The Fordham Observer

06/23/2021

Enclaves: Washington Heights

Lights up on Washington Heights, an immensely vibrant community located on the northern tip of Manhattan. Around each corner, whether it be through architecture styles, colorful mosaics or even playground structures, there are many references to the appreciation of arts. The neighborhood is home to a diverse Latino community, but because of an ever-growing population of those immigrating from the Dominican Republic, the enclave has earned the nickname “Little D.R.” Setting the scene for Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights,” the Dominican population of Washington Heights prides itself on being a tight-knit, spirited and hard-working community.

Washington Heights is a tight-knight and vibrant community located in northern Manhattan. It is home to a diverse Latino population.

06/21/2021

Primary Preview: A Handy Starter to Your Mayoral Research

Summer is upon us, and while many Fordham students are taking advantage of their free summer classes, there’s important extracurricular research to be done regarding the Democratic primary election for mayor. The election is taking place on June 22, but early voting has already begun.

The winner of the Democratic primary is most likely to be elected in November because of the city’s overwhelmingly Democratic population.

06/21/2021

Primary Elections Determine How NYC Will Move Forward

The 2021 New York City mayoral race consists of Democratic and Republican primaries which will determine the candidates for the general election. The primaries take place on Tuesday, June 22; however, early voting already began on Saturday, June 12, and is ending on Sunday, June 20. The general election will take place on Nov. 2, with independent and minor party candidates also in the race.

The 2021 New York City mayoral race consists of Democratic and Republican primaries that will determine the candidates for the general election.

06/19/2021

The New Hollywood: South Korean Cinema Is Refreshingly Original and Genre-Bending

From Arts: “The most rewarding experience when watching a film is to be blown away by the story and to feel attached to the characters. South Korea is an expert at accomplishing this. They arguably produce the highest quality films in the world. What makes their films so unique is their originality, complexity and ability to span a multitude of genres.”

South Korean films have reached major streaming platforms and have finally started to gain the massive popularity they deserve in the US.

06/18/2021

Fordham Lifts Mask Restrictions for Fall Semester

BREAKING: According to a June 18 email from Marco A. Valera, vice president for administration and COVID-19 coordinator, Fordham is planning on returning to a full capacity campus, with all interior spaces no longer requiring social distancing.

In compliance with campus policy, faculty and staff will also be required to be fully vaccinated by August 1 in order to return to campus. Like students, faculty and staff have the option to request a vaccine exemption for medical or religious reasons.

However, all approved unvaccinated individuals “must continue to wear masks indoors and maintain social distancing, if possible, consistent with their activities.” They will also be required to be tested weekly with rapid antigen tests, rather than the PCR tests that Fordham used for the 2020-21 school year.

Fordham is planning on returning to a full capacity campus, with all interior spaces no longer requiring social distancing.

06/16/2021

Fordham Announces Budget for Fiscal Year 2022

After a year of financial troubles due to the COVID-19 pandemic that led to salary freezes and suspension of retirement fund contributions, Fordham announced its budget plans for the 2022 fiscal year. In a Zoom meeting on May 7, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Martha Hirst gave a detailed overview of the plans.

The presentation began by emphasizing the university’s loss of funding over the past year. The suspension of in-person activities in spring 2020 and partial reimbursement of room and board fees to students cost Fordham an estimated $25 million, according to Hirst.

Fordham revealed its budget plans for the 2022 fiscal year, which differ from previous years due to the pandemic and its effects on students and faculty.

06/15/2021

Marvel’s ‘Loki’ Shows Why the God of Mischief Is the Best Villain in the Cinematic Universe

From Arts: "Out of all the Marvel Studios’ series released on Disney+, “Loki” has the strongest premiere episode to date. Unlike “WandaVision” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”, the series premiere perfectly manages development for the main character and drastic changes to the MCU."

The first episode of “Loki,” released on June 9, blew expectations out of the water and reminded fans why they love the titular character.

06/13/2021

Observer Alumni Affinity Group Interest Form

As The Observer celebrates its 40th year, Observer alumni are working to form an official Observer alumni affinity group in partnership with Fordham Alumni. This group will provide networking opportunities for Observer alumni and current staff, allow Observer alumni to see and support the current work of The Observer and allow Observer alumni from years past to reconnect.

Fill out the contact form below to follow the progress of the Observer alumni affinity group and stay in the loop about future projects and endeavors.

Thank you for your support!

As The Observer celebrates its 40th year, Observer alumni are working to form an official Observer alumni affinity group in partnership with Fordham Alumni. This group will provide networking opportunities for Observer alumni and current staff, allow Observer alumni to see and support the current wo...

