Fordham Gets Its Water On Page 10 The bserver September 29, 1999 THE STUDENT VOICE OF FORDHAM COLLEGE AT LINCOLN CENTER VOLUME XVHI. i.8ue 2 of 2003 Scores Mosquito Spraying Around Campus Affects Students Higher on Standardized Tests By Matt Law By Marisa Flores New York City is waging an all-out war against mosquitoes, but some The class of 2003 is academically Fordham University students may have stronger and more active in their com- gotten caught in the crossfire. munities than previous classes admit- In response to the recent outbreak of ted to Fordham University, said John Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), the Buckley, Dean of Undergraduate Department of Health and the Mayor's Admissions. A combination of diverse Office of Emergency Management talents and academic achievement have teamed up to eliminate the mos- made, admission particularly competi- quito population of New York by spray- tive this year, according to Buckley. ing the city Boasting a combined average SAT with pesticides. score of 1186 (up 9 points from last Jaclyn DiMaria, FCLC '01, was year's 1175), the class of 2003 was also attending cheerleading practice at Rose war against mosquitoes continues involved in a variety of extra-curricular Hill when she first saw the helicopters activities ranging from community fly by, spraying out pesticides. "They service to student government, sprayed over us," DiMaria said. "We The helicopters came around for a more, the bugs or the spray. They're Buckley said. Although definitive sta- stayed out there because we didn't second pass. This time, some of the both bad," she said. tistics will not be available until later think anything of it" spray landed on DiMaria, she said. "We DiMaria is not alone in her concern. this fall, he suspects that the class of The city has been using helicopters actually cut the practice short because A large number of students are visiting 2003 has taken and received credit for for aerial spraying of pesticides in most it smelled so bad," DiMaria said. She the Fordham health centers with vari- more advanced placement courses of the outer boroughs and trucks for added that the pesticide had a tar-like ous symptoms. "I've had one student than previous classes. ground spraying in Manhattan. smelL "I don't know what's worse any- complain (continued on page 2) of pes- "In recent years there has been a higher demand to attend Fordham," said Buckley. When asked about the reasons for this increase, he cited fac- University Mourns Two Former Students tors such as the university's academic prestige, its location and access to two By Mary Anne Feeney campuses, and its abundance of on and off-campus resources. Fordham held a funeral liturgy for Lauren Moths, FCLC '03, gave sim- two recent FCRH graduates at the uni- ilar reasons for choosing to attend versity church last August 26, nearly a Fordham. "I came to Fordham week after the two died in a car acci- because it's a great school. I wanted to dent. Carrie Ann Smith, FCRH '98, go to a school in the city and I appre- and Andrew Green, FCRH '99, were ciated their solid core curriculum," on their way to Green's parents' house said Moths. (continued on page 2) last August 21 when Green's Ford Bronco collided with a tractor trailer, according to Marianne Reilly, Senior Associate Athletic Director at FCRH Andrew Green, Carrie Ann Smith, FCRH '98 and Smith's aunt. There was no alco- hol involved in the incident. "The number of attendance showed ed approximately an hour and a half. The church was filled beyond the depth of friendship and the gravity "The Mass helped people cope with capacity during the service with over of the loss," the Reverend Gerald the things that are almost too difficult 400 people in attendance, according to BlasKczack, S.J., University Chaplain, to cope with," Currie said. "There was the Reverend Joseph Currie, S.J., said. "It seemed to be Fordham at its an honor guard. People were lined up Director of Campus Ministry. "I've very best in the very worst of times." from the doors of the church to the never seen the church that full," said The Reverend Joseph O'Hare, S.J., door of the hearse. Thinking about it Smith's former fellow RA, Christopher President of Fordham, celebrated the now, there arc tears in my eyes." Three freshmen learn more about their Pyles, FCRH'98. Mass, which began at 1 p.m. and last- (Continued on page 2) - new school News September 29,1999

(continued from front page) e ticide spray," said Roseanne Newberg, a since September 17. She has been com- Commissioner Neal L Cohen; MD. specific mutations in human nurse at Lincoln Center's Health plaining of a sore throat, earaches, and Some people may be sensitive to the T lymphocytes." Office. 'We're more concerned with chest congestion. "I left my windows spray, he added. Reactions might This means that in a test tube, the the encephalitis," open the night they sprayed," Padla include eye irritation, rashes, and respi- Malathion caused deletions or muta- Newberg said that the health center said. "If s possible that the spray might ratory problems. tions in a particular section of a human has been busy with a number of upper have something to do with it" The Department of Health suggests chromosome, Albertini said. respiratory tract infections. "When the While a number of students are suf- that residents close their doors and win- According to Albertini, the human students come back to a communal fering through the same symptoms, dows while the spray is being adminis- immune system uses T lymphocytes to housing situation, they're exposed to a Newberg stressed tered. They combat common infections. While his lot of new bugs that they haven't been that it tea "I don't know what's also said study proved a link in a test tube in a exposed to previously," she said, W rSe that every- laboratory, he couldn't comment on the explaining the large number of stu- ° one should effects of the aerial spraying of dents coming into her office. cold going around, or the Spray. They're bOth keep their Malathion in New York City. Despite the nurse's explanation, "We haven't analyzed / j ai"~r condi~"A'- "You're certainly a hell of a lot safer some students are still worried/Alison the statistics to deci- " tioners and than you would be with Saint Louis Angrisani, FCLC '01, is fighting what pher titat," Newberg bad. fans off dur- Encephalitis," Albertini said, noting she originally thought was just a cold. said. "Unless we underwent an epi- ing the hours that spraying that a slight cold is less threatening Angrisani, who said she never gets sick, demiological study, if s really hard is occurring. than a potentially deadly virus. is battling a cough, a sore throat, and a to know." Both the Journal of Immunology and Three people have died from the dis- stuffy nose. "I never thought about the Since early September, the city has a University of Vermont study have ease in New York since the beginning spray until I was in the elevator and been using three pesticides to eliminate shown that there could be a link of September when the virus was first someone told me about it, she said. the mosquito population of New York. between Malathion and a weakening of detected, according to the Mayor's "You never know." According to the Mayor's Office of the human immune system. office. They are investigating an addi- While nursing herself back to health, Emergency Management, they are Dr.- Richard Albertini, a professor in tional 103 cases, only 11 of which Angrisani is wondering about how she using Resmithrin for ground spraying, the Medicine Department at the are probable. • got sick. and the chemicals Sumithrin and University of Vermont, was involved "I don't share glasses with anyone, I Malathion for aerial spraying. with tile second study. In his final don't kiss anyone, I don't understand," "No substantial reports of illness report, Dr. Albertini sakLjIhis work Angrisani said. were received related to last week's first provides the first evidence of an associ- Lisa Padla, FCLF '00, has been sick round of spraying," said Health ation between Malathion exposure and

Freshman Double and Triple up in Dorms A Large Freshman Class Means Limited Space in McMahon Hall

By David Cauldwell "We are working to offer students . Hanes said he does not mind having to of life and limited space to work with [the opportunity] to 'de-triple' out of live with will affect Anna Chiumenti, FCLC'03 sat in rooms as spaces are arising," said extra room- the per- her clean and spacious apartment on Boone, who has been working to mates. centages the seventh floor as she expressed her accommodate students. "As early as This is of accep- contentment with living in McMahon the day of, move-in, we were able to not the tances for Hall. She says the room she shares relocate some people because of some largest next with one other girl is peaceful and her cancellations." freshman year." four suitemates, who live in two other "I was overwhelmed," said class FCLC "This is bedrooms in the apartment, are nice. Chiumenti about finding out she was has ever not a This was not Chiumenti's original assigned to a two-bedroom apartment had, Fordham- housing assignment. She is one of with five other students. "I didn't think according specific many who moved out of a 'triple' into a I could live somewhere with sue peo- to John problem," less crowded living space. Most fresh- ple and one bathroom." Shortly after Buckley, said men, however, are currently living in she got her first housing assignment, Dean of Boone. In converted triples. Mr. Boone called her and offered her McMahon Hall fact, over- Fordham College at Lincoln Center a roomier suite with upperclassmen. Undergraduate Admissions. Last booked dorms are on the rise around has a large freshman class living on Ryan Creed, FCLC '03 said he and his year's incoming class was about 2% the country, according to the campus this year. Consequently, many roommates were offered a chance to larger. Chronicle of Higher Education. A students are living in dorm rooms move to less crowded rooms but have More people choosing to live in the record 14.9 million students are originally designed to accommodate chosen to remain in their current hous- dorm and more people retaining dorm enrolling in colleges and universities smaller numbers. ing assignment "At least they've made space are two factors that influence this fall, according to the US A total of 35 freshmen bedrooms an effort to move us out What more can the size of McMahon Hall's popula- Department of Education. are tripled, which is a larger number they do?" said Creed, who does not tion. "We are concerned with dorm Boone pointed out that not many than McMahon Hall has ever had, mind the close quarters. He pointed out space and our housing guarantee," people have complained about all the according to Charles A. Boone, that it is cheaper to live in a converted said Boone. "We still guarantee hous- tripled bedrooms. "We haven't had Director of Residential life. Most of triple than to move to a double. ing for all four years." any situations that we haven't been the three-bedroom freshman apart- "If I really want to get some quiet The admissions office said that the able to come to an acceptable compro- ments have seven or eight occupants. study time, I usually go someplace housing issue would be one of many mise on," said Boone. "Most situations Some apartments have as many as else to do it," said Charles Henes, factors in next year's admissions deci- tend to balance themselves out" • nine people living in a space designed FCLC '03, who lives with eight other sions. "We've definitely been very sen- for six, according to Boone. freshmen in a room designed for six. sitive to that," Buckley said. "Quality September 25>, 1999 News

Binge Drinking Ads Get SPARC'S Mixed Reactions Calendar of By Brian Cuthbert Events for

