Volume 104 Issue 16

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 104, Issue 16

October 5, 2022

TheFordhamRam.com

Hurricane Fordham Faculty Union Fiona Causes Damage in in Union Caribbean, US Renewal and Canada Process

By SEBASTIAN DIAZ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

By JULIANNA MORALES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Starting since March 2022, the Fordham Faculty United (FFU) has been in union contract renewal negotiations with Fordham University administrators to improve benefits for university faculty. Throughout these negotiations, the union has prioritized three areas of improvement: higher compensation, provision of health benefits for adjunct faculty and reaching a pay parity across all of the schools at the university.

As FFU’s “Open Letter to the Community” reads, “We, members and supporters of the Fordham community, call on the Fordham administration to live up to its values of human dignity for all persons in the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with Fordham Faculty United by addressing three priorities…”

The first of these priorities is that of higher compensation of pay to who the letter describes as “the most vulnerable faculty in the Fordham community,”

Hurricane season has been in full swing the past few weeks, doing significant damage to a multitude of areas in the southern United States, the Caribbean and reaching up to Canada.

Typically, hurricane season in the Atlantic occurs from June 1 to Nov. 30, as listed by the National Hurricane Center. The website further explains that an average hurricane season consists of 14 named storms, five hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The first named storm typically forms in late June, the first hurricane in mid-August and the first of the major hurricanes later in August or early September.

By SOFIA DONOHUE TheDIGITAL 2022 hurricane PRODUCERseason seemed to be rather calm until Hurricane Fiona began on Sept.

13. Fiona continued for 11 days before dissipating on Sept. 24.

As of Sept. 30, CNN has reported at least twenty five casualties across Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

CNN reported that this devastating category 4 hurricane left

SEE FFU, PAGE 4

SEE FIONA, PAGE 3

COURTESY OF TWITTER

President Tania Tetlow celebrates Family Weekend at Fordham with students and their families.

Fordham Celebrates Family Weekend 2022

By GRACE GALBREATH STAFF WRITER

Fordham’s Family Weekend was held from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. For many dorming students, it was their first reunion with their families since they moved in to their dorms in August. It also served as an opportunity for

many parents to meet newly elected Fordham president, Tania Tetlow.

The weekend was planned through a collaboration between The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) and the Campus Activity Board’s (CAB) Special Events Committee. The CAB Committee co-chairs, Kiri

Kenman, FCRH ’25, and John Cugel, FCRH ’24, as well as their advisor Stephanie O’Neill, began planning the event immediately following last year’s Family Weekend.

Cugel said, “We have had a lovely blueprint to work on from past years, so we’re kind of basing it off of that. We are SEE FAMILY, PAGE 6

Fordham Releases Annual DAUR Report

By JAY DOHERTY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY OF PIA FISCHETTI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham’s Office of Multicultural Affairs celebrates cultural heritage months at the university regularly.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs Celebrates LatinX Heritage Month

By EMMA KIM

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) is celebrating LatinX Heritage Month with a different event each week during the month.

During the first week, OMA

organized tabling at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center, which gave students information about what OMA is and what they do.

For week two, OMA had “Café con OMA,” which gave students a chance to win free coffee, explained Jose Colon, GSB ’23,

who is the programming coordinator for LatinX Heritage Month.

OMA partnered with Campus Ministry for this event. The students scanned a code to learn more about OMA, and then they won a free cup of Mexican coffee SEE LATINX, PAGE 5

On Sept. 19, 2022, the Fordham community received an annual report from the Office of Development and University Relations (DAUR), which detailed the results of Fordham’s fundraising, marketing and communications efforts for the fiscal year (FY) 2022.

In FY 2022, Fordham secured a total of $66.1 million in total gifts and pledges

from donors. The university’s total cash achievement closed at $56 million against a $51 million goal. The DAUR office also reported that its multiyear Cura Personalis Campaign, which was publicly launched in November 2021, is now 62% towards its $350 million goal.

“For the second year in a row, our alumni and donor community rose to the occasion,” said Roger A. Milici Jr., Fordham’s vice president for development SEE DAUR, PAGE 5

in this issue

News

Page 6

Fordham Junior Heads up Biology Team Stuyding DNA Fragments

Culture

Page 11

Lee's Restaurant: When You're Tired of Italian

Opinion

Page 10

Avoiding the Murky Waters of Greenwashing

Sports

Page 20

Water Polo Wins Home Opener

NEWS

Page 2

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Sept. 27 Fordham Road 2:30 p.m.

A student reported while walking on Fordham Road near Bathgate Avenue that they felt someone touch their back. The student turned and a male said, “You knocked down my food, give me $20.”

The student declined to give the offender any money and contacted Public Safety.

Sept. 29 On-Campus 9:25 p.m.

A resident director called Public Safety regarding a student waving a sword out of a residence hall window.

A Public Safety supervisor responded. The investigation revealed a student in possession of a samurai sword. The supervisor secured the sword in the Public Safety Office.

Sept. 30 Campbell Hall 6:07 p.m.

Central Station called Public Safety to report a smoke alarm in Campbell Hall. Public Safety and FDNY responded.

The building was evacuated. Investigation revealed a student was cooking popcorn in the microwave which triggered the smoke alarm. FDNY authorized the alarm panel to be reset and the building was reoccupied by residents.

Oct. 2 Arthur II 7:15 p.m.

The security officer assigned to Arthur II reported an alarm along Arthur Avenue. The supervisor responded along with FDNY. The alarm panel indicated the basement stair door. There was no sign of smoke or fire. The alarm panel was reset.

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Oct. 5, 2022

Fordham’s ACE and FUPAC Host Mixer for Students

By MICHELA FAHY

By EMMA KIM CONTRIBUTING WRITER ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR The Fordham clubs Asian Cultural Exchange (ACE) and Fordham University PhilippineAmerican Club (FUPAC) held their annual mixer on Sept. 30 in North Dining. The ACE-FUPAC mixer was planned by both clubs’ e-boards, including the president of ACE, Arthur Liu, FCRH ’23, and the president of FUPAC, Jon DeFelipe, GSB ’23.

ACE is a student-led club that was founded in 1999, and their primary purpose is “to enrich the student body about the social, cultural, historical and intellectual pursuits of the Asian community.”

FUPAC is also a student-led club, and its purpose is to “promote Filipino culture throughout the Fordham University community by sponsoring cultural, and charitable, social activities.”

As a club, they seek to “provide opportunities for members to integrate with the greater Fordham community, building bridges through cross-cultural events.”

“The primary purpose of the FUPAC-ACE Mixer is to allow the freshmen of both clubs to mingle with one another and make new friends,” explained Liu. “By virtue of being the two largest AAPPI-identifying clubs on campus, ACE and FUPAC have always been very close to one another, and this mixer only serves to solidify that bond with each passing year.”

Along with meeting new people, both clubs provided food for the event. There was a mix of Chinese and Filipino food, including different types of Szechuan-style foods, noodles, fried rice and vegetables.

One of the highlights for DeFelipe was the food and connections that were made.

“What makes the ACE-FUPAC mixer stand out to me is the feeling of family we’re able to foster in such a big event,” said DeFelipe. “Food is one of the best ways to bring people together, and every year it’s become a highlight of mine, being involved in a cultural club. Also, it’s not every day I can eat Filipino food, being away from home at Fordham.”

After food, everybody had an opportunity to participate in different games and activities that

COURTESY OF JULIAN OGAWA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

The ACE-FUPAC Mixer took place on Sept. 30 in North Dining with a large turnout from both clubs.

were planned by the e-boards.

One of the games was limbo, with DeFelipe becoming the new reigning champion after many competitive rounds.

Tuong Bui, FCRH ’25, the winner of limbo from ACE’s last event — Dynasty — and runnerup this year joked about losing their title. “He ended my professional limbo career. I think he has great prospects ahead of him.”

Lauren So, FCRH ’25, enjoyed the event on Friday after a week of classes. “I had a lot of fun trying new foods and meeting new people from different backgrounds. It was a really nice way to just unwind and spend some time playing lighthearted games like limbo after a super stressful week of school,” said So. Kiki Chen, GSB ’25, one of the social media coordinators of ACE, believes the event is a great opportunity to connect the two clubs. “The event is important to show the unity amongst our campus cultural clubs and to share our cultures with one another. It was really an event that allowed many of

COURTESY OF JULIAN OGAWA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Arthur Liu and Jon DeFelipe are the presidents of ACE and FUPAC, respectively.

us to meet new people, bond and to have fun as a big family,” said Chen.

Alex Tamsi, FCRH ’24, the treasurer of ACE, also loves celebrating and highlighting “the melting pot of Filipino and Asian American heritage.”

“I love this event a lot — and these two clubs more generally — because I’ve been able to meet people with different experiences,” said Tamsi. “It’s

really expanded my idea of what we perceive to be Asian and what it means.”

Overall, the ACE-FUPAC mixer was a successful night and a great representation of both cultures.

It also it gave students a chance to learn more about the Asian American and Filipino cultures while also forming lasting bonds with their fellow students at Fordham University.

This Week at Fordham Wednesday Oct. 5

Wednesday Oct. 5

Thursday Oct. 6

Thursday Oct. 6

Thursday Oct. 6

Flu Shot Clinic

Creative Club Showcase

Paint Your Flag on Eddie’s

Commuter Town Hall

Catholic Life Board Game Night

Dealy 207 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Keating Steps 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Edward’s Parade 1 p.m.

JMCC 311 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Outside the Marketplace 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The University Health Center is holding a flu shot clinic this Wednesday. A flu shot is $35 and can be reimbursed by your insurance. It is important to get vaccinated against the new strain of the flu.

For the annual club showcase, clubs such as the Satin Dolls, Mimes and Mummers and more will be displaying their talent on Keating’s steps. Grab a picnic blanket and stop by to listen and watch!

Fordham clubs CASA and El Grito de Lares are holding a “paint your flag” event to celebrate diversity in the Fordham community. Stop by for the opportunity to make some friends and have a good time.

The annual commuter town hall is happening on Oct. 6 and is a place for commuters to voice their opinions and concerns about commuter life to Fordham’s Commuter Student Association (CSA).

Campus Ministry is hosting a game night which will include trivia and refreshments for all who attend. Held in the University Church, the event will be a rendition on the popular board game called “Life.”

NEWS

October 5, 2022

Page 3

Hurricane Fiona Causes Significant Damage FROM FIONA, PAGE 1

more than a million people in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic without power or running water.

This was not the end of the damage that Hurricane Fiona did. The storm then moved and hit Nova Scotia and other regions of Atlantic Canada, as was predicted in the CNN article.

After Fiona hit five provinces of Canada, the BBC released information about the storm including satellite images of the destruction.

These confirmed the experts’ predictions in CNN that the storm is historic for Canada.

The damage included the loss of a popular landmark: Prince Edward Island, The Teacup. This rock formation in the shape of an antique teacup was washed away by the storm. The BBC also reported at least two deaths and one missing person in the wake of the hurricane.

In the aftermath, as millions struggle to recover from their hurricane-related losses, many Fordham community members expressed interest in helping.

Campus Ministry sent out a message reminding all members of the community that Puerto Rico still hasn't fully recovered from Hurricane Maria five years ago when they were hit with this destruction, and that they are still in need of support.

The first support Campus Ministry offered was directed towards students who call Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic home or have family that does.

They suggested that those who are struggling with grief or anxiety regarding these damages reach out to them, Counseling and Psychological Services or University Health Services.

Campus Ministry encouraged members of the community to keep those affected by the hurricane in their prayers.

Additionally, these donations collected during Sunday masses are being contributed to charities that are working in response to the disaster. However, for those who wish to make independent donations, Campus Ministry provided a

list of organizations which are responding to Hurricane Fiona, which includes Catholic Charities and The Hispanic Federation.

El Grito De Lares, a club on campus that honors the Hispanic community, heritage and culture on campus, has made a goal of ensuring “that everyone can find a place to call home,” according to President Maya Dominguez, FCRH ’23. Dominguez said El Grito De Lares wants its members to know that the club has their back, especially in this time of crisis.

Dominguez also explained that spreading awareness is a crucial step in providing relief because it gives more people the opportunity to help in whatever ways they may be able, whether that be donating, volunteering or continuing the spread of information.

“Students should take the initiative to help because as students we have the chance to better the world. When taking initiative, we can better the world and sometimes be the source through which someone else is also able to better the world,” said Dominguez.

United Student Government Talks About Helping to Expand Student Voting Access

By SOFIA SEMPER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met to discuss recent public concerns and new club proposals.

Senator Keegan Roeder, FCRH ’23, brought up the concern about the recent closure of Rodrigue’s Coffee House (Rod’s). Roeder said that Rod’s has been closed since Tuesday, Sept. 20, for maintenance and that there has been a lack of communication with Rod's staff regarding when the coffee house will be able to reopen. The Rod’s staff also came to the USG meeting to express their concerns and to learn more about the delay in reopening the coffee house.

Stephen Clarke, assistant director of student involvement, clarified that in April 2022, there was severe flooding in Rod’s basement and Facilities decided that they needed to replace the basement floor. While they were replacing the basement floor, they found evidence of rodents. As a result of this finding, Facilities has done extensive extermination. Clarke said that because of the construction, the rats have cleared

out of the area. However, they may return once the construction ends. As a precautionary measure, Facilities will leave rat traps in the basement following the completion of construction.

Furthermore, Clarke explained that there have also been issues with the water and plumbing.

With that being said, Clarke said that the biggest concern is still replacing the basement floor and making sure that the issue is resolved so that there is no flooding in the future. Assistant Dean for Student Involvement, Catharine McGlade, Ed.D., assured everyone that progress is being made, albeit a little slower than initially expected. Regarding the issue with lack of communication with the Rod’s staff, McGlade said that she will try to resolve the delay in the communication, however, she says that they themselves do not have all of the information yet.

She said that even though the construction project is taking longer, it is better that all of the issues are being addressed at once.

Executive President Santiago Vidal, FCRH ’24, said that if any students have issues with communicating with McGlade or Facilities, he would gladly be of assistance. Clarke added

that he is hopeful that Rod’s will be able to open up again soon.

Two groups presented their club proposals to the USG. The International Students Association (ISA) was the first club was proposed.

Co-presidents Krishnaa Patel, GSB ’25, and Snehsrishti Assie, GSB’ 25, and Secretary Will Pham, GSB ’25, presented the club as an environment where international students can feel at home.

Patel, Assie and Pham said that the club will strengthen relationships between domestic and international students and 123 students have already shown interest in the club.

Vice President of International Integration Luisa Rosa, FCRH ’24, said that the ISA would be very beneficial for international students and that the Committee on International Integration (CII) would partner with the club for events.

The second club proposal was for the Rambling House.

David Moran, GSB ’25, presented this idea as a club for students who want a space for creative writing. Moran said that there aren’t many options

COURTESY OF PIA FISCHETTI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Walsh Library serves as the primary library on the Rose Hill Campus.

COURTESY OF UNSPLASH

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Student groups at Fordham raise money for hurricane relief efforts.

at Fordham for creative writing and thought that this would be a good way to fix that.

President Pro-tempore candidate Senator Maya Dominguez, FCRH ’23, Senator Andrew Falduto, FCRH ’23, and Senator James Serruto, FCRH ’24, presented their campaigns and ideas for the future of USG. Senator Falduto won the election and is now the President Pro-tempore.

The Jesuit Student Government Alliance sent a notice to all Jesuit universities in the United States communicating their intent to write a letter to Congress regarding student voting rights, and they are seeking the approval of the university’s student government.

The letter stated that the Jesuit Student Government Alliance re-

quests that Congress open voting poll locations in universities and allow university students to use their school IDs to register to vote. Senator Dan Sponseller, FCRH ’25, and Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, both said that allowing students to use their student IDs to vote would allow more voices to be heard and that any action expanding the right to vote in the U.S is an attempt to expand democracy. However, Senator Serruto raised the question of whether the Fordham USG wants to set a precedent on involving themselves with political issues. The vote for their call to action has been tabled until a further date due to the vacancies in the class of ’23 and ’24 senate and quorum laws.

COURTESY OF FACEBOOK

Two new student clubs presented to USG.

NEWS

Page 4

October 5 , 2022

Fordham’s Faculty Union Seeks Salary Raise FROM FFU, PAGE 1

pushing for wage increases that would help faculty provide stronger environments for students.

The second priority demands employer-based health benefits for part-time faculty, as these benefits are “a necessity in the United States, where most workers depend on employer-sponsored insurance for health coverage,” according to the letter.

The third and final priority is one stipulating pay parity for the adjunct faculty members in the schools of social work and religious education who currently earn lower wages than their peers in Fordham’s other schools.

“Paying less to those in the care professions perpetuates systemic gender and racial inequalities,” reads the letter, as, “at Fordham, as elsewhere, women predominate in the social work and education fields.”

The Fordham Ram spoke with FFU chair Josh Jordan, Ph.D., senior lecturer in French, to discuss the union negotiations and understand why these platforms are crucial.

First, Jordan explained the important role that adjunct professors play in helping carry the educational substance of Fordham University, discussing the connection between adjuncts and the university’s core curriculum.

“You’ve taken core classes, there is a 100% chance that you have been taught by an adjunct,” said Jordan.

A significant portion of core classes that undergraduate students take throughout their studies are taught by part-time, adjunct faculty that do not receive the same benefits as fulltime and tenured faculty. This is an especially important talking point for FFU, as the union, as Jordan argues that, because adjunct faculty plays such an important role in building the

educational foundation of the university, they deserve higher wages, health benefits and equal pay across the board.

So far, the negotiations between FFU and the university have not proved as fruitful as the union would like. The union proposed a pay-raise plan covering the three years in which the collective bargaining agreement would be in effect, from 2022 to 2025. According to the union’s plan, covered faculty in Fordham’s schools of arts and sciences, the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education and Masters and Ph.D. students in the Graduate School of Social Services would have a pay increase of $500 each year for a total increase of $1500 by the end of the three years.

The university proposed a counterplan that saw a pay increase of 3% every year.

