Banner | Vol. 69 Issue 9

Volume 69 Issue 9 March 25, 2022

@cbulancermedia cbubanner.com

Afghan refugees share their stories Vision p. 6-7

Ukrainian students on campus struggle with concern over conflict

“ “

Look at a photo, one photo of a kid shot in the forehead. Look at it for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, until you understand. Put yourself into that situation, and then say something.

Marharyta Smirnova, Junior public relations and photography double major and Ukrainian student

I can’t say that everything is fine. As long as I see all those videos, all those people that are dying in my country, I just can’t say that I’m fine, that everything is OK. It’s painful. It’s painful.

BY LAUREN BROOKS NEWS EDITOR

Photo by Roman Zozulia Banner

Roman Zozulia, senior communication studies major and international student from Ukraine, finishes his track race and decideds to take a stand for his home country.

Roman Zozulia was in the library working on homework and tapping through Instagram stories when he saw that it happened. The Russian “special operation” in Ukraine was blasted through social media, alerting the world in a moment that war had come to his home.

Shortly after seeing the initial posts, he received a call from a close friend in the capital, Kyiv.

It was a brief call ending with one phrase: “I hope we see each other again.”

Roman Zozulia, Senior communication studies major and Ukrainian student Zozulia could not believe it.

His world had flipped upside down in a matter of seconds.

His voice had a tinge of sadness to it, a tired one. He had an optimistic view at the start of the invasion, even planning on flying back home not long before.

For many, seeing the beginning of the war was a tragic event full of unneeded violence half a world away, while tucked into a neat place of being unaffected. For Zozulia, Ukraine is his home, his world, full of people and places he loves. He is a senior international student who has been part of Califor-

nia Baptist University’s track team for the past two years, studying communication studies.

He waits for messages from his large family nightly, most of whom are still in Kyiv. His mother, grandma and grandpa send texts to reassure him of their current safety, but Zozulia knows that it can change in an instant. There is a certain kind of helplessness, he said, in being an ocean away and wanting to help, but being unable to directly.

SEE UKRAINE | PAGE 2

Students share nail services on campus

Pre-cancer screening important in twenties

BY KASSIDY BLOUNT

BY KRISTIE WISEMAN

ASST. A&E EDITOR

If you have ever gotten your nails done or taken a friend to get their nails done, you know how expensive it can be. Everything is an upcharge — longer nails, designs, nail removal — and it can become tiresome.

Some students at CBU have taken it upon themselves to correct this issue by creating their own businesses and marketing to students.

The word has spread that many students are nail artists on campus. This means no more driving far, paying too much or not getting exactly what you want.

Rachel Bolinger, senior communications major, is one of the students who created her own business, which can be found on Instagram @raesmariebeau-

ty. She has been doing people’s nails for a little over a year and charges $20 for gel, acrylic, poly gel or drugstore cremes.

“I’m self-taught,” Bolinger said. “I didn’t want to pay over $60. Why pay so much when you can buy a kit for under $30 and do it yourself many times?”

Another CBU nail artist is Wiktoria Klębowska, junior business major. She has been doing nails for about six months and has had 55 customers so far.

As someone who was always fascinated by art and nails, she took it upon herself to learn and start doing other people’s nails.

She charges $15 for gel nails and $30 for hard gel extended nails; she can also be found on Instagram, @wiki.nails.cbu.

“I promote my business by getting new colors and posting

SEE NAIL ARTISTS | PAGE 13

CONTRIBUTOR

Photo by Kia Harlan Banner

Wiktoria Klebowska, junior business major, paints a client’s nails, applying the finishing top coat.

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for almost 10 million deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This means that 1 in 6 people who died in 2020 died from cancer. However, if detected early, most cancers have a significant chance of being cured.

“Between 30 and 50% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies,” according to the WHO. Cancer is diagnosed in stages, ranging from one to four.

At stage one, the cancer is localized in a small area and has not yet spread to other tissues.

During stage four, the cancer has spread to other organs or

Treadmills vs. outdoors —

Battle of the platforms —

Truth Social —

L i f e s t y l e , Pg. 6

A & E , Pg . 1 2

B & T , Pg. 11

Does running on a treadmill give you the same workout as overground running?

Students weigh in on their preferences between Apple Music and Spotify.

areas of your body.

Pre-cancer screenings are one of the ways available to ensure your body’s health. These screenings can help medical professionals detect cancer in early stages. Dr. Melissa Antonio, associate professor of biology, said the stage during which cancer is discovered influences the chance of survival.

“The later the stage of the cancer, the harder it would be for it to be treated,” Antonio said. “If the cancer is caught early due to preventative measures and early screening, the better the prognosis will be.”

Antonio said that young adults in their early 20s should begin getting pre-cancer screenings, especially if they have a family history of cancer. For those who might have

SEE SCREENING | PAGE 7

Former President Donald Trump launches an app for his new social media platform.

NEWS

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March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

THE BANNER

staff PRINT

Editor-in-Chief Emily McGinn

Sports Editor Aiden Hobson

Managing Editor Aiden Hobson

Asst. Sports Editors Maddy Gonzalez Arden Leeman

Photo Editor Elijah Hickman Asst. Photo Editor Tonia Ross

Asst. Design Editors Lauren Brooks Luis Menendez Jeremiah Wong

Design Editor Emily McGinn

Public Relations Director Megan Van Battum

News Editor Lauren Brooks

Social Media Director Cole Stillwagon

Asst. News Editor Zerenity Lopez Kylie Schrieber

Distribution Manager Casey Maldonado

Business & Tech Editor Jasmine Severi Asst. Business & Tech Editor Alexza Bahnmiller A&E Editor Rowen Zamora Asst. A&E Editors Josiah Murphy Kassidy Blount

Advertising Manager Wiley Lloyd Staff Writer Ignacio Dominguez Olivia Lenning

ONLINE Editor-in-Chief Emily McGinn

Lifestyle Editor Emily McGinn

Website Administrator Jasmine Severi

Asst. Lifestyle Editors Valerie La Ponza Teddy Peña

Photo and Video Editor Elijah Hickman

Asst. Director of Student Publications Sonya Singh

Open Mic night encourages students to share talents and demonstrate skills KYLIE SCHRIEBER ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The biannual tradition of Open Mic Night continued on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. Community Life hosted this event to bring students together to showcase their talents.

This event featured 17 performances that included singers, stand-up comedy and musicians displaying their talents and skills. Open Mic Night involves students who grew up performing and love being on stage, and those who push themselves outside of their comfort zone to try something new.

Community Life at California Baptist University hosts many events every year on campus to create a fun environment with experiences that will provide memories. Isabelle Sharp, Community Life intern, emphasized the fun sense of togetherness the event brings.

“What’s special about Open Mic is that it’s a place where students can show off their talent that they might not otherwise have a platform to do so on campus,” Sharp said. “It’s a way to build a community of support and unity.”

Azam Sebastian, year and major? graduate student,

Photo by Charissa Graves | Banner

Azam Shaikh, currently pursuing a master of business administration, performs a stand-up comedy routine. entertained the audience with his light-hearted standup comedy at Open Mic Night.

“Growing up in India, I didn’t perform,” Sebastian said. “But it was fun. I wanted to do this and I just wanted to put a smile on people’s faces and allow them to have a good time. It doesn’t matter if they make fun of you or not. Even if people laugh, they’re smiling and that’s all that matters.”

Students Tim Craig, Noah Fickel and Aaron Carillo have performed at Open Mic Night in the past and enjoy making music together. They played “Edge of Desire” by John Mayer at this semester’s Open Mic Night. Craig sang

and played guitar, Fickel played electric guitar and Carillo played the drum pad.

They are also involved in the Purpose Worship Team at CBU and are in the process of planning their own worship night event.

They have performed together before, but this experience was different for them due to the closeness of their audience and the environment.

“It was a fun experience and I’m glad we did it,” Craig said.

Maxine Auer and Alyssa Humphreys, Community Life interns, were the planners and hosts for this

event. Auer explained that she participated in this event during the previous semester’s Open Mic Night.

She also explained that this event fell on St. Patrick’s Day due to the numerous other scheduled events that were happening throughout the semester. “(St. Patrick’s Day) ended up becoming a fun aspect of the night that we got to play into with the theme,” Auer said.

This event is so loved by students that the possibility of doubling Open Mic Nights for each semester is currently being considered by CBU’S Community Life staff.

THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Interim Director of Student Publications Dr. Mary Ann Pearson

HERE ARE THE FACTS:

We want your help!

- On the night of Feb 23-24, Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine. The United Nations considers this attack to be a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

Write, take photos or design with us.

- More than 3.4 million people have fled Ukraine and 6.5 million Ukrainians are internally displaced since the beginning of military operations

Email us at BannerEditor@calbaptist.edu for more information.