A nationwide group of state universi- October ties launched a series, of advertisements last September 10 to raise public aware- ness of the dangers of binge drinking. By Brian Cuthbert Endorsed by 113 college presidents, the National Association of State SPARC (Serial Programming to Universities and Land-Grant Colleges Advance a Responsible Community) (NASULGC) released the ads in over a is sponsoring the following alcohol- hundred newspapers across the country. free events in October: One ad features a beer bottle under the headline, "Hitting college campuses this fall." "It's tough being a college kid October 4 today," the ad states. "That's why we' ve MockJell-0 Shots developed Binge Beer. At Binge, we understand that sometimes you just need Enjoy mock Jell-0 shots on the five or six drinks the night before that big Plaza between 12-3 P.M. (Time test...Who says falling off a balcony is may be subject to change). such a bad thing? And what's an occa- sional riot? Or even a little assault between friends?" Octoberl3 Fordham students disputed the effec- Brick Wall 6n the Plaza tiveness of the campaign. "I think statis- tics would be more gripping to an edu- Write about your experiences with cated student than these random quotes- drugs and alcohol. Contributions will be put up "Sh a brick wall for "of the 'average college student,'" said 40% of college students binge drink. USG Secretary, Matt Maclntyre, FCLC everyone to see. "01. Katie Jennings, FCLC '02 dis- of lives wrecked by sexual assaults* poor who want to have fun on the weekend agreed, saying, "I think that statistics academic performance and dropping out, without drinking," October 18 have been done too many times before all a direct The Prevention Satel-Vision Goggles and are now obsolete. Students have seen result of the "I don't think ads are PARty, (Peers them and are desensitized by statistics. I excessive Advocating Try these space-age goggles that think this new, realistic way of advertis- effective in telling people what to simulate the physical symptoms of ing is a good try to get students' attention being drunk (e.g. blurred vision, and make them aware." MacCarthy going to do whatever they feel cation group that etc.). SPARC invites everyone to "I am not so sure of its effectiveness. I said. like doing and as long as they're organizes campus try performing even the simplest think its sarcasm might be misinterpret- Binge awareness and activities while "intoxicated." ed," said Helen Ledwith, FCLC '01. "I drinking, not hurting anyone, who am I to substance-free don't like the ad at all," said Erin defined as stop them?" activities. These The week of October 18 Murphy, FCLC '01. "It is tasteless and five or more groups collaborate Computer 101 irresponsible that a serious problem like drinks in one sitting for men and four or to sponsor binge drinking was taken and then turned more for women, has garnered heavy Lollanobooza, an ail-night activity Come to an interactive party and into a very sarcastic ad." media attention over the last year due to featuring music, artistic booths, and witness some of the effects of alco- Stephen J. MacCarthy, Executive several binge drinking-related deaths of other attractions in a substance- hol. Director of University Relations at college students. free environment. Pennsylvania State University, and one Some recent incidents include drunk- "Students who are highly influenced of the people responsible for the ads said, en riots near Penn State last year and the by their peers will often drink alcohol in For information on any of these "Data showed that lecturing students on death of a freshman at the Massachusetts amounts that they believe is the norm," events or on Lollanobooza 5, visit this topic doesn't work. The creative idea Institute of Technology. said Ali Reiter, Assistant Director of SPARC in the Plaza on or after behind the ad was to draw people into the According to NASULGC, 40% of col- FCLC's Student Assistance Program. .October 4 or e-mail sparcnyc@hot- ad copy by giving them a headline and lege students binge, with 20% of them "Confronting these misperceptions a mail.com artwork that were unexpected. The inten- bingeing three or more times in a two- bout alcohol and other drug use can tion of the campaign was to begin a week period. Alcohol is a factor in 40% break (his social norm on campus and, in national dialogue about problem." of all academic problems and 28% of all turn, decrease the amount of "I don't think ads arc effective in dropouts, NASULGC reported. binge drinking."! telling people what to do and what not to SPARC (Serial Programming to do, said Jack Lugo, FCLC '01. " People Advance a Responsible Community), a are going to do whatever (hey feel like student group at FCLC, has made a con- doing, and as long as they're not hurting certed effort lo provide students with anyone, who am I to alcohol-l'rce alternatives. "The last stop them?" few years there has been Lollanobooza in "Each year, university administrators order to encouruge students to have fun around the country sec dozens of stu- that doesn't involve alcohol," Maclntyre dents die as a result of alcohol poisoning said. "These kinds of activities help to and accidents, nnd see literally thousands show there arc other outlets for sludenU—™ Editorial September 29,1999 New Academic Year, New Tuition Increase

It continues to gets • more expensive to be a Fordham these expenses. Despite their kind words, tuition has con- University student. If anyone bothered to scrutinize their tinued to climb. invoice over the summer, the lugubrious news is all there Similarly, the university general fee and technology fee in black and white. Full-time tuition has soared to add to the erosion of student bank accounts. For a second $19,200, an egregious $1,445 increase from last year's consecutive year, the fees, totaling $230 per semester, rate. seem trivial and not some move by the university to enhance But as tuition balloons, services remain virtually student services. In truth, there has been no noticeable unchanged. There have been no prominent projects of notice difference in services, technological or otherwise, from to attribute these extra funds to nor have there been any 1997, when students paid a student activity fee of $50 and significant structural upgrades to any of the university's an insurance charge of $12. There needs to be some level facilities. The increase mostly resembles a Willingness on of accountability to ensure this revenue is being used con- behalf of the university to extract more revenue "from stu- scientiously. dents, who have no choice but surrender to its futility. Instead of students benefiting from paying these exorbi- Acquiescence is their only move because Fordham does pro- tant fees, the university has taken another step in the vide its students with a scrupulous and diverse education wrQng direction. There is now a charge of five cents within a .conducive learning environment. If students assessed to every page a student wants to print in either weren't satisfied with their instruction, they would not the computer lab or library. Although the university be facing a cul-de-sac in regard to such increases. claims this is a proactive stance against students who Yet considering that tuition was $16,800 two years ago, habitually waste paper, the pettiness of the charge this increase is startling. Students have had to generate eclipses such an overzealous assertion. an addition $2,400 to combat the superfluous increases. Despite the nation's dynamic economy,' these increases The. university contends they make a concerted effort to will surely leave a dent in the pockets of many students.• control the cost of its education. They also assert they empathize with the students who have difficulty meeting

University Mourns Many administrators and staff from matter what she did." Class of 2003 Scores Higher (continued the Lincoln Center campus also Green, an English major, was equal- attended the mass. "It always amazes ly active in the Fordham community from front page) me that when Fordham experiences and had a sister in a wheel chair to tragedy...the tremendous response. In whom he gave all his awards and T- Since competition to attend xhanged much, either. Fordham's stu- times of crisis, the Fordham commu- shirts, according to Reilly. "She Fordham University has grown over dent community remains 74% nity has a way of (continued on page 2) adored him," Reilly said. "In his own the past years, the acceptance rate has Caucasian, 10% Latin-American, 10% coming together that helps people get way, he was a hero." steadily dropped by 16%. According to Asian-American, and 6% African- through difficult times," Pyles said. "The two of them made you want to the Institutional Research American. Smith and Green met at Fordham be a better person. Some people could Department, 5,314 out of the 8,557 tra- Dr. Susan Beck, Professor of and started dating two and a half years live a lifetime and never achieve that," ditional freshmen who applied to Political Science, serves as one of the ago, according to Reilly, who spoke at Reilly said. Fordham were academic the Mass. "I don't think I ever saw Attendees commended Fordham accepted. Only 47% advisers to this Carrie Ann happier with anyone. They for a touching service. "For some- of traditional stu- Boasting a year's fresh- complemented each other so well," thing so tragic, they did such a beauti- dents who applied combined average of men. "I think Reilly said. ful job. It was really a great send-off," to Fordham's there are many "Part of our pain today is the real- said Lorraine Corcoran, Men's Lincoln Center cam- 1186 (up 9 points more sources ization that the promise of the new life Basketball Secretary who had also pus were accepted. of information they planned will not be realized, at worked with Smith. "Father O'Hare's The geographic from last year's 1175) for high school least not in the way they anticipated," homily was simple and eloquent. He makeup of the class the class of 2003 was seniors to use, O'Hare said. didn't try to give a reason for why this of 2003 has also especially with Smith, a Communications major, happened," said West/There is no changed slightly also involved in a the information was very active at Rose Hill and with way to explain away the pain or dis- compared to previ- online,"said various community service projects. miss the anger, but we come together ous classes, accord- variety of extra- Beck. She had been working at Columbia in faith today to celebrate their lives, ing to Buckley. curricular activities. The question University's residential • life office and to find some peace in the midst of More students are is, however, since she graduated from Fordham. sorrow at a great loss," O'Hare said in attending Fordham whether or not "There weren't too many things that his homily. • from Midwestern states such as the class of 2003 can live up to expec- she didn't do," Reilly said. Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, tation. "The freshmen do seem a little "Some people say how wonderful Wisconsin and Indiana. Due to scarce more willing to participate in class, but people are after they pass away, but housing, the percentage of commuter if s too early to draw any conclusions," Carrie Ann really was. I had the students has increased to 54% from said Beck. • opportunity to work with her and sec last year's 46%. her grow as a person," said Kim West, However, a lot of statistics remain University Conference Coordinator the same. The female student popula- who worked with Smith. "She was tion is still three times that of the always positive. She made the best of -male. The ethnic composition has not " eveFytfiing and learned from life no September 29.1999 Commentar

