Celebrating the The Observer names Holiday Gifts for Holidays in NYC the 'Best of 2004' > Everyone Features, Page 11 Centerfold, Pages 14 to 15 Arts, Page 22 www.fclcobsevver.coni

The Student Voice ofFordham College at Lincoln Center December 9, 2004 Volume XXIII, Issue 7 Community mobilized in 'Vagina Monologues' controversy USG, College Council formally back ISIS Students, V-Day ByLauraDiOrio,PCLC'O5 requested changes to the pro- panel members go NEWS EDITOR duction, and that [the] Division would not fund or sponsor it," after Student Affairs FCLC—Both the College according to Dean of Students Council and United Student Christopher Rodgers. 'censorship' Government (USG) at Fordham During the same week in College at Lincoln Center November 2004, the FCLC By Monique Diman, FCLC '06 (FCLC) have passed resolutions College Council and USG each ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR that take a similar stance on the passed its own resolution disap- Division of Student Affairs' proving Student Affairs' deci- FCLC—Panel members dis- decision to not sponsor this sion. At the Nov. 17 College agreed with the Office of Student year's production of "The Council* meeting, members Affairs' refusal to sponsor the Vagina Monologues." voted almost unanimously that 2005 production of Eve Ensler's After months of discussion they "deplore the actions of "The Vagina Monologues" at a between Student Affairs and In Student Affairs toward not Nov. 17 panel that discussed the Strength I Stand (ISIS), the club allowing 'The Vagina play's relationship to Jesuit phi- that wants to put on the play Monologues' to be held" and losophy and Catholicism. with the use of money available that they "support the sponsor- Although Dean of Students from the Student Activity- Fee, ship of various academic Sarah Tilotta/The server Christopher Rodgers was asked Studa#A%airs informed -ISIS departments," . according to Over 200 students, faculty and administrators attendeed ISIS's to represent his office's position that since they were "neither Stuart Sherman, associate chair Nov. 17 forum to discuss the place of The Vagina Monologues'at as a panel member, he did not willing nor able to make the Fordham. Christmas spirit is in the air From Fordham to US Weekly By J.P. Mangalindan FCLC '05 IARTS & CULTURE ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Pages 18 to 23 You may have seen her on Extra doing Rumor Control, on VHl's Top ly-circulated) magazine hitting news- 100 shows offering her two cents, or stands these days. hob-knobbing on E's red carpet with Recently, Majewski sat down with some of Hollywood's brightest stars. The Observer to discuss the ins and For Lori Majewski, FCLC '93, it's not outs of entertainment journalism* merely a past time or hobby—music, what it's like to be on top of the heap, TV, movies, bumping into celebs— and why this journalist is just like US. it's part of the job. The 3 3-year-old Executive Editor The Observer: Was journalism of US Weekly Magazine, who hails something you've wanted to do since from Weehawken, NJ, attended FCLC the get-go, or more like something where she garnered scoops with you stumbled upon? artists like Bruce Springstein as Arts Lori Majewski: I'd wanted to be a Editor for The Observer while intern- journalist ever since I was 11-years- ing for publications like SPIN and old, when I discovered Duran Duran Sassy. During her time on the news- and I figured the only way I'd meet paper, Majewski realized her calling them is if I interviewed them, so at in life: entertainment journalism. that moment, I stopped wanting to be Majewski's first job at The Jersey a teacher and decided I was going to Journal ranged from writing obituar- set out and be a journalist and I was ies and movie show times, to hard very focused. ... I joined The news and features. Several years later, Observer, became the Arts Editor at she was tapped by YM and quickly The Observer. I also decided that I ascended the ranks of the teen maga- wanted to do celebrity interviews for zine to become its Entertainment The Observer, so I called publicists Editor, She then left YM and brought saying, 'I'd like to interview your her talents to Teen People's launch artist for The Observer,' and I would staff. The magazine won the 2001 just leave out that the fact that it was National Magazine Award (ASME), for the Fordham Observer and people the most prestigious editorial honor in thought it was for The New York the magazine industry. Observer. I didn't lie but after a while, people probably picked up on it, but Majewski, now executive editor of they thought it was so ... they knew I Us Weekly, first joined the magazine was really knowledgeable about their in 2001 nnd helped then editor in artists when 1 came to interview them, chief Bonnie Fuller revive the floun- Caitlin Dillaway/ The Observer dering publication, transforming it The Lincoln Center Holiday 'lYee was lit on Nov. 29, with the help of ABC's Sam into the wildly successful (and wide- Champion, Mickey Mouse, and a high-wire act from the Big Apple Circus. The Observer December 9, 2004 USG Pres. is silent in 'Monologues' debate _.ui. By Anthony HazeD FCLC '06 IA CLOSER LOOK spokesperson for the student things I will say, is that I respect MANAGING EDITOR body as USG president, but I Cat Wood for how thoughtful Opinion 7 'Monologues' Discussion Features 11 also feel that my opinion wasn't she is being about this situation. Arts & Culture 18 FCLC—It all started at the "At no time was I forced or the only one that represented Her own personal decision to Literary. 24 Nov. 18 open a United Student was it told to me that I couldn't them ... my primary goal is to handle the debate as USG pres- Sports ...28 Government (USG) meeting. speak out," Wood told The moderate the meetings and my ident in the way that she feels is Over a dozen officers were set MISSION STATEMENT Observer. Wood explained that personal opinion isn't heard that right is something that I know The Observer is an independent- to to discuss their reaction to last year when she thought much. There are class senators she puts a lot of thought into, minded student newspaper serv- Office of Student Affairs' recent about campaigning to become from each year representing and I respect that. I think it ing the Fordham College at decision to deny ISIS funding USG president, she did recog- thejr constituencies, and if all of would be unfortunate for there Lincoln Center (FCLC) communi- for their planned February 2005 nize that being an RA and USG the class senators are represent- to be a cynical use of this situa- ty. The Observer's mission is to seek and present the unbiased production of "The Vagina president might be a conflict of ing their constituents, then tion to exaggerate it or for other truth while simultaneously fos- Monologues." interest. She defended her deci- every class' views are heard." political or PR reasons." tering journalism experience But before the discussion sion to run and represent the stu- Jackaway said Wood's silence Wood, however, is "excited" among students enrolled at FCLC even began, USG president dent body, however, by saying, says something on its own. about the situation involving and promoting and supporting Catherine Wood, FCLC '06, "I decided that, in the end, my the ethical principles defined in "Obviously, if she agreed Student Affairs and the the First Amendment of the read the following statement: interests and my dedication to with the university, she would "Monologues." United States Constitution per- "As President of the United the students was more signifi- not be afraid to state her opin- "A lot of the students, facul- taining to the freedom of speech Student Government at Fordham cant and I felt like I could have ion," Jackaway said. ty, and the administration are all and of the press. ' College at Lincoln Center, I, a great impact in both roles to Asked what Student Affairs very vocal about the issue," she Catherine A. Wood, am recusing such as an extent that it would expects of staff members, said. "I'm excited about the CONTACTING US myself from today's hearings on be valuable to apply to be an RA The Observer office is located on Rodgers said, "Staff members issue because I feel like it's the FCLC campus in room SL-19 the production of 'The Vagina and to run to be USG president." are free to comment and partic- gained an interest by the stu- of the Leon Lowenstein building Monologues' and USG's discus- Gwenyth Jackaway, associ- ipate in the debate regardless of dents. Any issue that can gain at 113 West 60th Street, New sion and formation of the USG's ate professor of communication whether they agree or disagree interest and bring students and York, NY. Address all mail to The position on 'The Vagina and media studies, who teaches with the university or part of the faculty around discussion about Observer, Fordham College at Monologues.' Because I am the "Freedom of Expression" university. We have no expec- Lincoln Center, 113 West 60th a topic.it creates community Street, Room 408, New York, NY employed by Student Affairs as course at Lincoln Center, tations when it comes to that, and it creates more of an active 10023. Call us at 212-636-6015 a Resident Assistant [RA], there believes that Wood's silence is aside from being respectful. campus life at Fordham, which or send e-mail to editor@fdcbb- are institutional barriers that pre- "a tragic thing," especially Resident Assistants are partly I think is a great thing ... in the server.com. Send all faxes to 212- vent me from voicing my opin- since she is a student leader. hired to serve as role models for future, if students are to get 636-7047. To reach a specific edi- ion. I would not be able to rep- fellow students, so they should interested and involved about tor, please see the individual con- "In my course, we explore tact information posted in our resent the student body that has various forms of expression," purport themselves appropriate- issues, it can only benefit our masthead on the Opinion page. elected me to voice their inter- Jackaway said. "This is what's ly." He continued, "Beyond university and make it stronger The Observer holds open staff ests to the university. As my called the chilling effect. This that, disagreement is not some- and more united." • meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. proxy, Guy Tardanico, vice pres- is when people censor them- in room 406 of the Leon ident of USG, will serve as act- selves out of fear. It's self-cen- Lowenstein building. , Calendar of Events ing chairman for today's pro- sorship in anticipation of the @ Lincoln Center HOW TO PLACE AN AD ceedings." possible consequences." i'if : To reserve advertising space, or The rumors about what Referring to Fordham's Latin for rates and information, con- prompted Wood's decision motto of "Cura Personalis," tact the business manager at businessmanager@fclcobserver- began soon after.. Christopher which translates to "care for the v -Dance the night away at the Student Organization of Latinos .com or call us at 212-636-6016. Rodgers, dean of students; told whole person," Jackaway added (SOL) sponsored "Que Caliente" from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Observer thafhe was "sur- that supression of opinions , in the Cafeteria Atrium. Admission is free, but only two guests . HOW TO PLACE A CLASSI- prised" at. Wood's decision to „, should "not be a choice in a free allowed per Fordham ID. FIED AD opt out of USG's discussion. "I country or at an institution that All classified ads must be paid in did not know that Cat intended claims to care about the whole Tues., Dec. 14 . advance prior to publication. To place a classified ad, call us at to not participate in the debate," person." -Let the administrators and staff serve you "Midnight 212-636-6016, fax us at 212-636- he said. Wood also said that her voice Breakfast" from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Cafeteria Atrium! The 7047, or email the business man- Meanwhile, a yet-to-be iden- is not the only, voice that repre- event is sponsored by the Office of Student Activities; ager at businessmanager@- tified person photocopied sents students on campus. fclcobserver.com. Wood's statement and distrib- "I did feel like my voice Thurs., Dec 23 . - . LETTERS TO THE EDITOR uted it in a number a faculty would be, heard through many .',-Winter recess begins! • .-.-.'. • Letters to the Editor should be mailboxes in the Lowenstein USG representatives who had typed and sent to The Observer, Building. Was Wood the same exact views as :. Portions of this calendar are courtesy of the Offtte of Student Fordham College at Lincoln approached by somebody from myself," she said, referring to Activities. . Center, 113 West 60th Street, the Office of Student Affairs fellow officers who later voted Room 408, New York, NY 10023, or e-mailed to the editor in chief and discouraged to make a pub- in favor of the "Vagina at [email protected]. lic statement about the office Monologues" production. Length should not exceed 500 that employed her? "I understand that I am the Students vandalize suite words. The Observer reserves the right to edit all letters and sub- doors in McMahon missions for content, clarity, and Nov. 19 length. For more information, see CRIME BLOTTER the Opinion section. -At around 4:50 a.m., stu- Campus security file The Observer dents wrote profanity on some NEWS ITEMS suite doors of McMahon Hall, immediately to the incident, To offer a news tip, call 212-636- according to John Carroll, and the guest was escorted out 6015 or e-mail the editor in chief at congratulates Vin [email protected]. director of security at of the building. Gurrji$CSports Editor Fordham. The incident has PUBLIC NOTICE -Dec. 2004, on been referred to Residential Dec. l No part of The Observer may be Life. -A student reports that at reproduced without the expressed written consent of The graduation. 3:30 a.m. at the club Suede, Observer editorial board. All -A student reported to secu- located at 161 W. 23rd St., her materials printed in The rity that five posters advertis- purse was stolen. She told Observer are the exclusive prop- ing a play were removed from security she left her handbag, erty of The Observer. The views a hallway between the containing a camera, credit expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of Lowenstein building and card, cell phone, and keys, FCLC or Fordham University as a McMahon Hall between 11:30 unattended while she was whole. The Opinions expressed in p.m. and midnight. dancing, and it was gone when the Literary and Opinion sections she returned. do not necessarily reflect the Nov. 27 views of the editorial board, FCLC, or Fordham University. Best of luck. -A resident of McMahon -Between 11:35 a.m. and Opinions set forth in editorials Hall and a guest were found 11:40 a.m., a student told exclusively represent the views of We will miss you. arguing in the residence hall at security that his bag and lap- The Observer editorial board. 5:15 a.m., according to top, which he left atop a corri- Carroll. Security responded dor cabinet, were missing. •