- According to the U. N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as of March 20, 2,361 civilian casualties were recorded, including 902 deaths. The actual figure could be significantly higher as reported victims are confirmed. Tens of millions of people are in “potential danger of death."

- Individual donations from 140 countries have raised more than$3 million to date, according to the U.N.

About

THE BANNER

The Banner newspaper is an award-winning, bi-weekly campus publication that publishes 12 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 BannerEditor@ 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!

Follow us!

@CBULancerMedia Keep up with CBU news and events.

- According to UNICEF, with every second that passes, a Ukrainian child becomes a refugee.

Lauren Brooks | Banner

Ukraine Continued from Page 1 “You feel like you need to be there, but at the same time, you feel like you need to stay here,” Zozulia said. “You’re waiting for those messages. And it’s like too much pressure, you know, it’s too much pressure and everything. What I want to say is it’s horrible. It’s horrible.”

According to a press release by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as of March 23 there have been approximately 2,571 civilian casualties in the country.

The number is an estimate and uncertain due to delayed reports.

Rita Smirnova, junior photography and public relations major, has been sharing content on her Instagram story in an attempt to combat misinformation from the Russian media. Also from Kyiv, she knows many people stranded in Ukraine and directly impacted by the violence. One of her old swimming coaches was caught under shelling rubble while volunteering in Kharkiv.

Her coach told her that she screamed and prayed for hours, eventually freed by a man who saw her. This coach in particular coached the Ukrainian national swim team, giving her some status. Smirnova and Zozulia emphasized that status no longer has any impact in this war; celebrities and wealthy people are just as at risk of being caught in the crossfire. “[They are] just people; they’re stuck,” Smirnova said.

“Sometimes they’re starving.

Sometimes they’re dying.

I’ve just seen a lot of horrible photos and videos every day.

And it breaks my heart because I know these places, I know these people and some of them are getting injured, really injured.”

While the majority of her family is in Poland, she still has several family members and friends stranded in Kyiv. The train stations are packed to the brim with Ukrainians hoping to escape, which means having to face leaving the country one has lived in and loved for so long. Zozulia said that his grandparents stayed because they did not want to abandon the place that they call home.

“You need to understand,

it’s hard to leave the place where you’ve lived for like 10 to 20 years,” Zozulia said.

“And now somebody’s saying, ‘You know what? You’ve got to go somewhere else because it’s unsafe.’ I mean, I can understand them.”

One of Smirnova’s friends in Ukraine, who is working as a volunteer to fetch medicine for those who are unable to move from hiding, free those stuck in the rubble and take direct action wherever possible. She said many refugee families were being shot on the journey to the border.

Those who are still in Ukraine are forced to take safety in basements or mass evacuation centers, such as schools and hospitals. Smirnova said a friend’s grandpa died from cancer in a basement due to a lack of medical access.

Volunteers are unfortunately not able to save everyone due to the scale of the devastation.

Funerals are also being delayed due to a lack of safety, hindering loved ones from saying their proper farewells.

Zozulia said he is grateful for his friends and professors who have been checking up on him but still feels a constant looming sense of being overwhelmed.

He has been using Instagram to share information about the conflict, sorting through the multifaceted sides of the media. He is grateful for the outpouring of support in his messages and through people but notices that many have a lack of understanding of the complete scope of the crisis.

Since America is not directly affected by the conflict’s violence, Smirnova mentioned hearing both whispers and loud jokes about the situation.

People are also offering their unsolicited opinions to her on the situation, she said, most of them callous and uninformed.

A tap through Smirnova’s Instagram stories reveals bloody photos taken in Ukraine, displaying the heartbreaking reality of the war.

“Look at a photo, one photo of a kid shot in the forehead,” Smirnova said. “Look at it for 10 minutes, for 20 minutes, until you understand. Put yourself into that situation and then say something.”

“I can’t say that everything is fine,” Zozulia said. “As long as I see all those videos, all those people that are dying in my country, I just can’t say that I’m fine, that everything is OK. It’s painful. It’s painful.”

NEWS

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March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

ASL students volunteer at local school CHARISSA GRAVES STAFF WRITER

California Baptist University’s ASL club was represented at the Love & Literacy Across California event in the gym of the California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) on March 5.

The event was presented by the Center on Deafness, Inland Empire (CODIE), and hosted by LEAD-K, an organization committed to providing language to deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Riverside was not the only city where the event was held. Deaf organizations across California hosted the same event simultaneously at different sites in Berkeley, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles and San Diego. For CSDR, it was the first sizeable indoor event since 2020.

The nine ASL club volunteers served as interpreters at various tables with different information and activities. One such volunteer, Priscilla Morino, sophomore history and elementary education double major, staffed the table where children could come and paint.

“With the club, you have people around you that are going through the same thing that you’re doing,” Morino said.

C.J. Wood, junior chemistry major and president of the ASL Club, also said that having several members of the club volunteering at once was beneficial. “(I’m) just really grateful that they had interpreters here,” Wood said.

Her reasoning for this, she said, is that it allowed her to focus on interpreting at a table with information about CSDR, as well as coordinating with the other volunteers.

Blair Rasmus, one of the event’s many attendees, said through a sign language interpreter that the event was a “good opportunity for any parent of a deaf child” to network and develop relationships within the community.

The opportunity presented, Rasmus explained, is to “develop tools and resources to interact with their deaf children.” She also said that the event provided instructional resources for parents on what to do at home to communicate with

their children, help them develop identity and establish community.

There were two tables that seemed to be particularly popular with the kids. The first one was the painting table where Morino was volunteering. Her reasoning for volunteering, she explained, was to gain

experience with the Deaf community in an academic setting.

“I wanted to be a teacher for the Deaf and gain this experience, and also being able to be with people I love and enjoy,” Morino said.

“That really motivated me to go. Also to be with the kids.”

The second table, staffed

School of Christian Ministries hosts lectures OLIVIA LENNING STAFF WRITER

The School of Christian Ministries will be hosting a lecture with guest speaker Dr. Walter Strickland II on March 29. Strickland’s lecture title is “The Gifts of the AfricanAmerican Christian Tradition.”

Strickland has a heart for discipleship in the context of teaching and education.

He said he plans to discuss three characteristics of African-American faith within his teaching presentation.

These characteristics will likely include Christology (the study of Jesus — his life, ministry and suffering), pastoral ministry and spiritual formation.

“I’ll establish each from historical figures and draw out practical implications for us today,” Strickland said.

Strickland is an assistant professor of systematic and contextual theology at Southeastern Baptist

Theological Seminary and serves as teaching pastor at Imago Dei Church in North Carolina.

He is passionate about teaching his students and congregation how to live according to God’s original design. He wears many hats in the world of theological teaching and discipleship; he is a professor, pastor, speaker, author, husband and father.

Maigen Turner, the School of Christian Ministries secretary, shared that the lecture will encourage students to view culture by which God uses and relates to his people.

“Dr. Strickland’s talk will help students both understand and appreciate how God uses various cultures to advance his purposes,” Turner said.

Strickland sadi he is passionate about both culture and theology and how we can learn from each other’s different cultures and backgrounds in light of our

shared love of Christ.

“Every faithful manifestation of Christianity has unique and wonderful characteristics that others can learn from,” Strickland said.

Lauren Sanner, freshman theology major, feels this lecture is a great opportunity for future ministry workers.

“I would love to learn more about the African-American Christian tradition,” Sanner said. “I feel like we only learn one side when it comes to Christianity, but it’s so important for people going into ministry to know more than what they’ve grown up around.”

This lecture is designed to help Christian Ministry majors understand the significance behind Revelation 7:9, which states, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white

robes, with palm branches in their hands” (NKJV).

In this verse, we see people of different cultures and backgrounds coming together.

The School of Christian Ministries is hopeful students will walk away from this lecture with a more profound sense of the depth and meaning behind this verse.

“

I would love to learn more about the African-American Christian tradition.

I feel like we only learn one side when it comes to Christianity, but it is so important for people going into ministry to know more.

Lauren Sanner, Freshman theology major

National Society of Black Engineers gives representation to students IGNACIO DOMINGUEZ STAFF WRITER

Just a few months after its start at California Baptist University, the National Society of Black Engineers CBU chapter has already begun making its mark on campus.

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the United States and has more than 600 student chapters committed to

“

I believe that the creation of supportive environments for minority college students is a crucial step toward changing the current narrative.

Dr. Robert Shields, Adviser of CBU’s NSBE chapter

supporting and increasing the number of Black engineers.

NSBE makes history as one of the first on-campus clubs supporting students of color in a specific major — a predominantly white major — at CBU. In the United States, white people make up 71.1% of all engineers, while Black men make up 3.2% and Black women 1.6% of engineers.

