Layout 4 25

Syrian Airstrikes

Youtuber Comes to Fairfield

Womens Lacrosse

Opinion

Vine

Sports

Should the U.S. continue its military invasion in Syria?

Jake Shimabukuro stuns the FTC audience.

Page 8

Team tops Canisius in final regular season at home.

Page 6

Page 14

THE MIRROR Independent student newspaper

Week of April 25, 2018

Vol. 43 Iss. 24

@FairfieldMirror

Follow us!

FairfieldMirror.com

93 Fairfield Students Caught by Police Underage Drinking at Bar in Norwalk

By Claire Monahan News Editor

Police sirens broke up what was a lively evening at restaurant and bar Johnny Utah’s in Norwalk, Conn. On April 19, around 11:45 p.m. officers from the Norwalk Police Department and agents from the Connecticut Liquor Control Commission conducted a liquor compliance check on the business. They discovered 103 underage persons, 93 of which were Fairfield University students.

The students were described by police as intoxicated and unable to present identification. One anonymous student described the scene, “A little before 12 [midnight], the lights turned on and the cops showed up.

That happened a few weeks ago, so I didn’t think anything would happen. I think there were 15 police officers.”

Norwalk Police Department called in ECS transportation and the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety to assist with the situation due to the number of people present. Police had previously received reports of underage patrons being served alcohol.

“Apparently it was more about shutting down the establishment because it is a known spot for selling alcohol to underage drinkers,” said the same anonymous student.

The bar which, boasts itself as “home to South Norwalk’s only mechanical bull,” opened in 2014. The establishment is supposedly about to undergo a renovation, “the reason a lot people were going is because Johnny Utah’s was going to close and be renovated into a different type of lounge that wouldn’t be a scene for college students,” said a student.

According to the Johnny Utah’s website, the bar has a country theme centered around “... unique promotions and promiscuous atmosphere. Cowgirls, cowboys and rock stars of all kinds are encouraged to come in and get wild.”

Due to this incident, the establishment has had its liquor license suspended by the Department of Consumer protection.

Some underage students entered the bar with fake identification. One student recounted the police officers’ request for students, “we were more or less detained for three hours while police officers were taking down our information. They were asking for fake IDs that people were willing to give up.”

The student admitted they had entered the bar with a fake ID, “I told them [the police officers] that I was without an ID because I entered with my friend’s ID and it had a name that wasn’t mine. But when I left, I left with my real name.”

DPS coordinated a bus from the University to come and transport students back to campus. One student explained their lack of concern regarding the incident, “I personally am not that wigged out. Being from N.Y. and dealing with N.Y. cops, dealing with Norwalk cops don’t make me that stressed. It was an easy experience compared to what I have experienced in the past.”

In a press release, the Norwalk Police Department stated, “No arrests have been made at this time however this investigation remains ongoing.” Lieutenant Ritchie of DPS echoed

Photo Taken from Johnny Utah’s Instagram

A crowd gathered outside of Johnny Utah’s in November 2017.

this statement and said that DPS has yet to receive the list of names gathered by Norwalk PD. The day after the incident took place, April 20, an email was sent by Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Karen Donoghue to the sophomore and first-year classes. Students were reminded to “... abide by all state and federal guidelines.”

However Donoghue stipulated that the email was sent out as a general reminder rather than in response to a specific incident. She reiterated that any students found in violation of University policy, on or off campus, are subject to disciplinary action.

DPS Officer Ritchie said that any students involved will be referred to the student conduct when the investigation is complete.

Despite this, many of the involved students do not seem to be worried. One student described a sense of calm amidst the chaos of the raid saying, “officers there were saying don’t worry because you aren’t in trouble.”

Ignatian Residential College Sees Spike in Applications

By Connor O’Rourke Co-Assitant News Editor

This year, with the addition of the new building for Ignatian Residential College, which will be located on East Langguth Road, there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of applications rising sophomores sent in for the new space.

With the new residence hall for Ignatian leadership, Loyola Hall will replace Faber Hall as the home of the Creative Life Residential College, of which the latter will become housing for juniors and seniors who were unable to receive housing in the other options for their respective years.

This year, the Office of Residence Life received a total of 590 applications from rising sophomores with over 300 sending in applications for Ignatian, according to Jodie Fitzpatrick, the assistant director of the office of residence life.

“There will be 196 students participating in the Igna-

tian Leadership Residential College. This is larger than usual due to the fact that we wanted the new building to be Ignatian Leadership compared to other years when we only did two floors in Loyola,” said Fitzpatrick.

First-year student Jack Esposito, who was one of the applicants for the Ignatian Leadership Residential College, stated, “I chose Ignatian, but got into Loyola because I wanted to room with my friends. I think it will improve my sophomore experience because I’ll be close to my class buildings.”

Another first-year student, Tom Stolfi, echoed similar sentiments in that, “I went with Ignatian at first when applying, but I felt like Loyola had more to offer me. It’ll be better because my friends are there and I’ll be a lot nearer to where my classes are going to be.”

Fitzpatrick stated that, “A first-year’s excitement about a Residential College comes from hearing about the positive experience and benefits of the program from students who are currently in the programs and those that have gone

through the programs.”

The name of the Residential College will be changed next year Fitzpatrick added, “For next year, we have changed the name from Ignatian Residential College to the Ignatian Leadership Residential College which has also created some excitement amongst students. Also because it will be housed in a new building.”

Students who had applied to the Ignatian program, but were not accepted into it, were placed into their second or third choices of Residential Colleges — either the Creative Life or Service for Justice.

“If they [students] did not get into the Ignatian Leadership Res College, they were considered for their second choice. If they did not put a second or third choice, they were able to enter the regular housing lottery for Kostka/Claver and Loyola and stay on the waitlist,” as Fitzpatrick stated.

Read New on Page Four

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

News

Page 2

Claire Monahan/TheMirror

The site of the new Charles F. Dolan School of Business which is currently an active construction zone aiming to be completeted by the start of the fall 2019 semester.

Construction Projects to Continue Throughout the Summer

By Jacob Buttiker Co-Assitant News Editor

Fairfield University is always evolving and changing. Unfortunately, that means students have become all too familiar with the sounds of heavy machinery erecting some great new structure on campus. With so much in the works, it is important for students to stay up to date with these projects.

According to David Frassinelli, the vice president of facilities management, all projects are on track for their respective completion dates. These projects include the new dorm in the Quad, the new Dolan School of Business and an air conditioning unit for McCormick and Campion halls.

Frassinelli stated that the dorm is well on its way to its June completion. The furniture is scheduled to arrive during July and August, and after that the building will be ready for its fall semester occupants.

Frassinelli also commented on the status of the new school of business, “Blasting is over and they are beginning to pour the foundations. In July, you will start to see the steel

go up.” While juniors and seniors currently enrolled at Fairfield will unfortunately not be able to utilize the new building, the project’s fall 2019 completion date ensures that firstyears and sophomores will.

As for air conditioning, a highly requested amenity here on campus, the new unit is expected to be up and running by September of this year. This unit will be providing air conditioning to the new dorm in the Quad, as well as McCormick and Campion Halls.

Frassinelli also stated that Townhouses 14 and 15 will be undergoing renovations over the summer. These two houses will be receiving new exteriors.

It is an exciting time for Fairfield with all of these new buildings nearing completion. Construction will continue all throughout the summer to ensure that all projects meet their desired completion dates.

Sociology Class to Hold Gun Violence Event

By Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief On Thursday, May 3 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Dr. Kim Oliver’s History of Social Welfare course will be hosting an event entitled “Stop Gun Violence Now” in the Dogwoods Room, located in the John A. Barone Campus Center. This event will take place as the class’ final examination and will focus on recent tragedies and school shootings that took place in the U.S. due to gun violence with the hopes of raising Fairfield University’s awareness.

As a class, Dr. Oliver’s students reached out to different foundations, local legislators, all of Fairfield University’s department chairs, the Department of Public Safety and Counseling and Psychological Services, who they believed would share in their mission of bringing awareness and change to society. According to Erin Byrne ’20, during Dr. Oliver’s class – shortly after the Parkland, Fla. Shooting – they discussed the many other mass shootings that occurred across the nation throughout the past few years.

“With all of the news coverage about shootings and gun violence, as a class we all believed that there needed to be more awareness and education on gun control,” said Byrne.

“As a practicing social worker, Dr. Oliver holds very strong beliefs about bringing change in our present world, and what better way to do so than having an event on campus?”

During the History of Social Welfare course, students read and watch various articles and videos on current news and U.S. happenings, which led to proactive class discussions.

Senior Erin Monahan, who is also enrolled in Dr. Oliver’s History of Social Welfare course explained, “We really focused on the social worker’s role to advocate for social policy on the macro level, but what really inspired us

to create this event and take our learning and action outside of the classroom was the Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in February this year … As a class, we came to understand the social justice implications of the issue given that scores more of urban black women and men are killed by gun violence than white women and men. This is often overlooked by the popular news media.”

According to Byrne, Dr. Oliver has worked with many clients that were affected by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. “By bringing her experience to class, it inspired all of our class members to do something about this,” said Byrne. “We were especially inspired by the actions taken by the children and teenagers that have had first-hand experience with guns and mass shootings. As a class, we have decided it is important for our voices to be heard and that we can make a difference.”

Thursday’s event will include different tables set up to showcase: legislation, facts and statistics, raising awareness and fundraising. Additionally, the event Data retrieved from Insurance Journal, TheTrace.org, IIHS.org, The Washington Post will include different speakers including: violence, including firearm-related violence. research agenda. CDC and the CDC FoundaThe Department of Public Safety, Dr. Mark Because of his background with NAS, tion contracted with the National Academy of J. Celano Ph.D. and Dr. Patrick Kelley M.D., Dr. Kelley was asked to lead a firearm-related Sciences to develop the research agenda the Ph.D., a distinguished fellow in nursing and project requested by President Obama. In President requested using an expert commithealth studies at Fairfield University.

