of Trustees on Oct. 13, 2005, accord- decision declared it unconstitutional to segregate highness, the princess consort." ing to the Web site. . • the children in schools. -Iranian leader, President Mohammad Khatami, promised Watkins-Owens noted that "Black History "burning hell," to invaders in a speech given on Feb. 10 in Tehran. Month events have not always been well attended 'The Iranian nation does not seek war, docs not seek violence and Additional Reporting By by students and faculty at Lincoln Center. I would dispute," Khatami said. "But the world must know that this nation ANTHONY PALOMBO like to sec this change." • will not tolerate any invasion." • Contributing Writer

\ Opinions FebruaryxlZ, 2005 THE OBSERVER Editorial: Our Opinion Letters: Your Opinion

'Monologues' debate isn't about women at all, it's about defiance. Student Affair's recent interference with 'Vagina I'm sick of hearing about "The Vagina Monologues." Every time I walk down the halls of FCLC, I'm bombarded with giant Monologues' crosses a dangerous line posters screaming about censorship and totalitarianism, and quite frankly, I can't take it anymore. The last straw was the most recent As the 2005 production of expression. Through limiting Could" as condoning underage edition of The Observer, which had Eve Ensler and s6me stuffed "The Vagina Monologues" at involvement in "The Vagina drinking and statutory rape? shirt from the Cardinal Newman Society mixin' it up. Apparently, FCLC draws ever nearer and In Monologues," Student Affairs The bottom line is, when the Cardinal Newman Society's agenda involves the prevention of Strength I Stand (ISIS) moves is asserting power that is does Student Affairs and Activities the spread of Vagina-related material. Eve Ensler's mission in life into its second week of not and should not possess. At denied ISIS funding to produpe seems quite the opposite: to GET THE WORD OUT and rehearsal unfettered by resis- heart, this is a serious encroach- the "Monologues," they EMPOWER. tance from the university or any ment on the academic freedom released any and all control Personally, I don't think either I or my vagina needs to watch of its offices, we learn that even of RAs and FMs. Moreover, over the production, its adver- this play in order to be empowered. We're empowered enough. I now the production is not safe RAs and FMs report that if they tisement, its attendance and so have no interest in watching someone step on stage and loudly pro- from restriction. defy the demands set forth, they on. With funding secured from claim the power of her vagina. What does this mean, anyway? That The most recent develop- will risk reproach or even termi- several academic depart- she can crush walnuts? I personally don't think the power of a ments is that Residential Life nation. ments—including but not limit- woman stems from her sex organs—unless, of course, she's a (Res. Life) and Student Affairs If these threats and restric- ed to English, Communication hooker or a* fishwife holding out for a new stove. Sex, of course, are allegedly restricting the tions are allowed to carry any and Media Studies, Theater and can be used as currency, such as in the classic comedies like "Pretty attendance of Resident weight, Res. Life staffers will Visual Arts, and History—ISIS Woman," but is this really what we want to consider when we think Assistants (RA) and Freshmen find themselves on a slippery safely moved itself and the pro- of strong femininity? Mentors (FM) to the production slope. If they succumb to these duction out from under the Why can't the power of the woman be the power of the mind? brings two troubling questions demands, what's to stop Student umbrella of Student Activities The gender gap is shifting in undergrad and graduate schools across to mind: When someone signs Affairs from imposing more and seemingly ensured that it the nation. Women are outnumbering men for the first time in places on to work for Res. Life (ergo and more restrictions on them? could proceed as planned. of higher learning. Can't somebody write a play about that? Why do Student Affairs), are they there- If ISIS secures a lecture by Although this most recent vaginas have to define us? Personally, if my vagina gets any more fore signing an agreement to "Monologues'" author Eve development will not affect the empowered, it's going to pack up and head for greener pastures, or concur with any decisions made Ensler, will they be allowed to production itself, there is seri- at least someplace that allows for guests more often. « within that department? And, attend? If a course is offered on ous concern with the fact that I think it's really funny when a gay man supports "The Vagina more importantly, does Res. female sexuality or a theater Student Affairs has now made Monologues." It's suddenly a universal causes—dear to men, women, Life (ergo Student Affairs) feel •class teaches the play, will they restriction(s) on the academic goats. Nobody cared about vaginas and their soliloquies before it that it has the right to interfere be allowed to enroll? pursuit of its employees. started being all about THE. MAN and FREEDOM. At least, last with academic pursuits and Taking a step back, what-is "The Vagina Monologues," time I checked, the battered women's shelter still neededVolunteers. activities? « ° the problem with mere atten- which is now entirely funded by But EVERYBODY wants to help out with "The Vagina Despite whatever ' pull dance? Does Student Affairs academic departments, is no Monologues" these days; I don't think any of this hoopla has any- Student Affairs feels that it see its employees' attendance as longer in the jurisdiction of an thing to do with the empowerment of the second sex. This is just does, or should have over its condoning the presence of the elective Student Activity, and FCLC's lazy substitution for rebellion. In the old days, they'd have employees' academic life, their play on campus the same way should therefore be exempt sit-ins and fasts and food would be flown in by helicopters piloted by recent actions have crossed a that the Cardinal Newman from any interference from a intrepid young future senators. These days, we put up ten flyers and very important line: the bounds Society sees the story of "The department outside of acade- crack open a beer. of academic freedom and Little Coochie Snorcher that mia. • My point is this. Is supporting the "Monologues" really about women's empowerment? It will open to a crowd of raucous rabble- rousers, eager to defy the administration and that dude from the Newman Society. But don't kid yourself. This issue isn't at all about Eve Ensler's opus. It's about battling the administration at Fordham, FRoMThe CHRISTIAN RIGHT MORALITY ELITE which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Victoria Hoffman, FCLC '07 LePEW I DAFFY DUCK THE OBSERVER 113 West 60th Street Room 408 New York, Newark 10023 (212) 636^015 Fax: (212) 636-7047 Editor in Chief Layout Editor Corihne Iozzio Grace Martinez V DWARVeS Managing Editor Online Editor Anthony Hazell Ruby Gu Business Manager Photo Editors Brian Centrone Emily Dugan Eliza Gager News Editor Laura Di Orio Copy Editors Lindsey Cross Opinion Editor Heather Liebling Sarah Vaghari Assistant Editors Features Editors Monique Diman (News) Joe DeLessio Heather Liebling (Opinion) Natalie Rodriguez Joel Perez (Sports) Want to see your artwork here? Arts & Culture Editors Faculty Adviser J.P. Manglindan Anahid Kassabian The Opinions sections is seeking a political cartoonist Catharine McNelly to start immediately. Faculty Graphics Adviser Literary Editors Kala Pierson Interested? Jennifer Cobb Contact [email protected] for more information. Enrique Ollero Layout Staff Jennifer Fowler Sports Editor Joe Davidson Jennifer Mammana Krlsten Pallida LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor should be typed and sent to The Observer, Forclham College at Lincoln Center, 113 West 60th The Student Voice of FqrdKam College at Lincoln Center" Street, Room 408, New York, NY 10023, or e-mailed to the editor in chief at [email protected], Length should Published on alternate Thursdays during the academic year. not exceed 500 words. All letters mwst be signed and include contact information/or verification. Individuals must Printed by Expedi Printing, Brooklyn, NY Include all official titles, including intended year of graduation if applicable. If .submitters fail to incli(de titles, the For contact information visit fclcobserver.com editorial board will do so at its own discretion. The Observer li«.s the ri#lu to with/told any submissions from publi- Public Noticci cation and will not consider more than two letters from the same individual on one topic. The Observer reserves the No part of The Observer may be reprtined or reporduced without rijjht to edit all letters and submissions for content, clarity, and length. the expressed written consent of The Observer Editorial Board. Opinions 6 THE OBSERVER Fehmarv 17 2005 FACULTY CORNER | Welcome to Bush's plan for public health 'The McCarthy Era at Fordham' reeks further havoc ByGWENYTH JACKAWAY offend the Dean of Students be placed on the Well, it is official folks, George threatening illnesses, such as cancer, Communication and Media Studies forbidden list as well? Or, perhaps RAs will W. is back for another four years, and the quest to eliminate certain be encouraged not to take certain courses, which means- another four years of diseases, such as AIDS and diabetes, Fordham University has slipped through with certain professors, or pressured not to war first, diplomacy last, another will have to wait as well. the Twilight Zone, back in time, to the choose certain majors? Does working for four years of a leader of the free Consequently, the American people McCarthy Era. During that dark period in Residential Life now mean that students world who fails to will suffer. our nation's history, the government used must be—or must pretend to be conserva- speak English And what about the threat of pos- fear tactics to silence dissenting voices. tive Catholics? properly, as well sible bio-terror attacks, Mr. People were required to take loyalty oaths What a wonderful set of lessons for as another four President? What about exposure to or face losing their jobs, or their liberty. A our students. They came to Fordham for years of putting smallpox, anthrax, or even the climate of fear blanketed our nation, in an education, and here is what they are the interests of plague? What is the public going to which people were afraid to speak out in being taught: the best way to deal with a big business over do when the CDC no longer has the support of their friends. Those who did controversial message is to silence it. If the welfare of the resources necessary to help cure take risks to stand up for the things they that doesn't work, the lesson continues, MADICA American people. and/or prevent these diseases? believed in were threatened, intimidated threaten those who support the message MARISA And now> ^nother Maybe Cheney will generously into silence and fired or jailed if they spoke with economic sanctions; frighten those RALENZONA four vears of poor- donate billions from his oil empire, up. In the 1950s,* in America, the'threat' who would like to speak up on behalf of ly financed public health services. •Halliburton, which may have been a was Communism. Today, at Fordham, the the message into silence. As they leave Let's face it, America and its people cause for the Iraqi war, and, now, has 'threat, it seems, is vaginas. .: us, and go out into the world, our stu- remain unprotected. resulted in this cut of public health . The Dean of Students has taken a very dents will take this model with them. Recently, in Bush's State of the funds. Is putting more money into strong position on "The Vagina Are these really the kinds of policies we Union, he discussed his plan to the hands of big businessmen, Monologues," and refuses to allow the pro- want them to support as young voters? reduce federal funding for certain including our wonderful Vice duction of the play as a student activity. Are these the kinds of policies that are public health programs that pro- President, really worth this? Undaunted, the students sought the support truly consistent with Catholic—or vide aid during medical emergen- Bush is more interested in direct- of the faculty. Outraged at Fordbam's American values? cies, as well as programs dedicat- ing money, about $80 billion, to attempt to censor this world-famous play, Let's look for a moment at some facts ed to curing chronic diseases and continue his efforts in Iraq, while the faculty responded' with enthusiasm. about this 'dangerous' play: The V-Day epidemics. As a result of this pro- turning his back on health con- "The Vagina Monologues" will soon be per- movement is a global campaign to raise posal, public health agencies, such cerns. According to the New York formed as an academic event, proudly awareness about the many forms of vio- as the Center for Disease Control Times, Bush claims he wants to sponsored by 11 of the departments on, this . Jience against women and girls, including (CDC), known for its service in increase funds in some public campus. ',.••, ,.' ' ..rane,, incest, genital mutilation and sex- the fight against harmful diseases, health arenas, and "expand a ..As .an.academic event, , it would seem ual slavery. "The Vagina Monologues" will experience a nine percent cut national stockpile of vaccines and that this play would now, .be out of the " has been,running, around the world, for in funding under Bush's current antibiotics in the event of an emer- reach of the Office of Student Affairs. But over seven years and has raised over'25 budget plan. Nine percent is a gency." Yet his budget cuts funding there has been an astonishing new develop- million dollars. It was named as one of huge cut in federal aidr a cut that . from many of the centers that pro- ment: student employees of Residential Worth Magazine's ^'100 Best Charities." will mean the loss of billions of vide such antibiotics and vaccines Life have allegedly been instructed,that if Last year, over 2000 V-Day events were dollars for public health agencies. that may be needed in times of they show various forms of support for the presented byvolunteers around the world. Let's hope that harmful contagions emergency. What a way to go! play (such as attending in groups, or On the college level, over 600 campuses that cause serious illnesses decide Forget health. Bush is not inter- putting posters promoting the.play on their wili be staging productions of the. show to remain dormant for the next ested. Our President could not care dorm room doors) they will be fired. This this, year. All proceeds of' the play are four years! less about the quality ofTife of the new development is far more serious than donated directly to local 6rganizatiohs What does not make sense is that American people. Bush does not the censorship of a play. We have now working to stop violence against women. Bush is cutting public funds where care who dies from a life threatening moved from censorship to economic intim- How odd that Fordham University, they are needed the most, especially illness, such as AIDS, diabetes, or idation. This tactic- forces students who which prides itself on training students to in a day and age where AIDS contin- even heart disease brought on by work for Residential Life to choose do good works for others would want to ues to kill millions, and the spread of severe obesity. Bush cares only between their values (if they are in favor prevent the production of a show'dedicat- harmful diseases continues to about funding Iraq and his big busi- of the play) and. their .wallets. ed to helping prevent violence. At the increase. And what about obesity, a ness buddies. In fact, he made sure Unfortunately, most students don't have heart of all censorship efforts is fear. disease that is quickly becoming an to increase funding to the the luxury to ignore the economic impera- Those who attempt to censor the speech of American epidemic with little to no Department of Defense as well as tive. That, of course, is what makes this a others do so out of fear of what they see as sign of a cure? It is obvious that Homeland Security. Why can't the very effective means by which to strong- the potential consequences of the 'offen- Bush does not really care about cur- defeat of harmful chronic diseases arm students into submission. sive', message. What is the Office of rent public health crises that affect and epidemics in our country be as What's next? Will the Office of Student Student Affairs so afraid of? The real risk millions of people. The drastic cut of important as defeating terrorism? Affairs take up the practice of scrutinizing all here is not that someone will attend "The support to public health agencies, Maybe Bush would like to attempt to other academic, events, and create a clear set Vagina Monologues" and be offended by already in need of outside donor sup- answer that question. Good luck of criteria regarding which events are suffi- the script. Far more serious is the danger port, only hurts the average staying healthy because it may be ciently in line with Catholic teachings to ren- that our University will continue to aban- American citizen. For example, awhile before we see any advance- der them suitable for support by their staff? don its principles to fear mongering and proper research will not be conduct- ment in public health under this cur- Will talks by Fordham faculty on topics that intimidation. • ed because of underfunding. Life- rent administration. • Liberal Studies students rock my socks. The secrets of FCLS nightowls Despite the deans, the cafeteria, the THERU. in some cases, they're older than the pro- pes simplex 1]." Then the Liberal Studies elevators, Res. Life, and Rose Hill as a Uncovering Jesuit Agents fessor. This is something I respect. student says,' "Well, I won't be in class whole, there is an element of Fordham One woman in particular, a student in then because I can't get a babysitter that University's education that I find utterly rock my world? Good question. I'll tell one of my English night classes, must night for my six year old child." titillating, and that is you confidentially that it has nothing to have been at least 70 years old. She At that point in the class I pretty much Liberal Studies stu- do with the fact that I am currently hav- spoke at a rate of speed that can only be want to get up, walk over to them, and dents. While their ing a sexual relationship with one of described as, "very, very slowly." But pat them on the back. I mean, I person- seemingly straightfor- them. Ha! What does "sexual relation- damn, she was insightful. Of course, she ally have issues feeding and clothing ward title of "Liberal ship" mean? How should I know, I go to couldn't fail to be insightful. She would myself, never mind a small child. And Studies students" New York City's Jesuit University. raise her hand to speak and the entire then there's the whole issue of potty might make you think Moving on, you have to respect class would look up from their doodles training, which I can personally say that of learning the ways Liberal Studies students for a few rea- and say to themselves, "Profundity is at my roominateshave not mastered. All of this leads me to my final point, MIKE of liberals like Upward sons. First, they intimidate the crap out hand." She could have said something Dean, Ted Kennedy, of professors. You have a professor, who like, "I .am a golden god" and we all which is that Liberal Studies students IARROBINIO and puppy dogs—these has spent all of his life involved in acad- would have treated it as a revelation. rock my socks. I would really enjoy par- are misnomers. Liberal Studies classes emics and theory, and then the Liberal Another thing I'd like to give Liberal tying with them sometime. I bet they ifC'as we know, night classes. This Studies students come in and—we've all Studies students credit for is that a lot of would not only know the best bars, but means that Liberal Studies students arc witnessed this, I think—blow apart the them have kids. I find that pretty intense. that they'd pick up the tab with their nocturnal. So arc raccoons. professor's carefully constructed theories For example, sometimes the professor credit cards. So, this is an open request I love raccoons. by providing real world counterexam- says something like, "We will be having to that 70-year-old woman in my Therefore, I love Liberal Studies students. ples. And they don't take 'no' for an class on a different day next week due to English class: call me, anytime. I miss So why do Liberal Studies students answer either. They can do that because, my [previous appointment, vacation, her- you. Let's party. • February 17.2005 THE OBSERVER Oninions 7 Hidden charms: A lil' southern twang never hurt anyone Southern accents. Some peo- ern accent, the word starts to exhibited at the ticket counter, I ple love'em, and some people sound real neat, huh?) viewed their attitudes as my 'in' hate'em. My fourth cousin's Seeing as I am incapable of with the ticket counter employ- momma once told her that they taking no for an answer, which ee. I approached the counter were trashy. Unlucky for my my pop says I get from my with a heart-warming smile, cousin, her mom trained her to mom, I marched over to the gave a wink and politely asked lose the host and pointed out three how the employee was doing, accent by empty tables, two of which hinting that I had witnessed the threatening could have been easily put barbarous words and actions of society's dis- together to accommodate our the people ahead of me in line. approval. group. I even offered to help After she was done asking me if Lucky forme, him move them. I will not I was carrying any hazardous I haven't been recount the number of times I material or had taken any pack- able to shake said "please," but after a few ages from strangers and realiz- the damn minutes of conversation, the ing that I was sweet as pie, I CAROLINE thing since I man inquired about my south- asked her if there was any way DEJEAN moved here to ern roots and accent and even she could seat me in a row with the big city and it's one of the sang the chorus of "Sweet as few people as possible. best things that's ever happened Caroline" to me in the time it Mission accomplished. I was to me. Or not happened to me, I took to be seated. the only person sitting in a row guess. While I sincerely attempt to of five seats as of now, she Why am I so blessed, you be a genuinely nice person, nice informed me. "Well I sure hope no one else sits there;" I said ask? There was a time when I, girl charm didn't win this host Looking for a little country twang in your thick yankee accent? quietly. "I don't think that'll be too, asked myself that very over. Southern "transplants" Try listening to these two. same question. It wasn't until like myself know that it was all a problem," she replied, wink- my first dining-out experience in the accent. And now my ing. I then spent the next IS cert, they took me along, par- about Tim's and my Louisiana in New York that I realized that friends did too. hours of the flight in a row of tially out of pity and partially roots and how their newest the gods of vernacular had This was not an isolated inci- five seats all to myself. Close because they knew I'd be able daughter, Audrey, has smiled upon me. My friends dent either, y'all. I have found your mouths and hold the to commandeer the Nashville "Caroline" for a middle name. I and I were searching for a place myself in similar situations applause. The Quantas crew in businessmen we'd be meeting dream at night that after meet- to eat in late Sept. 2001, when when dealing with the food ser- Australia was less than amused by using my southern wit and ing me, they stopped calling her we stumbled upon a lovely vice industry. The only time the by me as I sat in middle seat all charm. When it came time to Audrey and now refer to her as looking Italian eatery on accent doesn't work is when the the way home. meet Tim, he appeared like an Caroline. Columbus Avenue. "Hey y'all, person on the receiving end The last tale I will share may angel from his dressing room. So next time you find your- this place looks real good," I doesn't speak English; then you only be appreciated by country And if that weren't enough, his self in a squeeze, or face to face shouted to my friends. My com- just get a dumb look and less music fans, but for them it is foxy wife Faith Hill followed with today's hottest country panion,! who shall remain name- help than you would nave ini- worth sharing, for this is the behind^him. Upon my hand- music stars, whip out a little less in order to protect his tially gotten. holy grail of "accent assisted" shake with Tim, I muttered, southern accent and see what it image, approached the disdain- • This past summer, I flew to experiences. The PR firm that I "Nice to meet y'all." Faith can do for you. Just remember ful host, asking to be seated, Australia on Quantas Airlines. once worked for was signing a couldn't have been more excit- that when you strip away the only to be shutdown when the My fellow passengers were the licensing deal with Tim* ed to hear this blessed word accent, whether it be real or host said, "No we're full." (If grouchiest bunch of folks I'd McGraw, and when my bosses come out of my mouth. We then fake; you still have to be a nice you say "disdainful" a few ever seen. Rather than gawking got wind of a trip to launched into what I'd like to person to get anything done times slowly in your best south- at their rude behavior they Washington, D.C. for his con- think was a very lengthy talk these days. • Dancing around in my socks: Reasons why I love living alone

