The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
JORDAN MELTZER

JORDAN MELTZER, News Editor Emeritus

Jordan Meltzer, Gabelli School of Business ’20, is a news editor emeritus for The Observer. A global business major concentrating in communication and media management, Jordan has written for all five sections of The Observer, but his dedication is to the news section. Topics of particular interest to Jordan are politics, music and the many goings-on at Fordham Lincoln Center. Jordan is also a Yankees fan and advocates for the universalization of the designated hitter.

All content by JORDAN MELTZER
Damn album cover

10 Life-Changing Albums That Were Released During My College Years

May 21, 2020
Inaugural Ram Jams writer and News Editor Emeritus Jordan Meltzer, GSB '20, goes through the most memorable 10 albums from the last four years.
While Rex Orange County's sophomore effort isn't perfect, it shows great creativity as he continues to grow as an artist.

Ram Jams: Rex Orange County Continues to Impress on ‘Pony’

November 13, 2019
Rex Orange County's new album "Pony" impresses but shows that Rex still has room to grow as an artist.
With the advent of smart phone technology, it's become harder and harder to step away from our digital lives.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Airplane Mode

October 16, 2019
It was the notification from Chick-fil-A that drove me over the edge.
Sleepwalkers recently played Brooklyn's Rough Trade and hope to return to the city soon.

Sleepwalkers Anything But Sleepy with Electrifying Show at Rough Trade

July 28, 2019
The band aims to revitalize the pop genre and awaken positivity in its listeners.
Every Fordham Meme Account on Social Media, Ranked

Every Fordham Meme Account on Social Media, Ranked

July 18, 2019
Gone are the days of wholesome Fordham content borne of students’ love of (and sometimes disdain for) the life of a Ram. That market is now fraught with competition to be crowned Queen of the Memes, and new meme accounts are constantly popping up.
The Jonas Brothers' comeback album is a pop record made for summer, showcasing a mature sound and a range of stylistic influences.

Ram Jams: Jonas Brothers’ ‘Happiness Begins’ Defies Expectations, Is Actually Pretty Okay

June 22, 2019
The brothers' long-awaited comeback album may not be especially deep or revolutionary, but it sure is fun.
Since 2016, Old Quinn has stood empty, prompting questions about use of space at Lincoln Center.

Quinn X to Reopen by Finals as Old Quinn Remains Vacant

May 1, 2019
In May, the graduation of Fordham’s class of 2019 will mark the end of the Old Quinn era. But they will get a taste of the space it occupied when the Quinn Annex, colloquially known as ”Quinn X,” reopens this semester.
Kingston will no longer perform at Fordham's annual spring concert.

Sean Kingston Removed as Spring Weekend Headliner

April 25, 2019
After weeks of aggressive campaigning on Instagram and on the Rose Hill campus by a group known as StudentsAgainstSean, Fordham administration has canceled Sean Kingston’s headlining performance at Spring Weekend.
Sean Kingston is scheduled to perform at Spring Weekend on April 27.

Students Launch Campaign Against Kingston, Rose Hill USG Calls for His Cancellation at Spring Weekend

April 12, 2019
USG's statement follows the launch of a movement to have Rose Hill's CAB remove Kingston as the headliner for Spring Weekend due to allegations of gang rape.
Fordham Lincoln Center's United Student Government student government has released the results of its elections for the first time in four years.

USG Releases 2019 Election Tallies in Swift Reversal

April 10, 2019
The release clarified that the committee’s decision does not guarantee that future USG administrations will publicize the numbers of their election results.
USG President Demetrios Stratis, FCLC '19, said that the reason for initially withholding the vote tallies was to avoid a public reaction to the results.

UPDATED: USG Withholds Election Statistics, Bends Constitution in Vote Counting Process

April 10, 2019
For the first time in four years, Fordham Lincoln Center’s United Student Government (USG) has decided to release the tallies for election results.
What is punk? Jawbreaker’s concert at Brooklyn Steel proved to the New York crowd that punk is doing whatever the hell you love no matter what stands in your way … even a two-decade hiatus.