wivw.fclcobscrvcr.com The Observer Faculty members add selves to Newman Society's 'blacklist' By Corinne Iozrio, FCLC '05 The Observer last month. "We are graceful for the e-mails we both within the classroom and with- EDITOR m CHIEF - When other faculty members learned received from unlisted faculty mem- out—are the very lifeblood of the Jesuit Several members of the Fordham fac- of the Society's report, they felt it bers," he continued, "which«indicate that Tradition of education, not indications ulty have requested that their names be appropriate to submit their names to the the 5-to-l bias in support of Kerry—a of some moral weakness at the heart of added to the Cardinal Newman Society. The e-mail campaign, accord- dissenting Catholic and avowed abor- our institution." Society's Oct. 21 report detailing presi- ing to S. Elizabeth Penry, associate pro- tion-rights advocate—probably carries Other faculty members criticized the dential campaign donations made by fessor of history and associate director over to less-generous faculty donors." Society's information-gathering tactics Catholic university employees. To date, of Latin American and Latino studies, The messages, which Penry encour- and noted in their e-mails that they were at least 15 members of the faculty have will allow members who donated to aged her colleagues to send, ranged from excluded from the report because the sent e-mail messages to the Society, but Kerry's presidential campaign but were simple one-liners .like "I am proud to add amount of their donations were not high President Patrick J. Reilly says that not listed "to stand in solidarity with my name to your list of Fordham enough. "My only regret," wrote these names will not be added to the those on the list." University faculty members who con- Michael E. Latham, associate professor report. Penry copied her initial e-mail, sent tributed to the Kerry campaign," which of history, "is that [my wife and I] didn't The report showed that employees at to the Newman Society on Nov. 19, to was the entirety of Penry's own e-mail, give the full $250 apparently required to the 10 largest Catholic institutions, six 66 other faculty members. "There has to more in-depth criticisms of the Society get on your list." of them Jesuit, donated $196,025 to been a tremendous response from the like the message sent by Vincent Atchity, Others added that their contributions Senator John Kerry's campaign com- faculty on this issue," Penry said. "This assistant dean for Lincoln Center sopho- • to other liberal, progressive organiza- pared to $21,200 donated to President has really touched a chord with many mores, juniors and transfers students, and tions were not taken into account. "For George W. Bush's. At Fordham, the people." adjunct professor of English and literary the record," wrote Daniel Soyer, associ- split was $19,460 for Kerry and $4,000 Doron Ben-Atar, associate professor studies. ate professor qf history, "other political for Bush. Reilly and the report state of history, said that he first learned of the In his e-mail Atchity wrote, "I causes to which I contributed include that this show of support for a pro- "Society's blacklisting of faculty mem- strongly encourage the Cardinal MoveOn, the Frank Barbara for choice candidate is inconsistent with bers who gave money to the Kerry cam- Newman Society to find a way of chan- Congress campaign, the Working Catholic views on abortion, and is paign and the Democratic National neling all of the energy that it has for Families Party, Citizens for Tax Justice, indicative of a strong liberal bias on Committee" through Penry's e-mail to good works into something more posi- and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom." campuses. the history faculty. tive, more productive, and more truly Despite the influx of e-mail mes- In the Nov. 18 issue of The Observer, The faculty's show of support, Reilly Christian than this virulent critique of sages, Reilly said he would not alter the Susan Beck and Thomas S. DeLuca Jr., believes, only serves to further his argu- the high principles of the very people Society's report. "We will not sporadi- associate professors of political science, ment about the "extreme liberal and anti- who dedicate their lives to educating cally add names to the list, unless we labeled the report as an attempt to stifle Catholic bias" on campuses. "The more people in the Jesuit Tradition of service can publish a complete list of all donors the faculty's freedom of speech. "This is we hear, from pro-Kerry faculty mem- to our community. After all, the high to both campaigns, verified by the a transparent effort by the Newman bers, many of whom proudly told us of principles that motivate my colleagues Federal Exchange Commission," he Society to chill our political speech and their support for other far-left and pro- on the faculty and in the administration said. "We just wanted to report this association, and also our academic free- abortion causes," he said, "the stronger here at Fordham to support social caus- timely information as it pertains to our dom by making us afraid," DeLuca told our argument. es that are progressive and humane— concerns." • Students, V-Day panel members go after Student Affairs 'censorship' potential motivator. attend. "Alumni donations do not influence The panel, sponsored by In Strength policy in Student Affairs, nor has the I Stand (ISIS) and attended by over 200 subjeqt come up in relation to this pro- students and faculty members, was duction," Gray said. moderated by Anne Hoffman, professor Despite Student Affairs' decision to of English, and included Gwyneth not sponsor the "Monologues" the per- Jackaway, associate professor of com- formance has found secure funding mutation and media studies and instruc- through several academic departments. tor of FCLC's "Freedom of "This year is a new start," said Grace Expression" class; Donna McKenzie, Martinez, FCLC '06, ISIS co-president assistant professor of theology at Rose (layout editor for The Observer). Hill; and Shael Norris, director of V- Martinez summarized events sur- Day's college campaign. rounding "The Vagina Monologues" in Rodgers explained to The Observer the past as composed of "procedural after the panel why he chose to waive difficulties and censorship." attending the event. "I let [ISIS] know I Gray, however, does not feel that would consider attending and partici- his department has censored the per- pating if the program could be formance. "There is a difference Sarah Tilotta/ The Observer enhanced through exploration of both between censorship on the part of the sides of the debate. Jackaway and Norris discuss the value qf performing the 'Monologues' at FCLC. university and a university decision "[The panel was] a perfectly accept- not to give its official endorsement to able program for ISIS to have, but not tains morally questionable sections that for discourse about issues that make a particular undertaking," he said. one that I judged was adequately bal- are at odds with the kind of values the people uncomfortable. Hoffman said Norris said that she has dealt with anced for me to attend," Rodgers con- university holds dear," Gray said. in her closing statements, "We must many other Catholic institutions who tinued. McKenzie, though, felt that the ques- become comfortable about what have been encountering similar obsta- During the forum, Jackaway ques- tions posed in the "Monologues" are makes us uncomfortable through dia- cles as ISIS has, but she is encouraged tioned Student Affairs' choice to not not in conflict with Catholic teaching logue." by the outward show of support that sponsor the "Monologues." "'It is and sexual ethics, including the concept When the panel was opened to the performance has seen at FCLC impossible to silence an idea,'" she of "creation as a gift." "We live in bod- questions and comments, some audi- thus far. "I would love to see the quoted from author John Milton. ies and come to know the world ence members speculated about how Fordham campus as a model," she "Censorship is brought into play when through our bodies," she said. "I do not the mission of V-Day might cause said. people in power are afraid. What are agree with everything depicted in ['The concern on the part of the administra- Hoffman echoed the sentiments of they afraid of?" Vagina Monologues,' but] there are tion. One critique was that a portion many faculty members saying, "I am Jeffrey Gray, vice president for voices in these monologues that need to of the $2 million that goes to end vio- here to support the students," and Student Affairs at Fordham be heard." lence against women in the name of added that "artistic expressions is inte- University, was unable to comment on At one point during the panel, the the V-Day campaign could be spent gral to teaching, learning and scholar- the panel itself as he was not in atten- audience viewed "The Little Coochie toward Planned Parenthood or other ship." dance. However, he told The Snorcher that Could," the monologue institutions that accept abortion as a Jackaway also praised ISIS members Observer, "The university is deeply that Student Affairs made particular form of birth control, which is a direct for their strength over the past months. concerned about the issues that 'The objection to on the grounds that it a violation of Catholic teachings. "I am here with a strange mixture of Vagina Monologues' purports to treat, includes an instance of statutory rape Norris, however, said that schools pride and shame," she said reflecting on namely violence against women, the of a 16-year-old girl by an older les- allot a portion of their earning to a char- both the drive of the students in con- marginalization of women, and the bian. ity of their choice, which may or may trast to her displeasure with the admin- empowerment of women. However," "We're not condoning rape," Norris not be an organization that is pro- istration. Gray continued, "we do not believe said of that monologue's intent. "It choice. "[V-Day] does not take a politi- Throughout the discussion, a petition that this production is effective in isn't supposed to be comfortable." cal stancc*on abortion," she said. asking students to support ISIS request addressing these issues. Throughout the evening there were Another issue raised involved specu- for funding from Student Affairs circu- "['The Vagina Monologues'] con- several comments regarding the need lation around alumni donations as a lated through the audience. • wwwjilcobsci'ver.com News 4 The Observer December 9, 2004 Employment statistics increase, but senior job enthusiasm drops Study says jobs market graduation.'In addition, a third of the ing anybody, and most of the people "I agree with the fact that the job mar- companies surveyed said that they getting hired are graduate students." ket is growing," said Errante, "but I just looks brighter for college expect to reassess their hiring needs For example, of the 12 interns who think that people with experience will get four times a year rather than only once. worked at Nomura with Auriemma, jobs over recent graduates simply seniors, but some FCLC Forty percent of those employers said only two of those hired were under- because they have experience. So for the that they also plan on visiting college graduates. average college graduate it will still take students think otherwise campuses next spring to conduct job So what does this mean for the future some time." By ArieDe Lenza, FCLC '05 interviews. of college graduates? Unsurprisingly, Job enthusiasm seems to be low at STAFF WRITER "I believe employers see the job jnany FCLC seniors are planning to FCLC, but DeMarco reminds seniors to market as more promising than last attend graduate school. Kamal Preet, "Prepare, prepare, prepare!" She advises A recent survey taken by the National year due to two main factors: the con- FCLC '05, is a philosophy major and seniors, "Start doing your homework Association of Colleges and Employers tinuing improvement of the economy was worried about her job opportunities now, create a resume that is targeted to (NACE) discovered that American and business growth," said Andrea after graduation. your area of interest as much as possible. employers expect to hire 13.1 percent DeMarco, associate director of FCLC's Preet's fears were confirmed by this Research the employer and be familiar more new graduates in the 2004-2005 Career Planning and Placement. "I survey, which mentioned certain fields with their corporate culture and mis- academic year. think that it's refreshing to see that the that were hiring and excluded numerous sion." This seems like good news for seniors, economy has turned around and there undergraduate majors. DeMarco also advises students to but with less than six months until grad- willl>e more opportunities for our stu- "Hearing about a 13 percent employ- become a member of professional associ- uation, many Fordham College at dents." ment increase for graduates this year did ations in his or her area of interest, net- Lincoln Center (FCLC) seniors were less It seems like the dark ages of senior not really affect me much," Preet said. "I work, and learn from others in the indus- excited than expected by this news. year job searching may be getting plan to go to law school, and if that does- try. She suggests that seniors follow the NACE conducted their job outlook brighter, but not so fast. When n't work out then my undergraduate example of Auriemma. 'Try to land an survey for 2004-2005 this past approached with the above survey study will pretty much be worthless in internship or part-time job for the spring September and based their findings on results, many FCLC seniors were'hesi- the world that we live in today. semester in your area of interest. If the 252 responses from mostly manufactur- tant to believe that the statistics will Professionals don't really care about a employer likes your work, there may be ers and service companies. Aside from make a difference in their job hunt. Rawlsian perspective of life or what opportunities to stay on for a full-time the expectation that employers will hire Christina Auriemma, FCLC '05, an Aristotle and Plato thought." position after graduation," said 13.1 percent more new graduates, 70 economics major, already landed a job Other FCLC seniors like Steve DeMarco. percent of employers responded that for post-graduation at Nomura Errante, FCLC '05, have already start- With employment statistics increas- they expect to raise starting salaries an Securities International, Inc., but ed looking for jobs and have been ing, and senior job enthusiasm decreas- average of 3.7 percent in the coming claims that this was probably the result unsuccessful in their search*so far. ing, the employment future of college year. of her two-month internship there and Errante was recently interviewed for a graduates is unpredictable. The best that The survey found that graduates in a bit of luck. part-time position at a recruiting firm, any job-hunting senior can do.right now the fields of business, computer sci- "Though I have a job secured, I do but was not offered the job because he is follow DeMarco's career advice, pos- ence, economics, and engineering have think the job. market is fierce right lacked work experience in the indus- sibly think about graduate school, and the best chances of finding a job after now," she said. "Firms aren't just hir- try. cross their fingers for luck. • Proposals are in for New York's 2012 Olympic bid By Gabby Harris, FCLC'08 still oppose the move, especially when costs alone for STAFF WRITER the venues held at Fresh Kills estimate $21 million. On Nov. 9, New York City Mayor Michael Hosting the games at Staten Island would boost the Bloomberg announced his plan for the Staten Island process of cultivating the 3.4-square-mile dump into a 2,200-acre landfill Fresh Kills to serve as the.venue for park. While Bloomberg said the complete renovation the mountain biking and bicycle motocross events in .would not be entirely finished for another 50 years, the New York's proposed bid to host the 2012 Olympic Olympic bike trails at the landfill would be ready by Games. 2012. The mayor's final plans, including security, finan- Three other events would also be held at Staten cial, environmental, housing, and transportation pro- Island: women's softball at the Richmond County posals, as outlined in a 562-page bid book that was Ballpark, road cycling in Fort Wadsworth and St. delivered last week to the International Olympic George, and equestrian events at a new world class Committee (IOC) in Switzerland, were further center to be built on the grounds of LaTourette explained at a press conference on Nov. 17, with Park. Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff. The remaining events, however, would be spread out The other Olympic bid finalists include Paris, across the other four boroughs. According to The New Madrid, Moscow, and London. IOC will announce the York Times, part of the New York plan is a joint effort winner on July 6 in Singapore. with the New York Jets and the New Jersey Nets to build According to The Staten Island Advance, John new residences in Manhattan and Brooklyn. A proposed St. Paul Pioneer Press/KRT This summer's Athens Olympic games have left New D'Amato, a West Brighton attorney and 2012 NYC stadium along the Hudson River, which is being built York officials salivating to bring the 2012 games to out of funds from the Jets and government bonds, would Committee member, said the selection of Fresh Kills is the five boroughs. a "win-win situation for the Olympics, for the commu- be used for the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies nity, and for the environmentalists." and for track and field. The proposed new home for the not propose to leave New York with just memories. However, many New Yorkers and FCLC students find Nets in Brooklyn would allow for a gymnastics show- Rather, the city will have new first-rate homes for controversy in hosting the Olympics in New York and at place. Olympic size sporting events, including rowing, archery, Fresh Kills. In addition, the triathlon would take place in Central equestrian, and cycling courses, on new lakes, fields, According to Staten Island resident Jen Monaco, Park, baseball at Yankee Stadium, basketball at Madison and parks throughout the boroughs. FCLC '08, "Staten Island is crowded enough. I don't Square Garden, football at Giants Stadium, soccer at Nonetheless, problems still remain. Critics object to agree [with D'Amato]. Fresh Kills is right by my Giants Stadium, tennis at the United States Open in issues concerning transportation, security, and over- house ... and there'd be too much traffic, too many Queens, handball at Nassau Coliseum, field hockey at crowding. In response, under the proposed plan, about people." Columbia University's Baker field, and pentathlon and 13,000 police officers will be assigned to Olympic secu- Similarly, Jane Elliott, FCLC '08, a Long Island resi- shooting at Pelham Bay Park. Finally, a new waterfront rity; more than 200 hotels supplying 45,000 rooms have dent, finds that the effects of the games coming to NYC park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, would host an aquatics already signed firm contracts; and the 16,000 athletes would cause too much "chaos and congestion and would center arena for swimming, diving, synchronized swim- and foreign coaches, dignitaries, family members, and be more than the NYPD and New York resources could ming, water polo, and beach volleyball. news media will be transported in buses, according to an handle." The total capital investment for the 2012 Olympic article in The Times. However, Fresh Kills, which was described by project has been estimated at $7.6 billion, which, However, perhaps one of the greatest controversial Monaco as "closed down" and "big and empty," now according to Doctoroff s statements in The Times, will issues surrounding the games taking place in New York stands as a wasteland that could be remodeled into a be spent regardless of whether or not New York wins the is America's turbulent worldwide relationships and for- park if selected by the IOC as the 2012 Olympic site. bid. The biggest expenses include a $2.8 billion operat- eign hostilities. Doctoroff told The Advance, "To me, there's noth- ing budget, $1.8 billion cost for the 7 subway line exten- "The Olympic Games would bring in lots of revenue, ing more powerfully symbolic than turning the sion, and $360 million for an International Broadcast heightened publicity for New York City, and it's a great world's largest dump into an Olympic venue that will Center. time for America to host the Olympics," said Caroline get used by generations of kids and other New However, Bloomberg and Doctoroff expect to raise Gaimari, FCLC '08. "It brings the world together. It is a Yorkers." $3 billion in income for the games through ticket sales, great time to show Americans care about the rest of the Despite the positive environmental transformation, as well as $12 Million of economic activity and 135,000 wprld." the biggest in the city's history, and the future plans jobs. Unfortunately, many do not see America's foreign of Bloomberg and Doctoroff, many environmentalists When the games are over, the NYC 2012 plan does December 9, 2004 The Observer WFUV student anchor USG, College Council formally back makes his voice heard ISIS; departments sponsor production By Arielle Lenza, FCLC '05 STAFF WRITER of FCLC's English department. ROSE HILL—Jonathan Similarly, at the Nov. 18 USG meeting, at Viggliotti, FCRH '05, a news which an open discussion of the issue was held, anchor for Fordham members approved a motion to "support ISIS in University's radio station, their petition and offer our support in having WFUV (90.7 FM), was one of Student Affairs sponsoring the performance of the six students chosen nationwide 'Monologues.' This-includes, but is not limited to, to participate in the National future discussions and debates to educate the Public Radio's (NPR) 2004 Fordham community on all sides of the argument. National College Media USG further disagrees with the decision made by Convention. Courtesy of Jonathan Viggliotti Student Affairs in not supporting "The Vagina This five-day convention WFUV student anchor Monologues."' took place from Nov. 2 to 6 in Jonathan Viggliotti was In response to these resolutions, Rodgers told Nashville, Tenn., where recently chosen among a small The Observer, "That in the end we disagree is less Viggliotti worked on the Next group of students nationwide an issue than the fact that we were able to con- Generation Radio Project and to participate in a radio con- verse responsibly on a number of occasions and added another interesting activ- vention in Tennessee. share our perspectives with one another. My door ity to his already impressive Observer. is always open to discuss any of these issues, but resume. Fordham paid for various folks around the university, including me, Originally from Westchester, Viggliotti's trip to Tennessee have been straightforward for more than a year NY, Viggliotti, a journalism for the convention, which was about the concerns we have with the production." major, wasn't interested inradio considered a scholarship val- Those concerns include the story told in the con- broadcasting until he entered ued at $1,100. There, he and troversial monologue "The Little Coochie Snorcher college and decided to sign up his fellow colleagues were that Could," which includes an instance of statuto- to work with WFUV on a club asked to work on the Next ry rape, and also the Student Affairs' request that Sarah Tilott/ The Observer day. Generation Radio Project in ISIS needed to "add value" to the production by Sherman reports at the V-Day panel on the At WFUV, Viggliotti, one of which each student was given offering supplementary educational programs. College Council's resolution. approximately seven other three days to write and put Sherman said that on Nov. 10, a week prior to Others agreed. "By ignoring these issues, we're Fordham students who work as together a three-minute piece the College Council meeting, the Fordham sending students out into the world not fully edu- news anchors for the station, that would be part of this pro- English department, both at Lincoln Center and at cated on issues surrounding sexuality and started off writing pieces for ject. Rose Hill, passed a resolution to be presented at women's rights," said USG Junior Senator weekend and noon broadcasting Viggliotti chose to do a the next College Council meeting. That resolution Brandon Dufour. programs and has now worked post-election piece on Bush's asked that "Student Affairs... approve, and spon- Shortly thereafter, a motion was made to have his way up to being a news future and public opinion on sor, a performance of "The Vagina Monologues' USG support ISIS's petition and their efforts to anchor for the Afternoon Drive the matter. In order, to get the intact." It also stated that Student Affairs' request educate the community on all sides of the issue. Time program that airs from 4 information he needed, to cut one monologue was a "conspicuous form of USG passed the motion, which also stated that p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Viggliotti is Viggliotti worked at WPLN, a censorship." USG disagreed with Student Affairs' decision to aware of only one other student local radio station in During the .College Council meeting, after that not sponsor the program. who has been allowed to be an Tennessee on the night of the resolution was circulated, Rodgers made it clear At an even more recent USG meeting, on Dec. anchor for a Drive Time pro- eleetion. He interviewed lis- that Student Affairs would not sponsor ISIS's pro- 2, McGovern asked on behalf of ISIS for USG to gram. teners and a professor from duction even if they agreed to cut the monologue. be a "visible face in our fight to have 'The Vagina In addition to being a news Brown University on the sub- To this, Sherman told The Observer, "Quite a few Monologues' put on through Student Affairs," anchor for the Afternoon Drive ject matter. His entire broad- faculty voiced dismay at the decision, and at dis- namely by co-sponsoring their petition. Time program, Viggliotti has cast can be heard on NPR's cussion's end the College Council passed its own By the end of the meeting, USG voted to put also aired other pieces on Web site. resolution."- their name on any materials used by ISIS to pub- WFUV, including an interview In the future, Viggliotti even- The approved resolution states that "College licize their initiative to get Student Affairs to spon- with New Jersey Governor Jim tually wants to attend school for Council 'deplores' the decision of Student Affairs; sor the play's production. McGreevey and a six-minute journalism, and would like to it 'applauds' any .departments and programs who USG Junior Senator Tom Kikis, who was will- piece on work addiction. win a fellowship with NPR. He help sponsor the production; and it stipulates that ing to have USG's name associated with ISIS's With the impressive work is particularly interested in there be further conversation to 'clarify' the rela- efforts, said, "Whether or not I agree with the that Viggliotti has done with NPR's Croc Fellowship, which tionship between Academic and Student Affairs," 'Monologues' or Student Affairs' decision, I'm WFUV, it is not a surprise that gives a $36,000 stipend to three according to Sherman. glad ISIS came to us." he was chosen as one of six people who are chosen to do Rodgers, too, agrees that discussion of the issue When asked what significance he sees in the students to participate in radio reporting for NPR for one is necessary. "I have appreciated the opportunities fact that College Council and USG passed similar NPR's Convention. year. Viggliotti is currently throughout this conversation to sit and talk resolutions, Sherman said, "The resolutions, while "If it wasn't for WFUV, I applying for this fellowship, through the issues in an honest and respectful importantly not identical ... point in the same really don't think that I would and with his attractive resume way," he said. direction: they encourage ISIS and its sponsors in have been chosen for the con- in radio broadcasting he has a He also said he found USG's open discussion to developing support for the production; and, even vention," he told The good shot at winning. • be particularly useful in sorting through the details more important perhaps, they advance a conversa- of the situation. tion, among faculty and students, in which our During that Nov. 18 USG meeting, before community's views on these questions can 2012 Olympic bids in members voted on their own resolution, members become clearer and, if desired, produce change." of ISIS asked USG to support their petition, which While ISIS continues its fight to put on "The already had a total of 106 signatures, 97 of which Vagina Monologues" through Student Affairs, the policy and international relationships as beneficiary to New belonged to students. "The goal of our petition is production will be held the weekend of Feb. 25 to York's effort to win the bid, especially during this time. The 2004 to show Student Affairs and [Fordham President 27, due to the support of various academic depart- Presidential election is considered by some to have greatly hurt the Rev. Joseph M.] McShane that students do ments. * • America's shots at winning the bid. "I think that IOC members are want the Student Activity Fee to go toward "The also politicians and they know how unpopular President Bush is Vagina Monologues' performance, a play "The Vagina Monologues" to go on in their constituencies," Rep. Anthony Weiner said in a 1010 designed to stop violence against women," said Below is a tentative list of the academic depart- WINS report. "It is hard to imagine a scenario where they would Laurel McGovem, FCLC '06, co-president of ments at FCLC that have already agreed to co-spon- want to give President Bush the victory in the first competition for ISIS (Observer staff photographer). sor the production, and the list continues to grow. the 2012 Olympics." Some students present agreed that, as members African and African American Studies Regardless, the New York Committee is still optimistic and of the student body, they felt left out of the entire Communication and Media Studies confident with their financial resources and multicultural attribut- "Vagina Monologues" controversy and believed English es, especially as many New Yorkers stand behind their mayor and that it was USG's job to represent the students. History support NYC 2012. According to The Times, nine independent "It's been just a select few meeting with higher- Latin American and Latino Studies polls over the last four years have shown support for the New ups," said Maggie Shea, FCLC '06. "I haven't had Literary Studies York Olympics rise from 64 percent to 79 percent. my chance to voice my opinion. ... I think it's Modern Languages and Literatures "Every single country will have a built in rooting section of USG's job and duty to support ISIS's petition." Political Science New Yorkers rooting for that country," Governor George Pataki Sean Jaques, FCLC '05, USG secretary, said theater Program announced Nov. 11. "This great city can host anything better than that by Student Affairs choosing not to sponsor the Visual Arts anybody else." • productipn, they are "attempting to pretend these Women's Studies [issues] do not exist." www. fclcobscvvev.com Advertisement 6 The Observer December 9, 2004

Mr. Jeffrey Gray Vice President for Student Affairs Ms. Michele Burris Associate Vice Dean of Students Mr. Christopher Rodgers, Dean of Students 408LL x6250 President for Student Career Planning & Placement Affairs and Ms. Andrea DeMarco, Associate Director 402LL x6284 Dean of Students at Counseling & Psychological Services Marymount College Dr. Aysen Darcan, Coordinator of Counseling $vcs. McM 211 x6225 Disability Services Mr. Gregory Pappas Ms. Christina Cacioppo Bertsch, Director 402LL X6282 Assistant Vice Office of Residential Life President for Student Ms. Greer Jason, Director McM 108 X7100 Services Office of Student Activities Ms. Jennifer Mussi, Director 408LL X6250 Student Health Center Ms. Kathleen Malara, RN, MSN, Director McM 203 x7160