In response, Jordan said: “You don’t need to be The Economist to recognize that 3% of a big number gives you a bigger number than 3% of a smaller number. So 3% gets adjuncts, someone who’s just been hired or been around for three years, $210 extra per course. Rate of inflation is currently 8% and cost of living, especially in New York City, has been soaring. $210 has been spent already. It’s been spent on food.

It’s been spent on rent.”

“This isn’t very much at all,” Jordan said. “It’s not being, as you know, compensated by some kind of health benefit where you might go, ‘well, we don’t have this but at least we’re gaining this.’”

To put the university’s proposed raise plan into perspective, Jordan compared said plan to the approved raise plan in effect at Barnard College. Whereas new adjuncts would receive a $210 increase per course to their salary after their first year of teaching, adjuncts of the same kind would receive a $1,500 salary increase after

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Various faculty members meet to discuss expanding salaries and benefits for adjunct instructors.

the same amount of time for the same kind of work.

“Even if you accept that, yes, Fordham is not Barnard, aren’t Fordham faculty worth onethird (the difference between $500 and $1500) of Barnard?

They’ve answered that question with the $210,” said Jordan.

For further detail, Fordham’s plan would mean that, after three years, new adjuncts in the arts and science would be earling $7,649 per course and more experienced adjuncts, who have been working for over six years, would be earning $8,741 after the contract’s three years.

Where health benefits might be a useful boost to the lower proposed pay raises, the university is not offering nor planning to offer health benefits of any kind to adjuncts.

“At the end of the day,” Jordan said, “the university is not interested in providing a meaningful health benefit … and this is coming on the heels of COVID-19. If it taught us anything, it taught us that things can go south very quickly

and not just for individual faculty members, but for family members, children, etc. While we all subscribe to believe in Fordham’s motto, "cura personalis," care for the whole person. We believe in that even more because, for us, providing meaningful health benefits to the adjuncts, already some of the most vulnerable employees ... means care for the community.

It means taking care of those who ensure a Fordham education.”

Other plans to compensate for the lower proposal have also been rejected.

Jordan explained that the union asked for an adjustment on the adjunct faculty structure, suggesting that the university allow for adjuncts to teach more than two courses per semester. The university shut down this proposal.

The Ram reached out to the two Fordham University representatives during the negotiations, Beth Fagin, Fordham’s deputy general counsel, and Dr. Ji Seon Lee, the associate provost, for a comment. The representatives referred to Bob Howe to provide comment, who said:

“The university has offered a 3% wage increase for each year of the contract to all SEIU members which is inline with the wage increases Fordham agreed to with other employee groups during the same period. The proposed increase follows the approximately 40% increase Fordham provided to most members in the first collective bargaining agreement entered into in 2018. Because the adjuncts in the Graduate School of Social Service and Graduate School of Religion did not fully realize the large increases gained in the 2018 contract, we have proposed a significant jump in their base salary which far exceeds 3%.

In addition, the university has offered adjunct faculty a payment of up to $800 to assist them with the cost of health benefits since many receive subsidized health benefits on the NYS Health Exchange.

The university’s proposal will provide most adjuncts with an increase in the first year of the contract of over $1800.”

Degree Works Gets a New Look

By SAMANTHA MINEAR ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

In December 2021, the university began rolling out a new pilot interface for the Degree Works program.

Degree Works is a tool utilized by both students and advisors to determine if one is on track to graduate. It keeps record of the core, major and minor requirements necessary for each student. Using the “What If” function, students are able to draw up hypothetical combinations of majors and minors to see if they would work with their schedule before declaring.It was announced earlier in the year that the Degree Works interface was changing. It was “over a decade old and had become outdated,” said Michael Rambetta, the associate director and data automation specialist for academic records.

“In addition to not being fully accessible under the most current web accessibility guidelines,

Ellucian (the company that creates Degree Works) plans to no longer support Degree Works beginning with the next version that the university will upgrade to,” he added.

This meant that “all Degree Works users have to switch to the Responsive Dashboard.”

However, some students felt that the change hindered their experience using the software and that it was not optimized with the student in mind.

“I think this change is slightly worse than the previous Degree Works,” said Vincent Vitanza, FCRH ’24. “[The new dashboard] makes it much harder to see all the classes and requirements in aggregate.”

The university's old advising structure was met with scrutiny, meaning many upperclassmen students use Degree Works as their primary source of information for completing their requirements and graduating on time.

“Degree Works has been much

more useful than my advisor,” said Vitanza. “I haven’t had an advisor reach out to me since the end of my freshman year of college, so I’ve used Degree Works to plan my entire academic future by myself.”

Despite these student concerns, Rambetta is confident that the changes made are minimal, mostly aesthetic and benefit students.

“The new visual interface is responsive, mobile-friendly and fully accessible following the most current web accessibility guidelines,” he said. “All features that students and advisors are used to having are still available in the Responsive Dashboard,” Rambetta said.

With Fordham’s new advising structure that claims to be more intensive and holistic than its predecessor, it’s possible that students will become less reliant on Degree Works and these changes in interface and accessibility will become less relevant.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PIA FISCHETTI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Students have mixed reactions to the new and updated Degree Works interface.

NEWS

October 5, 2022

Page 5

LatinX Heritage Month Aims to Celebrate Hispanic Culture FROM LATINX, PAGE 1

and a Brazilian pastry.

“It is a way to get people interested. We really want to do this with the next upcoming activity,” said Colon. For week three, OMA is hosting an event called “Growing Up LatinX.” “This is an interesting one because there is not much coverage about what it means to be LatinX and what it means to grow up LatinX. Also, what it means to be LatinX growing up in the United States,” said Colon. “How do you connect to your culture when you have two at once? How do you connect with family members back in your country of origin?”

Colon is most excited about this event, especially because of his own Fordham experience during the pandemic.

Colon started at Rose Hill, and then transferred to Lincoln Center during the pandemic. “I noticed it is difficult to find people, not just LatinX, but also people from Puerto Rico,” said Colon.

According to Colon, when students come to college, they want to reminisce with someone about their experiences — what is similar and different.

Colon said if he was able to find people to recount experiences

with, he would have adjusted to college at a quicker pace.

Colon hopes that this event will give students a chance to have meaningful conversations. He also noted that students outside of the LatinX community can participate during the month.

“There are so many ways [to contribute] because all the committees [in OMA] work together. We cater to everyone. We want to make sure everyone has a safe space, and other people understand too,” said Colon.

For week four, OMA is hoping to host a Tipico Night/Loteria. It is similar to bingo, but OMA plans to incorporate Mexican and Latin American elements. For the event, OMA is collaborating with the Commuter Students Association (CSA), Commuter Student Services (CSS) and Campus Activities Board (CAB).

“Our goal as an office for the month is to build a tight-knit community and to celebrate LatinX Heritage through many countries,” said Rashain Adams Jr., who is a graduate intern in OMA and managing the LatinX Heritage Month Committees.

“We want students to have full creative control when it comes to crafting programs and events

that [they] believe accurately portrays their heritage as well as others,” said Adams.

There is a moment of adjusting to college, specifically for someone from a LatinX background, said Colon.

“There are many people that feel the same way as you.

Rather than making it seem like this is only for the LatinX community, we want to make sure that we are making people feel at ease with themselves and their identity. Those who might not understand what it is like to be Puerto Rican can learn something new and go beyond preconceived notions about that demographic,” said Colon.

While the celebration ends on Oct. 15, Colon emphasized that it doesn’t mean students still can’t get involved. “We are not done for the whole year. The next month is focused on a different committee, but we still like to do more events after that.”

Colon encouraged students to come in and contribute different ideas during the semester. “We are here to help them feel comfortable with their identity,” said Colon.

COURTESY OF PIA FISCHETTI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

OMA has various events going on like a tabling and coffee event.

DAUR Reports Results of Fundraising Initiatives

COURTESY OF FORDHAM NEWS

DAUR has a variety of fundraising initiatives. They report what they have raised annually.

FROM DAUR, PAGE 1

and university relations. “It is a little counterintuitive to the average person because one might have concluded that fundraising would have dipped in these pandemic years, and yet the opposite happened.”

In December 2020, Mario Gabelli, GSB ’65, made a $35 million gift to the Gabelli School of Business that, in part, led to Fordham experiencing its best fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2021. Except for last year’s record $85 million in total gifts, Milici said that FY 2022’s $66 million figure was a relative success.

“We are foremost grateful for

the generosity of our donors, and [these gifts] are never something that we take for granted.”

“Virtually all of these funds are restricted by the donors, and help the university deliver its mission through financial aid, academic excellence, student wellness and success, athletics and facilities,” Milici wrote in his office’s annual report. Of the money raised in 2022, roughly 38% will be dedicated to financial aid for admitted students.

“Of the $66 million, about $25 million was earmarked for access and affordability, which is totally consistent with how our donors

resonate with financial aid,” said Milici. “Many of our alumni donors themselves benefited from financial aid when they were students, and so it’s something that they care about.”

Milici explained that the university’s financial aid money is usually allocated to one of two funds depending on the nature of the donation. Aid-restricted gifts may be placed in an endowed scholarship fund administered by the Office of Enrollment and Financial Aid, or they might be added to a current-use fund overseen by the same office.

Events like The Fordham Founder’s Dinner are a primary tactic to raise funds for scholarship funds university-wide.

According to the last annual report, The Fordham Founder’s Undergraduate Scholarship Fund raised a record $3.1 million in November 2021 and now supports 48 students, 79% of whom are from diverse backgrounds.

At the same time, the DAUR office has reported that its fiveyear, $350 million capital Cura Personalis Campaign, which was designed to improve four pillars of Fordham student life, has shown steady growth. The Cura Personalis Campaign, now in its third year, aims to raise $100 million for access and affordability, $150 million for academic excellence, $70 million for student wellness and success and $30 million for athletics and facilities.

“We’re right where we should be at this point; we’re a little ahead of the model, so we are on track to wrap up the campaign within two fiscal years,” said Milici.

University marketing has also been a top priority for Milici’s office. This year, the appointment of Fordham’s 33rd President Tania Tetlow was central to spreading the word and raising funds for the university. In fact, Tetlow’s appointment was in

over 300 news articles around the world, which helped to promote Fordham’s brand in both the public eye and alumni communities.

“The early events that we’ve done to introduce President Tetlow to our community have all been capacity crowds and characterized by an energy and dynamism that is very contagious,” said Milici. “She has ignited the donor community and the alumni community in a way that is very conducive to alumni relations and fundraising.”

Broadly, Milici hopes Fordham continues its program to maturity, so it can fiscally compete with well-funded Jesuit peer institutions.

“A mature program, like Boston College or Georgetown, would consistently raise $100 million a year, and we’re not there yet, but we are getting very close,” Milici said. Between progress in fundraising, an increase in marketing and record alumni engagement, Milici is optimistic that Fordham’s best days are yet to come.

“Fordham is at an exciting point in its history, and we are all very enthusiastic about our future, and I think our alumni are eager to see the university take that next step in its trajectory,” he said.

NEWS

Page 6

October 5, 2022

Many Students Reunited with Family Over the Weekend FROM FAMILY, PAGE 1

kind of putting our own spin on it as well. We’ve just done a lot of brainstorming to see what is fit for the university and for all of our guests as well.”

The biggest events of the weekend included Fordham’s home football game against Georgetown University, Family Weekend Mass, NYC Style Brunch and various performances by Fordham student-led groups.

Cugel said he was most looking forward to the New York City Style Brunch in the Great Hall in the new student center, “We are looking forward to incorporating

the new student center into our Family Weekend.”

Many students were equally as excited for the weekend. Alyssa Campbell, FCRH ’25, said, “I am definitely excited to have my parents come spend the weekend at Fordham. I’m hoping it doesn’t rain too much so we can enjoy the football game.”

Family Weekend kicked off on Friday with a Welcome Reception on Keating steps. Families, students and university staff gathered and mingled while refreshments were provided. Maroon Mainstage, a recital that included

various Fordham performing groups, took place immediately afterwards. Saturday morning opened with President Tetlow’s Welcome Address, during which she greeted families and welcomed them to campus. Parents were then invited to attend a lecture entitled “Parents University: A Classroom Experience.”

The rain held off for most of the day, allowing families to attend the football game against Georgetown University, in which Fordham defeated Georgetown 59-38. The annual Family Weekend Mass at the University Church was held

on Saturday and both Fordham families and staff attended.

The day concluded with a special Family Weekend round of one of CAB’s popular bingo games, during which families were given the chance to win prizes.

Sunday’s planned events included the NYC Style Brunch and a campus walking tour led

by Robert Reilly, FCRH ’72; Fordham Law ’75.

The weekend was a chance for Fordham students to show their families around the campus.

Cugel said, “We really hope to give [Fordham families] some-

what of a Fordham experience while they are here for the weekend. We want to show them what the Fordham community is like and what we have to offer.”

He added, “It gives students a major opportunity to show their families where they live, where they go to school and what their lives are now that they are not living at home anymore. We also want to make it special for their families because families want to make sure their kids are happy and safe, receiving a great education and living in a great community. We want to show Fordham's best side of that.”

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Fordham's football team defeated Georgetown during Family Weekend.

Students and families rooted Fordham in their game against Georgetown University on Family Weekend.

Fordham Junior Heads up Biology Team Studying DNA Fragments

By NATALIE FEDDE STAFF WRITER

Madeline Drucker, FCRH ’24, is the head of a biology team working with DNA fragments to create new strands of DNA with mutations. Drucker’s research aids a larger study on translation synthesis run by Dr. Elizabeth Thrall in her biophysical chemistry lab.

In this translation study, Drucker’s work is the first step in a long process. Since joining the lab last spring, Drucker has successfully made new strains of DNA with mutations and is currently working on making combinations of multiple mutations to see if they affect each other. Drucker and the rest of the biology team work with these DNA mutations and tag them with fluorescent proteins, so the rest of the research team can see how damaged DNA affects cell growth.

“I’m the first stage in all of the crucial components to make this lab happen,” said Drucker. “It’s very nice to see how the biology team’s work can be passed onto the next team which looks at effects on cell growth and finally onto the imaging team, and we

get results. The biology team is definitely the first step in a kind of assembly line. Our results don’t prove anything just yet, but all of us work together, and our work bounces off each other to create the final result.”

Drucker said that the overall translation synthesis study is a continuation of research Thrall started while working towards her Ph.D. “We’ve taken it a lot further, and we are studying a lot more in depth than she was at the time. We can provide a lot more data with a team of 10 people than she could by herself,” said Drucker.

According to Drucker, this research could provide preliminary data to aid cancer research and other larger-scale research projects and that the data Thrall’s lab has produced so far is “promising.” The end goal of the study is to figure out how cells can work past damaged DNA rather than copying the damaged DNA. As of now, Thrall’s research does not have a projected end date. “With this lab, the more data you have, the more believable your results are. So we’re trying to produce a lot of numbers, and a lot of good

data,” said Drucker.

Drucker originally became involved in this study by attending a research talk for the chemistry department, where professors showcased their work for students. As a biology student, Drucker said that she was not expecting to join any of the research projects presented, but Thrall’s research stood out because of the biology component.

In the future, Drucker said that she intends to take a gap year before going to medical school to pursue a career as a reproductive endocrinologist. Her work in Thrall’s lab is very different from the type of genetics Drucker is interested in, but both allow her to work with living cells.

“Working in this lab has benefited me a lot. It has taught me to work in groups but also to work independently, to trust intuition, but also to ask questions. It helps you find a really good balance between trusting yourself and also learning by yourself and with others. Working in this lab, the material is very intricate and high-level.

I feel like it teaches you a lot about how to be a good scientist,” said Drucker.

COURTESY OF MADELINE DRUCKER FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Madeline Drucker’s research aids the larger research study of Dr. Thrall.

OPINION

October 5, 2022

R

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918

The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses.

Website TheFordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Editor in Chief Ava Erickson Managing Editor Hanif Amanullah Editorial Director Sebastian Diaz Production Editor Michael Sluck Multimedia Director Pia Fischetti Business Director Matthew Colucci Copy Chief Amanda Yarolin Assistant Copy Chief Hannah Boring News Editor Isabel Danzis Assistant News Editors Emma Kim Samantha Minnear Opinion Editors Nicole Braun Taylor Herzlich Assistant Opinion Editor Michela Fahy Culture Editors Kari White Ilaina Kim Assistant Culture Editor Elisabeth Murray Sports Editor Nick Guzman Assistant Sports Editors Thomas Aiello Maddie Bimonte Social Media Director Frances Schnepff Digital Producers Ava Carreiro Justin Charles Sofia Donohue Visual Director Nicoleta Papavasilakis Photo Editor Nick DeSilva Graphics/Illustrations Cory Bork Faculty Advisor Beth Knobel Editorial Policy The Fordham Ram’s editorial reflects the editorial board’s opinions or views.

Opinion Policy The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram. Submissions Policy The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of the The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

Page 7

From the Desk | Michael Sluck

Lose Yourself In a Library The Walsh Family Library is my favorite place on the Rose Hill campus, but not for the reason you may think: I go there to explore.

Instead of studying, I wander through the shelves, looking at all the books: novels and novellas, encyclopedias and almanacs, leatherbound tomes and battered paperbacks. At least once a week, I allot some time to explore the rows and rows of shelves, silently selecting things that look interesting to read.

Fordham is often a noisy place, filled with construction and conversations, music and train whistles. It’s a relief to wander this silent, holy temple to knowledge, interrupted only by the occasional ding of the elevator and soft footsteps on the carpeted floor.

It often feels like we don’t appreciate how miraculous libraries really are. For most of human history, the majority of people were illiterate, the privilege of learning to read being one that was only afforded to the elites. For those who were lucky enough to know how to read, books were a luxury good, often expensive and difficult to find. Libraries, if they existed at all, were private institutions reserved for the wealthy, barring knowledge behind their gilded walls.

The public library is perhaps the greatest creation in the history of human civilization. You can walk into a building, with nothing more than some basic identification and borrow

whatever books you want.

Think about that! Knowledge — once reserved for the higher classes — is for everyone. The pleasures of literature do not discriminate.

Yet so many students neglect to take advantage of all the opportunities the library has to offer. The third floor is home to a massive selection of fiction, with books from around the world. Besides literary classics, the library is also home to modern fictions from authors such as Stephen King, Andy Weir and Colson Whitehead.