Y2: It's OK Frustrated media machines try to start the fever

Michael Morgan wrestle an alligator. Three scenarios were laid out of what No power, no clean water, looting and could happen and they were labeled: rioting, stock market recession, and the blackout, brownout, and meltdown. end of the US' world power. That is the Brownout would bring around the event word from the "Y2K Surviaval of computers at powerplants shutting Handbook" magazine that is floating down across the nation January first, around the news stands of America, resulting in a grid line disaster. With prophesizing about the Y2K bug. It power being our essential key to most relays quite a scary premonition and operations that occur in the household, causes the occasional reader to go set up we would be in a pretty uncomfortable a bunker in the middle of an Arizona predicament. We are talking no clean desert with a year supply of staples. I water, electrical lighting, gas (since it is even found myself lying in bed fearing electrically pumped), or money (for the the count down that is ominously upon banks would be unable to dispense cash us, closing in like a spider on a freshly to the millions of people that use ATM caught victim in the threads of its woven machines everyday). It would remain web. But before I packed my bags and like this from two weeks to one month. moved to a squat house in some third The blackout scenario would have all world Country I went back for a closer the same occurences^ except lasting from examination of the so called "Survival two months to one year. With no gas or Handbook." travelling means one would be stuck I first noticed this magazine while wherever they are when it all goes down. browsing around the top floor of the The lack Of water plants working would Barnes and Noble on 68th Street and result in people defacating in the streets Broadway. It was sitting in the lifestyles and the spread of venom and disease. rack (not among computer periodicals) Phone lines would be constantly busy (if and I was curious about what it had to they worked) due to everybody using say. I left the enormous bookstore feeling them at once, and there would be no way as though I had just been diagnosed with to contact someone for help. Looters and terminal cancer, and wondering what riot instigaters would crawl out from will become of the nation I grew up in on under their rocks, while China sail their the first of January. Luckily though, warships over here and take us over. enough thought and analysis allowed for Meltdown (according to the me to find out that this magazine has the Handbook) would be basically the end of credibility of a pigeon explaining how to the US. (continued on page 6) Non-Cents! Print-Outs Are No Longer Free at the Computer Lab By Kerri Maguire which were left unused in the printers. In stress as it is, now they have to run now have to worry about having money order to prevent waste, the library and around counting their change hoping it is to print out papers and assignments. Fordham students, it's time to crack computer labs are changing their policy." enough. Why should students pay when the com- open your piggy banks. The administra- Mr. Christian added, "Students often puters do not work half the time or the tion found yet another way to extract would print a 10 page paper and then "School is expensive enough. printers for some reason or another do money from your pockets. The fact that notice a mistake on page five and instead Why should we have to contin- not want to print. Should students have to commuters pay $19,200 a year in tuition of reprinting just page five after making ue to pay more?" said Marilyn pay for so-so quality? I don't think so. and spend hundreds of dollars on books a the correction," they reprint the entire Garcia, FCLC "01. "Our tech- What is next? Are students going to be semester, you would think they, or any paper again. This then becomes costly to nology fee should cover that charged for wasting toilet paper? other student, would get a break. Not at the University." cost." Fordham University is not a school Fordham College at Lincoln Center. The The amount of paper wasted is a prob- deficient in funds. If a student requests a only break students get are in their wal- lem and something had to be done about breakdown of their bill, their seems to be lets. So for all students who run to print it. Though the administration did not enough fees for a lifetime. There is a lab their papers out before class, make sure develop this new policy in order to save Another student, Marilyn Garcia fee, a programming fee, and a miscella- you have money on your ID card or you .trees, Students should not print unneces- FCLC'01, agreed with her fellow class- neous fee of $36.50. After asking around Will be passing in megabytes. sary paper, The people at the top may mate. "School is expensive enough. Why and speaking to the bursar, no one A new printing policy recently have thought this to be a good idea but should we have to continue to pay seemed to now what this fee is for. Now, imposed at FCLC's Gerald M. Quinn students arc not us receptive. more?" she said. "Our technology fee unless the administration decides to use it Library and Micro Computer Center will Juan C. Restrcpo, FCLC'01, who should cover that cost." for the elevators and bathrooms, why use now require students to pay five cents for works in the Lincoln Center Computer With all the fees students are charged, it for printing? This seems to be a policy every page they wish to printout, accord- Lab stated: "I do not understand why the I am sure printing could be easily afford- that does not make any sense, a policy ing to Fitzroy Christian, Supervisor of policy was imposed so quickly. If people ed. that Fordham students did not have any the Computer Center. The saying every were informed ahead of time maybe The fact of the matter is that yes, wast- input or idea in its establishing. nickol counts will ring true for Fordham something else could have been done. ing paper is wrong, und something need- Abolishment is imperative. • students. A flyer posted in the library Students should not have to pay; it just ed to be done about it. However charg- stated:" Last year over one million pages causes confusion." It could not have ing students ,a printing fee is not the W$re printed in the iibraricj many of been said better. Students have enough answer to these questions, for students Commentar September 29,1999

Y2: It's Okay (continued from page 5)

All hell would break loose while the magazine, which is twice as thick and colored pages, located strategically in the enough to take care of the power plants computers would come back alive about twenty times the quality inside and first few pages. It is an advertisement for first. Many people have told me that our "someday." Life as we know it in the out. I showed the magazine to other a Y2K sanctuary, and states in the corner society is just working themselves into a Land of the Free would be over. Obserever Editors asking them to guess that the add will not be repeated. This frenzy, but I think the opposite. When the For a closer analysis I went back, to how much it cost. Both of them that I sanctuary offers a place for supposedly worst of the information was released to purchase this uplifting lifestyle compan- showed it to said $3.00 and were sur- soon to be beleagured US citizens in the public last spring it was predicted ion and upon paying for it the credibiliy prised when I unvealed the truth. which there will be fresh water, food, that everybody would pull out of the medical facilities, telecom services, you stock market and it would crash. Instead name it. All for as little as $179 a day. If it was at its highest ever in history. In a one were to stay there for a month it book written by Leonard Nimoy (Spok Meltdown (according to would cost $5400, the monthly rent for a from Star Trek) "Y2K Family Survival decent Park Avenue two bedroom apart- Guide" there is a quote on the back cover the Handbook) would be basically ment, interior decorator included. from Ed Yardeni, the chief economist of Besides, according to this magazine no Deutsche Morgan Grenfell (what does the end of the US. AH hell would one will be able to take money out of the that have to do with computer program- bank due to no power. Even if one ming?) stating, "Let's stop pretending break loose while the computers reserves a spot in advance what will the that Y2K isn't a major threat to our way owners of this sanctuary do with the of life." Why? Whenever there has been would come back alive "someday." money if everything happens their way. something bad occurring in my life peo- Money will be obsolete and bartering ple have always ordered me to stay calm. dropped. I felt like I was punched in the Directly before the description of the will be back like disco. Besides in a time That's what people are doing now, and face, by a fist of common sense when I scenarios, there is a three paragraph sec- of crisis should not the public be provid- not "pretending" like Yardeni wants laid down $5.95 for thjs piece of.... I had tion which sets forth the reasons why a ed with a place like this for free? It would would mean everybody running around not even looked at the price figuring it non-event is not being acknowledged. be along the lines of charging the home- frantic, causing disasters before they would be rather cheap. The cover is The C.O.I. (Chief Operator of less to enter a shelter. This is just one of could possibly not even happen. made out of what seems like .flimsy Information) Stood in front of Congress the few advertisements polluting the I have never personally met anybody multi-purpose printer paper that one and explained how the Y2K scare would pages. There is millenium food, milleni- in fear of an apocalyptic occurence and could buy from Staple's, and almost not occur (the magazine left out her argu- um water, millenium solar radios, pen a as time has progressed there have been every page is black and white, ripping if ment) and disregarded her credibility due device which allows one to east his own more items released such as the Y2K sur- you sneeze on it. The photographs have to the fact that all of the "professionals" bullets to use in his gun in case of vival video, and this "Y2K Survival the quality of family pictures taken on a (which Implies that she is not one) do not attacks. It is ridiculous, and greedy. Handbook." Still everyday people go to disposable camera, and the advertise- agree with her. Then it slips in that one A recent Time magazine article read work, and the media wonder where is the ments are about as professional looking other person agrees, but no name is that all the banks in the nation were test- fever. If the public will not work them- as a late 1970's pornographic magazine. given. Come to think of it, no name was ed for the Y2K bug, and 99% of them selves into a state of panic, by God some- Still it cost $5.95, three dollars more than given to the professionals they spoke of. passed. Logic would suggest that the body will. • "Maxim," the I-am-man- hear-me-belch The clencher resides in one of the few government would have been smart

PLACE TOUR ADVERTISEMENT HERE GALL THE OBSERVER AT (212) 636 6015 FOR AD INFORMATION AND RATES September 29,1999 Features

Club Day - Discovering What Fordham Has to Offer By Diane Baron Fordham talent. If you or anyone you Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, during know is interested email Juan Restrepo spring break to put down the foundation On September 15, the various clubs [email protected]. of a house and repair another. Students offered at Fordham University's Lincoln In the past, the Asian Society has work as a team on these projects enrich- Center Campus gathered in the Plaza of sponsored a viewing of the film The Joy ing their own lives while helping others. the Leon Lowenstein Building enticing Luck Club , workshops on what it Anna Meresidis, FCLC '00, is the all students to become active members means to be Asian, as well as fund-rais- director of Jesuit University Students of the Fordham community. If you Together Instilling Concern and missed Club Day, here is a profile df Empowerment (JUSTICE). When I only a few of the many interesting clubs spoke to her about the organization, she at Lincoln Center. pointed out that through the offered Clubs offered this year include the workshops and training sessions, stu- Comparative literature Club, Gannon dents are given the specific means of Speech and Debate Society, Molimo, learning how to be effectively involved Science Club, and the Student Alliance in arbitration, communication, leader- for Multimedia (SAM), among others. ship, and empowerment on campus and Some clubs have formed to unite stu- internationally. JUSTICE is currently dents of Italian heritage, such as the working on three projects, a Rock the Ciao Amici Club or of Greek heritage Vote campaign, Hunger Awareness such as the Odysseus Hellenic Society.- campaign, and a campaign to end sweat- Such clubs were not designed to sepa- shop labor. rate students from their fellow class- Twenty-eight registered clubs and mates but were intended to bring an six department-sponsored organiza- appreciation of different cultures tions share an activities' budget of to campus. $64,086.50. This money has been used Juan C. Restrepo, FCLC '01 and co- <5 to provide such events as SPARC'S chair of the leadership council of the Dinner and Movie Forums, Commuter Student Organization of Latinos (S.O.L) A student learns more about one of Student Appreciation Week, and the ©apartment-Sponsored Organizations declared, "You don't have to be Latino to the various clubs at FCLC Seventh Annual Film and Video Festival have S.O.L" S.O.L is an organization ers such as bake sales and a Thai sponsored by the Fordham Applied dedicated to serving both the Fordham Orchid sale for Valentine's Day. "The Media Arts Society (FAMAS). £cattnt*tm£ Students Assoaawotv {CSA} and Hispanic communities. Their Club issues that we cover might have an If you were at Club Day and feel as if Day flyer clearly states, "Membership is Asian and Pacific Islander foundation, something was missing and not repre- jfttm tfiwws.rty iM«n« That InitJIt ? open to students of all backgrounds and but are universal and applicable to the sented, starting a club that caters to .Concern snd empowerment (JUSTICE) languages who are interested in overall ' Fordham community," your interests is an easy task. New rt<$ !>y the Offl« of ^t'ldoit Affairs) 5 Hispanic culture, issues, or events and said President Diana Roygulchareon, clubs can be formed by gathering five who enjoy broadening their understand- FCLC'00. members and contacting Megan e 'turfont Awuance ing of the diverse world we live in. Global Outreach is only one of the O'Hare in the Student Activities Office. Program) S.O.L is interested in sponsoring a con- clubs that focuses on serving the com- An USG representative will be assigned cert during Hispanic Heritage Week in munity outside of Fordham. Last year to your group to assist you with creating mid-October featuring Latin, jazz, Global Outreach traveled to Almost a charter and getting started. • Serial Programming to Adyance a • dance, and hip-hop music performers to Heaven, in Circleville, West Virginia, nity (SPARC) (spot" { celebrate Hispanic culture as well as during Christmas break and «»r