06/11/2021

Bo Burnham’s ‘Inside’: A Comedy Special That Might Make You Cry

This special is a true reflection of Burnham’s immense talent. It’s a messy hour-and-a-half that makes you understand what it feels like on the set: a room in LA, retrofitted with more cables on the floor than is likely necessary.

The announcement of Bo Burnham’s new comedy special “Inside” on Netflix came as a bit of a shock after he publicly spoke about the frequent panic attacks he experienced on stage.

06/09/2021

Fordham Deans Clarify Incident of Academic Dishonesty at GSB

Discussions regarding future efforts to combat academic dishonesty arise as Gabelli students emphasize a stressful spring semester.

Leadership within GSB launched an investigation into academic dishonesty and required the retake to include anti-cheating measures.

06/07/2021

The Police Do Not Belong at Pride

Two weeks before Pride Month officially began, the New York City Pride organizers announced that police officers and other law enforcement individuals were to be banned from marching in uniform at the Pride parade until at least 2025.

With the announcement that New York City Pride organizers have banned police officers from marching in uniform at the Pride parade, it is important to understand the violence the LGBTQ+ community has faced at the hands of police

05/30/2021

Fordham Students React to India’s Deadly COVID-19 Surge

The health care system of India is overwhelmed by an increase in COVID-19 cases as the country faces a shortage of oxygen supply, hospital beds and ventilators. Indian students domestic and abroad respond to the rise in cases and Fordham’s lack of action.

Fordham students of Indian descent are concerned with the COVID-19 crisis in India, where poverty and shortages worsen the virus’s effects.

05/30/2021

Lincoln Center Turns Into The GREEN for the Summer Season

Lincoln Center is trading in its concrete for green space this summer as part of its Restart Stages program. The Josie Robertson Plaza’s 14,000 square feet have transformed into “The GREEN” as of May 10 and will remain through September.

Lincoln Center is trading in its concrete for green space this summer as part of its Restart Stages program with “The GREEN” installation.

05/26/2021

In honor of launching Observer Sports merch on our Redbubble shop, we are hosting a GIVEAWAY!

Winners will receive a $20 Redbubble gift card. Entries will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on May 26 with the winner announced the following day.

Head to our Instagram or Twitter @fordhamobserver for details on how to enter.

In honor of launching Observer Sports merch on our Redbubble shop, we are hosting a GIVEAWAY!

Winners will receive a $20 Redbubble gift card. Entries will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on May 26 with the winner announced the following day.

Head to our Instagram or Twitter @fordhamobserver for details on how to enter.

05/26/2021

How the Vaccine Could Impact Your Period

Following vaccination, some Fordham students have reported experiencing abnormal menstrual cycles, with symptoms ranging from excruciating pain to sudden appearances of menstruation despite hormonal medication.

The effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on the menstrual cycle remain unclear, as limited research on the subject has not provided answers.

05/24/2021

Fordham Family Matters: Jack Harnisch Carries on Father’s Legacy

At Fordham University, the Harnisch family is living proof that the collegiate brand of baseball has not yet lost its heart.

At Fordham University, the Harnisch family is living proof that the collegiate brand of baseball has not yet lost its heart.

05/19/2021

Self-Assurance: The Fulcrum of Ambition

From Opinions: While we may need to sacrifice certain friendships, comforts, and short-term pleasures in our life, we have to embrace the most underrated quality for a persevering mind — self-assurance.

Self-assurance is the key factor in maintaining one’s mind and caring for one’s own needs, even as they deal with obstacles and failures.

05/19/2021

Far From Mars, Musk Is Colonizing Vulnerable Communities

From Opinions: Elon Musk has proposed a Starbase in Brownsville, Texas, that, rather than improving the local area, will harm residents and the environment.

Elon Musk has proposed a Starbase in Brownsville, Texas, that, rather than improving the local area, will harm residents and the environment.

05/10/2021

Leaving Afghanistan: Extremism Flourishes Despite US Occupation

From Opinions: "Though I’m sure the U.S. government would like Americans to accept that jihadi extremists like al-Qaida and its subsidiaries were doomed to eventual demise after the “War on Terror,” militant groups have actually experienced growth during the failed war. Because of this, Biden’s decision to take troops out of Afghanistan may not be as consequential as some politicians claim, and the War on Terror should act as a cautionary tale against the United States’ ineffectual foreign policing."

Biden’s decision to take troops out of Afghanistan may not be as consequential as some politicians claim, and the War on Terror should be a cautionary tale.

