The Fordham Observer

11/18/2019

Women’s March Posters Scream to be Seen

Poster House — the first museum in America that is completely devoted to displaying posters — has curated an exhibit called “20/20 Insight: Posters from the 2017 Women’s March” dedicated to the posters created for the 2017 Women’s Marches. Carefully organized to inspire the viewers, each poster in the exhibition underscores the impact of the American public’s response to Donald Trump being elected as president of the United States in 2016 as 2020 approaches.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42692/arts-and-culture/womens-march-posters-scream-to-be-seen/

Poster House is now showing “20/20 Insight: Posters from the 2017 Women’s March” — an exhibit that combines posters, feminism and art to convey the feelings of Americans with respect to the Trump presidency.

11/18/2019

Ailey Students Dance in Christmas Spectacular

Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular has been a favorite holiday activity of New Yorkers since 1933, but now Fordham students are taking over the show. Ailey-Fordham junior Maya Addie was chosen to be an ensemble dancer in the 2019 production out of more than 400 other women, and she explains what it’s like to be a part of the show.

https://fordhamobserver.com/42683/arts-and-culture/ailey-students-dance-in-christmas-spectacular/

Maya Addie, FCLC ‘21, and other Fordham-Ailey dancers are featured in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular from Nov. 8 to Jan. 5.

11/18/2019

Rams in Vans: The Intercampus Transportation You Can Always Rely On

From the Observer’s Rubberneck section, Jill Rice proposes a unique solution to the ever-rocky, every-expensive Ram Vans. Why not replace them with actual rams in actual vans? Is this the genius solution to school rankings that Fordham’s been missing?
https://fordhamobserver.com/42710/opinions/the-rubberneck/rams-in-vans-the-intercampus-transportation-you-can-always-rely-on/

It’s clear the student body is fed up with the service we get from the Ram Van, so Fordham should replace them with something more economical, practical and environmentally friendly: Rams in Vans.

11/15/2019

‘Pippin’ Makes Dying and Climbing Look Easy

In preparation for their upcoming performance of “Pippin,” Fordham’s Splinter Group is hard at work when it comes to mastering not only the essence of Roger O. Hirson and Stephen Schwartz’s original source material, but also, as they put it, the process of “learning how to die” and “learning how to climb.”
https://fordhamobserver.com/42677/uncategorized/pippin-makes-dying-and-climbing-look-easy/

Fordham’s Splinter Group is currently learning how to “die” and how to “climb” for their upcoming performance of “Pippin” later this November.

11/15/2019

Lamenting ‘The Commuter’s Lament’

From the Observer’s Opinions section, Olivia Bonenfant talks about the much-seen Commuter’s Lament poem found at the 42nd Street underpass. What role does such cynical art have in a place that already has more than enough cynicism to spare?
https://fordhamobserver.com/42703/opinions/lamenting-the-commuters-lament/

Life sucks!, the poem reminds us, but here we are, living it anyway. Isn’t that funny?

11/15/2019

"Ram and Roll" - Rameses Dynasty, Aramark and Blood Donations

Need a new podcast to listen to on your morning commute? Check out Retrospect: the Official Podcast fo the Fordham Observer.

In this episode Grace Getman gets real about the infamous history of the live rams used by Fordham as mascots. Michelle Agaron dishes about Aramark and whether it should remain Fordham’s food provider. Catherine Galliford discusses why it’s unfair to college students that gay and bisexual men aren’t allowed to donate blood.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DAG5JU1X3kaq5o2vgszfS?si=ij_9YXpHRjy1Km6x7f-lJA

Grace Getman gets real about the infamous history of the live rams used by Fordham as mascots. Michelle Agaron dishes about Aramark and whether it should remain Fordham’s food provider. Catherine Galliford discusses why it’s unfair to college students that gay and bisexual men aren’t allowed t...

11/14/2019

To Print or Not to Print

One might assume that, after a 30-year presence of printers in the Quinn Library, according to Linda LoSchiavo, director of Fordham University Libraries, the printing system at Fordham Lincoln Center would run smoothly. Unfortunately, with each year comes new printing problems, and students and faculty alike are consistently frustrated with the situation, especially during critical periods like midterms
https://fordhamobserver.com/42682/features/to-print-or-not-to-print/

One might assume that, after a 30-year presence of printers in the Quinn Library, the printing system at Fordham Lincoln Center would run smoothly. Unfortunately, with each year comes new printing problems, and students and faculty alike are consistently frustrated with the situation, especially dur...

11/14/2019

You Got Your College Relationship Wrong

From the Observer’s Opinions section, Polina Uzornikova examines the increasing popularity of entering relationships come the beginning of college. Are we dating people because we want to or because of societal expectations of us?
https://fordhamobserver.com/42699/opinions/you-got-your-college-relationship-wrong/

Relationships are great, but they’re only great when you actually want them. Unfortunately, the collective college mind seems to only remember the first half of that sentence.

