Volume 93 Issue 2

BASKETBALL PROGRAM SHOWS SIGNS OF HOPE - PAGE 9

STUDENTS ATTEND MARCH FOR LIFE IN D.C. - PAGE 16

SERVING THE FORDHAM UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FOR OVER 90 YEARS

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VOLUME 93, ISSUE 2

‘FNN’ to Broadcast in the Bronx Area

FEBRUARY2, 2011

Snow Impedes Commute to Campus, Frustrates Students

Manresa Program to Move to Jogues

By GIRISH SWAMINATH

By VIKRAM BHATIA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

NEWS EDITOR

Fordham Nightly News (“FNN”), an on-campus broadcast journalism club, aired its first newscast off-campus on a Bronx public television network on Jan. 26.

“FNN” was introduced to BronxNet through a new Fordham course started last semester that worked in conjunction with the public access network. The course produced a show called “Eye on Fordham” that airs on BronxNet. “Broadcasting in the Bronx gives Fordham and ‘FNN’ greater exposure,” Katie Corrado, FCRH ’12 and the station’s on-air coordinator, said. “It is always better for school to have more communication with the community.”

The staff feels delighted as a result of “FNN’s” recent milestone achievement and looks forward to receiving feedback and opinions from the Bronx community. “[‘FNN’] looks forward to hearing suggestions of stories from the Bronx community, since Fordham students are of a similar age and share similar interests, and would not be able to give [FNN] contrasting perspectives,” Will Ganss, FCRH ’14, said.

Ganss said that the “FNN” staff is thrilled about its newfound opportunity to receive recognition outside of campus.

“Sometimes, Fordham tends to be in its own bubble,” Ganss said. “[Broadcasting ‘FNN’] is an effective way to connect with the community and let the Bronx know that we are interested in helping them out.”

Although “FNN” is excited that its broadcasts are being aired outside campus, the staff aims to create more public awareness of the program and improve the quality of its broadcasts, both technologically and journalistically. “‘FNN’ is an extremely wonderful program and the entire staff dedicates hours of time and effort to making the broadcasts happen,” Ganss said. “Therefore, it would be fantastic to have a larger viewer base. Also, we have yet to achieve the perfect broadcast in terms of sound, video and reporting quality.”

With the Jan. 26 broadcast, Fordham has joined numerous other universities by launching its first broadcast outside of campus in the surrounding community.

For instance, Boston University has given 300,000 cable-viewing households in Boston the opportunity to watch “Neighborhood Network News,” a program run by students enrolled in the College of Communication.

The Manresa Program will be moving into Jogues Hall for the 2011 fall semester, although many details surrounding the move have yet to be finalized.

The program, which has been housed in Tierney for its entire three-year existence, could potentially involve commuter students as well.

“There are a lot of factors that go into making these decisions,” Greer Jason, assistant dean of students and director of Residential Life, said.

The program, which allows freshmen to take special versions of core courses, has been very popular among students. Last semester, however, the school concluded that it would be best to relocate the program to the western side of campus, which houses all other freshmen.

“There were a number of groups across campus who felt that it was important to get all the freshmen together in one area on campus,” Jason said. “We have had some students who have said that they would have participated in the program, but they wanted to be close to other freshmen.”

Right now, Tierney Hall consists of only freshman housing, while Martyrs’ Court-Jogues is a mix of freshmen and upperclassmen. Starting next year, Tierney will consist of all upperclassmen and Jogues will house only Manresa students and Gabelli School of Business Ground Floor students.

When brainstorming ideas, Residential Life consults with various other groups within the Fordham community., such as “Academic Affairs and Mission and Ministry,” according to Jason .

Residential Life also asks students for their input.

“I just held a focus group a couple of weeks ago with some students to get their input on having an online housing lottery,” Jason said. “So there are a lot of resources we use to provide feedback and partner with to make decisions.”

Other than the location

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MOCCIA/THE RAM

Heavy snow creates challenges for commuter students , who voiced their concerns at a town hall meeting on Jan. 31.

By CONNIE KIM NEWS EDITOR

Fordham’s commuter students gathered for a town hall in the McGinley Center Faculty Lounge on Jan. 31 to share their concerns and general frustrations regarding the school’s handling of the snowstorm.

Although a winter storm pounded New York area with 19 inches of snow on Jan. 27, Fordham opened the campus at 11:30 a.m., causing many troubles for students, especially commuter students.

To hear concerns and possible solutions for the upcoming snowstorms, The Commuting Students Association (CSA) organized the town hall. Approximately 30 commuter students attended the meeting to share their stories. John Carroll, associate vice president for safety and security, and Bob Howe, University director of communications, also joined the town hall to answer all the questions and provide explanations.

Many attendees shared their complaints and concerns.

“I was completely unable to attend my class due to inclement weather condition, but since the class was not canceled, I was marked as unexcused absence,” one of the student attendees said.

“We actually spoke with the office of Provost this past week regarding this matter,” Howe said. “The office of the Provost is going to have a discussion with the deans about how they will handle the absences on severe weather days. It will take a little while for the office of Provost to work with this issue because every school has different policy regarding severe weather absences.”

“The University wants to make this as fair as possible for students so that the commuter students are not penalized for missing classes on snow days or other severe weather days,” he continued.

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI/THE RAM

The attendees also brought up the issue of not closing the campus completely on Jan. 27.

“I live in Staten Island, New York, and on Thursday, there was no means of transportation available to get to school on time,” Kamila Kowalczuk, GSB ’14, said.

“We cannot make everyone happy,” Carroll said. “You all pay a lot of money to attend this school. Closing Fordham is the last decision we want to make. And in any organization, you cannot make decisions based on one or two worst possible cases. There has to be some median

that you consider.”

“However, one mistake we made is that we believed that buses will be in place by 9 a.m. and school will be open without any problem at a delayed time,” Carroll said.

All the attendees were still upset about the school’s decision for Thursday, but they said they were glad to hear some explanations.

“I apologize to each and every one of you for any inconvenience that might have caused and I want you to know that we will work hard to not cause any troubles,” Carroll said.

SEE MANRESA ON PAGE 3

INSIDE Sports PAGE 24

Opinions PAGE 12

Culture PAGE 13

Men’s Basketball Remains Winless in A-10 Play

Fordham Smokers Need Help, Not Ban

Winter Fashion at Fordham

NEWS

PAGE 2 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

SECURITY

BRIEFS

Economist and Nobel Laureate Speaks at Fordham Gary Becker Discusses Education Disparities Between Men and Women , Rich and Poor

By SARAH AMENDOLA

Jan. 26, Loschert Hall, 12:30 a.m.

A water main broke and a large quantity of water was observed flowing. Facilities was attempting to repair the break without water disruption and the work was concluded the following day.

Jan. 28, Conley Hall, 9:45 a.m.

Residents in Conley Hall burnt their bacon which triggered a smoke detector and a response by FDNY. The building was evacuated, the alarms were reset, and students returned to the building.

Jan. 28, Finlay Hall, 7:10 p.m.

An RA on rounds smelled mariajuana and followed it to a room where a small quantity of marijuana was confiscated. Residential Life will adjudicate the issue.

Jan. 28, Finlay Hall, 11:00 p.m.

Security and an RA responded to loud music, upon entering the room, beer bottles were observed along with several empty liquor bottles. Residential Life will adjudicate the issue.

Jan. 29, Salice Hall, 10:30 p.m.

STAFF WRITER

Dr. Gary Becker, Nobel Prize winner for Economics, spoke to students and faculty on the afternoon of Jan. 26. Despite the inclement weather, many came to see Becker, a current professor at the University of Chicago, present Causes of World Wide Boom in Higher Education, Especially of Women. “Modern economics is dependent on knowledge and education,” Becker said. First he set the stage for his discussion on the education disparities between men and women, rich countries and the poor.

He used charts and statistics to show that more women in highincome countries are getting college degrees than men as of 2010. There is still a significant gap in low-income countries, but it is important to note that there has been a major increase in people worldwide getting college degrees since 1970. As the number of educated people has risen, productivity has also increased, technology has become more advanced and there has been a shift in industry.

The United States made significant progress in the education race of the late 20th century. Becker explained that in the 1960s, women were more concerned with marriage and family than they were with pursuing a higher education. A decade later, nothing changed for women, but the number of men in college was increasing considerably as they were avoiding the draft during the

Jan. 30, Finlay Hall, 9:15 p.m.

During a fire drill, a bong was recovered from a room that smelled like marijuana. The case was referred to Residential Life for adjudication.

Jan. 31, John Mulcahy Hall, 11:30 a.m.

A laboratory’s fire alarm was triggered apparaently by the use of a Bunsen burner. The fire panel and the alarm were both reset and students were allowed to return to the building.

Jan. 31, Finlay Hall, 11:10 p.m.

During a fire drill, an RA found a marijuana pipe and a bong on a desk on a third floor room. The issue was referred to Residential Life.

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI/THE RAM

Nobel Prize winner Gary Becker lectured on the U.S. education crisis. higher salary after attaining a degree.

Men and women’s cognitive skills Following the theory of supply and are equal, but women surpass men demand, there was an overwhelmin higher and less variable non-coging number of graduates. Because of nitive skills according to Becker. this significant response and graduaBecker provided much insight tion rate, the degrees did little to disinto the gender inequality in edutinguish the graduates or give them cation. He studied family issues in the “edge” for higher paying jobs. economics, economics of politics, To make sense of all of the stalabor economics and human capital. tistics Becker shared, he explained He received the Presidential Medal why a degree was so important and of Freedom and the John Bates why more women than men are acClark Medal. He was a founder of quiring them. College graduates are the Greatest Good, a company that more likely to marry, stay married specializes in information analysis, and have overall better health. They designing cutting-edge methods for earn 40 percent more than those both nonprofits and big businesses. with only a high school degree. As to Katie Francis, GSB ’14, was imwhy women are more likely to reap pressed with Becker. these rewards earning more degrees, “Becker conveyed great insight Becker said that they are generally into the relevant topic of women’s better students than men. They are participation in the boom of higher more organized, work harder and education, and the discrepancies have fewer behavioral problems. that still exist,” she said.

McShane Speaks with Student Media

By PATRICK DEROCHER SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A fire alarm was activated and an RA responded to the 6th floor and entered a smoke-filled apartment.

She observed a fire on the stove and then retrieved the fire extinguisher from the hallway and extinguished the flames. Burning food was the cause. The rooms were ventilated and the alarm was reset.

Vietnam War. Fast forward 40 years, and 60 percent of bachelor’s degrees are going to women, and 40 percent to men, with those statistics reversed from what they were in 1970, exemplifying the changing times. Becker also said that there was a rise in professional and Ph.D degrees, as the number currently earned by women just equals the number by men, with women projected to soon overtake them. The fields in which these women are earning their degrees are also notable. Becker explained that from 1970-2000, there have been substantial increases in the number of women earning degrees in business, engineering and the sciences.

Despite this progress, the U.S. is facing a serious education crisis.

“The Achilles’ heel of the U.S. is that so many people are dropping out of high school,” Becker said. Thirty percent of male students and 27 percent of female high school students do not get their diplomas. Becker said that the problem lies in children falling behind in early education, not being able to catch up and eventually giving up in high school. It is a problem he believes President Barack Obama is currently working to solve.

Becker also reviewed the education situation in China, where there is low income per capita, despite the country’s progress. It is only one of a few low-income countries where more women are enrolled in college than men. China’s boom in education came in the late 1980s, as people were intrigued by the promise of a

Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University, met with representatives from student media outlets on Jan. 27 over lunch on Arthur Avenue. At the meeting, he spoke on several topics, including Lincoln Center development, federal textbook regulations and academic facilities on the Rose Hill campus.

McShane, however, devoted much of the time to discussing governmental financial assistance and Fordham’s lobbying efforts to help preserve such funds.

“In Albany, they are looking longingly at the HEOP and Stafford Loans,” he said. “They are being looked at to help close deficits.”

Higher Education Opportunity Program is a New York state scholarship fund for students who are “economically and educationally disadvantaged,” according to the Program’s Web site. HEOP is run in cooperation between the state and 69 independent colleges and universities in New York, including Fordham.

McShane said that he had personally gone to Albany, N.Y. earlier in January to argue on behalf of the continued support of such loans, noting that a large number of Fordham students rely upon them to pay for tuition and other expenses.

Additionally, he advocated student activism in support of education expenditure at both state and national levels.

“When I think of the Fordham student and their families who de-

pend on these loans… we need to keep these funding sources strong,” he said.

McShane also noted that Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, a consortium encompassing the 30 Jesuit institutions of higher learning and theological centers in the United States, has a strong lobbying presence in Washington, D.C. In addition, he said that similar groups of both Catholic and unaffiliated colleges and universities were working in Washington and in various state capitals to fight for continued funding for such scholarship programs.

Turning to the recently announced construction for the Fordham University School of Law, McShane affirmed his enthusiasm for the project and its eventual outcomes.

“This will more than double the space of the law school,” he said. “It frees up the current law building to add office space for FCLC [Fordham College at Lincoln Center] staff and faculty.”

He expected work to begin within days of the meeting (Jan. 27) and that the University plans to have the foundation work, the loudest part of the construction process, is planned to be completed during the winter, when students’ residence hall windows are more likely to be shut. McShane reported that by the time students return from summer vacation for the fall 2011 semester, construction will have passed ground level.

At the time of this article’s writing, the administration set official groundbreaking ceremony for Monday, May 2.

The new building, designed by

New York’s Pei Cobb Freed & Associates, was touted as having a curvilinear design that will minimize its impact on the streets below, as well as being one of the last two buildings ever constructed to have full, unobstructed views of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The other will be a private residence put up by the same developer as the Fordham project.

“The developer’s building will be finished ahead of ours,” McShane said. “It’s less complex, with only one use. The new law school building will have multiple entrances and elevator banks complicating construction some.” Doubling as a residence hall for undergraduate students, the building will house some 430 beds, adding to the 860 currently in McMahon Hall, the Lincoln Center campus’s only residence hall.

Speaking to concerns regarding a new textbook law implemented by the United States government, McShane called it “very difficult” to implement fully. The law, which was the subject of a front-page story in last week’s Ram (v. 93, i. 1), requires that colleges and universities provide students with textbook lists and syllabi at the time that schedules are created and/or given out to students. McShane said that full compliance with the new statue would require Fordham, or any institution, for that matter, to have a complex system of communication and information sharing between professors, academic departments and the University Bookstore last weeks Ram detailed issues regarding the Bookstore, including a potential faculty boycott.

Speaking in particular of Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, McShane said that, while the Hughes Hall renovation into a headquarters for the Gabelli School of Business is the University’s primary concern in the Bronx, there will be a “mini-renovation” of science facilities over the upcoming summer. He said that, as part of a longer-term commitment to improving science education, the University plans to spend some $2 million in several buildings oncampus to upgrade laboratories and other facilities.

THIS

week at FORDHAM Wed., Feb. 2 Yoga Keating B23, 5:30-7 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 3 Community Brunch Music Room, 1 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 3 Cinevents!

“It’s Kind of a Funny Story” Keating 1st 9 p.m.

Fri., Feb. 4 Relay for Life Kickoff O’Keefe Commons 5-11 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 6 Ram Fans Road Trip Tom Gola Arena-Philadelphia 12 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 6 Super Bowl Party, O’Keefe Commons, 4:30 p.m.

NEWS

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 3

COURTESY OF FORDHAM.EDU

The Manresa Program will shift to Martyrs’ Court-Jogues in the fall, after spending its first three years at Fordham in Tierney Hall. All freshmen will now reside in halls located on the west side of campus.

MANRESA, FROM PAGE 1

change, the program itself will mostly be the same as it was in Tierney, she said.

“The core elements of the program will remain the same,” Jason said. “We are going to have professors that are some of our best and most well-known professors on campus teaching seminars. There will still be a smaller number of students. There will be activities outside of normal classroom hours planned by the professors, some just by the professors, some in partnership with the RAs and the RD. And the professors will still serve as the academic advisors for the students in Fordham College. In addition, GSB students will be in the Ground Floor Seminar.”

One major aspect that could change is the involvement of commuters. Currently, they cannot participate in residential Integrated Learning Communities, by virtue of living off-campus.

But now the Office of Residential Life is considering allowing commuters to become Manresa students.

The administration is still working out the logistical details of such a move, however.

“We don’t exactly know what that is going to look like,” Jason said. “But we are hoping that we can work with Academic Affairs to find some way to create an op-

portunity for commuter involvement. There are a number of different ideas and ways that we can do that, but I am not sure how exactly that is going to work just yet, but it is definitely a goal of ours for the near future.”

“Integrated Learning Communities don’t have to be residential,” she said. “Primarily, much of the effort to develop Integrated Learning Communities has been residential. We feel very strongly that all of our students deserve to have opportunities, whether they are residential or commuter, to get the best they can out of a Fordham education.”

It will remain, however, that resident students who wish to be in the Manresa program will have to live in Jogues.

Residential Life wants to retain the sense of community that comes with all students in a special program being housed in the same building. It is this idea that lead to the program’s new location, as Jogues was chosen over Loschert Hall because of its many structural parallels with Tierney.

During summer 2010, Martyrs’ Court was split into two separate buildings, technically speaking.

Jogues Hall was separated from LaLande Hall and Goupil Hall.

“We put fire doors in between Jogues and LaLande and Goupil, so that there is no access from

one building to the other,” Jason said. “If you’re in Jogues, you can’t get to LaLande and if you’re in LaLande you can’t get to Jogues.”

This means that many students in Martyrs’ will not be a part of the Manresa Program or a part of GSB’s Ground Floor class.

Since two of the halls (Goupil and LaLande) are separate from the other ( Jogues), the sense of community among Manresa students and business students will still be alive.

“Because Tierney was so successful in housing the Manresa program, because of its size, we felt that really the best place for it would be Jogues because Jogues is almost exactly the same size as Tierney,” Jason said. “We did make the renovation decisions prior to the decision to move the Manresa seminar program, but it fits well into what we had previously decided.”

“It is hard to say which came first, the chicken or the egg,” Jason said. “The initial idea to make Martyrs’ into two different buildings was really born out of wanting to create isolated areas for first year students to live really because it would create smaller communities which end up being better for developing relationships and gaining a sense of awareness and belonging.”

The key to the entire decision

USG Distributes Remaining Funds

By VIKRAM BHATIA NEWS EDITOR

The United Student Government Budget Committee allocated the remainder of its funds from the previous semester last week, leaving the total estimated funds available to clubs at $0 until the next Budget Day. A total of 16 clubs filed appeals last Wednesday, Jan. 26. As there was only $46,104.48 available to all clubs, and clubs asked for $101,260.03, the committee was forced to make decisions regarding which appeals to grant and which to deny.

El Grito de Lang asked for, and received, more money than any other club. The club made 15

separate appeals and ended up receiving $18,506.73.

Other clubs who received money were Fordham University Philippine-American Club, the paper, Muslim Students Association, Campus Activity Board, ASILI, Fordham Experimental Theater, Laennec Society, Peer Educators, Fashion for Philanthropy, G.L.O.B.E., Mock Trial and PRIDE Alliance.

Many clubs, when presenting their appeals, stated that they understood that the committee is currently strapped for cash and could not be very liberal in its spending.

