Oct. 22, 2021

TH E G ATEP O ST Volume 90 • Issue 6

FSUgatepost.com

October 22, 2021

Renovations underway at May Hall

By Patrick Brady Interim Copy Editor

Renovations to May Hall, one of Framingham’s oldest buildings, began this fall semester.

Both the exterior and interior frames of the building are being repaired.

The repairs will be completed by early November.

Patricia Whitney, assistant vice president of Facilities and Capital Planning, said May Hall is having some problems with the “building envelope” - the space between the inside and outside of the building.

She said the exterior frame of the building was suffering from “water intrusion.”

The University undertook a study a couple of years ago to identify the “worst culprits” causing damage to the building, she said.

Whitney added the contractor is currently working on a “number of building envelope items” such as repairing the upper roof and “reappointing” bricks.

“A number of [gutters] had just started to fail,” Whitney said, “so we’re replacing some

See MAY HALL page 5

News SWITCH TO CANVAS pg. 4 COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS pg. 6

Opinions

HALLOWEEN SAFETY pg. 8 COMIC pg. 9

Sports

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Contractors replace old copper gutters around the top of May Hall’s stairwell turrets Oct. 21.

Student organizations’ in-person events sucessful Shows and trips planned for remainder of semester

By Donald Halsing Editor-in-Chief

By Kathleen Moore Associate Editor Attendance at events hosted by student organizations is up from previous years, according to Sara Gallegos, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development (SILD).

She said attendance at individual events this semester increased compared to event attendance before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leighah Beausoleil / THE GATEPOST WEEKEND GAMES PHOTO SPREAD pg.12

Arts & Features SPOOKY SUGGESTIONS pg. 16-17 JAMES BOND pg. 18

See STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS page 3

Students captivated by Daniel Tobin’s poetry reading

By Caroline Gordon Arts & Features Editor

FOOTBALL pg. 11

Gallegos added more students are hosting events compared to last academic year, when the COVID-19 pandemic restricted the types of events organizations could host.

She said hosting events this year is “a lot easier” because social distancing and room capacity restrictions have been reduced. However, Gallegos said allowing in-person events requires her to put “a lot of trust into our student groups who are running the events” that they are enforcing mask wearing.

Gallegos said this semester began

“a little slow” because many student groups needed to “restructure and rebuild” before planning events. But throughout October, Gallegos has “been seeing more events up and going.”

She said the calendar in SILD’s office has been filling up with events submitted by student organizations, which have been approved.

Tanisha Jean, publicity coordinator of Framingham State Activities Board (FSAB), said the group’s recent events - both on and off campus

The FSU English department welcomed poet Daniel Tobin to the Heineman Ecumenical Center to begin the Alan Feldman Week of Poetry Oct. 19.

Tobin is the author of eight poetry books. He has won many poetry awards such as The Massachusetts Book Award in Poetry, and the Robert Frost Fellowship.

His poems have been featured in international journals such as the “Harvard Review,” the “Paris Review” and “The American Scholar.”

The New York Times named his po-

etry book, “Blood Labors,” one of the best poetry books of 2018.

In addition to his work as a poet, Tobin is a writing professor at Emerson College.

Lisa Eck, chair of the English department, began the reading by noting her excitement to be hosting an in-person event.

“Prepare to be transfixed,” she said.

Tobin started by reading a few poems from his poetry book, “Blood Labors.”

The first poem from the book is titled, “Blood Labors.” He said during Professor Samuel Witt’s poetry class he visited, they discussed John Don-

ne, a famous English poet.

He said “Blood Labors” is influenced by Donne.

The poem begins with the line, “This cotton bud I swab with my tongue will crack the code with all the Earth I am.”

Tobin ended the poem with the line, “Wind scatters dust and seeds around the scene. From little the tallest branches reach the sky. And that is where the birds shall make their home.”

The crowd snapped their fingers, while Witt furiously clapped.

See DANIEL TOBIN page 14

INSIDE: OP/ED 8 • SPORTS 11 • ARTS & FEATURES 13

NEWS

2 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

Editorial Board

Gatepost Interview

Editor-in-Chief Donald Halsing

Leslie Starobin

Associate Editors Leighah Beausoleil Kathleen Moore

Professor of Studio Art

News Editors Steven Bonini Haley Hadge Ashlyn Kelly

By Haley Hadge News Editor

Opinions Editor McKenzie Ward Sports Editor Danielle Achin Asst. Sports Editor Mikey Alves Arts & Features Editors Caroline Gordon Emily Rosenberg Interim Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ryan O’Connell Asst. Design Editors Maddison Behringer Emma Lyons Interim Copy Editor Patrick Brady Staff Writers James Barraford Sean Cabot Jasmine Castillo Jackson Clyde Josh Colburn Olivia Copeland Dan Fuentes Dallas Gagnon Sophia Harris Stefano Hernandez Branden LaCroix Sage Lorenzo Jack McLaughlin Ryan O’Connell Austin Riffelmacher Nathan Rogers Ryan Schreiber Tyler Wahl Advisor Desmond McCarthy

N PE

@

TH E G A T E

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Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks

T TH EGATEPOS

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

What is your educational and professional background?

I have my bachelor’s in literature and my graduate degree is a Master’s of Fine Arts, specifically in photography. For me, that turned out to be a really great combination. If I had to do it over again, I might major in art history, but I love to read and appreciate good writing. And I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I was leaning towards possibly going into journalism, and maybe photojournalism, so I thought an English major was a great [option].

What is your role here at FSU and what does your job entail?

I’ve been here for almost my entire career since I graduated from grad school, and I’m kind of winding it down now, but I am a full professor. ... I came here and photography was in the darkroom. Basically, at some point, early on before cameras went digital, we had computers. And so students were actually only printing in the darkroom, which I thought was great. I think it gives people really more of an appreciation of the craft of photography and also the whole concept of light and being able to read light and how important that is to the medium of photography. But because of environmental issues, they wanted to get us out of the darkroom, so we got scanners. The students would develop their film and they would scan it into the scanner, and then work on it in the lab. We had that before we had the digital cameras. Then when digital cameras came around, we started to segue the program to digital photography.

What do you like most about your work?

Well, there’s something nice about teaching because … you learn a lot from students. That keeps you fresh. … The use of digital photography, for example, in the beginning, I was like, “I don’t want to use the camera, I’m not really interested.” I liked the way I was working, but every new thing that comes around, you have to introduce it to the students. It @ forces TH you to PgoOout ST and do EGAT it, and keeps you fresh asEan image maker, as an artist, as a photographer, and as an instructor. So that’s one of the things that I like. I think you have to like to be around other people, and be open to listening and learning from other people. We’re different from other professions that might be way more isolated. … In graduate school, I was a TA, and I enjoyed the teaching and being in the

Courtesy of Leslie Starobin classroom, and so, it was kind of more of a natural choice for me. … I was lucky.

Honestly, it’s very hard to get these jobs and I got this job and it wasn’t supposed to be my quote unquote “forever job,” and I’ve been here many years and I’ve had a lot of time to do my own work. I’ve had a lot of projects that I’ve worked on over the years. Now I’m kind of winding down, and I really want to just be doing my own [thing]. There’s a point in your life where you’re like, “OK, I’m not going to be here forever.” “What are the projects that I’ve been working on and how can I finish them ” and “How can I get them out there ” What would students be surprised to know about you?

Maybe that I’ve traveled a lot. I love the smell of the beach - going to the Cape and just smelling the ocean and walking on the dunes. Before COVID, I loved to travel and I’ve been to many, many places. I also love museums - that, people would probably know.

What advice do you have for students?

Follow your passion, but make sure that you have some skill that you can master. … When I was younger, I realized it’s hard to make your living as any kind of a visual artist, and you have to be practical enough to, let’s say, do a commercial job if you need the money.

What my parents told me, and what I

told my children, is follow your passion.

You need to be flexible, and you need to be willing to observe - to reevaluate where you are at every time period. I don’t know if that advice right now, in the middle of this crazy world we’re living in with COVID, is necessarily [applicable]. We just don’t know what’s going to be happening with jobs. But my other advice would be to be engaged in what’s going on around you. You need to vote, for one thing, and you need to read the newspaper. … I look at The [Boston] Globe headlines. I listen to the radio. I feel like you need to be plugged in to the here and the now - where you are. … If you don’t want to get up in the morning to do that [your job] badly enough, that shouldn’t be what you’re going to do. I mean, I guess in a way that’s a luxury and a privilege because some people don’t have those opportunities. But, if you have the opportunities and you have an education and you want to start off by aiming for something, aim high and be flexible enough to read ust your dreams as you go on. But you’ve got to have the dream. I guess that would be one, and then hopefully, if you’re healthy, you live a long life. You never know when you’re in your 20s what it’s going to be in your 30s - in the next decade, so you have to have that kind of flexibility.

CONNECT WITH HALEY HADGE hhadge@student.framingham.edu

Police Logs Saturday, Oct. 16 01:51 Elevator Entrapment West Hall Referral Filed

Monday, Oct. 18 10:59 Annoying Phone Calls Dwight Hall Report Taken

Tuesday, Oct. 19 09:54 Well Being Check Peirce Hall Checks OK

Wednesday, Oct. 20 18:13 Unauthorized Solicitation McCarthy Center Advised

NEWS

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 3

Student organizations Continued from page 1 -have been successful.

“FSAB [has] hosted a lot of events so far, such as Bingo, a succulent event, and a movie night. I personally co-hosted the Black and Gold Beginnings Bingo and it was very successful,” she said.