NYC Emo Pioneers Return to the Stage in Brooklyn

April 3, 2019
What is punk? Historically, it has been a number of things: rebellion, anti-establishmentism, disenfranchisement and whatever makes people break the status quo. More than anything, though, Jawbreaker’s concert at Brooklyn Steel proved to the New York crowd that punk is doing whatever the hell you love no matter what stands in your way … even a two-decade hiatus.
Tina Thermadam, FCLC '20, will be USG's next president. Robert Stryczek, GSB '21, will be the next vice president.

Lincoln Center Elects Thermadam and Stryczek in Vote for a ‘Status Quo’ USG

April 3, 2019
Tina Thermadam defeated Austin Tong in a race that wrestled with the very structure of student government.
Sean Kingston, 29, will be one of the artists filling Soulja Boy’s absence on April 27.

Sean Kingston Added to Spring Weekend Lineup

March 28, 2019
A representative for Kingston confirmed that his upcoming “Made in Jamaica” college tour will support new music from Kingston.
Maguire has spent the past 26 years at Fordham, the last 13 as director of Fordham Theatre.

Theatre Director to Step Down, Will Stay at Fordham as Head of Acting Track and Professor

March 27, 2019
Maguire made it clear: “I’m not going,” he said. “I love teaching so much. I’m not leaving.”
Community members like Kassandra D’Aniello, FCLC ‘21, who is transgender, will be able to obtain new IDs.

Schoolwide Chosen Name Policy Expected to Take Effect Next Semester

March 27, 2019
Some areas that will be affected are ID cards, class rosters, Blackboard, Gmail and other Google services. New ID cards will be available to students free of charge.
Dr. Rebecca Stark-Gendrano will begin her new position in April.

Fordham Appoints New Junior and Transfer Dean

March 26, 2019
An internal hire, Stark-Gendrano will assume this role from her current position at Fordham as assistant director of Lincoln Center’s Office of Prestigious Fellowships. She is also an adjunct professor in the English department.
Trump seems to be unable to own his mistakes — instead, he jumps to defend himself.

Tim Apple: Trump’s Weirdest Lie Yet

March 18, 2019
Why on God’s green Earth would anyone want to lie about a simple slip of the tongue like this? One rationalization stands out among the rest: Trump has been so engulfed by winning and privilege his whole life that he refuses to lose any battle, however small.
Wherever you are in Manhattan, you're never too far from a quality pizza pie.

City Slickers Pick City Slices

March 15, 2019
Observer writers share their favorite places to get tasty pizza that is worth the dough.
Students often lament Fordham's ranking compared to other NYC schools.

Do Fordham Students Care About Rankings?

March 11, 2019
President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., has written statements both criticizing the notion of these lists and asking the community to improve Fordham’s position in them. For the most part, though, college students find these ranking systems relatively insignificant.
According to Special Advisor Michael Cohen, "Mr. Trump truly enjoyed his two years at Fordham and has great respect for the University.”

UPDATED: Michael Cohen Threatened McShane Over Trump Transcripts

February 27, 2019
During testimony before the House Committee on Oversight & Reform, Michael Cohen, provided was a letter addressed to University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J. threatening Fordham University with criminal action should the institution release Trump’s college transcripts.
Grande has a musical and lyrical triumph in "thank u, next."

Ram Jams: ‘thank u, next’ Is Sweeter Than ‘sweetener’

February 19, 2019
Ariana Grande carves a new and exciting niche with her latest album.
The new Precor equipment integrates touch-activated screens into the experience. Meanwhile, the walls' new paint color is yellow.