iuwiu.fclcobsevvcr.com Reasonable student demands are being ignored at Fordham Who calls the shots at Fordham University? You've EDITORIAL we mailed our letters of intent at the end of high school. got three guesses. The faculty? No. The president? It is sad to think that we are part of an institution in fry again. The students? Absolutely not. Our opinion which we can't even buy freedom of expression—not Even though this university—this college—would at least 1,500, that's about $180,000 a semester that to say that that would be acceptable either. If the uni- cease to exist without its students, recently it has students pay directly towards programs and activities. versity is concerned with losing face with its current become more and more clear that our thoughts, opin- And yet, the programs we participate in and support alumni, it really needs to take a step back and look at ions and priorities carry little weight (even if those pri- are'not chosen at our discretion. What's wrong with the larger picture: we, the classes of 2005-2008, are the orities are more than reasonable and agree with the this picture? What is happening here is that for once future alumni and future donors. Our concerns, our university's Jesuit tradition). students are getting a clear message from administra-, education, our Fordham experience should take prece- So, you might ask, wh'o does hold all the cards? tors: "you don't matter, and you have no say in how dents over all else. If not, why does this university Who has the power to dictate policy? Despite assur- your money is spent." And yet, 1,000 letters from exist? Why this tradition of respect for the individual, ances from both the offices of Student Affairs and what have only been described as concerned parties of expanding minds with varying points of view and a Public Affairs that radical, Catholic watchdog organi- somehow do matter. philosophy of social responsibility? zations like the Cardinal Newman Society do not sway The Jesuit tradition as it is described on Fordham Web For the time being, it seems that the 200 students the actions of the administration, at this point there is site promises "a deep respect for [each] as an individual." who attended ISIS's V-Day forum have a firmer grasp no reason to believe that's the case. One thousand let- The tradition promotes the expansion of knowledge and on what it means to be a Jesuit university than those ters apparently prompted by an advertisement placed in a reverence for social justice. We ask you 1,000 con- who are paid to create and maintain that very tradition. the USA Today and other publications by the Newman cerned parties, what is socially just about allowing igno- Perhaps the administration should subscribe to the Society have the power to not only chill administrators rance of violence against women—stories of rape, abuse advice to a watchdog group after all—one that it invit- but to upend a worthwhile, student-sponsored produc- and torment—to continue? We ask our administration, ed to be here to further the expectations and "high stan- tion of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," a play what is socially just about ignoring—disrespecting—the dards" described in the university's mission statement. deploring violence against women. largest continstituency in the university? The university needs to learn to trust its students, who, Each student, as part of his or her mandatory tuition What is happening within this university right now is in their advocacy for "The Vagina Monologues," are and fees, pays $120 each semester towards a student the least Jesuit thing that many of us have seen in our advocating for nothing more than freedom of expres- activity fee; estimating the student body at FCLC to be years at Fordham, and is not what we expected when sion in pursuing social justice. • The vagina dialogues at Fordham LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I didn't know freedom of speech and expression ver were revocable if there was ever pressure from the Your Opinion Society, who exercises their first Amendment In response to: "Fordham alum battles rights by taking out newspaper ads. I thought Editor in Chief..... Corinne Iozzio liberal Tjias' on campus" Jesuits were made of stronger stuff than that. How [email protected] can an institution that prides itself on teaching phi- Managing Editor Anthony Hazell The very Reverend Joseph O'Hare is clouded losophy try so hard to squash freedom of speech [email protected] by bis 'vision of the anointed' if believes he can and expression? News Editor...... Laura Di Orio predict the voting habits of the Holy See as is My father and I have already graduated from [email protected] described in the article "Fordham alum battles lib- Fordham and my sister will follow in May 2005.1 Opinion Editor , .Sarah Vaghari eral 'bias' on campus." can guarantee that if "The Vagina Monologues" [email protected] Pope John Paul II has a 25 year history of pas- production is hampered again, then the three of us Features Editors Joe DeLessio sionately working for those that are unable to help or will never again make another donation to Natalie Rodriguez speak for themselves. I would submit that he would Fordham. Why as a woman should I contribute to [email protected] vote on behalf of the 3700 children aborted each day a school that would rather see violence towards Arts & Culture Editors J.P. Mangalindan that will never be able to vote for themselves. women continue than allow a play to be per- Catharine McNelly Kenny Lashin formed? [email protected] Fordham GSB '06 To Fordham University and their disgraced Literary Editors Jennifer Cobb Lincoln Center leaders, the Rev. Robert Grimes Enrique Ollero and Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers, I say [email protected] I'm a Fordham alumna, and I was very dis- shame on you. If you hinder the 2005 production Sports Editor VinGurrieri turbed to learn that Student Activities failed to of "The Vagina Monologues" then .you are not [email protected] support "The Vagina Monologues." Women have doing your jobs to protect the Jesuit tradition. Business Manager Brian Centrone been ashamed of their bodies for centuries—from Send your' resumes to the Cardinal Newman [email protected] failing to visit gynecologists to never experiencing Society. I hear they have a great dental plan. Layout Editor Grace Martinez orgasm. "The Vagina Monologues" confronts this Joanna Bonfiglio [email protected] shame head-on and breaks it down. By censoring FCLC '04 Online Editor RubyGu "The Vagina Monologues," Fordham's adminis- [email protected] tration is encouraging a culture of quiet shame Patrick Reilly's point of view on "The Photo Editors Emily Dugan among women.. I'm offended. This censorship is Monologues" is valid. For him. My conscience Eliza Gager sexist, oppressive, and downright prudish. tells me something completely different. And [email protected] Erin Fuchs therein lies the crux of the problem that is con- Copy Editors Iindsey Cross fronting the Fordham community and, indeed, our Heather JJebling "The Vagina Monologues" uses harsh language country. The continuing attempt at censorship, of Assistant Editors Monique Diman (News) and imagry—but that is because the play deals distillation of religious beliefs into policies and Jennifer Mammana (Sports) with a harsh subject: violence towards women. It's laws on the local and national levels is more dan- Joel Perez (Sports) an ugly topic that requires ugly words. gerous than terrorism. Faculty Adviser Dr. Elizabeth Stone Unfortunately, college women are often victims Though Fordham is nominally «a Jesuit univer- Faculty Graphics Adviser Kala Pierson of violent acts. Fordham students are not immune, sity, it is not a monolithic community of as seen in attacks on our own campuses. Christians. The University as it exists today is an Letters to the Editor Productions like "The Vagina Monologues" take umbrella of many different faiths and philoso- The Letters to the Editor feature provides an open forum for the Fordham the shame and secrecy out of such attacks and phies. Perhaps had Mr. Reilly graduated from a College at Lincoln Center community. Letters to the Editor should be typed empower young women to have a voice. By less homogenous campus, he would have a more and sent to The Observer, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, 113 West silencing the play, Fordham is effectively silenc- cosmopolitan point of view on his faith. My faith 60th Street, Room 408, New YorR, NY 10023, or e-mailed to the. editor in ing the women of the University. This isn't a reli- tells me that it is a sin to force my point of view chief at [email protected]. Length should not exceed 500 words. All letters must be signed and include contact information for verification. gious issue. It's a social one. on the larger community. My faith directs me to Individuals must include all official titles, including intended year of grad- It should also be noted that V-Day takes a glob- choose to turn my back on things I find offensive. uation if applicable. If submitters fail to include titles, the editorial board al vision, launching initiatives to stop violence My faith understands that the U.S. Constitution is wilt do so at its own discretion. The Observer has the right to withhold any towards women on a global scale, in the Middle in place for a reason. And my faith knows that submissions from publication and will not consider more than twd letters East, Africa, and parts of Asia. It has raised more diversity of thought, diversity of choices leads to a from the same individual on one topic. 77ie Observer reserves the right to edit all letters and submissions for content, clarity, and length. than $25 million dollars and was named one of stronger community whether it is a college cam- Worth magazine's "100 Best Charities" in 2001. pus or a nation, Cara Lynn Shultz 1 also find it quite inappropriate that Fordham The Observer Layout Staff FCLC'98 participated in circumcising—albeit metaphori- Sharlene Betanqes cally—a female point of view while women make When 1 entered Fordham as a Freshman in 2000 Continued on page 8 wuHv.fi'lcobserver.i'oni Opinion 8 The Observer December 9, 2004 Moun di san fe (People talk and don't act) By Carine Guiilot, FCLC '06 men who have taken over since the Haitians." But Haiti has a STAFF WRITER Aristide's forced exile. • lot of relevance. For years, This year, marking Haiti's As the chaos continues, liv- American forces have made it 200th anniversary of indepen- ing conditions have gone from their business to dictate how dence from the French, it bad to worse. I have been Haiti is run, rather than allow- deeply pains me to see how brought to tears from the stories ing the rightful leader of the conditions have changed for the that I've heard from my rela- country to do his job. worse since I was a child. tives that still live there. All the During the presidential terms Though I was born and raised in violence causes my six-year-old before and after President New York, I have been travel- cousin to live in constant fear Clinton, Haiti faced a moral low ing to Haiti since I was three for her life and the lives of other point when U.S. forces went in to years old, almost every year. relatives and friends. Loud 'help and free' the people. Sadly, due to all the turmoil, I noises bring her to tears Poverty, theft, rarje, murder, and have not been able to vacation because they remind her of gun- child prostitution all escalated there during these last three shots. She is hysterical anytime during those periods. But many of years. Fortunately, I can close her mother is running late and these evildoers got a slap on the my eyes and see the beautiful hasn't arrived home. No child wrist instead of being kicked out beaches, mountainside villages, should have to face the possibil- of Haiti like our beloved President and landmarks that I used to ity that her mother hasn't Aristide. Though American sol- KRT/South Florida Sun Sentinal know. I'm very grateful that I arrived home because she is diers were stationed there, their The situation in Haiti has gotten progressively worse since the was able to form great memo- either hurt or dead. If my cousin presence hardly improved living removal of President Aristide. Will America fidfill its obligations? ries of Haiti, before it was is experiencing this, Lord conditions. With the support of severely torn apart throughout knows what the other children President Bush, Aristide was American military forces have like Wyclef Jean to fight for the years. These years have cer- in Haiti have gone through. removed "for the sake of the been in Iraq, yet Haiti, which peace in the first free black tainly taken their toll. Haitians By this point most of you Haitian people." President Bush neighbors the United States, is nation in the western hemi- have faced the wrongful reading this might be saying to and all the other anti-Aristide peo- left to perish. No one hears its sphere. Hopefully Wyclef's removal of their president, Jean yourselves, "Why should I care ple believed that his removal cry. No one tries to help improve efforts along with the generous Bertrand Aristide, from office about Haiti? We live in the would better the island; instead, it living conditions, probably support of others will make a again, as well as death, poverty, United States not Haiti. We has only left the people more vul- because there's no oil to profit difference and all Haitians will hurricanes, civil war, and terror- have too many problems in nerable than ever. from like in the Middle East. It be free from the worst plague of ism from malicious military New York to be bothered with These past few years, seems like it's up to entertainers all—fear. • Letters: vagina dialogues My internship fled to China instead of Continued from page 7 Maybe we are lucky to have helping out a starving Iraqi child up a larger percentage of the such a public dispute in our student body. community. University class- By Mike Iarrobino, FCLC '05 COLUMNIST THEF.U. Sean Gallagher es are full of that argument, the Intern Hell CLC '93 oldest dialectic in action. Chaucer apologizes for the A lesson that I have learned the hard way is booklet. As an undergraduate, I indecent speech and actions'of that when there is a pamphlet entitled, "How It turns out that the social science professor enjoyed an on-campus viewing vulgar characters in "The to land an internship and make it a success!" who ordinarily teaches this course will be in of the show with many class- Canterbury Tales" but notes then your internship has actually been sent to China. This makes a lot of sense to me, I sup- mates. There was no shock, out- that of course he has to present China. Although there are probably a few of pose that there are plenty of college-aged rage or gasps expressed from these people as they are. you out there who say that you have taken an Chinese communists who want to take a capital- the audience—only deafening Members of the Fordham internship and that it turned out to be exactly ist internship and that this professor's services applause for fine actors in a community should read or the success that the pamphlet, put out by are in high demand. After all, I do not begrudge well-written, socially relevant reread John Henry Cardinal Career Planning and Placement, promises, I the Chinese their internships, because they are modern play. "The Newman's "Idea of a don't believe you. people too. Monologues" are not anti- University." In his Preface to These matters aside, I am a philosophy major My concern, however, is the following: Why Catholic or anti-Fordham. They this short book (newmanread- looking to get an internship in the media, so I isn't this professor in Iraq? provide viewers with a realistic er.org) Newman defines a uni- turned to Career Planning and Placement. Upon China, as a communist nation of over a billion look at many different female versity as "a place of teaching asking how I get credit for an internship if I am people, certainly does not need our help as much experiences: homosexuality, universal knowledge"; its not a communication major, I was told that as the gentle nation of camel-herders that we lib- motherhood, abortion, etc. Isn't object is "intellectual, not Career Planning and Placement does not under erated last year. I am sure that upon arriving in the exchange of ideas the main moral." Newman wrote his any circumstances handle the giving or taking of Iraq, this professor would be treated as a god. He purpose behind a university? book at a time when Catholic college credits. I was told I should talk to The would be given his own herd of camelli (which is Oh, I forgot. It isn't! prelates in Ireland were think- Dean. the plural of "camel," recall) and a harem of Pleasing overzealous conserv- ing of founding a Catholic So I went to The Dean's office, a place only spritely Iraqi women. Besides this, the professor ative alumni and fundraising university for students not slightly more organized that an anarchist conven- would be doing his work in a country that, in is! (I know I'll now think long allowed to attend (Protestant) tion. When my appointment with The Dean came, addition to running water and reliable electricity, and hard before deciding Trinity College. He was wor- I was told that although The Dean is omnipotent desperately needs professors to teach internship whether or not to donate my ried that if Catholics had a in all other respects, he does not under any cir- seminars. The professor could help young, col- money to an institution that university dominated by doc- cumstances handle the requirements for intern- lege-aged Iraqi men and women get internships encourages censorship.) trine, the education offered ship seminars. I was told I should go talk to the with large camel-herding conglomerates so that, As a Catholic, fcmo longer would be inferior to what was communication department. though they might spend their entire day fetching feel I can identify with the available to others. Naturally, it turns out that the communication coffee from Starbucks and standing in front of a church in which I grew up. The Cardinal Newman department does not under any circumstances copy machine, they will have impressive Catholic church attendance , Society is, therefore, absolute- allow non-majors to take their precious Internship resumes. has plummeted across the ly opposed to the ideas of Seminar course, CMLU 4701—even if, say, the As it stands now, however, both my resume and nation. Why? Because—on Cardinal Newman. This is a non-major is ravaged with cancer and the Make-a- a small, starving Iraqi's resum6 lack this intern- issues like homosexuality and time when many Americans Wish Foundation asks nicely. I'm pretty sure The ship experience. A Chinaman, meanwhile, is reap- women's rights—the institu- are very much afraid; perhaps Dean must have known this beforehand, but that ing the benefits and getting his hairy simian leg up tion refuses to move forward rightly so. But fear some- doesn't mean I'm bitter about it. I have the com- on us in the camel-eat-camel world of internation- into the 21st century. (Or the times makes people stop fort of knowing that, as time passes, policies like al business. 20th, 19th, 18th or 17th cen- thinking and start "witch hunt- this and the laws banning gay marriage will fall by When this professor comes back from his turies, for that matter.) ing" (as Father O'Hare put it). the wayside as our society becomes more open- time in China—which I will assume he will do The four years I spent at Students who know people minded. unless he meets a small Chinese woman, falls in this university were among the who might be attracted to the Enough of my moral ranting, though, The next love, marries her, and has a half-Jesuit, half- best of my life, so it's upset- Cardinal Newman Society thing that happened was that a sequence of Chinese love child—I intend to confront him ting to see that Fordhafti has might ask them to read events known as "reading the pamphlet that about his prejudice and ask why he deliberately decided to dig in its heels and Newman's ''Idea of a Career Planning and Placement puts out" con- chose to ignore the plight of the Iraqi people. I the stubborn Cathdlics. University." spired to reveal to me a social science internship will tell him that he is a sad excuse for a human Eric Anderson Margaret Lamb course that non-majors can take: SO*U 4900. I being because, in spite of the events of 9/11, we FCLC '02 Professor of English ran into a slight problem, however, when SO*U should not discriminate against white people 4900 did not appear on the Spring 2005 course like me. •

iinvw.fclcobsevvev.voin December 9, 2004 The Observer It's time for the Class of 2008 to reconsider their lifestyles By Paloma Rahner, FCLC '08 ing necessary? Is it really worth STAFF WRITER all the sickness and bad grades? The end of the fall semester Many students may be heart- is quickly approaching, and for broken to find that they won't freshmen, this -means the be able to come, back next year opportunity to reflect on their or even next semester due to very first college semester. academic failure or the loss of Unfortunately, many freshmen scholarship funds. Even if your who recap on their last four case isn't that extreme, it's pos- months here at FCLC may sible that you may one day have only find hazy memories and regrets about your freshmen lazy days. The freshmen that year grades and experiences. delve into the world of exces- Maybe those drunken nights sive partying do so for many throwing up on your roommate reasons, but perhaps this is won't seem like valuable Kodak ultimately a reflection of their moments after all. disappointment concerning My proposed answer to this college life. freshmen plague lies in Buddhist How easy it would be to philosophy. Moderation is the blame the core requirements key to happiness. Finding a bal- for crazy frosh antics. ance between work and play is Although core is not the only important to mental and physical reason for outrageous behav- health. However, if your hatred San Jose Mercury News/KRT ior, let's take a look at the of Fordham's academics, Maybe some of the freshmen here should put the bottle down and get down to business. detrimental effects it has upon Residential Life, and social the freshmen population. I encountered at Fordham so growth, not lose control without we saw on television or heard scene is driving you to drink or know I had a few fanciful severe that the only enjoyment the careful watch of Mom and from our older siblings? Have take drugs, obviously the prob- ideas of what college would be freshmen experience can be Dad. Fordham's disappointments lem is much graver. Perhaps, like: academically stimulating, found in intoxicating sub- Socially, alcohol is a tool a broken down our illusions of something is seriously wrong socially advanced, and just a stances? lot of people use to loosen up college so much that the only with college life here and hell of a lot better than high Excessive partying is clearly and forget their inhibitions. thing left for student's to do is expectations of the experience school. The core has single- linked to the newly found free- Even so, after the barriers have get wasted? That would truly are not being met. Do freshmen handedly crushed the academi- dom of the freshmen class. And been broken, the abuse of alco- be a sad testament to college have to lower their expectations cally stimulating part for though cruising around Fordham hol and other drugs continues life here and an unfortunate of college or will they have to freshmen. Many of us are left and the city on your parents' within the freshmen popula- catalyst towards academic fail- keep drinking themselves into wondering why this is so much money may be tempting, it does tion. Though the partying may ure. oblivion for the remainder of like high school. Perhaps not promote growth and maturi- seem fun and justly deserved By the end of the semester, the year? Maybe as a New many of those freshmen are ty. Not only is excessive party- after all the academic pressure, when everyone gets their Year's resolution both Fordham the ones that turn to drugs and ing actually stunting maturity, it it seems to me that more peo- grades, and inevitably people and its students need to do an alcohol in hopes of grasping encourages reliance on others ple are putting partying as a are put oh academic probation, overhaul of what kind of onto certain illusions of col- instead of yourself; it gives you priority over academics. But I each freshman needs to take a lifestyles are being created here, lege that were otherwise the illusion of independence. I have to wonder, what does this serious look at their accom- and how they may be negative- crashed by the core classes. was under the impression people reversal stem from? Is it a plishments and failures over the ly affecting future goals and Are the disappointments came to college to promote self- desire to live the college life semester. Is the excessive party- opportunities. • Not everyone pro ^Vagina Monologues' is anti-Catholic ByMkheDeStark,PCLC'o6 because many of the most adamant Who thought them up? Why the rub- further empower us? CONTRIBUTING WRITER opponents, assuming visual and written ber gloves? Why the flashlight all up An administration should not sim- mediums produce the same affect on there like Nancy Drew working ply listen because they have to. It'd be Admittedly, I came to a Jesuit col- audiences, make their judgments after against gravity, why the Nazi steel stir- like if the government, while saying lege based partially on the Jesuit rep- simply reading the "Monologues," rups, the mean cold duck lips they they were listening to the suffragette's utation. Within the Catholic Church however closely. I guess this makes shove inside you?" I definitely noted reasons, were never really willing to they have consistently been the most sense; I mean the movie version and to a friend, before her first exam, that see why passing the Nineteenth...wait, forward and progressive order. After the book version of Wuthering Heights it was a little more than "uncomfort- this is a bad example. Okay, both four years at a Benedictine (another are practically the same. In fact, I'm able." Of course that monologue stuck genders can see the injustice in this Catholic order) high school in the sure I would have done superbly on my out the most, but each monologue has one (sorry I still have to change like Midwest, not wanting to give up the last paper analyzing the use of camera its place in naming issues surrounding this majority female and female sym- core messages about love and under- zooms on Cathy having just read the sexuality. This naming helps w'omen pathizing campus): the Twenty- Sixth standing that a Catholic environment book. avoid unnecessary stigmas and conse- Amendment, the amendment that provides, but looking for an order The best part of "The Vagina quent worry. Essentially, it gives them changed the voting age to eighteen. more willing to be aware and active Monologues" is seeing another the confidence to move on from a It's like if the government said, well, in change, I decided on the Jesuits at woman confidently stand up and yell stigma. we can discuss in an educational and Fordham. This past semester it has out every taboo word and subject mat- Granted, the production will go up enlightened way some of the issues been extremely hurtful to walk down ter surrounding female sexuality, and under academic departments, so the surrounding your concerns that you're the hall and see flyers for GO! at the same time throw away all the question has been posed, isn't that going to die for your country, and you Thailand's latest bake,sale and the negative and shameful connotations •good enough? While the production cannot vote in your country, but School of the Americas protest (all that these words and subjects have anjl the money it raises to stop vio- remember that this is just a theoretical supporting the plight of the poor) taken on. Seeing another woman per- lence against women is the most discussion. Changes won't take place, and then have to look at a flyer invit- form, while surrounded by others, pro- important purpose, there is something we've already decided. ing me to discuss why "The Vagina vides a level of solidarity that is con- else lurking under the surface that The administration, by fixating Monologues," a production support- crete; there is a physical rather than an needs to be addressed. Having the itself on certain aspects of this produc- ing the plight of women, was imagined support saying we're all in •production under academic depart- tion, mainly by claiming the sexual blocked by the administration of this this together and it's okay to speak ments and allowing for panels, while content is not in line with Church university. As a female, this issue is about your body. In my favorite mono- generating discussion, seem more like teachings on the sexual act, as if say- closest to my heart, and as such I logue, entitled (appropriately enough) appeasements than anything else. ing the word "vagina" and talking have been intensely involved in "The Angry Vagina," the subject matter With the name of the production about rape encourages the sexual act assuring its recognition. As a consists of a visit to the gynecologist's. alone undermining the status quo, (and assuming that we as students can- woman, I have heard the And based on the amount of laughter in allowing everything but the actual pro- not understand the diffe/ence); they "Monologues" picked apart and torn that room, I'm not alone in saying I duction through Student Activities are exploiting the greater good of the to pieces with little recognition for was grossly unprepared for the divide becomes a way of keeping people Church. the great benefit, the new and auda- between knowing procedural elements quiet for awhile. Giving in with little But, maybe some of you don't agree cious voice this production gives to of an exam and actually going through bits here and there, saying we want to with me. So I encourage you to write women. that procedure. It was so good to hear help, we really do, but it's just not in letters. You can start by attacking my I remember seeing the production another woman laying it all out there, our mission, becomes patronizing at moral (and by moral I mean sexual) for the first time my freshman year. I "Then there's those exams. There's got best. Why are they not understanding character. Yeah, that's usually the first use the word "seeing" intentionally to be a better way to do those exams. what we're saying as to how you can place our society attacks women. • Opinion 10 The Observer December 9, 2004 Wliy some F'ordham professors are getting an 'F' By Heather Iiebling, FCLC '05 COPY EDITOR own unique mistakes. In addition, can't it ject matter? It's a test. The exploration There are some teachers that consider be enough to have the teacher criticize your should be over. Just ask me to list some anything other than "the book's" teachings The professors you take in college are paper with his or her red pen? Why does it key points and facts and let's move on. Or frivolous and unnecessary to class discus- supposed to differ from the teachersyo u had have to be read aloud? For further humili- what about those essay questions that, in sion. I have a word for those teachers— back in high school. There is supposed to be ation? All this method is doing is making themselves, take up a whole page? You've irresponsible. It is your responsibility as a a level of trust and confidence between pro- one student feel like garbage and boring the finally gotten to the end of the question teacher, I believe, to put these complex fessor and student, where they no longer feel rest of the class, who already know what and half your testing time is up. issues into a modern context, in order to the need to chastise you or hold your hand their own mistakes are and don't need to Meanwhile, you've still got to figure out help us, your students, understand them through assignments. While I have encoun- hear anybody else's. what the damn thing was asking to begin better. If this means bringing1 up things tered a handful of teachers that use innova- with! This should not be a game of "Find from current political policies to current tive and exciting techniques to spark my Teachers who claim to have open the Hidden Question." Just ask me some- pop-culture scandals, then so be it. Wasn't interest and bolster my confidence without minds, yet won't accept any opinion that thing directly, for cryin' out loud! the whole point of this college thing to treating me like an infant, the majority of differs from their own: learn something we could actually apply in teachers that I have run into are doing things We've all had these teachers. The first Teachers who grade completely sub- the real world? There comes a point where all wrong. So here it is, broken down into day of class, they are bright and brimming, jectively: you've got to put the books down and dis- groups, the types of teachers that are break- claiming to be eagerly awaiting each and In the same vein of teachers who can't cuss the relevance of some of these issues ing down the lines of communication every one of our unique thoughts and opin- accept other people's opinions, this type of in today's world. between professor and student ions. Then, when it comes time to articu- teacher can't accept any writing style that late those opinions, they can't wait to shut doesn't suit his or her own preferences. Teachers who establish a hierarchy: you up to get their own pretentious views Sure, something as blatant as grammatical I'd like to end by saying that credit must How many of you have, after days of across. There is no problem with question- and spelling errors are non-negotiable. be given where it is due. Though I cannot toil on a particular paper, walked into class U : name names, there are a handful of teach- the following week only to find that your ers I have come across in my time here at teacher has selected his or her "favorites" Or what about those essay questions that, in themselves, take up Fordham that have not fallen victim, to any to read aloud? Sure, mis is a good way to a whole page? This should not be a game of 'Find the Hidden of these inept teaching methods. These boost confidence...for two or three people Question.' teachers have openly stated that their time in the room. But for the rest of us who here is as much a learning experience for have worked equally hard to produce a 99 mem as it is for the students. They have quality piece of writing, we feel slighted. ing one another, we are all peers. But when But how many of you have gotten papers taken time out to discuss world issues and Now I'm not saying it's a method com- teachers refuse to believe that the student back and seen the abbreviation "awk" next have provided an open discussion for stu- pletely lacking educational value. But if (whom they think is intellectually inferior) to several sentences (meaning that the dents with every kind of opinion, even if that learning takes away from the confi- may have a more valid point man their phrasing of the sentence is "awkward" to they haven't always agreed. They have dence of other students in the process, then own, then they are just being myopic and them, rendering the meaning unclear)? tested us on the skills they know are rele- I find it unnecessary. You can use exam- stubborn and disrupting the learning Let's face it There are certain teachers vant, and graded us fairly, without infusing ples from published literature to illustrate process for everyone, including them- who just "get us," and others who never their own personal bias. But, perhaps most what you feel to be masterful prose without selves. will. But the ones who never will should importantly, they have listened to us. Not creating a hierarchy of scholars within the at least learn to appreciate the amount of just called on'those with raised hands, nod- classroom. Teachers whose questions go out of hard work that went into a piece of writing, ding politely along with every sentence their way to confuse you: regardless of whether or not they found it they say, but really listened— and talked Teachers who read "bad examples" No, I am not being paranoid here. enjoyable. Teachers have to look beyond back, to let us know they hear us. These aloud: There are plenty of teachers that tell you their own tastes if they want to at least teachers are invaluable, without question, Just as it was counterproductive to read exactly what subjects will be addressed on attempt to grade fairly and objectively. and will be deeply cherished by all who exemplary works aloud, it is equally coun- a test, and then they keep that promise. But you will come across very few teach- have had the pleasure of sitting in their terproductive to read the "bad" papers Then there are the ones that purposely go ers here ttat are willing to operate that classroom and listening to their eloquent aloud. The reason is simple: everyone out of their way (because, in my opinion, way. words. To them, I'd like to say thank makes their own kinds of mistakes. they have nothing better to do) to trick you.. .for everything. You make this whole Hearing one person's mistakes won't make you. You know those very vague ques- Teachers who can't answer a question experience worth it—and those not-so-bril- a bit of difference to you, who make your tions that ask you to "explore" some sub- without deviating from "the book": liant teachers almost bearable. • American foreign policy and the American mindset By Sarah Vaghari, FCLC '06 ernment, let alone global affairs. This leads me to us than a country that's not like us and doesn't OPINION EDITOR believe that our country would vastly benefit from like us. Many Americans see that and with a toast an "Adopt-a-Foreigner" program. We could all to liberty and happiness, they say, "bomb them." This article is a long time coming. have a buddy from a third world country stay with They say, "let's make this world a better place for For quite a while now, my thoughts on American us to remind us to be grateful and giving, to show freedom and democracy [in other words, foreign policy and its connection to the American us that people are inherently the same, and, most America]." mindset have been brewing within me. I imagine importantly, to foster empathy within us. We I say to those people, you're a pigheaded that expressing my opinion is better than no opin- should do something to deflate our egos, to see the American bully. Here in America, we have it real ion whatsoever; it's better then working hard (or world through another lens, to expand our global good, and we have a lot to lose. However, it's not hardly working) to forget about the death of sol- awareness. possible to remove every evildoer until there are diers and civilians because it's happening far, far Now, flashback to the weeks and months fol- no more evildoers left behind, so let's not give away in someone else's backyard. In fact, it is lowing Sept. 11, 2001. I was a senior in high them any more reason to suicide bomb, shall we? exactly this kind of repudiation of contemplation school when the patriotic rage erupted. I vividly Terrorism is more than Islamic fundamentalism. that concerns me; this foggy rationale where remember walking to my car after a day of class, Many terrorists have a specific beef with the U.S. questioning becomes unpatriotic and where world overwhelmed by the anger and the hate that radi- perhaps over some way iff which we've manipu- affairs become depressing and therefore, of no ated throughout the building. I saw some of the lated their history. use. All of these circles of thought make way for most starkly self-proclaimed Christians fuming, I'm not proposing we invite them for tea and a the close-mouthed, blinders-fastened lifestyle of ready to lynch whomever the government target- chat, however, considering the international rise the apathetic American. ed. Turn the other cheek? Forget it. I saw the in anti-American sentiment, I think we need a Having said that, allow me to explain the ledge same from people who adhered to principals of massive makeover, immediately! If we could take from which I view the world. I'm from the Philly tolerance and forgiveness. It seemed like people a global poll, I think that many people don't see suburbs, from a predominantly Republican county. were throwing their individual constitutions out us as the good cop that's ridding the world of I am half-Iranian. My mom is Catholic and my the window. It wasn't the anger that startled me, "evildoers" or "enemies of freedom," they see us dad, Muslim. I grew up feeling rather different that shook me, it was the vengeance. It's not that as a bully. America the bully. America that says from many of my schoolmates because I was sur- I thought America should sit back and take it, you're on our side or you're a terrorist-lover. rounded by the influence of another culture and all but I felt that we shouldn't act fueled by America, proud sponsor of the School of that it entails. All in all, I think this upbringing has revenge. We need to have a clear head. To do Americas. America that says we know what's best contributed to my global awareness. what worTcs, not feed our bloodlust with a witch for you, which is whatever is best for ourselves, We're people before we're Americans; when hunt. But from all sides came the cry, "We and we have the power to prove it. bombing occurs, that loss of life doesn't resonate should bomb them." When it comes to foreign policy, I want what's solely with that particular country, but with people Middle Eastern countries aren't very fond of best for America. I want to see its future ensured, universally. As diverse as America is, it seems like U.S. intervention, but regardless, we love to dig not threatened. An cgomaniacal America isn't its conscience is a mild force in American foreign our teeth into everything, especially where we're going to last, but a fair America? A fair America politics. We can barely feign interest in our gov- not wanted. There's nothing more threatening to stands a chance. •