January 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook tee process, a process that Dr. Kelley was put Before coming to Fairfield in September shootings, President Obama directed a number in charge of. The study was completed and a 2016, Dr. Kelley spent 13 years directing global of efforts to reduce the likelihood of such events report released in May 2014. health programs at the Institute of Medicine in the future – one being for the Centers for Dr. Kelley commented, “I plan to of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in Disease Control and Prevention to reinstate highlight what we know and what we don’t Washington, D.C. As a senior board director at a public health research program focused on know about firearm-related violence in the U.S. the NAS, Dr. Kelley founded a program called firearm violence prevention. When President Compared to the vast amount of information the Forum on Global Violence Prevention, Obama asked CDC in January 2014 to reinstate which focused on public health approaches Read Students on Page Four research into this subject, CDC needed a to preventing several types of interpersonal

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

News

Page 3

The Mirror Reflects on this Week in Social Media: Compiled by Connor O’Rourke Information contributed by the Department of Public Safety.

Wednesday, 4/18 9:54 p.m.

DPS responded to the smell of marijuana at Campion Hall. There was no marijuana found.

Friday, 4/20 12:10 a.m.

93 underage Fairfield students were found to be at Johnny Utah’s Bar and Restaurant in South Norwalk, Conn. Students are still being identified and will be referred to student conduct when the investigation has been concluded. DPS are awaiting more information from the South Norwalk Police Department. Read more on page one.

8:36 p.m.

An underage student was documented bringing alcohol into the Levee. The student was referred to student conduct.

Sunday, 4/22 1:14 a.m.

A student decided to ride on the bumper of an Uber, which caused a dent and a scratch to the vehicle. The student was referred to student conduct.

THE MIRROR Incorporated 1977

Alicia Phaneuf, Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee, Executive Editor Deanna Carbone, Managing Editor Editors Sabrina Trueheart, Copy Claire Monahan, News Jacob Buttiker, Co-Assistant News Connor O’Rourke, Co-Assistant News Sabina Dirienzo, Opinion Katherine Klima, Vine Alle Scanlon, Assistant Vine Julia Monteleone, Coffee Break Patrick Getz, Sports Online Ariana Puzzo, Online Editor-in-Chief Pamela Kask, Online Opinion Editor Kelley Ekert, Online Coffee Break Editor Business Department Email: info@fairfieldmirror.com Natalia Macchio, Director of Finance Adviser Dr. Tommy Xie Contact Information Fairfield University 1073 North Benson Road, BCC 104 Box AA, Fairfield, CT 06824 General email: info@fairfieldmirror.com

Page 4

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

News

Stagathon Raises $16,000 for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital the first mental health board in the state, as well as the first dialysis and eating disorder units at their desigStudents came together to nated children’s hospital. She further learn new dances, mingle with mentioned that the funds raised also friends and play games all while go to helping research efforts to find raising money and awareness for cures for diseases and purchasing children in need in the Oak and medical supplies.

Dogwood Rooms in the John A. The slogan of the Children’s Barone Campus Center.

Miracle Network, as Cribbin noted, This past Friday, April is F.T.K., or For the Kids, because all 20 from 6-10 p.m., students of the money raised during these nawere able to partake in Fairfield tionwide dance marathons is donated University’s first annual dance to kids in need of medical supplies marathon- Stagathon, which and efficient treatment all across was designed to raise money for North America. children who need medical care The inspiration for bringing in Fairfield County.

‘Stagathon’ to Fairfield was in large 148 people registered for part due to Cribbin’s association the event, each contributing a with ‘Soonerthon’ at the University minimum of a $10 registration of Oklahoma prior to transferring to fee. In total, $16,058.02 was Fairfield this year. raised. The top non-executive Cribbin expressed that when fundraisers for the event were she first came to Fairfield, “I could Dominique Gambino ‘20 with Connor O’Rourke/TheMirror already see the philanthropic nature $320, Alaina Moger ‘21 with $377 of the campus. I’m involved in a Eight students circle up to enjoy and toss around balloons together in the first ever Stagathon event. and Elle Butner ‘21 with $420. couple of different organizations and According to Lillian CribMaria Fareri Children’s Hospital, located in Valhalla, I did have such a good experience bin ‘20, the president of Stagathon, “This [Stagathon] is a N.Y., is the designated Children’s Miracle Network hospital with ‘Soonerthon,’ I thought Fairfield needed one. UConn nationally-affiliated program; they have it at universities for Fairfield County and the Hudson Valley region in New [University of Connecticut] has one, Penn [Pennsylvania all across North America. Each dance marathon’s purpose York.

State University] has one…” is to raise money for their local children’s miracle network Sophomore Aidan Danaher, when asked about At UConn, ‘Huskython’ is their university’s dance hospital.” why he took part in the event, noted, “A lot of my friends marathon, which raised approximately $1 million for “We are impacting the community by helping our helped to organize the event and did such a great job their designated hospital; Connecticut Children’s Medical local families [and] all of the Fairfield children that go publicizing it, it was for a good cause and it seemed like Center. to Maria Fareri; every penny that goes to Maria Fareri is a cool way to have a good time while also doing good for Cribbin felt that since these dance marathons are ocimpacting those kids, so it’s whatever treatment they need, the community and organizations that help people who curring at several colleges and universities throughout the or whatever research that needs to be done for the disease desperately need it.” northeast, it would be great for the families in Fairfield, they have or the medical supplies they need to buy to help Cribbin cited ‘Soonerthon,’ the University of Oklawhom she noted were mostly new ones with little children them battle that disease… it’s helping our local families in homa’s dance marathon, as an example of how these dance to take care of. Because of this, she said that it would really that fight against whatever illness they are having,” Cribbin marathons help children in need. The event at the Univerwork and truly take-off in the Fairfield community. added. sity of Oklahoma helped to fund a new chemotherapy unit,

By Connor O’Rourke Co-Assitant News Editor

DSB StartUp to Start Up on April 26

By Jacob Buttiker Co-Assitant News Editor

On April 26 of this year, four teams of Fairfield University students will be given the opportunity to receive seed money from investors for their own personal start-up companies. This opportunity comes courtesy of the StartUp Showcase, an annual entrepreneurship competition.

This event features four distinct teams: Belle, EZ Bikes, UNetwork and Land Maverick.

Belle is a clothing line that is breaking the barriers of fashion and social issues. By creating a clothing line to empower female adolescents, they hope to work through these issues. This startup is dedicated to making young women feel comfortable in their clothes. Additionally, a portion of the profits will be donated to counseling services for women. Belle’s Community is classified as a B-Corporation, a for-profit business dedicated to social issues.

EZ Bikes has set out to address the issue of transportation on college campuses. The bike features an electric motor, but also has pedals for manual transportation. With a versatile set of features, these bikes might also find a home in busy city streets where a normal sized automobile is just not ideal.

UNetwork was designed by three team members and aims to connect past, present and future students. Essentially, it is supposed to help students network better.

Lastly, Land Maverick is a soil-sampling robot.

Designed for the agricultural industry, Land Maverick is a small robot which intends to make life easier for those in the industry. This robot aims to eliminate some of the trial and error in farming and aid farmers in understanding what a plant needs to increase crop yield.

Additionally, two teams who gave their pitches in the qualifying round will join the aforementioned teams in developing their business plans. These two companies include Alpine, a grocery shopping app, and Bliss, a company that has plans to utilize technology to better help hospital patients manage their pain.

“This is a chance for the business side of you, the genius side of you, the entrepreneur side of you, to come out and flourish,” commented Mark Ligas Ph.D., interim dean of the Dolan School of Business.

The night will also include a guest performance by last year’s winning team, Tempas, to discuss the progress they have made over the past year and unveil a prototype for their mobile app.

These teams will compete in front of a live audience and panel of potential investors who are either alumni or local business professionals. The ultimate goal for these teams?

To win the seed money for their business.

The event on April 26 will be held at the Regina A. Quick Center and attendance is free and open to the public.

Claire Monahan/TheMirror

The newly constucted residence hall has one side facing toward Gonzaga Hall next to Canisius Hall.

New Building Increases Interest in Residential Colleges Continued from Page one

As for what the new building will offer, Fitzpatrick noted that the rooms are “pod style housing,” with four or eight person rooms being offered. There are also lounges on each floor and a classroom on the first floor of the new space.

A classroom will be offered also in the building similar to Jogues Hall and Loyola. “Because the program is a living and learning program, for high impact purposes it is beneficial to have a classroom in the space students live.

Residential College students are required to take a course

and the academic component is an integral part of the programs,” Fitzpatrick elaborated.

Fitzpatrick underscored the value of living in a Residential College. “This living and learning experience unique to Fairfield gives students the opportunity for self-reflection through academic courses, a purposeful residential experience and reflective mentorship. Students who participate in the Residential Colleges live in a fun and engaged community and develop incredible friendships, create connections with faculty, are supported by a mentor and peers, discover what excites them, reflect on their future (major, study abroad, internships) and develop leadership skills.”

Students Host Event in Place of Final Exam Continued from Page two we know about preventing motor vehicle crash-related deaths, a problem of roughly the same magnitude as firearm-related deaths, we lack a tremendous amount of basic knowledge about matters such as the characteristics of firearm violence, the risk and protective factors, strategies to intervene, technologies to improve gun safety, and the effect of video games on violence.”

“As a class, I think we are all very excited to see the outcome of this event,” said Byrne. “Throughout the semester, we have learned that taking action is one of the most important things we can do as individuals to spark change … I think that by working together as a class, it has

allowed us to see that we can organize an event to raise awareness to not only our class, but to the larger community as well.”

“I hope that awareness will be raised so that students and faculty from across the disciplines may be stimulated to expand their engagement,” said Dr. Kelley. “While advocacy through legislatures is important, solving this problem will involve more than that. Universities can play an important public health role to complement the role of law enforcement. At the foundation we need to have a more detailed epidemiologic, sociologic and psychologic understanding of the issue or we will be making policy through guess work.”

At the event, there will be infor-

mational orange lollipops with gun violence statistics distributed throughout the afternoon, and orange livestrong wristbands that say “#NeverAgain” and “Stop Gun Violence Now.” The class hopes to get donations of any amount from event participants for the wristbands, but donations are not mandatory. All donations will go to Sandy Hook Promise based in Newtown, Conn.