By Sapna Maloor perhaps, just perhaps, he or she would look out the slickers that MTV was so kind to provide. As a hand- window and notice her. ful of ticket-holders left the bleachers, throngs of I'm soaking wet and I can't breathe. My mouth There were speculations, however, as to who had teenyboppers rushed to the barricade screaming, has a strange taste to it and there's something jab- stepped out of which limo. "Its Rich!!!!" came the "Give me your ticket!!!" while their dry counterparts bing my spinning head. My internal organs feel like screams. No one knew for sure if Rich was coming taunted them. After it was apparent that no one they've repositioned themselves as I'm out of that limo, but it is quite amazing to see how would get the tickets, the crowd lost interest and being pushed in from all sides. "Roll down the quickly rumors can spread down Broadway. went back to chanting "Roll down your window." window. Roll down the window. Roll down the win- "Where's Rich?" I asked my friend. "More impor- Then, suddenly one of the scooter-girls came hand- dow," are the only words that I can hear playing over tantly, is Rich?" Apparently, I was the only person ing out papers and the crowd once again rushed to and over. The worst part? All I can see are dark there whom either did not know or did not pretend the barricades. Disappointment ensued as they real- waves. No, I'm not stuck in a car in the abysmal to know Rich on a,first-name basis. "Oh my ized it was only a flyer advertising a newly depths of the Atlantic as water crashes through the god...Rich from LFO," came a random, excited reply. signed band. windows; rather, I'm stuck on Broadway during the "The Abercrombie and Fitch song?" I regretted ask- "I want to see Ricky Martin." "I want to see the MTV Video Music Awards at the Metropolitan ing since it resulted in a chorus of, "I like girls who Backstreet Boys." "I want to see Jay-Z." Opera House in the rain. wear Abercrombie and Fitch." These were perhaps the only words heard other The jabbing is from an umbrella held by the girl What happened to the good old days of MTV, I than the distorted noise known as Blinkl82. Not next to me whose ability to balance herself on Steve thought Days when VJs djdn't come with a pre- wanting to be the one to tell them that they won't see Madden platforms under present conditions is sim- packaged entourage of screaming girls...when they anything, I left, squeezing my way north on ply a feat all its own._The taste in my mouth comes actually had a job introducing videos and not stick- Broadway. from a Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter and Jelly cup, ing microphones into the faces of teenyboppers to And that's when I saw a pseudo-celebrity..Jesse which wafs given to me as a promotion. As for the fill the time gap? Does anyone remember the MTV the'freakish VJ in all his multicolored glory. He repositioning of my internal organs, it is probably awards when it wasn't competing against the walked right past me with enough makeup to put due to the fact that I just jumped a police barricade Grammys? When the pre-show wasn't bigger than Barnum & Bailey to shame. The fact that he's like 8 to get across the street, trying carefully but unsuc- the show itself? When MTV was filmed INDOORS? feet tall doesn't make him any less of a spectacle cessfully to avoid weird people on scooters with When I could watch a video that aired in and of itself either. Unfazed, I kept walking until I was stopped. video screens across the 'tront of and not as part of a show like TRL Spankin' New The 14 year old girl in front of me was trying to get their shirts. Videos? When Billy Idol's "Rock the Cradle" was on into the pre-show by flirting with a cop, as if he While I normally would be making some quip high rotation and there was no problem with airing a would actually fall for it (I know they're NYC cops, about whether or not but give 'em some cred- they're getting paid enough it). However, this was to scoot around Broadway an opportunity for me. making utter fools of them- What happened to the good old My friend and I walked selves, I actually found around the cop and myself concerned and squeezed in through somewhat saddened. After days of MTV, I thought^When the barricade. We were all, one of them is bound to in the pre-show! Now, get electrocuted in this don't get excited-noth- weather, causing not only MTV s local competition was ing more happened her demise but also mas- there except that we sive psychological reper- The Box? When MTV was got to see the limos cussions on the teenybop- park. "Let's go," said pers of America whom we my friend after a while. hold so dear. There is no cooler than VH1? The rain had stopped, one in this world who but the crowd had not. would like to see an emotionally disturbed Brittany nine minute video like "November Rain?" When I assume at this point that the awards had already Spears, boob job and all (believe me, they're fake), music mattered more than the artists formerly begun, but since no one could see, no one really flash across their television screens. What America known as Mouseketeers? Before Biorhythm and knew and so they stayed. Based on my assumption, really wants is a wholesome teenager whose only Making the Video and Fanatic and countdowns to however, we left and went to the good old Coliseum. concern at the present moment is to see who is com- anything and everything? When the only things you That night, I came home, put my bag down, sat on ing out of which limo. Case in point: the girl in front knew about the artists, you knew from my couch and turned on the TV. VH1 was on. • of me with dark wavy hair who is currently blocking Rockumentaries, and 120 Minutes actually came on my view courtesy of her Skechers extra chunky every week? When Yo! MTV Raps wasn't replaced shoes. by MTV Jams and when Club MTV was cool to While we're on the topic.who is coming out of watch (don't ask)? When the first Club MTV Party those limos? The answer to that question is that no to Go had a Depeche Mode remix? When all the one knows, not even the girls in front of me, or the videos weren't made by only a handful of directors thousands surrounding me, not even the ones who (and even if the? were, we didn't know it since their were there in the morning waiting for this blessed names didn't appear) and didn't look the same? event with their parents' When MTV's local competition was The Box? When camcorder in hand, or the parents themselves MTV was cooler than VH1? who accompanied their beloved teenybopper into Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately, in light of the city to witness THE show of the millennium. All this newfound nostalgia), I hadn't run into the anyone really knew was that within those limos, Student Activities Office fast enough to get a ticket there was someone there whose song she'd heard or to the pre-show. Those who did got to stand on facet she'd seen and for that brief moment in time bleachers on the sidewalk with army colored rain September 29,1999 Features FORDHAM WANTS ITS MTV? By Kim Allen who has roommates, into all hours of the night ask- about this subject; I have not received a response. Students throughout FCLC, from undergrads to ing for tickets. "I was driven nuts," said Dawn. Although according to some SAO workers many the Law school, showed that they wanted their MTV "People were calling my room, waking me up saying law school students complained, I could not find one as they waited on line outside of the Student 'do you have tickets?"1 Residential Life even com- law student who seemed to know (or even really Activities Office to get tickets for choice seats to the mented about how many telephone calls she got at care) that MTV was'giving away tickets through the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, which aired on that time and couldn't believe all the messages she school. This could be because of the SAO's posting September 9,1999. Did I say choice seats? What I received. "You have no idea how many people called regulations. When a student wants to post some- should have said was a choice spot in the street - any- my room looking for tickets," she added. thing, the regulations say students are not allowed to where you could squeeze in along with the other mil- In addition, students from the law school were post anything in certain parts of the school. "We lion New Yorkers lining 57th Street that evening. upset that they didn't have equal access to the MTV give out posting regulations, which say you can only There were 200 tickets available to Fordham stu- tickets. A few law students came into SAO to com- post in Lowenstein and not in the Graduate School or dents through the Student Activities Office. These plain and one of the Law School deans even called the Law School and a few other floors," said Kelly. tickets, like all free tickets and discounts offered SAO to complain that they should get at least half of "Whether the MTV thing should have applied to through SAO, were available on a first-come, first- the tickets available from MTV. that, I don't know. MTV called the undergrads, they serve basis. Normally, this process works. "Some [law students] actually got them when we could have called the law school as well." So it was However, many students, including some law stu- were giving them away, anyone from the age of 18- really a no-win situation for the SAO. dents, felt like they never had a fair chance to get 24," said SAO employee Kelly Graf, FCLC '02. Some The SAO will continue giving away tickets to stu- MTV tickets. I went to the office around 3:30 p.m. came in the next day to complain because they did- dents, when they become available. "That's how it's that day and the tickets were already gone. n't know about it As far as the discrimination with been done before and even within our own school, Although the other schools have offices equivalent age, that was MTVs decision, not ours." people get shut out," said Dawn. • to the SAO (Law School: Student Affairs and Student Aside from getting numerous telephone calls, Bar Association; and Business School: Student Dawn also had to hear about the tickets in the eleva- Affairs), only the SAO office was offered tickets tor, of all places. "A law student on the elevator was from MTV. However, MTV required all Fordham complaining about (unavailability ticket holders to "be" and "look" between the ages of MTV tickets) and asking questions. I asked if of 18-24. You also had to along give them your name she was talking about the MTV tickets," Dawn said. and telephone number. "I told her I worked *at SAO and she started com- The restriction meant nothing; only two people plaining to me. She said she was on the Student Bar were turned away and the tickets ran out in two Association." Others on the elevator also started hours (at 3:00 p.m.). Regardless, many students complaining to her about the lack of tickets. "I was were still looking for tickets. Somehow, some of upset that I caught flack from students," Dawn them got the home telephone number of Dawn, added. "I'm a student worker and I did what FCLC '02, the SAO student worker who handled the I was told." distribution of MTV tickets. Students called Dawn, I left a message with the Student Bar Association