11/14/2019

Student Artists Investigate Brokenness in The Comma’s The Fragment

One wall of G76 displayed a collective piece made up of random writings from members of the Comma. Through the maze of distinct scripts and torn sheets, many voices came together, and the anonymous journal notes, diary confessions and discarded poems came together to convey the theme of brokenness. On the adjacent wall, students displayed diverse works in photography, illustration, paint and collage. This was Fragment, an interdisciplinary art show hosted by Fordham Lincoln Center’s creative writing publication. Read about the first-ever event and hear from the artists about the inspiration behind their words, art and photography.

The Comma, Fordham Lincoln Center’s creative writing publication, explored the theme of brokenness through words, art and more in its interdisciplinary art show, Fragment.

11/14/2019

Columbus Day Controversy Sparks Petition

In response to recent criticism about Columbus Day, members of the Fordham community have advocated for renaming the holiday “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” which memorializes the Native American communities that were displaced and killed during European colonization of the Americas. Those who celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day have expressed that Christopher Columbus’ legacy is one of damage and destruction and that changing the name of the holiday

A petition for Fordham University to officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, introduced by the Diversity Action Coalition (DAC), a committee of the United Student Government at Fordham Rose Hill, was distributed via social media throughout October.

11/13/2019

Drag Show: Anything but a Drag

The Rainbow Alliance and Fashion for Philanthropy came together for the second year in a row to hold a Drag Show. Queens and Kings came onto the stage and shared their art. From performances ranging from singing to magic to comedy, audience members left with a message from each performer. Everyone was invited into the drag community with open arms — a sense of acceptance radiated through the room. Read more about the energetic event that proved drag is more than wigs and makeup — it’s self-expression.

https://fordhamobserver.com/42689/arts-and-culture/drag-show-anything-but-a-drag/

The Rainbow Alliance and Fashion for Philanthropy’s drag show was a night full of art and self-expression by student queens and kings.

11/13/2019

Veterans’ Center Just In Time for Veterans Day

From the Observer’s Opinions section, Melanie Gonzalez discusses the roles of student veterans in the wider Fordham community and the way that the new veteran center can act as a bridge between them and the traditional student population. Can Fordham be doing more to help foster these connections? https://fordhamobserver.com/42701/opinions/veterans-center-just-in-time-for-veterans-day/

It’s easy to brush off the term “veteran” as the label of a peak that has long since passed — or as part of a holiday we celebrate once a year and let fade into the background until next November.

11/06/2019

The Rise and Fall of the Rameses Dynasty

The best spooky stories are the true ones. For an example of that, you don’t even have to go beyond Fordham’s gates, but you may have to look a little lower than eye level. At what? At Fordham’s live mascots. From 1925 to 1978, Fordham maintained live rams who were trotted out during sporting events to represent our school pride. Read more about them https://fordhamobserver.com/42471/features/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-rameses-dynasty/#photo

From 1925 to 1978, Fordham maintained live rams who were trotted out during sporting events to represent our school pride. The Rameses dynasty, which featured over 20 heirs, shares a bloody, twisted history, made all the more shocking by its complete accuracy.

11/05/2019

UWS Welcomes Safer Bike Lanes

Cyclists in New York City are dying at an alarming rate; after just 10 deaths in 2018, 23 bikers have already died in 2019. In response to what Mayor de Blasio is calling a citywide “crisis,” the Department of Transportation (DOT) is rolling out its “Green Wave” initiative to try and better protect New Yorkers.

After just 10 deaths in 2018, 23 bikers have already died in 2019. In response to what Mayor de Blasio is calling a citywide “crisis,” the Department of Transportation is rolling out its “Green Wave” initiative to try and better protect New Yorkers.

11/05/2019

How Herpes Affects the Fordham Community

45% of those newly infected with herpes are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24. Out of 89 Fordham students surveyed, 41.1% affirmed that they or someone they know has herpes. With help from Director of University Health Services, Maureen Keown, The Observer discusses the stigma around herpes using survey results and brings to light the prognosis of the STI.

45% of those newly infected with herpes are adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24. Out of 89 Fordham students surveyed, 41.1% affirmed that they or someone they know has herpes. With help from Director of University Health Services, Maureen Keown, The Observer discusses the stigma around herpes...

11/05/2019

Privacy Is Dead. Long Live Privacy.

From the Observer’s Opinions section, Evan Vollbrecht advocates for practicing safe cyber habits. In a world that is increasingly digital, caution when on your phone or laptop is something that is only growing more important.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42330/opinions/privacy-is-dead-long-live-privacy/

Your privacy is an illusion. Your every word is analyzed. Vast computing resources go towards determining how to manipulate you.