Imagine opening your door to find a the shades to let all the beautiful sunlight loud, crazy party when all you wanted pour into the room. My roommate, on the to do was take a nap. The people who other hand, liked to sleep in a pitch-black live in a college dorm room understand room until around two o'clock in the the concept of conflict of interest. You afternoon everyday. I would be forced to may be up late trying tiptoe around my dark room in the day to study for a test until she woke up. I felt trapped in my while your roommate own room, and the worst part was that I is madly groaning in had nowhere else to go. This dungeon her bed, located five was my home. feet away from your Just imagine living alone and being desk, to let you know able to come and go as you please with- that your desk lamp is out having to worry about coming home keeping them awake. to a giant mess because all your room- KAYLA It is very easy for fric- mates didn't feel like doing the dishes or HILDEBRANDT tion to develop in a left the bathroom in an utter wreck. What Living with roommates can threaten a person's sanity. Just look at these guys! relationship such as this one. Even if about your roommate who likes to cook you have your own room, but still share all sorts of smelly dishes using strong my beauty nights. 1 do not have to south comer of my apartment. an apartment with other people, I'm spices that stink up the whole apartment? endure my roommates' friends. Waxing Living alone gives a person a lot of sure you're reminded everyday about Maybe your roommate likes to bring her my lips and eyebrows whenever I want freedom. I never get lonely because I'm how wonderful it would be if you didn't ' boyfriend back to your apartment all the is never a problem. In fact, if I prefer to always busy doing things with my have to deal with any roommates. For time. Some roommates even let then- walk around my apartment with my friends and when 1 want to go home, I example, you just got home from class boyfriends virtually move in without any seaweed mud mask on my face, I can can go home to peace and quiet. It's and you're starving. You go to the consideration for the other people .they and won't feel like a nut. I don't have to easy to have down time and do things kitchen to make food, but there is not live with. None of this abuse takes place pick up the phone and take messages like reading a book without any back- one clean pot in sight. All of the pots when you live alone. for anyone ever. People can come over ground noise. When finals come it will are stacked in the sink, and now you I've done the whole roommate thing, whenever I would like, and I have the be quiet when 1 want to study and when need to scrub them clean before pro- and I must say that living alone is fantas- freedom to host little parties any time at I need to release stress and pop in a ceeding to cook some food for your tic. After a person experiences living my place. When I have out-of-town high-powered work out video, I don't starving belly. alone, I don't know if they would ever go guests, they always have a place to stay. need to worry about upsetting anyone. I Before transferring to Fordham, the back to having a roommate unless it was If I desire a pet, I can have one. I get to • live on a high floor and have triple dorm room that I lived in my freshman absolutely necessary. People sometimes decorate my entire apartment as I locks so it is really safe. When I go to year of college was not apartment-style. I ask me, "Aren't you scared to be by please. If I want the walls in my living check my mailbox, I get excited entered into my room from the public yourself?" The truth is that I couldn't be room to be purple, then 1 can paint them because 1 know that all the mail in the hallway. It was horrible because 1 had happier. purple. I am really interested in feng box is for me and only me. I make my nowhere to escape to when I wanted to Just think, I get to blast Madonna shui so I feel that it is important to have own rules. be by myself. My roommate and I were and dance around in my socks and furniture and decorations in certain For those of you looking to move on completely different schedules. I liked underwear every morning or anytime I places and directions. If 1 had a room- out of the dorms or your home, consid- to wake up in the morning, play music, want. And I blast it I'll have you know. mate, it possibly could be a conflict that er living alone. For me, it's the only lake a shower and, best of all, swing open I don't have to worry about scheduling I have a big, gold Chinese cat in the way to go. • Opinions 8 THE OBSERVER Fphruarv17 The downward spiral: Our twisted fascination with Wacko jacko There is a television pro- " me. I do not, for one second, gram out there so vile, so prej- believe that Michael Jackson is udiced, so (totally) innocent when it comes damned fas- to his current situation. (The cinating, that things he's admitted freely are I've just inappropriate enough for my spent twenty tastes.) Still, I do think the pub- minutes try- lic has grown increasingly mis- ing to Google guided in its aggression toward the title. I this man. These days Wacko RAY happened to Jacko is attacked ruthlessly, catch it during without regard for truth or con- DADEMO a brea£ firmation, and why? Is it because between classes on VH1—a he's an alleged child molester? real mainstay in good taste, I'm sure that plays into it, but these days—and was so mor- I'm not certain that's all. bidly attracted to its total lack The truth is this: we dispar- of integrity that I was com- age Michael Jackson in the pelled to watch it all the way hopes of understanding him, of through. The show was called grasping the whole freakish "Michael Jackson's Secret picture. As "Michael Jackson's Childhood," and if you can find Secret Childhood" proves, it's it again, reserve the afternoon easier to assign underhanded and tape it. motives than it is to accept a The "secret childhood" more difficult reality. Michael alluded to in the title has, Jackson (at one time) was 'The How long will it take before the world stops caring? It doesn't seem to be happening soon enough. thanks to VH1 's team of crack King of Pop,' a national hero reporters, been uncovered, not whose incredible gifts as a per- infamy?) in the past ten years, lace gets such a thrill from vili- Neverland merry-go-round through any sort of informa- former and charitable work as thanks entirely to the lure of fying its heroes, as though before bringing Liza her morn- tion but out of good old-fash- a philanthropist made him an his own freakdom. Say what watching them fail were better ing scotch in bed. Or, just pic- ioned guesswork. We've icon. To think that we were so you will, but Jackson is than seeing them succeed. The ture Liza thoughtfully warning grown so dirt-hungry as a soci- taken in by a man who could America's perfect vision of question is not why Michael Michael to guard his nose ety that we'll salivate over any turn out to be so flawed is a celebrity, fully realized. At Jackson is still a star, but why is before punching him in a tidbit of gossip—even if the painful idea. It's certainly present, he is not especially he not our biggest star? drunken stupor. This could rumors are completely specu- trouble-free to act as though known for his singing or danc- So, what's the solution? Is it very well be the real thing— lative and unfounded. In the Jacko was always Wacko. ing skills. His life is lived sole- to thro'w him in jail? If he's and just imagine their wedding case of this particular "exami- Unfortunately, that doesn't ly in front of cameras and he is guilty, of course it is. Still, I kiss. nation,", every step of seem to be accurate. constantly engaging in embar- believe, even from jail, the man Michael Jackson's words, Jackson's career has been More likely than not, rassing or scandalous behav- will continue to haunt and cap- "the bigger the star, the bigger deemed sinister. Jackson's career should be con- ior. In other words, he is tivate us. (Plus, would it not be the target" have been printed Aside from "offering sidered a "downward spiral." Ashlee Simpson— with more cruel to deprive this man of his numerous times, and yet, more absolutely no useful or worth- This is not an issue ofgood or delicate features. • plastic surgeon? Aren't you the than ever, they seem false. The while insight into this fascinat- bad, but one of uncertainty and Nowadays, Jackson's efforts least bit intrigued to see what true quotation might be "the ing character, this television conflict. Let us remember are exhausted on molding him- he'll look like in another tefl bigger the target, the bigger the special points to a greater and Jackson for the talent he was, self into something inhuman— years? I know I am.) star," considering the high level much more troublesome issue. but let us not turn a blind eye to a freak whose life is lived The solution I offer for the of notoriety Jackson continues Whether he deserves one or the nightmare he has become. entirely for the viewing public. problem of Jackson's career is to possess, year after year, alle- not, this guy can't get a break. Perhaps he was not always a And why not? Jackson's fame a romantic one. Let's see him gation after allegation. We may Instead of presenting an accu- monster. Maybe external forces is unparalleled, now more than marry Liza Minnelli. Oh, don't as well resign ourselves to our rate scars-and-all portrayal of made him this way. ever. In America today, celebri- act like you haven't been wait- Jackson fixation. As long as he this man's life, the documen- Though it's not entirely ties are judged neither for their ing years for these two to get keeps surgically mutilating tary, like much of America, pleasant to consider, Michael talent nor elegance, but for the together. I think it could be himself and dangling babies off opts to vilify him. Jackson has achieved an startling and lurid details of quite sweet. Imagine Jacko of balconies, then we'll supply Please do not misunderstand unequaled level of fame (or their private lives. Our popu- taking a quick ride on the the audience. • Why I'm not down with the boogey-down Bronx college life

