T H E H O FST R A
HEMPSTEAD, NY VOLUME 85 ISSUE 11
CHRONICLE
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4. 2020
KEEPING THE HOFSTRA COMMUNITY INFORMED SINCE 1935.
Hofstra Dance Places President Stuart Rabinowitz announces Second Nationally retirement at end of term NEWS
By Melanie Haid NEW S E D I TO R
Hofstra University’s eighth president, Stuart Rabinowitz, announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, that he will retire at the end of his term, effective August 2021. “By the date of my retirement, I will have had the honor and privilege of serving our wonderful University for 50 years,” he said in a statement sent out by Student Affairs to the Hofstra community via email last week. Rabinowitz was a member of the law school’s faculty for 19 years, served as the dean of the law school for 11 years and will have served as president of the University for two decades as of next year. During Rabinowitz’s time as president, the University added
the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, the School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs and the School of Health Professions and Human Services – all of which not only added majors and minors to the University, but also more opportunities for students and jobs for faculty members. Three presidential debates were held in 2008, 2012 and 2016, as well as the New York State Gubernatorial Primary Debate in 2018, during Rabinowitz’s tenure. Rabinowitz has received over a dozen awards
according to the University’s website, among them the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, the Long Island Software and Technology Network Award and the UJA Federation Leadership Award. He was also named one of the Long Island Press’s 50 Most Influential Long Islanders. “President Rabinowitz has built an incredibly strong foundation from which the University will continue to grow and excel,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Donald Schaeffer in the same statement released by Student Affairs. The Board of Trustees has reluctantly accepted Rabinowitz’s decision to retire and has already begun the
The Hofstra Dance team earned second place in three categories at the National Championship, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Dance Team
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A&E
Netflix documentary unveils new layer to Swift By Taylor Rose Clarke ED ITO R-IN -C H IEF
Photo courtesy of Stereogum A new Netflix documentary gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the “Lover” singer’s personal life.
The Behind the glitter, the numerous Grammys, the sold-out arenas, the millions of dollars and the number one hit songs, a rather simple woman who is looking to show the world her authentic self is revealed. Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Netflix documentary “Miss Americana” gives fans more than just a look at how the multi-faceted popstar writes her music: It shows fans an inside glimpse into Swift’s personal life, something she has kept secret for much of her fame. Tackling everything from the infamous moment with Kanye West on the 2009 MTV Video
Music Awards Stage to her 2017 sexual assault trial and her mother’s cancer diagnosis, the documentary doesn’t shy away from the tough topics in the singer’s life. Full of transparency and honesty, the 85-minute film leaves viewers walking away feeling like they know Swift on a more personal level. Beautifully directed by Lana Wilson, the film combines home videos from Swift’s early days on stage with concert footage and raw, intimate interviews. It felt less like a movie and more like a rare, non-intrusive glimpse into one of the most powerful people in the entertainment world’s life.
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A2•FEBRUARY 4, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
NEWS
Rabinowitz to conclude tenure in August 2021 203 Student Center hofstrachronicle@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief Taylor Rose Clarke Managing Editor Rachel Bowman Business Manager Robert Kinnaird News Editor Melanie Haid Assistant News Editors Annemarie LePard Robert Traverso A&E Editors Victoria Bell Eleni Kothesakis A&E Assistant Editor Jacob Huller Sports Editors Felipe Fontes Anthony Roberts Assistant Sports Editor David Lazar Features Editors Drashti Mehta Assistant Features Editors Betty Araya Audra Nemirow Op-Ed Editors Sarah Emily Baum Visvajit Sriramrajan Assistant Op-Ed Editors Daniel Cody Jessica Zhang Copy Chiefs Gab Varano Odessa Stork Assistant Copy Chiefs Elizabeth Turley Antonia Moffa Multimedia Editors Robert Kinnaird Adam Flash Talha Siddiqui Social Media Manager Jack Brown The Chronicle is published every Tuesday during the academic year by the students of Hofstra University. The Chronicle is located in Room 203 Student Center, 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. 11549. Advertising and subscription rates may be obtained by calling (516) 463-6921. The Chronicle reserves the right to reject any submission, in accordance with our written policies. All advertising which may be considered fraudulent, misleading, libelous or offensive to the University community, The Chronicle or its advertisers may be refused. The products and opinions expressed within advertisement are not endorsed by The Chronicle or its staff.
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process of planning required to find someone to fill his shoes, the statement says. “We recognize President Rabinowitz’s years of contribution to Hofstra,” said Student Government Association President Kathryn Harley and Vice President Kaylor Dimes. “[We] look forward to a smooth transition and continued success for our University.” In 2001, the year that Rabinowitz became president of the University, the Hofstra Univer-
sity Honors College (HUHC) was founded. Rabinowitz heavily influenced the continued growth of the University according to HUHC Dean Warren Frisina, who noted that his “leadership and entrepreneurial spirit” helped transform Hofstra into a strong regional institution with a reputation that reaches across the globe. “I get to see first-hand and every day the difference he has made,” Frisina said. “He’s taken Hofstra to a whole new level.” “I’ve always respected President Rabinowitz during my
time here,” said Madie Mento, a junior public relations major. “And while it’s sad to see him go, I’m happy to know that Hofstra’s had him for 50 years.” For some, 50 years may not have been enough. “While I am happy for him to be retiring after a long and beneficial career at Hofstra from a business perspective,” said Justin Murray, a senior film major, “I wish I could have interacted with him more as a student.” “There are many ways to measure the success of a president. We could focus on the programs
initiated, buildings built, faculty hired...” Frisina said. “But the achievements of a school’s students and alumni is ultimately the principal way one measures an institution, and by extension, its leader.” With over a year left as president, Rabinowitz said that he will “continue to devote his full energy and attention to the Presidency during his remaining tenure and will assist the Board [of Trustees] in ensuring the smoothest of transitions.”
under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol of Second Nature,” and asks this to be completed by January 1, 2036. The resolution also takes into consideration some of the long-term economic incentives that would benefit the institution and the impact this would have on students staying
emissions and further improve the energy use and output by institutions that heavily impacts their surrounding areas. In a statement, the University wrote that Hofstra is “committed to sustainability and stewardship, through academic programs, research projects and
live in safety, health and prosperity.” With a campus of 244 acres and an enrollment of 10,804 total students as of Fall 2019, according to the University website, Hofstra is large in many ways, including in influence. “I’ve seen big universities trying to do their part with the environment and knowing how big Hofstra is and that we’re an arboretum, we can definitely become carbon neutral and introduce stuff like that. Even starting to work toward it would have a really big impact, even if they don’t reach it [as soon as possible],” said Michelle Williams, a junior neuroscience major. “I am hopeful that this resolution is just the start of a more sustainable campus,” Miller said, “and that it will promote more meaningful change as students get more inspired to do their part to slow climate change.” “Through education, outreach and service, working closely with various groups on- and off- campus, the University fosters innovation and strives to be a model for environmental sustainability,” the University wrote in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our collaborations and conversations with students, faculty and the community to contribute to building a clean, just and responsible global environment.”
SGA resolution pushes Hofstra to go carbon-neutral
By Melanie Haid NE WS E DI TOR
Hofstra’s Student Government Association (SGA), headed by President Kathryn Harley and Vice President Kaylor Dimes, released a resolution in 2019 titled “A Resolution to Detail Student Government Association’s Demands Pertaining to Hofstra University Transitioning to Carbon Neutrality in its Transportation and Energy Systems.” The resolution brought into view the impacts of climate change and how the University may be able to better combat its effects on the global climate disaster by employing carbon neutral efforts. “It’s exciting to see Senate take a stance like this,” said Alexa Osner, the SGA Equity and Inclusion Chair. “As students, it’s an important issue that needs action to be taken. As senators, we understand that this is something the student body wants as well. We hope to continue this momentum and begin conversations about how this plan will be implemented here at Hofstra.” “It’s very reassuring to me to hear that SGA is taking action, especially since there have been talks of sustainability at Hofstra in the past [that] have never really gotten off the ground,” said Ally Miller, a sophomore in the physician assistant program. SGA also hopes for Hofstra “to reach carbon neutrality under the three scopes defined
Among Hofstra’s Environmental Initiatives Are:
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Installed @ 100 hydration (water) stations throughout campus A nine-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system solar roof on Rensselaer House (installed 2011), producing over 65,000 kilowatts of power to date. The University purchases Renewable Energy Credits totaling 30,000 MWHs (which is 50% of Hofstra’s annual power usage). In 2010, Hofstra committed to design new campus buildings to achieve LEED Silver Standard, an internationally recognized green building standard. The University banned the use of Styrofoam at all campus dining facilities. Purchase food products from local supplier for dining facilities, and host seasonal local farmer markets on campus. Since 2015, Hofstra – a registered arboretum with a bird sanctuary - has been a Tree-Campus USA school, a National Arbor Day Foundation program that recognizes colleges and universities that make a commitment to trees on and off-campus.Limit the use of pesticides on campus, and maintain sixty-five percent of our grounds organically.
on campus, as well as those who want to attend the University in the future. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol of Second Nature, mentioned in the resolution as a plan for switching to carbon neutral energy and transportation methods, “sets the standards to measure and manage [greenhouse gas] emissions,” according to their website at ghgprotocol.com. The protocol seeks to minimize
the Office of Sustainability, as well as its membership in the national Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. “Due to its size, power and purpose,” the resolution says, “SGA compels Hofstra University ... to be an active leader in the fight against ecological and climate catastrophe and, through its actions, reflect the world that is necessary for its students to
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NEWS
FEBRUARY 4, 2020•A3
Did your favorite Hofstra food spot make the grade?