11/05/2019

The FDA’s Refusal to Allow Gay Men to Donate Blood is Blood-Boiling

From the Observer’s Opinions section, Catherine Galliford addresses the long-present exclusion of gay men from blood donation. As LGBT History Month is drawing to a close, the need for a change in policy is becoming urgent.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42328/opinions/the-fdas-refusal-to-allow-gay-men-to-donate-blood-is-blood-boiling/

As blood screening technology and medical treatments for HIV/AIDS continue to improve, the already shaky scientific foundation supporting the FDA regulation grows increasingly less convincing.

11/05/2019

Big Apple Circus Wants Me Dead

From the Observer’s Rubberneck section, Polina Uzornikova gives a voice to the problem plaguing McKeon students for years: the Big Apple Circus. The haunting music is just one factor that has proved vital in driving residents to flinch at the mention of the ominous blue tent.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42320/opinions/the-rubberneck/big-apple-circus-wants-me-dead/

The erected tent that had the color of a reusable IKEA bag stood proudly in my McKeon backyard and taunted me with its pompous grandeur

11/04/2019

With New EP, Bleachbear Grows From Seattle Roots

Tigerlily Cooley (GSBLC ’20), Bird Cooley and Emiko Gantt (GSBLC ’22) have been making music since they were children in the Pacific Northwest. They have since released their first EP, “Cowboy Movie Star,” and been praised by Northwest Music Scene as “the musical equivalent of a blurry low-exposure Polaroid picture of one of the best nights of your life.” Read about Seattle-based band Bleachbear and their newest EP, “Deep Sea Baby.”

Seattle based indie group, Bleachbear, consisting of Fordham students Emiko Gantt and Tigerlily Colley, drop new EP, “Deep Sea Baby.”

11/04/2019

See you tonight!

11/04/2019

Student Creatives Lead Studio Shows

This semester’s Fordham Theatre studio season showcases eight plays, all of which are either written or directed by students. Through these shows, theatre majors in the playwriting and directing tracks get the opportunity to practically apply their studies and produce their work for intimate audiences in the Veronica Lally Kehoe Theatre or the White Box Studio Theatre. Read more about the student-driven production processes of these shows and hear from a student director and a student playwright about the inspiration and rehearsal process behind their work.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42355/arts-and-culture/student-creatives-lead-studio-shows/

This studio season features eight different shows, each one either written or directed by a Fordham student.

11/03/2019

Ram Jams: Terrifying Tunes for Halloween

Has music ever scared you? Not the soundtrack of a horror movie, and not a jumpscare added to a normal song, but a standalone piece of music: a song or album whose lyrics, instrumentals or a combination of both has shaken you.
It’s time to get scared. These albums are not for the faint of heart.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42367/arts-and-culture/ram-jams-terrifying-tunes-for-halloween/

Has music ever scared you? Not the soundtrack of a horror movie, and not a jumpscare added to a normal song, but a standalone piece of music: a song or album whose lyrics, instrumentals or a combination of both has shaken you. It’s time to get scared. These albums are not for the faint of heart.

11/02/2019

Rams Denied Victory in Overtime by Lehigh

In a close game, Fordham football lost in overtime to divisional rival Lehigh in overtime, 30-27. Rahul Sukesh recaps the contest and provides analysis into the Rams’ defeat.
https://fordhamobserver.com/42399/sh/rams-denied-victory-in-overtime-by-lehigh/

In a close game, Fordham football lost in overtime to divisional rival Lehigh in overtime, 30-27. Rahul Sukesh recaps the contest and provides analysis into the Rams’ defeat.

11/02/2019

Six Nights of Punk Rock in a Reimagined “Twelfth Night”

Original punk rock music guides Fordham Theatre’s reimagined production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Cast members comment on the composition process as well as the gender and sexuality aspects of the production. Read more to learn about the exciting new perspectives represented in the show and then be sure to catch this inspired mainstage play in Pope Auditorium at 8 p.m. from Nov. 6-8 and 14-16!

Fordham Theatre incorporates original punk rock music to explore gender and sexuality in its upcoming adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”

11/01/2019

Gunshots Cause Safety Concerns

On Sept. 21, around 2 a.m., students living on campus heard loud noises that they thought were gunshots. Shortly after, many received notifications about the shooting via the Citizen App. However, students never received a notification from Fordham’s Department of Public Safety about the incident that happened just a block away from campus.The silence from Public Safety has raised questions among students as to what warrants a Public Safety alert, as well as how the Lincoln Center campus is defined.

In September, students reported hearing gunshots. However, students never received a notification from Fordham’s public safety about the incident that happened just a block away from campus.

11/01/2019

Kyle Martin: From A10 Champ to Potential Pro Star

Kyle Martin began summer baseball with Fordham in the Atlantic 10 Championship and ended with the Aberdeen Ironbirds, a minor league team for the Baltimore Orioles. The Observer recounts Martin’s summer and reports the star relief pitcher’s own insights into his stretch of success. https://fordhamobserver.com/42394/sh/kyle-martin-from-a10-champ-to-potential-pro-star/