Although I am currently a senior in how things operate at a different cam- Center where, when I have night class, I It may sound spoiled, but I grew up my last semester at Fordham College at pus. My delusion didn't last long. My am able to pull my car into an indoor and attended school in an area where Lincoln Center, up until a few weeks first academic experience in the Bronx garage away from the snow. whatever you need is at your fingertips ago I could count on illustrates the frustrating differences I Next I climbed out of my car and in a matter of minutes. If I wanted to one hand the number encountered. made my way to the Faculty have to get in my car and drive, or of times I visited Unfortunately, class began on January Memorial Hall building, of course, worse, walk miles for coffee, I would Rose Hill. Somehow I 24th, only two days after the havoc- this was with the help of a couple of not live in the city. To me, 15 minutes is managed to avoid reeking blizzard, and although the roads security guards who undoubtedly felt a lot of time, where several things can making the trek to the were a mess and subway service was sorry for me because I clearly did not be accomplished. At Lincoln Center I Bronx for anything seriously disrupted, class was not can- know where I was going. And even would have been able to get the book, a other than visiting celed. So after digging out my car at with all the traffic and getting lost, I cup of coffee, stop and chat with a few friends. This semes- about 4:45 p.m. when it was already get- still managed to make it to class with friends and make a bathroom visit, if MARIANNE ter, however, I didn't ting dark, I set out on my first night class 15 minutes to spare. necessary. BONFICLIO get so lucky. It seems adventure in the Bronx. How FCLC of me to think 15 min- The final blow came after class that I was doomed to Despite the slush and flurries, the utes was enough time to do jack in the when I found out the Bronx bookstore learn the hard way that Rose Hill is first part of the trip went rather smooth- Bronx. I wanted to go to the bookstore closed early. Could it be at the conve- simply not in the same league as ly, that is until I reached the Bronx and and buy my class reading, but yet nient FCLC bookstore that stays open Lincoln Center. hit a ton of street traffic. That I could another security guard explained to late at the beginning of the semester to The only class required by my major deal with. But what I had no patience me that the bookstore was nowhere allow night class students a chance to that stood between me and a May 2005 for was realizing my directions left me near my classroom. obtain their books? Okay, I know this graduation date was being offered at at Rose Hill's main entrance, which is At this point I decided I would just is starting to sound repetitive, but Rose Hill, not FCLC. I tried to get out of not the vehicular entrance and has no get the book after class and perhaps kill wrong again. My professor said only if it by asking permission to take another listed address making it impossible to a few minutes by getting a cup of cof- the class was being offered at FCLC class as a substitute or take a comparable navigate around. fee. Wrong again. The cafeteria at would they have the required text. class at the Business School, but no dice. Somehow, though, I found my way Rose Hill is—guess where? Near the If that were the case I would not be tak- I made the ultimate city-girl sacrifice 1 and made it to the parking lot where I bookstore. So I wasn't going to have ing the class at Rose Hill! I have to finish and enrolled in my first Rose Hill class. . was fleeced for seven dollars to park on time to purchase myself a nice hot cup this course but I don't have to love the At first I tried to be positive about a two-foot, mini-mountain of snow. of relaxing coffee because, once again, Bronx. For this FCLC female the plaza this new experience, thinking of all the Thank goodness for four-wheel-drive. I there was too much ground to cover in has more than enough grass, the acres of new people I would meet and seeing was bummed thinking about Lincoln the time I had left before class. Rose Hill are just overkill. • Features February 17, 2005 IHEOBSEIWER With a new phase in life sometimes comes a new style BY MARIA CASTRO TRANSITIONS Staff Writer Grooming Growth

When Victoria Hoffman, FCLC '07, admitted that he too FCLC '07, first decided to altered his look. His change, move to New York City for col- however, took platce during his lege, she certainly did not take senior year of high school. fashion onto her list "of priori- "College didn't really mark ties. Hoffman, a native of anything new as far as I'm con- Syracuse, N.Y., was admittedly cerned," he said.^et Madden "not at all ready for her plunge understands the immediate into the fashion capital." As a desire to change oneself while result, right before her first in college. semester at college, Hoffman "If they aren't trying to dis- purchased an entire new connect themselves from their wardrobe. old high school lives, then She's not alone. The begin- they're just embracing the ning of college often means a opportunity to re-invent them- fresh new start for students. It selves," Madden said. "Or can be a clean slate—-a chance they could be thinking new to shed your past identity. school, new look, and just Students, in an effort to change to shake things up for change their younger or unde- themselves." sired image, will often alter This was a motive for their clothing or physical Regina Castillo, FCLC '07. appearance as a first step to However, she opted for a more self-reinvention. subtle change to evoke her "I definitely changed since I new, older self. • got to college. I spent a consid- "I stopped dying my hair," erable amount [of money] on Castillo said. "I used to color clothing my first semester," said it all the time in high school As Laura Backstrom, FCb '06, knows, coming of age in one of the centers of the fashion world can affect your sense of style. Jose Espinal, FCLC '07. and I felt I was too old for it Thanks to a critique from a when I got here," because of college. I kind of "I think living in the city def- '07, did not drastically change close friend, Espinal realized While a number of students go at my own pace and when I initely plays apart in students' her look since high school, that his "mustache was horrible, can relate, some see no need feel like I need a change," wanting to change their look. she agreed, for one, and his clothes were to change at all. Gina Wang, Wang said. Coming here from suburbia, "Going to: school-in the city, too bright." FCLC '06, never thought to Many students attending where it's kind of slow and especially Fordham, because of . What happened next was change herself during her first Lincoln .Center do no^ everyone wears Abercrombie, its central location, you kind of the result of a keen eye. "I just year in college.,In fact, she come from New York City you notice all the other, more feel the pressure of having to sort of picked up on what hardly noticed that other stu- and the reputation of living high-end clothes that everyone keep up with a certain look everyone else was wearing, dents did once in college. in one of the fashion capi- is wearing," Espinal said. "You because fashion is all around and changed it to where I liked "I didn't feel that it was tals of the world can don't want to completely stand you," Jung said. "But, I like my it," Espinal said. necessary for me to complete- encourage students to seek out as an outsider". style, so I guess I'll keep it until Similarly, Keith Madden, ly change my look just a more updated style. While Simone Jung, FCLC I get sick of it." • A London education is filled with pubs, Jerry Springer and the Tube BY CHRIS MOESER LETTERS FROM ABROAD Staff Writer London, England I believe I have made the best deci- our lucky stars that Fordham has regis- sion in my short college career to study tration organized to make it easy on the in London. Fish and chips, pub-crawls, students. At Westminster I finalized my the Tube, shitty weather, and the schedule and signed up for classes about Queen—there is so much going on in three days before they started. I signed this city and I am right in the middle of up for a few media classes out at the it. I am studying at the University of Harrow campus that is located north of Westminster. The school is located London. Easy—you would think, but smack in the middle of central London. not at all. The schedule said the class All the posh clubs and west end theaters meets on Wednesday morning—noth- are within walking distance. The uni- ing more, nothing less. It turns out that versity's campuses are sprinkled all over different campuses act as their own central London with one way in the university and do not communicate to north. So when I go to classes, I walk each other very well. So when students o Chris Moeser, FCLC '06, gets to use London landmarks, such as Buckingham right through Piccadilly Circus. are signing up for modules (classes), Palace (above),as educational settings. My living situation just .makes the they have to find out the time and place experience even better. The university on their own about one day or, in my I cannot wait to see how that comes out friends because they were on the out- has provided me a room at Furnival case, one hour before classes start. I on stage. side looking in. House. This house seems to always have just guessed; and I guessed wrong. It The Tube is my major mode of The British do not seem to be very something going on. If you sit in one turned out my class that meets on transportation. It was an easy adjust- talkative while on the Tube and they do place for about three minutes, someone Wednesday morning really meets on ment because I have lots of practice not really make eye contact. This is so will ask you if you want to go to a pub or Tuesday morning, but I rolled with the thanks to our great subway system in hard for me because I just want to say hit the Tube to go to a club. The house is punches and I have my modules under New York City, but the Tube seems to "hi" or ask what they are reading or In an old mansion that they have converted control and know when they meet and be idiot proof. As long as you know like "Man, the weather is crappy todaj," into a dorm. A few U.S. study abroad where they arc. your station, the signs will lead you to but if you say anything they look at you students live here with me, but mostly Being an abroad student, I get to the right train. But you have to follow like you insulted their mother. U.K. and international students occupy take a few classes that use London as the rules while you are on the Tube. One final rule—sometimes the train this house when they are not out having a their backdrop. So instead of reading Make sure to get on the train. Many and the platform do not meet. Watch good time at the pub. about something, we just pick up and kids that want to tag along when I go your step. I have done pretty well, but 1 My first night in the house, I was sit- move there. My theater class is really around just seem'to be looking into bet everyone would get a good laugh at ting in the common room and just struck interesting. I get to go see London space when everyone is getting on the the American if he bit the dust during up a conversation with a few of the U.K. Theater and review it, Our first show train. Those doors do not sling back rush hour and got trampled, I am having students. Before I knew it, we were on is "Jerry Springer: The Opera." Yep, like they do in New York City, they a great time, and I will keep everyone up hn our second pub. Orientation and regis- you read that right. The British turned close—and they close fast, Needless to to date on the cool people I meet and ' tration went well, but we all should thank The Jerry Springer Show into an opera. say, I have had to wave bye to a few places I go. Mind the gap. • Features 10 THE OBSERVER February 17. 2005 February 17,2005 THE OBSERVER New York City celebrates opening of Central Park's 'Gates' exhibit

Because the trees are bare, you see far in the distance; it calls the visual elements in the design of the park out. SAM FELDER. SECTION CAPTIAN