By Sarah Emily Baum and Robert Kinnaird OP-ED E D I TO R & M U LT IME DI A E DI TOR
The Hofstra Chronicle took a bite out of New York public records to dish the truth about food safety on campus. According to records published by the New York State Department of Health and Services, 82% of Hofstra’s dining facilities had at least one health violation in 2019. Each facility averaged 2.4 violations. Only the Medical School Cafe was found to have a “critical” violation. The Department reported that “potentially hazardous foods” were not properly refrigerated. Three dining facilities – Dunkin’ on the Quad, the Child Care Center and the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center – had no violations, and the Netherlands Cafe had the most, with a grand total of six violations. (The David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex had 12 violations, but they were split between three separate kitchens.) Regardless, almost every food site on campus scored an “A” rating, with the exception of the Netherlands Cafe, which scored a Au Bon Pain (18) Revolution Noodle “B.” Violations: 3 and Sushi (31) “Compass Group, Hofstra’s dining services provider, has strict procedures to ensure the delivery of the highest quality products Rating: A Violations: 1 possible,” said a spokesLast inspected: Oct Rating: A 9, 2019 Last inspected: Feb person for the University. 7, 2019 “We work hard to ensure Au Bon Pain at that all health regulations Axinn Library (3) Hofstra University and codes are followed, Violations: 1 Club (53) and to quickly address Rating: A Violations: 3 Last inspected: Oct Rating: A any items identified dur15, 2019 Last inspected: Jun ing regular inspections.” 4, 2019 The spokesperson Bits n’ Bytes (1) also told The Chronicle, Violations: 3 Student Center “All items raised in Rating: A Cafe (31) Last inspected: Oct Violations: 0 the most recent Health 15, 2019 Rating: A Department inspection Last inspected: Feb were non-critical issues Brooklyn Slice (31) 7, 2019 and have already been Violations: 3 resolved, most within Rating: A HofUSA (40) Last inspected: Oct Violations: 4 the same day that issues 15, 2019 Rating: A were identified.” Last inspected: Oct To see how your Cyber Cafe (55) 17, 2019 favorite food spot fared, Violations: 1 you can look at the map Rating: A Law School Cafe Last inspected: Oct (21/22) below. For more details, 16, 2019 Violations: 1 you can read the state’s Rating: A evaluations for yourself Dunkin’ on the Last inspected: Oct Netherlands Core by scanning the QR Quad (15) 15, 2019 (33) code at the bottom of the Violations: 0 Violations: 6 Core Rating: A Netherlands page. B 6 Last inspected: Oct Rating: Violations: Last inspected: Feb Map key: 15, 2019 Rating: B 5, 2019 Eateries with an A Last inspected: Feb Dutch Treats (40) 5, 2019 rating Violations: 1 Eateries with a B rating Rating: A Hofstra University Last inspected: Oct Childcare Center 17, 2019 (28) Violations: 0 Hofstra Arena*(51) Rating: A Violations: 12 Last Inspected: Sep Rating: A 24, 2018 Last inspected: Oct 23, 2019 Einstein Bros. Bagels (60) Hofstra Stadium* Violations: 1 (56) Rating: A Violations: 2 No inspection inforRating: A mation available Last inspected: Oct 22, 2019 Medical School Cafe (50) Violations: 1 Rating: A Last inspected: Oct 16, 2019
Use the QR Code to browse more local department of health inspection results
A4•FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Upcoming Dates in National Politics The 2020 presidential primary election officially kicked off on Monday, Feb. 3, with the Iowa caucuses, the first of a nationwide series of contests in which voters will select their party’s nominee for November’s general election. Supporters of the various presidential candidates gathered in each of Iowa’s nearly 1,700 precincts and tried to gain each other’s support before ultimately nominating one candidate. A win in Iowa is a coveted political prize; it is seen as the first step on the road to the White House. Despite the glory, the state’s caucuses are not a perfect bellwether: Out of the 18 total victors since the process began in 1972, only three have gone on to win the presidency, despite over half securing their party’s nomination. Each year, as mandated by the Constitution, the president delivers a State of the Union (SOTU) address to Congress. The SOTU is typically used as an opportunity for the president to foster national unity and pitch a legislative agenda. Last December, California Democrat and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi invited President Trump, whom her chamber had just impeached, to deliver the SOTU. The president’s address, slated for Tuesday, Feb. 4, is expected to tout his accomplishments since taking office and make the case for his re-election in 2020.
By Annemarie LePard and Rob Traverso AS S I S TANT NE WS ED ITO RS
The New Hampshire Primary is the first of the national primary elections and the second national party contest (the first being the Iowa caucuses) as part of the process of choosing the Democratic and Republican party nominees for the upcoming presidential election. The vast media coverage of the New Hampshire primary can have a significant impact on the future of a candidate’s campaign. The New Hampshire primary will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Super Tuesday refers to the Tuesday in a presidential election year during which the largest number of states and territories hold primary elections or caucuses. Since Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses occur in many states from geographically and socially diverse regions of the country, the results represent a candidate’s electability. In 2020, Super Tuesday will be held on Tuesday, March 3.
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NEWS
Trump era dissected in impeachment discussion
By Rob Traverso and Brandon Allen
A SSISTA N T N EWS ED ITO R & STA FF WRITER
The Senate impeachment trial of President Trump has been underway for over a week and is set to come to a close on Thursday, Feb. 6. Over a dozen students and faculty members engaged in a discussion on the nature of the Trump presidency, his impeachment and the ongoing Senate trial on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall at Hofstra University. Carolyn Eisenberg, a professor of U.S. history and foreign policy at Hofstra University, led the discussion, beginning by dispelling the common misconception that Trump has yet to be impeached. In fact, Eisenberg explained, Trump has already been impeached. The question now facing the Senate is whether he should be removed from office, which would require two-thirds of the body to vote in favor. Trump’s impeachment itself is notable, as only two other presidents in U.S. history have been impeached. However, neither were removed from office, meaning Trump could be the first president convicted and removed by the Senate. “People hated Andrew Johnson for his temperament,” said adjunct instructor of history Michael Galgano, noting that this is just one similarity between the first impeached president in U.S. history and Trump. “Johnson branded his enemies as traitors, calling them Judists and referring to himself as Christ being crucified on the cross,” Galgano said. “Massive insecurity, self-righteousness, almost paranoia and it’s almost like you’re listening to Trump in Johnson’s speeches.” On the other hand, there is a clear-cut difference between Trump’s impeachment and the case of former President Bill Clinton, Eisenberg said. Many Democrats questioned and
ultimately voted against their party’s leader in 1999, while today the GOP is in lockstep behind Trump. “He just ... immediately stomps on them and takes their credibility away,” said Crystal Bermudez, a freshman journalism major, about Republicans in the Senate. “Even if someone were to speak up and tell their own truth, there’s always a way [Trump] finds an angle – insulting them, tweeting about it.” “There used to be a time when Republicans would speak up,” Galgano said, referencing the Watergate investigation into former President Nixon, who resigned to avoid impeachment. Other American right-wing groups were discussed as well,
is where Donald Trump excelled – by taking issues that were political, amplifying them by speaking to the fears of certain groups and making these issues personal. Whether it be at a rally in real life or virtually on Twitter, “there’s just something about Trump – he knows how to rally people,” said Courtney Fegley, a sophomore journalism major. It was noted that Trump is also the first president to use Twitter as his main method of communication, garnering attention from more of the country, including younger demographics. One student pointed out how this, along with gerrymandering, helped Trump secure the Electoral College victory, which provides lesspopulated, rural states with an unequal share of power. The room agreed that for many Trump supporters in these states, the impeachment effort is seen not only as an attack on the president, but on his supporters as individuals. The room debated whether the polarizing nature of the impeachment process will ultimately be worth it, whether Trump should be removed from office and if this decision will bear relevance for the future of the country. The conclusion the group came to was that Trump should be removed by the Senate in order to defend the integrity of the Constitution. “It’s not just a policy difference; he tried, in a lot of ways, to stonewall the Congress,” D’Innocenzo said, alluding to the second article of impeachment passed by the House, obstruction of Congress. “I do believe [impeachment is] worth going through ... because we need to hold up our country’s Constitution, and clearly that’s been broken or not followed lately,” Fegley said. “I think in order to keep ... the integrity of the country, we need to follow through.”
“... we need to hold up our country’s Constitution, and clearly that’s been broken or not followed lately.” namely the president’s base and the so-called “Never Trump” conservatives. “The people turning against him in the government are conservatives in the country,” Eisenberg said, specifically referencing John Bolton, the president’s former national security adviser who has long been regarded as a conservative hawk on foreign policy. The room agreed that Trump’s unorthodox and often bully-like, aggressive behavior toward establishment politicians was key to his election. Michael D’Innocenzo, professor emeritus at Hofstra’s history department, pointed to Trump’s failure to apologize for his birther campaign that alleged former President Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. as an example of the behavior that gains the vote of this demographic. Similarly, Trump employs the “common man” appeal, in which he uses simple, brash language many feel they can relate to. This, according to the room,
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NEWS
FEBRUARY 4, 2020•A5
Hofstra Dance Team takes second in three categories at Public Safety Briefs ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Compiled by Elizabeth Turley
By Adam Flash
cally, the team preps mentally by working with sports psychologist and professor Steven The Hofstra University Dance Frierman. They discuss how to Team has added to their hardfocus on the present and this ware collection, earning three year’s competition rather than second place trophies in the dwelling on past years. Pom, Jazz and Game Day dis“It’s definitely hard to do that ciplines at the Universal Dance – [because we’ve been successAssociation College Dance ful in the past], the demands and Team National Championship the expectations from everyfrom Friday, Jan. 17, to Sunday, body, like fans and judges, is Jan. 19. higher,” Olsen-Leon said. The annual competition is Before taking the stage at held at the ESPN Wide World of each competition, Olsen-Leon Sports Complex located in the and her coachWalt Disney World ing staff give the Resort in Bay Lake, team a special Florida. pep talk. “To do three “We remind categories for the each other who first time ever and we are and the to place second in program that we all of them is just so are,” Olsen-Leon exciting for everysaid. “We literally body,” said head say, ‘We’re Hofcoach Kelly Olsenstra. Go out there Leon. and be Hofstra,’ While the Pride because that’s are veterans of the what our proPom and Jazz catgram has prided egories, placing first itself on: being in Pom for each of confident, being the last four years, strong, being Game Day was a somebody that new challenge this goes out there year. and demands the “We were nervous floor.” about adding a third Photo Courtesy of The Hofstra Dance Team With Nationals category because we over, the Hofstra didn’t know if we’d The Hofstra Dance team second place finish in three categories Dance Team will was unprecedented. be able to handle focus on Game it, [but] really the Day routines for decision was, ‘Why the rest of the women’s and not?’” Olsen-Leon said. “We’ve process, knowing hard work is necessary to see results. men’s basketball seasons, inbeen putting such a large emThe team practices for hours cluding the men’s Colonial Athphasis on [basketball] game day daily over the course of several letic Association Tournament on [routines] on campus as it is; months to put on a two-minute March 7-10 in Washington, D.C. we might as well bring it to the routine. “They’re a hardworking national stage.” “We’ve pushed them really program, and that’s the big“[With Game Day] everything hard in all of their routines. [The gest thing that I’m proud of,” doesn’t have to be so perfect; Olsen-Leon said. “There’s a lot they get a little bit of freedom to dances] were super athletic. They’re probably the most difof teams that will [be at] the top have fun,” Olsen-Leon added. ficult routines that we’ve ever of one category and the bottom “I’m glad we did it.” had, and they just kept rising to in another. By getting second in The Pride’s Pom routine was the challenge,” Olsen-Leon said. all three of our categories, [it] choreographed by Dan Sapp, “They all want to do well. They displays what a well-rounded the Jazz routine was created by want to succeed. They have a program we are.” Hofstra Dance Team alum and natural drive.” first time choreographer Zach In addition to preparing physiGalasso and the Game Day M ULTIME D I A E D I TO R
dance was arranged by assistant coach April Hamner. “We put a lot of trust in our choreographers,” Olsen-Leon said. “They’re part of the family.” The team begins learning their routines in early fall, with practices intensifying as Nationals approach. By December, the practices become daily. “It’s a lot of repetition, a lot of hours, a lot of time,” OlsenLeon said. But the Pride has trust in the
On Jan. 24 at 7:45 p.m., PS received a report that an unknown male driving a BMW on Oak Street crashed into the fence near the Saltzman Center on the south side of the Netherlands’ pedestrian bridge. There were no witnesses. The Hempstead Police Department was notified, responded to the situation and prepared a report. The Hofstra Plant Department was notified to repair the fence. On Jan. 29 at 9 p.m., an RA in Alliance Hall reported to PS that there was an odor of marijuana emanating from a room on the seventh floor. PS responded to the room and upon entering discovered sdfjs;dlfjk;sldkfj;aldfjk a towel under the door, the windows wide open and a
strong smell of marijuana in the room. The room was occupied by the resident, who was issued a referral to OCS. No marijuana or paraphernalia were found at this time. On Jan. 30 at 8:20 p.m., an RA in Hague House reported to PS that there was an odor of marijuana coming from one of the rooms. PS responded to the location and upon entering found the room occupied by the resident. Inside the room, PS found a container containing a small amount of marijuana, a grinder and eight marijuana cigarettes, all of which were confiscated by PS and taken to the Hofstra Information Center. The resident was issued a referral to OCS.