McMahon Fitness Center Shuts Down for Upgrades

February 16, 2019
The only option that Fordham Lincoln Center students have for a proper exercise facility on campus will be closed for renovations from Feb. 18-26.
The Word Between the Sheets: FCLC Sex Stats

The Word Between the Sheets: FCLC Sex Stats

February 12, 2019
Over the past month, The Observer conducted an anonymous survey about sexual activity and health among undergraduate students on campus.
Walking from McKeon Hall to the Lowenstein building, students can often feel a mysterious gust of wind pushing them down the "wind tunnels" ramp. As it turns out, changes in air pressure, not a ghostly breeze, account for this.

Facilities Director Explains Eerie ‘Wind Tunnels’

February 6, 2019
John McDonagh, director of facilities operations at Lincoln Center, is aware of the phenomenon on the Law School ramp and has offered an explanation.
The Backstreet Boys are, indeed, back with their new album "DNA."

Ram Jams: Backstreet’s Back, Alright, with ‘DNA’

February 5, 2019
The Backstreet Boys's newest album, "DNA," tells the story of a comeback and a willingness to adapt to an industry that doubted them.
Etta Shaw has been waiting for the shutdown to end so the IRS can finally send her paperwork to Fordham. (MARGARET GALLAGHER/THE OBSERVER)

Shutdown Forces Student Into Leave of Absence

January 22, 2019
Shaw is waiting for the shutdown to end so the IRS can finally operate as a fully functioning federal bureau and, in turn, send her paperwork to Fordham.
Nat DiMario, FCLC '20, created a profile with their preferred name in Blackboard, but changing it here does not change it everywhere.

Trans Students Oppose Online Name Change Process

January 22, 2019
Google, Blackboard, Banner and other online services at Fordham all have separate requirements for changing a display name, and no one service affects the rest yet.
Clockwise from top left: Kanye West of KIDS SEE GHOSTS (JASON PERSSE VIA FLICKR), Tyler Joseph of twenty one pilots (KMERON VIA FLICKR), Brockhampton (JORDAN MELTZER/THE OBSERVER), Shawn Mendes (RONALD WOAN VIA FLICKR)

Top 10 Albums of 2018

December 23, 2018
2018 was a great year for music, but there can only be 10 best albums of the year.
Fordham Law Professor Killed in Bus Accident

Fordham Law Professor Killed in Bus Accident

December 21, 2018
Matthew Diller, Law School dean and Paul Fuller professor of law, praised Greer’s accomplishments in a statement, saying she was “a leader in our community” who “worked ceaselessly to make Fordham Law school a better place and to help her fellow students.”
Josh Raven of The Faim laid it all out before the band's gig at The Gramercy.

The Faim Takes the Stage at Gramercy Theatre

December 9, 2018
With songs written by Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer, Josh Dun of twenty one pilots and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, the cherry on top is that "Summer Is a Curse" was produced by the legendary John Feldmann.
Ram Jams — October 2018

Ram Jams — October 2018

November 14, 2018
twenty one pilots, LANY and Kero Kero Bonito all released solid albums in October.
Wertz is the interim dean of FCLC while the search committee finds a successor for Grimes.

Search Committee for New FCLC Dean Announced

November 10, 2018
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., and Interim Provost Jonathan Crystal announced the formation of a search committee to determine the next dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC).
Political Science, MLL Departments Vote to Adopt New Name and Pronoun Policy

Political Science, MLL Departments Vote to Adopt New Name and Pronoun Policy

November 9, 2018
Fordham University’s departments of Political Science and Modern Languages and Literature (MLL) have voted to adopt a policy allowing students to request that their professors and other faculty members use students’ preferred names and pronouns.
After serving in the air force, working as a corrections officer and enrolling in culinary school, John Wesley is pursuing an undergraduate degree at Fordham College at Lincoln Center.

Twenty-One Years Later, Veteran Returns to School

November 7, 2018
“I saw my life passing before my eyes.”
On Oct. 24, the Time Warner Center was evacuated after police were notified of a suspicious package in the building. They treated the package as an explosive device.