PHOTOS BY EMILY DUGAN Photography Editor

It looks like a car wash, a really long car wash." CATHERINE WAACE, FCLC '06

LC DESIGN: Groups clash over new plans for North Campus

To accomplish its "Street of plaza, he said. The critics want the Arts" concept, Lincoln West 65th Street to be more Center plans to widen the side- accessible and inviting to the walks and install new lighting public, but they want the north and signage, according to plaza to remain a quiet enclave, CB7.org. Also,'Lincoln Center he said. plans to remove the Milstein Describing Kiley's original Plaza pedestrian bridge and design as "cold and abstract," replace it with a "narrow, Cathcart pointed out that the translucent bridge," opening up north plaza is "not a lingering the street to more light and air, place." Although it is quiet and according to the board's Web there are places to sit, he said, site, CB7.org. its slabs of cold, heavy marble Since Lincoln Center is an make it less than welcoming. "integral part of the neighbor- Cathcart said the new design hood fabric of the Upper West is aiming at a Bryant Park-like Side," CB7 is concerned with atmosphere. The firm is hoping the impact the renovations will • to make the north plaza more of have on the neighborhood, a "people place," he said. according to their "Resolution Opening up the space will give on Proposed Actions." the plaza a light, airy atmos- In their resolution, found on phere, making the plaza more CB7.org, the board states that welcoming to the public, said "the monumental design of the Cathcart. complex has over the years Cathcart added that people been praised and criticized but become defensive when it it has become enough of a pub- ^reservation groups such as the Historic Districts Council are protesting the new designs (above] comes to changing Kiley's lic icon to be deemed worthy of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts'North Campus. design, because it has been a consideration for designation Trustees, said, "We've been in to the community's needs. is attempting to do with the part of Lincoln Center for so as a landmark and worthy of dialogue with them on a contin- Levy also said that the archi- north plaza what they are plan- long and they can't imagine nomination for inclusion in the uous basis. We're listening to tectural firm Diller, Scofidio ning to do with West 65th something new. He added that National Register of Historic their views and we're thinking and Renfro designed the plans Street, said Colin Cathcart, many people just don't under- Places." about what they're proposing." "with great sensitivity for the associate professor of architec- stand the concept of the new In reference to the preserva- Bankoff said that the campus they inherited and with ture at FCLC. However, the design. tionist critics, Reynold Levy, Historic Districts Council is great respect for the originating argument critics are making for "[Diller, Scofidio and president of Lincoln Center for pleased to hear that Lincoln architects and landscape the "Street of the Arts" is the Renfro] are not destroying the Performing Arts and mem- Center is collaborating with designers." same argument they arc using Kiley's work," Cathcart said. ber of Fordham's Board of groups like CB7 and listening Diller, Scofidio and Renfro against the plans for the north "It will always be there." • Travel agent offers spring break travel tips for college students BY EMILY GENAO now, Jet Blue is the cheapest one going Contributing Writer to Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Florida." It's almost, that time of year again. There are Internet sites, though, that The time of year where the birds aren't have become popular among potential the only ones heading south for a little travelers. Sites like Travelocity.com, fun in the sun. Spring break is around expedia.com, and hotels.com offer deals the corner, which means most college for travelers depending on their destina- students are now planning vacations. tions. "I may take a road trip down to Key One site, STATravel.com, proclaims West," said Sophia Boccard, FCLC to be the world's largest travel company '07, who's looking to stay out of the air for students and young people. this spring break since she's done a lot According to the company's Web site, of flying lately. "Or I might have STA Travel offers flights, support and friends visiting from California, even a special card through which cus- Mexico, and Italy all in one week to tomers can receive special rewards and just hang out in New York and possibly discounts. The site even has a special take individual road trips to Boston, section on their Web site dedicated to Washington D.C., and/or spring break, which includes packages Philadelphia." for spots in the United States, Europe, Boccard said she would definitely be A little research with travel agents will go a long way in planning your ultimate Canada and many more. budgeting herself this spring, and sees Spring Break. If you're more "Van Wilder" than other benefits to the road trip options. "Sense and Sensibility", however, then "Being able to do more things with Some of these factors are being con- taking time off from work," she said, National Lampoon Tours might just be more people without worrying about sidered by Denise Peluso, FCLC '07. "and I'd be worried about how much I'd for you. The same National Lampoon whether or not everyone can either "[Florida's] warm now and it's cheaper need to put down and whether my friends responsible for "Animal House" and the afford or would want to do some things than an island. You can get less costly could pay it too. A vacation isn't much "Vacation" series has gotten into the [are benefits]," Boccard said. She also flights and hotels," said Peluso on her without friends." travel business. According to their press mentioned that there's a greater ease in possible spring break destination. "And Guizarry strongly recommended release, the organization offers student organizing a road trip rather than hav- Cancun became too much of a party using a travel agency when planning tour packages for spring break in Las ing everyone flying someplace. town for me." Peluso came to these con- your vacation, rather than using an Vegas and Cabo San Lucas. The Las For those who want to get a little far- clusions from visiting Jet Blue's and online service. "That way you can get Vegas tour comes complete with access ther, however, Cancun, Mexico and Disney World's Web sites and from lis- the information about the documents to a rooftop beach club and hot tubs at Miami, Fl. are the top choices for spring tening to a relative's experience of you receive," she said. "The kind of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Also, if you break destinations, according to Janet Cancun. hotel you're staying at, what is includ- really want to channel your inner Bluto, Guizarry, a travel agent with Tempo After feeling the chill of winter in ed, what is not included. Everything is National Lampoon Tours' partnership Travel in Brooklyn. Also at the top of the New York, Peluso said she was definite- in more detail when you speak to some- with John Lewis Promotions in Sin City list is Jamaica. "Those three are the most ly looking forward to beaches this spring one." offers up theme nights, which include economical ones," she said of the desti- break. "I've seen a lot of offers around Certain airlines also offer special Toga Party, Greek Games and Pajama nations. These places, according to campus about going skiing and snow- deals for travelers. "Jet Blue has a lot of Jam. .Guizarry, are so popular for spring break boarding for spring break, [but] I've had deals. .There's another airline, No matter where you go, always con- because the beaches are close by, there enough snow." USA300Q,,that has a ltft of cheap fares, sider all your options and decide what's are parties and nightclubs, and there's no Peluso's main concerns, however, are especially to the Dominican Republic best for your needs, interests, availability shortage of college-aged people. cost and time. "I'd have to worry about and Mexico," said Guizarry. "But right and price range. ' • Long distance relationships are difficult but not impossible to be a confidence issue in her let me do my own thing. It's A long distance relationship. She never admits like he doesn't trust me and "The relationship is just inconvenient and being to having a boyfriend right that's what makes this all real- single at school would be better than dealing with relationship is away when speaking ly hard." with a guy. But she Despite their trou- our sometimes unfulfilling relationship. possible, no needs to be secure bles, Cathy and in her relationship Lisa are still with relationship. Her boyfriend was wanted to be together again. matter what my and admit to guys their boyfriends, unable to place enough trust in Despite all the temptations that that she has a and trying to her, and Amy was unable to come along with college, we friends say boyfriend. By make their long handle this. were able to pass them by and doing so, she will distance rela- Now that she is single, Amy get back together. BY SHAWN TRIGGS be respected by tionships work. says that it is easier to go out Heather and I see each other Contributing Writer other males and But not all long with friends and have no regrets somewhat often, irtaybe once continue to remain distance relation- without wondering what a or twice every week or two, yet "I'm like the worst girlfriend faithful toward her ships can be saved. boyfriend might be thinking. there is always a desire to see ever," Cathy stated as she boyfriend. This also could lead Amy, an FCLC freshman, She explained, "It's a choice of more of each other. We have expressed her feelings about her to fewer problems, because ended her relationship with her what's more important—being the potential to be together for long distance relationship. Cathy will begin to feel more boyfriend after multiple prob- in a good relationship that will a long time, since we both While this expression may and more as though she is actu- lems arose while at school. last a long time or going out and allow the other to go out and seem as if Cathy was joking, ally in a relationship. Despite living less than an hour having fun while you are have a good time. Because there was an underlying tone of Lisa, another FCLC freshr away and seeing each other young. If you are fortunate both of us are at college, we are truth in her voice. man, feels that her relationship once a week, the relationship enough to have both, that's able to share the same experi- After speaking with fresh-. with her boyfriend of over a came to an end. When Amy great. And if not, you have to ences without being jealous. In men who entered college while year is headed toward a dead would go out with her friends, make that choice." comparison to the other rela- already in a relationship from end. Her boyfriend lives about especially when she went out to One long distance relation- tionships, Heather and I both high school, there rarely seems an hour and a half away in bars, her boyfriend would ship, though, does have both. realize that going out and hav- to be one that works. In Cathy's Bristol, Penn., and she does not become jealous and upset with That relationship is mine. My ing fun is part of college life. case, her boyfriend lives about see them being together forever. her because he believed that girlfriend Heather and I have Both Heather and I have many two and a half hours away in He doesn't like what she is girls only go to bars to pick up been dating for over a year now friends of the opposite sex and Simsbury, Conn. doing while away at school, guys, and vice versa. and you could even say that she there has never been anything "I still love him," Cathy such as parrying and going out The fact that they had differ- is my high school sweetheart. close to a dispute regarding explained. "The relationship is in the city with other guys ent experiences was a major I don't want to try and make this. just inconvenient and being sin- around. Lisa, on the other hand, factor of this break up, as was my relationship seem like the Heather and I have a success- gle at school would be better sees this as simply making new this jealousy. Amy agreed that it perfect one, because we've had ful long distance relationship, than dealing with our some- friends and having a good time. would be much easier to date our rocky moments. Before we and it seems as if we are in the times unfulfilling relationship." "He is constantly judging me someone who attends college went away to college we decid- minority. • In addition to finding it difficult and says I am following what since they would be sharing the ed to take some time off and to make guy friends, Cathy others are doing," Lisa tearfully same experiences. live the single life to see how *Although the events report- feels that this inconvenience explained, "and I know the rea- Amy and her cx-boyfriend we each enjoyed it. After being ed are true, the names of indi- has to do with their problems. son is because he cares too had typical trust problems, away at school for about a viduals involved have been In Cathy's case, there seems much and can't step back and which arc seen in any type of month, we both decided that we changed, Arts & Culture February17, 2005 THE OBSERVER Arts Calendar Rose Hill senior rubs elbows with top promoters

On-Campus: By RUDY YOUNG Staff Writer Fri., Feb. 18 Love is in the air here at "Tony & Tina's It's 11 p.m. on a Sunday night and a Wedding." The show comes with dinner and a sparkling crowd gathers outside of reception with music and dancing. Sign up in LL club Quo in anticipation of the pre- 408 starting Wed., Feb. 9. Meet in Lowenstein miere of Lounge WhoreSessions. Lobby at 5:30 p.m. * They wait; the thought of tomorrow's workday couldn't be further from their Thurs., Feb. 24 - Sat., Feb. 26" minds. The Fordham Theatre Department presents "Whose list are you on?" asks the Moliere's "The Imaginary Invalid," directed by Matthew Maguire. Show begins at 8 p.m. in the tall glittering doorman. Pope Auditorium. "Furey's." . Michael Furey's list is the list to be Thurs., Feb. 24 on. The doorman unhinges the red SPARC presents its "Tuesdays With Morrie" velvet rope, parts his black-painted book discussion. Receive your free copy and lips and says, "Have a good night." then come discuss the book and those who have influenced your life in the Student Lounge at 7 p.m. Furey arrives around midnight and Thurs., Feb. 23 finds his way to the bar, making sure CAB presents two screenings of "The Life to stop and say hello to friends on the Aquatic with Steve Zissou," starring Bill way. He has a self-assured confi- Murray, Owen Wilson and Anjelica Huston, in dence and boyish charm that makes the Student Lounge at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Michael Furey, FCRH '05, is not only one of New York's hottest party promot- people want to talk to him and know ers, with his monthly party "Pretty," but he's also a singer. Furey plans to who he is. He introduces himself and release his first album with the band Dangerous Muse. In Theaters: extends a hand to be shaken, effort- lessly demonstrating a skill that he for after graduation. and I am more electro-pop," said Feb. 18 recognizes he has and admits that he "Mike never lets his schoolwork Furey. "But we find a way to combine Constantine uses. suffer," said Alexis Hanna, FCRH '05, them." Imaginary Heroes Lounge WhoreSessions is a weekly a close friend of Furey's. "And he The band's single, "The Rejection," Son of thV Mask party thrown by Michael Furey, FCRH never seems to stress out about much. was first heard when DJ Geordon '05, along with legendary club world He is extremely talented but also very Nicol played it for a private party at Feb. 25; - promoters Amanda LePore, Kenny disciplined. He wakes up and goes to Crobar that The Misshapes Crew N Man of the House , v , ~ Kenny and Gazelle. Known only as school all day, and then gets a second (Greg K. and Leigh Lezark) worked in ^The"C)ther'Side "of the Street^ *" "-\ -,' Furey by most, this Fordham wind at like 11 p.m. I don't know December. After being impressed by Up and Down , ' ' University senior, originally from when he sleeps." "The Rejection," producer Ted South Portland, Maine, i$ making a As if school and party promotion Ottaviano (who has worked with name for himself as a successful wasn't enough, Furey, with the help of Madonna, Depeche Mode, and New On the airwaves: party-promoter in New York City's some people he's bumped into, has Order) helped the duo sign a demo underground party-rock scene. Feb. 22 transitioned into the electronic-pop deal with Sire Records, a division of Kings of Leon—Aha Shake Heartbreak In addition to LoungeWhore - music sphere. Furey and Tom Napack, Warner Brothers. Omarion — O Sessions, Furey throws the monthly FCRH '07, met last year while work- "Our sucqess will rely on how Ringo Stan & His All Starr Band. — entertainment networking party, ing on a production of the rock musi- everyone responds to what we play," Anthology...So Far [Box Set] Pretty, at club Suba. "I hate the Word cal "Tommy." They formed their said Furey. "I hope for the best and Tori Amos — Beekeeper 'networking,'" said Furey. "It's way band, Dangerous Muse, and have been know that I will always write music." too formal. It's not about making 'con: working together for almost a year. As LoungeWhoreSessions begins March 1 nections,' it's about balancing your Furey, an English major, writes to wind down, partygoers jump into Jennifer Lopez — Rebirth education in and out of school. You lyrics heavily doused with poetry and cabs and head for another party at the The Mars Volta — Frances the Mute bump into amazing people in the prose, while Napack uses his Roland Maritime Hotel. Furey, the perfect Jack Johnson — In Between Dreams process." GrooveBox to lay down the signature host, sees everyone off just as he The Doves — Some Cities Senior-year stressing has begun and Dangerous Muse beats. Imagine greeted them, making sure to tell them Fordham seniors are worrying about their sound as a less angry version of to watch out for his new Tuesday- Calendar is courtesy of the Visual Arts depart- classes, midterms, and preparation for The Faint, or a less pretentious night party. He hits the coat check and ment, the Theatre Department, the Office of graduation in May. Unlike Furey, Waldorf. heads for the door. Studeqt Activities, ComingSoon.net, and many are having problems handling Billboard.com. ; • • . ' "We think on different wave- Time to get some rest. He has the workload and the task of planning lengths. Tom is more industrial-goth class tomorrow morning. • Pitchforkmedia.com is a new alternative when it comes to music