Jean added attendance at FSAB’s events has been good, and tickets for off-campus events quickly sold out.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events were “hard to have,” but students could still “bring amazing energy” to these events, according to Jean.

Emily Rosenberg, outreach and events coordinator of Student Government Association (SGA), said over 100 students attended each of two events: a movie night on Miles Bibb Lawn showing “The Avengers,” and a raffle for a smart TV held in the McCarthy Center lobby.

Rosenberg said SGA’s secretary made an Instagram post to help advertise the raffle. The movie night was promoted through the RAMpage app.

She said the movie night was part of Black and Gold Beginnings, and was promoted and run by Orientation Leaders. SGA helped pay for blankets that were distributed during the event.

Rosenberg said “it’s a little difficult” to plan campus-wide events because SGA ran remotely last year, and new members are “still learning the ropes.” She added SGA is planning more events, including some for the Week of Kindness Nov. 22 and 23.

Kelsey Behrikis, marketing coordinator of Christian Fellowship, said 20 to 25 people attended each of their events: pumpkin painting, “Just Dance,” “Yard Game Olympics,” and Ultimate Frisbee.

She said her group uses flyers, social media, Presence, and their regular “Free Coffee in the McCarthy Center Lobby” to spread the word about events. Most events included prizes - such as branded hoodies or AirPods - or items students could take home with them, as well as individually wrapped snacks and beverages.

“We have tried our best to do events outside because of the mask policies,” Behrikis said, adding it can be hard to understand what people are saying when they need to wear masks indoors. She said her organization is using the Digital ID app to track attendees, but it “can be hard at bigger events to account for everyone.”

Weather

Behrikis said Christan Fellowship will host a “Minute to Win It” game and make “Operation Christmas Child Boxes” during November.

Carly Eiten, FSU Dance Team’s publicist, said events have had “a very good turnout.”

The team has had two main events so far - the Back to School Stretch and a Saturday Morning Stretch. According to Eiten, the Back to School Stretch had 30 participants, and the Saturday Morning Stretch had 10.

She said, “both events went well.

“We were more limited during the 2020 [Academic Year] than this year.

Last year, we were required to wear masks, we could not touch each other in dances, we had a limited maximum capacity, and we could not hold our showcase in person,” Eiten added.

“We did not host a lot of events last year, and most events we did host were held virtually or hybrid.”

She added the Dance Team uses Google Forms to track attendance.

Eiten said, “The week of Nov. 8, FSU Dance Team will be holding Week of the Arts, which is when different art-related events take place throughout the week. Some events we are planning include a master dance class with a guest choreographer, a photography contest, and a showcase where we will be featuring artistic students, clubs, and organizations, including FSU’s Fusion Team.”

Caitlyn Davis, publicity chair of Hilltop Players, said approximately 55 people attended one of two Suit Jacket Posse improv shows. “I think students are excited to be back on campus and want to attend events this semester!”

She said Hilltop also hosted a social and auditions for their upcoming shows. “We have had great attendance,” Davis added.

Last year, Hilltop held most of its events virtually, but this year, they are able to host events and shows in person. Davis said masks are required and social distancing is encouraged during performances and events.

According to Davis, Hilltop members use the Digital ID app to check in students for contact-tracing purposes. They also record contact information for visitors who are not part of the FSU community.

“COVID-19 has changed the ways we host events, but we are happy to be able to adapt and overcome the challenge with our FSU community,” she added.

Davis said next week, Hilltop will host a Halloween Suit Jacket Posse improv show and “costume contest

with a prize.” More shows for their “Clue” play will follow in November, and “Fall Cabaret” and a karaoke night in December.

Comic Book Club President Ryan

Pride Alliance recently hosted a tie-dye event in the Center for Inclusive Excellence, and is planning an upcoming fundraiser event, according to Jean.

“The History Club is for anyone and everyone, even if history isn’t something you’re interested in - it’s just a place to come and meet new people.”

-Jordan Porter, History Club President Feinblatt said the club’s primary In addition to events run by stumethod of advertising events is to dent organizations, Campus Engage“collaborate with other organizations ment - a part of the Dean of Students to get involved in campus events.”

Office - also hosts events for the FSU He added the club’s most popular community. event last semester was an online Rachel Lucking, assistant dean panel with Rob Paulson, and many of campus engagement, said events students and faculty were satisfied they have hosted have also been well with the event. attended, including programming for Comic Book Club’s next event will Black and Gold Beginnings as well as be a trip to Rhode Island Comic Con Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Nov. 6.

“As we have moved into the fall, The History Club is planning a we’ve turned even more attention to trip to Salem, Massachusetts, and is reestablishing community connecanticipating having more events on tions,” she said. campus.

Lucking said Campus Engagement Vice President Manny Miran- has planned more events for the reda-Ordonez is “very excited to have mainder of the semester, including a planned this event!” movie night, dodgeball tournament, Social Media Coordinator Ja- and “PASTA-tively Free” - a free pasmie Mills said the club advertises ta dinner - to round out October. “through our Instagram page, email Gallegos said many student orlist, and word of mouth.” ganizations have begun planning Treasurer PJ Pharmer is hoping events for the spring semester. for more attendance at upcoming She added overnight trips are not club meetings and events. Meetings being allowed this semester, but are Fridays at 1 p.m., according to overnight trips for next semester will Pharmer. be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

President Jordan Porter said, “The Gallegos said many student orgaHistory Club is for anyone and every- nizations offer raffles or trivia games one, even if history isn’t something during their regular meetings even you’re interested in - it’s just a place though they don’t host other events. to come and meet new people.”

She suggested students who are Pride Alliance President Christie not members of any organizations Jean said about nine to 10 people should “go check them out at their have been attending in-person meet- meetings because you never know ings, and two to three people have what they’re actually doing. They been attending over Zoom. could be doing fun stuff.”

She said, “We usually post on our Instagram and are in the process of [Editor’s note: Emily Rosenberg posting on Ramlink as well.” is an Arts & Features Editor for The Jean added in-person events are Gatepost] better than Zoom events, “because we can meet face-to-face, but when CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING we were over Zoom, it was not the dhalsing@student.framingham.edu same. Since it was over a screen, there was a bit of a disconnect and CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN MOORE kmoore8@student.framingham.edu did not spark the same emotions.”

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Sunday night Oct. 24 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wind around 5 mph.

Monday night Oct. 25 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Light wind.

Tuesday night Oct. 26 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday night Oct. 27 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Wind around 10 mph.

Monday Oct. 25 Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Wind around 5 mph.

Tuesday Oct. 26 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Oct. 27 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Oct. 28 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. Wind around 5 mph.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

NEWS

4 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

University assesses transition to Canvas

By Dan Fuentes Staff Writer

Framingham State University has transitioned from Blackboard Learn to Canvas as its new Learning Management System (LMS).

According to an update from the Education Technology Office (ETO), all fall 2021 courses are hosted on Canvas.

The transition to Canvas was driven by the need to find a new LMS ahead of the University’s contract ending with Blackboard on June 30, 2022, according to the eLearning Platform Review.

Ellen Zimmerman, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said, “We were up against a timeframe within which we were going to have to switch, and we were either going to have to switch to Canvas, or some other LMS.” She added, “It was just something that we had no control over. It was going to switch on us. So, better to choose something that we thought was good.”

Mathematics Professor Matthew Moynihan said he likes Canvas better than Blackboard so far, “but it’s been a big learning curve to get experienced with it.

“I use Canvas pretty heavily,” Moynihan said. “All of my courses

“People have said, ‘Oh this is so different. I’m going to have to relearn it,’ and that’s true whenever you change.”

-Ellen Zimmerman Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs “Sometimes, they’re utilizing the third-party tools that have been integrated - Zoom, Panopto - those kinds of tools,” she added.

Moynihan said, “I’ve watched all of the training videos they did for the workshops in the summer. ETO has been super helpful. They’ve been amazing.”

Elcoro said, “I feel the transition has been relatively smooth, especially because I feel that I have received a lot of support from the Education Technology Office.

“Not only have they put together a bunch of webinar sessions, but I’ve met one-on-one with some of them,”

It just wasn’t as friendly as I feel it is on Canvas.

“The ETO did the automatic transfer for Blackboard courses to Canvas,” she said. “I still had to do a lot of tweaking, but all the information was there.

“What I found myself doing was more cosmetic stuff than anything else,” Elcoro added.

According to Robinson, of the 804 course sections being taught this semester, approximately 60% of them use Canvas, “which is similar to what we had with Blackboard.”

Robson Rodrigues, a senior business and IT major, said he has one

“This is new to me.

This is new to you.

Let’s work together.”

-Mirari Elcoro, Professor of Psychology this semester are hybrid. I record all of the Zoom portions of class and post the recordings on Canvas.”

Psychology Professor Mirari Elcoro said, “I think I prefer Canvas over Blackboard. I still need to learn a lot of things about it.”

Elcoro added, “In terms of the organization, I like Canvas a lot more.

I like the way that the modules are organized.”

She said she was very honest with her students at first. She recalled saying, “This is new to me. This is new to you. Let’s work together.”

The ETO offers a number of different resources for Canvas, including webinars, tutorial courses, training resources for instructors, and a 24/7 support chat.

Robin Robinson, director of education technology, said her office has run workshops for faculty and questions posed do not indicate any problems with the system itself.

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

she added.

Zimmerman said, “All that training has really helped the transition go more smoothly than it might have otherwise, so I’m really happy they did that.

“You can’t possibly foresee all of the glitches that might come up. I think ETO did a terrific job of anticipating a lot of it and also providing training for faculty and students,” she added.