NYPD Evacuates Time Warner Center After Finding Explosive Device

October 24, 2018

The Time Warner Center (TWC) was evacuated after police were notified of a suspicious package sent to the building at 10 Columbus Circle, according to an alert sent by the New York Police Department. The...

Not so fast — Both sides have mishandled this situation.

We All Handled the Kavanaugh Case Wrong

October 10, 2018
If these allegations are true, the American public has appropriated the sexual assaults of multiple women by a rich, white and powerful man.
(via Question Everything, Inc., RCA Records, Sony Music Entertainment, via Future Friends, Rise Records, BMG Rights Management, via Metal Blade Records)

Ram Jams — September 2018

October 10, 2018

Brockhampton: “iridescence” Genre: Alternative hip-hop On a playlist with: Tyler, the Creator, Odd Future and Jaden Smith The deets: This was my first true exposure to Los Angeles-based,...

Ram Jams — August 2018

Ram Jams — August 2018

September 12, 2018

Bone Crew: “Bone Crew - EP” Genre: Trap metal (self-proclaimed); hip-hop, trap, metalcore, deathcore, nu metal On a playlist with: Scarlxrd, City Morgue and Korn The deets: If you hated...

Ram Jams — July 2018

Ram Jams — July 2018

August 15, 2018

The Internet: “Hive Mind” (via Columbia Records, Sony Music Entertainment) Genre: R&B, neo-soul On a playlist with: SZA, Janelle Monae and Miguel The deets: I’m going to be honest with...

Fordham Rescinds Cardinal's Awards

Fordham Rescinds Cardinal’s Awards

July 11, 2018
Fordham University’s Board of Trustees has voted to rescind alumnus Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s honorary degree and “other honors” given to him by the university, according to a statement from University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
Ram Jams — June 2018

Ram Jams — June 2018

July 6, 2018

KIDS SEE GHOSTS: “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” (via G.O.O.D Music, Def Jam Recordings, Universal Music Group) Genre: Rap, alternative hip-hop, psychedelic On a playlist with: Kanye West and Kid Cudi The...

(COURTESY OF US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PATROL)

Family Separation Is Not a Political Issue

June 29, 2018
My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of tyranny.
Stanton hit 59 home runs last year; the first time that feat had been accomplished since Barry Bonds. In other words, he’s good. Really good. (DANNY WILD VIA FLICKR)

Yankees Fans, Don’t Boo Stanton

June 23, 2018
Do I understand why Yankees fans are upset? Absolutely. Does it make booing right? Absolutely not.
Ram Jams — May 2018

Ram Jams — May 2018

June 9, 2018

Kanye West: “ye” (via G.O.O.D Music, Def Jam Recordings, Universal Music Group) Genre: Hip-hop, rap On a playlist with: Kid Cudi, Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper The deets: Perhaps this album...

Last weekend, Dr. Lee W. McKnight frightened the crowd at a blockchain conference in the Law School. (CECILE NEIDIG/THE OBSERVER)

A Blockchain Reaction to the Internet of Things

May 7, 2018
84 percent of people who own IoT devices—which include smartphones—have been hacked or breached, and most don’t know it.
Spotify pays artists about $0.0039 every time one of their songs is streamed on its platform. (RASHMI SINGH/THE OBSERVER)

Support Artists, Buy Your Music

March 14, 2018
So now that you know that your favorite artists are making close to nothing, what can you do? The answer is simple: buy your music.
Quinn Library and midterms claim another victim. (PAULA MADERO/THE OBSERVER)

Midnight Midterm Madness: How (Best) to Cram for Midterms

February 28, 2018
Ace that multiple choice, nail those calculations and rock that essay like the well-prepared, responsible student you appear to be. Your secret’s safe with us.
One year since taking office, President Trump reflects on the first quarter of his tenure, as do all Americans. (MATT JOHNSON VIA FLICKR)