Contemporary Science Fiction appealed for $3,500, while Mimes & Mummers appealed for

$500. However, neither of these clubs received any money from the committee.

“No single decision was more important than any other decision,” Emily Amato, FCRH ’12, chairman of the Student Activities Budget Committee and vice president of finance on USG, said. “I believe that all appeals and decisions are of equal importance and magnitude.”

All decisions that were made during the meeting are available online at the USG Web site, usgrh.com.

Allocations will occur again at the next budget meeting, which will be held in April. At this point, any changes to the budget process will take effect.

was to make sure that the number of students in the hall would not be too large.

“It is easier to create programs that are oriented towards the interests of the community when you’ve got 150 students as opposed to 450 students,” Jason said. “And so we wanted to create opportunities where RAs and RDs would have smaller communities with which to work.”

Students, both upperclassmen and incoming freshmen, should not expect the moves to have an impact on housing costs.

“What students pay now in Tierney is what students will pay in Jogues with the typical yearly inflation,” Jason said.

Further changes to the structure of Jogues Hall will be made during the upcoming summer.

These changes are necessary to make the transition of the Manresa Program from Tierney to Jogues as easy as possible.

Jason also said that technology such as smartboards and projectors will also be implemented in the Manresa Program’s new home.

Another possible change to Jogues would be made to cater to the interests of commuters.

“We are also going to create access from outside the building (into this classroom) so that faculty and commuters can have access to the room without hav-

ing access to the whole building,” she said.

This type of a modification could not have been made in Tierney.

With regard to Tierney, exactly what its future will consist of is still up in the air.

“Whenever we work on Integrated Learning Communities, it is a several month process, and we are constantly reviewing each program and looking at data that we get each year,” Jason said. “It’s something we have to figure out pretty quickly.”

The Office of Residential Life does have an idea for the 20112012 school year.

“We plan to use it as some type of a focus-program for next year,” Jason said.

With the incoming freshmen class to be set in three months, there is a sense of urgency to make some decisions on Tierney Hall.

“It is something we need to determine in the next few months so we can let students know about it for the housing lottery,” Jason said.

“We have held a focus group with students to find out what their interests would be for a program next year in Tierney,” she said. “We’re probably going to use the student feedback we receive to help us make those decisions.”

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PAGE 4 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

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SLC Gathers to Discuss the Goals and Plans for the Semester Discusses Use of Integrated Learning Communities, New Budget System, Online Housing Lottery

By CONNIE KIM NEWS EDITOR

Fordham University’s Student Life Council, consisting of representatives from numerous on-campus governing groups and chaired

by Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, met for its first regularly scheduled meeting of the spring 2011 semester in the McGinley Center Faculty Lounge on Jan. 26.

As the first scheduled meeting of the year, the meeting consisted of general presentations on each group’s plans and goals for this spring semester, but mainly focused their discussion on the implementation of the integrated learning communities and a new online housing lottery system.

The first important matter that came up was how to use Tierney Hall after the movement of the Manresa program currently located in Tierney to Jogues Hall next year.

The discussion specifically centered on how the administration should manage those communities and approach proposing new ones in the future.

“The residence hall was intentionally renovated four years ago to accommodate an integrated learning community,” Rodgers said of Tierney. “Since it has the features

of an integrated learning community, it has to remain as one of those communities whether it remains as [a place for] Manresa program or not.”

Rodgers then pointed out that the University is currently in the process of bringing those parties involved in the administration to evaluate their handling of the seven existing integrated learning communities and deciding how to enhance future programs.

“Integrated learning communities are a centerpiece and a strategic initiative for the office of the residential life, for student life, for student affairs, for the academic affairs and Mission and Ministry area of the University,” Rodgers said. “[Inside the administration], we are discussing how to take that definition of integrated learning communities and use it to work with the constituencies of the campus including students to formulate new integrated learning communities.”

Last year, United Student Government, along with input from Gabelli School of Business students, proposed the West Wing integrated learning community.

There were no proper directions to follow in proposing the new program, however.

“One of the specific tasks for in-

tegrated learning community task force is to come up with a road map for people to use in order to propose new integrated learning communities,” Rodgers said.

“Hopefully, at the end of the process, we will have that. The process has just begun with the definition or set of summary documents that define each of the integrated learning communities.”

The meeting also discussed general problems with McGinley Center, including the small size of the Student Lounge and the numerous handicap inaccessible spaces.

One of the auditors raised an issue that the Student Lounge, formerly known as the Commuter Lounge, which is located in the basement of McGinley Center, is often filled to capacity due to many incoming freshmen, who enjoy spending time there.

Jonathan Roque, FCRH ’11, president of Commuter Student Association, also raised an issue regarding the closing time of the lounge. “[The] Student lounge is not respected as it used to be,” he said.

“Commuter Student Association (CSA) is coming up with a proposal that the lounge would be open for another hour at least on the days when there is night programming for the commuter students.”

This section of the meeting also focused on the many handicap inaccessible places on campus.

“Indeed, the transition from the main building to another section of the building is very odd,” Rodgers said, while explaining the inaccessibility from one place to another in McGinley.

Since the Student Life Council is open to all of the student body, the group reached a unanimous decision to move the meeting from Faculty Lounge to a handicapaccessible place once the issue was raised.

The SLC also briefly discussed proposed changes to the budget process.

“The task force for the budget is continuing to work,” Sara Kugel, FCRH ’11, executive president of USG, said. “Over the next month, clubs will be contacted to come in and give their opinions. We would like to get as many signatures as we can from clubs because we want to make sure that clubs actually like the new system.”

The task force will present the final proposal of the revision for the budget system at the next SLC meeting on Feb. 23.

The last important matter of the meeting was the transition to the online housing system.

“We are transitioning our soft-

ware from Banner to Starre, which is better able to manage housing operations in general,” Greer Jason, assistant dean of students and director of Residential Life, said. “This includes the possibility of moving to a completely online housing lottery system. The students should see the pieces of that this year, but not the program in its entirety. Hopefully, we will see the completed version by next year.”

In transitioning to the online housing lottery system, there are some decisions that are driven by Residential Life. The whole student body will be involved in making most of the decisions, however.

“When students do things online [for housing], not every student can easily make a decision,” Jason said. “So we had a focus group of students, mainly RHA members, to test few scenarios in room selection and came up with a proper system for students based on their feedback.”

“We are trying to make the process as student driven as possible.”

“Very shortly, I will be asking for volunteers during the month of February to test the system,” Jason said. “It is going to be a little timely and a little frustrating, but we really need your help.”

Testing will probably occur in mid- to late-February.

FTP, PRIDE Named Clubs of Month GSB Launches New

By VICTORIA RAU MANAGING EDITOR

United Student Government presented Club of the Month awards to student organizations Fordham Television and Production (FTP) and PRIDE Alliance for October and November, respectively.

Calling FTP a “very active and solid club,” USG Vice President of Operations Bryan Matis, GSB ’12, praised the group’s involvement with programs such as Fordham Idol and filmmaking workshops, the latter of which “taught students the technical and software skills necessary to create films.”

“The club hosted many original movie screenings and played an important role in Fordham Idol, where they filmed student auditions in order to create a video montage and video advertising for the main event,” Matis said.

Geoffery Mullings, FCRH ’11, co-president of FTP was on hand to accept the award.

Prompted by events such as Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi’s suicide and hate crimes against gay teenagers in the Bronx last fall, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer student group PRIDE Alliance took on the issue of sexual identity in the Fordham community by trying to raise awareness.

“They really went above and beyond what clubs usually do in terms of activism,” Matis said, adding that while the Club of the Month award tends to honor groups that engage in lots of programming, it is important to recognize organizations that promote dialogue on campus about

difficult issues.

A well-attended vigil held on Nov. 15 to “break the silence” and honor LGBTQ victims of violence in addition to a prayer service in support of the LGBTQ community in December co-sponsored by USG, Campus Ministry and the theology department were among the examples that Matis cited of PRIDE’s activism.

USG hosted a town hall meeting on Nov. 4, 2010 at which PRIDE members shed light on their experiences as LGBTQ students. PRIDE members also attended Student Life Council meetings in order to continue to voice these concerns as part of their ongoing efforts to encourage dialogue about LGBTQ issues and acceptance of students of all identities on and off Fordham’s campus.

Amanda Vodola, FCRH ’11, vice president of PRIDE, and Natasha Ramos, FCRH ’12, secretary of PRIDE, accepted the award on the club’s behalf. In accepting the award, Vodola called USG an ally in supporting PRIDE’s initiatives.

“I felt that [USG’s support] very reassuring and the kind of voice that we really appreciate on this campus,” she said.

In addition, at USG’s Jan. 27 meeting, Matis proposed an amendment to USG’s constitution regarding the Club of the Month and Club of the Year awards.

The amendment, which passed unanimously, stipulates guidelines for selecting clubs for these awards, a process that the Constitution failed to define explicitly before now.

Marketing Center

By VIKRAM BHATIA NEWS EDITOR

COURTESY OF FORDHAM PRIDE

After some delay and multiple nominations, Fordham PRIDE Alliance was named USG’s November Club of the Month.

The amendment clarifies the timing and procedure for voting on the award, occuring at the last meeting of each month for Club of the Month and the last senate meeting in March for Club of the Year and more subjective aspects of the award, such as what qualifies a club to win it.

The criteria for consideration as Club of the Month include “outstanding achievements,” such as “frequent, superior programming; exceptional service to the Fordham or Bronx communities; [and] any other contribution, action or demonstration of leadership,” according to the amendment.

In addition to the recognition both at USG’s meeting and on its Web site, Club of the Month has a more tangible reward in that the USG Budget Committee will hear the winning club’s budget appeal first at the next budget meeting following the club’s selection. A de facto custom, the constitutional amendment ensures that this aspect of the award may be carried out accurately.

Although there are no major changes to the procedure by which USG already chooses the Club of the Month, Matis said that it is important “to set it in stone and make it [the award] a permanent fixture of USG.”

The Gabelli School of Business has launched the Center for Positive Marketing, which the dean of the school, Dr. Donna Rapacciloi, says will “bring together all the positive aspects of what [the school does] as educators under one umbrella.”

According to its Web site: “The Center for Positive Marketing was born from our commitment to improve the world around us.

We believe in the power of peoplecentric exchange, uniting business with the global community to create a socially responsible — and mutually beneficial —relationship. We see marketing as more than the exchange of goods and services, it is an agent for positive influence in society.”

Dr. Marcia Flicker, associate professor of marketing and co-director of the school’s honors thesis program, explained the significance of the project.

“We hope that, as the Center grows and matures, it will be an asset to the University and to global marketing practice in ways that we can only glimpse now,” she said.

Specifically, according to Flicker, “the center will be administering an annual survey of consumer wellbeing, training undergraduate and graduate students in research methods, hosting an executive in residence, bringing prominent industry speakers to campus, and organizing academic conferences.”

“All of these activities will allow us to share, debate and expand our ideas with our students and marketing practitioners,” she said.

The center was created not solely

for teaching purposes, but also for facilitating the study of “the value created when organizations and their customers or clients exchange goods and services of value in a winwin situation.”

“We believe that the needs of all members of a market — customers, suppliers, intermediaries and the public — are interdependent, and that by satisfying real needs, the best marketing is a force for societal wellbeing,” Flicker said.

Flicker repeatedly conveyed her high aspirations for the center. She said that she hoped that the research done would be “at the cutting edge of knowledge that helps to influence and shape how businesses interact and create value.”

Additionally, she anticipates that “Fordham University will become the ‘go-to’ place for information about marketing as a force for ethical value creation.”

Flicker said that she foresees the center publishing an annual index of consumer-well being, and more interaction between students, faculty and the “global business world.” This aspect of the center, in particular, is very important to Flicker.

“This interaction will enrich the resources (e.g., knowledge, contacts) available in the classroom and career advising,” she said.

Although the details of the center’s use have not all been ironed out, Flicker said that “our vision is large and long-range.”

“I am very proud of this new research center as it really uses our mission as a Jesuit business school in New York as the basis for its research and involvement with the external community,” Rapaccioli said.

NEWS

PAGE 6 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

Fordham in Brief Fordham Takes RecycleMania Challenge The University is engaging in a process by which it will discover the amount of garbage it produces.

Starting Thurs., Feb. 3, Fordham will enter RecycleMania, a friendly tournament in which various universities are evaluated based on their level of trash and recyclable production. The purpose of the event is to increase recycling on campuses across the nation and to highlight the efforts of sustainability programs of several universities.

Fordham went through a twoweek trial period, which helped it evaluate its trash-assessment plan in time for the competition.

The contest runs through April 2. While it is on-going, the custodial staff will report the data it collects to RecycleMania on a weekly basis. Fordham will be assessed in comparison to other universities by the results of calculations of the following items: largest amount of recyclables per capita, largest amount of total recyclables, least amount of trash per capita, and highest recycling rate.

The trash and recyclables from residence halls at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center will be added together to calculate the total tally.

Throughout the tournament, the information received will be monitored by sustainability consultant Great Forest and sent to the residence halls, also on a weekly basis.

This will afford students the oppor-

tunity to track their progress. As an incentive, the hall that recycles the most per capita will be rewarded.

RecycleMania first took place in 2001, with only 2 universities participating. Since then, the event has grown exponentially, as 576 schools now participate. This is Fordham’s first year in the program.

University Installs Theologian as First Dulles Chair Fordham officially installed Terrence W. Tilley, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Theology, as the inaugural Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., Chair of Catholic Theology.

The standing-room-only ceremony was held at Tognino Hall on Jan. 31. Attendees included Vincent and Teresa Viola, whose donation directly led to the creating of the chair.

The event was followed by Tilley’s first address in his new position.

The address was entitled “Sentire cum Ecclesia: Thinking With and for the Church.” The speech focused on the understanding of St. Ignatius Loyola’s “Rules for Thinking with the Church” in relation to the cardinal’s Models of the Church, an influential book published in 1974.

Tilley said that he first encountered the 13th of 18 rules set forth in Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises while attending Brophy College Preparatory School, a Jesuit institution in Phoenix.

“Scholastics and ordained— sometimes subtly, sometimes not so subtly—recruited me and other promising classmates for the order,” he said. “But the scholastics told us [the 13th rule] bluntly—that if any of us thought something was white and the hierarchical church said it was black, we had to believe it was black.

“Long before I accepted the philosophical dictum that our beliefs are mostly not under the direct control of our wills, I knew I could not accept that rule.”

Titley explained that he began to appreciate the importance of the mandate in 1993, when he read a talk that Dulles gave to Jesuits at a symposium in Mexico. He said that one reason for the rule may have been to attempt to ward off charges against Ignatius that accused him of being a member of the “Illuminati.”

“The novelty, emotional and sensual intensity, and individuality of his Spiritual Exercises was ammunition for those who delated—that is, ratted out—Ignatius to the Inquisition,” Tilley said. “But Ignatius was always a man of the church. His rules for thinking with the church are evidence that support that point.”

Tilley said that his interpretation is that Dulles said that these rules were only meant for those who had already completed the exercises, which disqualifies “abstract norms to be used by the general public on any and all occasions.”

“It is not that we must put aside

our judgments, but we are to be people who are ready to listen to others, to rethink our views, and to change if needed,” said Tilley.

“We’ve come a long way from the impossible stumbling block that the Jesuit scholastics at Brophy Prep put in front of me.”

Tilley went on to explore five separte models of the church – instituitonal, communion, sacramental, herald and servant. These are the models that Cardinal Dulles used to explain the frames of reference used by many theologians.

The institutional model puts God at the top of a pyramid. Underneath Him are the pope, bishops, priest, laypeople, flora and fauna. This model is the one that the public relates to the most and, according to Tilley, is the most criticized.

“The institutional model of the church makes this interpretation rather obvious. To think with the church is to think what the hierarchy says to think,” he said.

“But one of the crucial elements … adapted by Dulles is that no single model can exhaust the mystery.

We need multiple models to disclose the depths of the mystery—of God, of the human, of the church.”

Tilley said that Dulles most fully embraced the institutional, communion, and sacramental models.

But he also said that a “community of disciples” that could potentially fuse the models.

Tilley finished by saying that the tough questions between different styles among believers is central to

the meaning of thinking “with and for the church as a community of disciples.”

“How do we distinguish Christianity in and for—but not of—the world without falling into the mentality of opposition to culture that seems to afflict so many ‘orthodox’ Catholic theologians and bishops today?” he asked.

“How do we convince some members of the magisterium that they are fundamentally teachers, not dictators whose style of governance can drive people from the church?

“How do we communicate the beauty and truth of the faith to all our children? How do we show the world that the church is a community, aninstitution and an event that serves God by serving the world— by seasoning and leavening the world?”

Most importantly, Tilley said, “Catholics should cherish diversity and should make an effort to keep the Catholic Church an open church of recovering sinners, not a closed sect for saints.” “[Cardinal Dulles] teaches us that our opponents in theology and the church are not our enemies, but our friends to whom we must listen and from whom we must learn,” he said.

“After all, they are God’s people as much as I am,” he explained. “God’s unfailing love encompasses all of us.

And if God loves my opponents— and even my enemies—must I not learn how to love them, too?”

— Compiled by Vikram Bhatia, News Editor

Fordham Students Search for Homeless

By VIKRAM BHATIA NEWS EDITOR

One hundred-eleven Fordham students surveyed various areas within the Bronx on early Tuesday morning as part of Homeless Outreach Population Estimate Count 2011.

The HOPE count takes place once a year and is run by the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS). Its purpose is to measure the number of street homeless people in New York City.

The goal of DHS is to end street homelessness, and the event serves as a way for the organization to assess its effectiveness.

Volunteers were given tips on how to approach the homeless late Monday evening. Immediately following this training session, the teams went their separate ways, setting out for their assigned areas.

About 3,000 New Yorkers volunteered to inspect the five boroughs.

All volunteers had to be at least 18 years of age and, according to one advertisement, had to “share our [the DHS’s] commitment to helping the homeless of New York City.”

“Fordham is just one meeting place for volunteers, and we are among about 3,000 volunteers that will go out in all five boroughs in the city this evening to literally survey people who are out on the streets,” Caitlin Becker, the associate coordinator of Community Service at Rose Hill, said.

There were a total of 18 teams, each of which included anywhere

from four to six student volunteers.

Volunteers arrived at the Rose Hill Campus Student Lounge, located on the second floor of the McGinley Center, by 10 p.m. Monday night.

After about 35 minutes of snacks and team bonding through ice breakers, Sandra Lobo-Jost, the director of the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice, formally started the night’s educational process.

“The HOPE count is one tool that is going to help determine [the effectiveness] of the services that are out there and determine whether or not they are working,” she said.

Later, Camille Johnson, GSB ’11, read aloud “A Resident of Nowhere” by Ed Loring, an article that illustrates the hardships experience by one homeless man in Atlanta, Georgia by describing his daily choice between work and food.

The volunteers, who all had a copy of the article in front of them, then spent 15 minutes reflecting on the story within their small groups.

Following this reflection, the training process began. Noel Concepcion, the director of Adult Homeless Services at Bronx Works, the largest homeless service provider in the Bronx, explained how to handle the different situations that the volunteers might encounter when searching for homeless on the streets.