Robert Kinnaird / The Hofstra Chronicle
Key PS – Public Safety RA – Resident Assistant OCS – Office of Community Standard
A 6 •February 4, 2020
FEATURES
THE CHRONICLE
Taste of Sounds: Celebrating your inner artist Someone types of artists, so many different of having this intimate space ... should have types of genres.” We don’t have to have just one done this alNot only does TOS strive a month in a big venue, but it’s ready; it was to provide a stage, they strive like, everyone can have a taste of very much to provide a challenge as well. Taste of Sounds.” needed.” Their goal is to push the artists to TOS was a dream that these He went be their very best. “Our set list is three innovators sought to on to say, never the same,” Donalds said. make real. “It started as an idea, “There are a “That’s one thing we can attest really and truly. We just thought lot of artists to. You have to re-submit some[about it], and now we’re here,” that have thing new every single time. Omigie said. “I think my favorite come and We also give artists a challenge, moment was the first [showgone through like, ‘How can I be different this case] when Greengrove, the live Hofstra that time?’” band, just started playing out of didn’t get “I think we push them to be nowhere and caught everyone’s to express more than what they are, because attention. And just like that, I themselves it’s competitive,” Omigie added. saw our idea materialize and fully.” TOS TOS is a place to connect with form.” Photo Courtesy of Emily Barnes remedies other like-minded people: “[ArtWhat makes TOS unique is The Taste of Sounds audience dancing to one of the night’s perfomances. that problem ists] get to [step] out of their the warmth and acceptance that perfectly. bubble and connect with differis rooted in the mission of its The Shade Room!’ And I’m like, By Betty Araya Before ent creatives on different genres. creators. Donalds explained, “A ‘Wow, people actually know ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR each showcase, the team puts out One thing that we have gotten lot of times, as well as at these what’s going on.’” a call for interested artists. “Each feedback about is that people showcases, you’re performing “Anything that [uses] your The Shade Room is a platform month we give out a submission love coming to Taste of Sounds in front of people [who] don’t creative mind.” That is how best known for their Instagram flyer saying to submit their poetbecause they leave with five new care about you ... Even if I don’t Hofstra alum Virginia E. Donaccount that showcases trending ry, [their] clips of them dancing friends or five new collaborations know who you are, I’m still alds, one-third of the Taste of news. Donalds explained, “This or their music to our email and or five new business partners,” going to support you because Sounds (TOS) team, defines art. eight-year-old girl, Amahli Sethen the three of us go through Donalds said. you’re up here showing me your In that sense, Taste of Sounds, lassie came in and was rapping. everyone’s submission and pick Omigie explained that he and true self.” an intimate, student-organized She had the whole crowd going out who we think would best fit his team have plans to expand The next showcase is on showcase created by Donalds, crazy. She was actually the one the theme of the month. And then the TOS brand. “We’re definiteFriday, Feb. 28, at the Sundial Will Omigie and Heather Grant, that went viral. That was one of we contact them,” Donalds said. ly going to be branching out in Herbs & Herbal Health Food perfectly fits the definition of art. the most memorable performanc- Some of the themes to look fordifferent fields, like food. So Shoppe in Uniondale. The TOS Right down to its name, TOS es ever in TOS history.” ward to are ladies’ night, poetry we’ll have Taste of Food,” he team invites all to bring their accurately describes music and TOS’s greatest impact, night and soul sessions. said, speaking about the variety family, friends, loved ones and other forms of expression. Not according to its creators, is the The team believes that TOS and representation that can be talent. Everyone is welcome, and only can you hear or see the community it builds. “The whole gives previously silenced voices expected in future ventures. every talent is celebrated. vulnerability that comes from point was so that people could the platform they need. Donalds Donalds said her hope is someone performing, you can have a chance to show their art, said, “I feel like being at Hofstra “to have a Taste of Sounds in also taste it. TOS reaches beneath to express themselves – express is pretty limiting because our every borough. I love the idea the surface, giving artists a plattheir true selves,” Donalds said. only outlets form and making a deep impact “It’s one thing to just make a are Hofstra on the Hofstra community in the song, but to actually perform it in Concerts process. your element, in front of people and the When asked why the trio who you don’t know but you feel record started TOS, Donalds explained, comfortable with – I think that’s label. And “We just felt as though there amazing.” although were so many creatives around She continued, “From the first I do have Hofstra – around [the] HempTaste of Sounds, everyone was the utmost stead community – [who] needed saying how they love that they respect a voice or a place to express can just talk to anyone who’s for those themselves, so we created our around them, even if they didn’t platforms, first Taste of Sounds in August. know who that person was. It’s they cater We did it in a friend’s backyard. amazing that we were able to toward one From there, the platform has only build a community around peokind of grown [and is] recognized by ple in Hempstead, Brooklyn and artist. One many outside of our campus.” Hofstra.” kind of Donalds continued, “Now, it’s Omigie, a senior internationgenre. And like, when I go to these different al business and management I feel like industry events and I’m like, student, agreed, adding, “Expres- at Taste of ‘Yeah I have this platform called sion means materializing their Sounds, Taste of Sounds,’ they’re like, true selves, their inner selves, we cater ‘What? Taste of Sounds? That’s Photo Courtesy of Emily Barnes their inner enigma – putting to many you? I remember seeing you on your imagination into the world. Tyson Bryce performing at the first Taste of Sounds gathering in August 2019. different
FEATURES
A 7 • THE CHRONICLE
February 4, 2020
Humans of Hofstra
By Leah DeHaemer and Jocelin Montes STA F F W R I T E R / S P E CI AL TO T HE CHRONI CL E
“
I took this seminar my freshman year on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and there were just a couple other freshmen in there. We were reading literature and prose on the conflict from both perspectives, and I started to realize how narratives can change based [on] how you’ve been raised and the way you’ve gone about your life. I’m from Tennessee; I’m from a rural area and I come to New York and it’s a very liberal, very bold area. So I started reading more on the Middle East and I started realizing that the Middle East was what I wanted to study because it’s so completely misunderstood. If we could find a way to frame that and talk about it in a way where everyone can find [something] to relate to, I think we would destigmatize a lot that is happening and actually be able to make progress that is less harmful. I’m really excited about this semester because I’m taking six classes, which I have been taking for every semester, and I’ll be graduating in three years with two majors. This semester I am taking all upper-level classes with professors I really like in areas I’m really interested in. One of the classes I’m taking, for example, is Terrorism in World Politics. It is really interesting to be able to engage in topics on the Middle East and international relations from that perspective, because we always talk about it but we don’t really properly engage with it. I am also taking comparative politics ... so all of my classes are really coming together this semester [and] converging in that one area. It’s really interesting because I’m actually getting to put to practice my education in the area that I want to study specifically. I would say [that] anybody looking [to go] into international affairs [should] intern in it before you make that decision, because that is how you know it’s something [you] want to go into. It’s [international affairs], not something that is happy; it’s never going to be something that is happy, it’s something that you have to learn to see the beauty in. And the only way to do that is to work and intern in it, because then you have those resources and those connections to be able to give you hope. I interned at the Washington Center through World Affairs Councils of America. It was a small non-profit grassroots international affairs organization, and it worked on spreading education on international affairs throughout the country. I interned there during the summer, and that is how I knew that both of my majors were right for me.
Sarah Stevens “
Photo Courtesy of Jocelin Montes
I just got back from studying abroad in Greece, so it’s my first time being a part of the student body again and sitting in the Student Center and people-watching. I started being a tour guide – I volunteered freshman year, and I volunteered the entire year – and then sophomore year I got an official job and got a fancy gold nametag. I just wanted to be a tour guide because I like talking to people, and I like meeting new people and convincing them to like the same things that I like, which is Hofstra. The people are really awesome, all of my coworkers [are]. And meeting new people is fun, which is also why I went abroad, because I got to meet new people. [While studying abroad,] I traveled [to] a bunch of places. I went to Rome and Munich. All of my friends studied abroad in different places; there was Florence, Rome, London, Ireland and me, in Greece. And then for Oktoberfest we all met up in Munich and went together, so, you know, Roll Pride, but in Germany. I went to Rome and saw some of my friends from Hofstra there too, and same with London. Even when we were in different countries, we all still hung out together because we became friends at Hofstra. I’m [also] in DEASL, which is the Deaf Education and American Sign Language (ASL) club. We teach basics, and we get to go out into the community – like, the deaf community. We go to Mill Neck Fall Festival, and just, like, observe deaf culture and learn things. And that’s really fun, because there’s not a lot of ASL classes. ASL doesn’t count as a language requirement at Hofstra, because they think that it’s just like English, but [ASL users] have their whole own culture and their own grammar system. So technically it’s a whole different language, but they only teach ASL 1 and ASL 2, and they only count for credit if you have a very specific minor or major, like speech or disability studies. I’m a disability studies minor, specifically because I wanted to take [ASL] for credit. So that’s a whole issue that we’ve been getting the run-arounds about for a very long time, and it should be considered a language. And that’s that on that.
”
”
Melanie Clark Photo courtesy of Melanie Clark
Gab Varano / The Hofstra Chronicle
A 8 •February 4, 2020
FEATURES
Man on the Unisp a n
What is your best advice for dealing with stress this semester? By Betty Araya
ASSIS TA N T F E AT U R E S E DI TOR
THE CHRONICLE
Overheard @ Hofstra In Constitution Hall:
“Aren’t pierogies just like, Italian potstickers?”
In Memorial Hall: “Hostage or not, sometimes it’s nice to be held.”
At Dunkin’ on the Quad: “I had a phase when I was younger where I fucked with Rascal Flatts.”
In the Netherlands:
“[Everyone should] get a planner and plan everything out ahead before it gets to be too much and they feel overwhelmed.”
*to the tune of Hannah Montana’s “Hoedown Throwdown”* “Put your hawk in the sky and your parrot on the group.”
- Gaby Fatscher, sophomore
On the Unispan: “GOOD MORNING SMEXIES.”
“To make sure you split your time up evenly. Make sure you have time to relax. Make sure you keep your mind right!” - Noah Stone, junior
In Bits n’ Bytes: “I like Elon Musk. He’s not in the game to make money, he just wants to innovate.” In Axinn Library: “You know what I really want the queen of England to do? Slap Trump.”
In the Student Center: “How am I not married yet? Have you seen my resume? I’m girlfriend material.”
In LHSC: “Wait, you got hit by a truck?” “Plan ahead, do little bits at a time and be gentle with yourself.”
“No, I wish.”