irwuujelcobscvvcr.coin Christmas fun in New York is possible without a big budget Try these 10 holiday cheer. The atrium is transformed into a Chorus Performances: Nov. 26 - Dec. winter garden with 100,000 twinkling 24 options for $10 or less lights. There are several concerts going Friday, 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday - ByNatalfcHeysher.PCLC'os on during the holiday season. Sunday, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Christmas World Financial Center; 220 Vesey Eve, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. STAFF WRITER St, near West St. Cost: Free Before you can blink an eye, finals are worldflnancialcenter.com/calendar breathing down our necks, the holidays Dec. 1 - Jan. 1; 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Paper Trees? are upon us, and everyone is more broke Cost: Free Head uptown to the Museum of than those Christmas lights you've had Natural History for their annual Origami up all semester. But before you start say- Holiday Theater Holiday Tree. Check out the cool origa- ing "bah humbug" and hibernating until If you like a side of politics with your mi animal ornaments and even learn how January, just remember that this grand eggnog, check out "All I Want to Be for to make one yourself. While you are city has more holiday cheer than you can Christmas" at The Tank. The play asks there, don't forget to check out the shake a sprig of holly at. For a jolly good the question: what would you do if the Holiday Barosaurs, two 19-foot tall time at an inexpensive price ($10 or less, president was under your Christmas tree? dinosaurs on the front steps of the muse- to be exact) try these 10 holiday activi- The Tank; 432 W. 42nd St., between um. ties guaranteed to get you into the spirit Ninth and Tenth Aves. American Museum of Natural of the holidays. thetenknyc.com History; Central Park West at 79th St. 212-868-4444 Nov. 23 - Jan. 10; 10 a.m. - 5:45 p.m The Monkey8 Cant Sleep Dec. 9-Dec. 11; 7p.m. Cost: $10 for students with ID Head over to the Bronx Zoo Holiday Cost: $7 amnh.org Lights display which is sure to put a For Those Eight Crazy Nights This Christmas season students can smile on your face, and a frown on the This Isn't the Yule Log For those of us who might feel a little check out the Museum of Natural poor animal who's trying to sleep. The The Museum of Television and Radio left out when everyone is singing "O History's Origami Holiday Tree. show features lighted sculptures, ice has two holiday programs running this Holy Night," there is "From Oy to Vey: sculptures and a performance of "The season. "The Carpenters at Christmas" A Chanukah Concert" at the Center for Polar Express." Oh, and lights. Lots of features, for the first time in its entirety, Jewish History. This concert, a comic Don't Forget to Shop lights. the 1977 Christmas television special by opera by Seymour Barab, has several While we can't guarantee that you will Bronx Zoo; Boston Road at Bronx Karen and Richard Carpenter. The other, singers depicting scenes from Jewish keep to your holiday budget, we can River Pkwy. "Holiday Hits," is a compilation of holi- life. The performance will be followed promise that these holiday gift fairs are bronxzoo.com day performances from the 1950s to the with the lighting of the menorah. free of charge. There's* Fetes de NoSl, Nov. 28 - Jan. 9; 5 - 9 p.m. present. Enjoy the season with Harry Center for Jewish History; 15 W. 16th which transforms Bryant Park into a hol- Cost: $10 for students Connick Jr., Jessica Simpson, and the St., near Fifth Avenue. iday market even Santa would be jealous classic duo of David Bowie and Bing 917-606-8200 of. It features over 125 booths for your Watch Your Wallet Crosby. Dec. 12; 3 p.m. shopping pleasure, and is even open late Stand in the corner when viewing the Museum of Television and Radio; 25 Cost: $4 for students as the holidays approach. There is also Grand Central Holiday Laser Light Show W. 52nd St., between Fifth and Sixth the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, so that poor guy from Newburgh doesn't Aves. And for those that feel like the kid in •which is just like the holiday fair in miss bis train. In the Main Concourse "The Carpenters at Christmas" runs Adam Sandler's Hanukkah songs, check Union Square every year, but no subway you will be dazzled by the wmter won- Dec. 7 - Dec. 16; Tuesday - Sunday, at 2 out "December Dilemma: Jews, ride is required to lug your purchases derland projected on the ceilirlg of the p>tn Television, and the Holiday Season" at back to school. terminal. The show is 30 minutes long, "Holiday Hits" runs Dec. 17 - Dec. The Jewish Museum. Clips from Fetes de Noel: Bryant Park; Sixth and runs on a loop all day, so try to avoid 26; Tuesday - Sunday at 2 p.m. "Arthur's Perfect Christmas," "Cuib Avenue at 42nd Street it during rush hours. Cost: Free with standard $4 student Your Enthusiasm," "Friends," "Northern fetesdenoel.com Grand Central Terminal, Main admission Exposure," "The O.C.," "Saturday Night Nov. 26-Jan. 2,; Monday - Friday, 11 Concourse; 42nd St. and Park Ave. Live," "Seinfeld" and "South Park" help a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday, 10 Nov. 23 - Dec. 31 Singing Trees? people understand touchy holiday issues a.m.-8 p.m. Cost: Free Head downtown to the South Street like intermarriage, consumer ethics, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market: SW V Seaport for the Chorus Tree, a SO-foot American ethnic identity. entrance to Central Park at Columbus Head Doumtoumfor Some Cheer tree twinkling and sounding a lot like The Jewish Museum; 1109 Fifth Ave. Circle If the mass of tourists at Rockefeller Christmas. That's because the Big Apple at 92nd St. urbanspace.com and Lincoln Centers scare you, head Chorus will be there on the weekends thejewishmuseum.org Dec. 3-24; Monday - Saturday, 11 downtown to the Winter Garden at the singing all your favorite holiday songs. Nov. 2 - Jan. 2 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. World Financial Center for some holiday South Street Seaport Cost: $7.50 for students Cost: Free • A look at Veganism and food choices in New York City By Jennifer Cobb, FCLC '05 know about it. According to vegan.org, "A vegan (pro- LITERARY EDITOR nounced VEE-gan) is someone who avoids using or If Michael Davidson, FCLC '07, a vegan, had to consuming animal products." While vegetarians just cut depend on Fordham's cafeteria for his meals, he out meat, fish, and poultry, vegans do not use or con- believes he would be hospitalized. "Fordham fails sume anything that comes from animals, including miserably to accommodate vegans," Davidson said. dairy, eggs, wool, fur, down, and makeup or chemical "There are two vegan items in the cafeteria: the new products that are tested on animals. vegan cookies and the salad bar. . . . That really "People are vegans for different reasons and there- sucks." fore have different... ways of living it out," Rossman With so few choices available in the cafeteria, said. He explained that some people become vegans Fordham's vegan students are often forced to find alter- for health reasons, while others are concerned with native options. animal rights issues. There are also others who turn to Zach Rossman, FCLC '08, usually steers clear of the veganism for both reasons. "I'd say I'm in it for both," cafeteria. "It's funny that as a freshman they put $800 Rossman said. "But the main reason is the health on your meal plan card," said Rossman, "and while aspect." insiteswd.co.uk most people I know are down to the low hundreds... I If you ask Rossman to elaborate on the healthiness of Foods marked with this Vegan-friendly seal are guar- am still in the mid-$500 [range]." He and Davidson veganism, he will talk to you about meat rotting inside ented to be free of dairy, eggs or any animal prod- would both rather cook their own food than rely on the of your intestines. He'll also tell you that the human ucts. cafeteria. "I am content with sitting at home with my body was not made to break down the milk of other ani- rice Cooker," said Rossman. mals. Since they do not get their proteins from meat, they "I'm a vegetarian trying to go vegan," said Jonathan Furthermore, a vegan diet makes Rossman feel have to be sure to get it in other ways. Cottle, FCLC '08, "and I'd say that the number one great. "I used to have stomachaches and always feel Rossman argued that when the cafeteria serves vegan thing standing in my way is the cafeteria." He added sick and uncomfortable after eating pizza and things meals, theyare not at all well-balanced. "Once of Mice" that "it's hard enough to be a vegetarian and nearly like that," he said. "And then I stopped that and right they made a fried torn dish with 'vegetables,' except it impossible to be a vegan surviving on cafeteria food." away I felt so much better.... Now I feel much more wasn't vegetables in the plural, it was just chopped So what is veganism? A lot of people know that it is energized." broccoli or peas or something like that." a form of vegetarianism, but often times, that's all they For vegans, a balanced meal is incredibly important. umnihJ'clcobseviH'r.vom vs 12 The Observer December 9, 2004 How to avoid some major pitfalls when learning how to cook JTips for how to start (TRANSITIONS feeding yourself when Culinary Tips is in working order as well or you'll end Mom's home cooking up in a similar predicament to the one Fortini found herself in. "The oven door isn't an option fell off and we had to prop a chair in By Natalie Fleysher, FCLC '05 ° front of it for a week and tried to fix it STAFF WRITER with duct tape." Shop right When living at home, things like your Shopping correctly is an important own room, use of the family car, and aspect of becoming a self-sufficient mom's delicious home cooking are often cook. Lora Brody, author of "The taken for granted. Unfortunately when Kitchen Survival Guide" offers several you are away at school, you lose many of tips. The first and most important is to those precious indulgences. When stu- make a list of the things you need. dents go away to college, cooking for "Never do a large shop without a list. It themselves can be a big challenge to will cost you time and money and aggra- face. So whether you are a seasoned chef vation since you'll forget at least three when you enter college, or a frightened things you need and have to run back to freshman wondering what you are going get them." to do when the cafeteria closes for the Another important tip Brody mentions night, fear not because there are plenty of is not to go shopping hungry because tips that can keep you from starvation your eyes will be bigger than your wallet, until the Sodexho staff comes back to and your stomach will be leading the Sean Cruishank/The Observer work the next morning. way. Buy what you need and not in Matthew Massanelli, FCLC '05, discovers that learning how to cook for yourself Get all your cooking tools excess. Since students tend to cook for can be a trial-and-error experiment. When a student moves into McMahon one, buying a lot of fresh produce, or Hall, they have the luxury of having a meat can lead to rotting food and angry list of necessities for your kitchen, as meal!" she said. full kitchen, something students at other roommates. well as what they are used for. , Start off simple colleges don't always have. So take "I forgot that chicken can't be left in The Internet can also be helpful for Cooking a holiday meal would be advantage of this situation and make sure the fridge for more than a day without it culinary beginners. Recipelink.com/dorrn- quite a challenge for a beginner, so the that you come to school with the right having been cooked," said James cooking has lots of links to different cook- best bet would be to start small. Salads, cooking utensils. Valletti, FCLC '05. "It went bad and got books specifically for the first-time chef soups, and pasta can all be made quickly Alexandra Nimetz, author of "The a gunky white film on it." If you tend to or college student with titles like "College and easily as long as you have something Healthy College Cookbook: Quick, buy things way in advance, consider Cuisine, Cheap and Easy Cooking," to go by; "My best advice to beginners is Cheap, Easy" recommends students to frozen food which is more forgiving for "Cookbook for College Kids," and fpllow the recipe and use all of the prop- "Keep an eye out for bargains. Buy the forgetful types. "Cooking Outside the Pizza Box: Easy ewjtensils, no substitutions," said Fortini. cookware with multiple uses, and orga- Get some references Recipes for Today's College Student." If Making sure you read through the nize, your storage space." A full list of No one is born a great cook. Even you click on a cookbook, it will link you entire recipe before beginning is an cooking utensils in her book includes Rocco needed his mother's help to make to Amazon.com where you can look excellent way of preventing disasters, kitchen staples like bowls, skillets, cut- the meatballs. So there is no shame in through the book before buying it. as is making sure you have all the ting boards, measuring cups and pots. asking for a little help, hi fact, most peo- Of course, some students have their ingredients on hand. Once again cook- The list also includes stuff like a casse- ple learn how to cook from watching oth- own ways of learning how to cook. books are a great tool, but don't be role dish, loaf pan, and vegetable peeler, ers do it. "The best reference for cook- Alissa Cote, FCLC '05, recommended afraid to try things out the way you like which may not be necesary for a starter ing comes from what I have learned from Epicurious.com, a database of recipes them. ' chef. my parents by watching them cook when from magazines and the Internet. "The "Basically the important thing in When asked what tools she couldn't I was a kid," said Alex Pakla FCLC'05. recipes have feedback and helpful hints learning how to cook is actually doing it live without, Lisa Fortini, FCLC '05, had "I have taken what they have done and from other people who've attempted the and not being afraid of cooking," said a hard time picking just one. "That's a added my own personal touches to dishes." John Tan, FCLC '05. "Cooking can be really hard one. I love my wire whisk and everything that I cook." She also recommended using family hard and intimidating since it does take a my rubber spatula [but] could I live with- Another helpful reference is cook- gatherings to gain some cooking knowl- lot of work, but the rewards are definite- out them? Probably but I wouldn't want books. Many designed for college stu- edge. "Helping your relatives cook on ly worth it. The important thing is: don't to.'4 dents offer simple instruction on every- holiday breaks is a great way to learn be discouraged. Just keep trying because When you have all your tools in order, thing from handling a knife to using special dishes and get the feel of cooking cooking is like a sport—it takes practice make sure that your cooking equipment measuring cup's. They also give you a without worrying about ruining a whole to get better." • Safety tips to keep in mind when traveling over the holidays By Natalie Rodriguez, FCLC '06 FEATURES EDITOR profile. "Do not call attention to yourselves," he said. studying abroad in Spain and recently made a trek to "And yes, this sometimes means learning to do things Lucca, Italy in October to visit a friend. She added With winter break comes the chance to vacation in a alone and quietly or with a small group of friends, not that it was very important to be on alert when leaving place devoid of textbooks, papers, and other school- with a crowd." the airport. related responsibilities. However, there are always complications waiting to disrupt your long-deserved Confident and cool-An important aspect of blending A little respect goes a long way—"I hate airports downtime when you let your guard down. So whether in is acting like you belong where you are, even if you're because they are basically totally artificial and created you're headed to some tropical hotspot, that long await- feeling a little unsure of yourself. "Whenever I take a worlds," said Mitton. "No one really wants to be there, ed European backpacking trip, or just a weekend get- cab in a new place," said Mitton, "I talk to the driver in and everyone is tired, disorientated, and only wanting to away a few cities from your home, keep some of these a way that makes sure that he does not entertain any get to their final destination." While traveling during the tips in mind to have a safe and peaceful holiday vaca- thoughts of ripping me off." If you believe you belong, holidays can certainly be a test of patience, just remem- tion. so will the people watching you. ber that the same rules of conduct that you adhere to when you're stuck in a crowded subway car apply when Put on your chameleon skin—Ever found yourself Get an A in Awareness-"There was a student you're out of the city. rolling your eyes at people who are obviously tourists, two or three years ago who was robbed, of all Also, if you are headed to a foreign land, it is par- like those who stand in the middle of the street in awe of places, in Perth, Australia," said Mendez-Clark. ticularly important to keep an open mind to different the Time Warner Center? Then bear in mind that wher- "Kind of ironical...because here [she was living] in cultures and opinions. Remember, the last thing you ever you go, the natives will likely have a keen eye for New York and she was robbed there." Just because want to gain while on your holiday vacation is an who is not from their neck the woods and you don't want you are on vacation, doesn't mean you should let enemy. Instead, look at your trip as a learning experi- to be pinpointed by the wrong person. your common sense and attentiveness have a bredk ence. "You cannot teach culture. We want students to "I never bring a backpack because only tourists wear top. The last thing you want is to have your money be aware and learn from their surroundings...and one backpacks, and I like to try to mix in as much as possi- and documentation taken from you while in an unfa- has to be prudent," said Mendez-Clark. He added that, ble wherever I go," said Andrew Mitton, FCLC '06, miliar area. "The same way you cannot teach culture, you cannot who recently traveled to Sarajevo in Bosnia- "In Europe, gun-shot, American style robberies change culture." Instead, just take the experience for Hezegovina. arc not all that common. What's more normal is for what it is and enjoy your,few weeks of downtime Ronald Mcndez-Clark, the director of international someone to steal your purse when you least expect before heading back to your regular activities and and study abroad programs, also advised keeping a low it," said Mary Couzcns, FCLC '06, who is currently responsibilities. • wwwjclcobsci'vui'.coin PivembtT y, 2004 The Observer Features 13 How one Fordham student is trying to make a difference Kate Cavanaugh, FCLG involved in-^volunteering in the commu- uations by altering certain aspects of then- nity." everyday life. '05, has learned a lot Cavanagh has moved her way up in the Besides volunteering regularly at soup Urban Plunge program. She was an assis- kitchens and a children's hospital, about herself and the tant during her sophomore year and a cap- Cavanagh also has an internship in the tain as a junior and senior. Her love of * Bronx at an Intensive Psychiatric world through volun- reaching out to others and her ability to Rehabilitation Treatment center. There see beyond the immediate problems to the she works with adults living with mental teering underlying factors contributing to them illnesses. As she described all of the pro- ByKasey Baker, FCLC'05 made Cavanagh a good choice for a leader grams she is involved with, one might STAFF WRITER of many programs, including Global begin to wonder if she ever has any time For the past three years, when most Outreach trips. to herself or to hang out with friends. people were enjoying their spring breaks As Cavanagh discussed her most "I do actually have free time and friends in some exotic location or spending time recent Global Outreach trip, she touched and I do go places. But I really feel like a at home with high school friends, Kate her heart and a huge smile lit up her face. lot of the socializing that I do, a lot of the Cavanagh, FCLC '05, was living with and "The GO Florida trip is my favorite. It's friends that I make, are through these pro- feeding the homeless, working with just a wonderful, wonderful experience," grams. They're great people that I share a migrant farm workers, and digging ditch- she explained. common interest with." es for septic tanks; all of which she During the trip, the members of the Although volunteering may sound like described as "really cool work." While Global Outreach team worked and lived a lot of work to some people, Cavanagh some of this may sound like the last way in a homeless shelter while also being stressed that it is very possible for stu- possible a college student might want to involved with the Coalition of Immokalee dents to help out. "You don't even have to spend their breaks, Cavanagh is no typical workers, an organization that educates be as heavily involved as I am, but I do a student. and advocates the migrant worker popula- lot of service work and also have a life, Over her past four years as a student at Caitlin Dillaway/The Observer tion in Immokalee. Cavanagh said that have fun, and maintain good grades," she Lincoln Center, Cavanagh has been Kate Cavanagh, FCLC '05, is a Social they are being paid the same wages as said. involved in a variety of volunteer pro- Work major putting her time and skills 66 grams and activities. They have included to use through volunteer work. four years of Urban Plunge, three Global Through all of this, I do get really cynical, but I also have that Outreach trips, and involvement in vari- she was disappointed in the lack of volun- one strand of optimism and hope that as human beings we have ous service learning projects and intern- teer opportunities that were available in this goodness or decency to reach out to other people. ships. She has done all this on top of her community and decided to come to - Kate Cavanaugh, working towards completing a Social Fordham specifically for their social work FCLC '05 Work major. Volunteering is both a pas- program. sion and a talent for her. "When I came to Fordham I received Originally from northwestern New the pamphlet in the mail for Urban Plunge they were in 1970. Corporations such as Cavanagh encouraged anyone who is Jersey, about an hour away from the city, and I was really excited," she said. "I Taco Bell refuse to take responsibility for interested in doing volunteer work to con- Cavanagh first got involved in volunteer thought it would be perfect for me and I this problem and pay an additional one tact the community service or campus work during her junior year at a Catholic really wanted to start off my college cent per pound of the tomatoes mat these ministry offices. "There are ongoing vol- high school with church-related babysit- career by doing something that I really workers pick. As a result, Cavanagh said unteer opportunities and really awesome ting and food pantry programs. She said enjoyed and that I wanted to get more that many college campuses have gotten programs. Some are only one or two hours rid of their Taco Bells in order to boycott a day and it's not too late for seniors to get the selfishness of the corporation. involved. There are plenty of things you - "I feel like it's really a big necessity for can do." » our age group to be responsible con- She said that all of the volunteer work sumers and to force corporations to be she has done has really helped her realize responsible as well," she said. '1 think that how much she wants to be a social work- it's very hard for a lot of people to under- er. Although she has seen some, sad stand what's going on in society because things, she said that she is more in love NOMINATIONS FOR TEACHING AWARDS they're very far removed from it. If more with the profession now than ever, and is people did volunteer work and saw the sit- currently applying to graduate schools. uations of people that live right next door "Through all of this," she said, "I do Fordham College at Lincoln Center is seeking to them, then I think that more people get really cynical but I also have that one would mobilize." strand of optimism and hope that as nominations for awards for outstanding Cavanagh doesn't merely show up, human beings we have this goodness or undergraduajeteaching^n the areas of volunteer, and call it a day. She thinks this decency to reach out to other people. about how she and others can improve sit- I just wish more people could find it." • humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. If/oi^ \^$h to hdniinate a full-time A look at Veganism Fordham &flege |t Lincoln Center faculty his own food as well, was not such a member for pgibf these awards, pjease submit . Davidson agreed with him. "I do not big fan of Whole Foods. "I like that believe they offer any [vegan] foods that they have so much organic stuff, as I your choice ^ii^mtirig: Deadline for entries is are rich in protein and if they do, they do am very into organic foods," he said, not advertise them well enough." "but it's way too costly." Rossman ^S&uaiy 18.2065! According to Amy Kleindienst of preferred the Fairway on Broadway \ /*. -A -*• Fordham Hospitality and Sodexho and 74th, which has an entire floor Dining Services, Rose Hill has a vegan dedicated to organic foods. station in their Ultimate Dining "Downtown is the place to be when Send nominations fb:~\'" : Marketplace that provides a variety of it comes to food in my book," Rossman vegan Alternatives. "At this station," said. He recommended Red Bamboo she said, "students will find a daily and Vegetarian's Paradise 2 by Robert R. Grimes, S.J. changing main entree, usually consist- Washington Square Park, Souen (a ing o'f some kind of protein product macrobiotic restaurant) on 13th Street, Office of the Dean such as tempeh or tofu." No one was and Caravan of Dreams (a kosher Fordham College at Lincoln Center available for comment about Lincoln organic vegan restaurant) on 6th Street. Center's vegan options. "On St. Mark's there is also a killer Lowenstein 821 ' So what's a vegan to do if the cafe- veganbakery," lie added. teria has nothing but less than stellar So while you're in the cafeteria, star- options available? ing down a lump of steaming meat, "I rely on Whole Foods for every- don't expect to find Rossman, thing," said Davidson. "I slock my Davidson, or any of their fellow kitchen each week and cook all my Fordham vegans in line behind you. own meals." They have to go elsewhere to find food Rossman, who mostly cooks all of they can cat. •