Volunteers were told to wake =- the people they saw that were sleeping outside and to use their own judgment in assessing whether an individual they encountered was legitimately homeless.

In waking those who were sleeping, Johnson instructed volunteers to “tap them on the foot with your foot.”

Additionally, Johnson warned the volunteers not to “intimidate” the homeless by having the entire group approach an individual and adviced them to “be respectful of their personal space.”

Part of putting the 18 teams together was making sure that the personnel within each team were able to be most effective in the greatest number of possible situations. For example, since there is a large Spanish-speaking population in the Bronx, the Center for Service and Justice tried to allocate one Spanish-speaking person to each team.

Safety is a major concern for the DHS, but there have been no incidents in the eight years that this survey has been conducted.

Still, volunteers were given advice on how to handle the dangers of being out in the Bronx in the early morning hours. Johnson told them to “stay together with your team at all times.”

Later, an interactive video was shown to go over certain potential scenarios that volunteers could be faced with during their HOPE experience. As Concepcion explained, the video was a “simulation of how to approach folks and how to ask questions.”

At midnight, Ram Vans and other vehicles escorted the teams to their assigned areas and then began looking for homeless people to survey.

The DHS had several “decoys”

COURTESY OF FORDHAM.EDU

Fordham students continued their participation in NYC’s HOPE count, which is conducted annually on one of the coldest nights of the year. set up throughout the city, to make sure that the volunteers were doing their job scrupulously. As volunteers were supposed to treat everyone they came across equally, by interviewing every human being they saw, the decoy would only reveal him or herself after the vol-

unteers surveyed him or her. They were then provided with a sticker to prove that they had surveyed the decoy. Not all areas had decoys.

The event takes place at this time of year in order to target those whom even in the coldest conditions, do not have a place to stay.

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PAGE 9

Hope on the Horizon for Fordham Basketball

BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

A full crowd turned out to cheer on the Rams as they took on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies. Although Fordham did not win, the enthusiasm boded well for Fordham’s once floundering basketball program.

By BRIAN KRAKER OPINIONS EDITOR

Basketball is back in the Bronx. Following the upset of St. John’s, Fordham basketball rode a wave of success into winter break. As fans stormed the court at the game’s conclusion, the Rose Hill Gym resembled the home of a Division I powerhouse rather than of a perennial bottom dweller.

The acquisition of Head Coach Tom Pecora during the off season has been an undeniable success. The team already surpassed its previous win total of two and attracted sizable crowds to each home game, proving that if you win it, they will come.

One question has been left unanswered, however: what happens if Fordham returns to its losing ways?

Leading into Saturday’s matchup with St. Bonaventure, the Rams were forced to face the issue after losing seven of their next eight games following the victory over St. John’s. Although Fordham fell to the Bonnies 69-60, this loss still exemplified the direction of the basketball program: hope.

With the Rose Hill Gym filled to

the brim with alumni and students, the arena earned its status as one of the nation’s most intimidating courts. In the past, a full gym was a true anomaly.

Students had a better chance of Father McShane handing out free condoms than seeing a packed house. At a university where students are more interested in playing a round of beer pong than watching two halves of basketball, filling the gym on an early Saturday afternoon is a feat in itself.

The first half played out like a clichéd basketball storyline. The Bonnies took early command of the game, extending their lead to 36-20 heading into the half. In accordance with the typical plot, Fordham should have followed with a mediocre second half, where the Rams weakly concede another conference game. Apparently no one told Pecora’s team or the cohort of Ram fans in attendance.

The second half commenced with the gym as packed as it was at the opening tip-off. No fans meandered from the McGinley center with their tails between their legs. No one tried to beat the traffic. It seemed as if not a single fan doubted the Rams’ ability to

BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

Fordham guard Branden Frazier attempts a circus shot against St. Bonaventure.

come back.

Pecora had his team believing the very same thing. The Rams started the second half with a 22-6 run to tie the game at 42. The gym erupted as if Fordham had won the national championship when Chris Gatson made the game-tying layup.

The comeback brought life back into the Rose Hill Gym that has long been absent. The majority of the student section was on its feet for the second half, not merely the Sixth Man Club.

When a group of St. Bonaventure fans began cheering “SBU,” a group of

Fordham alumni responded with an “F.U.” chant. Pecora has brought out the raucous spirit of the whole Fordham community, something that has long laid dormant on campus.

Unfortunately, the Rams did not complete the comeback; the Bonnies pulled away in the waning minutes of the game. There is no such thing as a moral victory in sports. Pecora should take solace in one aspect of Saturday’s game in that he has energized a fan base which has suffered from a twodecade long hangover since Fordham last appeared in postseason play.

Pecora started the season with a team that had lower turnouts than introductory courses without mandatory attendance. Yet, halfway through the season, he has the stands filled as if the Rams were on a championship run. Saturday, Fordham attracted students without outlandish gimmicks or giveaways, but with good basketball.

Even down to the final minutes, Pecora’s Rams never conceded defeat.

They fouled and continued to drive the ball to the hole, down to the final whistle. That’s a team in which fans can believe, one that never quits, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

Pecora’s style is working, and the wins will come. More importantly, the student body also believes they will come. For now, Ram fans should be content with the heart displayed

by Fordham and the occasional upset of a St. John’s-caliber team. Because, if Pecora manages to keep up the success he has had so far, those wins will not be considered upsets for much longer.

Brian Kraker, FCRH ’12, is an English and computer science major from Pompton Lakes, N.J. He can be reached at kraker@fordham.edu.

Center for Positive Marketing Enhances Business School

By MATTHEW ARTH STAFF WRITER

Since the college’s founding, Fordham’s business school has predominantly been associated with the fields of accounting and finance. That may all be changing, as several factors have coalesced to push the marketing department into its rightful place under the spotlight. With the Gabelli School of Business lauded as one of the top four marketing programs in the country last year by BusinessWeek, the launch of the new Center for Positive Marketing stands to further distinguish Fordham’s offerings in this fundamental business discipline.

Led by Dr. Dawn Lerman and her colleagues, Dr. Luke Kachersky and Dr. Marcia Flicker, the Center for Positive Marketing was founded under the guiding principal that marketing research is best approached not from the traditional standpoint of the marketers themselves, but rather from the perspective of the consumers that it seeks to serve. This demand-side focus will enable marketers to provide better and more mutually beneficial solutions for consumers’ needs.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

The new research center will benefit Fordham students who want to enter the business world.

Dr. Lerman believes Fordham provides the ideal atmosphere to host such a center.

“Marketing is one of the main ties that binds the themes of globalization of, and social responsibility in, business,” she said. “Fordham’s Jesuit mission and the caliber of its business

schools make the University uniquely positioned to house this type of research center and to explore these themes.”

The University has committed to the launch of the center with an initial investment of seed capital. The administration anticipates that the pro-

gram will be self-funded within the next couple of years, however. This will be at least partially accomplished through fundraising, which has already begun with a generous award of $7,000 from Proctor & Gamble’s Higher Education Grant Program.

According to the press release, a big focus for the center will be on the establishment of an index that charts consumer well-being. It is intended to track the happiness and utility that Americans derive from their consumption, and will initially be published on an annual basis, although this may be expanded to a quarterly release in years to come. This index will be the first of its kind, and the team is hoping to publish its first results in the fall. In addition, other future goals include an annual conference, a wide variety of seminars and panels to discuss current developments in marketing and the inauguration of an executive-in-residence.

Clearly the Center for Positive Marketing will be a significant boon to consumers and marketers alike, but its benefits extend to the Fordham student body as well. Students will have the opportunity to work as research fellows, performing the re-

search and analyzing data alongside Fordham faculty.

Students will also find the executive-in-residence program to be an excellent resource in their development as future businesspeople. This executive, whom the center is currently recruiting, will be charged with bringing prominent speakers to Fordham for a new lecture series entitled The Marketing Leader. A speaker from American Express has already committed, with several more soon to follow. The executive-in-residence will also be responsible for attracting corporate recruiters to the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, and connecting students in both the undergraduate and graduate schools with marketing-related internships.

The launch of the Center for Positive Marketing is a good sign that the University is moving in the right direction. Research often distinguishes a mediocre school from an exceptional one, and investments in truly unique programs such as this will continue to fuel Fordham’s rising prominence on the national scene.

Matthew Arth, GSB ’11, is a marketing major and economics minor from Southlake, Texas.

OPINIONS

PAGE 10 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

The Ram Serving campus and community since 1918.

The Ram is the University journal of record. The mission of The 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 Ram is published and distributed free of charge every Wednesday during the academic year to the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses with a readership of 12,000. The Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

www.theramonline.com Editorial: (718) 817-0873 Production: (718) 817-4381 Newsroom: (718) 817-4394 Advertising: (718) 817-4379 Fax: (718) 817-4319 theram@fordham.edu Fordham University - Station 37 Box B Bronx, NY 10458 Editor-in-Chief Nick Carroll Senior Executive Editor Patrick Derocher Managing Editor Victoria Rau Design Editor Stephen Moccia Business Editor Caroline Dahlgren News Editors Connie Kim Vikram Bhatia Opinions Editors Christine Barcellona Brian Kraker Culture Editor Sandy McKenzie Assistant Culture Editors Sarah Ramirez Scharon Harding Sports Editor Alexander Vilardo Assistant Sports Editors Jonathon Smith Chester Baker Copy Chief Celeste Kmiotek Copy Team Mark Becker Claire Borders Abigail Forget Tom Haskin Sean McGonigle Olivia Monaco Erik Pederson Hussein Safa Photo Editor Nora Mallozzi Simon Sulit Web Editor Kelly Caggiano Assistant Web Editor Tracy Fan Ou Faculty Advisor Jonathan Sanders

Opinions Policy The Ram appreciates submissions that are typed and saved on a disk in a *.rtf, *.txt or *.doc formats, or sent to the staff via e-mail at RamLetters@ fordham.edu. Commentaries are printed on a space available basis. The Ram reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason, without notice.

Submissions become the exclusive property of The Ram and will not be returned. The Ram reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions in The Ram’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in articles, letters, commentaries, cartoons or graphics are those of the individual author. No part of The Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

From the Desk of Sarah Ramirez, Assistant Culture Editor Most days, especially in the winter, I feel like my life should be an episode of “True Life: My Life Revolves around Weather.” It should not come as a surprise that I used to be a weather reporter on Fordham Nightly News. This semester, it has gotten to the point that I will not even get out of bed without checking the weather on my iPod Touch. You thought I was exaggerating.

I was born and raised in sunny South Florida suburbia. It is the land of Disney World, space shuttles, alligators, sabal palms, Latinos and retirees alike. The highest natural peak in the state is practically in Alabama, and comes in at a whopping 345 feet.

Most skyscrapers in Miami are taller and have better views. It is my home, but everything Chelsea Handler says about Florida is mostly true (and it is mostly bad).

I guess that is why I did not have any qualms about applying to college out-of-state. Actually, since I can remember, my life was dedicated to getting into a good college far, far away. (This was before the weather was such a big factor in my everyday life). When I finally applied to schools, nearly every one was located in New York City or Boston.

Eventually, I settled on Fordham.

I was sold on the solid academics and the strong student community.

The campus looked straight out of a movie (little did I know) and the city,

the one in which everyone dreams of making it, was only a subway ride away. What was not to like?

My real apprehension about moving away started when everyone started to ask me about my college plans. The conversations went a lot like this: Acquaintance: So where did you finally decide to go to school?

Me: Fordham.

Acquaintance: Florida? I thought you were a Miami Hurricanes fan?

Me: No, For-DUM. It’s in New York.

Acquaintance: Oh, is that in Manhattan?

Me: No, the Bronx.

Acquaintance: [look of horror] Regardless of others’ doubts, I came to the Bronx during the tail end of a blazing hot summer. It was a welcome relief, though, from the weather back in my hometown; temperatures actually dipped into the 70s at night.

As my first year here progressed, one of the things that I remember most is my utter fascination at actually experiencing seasons. I had no idea that leaves could actually turn pink. I also had no idea how to layer.

I was perpetually sick last fall, but at least the trees were beautiful.

Then came winter. It was what I had been waiting for my whole life.

Yes, I was that kid, the one that had never seen snow until I went away to

college and was already an adult. Last winter meant my first snow angel and snowman. My parents missed out on a lot of my life’s milestones.

What no one told me was how cold it would get. My body, the one that was used to living in the tropics for nearly two decades, refused to acclimate to the cold. The Northeast environment seemed completely unnatural to me, even though it came with the perk of seeing my breath.

Understand that the coldest it gets in South Florida is usually the 30s and 40s, in the dead of winter, in the early mornings and late at nights. It is the first week of February, and the highs in my hometown have already reached the upper 70s. I know we are spoiled, so why did I leave?

I think I have discovered the reason: snow days. Snow days are one of the most amazing things ever, when the University actually allows them to happen. I love walking through the slush across campus and cursing the freezing temperatures as much as the next person, but there are few things I love more than getting an e-mail announcing that classes have been cancelled. (That is unless my classes for the day are not affected, which seems to be the case this semester).

Snow days are one thing that New York has over Florida. In Florida, we do not deal with blizzards; we deal with hurricanes frequently. The mo-

ment a tropical storm or hurricane watch is in effect, schools are closed.

While most Fordham students relished snow days during their youth, I got to enjoy hurricane days.

Hurricane days, however, are no fun. Instead of frolicing in the snow and drinking coco, you get to help your parents put up storm shutters, make sure you have enough water for a small country and turn a walk-in closet into a bunker. Then you get to sit inside a dark house for a couple of days. Did I mention the cable always goes out and network television only plays incessant hurricane coverage?

That is not my idea of a good time.

As much as I complain about the winter, there is a bright side to living up North. Deep down, I really do love having seasons to anticipate.

Back home, there is only summer and hurricane season, and they tend to overlap. Here, I can experience the growth, renewal and freshness that come with change in my surroundings; it is invigorating. At the moment, I am more than ready for the next change. Is it springtime yet?

Review Sites Prove Valuable to Prospective Students

By SARAH TEYSSEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At Fordham, “everyone is either a stereotypical white private school kid, or some kind of Jesus freak,” “the cafeteria sucks!,” “Res Life is the Gestapo of college” and “the guys are all straight out of ‘Jersey Shore.’” At least this is what some of the commentators on online college review Web sites like studentsreview.com or collegeprowler. com would like to make already confused college applicants believe. Does this mean that these Web sites harm Fordham and its chances of attracting a talented and diverse student body?

By no means. With the increasing popularity of review Web sites, more and more students are posting honest, if sometimes overly emotional, reviews of their schools on the Web. Altogether, they amount to an incredibly accurate presentation of what life at different schools is really like.

Having a source that gives applicants this kind of insight is incredibly important. As a part of Fordham’s plan to become a more prestigious university on both a national and international level, attracting students from distant locations such as Asia and Europe is essential. These students need a way of determining whether they will enjoy and profit from spending $50 grand a year on a Fordham education before they make that commitment and visiting is often not an option. If you believe the universities’ own Web sites, all schools from Arizona State to Yale are equally stellar academic institution with vibrant student life options and unmatched diversity.

Having an accurate portrayal of life on campus is also important on a more basic level. One of the most important things rating services such as the U.S. News and World Report use to evaluate a school’s quality is the retention rate. If students do not know what they are getting themselves into, they might

ALLEN J. SCHABEN/MCT

Prospective high school students can find student-penned reviews of universities using sites such as Collegeprowler.com.

very well transfer after their first semester here, and that is bad for Fordham.

Also, if Fordham can attract applicants who are interested in what the school really has to offer, this will contribute to a student body that can truly profit from Fordham’s many advantages. It is essential that people know the disadvantages of each university before deciding to go there. On the College Prowler report card, Fordham receives a “C-” in Campus Dining, a “B-” in Athletics and a “D” in Campus Strictness.

Instead of seeing this as a problem, we should acknowledge that students looking for culinary heaven on campus, stadium-filling football games and lenient rules of conduct are indeed looking at the wrong school.

Once our school’s disadvantages are admitted, applicants can learn what is truly great about Fordham and, let us face it, Fordham needs this. While schools like Columbia or NYU might be able to attract students simply through their rankings and prestige, Fordham needs to show what makes the education here so special and the

COURTESY OF COLLEGEPROWLER.COM

prospect of living in the “oh-so-scary” Bronx worthwhile. We need to have students who, unlike the Rose Hill Society, are not coached to tell prospective freshmen that “security alerts we get are always about somebody getting

mugged as they walked in the Bronx, alone, at night, intoxicated,” “Fordham is one of the best schools to go to for volunteer opportunities” and “Fordham Road is filled with cheap shops where you can buy anything and everything ghetto-fab.”

In order to have these honest and diverse descriptions of Fordham available to applicants, however, we as students must make sure that as many people as possible share their experiences, good or bad, on the Web. We must respect those people who feel the need to tell of their apparently horrible time here in capital letters and with 15 exclamation marks, but we have to show that the majority of students love the school and, secretly, even some of those flaws that make Fordham unique. Put down this newspaper, go online and share what you love and what you hate about our school with every anxious high school senior considering Fordham out there.

Sarah Teyssen, FCRH ’13, is an international politcal economy major from Erding, Germany.

OPINIONS

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 11

Hazardous, Icy Conditions Should Prompt Snow Day Unfair Trade

Eric Horvath

BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

In the wake of the snow storm, icy roads and hazardous conditions caused trouble for students, faculty and staff who commuted to campus by car, train or bus.

By CHRISTINE BARCELLONA OPINIONS EDITOR

Last week’s massive snowfall officially made January New York’s snowiest January on record; in that month alone, the city saw 36 inches of snowfall, according to the New York Times. About a foot-and-a-half of snow descended upon the city and the surrounding area between Jan. 26 and 27. Rose Hill held classes after 10:50 am on Jan. 27, forcing commuting professors and students to either brave icy roads or miss class and frustrating resident students who had to navigate the maze of partially shoveled walkways.

According to the Times, New York City public schools cancelled class because of snow for only the ninth time since 1978, and schools were forced to postpone Regents Exams.

In addition to public school closures, universities around the city closed for the day. According to DNAinfo. com, New York University closed for the day, as did The New School, Fashion Institute of Technology, Juilliard, Hunter College and many other institutions.

While the storm blew through, bus service was suspended and some trains were halted on the snowy tracks. Though the rest of the city apparently saw the dangers and difficulties snow that created for transportation, Fordham decided to mandate that Rose Hill classes begin again by 10:50 a.m.

Though the National Weather Service’s snowstorm-related warnings ended Thursday morning, once the storm vanished, snowy conditions persisted as plows struggled to cope with the mess. The Times reports that Thursday morning, MetroNorth trains between Manhattan and Connecticut and Westchester County lost service. Though service was restored to the trains a little later in the day, roads remained icy, and motorists risked treacherous conditions.

Many commuter students were faced with a difficult choice: venture out into icy and potentially dangerous conditions, or end up with an unexcused absence in any classes they missed. Other commuters did not even have that choice because of early morning transportation outages, especially with buses in the Bronx and other boroughs.

During a Jan. 31 commuter and off-campus student town hall meeting, commuting students had a chance to discuss some of their concerns about last week’s inclement weather and the University’s response to icy conditions.