- Emily Resnik, junior Betty Araya / The Hofstra Chronicle
Adam Flash / The Hofstra Chronicle
February 4, 2020
FEATURES
A 9 • THE CHRONICLE
Professor Spotlight: Amy Baehr The heart of the matter
people are driven to get to the bottom of things. Philosophers allow themselves to be baffled by the things that most people think are just common sense and Audra Nemirow / The Hofstra Chronicle quite ordinary. Amy Baehr is a professor of philosophy. And I was always like By Audra Nemirow this ... I just couldn’t take things ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR at face value and kept probing With curiosity and a little bit and pushing for meaning all the of detective work, everything time. It wasn’t until I was in in the universe can become college that I really understood, interesting. Philosophy profes‘OK, this is a discipline. It’s an sor Amy Baehr knows this, as academic discipline, and you can an innate, almost unpleasant, get trained in it. And they’ll pay inquisitiveness has guided her you to do it.’ And once I realized since childhood, long before she that, then I knew what I wanted could define it. Whether writing to do.” or not, Baehr has always been a Baehr has been at Hofstra exphilosopher. actly 17 years, teaching courses “My father was a philosophy centered in political philosophy major,” Baehr said. “So maybe and philosophy of law. Remainhe made me into a philosopher, ing informed about contempoor maybe it’s genetic ... not many rary issues allows her to frame
By Gab Varano
hot-button issues in philosophical ways. Baehr believes that this makes the old, overarching philosophical questions more accessible to students, whether they are studying political theory, the relationship between law and morality or any philosophical idea. “Philosophy is a big conversation about some key questions,” Baehr said. “But the questions have a life of their own. In my teaching, the most important thing, I think, is that students have a philosophical conversation in the classroom. And sometimes having them read some old text is really important in getting that to happen, but sometimes you don’t need to use an old text. Sometimes you can use something written yesterday. “I like to do contemporary philosophy,” Baehr said, “because I think the students are more receptive to it than the other stuff. But I don’t need to be trash-talking the old classics, you know. My colleagues take folks through that material beautifully. But I’m really interested in the way people today are framing
these issues.” With expertise comes opinion, but Baehr is careful not to overwhelm her students with her own views, especially due to the strange nature of philosophy. It is far from a set of facts, and there are lots of ways to think. Baehr sees her job as providing students with opportunities to develop their own convictions regarding the subject matter. Baehr is aware that philosophy’s open nature invites skepticism, stereotypes and doubts about its educational validity. All she can say to those who doubt is as follows, “Come hang out with me, three days a week for 55 minutes, and engage in conversation. And then at the end of the semester, you say whether you were enriched in some way – whether you were benefitted in some way. “That ability to be curious and to think more deeply,” she said, “that’s just a wonderful capacity to have, no matter what you end up doing. It makes you a more responsible citizen, it even makes you a better friend, it makes you kinder to yourself. If
you’re a lawyer, it makes you a better lawyer, if you’re a doctor it makes you a better doctor. But I couldn’t explain that to somebody. You have to do philosophy to appreciate its benefits.” It is clear that Baehr marvels at her position. She understands her ability to turn a single-minded passion into a livelihood as a rare and wonderful privilege. While she hopes students are able to tirelessly follow their interests in much the same way, she also offers realistic advice. “Get to know yourself,” she said. “What do you enjoy doing, and what are you curious about? Follow that. And then the other part of me says, you know, ‘Everybody has to make money.’ So, you have to keep track of the things people will pay you to do. And can you turn yourself into the kind of a person who somebody will pay? It makes me sad to say that. Then education is just an ends-means thing. So follow your heart, but also prepare yourself to do things that people will pay you to do.”
@GabGrabsGrub: Spinach and Artichoke Dip
COPY CHIEF
The Super Bowl was this past weekend, and not to brag, but I made some pretty bangin’ dip to go with my chips. Spinach and artichoke dip is one of my favorites, so I was really excited to whip some up and enjoy as I watched the game, the new commercials and the Shakira and J-Lo halftime show, of course. This recipe is from Bon Appetit, but I made a few modifications.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
18 ounces baby spinach (I used fresh, but frozen is okay too – just make sure you thaw it), chopped Two 15 ounces jars of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered 16 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1 inch thick slices 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 garlic cloves, pressed or finely grated About 1 cup of grated Parmesan, plus a little bit extra 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small pieces (easier to melt) 1 ½ teaspoon salt (or more) 1 teaspoon pepper (or more) Tortilla or pita chips for serving
1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. 2. Add garlic and cook, stirring often until fragrant but not browned (approximately 1 minute). 3. Add artichokes and cook. Stir them so that they become coated in garlic butter (1-2 minutes). 4. Add spinach and salt and continue to cook, stirring often until spinach becomes wilted and most of the liquid is cooked off (7-8 minutes). 5. Add cream cheese and stir constantly until melted. 6. Add Parmesan, mozzarella and pepper, then stir until melted and creamy. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning to preference. 8. Serve with chips and dip to your heart’s desire! Follow Gab Varano on Instagram @gabgrabsgrub
2020 Spring Involvement Fair Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020
DECA – Distributive Education Clubs of America – is a pre-professional business club on campus. They attend competitions, host guest speakers and prepare future leaders to enter the business industry.
Habitat for Humanity is a national organization of students who fundraise and volunteer to help build houses for those less fortunate and for those who have been struck by disasters. Culinary Club puts on a wide array of food-related events including “restaurant eating and tours, cooking/baking lessons and tutorials, picnics, fundraising, food festivals, on and off campus events, and competitions,” according to the club’s official GetInvolvedHU page. The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a religious organization on campus that spent the fair making connections and balloon animals and asking Hofstra students about their passions.
Hofstra Filmmakers Club tabled at the fair. The club offers an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to practice their craft and work with other filmmakers.
Photos by Robert Kinnaird / The Hofstra Chronicle
Powerlifitng is a Hofstra club sport. They practice off campus at Crossfire Garden City and focus on specific strength excersises such as bench pressing, squatting and deadlifting.
Spread by Adam Flash, Robert Kinnaird and Talha Siddiqui
VOL. 85 ISSUE 11
‘Miss Americana’: From pop to politics B2 Courtesy of PopSugar
B2•February 4, 2020
A&E
‘Miss Americana’: From pop to politics
Swift shocked the world when she posted an Instagram photo publicly endorsing Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen for Tennessee state senator. She cited LGBTQ rights and equal rights for women as her main reasons of support and encouraged people, particularly younger people, to register to vote. The film shows a Courtesy of Desert News clearly upset Swift discussTaylor Swift has won 10 Grammys, one ing this with her family Primetime Emmy and 29 AMAs, among other awards. and her team, telling them that she needs to speak up. CONTINUED FROM A1 Fearful for how it would impact The film captures something her reputation and worried about else no one had seen before: the how the public would react, behind-the-scenes footage of Swift’s father doesn’t immediSwift’s rise to political activism ately agree with the idea. The since the 2018 midterm elecscene shows Swift’s inability tions. After remaining silent on to stay silent anymore and her politics for much of her career,
desire to use her powerful voice to instill positive change. Perhaps the most beautiful part of the documentary lies within the small, intimate moments showing Swift in the recording studio, casually dressed in sweatpants as we watch her piece together the hits we know so well with producers Joel Little and Jack Antonoff. It is in these organic scenes that we see Swift’s true talent as a singer-songwriter, and her ability to carefully knit together award-winning lyrics and catchy choruses in what seems like seconds. As if Swift’s songs about falling in love and heartbreak weren’t relatable enough, “Miss Americana” allows audiences to connect with her on another
level. The documentary uncovers a new layer to Swift. It’s more than a cinematic look at Swift’s rise to pop stardom. It tackles the difficult, lonely sides of fame, revealing the singer’s struggle with an eating disorder and her need to constantly analyze paparazzi photographs of herself. It shows how someone with one of the most powerful and popular voices in the world sometimes felt like she didn’t have a voice at all. In the honesty within the film’s scenes, the world meets a new and more beautiful side of Swift, and it makes us love her even more. Cover: Taylor Swift
‘Little Women’ garners huge success
By Antonia Moffa
a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards. ASSISTANT COPY CHIEF Saoirse Ronan, who portrayed the second-oldest sister, Jo, put Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation on an outstanding performance. of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved Her ability to display the novel “Little Women” was simultaneous strength and released on Wednesday, Dec. 25, softness of her character, her generating almost $150 million at the box office and garnering fierce loyalty to her family and her deep passion for writing instant critical acclaim. resulted in a realistic portrait The classic story, following of a woman wrestling with the the four March sisters – Meg, difficulties of having a successful Jo, Amy and Beth – and their career in a misogynistic world. attempts to navigate the postJo’s rejection of longtime friend Civil War era American society Laurie’s (Timothée Chalamet) in which they live, was given a romantic advances and her modern twist in this most recent proclamation that she will adaptation. Gerwig’s decision to probably never marry also set her open the film at the end of the apart from her sisters and was novel, during which Jo March symbolic of her broader rejection has already left her family home in rural Massachusetts in favor of of the expectations placed on women in the late-19th century. New York City, added freshness The oldest March sister, Meg to the plot while maintaining its (Emma Watson), was the first essence, progressing through sister to leave the family home to marry and have children, despite her childhood dream of becoming an actress. One of the most poignant moments of the film came when Meg, in defense of her decision to live a traditional life, said to Jo, “Just because my dreams Courtesy of Vox are different than There have been seven film adaptations of “Little Women” since the novel’s release, includ- yours, it doesn’t ing this most recent one.
mean they’re unimportant.” This stood out as a fantastic validation of the life choices that many women make, a reinforcement to audiences that women who focus their energy on raising children are not less capable than women who choose to take on careers, a message that is still strikingly applicable today. Younger sisters Amy and Beth, depicted by Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen, respectively, experienced their own trials and tribulations throughout the film. Amy, an avid painter chosen to accompany the sisters’ ailing but wealthy Aunt March (Meryl Streep) on a trip to Europe, struggles with being away from her sisters and feels pressure to marry a foreign man. Beth, who has a love for music and helping others, is stricken with a devastating illness that serves as a catalyst for the March family to become closer than ever. As a woman, Gerwig was perhaps uniquely situated to ensure that each female character within the film was presented as emotionally complex and dynamic. The film’s feminist convictions do not overshadow the warmth and coziness that it evokes. With heartwarming scenes such as one that shows the March sisters crowding around their mother to listen to a letter from their father, the wholesome core of the family’s dynamic is
reinforced. The beauty of the film’s cinematography captures the innocence of childhood and its inevitable end in a delicate yet relatable way. Scenes of the March sisters frolicking on a beach, skating on an ice pond and walking home with their arms linked may remind audience members of their own childhoods. “Little Women” has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including Ronan’s nomination for Best Actress and Gerwig’s nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. However, many have criticized the academy for neglecting to nominate Gerwig for Best Director, alleging that its members are displaying sexism by only nominating male directors for this award. Regardless of the recognition it receives from formal bodies, Gerwig’s film adaptation of Alcott’s original novel “Little Women” remains a timeless story, acting as a commentary on a wide range of issues including poverty, death, gender inequality and love, all of which are relevant to modern audiences. Gerwig’s film adaptation has propelled “Little Women” into the 21st century, and will delight and touch those both familiar and unfamiliar with the story.
THE CHRONICLE
Quick Hits
Courtesy of Adweek
This year’s Superbowl halftime show starred Latinx artists Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
Courtesy of The Verge
NBC’s “The Good Place” starring Kristen Bell, Ted Danson and Jameela Jamil ended on Thursday, Jan. 30 after four seasons.
Courtesy of PopSugar
Netflix series “Soundtrack,” featuring dancer and actress Jenna Dewan has been cancelled after one season.
Courtesy of WISH-TV
The 73rd British Academy Film Awards aired on Sunday, Feb. 2, with World War I thriller “1917” taking home seven wins.
Courtesy of Broadway Show
“Phantom of the Opera” celebrates its 32nd year on Broadway, making it the longest running show in history.