uuiHv./'ch<>l)servev.com Best of 2004 14 The Observer December <), 2004

Best Computer Apple iMac Best New Face (TV) The picture speaks for Amy Poehler on "SNL's" itself, but I'll go ahead and "Weedend Update" say it: not only is it THE I know, she's not new to "SNL," slimmest desktop comput- but she is new to the anchor chair er, but it's also the the most previously occupied by Jimmy beautiful. A combination of Fallon...and that was a big seat to brawny G5 innards and fill. But Poehler, with her wry beautiful aesthetics, this sense of humor, compliments iteration of the iMac takes "Update" veteran Tina Fey's dead- pan delivery as if the pair have the top spot for THE per- Kate Winslet in "Eternal Sunshine..." been working together for years. fect office "accessory." Sure, she's made some poor choices in the — Heather Liebling Steve Jobs, I love you. past ("Titanic" and "The Life of David . — J.P. Mangalindan Gale"), but no one can deny the pitch-per- fect performance she gives in this film. Injecting her character with the little idio- syncracies that make her the cooky but lov- Instant Addiction able Clementine, Winlset achieves a level The Observer of perfection unparalled this year. "The O.C." — Heather Liebling I did not start watching the show until I recently picked it up on DVD. The story of a misplaced kid living in the staff names the rich neighborhood of Newport Beach ' could easily have failed, but strong Voter Wear writing and memorable characters have Best and Worst Voter wear was extremely popular this fall not only kept the show alive, but have at Fordham. Before Nov. 2, it was also introduced indie music to the gen- extremely Common to see students wear- eral populace. I sit by the edge of my of 2004 ing t-shirts or buttons supporting their can- seat waiting to know how the lives of didates or voting in general, whether it the Cohens and the Coopers will The top movies, faces, shows and was P. Diddy's "Vote or Die" shirt or a unravel this year. homemade one. — Ashok Chandra trends that we couldn't have lived with- — Amanda Pizzuti out (or wish we'd missed)

Best Fashion Designer Monique Lhuillier Known for her amazing wedding gowns, Monique Lhuillier has made more than a name for her other collections since this September's Fashion Week, where she debuted her 2005 Spring ready-to-wear collection, Casual pastels give the collection a cool west coast feel. "California Dreams," which was one of the songs Lhuillier used on the runway, couldn't , sum up the collection better. — Catharine McNelly

Best CD Wilco - "A Ghost Is Born" Most rock stars come out of rehab with not a lick of musical talent, but not Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. The band's frontman came right back post-rehab with this year's amazing "A Ghost Is Born." Tweedy and his band really delve into all kinds of different styles, but it works. "Ghost" opens with a somber, almost solo "At Least That's What You Said," then moves on to "The Incredibles" the uplifting almost gospel-like intro in "Hell Is Pixar won hearts with its newest animated foray. Gorgeous visuals, a Ghrome," the happy-go-lucky piano-based great mix of the funny and dramatic, and some of the most memorable "Hummingbird," and then the epic-feeling • characters in recent history. As Edna, our dear fashion designer to the "Handshake Drugs." superheroes, would say, "It's simply fabulous, dahling." — Catharine McNelly — J.P. Mangalindan

Most Best Scandalous Playwright/Stuclio NFL Super Bowl •Show Halfrime Show "Earth Leigh Delights" by The term "wardrobe Tessa Mancini malfunction" was Tessa Mancini's "Earth introduced into our Leigh Delights" is one of vocabulary because of the best studio shows since Janet Jackson's I first came to Fordham. A exposed breast at the play about putting on a play about going to a play that Super Bowl. We may has technical difficulties never know whether or and the audience has to per- not it wasJustin form? Only hilarity could Timberlake's fault, but ensue. If you laughed your the overblown event ass off at a studio show this led to stricter censor- year, it was this one. ship regulations, — Enrique Ollero —Amanda Pizzuti December 9, 2004 The Observer Best of 2004 15

Best New Face (Film) Puss in Boots in "Shrek 2" Antonio Banderas lends his voice to this devilish kitty with the heart of Zorro in the body of a tabby cat—whoever thought up this combination deserves the title genius. He's menacing with the blade and can melt your heart with his wide, brown eyes. And, judging from his stash of catnip, this kitty knows how to have a good time. — Corinne Iozzio

Best DVD Best Musical "School of Rock" "Avenue Q" Jack Black is hilarious, yes. And his movie, "School, The award-winning "Avenue Q" dares to depict post- of Rock," is a lesson in rock 'n' roll history. But the college life in New York. Completewith puppets, DVD's special features are where the real lessons are people and perverts, this musical analyzes work, sex, at. Anyone who manages to include a feature called racism, and the Internet, all to an uppity singsong "Jack Black's Pitch to Led Zeppelin"—amazing! score. Much more than a "Sesame Street" parody, Props to Black for being as funny in the special fea- "Aveflue Q" brilliantly bridges the gap between tures as he is in the movie. childhood and "real life." — Catharine McNelly - Meg Delcher

Best Portable Music Best Movie Sequel Device "Spider-Man 2" Apple iPod Your friendly neighborhood Spider- The new fourth-generation iPod West Act&r Man swung into theaters this past sum- is the BMW of portable music Jude Law mer and spun gold. With fights of players. The quality and sleek Not only has he proven to be a talented little fel- operatic splendor, the perfect tongue- design of the iPod make it the low in the past—even in not so great movies (A.I. in-cheek plot, and the return of Tobey music player of choice for many cough, cough)—but he successfully held my Maguire, director Sam Raimi proved FCLC students, plus it doesn't attention through "Alfie".... Not to mention the sequels can do more than simply match hurt that Apple offers students a unending slew of releases this fall. Jude's definet- their predecessors, but surpass them in discount. It seems those tiny ly got "it." Those eyes. That accent. Those lips! every respect. This is how it's done. white headphones are gracing — Jennifer Cobb — J.P. Mangalindan the ears of an increasing number ofstudentsatFCLC. — Elisa Falch

Best Ford ham moment Nov. 8 fire in McMahon Hall Being trapped in my room on the 8th floor (where the fire was) had some wild- ly entertaining moments. The first is lis- tening to the alarm go off for a while without any announcement as to why. Another was hearing over the loud speak- er that 8 floors of the building were dam- aged because of one candle (HA!). But one of my favorite moments was looking out my window overlooking 60th st and "Team America" Soundtrack seeing Fordham girls flocking to one of With an intense Presidential Election and war tensions the five fire engines with half a dozen existing throughout the country, it's nice to know both firemen at each one. Truly a great sides can laugh at themselves while listening to 'Team Fordham moment. America." With such knock-out hits like 'Tm so — Enrique Ollero Ronery," or "AIDS," there's bound to be something foreveryone. — Monique Diman

Best New Show "Desperate Housewives" • "Desperate Housewives" was the surprise breakout hit of the season. The show follows the lives of four suburban women who live on Wisteria Lane. The show explores Best Celebrity Style Star the marital and dating problems of Sarah Jessica Parker these women. The show, which Dry your tears, Carrie is still in our hearts, and her mixes comedy and drama, helps Manolos are alive and kicking on SJP. Narciso fill the void left by "Sex and the Rodriguez? C0C0? Prada? Versace? She's got 'em City," to which the show has been all. Labels aside, though, there doesn't seem to be compared. And, thankfully, its an outfit out there that this miniature maven can't addictive plot twists and equally make look fabulous; she even rocks a puffed-out sumptuous bods do not disappoint. Gap winter vest—that's talent. — Elisa Falch .*-.., — Corinne Iozzio The Observer December 9, 2004 Students turning to the Internet to rate their professors By Joe DeLessio, PCLC '06 trum—peopfe who either loved the per- FEATURES EDITOR son or hated them." In 1999, while attending San Jose Jackaway, who said she has seen her State University, John Swapceinski took page on RateMyProfessors.com, said a class with a professor he now refers to that her ratings there tended to be "a lit- as "particularly dastardly." She was so tle more negative" than those on her dastardly, in fact, that Swapceinski Fordham forms. would not settle for warning just his In a 2003 Associated Press article, a friends about her. Instead, he founded a spokesperson for the American Web site, RateMyProfessors.com, with Association of University Professors said the hopes that other students on campus that online professor rating sites "have would know to avoid her class. But what no credibility" because they "invariably started out five years ago as a crusade focus on student gripes." against a single professor has turned into But according to the Frequently a national phenomenon that is changing Asked Questions page of the way students evaluate professors and creen capture ofRateMyProfessors.com RateMyProfessors.com, over 65 per- choose their classes. RateMyProfessors.com offers students the opportunity to conveniently browse cent of the ratings on the site are posi- Many students around the country are professor ratings over the Internet. tive. The page also claims that, choosing to use independently operated although the ratings should be viewed Web sites such as According to Quinn reserve librarian Gwenyth Jackaway, associate profes- as a listing of opinions, and not neces- RateMyProfessors.com rather than tradi- John D'Angelo, students generally have sor of communication and media studies, sarily as statistically valid, schools with tional professor evaluation systems not been taking advantage of the com- believes that the availability of the infor- over 1,000 ratings tend to be "uncanni- administered by individual colleges. And pleted evaluations available to them on mation Fordham collects should be this ly accurate." The FCLC page has over students at Fordham are no exception, as reserve in the library. widely publicized. 1,000 ratings. they are seemingly relying more than "This semester, I've probably had "I certainly think Fordham should Swapceinski said he has found the rat- ever on these sites. But while browsing about six students look at them," he said, make more of an effort to let students ings on his site to be accurate. "When I professor evaluations on sites like adding, "I'm not sure if the general pop- know this information is available to started the site, I wasn't sure how reflec- RateMyProfessors.com may offer more ulation really knows that we even have them," said Jackaway, who added that tive of general opinion the ratings would convenience than Fordham's system, it them." she was unaware that Fordham's evalua- be," said Swapceinski. "But I have since may not be as reliable. Smith said he would prefer it if tions were available on reserve in the received feedback from many students "Every year when it's time to register, Fordham publicized their availability, library. She also said that years ago, who said they've checked the existing I always go there to look first," said and said it would be even better if the when she began working at Fordham at ratings for professors they've already Dominique Smith, FCLC '06, in refer- results were available on the Internet. the Rose Hill campus, the student gov- had, and found the ratings to be accu- ence to RateMyProfessors.com. "It real- "We are used to having access to almost ernment would publish and distribute a rate." ly informs students about what other stu- anything via the Net," he said. book each semester with data it collected He added that there-are also several dents think of professors." Some schools, such as Princeton from evaluations, and that such a book or "behind the scenes" processes that help Over 300 professors have received rat- University, have a system in place where a Web site would be helpful. to minimise what he calls "rating spam- ings on the FCLC page of data collected on evaluations similar to But while RateMyProfessors.com and ming," which helps to eliminate many of RateMyProfessors.com, although some Fordham's are compiled online. At sites like it are undoubtedly convenient, the site's bogus ratings. He said that are not current members of the Lincoln Princeton, for example, the student gov- some say their ratings are not necessarily ' although he essentially now operates Center faculty. Nationally, the site con- ernment compiles data from the regis- statistically valid. RateMyProfessors by himself, he has tains over 2.5 million ratings for hun- trar's office and makes it available "The sample is very unrepresenta- over 600 student volunteers across the dreds of thousands of professors, ranging through the Student Course Guide, a tive," said Jackaway, "because it's a United States and Canada who help to from the serious ("He was boring and Web site available only to students. completely voluntary sample, and it's not review new ratings every day. made us read the book he wrote") to' the According to Princeton junior Mike going to give a very representative view Swapceinski is quick to defend the valid- humorous ("His class was like milk; it Botta, that system, which he said is of the student body. ity of his site, and said that the rapidly was good for two weeks.") widely known around campus, has been "I think they have the potential to increasing number of users is the best Smith said he was not aware that a success. serve a useful funetion," she said, "but indication that it is a legitimate tool for Fordham's own evaluations—which stu- "When it comes time to choose cours- the problem is, it's very self-selecting college students. dents fill out for each of their classes at es, everyone on campus uses the Course who fills them out... .Generally for some- "The fact that our traffic has tripled or the end of each semester—were avail- Guide to help them make their selec- one to be motivated enough to voice their better each of the last five years indicates able on reserve in Quinn Library. And he tions," said Botta. "It's so popular opinion on a professor, they're likely to students are finding the ratings worth- is apparently not alone. because, it's so accessible." be [on one of] the two ends of the spec- while," said Swapceinski. • Some gadgets to keep in mind this holiday season By Chris Moeser, FCLC

iimm\J'clcobsei'vev.com Culm-e # Dbscrver Arts Calendar Mario Cantone is a 'Laugh Whore' By Heather Iiebling, FCLC '05 knew it was going, but they did it so COPY EDITOR On-Campus: unexpectedly. So there are three lost Mario Cantone has one of those episodes that never aired. Thurs., Nov. 9 distinctly recognizable voices. ItVa Clearly your family plays a APAC presents its annual Open Mic Night at 7 ; special mixture of loud, pushy New large role in your comedy. Do they p.m. in the Student Lounge. Admission is free. . • Yorker and Broadway quality vibrato ever get upset with your impres- Refreshments to be served. ' .. * that ordinarily, one can't miss. This sions? * ErL, Dec. 10 - Sun., Dec. 12 voice has enlivened some of his most No. [My sister] Camille has seen Director Jessica Howell presents "The Lover" by notable stage performances in the show twice. But all the stuff I Harold Pinter in the White Box studio at 8 p.m, '••• "Assassins," "The Violet Hour," say she says, she has actually said. "The Tempest," "Love! Valour! And Joey [my brother] didn't like In Theaters: * Compassion!," and his previous one- that I said he was a stockbroker and a man show "An Evening With Mario compulsive gambler. He doesn't Dec. 10 ,. . Cantone." gamble anymore, which is great. But Blade: Trinity Imagine, then, my surprise when I I still have to say it because it's a The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou , -. didn't recognize his voice on the tele- great joke. I really'love my family, : Ocean's Twelve ,.•"•;' •_ ••, . phone. "Heather?" a deep, scratchy though. Otherwise I wouldn't have voice asks. "Yes?" I reply, unsure of cooked them all that Thanksgiving Dec. 17 who I'm speaking to. "It's Mario.. .1 food. The Aviator ... :- , just woke up." Not knowing what to Who's your favorite person to Beyond the Sea say to the current star of the one-man impersonate? Flight of the Pheonix ,; show "Laugh Whore," and my per- I like doing Judy Garland. Liza's Spanglish . - sonal favorite sidekick Anthony fun, but exhausting. ... My first Dec.22 - ' ./..,.".> /,'• ' .'. -.' Marantino from "Sex and the City," I impression ever was Julia Childs. Meet the Fockers . nervously say, "Oh, I'm sorry!" To Were these role models of yours? which he replied, "That's okay. I had Yes, definitely Judy Garland. My to get up anyway." I could tell this mother used to play her all the time. Bride and Prejudice • would be a fun interview. There was a Carnegie Hall double Courtesy of Bill Streicher Mario Cantone stars in his own The Woodsman . album she had that I knew all the one-man show, 'Laugh Whore,' Mario Cantone: So you go to words to when I was two. Really which is playing untilJan. 2 at the Dec 25 ; . • fucking faggy of me at two, knowing Fordham? How old are you? Cort Theatre. Andrew Lloyd Weber's The Phantom of the Observers Twenty. all the words. But my real role mod- Opera ' ' • ,''.',*"•; Twenty!? Oh my God nobody's els were the comics. Lily Tomlin. Patrick King actually wrote that part FatAlbert twenty anymore, (laughter) Steve Martin. And later Richard for me. He was even closer to the Well, after seeing the show last Pryor. There was also this comic character than I was. So when peo-