“What I am most excited regarding “Stop Gun Violence Now” is its capacity to have an impact on the student body and educate them on the facts and policies of gun violence and gun violence prevention. I’m really excited to galvanize students, faculty and staff because education can be such a motivating factor for policy change,” said Monahan.

Page 5

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

Opinion Editor Sabina Dirienzo » sabina.dirienzo@student.fairfield.edu

Getting Opinionated with The Mirror

Tammy Duckworth Bringing Her Baby to the Senate Floor Shouldn't be a Big Deal

By Sabina Dirienzo Opinion Editor

women in leadership and women in the Senate. I mean, the men have been having babies while they were senators for decades now.”

Some of this gap may be attributed to the so-called ‘age limit’ on motherhood, as senators have to be at least 35. However, part of the reason has to be the gender gap in the History was made in the United States senate on April 19, 2019.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, brought her 10-day-old baby senate. NPR reports that only 22 percent of senators are female. So, ostensibly, the reason that there has never to the senate floor to cast votes. Duckworth had already been a change to become the first U.S. senator to give birth while in ofsenate rules to alfice when she delivered daughter Maile Pearl Bowlesby. low newborn babies The senate rules had to be changed to permit Duckworth on the senate floor to bring her baby into Congress, leading to a surprising is that, before now, amount of outcry. Complaints about the the issue has never baby being there are, obviously, ricome up. diculous.

Some of the Before Duckworth’s baby, commotion before children were barred from the the rules change senate floor. came in the form of As a sitting senator in a debate over disa very close senate, Duckability rights. Duckworth cannot shirk the duworth is a doubleties of her job, and obviousamputee due to her ly as a new mom she would service in the Iraq want – and have – to bring War, yet according her newborn baby with her. to WBUR, “Some Duckworth commented on senators had sugthe significance of Maile gested that Duckto NPR, saying that, “I worth simply vote don't know why it's taken from the Senate this long – well, because cloakroom, but that we don't have enough room isn’t wheelc h ai r- a c c e s s i b l e .”

This is also ridiculous on another level – parenthood shouldn’t be something that’s shameful and hidden away. Obviously Duckworth would not be able to participate fully at her job if she is removed from the main location it takes place in.

The Associated Press reported that rather than occurring along party lines, concerns in the senate about newborns on the floor were more generational. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT.) asked “But what if there are 10 babies on the floor of the senate?”

Hatch accepted the answer from Senator Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.) that this circumstance “would be a delight.”

Online, the criticism of the change included suggestions that newborn babies violate decorum. Life, however, does not always wait on decorum – and this rule paves the way for parents of any gender to be with their babies while continuing their jobs. Richard Armande Mills, a staff member for Turning Point USA, suggested on Twitter that Duckworth could “weaponize her baby.” This is a ridiculous allegation – newborn babies are the furthest thing from weapons – and led to Mills being mocked on Twitter. Potential decorum disruptions and ‘baby-weaponization’ are no excuse to avoid letting a parent participate in public life.

Like Klobuchar, I hope that more new parents in the senate take this opportunity to bring their newborns to the floor when they need to. It would be delightful, and it would serve a need that clearly exists – and the younger members of the senate, regardless of party, welcomed the rules change.

Although her job is very high-stakes, Duckworth is not the only person in the U.S. to have to find a balance between parenting and work. When the New York Times first announced the birth of Maile, Duckworth was quoted as saying, “As tough as juggling the demands of motherhood and being a Senator can be, I’m hardly alone or unique as a working parent, and my children only make me more committed to doing my job and standing up for hardworking Creative Commons/Wikimedia Commons families everywhere.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth's daughter, Maile Pearl Bowlesby, is the first baby allowed in the senate.

More workplaces should be prepared to accept the presence of children in as many cases as are possible. The step the U.S. Senate took is a great one.

Editorial Board "Yodel-ehh-HEwho?"

Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief Cara Lee Executive Editor Deanna Carbone Managing Editor

Such a beautiful dream...when Mason Ramsey, also known as Yodel Boy, went from singing in his local Walmart to becoming the center of the social media universe.

For those who haven’t heard his iconic performance, a video of Ramsey went viral yodelling “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams.

We don’t know if it was his sheer passion for the song, his musical talent or his fresh cowboy boots that won over social media, but he did. The video was instantly remixed and he was made into a meme faster that you can sing “daaaaeeeeAAAddyyy.” His fifteen minutes are lasting quite a long time.

A mere three weeks ago, Ramsey was sharing his love for this song and experiencing many milestones from taking a ride on his first airplane to performing at Coachella alongside

Post Malone. According to his interview with Ellen Degeneres, before his festival days he used to sing at Walmart quite frequently.

A self-described “country boy,” his go to hang out spot is a bale of hay with a straw in his mouth. He loves yodelling and believes he is better than his grandfather, who taught him the tricks of the trade.

His biggest dream is to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, go to college and move to Florida. Ellen, being her usual generous self, gave him the opportunity to perform at the Grand Ole Opry and gifted him a $15,000 scholarship to college on behalf of Walmart.

While his charisma and talent are undeniable, how do internet sensations catch such fire so quickly? It seems like forever, but Yodel Boy has only been in the limelight for three

weeks. Will he burn out like his predecessors?

Or will he stand the test of time and continue to sing at the Grand Ole Opry long past his Florida days?

Ramsey’s fame has clearly escalated this month, but what exactly about him appealed to the masses and brought him from a Walmart in Illinois to Coachella performing just hours before Beyoncé?

The real question is why hasn’t our Editorial Board caught the attention of the media.

In particular, why hasn’t our managing editor, Deanna Carbone, become famous yet?

We will have to see if she leaves us for her own fifteen minutes next semester, but we are sure she will make time in her busy schedule for us. As we hope you do! Ciao for now — see you in September!

Opinion

Page 6

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

Syria Strikes a Start to a Solution

By Ariana Puzzo Online Editor-in-Chief The United States, with the help of Britain and France, launched airstrikes on April 13 near the Syrian capital —Damascus— and west of Homs. The airstrikes were in response to President Bashar al-Assad’s alleged chemical attack near Damascus on April 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 40 people, reported The New York Times. The United States’ latest response targeted facilities for Syrian research, storage and military, and according to The New York Times, put the country in conflict with Syria, Russia and Iran — both of whom support Assad militarily. The decision to get further involved in Syria is viewed with trepidation by some given the possible repercussions from the three countries. However, if President Donald Trump’s administration maintains that they will only launch attacks on “chemical weapons-type targets,” I think that it is beneficial to eliminate the resources used to harm Syrian citizens.

According to The New York Times, Trump addressed the nation on his reasoning for ordering strikes on Syria. He said, “The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons. Establishing this deterrent is a vital national security interest of the United States.” He also condemned the leaders of Russia and Iran for their complacency, stating, “The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep.” While my political views often oppose Trump’s, I agree that Russia and Iran need to create a distance from Syria and, more specifically, Assad.

However, it works both ways; those who deal directly with Russia and Iran must apply pressure to encourage them to cut ties with Assad. To do so, the United States should consider the mutual trade partners it has with Russia and Iran, such as China, and put its own pressure on the mutual partners to limit or cease trade with these countries. By applying pressure, even though China has supported the Syrian government, China and similar countries would be forced to consider which allies it values to maintain their economy — democratic or totalitarian ones.

Additionally, we should not overlook the ability of the United Nations Security Council to force economic sanctions on Russia and expose its complicity with the attacks in Syria.

On April 16, United States Ambassador Nikki Haley recommended new sanctions to limit Russia’s ability to aid Assad and the Syrian government, according to 13 WTHR Indianapolis. However, CNN reported that Haley was rebuked by Trump’s new chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow. According to CNN, Kudlow stated that “there might have been some momentary confusion” regarding her early announcement of the sanctions. Regardless of the timing of Haley’s recommendation, the sanctions that she suggested are a necessary next step to prevent Syria from continuing these assaults. More so, the condescending remarks directed toward Haley distract from the focus that should be placed on these sanctions,

which lessens any retributive justice for Assad.

Until Russia and Iran are isolated, there will not be motivation to restrict resources from being available for the Syrian government to use against its people.

Thus, Russia and Iran will be able to uphold trade leverages over nations and essentially limit the ability for anyone to oppose the regimes currently in place that are repeatedly launching attacks on civilians. Therefore, as we proceed, we should continue to restrict our airstrike targets to resource bases for chemical weapons to limit the harm done to innocent Syrian civilians. However, doing so is only part of the solution. Keeping an eye toward long-term efforts, other countries in the West and other regions of the world must hold the countries that maintain relations with Syria, or their allies, responsible for their passivity. Moreover, while totalitarian regimes are likely to side with similar governments, democratic nations cannot allow these governments to stronghold them into inaction or willful ignorance.

CreativeCommons/Wikimedia

Controversial Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

It's Too Late to Save Syria

By Ali Haidar Contributing Writer On April 13 the United States, France and the United Kingdom launched multiple strikes on Syria. These attacks came around a week after Syria’s armed forces allegedly used chemical weapons on their own citizens in the Syrian city of Douma on April 6.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Bashar Al-Assad, the current dictator of Syria, has been accused of using chemical weapons on his own people. Assad has been accused and found guilty of using chemical weapons several times. For example, after the 2013 Ghouta chemical attacks, which left over 1,300 people killed, the U.S. released its government assessment in which U.S. intelligence assessed with “high confidence” that the Syrian government carried out a chemical weapons attack. Although condemnation by the international community was quick, they would take little to no action. Former President Barack Obama declared that the usage of chemical weapons was a “red line” and would warrant U.S. military action. However, Obama’s “red line” would be ignored over and over as the Assad regime would continue to use chemical weapons in 2014 and 2015, according to a United Nations report. The U.S.’s lack of action towards Syria changed when President Donald Trump authorized strikes on the Syrian regime in April 2017, days after the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun was allegedly bombed with chemical weapons by the Syrian Armed Forces.