THE CHRONICLE
A&E
February 4, 2020•B3
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ soars to new heights on Broadway
farmhand accused of rape and assault. It is told through the eyes of siblings Scout and Jem Finch and their friend Dill as they recount the events that led up to the moment Jem broke his arm. Much of their narrative recounts the trial of Robinson, who is being defended by Atticus Finch, Jem and Scout’s father. The Broadway play does a spectacular job presenting Atticus Finch as more than a martyr who tries to instill good values in his children and takes the risk of defending a black man in the racist Courtesy of Broadway Shows Celia Keenan-Bolger won a Tony for her portrayal of Scout at the 2019 Tony South, like he is in the book. Awards. Instead, Atticus is portrayed as somewhat of a tragic hero By Eleni Kothesakis opened on Broadway over a year who has his own faults. He is ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ago on Dec. 13, 2018, and since narrow-minded in his approach then it has already become the to teaching his children, focusEight times a week on the highest-grossing American play ing too much on being good and Shubert Theatre stage, Harper ever. polite rather than being brave and Lee’s classic novel, “To Kill Mirroring the book, “To Kill outspoken, like Jem and Scout a Mockingbird,” comes to a Mockingbird” follows the really are. life. While the novel is wellmembers of Maycomb County Atticus also fails to notice how known and loved by many, the as they unravel and exploit racial his position as an educated white Broadway production of the tensions surrounding the case man has given him privileges novel is still in its infancy. It against Tom Robinson, a black
and an outlook on life that is not shared by everyone in Maycomb County. The Finch family’s black housekeeper, Calpurnia, acts as a guiding force for Atticus, showing him that he is not as much of a martyr as he thinks he is. Atticus Finch, who is typically thought of as the perfect example of “good,” is portrayed as someone less than perfect. This fresh portrayal of Atticus was furthered by a fantastic performance by Ed Harris. Known for his award-winning roles in “Empire Falls,” “Game Change” and “Pollock,” Harris’s talent shines effortlessly on stage. Harris is both delicate and sharp as Atticus Finch, easily shifting from the mannerisms of a lawyer to those of a father. Scout (Nina Grollman), Jem (Nick Robinson) and Dill (Taylor Trensch) all excelled in their roles, bringing life and even humor to an otherwise somber story. They all beautifully portray the loss of innocence that their characters face when exposed to the hatred and racism
in their community. “To Kill A Mockingbird” is a story about innocence and how one of the greatest sins we can commit is taking that innocence away from someone – as Atticus says, “It is a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Maycomb County took the innocence away from people like Scout, Jem, Dill, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, who were all completely changed because of the negative, hateful actions of townsfolk. Grollman, Robinson and Trensch make the audience feel like they too are witnessing a sin being committed. Any live representation of a book seldom lives up to the impact of the original, but the Broadway play easily holds its own. The story stays true to the original but adds elements that make the characters shine beyond the words on the page. Whether you’ve read the book or not, “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Broadway will keep you on the edge of your seat and itching to grab a copy of Harper Lee’s classic.
‘Just Mercy’ is just perfect By Annemarie LePard ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx tackled racial injustice and captured the raw emotions of a condemned man in his last moments before execution in the film “Just Mercy,” which premiered in theaters Christmas Day. “Just Mercy” follows the true story of recent Harvard Law School graduate Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) who moves to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned, or those not afforded proper representation and placed on death row. One of Stevenson’s first cases is that of African American logger Walter McMillian (Foxx), who was sentenced to die in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old white woman, despite the evidence proving his innocence. Stevenson encounters racism in the following years, along with legal and political maneuverings as he tirelessly fights for McMillian’s life. However, McMillian’s case
is not the whole picture; rather, it is a “totemic example of how a socioeconomic system forged within the furnace of slavery still bears the shackles of its past,” according to The Guardian’s Mark Kermode. The African American community of the South was subject to harassment and injustice from the U.S. criminal justice system, as Stevenson himself endured a humiliating strip search during his visit to death row. Despite being a lawyer, the officers only saw the color of his skin. Stevenson is not just challenging a single conviction, but also the “deep legacies of slavery and Jim Crow,” said A.O. Scott of The New York Times. Despite Stevenson being a man of heroic decency, he is not always dramatically interesting. Much of his character is showcased through glorified speeches and music-heavy moments, leaving his inner life largely unexplored. Directors tend to dehumanize criminals in their films, but Destin Daniel Cretton gives the
inmates on death row the humanity they deserve. Audiences get a glimpse into their lives as they deal with the daily struggle of accepting their execution, whether they are at fault for the crime or wrongfully accused. One inmate left a particularly deep impression. Vietnam veteran Herbert Richardson, portrayed by Rob Morgan, does not deny his guilt, and the mixture of remorse, terror and the simple grief he feels as he contemplates his fate is heartbreaking. “You feel not only his sense of guilt, but the demons that infected his brain during combat,” said Odie Henderson for Rogerebert. com. In Richardson’s last scene he is facing his fate at the electric chair, and the horrific scene is so well-acted that it leaves the audience haunted. “It’s the only time the viewer is forced to be uncomfortably conflicted, to think about the complicated nature of injustice,” Henderson said. Richardson’s fellow inmates, however, do not see him as the
man who killed an innocent woman, rather a man who was deprived of the support and mental health resources he needed. The interactions between Richardson, McMillian and fellow inmate Anthony Ray Hinton (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) are insightful, showing how those waiting to die try to ease each other’s pain. They continually support one another until their last breaths with the clanging of cups on the cell bars.
“‘Just Mercy’ keeps its emotions on a low simmer, its absorbing, tautly designed drama finally coming to a climax that is satisfying on one level, and absolutely shattering on another,” said Washington Post movie critic Ann Hornaday. “‘[Just Mercy]’ is masterfully constructed to keep us inside a story that otherwise would be too brutal to bear.”
Courtesy of GamesRadar On the Rotten Tomatoes scale, “Just Mercy” scored an 83% with an audience score of 99%.
B4•February 4, 2020
A&E
THE CHRONICLE
The fall of ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ By Robert Kinnaird MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
SPOILERS WITHIN Rian Johnson left the new trilogy off with “The Last Jedi,” the best Star Wars movie since “The Empire Strikes Back” came out in 1980. After the somewhat unoriginal – but good – “Force Awakens” started the new trilogy, “The Last Jedi” moved the story down an original and interesting path with compelling themes about what makes a hero and what truly defines a Jedi. Then, in December 2019, “The Rise of Skywalker” screwed it all up. The first problem to note is that half of the movie happens off screen. Characters also have pivotal relationships and developments that are never actually addressed in the film. Instead, they are only vaguely referenced, left out entirely or solely discussed in supplemental material, like the art book that Disney released for the film. Director J.J. Abrams confirmed in an interview that Finn, played by John Boyega, wanted to tell Rey, the protagonist played by Daisy Ridley, that he is force sensitive, but never got the chance to do so in the movie. For some reason, all evidence of his force
sensitivity didn’t make the final shoehorned in poorly, and fails to the world and anyone can use the cut. They also introduced Zorii justify the decision to bring him force. Abrams took that theme, Bliss (Kerri Russel) an old friend back. His inclusion feels forced threw it out and replaced it with of Poe (Oscar Isaac), who gets no and underdeveloped, taking away eugenics. It took the girl from characterization or development from the emotional core of the nowhere and turned her into the before giving the main character movie and making the overall granddaughter of the galaxy’s her most valued possession. This conflict less engaging. most powerful Sith Lord because, is because accordof the ing to this apparent movie, strong greatrelationness can’t ship she come has with from Poe, all anywhere, of which it can only happens be bred. off screen. This is a The culminaworst tion of the example idea of of signifia “force cant plot dyad,” elements which is occurring when a off screen Skywalker Courtesy of Den of Geek is that and a “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” grossed over $1 billion worldwide, against an Emperor Palpatine Palpatine, estimated $275 million budget. come played together by the and their fantastic Ian McDiarmid, returns superior genes apparently create The most offensive part of in the yellow text crawl iconic weird force magic. This, by the Palpatine’s inclusion is that it to the series. There is no explaway, was never established in destroyed the themes established nation for how he survived the previously in the saga when a in “The Last Jedi.” Johnson’s events of the original trilogy, in Palpatine and a Skywalker spent Star Wars film told a story where which he explodes on camera. His origins don’t matter: anyone can considerable time together. relation to the last few movies is Beyond that, the plot is rushed be important, anyone can save
and nonsensical, with half of the movie being taken up by a search for a MacGuffin that would lead the cast to another MacGuffin. Because of the time this takes, all the other elements, like Palpatine’s return and the actual conflict of this movie, feel rushed. There are two major fake-out deaths of characters from the original trilogy that are reversed within minutes. Major plot points and characters from previous movies are either abandoned or poorly developed, like Rose, who was written out of the franchise. The Knights of Ren, who were built up throughout the plot, ended up just being menacing figures who are thrown away in a lame fight that works as no more than a speed bump before the final fight with Palpatine. With all these problems, the movie lost any emotional punch. The climax at the end elicited laughs from several people in the theater, and the applause at the end of the movie could only be described as weak. This was a far cry from the deafening cheers heard at the end of “The Force Awakens,” back when the new trilogy began.
The baddest witch is back in ‘The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ By Daniel Gordon SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE
The baddest witch in Greendale, Sabrina Spellman, came back Friday, Jan. 24, for the third part of her crazy, hellish life in “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.” What might seem like a show about the differences between hell and Earth is actually a story of finding oneself. With the help of her aunts, cousins, friends and the witches of the Church of Night, Sabrina Spellman comes to discover that she isn’t just a Spellman, but also a Morningstar – that is, the daughter of Lucifer. On the surface, the show follows a young, rebellious 16-yearold high school student going on crazy adventures to hell and back, but Sabrina is also on a soulsearching journey. One thing that made this season different from
the others was that Sabrina found out who she was and what she wanted. The plot gave viewers a roller coaster of thrill, emotion and excitement, showing Sabrina’s values of bravery, love and family. Sabrina’s character reflects all of these throughout this season, while still being a badass both in hell and on Earth. These sides of Sabrina come out in her interactions, especially with her family and friends, reinforcing Sabrina’s selflessness as the message of the season. Along with the plot, the aesthetic of the series as a whole complements the emotions that the characters evoke. The dark and magical vibe of the show is reinforced by both warm and cold colors. Throughout the series, viewers see different shades of blues, purples, reds, oranges and
yellows that go along with the themes of Earth and hell. Earth is depicted as a dull and dingy place, while hell is a dark and fluorescent underground world. As a whole, the reboot does an amazing job giving the original 1996 series a modernized twist, making it a more relatable and mystical adventure. Although similar, the differences really show between both series’. The 1996 series was portrayed as more of a sitcom-style show, with an aesthetic that was aimed toward more light pastel colors whereas the reboot took a darker turn. Another noticeable difference is that the remake is what one would call a bingeable series, meaning you have to watch the next episode to know the outcome of the previous episode’s cliffhanger. The third season of this crazy whirlwind adventure keeps
the audience on its toes for the duration of the series and leaves viewers wanting more. Get on
your broomsticks and get ready for a part four.
Courtesy of Inverse The original “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” series ran for seven seasons, from 1996 to 2003.
OP-ED
A12 • FEBRUARY 4, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
The The views and opinions expressed in the Editorial section are those of the authors of the articles. They are not an endorsement of the views of The Chronicle or its staff. The Chronicle does not discriminate based on the opinions of the authors.