By CORYN BROWN key addition to this generation of mp3- they'll need more than a sling shot. ably get absorbed by some larger com- ers. And with other sites like History itself has shown the Internet pany," said McCourt. "Such was the Contributing Writer dmusic.com and epitonic.com steadily to be unsteady ground for entrepreneur- case with an earlier experiment; [I] In the market of published music rising in rank, it seems that online ial ventures in music. In 2002, Napster, can't remember the name, [but] they reporting, "Rolling Stone," "Blender," music sources have found the right for- the originator of illegal file sharing, was were absorbed by "Rolling Stone" and and "Spin" have easily dominated the mula to usurp their mammoth, glossy forced by a bankruptcy court into liqui- eventually shut down. Net publishing 20th century, basking in their status as a adversaries. dation, after having peaked in 2001 with ventures either have to make a go of jt prime resource for artist idolatry and "Nobody really reads Rolling Stone over one million users. According to via advertising, which hasn't really scathing reviews. for music coverage anymore," said Tom ,, economtst.com, despite being putn- worked out to date, or have a venture But now as time sinks deeper into the McCourt, communications professor meled by lawsuits from the record partner with deep pockets." Internet age, music lovers are discover- and this semester's teacher of Popular industry, Napster agreed to converge its As for now, the likelihood of online ing an alternate source for all of their Music as Communication at Rose Hill. assets with Bertlesmann Corporation, music sites wiping out print magazines melodic needs wrapped up in a free as "It's basically targeted toward mooks owners of BMG music, in a move that is doubtful, though they do have the air, un-glossed entity: online music who want to see some semi-nude fla- would have legalized Internet music backing of the people. "I like Rolling sites. One of the top is vor-of-the-month on the cover, but Jann swapping as a paid subscription service. Stone even though sometimes they cel- Pitchforkmedia.com, feeding off of Wenner can't quite bring himself to turn Yet when agreements couldn't be" met, ebrate celebrity gossip more than niche interest to offer a view of both it into a 'laddie' magazine, like Napster bid adieu, despite public music," said Rhea Santiago, FCLC '08. underground and mainstream rock 'Maxim.' He hired someone else to do demand for its service. Now what's left "But I definitely like to download my made unavailable by top music maga- that for him." to sec is whether music sites like music, so if I could do that and read up zines. Pitchfork appears to do every- The true battle lies not in the content Pitchforkmcdia.com will follow in on articles about the band and singers thing right, from supplying fans with integrity of Web site versus magazine, Napster's legacy: high public use, but in that I like at the same time, I think I'd album critiques and artist interviews, to but in the ability of these sites to stay need of a saving grace. definitely choose the Web over real providing free downloadable music, a afloat. And to muscle down Goliath, "I imagine that these sites will prob- magazines. Plus, it's free." • • Arts & Culture 14 THE OBSERVER Februarv 17. 2005 Oscars goes bonkers! A look at this year's Academy Awards show By HEATHER LIEBLINC Ordinarily there are a few films I can Assistant Opinions Editor muster up a lot of excitement for. But this year, I just can't do it. "The We all know that the Golden Globes Aviator" is certainly not Scorsese's ceremony is a farce. The nominees are best, "Ray" was more a Jamie Foxx outrageous (Renee Zellweger, "Bridget vehicle, and "Finding Neverland" and Jones: The Edge of Reason"; David "Sideways" were solid, but lacked that Carradine, "Kill Bill: Vol. 2") and the extra sparkle that really captures my winners are even more ludicrous heart, and my vote. I guess that leaves (William Shatner, "Boston Legal"!?) "Million Dollar Baby" as our probable But with the Academy Awards comes winner, and baby, if that's the greatest the promise of prestige, honor, and film last year could turn out, that ain't integrity in both the nominees and the worth too much. • winners. This year, that's simply not the case. Frustrated with the films of 2004? Here's a look at some winners from the past ten.. Snub of the night - Paul Giamatti. years in the Best Original Screenplay cat- Not only did he give a pitch-perfect, egory to remind you that it is still possible subtly genuine performance as failed wetland the Best Picture category, its to create something new and extraordi- - writer and wine connoisseur Miles Forster, saw nary a nod. nary. Raymond in "Sideways" (garnering him a Golden Globe nomination and warrants a nod for the golden statuette. Mix and Match of the night - 1995 • "The Usual Suspects" - This spins the New York Film Critics Circle The man has many an Emmy on his "Finding Neverland"/ "Vera Drake." the ordinary crime drama upside-down Award), but almost every other single mantle at home—he doesn't need an Four out of five of the Best Picture and will have every one of its viewers aspect of the film is being recognized Oscar. nominees also had their directors nom- guessing —Who is Keyser Soze? by the Academy except for him (Best Happily Surprised - Catalina inated in the Best Director category. Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Sandino Moreno. These surprises don't However, while "Finding Neverland" 1996 - "Fargo" - Don'cha know? This Screenplay, Best Director, and Best always have to be for the worse. found a place in the Best Picture cate- murder mystery, set in wintry North Film.) How could the Academy have There's always that one unlikely nomi- gory, its director, Marc Forster, saw •Dakota, will have you smiling and cring- ing—hopefully not at the same time! recognized the film for all of its other nation that squeezes its way in that nary a nod. Meanwhile, over in the major components, and overlook the makes you think, "Gee, maybe it isn't Best Director category, "Vera Drake's" 1999 - "American Beauty" - The twisted' best damn thing in the whole movie? all political after all." "Maria Full of Mike Leigh gets a shot at the gold, and world of everyday suburbia was never >. Nonsense. Paul Giamatti allowed that Grace" was a powerful, emotionally yet, with all of his apparently superb captured more brilliantly than in this emo- movie to realize its greatness, and to charged drama about a desperate directing, the film lacks a Best Picture tionally-driven world smothered in seduc- not nominate him, the Academy has Colombian girl who agrees to make the nomination. It would seem that the best tive red rose petals. made itself look foolish. dangerous trek as a drug mule to the picture of the year would have natural- Weirdest shout-out of the night - United States. Sandino Moreno's sub- ly had the best director, and vice versa, 2003 - "Lost in Translation" - What do ' Alan Alda. Okay, I know he's a highly tle, disciplined performance is what but what do I know. I'm merely an out- you get from a story about an unlikely • revered actor who, let's face it, at the makes this movie feel so real, and what sider who hasn't been swayed by the pair that finds themselves bonding in a ripe, old age of 69, may not have many makes her Oscar nomination well- various shameless movie campaigns. foreign country? In this film, a world so ., great roles left. However, his brief deserved. For this up-and-comer, the Lack of award-caliber films - All subtly designed, it flows like beautiful screen time in, "The Aviator" hardly nod is a win in itself. of the Best Picture nominees. poetry. Fashion goes glam at Fashion Institute of Technology's new exhibit

By PETER PALLOTTA about the clothes, but more importantly, it was about the stars Contributing Writer who wore them. Basigner credits Wish you could wear the stars of the 1930's, such as "ultra-glamorous" gowns of'Old Dietrich and Greta Garbo, for Hollywood' stars like Marlene using fashion as an expression of Dietrich or Marilyn Monroe, or their own personality. even one worn by a pre-Kabbalah According to the museum, Madonna? Well, you can't. But, "combining 'sex appeal plus lux- The Museum at the Fashion ury plus elegance plus Institute Technology is offering romance,"' equals clothing that is people the chance to view these not for the faint at heart. "It dresses in an exhibition called would be hard to hide in die leop- "Glamour: Fashion, Film, ard print chiffon gown trimmed Fantasy." with feathers designed by The exhibition, on view from Galanos and worn by Rosalind Feb. 15 through April 9, features Russell, or the brilliant red approximately 100 dresses by evening dress by Schiaparelli for veteran designers such Adrian, Rita Hayworth." One dress on Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, exhibit is a period costume worn Gucci, Halston, Donna Karan, by Gladys George in "Marie Bob Mackie, Valentino and Antoinette." Constructed in 1933 Versace. by designer Adrian, the dress is From Joan Crawford's red, substantially large and includes Fashion designs by Halston and Adrian, shown above, are currently on display at The Museum at sequined evening gown in the bell shaped 3-quarter shelves as FIT. Other designs include the works of Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Bob Mackie, and Versace. film "The Bride Wore Red," to well as a bell-shaped bottom por- Julia Roberts' black silk velvet tion. The rich black velvet of the An evening dress worn by silver Hannabil Lecter-type Valentino dress at the 2001 gown is complimented with an Jennifer Lopez to the 2004 mask. Glamour: Oscars, the exhibit chronicles the abundance of intricate gold Costume Institute Gala at the "Glamour, like beauty, is ulti- Fashion, Film, life of'glamour," from its birth embroidery and gold ruffles. Metropolitan Museum of Art is mately in the eye of the behold- on the big screen, to its re-invent- Although the exhibition dis- one of the contemporary fashions er," said museum curator Steele. Fantasy ed state on today's catwalks and plays numerous gowns worn by featured in the exhibit. The black Admission to the Glamour: red carpets, according to the stars of Hollywood's "Golden silk chiffon gown with lace and Fashion, Film, Fantasy exhibition museum's press release. Age," the museum curators, Dr. silk flowers was designed by is free. For more information on Feb. 15 through "Glamour goes beyond mere Valerie Steele and Fred Dennis, Dolce and Gabbana, who also The Museum at FIT, including April 9 fashion," said film historian also included many contempo- escorted Lopez to the event. hours and directions, please visit Jcanine Basigner in her book "A rary fashions by designers such Another contemporary design, fitnyc.edu/museum. The Museum at FIT - Woman's View." Basigner's as Dolce and Gabbana, Znc also modeled by J.Lo herself, is a The Museum of the City of quote, which is prominently dis- Posen, Jeremy Scott and Isaac creation by costume designer New York will also feature an Seventh Avenue at 27th played in the entrance of the Mizrahi, who have been "fasci- Eiko Ishioka for the film "The exhibition this February which Street exhibit, identifies the significance nated by the stars and styles of Cell." The dress is a black silk explores the world of glamour on movie stars had on the world of the past," according to the and velvet gown and features an the Broadway stage and in New Jitnyc.edu , glamour. Not only is glamour museum. exaggerated red plastic collar and York Society. • '••L'i February 17, 2005 THE OBSERVER Arts*& Gulture 15 A day in the life of an Alley dancer her the chance to travel, and maybe even Sophomore Molly choreograph later on. For the Ailey school's Fall Fest 2004, Molly choreo- Knochel hopes to graphed a piece to Franz Ferdinand's make it big in the "Take Me Out." The piece was fresh, unique and a lot of fun. The dancers professional dance seemed to enjoy themselves and the audience had a good time right along world with them. Molly looks forward to chore- ographing more pieces in the future, and By TARA WILLIAMS hopes that her time at Ailey will give her Contributing Writer the opportunity to do so. Molly Knochel, FCLC '07, gives me a Watching the dancers in action makes very serious look. "We're going to walk me realize the extra pressure that is a part briskly to Ailey." It's 8:22 a.m., and we of their daily'routine. Not only does their were supposed to leave by 8:15. We are busy schedule cause them mental strain, late. As we power walk down Ninth but the dance classes are physically chal- Avenue, Molly reminds me of the long lenging as well. The demanding choreog- day ahead, and gives me one last chance raphy is quite a departure from the lec- Rapper Nas has a lot on his plate these days. From putting out albums to to back out, since I am clearly dragging ture style classes found in the traditional adapting to married life, it's hard to imagine how he even has time for along this early morning. undergraduate setting. You wouldn't find interviews. Luckily, The Observer got him, if only for a brief time, to go on At the corner of 57th and Ninth, while these moves in the Lowenstein building. the record. waiting for a light to change, Molly gives At 4 p.m., Molly has her mid-after- me a good-natured scolding. "It's a good noon break. Just enough time to shower, On the violence-flooded albums of today's hip-hop stars... thing for you that I run late every other grab some food, watch a little Oprah and It's not their fault.... they weren't around when the true artists were around. day; otherwise, I would've left you." then leave for the academic side of her They grew up when the sensationalism was following Tupac and the murder Once we reach the impressively sleek day. Today, she has a Spanish test, fol- of Biggie Smalls. ... Thugging has become commercial. To shoot somebody Alvin Ailey building, she looks through lowed by Faith and Critical Reason at 6 now is "hot." To get shot is said to be "hot." That's where the problem is. the window and into her classroom to see p.m. She will finally get to go home at That's not what rap music is. ... It's not about murder. if they have started without her. Lucky 8:45. Dance majors are, by definition, for her, nothing seems to have started. busy people. Classes alone take out a On the loss of the hip-hop album... Molly hurries through the front doors, major portion of their day, but on top of There's not really a lot of hip-hop albums that are stories or have themes. past security and makes it into class just that, many dance students have to go to An album should have a feeling. Like when itiear "I Want You" by Marvin in time. rehearsals for various pieces they are fea- Gaye, it's a feeling, it's a vibe. I can get ihtd his head and he helps trie. But Welcome to a day in the life of a tured in. t when I listen to a rap album today I'm just hearing thehottest^Ioudestdrum dancer. Molly is a sophomore dance Molly does not have any rehearsals to in the world and some guy doing what's trendy, what's hot today. And that's major here at FCLC. Dance majors take go to today. However, soon she will not what an album is. Anybody can do that.. An artist is someone who their, dance classes at Alvin Ailey have two-hour rehearsals twice a week paints pictures, that takes you somewhere else and helps you and ..makes American Dance Theater while simulta- for Global aHarmony (Ailey's .spring you cry. I like music that makes me cry. And you can't get that on the rap neously completing academic classes show). In addition, she is in a piece that albums today. - ' '•• " ' ' . . here at Fordham. For all o£ her efforts, a'BFA senior is choreographing for her she will graduate with a Bachelor of Fine senior project and usually has rehearsals On being married to Kelis... Arts (BFA]b degree in dance. The BFA i twicea week for that-^Outeide of danc- . Married life.isjreally cool. It's something that I feel is mandatory asa man. ; program is truly a unique opportunity for ing, quite a few of the dancdfo have jobs ,Sormany":people walk through;life-scared, insecure,;.scared of challenge. I dancers. They get to work with the or extracurricular activities, not to men- think it's all about just being able to be a friend with somebody and enjoy renowned faculty at Ailey and many tion time with friends or family. For that. All my heroes have been married. ... So it was inevitable. I needed it guest artists without forfeiting their aca- them, time management is essential. It is in my life. I was kind of reckless. And I'm an adult now and I can't afford demic career. Most young artists would nearly impossible to be a disorganized to be reckless alone. I need someone to be reckless with. Keep me safe. have to choose between dance and their person and make it through such a hectic Keep me out of trouble. academic life, but the dance students schedule. here at Fordham have the best of both At the end of the day, Molly finally On Virginia's proposed law banning baggy pants... worlds. has the chance to wind down and hang It just'shows you how America is just an old-fashioned corporation who After Molly graduates, she would like out with her friends. She usually prefers really are just old grandparents and really don't know how to better the soci- to join a modern dance company. "But low key activities, from baking or watch- ety, so they just use the ways that they see fit. They don't really know how nothing too avant garde," she says, "I ing movies to going out on the town. to get to the kids. We need to bridge the gap between the elderly and the want to do something ballet-based, I With long days spent dancing, perhaps youth. They don't know how to deal with it. Someone needs to step up to would prefer to do modern, but I'd like it the most satisfying part of her day is the plate and teach them how to deal with it. to be very technical." She hopes that actually giving her mind and body a well - Heather Liebling whatever company she joins will give deserved rest. •