About a year after the first U.S. missile strike in Syria, the Assad regime would again be accused of using chemical weapons in the rebel-held suburbs of Douma on April 7, 2018. President Trump would then be quick to take to Twitter and immediately call the bombing a “mindless CHEMICAL attack.” Trump would also put some blame on former President Barack Obama by claiming that: “If President Obama crossed his stated Red Line In The Sand, the

Syrian disaster would have ended long ago!” In response to the chemical attacks on April 6, the Trump administration authorized strikes, alongside the armed forces of France and the U.K., on a research center in Damascus and a chemical weapons storage and bunker outside of Homs, Syria on April 13.

Democrats and Republicans have both met Trump’s plan toward Syria with ambivalent feelings. Republican representative Ed Royce, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that, “Military force cannot be the only means of responding

to these atrocities.” Senate minority leader and Democrat, Chuck Schumer, stated that the “limited action” towards Syria was “appropriate” but warned of a larger war with the Syrian government.

But what does this all mean? For starters, it is without a doubt that former President Barack Obama’s failure to uphold his “red line” will forever haunt his foreign policy legacy. Obama took a much more reserved, but diplomatic, approach when dealing

with the Assad regime’s chemical attacks. For instance, the U.S., under Obama, worked with Russia and Syria as well as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations to destroy Syria’s stash of chemical weapons. The Obama administration then declared, back in 2014, that the Syrian chemical weapon stockpile was completely destroyed. However, with the recent chemical attacks in 2017 and 2018, that declaration may have been far off the truth. That isn’t to say that President Trump’s aggressive approach has been working – it hasn’t. Assad has proven that the U.S. military strikes on Syria won’t deter him from using chemical weapons on his own citizens as seen with the recent use of chemical weapons on April 6.

So, what now? Well, it seems that Assad is here to stay, and that the real victims are the Syrian people who have been murdered by the Syrian government and, in some cases, by the Syrian rebels. Around half a million people have been killed since the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, and over 12 million people have been displaced from their homes. U.S. military intervention only threatens to destabilize the country even more, especially since Russia has been backing and supporting the Assad regime militarily and logistically. The time for a direct intervention has passed as with Assad controlling the main cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Homs, and the majority of territory in Syria, it seems that he is here to stay. The conflict in Syria has proven and upheld Assad’s image as a vile and murderous tyrant who, at the expense of his people, will continue to hold power. Perhaps President Trump should rethink his aggressive military tactics, and instead focus the U.S.’s efforts on Syrian refugees. After all, his administration has only accepted 11 refugees this year. However, it’s only a thought.

The Vine

arts, entertainment, features Editor Katherine Klima katherine.klima@student.fairfield.edu

s e v i G o r u k u b a m i h C S T e F k t a Ja e c n a m r o f r e P r a l l Ste

The Mirror/Klima

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

The Vine

Page 8

Jake Shimabukuro Gives Lively Performance

By Katherine Klima Vine Editor

To me, the ukulele had always been the simple, easy to learn instrument my brother only picked up to be used as a party trick. I didn’t think there was much depth to it – which was a lack of judgment on my part – but it wasn’t until I got to see Jake Shimabukuro perform live that I saw a new side to this instrument.

Shimabukuro is an American ukulele player and composer who became an internet sensation in 2006 when a video of him covering George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. Since then, he’s become well known for his fast, complex finger work and unique take on the ukulele.

Shimabukuro performed alongside guitarist Dave Preston and bassist Nolan Verner on April 18 at the Fairfield Theatre Company’s Stage-One in downtown Fairfield. Before attending this event, I had the privilege of interviewing Shimabukuro: “I started playing [ukulele] when I was four because my mom played the ukulele when she was a kid,” said Shimabukuro in regards to how he first began playing his instrument. “She had one sitting around the house and she would play for me.”

Shimabukuro continued to discuss how his mom would teach him basic chords and he would sit around the house just playing the instrument. He fell in love with the ukulele because it had “a soothing sound and it was so easy to play and easy to get started. You can hold chords with just one finger, so it was real simple to play, and I kind of just stuck with it and just loved it ever since.”

As for Shimabukuro’s main influences, he grew up listening to a lot of traditional Hawaiian music. This affected him a great deal, but a lot of his other major influences include blues, jazz, rock and even classical music. “I grew up listening to a whole bunch of different styles of The Mirror/Klima music,” Shimabukuro said. “Sometimes, like for me, the more you ukuleletic the more interesting it is to me, because even though if I don’t necessarily enjoy listening to something or like something, there’s always something I can learn from it and there might be a cool rhythmic idea Pictured above from left to right: Preston, Shimabukuro and Verner or a very interesting harmonic idea or instrumentation or sounds or tone qualities I pick up on, and they kind of just naturally influence you to write something new or add it to your arrangements or Shimabukuro said it’s his two children. “I have two boys, they’re five and two, and that’s been my greatest inspire you to approach your instrument.” joy. Just having them, watching them grow up, and spending time with them. It’s kind of hard because doWhen talking about how his music has evolved, Shimabukuro stated, “When I first started out I was ing what I do, you know, it always takes me away from home for a little awhile, but it’s awesome because mainly playing traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Then when I was in high school, that’s when I do go back home, you know of course I miss them so much, but when I go back home then I can when I started venturing out and trying to do some different things on the ukulele. Like for example, riding spend all my time with them while I’m home. I don’t have any other responsibilities or anything I need to my ukulele to a lot of different effect pedals or getting distortion and overdrive sounds, or experimenting take care of when I’m back in Hawaii, so i can just really spend every minute with them. That’s been a real with wah-wah pedals and things like that. Then, when I was in college that’s kind of when I started to really joy.” develop different techniques and different ways of playing instruments so that I could express.”

Finally, Shimabukuro stated that he “want[s] to encourage anyone who’s ever picked up the ukulele Another important aspect as to how his music has changed throughout the years or who’s never picked up an instrument, to give the ukulele a try because it’s a very easy instrument to start involves the use of technology. Technology has played a great deal in the presentation playing right away. They’re affordable. It’s just a lot of fun, and being able to play an instrument is so emof his songs, pieces and general performance. This was seen a great deal within his powering because it brings you a great deal of joy that you don’t get from listening to music. When you’re performance at FTC where Shimabukuro played around with various styles actually playing an instrument and making music, being that close to the creation of what you’re hearing, with his ukulele, allowing him to get a lot of unique sounds. and it’s really something special. I hope that more people could have that experience.”

“Utilizing different types of electronics or different effects, to maAs for the performance itself, Shimabukuro, Preston and Verner were fantastic, energetic and pasnipulate the sounds of your instrument. It’s very effective. Of course, sionate. The audience could tell how much each of the performers cared about their craft and presentation. electric guitar players have been doing it forever, but it’s still pretty Shimabukuro engaged with the audience quite nicely through his interactions and his overall ease of being new for ukulele players to be experimental with that stuff,” Shima- on stage as everyone hummed along with the beautiful and unique melodies emerging from the musicians. bukuro said. “That’s one of the things I love doing, experimenting The entire experience was both relaxing and enthralling. with my amplified sound.”

As for the content itself, Shimabukuro played both originals — such as “Blue Roses Falling” which When asked about how this whole journey’s been, Shimabu- was inspired by a friend of Shimabukuro’s grandmother, who experienced hallucinations of blue rose petkuro responded, “It’s been very rewarding, just being able to travel als falling from the ceiling — and covers including the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and Harrison’s “While My and meet different people… I love that through touring and just be- Guitar Gently Weeps” — the same song which skyrocketed Shimabukuro to fame in the first place. Being ing on the road I’m able to learn so much more than I could if I were just a big Tom Petty and Ed Sheeran fan myself, my all time favorite was when Shimabukuro did a mashup sitting at home or playing at home, because you get exposed to different of “Free Fallin’” and “Shape of You.” Shimabukuro also performed a couple of traditional Hawaiian songs styles of music, different musicians, you learn from them… that helps while even Preston joined in and did a few Bill Withers covers. The highlight of the night was at the concluyou to grow. And then you have different experiences, which also help sion when the trio played a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and had the audience sing along to the you refine your sound and your craft, and keeps you inspired. The nice hit song, even encouraging the use of jingling keys for the lyric “sends shivers down my spine.” thing is I’m able to have these amazing opportunities to perform in venues Everything about this event was intriguing and well put together, from beginning to end. Even all around the world, and you can enjoy all the various characteristics of though Shimabukuro has left Fairfield, he’s coming out with a new album this summer called “Great Day.” each concert hall or each venue.”

It consists of six originals and six covers. So, if you are really curious, check out Shimabukuro’s music — it’ll As for what he’s become most proud of through this entire process, definitely be worth the time.

The Mirror/Klima

' A Quiet Place' is Thrilling and Terrifyingly Good

By Sabina Dirienzo Opinion Editor

I’m one of those very annoying people who watches too many horror movies, the good and the bad of the genre, and this has given me a lot of opinions as to what makes a good or different horror movie. While the name might call for quiet, I haven’t been able to shut up about “A Quiet Place” since I saw it.

In “A Quiet Place,” the Abbott family tries to survive in a world where any noise attracts the deadly attention of monsters, who hunt by sound. A newspaper shown in one scene calls the monsters the “angels of death.” “A Quiet Place” follows the Abbott’s survival efforts over a year after the monsters first arrived, as they prepare for Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) to deliver a child.

Directed by “The Office” alum John Krasinski, who also plays father Lee Abbott, “A Quiet Place” is a great horror movie. Krasinski created a movie where the slightest noise might bring destruction, so every little sound registers. I found myself jumping whenever there was a loud noise, but the movie involved more suspense than simply jump scares.

Dialogue is largely conveyed through American Sign Language, which the Abbots know in-character because their eldest daughter, Regan (Millicent Simmonds), is deaf.

The ASL is paired with subtitles, which required actors

to convey emotion without using their voices. This could have been terrible in a movie with a bad cast, especially because only the Abbots are significant, named characters.

Krasinski, Blunt, Simmonds and Noah Jupe all did a tremendous job. Simmonds, an actress who is actually deaf, stands out as a skilled child actress whose character develops tremendously without her ever speaking.