“I believe that the creation of supportive environments for minority college students is a crucial step toward changing the current narrative,” said Dr. Robert Shields, associate professor of computer information technology and adviser of CBU’s NSBE chapter.

“Statistics show that minority college students persist — continue in college from term to term — at lower rates than the majority population. 78 percent for white students versus 66 percent for minority students in 2019.”

The vision of bringing a chapter to the university was introduced by Vanessa

Photo by Charissa Graves | Banner

The ASL club volunteers sign “I love you,” while posing for a group shot.

Roaché, sophomore biomedical engineering major and NSBE president.

“I had actually been a part of NSBE since I had been in high school, so when I came here, it was weird to me that there was no NSBE, and so I was actually asked to start it by the president of BSU,” Roaché said.

For Roaché, her high school chapter of NSBE elevated her dream and showed the possibility of being a successful Black engineer. Now, the CBU chapter aims to support Black engineers at CBU in particular and give the same optimism Roaché gained through NSBE to others.

“If I would’ve not been in that club during freshman year, I would’ve not been an engineer at all,” Roaché said.

She found a community and created one for others to feel welcomed and safe. The chapter has now been professionally established and is celebrating the excellence of its members by heading to its first-ever convention in Anaheim from

March 23-27.

Despite the success of the club, it did not escape some negative reactions from the student population.

“When I presented my club in front of the entire freshman engineering population, there was a lot of discourse in the audience about, ‘Is this OK?’” Roaché said.

However, Roaché said that the College of Engineering has been supportive throughout the process.

Even with the discourse that has surrounded the chapter, she is optimistic about its growth and the greatness it is expected to bring to campus. In terms of numbers, the chapter is very community-based, and even though the club is committed to supporting Black students, it is open to all students on campus.

“It’s quite small now, only five or six members occasionally,” Roaché said.

“They see that this is going to be a big deal for CBU and I think they’re very excited about it.”

by senior political science major Lillian McConnell, was full of books designed to help children learn basic signs.

“I love Deaf culture, and I just want to interact more with individuals who are Deaf,” McConnell said.

Aside from the children’s books, her table also had books written for hearing

parents with helpful advice on how to parent Deaf children.

Apart from the tables, activities and games, the children could also earn raffle tickets. Prizes included books, movies and other small items, and winners were announced at the end of the event.

NEWS Briefs RUSSIAN ANTIWAR JOURNALIST Marina Ovsyannikova, a producer for Channel One Russia, made her mark on the evening news on March 14 by protesting the Russian war against Ukraine. As the broadcast started, Ovsyannikova ran into view of the camera crew behind reporters shouting, “Stop the war, say no to war,” and holding a poster reading “No war. Stop the war. Don’t believe the propaganda. They lie to you here.

Russians against war.” Her protest shocked millions, and as she stormed out of the studio, she was detained by police. Ovsyannikova’s public protest shed light on how many people in Russia feel about recent events and prompted many to resign.

RIVERSIDE HOMELESS PROJECTS Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on March 15 that Riverside County will receive $12 million to create housing for the homeless.

The county and the Corona projects are working together using the money they received from the state’s Homekey initiative to convert hotels into housing for homeless residents.

They are currently working to turn the former Ayres Lodge and Suites into 52 housing units for homeless residents. Residents will also be receiving on-site supportive care.

RISING GAS PRICES As the weeks push forward, residents of Southern California anxiously watch as gas prices continue to rise. The average gas price in California is currently $5.88 as of March 24, and in Riverside County, the average price is $5.54 as of March 9, according to AAA. Although prices themselves have not decreased, the amount of each increase interval has lowered. With 70% of California’s oil outsourced from other nations, events like the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 spike in China are causing price hikes.

Zerenity Lopez | Banner

VISION

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March 4, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 8

Afghan refugees at local

“

This is the situation in Afghanistan. This is my life story. It’s really sad.

S, ESL student at Glocally Connected

Afghanistan

The woman wore a green dress, embellished with sequin details that caught the sun when the shadows shifted. She had a softness to her voice, one laced with a hint of true fortitude and endurance. If one spotted her at any of the local college campuses in Riverside, no onlooker would think twice; they would simply see a beautiful young girl with piercing eyes.

S is 23 years old. S escaped from the Taliban in Kabul, Afghanistan, four months ago with her sibling. S was a teacher for six months before she fled.

“The Taliban does not like women to work outside,” S said. “When women work outside, they kill them.”

S was a lucky case in Afghanistan, going to school for 12 years, which contributed to her becoming a teacher after. After the Taliban took over the Afghan government on Aug. 15, schools for girls were “temporarily” shut down. Women who were teachers like S were high on the target list, often being hunted by the Taliban.

“They killed a lot of women workers,” S said. “They killed my friends. The Taliban killed them just because they worked.”

S and her sibling fled from everything she knew in an instant to stay alive. S’s sister was also a working woman and therefore in serious danger. She knew that if she stayed, the Taliban would continue trying to find her. S went through an internal conflict when leaving, as she knew the Taliban would turn their sights towards her family.

S has a large family. All except her sibling are still in Afghanistan. A tear fell from her cheek when she mentioned her 17-year-old brother, who is very ill and needs a specialized operation. With Afghanistan’s limited funds and the freezing of the economy due to sanctions, there is no way for him to get the operation he needs. A judge ruled that once S gets her green card after working for two years, her family may be able to join her.

“I’m confused — why can’t America give green to everyone?” S said. “Why not help me? They know my family is still in Afghanistan. They say, ‘You have to wait two years.’ But, two years is a very long time and my sibling is very small. They can’t wait for two years.”

S currently earns money by washing dishes and preparing rice at the University of California, Riverside. She said it was a very different experience from her previous job of teaching in Afghanistan. She plans to continue to work for her and her sibling, balancing it on top of English classes twice a week.

“This is the situation in Afghanistan,” S said. “This is my life story.

It’s really sad.”

Design by Emily McGinn Photos and article by Lauren Brooks

There is an old little girl who walked a be innumerable amount of washe starfish back one at a time and wa why she was wasting her time trying t massive scale. The girl replied that she m Passersby heard the interaction and were m beginning to throw back starfish of their own back in the sea.

S and other refugees from Afghanistan are par held by Glocally Connected, a nonprofit based in R ESL program was started by Dr. Amy Stumpf, profes University. She passed the responsibility to Glocally C held every Wednesday and Thursday and serve refuge Glocally Connected was founded by Sherry McKay began with only four women and slowly grew as years associated transportation and childcare — two factors English. Glocally Connected also has partnerships with Riverside, for job opportunities. Most volunteers begin This class also requires no previous literacy; many wom Macay fell in love with many of the women and the glowed with a tinge of pride and admiration while me “These women are incredibly resilient and inspirin people where I’ve laughed or cried more openly.”

Nielsen worked with refugees in Syria before co Connected. She also volunteered directly in Afgha the Taliban’s savagery. Some of those women are laughed while describing it like a “spy movie.”

“We didn’t sleep for three days and night trying to arrange people to gather at place to people on the ground and putting th was a fantastic effort. We’re not ma like maybe there are two people it’s like the story of the star people who are on th

VISION

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March 4, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 8

school share their stories United States

“

It gives me a broader sense of how we’re interconnected. For me personally, it puts me in a greater sense of gratitude every single morning.

Norette Gilbert, ESL teacher at Glocally Connected

d story about a each filled with an ed up starfish. She threw the as ridiculed by an old man asking to make a difference due to the made a difference for that one starfish. moved by the sentiment of the girl, n. By the end of the day, all of the starfish were

rt of an English as a second language class (ESL) Riverside focused on helping local refugees. The ssor of society and religion at California Baptist Connected, who expanded the program. Classes are ees with a wide variety of English skills. y and Selin Nielson in 2015. The ESL class originally passed. A few unique aspects of this ESL class are the s that can steer potential students away from learning grant organizations and the University of California, as drivers to get the women to the class locations. men come in with next to none. eir families who were part of the program. Her face entioning the women. ng,” McKay said. “I’ve never been with a group of

oming back to Riverside to form Glocally anistan to evacuate 40-50 individuals vulnerable to e currently students in the ESL program. She

ts and were constantly on the phone texting, es,” Nielsen said. “You know, connecting heir names on a list on airport gates. It aking any difference volume-wise, e here and five people there. But rfish, it’s worth it for the he receiving end of it.”

Teresa Hsn-Contreras and Norette Gilbert are two of the four volunteer teachers for the ESL program.

A small woman with enough spunk to fill a room from corner to corner, Hsn-Contreras is the main teacher of the school. She came to America from Taiwan only five years ago, getting her degree in the UCR extension program. Her class is the largest and the noisiest, mainly because of how many children are babbling and giggling around the room — many of the women are mothers to young children. She faces the challenge of controlling the chaos of every class and making sure her students learn through it.