LINCOLN CENTER . ROSE HILL . MARYMOUNT . LIBERAL STUDIES . COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION . RAMS . MAROON . MCMAHON HALL. LEON LOWENSTEIN BUILDING. MCGINLEY STUDENT CENTER . QUINN LIBRARY . WALSH FAMILY LIBRARY . VINCE LOMBARDI. DENZEL WASHINGTON . MARY HIGGINS CLARK. NEW YORK CITY'S JESUIT UNIVERSITY. RAMSKELLAR . URSULA HALL. O'HARE HALL. ALUMNI COURT . JACK COFFEY FIELD . RITA HALL . WFUV . EDDIE'S PARADE . MARTYRS COURT . WALSH HALL . ROBERT MOSES PLAZA . THEBAUD HALL . ADMINISTRATION BUILDING . THE EXORCIST . QUIZ SHOW . KINSEY . FORDHAM ROAD . ARTHUR AVENUE . COLUMBUS CIRCLE . RAM VAN . QUEENS COURT. "SMART" CLASSROOMS . ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE . SAPIENTA ET DOCTRINA . UNIVERSITAS FORDHAMENSIS . ALVIN AILEY . LINCOLN CENTER . ROSE HILL . MARYMOUNT . LIBERAL STUDIES . COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION . RAMS . MAROON . MCMAHON HALL . LEON LOWENSTEIN BUILDING. MCGINLEY STUDENT CENTER . QUINN LIBRARY . WALSH FAMILY LIBRARY . VINCE LOMBARDI . DENZEL WASHINGTON . MARY HIGGINSJiLABK . NEW YORK CITY'S JESUIT UNIVERSITY . RAMSKELLAR . URSULA HALL . O'HARE HALL . ALUMNI COURT . JACK COFFEY FIEfc* . R[ V . EDDIE'S PARADE . MARTYRS COURT . WALSH HALL . ROBERT MOSES PLAZA . THEBAUD HALL . ADMINISTRATION BUILD HE EX LE . RAM VAN . QUEENS COURT. "SMA LASSRO ALVIN AILEY. LINCOLN CENTER .|a|) .L . MARY N.MCMAHON HALL. LEON LOWEWST UILDING. ARDI . DENZEL WASHINGTON . MAfW-HI >CLAR ALUMNI COURT . JACK COFFEY FlElD . Rl _ £ BAUD HALL . ADMINISTRATION BUILDING . n.,_ _,vORCIST . Gui*. oriOW . .v,,,oEY . FununnM hyjAD . nriTHUR MVENUE OIRCuc . RAM VAN . QUEENS COURT . "SMART" CLASSROOMS . ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE . SAPIENTA ET DOCTRINA . UNIVERSITAS FORDHAMENSIS . ALVIN AILEY . LINCOLN CENTER . ROSE HILL . MARYMOUNT . LIBERAL STUDIES . COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION . RAMS . MAROON . MCMAHON HALL . LEON LOWENSTEIN BUILDING. MCGINLEY STUDENT CENTER . QUINN LIBRARY . WALSH FAMILY LIBRARY . VINCE LOMBARDI . DENZEL WASHINGTON . MARY HIGGINS CLARK . NEW YORK CITY'S JESUIT UNIVERSITY . RAMSKELLAR . URSULA HALL . O'HARE HALL . ALUMNI COURT . JACK COFFEY FIELD . RITA HALL . WFUV . EDDIE'S PARADE . MARTYRS COURT . WALSH HALL . ROBERT MOSES PLAZA . THEBAUD HALL . ADMINISTRATION BUILDING . THE: EXORCIST . QUIZ SHOW . KINSEY . FORDHAM ROAD . ARTHUR AVENUE . COLUMBUS CHICLE . RAM VAN . QUEENS COURT . "SMART" CLASSROOMS . ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE . SAPIENTA ET DOCTRINA . UNIVERSITAS FORDHAMENSIS . ALVIN AILEY . LINCOLN CENTER . ROSE HILL . MARYMOUNT . LIBERAL STUDIES . COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION . RAMS . MAROON . MCMAHON HALL. LEON LOWENSTEIN BUILDING. MCGINLEY STUDENT CENTER . QUINN LIBRARY . WALSH FAMILY LIBRARY . VINCE LOMBARDI . DENZEL WASHINGTON . MARY HIGGINS CLARK . NEW YORK CITY'S JESUIT UNIVERSITY . RAMSKELLAR . URSULA HALL . O'HARE HALL . ALUMNI COURT Arts & Culture 16 THE OBSERVER February 17, 2005 IN THEATERS

SON OF THE MASK | vincing as Loki, but the nauseating cine- designed for children, but with a sensi- as the straight-jacket donning, androg- matography, otherwise rickety acting bility that only adults can appreciate. ynous archangel Gabriel leave an Rated PG and cliched story do not do you justice, The plot* involving seven-year-old enjoyable Velveeta aftertaste in your 94 mins. sir. Sad, indeed. Damian dealing with a surplus of stolen mouth once the credits role. Ah, the (Warner Brothers) Grade: C- money, takes a back seat to the design. power of cheese. - J.P. Mangalindan Do-gooder Damian, hiding in a fantasy Grade: B Why, oh why, did you world of saints and spaceships, is sur- - J.P. Mangalindan do this movie, Alan MILLIONS I rounded by bright colors, amplified Cumming? Jamie sound and altered motion that are par- Kennedy, I can Rated PG-13 ticularly noticeable during his dramatic INSIDE DEEP THROAT I excuse. He has noth- 97 mins. finding of the money (which interrupts ing more than that forgettable WB prank (Fox Searchlight) his meeting with a smoking Saint Rated NC-17 show. But you, Alan? You shimmied in Claire). Bottom line: See this movie, 92 mins.* "Cabaret," uttered Shakespearean titilla- "Millions," directed but bring a kid. (Universal) titfns in "Titus," even scampered by Danny Boyle Grade: B+ through "X2" as Nightcrawler. Why ("Trainspotting"), is . - Meg Delcher "Son of the Mask"? You may be con- an intelligent movie This documentary CONSTANTINE I about the most prof- itable film ever made, Rated R 1972's porn classic 122 mins. "Deep Throat," is a stunning and often (Warner Brothers) humorous look at how the movie was made, why Nixon's administration tried to take it down, and the sad after- math that comes with censorship. Keanu Reeves "Deep Throat" was a titillating new employs trademark form of cinema that was massively surfer dude stoicism consumed in the mainstream and ended to portray tortured, up punctuating -a period in our history emphysema-suffering John Constantine, that has been called the Sexual the gifted detective who's seen hell Revolution. Go see the documentary to and lived to tell the tale. Constantine peak inside the controversy, learn a lit- and Detective Angela Dodson (Rachel tle history lesion and possibly get a lit- Weisz) search for answers surrounding tle turned on. the mysterious death of Dodson's twin Grade: A sister. Half-baked dialogue and a - Heather Liebling notable performance by Tilda Swinton

ON THE AIRWAVES Drag" show that Anberlin's sound can THE ACADEMY IS... be quite refreshing, even if'the subject Almost Here matter is nothing new. (Fueled By Ramen) Grade: B+ Sounds like: - Rafael De Leon Midtown, . Sugarcult, The BRIGHT EYES Starting Line Digital Ash in a Digital Urn It may not be clear who wrote the book (Saddle Creek) on how to write a pop-punk song, but Sounds like: Cursive, it's a safe bet that The Academy-Is... has the dying warbling of read it. Their album, "Almost Here," is a tone deaf goat full of catchy songs, but many come off as too formulaic, and there's little to sep- arate them from their pop-punk peers. Conor Oberst, the "wunderkind" Even the album's better songs, such as behind Bright Eyes has been the toast "The Phrase That Pays," with its palm- of the town in recent months. It is muted intro, distorted bridge, and addic- hard to turn your head without seeing tive chorus, sound too generic. The same a picture of his doleful eyes and a hope for a generation that a person can be said about the clean guitar and skewed haircut. The hype has not pre- without talent can still make it by gar- JIMMY CHAMBERLAIN | simple drum beat beginnings of ceded the music this much since Nine nering the right kind of publicity. "Skeptics and True Believers" and Inch Nails' 1994 album "The COMPLEX Downward Spiral." Does Oberst live Grade: C "Checkmarks." The end result is an JIMMY OttMBBtUN COMPtEX Life Begins Again - Ashok Chandra album full of listenable songs without a up to the hoopla, though, the way (Sanctuary) real standout track. Reznor did? The answer is—sadly, Sounds like: no. With one of his new albums, DALEK | Grade: B- Incubus, Smashing "Digital Ash in a Digital Urn," the Absence > , - Joe DeLessio Pumpkins Bright Eyes singer demonstrates that (Ipecac) ANBERLIN '. | he has the ability to add some electric- Sounds like: ity to his woeful lyrics, but it is to lit- Clouddead, Antipop Former Smashing Pumpkins and Zwan Never Take tle avail. While Oberst might have Consortium, the drummer Jimmy Chamberlain embarks Friendship Personal easily taken his place among our new Roots on his post-Billy Corgan career on "Life (Tooth and Nail) literati like Augusten Burroughs, Dave Begins Again," a fairly solid collection of Sounds like: Jimmy Eggers, and Dave Scdaris with his Underground hip-hop roars in with jazz-influenced alt-rock tracks. Although Eat World, the Ataris intelligent wordplay, his musical Dalek's Absence, a collection of hard Corgan does lend his vocals to "Loki prowess is lacking. On songs such as lyrics and driving beats mixed with Cat," most of the tracks are instrumental "Ship In a Bottle" and "Hit The harsh and grinding backing melodies. and workjust as well as those that feature The guys in Anberlin know howto rock Switch," Oberst demonstrates his wit The hard, social commentary hip-hop vocals. Chamberlain's drumming is stel- hard on songs about love without with the English language, but his lack never stops throughout the whole album, lar throughout, although as the disc winds sounding nauseating. Throughout of understanding of basic melody delivering straight through from the first down, the songs begin to seem repetitive, "Never Take Friendship Personal," keeps the music from being enjoyable. track, "Distorted Prose," to the last as evidenced on "Time Shift" and "Owed vocalist/guitarist Stephen Christian to Darryl." Chamberlain's drumming on Oberst has suffered many a compari- track, "Opiate the Masses." While keeps his vocal delivery interesting and tracks like "Cranes of Prey" canies the son to Bob Dylan; sonic of it well- Absence may be a strong, hard-hitting catchy. The rest of the band triumphs as alburn along, though, and more than descrved. He is like Dylan, but less album, it may not be for your main- a whole, providing melodies that never makes up for the album's slow ending. vocally talented. "On Digital Ash," the stream hip-hop fans. bore. Standout tracks such as individual that Spin calls (he best Grade: B Grade: B "Papcrthin Hymn" and "The Feel Good songwriter of his generation serves as - Enrique Ollero - Joe DeLessio Literary February 17,2005 THE OBSERVER Imogene Is Filled with Joy