I felt myself really caring about the family in the movie, which is unusual for a horror movies. A lot of films in this genre shy away from anything involving emotion, but “A Quiet Place” doesn’t. Alongside the scares and the tension, the movie really works to develop its characters. It shows horror, but it also shows Blunt and Krasinski’s characters dancing with shared iPod headphones. Simmonds and Jupe playing a board game with felt-covered dice. The family’s interpersonal drama is incredibly believable because everyone is so carefully characterized, even though this drama could only happen in the world of “A Quiet Place.”

That’s not to say that this wasn’t horror. It definitely was. My spine crawled when a jump scare approached, and when I drove back from the theater, every sound made me twitch a little. It’s just a horror movie that cares deeply about its world-building and characters, which ultimately makes the film even stronger.

“A Quiet Place” is an inventive, creative horror movie that also manages to be scary and I really recommend it.

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

The Vine

Page 9

'Isle of Dogs' is Controversial but Entertaining

By Gracianne Eldrenkamp Contributing Writer

Wes Anderson’s newest film, “Isle of Dogs,” was released in select theaters on March 23 and worldwide on April 13.

Although it has gotten a lot of mixed opinions, it has grossed over 39 million worldwide.

In a futuristic, fictional Japanese city, called Megasaki City, all dogs have contracted dog flu and shout fever, and the people of the city fear that people will start contracting the disease. To fix the problem, all dogs have been quarantined on a uninhabited garbage dump island, called Trash Island, where they struggle to survive. A group of domesticated dogs, and one stray, Chief (Bryan Cranston) see the 12-year-old ward of the mayor, Atari (Koyu Rankin) crash onto Trash Island.

Together, the dogs help Atari, find his bodyguard dog, Spots, on the island and face the corrupt Japanese government.

Ander-

son’s newest film keeps his iconic style, but not to the extent of his other films, resulting in “Isle of Dogs” feeling lackluster in comparison to Anderson’s past filmography. “Isle of Dogs” shows a vivid and beautiful world, filmed in a way that feels both hyper realistic and completely theatrical at the same time. The film does a fantastic job displaying a futuristic Japan, exemplifying their culture at every moment possible with everything from sumo wrestling to taiko drumming to sushi making. This proves to be problematic as Anderson goes a bit too far and ends up depicting the Western idea of what Japan is.

The comedy is perfectly timed with a mixture of funny one liners and visual humor. The humor often pokes fun at how the main characters are dogs. For example, Scarlett Johansson’s character, Nutmeg, is a show dog, and she does tricks often in the film. There is also a tinge of violence and dark humor that is covered up by more light humor. Every time there is a dangerous fight, all that is shown is a white dust cloud which significantly decreases the violence. Romance is also subject to comedy in “Isle of Dogs.” Like with Anderson’s 2012 film, “Moonrise Kingdom,” the film uses children as a subject of romance and that, in itself, adds humor.

Atari and the foreign exchange student, Tracy, have a small romantic arc in which Tracy admires Atari from afar and somewhat obsesses over him.

A lot of fans and critics are divided on their opinions about “Isle of Dogs.” According to some, the movie adheres to racial stereotypes. The Japanese people speak their native language, often with no subtitles whatsoever. This orientalizes Japan. The opposite argument discusses how Anderson’s choice was a part of his style. He needed the Japanese to speak Japanese because it gave viewers a sense of hyperrealism.

Structurally, the plot is simple, but entertaining. There are some minor issues that could have been fixed by cutting the amount of characters. Most of the characters take very minor roles, but are introduced in a way that makes them seem more important than they end up being in the film.

For example, the main character, Chief, has a ragtag group of mutts in the beginning of the film, and it seems like they’ll have significance later, but they don’t. Although this group of dogs is in the movie for about as long as Chief is, they are brushed aside in favor of other characters. This point of identification is not only difficult, but also frustrating to decipher. Although Atari and Chief are the main characters, the side characters switch so often, viewers can’t keep up.

Overall, “Isle of Dogs” has a lot of controversy around it, but, as a whole, it is entertaining. Wes Anderson fans might be able to see past the film’s issues, but that doesn’t mean the issues aren’t there.

Photo taken from isleofdogs Instagram

The Mirror Abroad: Lexi's London Life

By Lexi Thimble Abroad Columnist

For my last major adventure while abroad, I was fortunate enough to spend eight beautiful days traveling around Ireland, the home country of my mom’s side of the family. As every local we encountered told us, our weather was gorgeous and majorly rain-free, and the excursions we went on just got more exciting as time went on.

Something I’ve loved about traveling abroad is discovering for myself what stereotypes about a place are true and which have been misconstrued to the point of ridiculousness. So far I haven’t been disappointed; Swiss chocolate really is amazing and Scots do casually rock kilts as part of their everyday wear. But I’ve never been happier to tick off the Irish stereotypes and discover them to be real. The classic music of fiddles, flutes, guitars and old-timey singers crooning about their “bonnie lasses” is literally everywhere, at least in the countryside in towns like Kenmare and Dingle. And it’s like my family was discussing on our fifth trip into a pub: Irish pubs are like Italian churches, so when you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. The locals are all quick-witted and kind; they can fit in a joke anywhere, and they do really say things like “jaysus” and call people “cabbages,” which gave me an endless amount of joy.

I found these patterns especially apparent in the countryside when we visited the small towns of Dingle, Kenmare, Blarney and Killarney. Not only are the people lovely, but they have the scenery to match. The countryside of Ireland as you drive along the endless road that makes up the Ring of Kerry is explanation enough of why Ireland is called “The Emerald Isle.” The fields and trees are the bright, vibrant green you imagine when you think of Ireland, and the innumerable sheep and cows cover them like fuzz spots on a sweater.

If you ever get the chance to, it’s an incomparable experience to do these things. I’ve never seen beautiful serenity anywhere else like I saw on the drive around the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way, or at the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Gap of Dunloe, or the lakes of Killarney National Park. I was fortunate enough to have the animals of these parts as companions as well; for two hours I rode through Killarney National Park on horseback, and had a similar experience in a horse-drawn carriage through the Gap of Dunloe. On a boat ride through the Black Valley, we were accompanied by one of my favorite acquaintances that we made on the trip, which was a golden cocker spaniel named Charlie who stayed by our side and kept us entertained during the whole journey.

With the city of Dublin as our final stop, I was able to visit the home of some of my favorite authors, including James Joyce and Oscar Wilde. The city is filled with parks and greenery, but paired with the Georgian homes that I saw in Scotland. Trinity College was one of my favorite points of interest, and the Long Hall Library is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The ceiling is high and rounded, and the books look like they’ve sat on the shelves for hundreds of years, precisely because they have been.

Ireland and its culture has been such a large part of my family for so long, visiting it was unlike any other experience that I’ve had abroad. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an authentically lovely experience, with good-humored people and an island as gorgeous as I imagined.

The Mirror/Thimble Thimble at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.

Page 10

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

The Vine

Ja m m i n ' Fa s h i o n Ti p s f o r C l a m Ja m

By Sabrina Musto Fashion Columnist

pairs of pants and shorts as well as one of the biggest shirt selections I have seen. My personal favorite look for guys at Clam Jam is a button up shirt, like the AE

Clam Jam is coming up, and being that it is a huge social event at Fairfield University, students are always wondering what they should wear and where they should look.

There are so many great websites that have affordable and stylish outfits perfect for the event — and there is no one way to dress for Clam Jam. As long as you wear something beachy and fun, you will fit right in.

After all, Clam Jam is pretty much a huge celebration for classes ending in just 72 hours!

Tobi is a huge go-to online shopping site, since they always have the hottest deals going on and, right now, is having a 60 percent off “Spring Cleaning” sale. Tobi is an international online retail destination that operates in 100 countries worldwide. The Tobi website flaunts the brand’s "West Coast style and laid back attitude” that they try to convey in their clothes, and I definitely agree that these styles are great for summer. An example of a style perfect for Clam Jam is the Rachel Light Blue Off Shoulder Romper, which is currently on sale for $34.

American Eagle is another go-to store s. for both guys and girls looking for Clam Jam jean agle E n Beach Butwear. For women, they offer a wide range of ca meri A f o ton Down Shirt, and a jumpsuits, rompers and denim, ranging from toair eap v o b nice pair of flat front khaki shorts, tally casual to dressy. One example of a great item a tured just like the AE NE(X)T LEVEL SLIM FIT 9" for women is the AE Cold Shoulder Ruffle Halter Pic Jumpsuit, which is so adorable I may just have to order it for myself. For guys, AE has so many awe- s o m e

KHAKI SHORT. If you’re looking for great style and cost effectiveness,

Cre ativ e Co Missguided is the mm ons place to go. This /Pix aba website offers a 30 pery cent off student discount and usually has an additional sale going on.

While Missguided has everything you can ask for, my favorite thing about the website is their denim. Whether it be denim skirts, overalls, jackets or shorts, it is all both chic and affordable. While there are so many items to choose from, the standout to me is the Fuchsia A Line Button Through Denim Mini Skirt, which is fun, colorful and makes me immediately think of summer!

Boohoo is a hit or miss brand for me, because sometimes finding something great can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. The styles on Boohoo can be kind of wild and eccentric, and things most people would not typically wear. However, the clothes are extremely affordable, with some of the lowest prices I have ever encountered icar e and the clothes are not made m om a tagram r f n cheap.

So, when you do find Take agle Ins ne items, they are great price meaning that Boohoo is definitely worth a browse. An example of one of these good finds is the Petite Ellie Short Sleeve Off The Shoulder Playsuit, which is going for only $12.

Finally, you can always head to the mall and look in stores like Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21 or other common mall stores. I am a huge fan of the convenience of online shopping and run out of steam at the mall very quickly, but if that works for you, all of those stores will likely have plenty of options!

'The Lightning Thief' is a Striking Show

By Katherine Klima Vine Editor

ies being served afterwards, I couldn’t help but find myself feeling like a kid again. The entire performance was geared toward families due to its silliness and innocence. The Percy Jackson and musical. Two words I never thought I’d hear in the same sentence voice which told people to sit in their seats sounded exactly like Gilbert Gottfried, which — not until my friend mentioned how “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” honestly made it feel like I was at the Tiki Room performance in Walt Disney World. It was friendly, warm and welcoming. was going to come to the Regina A. Quick Center on April 15.