“When Dr. Amy, Sherry and Selin started the ESL program, it was as simple as a printout worksheet,” Hsn-Contreras said. “Printout worksheets, teach them English and that’s it. But now we’re building a school.”

Hsn-Contreras’s lessons cover grammar, pronunciation and conversations, focusing on slowly building skills over time. She uses trauma-informed education methods, giving the women space to breathe and practice wellness activities during breaks. She aims to create a space where the students feel safe to talk.

Hsn-Contreras emphasized building self-worth in the women, as she notices that many of them come in feeling like they do not deserve proper education, focusing solely on their kids instead.

“Sometimes you teach them more than just English,” Hsn-Contreras said. “You teach them to appreciate and value themselves. Now they have equal rights to learn.”

Gilbert began driving as a volunteer before teaching her own subset of the school. She got involved after seeing anti-Muslim sentiment on the television during the Trump administration. This angered her and sparked her desire to help refugees. She now teaches level one English, often working with the newer women in the school.

“My technique is to make it fun and no pressure and that there’s no such thing as ‘No, that’s not right,’’’ Gilbert said. “Just try again and here’s the way, but keep it light so they don’t feel embarrassed, less than or not smart enough to get it. So we laugh a lot and learn with games.”

Gilbert said she now feels greater appreciation for small nuances and beauty in life after working at the school for five years. It has broadened her worldview and made international issues personal. She has also gained a new respect for just how difficult it is to learn English as a second language and the distinctions that make the language uniquely difficult.

“It gives me a broader sense of how we’re interconnected,” Gilbert said. “For me personally, it puts me in a greater sense of gratitude every single morning.”

LIFESTYLE

6

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Should runners work out using treadmills?

for college students

Sustainability Tip

BY EMILY MCGINN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the growth of gym culture, running on treadmills has become a dominant way in which people do their cardiovascular exercise. Treadmills simulate a running experience, but does running on a treadmill actually give you the same workout as running outdoors?

Dr. Sydney Leisz, assistant professor of kinesiology, said that running is normally a full-body workout, involving hips, trunk, lower-body muscles and upper body.

“It is a whole-body experience,” Leisz said. “When you are running overground, no elevation, it is a full-body exercise.”

Running outdoors, or overground, and running on a treadmill both use the same muscles and biomechanics, according to a study on PubMed.gov.

“It is concluded that as long as the beltspeed is constant a coordinate system should be used which moves with the belt,” the study said. “In such a system no mechanical difference exists in comparison with overground locomotion with respect to a fixed coordinate system. All differences found in locomotion patterns must therefore originate from other than mechanical causes.”

So, the study says, both overground running and running on a treadmill require the same motion.

However, Leisz said other differences do exist between running overground and on a treadmill. For example, the impact of running is different on a treadmill.

While impact is variant on a treadmill, the surfaces on which someone runs outdoors can adjust the load placed on the body and the difficulty of the task.

For example, running on grass and compact dirt will in-

Sustainable Living

Use a reusable coffee cup.

Photo by Kia Harlan | Banner

Rosalee Tilden, junior psychology major, works out in the Recreation Center at California Baptist University crease difficulty, but it will have less impact on joints than running on hard surfaces such as sidewalks and pavement.

The weather also affects the difficulty of running outside versus using a treadmill. While a treadmill is in a controlled indoor environment, overground running is subject to factors such as temperature, wind and precipitation.

“Running in the afternoon outside in the middle of the summer is going to be much more taxing on your body as opposed to if you are running in the same time of year inside on a treadmill,” Leisz said. “Understanding how your body reacts in those different environments is super important.”

Regarding the difficulty of the task, Leisz said running on the treadmill at a 1% grade equates to the body doing the same amount of work as overground running.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a treadmill or pursue overground running comes down to individual needs and goals.

For example, a treadmill might be useful for a hill workout because it is not variant like natural elevation. It can also have less impact on the body.

“I think the main difference is when you are running outside and you are running up a hill, the incline ebbs and flows,” Leisz said.

“Even if you are on a paved road, you are never going to be running at the same percent grade the entire time. For the general exercise of it, I would say they are similar. It is probably better to run on a treadmill because you can decrease the amount of load or ground-reaction forces that act on your body, some of which are good, others of which can increase your likelihood of getting shin splints or other muscular or skeletal injuries.”

However, overground running is also useful for training in natural conditions.

Leisz suggests establishing personal goals before deciding which is best for you and figuring out what works best for your body.

“The meat of it is what are you trying to get from it?” Leisz said. “Are you trying to get a good workout? Then, yes, (the treadmill) is going to be a great option, but if you are training to be a marathon runner in a hilly course, it is going to benefit you to run in the same environment that you will be competing or

training in.”

Kylie Morrison, adjunct professor of kinesiology said both forms of working out have benefits and disadvantages.

“Obviously the treadmill allows you to control all aspects, speed, incline and not having to deal with environmental factors,” Morrison said. “Outdoor running, however, allows you to run with your natural gait. You build different muscles from having to dodge obstacles on the road as well.”

Leisz also said that overground running has additional benefits that should encourage people to pursue outdoor running. However, she also explains how to do it safely.

“I would say the best thing to do is to run outside because there are so many factors like Vitamin D, (since) you can’t get that from being in a gym,” Leisz said.

“With that, running on soft surfaces is going to be best, so trying to avoid sidewalks or pavement. Running on grass or compact dirt is going to be best because not only does it slightly increase the difficulty of the task, but it decreases the amount of load put on your joints. If you are a runner, over time that is going to serve you.”

How does this help the environment?

When you go out to buy coffee, most of the to-go cups used to serve beverages are not actually recyclable.

These cups usually have a plastic lining that makes it impossible to recycle them. In addition, most iced coffee to-go cups are made of polypropylene, which is not accepted by most recycling bins.

To minimize waste, bring your own reusable cup to fill at coffee shops.You can even receive a slight discount by bringing your own cup; for example, Starbucks offers a 10-cent discount to customers who bring their own cups.

More that we can do:

Steer away from using disposable cups and utensils when you have reusable options.

Look for to-go coffee cups that are compostable or biodegradable.

Emily McGinn | Banner

Is ‘ring by spring’ a real phenomonon at CBU?

BY TEDDY PEÑA

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

College is a time for a multitude of social, academic and professional endeavors. A student‘s undergrad experience looks hugely different depending on the individual and their environmental factors.

One arguably popular aspect of the college social sphere is its romantic component. Over 120 million individuals are married in the U.S. alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is six percent of the U.S. population.

If the perspective of marriage is shifted specifically toward the culture and surroundings of college life, the phrase “ring by spring” might be familiar to many. This specific phenomenon describes the seemingly common occurrence of college students, specifically students on Christian college campuses, who get engaged to a significant other by the time the spring season emerges.

Does this specific college-centric occurrence have any major influence or repercussions on students? While opinions vary, there is one constant that remains true: many students and faculty at California Baptist University recognize the phrase.

Dr. Amy Stumpf, profes-

sor of religion and society, explained that ring by spring is nothing more than a saying, and it is a sort of campus urban legend that exists within many college scenes.

“Ring by spring is something that CBU students love to make up,” Stumpf said. “It’s not actually really happening. Most colleges, including Christian colleges, have a variation of the term.”

For Allison Weaver, senior English major, the phenomenon was something that took place in real time and was taking place throughout her college experience.

“For me, ring by spring hits its peak in either freshman or sophomore year,” Weaver said.

“This is the time when many students are realistically thinking about who they actually want to settle down with. I feel like there is a high concentration of students specifically at CBU who date with the intention to marry. For me specifically, I started to see people get engaged this summer before my junior year.”

Gabby Courtney, senior early childhood studies major, elaborated on the commonality of ring by spring on the CBU campus. Courtney, like Weaver, highlighted the strong presence of ring by spring during her undergraduate freshman and

sophomore year.

“I think that ring by spring is common particularly among Christian campuses because much of the young Christian community has a goal of being married,” Courtney said. “I feel like there is a certain stereotype around Christians getting married young. I would say that there is some sort of pressure to get married, especially among Christian campuses. I know that personally I have felt that sort of pressure particularly in my freshman (and) sophomore year.”

Stumpf emphasized that it may seem common for CBU students to get married during their college years because this is a season when many students are social and are looking for a life partner.

“It is important to understand that the social pressure to get married does not directly come from the university, but rather from the college season of life,” Stumpf said. “If a student is feeling this pressure, it is comforting to know that you are not alone. And, if you are looking to get married, college does expose you to a lot of different people and it shouldn’t be frowned upon to get married in this season of life.”

Weaver noted that it is common to idealize marriage because of the extras that come

Photo Illustration by Charissa Graves | Banner

Some single students find themselves affected by “ring by spring” culture on college campuses.

along with marriage and lose sight of the actual structure and implications of marriage.

“I feel that a lot of younger people fall in love with the idea of the wedding more than the actual marriage,” Weaver said. “What I mean by that is that I think many people go on social media platforms and see

these Pinterest-worthy venues, dresses and rings and they want the iconic fairytale wedding.

What many people don’t think about is the longevity of marriage and the implications of a long-term relationship.”

Each individual student is on their own personal life journey. Some students choose to

enter a relationship and get engaged. Some students choose to remain single and shift their focus to other aspects of their life. The social environment of college only makes marriage more common, and it is up to the student whether or not they want to get married during their college years.

LIFESTYLE

7

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Lifestyle Tries: Making accent pieces from mops

Teddy Peña | Banner Teddy Peña, senior public relations major, shares steps on creative ways to make accent pieces.

BY TEDDY PEÑA

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

A new addition to your living space is always exciting because it means making your own space even more personalized.

When a new addition happens to be made from scratch, it adds a touch that is unique to the individual and highlights their own creative style.

There are many kinds of homemade household items that can bring together a space.

Accent pieces have the ability

to add a quality of uniqueness to their spaces and come along with a story for you to tell.

One of these accent pieces can be some sort of wall hanging. Photos, dried flowers, personal artwork and much more can make a gorgeous accent piece for the wall.

Wall decorations come in all varieties and can be made using a multitude of methods. The specific wall hanging DIY we found was from TikTok, where the original creator used a mop they bought from the dollar

store to make the yarn.

For this DIY project, you will need a stick or branch from outside, scissors and a mop for yarn (we bought our mop at the dollar store). If you do not want to collect a branch from outside or do not have that available to you, the creator on TikTok used a wooden toilet plunger handle and detached the rubber part of the plunger.

Step 1: Carefully remove the yarn from the mop. We found that the lower-quality structure of the mop bought from the

dollar store worked to our advantage because it did not take much effort to remove the yarn from the mop handle.

Step 2: Align your yarn pieces. Three of these pieces should be longer than the others because they will be used to tie the yarn leaf patterns onto the string. The pieces of yarn should be around six to 10 inches in length. You will shape the yarn design later.

Step 3: Tie three pieces of yarn to the branch or wooden stick. These three pieces will

hold the rest of the yarn designs and will be tied onto them.

Step 4: Use the photo provided to help you with the simple tie pattern used to tie knots on each of the three strings. We tied nine knots on both the right and left yarn and tied 12 knots on the middle yarn.

Step 5: Brush out the yarn, forming a leaf pattern to have a finer yarn texture.

Step 6: Cut the ends of each of the three yarn leaf formations to trim and shape your design. After this step, you are

Alarm clocks serve as technological wake-up call

BY VALERIE LA PONZA ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Ways to manage time have been around since the dawn of time, but they have not always looked like the sleek modern smart assistants that function as the alarm clocks of today. In “A 2,000 -year History of Alarm Clocks,” an article written by Naomi Russo, Russo explores alarm clocks over the years.

Russo explains that, in the year 725, a mathematician, engineer, Buddhist monk and astronomer by the name of Yi Xing was the first man to ever conceptualize an alarm clock remotely resembling the grandfather clock of today.

However, even before that, in the fourth century BCE, Plato, one of the most influential philosophers of ancient times, constructed his own version of an alarm clock. Water would trickle into funnels of various sizes, slowly filling up the funnel for as long as the alarm was set. When the funnel filled, the water would begin to trickle out of the funnel and into a new contraption that would whistle like a teakettle as it began to fill, effectively waking up whoever was using the alarm.

Even in ancient Japan, people used candles with nails drilled into its sides as alarm clocks. The candle would burn until reaching a nail, and then the nail would drop down into the metal dish at the candle’s

base and wake the sleeping user.

Some people would even drill multiple nails to be used as an antique snooze button.

Now, there have been many advancements in modern-day alarm clocks, as noted by Dr. Anthony Corso, associate professor of computing, software and data sciences. Corso explains how smart assistants such as Alexa and Google work in light of the rise of technological alarm clocks.

“Basically a subcomponent of artificial intelligence, which is just translating human speech into something that a computer can understand,” Corso said.

“So on the alarm clock side of those things, all you’re getting is voice-activated manual commands that you would have normally done in the past.”

With this sudden rise in technology use with smart devices, Corso does hold some apprehension about the possible effects of long-term exposure to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

“It’s something to be concerned about, as people utilize cellular technology as their form of alarm clock, keeping it by their head when they sleep, which is the worst place it could be,” Corso said.

“You’re talking six to eight hours of exposure a day. No matter what the research says, I think that there’s more behind what the research says about it not being harmful to us. It has

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Every November, writers come together, armed with their respective tools of literary creation and prepared to write a novel. The challenge is straightforward: 50,000 words in a month, averaging 1,667 words a day. At the end of 31 days, one would have a novel.

The goal of the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) program is not perfection, as many writers believe their writing must be, but rather, it focuses on the process, not the final product. It focuses on the consistent momentum of each day, pushing forward slowly, with the novel gaining shape over time.

Founded in 1999, NaNoWriMo started out as a small project of writers in the Bay area with a dream to write an entire

novel in a month. While the first year of NaNoWriMo saw only moderate success, by the time the next year rolled around, the group that had started out as only 21 participants had grown to more than 100. Every year since, more writers have been participating, working toward making their dreams a reality, with the help of NaNoWriMo’s nonprofit mission.

For the beginner writer who does not want to thrust themselves into the deep end and attempt November NaNo, Camp NaNoWriMo is a perfect option. Founded in 2011, Camp NaNoWriMo takes place every April and July, allowing authors to dip their toes into the creative pool that is NaNoWriMo. The camp follows the same pattern as its November cousin.

Every April and July, authors are encouraged to deviate from the rules of NaNoWriMo and

Screening Continued from Page 1 a genetic predisposition to cancer, getting screenings as early as 21 can effectively catch the disease before it spreads.

“Pre-cancer screening is important so that the cancer can be detected before there are any symptoms and before it gets too far along,” said Valeria Molina, junior biomedical sciences major. “Maintaining vigilance allows us to treat cancer easier and improve the patient’s chance of survival.”

“

There shouldn’t be any fear as far as taking care of your health and yourself.

Photo Illustration by Elijah Hickman | Banner

In today’s society, alarm clock are still essential to many people although they have changed over time. to have some impact on us. It’s an area that I would really like to see more research done in.

So my perfect alarm clock, while still being intuitive, as smart assistants are, would have less EMI.” As technology progresses, Brenden Mendoza, freshman biomedical engineering major, said he believes that traditional analog alarm clocks will become obsolete.

“They went from acoustic to advanced technology, more specifically artificial intelligence

voice command,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza uses a phone alarm presently, but hopes in the future to use what he calls the perfect alarm clock. “(My perfect alarm clock would not) make sound, but would send an electrical signal to your brain to wake you up,” Mendoza said.

Jeremiah Rockortiz, freshman mechanical engineering major, said that the importance of alarm clocks comes from the fact that society values time.

“Time is important, and hu-

mans can’t do everything on their own,” Rockortiz said.

However, to Rockortiz, the perfect alarm clock would be something different from that of Mendoza. “(My perfect alarm clock would be) wearable, a flexible Apple watch that can stay on your wrist,” Rockortiz said.

Looking back at the expansive history of alarm clocks, it is a stark contrast against what these devices used to be, what they are now and what they have the potential to one day become.

Calling all writers: Novel exercise begins in April

BY VALERIE LA PONZA

done. You can use a piece of yarn to tie to each end of the branch so the wall decoration can hang on the wall using a thumbtack or a Command Hook.

This project cost us $8 in total. One of the best qualities of this wall decoration is its versatility. Feel free to add more pieces of yarn in different colors, polaroids, lights or even crystals to this wall hanging to add originality to your creation.

Take photos of your DIY craft and tag @cbulancermedia to possibly be featured!

set their own word count goals.

They are even encouraged to work on projects other than novels, including poems, scripts and autobiographies.

“When I started using NaNo,

“

NaNo showed me perfection isn’t important; if anything, imperfection is the goal.

Angelina Hope, Senior English major

I was excited because I saw it as a potential tool that would motivate me while making me feel accomplished,” said Angelina Hope, senior English major and president of the creative writing club. “Through NaNo, I would set a goal. One thousand words today, and tomorrow, 500 more.

Was the writing polished? No, but my story was closer to completion, and I was practicing what all writers must do if they wish to write: persistence.

“NaNo showed me perfection isn’t important; if anything, imperfection is the goal.

As long as you have words on the page, something you care about, that’s all that matters.”

Amberly Garcia, sophomore creative writing major, sees the value in the process facilitated

by NaNoWriMo. “When I first heard of NaNoWriMo, the concept stressed me out,” Garcia said.

“I was in high school, and I thought completing 50,000 words in a month sounded impossible. Now, I think it much more doable. I think it would be a fun challenge. The one problem that I have is that it’s in November, which would make it difficult to achieve word count

along with school assignments.”

Grace Crandall, junior English major, won NaNoWriMo on her first try and remembers it as a beneficial experience.

“I remember sitting in the back seat of my parent’s car writing in the Notes app, trying to hit the word count while on a road trip,” Crandall said. “It was a lot of work, but really worth it. Not only did I have a story by the end, but I also learned a lot about self-discipline.”

For any first-timers to NaNo, Crandall encourages people to try it out.

“It’s never too late to start, and it’s never too early to dream,” Crandall said.

So to all writers out there with a dream, this April, pick up your lucky pen, your favorite notebook and write that story that is within you. There is a writer in all of us; all you need to do is let the words flow.

Dr. Melissa Antonio, Associate professor of biology

Certain cancers such as cervical, breast and colon cancer can be diagnosed in young adults, but these cancers can also be caught with pre-cancer screenings. Screening for cervical cancer in particular is able to find abnormal cancerous cells (precancers) so they can be treated before they even develop into cervical cancer.

While it is important to be screened for certain cancers, the importance of a healthy lifestyle is often overlooked in the prevention of cancer. By eating healthy, engaging in physical activity and refraining from smoking and drinking, you are able to significantly reduce the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis.

“If there is no family history of cancer, no genetic predisposition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle would be sufficient to prevent any possible risks of getting cancer,” Antonio said.

There can be a great deal of fear surrounding the subject of cancer. However, the fear of a cancer diagnosis should not be enough to stop people from getting a precancer screening.

“There shouldn’t be any fear as far as taking care of your health and yourself,” Antonio said. “We just want to check and make sure that we’re healthy and doing the right things to prevent (our) chances of getting cancer.”

If you have a family history of cancer or are concerned about your health, you should speak to your doctor about the next step you should be taking, whether it be a pre-cancer screening or simply finding the best way to lead a healthy lifestyle.

8

PERSPECTIVES March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Lancer Media Group’s spring break highlights

4

3

5

Photos by Marques Brown, Camille Grochowski, Kia Harlan, Casey Maldonado, Emily McGinn and Elmer Eduardo Mejia Sagastume

SPORTS

9

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Softball shares how they prepare for games

BY MADDY GONZALEZ ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

California Baptist University ended the Seattle U Softball series 1-2 on March 19. The two-day series started with Seattle on top (2-5) and continued to the second game, where the Lancers lost 2-3. The Lancers came back in the third and final game, where the Lancers held a victorious score of 12-0. The Lancers now stand 1-2 in the Western Athletic Conference.

Amanda Argomaniz, senior, takes steps to improve her performance during games.

“During games I try to take a quick mental note of what I need to work on moving forward without allowing myself to overthink my performance,” Argomaniz said.

These in-game adjustments allow immediate improvement and insight into what she needs to focus on after the game. Priscilla Estrada, freshman, makes similar in-game adjustments. “(I try) focusing on changes I can make in the present while playing,” Estrada said.

Softball is a long and tiring sport, so maintaining energy is key. Argomaniz upholds her energy by supporting her team, and Estrada gains adrenaline from the game.

We all know sports are competitive, but how does the CBU softball team view competition? “(I have been trained) to treat all opponents the same and to not buy into their name, hype or size,” Argo-

Elijah Hickman | Banner

Priscilla Estrada, freshman finance major, passes the ball to her teammate to help get the double play. maniz said.

She does admit that the first thing she notices is the competitor’s uniforms. Estrada said she pays attention to their competitors’ energy; she likes to see whether they are spirited or relaxed.

Training for the next game starts the minute the current game ends. Mike Smith, had coach of the women’s softball

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CO M M U N I T Y • Just Blocks Away from CBU • Private Gated Community

team, and his staff take time to study how to improve. “(We) spend a multitude of time watching videos of other teams they are playing on ESPN, YouTube and specific conference websites,” Smith said. “(We) discuss the opponent and any details the coaches feel necessary to inform (this could be specific pitchers or hitters

they are facing that could make an impact against them).”

They also “watch in-game and in-practice videos of our softball players to point out what should be improved and practiced on. Team and individual player review occurs whenever the athletes have a chance; this could be before or after a practice.”

Details matter in softball.

WAC headlines

LANCERS WIN SERIES OVER YALE California Baptist University came out on top against Yale in a three-day series. The baseball team was victorious in game one with a score of 8-7. Game two favored Yale, finishing 10-12.

To top it off, CBU fought back in game three, tying the game with a NCAA D-I record of 23 runs for a single game. The Lancers now stand 13-5 in the Western Athletic Conference, putting them at fourth, below Seattle University.

Rusell Stevenson, Josiah Chaves, Josiah Bryant and Matt Palomino combined to hit four homers. Bryant and Palomino both homered in the seventh inning, soon to be followed by Bryant hitting a grand slam.

NM STATE HEADS TO HOUSTON New Mexico State golfers Aidan Thomas, Garrison Smith, Joseph Robson, Alvaro Morales and Matthew Jackman will represent the Aggies at the All-American invitational in Houston. NMS will face a 17-team field against student-athletes from across the country. The men’s team will pay tribute to the lives lost in a March 15 crash involving the University of the Southwest golf program by wearing a black ribbon throughout the two-day tournament.

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TARLETON IMPRESSES AT ACU The WAC Outdoor Track and Field championships are two months away, but Tarleton has already made an impression. Over the two-day debut, Tarleton had seven athletes finish in the top three of their respective events along with 10 top-five individual finishes. Women’s high jump was claimed

by Tarleton high jumpers Rylee Hennig and reigning WAC Outdoor Champion Gentrye Munden. Tarleton’s triple jumpers Nakia Dunn and Jaden Hall placed third and fourth as Hall achieved a personal record with a leap of 47’3.75”.

Everything Smith and his team do to prepare the players for a game is productive.

“Every scouting report, drill, every defensive and offensive situation, every ground ball a player takes and how they throw it matters,” Smith said.

“But details run deeper than that; the relationship a player has with their teammates and coaches matter too. The rela-

tionships built within the team is a big part of success.”

The team follows the quote: “If you can win in the locker room, you will be successful on the softball field.” They also created an acronym C.A.R.E. (Celebrate & Appreciate the Relationships Everyday) to remind themselves of the relationships they have. This philosophy helps the team grow together.

Students find that sports play a role in stress relief methods Since I grew up playing sports, I always had specific times to practice, so when I got to colIn the current sociopolitical lege, I tried to embed PE classes climate, rates of mental illness into my schedule so I knew for are incredibly high and contin- sure I would have time in my day to incorporate movement, ue to climb every day.

The percentages of col- creating an outlet to combat lege-age young adults who anxiety.”

Many college students exersuffer from anxiety, depression and other forms of men- cise in different ways as a means tal illness are at the highest of coping with stress and anxirecorded levels in history. For ety, whether that is the result of some, medication is necessary mental illness or the academic and social stresses of to treat their college life. symptoms.

“When I’m However, stressed and I go exmany people ercise, I am able to use exercise concentrate on workas an aid in ing out, which helps coping with distract me and helps the stress release endorphins of everyday which really helps life. me de-stress,” said “ExerMikayla Shickley, cise is so imfreshman psychology portant to major. “When I run, I me because definitely feel calmer it is my main and more destressed way to recompared to other exduce stress,” ercises.” said Grace Many people find K a p l i c k y, Mikayla Shickley, there is an actual kinesioloFreshman psychology physical difference gy major. major in their physiologi“Although I cal response to stress have always loved being active, I never re- and anxiety after they exercise, alized how vital it was for me which can be helpful for indito have time to move around viduals who struggle with copevery day, until the COVID-19 ing with the symptoms of menlockdown made it such a chal- tal illness.

“While I think that there are lenge to get exercise with all of certain forms of exercise that the gym closures.

“Especially because I have help reduce stress and anxiety ADHD, I really struggled with more than others for me, I also not having somewhere to re- know that everyone is differlieve my stress by exercising. ent,” Kaplicky said.

BY AIDEN HOBSON SPORTS EDITOR

“

When I’m stressed and I go exercise, I am able to concentrate on working out, which helps distract me and helps release endorphins which really helps me destress.

BUSINESS & TECH Disney is making housing in California 10

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER

ASST. B&T EDITOR

The Disney takeover is here.

While it is fun to watch Disney movies, occasionally hit the theme parks and maybe even ride a Disney cruise, you can now actually live the Disney life.

Disney is beginning to construct its first Californian Disney community called Contino, which will be situated between the mountains of the Coachella Valley.

Though Disney owns Golden Oak, upscale residential living in Florida, Golden Oak is located within Walt Disney World Resort, whereas Contino will be brought to Rancho Mirage.