For example, though some professors cancelled afternoon classes themselves, many students still had to miss class. Several members of the Commuting Students Association suggested that the University take this into consideration and grant commuters excused absences when they are unable to safely reach campus on days with inclement weather.

John Carroll, director of security, said the issue was under discussion, though no decision had been made.

Granting amnesty for absences forced by inclement weather would help address the issue, but it would still not make up for the missed class time. Carroll emphasized that one of the main reasons Fordham hesitates to close the University is because it is unfair to all students, because they have paid tuition for their classes and should be able to attend them.

He noted that graduate students, many of whom are enrolled in classes that may meet only once a week, are especially distraught when their classes are cancelled. While this is a good point and an important consideration, it is also unfair to hold classes which resident students can attend, but which a large number of commuters may not be able to reach safely because of mass transit outages.

Carroll admitted that failing to cancel early afternoon classes on

Issue of the Week:

Egyptian Protests A Look at the World Outside of Fordham from the Perspective of Professional News Bloggers

See what commentators from the Left and the Right have to say about the political demonstrations unfolding in Egypt.

Thursday was a mistake; the administration had believed that bus service in the Bronx would be restored by 9 a.m. The administration tries to avoid canceling classes less than two hours before their start time so commuters will not arrive on campus only to discover that their classes were cancelled. On Thursday, by the time it became clear that the busses were not running, they felt that it was too late to cancel classes. One member of CSA made the wise suggestion that on late start days, the University cancel classes into the early afternoon, to give more leeway in case there are unforeseen delays in bus or train service.

As early as Wednesday afternoon, the University announced that night classes on Wednesday and early classes on Thursday were cancelled.

As conditions grew worse during the night and snowfall lasted longer than expected, they should have adjusted closure times as needed. Though the decision to tell the Fordham community as early as possible about closures is a good one, the administration must be flexible as weather condition s change.

When deciding whether to cancel classes, the administration considers whether campuses are safe and clear and how students and faculty reach campus, Carroll explained. When closing the Lincoln Center campus, they assume that most students and staff commute via the subway, so they look at subway service. At Rose Hill, they also take bus and train service into account.

Commuting students expressed frustration that road conditions were not taken into higher consideration. While the administration takes some parkways into account, many smaller roads present an obstacle for commuters. Many side streets remained unplowed, preventing commuter students from leaving their homes safely and arriving on time for class. Obviously, the administration cannot check every road

that any student might need to drive through; in more isolated cases of being unable to reach class, absences should be excused.

Other, much smaller obstacles faced resident students. Teams of facility workers toiled through the night, braving the storm to try to make the campus operable for Thursday classes. Most of the campus was fairly clear the next morning. Some spots of deep snow hindered student movement, however, suggesting that perhaps the University should have closed. If classes had been cancelled, it might also have put less pressure on those who had the unenviable task of clearing the campus for full operation.

For example, the entryway of Salice-Conley Hall remained a foot deep in snow even after the sidewalk beside it was cleared. This meant that even if residents would have been able to avoid trudging through snow by keeping to cleared pathways throughout campus, they could not escape the pileup every time they entered and left the building. The path was cleared later in the day, but the fact that the main entrance to a building housing a large number of students was obstructed created an inconvenience and suggested that perhaps the University was not ready for full operation.

It is impossible to anticipate every nuance of the weather, and those who decide whether to cancel classes must do the best with the information they have. Students should not be penalized because they cannot safely reach campus, however, and the administration must be willing to cancel class when they see that snowy conditions are expected to last longer or become more severe than predicted. Fordham would have done well to close on Jan. 27, along with the rest of the city.

Christine Barcellona, FCRH ’12, is an English major from Dallas, Texas.

She can be reached at cbarcellona@ fordham.edu.

Hisham Melhem, The Huffington Post

Ed Morrissey, Hot Air

“It is utterly wrong to look at the Egyptian uprising through the prisms of US-Egyptian relations, or the peace process, or any other overarching prism. This is an unfolding Egyptian drama, produced, staged and played

by Egyptian actors. This is only the opening act.”

“The White House has sided with the right of political expression and urged Mubarak to reform, which would necessarily lead to the end of his regime, without calling for an end to it explicitly, and pledging to work with Mubarak on a legitimate transition.”

Nobel Peaces From the terrible Robespierre to the bombastic Yeltsin, promises of national stability and economic growth have, in desperate situations, won the argument over due process and representation. Unchecked power as a means to progress is not a new or theoretically preposterous concept; democratic bureaucracies are far from expedient and compromise often leads to watered-down policies. Unfortunately, corruption and impunity seem to be inherent in absolute rulerhood and even those who wield overwhelming power for the overall good of their country (Rwanda’s Paul Kagame) are not without their blemishes.

Economists predict, fairly certainly, that the economic center of the world will shift from the Western hemisphere to the Far East.

With China’s overwhelming growth rates, human capital supply and burgeoning investments in Africa, building infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa as a trade-off for mineral excavation, and Southeast Asia, expanding existing train systems to further open up its markets, it is hard not to envision a power shift.

The White House, though perhaps not adamant about acknowledging this precipitously inevitable shift, revealed its understanding of it during its recent meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

President Barack Obama’s meeting with Hu in January created sound bites filled with bilateral trade cooperation and shared opposition to a belligerent North Korea; however, in an attempt to secure competitiveness and keep economic avenues open, Obama had this to say about human rights in China: “Occasionally, they are a source of tension between our two governments,” he said. “We can engage and discuss these issues in a frank and candid way, focus on those areas where we can agree while acknowledging there are areas where we are going to disagree.”

Other snippets of the ObamaHu discussions reveal a push for equal rights and fairer treatment towards the Dalai Lama, but it does not overshadow the vagaries and lackadaisical quality of the aforementioned quote. It is no question that the United States must maintain an economically friendly relationship with the country that is soon to be the 21st century’s economic superpower, but it must decide how far it is willing to compromise its ideals of human rights in the face of GDP growth (China’s agreement to build infrastructure in Africa is predicated on a “leaveour-domestic-politics out-of-this” clause).

The United States’ mild indifference to China’s censorship, unjust imprisonments and torture chambers when comparing them to economic gain demonstrates a country concerned about its eroding influence. Compromising democratic ideals for the greater economic good undermines justice. In no way do I think we are about to start using Robespierre’s guillotine, but with these strategic oversights maybe we will send one to China for New Year’s.

PAGE 12 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

OPINIONS

Fordham Smokers Need Help, Not Punishment

By CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

United States Surgeon General Leroy Burney declared that smoking could lead to lung cancer in 1957. Since then, it has become clear that smoking is one of the worst legal things people can do to their bodies. Yet Fordham, which practically screams “cura personalis” when recruiting students, seems to be quite laissez-faire when it comes to this issue.

Do not get me wrong. I am not advocating for a total smoking ban; it would most likely be unenforceable and would heighten assumptions that Fordham is trying to be some sort of mini-Nanny state.

However, there are a few things that the University could do to help people kick the habit, or keep them from starting altogether.

The first might be wider distribution of signs like the one on the entrance of Finlay Hall, explaining that smoking is not permitted on the front steps. In fact, according to the Resident Handbook, all dorms have designated outdoor smoking areas. In the status quo, these restrictions are too frequently violated. For example, because the benches between Walsh Hall and East 191st St. are frequently covered in snow, many people now smoke on the front steps of the dorm, creating a literal smoke-

screen for those entering and exiting the building. Frequently, smoke will waft into the lobby and make the whole place smell like a rundown casino. This is unacceptable, especially considering the harms of second- and third-hand smoke.

The Office of Residential Life staff could do a much better job enforcing these rules. I knew an O’Hare resident assistant who did this, and the smokers under the archway were always compliant. It seems to me that if you make it easier for people to be considerate, they usually will be.

The same sort of regulations could be extended to academic buildings as well. Especially when it is raining, smokers seem to congregate immediately outside of the back door of Dealy Hall, making the rear stairwell quite noxious. This is inconsiderate, but, at this time, is not against University regulations.

Fordham’s policies ought to be comparable to those at many universities, including Northwestern, Penn State and Georgetown, to name a few. Many of these universities have clear signs stating their policies on the exterior of academic and residential buildings.

More needs to be done. Resources on the Health Center Web site simply state that treatment is available, without giving any details about a Fordham-based program.

While I have seen fliers for such pro-

grams in the past, st, they ought to be occurring frequently and information regarding garding them should be easily available on the Health Center Web site. Further, the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention n and the Student Support port Web site simply lists a few facts aboutt the harms of smoking oking and links to a few w websites such as the American Cancer Society. ety. None of these resources es are particularly effective. e. For a highly addictive ctive habit like smoking, king, any resource to help people quit has to be incredibly easy too use.

People might ht ask, though, why bother? other? College is a time too experiment, and with cigarette prices rising, it is likely that people will eventually be taxed out of smoking. I would respond that this university has an obligation to support both those who want to live in a reasonably smoke-free environment and those who struggle with addiction. Cura personalis does not just have to be something used in advertising. It can be a guide for how Fordham treats its brothers and sisters. This is why the action I am advocating is not meant to coddle or boss.

It is meant to guide and advise.

NAKAHODO/MCT

Currently, smokers can hardly be blamed for maintaining their habit in the absence of available support for quitting on this campus.

As someone who knows several people who smoke, I have heard how hard it is to quit; one person I know who was trying to quit asked me to check up constantly to make sure they had not fallen off of the wagon. With the potential for providing much more formal resources, everyone who has the intention of quitting should have institutional support.

In short, Fordham could be doing much more to improve the health of all students when it comes to the harms of tobacco. Not only would this promote an image of a healthy, well-balanced university to prospective students, it is also the right thing to do. I hope to see better efforts from all student affairs departments in this area so that Fordham can really live up to its ideals.

Christopher Kennedy, FCRH ’12, is a theology major from Mystic, Conn.

FEBRUARY 2, 2011

PAGE 13

This Year’s Fordham Winter Fashions

PHOTO BY MOLLY MCCLOONE

PHOTO BY MOLLY MCCLOONE

PHOTO BY MOLLY MCCLOONE

PHOTO BY MOLLY MCCLOONE

Combat boots keep your feet warm.

Try pairing a solid shirt with a vest.

Add a solid top to dark denim jeans.

The key to staying warm during harsh winter weather is to layer clothing.

By MOLLY McCLOONE

into the same routine involving the aforementioned leggings, with my face hidden under a large knit hat.

Obviously, there are ways to stay warm and look cute, because I always see people who manage to pull it off. The key? Layering. Lots and lots of layering. When it is cold outside, it is undoubtedly hot inside, so by layering you can make sure you are comfortable both in the cold and in the warmth.

It all starts with a good pair of dark denim or thicker leggings and a solid tank top as a base layer that adds extra warmth. Next, add a plaid button down for some color.

A fur vest on top is a super chic way to stay warm while looking cute.

Another great option is a cable knit sweater — cute and comfortable!

Now that the base of the outfit is situated, you can load up on accessories and extra warmth. A cashmere scarf is a super-warm way to add color to your outfit.

American Apparel’s circle scarf, which comes in a wide variety of colors, is a perfect way to add color to your outfit, and it can be pulled over your head as a makeshift hat, should you be caught in a snowstorm.

Puffer coats, which once in-

evitably led you to look at least 15 pounds heavier, now come in a wide variety of cuts and styles, many with slimming diagonal seaming. Fur coats, whether faux or real vintage, add a touch of glamour on even the most miserable of days.

As for hats, anything will do. A felt wide-brimmed hat, a knit beanie, a wool beret, a hat with fur inside it or even a Fair Isle patterned ski hat are all cute options to keep your head warm. Leather gloves in jewel tones look beautiful against a dark coat, and will keep your hands warm, especially when lined with

STAFF WRITER

With snowdrifts knee-deep and temperatures so low they make your teeth chatter, the only thing I can do is to put on leggings and a sweatshirt and bundle myself in my long North Face puffer coat, cashmere scarf and Sorel snow boots; basically, I transform myself into the Michelin Tire Man. Without fail at the end of each fall, I stock my closet for winter with cute sweaters, skirts, longsleeved dresses and thick tights.

Then winter comes and I settle

cashmere.

On your feet, thick socks are majorly important. J. Crew’s camp socks look great peeking out of lace-up combat boots, and are a better option for snow than most rubber rain boots. If you really want to keep your feet warm, any kind of snow boot will do.

Yes, winters can be miserable, especially when they are as riddled with snow and cold weather as this one; cute clothes that are also functional are sure to lift your mood from the winter blues, however. If all else fails, swipe on some red lipstick and you are good to go.

Take Advantage of Winter Activities in NYC

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

The cast of Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark, which is based on the Marvel comics and features music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge, smiles for the cameras.

By SHAY McGROARTY STAFF WRITER

Each winter, New York City plays host to numerous exciting activities, including Broadway musicals, museum exhibits and winter festivals.

One of New York’s most beloved areas is Broadway. Through buying rush or standing-room-only tickets at the Broadway box office, college students can receive sizeable discounts on up to two tickets a day to most Broadway shows.

Rush tickets are typically priced

from $20 to $25 and may require that students present their Fordham IDs. One of Broadway’s upcoming musicals is Julie Taymor’s SpiderMan Turn Off The Dark, which is based on the Marvel comics and books by Taymore and Glen Berger.

According to the musical’s Web site, the show offers a “spectacular new take on this tale that’s familiar and fresh yet filled with unexpected twists and turns.”

The musical stars Reeve Carney (Snow Falling on Cedars) as Peter

Parker and features music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge of U2.

According to the New York Daily News, however, the opening of the performance has been pushed back to March 15, as four actors have been injured in the attempt to complete the productions difficult and dangerous stunts. Still, the musical is sure to be a must-see Broadway production.

Another highly anticipated performance is the Blue Man Group, which is coming to the Astor Theater (434 Lafayette St.) for 55 days in February and March.

According to the Blue Man Group’s Web site, the performance contains, “music, comedy and multimedia theatrics” and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Rush tickets can be purchased between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., providing $29 tickets for 7:45 p.m. performances.

For those not interested in Broadway musicals, there are plenty of museum exhibits to check out.

The current exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art is “Abstract Expressionist New York.” The ex-

hibit showcases artwork from artists including Jackson Pollock, Barnett Newman, Willem de Kooning, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner and David Smith.

The abstract exhibit marks the first time in MoMA’s history that a whole floor has been dedicated to one exhibit.

Another museum exhibit worth visiting is “Brain: The Inside Story” at the American Museum of Natural History. The entire exhibit is dedicated to helping patrons better comprehend the brain and how it works. The exhibit contains videos, games and intriguing interactive programs.

Students should also look for seasonal activities. February is the Hot Chocolate Festival at The City Bakery. The City Bakery is located at 3 West 18th St. During the Hot Chocolate Festival, a different delicious flavor of hot chocolate is featured each day, including banana peel hot chocolate and Super Bowl hot chocolate.

On Feb. 5, be sure to take advantage of the snow and head over to Prospect Park in Brooklyn for the annual Winter Jam Festival. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the festival offers free skiing and snowboarding lessons.

These winter activities only come around once a year, so make sure not to miss out. Plan a weekend with your friends and take advantage of NYC.

CULTURE

PAGE 14• THE RAM •FEBRUARY2,2011

Cooking With Clara

Dining Out: Celeste

CLARA ENNIST COLUMNIST

I have yet to see a classy Super Bowl soirée and, while I do not doubt that such a party could exist, I am beginning to become skeptical. On Super Bowl Sunday I plan to enjoy my fair share of wings and pizza; however, I think there is room for a more unique appetizer.

This week I decided to try my hand at making a Spanish tortilla, a type of potato and onion omelet typically served as a light meal or as a tapa at a bar.

Spanish Tortilla (Servings: 8) Cost Per Serving: $1.50 Ingredients: -1/2 c. olive oil -3 large Idaho potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - Salt and pepper to taste -2 tablespoons olive oil -2 Spanish onions, sliced into rings -6 eggs Directions: Over medium heat, warm the 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large skillet.

Add the potato slices and cook for about 15 minutes or until tender.

Using a slotted spatula, remove the potatoes to a large bowl and toss with salt and pepper to taste. Leave enough oil in the skillet to coat the bottom and discard the rest.

Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons olive oil in another skillet and cook the onions until soft and golden or about 15 minutes. Spoon the onions onto a plate and allow to cool.

Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until smooth, then stir in the onions and gently fold in the potatoes.

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet used for the potatoes and cook on a medium-low heat for eight to 10 minutes, or until the sides of the tortilla have set and the bottom is golden brown. Loosen the tortilla with a spatula and slide onto a plate. Carefully turn the skillet upside down to cover the uncooked top of the eggs and then flip the skillet right side up, returning it to the burner. Cook the tortilla until the center has set, which will take about four minutes. Allow the tortilla to cool at room temperature and serve in wedges.

When I went to slide the tortilla out of the skillet the first time, the uncooked egg top began to precariously shift and I worried that the entire dish would fall apart. After a few tense moments, the degeneration of my vocabulary and some mild burns on my palms, I managed to flip the tortilla. To avoid a very possible mess and a split tortilla, I recommend using a 7”x10” roasting pan in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and baking it for about 35 minutes or until the tortilla is golden brown. I imagine the reduction of stress and injury would be worth the rectangular tortilla.

If you do want to use this as an appetizer for a Super Bowl party, cut the tortilla into smaller pieces and serve it with whatever you like; bread, cheese, sofrito and jamón Serrano all accompany the tortilla well. While the Spanish tortilla is rather different from most appetizers, it is by no means a dainty dish, so it will not upset your delicate balance of pizza bagels and pigs in a blanket. Plus, it looks nice on a plate, paper or otherwise.

Cheap and “Upper West Side” do not typically coexist in the same sentence, so I was skeptical; however, after several visits to this small Neapolitan-style restaurant, I discovered that the inexpensive menu is not its only draw.

The actual restaurant is small, the thick pasta and small pieces of but the size is irrelevant compared fresh mozzarella. to the quality and friendliness of Other members of our party orthe servers. Not only did we redered the $9 gnocchi alla sorrentina, ceive the full attention of our waita potato dumplings dish with the ress, but a busboy and the owner same tomato sauce and basil. The himself also greeted us. Everyone only complaint from anyone at our was welcoming and friendly. table was that the gnocchi was very To start the evening, we ordered filling, especially considering the one of Celeste’s free-form pizzas, large portion size of the dish. directly out of their wood-fired The last person in our group oroven. dered spaghetti alle vongole. This We chose the most basic selecdish was comprised of spaghetti tion on the menu, the margherita with imported clams in white wine pizza, which came with tomato, and parsley. fresh mozzarella (delivered daily The diner described it as “excelfrom Italy) and basil. lent.” This delicious dish was only Although it was a simple pizza, $9.50. the $11 dish was absolutely deliWe entered the restaurant at 5:30 cious and was quickp.m. on a WednesOverall ly demolished by evday evening with a Location eryone at our table. party of 10, and alFood Quality Despite the fresh though the place is Atmosphere oil and bread for our small, we were seatHospitality table, we each hardly ed immediately.

Price $$ finished one piece We were served, (Out of 4 ’s) before our entrées ate and left around were complete and 6:30 p.m., a quick served to us. turnaround for such a large party.