The musical itself was alright. The ambiance was definitely geared toward a younger During the summer of 2009, at the awkward age of 11, I read Rick Riordan’s entire five book series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, in a month. During my Percy Jackson audience such as the decorum and the various props used. However, I found myself enjoyphase, I found myself submerged in a world that took place in my home state while also ing it. Even though I love Logan Lerman, who played Percy Jackson in the movies, this researching and educating myself on various Greek mytholicial topics. I was a huge fan Percy (Jake Glassman) was so much more accurate to the book version. He easily portrayed and, after being disappointed by the two pretty terrible movies, I found myself wishing for a confused, energetic, goofy and all over the place sixth grader. It was great to see a more something better. My friend told me about this musical, and at first I was skeptical, but af- adolescent side to the main character and see it portrayed in a more realistic light. The ter hearing that it was more accurate depiction of the first book, we decided to check it out. actors themselves stayed very true to the book characters. It was rather enjoyable, seeing Walking up to the entrance of the Quick Center, we expected a lot more people our them bring fictional characters to life in the way they were meant to be originally.

However, the whole plot was rushed. The entire performance was an hour, which — age to be there, being that we grew up with Percy Jackson. I thought of this to kind of be like the Harry Potter Musical or even the Broadway production of Spongebob Squarepants. great, I got out early to do homework, but this also messed with the entire flow of the story.

Instead, I was surprised to find a surplus of children. Kids that probably weren’t alive when It felt like things were always on the go, never stopping. One minute Percy’s at school, then the books came out (cue my friends and I starting to feel like three out of place old people). somehow ends up on the beach where his parents, Greek god Poseidon and mortal Sally Despite feeling awkward for being twenty years old and reading about juice and cook- Jackson, met (with little to no explanation as to how they got there from New York City so fast), and then to Camp Half-Blood, the safehaven to protect him from mythological monsters. The ending was also rushed, heavily. The plot built up a lot of hope and anticipation for the final reveal of who the lightning thief was, but then it’s very blunt and rather anticlimactic.

The audience has to accept this fact rather quickly.

The costumes were okay. The outfits are supposed to be casual and stuck to the orange theme of Camp Half Blood, but they could’ve done better in some parts such as the costume for the fury– one of the many mythical beasts. It’s understandable that the actor must quickly transform into it, due to the production’s small cast, but something more could’ve been done there.

As for the music, it was really catchy. It didn’t seem like it was going to be catchy at first due to the initial setup of the opening number, but in no time everyone found themselves getting into the various songs. They were well performed and the actors gave it their all. The music was soon appreciated and the audience found themselves rocking along with it.

In the end, I enjoyed it. It brought me back to being a kid again and it had everyone in the audience smiling and laughing with the production. Percy Jackson fans and families should definitely check out “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” It allows one’s favorite characters come to life and it’s a great way for fans to see the Photo taken from fairfieldquick Instagram book series they love so much become a reality. Overall, “The Lightning Thief ” musical was a huge hit.

Cast of 'The Lightening Thief' using a leafblower to shoot "water."

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

The Vine

Page 11

'Anne with an E' is Renewed for Second Season

By Juliana Sansonetti Co-News Editor Emeritus Last week I began a familiar task that I have completed annually since 2008: re-reading the novel “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery. Yet, this year, my perception of the book has been slightly altered by my recent viewing of the Netflix series “Anne With An E.” First published in 1908, “Anne of Green Gables” is a coming-of-age story about a red-headed Canadian orphan named Anne Shirley who is adopted by aging siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. It is a story of love, family and friendship that has endured in popularity since it was first published.

Since my discovery of the novel when I was twelve, I have read every other novel by L.M. Montgomery and have seen countless adaptations of “Anne,” including the 1985 mini-series, two musicals, an anime and two webseries. So, naturally, when I first heard that Netflix would release an original series based on the book, I was intrigued.

The series, which premiered last March, has recently been renewed for a second season. There is currently no release date, but, according to Express, the second season will premiere before the end of 2018.

While I am excited to see the direction this series goes in, I definitely have some reservations about a second season after seeing the first.

I am not sure why the creator decided to end the first season on a scary cliffhanger. Anyone who has read anything by L.M. Montgomery knows of the author’s penchant for hopeful endings. Not everything is always happy, but that element of hope is crucial. I understand that the series is bound to be different from the book, but, at the same time, I do not believe it was necessary to add a ridiculous plot point simply to get viewers to keep watching. This is clearly why the story element of violent robbers renting a room at Green Gables was added. While the show was advertised as being a darker version of “Anne of Green Gables,” this seemed too out-of-place and sensationalized. There was also no build-up to it; it comes out of nowhere in the final episode.

Additionally, one of the main characters, Matthew Cuthbert (played by R.H. Thomson) attempts suicide in the series. This was outrageously out-of-character. In the book, Matthew always provides hope and support for his adopted daughter and his sister. It is impossible to imagine the character ever deciding to take his own life and leave them behind in this way. It felt like this plot point was added simply to make the show more exciting. Matthew was also given a love interest, which was ill-advised and completely unnecessary. This character was created solely to be Matthew’s romantic interest and was not present in the book. In the book, Matthew comes to understand love through his growing affection for Anne (played by Amybeth McNulty); it is completely unnecessary and diminishing of his character for him to have a love interest. It is such a huge deal in the book that he comes to care for Anne because he is extremely shy and terrified of females. The fact that he was in love with a woman for years on the show takes away this beautiful aspect of the story.

While some of producer Moira Walley-Beckett’s choices were questionable, she also made some

Facebook/Anne with an E welcoming additions to the lore of “Anne.” There is a touching moment in the second episode when Matthew first refers to Anne as his daughter. This moment was not in the book, but it was truly beautiful as it added to the bond that these two characters have. The score and the performances of the principal actors added to the emotional weight of the scene, and I had to pause the show so I could wipe away tears. Walley-Beckett also added a sub-plot in which Anne reveals her love for the novel “Jane Eyre.” This is definitely in-character, and, in a nod to fellow “Jane Eyre” lovers, each episode title is a quote from the Charlotte Brontë novel. The show also expounds upon the relationship between Marilla (played by Geraldine James) and her ex-beau John Blythe (played by Wayne Best) which was only touched upon in the book and was very interesting to watch.

The best part of “Anne With An E,” however, was definitely the performances of the actors. Amybeth McNulty, who is fairly new to the acting scene, gives a terrific performance as Anne. She is spirited, emotional and funny, just as the character was meant to be. Other highlights include Lucas Jade Zumann as Gilbert, Geraldine James as Marilla and Aymeric Jett Montaz as Jerry.

I am definitely excited to see these actors reprise their roles in the second season. I hope to see more satisfying moments like the one in the second episode. However, I also would like to see the creator stay away from adding any other unnecessary or out-of-character plot points for the sake of making a sensation. Season two of “Anne With An E” has the potential to be truly great, and I hope with all my heart that it will exceed my expectations.

55 Wine Bar and Wood Grille is Great Place to Unwind

By Alle Scanlon Assistant Vine Editor

and sorbets were just some of the options, all for $10 or less.

The service was great; everyone Conveniently located by the Fairwas friendly, welcoming and patient. field train station, 55 Wine Bar and Reservations were allowed and the enWood Grille is a great spot to get food vironment was very relaxed. The resin town. With its casual, yet chic, atmotaurant was filled with friends sharing a sphere, 55 was the perfect place for my drink at the bar or roommates and I to unwind and catching up over enjoy dinner together dinner, as well after a long week. as several famiTo begin with, this lies gathering for restaurant recently una Friday night derwent renovations, meal. There was which made the encertainly a strong vironment fresh and sense of commumodern compared to nity and good the old set-up. The vibes all around. interior design is conOverall, 55 temporary, especially Wine Bar and the wall of wine bottles Wood Grille is on the top floor. The definitely a resentrance was moved to taurant everyone the front of the restaushould experirant, and the bar area ence. 55 is open was completely redone, having been moved Photo Taken from 55winebar Instagram Mondays-Thursfrom one side of the 55 Wine Bar and Wood Grille pictured above, located by Fairfield train station days from 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., restaurant to the other.

Friday from As for the food, 55 offers modern American cuisine with a roommates and I were all inclined to 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Saturday from Mediterranean twist. The eggplant par- order a pasta dish. These indulgences 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m., and Sunday from mesan appetizer, for example, was fried included the ricotta gnocchi $20, but- 11:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. The restaurant and topped with tomatoes, parmesan ternut squash panzoti $19 and the spa- also contains brunch and lunch menus, cheese and pesto rather than cooked ghettini vongole $23. There was also a hosts events and private parties. Alin traditional Italian fashion, but was, specials menu that contained more op- though the dishes might be a little pricey for the average college student, 55 is tions for each course. nonetheless, incredible.

Like all the other courses, the des- a great restaurant to go every once in a Appetizers included steamed mussels, crispy artichokes, grilled calamari sert menu was comprised of mouth-wa- while, as well as a great place to bring and short rib mac & cheese, all for a tering dishes; it was difficult to choose visiting family or friends. The food is range of $12-$14. In addition, there was just one. Tiramisu, Nutella crepes, definitely worth the price. an entire section containing a variety of ricotta cheesecake, ice cream, gelato different salads including: caesar, pear & endive, local market, shaved brussel sprouts and many more, ranging from $10-$12.

The main course was filled with different plates to choose from. The pasta is all homemade, so naturally my

Cr

ea

tiv

eC

om

mo

ns

/Pi

xa

ba

y

Inkwell Spotlight Emma's Phone

By Connor O'Rourke Co-Assistant News Editor

The phone of Emma, where art thou? I had only seen thee once, or thrice, yet I cannot recall.

It mustn't be far, nor can it be close, for it may well be a mere dream. I had heard of its locale last with the lord of Flavortown, or might it be the one they call, Daddy Skull Face? What are we to do if the lady hasn’t a phone for her wedding to her dearest Turkish fellow, Mehmet, for whom she does not yet know how endeared she is? How is she to look at instagram and refuse to provide her likes to those in most need? Oh woe is me. I myself have yet to receive an invitation to this ceremony, for it is apparent the lady knows not of the details of the wedding, nor is she sure if there be a bar of openness.