Want to learn about a new topic, but don’t have the time to fit in another class? The Walsh library selection spans an enormous variety of fields, with introductory texts on almost any subject you can think of to name. Whether you want to learn about hypnotism, insomnia, handwriting analysis, nutrition, Ireland or fashion, you are guaranteed to find a section on it in the library.

If nothing in Walsh Library’s expansive collection sparks your interest, then try the New York Public Library (NYPL).

Merely by the virtue of being a New York City student, you qualify for a New York Public Library card, which allows you access to the fourth-largest library collection in the entire world. If you don’t have the time or the energy to make it down to one of the NYPL branches in the Bronx, then you can download the SimplyE app, a NYPL-affiliated service that allows you to borrow

ebooks and audiobooks for free. The selection is enormous — according to the NYPL website, the library has more than 6 million items circulating in its collections, including books, music and movies.

Possession of a library card doesn’t extend to literary perks alone. Card owners can also receive “culture passes,” a service that allows you to get tickets to a variety of New York museums for free. Locations include the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim and the Brooklyn Museum, among countless others. While Fordham students already gain free access to certain museums (such as the Met), the culture pass opens up even more of New York’s art and history to members of the Fordham community.

College is a noisy time, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Our lives are so filled with the chatter of other people: our roommates, our friends, our classmates, our professors. Even during downtime, many students prefer to spend their time browsing social media, filling their lives with even more noise. The old cli-

che that it’s “so loud you can’t hear yourself think,” takes on a new meaning. Our thoughts, opinions and reflections are drowned out in the noisiness that surrounds us.

The library is a break from all of this chaos. It’s a silent space to contemplate and reflect.

There is no “For You” section in libraries. What you want — to read, to learn, to enjoy — is entirely up to you. It’s a place to take a break from all the noise that blankets the chaotic world around us, curl up in an armchair and lose yourself in a good book.

In my time at the Ram, I’ve seen lots of things recommended to Fordham students: movies, music, museums. I’d like to add my two cents to the list.

Over the next month, go to a library. Go alone, when you have some time — nothing hanging over your head, nowhere to rush off to. Find a book you think you would enjoy — not because you need it for a class, or because your friends are reading it.

Read for the sake of reading, and enjoy everything the library has to offer.

Editorial | Fordham Athletics

Athletics Aren’t — and Shouldn’t Be — a Priority The student athletes featured in The Fordham Ram’s latest YouTube video titled “Scooters: Perks or Problem?” debunked a common misconception positing that student athletes (predominantly male sports teams) are provided electric scooters by the university.

Athletes interviewed for the video confirmed that the scooters were not paid for or provided by Fordham Athletics or any other university department, despite many students on campus believing so. It’s important to consider why this rumor not only started, but is so commonly believed.

The general perception is that the university administration favors Fordham athletic department and its studentathletes more than any other student group on campus or department; on the other habd, the university is concerned that students are not showing an active enough interest in the school’s athletic departments or sports teams.

On April 7, 2022, Fordham Athletics announced in a press release that it would pursue a partnership with InterCollegiate Athletic Consulting

(ICAC) to review the athletics department. One of the aims of the partnership is to address the lack of engagement with sports at Fordham.

It is clear that Fordham is having trouble understanding where the dissonance between students and athletics lies, but, considering the various pull factors of Fordham University, it seems that students largely are not choosing to enroll at the university to support its sports teams.

Fordham University is not a “football school.”

When students choose to study at a university in New York City, one of the main attractions is not the reputation of the sports team at the specific university. At Fordham, most non-athletic students are ambivalent about the university’s sports teams unless they are closely involved with sports culture or are attending a special event like Homecoming.

Outside of Athletics, few students benefit from the investments in athletic facilities.

There is no need to pursue a reputation of a “football school” at Fordham University when many students are pursuing

a liberal arts education uninvolved from athletics.

A consultation with InterCollegiate Athletic Consulting isn’t necessary to know sports isn’t a priority for Fordham students simply because sports was not a major consideration for many students choosing to enroll. If this is the case, what did turn potential students into enrolled students?

The most obvious pull factor is the location in New York City, one of the densest, opportunity-rich cities in the world where students could explore and boost career opportunities. The culture of Fordham’s city alone is enough to stand as the university’s sole attraction (and for some students it may very well be), but Fordham has other merits that pull students in more than sports.

Fordham itself is ranked in the top 50 for Undergraduate

Teaching by U.S. News national college rankings. As a university, Fordham has a high-standing reputation for academic excellence that makes it a desirable location for higher education. Why, then, is the university attempting to make sports the attraction that it simply isn’t?

As recent articles published by the Ram have pointed out, both the class of 2025 and the class of 2026 have shown a significant increase in the number of students at the university. It has become clear that campus resources and facilities are being stretched. Since a large portion of Fordham students do not prioritize the university’s athletics and other aspects of the university are in need of funding, it is the Ram’s position that the university should consider redistributing some of its funds to other areas.

Page 8

OPINION

October 5, 2022

We Need to Reimagine Ancient Greece

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Jeffries’ casting is a chance for us to rethink our perception of Ancient Greece.

By KARI WHITE CULTURE EDITOR

The long-awaited cast announcement for the upcoming television series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” was released last May by Rick Riordan, the author of the book series. Having already named Walker Scobell as Percy Jackson about a month earlier, Riordan announced on his blog that Aryan Simhadri had been cast as the character Grover Underwood and Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. This casting and the controversy it elicited, mostly surrounding the choice of naming Jeffries, a Black actor, as Annabeth, brought up old arguments about the ethics of color-blind casting.

Frankly, I’m not going to bother with the specifics of that debate, as most of us already have our opinions firmly set. Instead, I want to explore one of the deeper reasons behind the naive insistence of some people to keep Annabeth white. That is, the cultural tendency the Western world has of imagining the myths of Ancient Greece, on which Riordan’s stories are based.

When it comes to Ancient Greece, Western audiences

subscribe to a myth. It’s a pervasive one, crafted by nefarious minds trying to create a lie of Western supremacy. This myth is perpetuated by a willful ignorance on the part of academics who study antiquity, film directors who cast movies based on classical stories and writers who reimagine the world of Ancient Greece. This perpetuation of Western myths creates a divide between the real stories of Ancient Greeks and how we, as Western readers and viewers, imagine them and who we imagine them as.

All we have to do to see this paradox in action is turn on a film inspired by the classical period. Films such as “Troy” and “Clash of the Titans,” which came out in 2004 and 2010 respectively, populated their sets with actors of Western European descent.

For example, both Brad Pitt, who played Achilles in the former, and Sam Worthington, who played Perseus in the latter, are of English descent.

While one could argue for the separation of mythical heroes from the ethnic contexts in which they were created, continually casting actors of northwestern European descent creates a specific image in Western audiences’ minds

of fair-skinned, light-eyed and fair-haired heroes. This pattern excludes the greater diversity of the people that lived during this time, the same people who created and shared the stories these movies portray. It is no one creator’s fault for perpetuating this myth, as this was the prevailing belief at the time. In fact, it’s only recently that this view has started to shift.

One of the main blows to the perceived “whiteness” of Ancient Greece has to do with their statues, which for the past couple hundred years have been prized for their serene, chic whiteness. There are white supremacists groups that use the white, marble statues as evidence that supports their belief in an “unblemished lineage of white Western culture” that begins in ancient Greece.

Imagine their horror when they learned that the statues were not, in fact, white. Mark Rabbe, working on an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Aphrodisias, found statues bedecked in small flecks of color, revealing the hues of skin, hair and decoration. A handful of other scholars discovered similar statues, shocked to see that such a vital part of Ancient Grecian art had been wholly ignored. Even though their studies were contemporaneous to Riordan’s writing of the Percy Jackson series, they remained on the fringe of classical study.

It was not until recently that polychromy on Greek statues came into the mainstream, even getting its own exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Artists and researchers worked alongside one another to create statues that matched the original designs to the best of their ability. If you attend this exhibit you will see that, while

some statues have lighter features, others have dark, coiled curls. Then the characters in Homer’s “Iliad” were, perhaps, not full of people who looked like Pitt and Worthington.

Some are hesitant to accept this truth. Controversy very similar to the casting of Jeffries as Annabeth sprung up when the BBC cast David Gyasi, a Black man, as Achilles in their 2018 show, “Troy: Fall of a City.” While this casting is no more anachronistic than casting Pitt, it caused outrage and subsequent discourse online.

Writing on the controversy, Tim Whitmarsh, the AG Leventis Professor of Greek culture at the University of Cambridge, argued that the casting provided space for audiences to rethink how they imagine the famous characters from Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey.”

He explains that, while Achilles is described as having medium-to-light colored hair, Homer does describe Odysseus, another hero within the saga, as Black. But not in the way we think of it. In the same article, Whitmarsh explores Homer’s physical descriptions of Odysseus and how they conflict with America’s perception of race. In two instances in the Odyssey, Athena improves Odysseus’ appearance by making him “black-skinned” and his hair appear dark and “wooly.” Whitmarsh argues that this is not necessarily ascribing to Odysseus’ characteristics that would fit him into a modern, racial category, but instead uses color to “associate him with the rugged, outdoors life he lived” and further emphasize his heroic qualities and masculinity. On the flipside, Whitmarsh explains, being described as “white-skinned” was

an insult for Ancient Greek men, as it insinuated that they spent no time outdoors competing in athletic, laborious tasks such as war.

All this is to say that the perception of who the Ancient Greeks were has changed drastically in the last 20 years, and Riordan’s choice to alter the characters within his world better honors the culture that inspired him.

In all honesty, I loved that Annabeth had light-colored eyes and blonde hair in the books, as I was overjoyed to find myself represented in one of Riordan’s smartest and toughest characters. However, film and television roles belonging to characters like Annabeth’s have gone almost exclusively to girls who look like me, whether it is in the name of historical realism or not. It is the research, inspired by my love for Riordan’s series, that led me to discover all I explained above and made me realize the importance of Jeffries’ casting. Annabeth in the books is white, she has blonde hair and light, gray eyes, yet Andromeda, a character in the original myth of Perseus, was likely Ethiopian and is exclusively played by white actresses.

People who look like Jeffries belong in stories about Ancient Greece, but they have been almost entirely excluded. It’s time that we expand the range of who is included in art based off of the Ancient Greeks, and we need to celebrate the new cast and Riordan’s decision to make his world more inclusive.

Kari White, FCRH ’24, is an English major from Wilmington, Del.

Pop Culture News is Overshadowing Far More than it Should

By CAROLYN BRANIGAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Pop culture news seems to have steadily dominated media coverage for the last few years, and the Queen of England’s recent death shows just how entranced the public becomes by celebrity news.

As an American currently studying abroad in London, it is evident to me that the queen’s death was a major historical event and worthy of respect and attention from the public. From weepy eyes to large personalized cards, every U.K. citizen I encountered had some kind of visceral reaction to the loss of their monarch.

It was beautiful to see how large an impact one woman had on, not only her country, but the world as a whole, since nearly over 28 million people around the world streamed the Queen’s funeral.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the public finding interest in famous figures.

In fact, it seems to be a point

of unity between people to discuss celebrity news. The Kardashians are proof of this phenomenon, with articles published every day about the most mundane details of their lives.

That being said, there is a current problem with the amount of airtime and attention news sources give particular stories.

This past week, a terrible hurricane struck Puerto Rico, leaving countless people without clean water, electricity or the means to receive help. Large areas of the island were damaged by heavy rain, which forecasters predict will last for several days. The island’s citizens are facing a heightened danger of landslides and flash floods, leading to the devastation of urban areas.

It seems that the disaster that occurred, however, was not covered by the media nearly as much as the queen’s funeral.

For every headline I have seen about the disaster in Puerto Rico and the steps that officials are taking to try to cope with it,

there have to be at least a dozen headlines about the royal family and how they are facing the monarch’s death dominating the News app on my iPhone.

It’s safe to assume that almost everyone in the U.K. — and much of the Western world — is aware of Elizabeth II’s passing, especially after a 10-day period of mourning during which social media, television and digital billboards have been overrun by the loss.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Fiona remains a significant ongoing news story, and not nearly enough attention is being allocated to it. There are dire consequences to this lack of media coverage, as the more that a story is pushed into the public sphere, the more people gain awareness and can thus offer assistance. If news outlets did more to cover the hurricane in Puerto Rico, then relief efforts would likely be expedited.

Unfortunately, with little assistance from the international community, hundreds of people are suffering in Puerto Rico.

It is clear that the media must satisfy public demand in order to continue operating as a business. Therefore, it is only logical that the stories with the most clicks would get boosted the most. I’m also not going to point the finger at the spectators. I’m not that interested in the royals, but everyone has some kind of pop culture obsession. However, no media outlet should make it a point to prioritize this specific type

of news over important, consequential events.

To report with integrity as journalists, stories should be equally covered, or at the very least, the difference in coverage should not be as stark as it has been between the hurricane in Puerto Rico and live-streamed funeral of Queen Elizabeth II’s.

Carolyn Branigan, FCRH ’24, is an English and Film & Television major from Tinton Falls, N.J.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

The hurricane in Puerto Rico got less media attention than the Queen’s death.

OPINION

October 5, 2022

Page 9

True Crime Content as Catharsis

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Netflix recently released “Dahmer – Monster: the Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

By OLIVIA TEARE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After extensive research, I’ve developed a hypothesis concerning the link between commuting and road trips to Spotify Podcasts: People enjoy putting on their headphones, mentally checking out and tuning into a relaxing story of violence and tragedy.

Even though true crime aficionados have been received negatively in some cases, I would argue that the genre has become a means of catharsis for the

public. Wondery, Spotify Originals and other true crime podcast studios allow listeners to explore the dark side of humanity from a safe distance. People can use these podcasts to work through past traumas, safely confront their fears or interrupt everyday life’s drudgery. It’s essential to note that the genre only represents a subset of the crimes that take place in the world. Usually, only the most extreme forms are drawn upon for storytelling, such as serial killing and rape.

It is important not to fully

buy into the sensationalization presented by true crime stories. The constant consumption of dramatized tales depicting humanity at its worst can be dangerous. After all, everything is better in moderation, and this is especially true for complex topics such as domestic abuse or assault. The CSI Effect, which is the idea that jurors have preconceived notions before entering a courtroom as a result of watching shows like CSI, is a representation of true crime’s popularity growth over recent years. An exaggerated portrayal of criminals through television and media can lead to unrealistic paranoia or speculation.

One of the most recent additions to the spur of true crime stories comes from Netflix. The streaming service recently released “Dahmer – Monster: the Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” a series about the infamous serial killer.

The show’s alleged intent was to focus on Dahmer’s victims, as most true crime stories do; true crime stories build an emotional attachment between the consumers and the victims. However, the development team overlooked the deeper narratives that could have been constructed and focused solely on the gruesome criminal acts that Dahmer performed. In the show, secondary characters were quickly reduced to sideshow attractions at the

hands of a despicable man. It is a failed attempt at a true crime masterpiece. Netflix had the material to delve deeper into the story, but simply explored coldblooded murder, episode after episode.

There is also evidence that Netflix acted insensitively toward Dahmer’s victims and their families. Rita Isbell, sister of Errol Lindsey, who was murdered by Dahmer when he was only 19 years old, spoke out in a BBC interview. Isbell expressed concern that the company didn’t consensually approach Errol’s story, as they recreated Isbell’s emotional 1992 victim impact court statement word-for-word in the show without her permission.

Additionally, some of the victims’ relatives shared that Netflix was profiting off of crimes they were not justly depicting, as the series’ focus is primarily on Dahmer. Netflix undermined the epitome of a true crime story: educating the public and promoting compassion and empathy instead of pure horror. There was zero acknowledgement on Netflix’s part for not bringing awareness to the identities, lives and individuals who fell victim to the crimes. Without a voice, the public only sees a black-andwhite image of these criminal offenses.

By excluding victims from

the narrative, Netflix belittled victims and their stories, which does not reinforce a positive connotation between true crime and fans. Psychotherapist F. Diane Barth reinforces that true crime can be beneficial as individuals can find inspiration in seeing survivors work through trauma and overcome psychological obstacles in the recovery process.

It’s more than just seeing the ins and outs of a criminal’s mind or becoming an armchair detective — crime television genuinely allows people to find comfort in relating to others, especially through media representation.

On the other hand, some viewers and listeners treasure true crime at its base value: twisted entertainment. Consumers attempting to understand the fundamental social taboo that evil stands for. As an apparent violation of a “just world,” crime stands out against our perception of right and wrong.

The discomfort and vulnerability these shows bring are typically resolved if one either detaches themselves from the media or finishes the series in its entirety. Both paths can call about a sense of justice in order in an otherwise dark setting.

Olivia Teare, FCRH ’26, is an anthropology major and peace and justice studies and linguistics minor from Duxbury, M.A.

Giorgia Meloni’s Win Is a Step Backward for Women

By ALLY DUGAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Giorgia Meloni’s victory in the race for the Prime Minister of Italy is alarming for not just Italian citizens, but people around the world.

With similar policy viewpoints to Trump, Meloni, the country’s first female prime minister, actively speaks out against women’s issues and other minority issues, such as LGBTQ+ issues. Meloni is a white conservative leader who will use her gender to further her political agenda, but in the process, will oppress women and other minorities.

On Sunday, Sept. 25, Italian citizens elected Meloni from the Brothers of Italy party to become the next prime minister of the country. She is the first farright prime minister since Benito Mussolini’s rule. She had a notable lead in the race, with 26% of

the vote, a much larger share compared to any other party representative. The new Italian Parliament will form in the upcoming weeks.

Born in Rome, Meloni has been politically active her entire life, joining the youth wing of the neofascist Italian Social Movement party when she was just 15 years old. She co-founded the Brothers of Italy party in 2012 and has led the Brothers of Italy party since 2014.

As a politician, Meloni is admired for her confidence, as she speaks with pride as a woman in a maledominated government. She even ran for mayor while seven months pregnant, in which she said, “I am a woman. I am a mother.”