Coronavirus panic is not a free pass for ignorance
By Jessica Zhang
On the first day of class, I walked around campus with even more social anxiety than usual. I felt jumpy and skittish, constantly wondering if people were looking at me with suspicion or giving me a wide berth because they thought I was sick. I tried my best not to look tired or sniffle, hoping the dark circles under my eyes would read as “sleep-deprived” rather than “deathly ill with the coronavirus.” I can only imagine what the Chinese international students were thinking about that day. Who knows, maybe they didn’t care. The paranoia could have been all in my head and I doubted that anyone would say anything to my face, but we’re all too familiar with how people in this country hide their
prejudices behind a kind smile. This is not new: the panic surrounding the Ebola virus in 2014 was also overblown and many people of African descent received an unnecessary amount of scrutiny. I understand that people want to be safe and protect the people they care about, but the threat level of the coronavirus is not high enough in the U.S. to justify anything even remotely extreme. The coronavirus that’s impacting the world right now originated in Wuhan, China. It bears similarities to (Severe Acute Respiratory System) SARS, which also originated in China. The Chinese government tried to cover up how serious the threat level was in 2003 with SARS and also tried to downplay this current outbreak earlier in January, but the international
news cycle prevented similar attempts to suppress information leaks. However, shady governmental behavior and the virus’ appearance in the U.S are not hall passes to be disparaging of Chinese culture or Chinese people.
and wetland. Obama’s now dead definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), installed in 2015 and repealed in 2019, expanded the Clean Water Act (CWA), extending federal protections to important interstate waters of the United States. Pre-2019, farmers and companies would have had to seek a permit to dispose of industrial or agricultural waste in federally protected waters or wetlands. The 2015 legislation was well intended, and from my perspective, it was just. However, the frustration farmers felt was clear. Democrats’ imposition of rules on farmers was used by Republicans as a powerful political tool to increase division. In the eyes of many farmers, Obama was not legislating for their wellbeing and future, but instead for those living in metropolitan areas. Trump’s repeal of the rule was no surprise, as it was one of his first promises Middle America in his campaign. However, the
legal entanglements to come are immense, and environmental groups are expected to bring out all they can against the executive order. Industries would have to consider some dangerous risks if they want to violate previous regulations. I have had a lot of experience learning about rural ideals and morals. As a kid, I spent my summers in my dad’s hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. My dad grew up on a large cattle ranch, and I got caught small snippets of the life he led before he entered the corporate world. My family had ranched until natural gas booms transformed the economy of Southeastern Oklahoma in the ‘90s and the early 2000s. While I am always a proponent for green energy, there are not a lot of green options for people that live in Oklahoma. I believe that rural America needs sweeping federal safety nets, or, more preferable to Oklahomans, a massive private sector incentive if we are to compensate for
“Believing a whole country’s population ‘deserves it’ because of the actions of a select few is reductive and cruel.” Ignorant and illogical thinking fuels fear, exactly what the world does not need as people work to address the epidemic and its victims. Being suspicious of people who look Chinese will not make you any
safer. The immediate reaction to troubling news in this era is to make jokes and memes about the situation. Humor is a coping mechanism, but the coronavirus patients are part of something unprecedented and terrifying, so they need to be treated with the compassion and care that suffering people deserve. These jokes should never cross the line into generalization and outright racism. Although the numbers look scary, we have not been left defenseless against the virus. As of Monday, Feb. 3, the eight coronavirus patients in the U.S. have been put into isolation, limiting the chances that the contagion spreads to someone else. They have all been travelers who came directly from Wuhan. This campus has no need
for the panic that disinformation can generate. In our area, there is much more of a threat from cold and flu strains than the coronavirus. Practicing good hygiene is key, and it is something people should be doing anyway. Everyone benefits from being surrounded by people who are doing their best to stay healthy. That being said, people still get sick; my immune system might not make it through the season unscathed. I just want my sniffles to be given the benefit of the doubt. Jessica Zhang is a sophmore double major in publishing studies and mass media studies with a minor in sociology. She writes about the Y/A genre and diversity in publishing.
Trump said he’d help farming families like mine. He lied.
By Daniel Cody
On Thursday, Jan. 3, farmers, real estate developers, mining companies and other industries rejoiced at the Trumpian rollback of Obama-era regulations on wetlands, tributaries and other waterways. President Trump signed an executive order creating the new “Navigable Waters Rule,” which punted decades of environmental protections out the window. Trump essentially let go of all official federal rules obligating companies to seek permits to discharge waste in waterways or build on protected wetlands. When faced with backlash about the future health of America’s water, Trump justified his actions by claiming the old regulations had been examples of federal government overreach onto farm land. Trump aligned with Supreme Court Justice Scalia’s opinion in the case of Rapanos v. United States, which dictated that the federal government must protect minimal amounts of water
the difficulties of shifting our economy to green energy and agriculture. The permit-based programs installed under the Obama administration were not the most efficient, but they were important. Repealing old regulations is just an obvious short-term political boost. The CWA protected crucial wetlands and streams from polluters. Aquatic infrastructure in the Midwest is crumbling. According to extensive reporting published by the Associated Press in November 2019, upward of 1,600 Midwestern dams have been rendered dysfunctional, and state governments are too money-stricken to fix them. This means that they are not preventing runoff of harmful byproducts and are instead letting a freefall of toxins into the local environments. Trump gave the go-ahead for companies to pollute without regulation, leaving respective populations extremely vulnerable. I urge my fellow liberals to think about the often-forgotten
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rural populations in places like my second home of Oklahoma. Conversely, after resettling in Pennsylvania, my dad reentered his passion for agriculture by opening up a winery in Chester County, a key battleground for the 2020 election. Concerns about agriculture can even convert voters there, where agriculture is a keystone of the local charm. The challenge for liberal politicians is the forked path of immediate and largescale revolution or slow and gradual adjustment, and with whichever path they choose, it must include America’s heartland of farmers.
Daniel Cody is a freshman journalism major who writes on topical politics and the discourse that follows. Find him on Twitter @danielhcody.
OP-ED
THE CHRONICLE
FEBRUARY 4, 2019 • A13
What Kobe Bryant means to rape survivors
By Sarah Emily Baum
All-Star basketball player, philanthropist, beloved father and husband Kobe Bryant died last week in a helicopter crash. With him were his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, six family friends and a pilot on their way to a youth basketball tournament in California. He leaves behind three more daughters and his wife, Vanessa. The love and ambition with which Bryant lived his life will always be a part of his legacy. The 2003 sexual assault charges brought against him by a 19-year-old hotel employee will also be part of his legacy. These truths – that he could love his daughters so fiercely, yet harm another young woman so profoundly – may seem irreconcilable. But they reveal a great deal about our culture and the way we perceive those who perpetrate sexual violence. When the accusations came to light, Bryant faced severe public backlash. But after receiving death threats from Bryant’s fan base, his accuser
refused to testify in criminal court. They settled a civil suit. Bryant didn’t admit guilt but he did apologize, saying, “Although I truly believe this encounter between us was consensual, I recognize now that she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did.” Despite this low, Bryant continued to shine as one of the best players the NBA has ever seen. He founded three charities and inspired the country, becoming an icon to disaffected young people donning his jersey in the schools and streets of Los Angeles. It creates a stark cognitive dissonance. How could someone so loved do something so depraved? Media depictions of a rapist or domestic abuser are often a stranger with a dagger hiding in the bushes, or a master manipulator like movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. In reality, sexual abusers can be anyone. People who rape are human, but that does not excuse their actions. They may endure hardships as a result of their
crimes coming to light, but it does not mean their crimes should be punished any less harshly. Some may try to quantify harm versus good, saying, “He did this so it cancels out that,” or that other powerful men harmed many whereas Bryant was accused of raping only one. There is a spectrum of sexual violence and so much of it is tainted with an unsettling gray. But in every single instance of rape, the person at fault is the attacker, not the victim. We seem to relegate our sympathy and empathy to the former and not the latter. Many have told me to put myself in the shoes of his wife and children. What if, among their unimaginable grief, they are forced to reckon with the fact their loved one was an alleged rapist? To that, I counter: What if you were raped and then forced to watch everyone around you praise your attacker, with no mention of what they took from you? Moreover, Bryant was not a private citizen. His life and death transpired in the press,
and he signed off on that fact when he chose a career which yields to the limelight. Therefore, his actions do not exist in a bubble. We cannot wait a day, a month or a year for these conversations because this rhetoric impacts survivors right now. When a public figure commits an act of harm, it is an echo. Likewise, when the public excuses Bryant and silences his accuser, they are tacitly excusing all rapists and silencing all accusers. A single moment should not define a person’s life. I’d argue, for Bryant, it in no way did – even though his earnings took a hit when the accusations came to light, he quickly bounced back. He had a wonderful career, a loving family and an adoring fan base. He was not “cancelled” in 2003. But where many sexual abusers can move on from their “mistake” or their “one bad choice,” their victims are forced to endure that trauma every day for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, unlike their attacker, victims do not get to have a choice in the matter.
That’s what makes it rape. People are complicated and contradictory. We are messy, flawed and hard to stomach. If you were a fan of Kobe, you should not spite yourself for grieving his death. But you must recognize that rape is a monstrous act. At the same time, rapists are painfully human. All the worst monsters are. None of this inherently warrants forgiveness, leniency or sympathy. Rather, it puts matters into perspective. Because if even “good” people, loving parents and loyal partners have the capacity to rape, that means people we know and love have the capacity to harm in this way too – even ourselves. That is the most terrifying monster of all. Sarah Emily Baum is a sophomore journalism and public policy major with bylines in Teen Vogue, HuffPost and the New York Times. Find her on Twitter @SarahEmilyBaum.
HofCATS: The Musical: The Movie
Comic by Mark Herron
OP-ED
A14 • FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Bernie might actually win this thing
By Robert Kinnaird
Despite all the handwringing by centrists, attack ads by super PACs and the anti-Semitic smears by the mainstream media, Bernie Sanders is coming out on top and all the “vetting” done by other Democrats is turning up nothing. No matter how much Hillary Clinton wants to insist that “no one likes him,” he just might become the Democratic nominee. Mainstream Democrats are not shy to speak out against Senator Sanders. Clinton suggested that he sabotaged her campaign against Donald Trump, despite the fact that in 2016 she happily accepted his endorsement and all the campaigning he did on her behalf. Obama suggested that if it looked like Bernie Sanders would get the nomination he would “speak up” to stop it, but that hasn’t stopped his campaign, or even slowed it down for that matter. Sanders’ outsider
By Betty Araya
attitude may not work for the war criminals that used to run our country, but it certainly appeals to the average voter that hasn’t committed extrajudicial executions. Senator Sanders is leading in the polls in most of the early states for the Democratic primary, he is leading in polls when it comes to beating Trump in the general and he has a shockingly high level of support from independent voters. Everything the moderate liberals have said Sanders cannot do, he is proving again and again that he can. However, it is possible he still might lose because of the way that delegates work in the Democratic primary. In the Iowa caucauses, Democratic primary elections award delegates to candidates based on the amount of support they get (as long as they get at least 15 percent of the vote), and when a candidate who has already won delegates drops out, they can endorse another, essentially giv-
ing them their delegates. Here is Sanders’ greatest danger. If the other viable candidates start dropping and lean moderate, someone like Biden or Buttigieg might appeal to them and get their delegates. If the other Democrats reach the conclusion that Sanders is the wrong candidate to take on Trump (something that very few polls suggest), they can put all their support behind someone like Biden. If this happens, the Democratic party will essentially be handing Trump the general, but it is still a real possibility. If there’s one thing Democrats do a lot, it’s losing to beatable Republicans because they can’t stop fighting among themselves. Senator Sanders is looking good going into the primaries but his supporters can’t get too comfortable and start thinking about his nomination as a certain thing. He appeals to the working class, to marginalized peoples and to young people, but they have to turn out to vote
if they still want him to win. Sanders appeals to a massive section of the population, but he doesn’t appeal to his political rivals. If they want to sabotage him, they can, but they will have to answer for it when their moderate choice ends up giving the election to Donald Trump on a silver platter. The moderates have to admit that their strategy doesn’t work anymore. You can’t beat Trump with weakwilled centrism. You beat him with hope, compassion, kindness and vision. You don’t beat him with the same neoliberal consensus that has ruled both parties since the Reagan administration. You beat him with the relentless optimism that only Bernie Sanders delivers.
given their lives, while the rest of us pray for the courage to be able to do the same? Why are we equating homophobia to Christianity? Why have we created rhetoric that claims liberalism is the opposite of piety? Why has Christianity become a punchline? As a devout member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, I can confidently say that the many ways I have seen the name of Christ being used to justify acts of hatred go against the very fabric of my faith. The real adversary is not Christ, but people who have given up their humanity to fulfill an agenda, and that agenda is seldom the conversion of others, but rather power. Money, land and control of those at a disadvantage are justified in the name of God, contradicting everything He has ever said. I cannot come up with a legal or constitutional defense for the immorality of the blasphe-
mous film, and I don’t want to. I don’t believe this is an issue of legality, but humanity, and ignorance brought on by the arrogant. My hope is that even those who do not believe in the God whose nature was coarsely misrepresented would share in the rage of me and my fellow Christians. The goal of this new wave of liberalism is to remedy the hatred of past generations. So let me share some convictions I have been given. The role given to Christians is to act in love and tolerance of everyone, understanding that even those of us dedicating our lives to the faith have failed. For that very reason, we are not to judge. For that very reason, we are to remain meek when commenting on the sins of others, because true righteousness is understanding no one is truly righteous. Not only has the Constitution given everyone the right to choose their beliefs, but the
Bible states that each individual is given the same choice. So please, by all means, do you. Just please, leave my God out of it. I apologize for any Christian who has acted with pride, the trait I attribute to most things wrong with the world. Christ had nothing to do with the bad reputation the Faith was given: man did.