Without thy phone, she is left pondering her seemingly futile existence, or whether the honeymoon shall take place at Charles E. Cheese’s. The world may never know.

Coffee Break

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

Page 12

Coffee Break Editor: Julia Monteleone julia.monteleone@student.fairfield.edu

BREAKING NEWS:

DEMOGORGONS ATTACK THE MIRROR The Fairfield Mirror office was under attack on Tuesday April 17, striking a cold and deep fear within the members of the staff. It all began when sports editor Patrick Getz ‘19 was working away on the week’s issue and started receiving strange notifications from the office’s desktop Mac that he was using. At first, this was met with only a small concern from our heroic editor-in-chief Alicia Phaneuf ‘19. She and executive editor Cara Lee’19 took the issue in stride and began instructing the staff to save their work to the desktop of the computer, to ensure nothing got lost via the failing server.

Problem solved, right? Wrong. Suddenly, it was as if the whole office was sent into the Upside Down.

And just like that, the Demogorgons attacked, ruining more than one computer and sending the entire staff on a mission to not only save all of the hard work they had done, but also to ensure a paper was going to be put out the next day.

As the Demogorgons roared and destroyed everything in their paths, managing editor Deanna Carbone ‘19 was forced to stand up and use Farrah Fawcett hair spray to give herself the extra confidence to make an ungodly amount of phone calls to Adobe to troubleshoot. Lee continued to work on the computers, trying to read the blinking Christmas lights she had put on the office walls. Phaneuf ’s nose may or may not have started to bleed while talking to IT at some point in the evening, scaring away some of the scary monsters that were threatening her beloved Mirror.

Meanwhile, Getz’s work was destroyed four times before he was finally able to escape the wrath of the Upside Down. Running to Xavier Hall with Lee, he was able to finally finish the Sports Section and defeat the Demogorgon’s threatening to ruin the entirety of the issue.

With the help of Adobe, IT, and the perseverance of the Mirror staff, an edition finally was able to be finished and ready. No thanks to Officer Hopper, who never showed up to help.

Furthermore, Fairfield University has promised your beloved Mirror new computers since the treacherous incident. To those reading this who made that promise:

Friends. Don’t. Lie. Photo taken from Stranger Things TV Instagram

Sports

SPORTS

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

This Week in Sports:

Sports Editor: Patrick Getz » patrick.getz@student.fairfield.edu

In Case You

Page 13

Offensive & Defensive Honors

Missed It:

Wednesday, April 18th -Softball loses to Hartford, 5-4

-Women's Lacrosse defeats Iona, 12-10 -Baseball defeats Sacred Heart, 6-3 -Men's Tennis loses to Quinnipiac, 5-2 Thursday, April 19th -Women's Tennis loses at Marist, 5-2 Saturday, April 21st -Baseball defeats Siena, 4-2 & loses to Siena, 5-0 (DH) -Softball defeats Rider, 5-3 & 4-1 (DH) -Men's Lacrosse loses to #18 UMass, 11-4 -Women's Lacrosse defeats Canisius, 11-8 -Women's Tennis loses at Siena, 5-2 -Men's Tennis defeats Siena, 5-2

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk

On Monday April 23, Fairfield Stags Womens' Lacrosse goalkeeper, Paulina DiFatta ‘20, earned two awards for her performances against Iona College last Wednesday and Canisius College this past Saturday. She earned the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week along with the MAAC Rookie of the Week awards. In those wins facing Iona and Canisius, the goalkeeper recorded a .575 save percentage and a 8.50 goals against average, which has helped the Stags claim a share of first place in the MAAC. She saved 23 shots in these two contests, including a 12 save effort against Canisius. This is the third time she has earned a MAAC Defensive Player of the Week award and the second time she has earned MAAC Rookie of the Week.

Sunday, April 22nd -Baseball loses to Siena, 6-0 -Softball defeats Siena, 3-2 & loses to Siena, 3-2 (DH) -Men's Tennis defeats Saint Peter's, 7-0 Tuesday, April 24th -Baseball defeats Sacred Heart, 11-4 -Softball defeats Sacred Heart, 7-4

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk

Upcoming This Week:

Wednesday, April 25th.

On Tuesday April 24, Courtney Hankins ‘19 was named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Week after her performances over the weekend against MAAC foes, Siena College and Rider University, as well as University of Hartford. She batted .600 over five games, recorded nine hits and had six runs batted in over 15 at-bats. In a non-conference matchup against Hartford, Hankins was not retired the entire game, going 4-4 in which she used that momentum for the weekend doubleheaders. In both games against Rider, she had a run batted in and she had a clutch game-tying home run facing Siena the next day. During this five game stretch, Hankins owns a .684 on-base percentage and a .933 slugging percentage, riding this hot streak into the midweek games and weekend serieses.

-Softball vs. Central Connecticut State, 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. (DH) -Baseball vs. Stony Brook, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 28st -Baseball at Marist, 12 p.m. & 3 p.m. (DH) -Women's Lacrosse at Canisus, 11 a.m.

-Men's Lacrosse at Towson, 11 a.m.

-Softball at Quinnipiac, 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.

(DH)

In this week's issue...

- Stags Win 11-8 to Stay Atop in MAAC (Page 14)

- Baseball Season is Reaching the Home Stretch (Page15)

- Softball Takes Three of Four From Rider, Siena (Page 15)

- Without USA or Italy, 2018 World Cup Is Up For Grabs (Page 16)

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

Sports

Page 14

Stags Win 11-8 to Stay Atop in MAAC

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk Midfielder Taylor Mitchell '19 contributed four total points in Saturday's conference win against Canisius, tallying two goals and two assists. She was one of four Stags to register multiple points.

By Patrick Getz Sports Editor On Saturday April 21, the Fairfield Stags Womens’ Lacrosse team faced off against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rival Canisius College in a crucial conference matchup. The Stags were looking for their ninth win of the season as Canisius was aiming to stay atop the conference. As the season is winding down, every conference win is tremendously important, especially for claiming a top seed. With a win, Fairfield would move into a tie for first place in the MAAC and they happened to do just that.

To start off the contest, Canisius’ Golden Griffs scored the first goal, thanks to a Lauren Smolensky ‘18 score with just over 26 minutes in the first half. It did not take long for Fairfield to even the score as Brenna Connolly ‘18 scored for the Stags about five minutes later, for her twenty-seventh goal of the year. This would be the first of four straight scores for Fairfield, where Taylor Mitchell ‘19 added back-to-back goals and Diana

DeVita ‘21 added her own tally to make the score 4-1 in favor of the Stags.

More than halfway gone in the first half, Canisius’ Bryar Cummings ‘20 and Jen Reininger ‘18 scored consecutive goals to trim Fairfield’s lead to one. However, the Stags answered with three straight goals of their own, from DeVita, Kathleen Hulseman ‘19 and Kelly Horning ‘21, thus ending the first half with a 7-3 advantage over the Golden Griffs.

Canisius needed cut into this four score deficit so they came out with a relentless effort to start the second half. As not even two passed minutes in the half, the Golden Griffs began their comeback with a goal by Reininger, which was her second goal of the day. After that score, Cummings recorded her second tally of the game, just three minutes later to cut Fairfield’s lead to two. Quickly, attacker Allie Stewart ‘18 scored her first goal, which was assisted by Lauren Smolensky ‘18, of the day to pull Canisius within one. Attacker Jourdan Roemer ‘19 struck home the fourth consecutive score for the Golden Griffs to even the score with over 23 minutes left in the game.

Weekly 4x5 Because we have witty things to say ...

Alicia Phaneuf Editor-in-Chief

Patrick Getz Sports Editor

Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Emeritus

Allison White Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Fairfield needed to respond and to respond fast, which midfielder Horning did on cue as she recorded her second goal of the day to give Fairfield an 8-7 lead. But Stewart had other plans as she answered in under a minute to make it a tie game once again.

The remaining 12 minutes of the game belonged to Fairfield as DeVita and Horning both registered hat tricks to give Fairfield a late lead. Connolly iced the game with a score of her own to push the Stags’ lead to three with under one minute remaining. The two young scorers for Fairfield took over this conference matchup since both recipients were first-years.

Goalkeeper Paulina DiFatta ‘20 continued her strong season, making 12 saves while allowing eight goals. For Canisius, Rebecca VanLaeken ‘18 suffered the loss as she made 10 saves and allowed 11 goals.

The Stags wrap up their regular season when they travel to Riverdale, N.Y. to face Manhattan College on Wednesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. as Fairfield is aiming to stay atop the MAAC and finish 10-6 in the regular season.

Your 2018-2019 4x5 Columnists:

Alicia Phaneuf, Patrick Getz, Alfredo Torres and Allison White

This is the final Mirror issue for this year. What are your thoughts?

What are some expectations for the new staff next year?

Will Baker Mayfield get drafted number one by the Browns in the NFL Draft?

How do you feel about Meek Mill getting out of prison?

What are your plans for Clam Jam??

I can't believe we already made it through our last issue! I'm a little nervous to move forward without the old staff on call... but Big Al taught me well and I can't wait to see what next semester holds!

Keep coming with a positive attitude and unique story ideas! I can't wait to welcome new stags to the team!

I only follow the Patriots.

Who's he?

No Clam Jam for me! Going home to see my baby nieces instead!!

It's crazy about just me running the ship after Fredo for this long!

He has certainly taught me well!

I expect the Sports section to get even stromger next year, with two huge recruits coming in (Dan and Chris).

No..... that would be a foolish decision to take him that high with other NFL-ready quarterbacks

He's out!

Going to make the most of it!

It's been one hell of ride, four years To kill every issue and having the whole campus reading the Mirror. fly by so fast and it's crazy to look back at it now but being a part of the Mirror has been one of my best experiences here at Fairfield and I look forward to seeing how it grows in the years to come.

I don't think so, as long as he doesn't go to the Giants I think I'll be alright.

It's just what we needed, they freed a real one and just in time to lead the Philly fans as they make their playoff run in the East. Glad to hear Meek is free, the news came quick and the world has reacted.