whipped out with dripping umbrellas and a fear as rumor of water as emer- on the tracks started to spread. gency sup- As the day went on, my eyes continually found Rush Hot plies were themselves drifting towards the window to see what purchased exactly had caused all the chaos. As far as I could at Twelve Noon! while waiting see, it was just a little rain. Sure, the wind trashed $2 for the umbrellas, exposing their metal skeletons. Sure, arrival of plastic bags became the best article of clothing you Floyd. could have. Sure, seldom seen creatures such as Commuters slugs and worms showed their slimy selves. Sure, cursed. even Starbucks closed. Still, I don't understand exactly what all the fuss was about I know many a person who went out puddle splashing. I know many a person who braved the By Heather Rae Hatton Unfortunately, not everyone knew about the closing storm and ventured out into the night I myself even soon enough. braved the subway without any fears of water on the I don't know about you, but I sure found Floyd's "I came here for an 11:30 class and the minute I tracks. It was actually kind of nice with everyone effect on Fordham confusing. I've never before seen walked in, I found out that classes after 12 were can- else holed up in citywide panic. A friend and I almost water in any form besides snow cause mile-long lines in celed. I went to class anyway and begged the profes- had our own subway car. It just didn't seem that bad. grocery markets, liquor stores, subway entrances, the sor to have class because I was upset that I came for With all the chaos over rain, I wonder what win- cafe and traffic. Just as impatient crowds stood still in nothing," says Mona Butsuhara, FCLC '03, one of the ter at Fordham this year will be like. Another hurri- those lines, Fordham itself stood still after 12PM. many commuter students that populate cane just swept through Florida bringing rain to Everyone knows now that on September 16th the our classes. New York on the 20th, and whols to say more aren't school shut down at noon. The fact couldn't be avoid- Other commuters' annoyance was doubled by the coming? What I do know is that colder weather is on ed as it was broadcast over the PA system, sweeping ride home after the shutdown. Linda Pinke, FCLC its way. Forget about the rain. Enjoy it! Soon it will the campus with faded high school memories of early '03, saw her hour-and-a-half ride home take two be snow. Save the panic and emergency rushes for dismissals and the forgotten rush that always went hours. "It was rush hour at twelve noon!" she said. winter. From what I see now, I'm going to guess that along with them, esldenta' eyes brightened, their Ram van riders were packed like sardines on the itill be rough. • .„„»„. hands reached for phones, and their wallets were trek back up to Rose Hill and subway cars were filled Features September 29, P999 Dressing Cheap and Chic In jThe

By Julie Benasra If you feel uncomffl lors in an Indian style V-neck T-shirt, for $28. The feathers hanging fippest colors are khaki, light blue, black, and pink. Being a fashion victim is not easy. Because of the always opt for a ror a nice, warm winter sweater, Gap currently has high price tags fashion designers establish, almost full length, mic a gray mohair elbow-sleeved pullover for the none of us can avoid dreaming about that Prada best place to fine ,N incredible price of $24.99. outfit with the feathers at the bottom of khaki pants taste woulc As the designers have prescribed with their fall and that mohair, grandma-looking sweater. in stock shion, old and boiled looking wool accessories New York City, with all its hidden and sometimes vintage, the hippest way to be warm in cold months, unattractive boutiques, is the place to dress hip $50. The best pfcfc^ frban Outfitter has sets of gloves and mittens in without spending fortunes to look good. If you go to Since the details J 'jvory, turquoise and black, for the grand total of the right places you can find an amazing looking feature about the: '.j'$50. To match your ivory gloves, J Crew is offering outfit for under $300. Yes, that's right, for the whole running alofltf t!u> the best laoking poncho of the season. For $98, outfit - not just the T-shirt. WhetherKrou dc< sy offer a real Peruvian style poncho in beige We all know that the fall is all about the details - must have- ami I fcwtstqi ,gray and red layers around the neck and at the a mohair sweater, a pink scarf, feathered pants, and rather difficult • "*** ft per-" i. The hood and fringes at the bottom give leather calf-high boots. To be practical, let's start fectly, but Nine ise of siyfes., tbe^dncho a hippie-chic look that everyone is with the basics: pants, skirts, T-shirts, and shoes. Depending on r style (Sljtiest,, you Then, we're talk about the chic accessories. can choose be ankle, 1 s1 Union Bay's pink scarf that looks like cashmere A tacky looking store named Mystique Boutique the knee. The cost you $15. The best thing about Union on Broadway in SoHo carries some nice items! but $79.99. iy is that you do not even need to take part in the you will have to dig through the tasteless clothes to Now that your legs'are Ration of shopping on Saturdays in the city, since find something that compliments your look. Gray start to think about some all, can order that beautiful scarf; through the stretch pants with beige feathers at the bottom can sleeves of your T-shirts should .atthe elbow. Internet at www.unionbay.com. And you don't get be found for the low price of $59.99. Urban Outfitter, once again, offers a wide variety of much more chic than that. •

in the following categories: Temperature, height, Fordham Gets Its Water On steadiness, convergence, and departure angle. In each category, the further a fountain ranges from the ideal, By Hugh Mclntosh insides all the way to the stomach. Small pangs of the lower the individual grade; the average of the five hunger are washed away for a while, and the tempera- gradesijeing a fountain's final grade. Occasionally a moment in life shocks us into reac- ture of your mouth drops considerably. Somewhat These ratings are meant only as a tool to increase quaintance with the currents that animate and unify all relieved, you return to your work. campus awareness, I encourage everyone to judge also things. The difference is in the water, and that difference for him or herself. While we learn and teach and work, -Albert Einstein, 1924 could be the hook that pulls you closer to being a part our watery brains should be saluted for turning the Feeling disconnected? Go ahead, grab Fordham by of allcFordham has to offer. At our school there are building blocks of life into words and ideas. the fountain, open up a vein of Lowenstein and take a plenty of different ways to water yourself. And since As we flow in and out of the college at Lincoln sip, it's good for you! paying for bottled water is arguably insane, that leaves Center, a return to the water that is centrally pumped Picture this: (1) You have something on your mind one of Lowenstein's fleet of fifteen fountains as the continuously through the walls and floors is as close as that is troubling you (you might not know, but it is most likely choice. Wandering through the student the water fountain in the hall. interfering with your concentration). You stop for a body, inquiring about in-school relationships with While the chart is relatively arbitrary, it does point to moment, bend down, and take a drink of water from a water, one sees that many of us share the same con- the fact that, in the water fountain department, we are fountain. It is lukewarm, and slightly sprays your face. cerns about drinking fountains: surrounded by a mediocrity that threatens to diminish (2) You have something on your mind that is troubling - What about germs?...The fountains at Fordham are the full nature of what it could be t6 take a sip of water. you (it is interfering with your ability to see things thoroughly disinfected each night by the custodial If your local fountain has you desensitized, I suggest clearly). You stop for a moment, bend down, and take staff. Also, a properly pressurized fountain does not venturing to the third floor, where the newer model a drink of water from a fountain. The stream is steady require any contact between face and metal. fountain refrigerates well. Feeling bold? Fill up an and thick, and it is so cold that it slightly hurts your - Is the water filtered?...Yes. The cold drinking water empty bottle, take it with you. front teeth. You can feel it going down, cooling off your is filtered not once but TWICE on-site in the innards of Here, then, are my findings: the building. Fountain (by floor)-Worth Your Attention?- - How much should I drink every day?...This is a Comments good question, and not an easy one to answer. Most 12th fl. 65 doctors and scientists recommend drinking around thin, divergent,sporadic eight eight-ounce glasses per day to promote proper 11th fl. 89 metabolic functioning and encourage processes of nat- 10th fl. 81 ural detoxification . This figure fluctuates slightly with 9th fl. 80 bodyweight For our purposes, however, quality 8th fl. 86 rather than quantity is key. For this reason, I have 7th fl. 88 included a brief overview of the water fountains of 6th fl. 86 Lowenstein. 5th fl. 78 Each fountain lias been given a grade in the familiar 4th fl. 82 0 -100 scale, The paradigmatic fountain for a grade of 3rd fl. 92 100 exists only in my mind and is to my knowledge colder water, handicapped accessible most closely approximated by an impeccably main- 2nd fl. 86 tained drinking fountain in the public floor of the Plaza LL @ entrance 75 Hotel. a bad first impression In addition, I approached dozens of fountain LL@ Gerald Quinii ~,_J§__««-«_»--». drinkers in the hallways of Fordham this week, asking it's all over the place them to describe their ultimate drinking experience. I LL © Computer store 86 Water anyone? then compiled all the data into a five-point grading scale September 29,1999 Arts & Culture Amateurs and Veterans: A Look at Forclham Bands