A majority of my party and I orCeleste is located on Amsterdam dered a $9.50 dish called penne mo Ave. between 84th and 85th Sts. on mo which included tubular penne the Upper West Side. Although Cepasta, tomato sauce, fresh mozzaleste has an intimate, nondescript rella and basil. style, its good food, reasonable The tomato sauce was rich prices and excellent service make it in taste with a thin consistency, a highly worthy choice for a night though it perfectly complemented out in the city.

he is in the wrong book, but just go with it) and Professor Snape, who is vaguely reminiscent of Igor in Young Frankenstein.

Perhaps one of the funniest songs of A Very Potter Musical features Quirrell and Voldemort ( Joe Walker), whose face is on the back of Quirrell’s head; rather, the actors are attached to each other’s backs.

After bickering like an old married couple and experiencing some obvious problems attempting to get into bed together, they begin a The Odd Couple-inspired musical number entitled “Different As Can Be.” I am particularly fond of the lines, which switch between Voldemort and Quirrell, respectively: “My new world is about to unfold/You got beat by a two-year-old/I’ll kill him this time, through and through/Or you just might give him another tattoo.”

I will not get into the rest of the hilarity of the musical, as it is best watched without being spoiled, but I will say that Voldemort loves to dance (and has amazing abdominal muscles), the last horcrux is a Zefron poster and Malfoy (Lauren Lopez) decides to transfer to a wizarding school on Mars called Pigfarts.

A Very Potter Sequel is not quite as good as the original, but it is still excellent. The writers were wise and did not attempt to add onto the end of J.K. Rowling’s work (A Very Potter Musical ends where the books end), but rather introduce Lucius Malfoy (Tyler Brunsman), who plots to bring the Death Eaters back in time to Harry’s first year.

After this initial Death Eater scene, the movie cuts to Harry attempting to get to Platform 9 3/4.

The scene culminates in one of my personal favorite songs of A Very Potter Sequel, “You’re Harry Freakin’

Potter,” (“We don’t prefer Gandalf, Merlin or Oz/You’re a whole lot hotter/With that lightening scar/ You’re a superstar to us all”) which even includes an appearance by the infamous Rita Skeeter, ( Jaime Lyn Beatty). Harry gets to meet the entire gang, including Ron ( Joey Richter), Ginny, (Beatty, in a quick costume change) Hermione (Bonnie Gruesen), Dean Thomas (Britney Coleman), Seamus Finnigan (Rosenthal, again), Cho Chang (Devin Lytle) and Neville Longbottom (Richard Campbell).

Naturally, horrifically inappropriate stereotyping ensues. Harry also meets Lupin (Brian Holden) on the train, who is going to be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher (yes, they really cannot get the order of the teachers correct, but then again, who can?).

Once at Hogwarts, all the students are sorted by the Sorting Hat and the Scarf of Sexual Preference (Harry is metrosexual).

The students also meet Umbridge (Walker, thankfully returning for the sequel), who does not seem to have much of a purpose to the plot, besides being a hilarious, definitely male actor in a pink dress and lipstick. She also provides a love interest for Dumbledore, who initially thinks she is a man.

This movie has the added attraction of including a Quidditch scene, which is remarkably well done for a live, student production. Centaurs make an appearance (Firenze is played by Jim Povolo). Turns out, they have trouble procreating due to anatomical constraints. Other shenanigans include Draco’s attempts to use the potty (do not ask questions; it will never make sense) and Harry’s and Ron’s attempts to learn how to pronounce Hermione’s name. The play also

COURTESY OF BARRY WONG

Celeste, an inexpensive Italian Restuarant, is located at 502 Amsterdam Ave.

By NANCY BUCKLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As a lover of Italian food, I was thrilled when my brother suggested Celeste, a cheap Upper West Side Italian restaurant, to me.

Editor’s Pick: A Very Potter Musical and Sequel

By CELESTE KMIOTEK COPY CHIEF

I have a pretty twisted sense of humor. Just ask my friends; half the time, I am pretty sure they think I am certifiably insane. I credit my family, whose mix of dark humor, sarcasm and straight-up inanity I seem to have inherited. Perhaps, then, this is why I gravitate toward humor that is completely nonsensical and thus hilarious. I also have a deep-rooted love for the Harry Potter franchise. Lucky for me, I can now satisfy both of these interests (I would not call them obsessions quite yet) through A Very Potter Musical and A Very Potter Sequel.

Put on by students from the University of Michigan, these are each full-length musicals based on the Harry Potter books. Fortunately, since they would break every copyright-infringement law imaginable if they were officially produced, poor college students everywhere can legally watch them for free in 10-minute segments on YouTube and can download most of the songs online, also for free.

The first thing to remember when watching these is to completely ignore the fact that they make no sense. A Very Potter Musical begins in Harry’s (Darren Criss, who is now on “Glee”) second year of Hogwarts, prompting a nice opening number called “Goin’ Back to Hogwarts” that seems suspiciously close to being a parody of High School Musical, especially given the prevalence of Zac Efron (High School Musical), called Zefron, throughout the rest of the play. When Harry gets to Hogwarts, Dumbledore (Dylan Saunders) introduces the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Quirrell (Brian Rosenthal) (yes,

documents Snape’s ( Joe Moses) crush on Lily (Arielle Goldman), which is represented in a surprisingly poignant way.

Both of these movies are clearly student productions. There are minor problems that are inevitable in any recording of a live performance; notably, it is often hard to hear some of the actors, especially during songs. I am pretty sure some of the jokes are inside jokes within the cast, and much of the humor is completely inappropriate, juvenile or just plain incomprehensible.

Still, it is hilarious. Some of the writing can be brilliant, especially when it nearly directly quotes the books; when put in this context, the words are hilarious. There are also several ingenious satirical moments, such as when Draco, standing in front of Harry and all his new friends in the beginning of A Very Potter Sequel, quips “I am a racist, I despise gingers and mudbloods, I hate Gryffindor house and my parents work for the man who killed your parents. Do you want to be my friend?” referencing Malfoy and Harry’s first meeting in Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone.

The writers of A Very Potter Sequel were also wise in referencing the A Very Potter Musical several times, both acknowledging the phenomenon that originally made them famous and reminding audiences of the humor of the original. Audiences further learn such tidbits as why Ron wears his terry headband and how he got his rule to “never tell a girl you like her; it makes you look like an idiot.”

They make no sense. They are not going to win any special-effects awards. They are extremely irreverent. They are also the funniest thing I saw last year. After all, it’s Harry Freakin’ Potter.

CULTURE

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 15

How To Beat the SecondSemester Blues in 2011 03

what’s Know “what’s going on” on campus or in NYC?

Going

THURSDAY The Fighter AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 1998 Broadway 7:35 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

How to Get Involved on Campus and Take Advantage of the Opportunities That Fordham and New York City Have to Offer Students in Order to Make the Most of the Spring Semester.

By LAUREN HATHAWAY STAFF WRITER

After a long winter break free of the stresses of college, getting back into the swing of things on campus can be difficult.

Add to that the bitter winter chill, the mountains of snow and the slushy puddles and the days can begin to seem dreary.

Thankfully, fending off the second-semester blues is much easier than making that early morning trek through the snow to class.

With so many activities and clubs available to students right here on campus, there is no excuse to stay down in the dumps.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key to general well-being. That includes making smart choices in the cafeteria, getting a good night’s rest and leading an active lifestyle.

“I find that eating plenty of protein and vegetables makes a big difference,” Kayla LeGoff, FCRH ’13, said.

Going to the gym can be a bit intimidating, but the effects of exercise on the mind and body are well worth any initial hesitance. Studies have shown that exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, which, among other effects, help improve one’s mood.

There is no better time than the winter to take advantage of the Lombardi Center, which houses Rose Hill’s athletic facilities, than the winter. Among the many resources, there are cardio and weight equipment, a swimming pool, a track and courts for squash, basketball and volleyball.

Besides staying physically active, many students find that being active within the Fordham community keeps them happy and in good spirits.

MOVIE GO!

By GIBSON MERRICK STAFF WRITER

“Life Begins at 3am” is a promising tagline for the incredibly entertaining comedic action film, GO! The 1999 movie, directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, “The O.C.”), is broken up into three segments.

These segments detail a one-off ecstasy deal, a wild trip to Las Vegas and the most awkward dinner party ever thrown.

It starts in the back room of a grocery store, where three friends, Ronna (Sarah Polley, Dawn of the Dead), Claire (Katie Holmes, Batman Begins, “Dawson’s Creek”) and Simon (Desmond Askew, The Hills Have Eyes) slack off and take swigs from a carton of orange juice.

Like any part-time job, their work is seriously tedious. Ronna, realizing she needs cash quickly or she is out on the streets, volunteers to take on another shift for her

“I think finding your ‘place’ on campus is important because everyone wants to feel like they fit in,” Katie Corrado, FCRH ’12, said.

With nearly 100 different student organizations on campus, there is certainly a place for everyone.

“For me, that place is the TV station and working on Fordham Nightly News,” Corrado said.

Corrado is also one of several Fordham students working to launch the Fordham chapter of Her Campus, an online magazine for women that is individualized to each university.

Her Campus is one of several outlets at Rose Hill — including The Ram and The Ampersand — where aspiring journalists and writers can express themselves and become more involved in the Fordham community.

Rose Hill is also home to a variety of performing arts clubs, including choral and a cappella groups, dance troupes and bands.

Kelly O’Brien, FCRH ’13, has found a niche in the theatre community at Fordham, which consists of three groups at Rose Hill: Mimes and Mummers, Fordham Experimental Theatre (FET) and the Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP).

“If you’re looking to sing and dance on a big stage, or even do some technical behind-the-scenes work, Mimes is for you,” O’Brien said.

“If you like contemporary theatre and/or comedy, go for FET. And if you like more classic plays, playwriting and abridgement, and community service, I expect to see you at the next TOP meeting.”

Student organizations cover a wide spectrum, from service groups, like Circle K and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to cultural clubs,

such as El Grito de Lares, Pride Alliance and the Gaelic Society.

Getting an internship, volunteering through the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice or working part-time are other ways many students remain focused and positive.

In fact, the general consensus among students seems to be that keeping busy by exploring areas of personal interest helps to ward off any second-semester blues.

“I started an internship in Manhattan on the first day of classes, I’m in Women’s Choir and I’ve been busy on the executive board of the Mimes and Mummers in preparing for our shows this upcoming semester,” Megan Powers, FCRH ’13, said. “Throw in classes and homework and there’s no time to be blue.”

Students who still find themselves struggling to get through the second semester should not be afraid to reach out and ask for help.

Talking about feelings with roommates and friends can be a great way to work through problems or hard days. Often, fellow students may be experiencing similar issues and would be happy to talk with a friend.

The Counseling Center at Rose Hill is also a great resource for students. Fordham students can participate in individual or group counseling free of charge.

The center is open on weekdays and is located in the basement of O’Hare Hall, around the corner from the Health Center.

This semester, take advantage of all that Fordham has to offer.

Dealing with difficult classes, bad weather and homesickness may be hard, but beating the second semester blues does not have to be.

Ram Reviews friend Simon Baines (Desmond Askew, The Hills Have Eyes), who wants to take a road trip to Las Vegas for the weekend.

As a result, she meets two actors Scott Wolf (Killing Emmett Young, The Evening Star) and Jay Mohr (Jerry Maguire, “The West Wing”) who want to buy ecstasy for the weekend. Shenanigans ensue.

As far as the cast goes, you will probably recognize most of the faces, but apparently the actors never did much else outside the 1990s, save for the drug-dealing Polley and Holmes.

These girls only account for one part of the movie, so the interesting plot continues.

This is a movie about 1990s culture, so of course there is a rave, but there is also an angry drug dealer, a strange cop, a 1972 Buick Riviera and some awesome ’90s music.

Then there is Las Vegas, some grand theft auto and casinos; all are mandatory, as well. It all gels nicely, so the insanity does not seem as forced and contrived as, say, the

new MTV show, “Skins.”

Admittedly, the movie is sort of a wannabe Pulp Fiction, but it succeeds.

This success can be attributed to the movie’s great delivery of hip dialogue, cool characters and exciting elements that made Pulp so good, just with some Generation Xers thrown in.

What is more, each segment of the film offers something unique, so whether you are a boy or a girl, there is something for everybody in this flick, especially if you like to party and if you have ever worked an undesirable part-time job, or if you just think the ’90s were awesome.

GO! manages to be dark, funny and cool, all at the same time.

Need more convincing? Be sure to check out Netflix’s “Common Sense Rating,” which promises viewers a film parents will hate and details more cool aspects of this movie.

Look it up on Netflix and watch GO! tonight. You will not be sorry.

?

On

Send tips, event listings, or comments to theram@fordham.edu.

See the film that has been nominated for Best Picture by the Acadamy.

04

No Strings Attached Regal Cinemas Union Square Stadium 14 850 Broadway 8:10 p.m. and 9:50 p.m.

FRIDAY

This romantic comedy stars Natalie Portman (Black Swan) and Ashton Kutcher (The Butterfly Effect).

05

Black Swan Regal Cinemas Union Square Stadium 14 850 Broadway 3:10 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY

This psychological thriller is intense and is sure to leave viewers speechless.

06

Super Bowl Sunday Foley’s Pub and Restaurant 18W 33rd St. 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

Watch the Super Bowl game while enjoying chicken wings, jalapeño poppers and mozzarella sticks.

07

Gulliver’s Travels Bow Tie Cinemas American Theater 1450 East Ave. 1:35 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

MONDAY

This comedy is based on the novel by Jonathan Swift and stars the hillarious Jack Black (School of Rock).

08

The Dilemma AMC Loews 34th St. 5:50 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY

The Dilemma is a comedy that stars Vince Vahn (Old School) and Kevin James (Chuck and Larry).

09

The Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse

WEDNESDAY

This exhibition, “The Mexican Portfolio,” features art that expresses themes of diversity and cultural awareness and includes artist Paul Strand.

— COMPILED BY SANDY MCKENZIE

TELEVISION ARCHER

By SCHARON HARDING ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Last Thursday, FX Networks premiered the second season of the adult cartoon “Archer.” The episode was called “Swiss Miss.”

“Archer” was created by Adam Reed. The first season debuted last year on Jan. 14.

After a successful first season, the show’s challenge was to continue with the humor that fans loved while remaining fresh.

The season continues to follow the members of the International Secret Intelligence Service: namely the womanizing, immature, entertainingly lucky super-spy Sterling Archer, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin (“Bob’s Burgers”), on dangerous missions and scandalous office misbehavior.

The service heads to Switzerland to protect a young, teen heiress from kidnappers. In the process,

Archer finds himself a victim of lies and “molest” as the seemingly innocent blonde continually throws herself at him.

Archer takes the blame for attempting to seduce a teenager, as everyone assumes that Archer is living up to his bad boy reputation when finding him in awkward Xrated situations.

Smooth and comical dialogue between the characters keep the episode fun.

Benjamin’s portrayal of Archer continues to be the highlight of the show, with his witty remarks and realistic portrayal of a suave, selfabsorbed spy.

The comical script remains dirty and silly, but still with an intelligent, sensible plot that does not make viewers feel dumb for watching a cartoon.

New episodes of Archer can be viewed on the FX Network on Thursdays.

Tune in next week for an all new episode. It is sure to leave you laughing.

TO READ THESE REVIEWS IN THEIR ENTIRETY, VISIT THERAMONLINE.COM AND CLICK ON “CULTURE” ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOMEPAGE.

PAGE 16 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

CULTURE

Fordham Students Attend March for Life

By CLARA ENNIST STAFF WRITER

The 38th annual March for Life took place in Washington, D.C. Monday, Jan. 24. Approximately 300,000-400,000 participants converged to march on the National Mall to protest the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which affirmed that women have the right to choose an abortion up until the fetus has reached viability. The first March for Life took place on Jan. 22, 1974, which was exactly one year after the Supreme Court’s decision, and pro-life advocates have convened annually since then on or near the same date to continue the protest. Since its advent, the march has grown in both size and scope; it has grown at least 15 times over in number of participants, keeping abortion as its main focus, but also protesting various life issues such as euthanasia, onechild policies and capital punishment.

“In summary, each human being’s life shall be preserved and protected, using all available ordinary means and reasonable efforts, without regard to whose life it is ‘better’ … There can be no exceptions,” states Marchforlife.org.

In addition to the wider focus of protest, the march is not confined to one day but includes a variety of events including speeches, rallies, concerts and religious services.

Fordham University’s Respect for Life club was in attendance and sent 37 students to participate in the march in addition to the many activities and events accompanying the March for Life. Some students from the club had attended in past years, but for some students it was a first time experience.

“It was different than I expected,” Matthew Kasper, FCRH ’14, said. “It was surprising how many people were there, and it was nice feeling in a majority because, at least in my circles, I feel like I’m in the minority.”

Kasper also commented on the diversity of the march which, in addition to drawing people of dif-

ferent races, religious views, political parties and countries of origin, has a large youth presence. Estimates place the number of young people who attended the march at 30,000, including those who attend both independently or as part of a student organization. Besides the march, one of the largest events attended by young people was the Youth Rally and Mass for Life, held at the Verizon Wireless Center, for 20,000 young people.

Various groups, such as Students for Life of America, sponsored breakout sessions which provided attendees with information. Fordham students from Respect for Life were also in attendance at these sessions. While some of these discussions had to do with abortionrelated issues such as men and abortions, others had to do with topics concerning one-child policies, overpopulation and quality of life.

“It was nice to learn a lot of information,” Michael Prescia, FCRH ’14, said. “I went to public school and abortion wasn’t a large topic of discussion.”

Prescia’s comment highlights the effectiveness of the March for Life in bringing abortion onto a secular stage. Abortion is an issue that splits America quite clearly down political and religious lines and while many speakers at the march

COURTESY OF KEYNE RICE

On Monday, Jan. 24, Fordham students attended the 38th March for Life in D.C.

WHO’S THAT KID? Andie Cuevas A MEMBER OF FCRH ‘12, MAJORING IN COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA STUDIES FROM HOLMDEL, N.J. Where have we seen you?

Probably somewhere catching a Wednesday matinee. Oh, you mean on campus? Everywhere.

Specifically on stage with the Satin Dolls. That is, if you’re awesome enough to come to our concerts.

Favorite childhood show and favorite current show?

Way too many. I’m a comm major, after all. I guess I’ll go with a generic “Sesame Street”. I have a firm belief that I learned English from Big Bird. And today, “Sesame Street”? Nah, just kidding. I’m not awake early enough for that anymore.

Who would play you in a movie and why?

had a specific religious or political affiliation, the March for Life describes itself as “a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization.”

Respect for Life club members who attended the March for Life agreed that there were few, if any, pro-choice protestors along the route for the March for Life or at any of the events. While this is in keeping with previous years, it is odd that pro-choice protestors would decide to go unheard in a year when various politicians have looked to cut funding toward Planned Parenthood, which would severely hinder Planned Parenthood’s operations in its health and abortion clinics. In late June, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would appropriate more than $7 million to 58 abortion clinics throughout the state, 29 of which are run by Planned Parenthood. Also, Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) plans to reintroduce a bill to cut federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which will pass more easily in a Republican controlled House.