05/09/2021

Crossword: Desk References

Figure out what everyday office supplies lie within this crossword created by Esme Bleecker-Adams and Nicole Perkins called, "Desk References." Powered by PuzzleMe.

Figure out what everyday office supplies lie within this crossword, powered by PuzzleMe.

05/09/2021

When Will We See the First Great Video Game Movie?

Hollywood is putting a lot of faith in video game movies. A film based on “Mortal Kombat” was released on April 23, an “Uncharted” adaptation is coming out soon and even a “Metal Gear Solid” movie is in the works. The genre has come a long way since the days of the widely panned “Super Mario Bros.” and “Street Fighter” movies of the mid-1990s. But what exactly has changed, and are we due for a video game adaptation masterpiece any time soon?

Video game movies are more common now than ever as games have become more narrative driven and creators have turned gaming for inspiration.

05/09/2021

Alvin Ailey’s Benefit Unveiled in a New Virtual Format

This year’s Alvin Ailey Dance Benefit Concert offered a whole new experience for both dancers and guests. The benefit is held annually to honor dancers and raise money for the Denise Jefferson Memorial Scholarship, which is a merit scholarship awarded to one junior and one senior in the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program each year. Since the benefit was virtual this year, no admission fee was required, and those who attended were instead asked to make a donation if possible.

The annual Alvin Ailey Benefit Concert was held on Zoom, with each class dancing together and the scholarship winner performing solo.

05/09/2021

Fordham Men’s Soccer Suffers Heartbreaking Defeat to Marshall

Fordham men’s soccer lost to the 10th-ranked Marshall University (MU) Herd, 2-1, on Sunday, May 2, capping off a season that can only be considered successful. The Rams entered the match as the 23rd-ranked team in the nation but could not extend their unbeaten streak any further. The loss comes just weeks after Fordham raised the Atlantic 10 (A10) Championship trophy and signifies the disappointing end to an otherwise flawless season.

The loss against Marshall comes weeks after Fordham won the A10 Championship, signifying a disappointing end to an otherwise flawless season.

05/09/2021

Season 5: Questioning Southern Stereotypes

On this episode of Retrospect, Asst. Opinions Editor and columnist Jessica Yu explains why hating country music may have political and social implications beyond just music taste. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Diana Silva.

Listen to this episode from Retrospect on Spotify. Asst. Opinions Editor and columnist Jessica Yu, FCLC ’23, explains why hating country music may have political and social implications beyond just music taste. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Diana Silva. Music by Michael Appler and Taylor Swift.

05/06/2021

US Rep. Juan Vargas Discusses Religion in Public Life

Professor Peppard leads the webinar, inviting students to ask Rep. Vargas questions about the intersection of religion with public office.

Professor Peppard leads the webinar, inviting students to ask Rep. Vargas questions about the intersection of religion with public office.

05/05/2021

‘The Father’: A Look Into the Horrors of Dementia

The horror of "The Father" can be attributed to three distinct parts: the performance of Hopkins, the production design and the screenplay.

The horror of “The Father” can be attributed to three distinct parts: the performance of Hopkins, the production design and the screenplay.

05/04/2021

Prism Emerges as FCLC’s New LGBTQ+ Club

The Rainbow Alliance, Fordham College at Lincoln Center's LGBTQ+ club, has evolved into a new club. Now called Prism, the club's goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ students at Fordham feel comfortable coming together to learn more about the community and themselves. They decided to call the club Prism to reflect how prisms can refract light into so many colors, encompassing the diversity the club hopes to foster.

FCLC’s LGBTQ+ club, the Rainbow Alliance, has been succeeded by Prism, and hopes to educate and create a safe space for students.

05/03/2021

One Shot, Two Shot: The Differences Between the Two Vaccine Types

For all the talk about vaccines, there exists an important question that many don’t understand the science behind: What’s the difference between a one-shot and two-shot vaccine? Thankfully, the answer for why some vaccines involve an additional jab is far simpler than you might think.

As the pandemic has raged on, it has become more important to understand the key differences between the one-shot and two-shot vaccines.

05/02/2021

One Step Closer: Fordham Community Members Get Vaccinated

As Fordham's COVID-19 vaccination rollout continues, members of the Fordham community share why they decided to get vaccinated and their experiences receiving the jab.

Members of the Fordham community share their experiences getting vaccinated against COVID-19, both on and off campus.

05/02/2021

What Happens When a Loved One Is Diagnosed With COVID-19?

Angela LoCascio, a PCS student, has taken care of her husband as he battled COVID-19 among other health issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has traumatized me in more ways than I want to think about, similar to my trauma as a civilian during the Vietnam War.