By Cynthia Rodriguez Junior Chris Owens, of the band Center and Fordham Rose Hill,, as In terms of shaping the way my_band My Air Crash Experience, formerly well as in New Jersey. "Anytime sounded, Sunny Day Real Estate.', At Fordham University is a hotbed known as On A Friday, began playing there is an opportunity to play, we the time, they were the only band for musical talent, where several stu- guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone will," says Owens. that sounded like what I wanted it to dents aspire to be musicians. While some simply perform to share their gifts with the Fordham community, others are already recording debut albums. The Back to School Bash held on September 10, 1999 on the 12th floor of the Leon Lowenstein building showcased Fordham stu- dents at their musical best. Freshman Brendan Boehning has been playing the guitar for four years. In his native Long Island, he performed with his band Permanent Daylight. Influenced by Radiohead, Placebo, The Cure, and Moby, Boehning says, "I've been writing songs since November of '97." His inspiration to write is driven from two main sources. "Lyrically, it's just from walking around my surround- ings -long walks in Central Park. Alscj, solitude because you think about things and arrive at some dif- ferent conclusions." In addition, Boehning has strong beliefs about the purpose of music. "I think music should be about com- municating feelings to other people and, hopefully, that would make peo- ple more open and accepting of each other." " CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Brian Leopold & Chris Owens; Kevin Devine; Kevin Kolankowski, Mike Thomas & Mike Morgan Scott Barry, FCLC '02, made his solo performance debut on August during his sophomore year in high My Air Crash Experience is current- sound like." Most recently, however, 31,1999 at Indigo. He also plays in school. That, however, was not the ly working on their debut album. Elliott Smith has joined his list of the newly formed band Apartment ID genesis of his musical career. Owens' "We want to be signed by influences. with friend Matt Susich and fellow father is an Irish folk singer, so music December," Owens smiles. When asked what inspires his Fordham students Dan Murphy, is in his blood. "My mom and dad "Hopefully, by November we'll be songwriting Devine answers, FCLC '02, and B.J. Kiernan, FCRH would sing to me while I was in the playing at The Wetlands or Irving "Things that happen in my life, '02. womb and I would kick along to the Plaza." My Air Crash Experience will things I observe, and other music, "I bought a guitar last October and music," Owens recalls. In addition, be appearing in a battle of the bands too." just started to play it," says Barry. Owens attended a music school from at Rowan University in October. Audiences react positively to "I've always written poetry, and I've sixth to eighth grade. The winner of the battle of the Devine's music, especially at recently put it to music." In addition, My Air Crash Experience formed in bands was Kevin Devine, FCLC '01, Fordham. "It's great! It makes me Barry plays a rather unharmonious February of 1999. The band consists who typically charmed the Fordham feel good because it means they must harmonica for Apartment ID, whose of Owens, Brian Leopold, FCLC '01, audience with his mesmerizing like it and I must be doing something music, according to Dan Murphy, is Brad York, and Mike Losquardo. sound. Devine began playing the right." heavily influenced by Tom Petty, Bob Leopold and York have been playing guitar in a class in his Brooklyn The Miracle of '86 is appearing Dylan, The Byrds, and Weird Al. together since their childhood. grammar school. He then stopped October 9th at a college radio festival When asked how he felt about "Each member of the band brings [it] for two years, but resumed playing at SUNY Binghamton. Their CD is Apartment ID's debut performance at a fairly unique influence," says Owens. in 8th grade and began to take it seri- scheduled for release in November the Back to School Bash, Murphy Brit pop acts such as Radiohead, Oasis, ously. on Fade Away Records, an indepen- says, "We were all just so excited. Stone Roses, and Blur are key for Owens In addition to his solo perfor- dent record label on Long Island. A There's nothing like the thrill of per- and Leopold. The band/ as a whole, mances, Devine plays with his band U.S. tour over winter break will fol- formance. Afterwards, we basically looks to Jon Bon JovL The Doors, Built to The Miracle of'86. He has been influ- low. all just rolled around on the floor like Spill, Tom Waits, Charlie Parker, and enced by a variety of musicians. "The Devine's solo release is expected a bunch of puppies. It was great!" the Pmrl Jam/Nirvana grunge era for first band I ever liked was Guns n' by Christmas.! Apartment 20 plans to appear at an inspiration. Roses," says Devine. "And I always upcoming DeCafe; Barry will be per- Regarding their performance his- liked The Beatles and Bob Dylan, but forming at Indigo within the month tory, My Air Crash Experience has the band that started my looking at of October. played at both Fordham Lincoln music the way I do now is Nirvana, Arts & Culture September 29,1999 in the Park

By Paul Coco

Concerts in Central Park are events that live on in rock 'n roll history. Simon 8t Garfunkel, Elton John, and Garth Brooks are just a few of the renowned performers who have entertained Mew Yorkers with legendary free concerts. On Tuesday, September 14, Sheryl Crow added herself to the list of famed entertainers who have graced Central Park with their talent Although the show was limited to only 25,000 guests fortunate enough to win Octets through American Express vendors, the concert was nonetheless spectacular. The event billed as *Sheryl Crow and Friends", included per- formances and appearances by Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Micks, Chrissle Hynde of the Pretenders, the Dixie Chicks, Eric Clapton, Keith Richarda Bill Murray, and Sandra Bernard. Crow closed the evening: by singing "All I wanna do is have some fun,* but it was already clear that she, along with everyone on stage and off, was doing just that • From left to right clockwise: McLachlan and Crow; Peter Stroud, Crow and Chrissie Hynde; Stevie Nicks; Crow; Bill Murray; McLachlan; Crow, Dixie Chick Natalie and McLachlan; Eric Clapton September??, I ??9 Arts & Culture The Starbucks of Soup?

By Paul Hagen desserts are to die for. With a selection Soma also caters to the salad crew, ing. The display was more "jingle" than ranging from the more traditional choco- offering basic garden salads, with a vinai- jungle, and I don't think any of us left "It's a good night for soup," someone late chip cookie to Bin Bin's personal grette that's excellent. Their more risque believing that Soma Soup was the foun- said with a nod and a smile as I entered favorite: Butterscotch Bliss, there's a lit- efforts are pretty successful as well. The tain of youth, however it got the message the trendy confines of Soma Soup, the tle something for everyone. Soma's phi- Noodler salad, for example, tastes exact" across: Soma Soup offers a healthy alter- latest NYC eatery with soup on the brain. losophy is that if you've had a meal of ly like cold sesame noodles (for anyone native to fast food which will be both sat- But there's something special about their healthy soup, you can afford to.be a who has ever sjhoveled them, down with isfying and part of a, healthy diej. (And Soma. Often attributed to the "Soup little naughty on dessert. (I was a, little chopsticks from their favorite Chinese, for the lucky few, will transform you into Nazi" episode of Seinfeld, the rise of naughty with the cococnut chocolate takeout.) Less appetizing than the salads a dancing nymph.) Ted Caplow, co- soup has become a hot topic. However, a pecan macaroons. They were definitely are their "healthy" shakes. If you've ever founder of Soma Soup said that he definitive soup chain has yet to be estab- worth it.) Take advantage of the offer choked down something because it was thought the ballet dancers conveyed the lished. Coffee has its Starbucks; will while it lasts. Once Bin Bin's bin is full, "good for you," you know the sensation image that Soma Soup would offer New soup be next? Co-founders Ronan you can go back to chucking your movie of a Soma Shake already. Some are more Yorkers a meal that keeps them "light on Abergel and Ted Caplow seem to hope stubs on the way out of the theater. acceptable than others, to be fair. The their feet." so: "But you can't be the Starbucks of So how is the soup? The emphasis Strawberry Yogo Shake is almost pleas- So ends my tale of Soma Soup. soup based on gourmet quality alone. Soma places on all that is fresh and nat- ant. Run screaming, however, at the men- The opening wasn't celebrity laden, but You have to create an environment," says ural is evident even in their menu, which tion of the Lemon-Thyme Soma Shade. it was plenty of fun, and best of all it let Abergal.. is careful to list whether dishes are vege- If you think it sounds disgusting, just be me do trje tasting for you. The foods I Soma Soup might be just the environ- tarian, organic, and dairy free. The menu glad you didn't unsuspectingly down a complain about should in no way deter ment that hits the proverbial nail on the has its share of sensational discoveries sample. • you from visiting; at the very least you ' head. With its bright red door, trendy along with a few sensations your mouth The Dancers of the New York City know what to steer*, from to more fully couches, oval tables, and a menu out of might rather not discover. Cheeseburger Ballet seem ready to support Soma Soup. enjoy your Soma Soup experience. Take English Comp 101, Soma is delightfully Soup and Baked Idaho may sound like Halfway through Soma's opening party, the 1'and 9 up to 72nd and it is on the quirky. It is practically begging to oddballs, but they are definitely not to be the crowd was asked to "step back" to west side of Broadway between 72nd become a chain. A major contributor is missed. The Cheeseburger is bursting make room for the night's entertainment. and 71st. All of the soups contain a secret the "lovable" mascot, Bin Bin the with old fashioned hot-off-the-grill fla- A group of dancers emerged to the sound ingredient not to be found in the soup in Monkey, who graces the restaurant with vor, and I could actually close my eyes of "tribal rhythms." Deftly wielding the cafeteria: taste. I might also add that his giant bowl of soup held triumphantly and swear I was eating a baked Idaho their props: huge ladles and soup bins, if it's good enough that the ballerinas high. Despite the monkey and some potato loaded with sour cream, bacon their dance interpreted the story of a mid- will trek up from Lincoln Center, it's attempts at decorative "jungle" shrub- bits, and chives. However, if you are dle aged married couple; they come upon good enough for you. I know I will be bery, Soma, is hardly a walk in the rain- tempted to go for a walk on the wild side a kettle surrounded by dancing jungle making a return trip, so if you see me, forest. It feels very much like the trendy with Serengeti Peanut or Zen Banana, nymphs. The soup goddess emerges from say hello. (I'll be the dancing nymph in West Side restaurant that it is. It remains resist the temptation. Far from a taste the kettle and begins to bless the nymphs the corner carefully guarding my 32-oz. to be seen whether Soma will become sensation, both taste spoiled and general- with soup. Soon the middle-aged couple bin of cheeseburger soup.) ensconced pop culture or die as last ly unpleasant. Save your money for the gets into the act, and, upon drinking the week's passing trend. Baba Gazpacho, which is the freshest I soup, are transformed into young, attrac- So what's Bin Bin raising his bowl have ever experienced, or the Casablanca tive, and healthy soup nymphs them- about? They're off to a good start, but do Chicken. Like its namesake, it is defi- selves. Although completely ageist and not expect a break in price simply nitely a classic. utterly ridiculous, the dance was amus- because Soma is starting out. The self proclaimed "Starbucks of soup" is already charging Starbucks prices. At $4.95 for the "Little Bin," Soma seems to be asking a lot for a mere 12 ounces of soup, extra if you are in the mood for a seafood soup. Soma does not seem to agree however, protesting that their "soup as a meal" credo would never allow a customer to leave hungry. Accordingly, a healthy portion of Bin Bin's bread (a choice of focaccia, sour- dough, tortillas or flatbrcad) is provided along with every purchase. Soma is offering a bit of a "wild" deal in celebration of their opening, however. Apparently Bin Bin the monkey has a very large, very empty bin which he is looking to fill with movie stubs: your movio stubs. Save your stub after you leave the theater and trade it in at Soma CMirMiy of toma S«up Co. for a free dessert with every purchase of a "Middle Bin" of soup, This deal Soma Soap Logo smacks of good taste, literally: Soma's Arts & Culture September 3,1999 My Twenty Year Love Affair with an Alien