QUICK HITS
I’M NOT WITH HER Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) attended a Bernie Sanders campaign event earlier this week, where she led the crowd in booing comments Hillary Clinton had made about Sanders.
Robert Kinnaird is a junior majoring in global studies and journalism.
Christianity is not a punchline
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, Netflix came out with the film “The First Temptation of Christ.” This film resulted in immense backlash, with millions of Christians outraged that the beliefs that give their life meaning were mocked for the sake of entertainment. In the 1950s, the exhibition of the foreign film “The Miracle,” was initially restricted in the state of New York. Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson was a landmark case that declared film censorship unconstitutional. The First Amendment and how far it extends is what I see as the foundation of our democracy, but shouldn’t there be a line? Should freedom of expression be a moral defense for smearing the sacred beliefs of nearly one-third of the world? Should freedom of religion be a defense for those without it to exhibit irreverence for Someone in Whose name many have
THE CHRONICLE
Betty Araya is a junior journalism and global studies major with a minor in creative writing. She is the assistant features editor and strives to publish work that inspires humanitarianism.
Have an opinion? We want to hear it. Email us at HofstraChronicleEditorials@gmail.com
TWITTER-IN-CHIEFS President Donald Trump was mocked online after the SuperBowl, when he sent a congratulatory tweet to the Kansas City Chiefs from “the great state of Kansas.” The problem? The Chiefs are from Missouri..
CLICKS AGAINST HUMANITY Cards Against Humanity announced Monday night that it bought the website Clickhole from its former owner, G/O Media.
CAN EU NOT? As of Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, the United Kingdom is not longer a part of the European Union, thus finalizing the Brexit decision.
THE CHRONICLE
FEBRUARY 4, 2020 A 15
SPORTS
Pride Performer of the Week
BUIE DESURE
VS ELON
VS WILLIAM & MARY
"BUIE IS A CANDIDATE FOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR, HE SHOULD BE IN THE CONVERSATION" - JOE MIHALICH
18 POINTS 11 ASSISTS 22 POINTS 7 ASSISTS Pro Focus: Kobe Bryant leaves behind legacy to remember By David Lazar ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Savor every second; no matter how big or how small, be thankful for each moment. We are all blessed to live in this great world, and as shown by last week’s tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and seven others, it all can disappear in an instant. Be thankful, humble and kind to others, just like the great one we have lost. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 was a sad day. There’s Wayne Gretzky in hockey. There’s Tom Brady in football. There’s Babe Ruth in baseball. And there’s Kobe Bryant in basketball. Rarely has a name meant so much, symbolized such glory and served as an inspiration and role model for so many. Bryant was one of the good ones, always bettering those around him with his positivity
and perseverance. “Have a good time,” Bryant said in a 2008 interview. “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling.” He showed us all that hard work was important in order to achieve your dreams. “When we are saying this cannot be accomplished, this cannot be done, then we are short-changing ourselves,” Bryant said in a 2015 documentary. “My brain, it cannot process failure. It will not process failure. Because if I have to sit there and face myself and tell myself, ‘You’re a failure,’ I think that is worse, that is almost worse than death.” His attitude on and off the court was a beacon of hope that there is good in the world. “The most important thing is
to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do,” Bryant said in reference to his Mamba Sports Academy. Life and sports are an interesting medley. We’re told to not take a mere game so seriously, but sports are a unifier. They bring us together. Bryant was a king of the sports world, and his loss hurts. A lot. Basketball may just be basketball. Sports may just be sports. However, there is a reason some people transcend these borders and unite us all. There is a lesson to learn from this heartbreak. Go to someone you love or someone you trust and just talk to them. Give them a hug and tell them how much they mean to you. You never know what can happen. Life is short. Tragedy strikes. So live every day with newfound importance and
meaning, but don’t just live. Love. Kobe Bryant, thank you for leaving us with your legacy. We will always remember all that you did and all those who you
helped, touched and bettered. “It’s the one thing you can control,” Bryant said. “You are responsible for how people remember you – or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.”
Graphic courtesy of David Lazar
A 16• FEBRUARY 4, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
SPORTS
Pride avenges early loss to Tribe with monstrous win By Mike Senatore STAFF WRITER
Final Hofstra
83
W&M
60
On Saturday, Feb. 1, the Hofstra men’s basketball team made a statement with their victory over the top team in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the Tribe of the College of William & Mary, by a score of 83-60 at the Kaplan Arena in Williamsburg, Virginia. With 18 seconds left in the first half and the Pride holding a four-point lead, Tareq Coburn hit back-to-back three-pointers after going just 1-for-5 from the field prior to the burst, creating a 10-point lead for Hofstra and placing the momentum firmly in the Pride’s corner at the halftime horn.
Four minutes and 28 seconds into the second half, a stepback shot from mid-range by Desure Buie kicked off a 21-4 run for the Pride that created a 68-44 advantage over the Tribe with 9:48 left in the game. Buie led all players in scoring with 22 points as he shot 9-for-15 from the field and added seven assists. “[Buie] is a candidate for [CAA] Player of the Year,” said Hofstra head coach Joe Mihalich. “[He] should be in the conversation. Does he get it at the end of the year? Probably not, because everybody else has been more hyped, but what a year he’s had. He’s just been unbelievable.” Hofstra’s offense was efficient all game long as the team shot above 50% from the field in both halves. The Pride finished the game shooting 54% from the field and went 11-for-23 on attempts from long range, hitting 48%. The team also
held a key advantage over the Tribe in turnovers, as William & Mary lost the ball 13 times in the game due to Hofstra’s defense firing on all cylinders and forcing mistakes throughout the game. All five members of Hofstra’s starting unit finished the game with double digits in points. Coburn had 19 points while shooting 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Eli Pemberton had 16 points and five rebounds. Isaac Kante shot a perfect 6-for-6 with a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Jalen Ray added 10 points despite a shaky shooting performance and tallied four assists and two steals. William & Mary’s star center, Nathan Knight, put up an impressive stat line of 19 points and 16 rebounds, 11 of which came in just the first half. Bryce Barnes was the only other member of the Tribe to reach double-digits in points, as
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Eli Pemberton scored 16 points and grabbed five boards for the Pride.
he tallied 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting. “As good as we played today, that’s the way they played when they came to our place,” said Mihalich, referencing the Tribe’s 88-61 win against the Pride on Thursday, Jan. 2. “I guess we’re even now, and if there’s a rubber match, we have to wait and see what happens.” With the victory, the Pride is
now in a three-way tie for first place in the CAA standings with the Tribe and the College of Charleston Cougars, as all three teams boast conference records of 8-3. The Pride also leads the nation in road wins this season with nine. Hofstra returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 8, to host Northeastern University at home.
Wrestling controls double-header; earns fourth-straight win By Will Wiegelman STAFF WRITER
The Hofstra wrestling team went 2-0 in two matches on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the David S. Mack Physical Education Building. Sage Heller finished with two wins by fall and was one of five Pride wrestlers to win both of his matches of the day. Hofstra trounced the Franklin & Marshall College Diplomats 45-3 in their first dual meet before coming back to take down the Columbia University Lions, 24-14. With the victories, the Pride (7-5) moved to 4-0 in Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) play for the first time since joining the conference in 2013. “The guys fought their butts off for their team, for the logo,” said coach Dennis Papadatos, “That inspires other guys.” Dylan Ryder had a huge day with a major decision and a tech fall in the 125-weight class and finishing with a combined match-point score of 30-2. He grabbed two points as time
expired in the third period against Franklin & Marshall’s Jose Diaz to turn a 15-2 major decision into a 17-2 tech fall. He followed that up with a 13-0 shutout of Columbia’s Joe Manchio, the No. 25 ranked 125-pound wrestler in the country according to FloWrestling. Ryder has won eight of his last nine matches, all in dual meets. In the 133-pound weight class, freshman Justin Hoyle bounced back from a loss in Friday’s dual meet against Davidson College. He pinned Diplomat Jack Bruce 1:37 into the first period before coming out on top of a high-scoring, 15-8 match with Lion Angelo Rini. Against Davidson, “That wasn’t Justin Hoyle,” Papadatos joked. In this dual meet, “That’s Justin Hoyle.” Vinny Vespa had a rough day in the 141-pound weight class, dropping both of his matches. Wilfredo Gil scored Franklin & Marshall’s only team points of the dual meet with a 3-2 victory while Matt Kazimir got
Columbia’s first points of that dual meet with a 10-0 major decision. The youngest Heller brother, Reece, wrestled at 149 pounds and went 1-1 on the day. Against the Diplomats, he pinned Christiaan Dailey 26 seconds into the second period but dropped a major decision to Andrew Garr, 11-3, to give Columbia an 8-7 lead at the time. “[His] effort was there,” Papadatos said of his loss, “[He] made a bunch of true freshman mistakes, we’re gonna go fix it.” At 157 pounds against Franklin & Marshall, Holden Heller took 21 more seconds than his brother but got a pin of his own. He also dropped his match with Columbia, a close 2-0 decision to push the Lions’ lead to 11-7. The other half of the dual meets began with Ricky Stamm at 165 pounds for the Pride. He began the day with an 8-6 decision over WrestleStat’s No. 32 ranked wrestler in the nation, Emmett LiCastri of Franklin & Marshall. Stamm finished strong
as well, scoring a takedown with 12 seconds to go in his match with Columbia’s Riley Jacops to steal a 3-1 victory. That win stopped a three-match win streak for the Lions and cut their lead to 11-10. Perhaps the most impressive wrestler of the day was the eldest Heller brother, Sage. He scored a pin over the Diplomats’ Crew Fullerton with two seconds to go before delivering a devastating blow to Columbia in his next match. Trailing Lennox Wolak 13-4 after one period, Heller put him on his back for the pin, taking the lead back for Hofstra, 16-11. It was the last of a season-high four falls on the day for the Pride. Charles Small went 1-1 for the Pride at 184 pounds, defeating Franklin & Marshall’s Reid Robilotto by way of injury forfeit before being shut out by Columbia’s Joe Franzese, 3-0. Despite the forfeit win, Small was leading in points at the time of Robilotto’s injury. After a forfeit win where he didn’t even get to wrestle
on Friday against Davidson, 197-pound wrestler Trey Rogers dominated in two major decisions. He scored eight takedowns against Diplomat Ethan Seeley en route to an 18-6 win before scoring three in the final 30 seconds against Sam Wustefeld to grab a 14-6 victory. “He’s tough [and] he put it together,” Papadatos said. “He’s Captain America.” His second victory pushed the Pride advantage over Columbia to 20-14. The Pride’s heavyweight, Zachary Knighton-Ward pushed his personal win-streak to five, going 2-0 on Saturday and giving up just one point. Three takedowns led him to an 8-1 decision over Franklin & Marshall’s Vincenzo Pelusi before he sealed Hofstra’s win over Columbia with a 9-0 major decision against Danny Conley. The Pride have gone 6-2 over their eight-meet homestand and will take a four-meet winning streak to Fairfax, Virginia when they visit George Mason University on Sunday, Feb. 9.
