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ISSUE 4
VOLUME 70
Midnight Madness launches season See Perspectives, Pg. 8
Music students introduce alumni-student mentorship BY ANYSSA GONZALEZ ASST. NEWS EDITOR
The California Baptist University Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Performing Arts launched a new program called BLNKCNVS on Oct. 15, creating an ongoing mentorship between CBU alumni and current students. BLNKCNVS is a mini concert series designed to help showcase the talent of the commercial music program and serves as a way for students to execute their careers through performance. Executive producer Nathan C. Ooten is behind the launch of BLNKCNVS. Through the program, Ooten aims to build connections between students within the performing arts program and help them become successful in the field. “I believe that right now walking the halls of the performing arts building are future Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award winners,” Ooten said. “My vision is to create an ongoing mentorship
Claire Grimes | Banner Scotty Washington, sophomore communications major, takes his turn during the dunk contest at Midnight Madness on Oct. 28.
ASST. B&T EDITOR
Claire Grimes | Banner
loop between professionally successful alumni students who have gone on to achieve greatness in the performing arts and current students. ” Ooten envisioned the primary purpose of BLNKCNVS to be a space for a mini concert style stage that could exist on campus with two purposes in mind: “highlighting the talent of the student performers and producers as they move toward their professional careers, and adding layers to the program to help propel the School of Performance Arts towards the number one spot.” As he began to envision this program, Ooten said he saw Dr. Thomas Brooks, director of commercial music studies, working exceptionally hard to push students toward becoming professionals and seeking a platform like BLNKCNVS. “As each season is produced, the idea is for each one to top the season that came before it,” Ooten said. “Students involved in the production of BLNKCNVS can gain valuable
experience as producers of a real production. Performers benefit from having a place to present their talent to the world in a way that is both relevant and professional.” Moena Jackson, junior music composition major and artistic director for BLNKCNVS, described her roles within the program and how her opportunity as an art director has led her to develop professional skills. “My experience with BLNKCNVS has been very special and exuberant,” Jackson said. “Learning how to develop a platform and the details within the administration efforts was a very eye-opening string of events that no other class could replicate.” As the new platform is designed to showcase the variety of talents that are within the school of music and to further highlight the developing commercial music sector of CBU, Jackson
SEE BLNKCNVS | PAGE 2
Getting sufficient sleep helps in formation of memories to help students study for exams BY KRISTIE WISEMAN
The CBU cheer team forms a pyramid during their performance.
November 4, 2022
Have you ever stayed up late into the night studying for a midterm? It turns out cramming for exams may not have the results you hoped for. Research has shown that by depriving the brain of sleep, it is not able to process memories as effectively. This becomes a problem when starting to combine frequent late nights with studying. “Memory consolidation, the process of your brain turning short-term memories into stable, enduring long-term memories, is enhanced by sleep,” said Dr. Erin Smith, professor of psychology. “After a bout of studying, it’s far better to take a quick nap than to zone out with TikTok. The nap facilitates consolidation. TikTok scrolling serves
(more or less) as interference to memory consolidation.” When trying to remember large amounts of material, it is crucial to provide our brain with the sleep it requires. Failure to do so will negatively affect our memory and likely lead to other adverse health effects. “We are biological creatures that require (sleep),” Smith said. “It’s a huge act of hubris to think, ‘I have a body that runs this way, but I’m going to subvert that because I don’t think those rules apply to me.’ That’s like saying, ‘I know my car runs on gasoline, but I’m going to dump this canola oil in it instead.” It can be easy to shrug off a few late nights thinking it will only be temporary. However, that thinking shows a lack of understanding of the gravity of
the situation. “When we don’t get enough sleep, we are literally robbing our bodies of the fuel it needs to do what it was designed to do,” Smith said. “The implications are numerous and robust.” However, getting the proper amount of sleep as a student is often easier said than done. “I try to go to bed at a decent time,” said Clare Hagan, senior psychology major. “It doesn’t always happen though. Sometimes you have to stay up to finish that assignment or finish studying for an exam.” As an alternative to sleep-deprived studying, Smith suggests taking naps. This is backed by a study conducted by Harvard Medical School.
Banner Busters
“Bleach” anime returns
CBUnicorns
L i f e s t y l e , Pg. 6
A & E , Pg . 1 2
S p o r t s , Pg. 14
Scientific evidence points to benefits of essential oils after prolonged skepticism.
Long-lost anime series reignites to tie up loose ends, exciting large fan base.
SEE SLEEP | PAGE 10
Unicorns take the court at halftime as new pseudomascots of CBU.
NEWS
2
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
THE BANNER
staff PRINT
Editor-in-Chief Emily McGinn
Lifestyle Editor Alexza Bahnmiller
Managing Editor Alexza Bahnmiller
Asst. Lifestyle Editors Valerie La Ponza Olivia Lenning Victoria Coria
Photo Editor Charissa Graves Design Editor Emily McGinn Asst. Design Editors Charissa Graves Zerenity Lopez News Editor Emily McGinn Asst. News Editors Anyssa Gonzalez Megan Madrigal Miranda Smith
Sports Editor Emily McGinn Asst. Sports Editors Hannah Gordon Michael Marks Cartoonist Carly Brunner Santos Garcia Social Media Director Jalen Turner
Elijah Hickman | Banner
Distribution Manager Kristie Wiseman
Students flood the Events Center on Oct. 28 to kick off basketball season with Midnight Madness, many of them wearing shirts that had been handed out by Community Life in advance.
Business & Tech Editor Jasmine Severi
Advertising Manager Roman Zozulia
Asst. B&T Editors Kristie Wiseman Connor Ryan Mikeala Aldredge
ONLINE
Arts & Entertainment Editor Zerenity Lopez
Web Administrator Casey Maldonado
Space theme introduced for annual Midnight Madness
Asst. A&E Editors Gabi Riggin Jameson Showers Jonathan Mejia
Asst. Web Administrator Anyssa Gonzalez
Editor-in-Chief Emily McGinn
Photo and Video Editor Charissa Graves
Asst. Director of Student Publications Abigail Wolf Director of Student Publications Sonya Singh
We want your help! Write, take photos or design with us. Email us at BannerEditor@calbaptist.edu for more information.
BY MEGAN MADRIGAL ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Every year there are many exciting events held at California Baptist University, including the fan-favorite Midnight Madness, which took place on Oct. 29. This annual event celebrates the commencement of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons, and this year was the first time the event was themed. The chosen theme was “To the Moon.” It was also the first time the event was open to both the public and the entire Lancer Nation. Upon early arrival, people were given glow sticks to wave during the event. The event
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
THE BANNER
The Banner newspaper is an award-winning, bi-weekly campus publication that publishes 10 issues a year at California Baptist University. The newsroom is located in the James Building in Room 060 and can be reached at 951-343-4787. The Banner, a student-run newspaper, serves the CBU community with accurate, timely and factual reporting on significant aspects of university life, Riverside life and subjects of interest or concern to its readers. others in the university are encouraged to react to published material or to comment on matters of conern. The Banner retains the right to edit your letter upon publication based on grammar and word count. Send letters to Emily McGinn, editor-in-chief of The Banner at emilyanne. mcginn@calbaptist.edu. If you have a story idea for The Banner, please let us know. If a business would like to advertise in the The Banner, please contact Emily McGinn at emilyanne.mcginn@calbaptist.edu. Thanks for reading!
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All of those who attended and participated enjoyed all aspects of the entertainment the show had to offer. “I loved it,” said Amber French, sophomore business major. “I thought it was super fun. I loved how organized it was and how they showed each player on the basketball team. I really liked how they set everything up.” Not only was the theme fun, but it was alsosymbolic of the achievement of all athletics teams being allowed to move on to post-season for the first time if applicable. ”The inspiration behind the ‘To the Moon’ theme was based on wanting our sports teams to be striving to reach their goal of making the NCAA
tournament and eventually the NCAA Championship — ‘The Moon,’” Reina said. “We are now able to do things that we previously couldn’t do.” This theme served as an inspiration for students, athletes and the athletics department as they move into a new chapter after fully transitioning to Division I. “I think the theme is really cool and actually perfect because for the first time as all sports are DI, it reflects how the possibilities are endless,” said Sam Castillo, junior liberal arts major. Midnight Madness launches the basketball season. The first men’s basketball home game will take place on Nov. 7.
Mag Crossing water system undergoes quality testing BY EMILY MCGINN
About
began with a variety of clips that were space, moon and astronaut-themed. Fun clips showing Wall-e and the first man on the moon got people in the spirit of the event. During the event, there were video montages of the man on the moon and basketball players when introducing the women’s and men’s teams. The techno music, fire element and silver and gold colors set the space theme. “Midnight Madness takes months of preparation and planning, from the ticketing standpoint to the outside pre-party, to everything that is seen, done and given out at the event,” said Andrew Reina, assistant director of athletics marketing.
Magnolia Crossing water quality is under independent inspection after California Baptist University learned of two incidents reported by residents of water with a blue hue coming from faucets in their rooms, according to an email obtained by The Banner that was sent to Magnolia Crossing residents on Oct. 28. While experts have confirmed showering with the water remains safe, the email urged residents to avoid using the water in the building to drink, brush their teeth and cook.
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I think they’re doing what they need to do, getting the water tested and providing the students with water. I just wish we were being provided with updates as to how long it’ll be and what’s the severity of the issue. Natalya Brown, Sophomore political science major
“As a result of this report, CBU has engaged multiple agencies to determine the source of the issue,” the Office of Residence Life & Housing Services wrote in the email. “In addition to working in partnership with Riverside Public Utilities, we contracted with a third-party vendor to expedite water sample testing and the investigation of the water quality.” Joshua Schmidt, junior mechanical engineering major and resident adviser at Magnolia Crossing, said they began to respond to the incident on Oct. 28 after they were informed that preliminary testing of the water — which is unverified and is now under further inspection by an outside party — indicated copper contamination. Copper is important for health in trace amounts, but chronic exposure or ingestion of higher-than-normal doses in water can harm people, leading to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea, according to a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. It is important to note that copper poisoning only occurs after long-term exposure to high levels. In drinking water, the acceptable level of copper is 1,300 parts copper per billion parts water or less, according to the report. In response to the situa-
tion, the Magnolia Crossing residence life staff focused on communicating the concern to students and supplying water. “The first night, our main goal was to inform residents, so we printed out about 100 or so notes and tacked one to each door,” Schmidt said. “CBU sent out an email. We also took the water we had and limited it to three bottles a night and started passing those out.” The staff has set up a station in the lobby of Magnolia Crossing where residents can access bottled water until the school receives results from the inspection. While water was initially rationed, residents are now free to take as many bottles as needed. “We have provided hundreds of cases of water bottles since the occurrence for our residents to have,” said Cameron Jaramillo, residence director of Magnolia Crossing Women. “We have them in the lobby and (they) are available to anyone free of charge while we figure this out.” Natalya Brown, sophomore political science major and Magnolia Crossing resident, appreciates the steps the school is taking to ensure safety. However, she is finding the process difficult to adapt to. “I think they’re doing what they need to do, getting the water tested and providing the students with water,” Brown said. “I just wish we were be-
ing provided with updates as to how long it’ll be and what’s the severity of the issue. Mostly, (I am) just concerned that students have been using unclean water for a long time and have possibly gotten sick from it.” Jaramillo said that, as of now, the measures taken by the school are “in an abundance of caution” and that they are still waiting on results from the inspection. For now, Schmidt urges residents to follow the rules and stay safe. “The best thing that students can do right now is be patient,” Schmidt said. “This is not something that can just be done by the school quickly and (kept) in house. Outside testing and verification has to get involved with something like this because it’s a health hazard, but just like anything, government moves slow. So be patient while we wait for (the results) back. It could be gone by the end of the week. We could be like this for a couple weeks. We just don’t know.”
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The best thing that students can do right now is be patient. Joshua Schmidt, Junior mechanical engineering major and resident adviser at Magnolia Crossing
NEWS
3
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
Study finds four-day work week improves employee productivity ANYSSA GONZALEZ ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Marques Brown | Banner A group of students accompany Cadence Barnett, sophomore commercial performance major, at the first concert of BLNKCNVS, launched by executive producer Nathan C. Ooten to serve as a source for mentorship between students currently studying music at CBU and alumni.