; .week, I guess my first question is: Craig Russell. He would dress in drag ple ask me how much of it I impro- In Good Company , • • .', •'--\..-H<.'<'. How do you possibly manage to and do Judy Garland. I wanted to do vised, it was hardly ever. Maybe William Shakespeare's The Merchant'of Venice.." keep up that energy night after what he did. The way he pulled his once or twice. The writing on the On the airwaves; . : • * night? hair up...he was her. I knew that's show was just that good. So yeah, I I lie in bed all day and do nothing. how I wanted to do it Without the lip- miss it. . „ Dec 14 • ' • ,:; '^ ~ (Laughs) stick. What's next on the agenda after Cyndi Lauper - Indispensable, . ',]'%..'.•: No, really, I do. I do go to the In your show you pull a straight 'Laugh Whore'finishes its run? 2Pac - Loyal to the Game gym. But yeah, basically I'm here all guy from the audience for a number We're filming the [Laugh Whore] Barry White - Love Collection . ''-'./,". day. in the second act. Did that skit ever special for Showtime this Saturday / used to watch Steampipe Alley (a backfire miserably? [Dec. 4]. And I have two indie films Dec. 28 . * •"'••/ children's show Cantone hosted in No, not yet But you have to know coming up, which I'm actually get- Celia Cruz - 21 Grandes Exitos V ting paid great money for. There's : the late 80s to early 90s) when I was how far to go with them. But hey if they Kylie Minogue - Ultimate Kylie ; a kid. You didn 't really lose your job killed me I could always call up Jenny also a Disney picture that's in the The Beatles - Capitol Albums, Vol. 1 there by shouting expletives at the lit- Jones. works, but nothing's final yet. tle kids, right? / have to ask. Do you miss work- Calendar is courtesy of the Visual Arts depart-' ',' No, no. The station was actually ing on "Sex and the City"? When I thank him for his time, he ment, the Theater department, the Office of • • ' Yeah, I do. I mean, it was like the is as cordial as ever. Student Activities, ComingSoon.net, and bought by Chris-Craft, a boat com- Billboard.com. ' . pany. And they saw the show and best show on TV. Plus it was here. I "Anytime hun!" he says. Back to just immediately threw it off the air. I didn't have to go anywhere. Michael bed, I presume. • New exercise craze will have you stripping in no time Strip aerobics is not just for the newest trends in physical fitness, Cardio Striptease, ly would probably be weird. Fortunately for me, the or Strip Aerobics. By focusing on signature striptease class that I took, all the ladies were having fun, trying strippers anymore dance moves and using proven aerobic maneuvers, Strip new moves, perhaps practicing some old ones, but Aerobics takes a workout to a new level. "In my opin- focusing on a playful workout," said Jill Bellomo, 35, of By Savannah Farris-Cfflbert, FCLC '05 ion, it's the best of both worlds because it's a dance class Green Brook, NJ. . STAFF WRTTER and a body-conditioning class—plus the added benefit While past workout routines have focused on relax- The lights are turned low as the women stand in three of being empowering!" says Nacinovich. ation, like yoga and Pilates, or high intensity fast-paced staggered lines,' their bare feet on the polished hardwood The art of striptease has been around for years, of routines like Tae Bo, Strip Aerobics sets itself apart from floors, staring at themselves in the wall of mirrors.. The course, evolving and changing with the times. The new the rest by playing on an almost naughty genre of dance lights are turned low, to set the mood. Christy workout regime focuses on those classic moves that while still remaining true to the classic aerobics moves Nacinovich stands at the front of the studio, her back always have made the stripper feel sexy, look sexy. that burn fat and build muscle. Strip aerobics relies on facing the mirrors. Participants not only learn how to do a strip tease, but those contemporary moves that have evolved in strip "If we are on the floor, every time you get up, do it work muscles in their bodies that they might not have tease such as the pole dance and the lap dance which like a stripper. If you don't want to take your shirt off, known existed. "A good workout to me is something that focus on moving one's body in a way that is "sexy" just use a towel. And ladies, this is about sex, so be keeps your heart rate up for more than 20 minutes and while learning how to maneuver your clothes off within free with you sexuality," said Nacinovich. A giggle works your whole body leaving you drenched. I like that the routine. breaks out through the studio at Crunch Gym's Union someone finally figured this out. I loved the class," said In New York City alone, several Crunch Gym loca- Square location. As the burlesque music booms Deborah Miller-Albanese, 39, of Miami Beach, Fla. tions offer Strip Cardio. It not only focuses on aerobics, through the speakers into the heavily air-conditioned During her publicity tour for "Desperate but it motivates students to explore their own sexuality. studio, women begin to shake out their limbs, legs and Housewives," Teri Hatcher, one of the show's stars, "The focus of the class is learning how to strip and feel- arms, twist their heads left and right. Christy claps her demonstrated several moves that she has learned from ing comfortable moving in a sexually confident way, hands and walks along the front of the class, fast paced, the strip aerobics class she takes in Los Angeles. She which only comes once you allow yourself the freedom arms waving at her sides, toes kicking out in front of taught Oprah how to shake her hips, and gave Stern his of moving like you do when no one else is watching," her. And just like that, the women come to life, whip- own lap dance. Hatcher raved about how great the work- said instructor Nancinovich. She also encourages her stu- ping their hair back, linking their hands above their out itself. dents to do the floor routines for "some one special." heads as their hips sway back and forth. The emphasis on sexuality lends itself to the playful These women in the studio have signed up for one of mood of the studio. "It's just fun. Taking it too serious- Continued on page 20 www.J'clcobsei'vci:com December 9, 2004 The Observei' Arts & Culture 19 Humans beings bear more than just suffering in 'Red Cross' Director Jonathan off: herself. In the hilarious scene where she gets all worked up about her fear of Talley tries his hand at having a ski accident, she paints a grue- some picture of how her head would fall Sam Shepard's play off and kill a million people in the valley By Yvette Bass, FCLC '05 below the mountain. Right off the bat, STAFF WRITER the audience can sense that this charac- ter has all the requirements for filling the Twenty-two-year-old Fordham stu- shoes of a neurotic drama queen. Claire dent director Jonathan Talley, FCLC '05, T. Gauntner is exceptional as the timid has made some pretty smart creative and self-controlled maid who parodies choices in his two-year directorial career, the adventurous and irrational Jim. however nothing tops the decision to Talley chose to pair these actors up for direct Sam Shepard's "Red Cross." their skyrocketing onstage chemistry. In Performed in the Black Box Studio terms of what he looked for in choosing Nov. 21 through the 23, "Red Cross" his actors, he strove to find people who brings together a wonderful array of made "raw, creative, imaginative choic- kooky characters, each with their own set es, who took direction to mold these of paranoia and insecurities, in an attempt choices, and who would make a variety to prove that humans are inevitably tied of different choices and play different to each other by their basic need to com- objectives." municate. Talley chose to direct a Sam Before Talley was making casting Shepard play because of his love for the decisions, he was honing his creative playwright's work. "I've always loved flame, which was sparked at an early Sam Shepherd; there is something about age. He grew up with musicians for par- Courtesy of Jonathan Talley his writing that is both intriguing and ents, and thus was on the road a lot. He Ruth Coughlin, FCLC '05, plays Carol in the recent Black Box Studio production of scary at the same time. I needed to do this received the opportunity to embark on 'Red Cross,' a Sam Shepard play directed by Jonathan Talley. play to explore the fragility of the human trips all over the world, an experience mind." Talley, however, chose this partic- most people his age have never received. white was in keeping with Shepard's actors that grace the stage, thus an elab- ular play because of the vivid pictures in After being home schooled until age 15, vision for the play, as he even included orate set was not the main focus for the the text. "The mere concept of the red Talley attended a public school in down- this note in* his stage directions. "I success of the production. cross exploding on a white background is town Manhattan. Upon graduating from believe it adds the air of sterility, some- Perhaps a scene that sums up Talley's fascinating." high school, he came to Fordham where thing which people are trying to make directing talents is the one in which the In "Red Cross," the character of Jim his credits range from assisting the clean and failing to do, like a hospital maid is taught how to "swim" on Jim's (Brian Murphy) is a free-spirited, ram- director for "Trojan Women," directing a room with little ants running around on bed Jim forces the maid to do breast- bunctious guy with a fatal case of pubic slew of plays from "Found Text '03: The the floor." Upon first seeing this strokes on his bed, pushing her as a crabs. Constantly scratching his pri- Eye of the Storm," to a staged reading of •unadorned stage, one would think that sergeant would, shouting at her to keep vates, Jim provides the audience with "The Figure," to "The Marridge the play would be dry and boring. What going despite her obvious fatigue. The non-stop comedy. Carol (Ruth Purpossul." is soon realized is that the play's color positioning of the actors, with the out of Coughlin) has her own demons to fend The decision to make the set a sterile comes from the charismatic and talented breath maid flailing about on the bed and Jim lying on the floor repeatedly perform- ing effortless breaststrokes, is a wickedly 'Red Cross' kiid^lPIie Respectful Prostitute' funny sight to behold, leaving us with lit- By Enrique ODero, FCLC'06 tle room to wonder why this scene is Talley's own personal favorite. This scene LITERARY EDITOR also speaks of the overall notion that "Red Cross" by Sam Shepard humans will do whatever it takes in order Directed by Jonathan Talley to communicate with one another, even This' blackbox studio show achieves something that the engaging in silly attempts to teach people entire audience can agree on: utter confusion. The play, writ- how to swim. According to Talley, "the ten by Sam Shepard, is about two patients in a country clinic: characters in this play don't know how to Carol, played by Ruth Coughlin, FCLC '06, suffers from a interact with each other. They use their condition that may cause her head to explode, and Jim, played imagination and their illnesses as crutches by Brian Murphy FCLC '05, who suffers from terrible pubic for communication." crabs. A maid, played by Claire Gaaunter FCLC '06, comes by Perhaps Talley isn't excluded from this to change beddings and develops a relationship with the tor- human need, as he claims to identify him- tured and manic Jim, who refuses to have his sheets changed self with each and every one of the char- and simply switches beds with Carol. He alienates the maid, acters in the play. He sees his own anxi- though, and she leaves the clinic as Carol returns, ranting Courtesy of Jonathan Talley eties reflected in those of the characters. about how she now has pubic crabs. The transfer of disease is Brian Murphy, FCLC '05, in 'Red Cross.' "I see myself checking to make sure the not just one sided though, as the play concludes, Jim's head senator concoct a story that the black man tried to rape Lizzie stove is off five times before I leave my explodes. on the train and that is why they shot him. The truth is that the apartment. When I leave my car in the The performances of each actor were very strong. senator's nephew was the one who sexually advanced on street, I check all the doors to make sure Coughlin's hysteric Carol was very convincing and at times Lizzie. The senator and his son, Fred, played by Tommy they're locked at least twice. But unfortu- frightening, Murphy's manic and crab-plagued Jim was pow- Heleringer, FCLC '06, hatch a plot to convince Lizzie to sign a nately, I do no find myself putting the erfully crazy and tortured, and Gauntner's nude was the most document confirming the story they had fabricated. Things same obsessive-compulsive behavior into moving as the tragic, tortured character. The set design was become more complicated as Shadae Smith FCLC '06, a friend doing productive things—like writing seemingly minimalist, but achieved great presence with its use of the murdered black man arrives at Lizzie's apartment, beg- papers." of white. And the sound was very effective: the sound of bugs ging her to tell the truth so that he doesn't get lynched or* As for Talley being unproductive, I am moving as Jim describes his crabs is so eerie that you couldn't burned. Lizzie has to deal with these moral dilemmas while sure many would beg to differ, as inspir- leave without feeling a little itchy. trying to achieve a sense of her own identity as a respectful and ing actor is no easy task. For Talley, his Despite the strengths of the performances, the set, lighting, respectable woman. goal was to "encourage, inspire, torture and sound design, the play lacked something essential: coher- The production was well done and very cohesive. The set actors to find images and ideas that mean ence. Although the performances were strong and compelling, design was intricate and powerful, with the borders of Lizzie's something to them, because anything they lacked direction. Although a clean read of the show might apartment established with rope. Her bed was also wrapped in else is not true to the stage or the actor." be equally confusing, a produced show should not be. If Talley rope and the feeling of being tortured and confined was evi- In Talley's eyes, the two most important knew what the show was about, I'm sure the cast and the audi- dent. The story was compelling and was greatly compliment- things in directing are imagination and ence would too. ed by the performances, most notably O'Conncll's Lizzie. Her compromise. "The director must have the torment was real and rclatablc. All the performances were strength and vision to get his own vision • "The Respectful Prostitute" by Jean-Paul Sartre very strong, however Damn's Senator stood out awkwardly. across, while learning from people who Directed by Alondra Salinas His stand alone performance was good and extremely enjoy- are smarter than he is, to make his own "The Respectful Prostitute" tells the story of Lizzie, played able, but integrated with the rest of the show, his subdued hilar- ideas even better." by Heidi O'Connell, FCLC '06, a New York prostitute who has ity didn't fit. When asked whether or not he plans ventured to the segregated Soulh to try to escape her troubled Overall, the show's themes of race, sex, and truth were on directing more plays at Fordham, he life up North. Lizzie finds herself thmst into a scandal, as she dynamic and emotive, and the performances were very power- replied "Hopefully, if they'll let me." witnesses the murder of a black man by the nephew of a south- ful. "The Respectful Prostitute" is one of the strongest studio Something tells me that this is definitely ernL8cn^oriplaycdbyTomBanmFCLC^ shows of the semester. • a possibility. • www.pL'lcobscvvev.com Arts & Culture 20 The Observer December 9, 2004 liOriMajewski recaps from Fordham to Us Strip aerobics Continued from front page Continued from page 18 I think they liked having me arouri8. Personally, what has been your The women move to the beat as favorite scoop? . Christy yells out the moves and the Favorite scoop? It was an interview class responds in unison. The next with Usher. He took me for a ride in his move, "Now slowly take your shirt off, Porsche. He was driving 105 miles an and whip it over your head." hour weaving in and out of traffic on an A silence passes like a wave through Atlanta highway and the top was down. I the students, as each looks hesitantly was screaming my head off. The whole around the studio from-person to person. time, I thought, I have a really great lead With a knowing glance, everyone grabs to my story. His song 'Nice and Slow'. 'U, the bottom of their shirts and all of a sud- was popular at the time ... And he was den in quick upward motion, everyone is just really fun. I also got him to open him in their bras, the adrenaline pumping up about the non-flashy things in his life, through their bodies. It is this emphasis the hardships in his life, how, when he on uninhibited physicality that makes the was growing up, Puff Daddy had signed participants giggle. The naughty aspect him to Sean Combs had signed him to a of the routine, in a predominately female record deal. When Usher's voice started environment, creates a kind of unity to change because he was of that age, among the class. Puffy kind of just dropped him and he Courtesy of Us Weekly Magazine Strip Aerobics has come to video as was really upset about it. That's what From left to right-.TVstar Tori Spelling, Us Weekly executive editor Lori well. The pop icon, Carmen Electra, has actually gave him the gumption to come Majewski released her own series of Strip Aerobics back and make it on its own and prove it instructional DVDs and has raved about to everybody and not too many people the benefits of strip aerobics on television knew it at the time. don't really matter at all. You're not think I have to do it. I've been doing TV, guest appearances. She has used her sex Many journalists have a nightmare important. They don't want to know I would love to do TV, whether it's VH1 appeal to make a career for herself in interview, where seemingly everything how you are, how your husband is, or E!... It's really funny because it's the Hollywood. With the release of her goes wrong. Do you have one? how's your life. They just assume you first time I'm actually stumped with DVDs, women can now learn the moves Interviews? I don't really have any want to know about them. what I want to do. I love to write, in the privacy of their own homes. bad stories because people when they And with Madonna? whether it's more freelance writing or Meanwhile, at Crunch Gym in Union come to US Weekly or Teen People, the That's the number one thing about books, I would definitely like to do some Square, the studio has grown hot. The interview means a lot to them and if they Madonna: she's been famous for so more writing, but I love editing too. ... I women bend backwards, their heads act too diva-ish or they're not really nice many years, that she doesn't want to can say I'm very happy. I'm at a point upside down, eyes staring at the stark to me, it may come across the story and know about you. Her only concern with I'm really focusing on myself. back wall, their backs arched, stomachs hurt them, but I've met some celebrities you is how you can help her and that's Is there a misconception you feel peo- reaching- for the ceiling, their left hands I wasn't impressed with. actually the way most celebrities are and" ple have about entertainment journal- beckoning an imaginary audience. Like? that's kind of disappointing. That's why I ism? Most are just in bras and pants now, Number one was Madonna. I just think my favorite stories have to do with Everybody thinks it's really glam- their hair sticking to their sweaty backs. feel that part of what makes her so being a fan. Usher knows he's nothing orous. Of course, when you get into it, They beckon to the beat before pushing famous, so popular, so successful, is without his fans. He knows I'm a fan. He you realize it isn't. This job is about pas- themselves back into a sitting position that she's so strong, independent, and wanted to have fun.... I always think for sion, passion for entertainment, passion at the call of Nacinovich, who lets them so fierce, but that's what I didn't like in every Britney Spears who may forget for movies and celebrities and you know, rest for a moment on the staggered yoga person. I found her to be selfish, self- where she came from, there is a star that I have friends who are teachers and who mats. As they sit, the women look centered. ... One of the things I least hasn't work behind counters at banks and say, around, stealing glances and smiles at like about celebrities is it's all about Ultimately, where would you like to go "Wow you're so lucky." I don't consider each other. The class is almost over; them. Even if you talk to them during a from here? Editor in chief? myself lucky because it's truly a job, but their bodies feel weak, but rejuvenated. conversation, very few of them recog- I think I've always wanted to be an would I rather be doing what I'm doing, For an hour they have shared a racy rit- nize-the difference between a conversa- editor in chief. I would really like to ' standing behind a counter, accepting ual that left them sweaty, but feeling a tion and an interview, so if you sit write books, that's something that scares people's money? Yeah. I would definite- bit naughty. down to just have a conversation, you the heck out of me and because it does, I ly ratHer be doing what I'm doing. • | Internet piracy forces record companies to move up release dates BtByEHsaFalch,FCLC'oy EBsa Falch, FCLC '055 ^^_^___^__^^^^^^^_^^^ those trying to download the song. STAFF WRITER Although the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has blamed Internet piracy for the slump In recent weeks, many record companies have made the in albums sales seen in recent years they have been unable decision to release several upcoming albums earlier than to provide any definite evidence that the decrease in sales expected because of fears of these new songs leaking on the is directly related to downloading. Anahid Kassabian, Internet FCLC professor of communication and media studies, With record sales up four percent from last year, accord- noted that it is hard to separate the decrease in sales from ing to the New York Times, record companies are deter- typical industry cycles. Kassabian believes the slump has mined now more than ever to prevent their new releases more to do with lack of imagination from the record labels from being illegally downloaded before the album is and not searching to find new emerging artists. released in stores. Recently, Sony released Destiny Child's Kassabian feels the RIAA has approached Internet latest album, "Destiny Fulfilled," on Nov. 15 a day earlier downloading the wrong way. Like many, Kassabian does than originally planned. Geffen Records also moved up the believe Internet downloading has an entirely negative date of Snoop Dogg's latest release, "Rhythm & Gangsta: effect on the recording industry. In many cases download- the Masterpiece," to Nov. 16—a week ahead of schedule. ing exposes listeners to new music which they might not In many cases, early release dates fail to deter listeners have otherwise listened to. The record labels need to from downloading songs illegally over the Internet. amazon.com embrace the technology that is out there instead of trying to Elizabeth Segreto, FCLC '06, stated she would still down- Destiny's Child is just one group forced to move up its stop it. Kassabian thinks suing individuals who download load the album even if its release date was pushed forward. release date because of Internet leaks. and moving up record release dates are not the proper way "As college students, we just can't afford to pay almost $20 2003,'albums by both Eminem and Jay-Z were leaked on to handle piracy. for a CD with only one or two songs we will end up listen- the Internet, which then forced their respective record "The recording industry needs to explore radically dif- ing to," said Segreto. labels to move up the release date. Many artists now ferent industrial structures. They are trying to protect the However, Segreto said she would buy a CD, despite it request higher security in the recording studio and are more present structure instead of searching for a new one," said being leaked on the Internet, only if it was from an artist she hesitant about sending out promotional copies of their Kassabian. She suggests artists self-producing their albums enjoyed. "If it was an artist I really liked then I would prob- album to radio and press before the official release date for and using record labels only as a public relations and mar- ably go out and buy it because there is something special this reason. keting tool, which would enable artists to retain more rev- about actually having a hard copy of an album you really Record labels also load fake versions of songs onto peer- enue from the albums sales instead of the money from sales •like,"said Segreto. to-peer services. These fake tracks are loops of the original going to the record label. Records have been leaked on the Internet before their song, which keeps repeating over and over again. Other Kassabian predicts that Internet downloading is here to commercial release in the past and since this continues to times the clip of the song segues into static for the remain- stay, which is something the recording industry will have to be a problem, record companies arc taking increased mea- der of the downloaded song. This method prevents listen- accept and adapt to. Kassabian's suggestion is for the record- sures to prevent records from leaking onto the Internet. In ers from downloading full-length tracks and frustrates ing industry to "look internally and make changes." • iimmKrclcobservcr.com The Observer Arts & Culture 21 Familiar television news faces begin to fade away By Anthony Hazell, FCLC '06 evening newscast and passed the MANAGING EDITOR torch to Williams. His departure, "Good evening. America's however, was eclipsed a week new reality tops our news before it happened with the tonight..." The story was about announcement from CBS that U.S. troops in Iraq, but with that Rather, anchor of "CBS Evening greeting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2, News" since 1981, would be NBC "Nightly News" anchor leaving in March 2005 to Brian Williams began become a full-time investigative America's new reality in televi- correspondent for the network's sion. primetime newsmagazines. For over two decades, the Walters, perhaps America's faces of broadcast news hardly most recognizable television changed on the national level. interviewer, also called it quits There have been a few shifts at the beginning of this televi- among anchors on the net- sion season. In September, she work's morning newscast— gave up her Friday night seat some popular correspondents and her trademark "This is left for the land of cable news 20/20" greeting, to the younger —but there remained three con- anchor pair of John Stossel and stants: Tom Brokaw, Peter Elizabeth Vargas. Walters, who Jennings, and Dan Rather. Oh, began her career at ABC as a and "20/20" with Barbara co-anchor on its evening news- Walters was what television cast, is expected to continue critics referred to as "appoint- hosting her traditional news ment television." Now, the peo- specials and her ABC Daytime ple we grew up watching on program, "The View." television are all, as they say in The departure of Rather, one the business, "moving on." of the most surprising changes, "There is no question that has many people in the industry network news is under going a speculating as to the fate of major change," Joseph Dembo, CBS News. former vice president for CBS "If you were to ask...senior News and professor of commu- news executives at CBS, they nication and media studies at would say, we have until March Lisa Berg/NBC News Fordham, told The Observer. and are not worried," Dembo NBC "Nightly News' anchor Tom Brokaw signed off on Dec. 1. BrianWilliams has already taken "It will be more noticeable in said. "If you ask veteran over Brokaw's spot. four months when Dan Rather observers of television, they leaves." would say CBS has had 25 face," they have a real shot at are unhappy with Williams' per- "despite his. background with It was just a few days ago, years to prepare for a successor rising from the third-place rat formance, things could get bet- journalism, he has done things Dec. 1 to be exact, when and they claim they haven't . ings cellar that "Evening News" ter for ABC's "World News and said things that are ques- Brokaw, anchor for NBC's found one yet." has been stuck in for some time. Tonight" and -Jennings, who tionable." Among the "ques- "Nightly News" since 1983, Dembo believes that if CBS Although if CBS has no luck will become the last of this gen- tionable" things that Dembo stepped down from the helrn of chooses a "strong, experienced with Rather's replacement, and eration's original network news could be referring to is Rather's the nation's most-watched journalist" and not a "pretty just a fraction of NBC viewers triumvirate to leave the anchor use of falsified memos in a desk. recent CBS News report that "As we speak," Dembo said, questioned President George "ABC is number two in the rat- W. Bush's service in the Texas ings. Peter Jennings has the Air National Guard. In 1987, opportunity to move past Brian Rather also walked off the set Williams on NBC." of "Evening News" in protest Brian Rose, professor of of a tennis game that pre-empt- communication and media ed part of his newscast. For studies, has a different opinion seven minutes—an eternity in on what could happen for television time—the network ABC. was left with dead air until "People, by this time, have Rather decided to return to the probably made up their minds desk. about Peter Jennings, either lik- As for Walters, however, ing him or disliking him," Rose Dembo does not consider her a said. "Even with his position as journalist. "She is a reporter on the 'last of the three' traditional celebrities," he said. "She has anchors left by March, I doubt had a number of commendable if we will see a significant exclusive interviews but [ABC] bump upwards in his ratings." made a serious mistake when While viewers of today may they made her the co-anchor [of remember Brokaw, Jennings, ABC's evening newscast]. She Rather, and Walters as the faces was not qualified to be a news * " that took them through wars, anchor. Her strength lies in impeachments, death, terrorism, what's called 'getting'—when GET UP TO 50% BACK FOR YOUR TEXTBOOKS Hollywood scandal and count- she 'gets' interviews with high less other events that have profile celebrities and world IF THEY ARE USED AGAIN NEXT TERM. defined today's television news, leaders." industry observers of tomorrow As the networks begin their INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF may remember them for other transitions from the era of things. Brokaw, Jennings, and Rather, LOWER PRICED USED TEXTBOOKS "They will no doubt look it could be their last major tran- FOR OTHER STUDENTS. back on Tom Brokaw as a solid sition in anchors, according to journalist," Dembo said. "He Rose, who called this period, was thoroughly experienced "the last gasp of network news' CHECK WITH YOUR FACULTY before moving in to the anchor prominence. seat. He put in his time." "Froip here on in," he said, TO SEE IF THEY ARE REUSING Dembo also said that Rather "we will enter a time period of would be remembered for his increasing broadcast news YOUR BOOKS NEXT TERM. "worthwhile accomplishments" irrelevance and, possibly, the and his "toughness," but his end of the network evening problem with Rather is that newscast." • umnc.fclcohscrvcr.com Arts & Culture 22 The Observer December 9. 2004 What to-buy? The Observer's essential holiday gift gmde By Catharine McNeDy, PCLC '05 "America: The Book" by Jon Stewart and the ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR writers of the Daily Show "The Wilco Book" by Wilco Warner Books PictureBox, Inc. $24.95 $29.95 How I wish this mock textbook was in print when I was Rock group Wilco not only released a full-length album this forced into U.S. history class. Never have the oh-so-sacred year. They also wrote a book! "The Wilco Book" is full of the roots of our democracy been so clear—OP so funny. band's reflections throughout their time in the group as well as Finally free from the spin of "America is the greatest place a few guest writers, novelist Rick Moody and essayist Henry ever" history teachers, pupils of "The Daily Show" partake Miller. 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"Below the Radio" isn't your typical Grandaddy album. Frontman Jason Lytle and his band have put together basically a mix tape of their favorite indie rock Holiday palatte by M.A.C. songs along with one new Grandaddy track, "Nature Eyeshadow Anthem." "Below the Radio" features indie rock old- $32 timers like Beulah, Pavement, and Blonde Redhead as well as newer bands like Earlimart and Snow Patrol. Every holiday season, M.A.C. releases its signature palattes from lipsticks to brush kits to eyeshffddws; which are always the most popular. So popular that M.A.C.'s online store has already sold out two of the three limited-edition palattes. Check out M.A.C. stores Additional reporting by Corinne lozzio, FCLC '05, Editor in Chief because these won't bo around much longer. www.J'clvobsvrvvv.vam December 9, 2004 The Observer Arts & Culture 23

what he wanted. He could have had an Kevin Spacey easier life. He could have not On the airwaves: smoked! But he pushed himself to the ON THE RECORD tracks are better than the first single, edge all the time and I think the edge GWENSTEFANI "Rumors," a song about another child is an interesting place to exist. Love, Angel, Music, Baby (Interscope) Gwen Stefani's debut actor turned tabloid headliner turned angry yet very rich celebrity. Despite On actress Kate Bosworth ... solo album "Love, her attempts to successfully play the I didn't know her work. When I met Angel, Music, Baby" pop chameleon, Lindsay is no J-Lo. her at dinner, she looked like leaves much to be "Speak" is the guilty pleasure all [Sandra Dee] to me. There was a kind desired, which may "Parent Trap" fans hoped for, but in the of essence! she had. The first time seem funny given 'end it will make less waves than Mr. I saw her, I actually saw her across the that it is jam-packed Lohan's drunk driving and restraining room. I heard the theme from with every type of music genre there is. order violations. C+- -~ 'Summer Place' in my head. ... She While she has a strong, catchy first sin- Alissa Cote had all of the qualities.-. She's very gle with "What You Waiting For," the funny, she has a very mature face. rest x>f the album is too crowded to be really enjoyable. Even her cover of the THEEXffiS On Jamie Foxx.... classic reggae song "Rich Girl" has no Head For the Door (Virgin) Courtesy of Lions Gate Films The night we had the world premiere real direction. While catchy at times Today's garage rock Two-time Academy Award winner of 'Beyond The Sea' in Toronto, I with it's head-bobbing beats, the album shift and boom has Kevin Spacey has taken on the chal- heard Jamie Foxx was having a party. .generally confuses the. listener, making made evident that the lenge of playing a character nearly 20 I thought, I have to see Jamie them shake their heads, not to the song, MTV alternative years his junior in this year's "Beyond because I'd heard he's so good in but at it. C+ rock of the last four The Sea." Spacey, who has a knack 'Ray.' I went to this party thinking it'd Natalie Fleysher t years has been unin- for impressions, croons as Bobby be a little VIP room. Instead, I walk spired, unnecessary Darin in the film which he both directs into this huge venue. There are U2 and temporary. The newest release by and stars in. 900 people screaming and Jamie Foxx How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb L.A. quartet The Exies, "Head For the is rapping. He catches my eye and (Interscope) Door," channels too much Puddle of On why he filmed "Beyond The that night, Bobby Darin and Ray The boys of U2 are Mudd and Three Days Grace to be taken Sea"... Charles got back together and sang back with a revital- seriously. Although the first single I love Bobby Darin and in n lot of 'Splish Splash' in front of 900 people. ized, lively, and "Ugly" and the track "Tired of You" ways, because he died so young and It was very cool. defined' rock edge. offer beauty, honesty, and simplicity, because he was so diverse, his legacy With "How to they are not enough to steer the album has been dissipated. He's not as On his love for musicals... Dismantle an Atomic into an area that has not been tread by well known had he lived a long life By the time I was 20, I did a lot.of Bomb," the band has let go of its Euro- bigger and better acts. Glimpses of a and done one thing really well musicals. ... I did 'Gypsy,' 'Damn synth-pop sound and produced a very sharper rock world illuminate with bit- which, in some cases, means you're Yankees,' 'West Side Story,' and 'The back to basics rock album. While some ing lyrics and crunching guitars, but the famous. Boyfriend,' but then I just never of the sqngs are not up to par with the bursts are few and far between. C found the time or the chance or rest of tne album, such as "Original of David Graver > On Bobby Darin... nobody hired me! So now after doing the Species" and "All Because of You," It's incredible what he overcame and this' I'm like, 'Don't you regret it as a whole it achieves a great guitar dri- E. TOWN CONCRETE how by force of will, he just gave now!' ven rock and roll presence. B+ Made For War (Ironbound) • an audience everything he had. Here's Enrique Ollero New Jersey's E. a guy at 12-years-old who knew —.J.P. Mangalindan, FCLC '05 Town Concrete have LINDSAY LOHAN blended hardcore, Speak (Casablanca) rap, and melody Is it Avril? A previ- together into a pow- Now in theaters: ously .unreleased erful mix in the past Britney track? Nope, and continue to do so. ALEXANDER Rated R, 98 mins. (Sony Pictures) that's Lindsay "Made for War," their fourth full-length Rated R, 173 mins. (Warner Bros.) Julia Roberts stepped in for Cate Loban's.voice you're album, turns the rapping down a notch Oliver Stone's epic biopic starring Blanchett when the actress got preg- hearing. "Speak" is and puts more focus on the band's metal Colin Farrell attempts to provide his- nant (little did she know) and it and knot what you'd and hardcore elements. Although the torical grandeur but leaves the viewer shows. With Natalie Portman, Clive expect. lit is not original, musically or gripping, growling vocals of Anthony terribly underwhelmed. Stone tells Owen and the seemingly omnipresent lyrically. It is, however, rather diverse in Martini and the assault of heavy guitar the story of Alexander the Great, the Jude Law, this pretty woman, hard as the number of established pop stars and pack a mighty punch, something seems Greek king who conquered much of she may try, sticks out like a sore sounds it borrows from. And (gasp!) it's to be missing. It can be frustrating the known world in his time. The film thumb: she has neither the presence quite likeable. Highlights include when such a fierce album can still man- tends to focus more on Alexander's nor the dramatic gravitas to hold her "Anything But Me," an Anastacia-y age to sound a bit unmemorable and motivations than actions, leaving the own. Otherwise, Mike Nichols's adap- track, and "To Know Your Name," elec- tedious, overall. B- story choppy and less than cohesive. tation of the acclaimed play weaves its tronic pop la Mrs. Federline. Most Rafael De Leon Coupled with gross overacting, intricate web of love, lies and betrayal unnecessarily long battle scenes, and rather well for an emotionally painful, but splendid tale. B+ unnecessary plot points, the film only J.P. Mangalindan achieves epic stature as an epic fail- ure. D Enrique Ollero NATIONAL TREASURE Rated PG, 125 mins. (Walt Disney) BEYOND THE SEA I know what you're thinking: this movie can't possibly be good. Well, Rated PG-13,121 mins. (Lions Gate you're wrong. Jerry Bruckheimer's Films) latest Disney feature delivers with the Is this a biopic or a musical showcase? story of Benjamin Franklin Gates With a disclaimer at the end stating (Nicolas Cage) and his quest to find an '"Beyond The Sea' is a fictional take ancient treasure collected by Templar on singer Bobby Darin's life,' it's Knights and Free Masons over the cen- obviously not the former. Instead, the turies. With intense brain-teaser clues pet project allows director Kevin on a quest to discover ancient treasure, Spacey to strut his stuff in numerous the film is a smart adventure, relying musical numbers that entertain and more on suspenseful detective work overcompensate for its weak than action. Although the film has its older/younger Darin narrative device. flaws, including a flat love story Still, one can't shake the notion that between Cage and Diane Kruger, its the actor is a little too old to portray compelling story, adventurous spirit, Darin's spritely persona. B and references to national history ele- J.P. Mangalindan vate the film to an almost Indiana Courtesy of Virgin Records Jones level. A- IA)S Angeles quartet The Exies just released their latest album, 'Head For the CLOSER Enrique Ollero Door,'on Virgin Records.

wiviu.fclcobserver.com Litem Observe December 9, 2( Christmas morning and a final good-bye 85 North By Jennifer Mammana, PCLC '06 About a month after his death, my off the edge of the step. By DavePinke, FCLC '05 ASSISTANT SPORTS EprroR brother and I were talking, and he told We knew he would never let us fall CONTRIBUTING WRITER me that in the midst of all the pain and down, but our hearts would race anyway. "Sali, Sali, wake-up," I whispered to suffering my family was going through Then, he would squint his eyes and lean The Garden shed stands black with my brother as I indelicately shook him when my father was dying, forgone back, pretending he was going to sneeze. door- from a deep sleep. Tucked under the lay- moment, the moment when I woke him He would move his hand to cover his Latches locked or stuck with rust ers of blue flannel sheets, my brother up, he thought it was Christmas morning. mouth and only then would he pull us . To hide the whispered serpent's lore, groggily began to get up from his bed as Every Christmas; when my brother and I down the stairs. My brother and I Carving 'S's in the dust. I continued to call his name. I grabbed were young, I would run down the stairs laughed so hard down each step. Even his Hand and I held it tightly. The house and call his name until he woke up. I though we were scared, he was holding latches locked or stuck with rust . was still dark as we quietly tiptoed down would hold his hand and we would run us. As long as he was holding us, we „ Beside the grasses squarely patched, the stairs, not realizing we were holding down the stairs together. were safe. '- Carving 'S's in the dust our breath. We would wake up so early, the sun But now my brother and I were hold- .|Lie 'possum tunnels, tightly The memory of that morning lingers would still be down, but the room always ing him. We were no longer hoping for thatched. in my mind. It was July 11, 2004. That had a warm glow from the lights on the that miracle, but we hoped that maybe day I lost my father, only 45 years ol Christmas tree. The colorful strings of we could make him unafraid. I held on to Beside the grasses squarely patched after watching him battle cancer for tw< lights would reflect on the shiny wrap- my dad's hand, and I told him I loved And under roots the great oak tree years. My. mother woke me up, while the ping paper of all the gifts and the room him. His hands were getting colder and I Hides possum tunnels, tightly sun was still rising, so I could be with would sparkle. For one moment my tried to keep them warm. I looked to him thatched him one last time. Because she could not brother believed it was a happy and said, "Daddy, we're going to be ok. To fend off swarms of bumblebees. leave his side, she called me on my cell Christmas morning. He believed it up You can go." phone. My dad knew it was time, and he until the reality hit that I was waking him At first he did not hear me, but then he Under roots, the great oak tree wanted to say goodbye to my brother and up to say goodbye to our daddy. smiled back at me. He said that he was so Lays shelter, shade, and tends her leaves me. As we ran down the stairs, I know that proud of the woman I had become. I took To fend off swarms of bumblebees I had hurried so fast down my spiral we were both waiting for one last mira- in a deep breath as the tears poured down From green to yellow, colors leak. stairs from the attic and into my brother's cle. If such a miracle could happen, we my face and neck. I didn't bother to wipe bedroom. I told him we had to go down- believed with all of our hearts that it them, because I knew there was no way Shade lays shelter, tending leaves stairs and see Daddy. I didn't tell him could happen to him. Maybe we believed to stop them. Against attacks from bees and men, why, but he knew. Together we went this because the doctors at Memorial For the rest of the day, I sat next to The green and yellow colors speak down the stairs where my father was Sloan Kettering in New York said he was him, holding his hand. I watched my What no one hears, but feel, one can. lying. a miracle. They had never witnessed a mom drip morphine into his mouth every The room was a golden color. The man participate in a cycling marathon ten minutes to stop the pain. I saw his Against attacks from bees and men sun was still rising and had created a only several weeks after intense rounds fingertips lose their olive tone and fade The garden shed stands black .with beautiful glow that shown in from the of chemotherapy, daily radiation, and a into a pale blue. I heard his breaths turn door- window behind my father's bed. It was complex surgery that cut through both into gasps that became more erratic and Wjiere no one hears but feel one can so quiet. Although I live in Brooklyn, it his chest and back, leaving him, \^rith a . spaced as we entered into the night The serpent's feet upon the floor. • seemed as though everyone was asleep collapsed lung and no esophagus. hours. and the world had stopped for a Maybe we believed a miracle could Then it .became quiet. His gasps breathed his life into us. moment. The only noise that interrupted happen simply because my dad amazed returned to faint breaths. I was silent, try- So each day I try to believe that too. I the silence was my dad's breathing. us with his strength. On Christmas morn- ing to memorize each last breath he took. miss him more and more every second There were long gaps between each ings, my dad would take a big box from I only breathed when he did. I waited, that passes, but I believe that he is with breath that he took, and I never took a one of the toys we had gotten. My broth- longer and longer for each breath, until me at every moment. When I wake up breath until he did. I prayed that my er and I would crawl inside and my dad finally there were no more. My brother this Christmas morning, I know that it dad's suffering would end in the sereni- would then lift the box up and carry us to swears that the moment after he took that will not be the same. Although there will ty of that morning, but he wouldn't stop the top "of the stairs. He put the box on last breath, we all gasped for air. He - be no sparkle or glow of light, he'll be fighting until 1:11 A.M. the top step and we sat hanging slightly believes that with that gasp of air we burning in my memory. •

Library Available 24/7 • The Fordham University Libraries, along with 18 other Jesuit university libraries, now provide a joint online reference service to all students, faculty and staff. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week — even if the library is closed. • Students working on papers late into the night are no longer limited by the library's hours of operation. Because the participating libraries include Jesuit schook from Boston to Los Angeles, librarians will be available in every time zone. • Once logged into the system, librarian and student will be able to browse for resources together. Students will see on their screen all the databases and Web sites that the librar- ian is searching. The librarian will also be able to send word documents and images to students through email At the end of each session, the student will receive a complete transcript of each session, including links to all Web sites visited, via email • To access the new Virtual Reference Librarian service, go to the library homepage (www.libraryfordham.edu) and click on the "Ask a Librarian..." link. From there you can click on the "Live Online Reference" link. • For further information or questions on the Virtual Reference Librarian service contact Jan Kelsey, Head of Reference at Rose Hill, Allan Halpern, Headof Center, or Diane Deery, Director of the Gaines Library atMarymount

wwwrclcobscrev.com December 9, The Ohsc

and pursing his lips like a little girl wait- not the rain at all! That had been the The mouth of the piano player Piano Player ing to kiss her mother's cheek. She children playing upstairs! They must dropped open and he looked frightened By Rachel RKppetti, FCLC '08 glanced up suddenly to see that his face have fallen asleep now." but said nothing. CONTRIBUTING WRITER was blushing red. He stared at her for a few moments, Suddenly, the upstairs door slammed "Quite a storm isn't it?" she said, unblinking, then slowly looked back to and she heard the sound of footsteps Before she knew it, the clouds outside forcing a smile and pondering quite the table and picked up his teacup running down the stairs. Her heart had exploded and were dropping rain, angrily why his face blushed so damn again. dropped, for she knew the children drowning the village road in monstrous much and had the nerve to distract her Soon she noticed yellow light stream- were coming. muddy puddles. from his hands. The piano player nod- ing in through the doorway, the sun shin- "Mother! Mother!" they cried, rush- "I assure you, Madam, that I am able ded to her questions but kept his eyes on ing through the windows in the next ing into the room. "The rain has stopped to walk home in the rain," he said, but the table in front of him-, sipping his tea room. and the day is bright and sunny now! she waved her hands and shook her with crimson cheeks. "Has it stopped raining?" he asked, May we go to, the fair?" head, insisting on his staying until the "You play the piano beautifully. I'm turning towards the light. She could not bring herself to look up rain let up; yes, she needed to gaze just so happy my children are being "Oh no!" she said, "That is only the into the eyes of the piano player whom longer at the shape of his hands. taught by you. I've never seen anyone lightning." she knew was staring at her, so she kept Secretly, of course. with so much talent!" The piano player stared at the light a them on the table, muttering, "Of course His hands were what had gotten An even deeper scarlet color rose second longer before turning back children..." him the job at her home in the first into the piano player's cheeks and his around. He was stiH for a moment but The children ran happily out into the place, giving piano lessons to her dull eyes flicked back and forth between the then looked at his watch and said, "My! beautiful day. mindless children who couldn't have table and his-teacup, not landing or My! You must be getting ready to make There was a thick and gloomy silence, cared less about music. She knew it, remaining anywhere for very long, like dinner! And I am sure my mother is like a thundercloud, until the piano play- but did not care, for she did not pay a fly. His foot tapped quickly, repeti- waiting on me so I'm afraid it is time to er spoke, saying, "Madam, I demand an the piano player for her children's tiously, on the floor... part until the next lesson." explanation for your detaining me from sake. tap...tap...tap...tap...tap... "What?" she said, "What time does leaving." All the while he played, she sat there "Thank you..." he said quietly, and your watch say?" She said nothing and thought of his beside him in the burgundy velvet- cleared his throat. The clock in the hall- "It says nearly five o'clock!" he said, hands as he rose to leave, clattering the backed chair, her hands clasped tightly way chimed and he looked towards it pointing to the face of his watch. She dishes that lay on the table. onto her knees, breathing shallowly, still quickly, puzzled. The only other sounds watched his pointing finger in absolute "If you won't speak," he said, "I will as a bronze, gazing at the magical way were the torrents of rain pounding on the ecstasy. just get my things, for this will be my that his hands glided over the keys. roof of the house and, of course, his tap- "Oh no..." she lied (rather weakly last day at your house." Occasionally, she lifted her eyes to listen ping. after watching his finger) "Your watch The piano player then walked to the music, but that was surely not "The blue vein on your left ring finger must be wrong. I can see the living quickly out of the room. She slowly often. stands out when you play the piano. It's room clock from here and it is barely rose to follow him, feeling sick but Now this man was certainly little, very...dramatic." she said, stifling her three!" thinking only that she would never weak, and dim whose hands did not fit nervous giggling, trying to be casual and He nodded stiffly. again see those beautiful hands... the rest of his ill body or his equally ill contain her excitement. After a few minutes of silence, she They would be at another woman's personality. But all that did not matter, He slowly picked up his left hand and heard the faraway whistle of a train in piano... Playing to that woman's horri- for she cared only about the hands. stared at it, then looked towards her with the distance and jumped at her chance, ble cretins! / "Go upstairs now children," she said, another of his puzzled faces. saying, "Oh! I think I hear thunder com- Leaning on the doorway from faint- shoving her little boy and girl with their Suddenly, she felt her stomach drop ing!" ness, she watched him through eyes ugly faces up the stairs and hoping all and body grow hot as she heard the pat- ' Just as she said that, the roar of the swollen with tears, watched his beautiful the while that the mass of toys brought ters on the roof diminish slowly but train swirled around them and vibrated hands, pure as porcelain, gather his by their father from his business trips unquestionably. The rain had stopped! the entire house, causing the teacups.to ' books, papers, and notes. would keep them occupied and out of Yet she had just begun! quake in their saucers. Suddenly, her back straightened and her sight. "Is that the rain stopping?" he asked The piano player gripped his chair in breath paused as her eyes saw through So here she sat with the piano player eagerly, setting down his teacup so fright until his lovely knuckles turned their wispy dimness the heavy and his hands. Her eyes watched his sub- quickly that some tea sloshed over the ivory. "That is thunder?" he cried, "Why, mahogany lid of the piano falling for- tle fingers wrapped around a delicate side onto the saucer. it is shaking the entire house!" ward and crushing the piano player's teacup with little pink roses on the brim. "Oh no!" she said simply, laughing a "Yes!" she said, smiling happily, fingers as they rolled over the smooth He sipped quietly, making gentle noises little behind her hand, "that noise was "there must be a tornado coming!" white keys for the last time. • Two bridges, A crash course in courtesy By Joe DeLessio, FCLC '06 car to do it. Sadly, the laws of physics times. So I wait for him to step out of one statue FEATURES EDITOR and my '94 Altima got in his way. his car and apologize. At least that By David Pinke, FCLC '05 Again, not inconsiderate; just incompe- would be sweet-some grown man CONTRIBUTING WRITER Technically, I've been in four car tent. And again, I'm fine with this. It's who's probably been driving for 20 accidents in my life. I say "technically" absolutely fine with me if you have no years, apologizing to some kid. Yeah, Late late Jate because in each of the four, my car was idea how to drive. Really, it is. This guy that'll be... Williamsburg bridge morning, not moving at all, and was hit by some- even made a strange face and attempted Tap. Goddammit! He did it again!! Swilling the flow of one who was either inconsiderate or some sort of I'm-sorry-wave. I bet we Unbelievable. Again, I can live with the Charters and chipping ".' [_ incompetent. The first time I was could have been friends. fact that this man can't drive, but at this The plane trees. , ,.'V motionless on the sidewalk outside Lot "Accidents" three and four, though, point, I want an apology. And by the 11 of Yankee Stadium, waiting to they really got to me. I lump them time his car is finally settled into its spot "Why are these benches here, merge into the lane in the street. As I together because they happened (which, by the way, is precisely the empty?" sirens the coast waited, I felt a tap from behind. approximately 20 seconds apart. I had same place it had been in to begin with), guard, salting the river .!• Incompetence. just finished my weekly tutoring job, and he turns off his lights, it's too dark and sidewalks, Believe it or not, I'm okay with this. and had gotten into my car to pull out to see where he's run off to. It's not the incompetent drivers that of my spot. I hear a knock on my win- So I inch my way back out of the That and the tour wake bother me; it's the inconsiderate ones. dow, and a man asks if I'd mind spot, carefully maneuvering my car so Divide the East River plane Does this make sense? It shouldn't. I pulling back in my spot so he could as not to hit-the car parked behind me, Into mountain ranges, should be more troubled by someone even out his SUV. Now, my car was or even the car of the idiot in front of Quaking her freezing who could very much kill me with their pretty crammed into the spot, but me. I finally-pull out, and step out of Green black continent. vehicle than someone who didn't satis- being the considerate driver that I am, my car to check for dents. There are factorily wave to me after I let them I obliged, even if he did walk away none, nor did I expect there to be. I Sweetly the sugar meets change into my lane on the highway. before I could tell him that I was leav- checked the back of the SUV, hoping The salt breeze to kettle cook But I'm not. The latter is what really ing anyway (I guess my getting into perhaps some paint would be scratched The cherry blossoms, gets to me. the car and starting it wasn't enough of off or something. No dice. I guess in the Leaning over the chain link The second "accident" was similar. I a hint). battle of SUV and '94 Altima, SUV Fence. was stopped at a red light on Jamaica So I inch back, and wait for the man usually wins pretty handily. As I sur- Avenue in Richmond Hill, Queens. to fix his SUV. It makes one quick veyed the SUV, it dawned on me that I The domino is old but Personally, I like to stop at red lights, movement and he slams on the brakes. should retaliate. If this was the movies, Gilded although and I think other drivers appreciate that Whew, that was a close one. Any further this is the part of the story when I Trapped by my setting sun- about me. But that's just me; other dri- back and he would have... would slash his tires. But, setting aside He who ambles downwards vers apparently take red lights as mere Yup, he hit me. That annoying little the fact that I probably couldn't do that if I tried (my keys being the sharpest Through the cold. suggestions. So as I'm stopped, again, tap, where you know no damage is objects on my person at the time), I Settling late for early dusk, • I feel a tap. It seems the driver behind done to the car, but you can't help but wouldn't do it anyway. No, that would me not only wanted to go through the question the other driver's ability to, be inconsiderate. • red light, but wanted to .go through my well, drive, I've now felt that tap three umHi'.f'clcobscrvev.coni The Observer December 9, 2004 Setting time hardly any class, no work, and tence played back in forth in my Wine Ode to By Enrique Ollero, FCLC '06 no friends because I was the head, the distinct ding of the LITERARY EDITOR »only one who decided to take elevator rang out, announcing summer classes. I did have my the arrival of my chariot to fun Spectator KenJen My eyes opened. I stared into trusty regret to keep me zone. The doors opened and ByDavePinkcPCLC'05 By Enrique Ollero, FCLC '06 a cloud of tightly woven green informed of Tuesdays, the only there she was, standing there in CONTRIBUTING WRITER LITERARY EDITOR of my carpet and puffs of gray measure of time I had. the black shift she said she Six months ago you took the dust that inhabited it. My body ® I got up off the floor, put on bougfit for me, her hair glisten- There's a day near the world by storm ached from the contorted posi- some clothes, walked past the ing and her eyes hidden behind Angelika, Gave up computers, headed tion I found myself in, limbs pile of untouchables, and into black Chanel sunglasses where Where people walk to L.A. awry, pressed against the hard the kitchen for some coffee. I couldn't see them judging me. Into the underground Into a game show hero floor. I turn my head to catch the The pile of untouchables were So I step into the elevator, To see oak casks on decay you've transformed rays of sunlight spilling in all the remnants of our past rela- my mind racing. But before I Aged with Viennese Two million bucks proved through my blinds onto my bed tionship which hadn't been could drive myself crazy delib- Neuroses. you knew how to play. where I hadn't slept for weeks. claimed. erating any longer, she made the Trebek could not confound Three weeks to be precise. I refused to go through it all decision for me and said, "Hi." Then there's November. A your witty mind Exactly three weeks. Which for fear of the memories and "Hi," I replied, smiling uncom- month Your nimble fingers made means it's Tuesday. emotions it might evoke. I also fortably, but trying desperately Wrapped in the forests to the fastest clicks I could already tell it was refused to let her go through not to seem so. I was trying to Press the ground, But Nancy Zerg, she snuck Tuesday before I even opened them for the fear of the memo- come up with something witty The^huddled leaves squirm up from behind my eyes. Ever do that? Wake ries and emotions she might and existential to say, but I Down into the dirt cellar. She knew the answer when up and just lie there with your evoke in me if ever we were couldn't come up with anything, you guessed FedEx. eyes closed, refusing to start the alone in the same room. The last and in the midst of tumbling Catching like a season, It's been a journey, Ken, and day? I do it all the time. I guess time we were alone together nei- over my own thoughts, the ele- Oaks cradle winter I'm so sad it just felt like Tuesday, or at ther of us really said anything. It vator jerked and came to a halt. Like hundreds of white To say good-bye to you, my least I had gotten used to what was terribly awkward, the first We were stuck. birds Mormon friend Tuesday was supposed to feel time she didn't say hello. Even Great. I guess it was time to On branching telephone Now go on back to Utah, be like, hi a way its bad, having to with all our issues she had bite the bullet and actually work poles a dad feel this way every Tuesday; a always said hello before. That things out. But it wasn't nearly That cellar formed. This winning streak has met weekly reminder of the mistakes time she didn't. We haven't been as bad as I thought it was going its sweet, sad end. of the past. On the other hand it alone together since. to be. At first things were awk- There the drain sits, unsu Ken Jennings, in my heart helps me keep track of time. After a less than rousing cup ward, and a little hostile; but it tured you'll always be Last Christmas was the first of coffee, I dragged my feet out didn't need to be. It was time to In its socket. Watching The one and only champ of time my parents hadn't gotten the door and headed down the really get over it. So we talked, when Jeopardy. • me a calendar as a present. hall towards the elevators. As I we smiled, we laughed. Things Sometime I creek Being as stubborn as I am, I walked down the hallway some seemed alright again. In the attic, close to the refused to buy my own and also of the lights went off. This dis- The elevator started moving Stairs. Dusting the wine Submit to refused to let my parents buy turbed me particularly. The again and the doors opened, rack. the Literary me one if they had forgotten in lights in the hallways are energy interrupting our last embrace, the first place, I didn't need friendly motion censored. They and as I walked out the doors of The vision near unsettled Section. their pity make-up presents. are supposed to turn on when, the lobby, looking back with a Coughs once at the Jerks. During the year it was you walk by. When they turn smile, then turning to face the Melting sediments- easier to keep track of time, off as you're walking, it makes sunshine in the morning, I head- Dripping sediments- such a regular schedule of class- you question your existence. ed down the road for a fresh Swirling single, sediment. • es, work, and time with friends. While the questions of the start. It was time to buy a cal- But the summer has been hard; infinite or finite nature of exis- endar. •