The Brothers of Italy, or “Fratelli d’Italia,” are a conservative and right-wing populist party, notorious for their fascist and far-right wing perspectives and policies. Their ideologies include national conservatism, nativism,

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Italian citizens elected Giorgia Meloni to become the next prime minister.

Euroscepticism and opposition to immigration.

Meloni is implementing those ideologies in her political agenda. In the past couple of weeks, she has been actively speaking out against immigration and the European Union and calling for more family friendly benefits and low taxes for Italians.

One of the most harrowing aspects of Meloni’s agenda is her stance on immigration. In a country where 1 out of 10 people are born abroad, her anti-immigration opinions are worrisome.

Even more shocking, Meloni’s party is against same-sex marriage.

The New York Times reports that Meloni “is not going to alter existing civil rights, but that what is best for a child is to have both a mother and a father.”

It is interesting that Meloni calls for heteronormativity when she claims to promote unity of all Italians. In her victory speech in late September, she said, “if we will be called to govern this country, we will do it for all Italians; for everybody, with the goal of uniting this people, of stressing what unites rather than what divides.”

Meloni’s call for unity is especially ignorant given her divisive and polarizing political agenda.

The idea of unity is similar to a focus on inclusion, and being the first woman leader of a powerful country can look like “inclusion” to the naked eye. However, once we analyze her political opinions, her party and her political background, it is clear that just because

Meloni is a woman does not mean she stands for all women. We can observe this phenomenon with other women leaders around the globe.

Former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, who is known for being liberal, voted against samesex marriage in 2017 for Germany, even stating: “For me, personally, marriage is a man and a woman living together.” Merkel had consistently aligned herself with the “liberal West,” yet still displayed quite traditional, outdated social views.

Even in the U.S., Vice President Kamala Harris was praised for becoming the first woman to become vice president. This was a celebration of inclusion and triumph for diversity, as Harris is a Black and Indian woman.

However, when fully understanding her politics and her history as Attorney General of California and Senator of California until 2021, many have brought awareness to the fact that she is often contradictory in her beliefs and her past actions, having defended mass incarceration and kept more people in jail for longer amounts of time.

Harris has promoted programs to help keep people out of jail, but her history and background are still relevant to understanding her views and political standpoint.

While all of these women are monumental figures and represent political inclusion, it does not mean they are fighting for women’s issues and furthering a liberal agenda. In cases like Meloni’s and

Merkel’s, this contradiction stems from white feminism and how it affects politics, with women leaders solely seeking to “include” and represent white, heterosexual, cisgender women.

However, it is important to note that Meloni’s politics are much further right than Merkel and Harris.

Her politics have been compared to former President Donald Trump and controversial Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene.

In the past, Meloni has consistently been homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic and racist in her actions and rhetoric. It is unfair to group her with Merkel and Harris solely because they are all women, but it is important to note that even leaders with diverse backgrounds can still promote policies that negatively impact their own demographic.

Meloni is extremely dangerous for the future of Italy, and her party represents a great political shift that could occur in all of Europe. It will be important to watch Spain in its upcoming elections, for example.

Meloni’s rule is worrisome for Italians of all different backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, etc. If she is so passionate about “unity” in her country, my hope is that she will not vote for any policies that go against freedom of expression and identity.

Ally Dugan, FCRH ’23, is a communications and culture major from West Chester, Penn.

OPINION

Page 10

October 5, 2022

Avoiding the Murky Waters of Greenwashing

COURTESY OF PIA FISCHETTI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Climate Week NYC 2022 occurred Sept. 19 through Sept. 25.

By NICOLE BRAUN OPINION EDITOR

It’s not easy being green.

With Climate Week NYC happening just a few weeks ago, it is the perfect time to reflect on our relationship with the environment as consumers. As the condition of our planet has worsened over the past few decades, thanks in large part to the unsustainable production tactics of massive corporations, consumers have been looking to purchase more eco-friendly, or “green,” products. In fact, 85% of people across a span of 17 countries “indicate that they have shifted their purchase behavior towards being more sustainable in the past five years.”

There are a host of tactics companies implement to make their products green, such as sourcing their materials more ethically and

sustainably or creating their packaging out of recycled materials.

However, what a lot of companies end up doing is greenwashing. It is our responsibility as consumers to do our own research to avoid supporting greenwashed companies.

Greenwashing is when companies “invest more time and money on marketing their products or brand as ‘green’ rather than actually doing the hard work to ensure that it is sustainable,” according to medium.com. Companies partake in greenwashing by either being vague about what they are doing to make their products more eco-friendly, or by lying outright.

In a report by the Green Business Bureau, “in 42% of cases, green claims were exaggerated, false or deceptive.”

Greenwashing is not only misleading, but it undermines the

work of truly environmentally ethical companies who are sincerely trying to limit the harm they cause this planet.

Let’s take a closer look at laundry detergents for a concrete example of greenwashing in action.

In 2016, Tide launched their plantbased PurClean detergent. However, if you read the fine print, it is only made up of 75% plant-based ingredients. That other quarter of ingredients? They are cleaning aids derived from petroleum (which is clearly a non-sustainable resource), and though it only makes up a quarter of the solvent, those “cleaning aids are the most potent of ingredients used in the detergent,” according to a classaction suit filed against Tide’s parent company, Procter & Gamble.

Compare this to a brand like Ecos. Ecos has been manufacturing wholly plant-based and vegan detergents since the 1990s, and the company has received awards from important organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency. If a brand like Ecos is so deeply committed to producing environmentally conscious products, and Tide’s PurClean is so much shallower and moneyhungry in comparison, then why does it even matter that Tide is greenwashing?

It matters because, even though Tide is the inferior detergent when it comes to sustainability, they have something that Ecos doesn’t: brand recognition. On Amazon’s list of best-selling detergents, Tide dominates; Tide products make up seven out of the top 10

list. According to the Global Banking & Finance Review, “71% of consumers said it was very or somewhat important that they recognise a brand before they make a purchase.” If Tide is the best-selling brand, then consumers are far more likely to recognize it and buy it compared to the lesser-known, if more authentic, Ecos. Tide’s PurClean is a perfect example of greenwashing because Tide is using its status as an industry giant to dwarf the competition and sell consumers a product preaching phony planetary promises.

But is greenwashing the only answer in our capitalist, profitdriven world? I don’t think so.

Even though there may seem to be a fundamental disharmony between capitalism and ethical environmental practices, the very existence of companies like Ecos proves that there is a market for more sincere products, even if they are overshadowed by their deceitful competitors. That being said, it is harder for those on a tight budget to shop sustainably, as the cost to produce sustainable products is “an average of 75 to 85 percent more expensive.”

Greenwashing is so frustrating because it is companies doing their best to convince consumers that they care about the environment without committing to any actual environmental action. Greenwashed companies know that their customers want and care about environmentallyfriendly products, and they’ll do just enough to convey that

illusion without actually following through. It is reminiscent of companies adding rainbows to their marketing during Pride month in an empty effort to demonstrate their LGBTQ+ allyship. Adding a leaf to a newly earth-toned logo and thinking that’s enough is hollow and condescending.

But it’s also frustrating that we fall for it.

In our defense, we are constantly inundated with advertising buzzwords in this capitalistic society of ours, and companies are always trying to convince us that they are the most “organic” or “plant-based” thing on the market. We’re busy consumers — we don’t always have time to research our brands before we buy them or look at the environmental ramifications of our purchases.

And, sometimes, we like to do the bare minimum, too; it’s easier to reach for the detergent brand with the novel green leaf on the label that we’ve used our whole lives, than to do our homework and consider how we may be perpetuating harmful business practices.

As consumers, we need to be more aware of the prevalence of greenwashing, and we need to call it out when we see it. If we really want to be environmentally ethical and conscious shoppers, we need to put in the time, because we clearly can’t trust companies to be on our side — or our planet’s.

Nicole Braun, FCRH ’24, is an English major from Saddle River, N.J.

Alex Jones: Exploitation Through Conservative Buzzwords

By DANIELLA TERILLI ASST. OPINION EDITOR EMERITA

Notorious conspiracy theorist and InfoWars host Alex Jones is currently in the midst of a defamation trial as a result of his statements regarding the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. If you haven’t heard of Jones’s comments, he began claiming the shooting was a hoax within hours of the tragedy.

For nearly a decade, Jones continued this crusade and insisted that the shooting was “staged” by the government and a ploy “engineered to interfere with Second Amendment rights.” This appalling rhetoric somehow worsened recently when Jones asserted that he is “done being sorry” for his actions during the trial in Connecticut. When it comes to free speech, there is a line. And Jones crossed it a long time ago.

This isn’t a declaration that Jones should be imprisoned for his statements on Sandy Hook. Free speech is an incredibly valuable right granted to us by the Constitution, and it shouldn’t be limited just because others may disagree with what one says. However, Jones’ commentary on Sandy Hook falls way beyond freedom of

speech. He lied to millions of listeners and incited his fans to harass the families of murdered children.

Jones specifically slammed Robbie Parker, whose sixyear-old daughter was killed at Sandy Hook, telling his audience that Parker was a crisis actor and calling his emotional tribute to his daughter “disgusting.” Jones’ targeting of Parker led to believers of the hoax sending the family online abuse and death threats, as well as an incident where someone even verbally attacked Parker in public, years after the shooting. Freedom of speech doesn’t equal freedom from consequences, and Jones should absolutely have to pay restitution to the families he defamed.

Even during these ongoing trials, Jones’ behavior shows a grave lack of accountability.

He has recently made inane references to China and “struggle sessions” and claimed the families’ lawyers are part of “the liberals who killed Iraqis.” At this point, I don’t think Jones is even attempting to make an actual argument; he’s merely deflecting to random topics and conservative buzzwords to avoid taking responsibility for his behavior. Jones knows that people who hold the same ideologies as him will hear

“China” and “liberals” and immediately take his side based on their preformed views. Thus, Jones is able to retain support, even with his vile sentiments on full display.

This readiness to agree with Jones as he deflects his responsibility certainly points to a significant and concerning trend: many people are quick to back others they assume align with their opinions without fully looking into situations and doing their own research. Jones knows what he’s doing. His acknowledgment that the shooting was real becomes hollow once he follows it up by saying, “I legitimately thought it might have been staged and I stand by that. I don’t apologize for it.”

Paying damages to those affected by the Sandy Hook shooting might be the only way for Jones to grasp that lying to millions of people and making light of the mass murder of young children is unacceptable.

We should also address this story’s huge, glaring irony, one that I’m not sure Jones or his supporters are aware of. Jones asserted that the government orchestrated a hoax (the shooting) in order to further its political agenda (stronger gun control laws). But Jones was actually the one to perpetuate a lie to further his agenda (full

Second Amendment support).

The obvious irony of Jones’ lies would be comical if the subject matter weren’t so heartbreaking. When you couple Jones’ hypocrisy with the fact that he profited $165 million while spreading misinformation about Sandy Hook, the entire situation becomes even more grotesque.

The pain that Jones caused grieving parents on top of their already devastating losses is horrendous. I can’t express it any better than Jennifer Hensel, the mother of six-year-old Avielle who was killed at Sandy Hook, did with her testimony.

Conspiracy theorists accused Hensel of helping the govern-

ment fake the shooting and that Avielle was still alive. Hensel’s response: “God, if she were, wouldn’t that be amazing?”

Jones’ role in exploiting these families is simply unforgivable.

To subject these families to harassment and vitriol after what they have already been through is soulless beyond what words can describe.

Jones deserves to pay whatever amount the courts order as a fair punishment, and even then, it won’t be nearly enough to make up for his actions.

Daniella Terilli, GSB ’24, is a marketing major from Westchester, NY.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Alex Jones is in the midst of a defamation trial over his harsh comments.

CULTURE

October 4, 2022

Page 11

Studying Abroad | Paris, France

Growing A Little Closer With Paris

By EMMA LIPKIND COLUMNIST

“Mon chéri, donne-moi le canard s’il te plaît.” Camille didn’t really have to ask Pierre to pass the duck, he was already reaching for the dish to refill her empty plate. All night they both seemed to be one step ahead of each other, communicating in codes like a delicate squeeze of the hand or a cheeky glance. At 28, they had the romantic spark of a doe-eyed high school couple. Camille sat at the head of the table, opposite of Pierre’s chic “maman,” leaving him and I sandwiched between the two powerhouses. Despite being the furthest apart, they carried the conversation all night, filling the living room with laughs, grand questions and small pokes that could’ve turned into an argument, but didn’t.

Reading back that paragraph, it sounds like I’m describing a scene from a cliché but still somehow entertaining show about a Parisian family. I can assure you, though, that this is real life (although I’m finding that hard to believe myself).

Like many things I’ve experienced in Paris thus far, I wasn’t supposed to be at this dinner. To explain, the chic “maman” is actually my host mother.

She planned this night with the expectation that I would be at a ballet event hosted by my program. After the show was canceled last minute because of worker strikes — which I’ve been told is very French — she added a place setting to the table for me.

Throughout the two-hour long ordeal, past the language barrier and abundant questions about America, specifically why some houses have both dining rooms and kitchens, all I could focus on was Camille and Pierre.

Despite the seemingly neverending negative French stereotypes I’ve touched on in these articles, this was the first time I bore witness to perhaps a more positive one: how much they prioritize love and romance.

Of course, Paris is the city of love, but it seems that love is reserved for intimate spaces only. That might sound selfevident, but the softness I’ve seen between lovers in this city is not what they evoke in the streets, the metro, the stores, anywhere. I guess that makes sense, but being with Pierre and Camille was the first time I was allowed into this kind of space, to watch the fireworks that make this city famous.

Their love added a new dimension to my experience, but it also shifted something in my instinct

to be pessimistic. After the main course was over, in the short break before dessert, Camille sat perched on the arm of Pierre’s chair. Still chatting with his mom, he passed her his glass containing the wine bottle’s last remnants. It was these innocuous moments that felt the loudest, the most representative of their relationship and affection. And I feel lucky to have been in the presence of something so pure. It clearly doesn’t happen often here.

I’ve been in Paris for just about a month, and I’ve already heard countless first-person accounts of people coming to the city for love, whether to chase it, secure it or search for it. My monthlong timestamp means that I’ve had enough time to ease into the culture shocks and finally begin understanding why everyone is in such a trance when it comes to Paris. I guess this is all to say that Camille and Pierre reminded me of a sentiment Nadia shared with me a few weeks ago (check my last article if you don’t know Nadia). She basically told me that as hard as it is now, as foreign as it feels, once I scratch the surface I will have no choice but to love Paris. Having unlocked this new insight into what the city can truly offer, I feel like I’m ready to go past the surface.

I have just two and a half

months left in Paris. It’s colder and raining more, but it’s not nearly as gloomy as New York this time of year. I can’t say I miss walking in the wind tunnels next to Walsh and getting splashed by rain puddles in the city when a car drives through them. But thinking of charms from life back home, how they appeared slowly with each new experience, makes me excited for what else I’m going to discover about Paris. So far, I’ve

found that the baguette, cheese and jam trio is absolutely worth the hype and that as soon as it hits 5 p.m., you better not be caught saying “bonjour,” but “bonsoir” or “bonne soirée” instead.

Each encounter I’ve written about so far (plus more that I’m keeping secret) have helped me peel back a layer or two of this city. I don’t know how many layers there will be, but I’m looking forward to uncovering a few more.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Love for a place, especially when abroad, tends to grows slowly.

Bronx Business Highlight | Lee’s Restuarant

Lee’s Restaurant: When You’re Tired of Italian

By ALYSSA SAWICKI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When you think of food outside Fordham, I’m assuming many of you think of Arthur Ave., the Little Italy of the Bronx. While the neighborhood outside of campus is known most for its Italian restaurants and numerous bakeries, there are some lesser known restaurants right outside the Fordham gates. One of my favorites is undoubtedly Lee’s Restaurant, a small Chinese takeout place, located at 626 E. 187th St. It’s located across from Gong Cha with a large red and white sign out front, so you can’t miss it.

Open morning until night, Lee’s Chinese food has been a consistent spot for all of us who need a late dinner, perfect for a quick meal at a reasonable price.

When you walk in, you’re greeted with bright light and good smells. The place is small, so unfortunately there’s no room for sitting and eating, but your meal is quickly prepared and you can wait inside and out of the cold until it’s ready. The kitchen and main space are in the same area, so you’ll be right there smelling your food being made a mere feet away. To your left is a giant mirrored wall (note for all those who want a laid back date night, checking your hair in the mirror here is a major life saver), and to your right is a window where Mr. Lee and his employees ask for

your order and make the meals.

With the Fordham bug and the ever-looming COVID-19 in the air, the clear wall separating the employees from the rest of the restaurant helps to ease our fears and theirs of possible contagions. It is a perfect place to get a warm meal as the colder weather approaches, and you can figure out your order easily with all the menus laid out and easy to find. The menu has a large array of foods for good prices, most things being between $6-12. It’s like your local Chinese restaurant back home, with that same promise of your favorite comfort food.

Like most other college students relying on financial aid, I need a place to eat that isn’t going to cost me $30. Lee’s Chinese Food has great prices for all us broke students, with plates of chicken, broccoli and rice all for under $10. I have never gone and been told they’ve run out of a certain product either, so rest assured they’ll probably have your General Tso’s right on time.

The food is also consistently good, Google Reviews giving a 4.3 out of 5, so don’t worry, no day-old rice here. As you can see, most of the reviews are not from Fordham students, but I think that just shows how beloved the restaurant is to the Bronx community. This is also an encouragement for you to go and bump up the reviews yourself. Give your honest

opinion and contribute to the community’s growing reviews.

The atmosphere is very welcoming with pleasantries and friendliness all around, and the employees are very polite and you’ll find yourself in a better mood because of it. There aren’t a lot of workers there so you’ll see familiar faces the more you go. The restaurant is homey enough that Mr. Lee will even remember recurring

customers, so it is a very happy surprise when you walk in and see that familiar smiling face greeting you.

I’ve gone a couple of times, so I can say with confidence the Chicken Lo Mein is hard to beat. The sticky white rice is always a nice touch, but for all those eating healthy I guess I recommend the brown rice too.

The egg rolls are perfect after a long day when you just need

something fried and crunchy.