Moyihan said, “It’s taken a little bit of effort to rework how I want to present the material.

“In the past, I wrote code to customize these progress reports for students because Blackboard couldn’t handle it. Now, it’s built into Canvas, so I’m using that gradebook feature for students to better be able to see their progress,” he added.

Elcoro said, “Blackboard - I felt like I just dumped a bunch of things.

professor who is not using it at all.

He added, “I like it better than Blackboard mostly for the layout, but I’m still upset that I had to switch over to a whole new system.”

Elcoro said there is never a good time to change these systems.

She said, “When I started teaching at my first job as a faculty member in 2008 in Savannah, I believe that we were using some version of Blackboard. Then, we changed to something called Desire2Learn, and it was a nightmare.”

Zimmerman added, “People have said, ‘Oh this is so different. I’m going to have to relearn it,’ and that’s true whenever you change.”

Elcoro said this summer she found it “very hard to find, not even the time, but the energy to sit down and, on top of everything else, try to figure this out.”

Robinson said the overall adop-

tion has been good.

She added, “Students have felt that it’s easy to go from the mobile platform to the web platform.”

The ETO sent out a survey before the summer semester began to recruit students for the pilot program.

A total of 35 undergraduate students from the 71 summer course sections responded and participated.

Robinson said, “Students have been involved in Canvas since this summer semester, but we went full boat - everyone had to go to Canvas that was going to use a [LMS] platform starting this fall.”

The total price for Canvas has been updated since last year. The eLearning review from October 2020 had the new LMS initially priced at $180,268.00 for 2021-22.

For 2022-23 and 2023-24, Canvas would have cost $152,457.43 and $157,009.68, respectively.

According to the winning bids and request for proposals (RFP) log, the three-year contract for Canvas cost the University $392,291.00 $97,444.11 less than originally estimated.

The University’s contract with Canvas ends June 30, 2024.

“All spring courses will be on Canvas,” said Robinson, “and Blackboard will be available for pulling out content if faculty need old information.”

Once the contract ends June 30, 2022, Blackboard will no longer be available for FSU faculty.

Zimmerman said, “I think we’ll stay with Canvas for the next few years, and see how that goes. At the end of the contract period, that’s when we evaluate and say, ‘OK, is this something we want to renew or do we want to rethink it ’” It’s important for people to speak up and share their feedback, said Robinson.

Moynihan said, “I think there were some bumps along the way, but overall, I’m pretty happy with Canvas and I like it better than Blackboard. I’m glad we’ve made this switch.”

According to Robinson, another survey in the beginning of November will be sent out to faculty and students in order to learn about challenges they might be facing.

CONNECT WITH DAN FUENTES dfuentes@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

May Hall Continued from page 1 downspouts as well.”

She said May Hall’s stairway walls have been damaged every year and the building’s roof used to be pitched.

“Then it was replaced by a flat roof with a skylight,” she said. “And that flat roof with a skylight has been leaking water that has been getting into the walls.”

The construction was supposed to be completed by mid-September, but the project was more complicated than anticipated, Whitney said.

“What happens a lot with older buildings and buildings that have been renovated multiple times is, sometimes, you encounter things inside the walls that were unexpected,” she said. “The drawings from decades ago - when they changed the roof did not correctly reflect the conditions.

“So, when the contractor went to do the work at the top of the stair towers, he couldn’t do it the way it was designed - we had to have the architect and engineer come back out,” she added.

Whitney said there have been a number of issues identified in the building. The University needs to provide some “other funding” in the next couple of years in order to address issues with water infiltration and cosmetic repairs, she said.

Dale Hamel, executive vice president, said the University undertakes projects through “different funding sources.”

He said the University received funding for this project primarily from the Commonwealth Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.

Whitney said the cost of the work being completed this fall is approximately $450,000.

Hamel said the aggregated funding identified for May Hall in the FSU Capital Spending Plan is approximately $758,000. This includes funding for flooring, stairs, and other repairs along with the current work on the building envelope.

Hamel said the Small Repairs Program allocated $133,000 for the May Hall project. The program is used to provide “some relief” to campuses affected by COVID-19.

Additionally, he said the Small Repairs Program provides state funding for smaller capital projects.

“And then, through the … prioritization process, we have another $32,000 budgeted this fiscal year for wood flooring or corridor upgrades in May,” he said.

Whitney said early work on resurfacing the stairs and flooring in May Hall is beginning.

She said the work of the construction company, Mill City Construction Inc., will keep “a lot of water out of the building.

“That’s our hope - to really make the building tighter to address some of the water infiltration issues and just make a better place for people to work and study,” she added.

Whitney said her department “oversees the work” and is coordinating with the contractor to “minimize the impact on people in the building.”

The contractor is not supposed to be noisy during work or classroom hours, according to Whitney.

She said it’s her job to “try to minimize” the construction’s impact on students.

“When we get a call, we respond,” she said.

Katie Ash, a senior psychology major, said even though she doesn’t have any classes in May Hall this semester, the construction has “inconveniently” impacted her walking

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST A section of gutter removed from the roof of May Hall.

routes.

She said she has been “cutting across the grass” in order to avoid the equipment vehicles.

“Hopefully, it’ll be over soon so we can start walking there again,” Ash said.

Corey Lawson, a sophomore American sign language major, said she hasn’t been affected by the noise in her May Hall class.

She said she’s more impacted by the difficulties of getting around the construction equipment. Often, she ends up with “wet shoes” from walking on the grass to avoid the vehicles.

In a “perfect world,” the construction would finish sooner rather than later, she said.

AJ Peltz, a freshman accounting major, said he isn’t bothered by the noise in his classes.

He said everything has been “pretty normal” except for the outside view.

May Hall looks damaged, he said.

Peltz said, “I do think it’s [construction] taken a little bit longer than typical … but I think it is needed.

“It all depends on how the infrastructure comes out in the end,” he added. “If it’s done right and it’s done well … then it’s going to take a little bit longer.”

Owen Thornton, a sophomore history major, said he has two classes in May Hall this semester.

He said he sometimes worries about a tool being “dropped on [his] head” before he enters the building.

Thornton occasionally finds the construction noise distracting, he said.

“Although, it’s hard to differentiate based on where my classes are,” Thornton said. “I don’t know if I’m getting hit with noise from the construction or A/C noise from outside.

“There are plenty of distracting

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 5

noises in that building,” he added.

Nicole Viera, a senior English major, said while she hasn’t been affected by the construction, her honors thesis professor had to move out of her office in May Hall.

“But other than that, I’m glad they’re doing construction on it - it’s a pretty old building,” she said.

Viera said she thinks the workers should wrap up the construction “as quick as they possibly” can, and should not take “too long.”

English Professor Kristen Abbott Bennett said the construction workers have been busy working outside, rather than in her office.

She said they were working on construction in the hallway Sept. 29.

The workers stripped the downstairs wall to see how far back the water damage went, she said.

Abbott Bennett added the roof leak is a “big deal,” as May Hall is the “jewel of Framingham.

“It’s very historic - it’s a Henry Hobson building,” she said. “And I heard a story - I don’t know if it’s true - but he loved it so much, he built a copy at Harvard that is Sever Hall.”

Hobson was a prominent 19th century architect who designed a lot of buildings, so it was a shame the building did not receive the love and care it needed until construction began, she said.

While she doesn’t know if the workers will fix all of May Hall’s problems, Abbott Bennett said she hopes they’ll “improve the building’s integrity,” so it will last longer and need fewer repairs.

She said there is a giant hole in her office wall. Even though her office can be “damp” and “uncomfortable,” she has gotten used to it.

“But I love my spot - I don’t want to move,” she added. “I feel like if I move, then they’ll fix it, and I won’t get to live in this wonderful office anymore.

“So, I’m just hoping it will get fixed sooner than later,” she said.

Abbott Bennett said while the noise can be distracting at times, it’s not much louder than the landscapers.

She said, “It all needs to get done and I think any minor inconveniences will be worth it in the long run.”

English Department Chair Lisa Eck said at least one office in the northwest corner of May Hall has had “significant water damage and falling plaster.”

She said she has not been affected by the noise, but knew one firstyear writing instructor who cancelled class and reassigned what they were going to talk about for the following class.

Facilities acted quickly and the noise issue didn’t repeat itself, Eck said.

She added she’s thankful May Hall is getting the attention it deserves.

“May Hall is part of our story at Framingham State - it’s always been there,” she said.

CONNECT WITH PATRICK BRADY

Patrick Brady / THE GATEPOST pbrady@student.framingham.edu hole in rofessor ris en o enne s o e all.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

NEWS

6 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

COVID-19 by the numbers

By Kathleen Moore Associate Editor

Data collected Oct. 16

­

­ Data collected Oct. 22

Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker, Johns Hopkins

­

[Editor’s Note: The number of tests administered does not indicate an outbreak of COVID-19.]

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

­

­ ­

­

Data source: Framingham State

Data collected Oct. 22

Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Worldometer, City of Framingham

NEWS

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 7

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8 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

O P / ED

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Getting sick is scarier than Halloween As the temperature drops, seasonal holidays arrive. Halloween is only the start to months of close contact with both friends and strangers alike.

When deciding on this year’s spooky Halloween mask, also consider masking up to avoid a health scare.

There is only so much we can do ourselves.

At a certain point, it is up to the University administrators to ensure they are taking the right measures to keep us safe.

The University isn’t doing enough.

According to Dean of Students Meg Nowak Borrego, FSU is following minimum requirements set by state health officials.