While similar marches take place across the United States, the March for Life in Washington is certainly the largest.

March for Life has already set the date for next year’s march as Jan. 23, 2012.

In a movie where my looks were multiplied times 100: Sofia Vergara. In a movie where my personality was multiplied times 100: Tina Fey. If you could have a dinner with any historical person, who would it be and why?

This question always gets me.

I’m not going to sit here and pretend I love history, but there are a few dead people I’d like to interrogate.

What would your ideal day in Manhattan consist of?

Lots and lots of sales. Maybe a photoshoot. Not feeling claustrophobic from the crowd or dirty by the subway. I love to pretend I’m

a New Yorker, but there are a few things I’d change about my ideal Manhattan.

If you could be anywhere and doing anything right now, what would it be?

I’m pretty content doing what I’m doing right now. Answering questions isn’t that bad.

Favorite class at Fordham and favorite professor?

You know what’s funny? I was about to write about my Invitation to Theatre class and I realized the kid before me wrote about it too. (Yeah, I did some research.

Whoops.) But it really was great.

Apparently the deans think that the class is too easy because everybody does well in it, but maybe if they made philosophy as fun to learn about as theatre I’d get an A in that too.

Oscar Movies 2011

By JAKE KRING-SCHREIFELS STAFF WRITER

VI, Firth had to learn the art of stuttering to best explain the pain and embarrassment the eventual King of England suffered. Firth is stunning to say the least, capturing anyone’s heart who witnesses his royal journey. An Oscar is sure to be within his reach.

Smaller films like Rabbit Hole and Blue Valentine kept the intensity, attacking both the perils of relationships and coping with loss.

Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge) brings an A-rated performance to Rabbit Hole as a wife, struggling through the recent death of her four-year-old son. Kidman develops a manic, yet optimistic and hopeful portrayal of life.

Contrarily, Blue Valentine leaves on a somber note. Michelle Williams (Shutter Island) and Ryan Gosling (The Notebook) together are dynamite.

The amount of dedication, preparation and character development is unprecedented this year. In this amazingly talented class, it seems there could be a changing culture in Hollywood, a desire to bring back the importance of the story and character development.

There is one more month before the Academy Awards; go pay tribute to some phenomenal performances.

This year, there is an impressive array of stellar acting performances in the movies headed for the Oscars.

Hollywood took a different route this year. Studios rebranded themselves as companies still with a desire for quality acting and plot.

In this age of newer technology and previously unheard of special effects, directors and producers have a tendency to lose the key ingredients to a successful, meaningful film. Look at this year’s crop of films compared to last year’s options, and you will see the startling difference that has taken shape.

In Black Swan it is nearly impossible to escape a scene without Natalie Portman (Garden State) in it. Her work ethic a year before production to get in ballerina shape is shown brilliantly, as Portman capably displays the physical horror and turmoil of a female dancer. Portman’s character also experiences psychological instability, which is portrayed in a “sweet girl” pirouetting out of control and taking everyone with her.

Christian Bale (The Dark Knight) plays Dicky Eckland in The Fighter. He looks sickly and Bale, who dedicated himself to this role, may have actually been dangerously unhealthy throughout shooting.

Fortunately for viewers, he turns in a knockout performance.

James Franco’s (Spiderman 3) interpretation of climber Aron Ralston arguably is even more impressive, mainly because his only interactions are with his personal video camera.

Last year’s Oscar nominations for best picture were blockbusters such as Avatar and District 9. These were brilliantly shot movies with an emphasis on special effects. But what was gained in the effect studio was arguably lost in the quality of its acting and storyline, however.

Collin Firth’s (A Single Man) biggest struggle in The King’s Speech was himself. Playing King George

The 83rd Oscars will occur on Feb. 7.

ception people have about you?

That I’m a goody-two-shoes.

I’m perfectly capable of running around barefoot too, you know.

At this point, any job. I’m sick of being jobless. The closer I can get to the work force, the closer I can get to retirement.

Stuck on an island, what would you need?

Every electronic that was ever created, though I’ve found that my BlackBerry can pretty much do anything I want it to. One of these days I’m going to wake up and it’s going to be making tea for me.

Mmm.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. If it’s a pleasure, why should I hide it? If you’ve reached this point in the article, you probably know more about me than you ever dreamed of knowing. Trust me, I don’t keep things in. Except my emotions. But other than that, nothing.

COURTESTY OF WIKIMEDIA

What is your dream job?

How do you blow off steam?

Music. Singing, playing piano, dancing — if it involves music, it makes me happy.

What is the biggest miscon-

COURTESY OF ANDI CUEVAS

Andie Cuevas is currently a student in Fordham College Rose Hill 2012.

CULTURE

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 17

WHAT’S THAT CLUB? Fordham Marketing Association ESTABLISHED IN 2009 What is the mission of the club?

The Fordham Marketing Association was developed as a resource for students to help them grow, network, find internships and learn about all the different facets of marketing. We bring people together through group work, leadership opportunities, networking events and mentoring relationships.

What opportunities does the club present to students?

As the fourth-ranked marketing school according to BusinessWeek Magazine, we try to maintain this status through national competitions and educating our students with real world knowledge and experience. We bring in numerous guest speakers and alumni to foster relationships and accelerate intellectual and interpersonal growth.

Additional opportunities are

provided as a result of being a registered chapter of the American Marketing Association. We attend the AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans every year in addition to regional events.

Who can join the club and how?

Anyone can join the club. We are open to all majors and all interests.

We offer opportunities that are relevant to both mass audiences and small groups.

To join, e-mail fma@fordham. edu; you will be added to the club list.

Describe a typical club meeting?

We start the meetings by sharing events, internships and leadership opportunities on campus and in New York City to get involved with and network.

The next phase of the meeting is

a group project, speaker or professional development workshop.

When are meetings held?

Meetings are every Tuesday in Keating 114 at 5:30 p.m. Meetings run anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Do not be discouraged if you have night class; many students leave early for this reason.

Is the club hosting any events this semester that are open to the Fordham population?

We will be hosting three different speakers that will focus on sports marketing, market research and marketing strategy. A student panel and media workshops will also be hosted by FMA. Please e-mail fma@fordham. edu to join the mailing list and you will get updated on the events. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

COURTESY OF CAITLIN ZWICK

Fordham Marketing Association aims to help students learn to network.

COURTESY OF CAITLIN ZWICK

Each year, Fordham Marketing Association attends a conference in Louisiana.

The Freshman Experience: Fall 2010

By SARAH RAMIREZ ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR

Most college students can agree that freshman year is a pivotal experience, setting the course for the rest of their college careers.

As the spring semester gets underway, Fordham freshmen are reflecting on their first semester at Rose Hill.

The newest members of the Fordham community came here for a variety of reasons; chief among them are usually the proximity to Manhattan and the other resources at students’ disposal.

“Fordham provides me with ample opportunities to grow spiritually as well as academically,” Will Ganss, FCRH ’14, said. “It’s a great place to become a wellrounded individual.”

“I was really excited to have the new experience of college and being far from home, especially in such a big and exciting city,” Ann Pierret, FCRH ’14, said.

“I had heard good things about the College of Business Administration [now the Gabelli School of Business],” Dan Krug, GSB ’14, said. “I also wanted to study at a college close to the city.”

“The radio station is really the main reason [I chose Fordham. It is] top notch,” Mack Rosenberg, FCRH ’14, said.

Once members of the Class of 2014 arrived, however, they had to adapt to the college environment, especially in terms of academics.

“It took me a good two months to realize where I was, what I had to do, and that things were just going to be expected of me,” Rosenberg said. “Things changed very quickly.”

“I was told there would be more work,” Krug said. “There is, but if you manage your time right, which

unfortunately I don’t always do, it’s pretty easy to handle.”

Despite the new, tougher expectations, freshman still have good things to say about their classroom experiences. “[Professors] wanted you to learn not memorize,” Michalski said. “I have great advisors [and] the deans are wonderful people.”

“The core can be a little frustrating at times, but I think it’s a useful way to develop a well-rounded sense of intelligence,” Ganss said.

“But I love the class sizes and the willingness of the professors to communicate with the students.”

College is about more than academics. Socializing and extra-curriculars are also formative parts of the college years.

“My participation in Urban Plunge was by far the best decision I ever made,” Pierret said. “I really think getting involved is the best way to meet people.”

Other students agree with Pierret.

“By signing up for literally 99 percent of the clubs at the club fair, I was able to get involved and meet people,” Ganss said. “[This] made the transition fairly easy.”

Residents also have the added benefit of meeting friends through their residence halls.

“Living in my dorm, I have met so many people,” Pierret said. “I feel like your dormmates are a family. Also, it’s much easier to have everything right there; your classes, activities, the gym, caf, library and friends, of course.”

“The dorm is great,” Krug said.

“I got really lucky and have an awesome roommate and have met really great people.”

One drawback of living in the residence halls is the occasional bout of homesickness.

“I got homesick at some points,” Pierret said. “I’m from Texas,

which is a long way from here, but I just Skyped or called or texted my friends and parents.”

Commuters had to learn to make friends through other means besides resident life.

“I don’t have many close friends at Fordham,” Joe Michalski, FCRH ’14, said. “I’m involved with activities outside of Fordham such as volunteering and I go to a gym. That’s where I socialize mostly.”

“When school first started, I used [the student lounge] a lot, because I only had commuter friends so that would be like the hang out spot,” Rosenberg said. “I still go there but now my schedule is a little different, so I’ve had to adjust to that. Plus I’m becoming closer with some residents.”

Commuters also have to deal with the hassle of getting to cam-

pus, whether it is by subway, train or car.

“It’s very easy, half hour, one train,” Rosenberg said. “Very doable.”

Other commuters do not have it so easy.

“I drive 50 miles from Suffolk County to school every day,” Michalski said. “I leave home at 5:30 in the morning and leave Fordham later after rush hour.”

One experience every Fordham freshman shares, however, is trips to the caf. No one is short on opinions regarding Sodexo’s food.

“I’ve gone to the caf a few times and I actually like it a lot,” Rosenberg said. “I feel like if I lived here it would be much different though.”

“It does have an all right variety and I can usually find something very satisfying,” Krug said. “How-

ever, the taste is almost always mediocre.”

Some students manage to find the positive side of the caf.

“The waffles are tasty, and you can never go wrong with the cereal,” Ganss said. “I just wish there was more variety and healthier food,” Pierret said. “I want a fruit bar with all different types of fruit.”

Overall, many freshmen have had positive experiences.

“I have been so happy here.

Classes are stimulating, professors are encouraging, students are friendly and I could go on and on,” Ganss said. “We have so many opportunities to take advantage of, both in the city and right here on campus. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

Overall, these freshman have enjoyed their time at Fordham.

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI /THE RAM

Freshman Ann Pierret, FCRH ’14, sees living in the dorms as an opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

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PAGE 19

Fordham Drops Two Straight Against Conference Opponents Lady Rams’ A-10 Record Falls to Two Games Under .500 Following Losses to Saint Louis and Duquesne ALEXANDER VILARDO SPORTS EDITOR

It is often said that the road can be a dangerous place to play. It certainly was for the Lady Rams (10-12, 2-4) last week, as they fell at Saint Louis (7-14, 1-5) and Duquesne (18-3, 5-1).

The Lady Rams’ woes began at Saint Louis on Tuesday, as they played without sophomore guard Charlotte Stoddart, who suffered an eye injury against George Washington. The team began the first half with a 12-4 run and the second half with a 10-4 run, but eventually fell to the Lady Billikens by a score of 64-54.

“We started with a good run, but we let the game get away from us,” Head Coach Cathy Andruzzi said.

“We gave away way too many rebounds. We don’t want to give up 20 offensive rebounds.”

Senior forward Tiffany Stokes led the Lady Rams with 17 points and 13 rebounds, while senior guard Kyara Weekes and senior forward Caitlin Shadbolt had 13 and 10 points, respectively. Junior guard Becky Peters, despite playing 35 minutes, went 1-12 from the field with four points.

“Shadbolt isn’t back to full strength yet, even though she played 31 minutes,” Andruzzi said.

“We had a great performance from Tiffany Stokes, but Becky Peters had a hard time finding the net. We missed 15 points from Becky, and that one hurt us because she’s been playing so well lately.”

While the Lady Rams could have used a better performance from Peters, Andruzzi said that the

PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI/THE RAM

Junior guard Becky Peters connected on five three of six pointers and scored sixteen points in the loss to Duquense.

entire team could have played better on defense.

“Our defense let us down, and that was really the story of the game,” Andruzzi said. “But at the end of the day, we lead the league in 3-point percentage defense, and we’re right in the middle [of the A-10] in a lot of categories. It’s a

game we really wanted, and we learned from what happened.”

The Lady Rams had a unique game in Pittsburgh against Duquesne on Saturday, as they sunk 13 three-pointers to set a new team record, but could not come away with the win, and fell 87-65.

The team was nearly perfect

from behind the arc in the first half, as it shot 10-12 on three-pointers.

In the second half, the Lady Rams, playing with Stoddart, came close to tying it, as they trailed by one with 17:31 left in the game.

While the Lady Rams shot 72.2 percent from the field in the first half, they made only 36.6 percent

of their shots in the second half.

Duquesne shot 53.6 percent from the field in the first half and 70.4 percent in the second half.

“We played one of the best teams in the conference,” Andruzzi said.

“In the second half, their shooters came alive, and we couldn’t make shots.”

Peters found her stroke and played 37 minutes, scoring 16 points, while freshman guard Abigail Corning contributed 14 points.

Sophomore guard Arielle Collins entered the game from the bench and had seven points in 14 minutes, while Stokes put in four points and grabbed three rebounds.

“It was an important game for Becky [Peters] because she didn’t do as well last game,” Andruzzi said. “We didn’t get the type of performance we needed from Tiffany [Stokes], and Shadbolt had only five points.”

Andruzzi was disappointed in her team’s ball-handling as well.

“We turned the ball over 17 times in the first half and that really hurt us a great deal,” she said. “We made some bad decisions, and defensively they were all over us. We needed to be more patient.”

After two straight losses she said she knows what the Lady Rams need to work on to improve.

“We just need to build on consistency,” she said. “Our kids give us tremendous effort, and they work their tails off. So [the losses are] not because they don’t try. In our league, you have to honor your positions and focus, because one mistake leads to another.”

Brienne Ryan Earns Fourth A-10 Swimmer of the Week Award This Year

PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

Sophomore Brienne has won more A-10 Swimmer of the Week awards than any other swimmer in the conference this season. Ryan won six events last weekend.

By BRIAN JASINSKI STAFF WRITER

Sophomore Brienne Ryan might be one of the younger members on the Fordham women’s swimming and diving team, but her contributions this season have been tremendous. For the fourth time this season, she has been named the

Atlantic 10 Women’s Swimming and Diving Performer of the Week.

No female in the conference has been honored more times this year than Ryan.

This feat comes in the wake of two victories for the Lady Rams, over La Salle and C.W. Post. Ryan placed first in all four of her individual events and twice led her

4x100 medley relay team to victory. On top of that, Ryan made an NCAA “B” cut with a starting split of 54.93 in the 100 backstroke leg of the relay.

While NCAA “A” cuts may be a stretch for her this season, Ryan is striving for personal-best times and pulling for her teammates to improve each meet leading up to

conference championships.

The 400 medley relay team of Ryan, fellow sophomore Kellie Lyver and juniors Kelly Bunster and Courtney Collyer is the quartet to beat in this year’s finals.

“All three of them are so fast and have been working hard all season,” Ryan said. “I’m excited for A-10s and to be able to work with

this relay this year and next.”

Ryan has not even completed her second full season, yet she already holds school records in the 50 free, 100 back and 200 back. Ryan also shares four more school records with some of her teammates in the 400 and 800 free relays, in addition to the 200 and 400 medley relays.

Even more remarkable, as a freshman, Ryan helped her 800 free relay team set the A-10 record with a time of 7:20.82, nearly four seconds faster than the record previously held by Fordham.

As the season progresses, Ryan and her teammates are only getting faster.

“As we ease up on the yardage and weight training, we’re getting even faster,” Ryan said. “The season is set up for us to swim the fastest at the end during championships.”

Even after winning the A-10 title last season, the Lady Rams are considered underdogs this season.

“Richmond has won many years in the past,” Ryan said, “but if we all want to win as badly as we did last year, we can beat them again.”

Fordham aims to repeat as A-10 champions from Wednesday, Feb. 23 to Saturday, Feb. 26 in Buffalo, N.Y.

PAGE 20 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY2, 2011

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SPORTS

Building a Champion

By NICK CARROLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Over the past few years, the NBA has become notorious for its rebuilding process. In order to rise to the top, basketball teams first have to bottom out.

With the league’s recent preeminent stars (LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, etc.) drafted in the top five of the NBA draft, it has become clear that is how you go about building a contender for each NBA Championship.

Meanwhile, hockey has always been built up as the ultimate team game. Even the best players in the league play only a little over a third of the game.

Look at hockey’s dominant teams over the past few seasons.

The Pittsburgh Penguins made the Atlantic Division basement a permanent residency early in the 2000s and because of this “earned” Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marc-Andre Fleury, as well as other cornerstones to the team’s emerging dynasty.

The Pens were not alone in their rebuilding process. The team’s rival and Winter Classic counterpart, the Washington Capitals, took a similar approach, struggling for a few seasons and stockpiling talent highlighted by Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. These successful picks helped the Caps twist their fortunes and make them a legitimate Cup contender.

The Chicago Blackhawks took advantage of its high draft picks to win last year’s Cup. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, while not as flashy or dynamic as Crosby or Ovechkin, led a deep attack for the ’Hawks and made the dream of a championship a reality.

Vancouver has also been led by a pair of high picks. Daniel and Henrik Sedin went second and third in the 1999 Draft and have the Canucks playing at an extremely high level while emerging as two of the league’s brightest stars, even if it took them a little longer to get to an elite level.

Now, Tampa Bay is experiencing a similar resurgence, as Steven Stamkos is leading the NHL in goals and points, as well as bringing the Lightning to the top of the Southeast Division. The Lightning are also receiving significant contributions from the 2009 second overall pick, Victor Hedman, who is dripping with potential.

Every player I have mentioned to this point was a top-five pick.

The teams they represent make up the vast majority of the upper echelon of the NHL. What does this mean? Obviously, the higher a team drafts, the better the players will be that they receive; however, all of the high draft picks that have blossomed into stars have also brought team success.

Realistically speaking (while acknowledging that playoff upsets happen, but only an elite team can win the Cup), there are only a handful of teams that can win it all: the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red

Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals.

Of those seven teams, six have a top-five pick and four of those are incredibly dependent on their stars. Sure, depth helps, but it’s becoming clear that the best way to build a contender is to bottom out.

It is especially clear post-lockout that this is the way to go. All of these teams besides Detroit have bottomed-out since the lockout, and the creation of the Red Wings could not be duplicated in the current climate of the NHL. Scouts would not let Nicklas Lidstrom fall outside the top 10, much less into the third round of the draft. In addition, Detroit also landed Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in the sixth and seventh rounds of the draft, respectively.

This wouldn’t happen today.

The NHL is much more aware of and better at evaluating the European players than it was in the ’90s and these elite talents are receiving their deserved respect in the draft.