BLNKCNVS Continued from Page 1 explained how working with the team makes BLNKCNVS effective.. “We are a team,” Jackson said. “This platform wouldn’t be the way it is without all of us contributing our individual talents and skill sets as: producers, musicians, managers, directors, etc. Collectively, we are BLNKCNVS and we hope that the artists that come perform on our platform feel like they are a part of the canvas as much we are.” Jackson, who presented the idea of naming the platform BLNKCNVS, explained the meaning behind the name and how artists have an opportunity to use their own unique talents. “BLNKCNVS is a metaphor to what every artist starts with
when starting a new piece of art: an empty canvas waiting to be filled with their mediums and imagination,” Jackson said. “Every visual artist starts with a blank canvas, and our concept is that music does too. Our platform, being a literal white blank canvas stage and background, serves as the artistic canvas where the musicians and writers perform their sets.” Kyle Blackburn, junior studio production major and creative director for BLNKCNVS, oversees artistic ideas and brings them to life. “We wanted to give artists an opportunity to show the world what they brought to the music industry in what we called the ‘blank canvas,’” Blackburn said. “Through this platform, the people who have performed were given a platform to show who they were through musical expression and a visual set that we worked with them to
Marques Brown | Banner Nathan Ooten, junior studio production major, prepares the cameras for the start of sophomore commercial performance major Cadence Barnett’s recorded performance. design.” BLNKCNVS is intended to help make a statement for students while future seasons of the program continue to prosper. “Now that season one is complete, it is my hope that BLNKCNVS will grow and develop into a creative space
that is second to none,” Ooten said. “The energy that is present at the School of Performing Arts is magnetic and will draw talent from around the world. It is my hope that BLNKCNVS will be there to capture the moment seasons to come.” Stay tuned for future seasons of BLNKCNVS.
California tests water for microplastics BY MEGAN MADRIGAL ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Southern California has been approved by the State Water Resources Control Board with the collaboration of the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project for testing of microplastics in drinking water as of Sept. 27. Microplastics are tiny particles with chemical compositions that are nearly impossible to break down that can endanger one’s health. Southern California is the first place in the world to be approved for this testing. Dr. Lindsay Fahnestock, professor of environmental health and adviser for the public health club, stated that “unfortunately, we do not know all the ramifications and risks of consuming microplastics in water, but we can predict some of the effects based on physiology and some of the
previous research that has been done.” Based on peer-reviewed studies, scientists theorize that while some of the microplastics will be excreted naturally from our bodies, there can be other risks. “They can potentially get lodged in our intestinal tracks, or even make it into our bloodstreams, where further risk can occur,” Fahnestock said. Understanding the harm of microplastics is a huge part of the enforcement of this project not only to humans, but also to all that encounter the drinking water. Wildlife, for instance, is another group affected by the pollutants. “There are other portions of our population that are more sensitive to contaminants in drinking water,” said Dr. Jacob Lanphere, professor of environmental science. “Those individuals may not have a
voice nor have the ability to even know what is harming them.” After years of debate and research, the program is now officially set into action. The project is set to take place over the next four years starting in fall 2023. The testing itself will focus on large water sources, including those from which our drinking water originates. Many of these sources are water companies known to provide people with their daily water. Although the exact companies are yet to be announced, they are being chosen based on size and current treatment of the water. “They have to do more survey and more public opinion on this project to evaluate people’s willingness to drink the water after this project statewide,” said Hyun-Woo (Andrew) Park, professor of
NEWSBriefs
WRITTEN BY MIRANDA SMITH AND ALEXZA BAHNMILLER
CALIFORNIA GAS REBATES California residents began receiving payments from the federal government on Oct. 7 in an attempt to lessen the financial burden on residents during the ongoing inflation crisis, according to CalMatters. Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed this relief package, which includes a gas tax refund, in March. Those eligible should receive direct deposit checks through December.
biology. Fahnestock also emphasized the hold microplastics have in our world today. “I don’t know if we can ultimately decrease our risks from microplastics by 100%,” Fahnestock said. “However, we can decrease them as best we can. We need to find out the main contributors first. I think if we do this, we will have a better understanding of how and where microplastics are more concentrated and therefore attack the issue at the source or try to implement better filtration protocols in that area. I think we will at least see significant decreases in microplastics that way.” Overall, this program is a step toward improving the health of the environment and those who interact with it by monitoring a pollutant in the California water supply.
Henry Ford Motor Companies was the first company to adopt a five-day, 40-hour work week in 1926, according to History.com. This ultimately changed the view of the standard working duration. While a five-day work week became the job industry standard, new research reveals that a four-day work week may be more compatible with the way humans work. In the United Kingdom, over 70 firms have already completed a six-month pilot program where using a fourday workweek model led to an increase in productivity. Joe O’Connor, chief executive of 4 Week Global, which is running the stratagem, created this research project on working time reduction. “The pioneers who have taken the leap to participate in this trial are challenging deeply embedded cultural and societal norms about how we think about the work week, and indeed work itself,” O’Conner said in a Forbes article. While ongoing research is being conducted about the four-day workweek, Nathan Iverson, director of the industrial-organizational psychology program and associate professor of psychology, shared that he thinks this new study might have varied impacts depending on the type of job. “I anticipate this trend continued for office jobs,” Iverson said. “We will move more toward flexible work options to include hybrid, remote and generally less days in the office. However, not all tasks can be compressed into less hours. Skilled labor such as carpentry, plumbing and auto mechanic work is billed hourly.” Fewer days in the office reduce time and money spent commuting. Iverson also explained how Japan has already seen an increase in productivity by reducing required time spent in the office. “Japan in particular has been a leader in this area and has seen an increase in productivity by reducing required time spent in the office,” Iverson said. “Panasonic is one of the recent large companies to embrace this shift. Hybrid work not only saves employee resources, but also company resources on renting less space and lowering company energy use.” Though research is being conducted in other countries, Iverson said this trend already
has been seen throughout the U.S. and in Riverside. As the four-day work week continues to trend for other countries, California has tried taking a step toward this new working duration. Democratic Congressman Mark Takano initiated a California bill with an attempt to reduce the working hours from 40 to 32 hours. “Pilot programs run by governments and businesses across the globe have shown promising results, as productivity climbed and workers reported better work-life balance, less need to take sick days, heightened morale and lower childcare expenses because they had more time with their family and children,” Takano said in a press release. Though this bill was later declined by the California State Assembly’s Labor and Employment Committee, the four-day work week continues to seek attention in hopes of setting the new standard working duration. Bohdin Rush, sophomore electrical and computer engineering major, described how a four-day work week would be beneficial. “For everyday workers, it allows for more rest which allows for them to function closer to 100%,” Rush said. “This would include possible stress, anxiety and insomnia of some workers. “It also allows time to work from home if needed to finish extra work and get ahead, which improves work efficiency. ” While a four-day work week continues to undergo research, the future may soon see a new working duration pattern.
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Pilot programs run by governments and businesses across the globe have shown promising results, as productivity climbed and workers reported better work-life balance, less need to take sick days, heightened morale and lower childcare expenses.
Dr. Nathan Iverson, Director of the industrial-organizational psychology program and associate professor of psychology
IRANIAN WOMEN PROTEST
NASA NUDGES ASTEROID ORBIT
Death tolls rise as Iranian protests continue to surge a month after the murder of 22-yearold Mahsa Amini, according to VICE News. Amini was arrested by the “Morality Police” for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly in public on Sept. 16. This Iranian law enforcement was created to enforce dress code. Amini died three days later as a result of suspected police brutality. Her death sparked the movement to abolish the Iranian Regime. Participants in the global protest began publicly burning their hijabs and cutting their hair in solidarity. As of Oct. 15, it is estimated that 233 people have been killed in the protests in Iran, according to Iran’s Human Rights Activist News Agency.
The National Aeronotics and Space Administration (NASA) confirmed on Oct. 11 that their mock trial of a planetary defense mission, Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), conducted on Sept. 26 had been successful. The mission involved a cow-size spacecraft smashing into Dimorphos, a 160-meter-wide moon of a larger astroid, according to science.org. The spacecraft was able to nudge the astroid and shortened its 12-hour oribital period by 32 minutes. NASA previously released a statement saying, “Most astronomers predicted a shortening closer to 10 minutes, an orbital reduction of at least 73 seconds would be considered a success.”
VISION
4
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
HOW TO ANALYZE THE
2022 Midterm Elections Dr. Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science, shared what he is focusing on in this year’s election. *All projections from FiveThirtyEight as of Nov. 2
So you are a college student. Why should you care about the midterms?
1
This election might not impact most policy, but it can impact
SPENDING POLICY
Porter: “You are going to keep divided government, so even if the Republicans get the House, the Republicans aren’t going to be able to get any legislative agenda passed through the Senate, much less to get Biden to sign the bills. So in terms of policy, it is kind of difficult to frame a lot of incentive to really be motivated to vote. “One policy area where there could be some incentive to be motivated to vote is— I mean, unless something insane happens, like absolutely unexpected — neither party is going to come close to winning 60 seats in the Senate, which means neither party is going to have filibuster-proof majority. There is one type of policy where you don’t have to have filibuster-proof majority and you can still get things passed, and that is the spending. “For instance, when the Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act this summer, it passed the Democratic House, it passed the Democratic-controlled Senate, but it did not pass the Democratic-controlled Senate with 60 votes; it only got 51 votes, but it didn’t need to get a filibuster-proof majority because it was a budget reconciliation bill.”
2
A divided government occurs when one or more legislative body is the opposite party of the president. A filibuster-proof majority occurs when a party has enough seats (60 out of 100 Senate seats) to end a filibuster, which legislators use to try to block a bill. A budget reconciliation bill is a process that expedites the passage of budget legislation by overriding the filibuster rules in the Senate.
This election could indirectly impact the
SUPREME COURT
Porter: “This is not something we anticipate happening because we cannot predict the future, but if a Supreme Court vacancy opened up between now and the 2024 election, then control of the Senate would matter there because the filibuster has been eliminated for federal judgeships, so control of the Senate can be really consequential.”
3
QUICK FACTS
If Republicans win the Senate, they could block President Joe Biden’s nominee. If Democrats win the Senate, they can approve a new justice with 51 votes.
The majority party will gain control of
COMMITTEES
Porter: “Another possible motivating area for you as a student is if you want more oversight of how the Democrats have been operating the government over the past two years. So if you have concerns with how the Democrats have been spending or Democrats’ foreign policy because they’ve had unified control for the past two years. They’ve had the White House, they’ve had the House, they’ve had the Senate. So if you want to see some more oversight of how the Democrats have done things, then you want to vote because if the House flips from Democrats to Republicans, then Republicans start running all the committees.”
4
Voting sends
A MESSAGE
Porter: “Voting just also sends a message. If this turns out to be a true Red Wave election as some have said it might be, then, regardless of what actually happens structurally in Congress, voters are sending a message that we don’t like the direction of this country so you need to change.”
VISION
5
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
What races should you pay attention to?
SENATE BELLWETHERS
1 OHIO - Vance (R) vs. Ryan (D) 47.1%
44.8%
Why it matters: Vance is a Trump-endorsed candidate (rise of Trumpism) and it is an open seat race, which occurs when the incumbent does not run for re-election.
2 NEVADA - Laxalt (R) vs. Cortez Masto (D) 46.7%
46.2%
Why it matters: This race could determine the Senate majority party.
3 PENNSYLVANIA - Fetterman (R) vs. Oz (D) 46.1%
46.8%
Why it matters: This race could determine the Senate majority party.
4 GEORGIA - Walker (R) vs. Warnock (D) 45.7%
To calculate their election projections, FiveThirtyEight uses a model that simulates the election 40,000 times. The simulations are used to determine which party wins the House and the Senate most often.
46.1%
Why it matters: This race could determine the Senate majority party.
5 ARIZONA - Masters (R) vs. Kelly (D) 45.7%
How does FiveThirtyEight calculate projections?
FiveThirtyEight determines which numbers of seats per party are most common according to their simulations.
46.1%
Why it matters: Masters is a Trump-endorsed candidate challenging Kelly, the incumbent.
SENATE
HOUSE Chance it goes Republican
Chance it goes Republican
85 in 100
53 in 100
15 in 100
47 in 100
225 - 210
51 - 49
Chance it goes Democrat
Most likely outcome
Chance it goes Democrat
Most likely outcome
A BUILDUP TO 2024
Porter: “Things that you might want to look at as you’re looking at races is: what kind of signal is being sent about the viability of what we’ll call Trumpism in the Republican party? Are voters being very supportive of candidates that are aligned with Trump? Are they being incredibly supportive of candidates who have brought into questions the results of the 2020 election?”