This year, only individuals who are partially vaccinated or exempt need to be tested regularly. Last year, all resident students and staff were tested regularly, and commuters were tested randomly. Last year’s COVID-19 testing protocols were more rigid than this year’s.

Health Center Director Ilene Hofrenning said the University is considering random sample testing of students. We recognize the benefits of random testing, but believe FSU should consider a more systematic testing schedule which ensures all members of our community are tested on a regular basis.

We believe the University should test everyone at least once per month - including vaccinated individuals - and err on the side of caution.

Hofrenning said vaccinated students who are exposed to COVID-19 will not be required to quarantine unless they receive a positive test. Vaccinated students have between three to five days to get tested after they are exposed.

We believe the University should require any individual who has been potentially exposed to immediately quarantine and seek immediate testing that should be offered by the University. Individuals should be required to quarantine until they receive a negative test even if they do not display symptoms.

The flu cannot be overlooked, either. The University should ensure people who display flu symptoms are also required to quarantine until they are not sick.

We appreciate the preventative measures the University is taking to help our community prepare for flu season, including hosting on-campus flu shot clinics Oct. 26 and 27.

However, FSU’s administration needs to exercise more caution than current protocols require when it comes to COVID-19 and the flu. Students should not have to navigate the difficult decision to quarantine on their own the University should adopt protocols which clearly outline which symptoms require individuals to quarantine.

FSU is not enforcing social distancing.

There are few, if any, signs reminding community members to maintain appropriate social distance, or any markers on the floor in key

locations to indicate where to stand.

Until the administration raises the bar on health safety protocols, students and staff all need to take individual initiatives to maintain their health - especially this time of year.

We should also be encouraging one another within our community to keep following these safety guidelines, especially in spaces such as residence halls where there isn’t always someone there to keep people accountable.

This is the season for candy, turkey, and gift giving. Don’t give your friends and family the gift of an illness because ’tis also flu season and COVID-19 still runs rampant across the country.

You may be celebrating holidays, but these respiratory illnesses don’t stop spreading on our days off.

As individuals, there are steps we can take to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19 and the flu.

And as always, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wear your mask, and maintain safe social distancing.

For those who commute or are going home this Halloween weekend and plan on passing out candy, consider passing out individually packaged goods as a way to minimize contact between yourself and strangers.

We may be too old to go door-to-door trick-or-treating, but there are still parties and large gatherings that will take place this Halloween.

If you intend to attend parties on or off campus, use caution, especially on other college campuses that may have higher rates of COVID-19 or the flu.

When at these parties, be mindful of masking, social distancing, and the sharing of food or drink.

Although the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to a large portion of the population, that doesn’t mean we are immune to contracting it - or spreading other illnesses such as the flu.

Even if you’re vaccinated, wear a mask. You might wear a mask as part of your Halloween costume, anyway!

Halloween scares are supposed to be fun, but health scares are tricks, not treats.

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words.

Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you! @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Don’t pay to play pay to own

By Steven Bonini Editorial Staff From Spotify to Apple Music, to Amazon Music and beyond, likeliness says you use one of these streaming services to play music, and at a cost you consider to be reasonable.

I was once a victim of these services as well.

From the winter of 2019 to the summer of 2021, Spotify Premium was my go-to streaming service.

How could you not like it? It has endless music for everybody - Pop, Rock, Blues, Soul, Metal, Punk, Rap, Oldies… Well, some Oldies.

It was in 2019, when I was on vacation in California for my cousin’s wedding, when I found out Spotify didn’t always have everything I as a consumer of their services was looking for.

While in the hotel room at night, listening to music was a regular activity for me, and there’s nothing I love more than scrolling through YouTube and finding clips from the 1950s of some of my favorite artists performing live versions of their big hit songs.

Most of the artists I listen to are dead, so I can’t see them live in person. YouTube is all I’ve got!

One night I was ecstatic to discover my favorite artist, Mr. Perry Como, singing a live version of a song I had never heard before - “Pa-Paya Mama.”

Immediately after watching this clip, I searched for the song on Spotify only for Spotify’s search results to show it couldn’t find a song under that name.

Deeply disappointed, I went on Amazon and found a CD of some of Mr. Como’s greatest hits, and this CD included the song, so I bought it, but this also meant I wouldn’t be able to listen to the song on my Spotify playlist.

Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal? It’s only one song!”

That’s just it! It wasn’t just one song - it was hundreds.

As time went on, it became clearer and clearer to me that Spotify was missing tons of Como’s songs. It wasn’t only Como they were missing either. There were songs by Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Pat Boone, Jo Stafford, and many others I could not find.

Maybe not all of you reading this know who these singers are, which is fine, that’s besides my point.

The moral of this story is, I’m paying for a service to provide me with music, only to find out they don’t have all the music I want to listen to, and to boot, when you pay a streaming service, you don’t actually own any of the music.

It’s like throwing your money into a bottomless pit!

Not all hope is lost though!

Luckily over the years I accumulated a large collection of CDs as my car stereo system will only play CDs because it doesn’t have an auxiliary cord hookup or Bluetooth connection.

It was this summer I discovered I could actually burn each of my CDs to my laptop and upload the albums to iTunes, and then transfer all the music to my iPhone!

I’m not the most tech-savvy person in the world, but this was certainly a straightforward process.

Following this discovery, I immediately canceled my Spotify Premium.

Gone are the days of paying a service for music I never actually owned or had a physical copy of.

I spent a ridiculous amount of money paying for Spotify Premium every month when I could have used that money to buy at the very least, 30 CDs, and I’m sure you can say the same!

My point is, as soon as you hit “cancel my subscription” on one of these music streaming services, all the music you once enjoyed is gone.

I’ll never know that feeling again because I own all of the music I listen to, and I can play it no differently than you can on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon Music - the only difference is, I’m not wasting monthly payments on it.

If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well spend it on something you can have for life.

Build a music collection of your own - one you can take pride in.

OP/ED

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 9

The devastation of addiction

By McKenzie Ward Opinions Editor Jimmy Hayes, a native from Dorchester, played seven seasons for the NHL, two of those with the Boston Bruins, and was well loved by Boston locals.

On Aug. 23, 2021, Hayes died at only 31 years old. He is survived by his wife, Kristen and their two sons, both under the age of 4.

When his death was reported, I was taken by surprise that a 31-year-old athlete would suddenly die.

On Oct. 17, The Boston Globe reported that Hayes had died as a result of an “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.”

His wife reported to be shocked by the toxicology report and said she was “so certain it had nothing to do with drugs” and that Hayes never showed signs of struggle at home.

His father, Jimmy, told The Globe that he had noticed a difference in Hayes about 16 to 17 months ago. He had reached out to Hayes and told him if he needed help to ask for it.

Hayes told his father three weeks later that he was addicted to pills, and he entered a rehabilitation center in Haverhill.

Sadly, Hayes lost his battle with addiction, but his family hopes that his

story can inspire others to join the road of recovery.

While I was shocked to hear about Hayes’ passing, I was not surprised that addiction had stolen another innocent life.

In 2018, there were 67,367 overdose-related deaths in the United States, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Opioids were involved in nearly 70% of these deaths and the reported average rate for the number of opioid prescriptions written out for every 100 patients in the U.S. is 51.4 prescriptions, according to the NIDA. In 2020, there were 2,035 confirmed opioid-related deaths, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Our country is struggling with an epidemic that can destroy a life, no matter the age, race, wealth, or gender of an individual.

While interning at a Massachusetts district courthouse last summer, I watched as person after person entered the courtroom and shared their own struggles with drug abuse and how it had ruined their lives. There were days I would walk out of the courthouse and sit in my car and mourn the loss of life and freedom of those who struggled or continue to struggle with this debilitat-

ing disease.

During the internship, I watched as the judge, lawyers, and many others in the courthouse worked together to find ways other than jail time to help these individuals.

It amazed me to see the great lengths the workers of the courthouse went to in order to save someone’s life.

What I quickly learned during my time as an intern is if we are to see real change in the number of overdoses each year, we need to stop using the prison system as punishment for those who suffer from substance abuse issues.

Locking up those who struggle with substance abuse is not effective as it only ignores the issues that an individual is facing.

Instead, we need to be investing in better and more accessible rehabilitation programs.

Through adequate funding and support to create affordable rehabilitation centers that allow patients to stay long term and provide support even after being discharged, our government will be able to create a viable treatment system for victims of substance abuse that will be effective and allow individuals to seek treatment without worrying about going into debt.

There is no finish line on the road to recovery. Instead, it is an everyday com-

mitment to getting and staying clean, which is why having on-going support for those who are discharged is key to ensuring people continue to stay sober.

This is more than just an issue our country is facing.

It is an epidemic.

And we need to start treating it as one before it’s too late.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Massachusetts Substance Use Hotline: 800-327-5050 Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator: www.samhsa.gov/find-treatment The Massachusetts Substance Use Hotline www.helplinema.org

Even the dead know what’s good for them

By Haley Hadge Editorial Staff

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

OP/ED

10 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

Campus Conversations Who is your favorite Halloween character and why?

By Maddison Behringer, Editorial Staff, and Emma Lyons, Editorial Staff

“Probably Jack Skellington, just because I love those movies. It’s pretty easy to watch.”

- Colin McGee, Freshman

“I would say Carnage. The new movie just came out and it looked pretty good.

Me and my boyfriend were thinking about doing that couple’s costume.”

-Jessenia Kolaco, Sophomore

“I’d say Michael Myers, just because he’s pure evil - like he really can’t be beat, either. That’s just kind of the point in all the movies. There’s no backstory to him.