The only post-lockout rebuilding processes that don’t focus on top draft picks are the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Bruins built their team around the overpowering Zdeno Chara, who established a defensive mindset in Boston that allows the team to succeed despite a true offensive threat. Last season, the Bruins were 29th in the NHL in scoring, but because of Chara’s dominance, the team earned a chance to defeat the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. So even though the Bruins did not require a top draft pick to key their turnaround, they still depended solely on one key player.

Speaking of the Flyers, they are the anomaly of the NHL’s contenders. The team hit rock bottom relying on Peter Forsberg’s injured foot and quickly rebounded with outstanding depth.

The team has nailed its draft picks over the past decade (highlighted by Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Claude Giroux), made some savvy deals (trading Alexei Zhitnik for Braydon Coburn, trading Ole-Kristian Tollefsen for Ville Leino) and, despite taking high-price risks, making effective long-term deals with free agents or free agents-to-be (Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen and Danny Briere).

Looking at all of the landmines the Flyers have dodged in their rise and all of the luck the team has fallen into, it does not seem like this is the ideal way to build a team in the new NHL. So, as the NBA has fully realized the importance of having a superstar in winning a championship, it is time that the NHL works under similar principles.

The value in high draft picks and, unfortunately, tanking is vast and truly makes for the easiest way to turn a struggling franchise around.

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 21

Men’s Basketball

Indoor Track

Women’s Basketball

St. Bonaventure 69 Fordham 60

Metropolitan Championship

St. Louis 64 Fordham 54

Bonnies

fg 3pt ft

reb tp a

Conger

2-5 1-2 6-7 5 11 1

Cook

1-4 0-0 6-8 5 8 1

Men’s 60m 1. Boyd, Long Island, 6.97 13. Wicks, Fordham, 7.35

Fordham

fg

3pt ft

reb tp a

Shadbolt 5-13 0-5 0-0 2 10 1 Stokes

6-11 0-0 5-8 13 17 4

Nicholson 9-18 0-0 7-16 11 25 1

Men’s 800m

Bell

2-4 1-2 3-4 3 8 3

Adegboye 2-6 0-2 2-4 2 6 0

1. Schmidt, Fordham, 1:52.71

Weekes

3-6 2-5 5-6 3 13 4

2. Cosgrove, Fordham, 1:54.05

Peters

1-12 1-7 1-2 7 4 2

Dale

0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

Collins

0-1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0

Zamora

1-2 0-0 0-0 0 2 0

Corning

0-2 0-1 0-0 1 0 1

Totals

18-514-21 14-2032 54 15

Davenport 2-8 1-2 5-6 8 10 3 Wright

3-5 3-5 0-0 1 9 0

Simmons

0-1 0-0 0-0 3 0 1

Roseboro 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 0 1

Men’s 5000m 1. Lundgren, Manhattan, 14:47.66 3. Saad, Fordham, 14:54.01

Totals 19-47 5-11 26-41 40 69 8

Men’s 4000 Medley 1. St. Francis, 10:18.40

Fordham

fg

3pt ft

rebtp a

Gaston

5-14 0-0 1-2 11 11 1

Bristol

2-3 0-0 1-2 8 5 0

Frazier

5-15 0-6 1-11 1 11 4

7. Mays, Fordham, 13.25m

Samuell

2-6 0-0 0-2 8 4 5

Men’s 1000m

Robinson 4-9 1-1 2-5 3 11 3

Butler

5-12 5-9 0-0 1 15 0

1. Fitzgerald, Fordham, 2:28.19

Gearlds

4-9 0-0 1-2 6 9 4

Hage

0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

3. Polo, Fordham, 2:30.17

Bradley

4-12 1-5 8-8 5 17 2

Estwick

3-15 0-7 0-0 3 6 3

Hanlen

1-3 1-3 0-0 0 3 0

Mueller

2-4 0-0 0-2 5 4 0

Totals

22-6 3-9 17-27 46 64 11

3. Fordham, 10:23.46

St.Louis fg

3pt ft

reb tp a

Triple Jump

Dominique 3-6 0-0 0-0 4 6 0 Green

0-1 0-0 2-2 1 2 0

1. Jones, Rutgers, 15.37m

Men’s 60m Hurdles 1. Chiaravelle, Manhattan, 8.37 4. Chediak, Fordham, 8.58

Totals

25-72 5-22 5-9 42 60 13

Jones

2-4 0-0 1-2 10 5 2

Woods

1-12 0-0 5-8 6 7 0

Eggert

4-7 0-0 0-0 7 8 0

Men’s 400m 1

1. Egadu, Long Island, 49.27

Blocks - Nicholson, Gaston (3), Bristol, Dominique, Estwick.

Steals - Cook, Nicholswon, Adegboye, Dominique. Turnovers -

2. Lyons, Fordham, 49.74 Men’s Mile Run 1. Turlip, NYU, 4:13.46

Conger, Cook (2), Nicholson (2),

5. Belgiovine, Fordham, 4:17.74

Adegboye, Davenport, Simmons.

Men’s 4x400 1. Long Island, 3:14.81

1 Fordham

2

F

20 40 60

Duquesne 91 Fordham 72 3pt ft

2

F

25 29 54

St. Louis 27 37 64

Duquesne 87 Fordham 65 Fordham

fg

3pt ft

reb tp a

Men’s 500m

Stokes

1-4 0-0 2-2 3 4 1

1. Mutekanga, Long Island, 1:02.00

Stoddart 1-3 1-2 0-0 2 3 1

6. Atkinson, Fordham, 1:04.91

Bell

2-3 0-0 1-2 3 5 2

Weekes

3-9 1-7 2-2 1 9 1

Peters

5-8 5-6 1-3 4 16 3

Collins

2-4 1-2 2-2 0 7 3

4. Fordham, 3:17.90

St. Bona. 36 33 69

Duquesne fg

Fordham

Men’s 4x800 1. Fordham, 7:42.12

rebtp a

MONTEIRO 6-12 2-3 1-4 3 15 1

Heptathlon

Shadbolt 2-3 1-1 0-0 2 5 2

1. Siljeback-Larsen, Manhattan, 5160

Zamora

0-0 0-0 2-2 1 2 0

Corning

5-6 4-5 0-0 1 14 2

7. Houston, Fordham, 4380

SAUNDERS 4-7 2-2 3-4 12 13 3 CLARK

8-14 4-7 3-5 5 23 5

TALLEY

3-4 1-1 4-5 3 11 2

McCONNELL 5-10 0-4 4-6 5 14 10

Total

21-40 13-23 10-13 18 65 15

Women’s 60m 1. Gaines, Long Island, 7.66 10. Groeninger, Fordham, 7.88

Duquesne fg

3pt ft

reb tp a

MARHOLD

0-2 0-0 0-0 1 0 0

WRIGHT

0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

Women’s 800m

Pollino

5-7 0-0 3-3 4 13 0

EVANS

2-6 0-2 2-4 2 6 2

1. Koskinen, Manhattan, 2:14.69

Gensler

5-10 3-7 1-2 2 14 4

JONES

0-2 0-1 0-0 0 0 0

10. Bain, Fordham, 2:21.46

Floyd

2-8 0-3 0-0 2 4 5

THEIS

0-1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0

Women’s 5000m

Abel

5-8 2-3 1-2 3 13 6

JOHNSON

3-7 2-4 1-1 2 9 2

Voynova

1-1 0-0 0-0 0 2 0

Hall

0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

Szecsi

5-6 3-4 0-0 6 13 4

Totals

Fordham

31-6611-2518-2939 91 25

fg

3pt ft

rebtp a

1. Arsenault, Fordham, 17:59.03 Women’s 4000m Medley

Agunbiade 5-6 0-0 0-0 3 10 2

1. Rutgers, 12:28.89

Britcher 5-7 4-5 2-2 2 16 2

3. Fordham, 12:47.97

Vendemia 1-1 0-0 0-0 2 2 2

Women’s 1000m

GASTON

6-17 0-0 3-6 11 15 2

BRISTOL

2-3 0-0 0-0 9 4 0

FRAZIER

7-16 4-11 1-4 4 19 0

SAMUELL

0-5 0-1 2-2 2 2 4

BUTLER

7-17 3-8 0-0 2 17 2

14. Newman, Fordham, 9.47

ing (2) Agunbiade (3), Pollino

HAGE

0-1 0-0 0-0 1 0 0

Women’s 1 mile

(2), Gensler, Floyd (3), Abel (4),

GRAYHACK 1-2 0-0 0-0 1 2 0

1. Gallagher, Fordham, 4:59.46

Britcher (3), Vendemia

ESTWICK

0-1 0-1 0-0 1 0 0

Women’s 4x400

Turnovers - Stokes (4), Stoddart

MOQUETE

1-3 0-1 2-2 3 4 1

DOMINIQUE 2-2 0-0 5-5 5 9 1 GREEN

0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0

ROBINSON 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Totals 26-68 7-22 13-19 44 72 10

1. Gallagher, Fordham, 2:54.21 Women’s 60m Hurdles 1. Saunders, Long Island, 8.87

1. St. John’s, 3:50.60 5. Fordham, 3:56.36

Total

Blocks - Stoddart, Agunbiade Steals - Bell, Shadbolt, Corn-

(3), Bell (2), Weekes (2), Peters (5), Collins (2), Shadbolt (2), Corning (2), Agunbiade, Floyd (4),

Women’s 3000m

Abel (4), Szecsi (3), Britcher

1. Schoch, Iona, 10:06.46

(2), Vendemia

8. O’Connor, Fordham, 10:58.09 1

Women’s 4x800

Blocks - Monteiro (2), Saunders (4), Marhold, Bristol (2), Samuell, Estwick. Steals - Saunders (5), Clark (2), McConnell (2), Evans, Jones, Samuell (2).

Turnovers - Monteiro, Saunders, Talley, Wright, Evans, Gaston (3), Bristol, Frazier, Samuell (6), Butler (4), Hage, Estwick.

1

2 F

Fordham 36 36 72 Duquesne 45 46 91

34-55 12-22 7-9 26 87 25

1. St. John’s, 9:18.99 6. Fordham, 9:40.62

Fordham

2

F

82 27 65

Duquesne 41 46 87

Visit theramonline.com for same-day game stories after home men’s basketball games.

Also visit for blogs covering NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA Basketball, NCAA Football and EPL

PAGE 22 • THE RAM • FEBRUARY 2, 2011

NICK CARROLL Last week, Jon Smith used this space to delve into what this column is going to be about. In his article, he brought up the smaller facets of sports and what makes fans so fanatical about what essentially boils down to kids’ games.

When these games count, I can see why they draw such crowds.

Between the drama, the emotion and the long-term ramifications, it’s a lot of fun being a fan. Following a team can bring a fan through highs and lows that are unmatched in other forms of entertainment.

No matter what someone’s situation is in life, there will be certain aspects that he or she wants to get away from.

I will never understand all-star games, however. All-star games eliminate everything that is great about being a fan.

First of all, there is no drama. No matter who wins or who loses, no one cares (including baseball, even though its Midsummer Classic, an exhibition game, affects the World Series, a completely ludicrous concept).

I will give a bit of credit to the NHL, which is at least trying to make things more interesting for its fans. By getting fans involved in voting during its skills competition, as well as providing fans a much-needed changeup in the events of the increasingly stale show, the NHL truly does appear to be trying to cater completely to its fans. Furthermore, by having a fantasy draft to choose rosters for the game, hockey found a wrinkle to get its sport buzz and try to give someone a reason to care about the weekend. The draft proved to be rather anti-climatic, however with the last pick (Phil Kessel) receiving a car for his “troubles.” Also, the strangely mixed rosters combined with the effortless play led to an open game that only mildly resembled the gritty and toughnatured sport that its fans adore.

Is there any way to realistically fix these flailing events, or are we just doomed to these dead spots in each sports’ season?

I have a few ideas for each sport moving forward that would hopefully help a little. Let’s start with the Pro Bowl, the exhibition in most need of the help. In recent years, the NFL has moved the Pro Bowl’s date, time and location in order to generate better ratings.

Unsurprisingly to anyone who has sat through a Pro Bowl, however, there have not been many changes. Seriously, does anyone want to watch Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack run past defenders/casual observers in a truly meaningless game? I’ll go with “no,” even though it was the highpoint for the city of Cleveland in the past 50 years.

So instead of watching pros play in a pointless game, would anyone

be opposed to watching the Senior Bowl with an elevated status? Or even better, having a college allstar game comprised of the best college football stars, not just seniors, compete to improve their draft stocks? With the constantly rising profile of the NFL and the NFL Draft, this might serve as the perfect appetizer for the Combine and the offseason. Suddenly, there would be a competitive game that would give college players a great deal of national exposure and help the NFL pipeline its popularity for future prosperity.

While the NFL was a more difficult fix, I believe the NBA could have a much easier solution. Rather than touching the actual AllStar Game, I think the skills competition would be easier to adjust.

Instead of constantly expressing disappointment over star players turning down the dunk contest, just bring in a true dunking pro, a street ball legend. They would add the flair and flavor that the event has lacked for years, would actually have an interest in winning the event for financial reasons and would add a realistic amateur-versus-pro element that could not be replicated in any other context.

The most popular all-star event is easily the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. However, with the array of defensive replacements, pinch hitters and calls to the bullpen, the game lacks any flow or reason to care after Albert Pujols has taken his two at-bats. I would make it mandatory for the starting position players in the game to play six innings, giving the star players at least three at-bats and taking the crucial moments of the game out of the hands of Marlon Byrd.

While we’re at it, there isn’t a league that is more crushed by the fact that every team has to be represented than the MLB. As the teams make constant changes to the lineup, it is inevitable that a completely undeserving all-star will help decide the game. Major League Baseball has to fix this.

The NHL is in a difficult position with its game, as it has legitimately tried to fix the event without generating any significant results. The only way to truly make the game watchable would be to threaten to send a losing player or two off to Hockey Hell, also known as the New York Islanders. That is unrealistic, though, and the NHL is most likely stuck with its cotton candy games (sweet, but without substance) that might catch the eye of a casual fan or two, but that might be exactly what the league needs.

Then again, we could also just get rid of all these events. Just give the players a needed week off in the middle of the season (or give football players an extra week off ).

Would that really be so bad? Would anyone miss any of these events?

They have become so contrived, and we have seen everything we need to see from them.

They are unnecessary events, especially when one considers the Olympic events, which basically sub as all-star competitions in which the players actually care, we do not need to see these pointless exhibitions. Although, based on tradition and public relations, these games are not going anywhere, and I will never understand how they continue to work for any fans or leagues.

SPORTS

Senior Profile: Xavier Martin

By ALEXANDER VILLARDO SPORTS EDITOR

Senior running back Xavier Martin is considered one of the best running backs in Fordham history.

In 2007, he was named the Patriot League Rookie the Year after he led the Rams with eight touchdowns and rushed for 635 yards.

As a sophomore in 2008, the Staten Island native rushed for 1,237 yards, the fourth-most single-season rushing yards in Fordham’s history. In 2009, Martin averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 14 yards per reception.

During this past football season, Martin’s senior campaign, he averaged 88.8 all-purpose yards per game through nine games. Martin sat down with The Ram to discuss his four years at Fordham and his future.

The Ram: Why did you choose Fordham?

Xavier Martin: I chose Fordham for many reasons. I felt that Fordham gave me the best shot to play early. Also, Coach Massella was giving me the opportunity to play the running back position, [while] other schools were looking at me to play positions that were out of my comfort zone. [Fordham is] close to home, which gave my family opportunities to come see all of my home games. Lastly, [I chose Fordham because of] the education.

TR: Looking back on your decision, are you happy that you chose Fordham?

XM: I am happy that I chose Fordham University because of the people I have established a great relationship with here. I do not believe if I were to go to any other school that I would have met better people there than [I have] at Fordham.

TR: Are there any personal goals that you did not reach at Fordham?

XM: Winning more than one conference championship. I do not accept losing; people are not remembered for being number two. [Former Denver Broncos quarterback] John Elway competed in multiple Super Bowls, but he is remembered for the two that he won. I am a competitor. Every time I competed in football, it was

PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

Senior running back Xavier Martin ended his Fordham career with 19 yards rushing yards and 14 receiving yards in a loss to Colgate on Senior Day

to help my team be the best. If I wasn’t competing on the scale of trying to be the best, then I look at that as a failure.

TR: What was your favorite moment of the season?

XM: Training camp because camp is the building ground of becoming a team. Everyday [that] we were on the practice field in those hot summer conditions, we all knew that we could count on one another to have each others’ backs against any obstacle.

TR: Where do you see the Fordham football program going in the next few years?

bigger than what he was, which is a pro-skilled quarterback. But when I look back at it now, it definitely was a great experience playing with a quarterback as skilled as he was.

TR: What are your thoughts on the current BCS system?

XM: I like the BCS system because it makes all the teams compete each week as if it is a playoff game. [The teams] know that if they lose, there is a high chance that they will not [play in] a BCS bowl game or the BCS Championship game. I also like the BCS system because, truth be told, it actually brings in a lot of money to schools.

XM: I see the Fordham football program as competitors in the FCS Playoffs because of the upgrade to the locker room and the [addition of] scholarships. This will help Fordham bring in more skilled recruits which will help the program compete with the best. With a bit more support, I can say personally that this program can possibly compete in the FCS National Championship Game [one day].

TR: What are you going to miss the most about playing football at Fordham?

TR: What was it like playing with John Skelton?

XM: My plans are to give it a shot at the pros, and if that doesn’t work out, then go out and face the real world and all of its challenges.

XM: John never made himself

XM: What I am going to miss most about playing football at Fordham is playing with my brothers. The bond that has been built between us will last forever.

TR: What are your plans for next year?

Squash Wins Three Matches At Siena Round Robin

By BRODY NIEPORTE STAFF WRITER

This past weekend was Fordham’s most impressive of the season. They successfully won all three matches at the Siena Round Robin, beating Ithaca, Siena College and Bryant University. The Fordham squash team not only won the matches, but also did so in decisive fashion.

The Rams opened the tournament with a 7-1 victory against Ithaca College. Andriy Kulak and Jack O’Brien both had intense five-set wins that helped set the tone for the Rams. Jack O’ Brien won his next two matches to cap

off a stellar weekend of squash.

Fordham’s next opponent in the tournament was the host school, Siena. Remarkably, not a single Ram lost a set. Colin Corbett, Ken Fukomoto, Raymond Chen and Chris Souther carried Fordham in the second match.

The third and final match of the weekend was against the Bryant University Bulldogs. Fordham won 7 out of the 8 matches against Bryant to close out one of the most productive weekends for Fordham squash in quite some time.

“The team was ready and able to play some great squash, winning all three matches this week-

end,” Fordham squash coach Bryan Patterson said in a Fordhamsports.com article. “The team had some exceptional play this weekend.”

The Rams will try to extend their three match-winning streak this weekend. The team will play three matches on Sunday against Columbia, Haverford and Vassar.

The matches against Columbia and Haverford will be away at Street Squash at 10 a.m and 2:15 p.m. Between these two matches, at noon, Fordham will come back to Rose Hill to play against Vassar College on the brand-new squash courts.