TRUMPISM Porter: “To me, this is all about 2024. What signal does this send about the direction we’re headed in 2024? With the structure of our government right now, what really matters is who wins the presidency.”
Designed by Emily McGinn
LIFESTYLE
6
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
Are the benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy real? BY EMILY MCGINN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Essential oils have become a fad in recent years, especially among college students. Essential oil diffusers have become a popular dorm room accessory, releasing essential oils purporting to have medicinal benefits into living spaces. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances that naturally come from parts of plants, including roots, leaves, fruit and bark. Dr. Juliann Purdue, professor of nursing, said essential oils are widely used for anxiety, pain relief and breathing. Hannah Ferrell, junior architecture major, uses essential oils at least every other day. She uses them for headaches, sleep, anxiety and to add a natural aroma to her on-campus space. “I do think they have a therapeutic effect,” Ferrell said. “Certain scents and essences of the oils affect different parts of the brain and body to soothe. I would encourage people to use them for their multi-use function. They can be used to freshen up a space, for mental health, for pain (and) for sleep.” Although students such as Ferrell point to experience as evidence for the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy, essential oils have a tense past
with the scientific community, with many in that community clinging to long-held beliefs that essential oils are not backed by science. However, Purdue said that now, as more studies investigate the viability of essential oils in therapeutic use, research is favoring aromatherapy as an effective practice, though more research is still needed. “Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for a number of ailments, there’s not enough research to determine their effectiveness in human health,” an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine reads. “Results of lab studies are promising — one at Johns Hopkins found that certain essential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteria better than antibiotics — but results in human clinical trials are mixed. Some studies indicate that there’s a benefit to using essential oils while others show no improvement in symptoms.” Though research is promising, there is a caveat — while essential oils can have therapeutic effects, there is no regulation process in place as there is for other medications. “It is harder to test them,” Purdue said. “Pharmaceuticals are under a rigid testing. However, numbers don’t always tell the right story, and you can manipulate numbers as well, so you want randomized, controlled trials and things like that to give
you that scientific evidence. You can find reputable companies that do make (research for essential oils), and more and more studies are coming out that provide evidence that they do work.” This lack of regulation is complicated by the sheer variety of essential oil products on the market. “Some of it they have done research on,” Purdue said. “The problem with that is they are not pharmaceutically made. You do not have one organization overseeing them, so aromatherapy can be very potent, it can be very weak, and so there is no regulation per se as to how it’s made.” These concerns have led to continued doubt. In fact, an Insider poll from 2019 that found 31% of those surveyed claimed to believe in aromatherapy describes the practice as “a pseudoscientific practice predicated on smelling aromatic substances, including essential oils, in order to improve overall well-being.” Purdue credits this hesitation to embrace natural solutions for health concerns to our modern healthcare system. “In Western medical society, most people believe either medication or surgery are how you fix things,” Purdue said. “Really how you fix things first are diet, exercise, sleep and stress relief. In that, you have our biblical view — (for) stress relief, is (one solution) prayer? Some people
Photo Illustration by Charissa Graves | Banner Many people use essential oils for a variety of reasons, from pain and stress relief to simply adding a refreshing scent to a room. Despite its widespread use, there is little regulation or scientific data behind the practice. say prayer doesn’t work. Prayer works. So not everything has to be fixed with medication or surgery.” Purdue encourages others to evaluate the capabilities of essential oils based on their own experience. “We all are very subjective in how we feel and how something helps us, and so subjectively if you feel better — you are less stressed — it works,” Purdue said. “Objectively, did it actually lower your blood pressure? Did it actually help you sleep more
hours? That’s all data we are not taking on ourselves per se, but aromas all make us feel good in some way. We all have happy memories of certain smells. I have bad memories of certain smells. So the aromatherapy part — how does it make you feel? — that’s a very subjective feeling.” She said essential oils can serve as a great complimentary treatment to modern medicine and good lifestyle choices. However, she warns that, especially given the lack of industry
regulation, it is important to take steps to ensure one uses essential oils safely and properly. “It just takes experience,” Purdue said. “I always caution people: Do not use them just because you think it’s cool. Do your research. Figure out what the oils are for. Get them from a reputable company so they are made well. Try it in small amounts first to make sure you are not allergic. And don’t make them up yourself until you learn about it.”
Lifestyle Tries: DIY decorative fall leaf bowl BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER MANAGING EDITOR
Fall time is the best time for fun home decorations. If you are looking for something unique that cannot be found in just any Target dollar section, this do-it-yourself project is the one for you. With just a few simple materials and a little bit of time, you can craft a bowl made out of fall leaves, perfect for aesthetics and useful for little candies. Make this project and get ready to hear all the compliments from your holiday guests. Materials: Artificial fall leaves are preferable for this project. Real leaves can work but they have to be fresh and soft so they do not crumble when bent. Artificial leaves can be found at art stores such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. Make sure to cut off stems from the leaves so they
are more easily pliable. You'll also need fabric stiffener or Mod Podge, a balloon, a paintbrush, two bowls, and optional aluminum foil. Step 1: Inflate the balloon and place it in a small bowl with the top of the balloon visible. The purpose of the bowl is to keep the balloon in place during construction. Hint: The smaller the balHint loon, the easier it will be for the leaves to stick together. Step 2: This step is optional but recommended. Place aluminum foil in a bowl and pour in the stiffener or Mod Podge. This step will make it easier to get the fluid on your paintbrush and will protect the bowl from the glue. Step 3: Using a paintbrush, dip it into the stiffener or Mod Podge and apply a thick layer over a small portion of the balloon. Apply a leaf to the glued portion. Apply more stiffener
or Mod Podge over the leaf. Repeat this step for all leaves until the leaves resemble a bowl-like shape across the top of the balloon. Leaves should be applied face down, and make sure there are no empty spaces. Hint: If leaves begin falling Hint off the balloon, wait 15 minutes for them to dry, and then begin applying again. Step 4: Let dry for 12-24 hours. Step 5: Once dried, pop the balloon. The leaf bowl will be left. Peel off the remaining balloon. Step 6: The bowl is ready to use. It is a lightweight bowl meant more for decorative purposes, so small candies would be the perfect compliment to fit inside. Do not put heavy objects, such as coins or keys, in the bowl as it can cause the leaves to break. Make sure you do not place liquids in the bowl.
Photo Illustration by Alexza Bahnmiller | Banner
Alexza Bahnmiller, managing editor, shares the steps on how to perfectly craft a bowl out of leaves.
Microgreens are easy to grow and can add nutrients to diet BY VALERIE LA PONZA ASST. LIFESTYE EDITOR
What is green, bite-sized and worth its weight in vitamins and minerals? Survey says … microgreens! These baby plants are full of vitamins, minerals and other goodies that everyone should have in their diets. Alyssa Oceguera, nutrition and food science senior and the nutrition club vice president, described microgreens as “small but densely packed sprout(s) with a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals that would normally go into other parts of the plant. Microgreens are like superplants that allow you to eat nutritiously with only a small amount.”
Dr. Lindsay Fahnestock, associate professor of public health sciences, said microgreens can be beneficial even for students who are not “vegetable people,” as they add more layers of flavor to any dish.
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(Look) into the flavor profiles of the various microgreens and (see) which ones will suit your palate most. Dr. Lindsay Fahnestock, Associate professor of public health science
“Microgreens have become a more recent fad within the last few years," Fahnestock said. “They are relatively easy for a person to cultivate in their own home and can allow an individual to consume an added amount of vitamins and phytochemicals in their diet.” Oceguera, who is an avid microgreen gardener, outlined a couple key tips for growing microgreens. She explained that in order to grow microgreens, no machinery or complicated setups are needed as microgreens can be grown in an environment as simple as a warm, sunny window. “The seeds I buy usually come with a lot, so you have a good amount to work with,”
Oceguera said. "I have grown them in small containers like pie pans with only a couple inches of dirt, and it works perfectly. They don’t require a ton of care after setting up, just a little sun and some misting [and] they can be ready in as fast as 10 days.” Fahnestock encourages students who are interested in adding microgreens to their diet to do so, citing the various health benefits of microgreens, as well as explaining the best way to find the perfect type of microgreen based on the person. “(Look) into the flavor profiles of the various microgreens and [see] which ones will suit your palate most,” Fahnestock said. "That way you will not waste any crop you do end up growing.”
Sarah Lopez, senior international business and psychology double major, said that even though she prefers sweets, she does try to keep her body healthy and finds that microgreens are the perfect compromise. "I think it’s important to take care of our bodies by fueling it with healthy and organic foods and products,” Lopez said. One of Lopez’s tips for adding microgreens to your diet is through smoothies. “Smoothies are great to still get nutrients while being able to add things you like," Lopez said. "Then you can add a handful of microgreens and the smoothie would still be flavorful.” Microgreens add a pop of variety to the often less-than-ide-
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I think it's important to take care of our bodies by fueling it with healthy and organic food and products.
Sarah Lopez, Senior international business and psychology double major
al diet of a college student. With many options, microgreens offer another way to add greens to one’s diet.
LIFESTYLE
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November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
How to break down the purposes and meanings of different Bible translations BY OLIVIA LENNING
ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR
After a quick Google search, one will find that despite the debate on the exact number, there might be an excessive number of English Bible translations. Many believers find it difficult to navigate the large number of translations and do not know which translations to read and how to approach them. An article by Lifeway explained why there is such a variety in translations. “The different approaches to translation philosophy take into consideration diverse meanings, contexts and cultures as well as grammatical decisions like tense, voice and parts of speech from a variety of available manuscripts,” the article reads. The article said that there are three main approaches to Bible translation. The first approach is the formal equivalent, which “are word-for-word and emphasize literal accuracy to original languages.” These include NASB, ESV, RVR, KJV and NKJV (a more readable version of the original King James Bible).
Since these texts are especially concerned with accuracy and original meaning, these translations are a good place to start when approaching the Bible. The second approach is the dynamic equivalent translations, which are “thought-forthought and emphasize readability.” Many readers may find these translations to help with comprehending difficult and confusing passages. These include NIV and NLT. Lastly, optimal equivalent translations “pursue both linguistic precision to the original languages and readability.” These passages are similarly helpful for readers looking for clarity on a particular passage. This type of translation includes CSB, NET and NVI. Mike Contreras, senior applied theology major, uses a variety of translations in his personal and academic study. However, he uses the English Standard Version (ESV) as his primary biblical text because it is a word-for-word (formal equivalent). He then works his way to a thought-for-thought (dynamic equivalent or optimal equivalent translation) version for
deeper clarity and understanding. “With confusing passages, it is useful to read many different translations to see if any help give a better understanding of the texts,” Contreras said. “I would recommend reading a few translations in order of most literal to the more thought-for-thought. An order (readers) could use (is) NASB, ESV, NIV, NLT.” Contreras encouraged students to dive into outside sources as well for a more well-rounded understanding of the biblical texts. “Ultimately, to gain a good understanding of a confusing text, I would recommend more than just English translation comparisons,” Contreras said. “I would recommend diving into various study Bibles, commentaries and even (search) online to find various interpretations or answers to specific questions. “Diving into these resources is (highly) valuable because the most important thing when reading a text is finding and understanding the text’s historical and literary context." Damara Wilson, senior ap-
plied theology major, shared similar advice to Contreras on this topic. Wilson also prefers the ESV Bible translation due to its word-for-word approach. “I like translations that shoot for word-for-word accuracy and translation,” Wilson said. “I’ve found the ESV translation to be the best fit for me.” Alongside the ESV, Wilson prefers a variety of references to gain deeper clarity and understanding of the meaning of any given passage. “When I’m curious about the meaning or wording I’ll look at the NLT, NIV and sometimes the AMP,” Wilson said. Wilson’s closing advice to those attempting to navigate different translations places a large emphasis on individuality with the ultimate goal of knowing the Lord more deeply. “I would say stick to the reputable translations and find one that is easy for you to understand," Wilson said. "The point of Bible translation is to help us understand God’s word better. Some people will be helped through the NIV and others through ESV, but they all serve the purpose of helping us know God through his word."
Cursive handwriting may go extinct BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER MANAGING EDITOR
Handwriting has slowly been declining in popularity as typewriting has become the new norm for communication. However, handwriting has a history, and cursive specifically has been around since the fifth century AD. However, cursive may become an extinct form of handwriting soon. The first big change regarding learning cursive was enacted in 2010 when the Common Core standards (followed by at least 41 states) omitted cursive instruction from school curricula, meaning cursive learning was no longer required. In 2018, results posted by edweekly.org found that only 7% of elementary schools were teaching cursive on a daily basis. In contrast, two years ago, a University of Southern California and technology fund study found that 95% of California school-age kids used a device for their school learning. Currently, approximately 50 million teachers and students use Chromebooks, a tablet popular in middle schools, according to Google. While typing classes have increased and may be considered the replacement for learning cursive, some think we are still too advanced to need these classes, either. Researcher Anna Trubek argued that teachers see typing classes as a waste of time be-
Photo Illustration by Charissa Graves | Banner The increase in the use of typing has led many to believe that cursive may become extinct as a form of handwriting soon. cause typing is common knowledge. “The kids already know how to type was what the staff at my son’s school told us at curriculum night, and they decided to use computer time on something else," Trubek said in her MIT Technology Review column. "Many schools aren’t teaching typing anymore because they figure students already are proficient at using keyboards.” Since technology is widespread knowledge and handwriting courses are on the decline, the number of people who still use cursive is declining as well. In 2013, The Washington Post wrote that “nowadays, for many students, cursive is becoming as foreign as ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.” Additionally, College Board reported that in 2021 only 15% of SAT takers used cursive in their essays. Yselle Barajas, sophomore psychology major, said that she
somewhat knows cursive but does not find much use for it in her daily life. “I learned cursive in the third grade, kind of," Barajas said. "I don’t think it’s useful, and I don’t use it anymore. I think if anyone is using cursive, it’s mostly for name signatures, like when you sign a receipt.” Dr. Jocelyn Navarro, professor of education, thinks the usage of cursive is more for creative and unique things, such as a diploma. “Cursive is specialized," Navarro said. "It’s a craft and is used to distinguish notability and recognition.” Navarro said that although cursive classes are not common anymore, she thinks typing classes are an important replacement. “Learning to type is important for kids," Navarro said. "They’re eager to learn the technology that they see all around them, and these technology skills are life skills. They are necessary for setting stu-
dents up for success in the modern world.” Typewriting is now a valued skill in society, but if you are one of the few who still is adamant about continuing to write in cursive, science is on your side. Cursive writing has been shown to improve left-right brain synergy and promote the brain’s language and memory functions, according to a New York Times article. In the same article, it was reported that students who wrote in cursive for the SAT in 2017 scored higher than students who used print. Even "first graders who learned to write in cursive received higher scores in reading words and in spelling than a comparable group who learned to write in (print),” the Academic Therapy journal said. There are still positives to learning cursive, even though it is not mainstream anymore. The choice to ditch it or not is up to you.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: BACK TO THE GRIND
ALEXZA BAHNMILLER I MANAGING EDITOR Back to the Grind, an independent coffeehouse located eight minutes (five miles) from California Baptist University in the Mission district, is the perfect spot to catch up with friends, do homework or just hang out. Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, not only can you stop in for a coffee, but if you are lucky, you will also catch an event, too. On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can join in on Musician’s Open Mic karaoke, and on the first Tuesday night of the month starting at 7 p.m., you can join in on the Science Talks hosted by SciComm@ UCR. Other events at Back to the Grind vary, but to keep you up to date, they have a current monthly calendar on their website back2thegrind. com or on their Instagram @ backtothegrind. If you have an event you want to host, all you have to do is fill out a request form on the website 30 days in advance requesting a time slot, making it easy and accessible for everyone. However, if events are not your reason for stopping by, let Back to the Grind entice you with the atmosphere. With New York-loft style architecture setting the interior of Back to the Grind apart from other nearby coffee shops, the high ceilings, brick-walled coffee bar and green wallpaper-lined bookshelves make every customer feel as though they are entering a cozy home. The ceiling is gold, with hanging objects such as disco balls, lanterns and plants adding an artistic touch to the overall look. The decorations are not the only thing that vary, however, as the seating does too. Near the entrance, there are couches and tables for those looking for a more comfortable spot, short ledges against the walls for those who need outlets and table tops with stools for groups of friends to gather around. Posters of current events around Riverside are hung on the walls, and large book cases filled with various books give the space a comforting feel. Music is always playing in the background, and it is usually classic instrumentals, allowing you to focus on your work. Most importantly, Back to the Grind is first and foremost a coffee shop. Founded in 1996, Back to the Grind brought Riverside the first
community coffee shop 'that was an alternative to the old coffee gathering places of the past', accordingto the shop’s Facebook page. Back to the Grind is meant to be a place that can be used for so much more than just getting coffee — it is also a place for karaoke, events, studying and more. Back to the Grind offers beverages ranging from coffee to tea to smoothies. The teas are brewed in house with the selection of exotic teas and different flavorings you can add, such as peach, strawberry and mango. My personal favorite to order is the peach green iced tea, as the tea is strong and fresh and the additional peach flavoring adds just the right amount of sweetness.
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Back to the grind is meant to be used as a place for so much more than just getting coffee.
The coffees range from dark blends to light blends, flavored coffees, espressos, decaf and velvet roasts. The aroma of these coffees will persuade you to try one to push through a study session. Smoothies can be made to order with personalized flavors or you can choose per-selected mixed flavors from the menu. For an extra $1.50, you can add protein powder too. The food menu is just as extensive, and including vegan options allows Back to the Grind to cater to a larger customer base. The hummus and pita are the perfect snack, but if you need a pickup, I highly recommend the walnut brownie. Back to the Grind offers sandwiches, ice cream, desserts, fruit tarts, croissants and more. The wide variety of options allows customers to try something new every time they come in, even if they are regulars like me. Of course, if the food, beverages, atmosphere and events still are not enough, you can take home merchandise too. They offer several selections of merchandise inside the store, such as cute sweatshirts and T-shirts, so make sure to browse through the racks if you stop by.
Does waking up early truly set you up for a successful day? BY VICTORIA CORIA
ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR
College students should be getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night, according to Harvard research. But with college life being so busy between going to classes, hanging with friends and doing homework, is it possible to get this much sleep and still wake up early? There are five sleep cycles that last 90 minutes each. These cycles are called one, two, three, four and REM. During stages one and two, one can wake up easier but during stages three and four it is more
difficult to wake up because one is in a deeper sleep cycle. REM is in the middle of the sleep cycle and is moderately more difficult to wake up from. According to a New York Times article, Dr. Charles A. Czeisle, a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, called early rising as a “performance killer” because regularly getting four hours of sleep is the equivalent of the mental impairment of being up for 24 hours. Yselle Barajas, freshman psychology major, works an average of nine hours and has to wake up for her morning shifts from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“I don’t have the energy to socialize or do simple tasks after not getting enough sleep the night before,” Barajas said. However, she experiences a difference when her sleep time differs. Barajas said the nights she gets more sleep, her mood is better. “Sometimes I do have days where I wake up energized and stay a decent mood throughout the day,” Barajas said. Kaelyn Mondo, sophomore psychology major, used to wake up early and said that it resulted in her doing more within her day. “Waking up early makes me feel I have a whole day to do
something and have enough time to get things done rather than waking up later,” Mondo said. Both students had different perspectives but they felt the same way about being more energized when getting enough sleep. According to research conducted by Christopher Randler, a biology professor at the University of Education in Heidelberg, Germany, people who tend to wake up early are more persistent and cooperative and tend to have more likable, disciplined and appreciative traits. The term "beauty sleep" is a very common saying and is
actually proven to be true due to a study by the University of Stockholm, which found those who are more tired are viewed as unhealthy and less attractive. Sleep does not only affect how you look, but can also change within age. “The circadian rhythm and age affects your sleep schedule as well,” said Veronica Regueiro, professor of psychology. Circadian rhythm starts shifting at each age, which is why older people tend to go to sleep earlier and wake up earlier. Going to sleep at a reasonable time can change one's mindset by completing a sleep
cycle, Regueiro explained. Feeling tired or groggy throughout the day means that one did not get enough sleep to complete their sleep cycle. Anyone can become an early riser and program their mind to it, but scientifically it all depends on how many hours of sleep you get the previous night. So can waking up early really change your mindset and can we program our brains differently? The simple answer is yes — the more sleep one gets, the more your mindset can be ready to accomplish greater things.
PERSPECTIVES
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November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
CBU kicks off basketball season with Midnight Madness 1
1 2
3 5
4
3
5 1. Riley Battin, a graduate sports management student, screams with excitement after the dunk contest. 2. The CBU women’s basketball team performs together after their introduction.
3. The cheer and dance teams perform the school’s fight song to conclude Midnight Madness.
5. Lance the Lancer, CBU’s mascot, hypes up the crowd for Midnight Madness.
4. Nae Nae Calhoun, junior early childhood development major, runs across the court to toss a T-shirt into the crowd. Photos by Madison Sardana and Claire Grimes
SPORTS
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November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
LANCER SCORECARD as of Nov. 2
Men’s soccer
Women’s soccer
8-4-5
Men’s water polo
Women’s volleyball
9-12
22-12
Emily McGinn| Banner
Cross country team sweeps WAC, continuing title streak ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The California Baptist University cross country and track team is having an exhilarating season so far, traveling all over the U.S. to participate in races. Lancer cross country made a “historic sweep of WAC Championships,” according to the CBU Athletics website. In fact, we are “the first school in Western Athletic Conference history to sweep both men’s and women’s team titles multiple times.” said CBU Athletics. The men won their third WAC team title and women won their fourth WAC crown. Many individual players won WAC awards, as well. “(The high point of the season has been) winning WAC team titles on both (the) men’s and women’s side,” said Jordan Pingel, assistant cross country coach. Yasna Petrova, sophomore international studies major and a member of the women’s track team, commented on how the season has been going so far. “We are in the middle of the season, right before the most important and exciting races,” Petrova said. “Our team has already raced in three differ-
BY MICHAEL MARKS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
8-5-3
BY HANNAH GORDON
Student-athletes must train, stay motivated during the off-season
ent states. The last meet was pre-nationals in Oklahoma.” The Lancers have participated in six races so far, receiving satisfactory scores. But the Lancers look ahead to the last three races, especially the NCAA Division I Championships. “All of our races have gone really well so far,” Petrova said. “All high points. However, I believe that the highest point is yet to come and it will be the most important race, which is Nationals on Nov. 19. Both teams are ranked among the top in the nation. Based on our previous races, the women’s team is currently ranked 14th in the nation, while the men’s is 25th.” CBU’s official Division I status is having a positive impact on both teams. “We have had strong results both on the men’s and the women’s side in Division I races,” Petrova said. “We are becoming more confident as we can meet and race with other top teams which are in Division I. Both teams have been improving since the beginning. I cannot wait to see what else we all can achieve.” The Division I impact goes beyond the general to the personal and affects individual
members. “We are officially on the same stage as other DI schools,” Petrova said. “We can participate in the same races as I mentioned. Personally speaking, I have much more helpful experience compared to the previous year which I put into practice during the process.” Lancers look forward to the season ending with a bang at the national championship. This year is unique because it is the first year that the team will have the ability to attend the National Championships. “This is not the team’s first eligible NCAA post-season year,” Pingel said. “Last year the season ended at the WAC Championships, but this year the teams are now able to try and qualify for the NCAA Championship meet.” Petrova shared a memory from the beginning of the season that serves as a great representation of the Lancers. “My favorite moment was the start of the first race,” Petrova said. “My strong and beautiful teammates and I were at the front of the whole group, looking confident and eager to put into practice all the time and effort we had put. Personally, it feels amazing to me to be a part
of such a strong team. I want us to help one another and progress together in our shared passion — running.” “Confident” and “eager,” the CBU Lancers press on. The team’s next meet will be the West Regional NCAA Qualifying Meet, taking place Nov. 11. If the team advances beyond this meet, the season will end on Nov. 19 with Nationals at Stillwater, Oklahoma.
QUICK STATS
3rd
CONSECUTIVE WAC TITLE FOR MEN’S
4th WAC TITLE IN FIVE YEARS FOR WOMEN’S
How do athletes manage to stay in shape during the off-season and not lose the mental edge they have worked to sharpen? It is a combination of many things. Dedication is part of being an athlete, as well as receiving and maintaining support from coaches and the school. Especially when competing at the Division I level, it can be difficult to manage responsibilities year-round. Softball players Deja Westbrook, senior business major, and Katelyn Mangrello, senior psychology major, shared some things they do to set themselves up for the coming season. “We are in the weight room three times a week,” Westbrook said. “We are practicing every day. Basically the same thing as spring — maybe a little more intense in the off-season — because in the spring we start to unpack a little bit because we’re playing so much.” Players will do other things to prep before practice whether that is practicing batting, working on catching or warming up their throwing arm for the pitchers. Having to manage such a long season year-round can be tough. As there is so much time between one season and the next, much can happen and change. Consistency can be difficult to maintain. Westbrook shared strategies she has employed to stay motivated. “(It requires) a lot of accountability — you have to be accountable to yourself,” Westbrook said. “They have workout plans they give us that we are expected to do, or do our own workouts to stay in shape because we will have tests to make sure we were doing what we were supposed to be doing, as well as fielding and hitting all on your own.” Mangrello also emphasized the importance of time management, which she learned when working two jobs over the summer in addition to maintaining her off-season training schedule. “Between juggling that and softball-related things and working out and stuff, I feel like time management is definitely important (for) staying
organized,” Mangrello said. “Actually making it a priority (is important) because there will be times when you really don’t want to do this but no — you need to do this.” While the individual aspect of the off-season is managed by each athlete, maintaining team chemistry and cohesiveness can be even tougher. To maintain team chemistry, the team finds ways to bond, both in season and out of season. “We have weekly dinners with different mini-groups and they’ll change every week,” Westbrook said. “Going out to the beach together or having a movie night — things like that (help with) staying in touch with everybody.” Trevor Gillum, professor of kinesiology and program director for exercise science, shared the more technical aspects that athletes should focus on. With putting so much stress on their bodies, it is important to be aware of the maintenance and upkeep of the body. “Once the season is over, from my perspective, the recovery should probably shift towards the mental side as opposed to the physical side,” Gillum said. “We can periodize nutrition in such a way where the recovery from day to day or game to game is going to look very different than when the season is over.” The nutritional aspect of year-round training is also a major aspect of the off-season. Gillum shared some of the ways his program lends its expertise to coaches and athletes. “We do a little bit of nutritional counseling,” Gillum said. “Myself and another faculty member chat through bigger nutritional concepts as different coaches want it. So sometimes they want us to get in front of the team and talk with them through the importance of eating carbohydrates.” Gillum emphasized the importance of athletes continuing to get enough kilocalories to match their training schedule. Maintaining this nutritional discipline is important for athletes during the off-season. With technical knowledge as well as the dedication from coaches, staff and other student-athletes, prepping for the season is possible for our athletes, giving them more time to focus on the end goal: winning.
LANCER OF THE ISSUE MATT OLSEN, JUNIOR HEALTH SCIENCE MAJOR
Q: WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING WATER POLO? “I started playing when my brother started playing. He was the one that got me into it. It was the year before high school — he was in high school (and) I wasn’t.”
Q: WHAT DREW YOU TO CBU? “I live like 10 minutes away, so that’s kind of nice. I get to stay at home and not pay for housing. My brother also came here too, so that was nice — being able to play on the same team as him again. We are a Division I team, a good team and ranked.”
Q: WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PLAY AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL?
Q: WHAT MAJOR OBSTACLES HAVE YOU OVERCOME IN YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER?
“I always loved water polo. I got super into it when I did start playing. I had coaches early on that really invested in me, and their hard work paid off for me. I just knew I wanted to keep playing.”
“Last year I ended up getting an injury. Kind of early in the season, I got a concussion and that took me (out) for a couple of weeks. So being able to come back from that and re-cement my position as a starter (was important for me).”
Q: WHAT HAS THE GAME TAUGHT YOU? “It has taught me a lot of things. It has taught me hard work for sure — the hardworking mentality you need.”
BUSINESS & TECH
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November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
High drug prices highlight complex issue BY KRISTIE WISEMAN ASST. B&T EDITOR
On average, Americans pay $1,300 per year on prescribed pharmaceuticals. This is higher than anywhere else in the world, according to 46Brooklyn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to U.S. drug pricing data. Even more startling, the price of a new prescription drug is an average of $180,000 per year. So what is the reason for these extreme prices? Many would assume it is the corporate greed of big pharmaceutical companies. However, Dr. Bruce Prins, professor of biology, explained that this might be an oversimplification of a complicated problem. “Medications are created in a company whose reason for being a company is making money,” Prins said. “It feels a little shady, but that’s what drives innovation. These scientists spend a lot of time in school. They want to get paid and pay their debts back, buy a house (and) have a car and a family. So there’s profit to it, no doubt.” Scientists spend at least three years designing a drug before it can go on the market. The drug must pass several trials to prove it is both safe and effective. During this research and development (R&D) phase, companies pour millions into manufacturing their drug. Prins explained that after the development has been completed, these companies receive a seven-year patent. During this time, they must make back all
Photo illustration by Madison Sardana | Banner
A lack of competition among pharmaceutical companies allows them to maximize profits without regard to the average consumer. Because of this, one in four Americans struggle to afford necessary prescription medications. the money they spent and eventually turn a profit. Their ability to do so depends heavily on how many people need the treatment. “If we’re dealing with a disease that we now can treat and there’s a lot of people who have it, we can cut how much it’s going to cost per person,” Prins said. “But if it’s not very common, then the price goes way up because it’s still going to cost a lot for the R&D. You don’t sell as
much, so what you do sell has to pay back whatever it costs to create it.” These are important factors to consider when examining the price of pharmaceuticals. However, this does not fully explain why costs are higher in America compared to other nations. One in four Americans struggle to afford their prescription medications, and 30% have admitted to skipping doses, cutting pills or not renewing their
prescription because of price, according to an executive order signed by President Joe Biden. Due to the lack of competition, many pharmaceutical companies have been able to increase their prices to maximize profits. However, their prices have become too expensive for many Americans. “I can understand why pharmaceutical companies want the money, but it’s frustrating,” said
Rebecca Gonzalez, sophomore biology major. “Here are all these drugs that can help people, and they can’t afford to pay for them.” The prices of pharmaceuticals has become a growing concern with more and more Americans unable to afford them. Finally it seems action, albeit limited, is being taken to combat these rising costs. “It’s hard to know where the balance is,”
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Prins said. “There is always that profit versus the good of society. Theoretically, the government is working on the good of society, and the companies are working on profits.” Biden’s executive order signed on Oct. 14 is a step toward lowering pharmaceutical prices by capping out-of-pocket costs. This includes a cap of $35 per month on insulin, a notoriously expensive drug in America compared to other nations.
Sleep Continued from Page 1 In the study, a group of college students spent two minutes memorizing 30 unrelated words. The students were then split into three groups. One group remained awake, another napped for six minutes and the final group napped for 36 minutes. When recalling the unrelated words, the subjects that remained awake remembered less than seven words, the subjects who slept for six minutes remembered more than eight words and the group who napped for 36 minutes averaged over nine words. A second study by Harvard Medical School examined the effects of dreaming on memory. Each subject had an hour to navigate a complex maze. Then half the subjects remained awake while the other half napped for 90 minutes. This longer nap allowed the students to enter REM sleep, which is when dreaming occurs. The study found that the subjects who dreamed about the maze showed a dramatic improvement when re-examining the maze compared to other students. Only the students who dreamed about the maze showed this improvement. These studies show how sleep — even brief sleep — affects memory. They also indicate that some relationship may exist between memory and dreams.
“
It’s a huge act of hubris to think, ‘I have a body that runs this way, but I’m going to subvert that because I don’t this those rules apply to me.
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Dr. Erin Smith, Professor of psychology
It is only natural to want lower pharmaceutical prices. However, it is essential to consider the implications that would hold. Taking prescription medication is not like driving a car, Prins explained. You cannot just stop taking them when they get expensive. However, this profit motivates biotech companies to continue researching and producing more medications.
“
Dreams are your brain’s attempts to make sense of all that random firing. This is why you might have these weird dreams that combine the last thing you saw on Snapchat and a bit of information from the evening’s study session. Dr. Erin Smith, Professor of psychology
There are several theories surrounding dreams. One theory, the activation-synthesis theory, holds that dreams are essentially random neural noise. When we are asleep, we replay the neural connections that were firing during that day. By replaying them, we are strengthening those connections and improving memory. “Dreams are your brain’s attempts to make sense of all that random firing,” Smith said. “This is why you might have these weird dreams that combine the last thing you saw on Snapchat and a bit of information from the evening’s study session.” When we are asleep, our brain has the opportunity to process the information we obtained throughout our day. That applies to information retained while studying, as well. “This is why studying matters,” Smith said. “It’s quite literally your brain practicing the neural connections that are the thing you are trying to learn and store in memory.” It is unclear and perhaps unlikely that dreams improve memory. However, dreams occur during REM sleep, which does positively affect memory. So, the next time students think about staying up all night to study for an exam, they may want to sleep on it.
BUSINESS & TECH November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
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Increasingly popular photo app BeReal encourages authenticity BY IGNACIO DOMINGUEZ
STAFF WRITER
It is hard to be authentic on social media, but this app is redesigning that by taking a different approach compared to apps like Instagram or Snapchat. Unlike other apps, BeReal is moving to promote authenticity. Every day at a random time, you get two minutes to snap a picture using your front and back camera with no filters, no followers and no likes. The app is a first in pushing for authenticity. The unexpected notification asking you to take two minutes to share a moment of reality with your friends has led to a shift in social media by promoting willingness to portray a more non-glamorous version of yourself. In contrast, other apps allow you to post when you want, allowing for adjustments. Now the app does allow you to post out of that two-minute mark, but it essentially goes against the whole idea of capturing your real life. If you post outside of the push alert, your friends will know when scrolling through their “My Friends” tab. The app also includes a discovery page where you can see other users’ posts worldwide.
The app was first launched in 2020 by French developer Alexis Barreyat but just recently caught the attention of many people two years after its release. The app especially took off among GenZ after this last summer. According to research from Sensor Tower, in October, BeReal exceeded 50 million downloads worldwide. It has become one of the leading apps of the year, mainly because of the big influence it had on people after users on TikTok began sharing their BeReal in trends earlier in the summer. The popularity around BeReal is still growing and getting attention from shows like Saturday Night Live, which featured a skit on BeReal during their season premiere. “I mostly post on time — I am always within about 10 minutes (of the notification),” said Holly Dinh, junior nursing student. “If I’m not doing it (right then), I am in clinical some days (and) I’m not allowed to take pictures. So I will post late on clinical days.” Dinh prefers BeReal over other social media because of its simplicity. “(For) BeReal, you have a certain amount of people that
are your friends, (and) for me personally, I only look at what my friends do,” Dinh said. “I don’t look at the discovery section.” TikTok just recently unveiled its latest feature, one almost identical to BeReal. It employs the same idea of front and back cameras capturing a three-minute video at a random time, and tested a feature with a striking resemblance to BeReal this summer. Even amidst its late popularity, BeReal became a pioneer in presenting a new side of social media, one that other apps are adopting. But for some, the trend has not caught their attention. “I don’t really see what’s different about it from other social media platforms,” said Melanie Prieto, junior advertising and marketing student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. “I know from my knowledge you get the notification and just post what you’re doing at that exact moment, so it’s not as planned out or edited like Instagram. Still, I know some people wait until they’re out doing something.” While some question its authenticity many agree that it is a step forward compared to other applications.
Photo Illustration by Ignacio Dominguez | Banner BeReal attempts to authenticate social media by encouraging users to post their real life within random two-minute intervals.
Science, tech and business clubs back at CBU BY JASMINE SEVERI B&T EDITOR
Returning students may have noticed school clubs were quiet for the first half of the semester, and new students may have started to wonder if there were any active clubs. However, CBU recently had its Club Rush event, with a total of 61 clubs in attendance offering information and sign-ups at booths in Stamps Courtyard. Clubs are officially back and going strong, and many of those clubs relate to business, science and technology, and encourage diversity in their fields. Clubs such as the National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE), the National Organization of Minority Architects student chapters (NOMA) and the STEM Girls Club give a support system to people who can often go overlooked in their chosen profession. “NOMA, which thrives only when voluntary members contribute their time and resources, has as its mission the building of a strong national organization, strong chapters and strong members for the purpose of minimizing the effect of racism in our profession,” NOMA’s official website reads. These clubs also serve to connect students to others in their chosen field, both to their
peers and to outside sources, and to provide experience for the students. At the American Institute for Chemical Engineers club (AIChE), Sequoia May, junior chemical engineering major and vice president of CBU’s AIChE club, talked about the competitions the club competes in. “We have a couple of projects that we do throughout the year,” May said. “(For) the junior year project they make cars and we have to find some kind of power source whether it be a chemical reaction or a battery that we make.” Paul Rasoumoff, junior chemical engineering major and president of CBU’s AIChE
club, said there are many rules that go into making these cars. “There’s a bunch of rules for the competition, like no open flames or mechanical brakes, to prevent you from using other forms of engineering,” Rasoumoff said. “We have a semester to work on it, and then if it does well, the following semester we will compete in a regional competition. If we do well at that, we’ll move on to a world’s competition and I believe it was two years ago that we got third. So, in the past we’ve done pretty well.” Besides AIChE’s car competition for chemical engineering, many other clubs have projects students can join in on, such as
the American Society Of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) club’s trebuchet that will be made and presented right here on campus in the upcoming spring semester. Carson Merrill, senior mechanical engineering major and president of ASME, talked about the club’s trebuchet. “It’s a medieval catapult that is going to be put on the Front Lawn at the end of the academic year and we’re going to launch either pumpkins or watermelons across the field,” Merrill said. “(In) prior years, we were able to get it to go 300 feet, so it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing it from scratch this year — a full redesign — and we need help.”
There are many opportunities for students looking to join a club, and many more activities such as the Idea LaunchPad and the Bob Goodrich Business Plan Competition happening in March next semester. Among the other clubs in attendance were the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC), the Aviation Science Club, the Nutrition Club, the Health Science Society, and the Pre-Vet, Pre-Optometry and Pre-Pharmacy clubs. If students are looking to get connected with their peers with shared interests, CBU’s clubs are here and ready for more members.
Drones use 3D printing to make November celebrates aviation history from the Wrights to space buildings in dangerous conditions BY CONNOR RYAN ASST. B&T EDITOR
Planes are a staple in American society. Many people have benefited from aerial transportation, whether they are flying to see distant loved ones or taking a lavish vacation. Since November is Aviation History Month, Dr. Daniel Prather, professor of aviation science, looked back on the progression of this noteworthy industry and highlighted some key points in its development. “Aviation history is only 120 years old,” Prather said. “In that time, we went from the Wright brothers’ first flight to supersonic flight, and even to outer space.” In this short window, aircraft efficiency increased exponentially. Yonatan Hornkohl, junior aviation major, said fossil fuel engines are nearing perfection, while new fuel sources such as hydrogen and electricity are being tested rigorously. “(Scientists) have slowly but surely incorporated more electrical energy in aviation to lower emissions and make less of an environmental impact,” said Seth Guthrie, senior aviation major. Guthrie said that the advent of aviation changed the way our country is protected.
“From the First World War to where we are now is a night and day difference,” Guthrie said. Prather expanded on this security dynamic, stating that the bombing of Hiroshima, which contributed to the Japanese surrender in World War II, would not have been possible without the developments in aviation that were made during that time. Soon after, the groundbreaking 1949 flight of the Haviland Comet introduced commercial flights to the world. People then had access to more efficient long-distance travel. “Commercial transportation allows us to connect people across the globe to different environments safely and efficiently,” Guthrie said. “The engineers developing such projects allow pilots to transport people and items in better ways than ever before.” During the latter half of the 20th century, America’s aircraft technology reached new levels of speed and efficiency. Prather, reflecting on the evolution of traveling, referenced the maiden flight of the Concord in 1969, which marked the first aircraft to reach supersonic speeds. “In the past, civilizations rarely traveled far from home because it was only done on foot,” Prather said. “Today, we can travel around the world
in a relatively short time period.” Today, scientists are working toward making planes as autonomous as possible to eradicate human error. “Aircraft can now be equipped with more powerful technology, allowing them to fly more precisely and come lower to runways while flying in clouds,” Hornkohl said. “This technology is at the point where planes can, with specific approach routes, fly and land with minimal pilot input.” Another way scientists are working to improve air travel is by creating planes that can reach hypersonic speeds, which is five times the speed of sound. Prather said that these aircraft will eventually transport humans around the world in record time. “Most commercial airliners that are flying today generally fly at speeds of 500-600 mph,” Prather said. “Hypersonic flight is over 3,800 mph. In simple terms, a hypersonic aircraft could fly from Atlanta to London in 90 minutes.” From the inception of the Wright brothers’ plane to today, the aviation industry continues to be a symbol of ingenuity and innovation worldwide.
BY MIKEALA ALDREDGE
ASST. B&T EDITOR
The future of construction is here. 3D printing drones can now repair buildings from heights that are too dangerous for human workers. These drones were developed by Imperial College London and EMPA is a Swiss Federal laboratory. The drones use Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial-AM) to create an image of the surface, which is necessary to have the right materials needed so that the building is repaired properly. The drones use four bespoke cementitious mixtures that are used in place of cement. Regular cement is too heavy for the drones, so they use this lighter material better suited for it, which is made of mortar, concrete or grout and contains hydraulic cement. Construction uses two types of drones specifically for 3D printing repairs. The BuilDrones deposit the materials during the flight and the ScanDrones measure the BuilDrone’s output and inform them of the next steps of repair according to the article written by Imperial College London. These drones are coded to adapt to their surroundings, so
if something were to go wrong in the environment or in the build, the drones should adapt to that situation. Prof. Mirko Kovac, director of the Aerial Robotics Laboratory at Imperial College London, wrote about the drones his department is working on. He shared his vision for the drones and the future of construction. “Our fleet of drones could help reduce the costs and risks of construction in the future, compared to traditional manual methods,” Kovac said in his article on Imperial College London’s website. Dr. Jong-Wha Bai, department chair of Civil Engineering and Construction Management, said the price of drone technology will go down. “Drone technology is advancing rapidly in the construction industry,” Bai said. “As technology advances, and if it is manufactured on a larger scale, the costs of using drones in construction projects will be less.” Costs may go down, but using these drones will take some adjustment. “That could take a lot of stress off of workers, but I can see that could remove some job opportunities,” said Kariana Zelaya, freshman mechanical engineering major. “But at the same time, it can open up new
job opportunities for people to make those drones.” Benjamin Sanders, assistant professor of computing, software and data sciences, said he thinks there could be drawbacks to the kinds of mixtures used by the drones. One concern about this technology is how safe the mixtures of these concrete-like substances are. “In traditional plastic-based 3D printing, very often fumes with the PLA style plastic are very poisonous,” Sanders said. The subject of toxicity of the mixtures is not discussed in the article written by Imperial College London. According to Forbes, the fumes released during 3D printing could be hazardous in an uncontrolled environment. Sanders recommends using proper ventilation and using the outdoors for longterm projects because the mixtures could be toxic. Since the drones are told what to do through programming, there is no concern right now that the drones will completely replace humans. They will continue to be monitored. With these drones, researchers hope to lower the price of construction projects and make the work environment safer for human construction workers in the future.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 4, 2022· Volume 70 · Issue 4
Anime ‘Bleach’ returns at full force BY JAMESON SHOWERS ASST. A&E EDITOR
It has been 10 years since the last episode of “Bleach” aired on television. Since March 27, 2012, “Bleach” fans of the famous anime have longed for another episode of the famed anime to appear on the TV screen. What made the suspense even worse was that the last aired episode was not the series’ final episode. Tite Kubo, the author of the manga the anime is based on, wrote a final arc, “Thousand-Year Blood War,” to conclude the beloved series. Now, after a decade, the sequel series “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” premieres on screen as of Oct. 10. The original series, “Bleach,” first aired in October 2004 and quickly attracted anime lovers worldwide through its action-filled sequences and dynamic characters. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a Japanese teenager who is suddenly thrust into the secret world of ghosts and the supernatural. Kurosaki soon finds himself aligned with an organization called the Soul Society, which aims to protect humanity and fellow spirits by sending deranged and nefarious human souls, or “Hollows,” to the afterlife for good. With a natural ability for sensing hollows and a resilient soul, Kurosaki quickly ascends within the Soul Society and is granted the role of “Substitute Soul Reaper.” Supported by high school friends and other soul reapers, Ichigo sets out to defend humanity and the Soul Society
against the constant threat of Hollows. Patrick Forest, senior film major, watched Bleach growing up and immediately became a fan. The popularity and action scenes drew him to the series, but the story kept his enthusiasm as it progressed. “The relationships and story are something people underestimate,” Forest said. “Every battle Ichigo is in, you root for him, you feel his pain and you watch him grow. The anime is more than just a cartoon; it is an example.” There was never an official reason given for why the anime was discontinued. The most obvious theory fans can point to is the decline in popularity. During its run, “Bleach” aired against anime rivals “Naruto,” “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball Z.” As these series began to rise, “Bleach” views declined. The surge in popularity the show had, in combination with problems in the story, pushed “Bleach” to the wayside towards the end. Although initially lauded, fans started to get confused by the large number of characters and the inconsistently paced story. “I struggled to watch past the Soul Society story arc due to the show’s pacing slowing down considerably,” said Joshua Wellington, senior illustration major. There is not an anime or regular TV show without its problems and gripes from the audience. The pacing of “Bleach” was a problem for Wellington, but he persisted and later appreciated its values. The show’s creativity shined alongside its
issues, so fans of the anime can still maintain their positive outlook. “I can say that even though I am not able to enjoy it the same way I did when I first watched it, I am eternally grateful to it and its creator for existing,” Wellington said. “It has greatly influenced the path I have taken in life, and I am sure that many ‘Bleach’ fans would say the same.” “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” seeks to revive the original anime series and answer the many questions and issues the show has had. The series consists of four seasons with 10-14 episodes per season. The series has much ground to cover and action to condense into four seasons, as the arc in the manga consists of 19 volumes. The manga ended in 2016, and although fans were happy to see the story end, many complained about the abrupt ending. The “Bleach” author, Kubo, experienced declining health issues consisting of torn shoulder tendons and extreme stress while finishing the manga. Years of a demanding schedule contributed to the author’s worsening health, which ultimately led to the story’s hasty ending. During the production, Kubo helped the scriptwriters cover any plot holes or issues the manga had. “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” premiered its first episode on Oct. 10 and will continue releasing episodes every Tuesday for the first season. “Bleach” fans and those interested in checking it out can watch the show on Hulu.
Charissa Graves | Banner
Popular anime “Bleach” continues after a 10-year hiatus. The story picks up where it left off to complete the manga storyline.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
A day in the life
Review: Horror movie ‘Smile’ frightens with vivid imagery BY JAMESON SHOWERS ASST. A&E EDITOR
The film “Smile” is the newest addition to the recent psychological horror genre that has flooded cinemas. In addition to the usual gore, terrifying villains and freaky atmosphere found in horror flicks, the film explores something more terrifying: trauma. With plenty of jump scares and continuous climbing tension, “Smile” is worth a trip to the local theater. Parker Finn introduces a familiar concept to horror fans in his directorial debut. The idea of a supernatural entity haunting a group of characters is not new, but Finn does well in putting a spin on the lore behind the protagonist Dr. Rose Cotter, played by Sophie Bacon. A supernatural being pursues Cotter after witnessing a patient’s bizarre suicide, which sets off a harrowing journey in which Cotter must figure out how to stop this before it makes her the next victim, all the while trying to convince friends and family that she is not crazy. In a cast of somewhat familiar faces, Bacon’s stellar performance immersed me in her terror-filled world. I do not remember watching a scene with-
out her, which was a good decision, as one without her would detract from the story. Bacon’s on-screen efforts hold the plot in place at points where it has a lull in the action and suspense. Regarding traditional horror elements, prepare for the numerous jump scares strategically placed throughout the film. Finn does well in making the jump scares frightening, but some felt unnecessary, even to the point of overkill. The tension builds from the constant jump scares, but towards act three, the story progresses to a certain point where it can stand on its own without the antagonist leaping onto the screen. Putting Bacon’s performance, jump scares and supernatural entities aside, trauma carves out a large slice of the plot. In a genre that treats trauma as an abstract concept with kiddie-pool depth, “Smile” takes it a step further and expands on what makes Dr. Cotter’s trauma relevant and exciting to the story. The audience sees her trauma, how she goes through it and the strained relationships she has with those around her because of it. I appreciated how this theme of trauma became
of a graphic design major
more important as the plot went along. The visuals in this film were vividly memorable with grizzly scenes and twisted imagery. They truly started to take off during the story’s midpoint. There were many pictures and parts of the movie I did not expect to see, which is precisely what made them horrifying. The deep visuals also aided in establishing a world of uncertainty, where I was not sure if what Dr. Cotter experienced was real or not. The lines between imagination and reality became increasingly blurred, creating a compelling examination of the protagonist’s mental state. However, I will say that the movie’s low budget of $17 million becomes glaringly apparent in the computer-generated imagery toward the film’s end. Need the recommendation to see “Smile?” Here it is. Go and see it and I assure you that you will take something away from the film. The movie is scary, memorable and has an excellent performance by the lead character. There are some critiques here and there, but they do not derail the plot, and the movie still chugs along. 4 out of 5 stars.
Allison Mendes, graphic design and marketing management double major 6:45 a.m. – Woke up, went to the gym and got Shake Smart 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. – Accounting class 12:15 – 3:15 p.m. – Visualization class. Watched a video about digital compositing and was assigned a big project about a movie poster designed. Worked on the project due next week. Took pictures of an object and took pictures of self to composite into the picture. Her project will include her leaning against a giant candy cane. 3:15 p.m. – Studied for a quiz 5:45 p.m. – Dinner at Brisco’s 7:30 p.m. – Young Women of America meeting 11 p.m. – Watched TV and went to bed Emily McGinn | Banner
DC Extended Universe’s new film: Black Adam BY JONATHAN MEJIA MANAGING EDITOR
“Black Adam” is the DC Extended Universe’s (DCEU) 11th film and was released on Oct. 21. It stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the titular character Black Adam, Aldis Hodge as Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Arash Shahi as Isis and Pierce Brosnan as Kent Nelson’s Doctor Fate. The film focuses on Black Adam awakening in a modern-day world after being in slumber for thousands of years and Black Adam proceeds to wreak havoc against the Justice Society of America (JSA). The JSA features Hawkman, Atom Smasher, Doctor Fate and Cyclone (portrayed by Quintessa Swindell). The JSA then embarks to calm the rampaging Black Adam, leading to a series of battles. Considering the history of DCEU films and their difficulty competing with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU)
success, is “Black Adam” worth watching? In the comics, Black Adam is a well-known antihero similar to the Shazam character. Black Adam’s first comic book appearance was in Marvel Family No.1 in 1945. His powers include superhuman strength, speed, flying ability, invulnerability, magic and the ability to summon lightning. In the film, Black Adam seems to possess similar powers. Black Adam is also a noteworthy enemy of Shazam and a few other heroes across the DC universe. He has fought Superman in various forms of media. Johnson was an interesting choice, given that the actor does indeed have a similar physical appearance to some versions of the comic character. He is muscular, much like the comic character, and has a similar facial appearance. However, was the actor able to do the character justice, considering that Johnson has been arguably type-cast? Johnson is known to
play a robust, all-action character, typically depicted as a hero in many films, such as in “San Andreas.” Still, in this film, he played a similarly strong, all-action character, but as an antihero. “I think he will do really well as Black Adam,” said Kenny Ellerbeck, sophmore philosophy major. “I think his physical appearance portrays the superhero itself. Still, I think his personality and his acting ability will be able to personify that character.” While DC does have a couple of successful films such as “Wonder Woman” (2017) and “Shazam!” (2019), the DCEU has not experienced the same success as Marvel. The MCU caters to an overall family-friendly audience with mostly PG-13 films, while the DCEU has a few R-Rated films and does not hold back on the grittiness and darker tones. “I would say that DC has consistently misunderstood what people want from super-
EDITOR’S REVIEW British indie rock band Arctic Monkeys released their first studio album, “The Car,” on Oct. 21. As the band’s first release since 2018, the 10-song album has a total run time of 37 minutes and 27 seconds. While most of the Arctic Monkeys’ discography includes heavy drums and intriguing guitar riffs, their new album is reminiscent of their 2018 release “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,” with deep baselines and smooth monophonic vocals from the band’s lead singer Alex Turner. Arctic Monkey’s older songs are a bit more upbeat, often paired with lyrics referencing love and relationships. This new album follows the
same subject but has a darker romantic tone. The band is not afraid to experiment with their sound, as they often bring new and fresh songs to each album. Not one of their songs sounds the same as the other. Whether it be an exciting new guitar solo or sweeping orchestras that set them apart from the rest, their return is remarkable. The direction that they took this album, although different from their usual work, was a pleasant surprise. After so much time and anticipation, I expected the album to lean more toward the rock side of their genre. Although the album was not a rock album, I could clearly
hero movies,” said Dr. Sam Welbaum, assistant professor of philosophy. “‘Wonder Woman’ (2017) and ‘Shazam!’ were good because they handled the characters as they were and genuinely made them likable. DC doesn’t do this. DC has confused grim, gritty or dark for interesting. It seems they misunderstood why people like [Christopher] Nolan’s “Batman” trilogy and went all in on the wrong thing.” Marvel’s grittiest movies are filtered compared to the graphic content that DC has included in films like “Birds of Prey” (2020), “The Suicide Squad” (2021) and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” (2021). Out of the 10 DCEU films released prior, only three hold a 79% or higher score on Rotten Tomatoes and are some of DC’s good movies, such as “Shazam!” which has a score of 90%. “Black Adam” is currently rated at 39% on Rotten Tomatoes. “In recent years, the DCEU has surprised us with a few
tone, along with poor-pacing. Its standalone sequel, “The Suicide Squad” (2021), did not put on the family-friendly filter than its 2016 predecessor, which received more positive reviews. Most superhero fans want to see comic-accurate portrayals in superhero movies. Most movie-goers want to see a movie with good characters and a good plot. If DC can cater to both audiences, then this may be one of DC’s hidden gems. “To set Black Adam apart, they need to make him a likable character, which is fundamental. Welbam said. If they can be true to the comics and make him the anti-thesis of Shazam, [DC] will do well,” Dr. Welbaum said. “Black Adam” earned $67 million on its opening weekend in the U.S. box office and a cumulative global box office earning of $142.9 million. If you are into the DCEU line of movies, check out “Black Adam” in theaters now.
gems,” said Jordyn Tilley, sophomore film major. “From 2016’s ‘Suicide Squad’ to the more recent film, 2022’s ‘The Batman,’ DC looks like they might be coming out on top. The only thing that worries me is the larger abundance of characters. It almost seems that the DCEU is trying to bite off more than they can chew.” DC’s difficulty in success may be because of its inconsistency in whom it wants its audience to be. Some films are catered to a family-friendly audience, while others cater to a mature audience. Some movies are campy, and others are more graphic and grittier. “Black Adam” is currently rated PG-13, which may raise some eyebrows, considering the reputation of Black Adam in the comics and even in the trailers. 2016’s “Suicide Squad” attempted to present a gritty film featuring a band of supervillains under a PG-13 rating. The film was criticized for an attempt to be gritty in a family-friendly
Arctic Monkeys’ “The Car” BY ZERENITY LOPEZ I A&E EDITOR
distinguish the personal flare of the Arctic Monkeys. The album started with their vampy single “There’d Better be a Mirrorball,” with a heavily based piano background and light drums. The song is dreamy with dark undertones, perfect for a midnight ballroom dance under a full moon or a slow night drive through the city with open windows. Their next song on the album takes an entirely different path. “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am” starts with a funky baseline, drums and transitions in and out of what sounds like a string quartet. It makes for a truly dynamic song that is unlike the rest. From the entire album, it is
my favorite, along with “Hello You” and “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball.” These three songs made the album worth a listen and greatly added to the rest of the release. In this album, it seemed as though they decided to add many more classical instruments and funky accents to go with them. It created a brand new sound that was heavily orchestrated, which I have never heard from them but ultimately enjoyed very much.“The Car” is adventurous and cinematic, with songs about love, longing and even doubt. If you would like to be transported to a mysterious yet dreamy scene under a night sky, listen to “The Car.”
4 out of 5 stars
Photo Courtesy Rolling Stone UK.
SPORTS
14
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
Men’s water polo progresses steadily to finals BY MICHAEL MARKS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
California Baptist University men’s water polo team has been a dominant force this season, whether it is playing in scrimmages, tournaments or conferences. The dedication these players put into the game is impressive, especially considering the difficulty level of water polo as a sport. Men’s water polo players Tristan Felberg, senior film major, and Matt Olsen, junior health science major, shared their progress this season not only as individuals but also as a team. They noted that the year had been fraught with many challenges, especially when clashing with rivals. “UC Davis and UC San Diego, just because we have a lot of history with them,” Felberg said. “Last year we beat UC San Diego in the semi-finals, and then we ended up losing to UC Davis in the finals — (there is) definitely a little bit of a rivalry there.” However, unlike many other CBU sports, neither the men’s nor women’s water polo team plays CBU’s rival, Grand Canyon University. This has forced the team into a unique position where it has not just one rival, but rather multiple schools to beat. These rivalries force them to always be at the top of their game. Olsen said the team has been doing well competing at a high level and has celebrated successes. However, they are also aware of shortcomings. “We are beating the teams we need to beat and we are successful early in the game, but when it comes down to finishing, we have not been successful,” Olsen
said. Felberg shared similar sentiments as his teammate, acknowledging that the team has progressed to a higher level this season. “We definitely have a lot of good games,” Felberg said. “In the past, we might not have been as close with these teams that are ranked above us. “I think we are doing a good job this season of being in there with all these close games. (It is) just coming down to execution and hopefully getting some more wins against those big teams.” Beyond technical shortcomings, the team also deals with external challenges experienced at away games. “We (played) Santa Clara at Santa Clara, which is a big game for our conference,” Olsen said. “After that, we (played) Air Force at Air Force. It’s really hard to breathe out there because of the altitude, so they have that really good home advantage.” Despite such challenges, the team has persevered and moved forward, accomplishing many of the goals set for the season. Felberg shared his assessment of the team moving forward into the semi-finals and finals. “I think we are right there,” Felberg said. “I think now that we’ve played (conference teams) and know how they are going to play, all we can do is just go out there and get that win. It comes down to just a couple of plays, and I think we can do it.” Kevin Rosa, men’s water polo head coach, discussed the season so far and what it has been like leading the team as
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Joseph Starr, junior business administration major, aims to shoot into the cage of Loyola Marymount University at their match on Oct. 27. they continue their push forward in the conference, especially with how he cultivates a culture of winners. “The team enjoys being with each other,” Rosa said. “When we are playing our best, when we have energy and we’re excited and cheering each other on, that’s when we’re playing our best. (At) practices, obviously (we) want to work hard and push each other and do everything we can to become the best team possible. (We try to) enjoy ourselves as we’re working hard.”
Rosa gave a glimpse into what that hard work looks like. The practice schedule consists of intense conditioning in the mornings along with weight room training three times a week. This is on top of regular practice in the pool where they work on plays and drills, not only demonstrating the dedication necessary by these athletes to participate in such a grueling schedule, but also the kind of athlete needed to achieve this. He also shared that the team lost many experienced players, graduating nine seniors last
year. Even with such a young team and a packed schedule, Rosa is confident in the team’s ability to perform above and beyond expectations, sharing how he meets the challenge of a potentially less experienced team. “We’ve done it with depth,” Rosa said. “I think last year the top may have been a little bit heavier, (but) I think now we can go a little bit deeper along the bench. “Energy-wise it seems we can keep up, so it’s not the energy level that’s hurting us in the fourth quarter. It could be some
nerves or just stepping up and making a play when we need to late in the game.” Tying in the mental side of the game, Rosa’s players attend the sports psychology program on campus for half an hour per week to learn to deal with aspects of the game such as anxiety and stress and to practice visualizing success. The men’s water polo team continues to push forward through the season with Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) championships coming up Nov. 18-20.
CBU debuts unofficial unicorn mascots R IV E R SID E
BY HANNAH GORDON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Something new may have stood out at recent California Baptist University games. Here is a hint: It is 7 feet tall, pink and aggressively cheering to distract the opposite team. Figured it out? It is a unicorn, of course, and it is the latest addition to the CBU halftime entertainment. The four colorful characters are officially known as the “CBUnicorns.” This concept came about completely by chance through the ingenuity of CBU students. “How it started? A student showed up with a unicorn costume on and we ran with it,” said Andrew Reina, assistant director of athletic marketing and fan engagement. Reina explained the unicorns will be used as entertainment to keep the crowd engaged at halftime. Do not panic, though — Lance is not going anywhere. The CBUnicorns are not official mascots. They are meant to be viewed as “weird off-brand pseudo-mascots, but these are technically not going to be official mascots,” Reina said. The students in the unicorn costumes will be different every time, but we must first acknowledge the student who started it all. Saryah Harris-Davis, sophomore business administration major, was the first student who showed up in a unicorn costume on that fateful night. “It was the Grand Canyon University game for (men’s) soccer and I had talked to my boss, Clark, and I had asked him if I could wear my unicorn costume — because what’s more distracting than a 7-foot unicorn?” Harris-Davis said. Harris-Davis is in the CBU Crazie Crew. It is the Crazie
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The “CBUnicorns” serve as unofficial mascots for CBU’s athletic teams. They debuted on Oct. 13 at the women’s volleyball game against Abilene Christian, and are now appearing at all games where the Crazie Crew is present. Crew’s job to keep the crowd entertained during CBU sporting events. The unicorn thrilled the crowd that night. It caused such a positive response that Athletics took notice of the opportunity to create something new for games. “The athletic director loved it,” Harris-Davis said. “The crowd loved it. I was taking pictures with kids at the end of the game. So he saw it as an opportunity to make it something that was attractive with the crowd. We kept trying it out at soccer games and people just kept taking photos and saying, ‘Hey, unicorn,’ so (the athletic director) was like, ‘I have an idea — what if we make a CBUnicorn?’” The CBUnicorns debuted “officially” at the women’s volleyball game against Abilene Christian on Oct. 13. “I saw (the CBUnicorns) for the first time at that game,” said Tanner Kekoa Foster, senior
business major. “I thought they were pretty funny.” Now, one question may come to your mind: Why unicorns? The answer is simple: Why not? “It was just random — like purely random,” Harris-Davis said. “It’s honestly just for fun. We are just a bunch of kooky kids in giant unicorn costumes just having fun. That’s just what it is. It really branched from nowhere. It was just something cool that happened.” Harris-Davis may be employed as one of the Crazies, but this did not stem from her occupation. The wonder of the CBUnicorn stems directly from her personality. “I have a lot of energy and I am very outspoken and that is not the easiest person to be around often, especially in college,” Harris-Davis said. “Like you just don’t feel like being peppy all the time, but that is my character and I cannot help it. It’s so exhilarating that
me just being myself and me putting myself out there was something that was accepted by so many people. The crowd interacting with it and the teams loving it — it made me love my job even more. I feel accepted in a way for my quirkiness and my craziness and high energy, and it’s just the best environment.” Being a part of the Crazie Crew provided the perfect opportunity for her personality to shine and was a long time aspiration for Harris-Davis. “I always wanted to be a Crazie,” Harris-Davis said. “When I found out I was going to be a Crazie, I literally called my mom balling my eyes out. It is literally the best job ever. I get to support my school and the sports doing what they love and get paid.” Next time you are at a CBU sporting event, look for the CBUnicorns to join in on the fun and appreciate a new wave of CBU school spirit.
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15
November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
LANCER ON THE STREET
What excites you about the 2022 Midterm Elections?
Jenelle Hekmen Freshman Creative writing majors
“I like the opportunity to have an impact on the changes that will be happening in our country.”
Olivia Dyke Junior Biomedical engineering major
“I think voting is important. It’s a way to maintain our democracy.”
Levi Sanchez
Aaron Conley Sophomore Kinesiology major
Emey Yossef Junior Health science major
Junior Psychology major
“This will be my first time voting, so this will be a new experience.”
“I read up on the people so I know who I’m voting for. I have knowledge this year.”
“It’s my first time voting. Last time I guess I skipped purposely, but I’m voting this year.”
Stop taking unpaid internships Let’s get rid of the minimalism trend
BY EMILY MCGINN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As college students, many of us have a similar ultimate goal in mind: to get a good job after graduation. To accomplish this, we attend class. We write papers. We pore over textbooks and assignments. We take tests. Then, at some point — for many of us, around junior or senior year — we begin to search for one crucial element that school cannot provide: work experience. In the modern competitive job market, significant work experience is a must, even for entry-level positions. So begins the scramble to snag an internship before graduation. The advantage of having an internship on your resume is undeniable. After graduation, those who have had internships are 15% less likely to remain unemployed, according to Zippia. Internships also often lead to job opportunities, with 70% of interns hired at the company
at which they interned, according to Zippia. Internships often offer graduates that extra edge over other candidates vying for a job position, making them invaluable in today’s job culture. While internships act as resume-builders for students, a significant number of internships — 39.2% based on Zippia’s statistics — are unpaid. Unpaid internships are the golden ticket for many companies, providing them with a way to “hire” many college students under the guise of providing essential work experience for students while avoiding having to budget money for the extra labor. However, regardless of the supposed benefits of internships, any advantages gleaned do not justify the lack of pay for student interns. Millions of students attend colleges across the U.S., but internship positions are limited, forcing many students desperate for these opportunities to settle for unpaid internships. While some internships offer college credit, this compromise, nor the promise of professional benefits, matches the value of cold, hard cash in college students’ pockets. While it may sound shallow, money is important. As much as we like to deny it, studies have repeatedly displayed that, at least to a certain point, money brings people happiness and control over their lives and avoids detrimental ramifications of financial stress. This financial stability is per-
haps most desperately needed among college students coping with ever increasing tuition expenses and a dangerously high inflation rate. On average in the U.S., college students spend about $200 each month on expenses, according to Save My Cent. This estimate does not include room and board, school supplies and books, transportation and tuition — and this figure is likely higher in states such as California with above-average costs of living. Many students rely on paid positions to fund unavoidable living expenses, leaving them in the sticky situation of being unable to afford settling for an unpaid internship. These students are left with a choice: forfeit the resume-building work experience, or find a way to juggle an unpaid internship, a packed course load and a job to make up for the lack of pay at the internship. The first option seems grim, forcing many to make mental and physical health sacrifices to make the latter option work. Unpaid internships at their simplest level are an exchange of free labor for a perceived, non-concrete benefit. They offer no visible compensation, so why are unpaid internships legal in the first place? The answer lies in legislation. Unfortunately, while the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires for-profit companies to provide monetary compensation for employees, interns
may not qualify as employees under the law, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. In the past, the courts have analyzed intern compensation requirements in the context of the FLSA based on a seven-factor test. This test is meant to ensure that there is an understanding between interns and a company regarding the absence of compensation and that an internship program is educational in nature and thus is benefitting the intern. However, this test — dubbed the “primary beneficiary test” — is loosely defined and largely subjective, offering a flimsy foundation for any legal arguments against unpaid internships. This lack of firm guidelines makes it wildly easy for companies to take on interns for unpaid positions without challenge, perpetuating this out-of-control phenomenon. In modern society, we have generally looked down upon labor without fair pay. However, we have provided companies with loopholes, and college students have had to suffer the consequences. As students, we should not perpetuate this generally-accepted unfair treatment. We cannot continue to settle for no pay for valuable work. Like all employees, we deserve to be paid for our time and effort. The promise of “work experience” and a flimsy letter of recommendation is no longer enough. Let’s recognize our value and take back our power.
The U.S. needs the Fairness Doctrine
BY MICHAEL MARKS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
It is no secret that America has become increasingly polarized. We can seldom escape the issues of our time, whether that be heated debates over issues such as Roe v. Wade or gun laws. There is no place where this is more evident than the media. Both the left- and right-leaning media have made a mockery of our democracy, stifling the free exchange of ideas in the pursuit of progress, and instead have traded it in for biased, partisan news that harms our democracy. To understand how we got
here, and what we will need to do moving forward to repair the damage done to our civil discourse, you have to understand the Fairness Doctrine. The framework for the Fairness Doctrine got its start in 1927 with the Radio Act. The Radio Act did two things: it limited radio broadcasters to licensed broadcasters only, but it also mandated that broadcasters serve the public’s best interests. In 1934 the Federal Communications Act replaced the Radio Act and led to the creation of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC’s purpose was to “encourage the larger and more effective use of radio in the public interest.” The two previous acts listed were done in an effort to promote a basic degree of fairness and give coverage to both sides of controversial issues. Candidates running for office were also given equal air time and people who felt they were unfairly attacked on air were allowed an opportunity to rebut what was said. In 1969, the Fairness Doctrine was challenged in the
Supreme Court case Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. Federal Communications Commission. The court ruled in favor of the FCC after they found that a broadcasting station in Pennsylvania had not allowed a writer they called a communist sympathizer to have the time to respond to such an accusation. This is important because it tells us something about the way people thought about media and the sharing of ideas compared to how people view it today. We used to believe that pushing one narrative and giving no thought to the other side was not only bad, but also detrimental to our democracy. You cannot reach a conclusion that suits everyone if you do not engage with the other side. It is how we grow as individuals and reach compromises as a group. We would expect the pushing of a single narrative in totalitarian regimes, such as the Chinese Communist Party, which imprisons journalists for trying to report outside of the approved narrative. Yet the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987 was what set us down the path toward biased,
lopsided media because the budding television and media industry was worried it would push back against free speech. Yet this argument is false because the Fairness Doctrine helped facilitate free speech, not stifle it, forcing people to engage with each other and think about issues critically — issues that you eventually vote on in the polls. For if knowledge is the strength of democracies, ignorance is their weakness. You can see the consequences of repealing the Fairness Doctrine, such as the concept of the “echo chamber,” an environment in which a person only sees and hear opinions and information that support their opinion. People are having a more difficult time finding common ground, demonizing the other side rather than understanding we should be working together. So next time you watch Fox News or CNN, ask yourself if your side being right is worth the price we paid to lose the ability to have civil discussions and reach a solution that helps everyone.
BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER MANAGING EDITOR
Minimalism — a design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create a desired object, as defined by the Tate art galleries, — emerged in New York in the late 1950s, and it is still a popular trend in 2022. Beginning as an art movement by Frank Stella who painted the “Black Paintings” — canvases covered in black paint with white pinstripes — minimalism quickly swept the world, from architecture to lifestyle. The minimalist look is the current fashion trend, with social media emphasizing how people can achieve this look. TikToks illustrate how to achieve minimalistic or “clean” makeup and outfits, which usually involves just a touch of makeup to give a no-makeup look, slicked back hair, small hoops, a simple white T-shirt, mom jeans and a Lululemon fanny pack. The goal of this fashion is to make people look effortlessly put together. The flaw of this look, however, is that the look offers no individuality, and people end up looking like replicas of one another. The lack of individuality is the issue with minimalism as a whole. Take a look at minimalistic architecture. The iconic red London telephone booth is something that many of us are able to picture immediately. Soon, however, this will not be the case. Phone booths in London are being reconstructed to look more simple with minimalistic glass walls, so there will be nothing that separates them from American phone booths. Architecture is about more than technicality — it is about history and aesthetics. European architecture is completely different from American architecture. Looking at design details alone, architecture can exhibit and teach cultural themes and ideology. When these details are erased, the history and uniqueness of a location fades. If minimalism takes over, we will be left with a bland canvas of the world around us. Simple gray tone buildings with no eye-catch-
ing colors, designs, images or text will be all that is left. There will be nothing to showcase the differences between humans, culture, tastes and artistic capabilities. Essentially, minimalism leads to the death of art, creativity and individuality. Journalist Nathan J. Robinson described in an article for Current Affiars why he didn’t like minimalism saying, “Take away the unnecessary, untidy, and intricate and you can take away a place’s soul.” I agree with him completely. Not to worry, though, because thanks to other artists in the 1960s, contemporary art also came to the forefront. The goal of this movement was to respond to the modern times we live in, focusing on broad contextual frameworks from politics and culture, themes of identity and advancing technology. It “is not merely about the aesthetic, but it is more focused on sharing ideas, and is marked by its diversity of mediums and styles,” according to artincontext.org. Contemporary design is also not limited to art, as it appears in fashion, architecture and lifestyle. Contemporary fashion focuses on being high-quality, affordable, accessible and environmentally friendly. There is no limit to colors, design aspects or shapes. Contemporary brands are able to experiment, and consumers are allowed to test out different looks and styles, embracing who they are. Contemporary architecture also has no boundaries when it comes to creativity. Kristen Hohenadel, an interior design architect, stated in an article for thespruce.com that “it’s accepted that the characteristics of contemporary architecture include non-linear and unadorned structures. But while there is no clear definition of what constitutes contemporary architecture, it comprises a range of present-day building styles that often look radically different from one another and sometimes from anything that has come before.” Contemporary design calls for the consumers, artists and citizens to stay mindful of current times and to embrace change at the same time. It is meaningful and thoughtful, and it allows us to showcase who we are as people during the time in which we are alive. In contrast to minimalism, there is no one look or answer to contemporary design. This genre of design is the one that should be the trend right now, especially with so much currently going on in our world. Do we really want to be remembered as the generation of simple black and white canvases and grey bowls as decorative pieces?
16 November 4, 2022 · Volume 70 · Issue 4
Lancer Life
Comic Sans
Cartoons by Carly Brunner
Cartoons by Santos Garcia
Fun & Games Name: _________________________________________________
2022 Election WORD SEARCH: MIDTERM ELECTIONS
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