He’s just pure evil, which I think fits the tone of the movie as well.”

-Robert Perruzzi, Freshman

“Honestly, the Heffalumps from ‘Winnie the Pooh Halloween’ are the best by far.”

-Raffi Elkhoury, Sophomore

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

“I don’t know. I watched the movies, but I didn’t celebrate Halloween that much as a kid.”

-Carly Paul, Sophomore

“Binx from ‘Hocus Pocus’ because I love cats - he’s great.”

-Erica Rogers, Junior

SPORTS

SP O RTS

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 11

Framingham Football’s Rams Volleyball shuts out winning streak continues Dean College 3-0

By Danielle Achin Sports Editor

By Tyler Wahl Interim Asst. Sports Editor

The crisp air and sunny weather made for a perfect day for the FSU football game against Western Connecticut State University on home turf Oct. 16.

Within the first few minutes of the game, the Rams were the first on the board after sophomore running back Devaun Ford completed a six play drive with a two-yard touchdown run.

The extra point scored by freshman kicker Matthew Farley led the Rams in a 7-0 lead in the first uarter.

WestConn made it on the board within the last four minutes of the opening uarter when an opening in the end zone by the Rams allowed the other team to complete a two-yard touchdown, tying the game 7-7.

The second uarter kicked off with the Rams pushing the defense, stopping WestConn from connecting with the ball and scoring.

With 0 minutes remaining in the first half, unior uarterback Nicolas Goffredo completed his pass to Ford on a -yard catch, leading the Rams -7.

With ust over six minutes left in the second, WesternConn brought in their defensive strategies, holding the Rams on the clock and returned with an interception.

This was followed by a 0-yard drive to the end zone scoring a touchdown making it a - game.

The Rams responded with a 7-yard touchdown pass completed by sophomore EJ Nichols from Goffredo leading FSU - into the second half.

The third uarter was kept stagnant with both teams on the defense not allowing the other team to score.

WestConn cut this short scoring within the last 30 seconds of the third when a -yard touchdown was completed by freshman Julian Ferguson for a score.

The Rams answered and their defense took over. With a -yard pass from Goffredo to graduate Devaughn White the Rams scored the final touchdown of the game - a 3 - victory.

With an overall of - this season, Nichols’ response to these wins was he and his team sticking together.

“Having each other’s backs is the biggest part. We got the game plan now.

It’s ust executing what we do during those games,” he said.

Nichols said the returners make for a dynamic that ust works with his team and is ready to keep working with the new members to fit that dynamic.

“We have a lot of young guys. We ust have to control our emotions - staying calm in heated moments,” Nichols said. “If we control that we’ll definitely be a better team and win more games.”

Teaghin Andre said the team feels confident in their performance each week, influenced by their Head Coach Tom Kelley.

He added, “They always show what they’re capable of. I’m proud of every one of them.”

Andre said his goal for upcoming games is to put a 0 on the board and to “score more goals and allow less.”

Next, the Rams face off against the Bridgewater State Bears for the last home game of the season on Bowditch Field Nov. .

The Framingham State Volleyball team came out on top against the Dean College Bulldogs in a 3-0 blowout Oct. .

The team focused on bouncing back in this match after their three-game win streak came to an end at the hands of WPI earlier in the week.

The Rams faced off against Dean once already this season, Framingham State also winning that match in a convincing 3-0 fashion.

Both teams came out sluggish in the first set. Serves from both sides were sloppy and miscommunication seemed to be the main reason for a ma ority of the errors committed.

As the set continued, both teams started to pick up the pace. The Rams took the lead - early in the first set off some great digs from freshman Isabel Henwood and exceptional kills from sophomore Anna Szymanski.

The bulldogs stepped up their offensive game in the second half of the first set, eventually taking the lead - against the Rams, forcing -year Head Coach Richard Casali to take a timeout.

That timeout showed exactly why Casali has been head coach for so long, as the Rams went on to win the first set - , only conceding two points following the timeout.

The Rams kicked off the second set with exceptional energy and confidence.

Framingham State gained a uick - lead, boosting the team’s confidence even further.

At this point in the game, it became easy to see why the Rams were pulling ahead at such a fast rate. The team was constantly talking to each other, calling out mistakes, and encouraging one another.

“We played together as a team. … It takes every single one of us in order to win and we really came together tonight,” said Szymanski.

After a uick timeout, Dean was able to put three points on the board off some hard fought kills and blocks.

Dean showed some fight in the middle of the second set, but it was no match for the Rams’ intensity. A few kills from freshman Valerie Sullivan made the score - FSU, with Henwood delivering the final blow to close the set - .

Framingham State made a statement in the third set, shutting Dean down with an impressive - win.

The third set was one of the most impressive the Rams have had this season, uickly gaining the advantage 0- to start the set.

The bulldogs couldn’t counter the well-placed serves by the Rams. Framingham had an outstanding number of aces, finishing with eight in the third set alone.

Dean seemed deflated after conceding so many points off simple serves as the Rams continued to dominate for the rest of the set.

The Rams players had a genuine look of excitement and happiness after winning this game, and Assistant Coach Brian Gerard shared that feeling.

“If you watched the first set coming off the weekend, we might’ve been a little rusty there,” he said.

“But when we put things together and everybody’s talking and doing the things the coaches ask them to do, next thing you know it’s - . Every game from this point on is a home match. … So any win is going to build their confidence which will benefit us down the road,” he added.

The Rams also defeated Bridgewater in an intense 3- win on Wednesday, Oct. 0. The team looks to continue pushing their forward momentum against Fisher Saturday, Oct. 3.

Tyler Wahl /THE GATEPOST Junior Brandee Thomas serving the ball.

Leighah Beausoleil/THE GATEPOST Senior defensive end Joshua Onujiogu running upfield.

FRAMINGHAM STATE WESTERN CONN. STATE

35 21 CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE DEAN COLLEGE

3 0 CONNECT WITH TYLER WAHL twahl1@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

PHOTOS

12 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

Wonderful weekend games

Football players celebrating a touchdown at the game Oct. 16.

Junior Quarterback Nicolas Goffredo runs the ball at the game Oct. 16.

Sophomore Jonathan Dailey cheering on football at the game Oct. 16.

Junior Corlene Guenard making her way down the field Oct. 16.

(Left) Freshman Victoria Potter going after the ball against a Massachusetts Maritime player.

Sophomore Isabella Kondi dribbling the ball down the field Oct. 16.

(Left) Junior Camryn O’Leary and sophomore Brooke Fenton making their way down the field at the game Oct. 16.

Photos by Leighah Beausoleil, Associate Editor /THE GATEPOST Spread by Maddison Behringer, Asst. Design Editor and Emma Lyons, Asst. Design Editor /THE GATEPOST

@The Gatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 13

ARTS & FEATURES

The love of life science

By Caroline Gordon Arts & Features Editor MetroWest STEM Education Network (MSEN) hosted “Life Science Jobs: Demystifying Career Paths 101” via Zoom Oct. 18.

Irene Porro, director of the Christa McAuliffe Center, began the discussion by introducing the moderator Gabrielle Brambilla, and panelists Jason Krantz, Amir Handzel, Maria Wendt and Kenn Turner.

Brambilla is the CEO of Alira Health, a company that aims to help organizations in the healthcare and life science fields to innovate and succeed.

Additionally, he is the co-founder of the MetroWest Life Science Networks.

Brambilla, a native of Milan, Italy, said he was initially interested in political science. However, he changed his career path to work in the life science field.

He discussed COVID-19 and the issues the pandemic has caused the community. However, he said the pandemic provoked interest in life science.

Krantz, the CEO and founder of Definitive Healthcare, a Framingham-based company providing commercial intelligence to the healthcare

industry by analyzing healthcare data, discussed being an entrepreneur.

“You don’t need to be a genius to be excited about life sciences,” he said.

Krantz said those who are critical thinkers and problem solvers, should pursue a career in life sciences.

Wendt, who leads biologics research for the company Sanofi, one of the top five pharmaceutical companies in the world, discussed the ori-

chemical engineering with a focus on the use of artificial intelligence.

Handzel is the global head of science research and engagement of Mathworks, located on Route 9.

He said Mathworks creates computational tools such as data science, which scientists can use for calculations and computations.

Handzel said Mathworks collaborates internationally with scientists

“You don’t need to be a genius to be excited about life sciences”

- Jason Krantz, CEO of Definitive Healthcare gins of her interest in life science.

In addition to leading biologics research, she is head of the digital biologics network, which uses machines and artificial intelligence for drug discovery.

Wendt said, “I grew up in the Philippines. When I was small, I knew right away - math is beautiful.”

She said her grandmother taught her fractions when she was 4.

Wendt said she went to a science based high school in the Philippines, which contributed to her passions for chemistry, biology and physics. She chose chemical engineering as her undergraduate study. Her Ph.D is in

said he became more interested in “the fundamental processes of nature,” which led him to study physics as an undergraduate, then particle physics as a graduate.

Handzel said he got his Ph.D in applied mathematics and neuroscience.

Turner, the president and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Science Center, discussed the center’s achievements.

He said in 2008, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made a $10 billion commitment to solidify the center’s dominance in the life science field - the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative.

Turner added, in 2018 the Massachusetts Life Science Center and Gov. Charlie Baker signed a continuing act to invest an additional $623 million into the center, which will last until 2023.

“My team and I serve as the hub of the Massachusetts life science ecosystem,” he said.

Turner added, “We need to have more women and more minorities.