THE CHRONICLE
FEBRUARY 4, 2020 A 17
SPORTS
Comeback falls short as women’s basketball falls to 0-9 in CAA By DJ Lopes STAFF WRITER
F i nal CofC
63
Hofstra
60
It came down to the final buzzer, but the Hofstra women’s basketball team could not complete the comeback, falling 63-60 to the College of Charleston at home on Sunday, Feb. 2. With the loss, the Pride falls to 3-17 and remains winless in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Sophomore forward Arynn Eady led all scorers for the Cougars with 20 and the Pride had three players in double figures, led by Jaylen Hines who had 11 points and a career-high 18 rebounds. “[I’m] really proud of the girls fight tonight,” said Hofstra head
coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “I think we’re getting closer to playing the 40 minutes of consistency that we’re looking for in this team.” The Cougars put very early pressure on the Pride, forcing them into nine turnovers in the first quarter alone. Additionally, Charleston got off to a hot start from three, hitting three of their first five shots from long range. This combination led the Cougars to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter. “The last few games, we’ve had great starts,” Santos Atkinson said. “I thought our start was a little slow today.” It got worse for the Pride before it got better, as Charleston went on a 7-2 run to begin the second quarter, taking a 13-point lead, their largest of the game. After that, the Pride started to figure everything out on offense. Caria Reynolds hit two layups and Sandra Karsten hit a pair
of three-pointers, keying a 17-7 run over 4:22 to cut the Cougars’ lead down to three. Unfortunately for the Pride, Charleston responded with a 6-0 run, taking a nine-point lead into the half. Part of what helped the Pride begin to cut into the deficit and make the game competitive was their three-point defense. After starting the game 3-for-5 from three, the Cougars shot just 2-for-25 for the rest of the game. This defensive focus, combined with the Pride out-rebounding the Cougars by nine, gave the Pride better opportunities to get into an offensive rhythm and cut into Charleston’s lead. “Teams can shoot the ball when they’re wide open, and we were giving up some wideopen threes,” Santos Atkinson said. “We made some adjustments, and I thought we did a much better job of being there on the catch and forcing them into drives from the
perimeter.” The second half started with both teams going back and forth without taking a significant lead. Toward the end of the quarter, the Pride took advantage of their spacing, getting to the line and scoring inside en route to a 9-3 run to cut the lead to three. Shawn Mills capped off this run with a buzzer-beating, midrange jump shot – her second make of the day. The Pride built off of this momentum in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit down to just one point. However, they could not get the big shot to fall, allowing the Cougars to distance themselves, leading by as much as five with less than a minute remaining.
The Pride made one last push, with Jaylen Hines hitting an and-1 layup with 8.9 seconds remaining to cut the lead to two points. They had a shot to tie the game at the buzzer, as the Cougars hit just one of their two free throws on the other way down. Karsten grabbed the miss and dished the ball to Sorelle Ineza, who pushed it down the court to Hines. Hines found Ana Hernandez Gil open in the corner, who could not get the shot off in time, sealing the victory for the Cougars. The Pride continues to look for their first win in conference play when they take on the Drexel University Dragons at home on Friday, Feb. 7.
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HOFSTRA ATHLETIC CALENDAR HOME
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A 18• FEBRUARY 4, 2020
THE CHRONICLE
SPORTS
Men’s lacrosse eyes resurgence within CAA
By Mike Senatore STAFF WRITER
After a heartbreaking end to the 2019 season that left the Pride without a berth in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championship tournament for the first time since 2015, the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will look to turn its fortunes around in the new year. After going 2-3 in conference play last year, and 5-9 overall, the Pride were knocked out of the playoffs on a tiebreaker, as Drexel University earned the final spot in the tournament. “No question, it was heartbreaking,” said Hofstra head coach Seth Tierney. “You look back on [losing to] Towson [University] by a goal, and we made some really bad mistakes. If we win that game, then we’re not in the tiebreaker and we’re in the tournament. And there were certain plays, Drexel [University] scored a lot of man-up goals against us, and they came back after we were up six or seven goals, and that keeps us out of the playoffs.” The end of the season meant the departure of some members of the Pride, most notably Jimmy Yanes, who was second in points accumulated for Hof-
stra last season with 17, behind only Ryan Tierney with 55, and second in assists made with nine to add to his eight goals scored. Yanes started 13 of the team’s 14 games, as did Brian Philbin, the team’s only other starter to depart following the season. Philbin had 17 ground balls and caused three turnovers in the 2019 season. With the departure of seniors comes the addition of freshmen, however, and the team has brought in a plethora of players for the 2020 season. Eleven true freshmen, along with four redshirt freshmen, have joined the squad, giving the coaching staff the tall task of getting the large crop of new guys acclimated to the program. “Practice has been going pretty well,” Coach Tierney said. “We had a scrimmage against Syracuse [University] in Vermont. We played a lot of freshmen, and they played like freshmen. The good part is, we came home and we got an experience – that’s what we really [played] for. I would’ve liked to perform a little better, but we didn’t. But at least we found out, ‘We thought our base was here, but maybe it’s a little bit lower, and now it’s time to build that up.’ We’ve had a couple of
Seth Tierney is set to begin his 14th season as head coach of the Pride.
spirited practices [since then].” A highlight of the Pride’s 2019 season was the emergence of then-freshman Sterlyn Ardrey. Ardrey tallied seven goals and two assists in his opening campaign with the Pride, and collected six ground balls. He was named to the CAA’s All-Rookie Team for the
CAA PRESEASON POLLS MEN'S LACROSSE
ORDER OF FINISH UMASS 23 (3)
DELAWARE 17
HOFSTRA 10
RYAN TIERNEY
TOWSON 22 (3)
DREXEL 13
*NUMBERS REPRESENT VOTES (FIRST PLACE VOTES)
ALL-CAA TEAM MICHAEL ALTMANN
BRIAN HERBER
2019 season, despite an injury sustained against the University of Massachusetts that sidelined him for the season’s final three games. “[Ardrey’s] going to be one of our guys, he had a good freshman year,” Coach Tierney said. “He got hurt towards the end of last season, so we’re hopeful that he stays healthy. He worked out all summer long, so he changed his body, and his role will be expanded this year.” Players for the Pride have racked up preseason accolades in the weeks prior to the 2020 season’s opening day. Ryan Tierney, Michael Altmann and Brian Herber were named to the CAA’s Preseason AllConference Team. Last year, Ryan Tierney ranked No. 2 in the CAA in goals scored with an incredible 42 and a team-leading 13 assists, while Altmann’s tough defense netted him the second-most caused turnovers in the conference with 23. Herber’s face-off prowess earned him the accolade, as he ranked fourth in the conference and No. 27 in the nation in face-off winning percentage. He collected the fourth-most ground balls in the CAA, as well, and ranked No. 18 nationally with 100 for the season. Additionally, Ryan Tier-
Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
ney, Herber and defenseman Eric Wenz were named to the Preseason All-CAA Team by ‘Inside Lacrosse,’ and Ryan Tierney was awarded the CAA Preseason Player of the Year honor by the same publication. Wenz was fourth on the team in ground balls last year with 23, and second in caused turnovers with 11. Of those players who received recognition in the preseason, three will be playing their last season for the Pride in 2020 as Ryan Tierney, Altmann and Wenz all enter their senior years. Additionally, Ryan Kinnard, who scored the second-most goals for the Pride last year with 13, will suit up for his last year with the team. “It’s bittersweet that they’re seniors,” Coach Tierney said. “They’ve played an awful lot of lacrosse throughout their careers, and I just hope they go out with a bang. I hope they go out on a high note. They’re such great people, such hard workers, and last year we got bit by the injury bug. We just hope that the lacrosse gods are with us a little bit and we don’t get beat up by the injuries like we did last year.”
THE CHRONICLE
FEBRUARY 4, 2020 A 19
SPORTS
Resounding feeling of hope contagious for women’s lacrosse By David Lazar ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
There are many successful teams on Hofstra University’s campus, but women’s lacrosse is one of the best. Headlined by star forward Alyssa Parrella, this squad has an abundance of hope for the upcoming season. “Everyone’s main goal is to win the conference championship,” said head coach Shannon Smith. “But right now, our focus is taking it day by day and getting better.” Picked second in the preseason Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Coaches Poll, the Pride will look to oneup this prediction and finish at the top of the conference. Last season created a foundation, one the Pride hopes to build upon this year. “The mistakes we made are a learning experience,” Smith said. “We have that growth mindset going into next year.” Parrella, who was named the CAA Preseason Player of the Year, will be an asset to the team, while team captain Alexa Mattera has big goals to improve upon a successful 2019 season. “As a team captain, I will lead the team to where we need to be,” said Mattera. “In the preseason, I set the standards
and expectations that we need to have for the entire year.” If Parrella can give the Pride an encore, the team will be in good shape. She recorded 85 goals and 20 assists in 2019, earning Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association and Inside Lacrosse All-American honors. She was also voted the best player in the conference after taking the top spot on Hofstra’s all-time leaderboard for goals and points in a single season. Mattera helped her star teammate, providing many intangibles. She notched 39 goals and six assists for 45 points while contributing 68 draw controls, 30 ground balls and 19 forced turnovers. However, she is equally impactful for the team off the field. “My most important role is making sure the team is playing to our highest capabilities,” Mattera said. “We all need to put 110% effort into this team.” On the defensive side of the
CAA PRESEASON POLLS WOMEN'S LACROSSE
ORDER OF FINISH
JAMES MADISON 35 (5)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
HOFSTRA 31 (2)
TOWSON 26
ALYSSA
*NUMBERS REPRESENT VOTES (FIRST PLACE VOTES) ground balls, 19 draw controls and eight points. She brings
PARRELLA
a really great game,” Smith said after the loss. “Hats off to
“We have everything that we need to win a championship this season.” ball, Shannon Boyle started all 19 games and posted 34
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics Alexa Mattera recorded 39 goals in the 2019 season for the Pride.
experience and wit to Smith’s blueline. Finally, the youth movement is in full swing. The Pride will be counting on freshmen like Taylor Mennella to take on important roles. “Our freshmen are great,” Mattera said. “They are all willing to learn, work hard and [put in] the extra effort for the team. They will have a big impact this season.” Hofstra’s 2019 season ended too early at the conference tournament in Williamsburg, Virginia. The No. 10-ranked James Madison University (JMU) Dukes scored nine consecutive goals in the first half to top the Pride 13-3 in the CAA Championship. “James Madison played
them.” JMU always gives the Pride trouble, something Hofstra will look to change this season. The Dukes are 3-1 against Hofstra in CAA title games, in part because of their ability to lock down their star opponents, including Parrella, who was held scoreless last year. “Obviously, there were a lot of positives from last season,” Smith said. “It is not easy to make it to your conference championship game. It was a difficult loss. You never want to lose when you make it that far.” In 2007, Hofstra defeated JMU to win the Pride’s only CAA championship in program history. They will look to repeat that this year. “A huge positive is getting
that experience of playing in the championship game,” Smith said. “You get to take that feeling of losing and use it to motivate you all offseason.” Beating JMU is never easy, but the Pride strives to respect their opponents while focusing on the things they can control. “I will let you know the week before we play JMU,” Smith said of preparation for the matchup. “Obviously, JMU has a lot of confidence and that is part of their team and part of their tradition. We have to understand that and worry about ourselves.” All these factors make this season crucial for the Pride. The story was started last year, and now it must be finished. There is the villain, the new characters and the usual stars, but coming off a championship appearance, now more than ever this team has hope. “I think this is a special team,” Mattera said. “We have everything that we need to win a championship this season.”
Back Cover: Men’s basketball picks up big win
THE HOFSTRA CHRONICLE
SPORTS
February 4. 2020
In The Driver’s Seat Men’s basketball leads in three-way tie in the CAA standings after win over William & Mary. Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics