FREE | Take one Week of Dec. 2, 2009 | Vol. 35, Iss. 12
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The Independent Student Newspaper of Fairfield University The Reflection of Fairfield
Perlitz Trial Delayed By Chris Simmons Managing Editor In a motion filed on Nov. 25, the legal team for Doug Perlitz ‘92 asked the U.S. District Court to re-set the deadlines for the filing of pre-trial motions and the start of jury selection. The pre-trial motions were due to be filed on Oct. 29 while jury selection was scheduled to start on Dec. 2. The defense for Perlitz argued that both the government and the defense have been principally occupied with detention hearings on Perlitz’s possible release on bond.
Perlitz’s lawyers have also yet to receive any discovery from the government, except for the government’s initial discovery letter on Oct. 29. But “significant
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initial production will be made early in the week of Nov. 30,” according to court documents. Because of the large volume of material to review and the preoccupation with the detention
hearings, the defense has requested an extension until Jan. 29, 2010 for the filing of pretrial motions. The defense also requested that jury selection be delayed until April 2010, but also admitted that it is extremely difficult to know if that is a realistic trial date at this time with the logistics of investigation and gathering witnesses from a foreign country. The Assistant U.S. Attorney Krishna Patel did not object to the motion and the defendant waived his right to a speedy trial. The U.S. Attorney’s office could not be reached by press time for comment.
Registration Reruns By Amber Nowak Staff Writer
into the classes I need.” Several departments use the roll out system to restrict registration for certain Unpack your bags, greet friends, courses, to majors (or minors) only or to a and … head to the registrar? As students certain graduating class. For instance, the return to Fairfield from Thanksgiving Dolan School of Business limits introducbreak nearly two weeks after the initial tory courses to students who are majors in registration period, some are still working the business school during the first week on getting into the classes they need. of registration in order to allow business The relatively new registration majors the opportunity to register for their system, which was first employed for the core business classes. Students who have Spring 2009 semester, differs from the fora minor within the School of Business mer method. Now preference is not given but are majoring in another school (i.e. to majors or minors within a department. College of Arts and Sciences) have to wait until several days after the initial registration period to register for the introductory business classes they need to begin their minors. Associate professor and Chair of the Marketing department Mark Ligas Ali Foreman/The Mirror stated, “IntroFor some students, registration is still occurring, due to the relatively ductory courses new registration process. only have holds for business Instead, particular time slots are allotted minors who are not majoring within the to students by class, with priority given to School of Business. Only for 101 courses is upperclassmen. there a preference for business students.” But for according to underclassHe encourages students who do not men, particularly sophomores who juggle get into the classes they need the first getting started on the core and applying time around, to “seek the advisement of themselves to their majors and minors, chairs and professors” after the first week the process is less than equal. of registration. Joey D’Alessio ‘12, an English and “I am very happy with the registraJazz double major, said, “I did not want tion process. I did not experience any difto take core classes next semester, so ficulty getting into the classes I needed,” that I could instead focus on the classes says marketing major Michelle Hughes I’ll need for my majors. Because majors ‘12. Conversely, journalism major Eric cannot register first, I’m stuck e-mailing professors. Hopefully I can get written Aftermath | page 5
Index Opinion • Page 7 Features • Page 9 Arts & Entertainment • Page 11 Coffee Break • Page 13 Sports • Page 20
Peter Caty/The Mirror
The men’s and women’s cross country teams closed out their campaign at the 2009 IC4A/ECAC championships at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y. The men’s team was paced by junior Ben Heslin who finished 43rd overall while the women’s team was led by sophomore Kristen Golen who recorded Fairfield’s fastest 5K time at Van Cortlandt Park in program history.
Bargaining your Books By Mikaela Tierney Assistant News Editor It’s that time of year again – time to sell back old textbooks for a fraction of what you paid for them back in the beginning the semester. Some students have been creative with the selling of books once courses have ended, but many still turn to the Fairfield bookstore in hopes of getting at least a few dollars back. Fairfield’s bookstore is operated by eFollet, the same company that controls bookstores at colleges and universities nationwide, including Boston College and Loyola University in New Orleans. According to the eFollett book buyback guidelines, “If an instructor has requested your textbook for next
Inside This Week
Economic Breakdown of a Study Abroad Experience See page 4.
term, then the value increases,” sometimes up to half of the book’s original price. Additionally, the guidelines say, “Textbooks will be purchased until we reach our shelf stock limit.” The first students to sell books back will be most likely to get the highest buyback prices. Once the bookstore reaches its quota, students are sometimes out of
Ali Russoniello/The Mirror
Finals Fever Causes Stress for Students See page 3.
luck. Books can be purchased by the bookstore to be sent to other bookstores or won’t be purchased at all. Even when the bookstore does offer to buy the books back, students may sell them back at a much lower value than the original price. The bookstore can buy back a used edition of a book, like Introduction To Public Speaking textbook for CO 101, for $29 and then sell the same used copy the next semester to students for $89.50, according to the eFollet Web site. Because the bookstore is known for its low sellback prices, some students turn to services other than the bookstore to sell back their used textbooks. “I’m selling some of my books to my friends who are taking the same classes next semester, or I’ll sell them on Amazon or another Web site,” said Victoria Niles ’13.
Tips | page 5
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News
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
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In The News
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» Let’s Hug It Out
» ‘New Moon’ is Good, But Not Worth the Hype
»Freshman
| page 8
| page 11
|page 20
Needham leads Stags to 4-2 start, coach Cooley reaches 100th game
Williams
the Stag Sched this week on campus... By Veronica Florentino Opinion Editor
in five easy steps
Attend and Give: Stags Doubleheader at the arena This is the men’s basketball team’s first game against Marist this year. Also, the Student Alumni Association is collecting Teddy Bears to give to children for Christmas. Bring a bear, and you get free admission!
Peter Caty/The Mirror
Airing Out AIDS Awareness Monday kicked off the AIDS Awareness Week at the University with a number of AIDS Memorial Quilts made to commemorate various AIDS victims hung around the lower level of the BCC. On Monday night, a video was aired to educate students on AIDS and the importance in finding a cure. A number of programs are scheduled for the week, including a talk by alum Marco Ambrosio ‘07, who has traveled the world in HIV research. Stag, Lucas
Campus crime beat By Dan Leitao Staff Writer
Sunday, Nov. 22 12:24 a.m. Disorderly conduct was reported in a townhouse. The house was subsequently also written up for overcrowding.
8:22 p.m. A vehicle was vandalized in the Kostka parking lot. The side rearview mirror was knocked off the vehicle. Monday, Nov. 23
Wednesday, Nov. 18 12:40 a.m. The east side of the Early Learning Center wall was struck by a vehicle. There were no injuries reported
12:45 a.m. An assault was reported at the townhouse gate. A nonstudent was issued a criminal trespassing warning and the student required minor medical treatment.
Saturday, Nov. 21 1:51 p.m. Theft of a GPS was reported.
2:35 p.m. A vehicle was vandalized in the townhouse parking lot. The side rearview mirror was knocked off the vehicle.
8:54 p.m. Three banners were stolen from the rear gym parking lot. The case is under investigation. Time Not Available: Two separate incidents of drug paraphanelia were discovered during health and safety inspections. Both were referred to judicial.
Better Know a Stag By Mikaela Tierney Who: Jenn Zocco ‘10 What is your favorite Fairfield tradition? My favorite tradition is the 9 p.m. student mass on Sundays, I love starting the week off with friends and the beautiful music of the Lord’s Chords! What was your favorite part of studying abroad? Last year I studied in Nicaragua and the best part by far was all the wonderful friends, both from Fairfield and Nicaragua, that I made that semester.
Shop: Sisters Inspiring Sisters fund-raiser Starting Monday, Sisters Inspiring Sisters is selling AfterSoles and CitySlips, which are ballet flats that fold or roll up so they are about the size of your cell phone. What woman wouldn’t want to slip these into their bag to change into when their heels start to kill them?
Decorate: Your Dorm My apartment set up our Christmas tree and lights before Thanksgiving. There’s no better way to make your dorm feel even more comfortable and homey than by preparing for the holidays. Plus, it’s fantastic roomie bonding time!
Listen: Glee Club Christmas Concert Get into the Christmas spirit and support your friends at the same time! Glee is one of the largest clubs on campus, so you definitely have friends who are in it. Plus, it always sound amazing, whether they’re singing ‘Silent Night,’ or modern Christmas tunes.
Play: Santa’s Workshop There’s no way to “bah humbug” at this event. What’s your favorite Christmas activity? Chances are, you can do it here with almost 200 fellow Stags.
By the Numbers 481
Million dollars “New Moon” has grossed worldwide thus far since its opening.
210
Number of days, from Wednesday, until the new movie in the Twilight Saga, “Eclipse,” comes out in theaters.
72.7
Million dollars “New Moon” earned on its first release day.
Why did you want to lead a service trip to Nicaragua this winter? I had an amazing, life-changing experience when I went on my first international service trip to the Philippines so I wanted to be able to help other students have that same opportunity.
Number of books in the Twilight Saga.
What are you most excited about for the trip? I’m most excited to be able to return to Nicaragua and experience it in a new way with a new group of people!
Straight weeks “New Moon” was number one at the box office.
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The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Posing with Chandler Oliphant By Meghan Schelzi Multimedia Editor Pose for peace. That’s the goal for the University’s “Posing for Peace: A Fashion Show. An Exploration” event being held on Monday in honor of the Year of Activism. Chandler Oliphant ‘12 is the program director, along with the Peace and Justice Studies department. The show plans to raise awareness about the popular peace sign culture. The Mirror sat down with Oliphant to discuss the upcoming show. The Mirror: What is your role for the show? Chandler Oliphant: Since I sit on the Peace and Justice Studies Department’s Steering Committee, I had the opportunity to write a part of the Humanities Institute Grant, and the part that I wrote happened to be “Posing for Peace.” My role is as program director. I owe a lot to the student volunteers who have reached out to me and have helped me make this whole event possible. TM: From where did this idea grow? CO: “Posing for Peace” is a part of the University’s “Year of Activism” theme and the School of Arts and Sciences’ Humanities Institute Grant. Several other students have organized events and programs that have contributed to/will contribute to the “Year of Activism” as well. TM: What message do you want audiences to take
from the show? CO: Peace symbols have become a huge part of today’s consumer culture — they saturate the markets and the malls and are all over stores and shops. I do not only want to make the people in the audience question why they buy the peace sign, though, I also want them to think about whether or not the items that explicitly display peace symbols are truly made with peaceful procedures and for peaceful purposes. We can produce items that explicitly display images of peace, but those images are empty because they, ironically, violate the definition of peace. Thus, we do not practice what we preach — we do not promote what we produce. TM: Where will the money raised go? CO: The money that we raise will be going to the Women’s Cooperative in Nicaragua whose T-shirts will be modeled on the catwalk. These T-shirts, unlike many of the other T-shirts that will be modeled embody the essence of peace. They are made with fair labor by the women of the cooperative, but more importantly, they are made in order to create jobs for the women of the cooperative who make them. Thus, the shirts display peace AND promote peace. Finally, there will be a supply drive for the troops set up. Since “Posing for Peace” is on Dec. 7, the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we are tying in a militarism component to juxtapose peace with war, and to explore how militarism, peace, and consumerism tie into each other in today’s
world. With that said, people are encouraged to bring items such as hats, candy, puzzles, tan/white socks, baby wipes, etc to donate to the troops overseas. TM: What does the peace sign mean to you? CO: I think that the peace sign has been overused in our culture, Oliphant and because of that, it has lost a lot of its meaning. I think that we should reevaluate the peace sign and truly consider what it means to us on a personal, individual level. After doing that, we will be able to apply it more generally to our world, and in doing so, understand what peace means on a larger scale. But if we just continue to drench ourselves with the peace sign, we are going to drown our understanding of it. TM: How much interest has there been in students donating/volunteering with this project/initiative? CO: I am so inspired by my peers and so humbled by the fact that they have been so responsive to this project. All of the clothing and accessories that will be modeled on the catwalk are students, all of the models are students, all of the delicious treats will be made by students, and all of the tables at the event will be staffed by students.
Finals Fever Causes Stress for Students In the Know By Charlotte Adinolfi Staff Writer
more Grant Arzumanov. While some students fret, others such as Arzumanov view finals as “time to just stick stuff in their brains.” Sometimes everyone needs a little help. Whether students prescribe to Arzumanov’s persuasion or align closer with Maffei and Wolf, Elise Harrison, associate director of Counseling &
will allow a little less stress during finals. Wolf says that to keep himself ready for finals, he types up his notes Hot chocolate, candy canes, after each class so they are neat and Christmas lights, stockings hung off “most importantly, legible.” the Loyola commons piano and final “The more you have practiced a grades under the tree; hopes of a relaxed state, the more easily you will Christmas party for the weekend but be able to return to relaxation when all there is to look forward to is a study you are stressed,” said Harrison. session. Some other ideas “This is my for when in the time of favorite time of year need are things such and I don’t even as practice self-care, get to enjoy it,” said eating regularly, getting Christina Maffei ‘12. enough sleep, staying It’s finals time organized and most imon campus and portantly taking time to the anticipation of do something relaxing. Christmas is lacking During finals, the usual excitement. Harrison said students Students across camshould “plan your life to pus are locked either include sleep.” Rein their rooms or the search, in such studies library preparing for as those done by UCSD the long week ahead. School of Medicine and As the semester the Veterans Affairs dwindles down to Healthcare System of four weeks, students San Diego, shows that are beginning to people perform better mentally stabilize on tests when they get themselves for what Meghan Schelzi/The Mirror adequate sleep than if lays on their horizon. Many students become overly stressed out during finals time due to the they stay up all night amount of work and studying. The University’s Counseling Services help For students studying. who are apprehen- students cope every year. “You should reward sive about handling yourself when you finish this task, there is Counseling and Psychological Services, said that “all something,” said Harrison. Psychological Services. The staff is can benefit from the walk-in hours These can be things such as meetprepared to help students manage provided during finals.” ing with friends, taking a walk, exercisthe stress of finals. Helping students cope with missed ing, watching a funny movie or having Student agree on the difficulties of assignments i, classes and trying a treat, like ice cream. stress during finals. to bring grades up at the end of the Maffei finds that her best way to Students like Rich Wolf ‘12 find semester is not new for Harrison. She deal with stress during finals is to listen it hard to manage the final push. “It is said that the center has found from past to relaxing music and make sure she so hard to make sure I can find time to experience that making appointments goes to bed early. study for all five of my classes, espein advance was not effective and walkWhatever way students combat cially if I have two finals on the same in hours are helpful to students in the stress, Harrison wants students to day,” said Wolf. time of panic. remember at this time other instances Maffei experiences the same presStudents can utilize staff members when they have been stressed, felt sure and attempts to “plan out the day.” such as Harrison to provide them with overwhelmed and successfully got She said that looking ahead now makes techniques on how to handle their through it. She said that “exam time her nervous about time management work. Most of the habits prescribed by will end and you will relax again.” and making sure she devotes as much the staff can be practiced throughout “Remind yourself that it is worth time as she feels she should to each the semester as well. putting the extra effort in during finals course. Harrison tells students to attend to achieve better results,” said Harrison. “If my finals are subjects dealing classes regularly, do academic work Good grades would be a nice with the core, it is pure memorization consistently so it does not pile up, and de- present; after all, Christmas time is the and there is nothing to it,” said sophovelop a system of taking notes. These tips most wonderful time of the year.
Fairfield News Briefs By Keri Harrison News Editor
Von Arx Joins Presidents’ Trust University President Jeffrey Von Arx recently announced that he had joined the national Presidents’ Trust, which is a new association created by the Association of American Colleges and Universities. Von Arx joined leaders from 81 other colleges and universities nationwide whose mission is to promote liberal arts educations, according to a University press release. “At Fairfield, we want to ensure that our graduates are ready to face the challenges of the 21st century with a rigorous mind, informed by compassion and rooted in self-awareness,” said Von Arx in the press release. What does Jewish look like? Fairfield University: Personal. Powerful. Jewish? The University is established on a Jesuit foundation with Jesuit teachings, but Judaism recently took center stage. Author and scholar Ken Koltun-Fromm, Ph.D., brought his knowledge of Judaic studies to Fairfield on Nov. 19 with his lecture, “What Does Jewish Look Like?” Koltun-Fromm’s has focused his attention on how Jews see themselves as American Jews. The images he displayed showed certain aspects of Jewish life, yet left some things unsaid. “Blindness to my mind is part of what it means to see,” he said. “Seeing Judaism is not so much what we see but how we imagine what we see,” he said.
Check out fairfieldmirror.com for the full article by Cavan Sieczkowski on KoltunFromm’s visit to Fairfield. Fairfield Signs Emergency Help Pact A Bridgeport News article Tuesday said that Fairfield, along with Sacred Heart University, the University of Bridgeport, and St. Vincent’s College, has signed a pact in which the four universities will assist each other in emergency situations. According to the article, the universities have agreed to “collaborate emergency management plans” in case of a man-made or natural disaster.
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
News
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Economic Breakdown of a Study Abroad Experience By Cynthia Palmieri Staff Writer It’s a typical week in Florence and Katie Clavin ‘11 has spent 60 euro ($88) on her food, 300 euro ($444) on a trip to Capri, and 30 euro ($44) per night at the local bars. With the euro rising to 1.47 in comparison to the U.S. dollar, it seems study abroad has reached new economic heights. “The money situation is ridiculous, you spend so much more,” said Clavin.
school often plans group flights or airport pickups, students are required to pay for the airfare separately. Depending on your study abroad location, tickets can cost anywhere between $400 and $1,000. Despite the issues with tuition and airfare, the biggest
cally friendly to buy groceries and cook in your own kitchen, the students in Florence are having trouble with the exchange rates. With one American dollar only equaling .67 euros, students are losing a lot of money. Travel and Night Life The University describes the programs as an opportunity for “quality education, exposure to new cultures, and excellent student support services.” The exposure to another country’s culture is without a doubt one of the number one draws to the program. During the current semester, Clavin has already visited Ireland, London and multiple cities across Italy, but each trip came at a cost. “Each trip I go on is at least 300 euro,” said Clavin, which is roughly $440. She recently chose to stay home while her friends headed for Paris in an effort to save some money. The problem is not only the cost of the trip itself; you still have to eat and preferably spend a couple of nights on the town. With the price of the euro so high in comparison to the U.S. dollar, it is no surprise that a night at the bar will cost you. “Drinks are expensive at the clubs, like 7 euro each. I probably spend around 30 euro a night,” said Clavin.
Tuition and Airfare Every semester over 100 Fairfield juniors leave campus to study in a foreign country. The University’s study abroad program is advertised as a student’s “passport to the world.” It gives students the opportunity to study in places such as France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Nicaragua and Australia. However, with this passport comes a price. In order to have a successful study abroad experience, students are obligated to plan ahead academically and economically. “It’s so expensive, I am spending thousands of dollars on top of tuition,” said Clavin, who is currently studying in Florence. Peter Caty/The Mirror Semester programs administered by or affiliated with While studying abroad, students find many aspects to be expensive, including the never-ending nightlife. Fairfield are often within the same price range. The more popular places to study like Australia, Ireland and Florence cost about the same price of regular tuition, $18,000. issue students run into while studying abroad seems to be how Who Can Study Abroad? If students are looking for a reduced tuition price their much money they spend on food. The opportunity to study abroad is open to all students options are much more limited. Nicaragua, for example, is that meet University requirements. Students can spend a “substantially less than many study abroad programs,” accordFood Expenses semester, a year, a month, or just 10 days abroad. They will earn ing to the study abroad Web site. Out of the six different study abroad program locations, the academic credit and gain the kind of knowledge only an Junior Jen Haskell, who is planning to study at a Kenyan Nicaragua is the only place to offer students housing in which on-site experience can provide. base camp in Kilimanjaro for three months, will pay a reduced provides two meals per day. The remaining five locations often The University has a certain amount of requirements tuition in return for her volunteer work. only offer students an apartment style living situation. to participate in the study abroad program. Students must “We are going into the Maasai community to interact with “If you live with a family they’re required to cook usually have a GPA of at least 2.8, as well as be in a good social the tribes,” said Haskell. “We will use our data and research two meals a day. However, it costs $3,000 extra to choose that standing with Fairfield. to improve the lifestyle of the Maasai community, who are living situation,” said Sam DeSantis, a junior planning to study With 40 percent of Fairfield students studying abroad durtroubled with resource shortages.” in Spain. “So the cheapest thing is to live in an apartment with ing their junior year, it is a popular and worthy experience, just While many of the programs cost the same as a semester’s your own kitchen, but you have to buy your own food.” one which is very expensive, especially in light of the current tuition at Fairfield, not all amenities are included in the study Students are therefore expected to either eat out or buy global economy. abroad program’s comprehensive cost packages. Although the their own groceries. Although it might sound more economi-
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
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few weeks of first semester draw near. “At the end of the semester when the bookstore won’t buy back your book, or will only give you two dollars for it, what do you do?” asked Katie Cincotta ‘10, the president of Amnesty International at Fairfield. “Donate it to them? Or throw it out?” Instead of throwing textbooks away this year, students can donate their books to the club’s book drive. This year, Amnesty International is working with BetterWorldBooks, an organization that helps libraries and campus groups to organize book drives in addition to serving as an online marketplace for a variety of book types. According to its Web site, BetterWorldBooks has saved 30,000 books from landfills by using them to support global literacy initiatives. To date, the organization has raised more than seven million dollars. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales on the Web site’s marketplace will be sent to Worldfund, a foundation created to benefit the struggling students in poor
and lesser developed areas of Latin America. Amnesty International chose to donate to Worldfund because the group felt that “the issues in Latin America do not get enough attention,” Cincotta explained. The organization works to “minimize the education gap” between Latin American students and those in other countries worldwide “by investing in high-quality and outcome-driven schools and education programs that serve impoverished children,” its Web site explains. “Literacy is an issue throughout the world, and it is a barrier to success for many people,” Cincotta said. “If you are illiterate, it is nearly impossible to improve the standard of living of your family.” Amnesty International hopes that students will help in their efforts to make an impact on correcting the problem of illiteracy worldwide. Book collection boxes will be located at the BCC info desk, and the Loyola, Kostka and Apartment lounges.