That’s something we need to work on. We need to have more women and minority entrepreneurs. I want to see more people of color and women running companies in the life sciences.”

on computational problems.

“It’s a very interesting intersection of math and data sciences with other types of fields,” he said.

Handzel discussed how he became interested in his field.

“In elementary school, I had the privilege of having my first formal class in chemistry - I was hooked.

From the moment I had that class, I knew I would be a scientist,” he said.

Handzel touched upon the homemade lab his parents helped him create in high school.

“I look at this [the homemade lab] in retrospect as amazing,” he said.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE GORDON When Handzel began college, he cgordon4@student.framingham.edu

SJP is back in business

By Ryan Schreiber Staff Writer

With the lockdown last year, Suit Jacket Posse was put on hold - but after a year and a half, they are back in action.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard for the members to perform their comedy. But, now they get to shine.

The Suit Jacket Posse is the Hilltop Players’ improv group.

On Sept. 30, SJP had their first improv show. This took place at the Forum in McCarthy Center. The room was packed and ready to laugh.

All members said they were ready to get back to comedy. Even performing on Zoom proved to be difficult, they said. So, for the members to be back on campus and to be performing face-to-face is a big deal.

One of the co-captains, junior Eric Qua, said that it was fulfilling to see everyone, especially the audience, having a good time. It was also great to see fellow members succeeding.

He also shared how difficult it was not being able to do comedy while in

isolation and that it took a toll on his mental health.

The second co-captain, junior Will Nee, said how they were happy to be able to come back and put on a show for everyone. It was hard for them to continue their comedy during the pandemic, as it was performed in their own homes through their cameras.

They added they were really excited about the new group of people joining them this year.

Sophomore Olivia Heafy said the SJP members are growing and becoming a close family. She said all members were really excited to share how they are all great friends and a loving group. It’s great for them to see that they all care and worry about each other. They have become so close through all of their preparations before the shows.

SJP rehearses on Sundays. Freshman Emily Monaco said they do a “little bit of performing before the show to get all of their laughs out.”

With all of their rehearsals they are able to have the chance to get acquainted with the games that they are going to play for their next show. But

with these rehearsals they don’t have a script to follow, so everything that they say has to come up off the top of their heads - which can be hard, the members said.

Senior Elisabeta Cojocaru stressed how hard it was to think of things on the spot. They said, “It’s harder without a script in a way that you don’t

Courtesy of Hilltop Players

know the right thing to say, because you don’t know what everyone else on stage is thinking.”

Most of the members agreed with Cojocaru. Nee said, “It’s not always fun and it’s hard to be able to come up with jokes and things to say right on the spot.”

Newcomer, sophomore Olivia Heafy, exclaimed that it is very difficult setting up jokes sometimes, but her fellow members jump in and help her with notes.

Some members on the other hand, didn’t really find it that hard to come up with jokes. Monaco said that it’s not hard for her to come up with things right off the top of her head.

She has experience as she did theater from middle school to high school and did improv for three years.

As the theater season is beginning, everyone is excited to show what they have to offer. So come join SJP, which holds their shows every other week in the Forum at the McCarthy Center at 7 p.m.

CONNECT WITH RYAN SCHREIBER rschreiber@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

ARTS & FEATURES

14 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

Daniel Tobin

Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST Daniel Tobin stands up to enthusiastically share his poetry.

Continued from page 1 Tobin discussed one of the first instruments created by humans - a flute made from the bone of a bird’s wing.

He said when he learned about the instrument, he wanted to write about it - “The Bone Flute” was born.

Next, Tobin read “The Origamist.”

The poem begins with the line,“The Cat’s Eye Nebula - one could begin there as a way of showing how being folds upon itself, always to form new configurations.”

He said all of the end words are composed of acronyms. The words are folded like origami.

“It [“The Origamist”] was meant to be a sestina poem, but I chucked that.

I thought the acronym thing would be cooler to do,” Tobin said.

He discussed the meaning behind his poem “Corpse Flower, Luna Moth.”

Tobin said he has never seen a corpse flower in bloom because they bloom once every 14 years.

He noted he had to research the rare flower in order to write the poem.

Tobin touched upon how the poem was originally two different poems, “Corpse Flower,” and “Luna Moth.”

“It seemed right to put the two of them together,” he said.

The poem begins with the lines, “The deep wine of it risen tall above the buried corm, it’s ornamental spathe furrowed thoughtfully, to human warmth. O un-branched inflorescence, amorphophalos, misshapen swelling, with its allure of rotting flesh for the scarabs to follow, hollow, to the sun-lit trove, as though all dark

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

were light unbidden by our parsing eye, and love itself hidden inside the word.”

Tobin then discussed the influence films had on his poem “Of Gods and Men and Monsters.” He said the poem ties the films “Of Gods and Men” and “Gods and Monsters” together.

“Of Gods and Men”concerns a group of monks who encounter terrorists.

“Gods and Monsters” concerns the life of horror film director James Whale.

He noted the similarity between the two film titles and his curiosity of combining them.

“Of Gods and Men and Monsters” starts off with imagery of monks marching alongside a snowy moun-

Caroline Gordon/THE GATEPOST Daniel Tobin reads from his poetry book, “Blood Labors.”

Tobin said “Late Bloomer” is written in an Arabic poetry form called a ghazal.

He read “The Turnpike,” which was another poem influenced by John Donne.

“This one [“The Turnpike”] nudged into being like Donne,” Tobin said.

The poem contains the lines, “You away, and me on the Peter Pan heading home from my own required remove. I’m drawn by the window’s broad reflection, the traffic passing along it, like a nerve.”

Tobin joked about the Peter Pan bus, “We were obviously going to a Patriots Game.”

To wrap up the event, Tobin an-

“‘I think it’s essential. Some people write for the page and I certainly do. But I write for the voice, too.”

- Daniel Tobin, Author of “Blood Labor” tain guarded by terrorists. The poem touched upon James Whale and his character Frankenstein. There are religious undertones as monks, Christ, and the Eucharist are mentioned throughout.

Tobin read poems from his poetry book “The Net.” He read “Late Bloomer.” The poem began with the lines, “Something whispered, I wanted more of myself.

That’s how I turned into the fleur of myself. The lake. The ripple’s shimmer. That lilting face. I’ll guzzle the infinite pour of myself.”

swered questions from the audience.

A hand shot up and an audience member asked, “When you read a poem, how important is it to read the words out loud?”

“I think it is essential. Some people write for the page, and I certainly do.

But, I write for the voice too,” he said.

He added, “I am very much wedded to the long, long tradition of poems that can be spoken.”

Tobin said he wants his poems to have a distinct rhythm. Therefore, readers could read them correctly.

He was asked if religion influences

his poetry.

Tobin said, “Indelibly so.”

He said as he grew up Catholic, religion has impacted his thoughts while writing poetry.

One audience member noted the incorporation of physics and stars in his poems. They asked, “Are those big inspirations for you?”

He said, “I would never call myself a physicist. But, I am fascinated by the interplay between physics and metaphysics.”

Tobin discussed the lengthy poem, “From Nothing,” by George Lemaitre, a Jesuit priest who was the first to mathematically understand the Big Bang. He said physics is a theme throughout the poem.

He touched upon his interest in Lemaitre because he was a Jesuit priest, scientist, and mathematician.

Another participant asked Tobin to discuss his poetic process.

Tobin said he has an “architectural temperament” and that he can’t continue to write a poem until he knows the “cadence of the lines.”

Someone asked if he wrote other kinds of literature.

Tobin said he does write essays with a “memoirish quality.” However, he did write one story when he attended Harvard Divinity School.

He jokingly said, “I thought it [the story] was awful. I was kind of in poetry land after that.”

[Editor’s Note: Editorial Staff Emma Lyons contributed to this article.]

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE GORDON cgordon4@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 15

‘Seeking Truth’ in the face of misinformation

By Ryan O’Connell Interim Asst. Arts & Features Editor Sophomore Emily Rosenberg, a political science major and Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost, recently gave a presentation on misinformation. She worked alongside Boston Globe journalist Emily Sweeney on preparing a presentation about critiquing online information in the current age, Oct. 20.

The talk, hosted in the Alumni Room of the McCarthy Center, was sponsored by the New England First Amendment Coalition (NEFAC), and primarily allowed students to think critically about their interactions with unknown sources online.

Sweeney, however, was unable to attend the lecture due to sudden illness.

Justin Silverman, executive director of the NEFAC, was able to fill in for the guest speaker, and contributed his thoughts alongside Rosenberg’s presentation.

At the beginning of the presentation, Rosenberg said that in the past year, she took a break from social media around the time of the election.

She said it was mainly because it felt like she was being told how to think through short, biased opinion pieces.

“I go on to see 10 posts, sharing the same five opinionated TikToks that all focused on unconfirmed and exaggerated misleading headlines,” Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg connected her thoughts to a past OP\ED article she wrote for The Gatepost, sharing how she found social media “has stripped us of our ability to first interpret and gather our surroundings.” She added these platforms have stopped people from “reading and sharing straight news from real news sources.”

She went on to describe the harmful impacts of the term ‘fake news’ and how alternative phrases like disinformation or misinformation are more correct ways to identify wrong information. Rosenberg then gave

examples of misinformation to look out for, including parody sites, impersonation web pages, or fabricated content.

One of her central points was identifying this misinformation.

“I say, check your articles like you check your sources for a research paper,” she said. “Does the author have a reputation of being credible?”

Rosenberg added that evaluating a source’s citings can also help reveal if it is reliable. She said, “Every quote you’ve ever seen must be accredited, we need to know where that fact came from.”