Disney Golden Oak has estates with a starting price of $2 million, but Contino will have a variety of housing options, with Rancho Mirage Mayor Ted Weill calling it “the largest project in the history” of Rancho Mirage in a press release.

The plan includes 1,700 homes, 400 hotel rooms, commercial buildings and a 24-acre swimmable lagoon, according to storylivingbydisney.com.

Krysten Burton, assistant professor of architecture and former Walt Disney Imagineering team member, offers insight into what this new community may look like.

“It looks like the theme is early 1930s Hollywood Palm Springs,” Burton said. “A vibrant, touristy type destina-

tion.” It looks like this community concept is for everything to be all-in-one-place. Disney is creating another world within the world that you don’t have to leave. You are within the time period that Disney has created — it is an imaginary time period and timeline, but it looks and feels real. Though this community is currently being built, Disney places are built to feel like they have always been there, established and organic.”

Though many are excited about Disney’s new residential community, others are apprehensive.

“I don’t think Disneyland and major companies should be at the forefront of our lives,” said Hannah McPherson, senior history major. “It’s a bit weird because I love Disney too, but to live in it is a different thing. There’s no issue with decorating your house with Disney stuff, but your house doesn’t need Disney to be in the architecture.”

Brooke Donovan, sophomore film major, agrees that Disney-themed housing might take Disney a step too far into everyday life.

“It is odd,” Donovan said. “It seems kind of cult-like. It makes sense for Disney employees to use the housing since they work for Disney, but to just have expensive communities that are closed-off and revolve around the Disney company makes it sound very controlled.”

Claire Grimes | Banner

The sun sets behind the Mickey Ferris Wheel in California Adventure.

Burton, however, sees the appeal for those who may be reluctant.

“Disney isn’t a new concept or just a trend,” Burton said.

“Disney has had an appeal to so many for so many years and

this is just the growing extent of that.”

Burton explained why many people are eager to live in Disney communities.

“There is definitely a market for this Disney communi-

ty and more, and it sells very quickly despite its high price point because people are willing to pay it,” Burton said. “We all want joy, and Disney allows for people of all ages to partake in imagination and this magi-

cal world of Disney. Living the Disney life is a different way to see the world more beautifully, more magically.”

Though the Contino opening dates have not been revealed yet, construction has begun.

Amazon makes physical stores that only sell top-rated products

BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER ASST. B&T EDITOR

Amazon is currently the world’s largest online retailer.

Amazon.com generated net sales of over $112 million in the United States in 2020 alone, according to Statista.

As Amazon has continued to grow in sales, it has expanded as well. In 2006 it introduced Prime Video, Amazon’s subscription-based streaming service. In 2007 it introduced Amazon Fresh, an Amazon grocery delivery service.

Then in 2018, the first Am-

azon 4-star store appeared in New York.

The store is advertised as a retail store that only sells Amazon’s products rated with at least four stars, ranging from card games to mini skillets.

The Amazon 4 Star stores began appearing in other states, opening in California in 2020.

Currently, there are more than 40 4-star stores and seven of them are in California.

Though all the products are chosen based on ratings, there are also subcategories, such as “Most wished for” product .

Masha Sowell, sophomore

psychology major, weighed the pros and cons of the store.

“I don’t think the stores are that necessary because you can just order anything you want off the website, which I feel is easier,” Sowell said. “I personally would rather just go on the website. ” Elizabeth Roe, freshman criminal justice major, thinks the stores would do better in majorly populated areas.

“Depending on where you live, shipping from Amazon. com can take longer,” Roe said.

“If you live in a place like Los Angeles, for example, it can take

BY JASMINE SEVERI B&T EDITOR

LIFE 360

Check in at locations

with customers, providing value and making it convenient for them to do business with you.”

Amazon 4-star stores are only part of the company’s massive expansion.

“The Amazon company is fast growing because they are very aggressive and willing to try new things,” Alderson said.

“Some don’t succeed, but some do. Amazon Web Services, for example, is cloud-based storage that is becoming a very profitable and large percentage of their business.”

In terms of Amazon 4-star’s success, Alderson said the out-

look is positive.

“The new stores will succeed, and they have already opened retail bookstores as well,” Alderson said. “They have very creative ideas. By creating stores, it gives people more of an opportunity to look around and see exciting products they might not have known existed, since many people like myself only go on Amazon.com for specific items most of the time.”

The nearest Amazon 4-star to California Baptist University is an hour away, located in Long Beach.

Accounting Society at CBU helps students prepare for their future

APP OF THE ISSUE:

Safety app to help a close circle of people keep track of each other

twice as long for your package to arrive then if you lived in a rural place because there is more demand. Amazon 4-star stores could do well in packed cities because it offers residents the opportunity to get what they want sooner. They don’t have to wait for availability, they can just go to the store themselves.”

Dr. Keanon Alderson, professor of management said it is an understandable marketing strategy.

“It is helpful for Amazon to go where their customers are,” Alderson said. “Marketing is about building a relationship

When location is turned on, those in your circle can see your location, how fast you are going, and how much charge your phone has

With location on, if your phone dies it will record your last known location Emily McGinn | Banner

Every business needs accountants. Finances are important for any business, and the CBU Accounting Society’s goal is to help students make connections with businesses and in the accounting field.

Sarah Shearer, secretary, Christian studies and accounting double major and secretary of CBU’s Accounting Society talked about the main goals of the club.

“The main goal is to show students a life in accounting, give them an opportunity to network, as well as introduce them to other internships,” Shearer said. “And for students that aren’t accounting majors, it’s to guide them to see opportunities in accounting, as well as if they’re in an accounting class (as business majors need), we also offer homework help. We offer study sessions and allow them to engage with other students and see a variety of accounting styles.”

Accounting can provide business students with a lot of opportunities, and with the increase in accessible communication technology, is becoming more flexible. Ellen Kaminski, assistant professor of business, accounting program director and faculty adviser for the Ac-

counting Society, said numbers bring to the meetings and those are “the language of business” networking opportunities.

“In order to bring career exand accountants provide a useful part of the team for any busi- perience, I bring guest speakers,” Morales said. “Almost evness.

“I think it has a reputation ery Monday, I bring in speakers of being just a desk job, but it mainly from public or private can take you a lot of different accounting firms. They could be places,” Kaminski said. “I think big or small. But in two weeks I’m going to bring it’s a lot more fun. people from a fiIt’s like solving a nancial firm over puzzle every day because I am a so it’s not very current finance monotonous. You major with a miget new puzzles nor in marketing, to do. And it’s not and I just wanted a loner job. You to bring that inmight think you’d sight, especially just sit in a cubicle to freshmen — by yourself, but Ellen Kaminski they’re still deyou actually have Assistant professor of ciding whether to work well with others and that’s business, accounting accounting is a good fit for them, one of the skills program director and so I want to bring that is in high defaculty advisor for the in that insight.” mand in the field: Rebecca Becemotional intelAccounting Society erra, sophomore ligence. The field accounting mahas changed a lot in the last 10 years, but is in- jor and vice president of the creasing and what it can provide Accounting Society, handles to businesses and what accoun- social media for the club. She tants can do for a business is not said she posts weekly and keeps the social media accounts upslowing down.”

Ashley Morales, junior fi- to-date on their latest guest nance major and president of speakers and any time or room the Accounting Society, said she changes that might occur. Folthinks an important resource low their Instagram @CBU_Acthe Accounting Society pro- countingSociety for the latest vides is the guest speakers they updates.

“

You actually have to work well with others, and that’s one of the skills that’s in high demand in the field.

BUSINESS & TECH

11

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Trump launches new social media app, Truth Social

BY ALEXZA BAHNMILLER ASST. B&T EDITOR

Former President Donald Trump recently released his own social media platform, Truth Social.

Defined by truthsocial.com, the app is America’s “big tent” social media platform that encourages an open, free and honest global conversation without discriminating against political ideology.

The app’s goal is “to fight against a perceived woke culture, and less about content moderation or accessibility.”

The idea of the “big tent” analog is meant to represent diversity.

According to its store description, Truth Social is meant to feel like “a giant outdoor event tent at your best friend’s wedding. Who’s there? The combination of multiple families from all over the world. They’re all together to have an amazing time and share their different viewpoints on the world.”

The app was released on Feb. 21 in the Apple store and is coming soon to Google Play. The app uses a similar structure to Twitter. Users create their own profiles and are able to follow other users, like posts, reshare and upload their own statuses.

However, instead of being called “posts,” the statuses are called “truths.”

Key features of the app include user profiles, the “truth feed” and the search engine.

The app is currently rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on the Apple app store and is free to users.

“I think the app is a good idea because it exists in contention with what is referred to as the ‘tyranny of big tech,’” said Lillian McConnell, junior political science major.