Trump’s One Year Review

January 24, 2018
It has now been just over one year since businessman and reality television personality Donald J. Trump added “politician” to his résumé. But just because one has a job does not mean they are good at it.
Donald Trump expressed his support for alleged child molester Roy Moore via Twitter. (DONALD J. TRUMP VIA TWITTER)

Donald Trump Would Do Anything to Undercut a Democrat

December 9, 2017
Donald Trump, whom I have the misfortune of calling my president, keeps getting worse and worse with every tweet he sends. Now, he has endorsed serial pedophelia over liberalism.
Roger Stone has resorted to insults based on race or gender and threats of violence when arguing against others. (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

Is Roger Stone’s Hateful Rhetoric Still Free Speech?

November 16, 2017
Many moral issues are black and white to me, in that there is often an answer to which I am inclined instinctively and unequivocally. Roger Stone speaking at Fordham is not one of those issues.
Meltzer will spend the month of November bringing awareness to and raising money for several men’s health causes. (JON BJORNSON/THE OBSERVER)

Movember: Moustaches for Men’s Health

November 16, 2017
What do moustaches, charities and the Gregorian calendar have in common? The answer is Movember.com.
The Oxford comma is among the hottest of topics of late. (JORDAN MELTZER/THE OBSERVER)

In Defense of the Oxford Comma

October 12, 2017
The Oxford comma truly is a victim of bullying—nay, oppression.
MLB Postseason Predictions for 2017

MLB Postseason Predictions for 2017

October 3, 2017
It’s that time of year again: October Postseason baseball.
GCF 3 (1)

[Photo] Inside the Sixth Edition of Global Citizen Festival

By JORDAN MELTZER • September 30, 2017

Donald Trump exemplifies a politician who perpetuates the nationwide issue of extremist politics. (COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE VIA FLICKR)

Extremist Politics Has Gone Too Far

August 28, 2017
Too frequently, politicians generalize the views of opposing political parties and, in doing so, condemn all members of a party at once.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE/ FLICKR)

Jeff Sessions is the Latest Symbol of Putin’s Puppetry

March 31, 2017
In early March, Attorney General Jeff Sessions became the subject of yet another controversy in the Trump administration.
Some venues include Webster Hall, the Highline Ballroom and the Knitting Factory. (JILLIAN JAYMES/THE OBSERVER)

Your Ticket to Cheap Concerts in NYC This Spring

March 28, 2017
New York City is teeming with small yet reputable music venues that often host affordable concerts. For a college student, that is a dream come true.
The right’s streak of climate denial must be confronted with fact. (COURTESY OF ARMAND AVIRAM / FORDHAM ALUM)

Confront Anti-Intellectualism, Keep Science In Our Politics

March 9, 2017
This past Monday, Feb. 27, two powerful people joined forces to talk about one of the most powerful forces in the world.
Green Day's 'American Idiot' was the soundtrack of the Bush administration. What will be the soundtrack of the Trump era?

Calling All Musicians: Create Art Against Trump

March 4, 2017
Politically charged art is a form of protest, and protest is one of the best means that citizens have for enacting change (or at least beginning that process).
“Extreme Vetting” Is a Stain on America’s History

“Extreme Vetting” Is a Stain on America’s History

February 8, 2017
This week, I got a text from my mom that read, “You are living in one of the darkest times in American history and it makes me really sad.”
(PHOTO BY BROOKE PARRETT/THE OBSERVER)

The Holidays Need Inclusivity and Representation

December 10, 2016
The holidays are supposed to be about spreading joy and positivity. Restricting the season to just one holiday is detrimental to the season’s goal.
Vote Local, Not Just Every Four Years

Vote Local, Not Just Every Four Years

November 19, 2016
After you finish reading this sentence, raise a finger for every one of your local representatives whom you can name without using Google, including your state, county and city.
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