Tips for Selling Back Your Textbooks
Continued from page 1
Niles isn’t the only student to use Web sites or other online marketplaces to sell their books to other students. “I use Amazon, because I get more money than the bookstore would give me,” said Danielle McGee ’10. Bigwords.com offers a comparison price service for students trying to sell textbooks online. Sellers can enter the ISBN number of the textbooks they want to sell and the site will provide a list of at least ten different other online marketplace Web sites and the price they will pay the seller to use their online bookselling service to sell back their book. Regardless of the site students choose to use to sell their books back, there is no easy way to earn full money back. Buying used books can make this goal more attainable, as can comparing prices before purchasing, yet book sales are still a challenge for students across campuses. Amnesty International is giving Fairfield students a new alternative to getting rid of used textbooks as the last
Aftermath of Registration a Frustration Continued from page 1 Bernsen ‘12 said that he is having trouble getting into an introductory class for his marketing minor. “I spoke with my advisor, but I am still not registered for any marketing classes,” he said. Entering the second semester of his sophomore year, Bernsen is concerned about having such a late start with his minor. In contrast with the Dolan School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, has no consistent regulation that reserves spaces for majors to take their core classes, rather each department is allowed to choose whether or not they want to use the roll out
system. According to Sue Peterson, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, it is at the chair’s own discretion that roll-out is used to restrict courses. “We encourage department chairs to look at the big picture and manage their courses to determine what classes are mostly taken by whom,” she said. Once the foundation is set during the first week of registration, both Peterson and Assistant Registrar Susan Bickel recommend that students who have had trouble getting into the classes they need contact professors during the ensuing weeks. Students are encouraged to undergo a process of manipulating and adjusting their schedules after the preliminary assigned registration period.
“For students who have ‘done their homework’ in terms of figuring out what they need for their major or minor, they feel a sense of more control over their own destiny,” Bickel said. At the same time that students are entreated to assertively seek out the classes they need after registration, administrators advocate that professors rely on the electronic wait list rather than the traditional practice of writing students into a class. Kevin Sherman ’12, a biology major, contacted the professor of an introductory course he needed in order to begin his philosophy core. Despite his determination, Sherman felt that he was not receiving help-
ful responses. “There wasn’t anything he could do. Basically he said, ‘Good luck, but I cannot write you in.’” Although a number of students have balked at the “aftermath” of the registration process that often involves either weeks of traipsing about from professors and chairs to the registrar, or settling for an unnecessary or undesirable course, the general consensus is that the current registration system is a vast improvement from prior systems. This system “runs much more smoothly and is more democratic,” Bickel said. “Everybody gets what they want in the end.”
The word of the day is:
Web 2.0 While social “networking” is an every weekend occurrence at the townhouses or Fairfield beach, it’s an everyday, every hour, every minute happening on the revamped ‘Mirror Online’. Aside from a brand-new, user-friendly interface on our homepage, Mirror Online now boasts anything and everything that delivers you up-to-the-minute news from North Benson and beyond. Facebook, Twitter, RSS Feeds, YouTube? We’ve got you covered. The new Mirror Online: it’s reliable, it’s instantaneous, it’s change.
The Mirror THe REFLECTION of Fairfield
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Online How do you feel about studying abroad? Send your thoughts to opinion@fairfieldmirror.com.
fairfieldmirror.com
editorial Tom Cleary | Editor in Chief Lily Norton | Executive Editor Chris Simmons | Managing Editor Veronica Florentino | Opinion Editor
War in Afghanistan on the Verge of Becoming Our Vietnam
Opinion | 7 Editor Veronica Florentino »opinion@fairfieldmirror.com
Notable and Quotable "We did not have a terrorist attack on our country during President Bush's term." -Dana Perino, commentator on Fox News Channel's Sean Hannity
As 18 to 21-year-old students on the Fairfield campus stress over finals and worry about the threat of swine flu, many men and women of the same age are camped out in the Afghanistan desert with much greater fears. Instead of worrying about an upcoming marketing final, those soldiers are worrying whether or not an IED will blow up under their truck, taking their life and the lives of the friends around them. And now, in what could be the riskiest maneuver of President Barack Obama's presidency, 30,000 more troops, including many that share the same birth years as Fairfield students, will be sent to Afghanistan in an effort to make the situation there "sustainable." Obama said in his speech at West Point on Tuesday night, "And our forces lack the full support they need to effectively train and partner with Afghan security forces and better secure the population. ... In short, the status quo is not sustainable." It may not be Obama's fault that the United States is embroiled in what appears to be a lose-lose conflict in Afghanistan, but he ran for the presidency on a campaign of peace, promising to withdraw troops from the Middle East in a timely manner. While that remains possible, this latest move by the Obama administration has left many pundits scratching their heads and ironically comes shortly before the President travels to Copenhagen to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. However, Obama's goals for the additional troops are respectable, to deny Al Qaeda a safe haven, to reverse the momentum that the Taliban has
gained in an attempt to overthrow the new Afghanistan government and to strengthen the security forces and government of the fledgling democracy. The problem remains that there does not appear to be a positive end game for Afghanistan. It is a country that has dealt with centuries of unrest and is made up of various tribes not meant to govern as one nation. The leadership of Afghanistan has been shaky at best. President Hamid Karzai's brother has been implicated in a drug ring and multiple advisors of Karzai have been accused of corruption. Many have said that with the current regime, a true democracy will never be reached. Because of the drawn out nature of the war, which Obama now says will last until 2011, In reference to "New Moon is decent but overrated," by Ana Ziegler on page 11. Have an opinion? Send it to opinion@fairfieldmany have made connec- mirror.com. tions to the Vietnam War. But Obama was quick to dismiss those notions in his Tuesday night speech. "Unlike Vietnam, we are joined by a broad coalition of 43 nations that recognizes the leBy Keri Harrison priceless. to experience the inauguration of gitimacy of our action," Obama News Editor One of the biggest aspects of America's first black president from said. "Unlike Vietnam, we are studying abroad stressed by the a completely outside perspective, not facing a broad-based popuFirst of all, I'm completely and University is the immersion into a something I can guarantee I will lar insurgency." utterly jealous of all the juniors who different country and its culture. never be able to do again. By the The problems of the Vietnam are planning on studying abroad From my experience, you really get way, the Irish love Obama. War still remain. The war has next semester. The number one item to know the locals and become one Studying abroad is one of the been fought for eight years al- on my Christmas list this year is to yourself by the midway point. I now greatest experiences I will take away ready and Obama has inserted jump back a year to when I was preknow Galway like the back of my from my time at Fairfield — besides more troops into it, like former paring for my own semester abroad. hand — I can give you a list of stores, working on The Mirror, of course. President Lyndon B. Johnson I'm one of the 4o percent of pubs, restaurants, and clubs to go to The five and a half months I spent did in 1965. Fairfield students who go or have on any given day of the week. I even in Galway are by far the greatest of The addition of more troops gone abroad. Last spring, I studied Irish danced with the locals at the my life. Corniness aside, I would not could lead to stability in Af- and lived in Galway, Ireland. Even pub down the street from my apartbe the person I am now if I hadn't ghanistan, but likely it will though I may have spent my entire ment one Tuesday night ... I have decided to take that leap across the just mean that more young bank account, it was an experience photos to prove it. pond. My independence and charAmerican lives will be at risk. that was worth every penny — or Seriously, though, when else acter grew due to that one decision I every one euro cent, whichever way can you say that you took classes made during my sophomore year. you want to look at it. at an international school, beI know that due to the current The Mirror welcomes the opinions My time in Galway could play friended a number of foreigners, state of the economy and high unand contributions of its readers: Letters to the editor must be timely and submitted in person at BCC 104, by out like one of those Mastercard took weekend trips throughout employment, studying abroad may email at opinion@fairfieldmirror.com or through our Web site commercials: Europe, and actually referred to not have been the best decision (www.fairfieldmirror.com). Roundtrip flight between JFK Ireland as your home? in an economic standpoint. But I and Shannon Airport: $980. Yes, I may have missed the guarantee you, it will not be a deAll letters to the editor that are appropriate will be published either in print or Weekend trip to Dublin: 75 euro Fairfield tradition of Spring Weekcision you will ever regret. I don't on www.fairfieldmirror.com (since Fairfield paid for the majorend and the Class of 2010's first care if I have to live in a cardboard ity of it thanks to the overpriced Mug Night. But I also got to travel to box after graduation — it was comThe Mirror reserves the right to edit letters and articles for content, length and program.) seven other countries, I learned how pletely worth it. grammatical error. Letters should be free of obscenities and personal attacks, Pint of Bulmer's (trust me, Mag- to correctly pour a Guinness, and I Especially if an Irishman shows and should contain correct and factual information. ner's doesn't cut it): 5 euro. learned firsthand what it means to up at my door to whisk me away to Letters should not exceed 400 words. Living in a foreign country: live in Europe. I had the opportunity his castle.
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The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Opinion
Page 8
Reflecting on Thanksgiving the Multicultural Way New American Traditions By Alexandria Hein Staff Writer
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Thanksgiving, a Foreigner's Perspective By Ana Ziegler Staff Writer I have been asked a couple times how we celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany. Well, the answer is we don’t. Thanksgiving is a completely American tradition. I bet there are even some Germans, or Europeans in general, that have never heard of it. So to me Thanksgiving is a rather new tradition. I had heard about it before and even celebrated it once, so I was not a complete greenhorn. Still, every family celebrates it a little bit differently and might have some dishes that others don’t have. As I understand it, the most essential thing to have is a turkey. It is not Thanksgiving without a turkey. Along with the turkey goes the stuffing, which seems to be very essential as well. Popular side dishes include sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry jelly. For dessert pie seems
to be served, mostly the classics, apple and pumpkin, optionally with whipped or ice cream. I like the whole idea of Thanksgiving. Having another holiday that gives you a couple days off is always great. You get the chance to go home and spend some days with your family, even thought there are probably a couple people that don’t like that idea at all. I always like being home and spending time with my family. I would like having another day where everybody comes together and where the house is crowded with lots of people and it is loud and in one corner people are laughing together and in the other kids are fighting. I think it is nice when they people come together and stuff themselves with as much food as possible. That sounds like a great holiday to me. Still, the amount of food that is prepared for this one day of the year must be enormous. Can anybody imagine
Let's Hug It Out By Marnie Whalen Staff Writer It was probably one of the first things that you did when you got back on campus after break. Before unpacking, before attempting the paper you put off all break, possibly even before you took your shoes off. Most likely you don’t even remember it. It’s become so common among our culture that it seems just a daily routine. You most likely stepped out of the campus shuttle, a Fairfield Cab, or your own car, and hugged another student. Because somehow for us, hugging means "hello." We hug each other so much that we’ve even broken it down into types. Good hugs, bear hugs, awkward hugs, bad hugs. A good hug can cheer you up, or an awkward one can certainly give you a good laugh. But what’s the deal with all this
hugging? Is it normal? When did it start? For me, it began the moment I walked through the doors of my all-girls high school where the hugging and touchiness of our small community was a little disturbing to outsiders. You had a problem? Hug. Haven't seen someone in two periods? Hug. The hugs were everywhere. Our all-boys brother school used to make jokes about how touchy we were with one another. But it wasn't like the hugs meant anything, it was just how our community worked. So I was happy when last week a New York Times article informed me that the hugging is pretty normal. Hugging seems to be a nationwide teenage occurrence. It's not just my high school, or Fairfield - our entire generation is touchy-feely. Our parent’s handshakes are just too formal for us, and have been
how many turkeys get eaten that day alone? If you go out looking for a turkey after Thanksgiving, it is probably very hard to find one. And think of all the work that it takes, usually by the moms, to prepare the delicious meal and, let’s not forget, the cleaning up afterwards. Did anybody thank them for that? One other part of traditional Thanksgiving seems to be Black Friday. Now there is a crazy idea. Getting up early in the morning to be at the store at 4 a.m. to get the best deals? Don’t get me wrong, I like shopping but that is something only Americans can come up with. I don’t think Europeans would be crazy enough to do something like that and risk getting run over by the mob just to buy a new TV. Overall, I think I can say that I enjoy the Thanksgiving tradition. It is a holiday that has family, shopping, and good food. What more could you ask for?
This Thanksgiving break, my family and I did what most people would consider the “untraditional” thing to do. We surpassed the family dinner and flew to North Carolina to be with a good family friend and take part in a Latino culture Thanksgiving without being Latino or related to any Latinos. Our Thanksgiving dinner was not sit down, nor was it similar to any holiday dinner I have had yet. Instead of turkey roasting in the oven with stuffing, we stood around outside watching a pig roast on a spigot, with 50 strangers and a turkey somewhere in the background being deep-fried. There were no mashed potatoes; it was substituted for rice and beans. We had no cranberry sauce or gravy, instead we ate potato salad with peas and different olives; no crab cakes were passed around, instead there were different salsas to try. No holiday music was playing; everyone, including my family and I, took part in traditional Latino dancing. There was one fundamental similarity between my Thanksgivings of the past and this one though, a TV on mute in the background playing a football game. Now while I was originally a little upset by this change of pace I began thinking about how we really were being “ultra-American” by being this diverse. So while you were having your third helping of Nonna’s pumpkin pie, I was learning how to properly Tango. We were in different ways fulfilling our American duties. We welcomed our friends and family and saw past all of our differences; we came together and shared a holiday. I may not be able to repeat even eight names of the people that we ate with, but I can list eight things that I did that without this trip I wouldn’t have even considered. I do realize that we missed out on seeing our extended family, but we survived as did they and we’ll all be together for Christmas next month anyway. So while I took part in my “untraditional” Thanksgiving, I was thankful for the opportunity to do so. I was thankful that my friends of a different culture opened up their arms and homes to my family and me and allowed us to share their holiday traditions with them. Never had I felt more American than I did leaving that home.
replaced by embracing. Another suspicion on why we hug so much is our lack of physical communication — just another way of blaming Facebook for everything that we do wrong. But we crave the physical interaction that we lack from texting and Facebook, so we receive it in a hug. Too much psychology for me. I think the world has gotten to be a tough place since my father decided he was going to shakes another’s hand, we need to hug it out. But when does it get to be too much? Some high schools have banned hugging in the halls because its too much physical contact. I know that rule would have just been a downright fail with my all girls high school, and I feel it is a little Photo illustration by Peter Caty/The Mirror extreme even for a coed school.
My friend once went to a Catholic conference where only “side hugs” were allowed because of the touching that occurs in hugs. I don't really see the threat of a hug. We hug our parents and our cousins and it's not that a hug means anything. The meaning of a hug has definitely adjusted in our generation, but apparently our adult counterparts haven't gotten the memo. And what about the non huggers? You all know who you are. You escape it whenever you can. Is it just too much? I really can't say much from this point of view, but I can see it. You didn't come from my background, and hugs are still kind of personal for you. I understand, but as a message from huggers, we don't mean to offend you buy anything. So sure, keep hugging. Just make sure whoever you are hugging knows what you mean by it.
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Features | 9
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By Andoni Flores Video Editor This article is part of a series on the drinking culture at Fairfield University. See www.fairfieldmirror for video and the first part of the series. Despite being written up several times, I never actually thoroughly read the school issued student handbook, where all the rules and regulations regarding drinking were clearly written. Within seconds of glancing over the elaborate language that was probably written by a lawyer, some synapses began to fire off in my head. Squinting closer to make sure I didn’t misread anything right in the introduction to the alcohol policy something very scary stuck out to me, “Those who are 21 years of age or older may purchase and consume alcohol; however,” the handbook read. “All students are responsible for discouraging alcohol-related behavior that is abusive to themselves or to others.” No, that wasn’t what scared me; it’s what was written right after that really had me at a loss for not just words, but a reaction. I didn’t know whether to laugh out hysterically or to truly be worried, not just for the sake of my fellow students, but also for the sanity of the administration. Right after the statement that defined the discouragement of alcohol-related behavior as the responsibility of the college students, was one that inevitably made it illegal to even be drunk at all, even if the students were of age. “Moreover, drunkenness and intoxication are prohibited regardless of age,” the handbook states. This means that any student enrolled at this university who drinks alcohol to the point at which they become drunk are in direct violation of the school policy and are liable to its sanctions. But wait, it gets better. Under “Aiding, Abetting, or Complicity, the handbook states, “helping or encouraging another person to engage in violations of University policy constitutes aiding and abetting. Witnessing policy violations and failing to report such inappropriate behavior constitutes complicity. All such occurrences are subject to disciplinary action.” What does that translate to? It means that any student who witnesses any student drinking (again, regardless of age) and does not report this to the property authorities, (be that the RAs or Public Safety) is in direct violation of the student conduct code as outlined in the handbook and open to its sanctions. There seems to even be a punishment for those who are good Samaritans or who acknowledge that they’ve had too much to drink. “If a student brings another student to the Health Center because of concerns about alcohol or drug consumption, if a student brings him/herself to the Health Center for such reasons or calls for help, or if a student initiates getting help for another student by contacting University officials, those students generally will not be subject to formal disciplinary action,” the handbook continues. The keyword in that statement is “generally”. There is absolutely no medical immunity provided to students, as was illustrated two years ago when an RA in Gonzaga (who was indeed 21) was fired for taking herself to the health center after a night of drinking. There seems to be nothing a student can do regarding alcohol that will not result in a violation. The fact that being drunk is a violation despite being 21 seems to beg the question, why make it ok to posses alcohol at the appropriate age if you can’t use it for it’s intended purpose? And if being drunk is going to be banned on this campus, how are students supposed to learn how to handle alcohol? Where is the cura personalis in that? The Jesuit goal is to educate, but how can one learn what’s not shown? The school handbook seems to promote a puritanical mindset that infantilizes students, repressing more than educating them. The sanctions regarding possession or consumption of alcohol in violation of University policy are: “First offense: $100 fine (maximum), formal warning, alcohol education or educational activity, letter to parents/guardian (at the discretion of the Office of the Dean of Students).” The second offense results in the same sanction only this time the fine is $200 (maximum) and by the third offense it lists as possible penalties, “$300 fine (maximum), Disciplinary, probation, referral, for evaluation (and pos-
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Editor Courtney Kern » features@fairfieldmirror.com
“I’d say at that level [alcohol education classes] very little of it is aimed at rehabilitating, it’s more of an education.” Again I wondered, what good is education without rehabilitation? I asked him what is personal opinion of what an alcoholic was and he responded that it was someone who lost control when they drank. “Loss of control is not necessarily having to drink everything in sight every time they see it, but loss of control is probably easier defined as someone who drinks to the point where drinking becomes unpredictable,” Curry said. I was under the impression that losing control was part of being drunk, but according to the substance abuse counselor, that’s an alcoholic. It makes me wonder how many of my peers fall under this category; my guess would be the majority. His definition of binge drinking also took my by surprise. To him anyone who had more than four drinks within a few hours was a binge drinker. When I told Michelle Onofrio, a junior at Fairfield who had recently been written up, what the substance abuse counselor’s definition of binge drinking was, she said, “That’s ridiculous, a couple hour time frame? Then you wouldn’t even be buzzed. How is that binge drinking?” I asked myself the same question, to me, four beers was just the warm up to the night but as I talked to the night shift nurse Diane Widak, I became even more surprised with what she thought was too much for students. To her, anyone who had more than two drinks or shots already had too much alcohol in their system. In addition to that, her idea of an alcoholic was “someone who drinks in excess and doesn’t make wise choices.” Surprised? So was I. When I had interviewed officer John Ritchie of Public Safety, and asked him what an alcoholic was, he told me: “To identify a true alcoholic,
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sible required stipulations), letter to parents/guardian.” After an asterisk, it states, “additional offenses will jeopardize a student’s status at the university.” Given how easy it seems to violate the school’s alcohol policy, and how little room for error there was in terms of sanctions, I began to wonder how the school distinguishes typical students from alcoholic students who genuinely need help with their disease. It seems all to easy to become ensnared in the web of sanctions that people who legitimately cannot control their problem are overlooked and eventually expelled without being given a chance at rehabilitation. The handbook says that there’s alcohol education or an educational activity that comes with each of the sanctions, but what more is there to learn about alcohol after the first educational course? Is it skimping out and waiting for students to return before revealing the truth? Shouldn’t the next step after education be rehabilitation? In a conversation with Kevin Curry, the substance abuse counselor at Fairfield, I asked if the school policy aimed to rehabilitate students to which he responded:
prohibited we turn to the medical field for that answer” But I thought I had done that. I had asked a genuine nurse whom weekend after weekend treats countless students who are sent to the health center for alcohol reasons and her definition was someone who drinks in excess and doesn’t make wise choices? Something seems very wrong with this picture. Just like the alcohol policy and violations, it seems too easy to fall under the category of an alcoholic. Ritchie would later tell me that his personal definition of an alcoholic was “someone who dedicates too much of their time and lifestyle to alcohol.” But isn’t culture a lifestyle? And if we have established that this institution has a culture of drinking in which students repeatedly weekend after weekend go and drink to the point of drunkenness, then wouldn’t that imply that those students are alcoholics? Perhaps the school needs to take a closer look as to what constitutes an alcoholic and what constitutes normal drinking before it punishes those who suffer from a disease unfairly. The Jesuit ideal of cura personalis is caring for the whole person and if all we do is educate, then we’re failing to live up to our motto on so many levels. Alcohol affects more than just the mind and the reasons for drinking are just as complicated as trying to get someone to change their habits.
Features
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
When I Was 20...
Economics Professor Dina Franceschi
By Mabel Del Castillo Staff Writer
with a spoiler on the back. TM: What was your major? DF: Chemical engineering, but I flunked out fall of my sophomore year. My only ‘A’ was in gym, everything else was a ‘D.’ It was a tough Christmas!
Dina Franceschi is an outgoing, bubbly and loved economics professor who is heavily involved in the environmental program. During her 20s she thoroughly enjoyed her college experience and when talking with The Mirror, jokingly said, “I can only divulge the PG rated version of my college experience at this time.”
TM: Biggest fear? DF: Going home during breaks because of my grades. TM: Favorite Fast Food restaurant? DF: Baby’s! It was a burger joint/diner near Penn State.
The Mirror: What college did you attend? Home or Away? Dina Franceschi: Penn State University. I went away. TM: What were your friends like? DF: My friends were hilarious, fairly ambitious and fun loving. Our weekend generally started on Wednesday, so our Thursday and Friday classes were hard to make. TM: What was your craziest college experience? DF: Let’s just say it was a keg party celebrating someone’s birthday. There was a huge cake and slop all over the floor. By the end of the night my friends and I were doing body slides across the slippery wooden floors. TM: What was your favorite class? Why? DF: Geology. I was into rocks at the time and it led to my interest in earth science. TM: What was your favorite band/group? DF: It was a Penn State band called “Outta the Blue,” which was a Grateful Dead cover band. I followed them around Pennsylvania for a summer. TM: What was your favorite alcoholic beverage? DF: Well, the most consumed was definitely beer. I did
Page 10
TM: Did you have a fake id? DF: There was no way because state schools were too strict! Eventually, junior year I did. TM: Worst habit? DF: Smoking.
Mabel Del Castillo/Fairfield Mirror
have some bad experiences with tequila and amaretto. TM:What was your typical weekend? DF: Penn State football and parties around campus with my friends. We did a lot of frat house hopping. Bars were really strict! TM: Did you have a boyfriend or were you single? DF: I was dating the president of Skull fraternity. TM: What was your clothing style? DF: Very baggy things. Jeans that rested on the hips and we rolled the bottoms up. We wore lots of bows in our hairs and pearls. Buckskin shoes were very popular. When we dressed up we would wear preppy plaid skirts and peter pan collars, everything was very cutesy. TM: Did you have a car? What kind? DF: Yes, it was my very first car. It was a Pontiac Sunbird
TM: Lesson(s) learned? DF: Have fun and don’t take things to seriously. Everything is possible. Explore academic options and don’t pigeon hole your options to what others think you should do. Don’t force something. TM: Biggest regret? DF: I loved college, but I would have to say eating too much because I gained the Freshman 15. I proceeded to work it off by sophomore year. I guess I was really active during high school and not as active in college. TM: Favorite TV show? DF: I didn’t watch too much television in college, I watched more during grad school. During college I was out of touch with the external world. I was more in touch with me, life and my social life. State schools are isolated so there was no need for the external world. TM: One word to describe your college experience? DF: Rational-Exuberance.
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Online Check our Web site for more entertianment news, including reviews of movies, music and more.
Arts & Entertainment| 11 fairfieldmirror.com
Editor Melissa Mann » entertainment@fairfieldmirror.com
Lady Gaga Strikes Again with ‘The Fame Monster’ By Veronica Florentino Opinion Editor
Contributed Photo
Just another teen vampire romance movie.
‘New Moon’ is Decent, But Overrated By Ana Ziegler Staff Writer
The second movie of the Twilight saga, ‘New Moon,’ came out about two weeks ago, after people had been going crazy about it for months beforehand. Since it came out, the movie has been at the top of the box office and has made $230.7 million. But is it really worth that hype? I don’t think so. The second movie is significantly better than the first one, though. They eased the makeup of the vampires a little bit so they seemed to fit in much better with the rest of the human population. Aesthetically I have to say that the movie was well made. There were a couple of rather nice and well-done shots in there. One example I want to point out (if you have not seen the movie yet and don’t want me to spoil anything just skip the next couple of lines) was the scene where Bella was sitting in a chair after Edward left her and the camera kept turning around her as the time was passing. I thought that it was very well done. I also liked how Bella and her friends had to read Romeo and Juliet for class and how the story was then incorporated into her own life, although hers had a happy ending and the roles were reversed. I appreciated that the werewolves were well done, not like in the third Harry Potter movie. They actually looked like wolves. Overall, one can say that it is a decent movie and that it was suspenseful at times, even though you always knew how it was going to end. That’s why I thought the end of the movie, which ended with a cliffhanger, was rather cheesy and not very original. Is there really anybody out there who does not know what is going to happen? And I am not just talking about the people who have read the books. I think most of us can agree that almost all of the actors in this movie are rather good looking but as we all know, looks aren’t everything. I think there is just some depth missing to the story overall and to some of the characters. The story is rather predictable, which is why I don’t understand why people are discussing who Bella should choose, Edward or Jacob. It is pretty clear who she is going to choose, she said so herself in the end. At some points the movie is overdoing it with the clichés. The scene near the end, when Alice describes her vision of Edward and Bella in the future, was just a little bit too much for my taste. Then again, I am not 12 or 16 anymore and maybe, if I would have seen the movie at that age, I may have liked it. Maybe I am just too old for this kind of movie, now.
There have been doubts as to whether or not Lady Gaga can really sing beyond the techno tones she is known for, but she puts most of those doubts to rest with “Speechless.” She sings it like a ballad, but the music and style comes out Whether you like it or not, you love “Bad Romance.” sounding very classic rock. Only someone who really underYou’ve heard it countless times on the radio, at parties, and stands music can go from a catchy techno song to a catchy whether you’re willing to admit it or not, you’ve wanted to melody reminiscent of Queen. She sings with an inherent hear it again. It’s not your fault — blame it on Lady Gaga for passion that makes you know she believes in the words she releasing such an infectious song which is guaranteed to get wrote. This isn’t a party tune — but it’s definitely something stuck in your head. you’ll want to listen to over and over I loved Lady Gaga”s first album, again. “The Fame,” but the songs are so inThe surprising part of the album fectious and so overplayed that they is the cameo appearance by Beonly last for so long. I always like to yonce. She’s someone you would not hear “Just Dance,” but I don’t crave expect to hear working with Gaga, it the same way I used to because it’s but the combined effect is phenomalready overdone. It was surprisenal and adds new depth to the ing to hear that “The Fame” was song “Telephone.” The song opens to be re-released with new tracks, sounding slow with the melody of but it was a very welcome surprise a harp, and Gaga singing demurely. because we needed another melody But once she finishes the verse, the to replace “Just Dance.” song transforms into a strong techno Lady Gaga did not fail. The nine beat, and her voice takes a stronger new tracks from “The Fame Monedge. When Beyonce makes her ster” have not disappointed. appearance it is clear her voice has When I first heard “Monster,” I was a little creeped out listening to Contributed Photo a harder nature than Gaga but the combination makes the collaboration Lady Gaga sing, “He ate my heart and Gaga’s new album was released Nov. 23. worth it. This would definitely make a then he ate my brain.” But later that great single. night, I found that the song was stuck Of course the album features “Bad Romance,” but it in my head so much that all I needed was to hear it again. also has a remix of “Bad Romance,” which just infuses more Like “Bad Romance,” “Monster” is the kind of song you interest into the song, and reinforces the strongest elements can love to play at parties, but I think it also has a romantic undertone. The monster metaphor is a little extreme and gro- of the track. Lady Gaga has been a standout performer this year. The tesque, but let’s be serious — when Lady Gaga sings, “That catch with her songs is that you love them, but after a while boy is a monster,” we can say most boys are monsters. They they become overplayed to the extent they will never be clasdon’t literally eat your heart, but figuratively they definitely sics. Right now you’ll find me playing “The Fame Monster” do. You wouldn’t expect a metaphor like this, but it makes on repeat, but I’m sure it won’t be long before I tire of these sense considering Lady Gaga’s style and personality. And no tracks. In the meantime, I’d rather enjoy it until her next matter how gruesome it may sound, it is still sung in a relaalbum comes out. tively cheery way that will make you want to listen.
Carrey Spreads Holiday Cheer in Disney’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ By Caleigh Tansey Staff Writer
watches it while in theaters. This movie deserves five stars for its beautiful animation, something that brings this story to a whole new level. Written and directed Charles Dickens’ by Robert Zemeckis, ‘A Christmas Carol’ this holiday classic takes an interesting is more than just a twist in Disney’s vermovie, it is a magision of this holiday cal story that takes tale. you up and over the The ghosts of roofs of London and Christmas past, presthrough England’s ent and future are wintery wonderland more than just a les… literally. son of the way to live Dickinson’s origione’s life through the nal story of a wicked Christmas season. old man who hates Jim Carrey does an anything and anyone, amazing job as the and specifically soon-to-be-merry Ebenezer Scrooge. Contributed Photo Christmas, is portrayed very well in this It’s been years since Disney’s new animated film brings ‘A Christmas Carol’ to life enthralling yet chillhis on screen debut ing film. The beauty is as the Grinch, but in the animation; the characters and scenery become so real things have not changed for Carrey’s portrayal of a cold that it is easy to forget you are watching an animated movie hearted individual into a warm loving, Christmas character. half the time. Victorian England is painted in our minds as a The journey that Scrooge takes with the three ghosts of dream in Zemeckis’ version of A Christmas Carol. Christmas is one that should scare us all into becoming betThe beauty of the holiday season is present in every way ter people during the holiday season. Not only is this movie and inspires us all to make a few changes for ourselves this uplifting and refreshing for the upcoming holiday season, year. “Bah! Humbug!” is the last thing you’ll be saying after but it is also frightening and alluring in the lessons to be seeing this classic Christmas story. learned, and the story that is told for each one of us who
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Arts & Entertainment
Page 12
The Right Bite
a review of restaurants in and around Fairfield
Photo by Mabel del Castillo/The Mirror
A look inside the Japanese restaurant, Fin.
Fin at 1253 Post Road
ing entertained by the sushi chef. A woman walked in minutes after we arrived and sat by herself as well. She enjoyed a glass of wine and chose the Shrimp Teriyaki Lunch Box Special. It seemed like she was a regular because she didn’t even bother looking at the menu and referred to the waitress on a friendly level. So who would have ever thought that for only $7.50, you can have your choice of a delicious soup or fresh salad (which I must add the dressing was phenomenal) followed by a tray containing a shrimp spring roll, dipping sauce, three California Rolls, cantaloupe, a choice of white or brown rice, and a small entrée? I happened to choose the Chicken Teriyaki and it was to die for. I am really not a huge fan of Japanese food, but after this experience it is definite that I will go back. Another thing that I never thought I would try in a million years was the California Roll. I saw my roommate eating it and I looked at her in disgust, but after her begging me to try and promising that I wouldn’t puke, I fell in love with it. Overall, the food was outstanding and after looking at reviews online and talking about it with a bunch of friends, it seems as though almost everyone agrees. Not only was it a delightful experience, but a filling one as well.
By Mabel Del Castillo Staff Writer Have you ever been so hungry in class that you can’t even pay attention? All you are thinking about is “what am I going to have for lunch? I don’t want Barone, I don’t want the Stag, and there is nothing in my room.” Well, if you are sitting at an 11-11:50 class and you want to feast for $7.50, I advise you to get on the 12 p.m. shuttle to town and get off right across the tanning salon. Within steps you will come across Fin, a Japanese restaurant located at 1253 Post Road. Upon entering, you will be greeted by a very polite host and have the chance to sit wherever you’d like. As soon as you sit, you will find a napkin, chopsticks, a cute little dipping dish, and a flask of soy sauce. And if you are worried about not being able to use chopsticks, don’t worry. I think they assume the majority of people would prefer using forks, so they bring you a fork with the first part of your meal. The service there is very efficient and pleasurable. All the employees are friendly and will explain everything to you to the best of their ability. Although there was a tiny bit of a language barrier when my roommate asked about the sushi, they still did the best they could to help her understand. The place itself is very serene, with soothing music in the background, and many Japanese paintings on the wall. I even noticed that there was a man sitting by himself be-
Photo by Mabel del Castillo/The Mirror
The above meal for only $7.50? We’ll take it.
‘Ninja Assassin’ Fails to Impress By Deanna Mitchell Staff Writer
The After Bite the next step is to find the right dessert! Name: Chocolate Nut Brownie Where to Buy: Mrs. Greens Price: $1.99 Description: The fudgiest brownie in Fairfield County! xoxo, Mabel and Ashley
did her part well, but the chemistry between the two just wasn’t really there. It’s as if they didn’t even try to act like their lives depended on each other, or that there was a growing friendship. Blood spurting in every direction, mindless (yet Being that the Wachowski brothers, known most awesome) violence, a hot Asian guy playing the lead role; for their work in “The Matrix” series, produced the film, sounds like the action packed film that could only be a set of stories within the story would be expected. What known as “Ninja Assassin.” shouldn’t be expected is the “Ninja Assassin” is a disorganization of these stories. movie about an outcast of a They had the main character secret assassin clan seeking have a series of flashbacks that vengeance for his friend’s explained the present situation, death with the help of a but it was as if these flashbacks Europol agent whose life is were just thrown into the beginalso threatened when she ning of the movie; no triggers attempts to uncover the clan’s for these distant memories, just existence. randomly trying to explain what Even with its actioncaused what and when. packed, karate butt-kicking; The choreographed fights creepy shadow-Ninja affects were pretty intense, though. that make you wish that the The audience was left in suspilights would turn on; or even cion during the fights, wonderthe awesomeness of seeing ing whether or not the good guy Rain’s beautiful body without would actually survive. There a shirt, the movie was still was an excess of blood all over bland and unentertaining. the place that made the deaths You would think that director unrealistic, but the gory nature James McTeigue, who is most did pump some adrenaline known for the film “V for and make you want to run to Vendetta,” wouldn’t leave his the nearest karate center. The characters so flat, and add a graphics and scene set-up were bit more complexity to them. Contributed Photo about the same; blowing audiIt’s bad enough when the Korean pop-star Rain as a ninja/assassin. ence member’s minds as Rain actors in movies are not very jumped all around dodging Ninja stars and flying swords. good, but when a film has dissatisfactory acting and a faulty script, it loses its power. Rain’s role was a difficult one All together, this film is not meant to be thought-provoking or inspiring; this a movie you see when you feel like putting to play in that he lacks lines to really display his character, your mind on auto-pilot and watching blood-spattering but there were moments when he could have added some violence as well as seeing a hot Asian pop-star-gone-actor’s depth to the story through physical exhibition. rippling muscles. His counter-part Naomie Harris, on the other hand,
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Arts & Entertainment
Page 13
iPick
By Melissa Mann Arts & Entertainment Editor
Song: Whatcha Say Artist: Jason Derulo I’m obsessed. The lyrics might be stupid and cheesy, but I could listen to this on replay 24/7... seriously.
Song: Wedding Dress Artist: Matt Nathanson Matt Nathanson’s whole “Some Mad Hope” CD is amazing, but this track is my favorite. There’s just something about the slow tempo and Nathanson’s voice that just makes it so perfect. But “Car Crash” and “To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts” are close seconds.
Song: Grey Sky Eyes Artist: Carbon Leaf Veronica Florentino/The Mirror
Song: Bad Romance Artist: Lady Gaga I love Lady Gaga more than words can express. This is another one of her amazing dance songs, and it’ll be stuck in your head all day. Plus, the music video is insane.
Carbon Leaf combines the best of pop/rock and bluegrass (yes, penny whistles are involved) to create a unique, catchy sound that defines the band. The harmonies in this song are amazing, and it’s a slow, easy song that is perfect when you need to relax.
Song: Violet Hill Artist: Coldplay Song: Colgando En Tus Manos Artist: Carlos Baute and Maria Sanchez The catchiest Spanish pop song I know. Also, it reminds me of Spain. So judge me. Whether or not you actually know Spanish, it has a great beat and if you do know Spanish, it’s a really cute song.
Nothing beats this song live. Already there’s an ominous feel from the beginning, and the build-up just explodes into these rough keyboard notes. Coldplay knows how to turn a song into a work of art, and they do it here.
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December
FUSA presents coming events
Upcoming Events
Santa’s Workshop - December 2nd @ 8pm - Lower Level BCC ‘the Nutcracker’ Ballet - December 3rd Extreme Bowling - December 3rd - Buses Leave Alumni Hall @ 9pm Fairfield Friday/Late Night @ The Stag! - December 4th @ 10pm I LOVE NY: Holiday Shopping Trip to New York City - December 5th New York Night Time City Life - December 5th
Fairfield Friday!
Fairfield Friday
Friday, December 4th Get outta bed and PUT ON RED! Late Night at the Stag @ 10pm - The Stag Giveaway: Free Fairfield Christmas Ornaments!
Featured Speaker
‘The Ethnic Man’
Teja Arboleda, “The Ethnic Man” Tuesday, December 8th 8pm at the Lower Level Campus Center Insights on Issues of Race and Self-Identity
New York City Trip
New York City Shopping Trip
Get your Christmas shopping done this weekend! The bus leaves on Saturday, December 5th @ 11AM from Alumni Hall. Tickets are available at the Info Desk TODAY!
FUSA: THE OFFICIAL STUDENT GOVERNMENT OF FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY BY THE STUDENTS, FOR THE STUDENTS
Connect by Hertz Hurry and register for FREE before the end of the semester! Register for Connect by Hertz (the car sharing program on campus) Register by logging onto www.connectbyhertz.com. Become our fan on Facebook! TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS: Visit the BCC Info Desk For more information: Visit the FUSA OFFICE at the lower level BCC OR LOG ONTO FAIRFIELD.EDU/FUSA
Online
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Coffee Break | 15
Check online every week for answers to our games.
fairfieldmirror.com
Ed. Note: These articles are intended to be comedy and satire.
Chris Surette For most of us, Christmas was an exciting time during our childhood. It was a time of anticipation, waiting for the fat man to come down the chimney and place gifts around the tree. It was such a great time of the year and we had only one worry in the world: what to put on the list. With finals rolling around the same time as Christmas, it is much more stressful. But it is still an exhilarating time. Just because we are older and perhaps do not believe in Santa anymore, does not mean we don’t look forward to this time of year. College guys truly do not care what they receive for Christmas. All we really care about are sports, drinking and girls. That’s why you rarely see a Christmas list by a 21-year-old guy. Instead, we have more of a “dream list” and this is not a seasonal list, but rather a year-long list. For most seniors, we probably joke about asking for a job. I’m pretty realistic so I’m not asking for one and instead, I am asking for another Patriots Super Bowl appearance. Mainly so they will televise Gisele in the crowd.