Additionally, the audience is reminded that spelling or grammar errors and conflicts of interest are obvious red flags when pursuing reliable information.

Rosenberg then presented several examples to the audience from multiple platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, before introducing Silverman to speak on the subject.

Ryan O’Connell/THE GATEPOST Emily Rosenberg, a sophomore political science major, presents on the dangers of misinformation.

“Fake news, let’s get away from that term. By definition, news can’t be fake. If it’s fake, it’s not news” - Justin Silverman, Executive Director of NEFAC

To begin, Silverman said it would be dangerous to choose leaders without first recognizing what is true and false about them, helping to explain the importance of identifying misinformation.

Referencing the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, he added stopping misinformation is something all individuals should be committed to. He said this code was a set of rules that can be applied not only to newswriting, but also informal, everyday interactions.

Ryan O’Connell/THE GATEPOST Director of NEFAC, Justin Silverman speaks about fake news.

uploading to these platforms are “really what we want to get to,” and listed some of the valid sources Rosenberg contributed, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Silverman reinforced the statement that by taking these steps it is possible to become better citizens.

He retained that being skeptical of what is read online is a very important aspect of being an informed individual, and that it is worth listening to your instinct. If a headline sounds too good to be true, or super ridiculous, it’s probably worth reviewing before promoting it.

Silverman then read through more of the Code of Ethics, reminding everyone that it is important to allow the civil exchange of views, and to “balance the public’s need for information,” to remember that not everything needs to be shared online.

He encouraged listeners to show compassion online to people who are posting misinformation, but to still hold them accountable for their actions.

“I think the majority of people are sharing misinformation because they don’t know better,” he said.

Silverman concluded the presentation by reminding people to be weary of what they read online, and encouraged listeners to get more used to calling out misinformation online.

“Fake news, let’s get away from that term. By definition, news can’t be fake. If it’s fake, it’s not news,” Silverman said.

[Editor’s Note: Emily Rosenberg is Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost.]

“Verify information before releasing it … But how often are we guilty of seeing something on social media, and just quickly sharing it, without giving it much thought?” he said.

Silverman said he recognizes that most people find it inconvenient to research every headline, but encourages everyone to dig a layer deeper and confirm whether what is posted is true. He added that it’s important not to take posts at face value, no matter the person posting it.

“Even a post that says ‘straight from the New York Times,’ may not be in fact from the New York Times,” Silverman said. “Whenever you see a post that you’d like to share, take that additional step. Verify it. Find an additional source.”

He added, however, an important distinction is that sources of information are different from the platforms we receive them on.

“Well, what is a source? What’s a source versus a platform? Right, Twitter, not a source. Facebook, not a source,” he said.

“It’s like saying that certain information you’ve got came from newspaper or television. These are platforms on which we provide information, but CONNECT WITH RYAN O’CONNELL who is providing?” Silverman said. roconnell@student.framingham.edu He added that the entities who are

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ARTS & FEATURES

16| OCTOBER 22, 2021

Spooky

By Emily Rosenberg Arts & Features Editor If you’re scrambling for something to indulge in this Halloween look no further than your Disney+ browser for “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” season 1 episode 19 The Ghost of Room 613.

Upon learning that 13 is approaching too old for trick or treating, the little blonde twins still want to have fun on Halloween. What’s more fun than sleeping over in an abandoned suite rumored to be haunted by an evil ghost who murdered her treacherous husband?

Despite being a Disney show for kids, it has funny and original dialogue throughout such as “Have you ever seen the ghost?”

“Sadly no, but I have seen Muriel in a hairnet,” and everyone shivers.

Aside from myself being a twin - because of the perfect dynamic between the twins, Ashley Tisdale’s fabulous performance as Maddie, and the hilarious writing for Mr. Marian Mosbey, The Suite Life has always been one of my favorite Disney channel shows. This episode highlights how truly original it is and why I will continue to go back to it no matter how old I get.

And don’t be surprised if you get physically scared. Disney channel was ruthless in the early 2000s.

IMBD

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By Leighah Beausoleil Associate Editor

IMBD

By Jack McLaughlin Staff Writer “Super 8” is a great sci-fi thriller directed by JJ Abrams.

The 2011 film follows a group of young kids in the 1980s who accidentally stumble on a bizarre plot that involves the disappearances of citizens and people getting attacked by a strange creature.

If you’ve ever watched the show “Stranger Things,” this film is incredibly similar with its basic concept of nerdy kids in the ’80s stumbling on a creepy sci-fi monster they have to defeat.

The film is wildly entertaining, with the child actor ensemble being surprisingly good with the fairly basic material they’re given to work off of.

The most interesting part of this movie is the mystery surrounding the monster attacking this town, and the payoff to that isn’t the most satisfying, but the leadup to it was enough to keep me invested the whole time.

In an unknown Victorian town, two unlikely families attempt to form an arranged union between their son and daughter - Victor and Victoria - in Tim Burton’s “Corpse Bride.”

The marriage is intended to benefit both families in regards to money and societal status, but unfortunately nothing goes “according to plan.”

Though the two find themselves in love right away, the clumsy, nervous groom cannot seem to get his vows down. Practicing on a tree in the middle of the woods, Victor finds himself married to a corpse.

The victim of a grusesome murder, Emily has been waiting for the day someone would finally love her - maggots and all.

With the never disappointing musical work of Danny Elfman, the soundtrack to this stop-motion film is something to die for, especially the upbeat track “Remains of the Day” and melancholy “Tears to Shed.”

The contrast of the dark “upstairs” and bright and colorfulness of the underworld make the dead appear to be more lively than the actual living. Every character contributes such a vibrant personality to the movie.

If you have the chance, be sure to check out this Burton classic during the Halloween season.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

By Sean Cabot Staff Writer Japan’s Tokusatsu industry is dominated by the likes of “Ultraman,” “Kamen Rider,” and “Super Sentai” – the latter being the source of “Power Rangers’” stock footage.

While these shows have a surprising older following, there is a Toku series specifically aimed at older audiences. That show, “Garo,” follows a cabal of monster hunters through their superbly choreographed battles throughout the ages.

There are different storylines, ranging from urban fantasy to scifi, but the golden armor that its various heroes all wear stays the same. Its styling is also consistently horror-oriented – the monsters are even referred to as Horrors.

But what it really has over other Toku shows is its stylish and inventive choreography. One of the later seasons has a fight wherein two swordsmen are simply fighting to prevent one another from drawing their swords.

Whether you’re looking to get into Toku, or already a fan, “Garo” is a great time.

ARTS & FEATURES

OCTOBER 22 2021 | 17

Suggestions

By Haley Hadge Editorial Staff If you’ve ever found a kindred spirit in a furry friend then Disney’s “Frankenweenie,” directed

by Tim Burton, will reel you in with the dynamic duo of Victor Frankenstein and his dog Sparky.

The film’s ghastly beginning will shock you to the core. The piece of your heart that holds your beloved pet’s memory will ache with empathy and envy.

It will leave you crying, laughing, and gasping.

Sparky is everything you could need in a protagonist. He’s cute, spunky, heroic, and a pal to Victor as he navigates the, arguably equally horrific, halls of middle school.

Victor’s desperation is omnipresent when he digs up the grave of his spark-less soulmate and turns his lost pet into a shockingly successful science experiment.

As an audience member you are forced to indulge in the beginning stages of the grieving process. But what a pleasure to see Sparky’s joy, even in reincarnated form.

Wikipedia

By Sean Cabot Staff Writer From Robert Kirkman’s runaway success “The Walking Dead” to Kengo Hanazawa’s superlative “I Am A Hero,” audiences have a lot of great zombie comics to choose from.

But Haro Aso’s “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is my favorite recent zombie comic, and not for conventional reasons.

Akira Tendo is a desk jockey working for a terrible boss at an awful firm wondering where his life went wrong. So naturally, IMBD when the zombie apocalypse occurs, he’s ecstatic that he doesn’t

By Emma Lyons have to go to work anymore and Editorial Staff starts working on a huge bucket list.

“Zom 100” forces reflection “Muppets Haunted Mansion” is the newest Halloween movie on the horrors of our old lives into be released onto Disney+, be- stead of appealing to fears of hycoming available to subscribers pothetical cataclysms - turning the end of the world into an opon Oct. 8.

Gonzo the Great and Pepe are portunity to wipe the slate clean.

The art and black comedy are welcomed into a haunted mansion to attempt the arduous spot on, and a fair dash of terror task of staying within its walls puts a bow on a hilariously disovernight - a feat never before turbing package. achieved by any guest.

The movie has zany antics and wonderful musical numbers, such as “Life Hereafter” - one of the only parts of the movie which features the majority of the muppets cast.

While the first half of the film plays off spooky gimmicks and makes character introductions, the second half of the film begins to amp up the fear factor as Gonzo must face his deepest fears and Pepe is entranced by a serial bride - portrayed by Taraji P. Henson.

This film digs deeper into Gonzo’s character as he faces his fears and the expectations he holds himself to. It perfectly balances the eerie Halloween tone with the warmheartedness the Muppet Franchise always has.

Allmovie.com

By Mark Haskell Staff Writer “The Conjuring Universe,” created by James Wan, focuses on the exploits of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a married couple who witness and investigate paranormal events.

These exploits are real and mixed with film-centric elements including history, fantasy, horror, and you guessed it - jump scares.

The couple attempted to help people who are possessed by demons while the spin-off films focus on the entities encountered by the Warrens in the main films.