By BETSY WAITERS Staff Writer Part two of four

It seemed to Imogene that they'd been walking for hours. She wondered if she'd been tricked. She looked sideways at Sadness. "I thought you said your truck was parked nearby." "It is. Just another mile or so." "I'm trusting you, here. Don't break my heart." "Well, that is kind of my job." He glanced over at Imogene but she wasn't laughing. But we've only been walking for, oh..." He peered up at the late afternoon sun, "about half an hour. We'll be there any minute." She nodded. They walked in silence for a few moments. Imogene studied Sadness from the corner of her eye. He took long, deep strides, the upper half of his body careening slightly forward. His head bobbed up and down, and he kept his hands stuffed in the deep pockets of his baggy trousers. There was something so familiar about the way he walked, but she couldn't quite place it. He noticed her staring at him and wiggled his heavy eyebrows. "You know, you remind me of-" my specialty." "Hey there. Two for dinner tonight?" "Groucho Marx, I know. I get that all the time." "That doesn't seem like a smart way to live." Sadness started to speak but Imogene interrupted him. "You just need to grow that big moustache." "In any event, it's why I'm here with you." She "I think we'll just take a quick bite at the counter, if "Or paint it on with shoe polish, right? looked at Sadness from the corner of her eye. He was that's alright." She looked wildly around the room, Imogene smiled at him. Sadness smiled back at her. trying not to smile. eagerly seeking some kind of clue, some reason to be The asphalt of the road gave way to dusty brown clay; there. they walked the next mile in silence. "Sure thing, sugar. Y'all just follow me." The wait- Just as the sun began to settle behind the distant ress swished her way across the restaurant, her white wooded hills, they came to a small clearing next to the Imogene and Sadness rode along the dusty road for leather Keds squeaking, on the checkerboard linoleum. road. Sure enough, a shiny red pickup truck gleamed in the rest of the afternoon. The only noise they heard was She sat them down at the counter and handed them two the last rays of sunlight, parked at the jaunty angle of a the seashore song of the staticky radio and the resonant laminated menus lightly patinaed with barbeque sauce. model car on a showroom floor. grumblings of their empty bellies. "So, y'all are travelers, I take it." She set two glasses of Imogene couldn't help but feel relieved. One more mile without talking. Imogene looked sweet tea in front of them. Sadness ran his hand across the hood of the truck. hesitantly over at Sadness. He was hunched in his Sadness winked.at Imogene. "Something like that..." "What did I tell you? She's beautiful, huh?" seat, picking the lint from his sweater. »• 'Take your time with the menu. I'll be back with Imogene. nodded. "But why do you keep it parked all "Look, I dpn'fcwant you to take this the wrong way.... some Hushpuppies." She swished back to the kitchen. the way out here? I've messed" my life up plenty, of times and life has Imogene turned to Sadness. "So, my friend-" "Have you ever tried to keep a car in the city?" messed me up, too, but I could always count on you to But before she could continue, Sadness looked up at "Well, no. be around, in some form or another... even if I didn't her with eyes round and earnest. "Do you really think "There are some things you just need to have around, appreciate it But there's something to be said for that?" even if you never use them, you know?" dependability." • "I...well—" She gazed at him and thought of all the Imogene looked down at her chest and thought of the Sadness shrugged sheepishly. two separate pieces of her heart that somehow beat as "But I have to ask you..." She bit her lip and peered see IMOGENE, page 18 one. "I know." out over the horizon. Sadness thumped the hood of the truck and expertly "What is it?" He leaned anxiously towards her, wait- slung himself into the driver's seat. Imogene stood out- ing for the other shoe to drop. Simple Day side, arms crossed over her chest, and cleared her throat "Do you have any idea what we're doing?" loudly. "What do you mean?" By ENRIQUE OLLERO "You promised I could drive." "You know what I mean. How are we supposed Literary Editor Sadness looked at the steering wheel longingly, then to find Happiness? How will we even know where looked back to Imogene. He sighed and handed her to look?" Sunday morning, hurricane the keys. Sadness leaned back in the worn passenger seat. aint bad outside but in here it aint so great She climbed into the driver's seat, barely giving "We'll know. We just have to wait for a sign." come rescue me from the pain of Saturday Sadness enough time to jump in on the other side Just then, two figures emerged in the middle of the keep me from wasting another day away before she peeled out of the clearing and charged down road. They carried a large piece of unevenly cut ply- tuesday morning 7:20 the road. wood. The letters "BBQ" were sprayed across it in waking up before my alarm again "This is great...I haven't driven in years..." bright, still-wet red paint. Imogene pumped the brakes don't know what keeps me going but wouldn't be That didn't make Sadness feel any better. He re-buck- and they just barely stopped in time. surprised led his seatbelt and gripped the side door handle. Sadness and Imogene rocked forwards and back if it had something to do with you coquette They rode along in silence. Imogene fiddled with the again in* their seats. The two men with the plywood radio but found only static. looked at each other with alarm. Each looked down i'm not saying that you're the girl for me "Tell me about Wylie." at himself and then checked their sign. They gave her and i am not looking for salvation in your jeans Imogene looked over at Sadness in surprise. "How do the thumbs up and finished crossing to the other side (or sheets) you know about Wylie?" of the road. i was just looking for some company Sadness shrugged and kept his eyes glued to the road. "There." Imogene's finger followed the men as they and maybe i can share with you my dreams "He falls under my jurisdiction." walked up to a low-roofed brick building that squatted Imogene nodded. That ipade sense. She let ribbons beneath a smoke-churning chimney. "That's our sign." bored and lonely idle hands of the woodsy landscape unravel behind them before She pulled sharply on the steering wheel and cut across sit upon my guitar wishing they could dance she spoke. "Wylie's a champion pool shark and he isn't the dirt road. Sadness closed his eyes and didn't open and play out a suitable song for you much else." them again until Imogene had parked the truck in the play out a song that makes your dreams come "Tell me more." makeshift parking lot beside Billy Lou's Barbeque. true "He knows a lot about geometry. He talks about tri- Imogene climb|d out of the pick-up and charged into i'm not some guy who just wants you as a lover, angles incessantly. He found God two years ago-" the restaurant. Sadness shuffled in behind her. Wood- no i'm just the boy next door,1 and i wanted you to "He was lost?" paneling lined the walls. Country music twanged from go with me to maybe see a thing or two "That's what I said." an old radio mounted above the door. The scent of vine- just want to have some fun, girl, how 'bout you? "Did he love you?" gar and fried things settled like a fine mist on their skin. "I don't know." .™_-—^— - - Imogene looked around in bewilderment. Even the air friday evening, coming home "Did you love.him?" . itself seemed to have a Southern accent. "How far did a long day doming to an end "Still do. Present tense." we drive?" she whispered to Sadness. He shrugged as a but if you want, darling, we can still go out "Do you think that's a good idea?" bee-hived waitress decked out in pink checks walked because i'd do anything at all with you coquette • "Of course not. It's an awful idea, But bad ideas are smiling up to them. Literary 18 THE OBSERVER Fpbruarv 17 20fi'i IMOGENE troubled he'd caused her in the last two decades or so.. people and places and light. All external—you can't count on yourself for joy. And "I guess I am beginning to think of you as, well, as a friend. Yeah. I am." She what a relief that is." realized after she'd said it that it was true. Imogene folded her arms across her chest. "But I don't believe in chemistry." Sadness became very quiet and looked down at his tea. He stirred and stirred it "All I know is, that girl we got out there, well—she's definitely Joy." before he spoke. 'That means a lot to me, Imogene. I know what I put people through... "What's Joy doing hanging around a barbeque joint?" I only do it because it's my job. I wish it weren't sometimes, but it is." "I'm afraid she doesn't have much of a choice." Imogene nodded and didn't know what to say. The silence spread thickly between Sadness nodded knowingly. The old man offered him his pipe. Sadness took it, and them. "So. About Happiness. Do you think he's here?" indulged in three quick, unlit puffs. As she was speaking, the waitress had returned with an overflowing basket of steam- "Oh, okay. I'm starting to understand this... I'm here with you..." she poked Sadness ing hushpuppies. She placed it on the counter between Sadness and Imogene. "Well, in his arm, "...and we're looking for Happiness, and now we hear about Joy. So that sugar, I don't know if this is who you're looking for, but we've got Joy out back." She must make you..." Imogene peered at the old man, reading the lines of his face like smiled sweetly and disappeared into the kitchen. poetry. Wisdom? Knowledge? "Ah—I don't know. I can't tell." She shook her head. Imogene turned to Sadness. "Of course. Of course they do! We set out to look for "So... who are you?" Imogene asked, a note of reverence creeping into her voice. Happiness and we find it right here." She munched on a hushpuppy. "I love stories that He shrugged. "I'm Chester." He took one of their Hushpuppies and popped it into end this way... just think: Happiness has been under our noses all this time and we've his mouth. "It was a pleasure to meet you, young lady. And you," he nodded to Sadness. been too busy with the petty concerns of our lives to even notice. That's perfect!" She "Why don't you hold onto this." He passed the pipe back to Sadness, nodded, and sipped her sweet tea and beamed at Sadness. walked out onto the dirt parking lot. The man sitting at the end of the counter suddenly put down his newspaper and They watched Chester leave and said notmng. • turned to Imogene. "Oh, no, no—you didn't hear Irma right. That ain't Happiness out there—that's Joy." Sweet Meat "Well, right.. .whatever you want to call it we've found it." She held her hand up, By LINDSEY CROSS ' waiting for Sadness to slap her some skin. Copy Editor But Sadness just looked down at his shoes and let the old man explain. "Now, little lady, joy and happiness are two very different things." I saw you at the grocery store one night Imogene looked at Sadness but he wouldn't look up at her. She looked back to the Examining organic whole wheat bread old man. "What do you mean?-that doesn't make any sense." My cart held sausage and a case of Sprite He coughed a long, deep hacking cough and took out a well worn pipe. He puffed And yours, granola and a lettuce head. on it, unlit, as he spoke. "Happiness, unhappiness—these are simple states of being. Then I pursued you to the dairy aisle Transitory ways of feeling. But joy is a way of seeing, an outlook, an approach to And reached out for the same jug of soy milk being. It's an active choice. Feelings choose you, but you decide on joy." Your hand on mine was awkward for awhile Imogene leaned into Sadness. "And where do you fit into all of this?" she whispered But I relished in your touch as smooth as silk. to him. Our hands have not let go since that encounter Sadness shrugged and gestured to the old man. "Snh. I want to hear this..." But this Valentine's you'd like a vegan bistro "You can decide on joy, see, but that won't make you happy. In all of my years, all I won't fit in, I'll seem an out-KJf-towner the things I've seen, I have learned one thing: if you ain't naturally happy, only chem- So what if I like meat? I'm not Mephisto! istry will get you there. Happiness is chemistry: yours by biith or else synthetic for- An herbivore andcarnivore, they say mulas in.bottles or pills. You have it in you or you ingest it. But Joy—joy is things and. Were never meant to make it anyway.

A Sunday in the MAY 31-JUNE 30 JULY 5-AUGUST 4 Observer Office

By ENRIQUE OLLERO Literary Editor, HEATHER LIEBLING Ass. Op. Ed., LINDSEY CROSS Copy Editor, LAURA Dl ORIO News Editor, with additional reporting by J.P. summer MANGALINDAN Arts Editor and appearances by ANTHONY HAZELL Managing Editor, and SHINOKO Muse Dedicated to Dr. Stone and her cats think POPdham Sheryl Crow tells me about leaving Las Vegas Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (SSEU 2600) While I sit, hungry, cold. Where are my socks? Where is our food? Shouldn't it be here by now? The Prison Community in the U.S. (SOLP 3720) New York City Politics (POEP 3121) Shinoko dances In a corner smoke billows These and more than 200 other courses are available Petals drip from lips this summer at Fordham. Catch up, get He hath returned! Our food is here. — ahead in the core or in your field of study, Crisp soda in a can, cold metal against my hair or take an elective that sparks your interest. No, its not honey dijon, cheddar cheese number five, There's a cucumber * It's not what I ordered, but I got the cheddar Summer offerings include: • Intensive Elementary Spanish (6 credits) Anal winking, laughter ensues, medical journals bring pain to my soul • Internships for credit Silence • Sports Communication Institute

Silence

Silence LINCOLN CENTER HOUSING FOR LESS THAN $25 A NIGHT Cartoons break but silence returns

Where is the laughter? Why must we listen to the radio? Tonight comes too slow. REGISTER VIA OASIS Lets go, I quit www.fordham.edu/summer Do you think they'll like the haiku?

& FORDHAM Jesuit Univ f Nt.'W Yor February 17,2005 THE OBSERVER Sports 19 Fordham alum, New York native talks minor league basketball