After a long day of classes, noodles are just what I need to sit back and relax while watching my favorite fall shows, so I’m guessing the same can be said for a lot of you. Go and support your favorite local Chinese restaurant and walk over to Lee’s. Just remember to ask for a couple of those fortune cookies before you go, and enjoy your meal.

COURTESY OF KARI WHITE / THE FORDHAM RAM

Lee’s Restaurant is a great alternative for Fordham students who are looking for a cuisine besides Italian.

CULTURE

Page 12

October 5, 2022

Little Amal Walks Through the Bronx

By ABIGAIL MARTIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last Sunday, Sept. 25 2022, Little Amal walked through the streets of the Bronx on a mission. “Who is Little Amal?” you may ask. She is a

12-foot puppet who travels the globe to represent the stories of countless child refugees forced to separate from their parents and flee their homes due to war and persecution.

What is her story? Little Amal is a 10-year-old Syrian

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Little Amal marches through the Bronx to raise awareness of refugees.

refugee who has been separated from her mother and has traveled across more than 12 countries in search of her. Her passage, known officially as “The Walk,” tells her story to the world and allows her to serve as an international symbol for compassion and human rights. Her message: “Don’t forget about us,” uniting thousands with similar stories in solidarity.

As for the Bronx encounter itself, the Walk was absolutely breathtaking. Nothing could have prepared me for how powerful Little Amal’s presence really was. Her physical body was great, made of wood and wires, but her spirit was even greater. I remember how we followed her in awe through the streets. It was a large gathering. The police were guiding us, blocking off the roads to protect us from traffic. I remember how she would stop every so often to turn and look at us as we cheered. She would dance as we chanted, swaying back and forth to our praises.

Sometimes, she would even bow to us and shake our hands.

The crowd was of all different backgrounds and ages, yet we walked in solidarity with Little Amal, enamored by her message. Our chants were in many different languages, but they all meant the same thing.

“Keep Walking!” we would scream, encouraging our heroine to continue her journey and complete her mission. Many held up pre-made signs of their own creation with words written on them such as “Welcome to the Bronx” and “Our Home is Your Home” in bold colors and letters. Additionally, numerous people held instruments in their hands as well. Some had tambourines while others had makeshift maracas they made by filling tupperware with beans. Nevertheless, we all chanted to the same beat. The air was filled with music as we marched together through the streets of the Bronx.

Eventually, we made it to a small park on Evelyn Place, Little Amal’s final destination for the day. There, a circle was formed around her, and the music intensified as the HipHop crew, Dynamic Rockers, breakdanced for the crowd and for the traveling icon. The cheers grew louder and louder as the crew blew us away, their talent representing the rich musical culture of the Bronx. I watched as Little Amal’s eyes grew wide in wonder as she witnessed the sight. By then, the sun had set, and we were encapsulated in the night scene, surrounded by street lamps as well as each other’s bittersweet smiles as

we realized our walk was coming to an end. We watched as security cleared an opening for her as she waved to us goodbye. Each and every one of us waved back wishing her well on her epic journey.

In all honesty, watching her leave hurt. However, her story has not and will not come to an end. Little Amal will continue to walk and will continue to spread her message to the world. According to the Artistic Director of “The Walk” Amir Nizar Zuabi, the purpose of Little Amal is to “change the narrative.” She is meant to highlight the fact that “Yes, refugees need food and water, but they also need dignity and a voice.” Such an icon serves to stand as that voice, to bring together the rich cultures of refugees and immigrants and to celebrate diversity. The team of “The Walk” hold onto hope that Little Amal’s abundant presence will spotlight “the potential of the refugee, not just their dire circumstances.”

They revere the contributions of the refugees to their new societies and commemorate the overwhelming beauty of them. To this day, Little Amal continues to inspire countless people with her example of courage. The only question left to ask is, “How will you choose to welcome her?”

Who’s That Kid?| Nikki Estelami, GSB ’24

Junior Finds Her Passion in Music and Marketing

By ISABEL DANZIS NEWS EDITOR

Nikki Estelami, GSB ’24, did not start her college career at Fordham University.

Before coming to Fordham for her second semester freshman year, she was in jazz school at McGill University playing the upright bass.

Estelami traded in her bass for a very different route of study at Fordham, a degree in business administration with a marketing concentration. Estelami explained that she chose to leave McGill for a variety of reasons. During 2020, when she started the program, it was all online. That, coupled with the competitiveness for jobs in the music industry and jazz not being her favorite type of music, Estelami made the choice to leave after one semester.

“The program at McGill was living, breathing and eating jazz. And it was too much. At Fordham I can play the music I want to, which is funny because I’m not in music school anymore,” said Estelami.

However, leaving a highly creative path of study for a more traditional one has posed its challenges for Estelami. As a creative person, she tries as hard as possible to find places in her studies that she is able to express herself. That is actually part of what brought her to

marketing in the first place.

“I picked marketing in Gabelli because I felt like out of all the studies in Gabelli, that was the one with the most flexibility and the most room for creativity,” said Estelami. “I’m a visual arts minor as well, and that helps because it plays into marketing as well as my creativity.”

Estelami plans to try to find her own path in the business world, one that can fulfill her creative and musical side as well as her business side.

“What I’ve found, especially now that I’m a junior, there’s a lot of job openings for business degrees in creative companies, like publishing houses and music agencies. With business, the plan is just to kind of carve out my own career,” said Estelami.

Since leaving music school, Estelami has not stopped making music. According to Estelami, playing music as a pastime as opposed to playing it for a degree has allowed her to expand her musical abilities. Estelami plays in three bands at Fordham: Just Email, Ed Pines and Room de Dark. And according to Estelami, the bands and getting to know other musicians came about naturally. Just Email was created through a “Battle of the Bands” competition hosted by Fordham, and Ed Pines came about through meeting other bands after Just Email was

created last summer.

For Estelami, this music community was important, and it was something that she sought out after transferring.

“I was worried. I remember when I was a freshman, I was like ‘I need to find people who I can play music with, I just came from this institution where I was playing music 24/7 and all of a sudden I’m not playing it all,’” said Estelami.

Estelami and her bands play all around the Fordham area, as well as in Queens and Brooklyn. In addition to off-campus locations, Estelami is no stranger to playing Fordham events on campus.

In fact one of her fondest memories with Just Email was playing last year’s Under the Tent dance hosted by the Resident’s Hall Association (RHA).

“Under the Tent was for sure my favorite memory of playing at Fordham. I remember we played ‘Mr. Brightside’ and one other song, and people were singing along to both songs,” said Estelami. “It was awesome to see people that I’ve had classes with or was in RHA with, just singing along. That was the most gratifying experience of my life.”

In addition to seeing all of her peers sing and dance along to their performance, Estelami also felt that Just Email’s performance was one of their best.

“Ed Pines also played [at Under

the Tent] but for Just Email I left thinking ‘that was our best gig ever,’” said Estelami.

According to Estelami, the community that Fordham music has brought her has been unmatched. It has been a way to keep her musical side alive after leaving music school

and has helped her expand her boundaries socially.

“The music community is so supportive. There’s a lot of overlap, but it’s not super competitive or cliquey. I’ve found the more I meet people, the more everyone just wants to jam together,” said Estelami.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Keeping an open mind to new experiences can help create great memories.

CULTURE

October 5, 2022

Page 13

Editor’s Pick | Music

Mac Miller’s Album “Circles” Immortalizes His Talent

By MADDIE BIMONTE ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

There are few albums that draw me in from the first single. I often have to listen to an album in its entirety to truly understand its tone and the mood. That was never the case for me when I heard the first track off of the late Mac Miller’s posthumous album “Circles.”

What connected me to Miller’s work the most was his raw emotions that would come alive on his tracks. Through rap and R&B, Miller explored his mental health struggles, personal relationships and his view of the world, tastefully and creatively.

Meant to be a companion to his previous record breaking album “Swimming,” the project was supposed to be completed in a trilogy, with the first two albums coming together to form “Swimming in Circles.” “Swimming” was one of my favorite albums at the time of its release as it showed Miller’s ability to step into a different genre of music that he was interested in exploring: R&B. Miller’s guitar hooks and plucky instrumentals, combined with orchestral instrumentals fused together to create a perfect symphony. The album just felt right from the start, from the opening song “Come Back To Earth” to the spacey and plucky closer “So It Goes.”

The album “Circles” holds such

bittersweet memories as it was released the day after my 18th birthday. I am one of the biggest Miller fans, and when he passed a few months prior, I was in a state of shock. After “Swimming,” I was expecting so much. His growth continued to shine on every new project and I was anticipating going to his tour and getting to hear these songs I’ve loved live.

His lead single from the album, “Good News,” captivated me instantly. I remember shedding tears listening to my now-gone favorite artist, listening to the subject matter of loneliness, depression and more importantly, hope. The song inspired me so much to remember that there will always be tomorrow, that I got the title tattooed on my arm. A permanent thank you to the artist that changed my life.

“Circles” opens with quite possibly one of my favorite opening lines, “Well, this is what it looks like right before you fall.” A nonchalant opening especially after what we as the listener knew of Miller’s fate. It is in the first song that we learn the whole purpose of the album — Miller being stuck in a circle he cannot escape from. For many, the circle is a metaphor for the struggles we face everyday. It’s a painfully relatable metaphor that so many can relate to.

But while the subject matter of the album remains bleak, the instrumentals bounce. There’s a

clear funk undertone picked up by Miller on the piece to balance out the weighty lyrics. “Complicated” is a perfect example of this. From the high synths to the snappy drum beat, it’s hard to remember the song as a reflection of how complicated and disastrous his life is.

Other songs like “Blue World” and “I Can See” follow this same pattern. Miller experimented a lot with this style throughout the years, even releasing jazzy styled albums under a pseudonym “Larry Lovenstein.”

Another favorite track of mine has to be “Hand Me Downs,” a slower guitar ballad with a casual, thumpy drum beat. The line “That’s charity, um, I move carelessly, that’s why I’m always trippin’” reflects a variety of meanings, showcasing Miller’s witty wordplay. It reflects the stumbling habits of someone drinking, the connotation of “trippin’” being used as someone who is freaking out and also someone who may be using substances to cope.

This is something Miller has all but admitted to doing all throughout his albums.

No song may hit harder than the closer, “Once a Day,” as Miller repeats lines of hope to his listeners, even as he may be hopeless himself. “Don’t keep it all in your head / The only place that you know nobody ever can see” has to be another one of my favorite lines off the album.

The album ends on an unstable chord that can only be resolved by playing the first chord off the companion album “Swimming.”

This is just another clever use of production that Miller has become so adept at over the years.

“Circles” was not nominated for a Grammy Award, something I always viewed as a terrible

misfortune, especially after his album “Swimming” lost for Rap/ R&B Album of the Year. But to me, the impact of the album on not only myself, but many others makes up for it in a way. It’s a shame Miller never got to see the aftermath of the release, but it’s clear to me, Miller created the perfect circle of music with this release.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Mac Miller’s “Circles” is the perfect send-off to a beloved artist.

Fordham Photography Club: Worth a Thousand Words

By TONY CUELLAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It is dark outside as I step into Freeman 103 where a group of eager-eyed students wait for the second Photography Club meeting of the semester to begin. A few minutes past 8 p.m., the group’s president and club founder, Abby Housberg, FCRH ’23, welcomes back members from the interest meeting. She reveals that the Executive Board will be teaching the basics of camera settings and, more importantly, how to adjust those settings to capture the perfect picture. She notices some worried expressions in the crowd and reassures everybody that this lesson will be helpful “for advanced users and also those who have never touched a camera before.” Like some students in the lecture hall, Housberg’s words comfort me because, while I love taking pictures, I know next to nothing about how to operate a camera. After finishing her announcements, Housberg passes the mic to the club’s vice president, Trevor Zicherman, FCRH ’24. Zicherman walks the room through the three primary camera settings: shutter speed, aperture and ISO. His detailed and digestible explanations provide a clear and almost intuitive illustration of how and when to use certain tools. To name a few examples, a fast shutter speed slows motion, which is helpful for capturing sporting events.

Moreover, an f/2.8 aperture creates a focused image, whereas an

f/16 aperture creates a wider depth of field. The E-board laughs as the vice president displays a complex chart on the screen. “Don’t worry,” Housberg interjects, “if you feel this chart went right over your head, then that makes two of us.”

We all laugh with her.

Last weekend, Zicherman took a few excited members on a Manhattan excursion. I sat down with him to ask how it went. He told me that he specializes in photographing cityscapes and wanted to bring a few interested members to a cool spot. The group ventured to Pier 57 Rooftop Park in Hudson Yards, which has an exquisite view of downtown Manhattan as well as the city’s latest addition, Little Island. I inquired about what he focused on teaching.

“I wanted to be hands off and did not want to disturb [club members] from taking pictures. I wanted to be a fly on the wall and only help if they needed me or had questions,” Zicherman said. He adds that there is no correct way to take a picture.

A photograph is one’s art and every creative decision lies with each photographer. He was there to offer suggestions when prompted without stepping on anyone’s toes.

I admire his decision to take a step back because, as the E-Board mentioned, there are members with varying skill levels, some relatively advanced. There was a fascinating anecdote from one member who had the delightful opportunity of capturing the SpaceX rocket as it illuminated the sky. The

photographer exclaims, “we were taking pictures and suddenly saw something blue in the sky. It looked like this white light, and as we kept observing, we realized what it was.

I didn’t even know it was a thing.”

This surprise event and the whole excursion sounded marvelous, and it made me wonder if Zicherman will be holding future workshops.

He replies affirmatively and mentions that last year, the club ran an exposure workshop which focused on capturing objects in the dark.

The club leaders took glow sticks and taught members how to take cool pictures of them in low light.

He would like to do that again. The E-Board also expressed interest in doing more cityscape photography and going to a park to capture fall scenes and colors. Later in the semester, they are thinking about visiting the Botanical Gardens, which I am personally excited for.

Last but not least, I sat down with the club’s president. I asked, “Why did you decide to start this

club?” Housberg revealed that she had done photography on and off campus for a while but was disappointed there was no central place for photographers to congregate.

Instead of accepting this reality, she found others with similar interests, took the idea to OSI and started the club. Housberg was able to acquire an impressive amount of funding from Fordham which paid for cameras, lights and other equipment so that members would not need a camera to participate in the club or go on excursions.

Housberg explained that it has been very rewarding to “connect with other clubs and campus organizations and meet photographers of all levels.” She joked that “she’s the glue that holds the club together,” planning and executing events, overseeing club interactions and looking for more ways to engage and get opportunities.

Inquisitively, I asked what tips she has for photographers not knowing where to begin. Immediately, she

stated, “Experiment. Take as many pictures as possible.”

The E-Board members gave various pieces of advice as well.

They implored every photographer to ponder the following questions, “What is the story you want to convey?” and “What do you like to photograph?” One club leader added, “You want an overexposed image rather than an underexposed one. Take multiple images at different exposures and settings and take more pictures than you think you need to.” Lastly, and most importantly, “Rules in photography are there as suggestions.

Experiment and do what you like to and how you like to. A picture is a picture.”

If you are interested in joining the Fordham Photography Club, feel free to either email them at photographyclub@fordham. edu or DM them on Instagram @fordham_photopraphyclub on Instagram to inquire about how to join.

COURTESY OF MIA BATTISTA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham’s photography club ventured into Manhattan to practice landscape photography with the city skyline.

CULTURE

Page 14

October 5, 2022

“MOSS”: The Perfect Album for the Fall Season

By AVA PASTORE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As an avid fan of the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things,” I was extremely intrigued to listen to Maya Hawke’s album “MOSS,” released on Sept. 23, 2022. Prior to writing this article, I was not aware that Hawke had a career in music in addition to her role as Robin in the Netflix original. I was not sure of what to expect from this album, as I didn’t know the genre of music that Hawke specialized in, nor had I heard a track by her. I was, however, pleasantly surprised with the depth and lyricism of every track on “MOSS,” and found myself listening to the album for the entirety of my day.

Upon listening to the first track of the album titled “Backup Plan,” I was instantly put at ease with the opening serenade of a folk guitar beat, similar to what I would expect to hear in a Phoebe Bridgers track. The lyricism in addition to the tranquil instrumentals had me completely entranced throughout the three-minute track, which I proceeded to immediately add to my library, as well as my autumn playlist. The following tracks, “Bloomed Into Blue” and “Hiatus,” follow the same, relaxing melodies with the lyrics

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Maya Hawke’s “MOSS” features more than 13 songs complete with tranquil, soft and emotional melodies.

telling stories of both growth and innocent love. The listener’s spirits are then quickly lifted with “Sweet Tooth,” an upbeat, reminiscent song about being grateful for a past love, comparing it to a “sore sweet tooth.” I especially enjoyed this track, as Hawke takes the listener through a metaphorical journey that tells the story of the good that came out of a terminated love. As a Swiftie, I love to listen to both the lyrics as well as the melody, and

the lyricism of “Crazy Kid ft. Will Graefe” reminded me of the heartbreaking but euphoric story-telling in Swift’s albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” A line that specifically stood out to me in Hawke’s song was, “I wanted everything mine to be yours too/Including the pain of losing you.” By the middle of the album, the artist has already managed to activate the listener’s emotions through her use of language and melody, which I always

appreciate in music. The listener’s emotions soon plummet with the melancholy tone of “Luna Moth.”

This song is a beautiful comparison between the simple event of crushing a luna moth with the devastating experience of heartbreak. Hawke’s use of these comparisons in her tracks add depth to the album, and I continued to notice this in the following tracks of “South Elroy,” “Thérèse,” “Sticky Little Words” and “Over.” The

figurative language that Hawke incorporates into almost every track on “MOSS” made me wish there were more than 13 songs on the album. “Restless Moon,” “Driver” and “Mermaid Bar” are the perfect tracks to close out the album with their tranquil and soft melodies.

I found myself both entering and exiting the album feeling not only relaxed, but at peace. I think Hawke did an amazing job of curating an album that makes the listener feel something. Whether this is sadness, heartbreak, nostalgia or tranquility, “MOSS,” actively ignited feelings inside of me while listening. I personally love music that can fully transport the listener to other settings, and these songs did exactly that. With “Backup Plan,” I could envision myself walking through Central Park on an autumn day surrounded by warm-colored leaves and pumpkin spiced lattes, while “Bloomed into Blue,” transported me into a nostalgic state where I could see children frolicking on a playground. I find myself completely captivated by this album, and if you see me walking to class this semester with my airpods in, there is a very good chance that I will be listening to “MOSS.”