Enjoy my last Clam Jam and just make memories that I'll remember forever with my class.

I truly thought last week was the last issue so this is a surprise.

Not if they see my highlight reel from Powderpuff.

Doing big things as always!! Or at least plz keep the office clean you have no idea how many hours I’ve put into organizing. Yes, neat freak and proud.

It’s about time I get thrown in there so I don’t go to the Grape.

THRIVING. It’s my final Clam Jam (never forget my first round with Jesse xoxo) and I will soak in every last beautiful moment.

Sports

THE MIRROR | Week of April 25, 2018

Page 15

Baseball Season is Reaching the Home Stretch

Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk Starting pitcher Austin Pope '20 tossed six solid innings, allowing five hits and surrendering only one earned run and two walks, however he suffered his second loss of the season against Siena.

By Michael Hoffman Contributing Writer After a 2-3 week for the Fairfield University Stags Baseball team, going 1-2 in the weekend series against Siena College, Fairfield is reaching the homestretch of the season with pressure to win some conference games. Fairfield split their mid-week games with a 4-3 against fellow Jesuit school; the Fordham University Rams, and a 6-3 win against cross-town rivals; the Sacred Heart University Pioneers. Fairfield jumped out to a 3-1 lead against Fordham, after a homerun by shortstop Jake Gethings ‘19. Fordham pushed ahead 4-3 with a clutch pinch hit double by pinch-hitter Justin Bardwell off of Fairfield reliever Brendan Harkin ‘19.

The Fordham bullpen held the Stags to only three hits and allowed only one earned run. A day later, Fairfield used a four run third inning to power them to a 6-3 win. Trey McLoughlin ‘21 got his first career win, throwing five innings, giving up three hits and striking out four.

Right fielder Dan Ryan ‘20 went 2-4 with two runs batted in. Closer David Sacco ‘18 came in and shut the door in the ninth inning, getting his second save.

Fairfield then arrived at another important three game conference series, this time against the Siena Saints. In the first game in the Saturday doubleheader, Siena blanked Fairfield, 5-0.

Siena’s starting pitcher, Tommy Miller, threw a complete game shutout, striking out eight batters. Siena leadoff hitter, shortstop Marcus Campos ‘19, went 3-4 with two runs and a run

batted in. Fairfield starting pitcher, Josh Arnold ‘20, threw a good game in a losing effort, throwing six innings, only allowing two earned runs and striking out six.

In the second game of the Saturday doubleheader, Fairfield was behind after a big first inning and a strong performance of star pitcher John Signore ‘19. Signore threw a seven inning shutout, allowing two earned runs in the first innings and striking out five. An RBI single by SS Jake Gethings ‘19 and a three run scoring double by Drew Blake ‘18 opened up a 4-2 first inning lead for Fairfield and they never looked back.

In the final game of the weekend series, a grand slam by Siena’s pre-season and reigning MAAC player of the year, Joe Drpich ‘18, powered Siena to a 6-0 win. Siena starter Ryan Bellomo threw seven shutout innings, only allowing three hits, and striking out nine. Drpich went 4-4 with the grand slam that broke the game open. Sophomore Austin Pope threw six innings, only allowing one run in a losing effort for the Stags. This weekend series brought Fairfield to 15-21, with a 7-8 conference record.

Fairfield completed the season sweep of Sacred Heart on Tuesday at Alumni Diamond, winning the contest 11-4. One day later, the Stony Brook Seawolves will also come into Alumni Diamond at 3:30 p.m. for a game against the Stags. Then, Fairfield travels to Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to play conference rivals the Marist College Red Foxes in a vital three game series.

Softball Takes Three Out of Four From Rider, Siena

By Patrick Getz Sports Editor The Fairfield University Softball squad took the field over the weekend to face off against Siena College and Rider University, two central Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference foes, as the Stags aimed to improve their conference record. After a split last weekend and a loss to University of Hartford, the Stags needed a winning weekend in the best way possible.

Starter Destinee Pallotto ‘18 took the mound, looking to start Fairfield off right so momentum would be on their side. She threw a complete game while allowing 10 hits, three earned runs and striking out six batters. This performance earned Pallotto her eleventh win of the season and Fairfield answered offensively to the Rider Broncs early lead.

In the third inning, Elyse Cuttic ‘20 struck first with a double that plated two runs off of Pallotto. However, in the bottom half of the inning, the Stags scored three unearned runs to take a 3-2 lead for the first time in the game. After two RBI hits by Mikayla Rubin ‘21 and Kate Robinson ‘18, Fairfield’s lead swelled to 5-2 as they held on for the victory.

The Stags were treated to a great pitching performance by Lauryn Rhinehart ‘21, who also tossed a complete game in the nightcap of the doubleheader. The first-year threw seven shutout innings, just walked two hitters and did her part in this pitchers duel at Alumni Softball Field. For Rider, Emily Oltman ‘20 matched Rhinehart’s effort almost pitch for pitch, completing six efficient innings and allowing one earned run, despite three other runs being unearned. All three unearned runs came in the sixth inning, which came off a fielder’s choice, a single by Courtney Hankins ‘19 and a throwing error. This 4-1 victory gave the Stags

a sweep of the doubleheader against the Broncs on Saturday.

Fairfield geared up for another doubleheader on Sunday, but this time they faced Siena College, looking to have a winning weekend. The Stags broke through first in the second inning with an unearned run against starter Lauren Butts ‘18, but the Saints struck back in the fourth inning as they scored two runs off of Pallotto, who is getting her second start this weekend, to take a 2-1 lead. Madysen Cossack ‘19 provided an insurance run an inning later with an RBI single which proved to be an important run since Siena would hang on by a slim one-run margin.

In the final game of this four-game weekend for the Stags, starter Rhinehart got her second start as well facing the Saints.

The first-year pitched into the seventh inning, while she surrendered just two earned runs and walked only one hitter, as Fairfield and Siena struggled to score runs throughout the game.

Being 1-1 in the fifth inning, Loryn DeFalco ‘19 put the Saints ahead with a home run to left field but two innings later Hankins delivered a home run of her own to even the score at 2-2. The momentum shifted to Fairfield as, in the very next inning, this clutch hit sent the game into the eighth. Third baseman Rubin stepped into the box, with Makenna DiGuilio ‘18 at third, hit a sacrifice fly to center field. DiGuilio crossed the plate with the game-winning run and the Stags secured a split from Siena.

This was a gritty win from Fairfield to say the least.

As a whole, Fairfield took three out of four from two threatening MAAC opponents, improving their record to 17-24 and 9-5 in the conference. The Stags take on Central Connecticut State University in a doubleheader at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25 at Alumni Softball Field after their 7-4 Photo Contributed By Sports Information Desk win against Sacred Heart University on Tuesday for some nonCourtney Hankins '19 recorded two multi-hit games against the Siena conference action.

Saints, including a game-tying home run.

@MirrorSports Fairfield Mirror Sports Week of April 25, 2018

fairfieldmirror.com

SPORTS 16

Sports Editor: Patrick Getz» patrick.getz@student.fairfield.edu

Without USA or Italy, 2018 World Cup Is Up For Grabs

FIFA World Cup/Twitter Forward Mohamed Solah is confident after scoring two goals in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals so he can be a catalyst for the Egyptian national team, looking to shock some fans.

By Trey Liburd Contributing Writer With the 2018 FIFA World Cup only eight weeks away, it’s time to talk about who we think will make noise in Russia this summer — and who will disappoint. There are 32 teams in this World Cup, which means a lot of opportunities for different countries to put themselves on the map. I will give you two sleepers and the team that I think will win the whole tournament.

We’ll start with sleepers. I predict that my first sleeper, Peru, will be the equivalent of the Costa Rica (sleeper) of the 2014 World Cup. Peru hasn’t made the World Cup since 1982, so they are a country ready to make some noise. They are in a pool with France, Australia and Denmark, but are used to playing teams like Argentina, Colombia and Brazil in their qualifying region — so they shouldn’t be intimidated by any of these World Cup opponents. France may be a hard task, but with the speed and defensive power of Peru, I can see Peru limiting them and having a chance to win this one.

Peru tied Argentina twice and Colombia once in qualifiers and even beat Uruguay, which is more evidence that they can compete with the best. Finally, both Australia

and Denmark are easily beatable, even though on paper they look pretty even.

Iceland is my other sleeper. In the 2016 Euros, Iceland put themselves on the map. They tied Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and then upset England, who has always been a soccer power. After this, they went on and a year later ended up qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. This is the first time in history that this country has ever qualified. From watching them, they have revealed to be a young team at their prime. Iceland is in a group with Argentina, Croatia and Nigeria. The matchup that I’m looking forward to is the one between Iceland and Argentina — a David vs. Goliath matchup that I really feel like Iceland can win. In Europe, Iceland plays teams at the same caliber as Argentina and the team always comes in with a solid game plan. It will be no surprise to me if this team goes far in the World Cup this summer. They already have some impressive wins under their belt and they aren’t scared of anybody.

The team that I feel has the best chance to win the 2018 World Cup is Portugal. Forward Cristiano Ronaldo has shown that he is the best soccer player in the world and that, even on a team with not unbelievable help

around him, he can still deliver and get the job done.

Once I saw Portugal win the 2016 Euros and clinch an automatic World Cup berth, I knew that they were something special. Teams try to shutdown Ronaldo, but it still usually ends up with him getting a hat trick (three goals) and winning them the game. I was especially impressed with Portugal when they played France in the title game and Ronaldo went down with an injury in the first half.

He didn’t return to the game and I thought for sure that Portugal wouldn’t be able to match up with France without Ronaldo. To my shock they still went on and won the game against a French team ranked seventh in the world. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo factor will win them the world cup as long as he stays healthy, but now I know the rest of the team will still play at a high level if he does go down.

The 2018 World Cup should be thrilling and we will see which underdog countries can put themselves on the map and who can declare themselves as the best country in the world at soccer.

FIFA World Cup/Twitter With the 2018 FIFA World Cup approaching, forward Lionel Messi eyes a deep run for the Argentina national team so he can remind why he is arguably the best soccer player in the world.