By Paul Coco supremacy that exists to destroy and tally remastered Lucasfilm THX—the destroys to exist. standard in home video performance. Those who are quick to dismiss Alien follows the progression of The seemingly endless passageways of Alien as a mere slasher flick set in space Giger's creation through its four stages the Nostromo, the hallow void of deep overlook the complex subtleties of the of development—egg, "face-hugger," space, the ominous-looking planet and film. The tag line for the Alien trailer "chest-burster," and finally, fully-devel- the menace that lurks within are present- proclaimed "In Space No One Can Hear oped beast. We are introduced to the ed in unparalleled sound and picture You Scream." This slogan does more alien when a face-hugger erupts from an quality, highlighting the immense magni- than simply taunt the viewer. Rather, the egg and attaches itself to Officer Kane tude and abrasive, working-class reality slogan corresponds with the apathetic (played by John Hurt). We later learn that with which Scott illustrated his film. tone maintained throughout the film by the face hugger has implanted an alien in Alien remains so cinematically indelible the emptiness of space, the indifference Kane's chest, which bursts forth from his that it transcends its 'status as mere film displayed by the glacial tones and actions ribcage when the crew is eating dinner. to become a visual and emotional mas- of the Nostromo crew, and the conflict- The scene of Kane's rupturing chest is terpiece. ing demands of "The Company," which one of the most suspenseful, disgusting It is surprising that Alien remains so values the captivity of the alien over the and horrifying scenes ever recorded on modern, since the series is one of, if not survival of the crew. For all the films that film, and caused several audience mem- the longest series to evolve on the big have suggested the benefits and wonders bers in 1979 to vomit in the theater. In screen. The common consensus on the contained in space, the Alien series is this sense, Alien had accomplished what films that followed the original is that characterized by the opposite. so many sci-fi films had failed to do—it James Cameron's sequel, Aliens (1986) Sigourney Weaver in Alien Resurrection Everything in these films is practically succeeded in making our physical bodies is •brilliant while Alien3 (1992), directed emblazoned with a warning: Don't mess vulnerable. by /David Fincher, and Alien bid, tragic film of the series is no reason with what you don't understand, don't ' Those who are quick to dismiss Alien Resurrection (1997,) directed by Jean- to cast Alien3 aside as a poorly,con- look back, and more than anything else, as a mere slasher flick set in space over- Pierre Jeunet, lack both quality and pur- structed film. keep out! look the complex subtleties of the film. pose. True, Aliens is a fantastic film, the For all of the bravado and pomp of the • - Scott staged his characters in a TheUag line for the Alien trailer pro- crowd-pleaser of the series, but watching second film, what is most spectacular .world devoid of compassion, and it is claimed "In Space, No One Can Hear all four films back-to-back, one discov- about Alien3 and Alien Resurrection is this indifference that prevents the crew You Scream." This slogan does more ers that each film contributed equally to that these two films successfully shift the from being able to thwart the alien. than simply taunt the viewer, the slogan the outstanding quality qj the series. focus of the series beyond the destruction Giger's alien is, essentially, the absolute corresponds with the empathetic tone Both the VHS and DVD editions of of the aliens, while foregrounding the idealization "of indifference since its maintained throughout the" film by the the Alien Legacy contain the director's intimacy that has developed between innate actions consist solely of extermi- emptiness of space, the indifference dis- cut version of Aliens, adding an addition- Ripley and the alien. The last two films nation, reproduction, and survival. Thus, played by the glacial tones and actions of al seventeen minutes of footage to the in the series bravely explore Ripley's the only way to destroy, the alien is by the Nostromo crew, and the conflicting film. These pivotal seventeen minutes psychology, especially in her personal applying human resourcefulness. demands of "The Company," which val- establish many plot elements that were crusade against the aliens as her relation- Understood in this manner, Alien ues the captivity of the alien over the sur- absent from the theatrical release. The ship with them takes on maternal quali- bec20th Century Fox's Alien Legacy box vival of the crew. For all the films that•• most significant of these scenes is the ties. The fates of Ripley and the alien set reveals the Alien series to be the most have suggested the benefits and wonders one that reveals that Ripley had a daugh- become irrevocably linked when we remarkable and poignant collection of contained in space, the Alien series is ter on earth who passed away. This dis- learn that Ripley is the host for a queen science-fiction films in history. characterized by the opposite. closure casts significantly more meaning alien growing inside of her, and when we As a science-fiction film fan, Everything in these films is practically to Ripley's relationship with Newt see the contorted fetus, the alien sudden- there's nothing I can tolerate less than the emblazoned with a warning: Don't mess (Carrie Henn.) a six year-old girl whose ly symbolizes a new horror in its unnerv- nonsense regarding the Star Wars series- with what you don't understand, don't parents were killed by the aliens, while ing similarity to AIDS and other fatal the vast mythological subtext underlying look back, and more than anything else, adding consonance to the progression of viruses. When Ripley plunges into a vat the relationship between Anakin and keep out! Ripley, Newt and Corporal Hicks of molten lead in order to kill her "baby," Luke Skywalker, the eternal struggle to Scott staged his characters in a world (Michael Biehn) as a family. Cameron's we have to acknowledge the rare irony of find one's place in the universe- when devoid of compassion, and it is this indif- film transforms the structure of the the Alien series. For all of Ripley's brav- there is another series of films each of ference that prevents the crew from series, by' altering the sci-fi suspense ery and determination, she ultimately which are edgier, more aesthetic, and being able to thwart the alien'. Giger's genre that characterized Scott's film to a cannot defeat the beast without killing laden with so much more cultural signif- alien is, essentially, the absolute idealiza- sci-fi war movie, allowing Ripley to herself—perhaps the ultimate acknowl- icance, that they are superior to Star Wars tion of indifference since its innate become a hero rather than the mere sur- edgment of human strength and weak- in many ways. The recent release of the actions consist solely of extermination, vivor she was in Alien. ness. Alien Legacy box set (available on VHS reproduction, and survival. It is not surprising that Alien3 per- On the eve of the new millennium, our and DVD) definitively proves that Alien Thus, the only way to destroy the alien formed disappointingly at the box office. attention to the possibilities of space and its three sequels continually chal- is by applying human resourcefulness. Within minutes of the opening credits, travel and exploration is greater than lenged the conventions and expectations Understood in this manner, Alien Fincher's film destroys the happy ending ever. Science-fiction films, provide a of the science-fiction film genre unlike becomes an intellectual exploration of of Aliens, when it is revealed that both unique glimpse into the possibility of any other films. each characters' capability for resource- Newt and Hicks have been killed in what our future in space may be like. Directed by Ridley Scott, Alien fulness in a situation in which survival is' hyper-space. Those who were outraged Despite the bleakness and despondency defied many science-fiction film conven- based on sound instinct. More than any at their deaths arc, rather ironically, con- that characterizes the Alien series, Ellen tions, replacing the typical superhuman other sci-fi film, Alien illustrates that demning Fincher for the same thing that Ripley remains the ultimate adversary in musclcmcn with seven unassuming blue- without the acknowledgment of human they applauded in Cameron's sequel. the struggle against unfamiliar monsters, collar workers aboard the commercial ability and frailty, mankind will be ill Watching the films back-to-back, one is the uncompromising conflicts of authori- vessel Nostromo. More groundbreaking prepared to tackle the mysteries of space. struck by the broad range each filmmak- ty, and the consequences of scientific was the fact (hut the film's hero was a Despite the passage of two decades, er'has had to reinvent the scries in his experimentation. Nevertheless, the Alien gutsy woman named Lieutenant Ellen Alien remains remarkably modern. The own specific style. Each of the films scries teaches us that we should approach Riplcy, played by a then unknown exemplary quality of the DVD edition of remains individual, yet they encompass our future with-caution, and always SJgoyrney Weaver. The star of the film, Alien, which was mustered from a high- an artistic whole, solidifying our fasci- remember the unrelenting warning however, was Swiss surrealist H.R. definition transfer .supervised by Scott nation and fear with androids, .synthetic expressed so prominently in all four Giger's alien creation—a slimc-oozing, himself, allows the viewer to enjoy the creatures, and genetic clones. Just films: You can run from what's haunting acid-dripping boast of biological splendor of Alien and its sequels in digi- because Finchcr made his film the mor- you, but you can never escape. September 3,1999 Arts & Culture

Still don't think you need a DVD player? Check out thefeatures on the -20-minute feature of the making of Alieh3, which is followed by another trail DVD Edition of the Alien Legacy box set compared with'those on the VHS er for the film featuring scenes deleted from the theatrical release. edition, and then decide for yourself. -Behind the scenes feature for Alien Resurrection