SPORTS

FEBRUARY 2, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 23

Track Places Modestly at the Metropolitan Championships

By CELESTE KMIOTEK COPY CHIEF

Fordham’s men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the Metropolitan Indoor Track & Field Championship, beginning on Friday, Jan. 28 and continuing on Saturday, Jan. 29. The first two events, the men’s weight throw and the first part of the men’s heptathlon, took place at the Manhattan College’s Draddy Gymnasium in the Bronx, while Saturday’s events occurred at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York. Overall, the men took fourth place, while the women came in seventh.

“The season’s coming along well,” junior Kevin Fitzgerald said.

“Everyone’s been working really hard, trying to get some quality work in despite the teams inability to get our long runs done outdoors because of the snow and ice. The team really showed their depth this weekend in the Metropolitan meet, scoring multiple runners in the middle distance events, in which Fordham really excels.”

“I don’t think that there were too many surprises in this meet,” sophomore Courtney Newman said. “There are always a few that we usually expect to win and they delivered. Overall, we were pleased with the results. Personally, I was trying to do a little bit better and also qualify for ECACs.” Southern Connecticut won the men’s competition, coming in with 132.5 points, just ahead of Rutgers’ 128.5 points. Manhattan earned 119 points, good for third place.

Fordham finished with 105 points.

In Friday’s events, senior Pat Brown took fifth in the weight throw with a distance of 51’ 1”.

Freshman Sam Houston finished the day with 2,691 points in the heptathlon, good for second place, while senior Augustus Gleason was in fifth with 2,465 points.

On Saturday, in the running event, senior Chris Lyons finished third in the 400-meter dash with 49.74, while sophomore Sean Atkinson finished sixth in the 500-meter dash, qualifying for the IC4As with 1:04.91. Senior Brian Schmidt took first in the 800-meter with 1:52.71, beating sophomore John Cosgrove, who took second with 1:54.05; both qualified for the IC4As. Fitzgerald improved his IC4A-qualifying time in the 1,000-meter run, this time coming in at 2:28.19, winning the event.

Freshmen Ryan Polo and Brian Walter followed, placing third with 2:30.17 and fourth with 2:30.53, respectively. In the mile, freshman Michael Belgiovine finished fifth with 4:17.95, while junior Brian Riley finished eighth in the 3,000-meter run with 8:41.69 and sophomore Julian Saad finished third in the 5,000-meter run with 14:54.01.

In the field events, sophomore Daniel Chediak took fourth in the 60-meter hurdles, coming in at 8.58, followed by sophomore Daniel Clemens, who placed eighth with 9.10. Senior Aaron Mays came in sixth in the long jump with a distance of 21’ 3.25” and seventh in the triple jump with 43’ 5.75”.

Junior Kyle Kesses placed sixth in the high jump with 6’ 0.5”, while in

the pole vault, junior Ken Baron took fifth (14’ 3.25”) and Chediak took seventh (13’ 9.25”). Houston ended up as the only scorer in the heptathlon, finishing seventh with 4,380 points; Gleason finished ninth with 4,218 points.

As usual, the men’s relays were the highlight. In the 4x400-meter relay, Atkinson, Lyons, Schmidt and junior Nick Delligatti finished fourth with 3:17.90, their best time of the season. The 4x800-meter relay team of Fitzgerald, senior Tim Hutchinson, sophomore Michael Rossi and Cosgrove took first with 7:42.12, improving upon their previous IC4A-qualifying time.

The distance medley relay team, consisting of senior Tom Kelly, Belgiovine, sophomore Michael Bongiorno and junior Sam Stuart, took third, finishing in 10:23.46.

On the women’s side, St. John’s won the meet with 147 points, followed by Rutgers with 142 points and Manhattan with 75.5 points; Fordham earned 53.5 points.

In the running events, senior Sherilyn Groeninger took eighth in the 200-meter dash, coming in with a time of 26.02, while junior Kelly Connolly finished fifth in the 500-meter dash with 1:16.65.

Senior Kerri Gallagher took first in both the 1,000-meter run and mile run, coming in at 2:54.21 and 4:59.46, respectively. Junior Mairin O’Connor came in eighth in the 3,000-meter run with 10:58.09, while freshman Anisa Arsenault rounded out the scorers in the running event, winning the 5,000meter run with 17:59.03.

Sophomore Courtnay Newman was the sole Lady Ram to score in the field events, tying for fourth in the high jump with a height of 5’ 5”.

The women’s 4x400-meter relay team of Gallagher, Connolly, junior Elisabeth Warren and freshman Averie Sheppard finished fifth, coming in at 3:56.36, while the 4x800-meter relay team of freshman Diane Bain, sophomore Ashley Davis, freshman Kerry Sorenson and sophomore Kellen Fitzgerald finished sixth with 9:40.62. The distance medley team, composed of Arsenault, sophomore Christina Machado, Groeninger and junior Nako Nakatsuka, came in third with 12:47.97.

“We have some really exceptional runners on both the men’s and women’s squads,” Fitzgerald said. “This makes our relays a real force in both the Metropolitan Conference, the A[tlantic] 10 and the national level, which should be evidenced at this upcoming weekend’s New Balance Collegiate Invitational.”

“We had some really great performances and I think we’ve set ourselves up great for the final stretch of the indoor season,” Newman said.

Both teams will compete next on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5 at the New Balance Collegiate Invitational, which will be held at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York. The teams will also compete at the Yale Open, held in New Haven, Conn.; the women will compete Feb. 4, while the men will compete Feb. 5.

By CHESTER BAKER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

All right, so I’m going to say something here, and I’m betting that a bunch of you will not agree with me, at least not at first.

Hopefully I can make a convincing enough argument that you do not think that I’m a total idiot.

Okay, are you ready for this? If the Steelers upset the Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl on Sunday (yes, it would be an upset), we would have to consider Ben Roethlisberger as one of the best quarterbacks in the history of football.

Let that settle in for a second before you read on and just call me insane. Remember, I only say this if the Steelers defeat the Packers for the championship.

First thing’s first, let’s look at his stats. Through his first seven seasons, Big Ben has over 22,000 passing yards. If we go ahead and do some simple math, we can see that he averages around 3,100 passing yards per season. His career-high came in 2009 when he was able to accumulate 4,328 yards through the air. In the NFL, a good season is one in which a quarterback is able to pass for 3,000 yards. Therefore, on average, Roethlisberger has had a good season seven times.

Now head over one stat column to the left and we find that he has 144 touchdowns in seven seasons; not even having to whip out the calculator, you know he’s throwing about 20 touchdowns a season.

Slide over one more column and we come to interceptions, of which Ben’s thrown 86 through his career. So that’s around 12 picks per season. Roethlisberger’s average season looks something like: 3,000 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Not eye-popping, but, at the same time, a very solid season.

I know I haven’t convinced you yet, but I just wanted you to realize that, while I am not basing my opinion entirely on his statistics, they’re not too shabby to look at.

As a Giants fan, I would be delighted if Eli could keep his interceptions to under 20 per season, let alone limiting them to just 12.

Now, obviously, the main reason I think Ben should be considered an all-time great if the Steelers win is because of how impressive it would be for him to win another

title. If the Steelers win, this would be Big Ben’s third Super Bowl ring in just seven seasons in the league.

The all-time record for most Super Bowls won by a quarterback is four, jointly-held by Steelers great Terry Bradshaw and the legendary Joe Montana. Roethlisberger would join Troy Aikman and Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks to ever win three championships.

Now, I’m not usually one to say that if you win a championship then you automatically have to be considered one of the greatest of all time. I mean, anybody can win a Super Bowl if they have the right team around them. Even Trent Dilfer gets to say he won a championship, even if it was won entirely by a Raven’s defense that may be considered the best of all time.

Even Eli Manning has one. (As a Giants fan, I still find it shocking that Eli has as many titles as his big brother Peyton).

So, I’m not saying he has to be considered one of the best ever just because he won another title — it’s because it would be his third in seven seasons. Roethlisberger will still have at least another five seasons to get up to four.

Three rings in seven seasons.

I think that the most important factor in determining a player’s greatness, however, is whether or not they can win a championship.

I mean, Michael Jordan’s numbers would still be impressive without his six rings, but nobody would say he’s the greatest of all time if the only thing Jordan had on his fingers was his class ring.

Another person who is a great example of this is Brett Favre, who I think is the most overrated athlete of all time. Sure, Favre leads the league in career passing touchdowns and career passing yards, but the old man will retire (hopefully) with just one victory in the Super Bowl.

There were plenty of times he could have achieved greatness but opted to make an idiotic decision and lose the game for his team (i.e. 2010 NFC Championship Game). By my standards, three Super Bowls in seven seasons is more than enough to get the job done and be considered an alltime great.

Now obviously, we have to determine how much of winning the championship was because of Roethlisberger. I will be the first to admit that he has been blessed

with an amazing defense that has the best hair of any squad in the league. His running game has been good, but not great, and anybody who can win games with Willie Parker at back gets some good graces in my book.

The first title he won came in 2005 against the Seahawks, in which he had one of the worst games of his career, completing just nine of 21 passes. He got the job done when he needed to, though, which is what great players do, as he converted on eight third downs in the game, including 3rd-and-28 on the game-winning drive. He got it done when he had to.

His second one came in 2008 against the Cardinals, in one of the best Super Bowls ever. The signature highlight of that game is Santonio Holmes’s touchdown as his toes scraped the end zone just inbounds to haul in the gamewinning pass. Roethlisberger’s placement was perfect, and he put it where only his man could make the grab, just like a quarterback is supposed to do.

Roethlisberger went 21 of 30 for 256 yards, including that legendary play, and throwing only one interception.

Also, if you want to say he can’t be one of the best ever because of the rape allegations and motorcycle accident, get over it. Namath loved to booze and hit on Suzy Kolber, and a bunch of athletes have had problems, so don’t try to pull that. You don’t have to like the guy to call him one of the greatest.

Obviously, I’m not saying that I condone his behavior. Chances are I probably wouldn’t even invite him over for a delicious spaghetti dinner. I’m just saying that you simply have to respect what he has been able to do. Even as someone who owns four dogs, I can still say that Michael Vick should win this season’s Most Valuable Player award. When measuring greatness, character really is not all that important.

So listen, maybe I’m a little bit out there with this, but it’s certainly something to think about. Three rings for a guy that is in the prime of his career, may have learned his lesson with the off-the-field issues and has a good chance to get back to the big game would be special.

Like I said, this is all if they win the game.

Three Super Bowls is a lot more legendary than two.

Upcoming Varsity Schedule CAPS=HOME lowercase=away Men’s Basketball

Thursday Feb. 3

Friday Feb. 4

Saturday Feb. 5 RICHMOND 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday Feb. 8

Wednesday Feb. 9

ST. JOSEPH’S 7:00 p.m.

New Balance Collegiate Invitational New York City VASSAR 12:00 p.m.

Squash

Swimming

Monday Feb. 7

at Temple 7:00 p.m.

at La Salle 12:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Indoor Track

Sunday Feb. 6

UMASS 1:00 p.m.

ST.FRANCIS 6:00 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2, 2011

PAGE 24

Rams Lose Even More Ground in Conference Play

Men’s Basketball Falls to Duquesne, St. Bonaventure in Rose Hill Gymnasium

By MARK BECKER STAFF WRITER

Back home for the first time in over a month, the men’s basketball team prepared to face up against two teams with undersized de facto centers in Duquesne and St. Bonaventure, with senior Damian Saunders and junior Andrew Nicholson, respectively. Both played their usual high-caliber games and received enough support to leave Rose Hill with victories, leaving the Rams still in search of their first conference win and with an extended nine-game losing streak dating back to the last day of the fall semester.

The Duquesne Dukes (15-5, 7-0) came into the matchup on an eightgame winning streak, thanks in part to the return of junior point guard Eric Evans from foot surgery, while Fordham (6-13, 0-7) returned to its home gym for the first time in over a month on a seven-game skid.

A respectable student section came out to support the team despite the University’s midday closing due to heavy snow, but the Rams were unable to match the Dukes’ pace and creativity in a 91-72 loss that looked much worse than the final score indicated.

“Tonight was probably the most frustrated I’ve been this year,” head coach Tom Pecora said.

Duquesne senior wing Bill Clark was the Rams’ main problem as usual (he scored 20 points and grabbed 10 boards last year and posted a 22-7 line last year), and he set the tone early, draining a three-pointer with a hand in his face on the Dukes’ first possession. Saunders, an All-Atlantic 10 First Team pick and Defensive Player of the Year last year, also dominated in the first half against the relatively thin bodies of the Rams’ frontcourt, posting team highs of 12 points and eight rebounds.

“We basically had to match their intensity,” Clark said. “We can’t play down to any opponent.”

Duquesne plays extremely uptempo basketball, having scored in the 90s three times and topping 100 twice this year, and the Rams seemed perfectly content allowing them to dictate the game’s pace in the first half. This led to several unforced turnovers by the Rams on attempted fast breaks, in contrast to the Dukes’ numerous conversions when they pushed the ball.

“I would say half our turnovers were unforced,” Pecora said. “I was worried about their double teams – they blitz you randomly. We didn’t do a good job attacking them after breaking the press. I thought our guards played timid.”

Although the halftime score showed just a nine-point deficit at 45-36, the Rams were thoroughly outplayed. Duquesne dished out 13 assists while limiting turnovers to just three, and the Rams turned the ball over eight times against only six assists. The Dukes controlled the inside, both on the fast break and in the post, outscoring the Rams 14-5 and 22-12, respectively.

The highlight of the half was red-

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI/THE RAM

Sophomore forward Chris Gaston had 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks at home against St. Bonaventure.

shirt senior guard Brenton Butler hitting two treys and two field goals for 10 points, moving him past legend Charles Yelverton, who played only three seasons since freshmen were then ineligible to compete, and into the Top 10 on Fordham’s all-time scoring list by one point. After hitting two early threes, it took Butler, who finished with 17 points, until just before halftime to scrape out two jumpers to crack the list.

“I told them at halftime, ‘We’re not playing well, and we’re in this game,’” Pecora said.

The Rams kept things close for the first five minutes of the second half, but from there Duquesne stretched the lead out to 14, 16 and 21 with Fordham fighting back in between, ultimately walking out with a 19-point victory. Pecora sent the walk-ons out with more than three minutes remaining.

“We didn’t really play our best tonight,” Saunders said.

“Every time it seemed like we had a lead or a cushion, it felt like a guy made a three,” Duquesne Head Coach Ron Everhart said.

All of Duquesne’s starters hit double digits in points, with Clark leading the way with 23, along with five rebounds and five assists. Saunders closed a fantastic game with 13 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and five steals. Freshman guard T.J. McConnell also impressed with a double-double, scoring 14 points and dishing out 10 assists, even adding five rebounds.

Sophomore forward Chris Gaston earned his 11th double-double of the year with a 15-11 line, despite shooting only 6-17 from the field, getting a good deal of his production on putbacks after his own missed shots.

“Coach told us he’s their best player, and our plan was to keep him off the boards and limit his touches,”

Saunders said. “We had to be physical with him — when the ball goes up, hit him before he hits you. But he still got what he usually gets.”

There were, of course, disappointments. Recent pickup, freshman point guard Lamount Samuell, missed all five of his shots and turned the ball over six times, while handing out only four assists, and junior guard Alberto Estwick did not score in 14 minutes.

“I wish I knew [what was wrong with Estwick],” Pecora said. “[Samuell] had a freshman game, but he’s better than the alternatives we have right now. Our freshmen are playing like freshmen some nights. We have to get more leadership from the veterans.”

As frustrating a game as the Duquesne matchup was, Pecora and the Rams had just as much reason to be frustrated against St. Bonaventure.

The Rams played a messy game, committing a whopping 28 fouls, allowing SBU to take 41 free throw attempts (Fordham only took nine).

They took impressive care of the ball, though, especially compared to the usual assist-to-turnover ratio, handing out 13 against a mere eight turnovers.

“Even the bottom teams in this league — and we’re one of them — are pretty dangerous,” Pecora said.

“I don’t think any team looks at Fordham on the schedule, especially coming in here, and thinks, ‘That’s a win.’”

The Bonnies (11-9, 3-4) scored the first four points of the game and slowly extended the margin, with the Rams tying the game at nine before St. Bonaventure more or less doubled each point Fordham scored.

Down 16 at the half, the Rams had only themselves to blame. Forced to play small against an undersized team

for most of the half due to junior center Kervin Bristol and senior forward Jacob Green picking up two fouls each, Fordham struggled to contain Nicholson, giving up 13 points and seven rebounds to him alone. Leaving sharpshooter freshman guard Matthew Wright open also hurt the Rams, as he went 3-3 from behind the arc.

Meanwhile, Gaston was severely outmatched posting up against Nicholson and his physicality, managing a mere three points and no rebounds in the first half. Forcing off-balance jumpers and awkward layups, his first and only basket of the half did not come until the 2:43 mark.

The biggest dent in the Rams’ game was rebounding margin, as the Rams’ three big men combined for only two of the team’s 13 rebounds, paling to the Bonnies’ 22.

“They were physical in the beginning, we weren’t,” Pecora said. “Our young guards were timid. I thought they came off screens kind of passive.

I told them they had to attack.”

Fordham mounted a furious comeback early in the second half, holding the Bonnies without a basket for seven minutes while scoring sev-

en unanswered points on each end of a SBU free throw for a 14-1 run.

Gaston had a big hand in the second half, scoring eight more points and pulling down 11 rebounds for his 12th double-double of the year and tying the A-10 active lead with 31. He finished the game with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, although a scoring error gave two points to freshman guard Branden Frazier instead of Gaston on a tip-in. Bristol pitched in with some intense effort, especially in the second half, totaling five points and eight rebounds for the game in only 21 minutes due to his usual foul trouble (he is averaging four fouls in his past four games).

After tying things up at 42, Fordham stuck close to SBU for most of the second half, but with the help of some favorable calls and what can only be described as some luck, the Bonnies emerged victorious by a score of 69-60.

“I went in and told the kids I was proud of them,” Pecora said.

Once again, the Rams had a tough time shooting the ball, with Estwick and Frazier continuing their shooting slumps by going a collective 0-13 on three-point attempts, although Butler covered for them, sinking his only five baskets on 5-9 from behind the arc.

Freshman forward Marvin Dominique managed to play with a medically-treated separated shoulder, posting six points and four rebounds in 21 minutes, despite risking a season-ending injury, according to Pecora.

Nicholson finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, with the recently off-form junior guard Michael Davenport adding 10 and eight and sophomore forward Demitrius Conger putting up 11 and five, most coming late in the second half.

Pecora said he was still impressed with the play of his first-year players, including Samuell, Frazier, Dominique and Bristol, over the two games.

Frazier exhibited his usual age-defying poise, Dominique hustled all game and the two combined for a spectacular no-look pass, finished with an athletic reverse layup.

The Rams look to turn things around in the Atlantic 10 on Wednesday, Feb. 2 at Rhode Island (13-7, 4-2) in the first leg of a homeand-home series in the annual battle of the Rams before returning home on Saturday, Feb. 5 to take on Richmond (16-6, 5-2) at 1 p.m.

PHOTO BY AARON MAYS/THE RAM

Redshirt senior guard Brenton Butler put up 17 points against Duquesne.