The Bond of Poetry and Living Things

By KARI WHITE CULTURE EDITOR

Saying goodbye to the painted tables laden with produce, some painted and others woven, the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG) has ushered in a new exhibit for the fall season. Curated by Joshua Bennet, a Bronx-born poet and scholar, and created in partnership with the Poetry Society of America, the exhibit explores Black poetry and performance in the context of nature. “The Bond of Live Things Everywhere” will run from Sept. 17 to Nov. 6, inviting all within that time to reimagine their connection with the environment through poetry.

According to the first of many wooden panels, which greets the visitor at the beginning of the Mitsubishi Wetland trail, Bennet drew his inspiration for the exhibit from “‘The Clearing’ — a green space cut deep in the woods where a free Black community finds grace in Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved.’”

For those unaware, “Beloved” takes place directly after the Civil War and follows the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman who believes the malevolent spirit haunting her family belongs to the child she killed to spare them from slavery. In the story, “The Clearing” serves as a space for the freed, Black community to comfort one another and overcome the horrors within their memories. Bennet’s hope with this exhibit is to call people to

“The Clearing,” inviting them “to encounter the planet we call home on new, and more liberating, terms.”

The exhibit wholly surrounds the visitor, wrapping them in an immersive blanket woven from sound, sight and touch.

It’s hard to tell where the exhibit ends and the typical atmosphere of the Mitsubishi Wetland begins. As audio of poems being read aloud blares from speakers, birds call to one another about food, territory, perhaps even the poetry. The cattails gone to seed and the overgrown, summer foliage of the wetland shrubbery highlight the dark words carved onto the wooden panels that stood along the walk.

Even the feel of the engraved words, which Bennet begs his audience to touch, is changed by the wayward bug wandering along or the moisture beading along the panels. In this exhibit, art steps into nature. As nature then shapes the exhibit, the two become inextricably intertwined.

“I wanted to capture that ancient interest in the earth and turn it into an installation that people could travel to and travel through. That they could experience not just in terms of sights, but sounds, signs made of wood that they could feel with the poems engraved in them,” said Bennet for the NYBG’s “Plant Talk.”

The poems are the primary focus of the exhibit featured throughout the exhibit highlighting the work of eleven

Black poets, including Lucille Clifton, Claude McKay and Terrance Hayes. Their poems describe the relationships people have with the environment, their food and liberation. The name of the exhibit even comes from the final line of Clifton’s poem, “cutting greens,” which relates the act of cutting vegetables with physical intimacy, exploring the ways in which the boundaries between the body, the mind and the natural world become blurred.

Throughout the art exhibit, Bennet explores the space between art, nature and humanity, as he embeds themes of breaking down structures and reconnecting with the environment into the very execution of the exhibit itself. Besides the poems that blur time and space, joining McKay’s memory of the Harlem Renaissance to Haye’s contemporary writing, the infusion of audio further evolves the exhibit. Working alongside Marcus Johnson, a creative director of music composition and multimedia, Bennet brought the poems to life. While reading one poem, a deep voice begins to roll through another or a choir begins to sing a song.

Mixing with the sound of tree leaves rustling or birds chatting with one another, the words of the poems do not merely fall flat upon the page but whisper around the visitor.

“Tell me there is anything lovelier, / Anything more quieting / Than the green of little blades of grass / And the

green of little leaves?” asks Angelina Weld Grimké’s poem, “Greeness,” one of the selected twelve. How can I, upon reading that poem in such a setting, argue with Grimké? Immersed in the sight, smell and rustle of green, there truly is nothing lovelier. There lies the magic of Bennet’s exhibit, as his combination of all these varying elements intoxicate his visitor.

Furthering the themes of liberation and reimagining people’s relationship with the environment, the NYBG has also planned lots of events that complement the exhibit. On opening day, the NYBG hosted a celebration that consisted of

music, poetry readings, books, food, games and a symposium “meditating on the role of Black ecological thought from the panelists’ own work and life.” Although the opening celebration took place on Sept. 17, the closing celebration on Nov. 6 will have many similar events including picnicking, music and live poetry readings.

If you have not yet had the pleasure, I urge you to visit NYBG’s new exhibit. The Mitsubishi Wetland Trail is one of my favorite spots to visit in the gardens as it’s so rich with life, and the poetry woven into the environment only exemplifies that.

COURTESY OF NYBG PHOTO

This NYBG exhibit explores Black poetry, performance and nature.

CULTURE

October 5, 2022

Page 15

New York City is the Comedy Capital of the World

By JOSEPH CONNOLLY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Club comedy is about as New York as it gets. First of all, this city throws a lot at you, and everybody could use a laugh. But it goes deeper than that. To me, New York’s fabled comedy clubs embody the spirit of the city. Their atmospheres can be gritty and unforgiving, providing no room for anything hacky, pompous or unoriginal. Nobody tiptoes around a subject to be gentle, and nobody gets up on stage to deliver a speech. These are not pretentious establishments. It doesn’t matter if you provide biting satire or fart jokes, you just need that one thing: humor. When a comic is sharp, there is nothing more electric. They can extract joy from the day-to-day humdrum of life, taking hilarious stances on angles you thought only you noticed. The laughter bounces off the walls and heightens to the point where you can hear it from the street.

With a plethora of A-list clubs in the area, we may live in the comedy capital of the world. The talent in New York feels endless. Comics from all over come to the city to cut their teeth, and the nature of New York stand-up forces comics to get good or else they will be quickly forgotten. Some become club veterans, while others grow past the clubs to mainstream success. However, most fail. Those fortunate enough to earn a spot at these storied clubs have already made it through a ringer of open mics and free shows, having done

what it takes to get good.

These clubs also have their fingerprints all over the area. They add excitement and liveliness to the streets, and the surrounding scenes can often only be described as comical. Lined as well with restaurants and jazz clubs, a night out on MacDougal Street almost always provides some fun observations. The neighborhood is lively and uniquely New York. There is so much to see, that you realize why the city produces so many laughs. Every corner is an observation, every stroll is an experience and the best find the humor in all of it.

The last time I went to the Comedy Cellar, I noticed the man in front of me was holding a mouse. A friend said that he looked like Mike Tyson holding a pigeon. As we exchanged observations and jokes about it, we were approached by a man who wanted to sell us an arrangement of products. He said he knew we wanted some because we were white. After respectfully declining, we watched him walk down the street emphatically, extending the same offer to every white person he saw. He turned a corner and we could no longer see him, but we could still hear him calling out “WHITE PEOPLE.” We loved it. There was so much going on, we forgot the comedy show hadn’t even started yet. To this day, my friends and I remember the surrounding area more than the show itself.

This past weekend, I went to a show at The Stand. The lineup spanned generations of New York comics. The host was Marcelo

Hernandez, the newest cast member of “Saturday Night Live.” He opened with a combination of crowd work and material on his parents’ failed marriage. He was blunt and hilarious, touching on their Cuban and Dominican heritage, their journeys before coming to America and what it was like for him growing up.

Following Marcelo were Sherrod Small, Sean Patton and Derek Gaines. All veterans of comedy, they had material on subjects like the rats in the city, the queen, what it is like to get on stage after Jerry Seinfeld and how it feels to be a Black man in Brooklyn.

Patton recently released an hourlong special on YouTube, so we got all new material from him.

This was both good and bad. He is currently working out his act, and the material was not fully fleshed out. Still, he provided the crowd with fresh perspectives and bundles of energy for us to feed on, making it a solid performance.

To round out the show was New York legend Rich Vos. For those unfamiliar, Vos came up in a renowned class of comedians, featuring the likes of Bill Burr, Colin Quinn and the late Patrice O’Neal.

His resume speaks for itself. Vos was a frequent guest on staple shows such as “Tough Crowd” with Colin Quinn and “Opie and Anthony.” He was also the first white comedian to perform on “Def Jam Comedy,” a show traditionally featuring Black comedians, after earning the co-sign of mogul producer Russell Simmons.

You could tell Vos had done this a million times. He began to

make fun of himself the second he touched the mic and quickly turned it on the crowd. Vos was not there to make you ponder the meaning of life by contributing material on his wife’s idiosyncrasies and his daughter’s recent sleepover. He just wanted laughs.

Once his set was done, he slowly put the mic down and walked to his next spot down the street.

With all this being said, there are a few things you can do to make sure you catch the best show possible. First, these tickets sell like hot cakes. If you want to go to a show, you should grab tickets at least a week in advance. Second is a bit of an insider tip: If you can make time for a show on a weeknight, you are more likely to get a great lineup than on a weekend.

There is a simple reason for this.

The best comedians tour all over the country on the weekend, so many of them are not in New York come Friday and Saturday. By no

means am I suggesting that the weekend lineups are bad, because they are great, but many times the weeknight shows have the truly world-class lineups that I’ve already described.

We all live in the same city. We move at a fast pace, and we see crazy stuff. Comedy can help us all make sense of it. The beauty of New York’s comedy clubs is that they pack you in with strangers and make you realize how much you have in common. There is an extraordinary feeling of connection when you can sit with a complete stranger and derive joy from the mundanity, or even tragedy, of life together. It feels like you are actively engaging in humanity.

Whenever I go, I have an afterglow for days.

New York’s club comedy scene is in tune with the essence of the city. Nothing ostentatious, merely fast-paced, hard-hitting comedy.

Just like the city we all chose.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

The Comedy Cellar is home to many world renowned comedians.

The Fall Season in Bergman’s “Autumn Sonata”

By LANDIS HALL COLUMNIST

Fall has once again graced New York City with its presence. The leaves have started to show the symptoms of their impending metamorphosis, and the temperate weather finally offers a respite from the pervasive summer heat. The wonderful thing about the season is that there isn’t a wrong way to spend it. While some like to travel out of the city to enjoy our state’s natural beauty, others prefer to brew a kettle of tea and read a book. I myself am partial towards taking long walks through Central Park with a hot cup of black coffee in hand. Of course, there’s no better way to spend a fall night than watching a great film. And what better film to watch than a moody drama from one of cinema’s defining voices, Ingmar Bergman?

“Autumn Sonata,” released in 1978, is a late career masterpiece from the Swedish auteur, and it’s as beautifully shot as it is gut wrenching. The film takes place over a single night that sees concert pianist Charlotte (Ingrid Bergman) visiting her estranged daughter Eva (Liv

Ullmann). Eva lives with her husband Viktor (Halvar Björk) and takes care of her paralyzed sister Helena (Lena Nyman).

The actors perform their roles with a great sense of emotional restraint, especially the great Ingrid Bergman (no relation to the film’s director) who delivers her most complex and tragic performance. To call this film subtle in its storytelling would be an understatement. The film never feels like it’s telling a typical story, as the plot is quite minimal.

Rather, it feels as if the audience is getting a glimpse into these characters’ very psyches by witnessing their most private moments with each other.

Bergman opts for restrained camerawork here, utilizing slow, sweeping pans and long takes with a minimal number of cuts. The camera takes its time in depicting every possible surface and corner of the house the film is set in, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere of domesticity that is simultaneously suffocating and imprisoning.

Also notable is the film’s use of close up shots, which allow the actors to convey the emotion of a scene through their facial expressions. Often, these

close-up shots contain a striking contrast of foreground and

background, such as an early scene where Viktor relates to

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

“Autumn Sonata” was released as a late-career masterpiece.

the audience his inability to connect with his wife as she remains just out of focus in the background. In the film’s finest scene, Eva plays a piece

by Chopin on the piano, but Charlotte finds her interpretation of the piece to be below her lofty standards. Charlotte sits down next to her daughter and begins to play the piece herself, “correcting” her daughter’s seeming mistakes.

The camera lingers on the faces of mother and daughter. To Charlotte, this moment is one of teaching; to Eva, it encapsulates the torment of her strained relationship with her mother.

“Autumn Sonata” lives up to its title as the perfect film of this season. It captures its devastating subject matter in stunning reds, oranges and browns, reflecting the changing of both the physical environment and of the characters.

It perfectly encapsulates the feeling of the fall season, that simultaneous sensation of melancholy and desire. It shows restraint, but it never loses urgency. It’s picturesque, but never peaceful.

It’s a heavy watch, but it’s the most thoughtful examination of the autumnal season put to film.

Page 16

Men’s Soccer Holds On For A Tie Against UMass

By MADDIE BIMONTE

SPORTS

Formula 1: A Small Step Back

By MICHAEL HERNANDEZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham men’s soccer team drew for a sixth time this season after a 2-2 draw against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen (UMass) last week. The Rams remain undefeated in Atlantic 10 play so far, thanks to a late goal in the 89th minute from graduate student Jakob Gesien.

In a game that saw four fantastic goals, Fordham was forced to alter their tactics from previous games.

With senior right back Adrian Valentine unavailable due to injury, Fordham head coach Carlo Aquista shifted to a three-at-theback system, with junior Sebastian Fabrin moving from midfield to center back alongside senior Conrado Duhour and graduate student Jack Sluys.

UMass got off to a quick start, scoring in the eighth minute.

Sophomore Andrew Ortiz got the ball to senior Evan Fournier outside of the box, who ripped an unbelievable shot into the upper right corner with the outside of his left foot, his third of the year. Fournier continued to be a thorn in the Rams’ side throughout the game.

In the 30th minute, Fordham came back with a vengeance.

First, graduate student goalkeeper Demetri Skoumbakis started off the play with a long punt, and junior Florian Deletioglu was there to head the ball forward to graduate student Daniel Espeleta who pulled away on a breakaway.

One-on-one against Minutemen goalkeeper Matt Zambetti, it was Espeleta who won the battle, slotting the ball right past him for his second goal in two games.

From then on, all would be quiet until the 75th minute when Fournier set up a dangerous play against the Rams. He played it through to sophomore Shizu Yohena, who took a

rocket of a shot outside the 18-yard box over Skoumbakis and into the upper right corner, just under the crossbar.

Looking for an equalizer, Coach Aquista pulled out all the cards he had available. Graduate student Timo Hummrich, who normally plays left back, was enlisted to help the attack. Sophomore Owen Hardy appeared for the second time this season, using his 6’5’’ to try and disrupt the UMass defense.

The Rams battled it out for a last minute rally relentlessly, and they got their opportunity in the 89th minute of the game. In a failed attempt that was deflected by a UMass defender, Gesien fought to a loose ball outside the box. With his left foot, he rifled a shot from distance off the post behind Zambetti and just over the goal line. Gesien saved the game for Fordham, as well as netting his first goal as a Ram. While Fordham was on the ropes in the second half, they still managed to outshoot the Minutemen through the first and second half 15-12. Both keepers saved four attempts, with a majority of the action coming in the first half. It was a foul heavy game with both teams in the double digits, with the Rams being slightly more aggressive.

Currently, the Rams sit at 3-1-6 overall and 1-0-2 in A-10 play. Their six ties this season are due in large part to the elimination of overtime by the NCAA at the start of this season. Now, every match that is level after 90 minutes ends in a draw instead of heading to overtime where a victor would be decided.

Seeking to win their next matchup, the Rams will travel to Davidson, N.C. to face off against Davidson College for another A-10 matchup on Wednesday, Oct. 5. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.

Athletes of the Week While the Rams dropped their match against the Loyola University Chicago Ramblers, Mallory Lipski shined as she set the new school three-set record with 25 digs. She recorded six assists and an ace in the game as well. Lipski is currently second-all time in digs per set with 3.68 and sixth in career digs with 1,083.

Mallory Lipski

Over the weekend, Formula 1 (F1) continued its 2022 season in Singapore for the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix. Due to the pandemic, this was the first time since 2019 that F1 traveled to the Marina Bay Circuit. With Singapore being a street circuit, the margin for error is small with any mistake having the potential to ruin a driver’s weekend. Heading into the race, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen had a slim chance of wrapping up the driver’s championship.

When it came time for qualifying, it was raining, which forced all of the drivers onto intermediate tires. The rain stopped eventually, but the track was still wet. Because it was a night session, it was drying at a snail’s pace, giving the teams and drivers a headache. In the final session of qualifying, the track was finally dry enough for slick tires.

Verstappen was on a flying lap and seemed like he was going to get his car on pole. But all of a sudden, he was called into the pits by his team due to not having enough fuel according to the regulations, forcing him to start in a lowly eighth. This meant that his rival, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, earned pole with Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez in second and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in third. Overtaking would be difficult in Singapore, putting even more emphasis on their qualifying positions.

On race day, it was pouring at the track, which forced the race to be delayed by an hour. Everyone decided to start the race on intermediate tires since it was still wet on the track despite the rain having left the circuit. With the tricky conditions, any mistake could take a driver out of the race.

When the lights finally went green, Perez got a better start and passed Leclerc for the lead. Hamilton also dropped to fourth with Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz going into third. Verstappen had a poor start and fell even further down the grid, but he started to claw his way back and eventually returned to the top 10.

On lap nine, the safety car was called out due to a collision with

AWAY

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

Zhou Guanyu’s Alfa Romeo being taken out by Nicholas Latifi. Latifi was able to continue, but he entered the pits and retired from the race. On lap 11, the race resumed with Perez leading Leclerc and Verstappen able to get back into eighth as he continued his climb up the order. Verstappen was then able to get into seventh with Fernando Alonso’s Alpine just ahead.

However, on lap 22, Alonso had to retire due to an engine problem, promoting Verstappen into sixth.

At this point, it was still debatable whether it was time to switch to dry tires or to stay out on the intermediates. With Singapore being a track with a high percentage of virtual and full safety cars, the teams could potentially wait for another one to pit and save time.

After Alonso’s retirement, the race resumed. But on lap 26, Latifi’s teammate Alex Albon crashed into the barrier and called out another virtual safety car. The green flag was shown but within a lap, Alonso’s teammate Esteban Ocon retired due to another engine issue and brought out another virtual safety car. On lap 30, the race resumed with the front runners still on the intermediates. However, Hamilton crashed into the barrier. He continued but it was clear that the slick tires were the way to go. Leclerc pitted on lap 34 for dry tires but had a slow stop, falling into third with Perez and Sainz staying out.