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riday December 10th 2004 in Open at 1:30pm in tie Ajriiit ree Admission(Dinner Included)' *t*V»' '-'.-' Two Guests Per Fordham ID lor F u r th er Iflf o r ma t i on Co at a Everyone Most Have k Photo ID Office of Student Activities (Rm-, ; mi By Mml Dial* !elf(63r)38H02; t t www.fclcobscrvev.com The Observer Fordham It's all new in Fordham men's basketball By Jen Mammana, FCLC '06 continues ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR is committed to building a winning program and we are confident that Coach Whittenburg ROSE HILL—Right now, men's basket- can help us achieve this goal." renovation ball at Fordham is all about being new. The It looks like that is a goal Whittenburg is Rams jumped into the season with a new atti- getting closer to acheiving. Things certainly of athletic tude and new players leading the way with looked optimistic with the exhibition and sea- freshmen taking over the court and some stel- son opening wins, but Fordham couldn't facilities lar high school players raring to go. maintain the same control over the court. By Jennie Nau, FCLC '08 Under the coaching of Derek Whittenburg, Fordham fell to Boston University when they STAFF WRITER the Rams started theseason with an exhibition couldn't bounce back from a 16-point setback ROSE HILL—Kicking off game win over Felician College followed by a in the first half and lost to BU 66-51 final. At the month of December, win over St. Francis, both at Rose Hill and a Manhattan College, Fordham trailed behind Fordham will be initiating the road victory at Iona. Fordham dominated the with a 76-60 loss. The win at Iona, however, second phase of a two-year ren- exhibition game with a 40-29 half-time lead was a big step foward for the Rams, who won ovation project on the school's and closed the game with 83-57 lead over only one road game all last season. athletic facilities. The project Felician. At St. Francis, Fordham won with 83 On Nov. 29, Whittenburg announced the began this past summer when points, the largest season-opener since 1993. signing of Chris Bethel, Luke Devine, and the Astroturf on Murphy Field The outstanding performer of both games Courtesy of Fordham Athletic Department Demetrius Philips, high school seniors, to a was replaced with Field Turf, was Bryant Dunston, FCRH '08, who scored National Letter of Intent during the early sign- In only his second season at the helm, Coach according to the Director of a game high of 20 points in his collegiate ing period. All three players have had remark- Whittenburg has the basketball program on Athletic Administration Charlie debut. This 6'8" forward for the Rams was able success in the high school ranks and are the upswing after several sub-par years. Elwood. named Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Rookie seen as talented prospects. They were also Field Turf, "a new state-of- of the week on Nov. 28 after registering an only six games. Many of last year's players, considered by reputable college basketball the-art artificial playing surface impressive three straight double-digit scoring most of whom were inherited from previous programs like George Washington, La Salle, designed to emulate grass," said games. He is the first Ram to win this award coach Bob Hill, are now gone, and Rhode Island, and Loyola, but chose to go to Elwood, is one of the many pro- since 2002. Whittenburg's new recruits look promising Fordham beginning in 2005. jects funded by the university's Whittenburg, who is entering bis second early on. Like its new players, though, the season is Capital Projects. Field Turf will season at Fordham, has a reputation for reach- "Derek Whittenburg is a proven winner, still young. Fordham still has a long way to take the place of the grassy sur- ing high places. After becoming the first both as a player and as a coach," said go. But, as the results are beginning to show, face of Coffey Field as well as coach to lead Wagner College to a NCAA Executive Director of Athletics Frank Whittenburg sure looks like he has Fordham the field at Fordham Prep, Tournament appearance two years ago, McLaughlin when Whittenburg was on the way up in the Atlantic 10 Fordham's Jesuit high school. Whittenburg struggled last season, winning announced as head coach last May. "Fordham Conference. • In addition, the drainage sys- tem under Jack Coffey Field, Hey, was that Artest that just knocked me out? home to Fordham's football and By Matt Chaprales, FCLC '05 baseball teams, will be RIDIN' THE PINE COLUMNIST and KAPOW! BOOM! replaced. There will be new Pacers/Pistons Palace Slugfest "Where the hell am I? 'Cause from field lighting, dugouts, and Imagine if... down here it seems like I just got dropped bleachers that will be able to Your buddy gave you tickets to the by Ron Artest..." seat approximately four hun- Pistons-Pacers game: a. rematch of 2003 The next day you wake up in the hospi- dred people. The renovations Eastern Conference Finals. You've got tal with a hazy, diluted recollection of the will benefit the Ram's baseball •prime seats, right at center court, within night before. The last memory you have is team, according to Elwood. an arms length of the floor. And you're suddenly illuminated when you look up1 at "This important project will getting a chance to see your world cham- the television in your room. There you are, benefit the athletic program, pion Pistons duke it out with the same being the drunken fan that the NBA has club sports, the intramural pro- team they disposed of en route to the allowed and even encouraged you to be, gram, and general recreation for Finals last year. "This is the life, " you tell talking the smack that you talk, as ordained the student body," said Elwood. yourself. by the "Unofficial Fan Handbook of The project also expands to You buy a round of beers, some nachos Sports". Fordham Prep, where a new and a hot dog. You don't even care that the And then, all of a sudden, your domain lighting system and running refreshment package you just purchased is breached. As you watch the television track will be added. costs more than most seats upstairs. you remain in disbelief, for you're observ- So why now? "The turf on Tonight, you're downstairs, part of the ing a six and a half foot beast crashing Murphy Field was nearing the action. This is what's great about the NBA, towards you, his eyes beaming with furious end of its lifespan, particularly you keep thinking. You buy a few more anger. Then it all comes back: that first because it was used so much, so beers, talk some trash to Pacer players wild forearm, attaching itself to your neck, we knew it had to be replaced," reporting to the scorers' table. They can then the roundhouse, which sends you said Elwood. "It has always definitely hear what you're saying, espe- plummeting to the ground. been difficult to maintain the cially as that brewskie count creeps into After you're released from the hospital, a grass field during the football the realm of the unknown. friend picks you up, tells you how crazy it season." You look up. It's already the third quar- was to see you all over the news and According to Elwood, the ter, and your team is looking more like Sportscenter, but most importantly he's just renovations are expected to aid Daisies than Pistons right now. Do they glad you're okay. Then he informs you that in recruitment for Fordham's even care that the Pacers are getting run of the next call you make should be to a football, baseball, and men's our house? Fans all around are getting lawyer. and women's soccer teams. restless, now taunting the Pacers with bla- Detroit Free Press/KRT He lets you know that you have nothing The changes being made to tant hostility. Ron Artest becomes poster-boy for one of to worry about. While the players surely Murphy Field and Fordham This is clearly becoming one of those the wildest brawls in sports history. The weren't the only ones responsible for that Prep specifically will assist games where your boys just didn't show melee earns Artest a 73 game suspension, horrible brawlj. there will be no blame with Fordham's intramurals, up, and you're pissed off. There's under directed toward you. You were just a fan. club sports, and student recre- a minute to go in the game now, and the of his own juice. You didn't throw the beer at Artest or go ational programs. entire team has defied Pjston-protocol: That's right, mofo! Can i mess with the . onto the court to find a fight. You were After the renovations are they've roiled over and let the Ron law! You watch as the melee is quelled, both just a fan, doing what you were supposed completed, Coffey Field will Artest train zoom through the Motor sides seemingly content with the blow-for- to be doing, acting like you were supposed not only be used for football City at high speeds. "This sucks," you blow scuffle. Then you see Artest again, to be acting. and baseball games, but it will think to yourself. One thing these guys lying right in front of you, on the scorers' "A sports arena isn't a library, he tells also be used for football prac- always have is tenacity. Not tonight table. Is this guy for real? Or does he real- you. It's a place guys go to be with other tice, as well as men's and apparently. ly want someone to...haha, there it isl guys, get drunk, and be loud and rowdy. women's soccer games. "The Tonight, the seconds are just ticking That's what you get for lying in front of a You were merely living up to that court- improvement will also help to away. .Under a minute to go, with the bunch of rowdy fans with beers in their side seat that you were given. free up additional facility time Pistons down by 15 points, it happens. Ben hands!, "Now," your friend tells you, "there's for club sports, intramurals, and Wallace, going in for a layup, is met head- For another second, you're still in the only one more thing to do: call that recreational sports," said on by that same Attest-express. You're moment, jeering this pugnacious player as lawyer and make his day by telling him Elwood. enraged. Are you kiddin me? Did he just do he gets up from the scorers' table, and who you are. Tell him you're the guy The expected completion for that to my boy? Big Ben gathers himself, heads into the stands. You scream a little who got attacked by a professional athlete the athletic facilities renovation with a look of "I sure as hell ain't goin down more trash talk, because that's what you do in your own seat. Tell him that, and is September of 2005. • like that" in his eyes, and gives Artest a taste as a drunken fan. You scream and swear watch him smile." • ivww.fvlvobsvvvvv.com ^•"•""w Colgate brushes off Fordham in season finale; Rams finish 5-6 By Joel Perez, PCLC '06 the game as "disgusting," allud- resulting in a safety and a fum- ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR ing to his team's inability to ble. • hold off the Raiders. The bright spot for the Rams ROSE HILL—Fordham Colgate QB Chris Brown, came in the form of CB Tad ended the season on a sour note, who was third on the Colgate Kornegay, FCRH '05, who as they dropped their third depth chart, threw for 277 yards intercepted a Chris Brown pass straight with a 40-28 loss to and two touchdowns. Jamaal in the first. Tad finished the sea- Colgate on Nov. 20. The Rams Branch rushed for 110 yards and son with a team high eight completed the season at 5-6, the two touchdowns for the Raiders. interceptions. first losing season since 2000, But the Colgate defense turned Kornegay was just one of when they finished 3-8. the game around by forcing five several seniors playing in their With little to play for, the turnovers, including a 33-yard final game as Fordham Rams. Rams hoped to salvage the sea- interception return by junior LB A very emotional Foley spoke son and make Senior Day a Fordham 28 on behalf of the seniors. "It's memorable one for the Colgate very emotional for me," Foley Fordham seniors. The Rams said. "If's very emotional for came out of the gates early, Jared Nepa in the third quarter. them, particularly after a loss quickly grabbing hold of Colgate scored 14 points off of and then coming to terms with Courtesy of Fordham Athletic Department Colgate. TB James Prydatko the turnovers committed by the the fact that your football career Rams' loss to Colgate ends a disappointing season, the first for was the catalyst for the Rams, Rams and proved to be crucial is over. I think they were very new Coach EdFoley. Fordham's 5-6 record was the first time the as he rushed for 97 yards in the in the final outcome. disappointed by not only the Rams have finished below .500 since 2000. first half, including a 22-yard 'To win four or five years in a loss, but the way we lost, and scamper to give the Rams the row in our conference is a very breed in the Foley era has proven game, but only compiled 213 have to deal with that as well." early lead. Fordham was well difficult, difficult task," said to be enigmatic. yards for the entire game, 15 of Fordham finished the sea- on its way to claiming victory Foley following the team's fifth Derric Daniels, FCRH '07, which came in the second half. son fifth in the Patriot League as they held a 28-17 lead at the loss in its last six games. The struggled from the start, only The defense didn't fare any bet- with a 2-4 record, which was half, but the second half would Rams are two years removed completing 9 of 22 for only 113 ter, as they allowed Colgate to also the same record at Jack prove to be abysmal for the from the 2002 Patriot League yards and two touchdowns. score 30 unanswered points, Coffey Field. Sixty-seven Rams. Colgate came out strong, title they won under former Daniels' three interceptions put and convert on crucial fourth players are expected to return forcing Fordham to commit coach Dave Clawsoa Fordham's him at 12 for the season, to go down plays.,The game came for the 2005 season, but their four turnovers and outscoring success in the past relied heavily along with 23 scores. The apart completely in the final will be many new faces and a the Rams 30-0 in the second on strong veteran leadership at offense for the Rams came into quarter when Fordham's special new look to Jack Coffey half. Coach Ed Foley described the QB position, but the younger the game averaging 310.S per teams squandered two snaps, Field. • Fordham athletes exceed NCAA academic standards Weeks of ByVmGumeri,FCLCo5 GPA. They then must finish 40 eral student body and the stu- professor is unable to make it to Nov. 7 - SPORTS EDITOR ' percent of their degree by the dent-athletes had a graduation • the class, according to Taylor. end of sophomore year and 60 rate of 79 percent, meaning that "We track quality of perfor-' When athletes go to college percent by junior year with a nearly four out of every five ath- mance," he said. "Some of Nov. 20 do they really care about going minimum 1.9 and 2.0 GPA, letes received their degrees these kids are from high SCOREBOARD to class like normal students? respectively. within the six-year window schools that aren't that great Ram Ramblings How about graduating? Fordham, however, has much established by the U.S. and the kids need freshman Unfortunatly, the answer is that more stringent academic stan- Department of Education as the year to adjust to the surround- Men's Basketball: many of them don't. Tests? dards for its student body in standard. The four-year average ings. But we do see improve- Fordham 83 - St. Francis 62 Merely a nuisance. Papers? general than many other graduation rate from 1993-1996 ment . in performance over Boston 66 - Eordham 51 Well, they can always get some- Division I schools. While the for both categories was 76 per- time." Manhattan 76 - Fordham 60 one else to write one of those. NCAA standards are also the cent. The university, however, Fordham 64 - Iona 59 During the past year, the aca- official standards for Fordham's According to an NCAA also has an ulterior motive for ; Team Record: 3-2 demic performance of college athletes, the actual academic report, the overall graduation setting internal academic stan- athletes has come under a lot of performance of these athletes is rate for Division I schools for dards that are stricter than the . Women's Basketball: scrutiny by the NCAA. Many much better than the average the class entering in '97 was 62 NCAA's minimums. The Manhattan 64 - Fordham 60 programs made conscious deci- Division I school. percent. Patriot League, the league in - Fordham56-Providence46 sions to value success on the "hi general, our standards are "From 1994 to 1997, the which Fordham's football pro- - Fordham66-Dartmouth48 field over success in the class- tougher than the overall graduation rate has been trend- gram is a member of, doesn't . Fordham 62 - Hofstra 49 room. This led to many major NCAA," said Taylor. "[Before ing upward [at Fordham]," said allow fifth-year seniors. The Florida International 61 - universities accepting students the NCAA regulations were put Gillespie. "Since 1997, that Patriot League, which is a , Fordham 52 who were not necessarily quali- in place] Fordham was one of upward trend has continued." member of Division I-AA, Team Record: 5-2 fied to be in the school, and the only schools that had acade- In order to maintain these does not allow players who making sure that these students mic standards for an athlete's lofty academic goals, Fordham may be injured to sit out a sea- Ram Ramblings: passed through the curriculum first four semesters." has implemented several proce- son without losing that year of -Fordham Indoor Track doing little or no work. "This is a broad generaliza- dures to ensure its student-ath- eligibility, something which is and Field opened its season Once their athletic commit- tion, but many other schools just letes are able both to adjust to allowed in Division I-A. As a by hosting the Fordham ments are finished, these kids didn't pay attention," he said. college, and to succeed in the result, since players are not Invitational at Rose Hill on never bother to finish their "We value our kids' educa- classroom. The school employs allowed to red-shirt a season, Dec. 3. The Rams won first degree. tion," said Executive Director of three full-time advisors that deal Fordham targets its players to place in both the men's and "The NCAA has changed Athletics Frank MacLaughlin. solely with student-athletes. graduate in four years. Football women's competitions, their requirements," said Frank "Our academic orientation gives This branch of the athletic is the only sport as Fordham defeating schools such as Taylor, Fordham University's us an advantage. Prospective department, headed by Taylor, that does not participate in Iona, Fairleigh Dickinson, director of the office of recruits realize that the Number oversees the academic progress Division I-A. The four-year Stony Brook and St. Academic Advising for Student- one priority for a potential stu- that athletes make. average for football players Peter's. Athletes referring to the dent-athlete is their education "We operate in basically a graduating was 67 percent, -Swimmer Erika NCAA's new regulations for and we can provide that." supervisory capacity," said which is 12 percent higher than Newell, FCRH '05, was athletes to maintain eligibility.' But just how successful are Taylor. "The students we admit the rest of Division I. named Atlantic 10 "They basically went from hav- Fordham's athletes academical- in are competitive enough. We "We don't necessarily have Women's Swimming and ing no requirements to having ly? The answer is, Very much just provide guidance and direc- flexibility in the courses we Diving Performer of the certain minimum milestones so. According to a report pro- tion." offer students," said Week for the sixth time. that every athlete must reach." vided by Don Gillespie, Ph.D, For the most part, the Office MacLaughlin. Other schools In addition, Amanda Current NCAA rules state Fordham's Director of ' of Academic Counseling for are able to offer easier courses Irving, FCRH '08, and that all athletes, in order to Institutional Research, Fordham ' Student Athletes at Rose Hill for athletes and maybe other' Donnie Callara, FCRH remain eligible to play, must athletes are completing their operates in a supervisory capac- schools can even get kids in '08, were named Women's complete a minimum of 20 per- degrees at exactly the same rate ity. They assist the athletes with [that aren't qualified], but and Men's Swimming and cent of their degree and at least as the rest of the student body. registration and in choosing Fordham's standards have Diving Rookies of the 24 credits during their freshman For the class that entered. classes. The office also even always been tougher than other Week, respectively. • year with no less than a 1.8 Fordham in 1997, both the gen- occasionally proctors exams if a schools. •