DVD Edition VHS Edition

-Retail price of $109,99, but can befound on-line from 30-40% off. -Retail price of $54.99. -Teh scenes deleted ftom theatrical release of Alien with a piece of accom- -Director's cut version of Aliens adding 17 minutes to the theatrical release. panying text explaining where they fit into the film. -Theatrical trailers for all four films. -Artwork and Photo galleries, featuring dozens of pictures from Alien with • -In addition to all of these other goodies, Fox Home Video has included a some accompanying text. " number of features in the DVD edition of Alien Legacy not mention on the -Ridley Scott's storyboard for the film. outside packaging or in the booklet. On the Alien disc, there are three addition -Scott's full audio commentary soundtrack for Alien. al features. When you come to the main menu, select "Extra Features" and -Theatrical teasers and trailers for all four films. then press the left arrow key on your remote, which will highlight the the left -Isolated original score and alternate music, track. window. Press "enter" and the production credits for the film will appear. View -/4/jen DVD-Rom with Screensaver (Mac/PC)and web links. the second bonus feature by pressing the right arrow key to highlight the right -Brilliantly designed interactive menus, window. Extensive flight plans and crew information about the Nostromo will -English and French languages. appear, the last bonus feature is my favorite. Go back to the "Extra Features" -English and Spanish subtitles. menu and, using the down arrow button on your remote control, scroll down to -Eight-page glossy book for each film. the puddle of acid. Press "Enter" and Officer Kane's transmission of the alien's -Interview with James Cameron. stages of development will appear. -Dozens of stills, drawings, and photographs from behind the scenes making of On the Aliens disc, select "Extra Features" and scroll down with your Aliens. arrow key until you can select the "Vital Signs" monitor. You will see the produc- -Director's cut version of Aliens adding 17 minutes to the theatrical release. tion credits for the Aliens disc. Fighting American Culture

By Chris Monfette (Norton) is youi; typical, Everyman; unmarried, middle-class, regular job, First off, despite what this article and not the least bit satisfied with his -might sound like, it's not a movie life. His Everyman life begins to ^review. It's also not an advertise- change, however, when his apartment ment, thought it might sound like is ruined in a freak accident, and he that, too. If anything, this is an excit- meets Tyler Durden (Pitt). Then ed report about a single blip on the everything explodes. Together they map of Hollywood that might turn begin an underground society called into an explosion. Fight Club. It's a place where nor- When author Chuck Palahinuk mal, angry, dissatisfied people meet wrote his novel The Fight Club, he to engage in ruthless, bare-fist bat- must have known exactly what he tles. Here, of all places, they get a was doing. The book is calculated, sense of both power and control, and masterfully written, and reads like a in this dichotomy between violence bullet. And a bullet is precisely what ,and peace comes the«crux of the it is, shot straight into the heart of story. American culture and expertly aimed To explain beyond that point is at destroying a society's illusions. It almost impossible, but The Fight Brad Pitt in The Fight Club throws a bomb straight into the soul Club, for all its violence and scathing own or how we look. They make this ments" from Pitt and Norton that are of modern-day capitalism and tries commentary, is an incredibly positive statement by holding up to society just downright hilariously odd. While its best to ruin any concept of politi- and honest film. I've never read a the best mirror that they could cre- the site might not give you the best cal correctness. So what is the best story so in tune with the shocking ate—one that doesn't lie, and one idea as to the film's plot, it gives you thing to do with a novel like this one? reality of things, and I've never seen that doesn't show us what we want to a great sense of its tone and themes. Well, it's certainly not to make a a booilling, in fact joyfully so, to tear see. The Fight Club seems to ask the Overall, The Fight Club is some- movie, but that's exactly what direc- down all the walls we've built around constant question: How do you like thing to look out for, but only if tor David Fincher (Seven, The ourselves. And, surprisingly, there is the reflection? you're willing to challenge yourself. Game) has done, and the result may a light behind those barriers. "We've The movie won't be released until To some degree, it is David Fincher's prove to be the most challenging and all been raised by TV to believe that October 1 Sth, but it has already start- A Clockwork Orange, and the thought-provoking movie in years. * one day we'll all be movie stars or ed to reach out to its audience advanced word from film critics is To best sum it up, the press release rock gods...but we won't," says Tyler through its amazing website. that the film is astounding. It'll be reads something like this: "You are Durden about half-way through -the WWW.fight-club.com is a truly mas- interesting, however," to see the reac- not your job... You are not the con- story. For such a dark and comic tale, terful achievement in terms of web tion from the general public. Young tents of your wallet. You are not your The Fight Club never seems to want design, and it fits the themes of the fans making their way into a Brad khakis. You are not a beautiful and anything other than for society to movie like a glove. The site is host to Pitt / Edward Norton movie, looking unique snowflake... Tyler says the accept itself as it truly is, without a large variety of different sections, to see two movie stars will be disap- things you own end up owning you. illusions, without a media that cor- mostly humorous in the very politi- pointed. Their characters spend the It's only after you've lost everything rupts us, without the hyporicy that cally incorrect sense. Fake advertise- length of the film trying very hard to that you're free to do anything. Fight life has lent us. Palahinuk, in the ments, a satirical online shopping destroy the concept of "stardom", Club represents that kind of free- book, and Fincher, in the movie, both club, even a fighting arena complete and their handsome faces spend most dom..." And that's pretty much the seem to want a world of truth, as with tips on how to beat up the most of the movie bruised and bloodied. center of this new Brad Pitt / Edward opposed to one built around lies. famous figures of history (from Abe Many may fight The Fight Club, but Norton thriller. The story, while sim- They want a world where people are Lincoln all the way down to Ghandi). others may join and be amazed. ple,' is extraordinarily difficult to important to each other; where we It includes the film's trailer as well as describe, The unnamed narrator don't judge ourselves by what we two hidden "public service annouce- Sports September^, 1999 79 Percent of College Athletes The Observer Editor-in-Chief Artie Jacob Participate in Hazing Managing Editor Bonnie Gass News & Graphics Editor Johanna Garcia Associate NewsEditor Glna Salamone Commentary Editor Michael Morgan By Brian Craine Charles Mull, FCRH '02, and a member of the football Arts Editor Katy Helnrlch team, agreed. "I don't see a lot of hazing [here], although it Co-Arts Editor Eric Andersson A recent study of 2,000 athletes in colleges across the did happen in high school," Mull said. "The coaches [at Features Editor Kevin Devine country found that 79% of them had either been victims or Fordham] really threaten us if they find out that hazing is Associate Features Editor Klmberly Allen perpetrators of hazing during their college careers. The going on." Copy Editor Marie Elena Giossi study, conducted by Alfred University and in which The study defined hazing as "any activity expected _of Photography Editors Mason Saltarrelll Fordham was a participant, also found that only 10% of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses Brian Leopold coaches were aware of hazing on their teams. However, or endangers, regardless of the person's willingness to par- Graphic Designers Mary Anne Feeney both coaches and students say hazing is not a major prob- ticipate." Marisa Flores lem at Fordham. Half of the more than 2,000 athletes surveyed were Edwina Hay We have a very strict anti-hazing policy, and it is taken forced to participate in drinking contests or some other Rachael LeDuc very seriously," said Joseph DiBari, Fordham University's form of alcohol-related hazing, according to the study. In Faculty Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Stone Graphics Advisor Kerrigan Kessler Director of Sports Information. Coaches are expected to fact, it found that 40% consumed alcohol on recruitment vis- spell out the rules of the Athletic Department to their its to their universities even before they were enrolled. respective teams who are expected to abide by them, Two-thirds of student athletes in the study reported Observer Board of Directors according to DiBari. being subjected to some form of humiliation, which includ- Julie Farm, Promotion Director, PR Newswire; Anthony Giglio. Editor for Beer Connoisseur, Food Critic for New Fordham's handbook expressly forbids "any action or sit- ed being yelled at, being forced to wear embarrassing cloth- Jersey Monthly, Garfsel Gonzalez, Reporter, Gannett uation involving ing, shave their Suburban; Sean Gallagher, Production Editor, Scholastic, heads, or get tattoos Lynette Harrison, Advertising Director, W Moiaiine; Melissa physical or mental "I don't see a lot of hazing [here], Harts.tV Producer,WBIS, Cassandra Hayes, Careers Editor, abuse, such" as or body piercings. Block EmerpriwVlvian Lake.Reporter, Jersey Journal; Denise Holika, Attorney, Mina LandriscinaiBusiness Reporter, harassment, intimi- although it did happen in high school; Others described Fwighkeepsfe Journal; Brian McDonald.Freelince Writer, Lori dation, or hazing, being deprived of Mijcwski,Entertainment Editor, Teen People; Fran Brancatelli MarinaEditor. Peterson's Guides, Inc.; Gary Rosen,Vice the forced consump- The coaches [at Fordham] sleep, food, or person- President, LB Upman Publicity tion of liquor, drugs, really threaten us if they find out al hygiene. or any other liquid One in fiye athletes or solid substance that hazing is going on." .experienced what for,the purpose of researchers called All members of the Fordham community are initiation into or affiliation with any organization." "unacceptable" activity. These activities included being kid- welcome to submit letters to the editor of The "In the three years I have been here, there have been no napped, beaten, tied up, and abandoned off-campus. In addi- Observer, the independent student newspaper of major incidents of hazing," DiBari said. Even minor infrac- tion, the study found that some were forced to commit crimes Fordham College at Lincoln Center, New York, NY. tions, such as freshman athletes having their heads shaved, themselves, such as destroying property or harassing others. Address all letters to the editor to: " were stopped, according to DiBari. : The researchers said that the most likely victims of haz- Letters to the Editor Dave Clawson, head coach of Fordham University's foot- ing were male athletes, especially those on football, hockey, The Fordham Observer ball team, the Rams, said that he and his staff look for tell- lacrosse, soccer, swimming, and water polo teams. In addi- 113 West 60th St Room 408 tale signs such as shaved heads to ascertain if hazing is tion, athletes on New York. NY 10023 occurring. "We do not tolerate any hazing of the freshman," Midwestern and southern campuses were more likely to Letters to the editor may also be submitted via Clawson said, a fact he makes clear.when die team first be involved in "unacceptable" hazing, while alcohol-related campus mail and should be adrtssed to: The meets. "To my knowledge, it doesn't happen. I'don't think it hazing was more prevalent at eastern colleges, according to Observer, Rm., 408, Lowensteln. is a problem," he said. the study. Clawson also said that he tries to create an atmosphere Only one in five athletes reported being involved solely in where hazing can not occur. For example, during training positive forms of initiation, such as feam-building activities. camp the athletes and the coaches stay in the same dorm. The- Observer is the independent, not-for-profit publication of Fordhain I'niversity, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, New York, New York. 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