Perez and Sainz pitted on the next lap. At the same time, another safety car was called out due to Yuki Tsunoda’s Alpha Tauri crashing out. This was now a race of attrition with six cars out of the running. After this safety car, Perez was leading Leclerc, Sainz, Lando Norris’ McLaren, Verstappen and Norris’ teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

The McLaren duo used the safety car to pit and gain track position against their rivals. On lap 40, the safety car was brought in and racing resumed. One thing to note is

Wednesday Thursday Oct. 5 Oct. 6

that there is a two hour time limit for the race. With all the stoppages, it looked like it wouldn’t be done within the limit.

Finally once the race resumed, Verstappen locked up while trying to pass Norris and went off the track. He was able to rejoin in eighth ahead of Hamilton. Once again Verstappen pitted due to the lockup and emerged from the pits in dead last. Meanwhile, Leclerc was putting pressure on Perez.

However, Perez was able to withstand the pressure and started to build a big gap to Leclerc. Once the two-hour limit was reached, Perez crossed the finish line to win the Singapore Grand Prix ahead of Leclerc in second and Sainz in third rounding out the podium.

Because of the time limit, only 59 out of the 61 laps were completed.

Verstappen was able to claw his way back from 14th after the pit stop to get into seventh. Perez was under investigation for a safety car infringement, and he was later given a five second penalty after the race. But with his big gap to Leclerc, he still retained the victory.

After these results, Verstappen and Red Bull still maintain their respective leads in the driver’s and constructor’s championships.

The next race is this weekend as F1 returns to Japan for the iconic Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen’s path to back-to-back championships is much easier in Japan. All he needs to do is win the race and get the point for the fastest lap. If Verstappen accomplishes this, it doesn’t matter where Leclerc or Perez finish due to the massive 104 point gap in the standings to the second-placed Leclerc.

With this being the first time since the pandemic that F1 is returning to Japan, expect the emtire fanbase to be out in full force to potentially see Verstappen be crowned a back-to-back champion for the first time in his career.

Friday Oct. 7

Saturday Oct. 8

Women’s Cross Country

Volleyball

Rhode Island 5 p.m.

Men’s Soccer

Davidson 7 p.m.

VCU 6 p.m.

VCU 5 p.m.

St. Louis 6 p.m.

La Salle 1 p.m.

Women’s Soccer

McKendree/ Salem Gannon/ Mercyhurst 9 a.m. & 1 p.m.

12 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Water Polo Football

Lehigh 12 p.m.

Rowing

Head of the Housatonic TBA

Softball

Sunday Oct. 9

Metropolitan Championship 11:30 a.m.

Metropolitan Championship 11 a.m.

Men’s Cross Country

The graduate student linebacker recorded double digit tackles in Fordham’s win over Georgetown this past week. With 13 tackles during the game, Greenhagen rises to second on the all-time list for solo-tackles with 213. This past week, Greenhagen was named as a semifinalist for the 2022 William Campbell Trophy, an award dedicated to the year’s best football student-athlete in the nation for their combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership.

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Formula 1’s race in Singapore was a slippery slope for some drivers.

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Senior Volleyball

Ryan Greenhagen Graduate Student Football

October 5, 2022

Adelphi 6:30 p.m.

Monday Oct. 10

Tuesday Oct. 11

SPORTS Women’s Soccer Falls to Saint Joseph’s, Varsity Scores & Stats Tops Rhode Island October 5, 2022

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By MICHAEL HERNANDEZ

Football Fordham Georgetown

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

Over the past week, the Fordham women’s soccer team continued its Atlantic 10 conference play with two matches. The first game was on the road, as the Rams traveled to Philadelphia to face Saint Joseph’s University.

Fordham didn’t get off to a good start. Within eight minutes, Saint Joseph’s scored the opener courtesy of Natalie Nevins who put the ball into the back of the Fordham net after some good team linkup. Fordham then looked for an equalizer and found it in the 22nd minute from a set piece.

Sophomore midfielder Ryann Lucas took the initial corner with senior forward Caitlin Kennedy able to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net for her first goal of the season to tie the game at one apiece. Unfortunately, the score didn’t last for long. 40 seconds after, the Hawks retook the lead via Jiselle Daniels who took a shot from the top of the box to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Then, in the 35th minute, Saint Joseph’s doubled their lead courtesy of Mairin Boyle to make it a 3-1 scoreline. In the second half, the

Women’s Tennis ITA Championships

Volleyball Fordham Loyola Chicago

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Fordham Loyola Chicago

0 3

NTS (No Team Scoring) COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The Rams bounced back on Alumni Day against Rhode Island.

Rams were able to have a couple shots on target but were unable to get past Katie Cappelletti in the Hawks’ net. After 90 minutes of play, Fordham fell to Saint Joseph by the final scoreline of 3-1.

After that defeat, Fordham returned home for alumni day as they hosted the University of Rhode Island on Sunday. Unlike the Saint Joseph’s match, the first half didn’t see a flurry of goals.

However, right before the end of the first half, Fordham took the lead via Lucas’s first goal as a Ram. She made a run and took a shot from 25 yards out which was blasted into the top right corner to give Fordham the lead.

Senior forward Kristen Cocozza

scored later, after dribbling past the defense and taking a long shot which went into the back of the net for her third goal of the season. Rhode Island did claw one back in the 79th minute courtesy of Tali O’Leary, but Fordham ended any hopes of a comeback by scoring a third in the 87th minute.

Junior forward Cambrie Arboreen was able to score her first collegiate goal from a long free-kick to seal the game for the Rams 3-1.

After these matches, Fordham’s overall record is 4-7-1 with their conference mark improving to 3-1-1.

Their next match is this Sunday at home against La Salle University.

The game is at 1 p.m. and can be streamed via ESPN+.

Rangers Fine-Tuning in the Preseason

By ALLIE COPPOLA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After a number of additions and departures throughout the offseason, it’s hard to tell exactly where the New York Rangers stand compared to their explosive 2021-22 season. With training camp underway and preseason games on the horizon, there are three major concerns that have carried over from last season. These include finding a suitable sixth defenseman for the third pair, establishing roles for the many returning young forwards and weighing options in the backup goalie department.

Head coach Gerard Gallant has several decisions to make.

Finding a defensive partner for Braden Schneider is imperative for the Rangers’ success this season. With the departure of Justin Braun and Patrick Nemeth, there is not a standout, NHL-ready player to immediately fill the gap.

Of those with some league experience, Zac Jones and Libor Hajek appear to be the frontrunners for the spot. Jones put up a stellar performance in the first preseason game against the Islanders, scoring a goal and blocking two shots.

Without Adam Fox in the lineup, he was given some power play time, which is sure to be beneficial if he makes the roster. Hajek on the other hand, is minus three in two games, meaning he’s been on the ice for three goals against the Rangers. He has a few more opportunities to improve his subpar play before the opening night roster is announced.

In the forwards department, there are many decisions that Gallant needs to make after several offseason departures. The notorious “kid line” that performed well in the playoffs is expected to remain for the time being, consisting of Alexis Lafrenière,

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Men’s Soccer Fordham Massachusetts Women’s Soccer Fordham St. Joseph’s

2 2

1 3

Water Polo Fordham Wagner

14 9

Softball Fordham Army

8 2

–Compiled by Maddie Bimonte

Fordham Rhode Island

3 1

News & Notes Fordham Men’s Soccer Regionally Ranked Fordham Men’s Soccer entered into the United Soccer Coaches Southeast Region Rankings this past week following their draw against Rutgers University. The Rams fit in at spot number nine, with six other Atlantic 10 schools also sitting in the ranks. Other A-10 schools include Dayton University (3rd), Duquesne University (4th), Rhode Island University (6th), Loyola University Chicago (7th) and the University of Massachusetts (10th).

Water Polo Sophomore Wins Rookie of the Week Fordham’s Luca Silvestri walked away this week with Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) Rookie of the Week award. The sophomore was essential to Fordham Water Polo’s offense at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Invitational. Silvestri recorded 10 goals over four matches along with two hat tricks. This is Silvestri’s first year at Fordham, coming onto the team as a transfer from Westcliff University.

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The New York Rangers have added key pieces to bolster their roster.

Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil. The areas of concern are the first and second-line right wing positions and a center/right wing on the fourth line. After his return from a season-ending ACL tear, Sammy Blais is expected to fill one of these spots. With his flexible and adaptable style of play, he could really fit into any one of them, as a scorer on the top two lines or a physical right wing on the fourth line.

After a season in Russia, Vitali Kravstov returned to New York and looks to make the roster after playing only a few regular season games in 2020. The forward is expected to be named to the roster after notable improvement in Russia, taking the 11th of 12 forward positions. This 12th spot will likely be filled by Jimmy Vesey, a veteran and returning Ranger after stints with the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres. Brennan Othmann, a 19-year-old winger, looked promising in his two games but was ultimately sent back to the Ontario Hockey League for another development year.

None of the lines are set in stone, so fans will likely see numerous

different line combinations, especially among the bottom six. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad will undoubtedly remain together on the first line and the same goes for Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck on the second line.

The final overarching concern is a solid backup goalie. With the loss of Alexander Georgiev, there is no longer an established backup, so the Rangers signed Jaroslav Halak and Louis Domingue in the offseason. They tested Dylan Garand, a 20-year-old coming off of a World Juniors championship, and Olaf Lindbom in the first three preseason games but eventually sent them down to their AHL affiliate in Hartford. Halak and Domingue will likely remain on the roster for this season.

The opening night roster could shake out in many different ways, but much of the core group that performed well in the playoffs remain. If these points are addressed, the season should have similar success to the last. Fans will look forward to another potential deep playoff run with this promising group of players, as the Stanley Cup window is wide open.

Fordham Volleyball Drops Two From Loyola Chicago

By MILES GROSSMAN STAFF WRITER

Fordham Volleyball has gotten off to a difficult start in Atlantic 10 play. Two weekends ago, the Rams were swept at home by the reigning conference champions, the University of Dayton, to begin the latter half of the season. This past weekend, the Rams faced the Loyola-Chicago University Ramblers for the very first time.

While head coach Ian Choi and his Rams knew the A-10 was deep with talent, notching only a single set across four losses to open conference play is certainly puzzling. In their first match of the weekend, Fordham dropped the first two sets in decisive fashion, before battling in the third. They would eventually fall in the third set 25-23 to the Ramblers. Karlie McNabb led the way for Loyola Chicago, posting 17 kills.

Friday’s 3-0 loss marked the Rams’ third loss in conference, which includes two sweeps. The Rams then had an opportunity to bounce back less than 24 hours later, but the results would

not go their way. Fordham went on to drop all three sets Saturday, but there was a silver lining for the group: The Rams surpassed the 20-point mark in the latter two sets of Saturday’s match, but would fall in three without forcing “extra volleyball” in any of the three contests.

Senior Mallory Lipski was another bright spot, as she set a new school three-set record with 25 digs. With the loss, Fordham has fallen to 6-9 overall and 0-4 in A-10 play.

A mere three and a half weeks ago, the Rams stood at 6-2 with optimism surrounding the talented group. But as the recent weeks have dragged on, Fordham Volleyball’s record — as well as their confidence — has been rattled. The Rams have dropped their last seven matches, including four sweeps.

Fordham will hit the road once again, this time for a Wednesday match-up with the University of Rhode Island. Fordham will then welcome Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for a two-game set at the friendly confines of Rose Hill later that week.

SPORTS

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A Historic End to a Historic Career

By NOAH HOFFMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The great Albert Pujols came into the 2022 Major League Baseball (MLB) season just 21 home runs away from a milestone that only three others on the planet have accomplished.

This feat is the prestigious 700 Home Run Club, which includes Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. Pujols, coming into his 22nd season at 42-years-old, had just two 20plus home run seasons out of the last five, making the milestone reachable, but by no means a given. A magical season would have to come out of a legendary player.

Pujols came into the league at just 21 years old, making an immediate impact for the St. Louis Cardinals in his rookie season. He hit 37 home runs, drove in 130 runs and slashed .329/.610/1.013. This remarkable season won him the Rookie of the Year award in the National League while finishing fourth in Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting and leading his team to a postseason berth. This would be the start of an illustrious career for a generational talent.

His next 10 years in a Cardinal uniform would be just as successful, if not better. On average, Pujols would hit 41 home runs, drive in 120 runs and slash .328/.617/1.040 as a Cardinal, cementing himself as one of the greats at just 31 years old.

Throughout this tenure, he would win three MVP awards, finish top five in six other seasons, make the All-Star team nine times and lead the Cardinals to two World Series championships.

October 5, 2022

Valeriya Deminova Shines in ITA Regionals

By BRETT TULIP CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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After a hall-of-fame career, Albert Pujols is going out with a bang.

After the 2011 season, which ended in Pujols hoisting a World Series trophy, the slugger was due for a big pay day.

There were many suitors for the future Hall of Famer, with the Los Angeles Angels eventually winning the sweepstakes.

The Halos gave him a $254 million deal over 10 years.

With this contract the Angels were hoping he would provide Hall of Fame-like seasons as he did in St. Louis and hopefully bring a World Series trophy to Anaheim.

Pujols’ time on the Angels wasn’t what they hoped for when he signed the contract.

Over the 10 years, he produced numbers far below those that he put up in St. Louis. On average, Pujols hit 23 home runs, drove in 82 and slashed a mediocre .256/.448/.758. These numbers earned him one AllStar appearance and one postseason appearance, but nothing near an MVP award. Those that started watching baseball in 2012 would have thought Pujols was just an average player, and not one of the greats as his first 11 seasons would suggest.

With Pujols not on a roster

through much of spring training this year, headlines started to circle that baseball fans may had seen his last at-bat. However, on March 28, a reunion was in the cards, with him signing a oneyear contract to return to the Cardinals for his final season.

After 11 years, Pujols returned to where it all began. He was back for his 22nd season, just 21 home runs away from history.

Pujols would have to find some magic in order for his name to be added to an illustrious list.

Back in St. Louis, Pujols was able to capture that magic. Having a resurgent year, Pujols came into the final month of the season just six homers away from the big 700. On Sept. 23 in Los Angeles, he did what no one saw coming heading into the season: he reached the 700 mark. In the city where he struggled to live up to his big contract, Pujols made history after he hit two home runs in one game at Dodger Stadium, adding his name to yet another piece of history and baseball immortality. Pujols and the Cardinals can only hope that this magic will carry on through October and November as they chase a World Series title.

Fordham Women’s Tennis competed in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regionals at Princeton University in New Jersey this past weekend. They have not participated in this tournament since 2019, but they found more success this weekend than their last showing.

There can be no place to start but with graduate student Valeriya Deminova, who won all three of her matches and will advance to the ITA Super Regionals at Yale University on Oct. 21. This was a very strong showing for Deminova, who last played in this tournament as a sophomore. She improved significantly upon her first performance, where she lost in 2019 in the round of 16. This time, she got over the edge and is leading the team as a crucial veteran player.

Fordham had other key performances highlighted by freshman Sofie Siem and graduate student Lindsay Hung. For Siem, this is a very positive sign as a newcomer to defeat both Jimena Garbino of Hofstra University and Juliana Munhoz of the University of Pennsylvania. Eventually, she was outmatched when she lost in the round of 32 to Maria Drobotova from the United States Military Academy (Army). However, this was a productive finish.

This is Siem’s strongest showing to date, and it will be interesting to see how she develops as a player as she is just beginning to scratch the surface of her young and promising collegiate career.

The other standout this week-

end was Hung. She also made it to the round of 32, having a bye in the first round and defeating Isabella Brilliant from Army in the next. She was bested in the next round, being defeated narrowly by Jamie Wei from Temple University in three games.

Unfortunately, the Rams struggled in other matches, with graduate student Carlota Casasampere Escoda, senior Avery Aude and junior Eleni Fasoula losing in the first singles matches they competed in. They did not find much more success in doubles, with their only victory coming from the Aude and Deminova team, handling Amelia Haley and Alexandra Jansen from St. Bonaventure University by a score of 8-2.

Overall, this showing was more productive than their previous entry in the ITA’s, but most of this can be chalked up to Deminova advancing. It remains to be seen what place she will finish overall, but she will hope to continue to find success at the Super Regionals. The team will get another chance to spotlight their talents when they travel to Hofstra University for the Hofstra Invitational this coming weekend on Oct. 8 and 9.

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Valeriya Deminova in action.

Student Athlete Column: Positivity is Key

By TAYLOR MASCETTA STAFF WRITER

Last week, I got my phone stolen at Rolling Loud.

One second it was in my bag, the next it was gone. Cue the frantic search in Soulja Boy’s mosh pit. After a panicked call to my parents, I took some deep breaths and accepted the inevitable. The phone was gone. Now, all I had to do was make a choice: spend the rest of the concert wallowing in self-pity or have a good time despite everything that happened. Not wanting to ruin one of the best weekends of my life, I chose the latter. I ended up seeing Future during a torrential downpour, and it was one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. It sure was nice to not have to worry about taking a video or water damage. I was fully in the moment.

You’re probably reading this wondering what this has to do with athletics. Well, the whole situation represents a shift in mindset that I’ve undergone this past year, and it’s all about the power of positivity.

I used to enter races expecting the absolute worst possible outcome. I did this

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Taylor Mascetta reflects on the importance of having a positive attitude while running and in everyday life. for two reasons: one, so anything good coming out of it would feel amazing, and two, to be prepared in advance for things not working out. I’d tell myself, “Oh, there’s no chance you can win this, that girl’s going to wipe the floor with you.” It worked out in high school, especially my senior year. I was Connecticut’s runner up in the outdoor 800m after running a massive PR. But, based on how confidently I raced, you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I was sprinting around in an absolute panic beforehand. I think the reason I did this was because, in the back of my mind, I always knew everything would go in my favor. Even then I was positive, but allowed negativity to outweigh everything else.