Out of the entire “Conjuring Universe,” the films I have seen are “The Conjuring,” “The Conjuring 2,” “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It’’ as well as their respective spinoffs.

The spinoff I have had the opportunity to watch was 2018’s “The Nun” as a spinoff/prequel to “The Conjuring 2.”

If you and your friends are looking for a film series to binge this Halloween with drinks and snacks, then I would recommend watching “The Conjuring.”

Amazon

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18| OCTOBER 22, 2021

ARTS & FEATURES

A proper sendoff to Daniel Craig’s 007

By Jack McLaughlin Staff Writer “No Time To Die” is the latest installment in the long running James Bond film series. The film stars Daniel Craig, who is reprising his role as the iconic 007 for the fifth time now.

Craig has had 15 years to prove to viewers that his take on the character is worth looking into, and his final film as the character made me remember why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

The film’s central conflict is Bond going after the main villain Safin, who is played by Rami Malek, who is in possession of nanobots containing a deadly virus that he intends on spreading throughout the world.

The over-the-top story presented here perfectly fits the tone the movie goes for, which is an exciting action film that takes viewers across various locations with interesting characters.

The most criminal thing this movie does is the lack of Rami Malek in this movie. For the main villain, he doesn’t really start becoming important to the plot until well over an hour in. And once he is introduced, his lack of screen time makes him a pretty un-

derdeveloped character, which is unfortunate because his unsettling performance is the best in the film.

With an underdeveloped villain, the main characters do get a lot of time to shine, fortunately. The relationship between James Bond and Madeleine Swan, who is played by Léa Seydoux, is a huge part of the movie and does a good job with wrapping up the arc between these two characters.

Unfortunately, the imbalance of screen time between the protagonists and antagonists makes the story suffer a little bit. I had trouble in the start and middle of this movie figuring out where the filmmakers were going with the plot. It isn’t until the second half of the movie where the central conflict gains focus and becomes an incredibly fun spy movie.

The main attraction for this movie is the action sequences, and this nearly three-hour movie packs itself full of them. The opening sequence in Italy was a beautiful and exciting highlight and did an excellent job of hyping me up and that energy isn’t something that left me for the duration of the film.

Going into the movie, I was concerned that the runtime would mean there were going to be a lot of slow

points. But fortunately, this was not a finale like this. the case. The pacing felt perfect to “No Time To Die” is a strong conme, and by the end I was convinced I clusion for this series of James Bond could sit through another three hours movies, and despite a few issues is of this. one of my favorite films to come out On a technical level, this is the this year. most impressive action movie I’ve Rating: B+ seen all year. The cinematography is While not perfect, it’s a proper fantastic, even days after watching I sendoff for these characters still think about specific shots that I adored. Any of the sequences taking place in cities or even something as simple as characters scaling down a ADMIT ONE building resonated with me so much due to the unique style they went with for these shots.

The film’s soundtrack, which is done by the legendary Hans Zimmer, pays homage to the older sounds that Not perfect, people are used to in James Bond movies while also taking the time to but a perfect make it feel fresh. The movie’s origisendoff for nal song, which is done by Billie Eilish, these characters was a great song that fits the opening credits of the film exceptionally well.

The movie has a satisfying ending ADMIT ONE that will reward those who have stuck through each of these films, which have all been of varying quality. The way it wraps up these characters and this era of James Bond is well done CONNECT WITH JACK MCLAUGHLIN and I honestly feel like this character jmclaughin7@student.framingham.edu can lay dormant for a long time after

Grade: B+

Del Water Gap releases debut album

By Emma Lyons Editorial Staff After a teaser EP “Alone Together” was released in September 2021, Del Water Gap published his first self-titled album on Oct. 8.

The EP featured the songs “Better Than I Know Myself,” “Sorry I Am,” “Perfume,” “Hurting Kind,” “Alone Together,” and “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat.”

“Better Together” gave the album a kickstart with it’s fast-paced composition and brilliant lyrics. The song is inexplicably catchy and had me singing along by the third chorus.

The second song, “Sorry I Am,” brings a softer tone into the mix, as the song is a letter to a relationship from the past. The composition is beautiful, featuring soothing vocals blending seamlessly with the lively backing.

A rock feel is introduced to the album with the following songs, “Perfume” and “Hurting Kind.” Both upbeat and the type of song you can’t help but dance to, it’s the type of music you’d hear in the background of a movie.

“Alone Together” brings the attitude of the album down with its haunting melodies and lyrics, only for the mood to be brought up once more by “Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat” which contrasts the

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Apple Music previous with a faster pace, while still maintaining the same vocal quality of the previous tracks.

The second half of the album was underwhelming compared to the first.

The anticipation of the release built up big expectations for the second half. I hoped it would keep the same feeling as the first collection, but it just didn’t match up.

It featured the songs “Distance,” “It’s Not Fair !” “I Hope You Understand,” “Bug Bites,” “Uh-Huh,” and “Shortest Love Song.”

“It’s Not Fair !” follows the mellow moods of “Sorry I Am” and “Alone Together.” However, it was bland in comparison and was much simpler than other songs on the album. It introduces a new raspy vocal quality that doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the tracks.

“I Hope You Understand” has no competition to be my least favorite track. It seems as though this piece was an amalgamation of experimental techniques someone might want to try out throughout a whole album.

While certain parts were pleasing and sounded great, the majority of the song was not. The mashing together of such different things left it feeling messy and had me praying for the song to finally end.

The record concludes with the song “Shortest Love Song.” It could have been better. The composition had a soothing lullaby feeling, but the combination of the vocals and guitar didn’t mesh correctly to actually achieve that.

At one minute and 30 seconds long, it was definitely a short song, and I definitely did not love it.

In between the lower points of the second half, the songs “Distance” and “Uh-Huh” stood out and brought some good music back into the mix and I really enjoyed listening to them.

“Distance” has a nice upbeat tempo and the chorus remained stuck in my head after first hearing it. I listened to it for days on repeat and never found myself getting sick of it.

“Uh-Huh” was my favorite song on this record. Its composition welcomes slow, steady melodies, contrasted brilliantly with the strong chords of the chorus waking you up to the beauty of the piece. This song made me fall

in love with the album.

Overall, the album is not bad.

You can’t expect every song to be the best thing you’ve ever heard. Unfortunately in this case, all the bad songs were a part of the second release.

These lackluster parts leave much to be desired, but the high points of the album make you completely forget about them as you are swept away into the music.

Grade: B It’s like an earworm I never want to get rid of.

MENU

CONNECT WITH EMMA LYONS elyons3@student.framingham.edu

Puzzles

ARTS & FEATURES

ACROSS 1. Collectible in an album 6. “Yes, ___!” (kitchen cry) 10. “Oh no!”

13. Prenatal procedure, briefly 14. “Work” singer’s nickname 15. It’s black at Punalu’u Beach 17. ___ fries (relative of poutine) 18. Without modifications 19. Langston Hughes poem whose title precedes “sing America” 20. Ballroom dance’s sentimentality?

23. Generic seashell seller 25. Were present?

26. Limited 27. Sky display caused by solar wind 29. “Fudge!”

31. Comic Jeong 32. It may follow “any” or “some” 33. Crew blade 34. Pharma products 35. Beloved bagel topping?

39. Regarding 41. Wine barrel wood 42. Words to live by 45. NYSE debut 46. Breakfast that may be prepared overnight 47. Grievous 48. Acuna of the MLB 50. Scolding for a noisy moviegoer 51. Was ahead 52. Chitchat over drinks?

56. Plenty 57. Massaman curry’s cuisine 58. State with the most counties (254) 61. Unit of heredity 62. ___ Grey tea 63. Standing straight 64. 12, in a date: Abbr.

OCTOBER 22, 2021 | 19

65. Ready to eat ... or throw out 66. Finishes in last place DOWN 1. Gloomy 2. Texter’s “Didn’t need to know that!”

3. Had complete authority 4. Mineral with thin layers 5. No Running sign’s spot Puzzle solutions are now 6. Fad exclusively online.

7. Anaconda’s “Don’t!”

8. Name within “maverick” 9. Source of some salmon 10. Like most of the world’s population 11. Goalie’s feline-esque attribute 12. Tied 16. Egg quantities 21. Syllable before “la la” 22. Sch. by the Harvard Bridge, confusingly 23. Tool that has teeth 24. “That’s odd” 28. Cookie used in some milkshakes 29. Places to moor boats 30. Classic cheer 34. Stallion’s counterpart 36. Tesla sports car 37. Enjoyed a wingback chair 38. Green vacation destination?

39. Safety device that blows up 40. Wound, as thread 43. Owed 44. From way back 46. Spanish cheer 47. “___’s Next” (1971 album) 49. Nahuatl speaker 50. Expression in a dentist’s ad 53. Hindi for “tea” 54. Instrument in the Guinness logo 55. Five minus five 59. Card that often beats a king 60. Wall and Canal, briefly

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PHOTOS

20 | OCTOBER 22, 2021

Ha lft i me P erformanc es

The Fusion Dance Team lifts a member during their halftime performance Oct. 16.

The Fusion Dance Team pose for a group photo Oct. 16.

The Cheer team performing during halftime Oct. 16.

The Cheer team lifts members who display the signs “go” and “rams” during their halftime performance Oct. 16.

The Fusion Dance Team performing during halftime Oct. 16 .

Photos by Leighah Beausoleil, Associate Editor /THE GATEPOST Spread by Maddison Behringer, Asst. Design Editor and Emma Lyons, Asst. Design Editor /THE GATEPOST

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