Editor Tom Cleary » mirrorcoffeebreak@gmail.com
HE said / SHE said Grown-Up Christmas List
That’s a win-win gift and even if you’re not a Pats fan, you got admit that Brady’s girl is a smoke show. Next on the list : enough beer to last me through the break. With over a month off from school, guys would only enjoy being in one state of mind: blacked out. Winter break is a much longer version of spring break without the warm weather and the babes in bikinis. At least you can grab a 30 and go tubing down your town’s most notorious hill. Throw the beers in the snow and it will make this childish adventure very eventful. The final wish is a chick. Most of us would love to find one like Tebow’s, but beggars can’t be choosers. Therefore as long as she puts out and doesn’t talk in your ear, she’s a keeper. Best case scenario, you meet her after the holiday so you don’t waste you dough on a gift. It is not about the possessions for guys. You could honestly give a guy a sixer of Busch light, a television with ESPN, and a Playboy and I guarantee he’d be happy. So you will not be seeing guys asking for UGG boots. Oh wait I forgot, this is Fairfield U.
I love this time of year, and my behavior during this season usually resembles Will Ferrell in Elf. After four years of working at Hallmark, one would think I would be sick of this time of year; but in reality I started counting to Christmas on Oct. 1. But at 21, the time comes when Christmas lists start to look a little different. So here is my “Grown-up Christmas list”, and just in case you’re feeling generous, I live at the Wooden Seamen. * An unlimited bar tab at The Grape. Being that most of my money has been spent there this semester, an unlimited tab would allow me to possibly purchase the other potential Christmas list items.
Allyson Wuensch
tion Prof. Leatherman). * A refund on my leopard Snuggie. It was a weak moment that I would like to erase. * For people to stop asking me how I feel about the “He Said” controversy at parties. It’s like politics, just not good conversation to go with alcohol. * To not be asked why I’m single by every person I see during Christmas break. And maybe some direction in my love life. And if all the above fails, a hat with the mistletoe and to run into Gerard Butler. * The Giants to start playing
* Someone to pay my cable bill for a month. $60 a month for limited channels without the ability to record is just starting to make me angry. And anger does not fit in with the holiday spirit. * Some hope of employment for after that dreaded day in May. * An ‘A’ on my capstone paper. (atten-
well. * For 30s to magically appear at my doorstep for the 12 days of Christmas. * Since I have received almost four years of a Jesuit education, I feel that it would be extremely selfish of me to not mention those in need. So like any good beauty queen, I would like world peace.
Coffee Break
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
ADVICE
Dear Dee, I feel like I have been waiting for love for way too long. I’ve been thinking lately that maybe I am setting my standards too high. Should I lower my standards from what I think I deserve in a man? Hmm, well here’s a question for you. What if you saw an amazing pair of Nine West shoes in the window just calling your name, and when you went in to try them on they didn’t fit, would you squeeze your foot into them? Although they may be shiny and new, even fun to wear around for that upcoming weekend, they aren’t comfortable. Having shoes that you can’t be comfortable in can lead to blisters and cramped toes, which we all know is a pain in the, uh, foot. Well, in my shoe-a-holic world, I see a relationship in the same sort of light. A relationship, especially love, is filled with excitement, fun, and most of the time, can be labeled as amazing. However, that being said, all that fun and excitement, all that “amazingness” comes to be that way because of being able to be yourself around that person. Being comfortable in your own skin is a reward, but feeling comfortable in your own skin WITH someone else? Now, that’s one of the greatest rewards love can give. I mean who doesn’t love lounging around in sweatpants and a tank top and still know your boyfriend thinks you’re sexy. As we all know, the “honeymoon period” of a relationship always makes you feel like your in middle school again with the butterflies and the constant thoughts that run through your mind about that one person.
Page 14
Send YOUR questions to deardee@ fairfieldmirror. com
The thing is, after you’ve been with someone for a while, the excitement of someone new begins to fade, and in place of that excitement is something much more fulfilling; the comfort of one another and the feeling you can completely be your dumb, controlling, girly self in front of him. If you settle for less than you think you deserve because you’re bored of waiting or believe you’ll never find him, just that will wind up happening; you will never find him, and you also won’t find true love. While you’re dating Mr. Okay, you’ll be missing out on Mr. Perfect just because you didn’t want to wait a little longer. So, if you think you deserve a prince charming that takes you out and makes you feel like a better person, then you sure as hell deserve it as long as you’re willing to try and give the same thing back. It’s like my girl Diana Ross said, “You can’t hurry love.” So sit back and enjoy yourself, do the things you’ve been itching to do lately, flirt with that boy at Chef’s Table, get that mani pedi you’ve been contemplating, and when the time is right, Prince Charming will come around and your foot will slide into that perfect Nine West shoe. Disclaimer: This column is for entertainment only. The author is a student, not a licensed therapist, and this column is not intended to take the place of professional advice. The views expressed are the author’s and are not necessarily shared by The Mirror or its staff.
Sports
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Page 17
Red Sea negligence? Last season was a banner year for Fairfield athletics. At the forefront was women’s sports. The women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, and women’s tennis teams all reached the NCAA Tournament and enjoyed unrivaled success. Yet, much of each season’s thrilling moments fell on deaf ears. Are women’s sports left alone in the dark?
By Michelle Morrison Online Managing Editor Last season, the Fairfield women’s lacrosse team steamrolled the MAAC, going undefeated in the conference and making it to the first round of the NCAA tournament. On average, they had 480 fewer fans than the men’s lacrosse team, which only went 4-3 in the conference and 7-6 overall. Fairfield is often criticized for its fan apathy overall, but a deeper issue is the fact that men’s teams are generally supported much more than women’s teams. “I think attendance is much worse for the women,” said Chris Simmons ‘10, a reporter for The Fairfield Mirror who has been covering women’s sports since his freshman year. “People stereotype women’s sports as having less action and less excitement,” he said. According to men’s lacrosse head coach Andy Copelan, attendance numbers are “more based on success than gender.” The numbers tell a different story, though. Men’s lacrosse had four times more fans on average than women’s lacrosse. The men’s team brought in as many as 1,280 fans in a single game during the fall 2009 season,
while the women only got up to 425, according to the university’s athletics website. Basketball, which some would say is Fairfield’s top sport, shows a similar disparity in support for women and men. The men’s team attracted almost two times more fans than the women’s team over the past three years, with the men pulling an average of 2,619 fans per game and the women only getting 1,436. This number is “in line with the national trend, our conference and the other Division I CT schools” according to Hutchinson Williams ‘08, a former FUSA president and now a graduate assistant for marketing, promotions and fan development at Fairfield. In soccer, the men’s and women’s fan numbers are more equal. In fact, the women had 25 more fans on average than the men did during the fall 2009 season, with the women hitting about 263 fans and the men about 238. Both teams had similar success in the season, with the men making it to the MAAC semifinal and the women to the quarterfinal. Five-year women’s soccer head coach Jim O’Brien said attendance at Fairfield sports in general is disappointing, but campus support for men’s and women’s soccer is pretty much the same.
Campus Perception of Women’s Sports Aside from the numbers, the campus perception seems to be that men’s sports are better attended than women’s sports. Jenn Lawlor ’10, an attendee at the men’s soccer game against Canisius, said that she thought more people go to men’s games in any sport. “I feel like they just have a stronger fan base, people think the games are more exciting,” said Lawlor. According to Simmons, physicality is what draws some people to men’s sports over women’s sports. Their sheer size and aggression on the court is considered more attractive than the women’s more subtle passing game, he said. Women’s attendance has increased about 20 percent in the last three years, according to Williams. “There’s a difference but I don’t think it has to do with the quality of play,” said Williams. “Literally having been to all of our varsity sports, they’re all entertaining, all fun to watch.” Williams said there are a number of factors other than gender that influence game attendance, including weather, opponent, time of day, location and point in the season.
Will It Ever Change? According to Simmons, the more basic issue is that Fairfield has a small student population and sports is not a main focus for students. “Even if every student went to the Arena [at Harbor Yard], it wouldn’t fill up,” said Simmons, noting that community members outnumber students at most basketball games. What’s the solution? Fairfield’s department of marketing, promotions and fan development does its best to keep students informed about when games are, often doing promotions like handing out free t-shirts or game tickets, said Williams. Their most recent program is the “Stags in the Stands Rewards Card,” a membership card given to all Fairfield undergraduates that allows students to earn rewards for attending home games. No distinction is made between attending men’s games and women’s games. Will it help? Marissa Tota ’12 does not think so. “I think it was a good idea for people who have time for games,” said Tota, “but I feel like it will benefit mostly the people who already go to games in the first place.”
Mirror Sports 3 X 5 Britney Edition
Tom Cleary Editor-in-Chief
One, two, three?
What do you mean... one, two, three?
Are you in?
So are you game?
Now are you game?
Not only you and me.
Peter.
Living in sin is the new thing.
Three is a charm.
Let’s make a team.
Paul.
I am counting..
Got 180 degrees
Two is not the same.
Make ‘em say my name.
Keith Connors General Manager
Chris Simmons Managing Editor
And I’m caught in between.
Mary.
Twister on the floor, what do you say?
I don’t see the harm.
Loving the extreme.
Sports
The Mirror | Week of Dec. 2, 2009
Page 18
Men's Basketball he said it...
“He’s definitely our point guard of the future and he is going to be a hell of a player.” Fairfield head coach Ed Cooley, talking about freshman point guard Derek Needham who has averaged 16.7 points and 4.5 assists through his first six games.
Game of the Week
Marist Red Foxes Overall Record: 0-4
The Stags play Marist at the Arena at Harbor Yard to kick off the MAAC season. Picked to finish last in the MAAC, the Red Foxes have yet to win a game this season and will be hungry for a road win.
MAAC standings Team
Fairfield Iona Manhattan Siena Rider Canisius Loyola (Md.) Niagara Saint Peter’s Marist
Overall Conf.