Collegiate track is a whole

different ballgame. Sometimes, my competitors wipe the floor with me even when I’m running my absolute best. I can run an 800 in the same time I did at States, yet completely miss the final at Atlantic 10s — this conference is stacked. As a freshman, I went in not expecting success at any of my races, but when I didn’t achieve any success, I beat myself up for days on end. That mental anguish started affecting my workouts, so training became a struggle too.

I slowly started wondering why I willingly put myself through this pessimistic cycle every week. Why choose to be negative when it does nothing but impact how much I enjoy this sport? The way one’s mind works is a really powerful thing, especially with running.

The action itself is already tough, so I tell myself to just embrace the pain rather than complain about it. It hurts either way, but perspective does impact the outcome. I only have a few collegiate seasons left, so why not make the most of it?

Last Saturday, the team ran what my coach considers the hardest workout of the year at Van Cortlandt Park. You run three laps on the track, followed by a tempo on the trails, then you do both of those again and finish with a fast 800m. Simply put, it’s a tough one, but I always do really well at it every year. I refuse to let it freak me out.

Seeing these hard workouts as an opportunity to get better works wonders. The better workouts you run, the better

you race and the better you feel about the experience afterward. If things don’t exactly go your way, you can always take something away from it to work towards something even greater.

Both positivity and negativity are extremely contagious.

If one person complains, the rest of the group feels permitted to do the same. However, if that same person starts hyping up the situation instead, it uplifts the entire group to want to do their best. I want to see everyone succeed just as much as myself after all!

This optimistic outlook doesn’t have to relate to just athletics. It’s good to look towards the bright side in everything. Not everything is inherently good, but it’s not inherently bad either. It depends on the way you look at it, because everything happens for a reason.

After accepting that my phone was lost forever, I received wonderful news this past weekend. My phone miraculously appeared on Rolling Loud’s lost and found website, ready for pickup. I think it’s a perfect encapsulation of everything always working out in the end.

October 5, 2022

SPORTS

Moving Westward: Football and the Frontier

By JONAH RING

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The notion of the “wild west” has long cemented its place in the American mythos. Stoic images of cowboys, folk heroes like Davy Crocket or Buffalo Bill and stories of pioneers’ struggles in the wilderness have captured the nation’s imagination since its conception.

Underlying all this famous iconography is the notion of “the frontier” that is so closely connected to the American identity.

This is the popular, persisting American belief that it is not only our duty, but our calling to explore and traverse the unknown, advancing our borders in the name of cultural superiority.

While this all seems terribly academic and boring, the notion of “the frontier” still has undeniable relevance in contemporary American society.

Despite having moved away from its more antique forms with the rise of modernity, the American infatuation with “the frontier” has yet to subside in the slightest. Instead, it persists and thrives in a form many do not realize: football.

Yes, the most widely followed sport in America is not necessarily a new and innovative concept that has tapped into the novel desires of the American public, but it is instead a simple reenactment and extension of the pervasive ideas of “the frontier.”

To prove this considerably “out of left field” thesis, it is necessary to examine the game and culture of football piece by piece.

First, the basic tenets of football’s gameplay mirror what occurs on “the frontier.” One team begins in their own territory, and using their resources, wit and strength, they make attempts to advance into foreign lands, hoping to bend the “other” to their will in order to achieve glory and fame.

It is in this way that football’s aim is no different than those of “the

By THOMAS AIELLO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Now here’s a piece that ties very unlikely things together, one that I bet you didn’t expect to see in The Fordham Ram. The ever-expanding concept of fantasy football has become one of the most addictive pieces of my life.

I am not a gambler, but I am a competitor, and I love football.

The excitement of drafting your fantasy team, managing waivers and generating trades only adds fuel to the fire of my NFL addiction.

It also gives me a reason to turn on the greatest television invention known to mankind: NFL Redzone.

I can watch every game with no commercials for seven straight hours on Sundays. Not only do you get the opportunity to keep up with all the scores, but you get all the story lines, live stats and the fantasy numbers all in one place.

Why is it so addictive? I couldn’t tell you why, but it is a regular ritual on Sunday.

Perhaps it is the fact that host Scott Hanson is really good at keeping pace with all the madness of the games, or maybe it is the fact there

NFL Football dominates the American landscape and will continue to evolve as time passes. frontier”: a collective of people attempting to voyage into enemy territory and prove their superiority.

Even the more nuanced elements of the game fall into this greater pattern of reflecting “the frontier.” First, there is the expansion of clearly defined borders, as one team attempts to advance the line of scrimmage, the offense’s territorial border, further and further into enemy territory.

There are “routes” that certain players are expected to take in order to avoid danger in the form of defenders, echoing the prominence of pre-established trails and paths so often used by civilians when wandering “the frontier.”

Even the extremely violent and chaotic nature of football echoes the wild and brutal essence of “the frontier,” as instead of a pioneer mounted on horseback attempting to create a path for his people with a shotgun, we now have running backs attempting to run and bowl over the hordes to help their team advance.

Football also echoes the notion of “the frontier” in its ability to create “the other.” A key portion of “the frontier” is that there is an “other”:

a foreign group there to be conquered who resides in mysterious, unknown lands.

Football goes to extreme measures to cultivate this “other” that needs to be defeated.

For instance, each team has their own unique manner of dress, as the colors and designs of teams’ uniforms vary greatly: a Philadelphia Eagles’ player is instantly recognizable from a New York Giants’ player, instilling this great sense of difference between teams.

Each team also has their own “way of life,” with there being stark contrasts in play style across football. The Kansas City Chiefs rely heavily on deep throws downfield, while the San Francisco 49ers heavily lean on running the ball, with each having a unique “culture” and manner of living.

There is also the geographic foreignness of “the other” present in football, as teams often need to travel great distances into far away hostile territories in order to prove their dominance. All of these combined imbue the sense that the team lined up across from yours is not your friend, but they are instead the fabled “other” that you

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must conquer and defeat.

Inversely, “the frontier” is also constructed heavily on nationalistic sentiments. These feelings of great fervor for your geographic home are not lost in football.

Fans flock to stadiums in the thousands every weekend to watch their team play, while millions more provide their support from their living rooms, local bars or any place with a television.

Fans also constantly adorn their bodies with symbols and references to their favorite teams, whether these be tattoos or body paint that boldly proclaims what group they belong to.

There is undeniably this sense of cultural superiority and desire to see their side win out over the “other” present in football.

Another major aspect of the American tradition of “the frontier” is the plethora of folk heroes born out of it.

Throughout American history, “the frontier” has rooted itself firmly in the American mythos and memory due to its ability to provide people with some of the most famous figures that performed acts of

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“heroism” and “valor” such as John Henry, Johnny Appleseed or Annie Oakley.

Football has recently taken up this mantle of being the source of America’s most recognizable figures, continuing the cultural construction of “the frontier.”

Patrick Mahomes is known and recognized nationwide as the wild gunslinger who led Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl Championship. Jonathan Taylor is the infamous workhouse who takes and gives out beatings in order to move his team forward into enemy territory. Joe Burrow is the calm, cool, handsome and savvy newcomer who wandered into town and captured the hearts of millions with his moxie.

No longer are American legends the women or men who traversed into “the unknown wilderness,” but they are now football players who “traverse into foreign territory” by crossing the 50 yard line. Finally, even the nicknames and mascots of many of the NFL’s teams echo the most recognizable aspects of “the frontier,” whether they were historically significant to its development or not.

The Dallas Cowboys have been America’s most popular brand and one of the quintessential icons of “the frontier.” The San Francisco 49ers reference the men who ventured into the California wilderness in search of gold and glory.

The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears elicit images of the wild beasts that so often appear in stories about “the frontier.” The iconography of “the frontier” still persists, now through the form of logos worn on jerseys or names chanted by football fanatics.

All these aspects of football make it apparent that, regardless of whether one is aware of it or not, watching football is a way of supporting the oldest American infatuation: “the frontier.”

Overtime: All Hail NFL Redzone are no commercials, allowing you to see every scoring play or key defensive stop.

My parents are not enthusiastic about Redzone, and it isn’t anything against Scott Hanson, but they prefer watching one game rather than switching between eight of the 4 p.m. games.

And yes, I do sit down and watch all the Thursday night, Sunday night and Monday night games. But from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday it is Redzone or bust.

I have three fantasy teams this year: two regular teams and one dynasty team on the app Sleeper.

On top of managing injuries and waivers in dynasty, I also have to worry about my draft picks for the rookie draft next year. I need to know what is happening in all the

games. Everything, good and bad.

Sunday Night Football is stapled with Chris Collinsworth doing color commentary for years alongside Al Michaels and now Mike Tirico.

And if you are alert enough, you would understand I started this piece with a play on the famous Collinsworth phrase, “Now here’s a guy…” when he’s about to break down a player or a play. Here is where the memes come in.

Redzone also shows us the lowest of the lows in the NFL. It may be rock bottom for some teams, but it produces timeless memes that will last forever.

Does anyone remember the butt fumble? Or Dan Orlovsky running backwards out of his own endzone?

Those are two of the most iconic memes on NFL twitter known to

date and ones that may last forever.

But if you know anything about memes and history, things tend to repeat themselves in really weird ways.

During week three, the butt fumble was recreated into the butt punt. The Miami Dolphins were punting out of their own endzone when Thomas Morstead kicked the ball off his own player’s backside and out of bounds for a safety.

The freeze frame of the moment became an instant hit online, with even the NFL’s account posting the freeze frame and joining in on the fun with NFL Twitter spaces.

The ensuing play gave us a moment where the Buffalo Bills failed to run a potential game-winning play in the final seconds. As the clock hit zero, viewers got a look

inside the coordinator’s box. Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey was so mad the Bills couldn’t get a play off that the camera caught him smashing his papers and tablet on live television.

That’s the beauty of Redzone, you get everything in the league in a matter of minutes. I can watch all the scoring plays, keep up with my fantasy teams and see all the great moments in a single place without having to change the channel.

Though it wasn’t originally intended to be the replacement for watching live standalone games on cable, Redzone has become a way of life for many football fanatics like myself to keep up with every game on Sundays.

All hail Scott Hanson and NFL Redzone, the best invention ever.

SPORTS

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October 5, 2022

Water Polo Wins Home Opener, Unveils 2021 Championship Banner

By LOU ORLANDO STAFF WRITER

Last Thursday was the home opener for Fordham Water Polo, and a special one at that.

Beyond the excitement of playing at home, Fordham celebrated their 2021 conference championship with the unveiling of a new banner and the presentation of rings.

“It’s a special night,” head coach Brian Bacharach said prior to the game. 2021 was an extraordinary season for Fordham, who posted their greatest record in program history, going 26-7 with a 11-1 record in conference.

Sweeping the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) tournament en route to a championship and the program’s first NCAA Championship berth, Fordham was a dominant force in the Collegiate Water Polo Association.

“There are a lot of emotions attached to that, but at the same time, we’ve got to stay focused on the task at hand.”

The task at hand was Wagner College, the fifth ranked team in the MAWPC led by two of the top point scorers in the entire conference.

Fordham played Wagner earlier this season, squeaking by with a 1211 win, but Bacharach didn’t seem completely satisfied with his team’s

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Fordham capped off their ring ceremony with a home opener victory last Thursday. performance. “We watched a lot of film from that game and a lot of mistakes we made were of our own making.”

On top of the home opener, banner unveiling and conference matchup, Fordham headed into the week still reeling from a disappointing weekend at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Invitational, where the Rams went just 1-3, including a pair of Saturday losses where Fordham surrendered leads in the second half.

“Both those games on Saturday were winnable games for us, and we squandered that opportunity,” said Bacharach, who noted that closing games out is a priority for the team moving forward.

Closing out games would not be

an issue as Fordham took a 8-2 lead into halftime and kept the pressure on to secure the 14-9 win and a season sweep over Wagner.

Sophomores George Papanikolaou and Jacopo Parrella notched hat tricks while graduate student Nir Gross, junior Christos Loupakis and freshman Balazs Berenyi each had two goals of their own.

Gross and Loupakis also played a major role defensively, holding Wagner center Oliver Fodor scoreless.

Fodor, fresh off a 121-goal season that set a Wagner record, was completely shut down by their aggressive two meter defense.

Fordham’s Thomas Lercari, was also fantastic in net, making 12 saves and stifling the Wagner

offense. Lercari held Wagner scoreless from the beginning of the second quarter until well into the third quarter, allowing Fordham to grab a sizable lead.

With the win, Fordham improves to 10-6 on the season and 4-0 in conference play.

Their home opener is just the beginning of a long stretch of conference play as 12 of Fordham’s remaining 14 regular season games will come against conference opponents.

This weekend, Fordham will travel to Virginia for the MAWPC Crossover, their final tournament of the regular season.

With four conference matchups over the span of two days, the Rams will get their first look

at McKendree University and Mercyhurst University.

The tournament also features Salem University and Gannon University, two teams Fordham handled with ease earlier this year.

With the unveiling of the 2021 conference championship banner, Fordham puts a cap on last year’s fantastic season.

In fitting fashion, this year’s Fordham Rams, with similar aspirations of their own, honored the day with a conference win.

Bacharach appreciated the opportunity to celebrate last season, even with the pressure of this current season.

“I’m a firm believer that whether your season ends in a championship or not, there’s always special elements you’re taking away from it.” In the case of the 2021 team, it doesn’t hurt to take home some rings as well.

In a world of sports where the mindset of “onto the next one” is so prevalent, Bacharach’s mindset is refreshing.

“If we were just focused on results at the end of the season, then you’d be pretty miserable in life and you’d also never get to pull one of these banners down. I think it’s celebrating those moments along the way and enjoying the process that is one of the most important and special parts of team sports.”

Football Tops Georgetown on Family Weekend

By NICK GUZMAN SPORTS EDITOR

Another week, another highscoring contest for Fordham Football.

Following a heartbreaking 5952 loss to Ohio University last weekend, Fordham rebounded Saturday with a 59-38 home win over the Georgetown University Hoyas during Family Weekend.

This win opened the Patriot League conference schedule on a positive note for the Rams, who improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

While senior quarterback Tim DeMorat turned in another fine performance, it was Fordham’s rushing attack that made waves against the Hoyas.

Graduate student Trey Sneed and sophomore Julius Loughridge each had over 100 yards rushing as the Rams totaled 277 yards on the ground, their highest mark this season.

Whether it’s on the ground or through the air, Fordham’s offense has produced at an elite level in 2022.

In their five contests so far this season, the Rams have scored 259 total points. That’s an average of 51.8 points per game, which is the highest mark in the entire Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

On Saturday, as they have so often this season, Fordham got off to a slow start in the first quarter.

The Hoyas opened the game with a 77-yard touchdown drive to put the Rams down seven early.

Fordham immediately responded with a scoring drive of their own thanks to a 23-yard touchdown from DeMorat to Sneed.

But the Rams defense struggled to contain Georgetown's passing attack, and Georgetown took the lead right back courtesy of a Pierce Holley touchdown to Herman Moultrie III. A turnover off a botched snap gave the Hoyas the ball right back, who cashed in again to make it 21-7 Georgetown after a quarter of play.

Fordham’s passing defense has been a problem all season long.

They allowed 395 yards through the air against a Georgetown team that has struggled offensively for most of this season.

Despite the rough first quarter, the Rams defensive unit improved as the game continued.

Fordham head coach Joe Conlin was not pleased with his defense, said, “It was very concerning.

We’ve got to do a better job out of the gate … We have to do a better job defending the pass. They were 7/13 on third down. We can’t allow that if we want to be successful …

We have to do a better job getting

teams off the field on third down and getting the ball back to our offense.”

If the Rams were asleep at the wheel in the first quarter, they certainly woke up for the second.

Fordham outscored the Hoyas 28-0 in the second quarter, going into halftime with a 35-21 lead.

DeMorat threw three touchdowns in the second quarter to three different seniors: one to tight end Jeff Ciccio and one each to wide receivers Fotis Kokosioulis and Dequece Carter.

Loughridge also added a 12yard touchdown run and the defense contributed a big interception from freshman Marc Pretto to seal the dominant quarter for the Rams.

Things settled down a bit in the second half from the frantic pace of the end of the first. The teams traded field goals at the start of the third quarter, with junior Brandon Peskin connecting on a 29-yarder for the Rams.

Late in the quarter, Sneed went

to work, scoring a five-yard touchdown to cap off a drive that began with his own 34-yard run.

That Sneed score allowed Fordham to enter the fourth quarter with a comfortable 4524 lead. Georgetown got closer with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Pierce to Joshua Tomas, but Fordham put the game away thanks to an impressive 27-yard rushing score from DeMorat and a 1-yard tally from Sneed.

Georgetown got a touchdown back late, but it wasn’t enough as Fordham walked away from Jack Coffey Field with a 59-38 victory over the Hoyas.

While the Fordham defense continues to allow points at a high rate (44.4 points per game), the offense continues to deliver week in and week out.

DeMorat threw for 348 yards and five total touchdowns, while senior MJ Wright led Fordham receivers with 120 yards on seven catches.

DeMorat, who was named

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Trey Sneed eludes lost defenders as Fordham cruised to a victory in the second half.

Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week for his performance, continues to lead the FCS in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

On the receiving end of things, senior Fotis Kokosioulis leads the FCS in receiving yards, thanks in large part to his 318-yard game against Ohio last week.

Reflecting on his own play, DeMorat said, “I thought I did fine. I thought I did OK, honestly. I missed a couple throws, one to Fotis [Kokosioulis]. I just think this offense makes my life a little easy. I get a lot of credit but I think the coaches deserve a lot more for the game plan all week. Obviously when you run for that many yards it makes my life easy and having great receivers to give the ball out to.”

With Fordham off to a winning start in Patriot League play, the Rams will look to keep things rolling this Saturday in Bethlehem, Pa. against Lehigh University.

Lehigh is off to a rough 1-4 start this year, with their only win coming against Georgetown in week two.

That game is set for a 12 p.m. kickoff and can be streamed live on ESPN+ or listened to on WFUV 90.7.

Despite this, Conlin insists that this week's game will not be an easy one.

“Going out there, playing on grass … It's gonna be a challenge.

Obviously we're hoping to continue the run we’re on offensively, but defensively we have to do a better job against the pass. We can’t give up 395 yards passing and expect to have sustained success.”