BY JOE DELESSIO ing team, referees and an arena, you're in 95 percent of them work on their game. I Features Editor great shape. It depends on the league in all would think, in the other leagues, it's honesty... The USBL has been in exis- maybe 45 percent, even less. I think NBA Coaching just one minor league basket- tence a little longer, so they have all the guys, knowing what they have to compete ball team wasn't enough for Kenny nuts and bolts stuff down pat....Whereas against, have to get better. I think [ABA Charles, FCRH '73, and novr'he's giving the ABA is just in the process of doing and USBL] guys don't know how good new meaning to the term, "double- that. We do a good job with it, but other the pros are and don't know how much teamed." teams don't. And that's the major i^sue harder they have to work just to be there. Charles has been the head coach and right now—consistency and scheduling Observer: What does having minor general manager of the USBL's Brooklyn and an arena staff. In most leagues, you league teams in Brooklyn and Harlem do Kings since 2000, and starting this year, know when you get to the arena, you'll for basketball in the New York area? he is also coaching the Harlem Strong see the arena set up, ready for a game. It gives [players] another option. I think Dogs of the ABA. And in the ABA sometimes, that's just not the perfect ABA or USBL player would be After graduating from Fordham, the what's going to happen. this; they went to a local school, they Brooklyn native played six years in the Observer: What has it been like having graduated, and they want to give them- NBA for the Buffalo Braves and the your first real coaching job in New York? selves two or three years to see if they can Atlanta Hawks, before working as one of It's fun. It's fun to coach here, because get to the next level. ESPN's first NBA analysts. A member of this is the capital of criticism, and right- Observer: You were drafted by Buffalo the Fordham Athletics Hall of Fame, fully so... It's a great place to sort of hone in the NBA, but also by the [then New Fordham alum Kenny Charles is now coaching minor league basketball Charles was recently named to the coach- your skills. I don't think if you leave New York] Nets of the ABA. Why did you teams in Brooklyn and Harlem. ing staff of the ABA's East All-Stars. York there's a»place where you could get choose Buffalo over the chance to play in Charles spoke recently with The more criticism or more praise. It's a great New York? outside of basketball? Observer about his career, New York City place to be, I love New York. I think the number one reason was, as a That's such a good question because hoops, and the world of minor league bas- Observer: Besides their talent level, kid, when you think of playing profes- when I was in basketball, I wanted to be ketball. what is the difference between a player in sional basketball, you just think about out of basketball, and when I was out of The Observer: What are some of the the ABA or the USBL and a player in the being in the NBA.... I just wanted to see basketball, I wanted to be in basketball. difficulties of coaching a minor league NBA? what I'd look like in an NBA uniform. It's just a strange situation. In hindsight, basketball team? 'I think one of the major differences is Observer: After announcing for ESPN, I really wish I would have gotten into Kenny Charles: Any time in minor the work ethic .... I think the guys in the you got your law degree and worked as a [coaching] sooner, because I really league basketball that you have an oppos- NBA, during the off-season, I would say stockbroker. Did you really want a career enjoy it. • Heroes on fourth down: the Patriot legacy defined KNICKED He can spot the great ones, Bill RIDIN' THE PINE sweat and blood, covered in confetti, • coaches, and has; coached in 2,448 Belichick can. Just travel back to 1996, Patriot Legacy pondering the eternal, "What if?". regular season games. At 67, Wilkiris when Belichick was Three teams fully understanding how was the oldest coach in the league, the Patriots defensive The Krafts were so unwavering in close they were to the glory being which was one reason why he stepped coordinator under his their dedication to signing Belichiak shoved right back in their face. Three, down. The question on everyone's mentor, Sill Parcells. that they brokered a compensation teams, coaching staffs, players, and fan mind is who would replace Wilkins, The young Pats had deSI with the Jets that included a first- bases, scorning the right foot of a gold- and when. The Zen Master himself, just concluded an round- pick in the 2000 draift^ The en kicker and the three points that they Phil Jackson has been mentioned as a improbable Jun to/the agreement was groundbreaking, and so desired. replacement, and has ties to the orga- Super Bowl, only the will forever live on in New England *So it was in this fashion that the nizatiori.Isaiah Thomas has also been second in their history. football lore. Patriots were dissected. Given a second talked about as stepping into coaching MATT Rather than build on the -As intent as the Kraft's were on chance, any Rams, Panthers, or Eagles again. CHAPRALES success of '96, Parcells bringing back Belichick, so too was the representative would claim undoubtedly The condition of Knick .veteran opted instead to take over at the helm of group of Patriots that had played under that their team would prevail, and right- Allan Houston has also affected the New \[ork Jets. While that Patriots him previously. Now all hearty veter- fully so. But we live in an age of NFL New York's performance and team was evidently an afterthought in the ans, the remaining core of the 1996 equality, where one team is not sup- reduced the depth off the bench. mind of Parcells, Belichick saw some- Super Bowl team included Johnson, posed to dominate all the others. And Houston, who has been with the thing lasting. McGinest, Bruschi, Ty Law, Troy when you look at the 48 wins Belichick Knicks since 1996, has had magical He saw the makings of a team that Brown, and Adam Vinatieri. All had et al have compiled over three title-runs, moments in the Garden, but those was destined for greatness. He saw Ted received a glimpse of NFL glory as "domination" is not the word that pops were in the past. He had his left knee Johnson, the toughest run-stopper in the young up-and-coming stars. By the up from the box scores. operated this summer and has only league. He saw Willie McGinest, a time Belichick returned, they had paid Then again, ask Tedy Bruschi, or played in 20 games this year. tenacious defensive end with great ver- their dues in the trenches of football's Willie McGinest, or Troy Brown what Houston is a career 40.2 percent satility. And he saw a rookie linebacker toughest conference, the AFC East, and exactly a box score signifies. They'll all three-point shooter, but has only named Tedy Bruschi. Bruschi, a colle- were ready to finish what they had start- give some variation of the same shot 38 percent this year. His 11.9 giate defensive end turned pro line- ed as wide-eyed rookies and sopho- response: it tells the statistical story of points per game average is dowa backer, was touted as a great athlete mores. which team was better. The problem is, from his career average of 17.3. The without the size or toughness to make it It was in this spirit that the new statistics represent everything these possibility of dealing Houston to as an NFL linebacker. Patriots were born. The Krafts had Patriots are against. The only number another team is difficult, considering So it was this defensive unit that already defied salary-cap protocol by they care about is the line score—the Houston still has two years left on Belichick left, the same unit he had retaining so many key players. When only true team statistic. his contract, and just over $30 mil- coached to the Super Bowl. And as he they secured their architect, it was clear While no one associated with the lion stilled owed by the Knicks. The had done throughout his coaching that the Patriots* had the blueprint to Rams, Panthers, or Eagles would ever NBA plays under a salary 'can, but career, Belichick followed his mentor, grow into a skyscraper among- NFL concede that the Pats are a dominant the Knicks have surpassed the Parcells, to the New York Jets. brownstones. team, maybe these Patriots have tran- league requirement, and own the Together, they proceeded to unearth Their ascent was rapid after a 6-10 scended the term itself. Dominance league's highest payroll at $103,1 another franchise stuck in the sediment campaign in the 2000 season. Belichick implies a requisite mastery over an million. of NFL futility. Turning a 1-15 team had arrived with one thing on his mind: opponent; however common knowl- As of Feb. 15, the Knicks are 20- into an AFC Championship contender winning a Super Bowl. While the 2000 edge would indicate that any team 32, with 29 games left on their was yet another accolade for the season was one of rebuilding, it was car- understanding its inferiority would lose schedule following the All-Star Parcells/Belichick team, the undisputed ried out with the same "team-first" men- its competitive fire in the face of immi- break. The good news is that best in football. tality that would ultimately transform the nent defeat. they're only six games out of the Then, in 2000, it happened. Parcells Patriots into a dynasty. The rest, as they But these warriors in red, white, and final playoff spot in the East. The decided to call it quits. After two say, is history. The Patriots have accom- blue are different. They by no means bad news is that the remaining road decades and three franchises, Parcells plished the unthinkable: winning three dominate opponents. But when a game, games are against teams with an retired from head coaching in the NFL. out of four Super Bowls in an era mold- a season, a championship, all come average win percentage of .495, Belichick, after the same tenure along- ed around parity, both economically and' down to one play, the Patriots will win including five against the top three side Parcells, on the other hand, was competifively. that one play. They have done it 48 teams in the league: San Antonio, apparently just getting started. The Perhaps that is the reason this Patriots times now over the last four years, and Miami, and Seattle. This off-season Kraft farhily, owners of the New team has only just received its rightful that alone should speak volumes to other could be very tumultuous for Knick England franchise, had long ago due. For each of New England's Super teams, coaches, and fans alike who just fans and the organization, but that's resolved to bring Belichick back to the Bowl triumphs, there has remained one can't understand why or how these been the tale in New York for the Patriots team on the other sideline, drenched in champions arc so dominant. • last four seasons. • Sports THE OBSERVER 17 Three recent Ram graduates sign pro football contracts Knicked in By JOSEPHINE KEO With news about Fordham Staff Writer football's alumnus getting con- the butt ROSE HILL—Fordham tracts with the NFL and AFL, BY JOEL PEREZ Rams have mucih to be proud of the prospect it gives the univer- Assistant Sports Editor since former football graduates, sity's future athletes is some- Kevin Eakin, FCRH '04, thing that the Rams football The motto for the Knicks Javarus Dudley, FCRH '04, and coaches are proud of. "This prior to the regular season Prince Poitier, FCRH '04, shows that Fordham is not only was "all ball," but every- signed contracts with both the a great academic school but can thing has gone all wrong. National and Arena Football have a reputation to place its The Knickerbockers League during the first month players in the NFL as well," capped off the worst of the New Year. Foley stated. January in team history, During their years at Joe Tricario, assistant coach going 2-13 after starting off' Fordham, all three players con- for the defensive backs as well the season winning 16 of tributed to the team's recogni- as the coordinator, agrees with their first 29 games; With tion in the Patriot League as Foley about how.all three former the . • All-Star break well as having appearances in players contribute to the school's approaching, the Knicks the NCAA I-AA Playoffs. With athletic reputation. "These three could use the much- Eakin's future contract with the guys had determination to do deserved time off. Jets, along with Dudley's and what was never done," said The Knicks cruised Poitier's free agent signed con- Tricario. "They were hard work- through November and tract with the AFL's Florida ing and productive.... In the end December playing hard-nose Firecats, there's no telling they were reaping the benefits." basketball and maintaining a where or when these former Jason George, the strength firm lead in the Atlantic Fordham footballers will ever and conditioning coach also Division. Offensively, New stop. added, "It's great for our pro- York relied upon guards "It's great news that these gram. It shows you don't have Stephon Marbury and newly guys are getting signed," said to go to a well known school to acquired Jamal Crawford. Ed Foley, Fordham's head foot- get in to the NFL." Tricario The Chicago Bulls dealt ball coach. "They're fulfilling a mentioned how Eakin's, Crawford, along with great dream." Dudley's and Poitier's contracts Jerome Williams to the Big Recent grad Kevin Eakin signs future contract with the New York The dream that Foley is Jets and will play in NFL Europe this spring. are fantastic news "for the pro- Apple, in exchange for mentioning smarts off with gram at Fordham. "It wasn't a Dikembe Mutumbo, Othella Eakdn's possible, invitation that graduated with Eakin in downs. Poitier is known for his winning program at first, before Harington and others. training with the Jets during the 2004 are Dudley and Poitier, offensive line work; he set sev- the guys were here. They took a Marbury and Crawford start- team's summer camp. Being a who t>oth signed a free agent eral records in Fordham's book chance at Fordham and wa a big ed off on the right step, com- two-time quarterback in the contract with the Florida for most rushing yards, most part turning' around the pro- bining to score 39.5 of the First Team All-Patriot League, Firecats of the Arena Football passing yards and most points gram." The chance that Eakin, Knicks 95.5 points per Eakin led the football team to League 2. Dudley, a leading scored. In 2003, Dudley was Dudley and Poitier took during game. Consistency also its first Patriot League title and receiver during his playtime at known as the First Team Ail- their years in Fordham are what came from the bench, where appearance in the NCAA I-AA Fordham set his score record American while Poitier earned the coaches say the reason veterans Anfernee Hardaway Playoffs in 2002. with 101 caught passes for First Team All-Patriot League they're getting a chance with the and Jerome Williams con- Among the football players 1,439 yards and 14 touch- pick the same year. NFL and AFL as well. • tributed to the success. But injuries and the inconsisten- cy to play well on the road Bronx baseball Rams catch spring fever in Brooklyn was the Knicks' Achilles heel. Crawford was side- BY JENNIFER MAMMANA lined with a turf toe foot Sports Editor injury, and Hardaway battled ROSE HILL—"You gotta hamstring injuries, which have heart" should come to kept him out of the line up mind when you think of this for most of December. The year's baseball team. It's bit- road hasn't favored the terly cold outside, they have Knicks either, winning seven no home field to play on and of eighteen away from they're only a week away Madison Square Garden. from opening the season in Defensively, the Knicks Delaware. This team's never have allowed 100 points or been more ready to heat more in 24 of their first 52 things up. games, winning just five. The Rams are going into Turnovers have been an the season with a stellar line- issue for New York the last up. Jeremy Bourgeois, starting couple of seasons with this catcher and one of three cap- season being no exception. tains of the team, was named New York is ranked eighth First Team Atlantic-10 catcher The scholar of the team, Keyspan Park, home to the game-day situations. Without the in the conference, commit- in 2004, following his title of senior outfielder Tim Short Brooklyn Cyclones. The Rams field, the team is making the ting 14.8 turnovers per Second Team All-Atlantic-10 proves outstanding both on will be playing six conference most of the facilities available, game and forcing oppo- in 2003. Last season, the cur- and off the field. Recently games at the seaside stadium. all to be in top-shape for the nents to commit 19.8 rent senior started all 46 honored with the NIT Daniel In addition, the team will be competition. assists per game. games he played in, and led E. Quilty Scholar-Athlete using the field at St. John's in This year, as in years past, The poor performance the Rams in doubles (IS), Award at Madison Square Queens, taking turns with the Fordham's biggest competi- forced Lenny Wilkins to Rfils (38) and slugging per- Garden, Short serves as one Red Storm for the ballpark. tors are Temple and Rhode resign on January 22, plac- centage (.602). of the Rams' captains for two- "If there is one thing peo- Island. Both teams are part of ing the long-time Knick In the outfield, Greg Smith, consecutive years. Last sea- ple can expect to see when the the A-10 east conference, and assistant Herb FCRH '06, dominates. son, he helped the Rams to team .steps out on to the field which make them the most Williams at the helm. Starting all 52 games their first appearance in the it is never ending relentless important to beat, according to Wilkins1 career spans 32 appeared in, Smith led the Atlantic-10 tournament since effort to achieve," Nick Restaino. seasons in the N.BA, which ..team with 50 runs-scored, 66 the team won the title in the Restaino, Interim Head Coach The team's biggest strength includes a championship in hits, and 101 total bases. He 1998 season. said of what to expect when against its opponents is "the 1979 with the Seattle leads second in home runs But what is a team of stand- the season starts. character and makeup of our Supersonics. Wilkins ranks with six and doubles with 13. out players to do without a The Rams spend six days a players," Restaino said, "Their first on the all-time wins His solid numbers make him home field? While Coffey week practicing, Restaino a good group of guys motivat- list at 1,315 amongN.B.A one of the top outfielders in Field is being renovated, the explained. They are doing every ed to a common goal," a goal the conference. team is taking advantage of drill from batting to assimilating of playing to the best. • •e« KNICKED, pag« 19