4-2 0-0 4-2 0-0 4-2 0-0 4-2 0-0 5-3 0-0 3-2 0-0 3-2 0-0 4-3 0-0 2-3 0-0 0-4 0-0
Hundred Games
After one hundred games behind the bench, head coach Ed Cooley evaluates ... Ed Cooley
Keith Connors
General Manager shot clock expired. Who would’ve thought Game one: I suffered a doubleovertime loss to American. We’ll get better. Game two: I suffered an overtime loss to Holy Cross. Fool me once ... oh, it’s fine. We’ll get better. Game five: Hasheem Thabeeet. He’s good. Game six: Success! My first career win as a head coach. Welcome to the Cooley photo album, Central Arkansas. Game seven: Roy Hibbert. He’s good. Game eight: Rich Flemming. Not good. Game 12: The box score will tell you that it was only a three-point loss to Manhattan just prior to our mid season break. Ignore the stats. I’ll tell you the real story of the game. “We were terrible. If there was a positive in this game, I thought our assistant coaches were well dressed,” I said. Games 13 to 17: Five straight losses. That’s 14 losses in the first 18 games as a collegiate head coach. Not exactly the way we had it scripted, but remember my preseason warning: “Don’t judge us by our wins and losses.” Game 18: Make that 15 losses in 19 games. I could really use a vacation right about now. Maybe I’ll look into that for next season. Games 19 to 25: It started as an innocent slipup against Iona that led to an overtime contest, a game we went onto win after Mamadou Diakhate ‘08 nailed a three in the corner to tie the game just before the
that would’ve led to a six-game win streak. Game 26: Make that seven. Maybe I’ll get cozy at this place after all. “No pressure on us. I love the way we’re playing coming down the stretch.” Game 28 to 33: “Van Schaick put on his cape in the second half, he had his Aquaman belt on, his Batman suit on, and he was phenomenal down the stretch. That’s what seniors do, it’s something we’ve come to expect with Van Schaick.” Game 33, Part Two: Roi Buchbinder. Not good. Game 34: “You have to give a hand to Loyola; they made shots down the stretch. We have a lot of growing up to do. But we will. We will be better.” Game 35: An 85-60 loss to start the season: unacceptable. An 85-60 loss to Wake Forest, on the road, and a 20-point outing from freshman forward Warren Edney on the first night of his collegiate career? I’ll take it. Maybe this year will be different. Game 36: Blood on the court, and another blemish on our record. “It was a very emotional game, but it is something we will learn from,” I said. Game 38: A cross-town rivalry. Now this is as close to the excitable on-court atmosphere I’m accustomed to in the Atlantic Coastal Conference (ACC) days. Game 63: Jason Thompson. He’s good. Game 63, Part Two: Devin Johnson. Not good. Game 64: Déjà vu all over again: a season-ending loss to Loyola. But we’ll grow up, we’ll mature. We’ll get better. Game 65: A 90-63 loss to start the
season: unacceptable. An 90-63 loss to last year’s national championship runner-up, on the road, with a 24-point outing from forward Warren Edney on the first night of his sophomore season? I’ll take it. Maybe this year will be different. Game 67: Regardless of the opponent, it is hard to soothe a seventeen-point defeat to Virginia Tech. Then again, we are in Puerto Rico, and it is a long season. Game 68: (see above, Insert: Missouri for Virginia Tech) Game 83: A double-digit loss to Siena. I expect more from a team ranked second in the preseason MAAC Coaches’ poll, even if we are playing the conference favorite. We need to learn. We need to mature. We need to get better. Game 84: Ryan Thompson. He’s good. Game 85: A 65-60 loss to Manhattan. No comment from my (former) point guard, no comment from me. Game 93: My first postseason victory as a head coach. Move over on my coaching mantle, Central Arkansas. Game 94: Credit Siena. “I thought as a program we got better this year with all the adversity we faced,” I said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of our kids, as I said yesterday. Hopefully this is a learning experience for us.” We’ll grow. We’ll get better. Game 97: Greivis Vasquez. He’s good. But, hey, Gary got a steal. Game 100: A few mental errors and mistakes in a 84-80 loss to Hofstra, only our second of the season. We’ll learn from this. We’ll mature. We’ll get better. I just need that learning to translate ... finally. Maybe this year will be different.
Women's Basketball
Women’s Basketball Rally Falls Just Short
he said it...
"That’s a senior play right there."
Fairfield head coach Joe Frager, to one of his assistants on the bench after senior forward Stephanie Geehan hit a three to keep the Stags comeback alive.
Game of the week
Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers Overall Record: 3-3
The Mountaineers have already faced one MAAC opponent this season, beating Canisius, 55-51. This game is Fairfield’s Arena at Harbor Yard opener.
MAAC standings Team
Overall Conf.
Fairfield 3-1 0-0 Canisius 3-2 0-0 Marist 3-2 0-0 Loyola 3-3 0-0 Manhattan 2-3 0-0 Iona 2-4 0-0 Saint Peter’s 1-2 0-0 Rider 1-5 0-0 Siena 0-5 0-0 Niagara 0-6 0-0
By Chris Simmons Managing Editor
blocks with nine and steals with eight in four games. The senior forward’s numbers rank first in the MAAC in reboundThe women’s basketball team may ing, third in scoring and tenth in assists. have dropped its first game when it faced Defensively she is first in blocked shots George Mason on the road on Monday and tied for seventh in steals. but the Stags showed plenty of fight, “She played phenomenal,” said losing 70-65 after a furious comeback head coach Joe Frager. “In the second attempt fell just short. half, we ran a play, where she Fairfield fell to 3-1 while the stepped out and banged a three. I Patriots improved to 4-2. turned to my assistants and said, “We have to look ‘That’s a senior play right there.’ to play the game on our She let everyone know we’ve terms,” said Frager. “I use still got some basketball to play a boxing analogy. It’s like today.” when you’re fighting a The Stags also had to play a puncher, you can’t get few players in different positions drawn in, you’ve got to after starting sophomore point Frager control the fight with your guard Sarah Paulus went down jabs. We did a great job. I’m with an injury five minutes into proud of how they fought back. Now the game. After the game, Frager was not we’ve got a relatively quick turnaround sure of the severity of the injury, which against a good Mount St. Mary’s team.” occurred while she was bringing the The Stags kept the game close for ball up the court, but he did think it was the first part of the game, but the Patriots enough of concern to hold her out of the went on a run at the end of the first game. half and the beginning of the second Pina then had to play all forty minto take a 55-32 lead with 13:13 to play. utes and shot three of 20 from the floor Then Fairfield buckled down and senior after scoring 22 points with six assists Stephanie Geehan took over, scoring in the Stags’ previous game against St. 13 of her career-high 33 points. SophoFrancis. Pina is also Fairfield’s second more Desiree Pina also added six of her leading scorer averaging 15.8 points nine points in those final minutes. But it per game. The Stags as a team shot 35.5 wouldn’t be enough as the team cut the percent and Geehan scored over half the lead to three and couldn’t get any closer. Stags’ points. Geehan also put up her second dou“We’re not quite there yet,” said ble-double of the year with 17 rebounds Frager. “At times it is, but you have in the game as well. She leads the team to give George Mason a lot of credit. in points and rebounds per game with They’re so quick and athletic that you 16.8 and 11.3 respectively as well as in think faster and react more than you
want to. That can lead to what appears to be sloppy execution. A lot of times we had players open on cuts, but we were being pressured so hard, we were a little rattled.” But the Stags did show resolve in competing to get back into the game after being down by 23 points with only a little over a quarter of the game left against a bigger, more athletic George Mason team. Some starters were injured or in foul trouble, but still the Stags battled back from being down more than 20 to chip away and almost steal a nonconference road win. “I think anytime you lose a game, you find something to build on,” said Frager. “I said in the locker room after the game, we learned we can overcome some adversity and we have it in us to respond. But we also learned that we can’t spot a team that many points in the first half. I’ve said before, we’re a work in progress. We’ll have our moments, and we’ll have our trying moments. But I really enjoy coaching this team.” Freshman Katelyn Linney was also honored for the second time this season as the MAAC Rookie of the Week. She is the Stags’ third leading scorer averaging 9.8 points per game and against St. Francis she had four assists and five rebounds to earn the award. The women’s basketball team will look to rebound from is first loss against Mount St. Mary’s (3-3 overall) in the Stags’ Arena at Harbor Yard opening game on Thursday at 6 p.m. The game is a double-header and the men’s basketball team will face Marist at 8 p.m.
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A running start
Peter Caty/The Mirror
Stags Off to 4-2 Start, Lead MAAC By Tom Cleary Editor in Chief With a freshman point guard running the show and injuries again taking the focus off of the strong play of former role players, one would assume that the men’s basketball team would be off to yet another slow start. But instead the Stags are 4-2, tied for the best record in the MAAC, and off to the fastest start in head coach Ed Cooley’s career, which has now reached 100 games.
»Looking back at Cooley’s first 100 games | page 18 Fairfield had a successful pre-Thanksgiving trip to Washington, D.C. where the Stags defeated American on Monday, 72-56, and then Howard on Wednesday, 81-60. As the rest of the University returned from break, the Stags continued their road trip, traveling to Long Island to take on Hofstra, falling 84-80. Against American, the Stags were led by returning junior forward Yorel Hawkins who led the way with 18 points. Freshman point guard Derek Needham scored 13 points, continuing his streak of double-digit point performances. Needham is leading all MAAC freshmen in
scoring with 16.8 points per game and has won the MAAC Rookie of the Week award twice this season out of three possible weeks. Hawkins continued his big return with a 16 point night that again paced the Stags. Needham scored 13 points and junior Lyndon Jordan chipped in with 12 points. The Stags led 41-21 at halftime and almost allowed Howard to close the gap, as they won the second half by a scored of 40-39 for a 81-60 final. The Stags had a chance to continue their streak against Hofstra on Monday night but despite three players scoring over 20 points (Needham, Hawkins and Anthony Johnson), the Stags lost. Fairfield trailed four with under a minute remaining, but Needham hit a threepointer to cut the lead to one. After the Pride made just one out of two free throws, Fairfield had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer. Hawkins had an open look from the corner, but his shot was blocked. Fairfield recovered the ball and Hawkins had a second shot blocked to end the game. Needham scored a career-high 26 points, while Hawkins and Johnson both scored 22 points. The Stags now return home where they will play three of their next four games, heading into the winter break. Fairfield opens its MAAC season with a game against Marist (0-4 ) on Thursday night at 8 p.m. at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
InsideSPORTS: Women’s basketball falls to George Mason page 18, Does Anyone Go to Women’s Sports? page 17