Big tech, also known as the ‘Big 4,’ is the nickname for the four most dominant companies in the information technology industry of the U.S.: Google, Amazon, Apple and Meta (Facebook).

“Big tech social media platforms are policing free speech and self-contradicting the very purpose they were created to serve,” adds McConnell.

Dillon McGowan, freshman political science major, disagrees.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for a former and potentially future presidential candidate to have his own social media platform,” McGowan said. “It makes the app biased because the audience knows who they are in support of by using it. It keeps us from being able to challenge our own beliefs.”

On the other hand, McConnell said that knowing who created the app will make it easier for users to decide whether or not to get it.

“An advantage to the creator of Truth Social being infamous is that users are aware of the possible intentions which inspired the creation of the app,” McConnell said.

Michael Marse, assistant professor of communication studies, offers advice to students debating which social media to use.

“Make sure to be mindful about the limitations and overall mindsets,” Marse said. “All consumers need to be educated, and students should attempt to match their audience with their career goals.

“At the end of the day, all social media is really an echo chamber and it is up to you to challenge your own beliefs and broaden your point of view. Make sure to get your information from multiple sources, not just one app or from your friends.”

Editor’s

Photo courtesy of Unsplash I Banner

Last year, Trump’s Twitter account was suspended following the events of the surge on the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Review

Netflix’s “Stranger Things” games

by Jasmine Severi| B&T Editor

At the end of last year, Netflix launched games on its mobile app. Designed to be fun mobile games to play simply on a phone or tablet, many of these games are based on Netflix original programming, including two games dedicated to “Stranger Things.”

“Stranger Things: 1984” Recently I started playing one of those games: “Stranger Things 1984.” It is styled after the type of adventure video games that would be available to the characters in the time period the show takes place in, the 1980s.

It is a fun mystery-adventure, like the shows, with simple graphics that would likely inspire nostalgia for those who grew up in the ‘80s and played these early video games, and a fun throwback for those of us who enjoy the retro aesthetic.

You start off as Jim Hopper, the chief of police of the town of Hawkins, Indiana, and main character in the show.

As the game goes on, and you explore more and more of Hawkins, you pick up more of the main characters of the show in your adventuring party.

You can switch between characters once more characters join the group, and each character has a unique skill needed for the challenges you face. You sneak into the Hawkins Lab, face off with security guards, try to stop evil scientists and even go into the Upside Down.

It is a fun adventure for those who enjoy “Stranger Things” and retro games, and an interesting way to immerse yourself into the world of these characters in the style of the kind of games the main characters love so much.

The Google Play app store describes it as a “stylized retro adventure.”

“Join Hopper and the kids for bruising missions around Hawkins — and the Upside Down — in this stylized retro adventure filled with collectibles,” the game’s description reads. “It’s 1984 all over again. Experience an action adventure game just like the ones our heroes would have played back in the day. Explore Hawkins and its surroundings. See your favorite locations like Mirkwood Forest and Hawkins Lab. Uncover exciting areas you’ve never seen before! Solve puzzles with the unique abilities of each character. Lucas can nail anything with his Wrist Rocket.

Nancy has an entire collection of bats to swing this time.

Collect all the Eggos and gnomes you can lay your hands on. You never know what they might unlock.”

It has a 4 out of 5 rating on the Google Play app store and a 3.9 out of 5 on the Apple app store, and can be played on any Android or Apple mobile device. It does not have any ads or in-app purchases, and does not require an internet connection once it is downloaded.

“

It is a fun mysteryadventure, like the shows, with simple graphics that would likely inspire nostalgia for those who grew up in the ’80s and played these early video games, and a fun throwback for those of us who enjoy the retro aesthetic.

“Stranger Things 3: The Game” In contrast to Stranger Things: 1984, the graphics of “Stranger Things 3: The Game” are a little more sophisticated, but still putting on the nostalgia lens to give it a retro feeling. Instead of its own type of adventure like “Stranger Things: 1984,” it is directly related to the third season of “Stranger Things.”

It is described as a “beat ’em up” game, meaning there are many opponents for our protagonists to fight, and like the other game, you can play multiple characters from the TV show.

Apple’s app store describes it as “the official companion game to the third season of the hit original series. Play through familiar events from the series while uncovering never-before-seen quests, character interactions and secrets!

This adventure game blends a distinctively retro art style with modern gameplay mechanics to deliver nostalgic fun with a fresh new twist.”

This game can be a multi-player game, allowing players to bond with friends over a mutually loved show.

“Just like in the show, teamwork is at the heart of Stranger Things 3: The Game,” Apple’s app store description reads. “Fans can team up in two-player local co-op to explore the world of Hawkins, solve puzzles and battle the emerging evils of The Upside Down as one of twelve beloved characters from the show.”

I started this game a bit later than “Stranger Things: 1984,” but I look forward to playing all the way through and maybe even playing with friends. I also like that they have a

story mode that makes the play-through faster and easier.

The game is available for both Android and iOS devices, and has a total rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Google Play and a 4 out of five on the Apple app store.

“

In contrast to Stranger Things: 1984, the graphics of Stranger Things 3: The Game are a little more sophisticated, but still putting on the nostalgia lens to give it a retro feeling.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

12

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Luis Menendez | Banner

Best Movie Theme Songs To Lift Your Spirit 01

02

“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees For when you must, absolutely must, get down and boogie.

While the movie “Saturday Night Fever” is quite contemplative and dark, the song never ceases to get the feet tapping and the hips moving. Perfect for getting ready and lip-syncing with your toothbrush as the microphone in the morning.

“I Can Dream About You” by Dan Hartman This one is a little more obscure, but comes from the hearton-your-sleeve era of 1980s love songs. Very peppy, very happy, and will make you feel like you could fall in love with the next person to say “Hello” to you. The movie it is from is the obscure but great “Streets of Fire.”

03

“Sunflower” by Post Malone An instant smash, it is nothing but sunshine and positive vibes for this tune from “Into the Spider-Verse.” You probably already have it stuck in your head for the rest of the week now, anyway. The lyrics are inspiring, and will make the sun shine brighter.

04

“Don’t You Forget About Me” by Simple Minds For when you say something so perfect, or are in a moment of pure bliss, that you feel like if it were a movie it would just freeze-frame to credits. It’s hard not to feel triumphant listening to this hit from “The Breakfast Club.” Also perfect for when nobody seems to be “getting” you.

05

“Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper This jam from “A Star Is Born” – within the context of the movie itself – could have melancholic tendencies… but by itself, just as a song, it is triumphant and filled with love. It’s hard NOT to scream sing “I’m off the deep end” when the song reaches its apex.

06

“Into the Unknown” by Idina Menzel Maybe controversial, but “Let It Go” sucks. “Into the Unknown” from “Frozen II” is a much better, even more triumphant “I want” song from a musical. When this comes on, you can’t help but belt right along with Elsa or croon that “oooh-ooh” introduction.

07

“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis Huey Lewis and the News may look like a bunch of dads you would bump into at Home Depot, but they know how to rock, write a hook and have a good time. “Back to the Future” is not only a great movie, but boasts this wonderful love song that, statistically, can improve any relationship.

08

“(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” “Dirty Dancing” is one of those rare movies, much like “The Godfather” or “Seven Samurai,” that is perfect. Patrick Swayze is the boss fight beefcake in cinematic history, and this jam will help you improve not only your love life, but life in general.

Apple Music and Spotify divide consumers’ brand loyalties

BY KASSIDY BLOUNT ASST. A&E EDITOR

Where do you listen to your favorite songs? The two biggest musical streaming services are currently Apple Music and Spotify. If you have one or the other, then you probably have a strong opinion about why yours is better. If they both offer the same music, what makes one platform so much better than the other?

In the past, people would argue about music genre and the taste each had in music.

Most of the time when you came across someone who was a fan of country music, they were shamed. However, now it is not only the type of music you listen to that can be judged but also the way you listen.

Sometimes, iPhone users use Apple Music and Android users prefer Spotify, but that might not always be the case.

Alyssah Nevarez, senior political science major, explains why she prefers Spotify over Apple Music.

“As someone who enjoys the technicalities behind

music, such as how it sounds, or artists to find,” Nevarez said.

Both Apple Music and SpoI like how the settings give the listener the option to adjust to tify have benefits for students the crossfade between songs, in college. While Apple Music automix your songs (and ad- cuts its monthly price in half, just) the quality of the sound,” costing only $5 a month, Spotify bundles Hulu (with ads) and Nevarez said.

She also went on to explain Showtime with their regular subscription the many benfor the same efits that jusprice. tify why she K a y l i e utilizes SpoVerble, freshtify.

Spotify man biology personalizes major, prefers your music so Apple Music that even on over Spotishuffle, it will fy. When you play the songs listen to muit thinks you sic a lot, you would like to need to have hear. Spotify a reliable seralso gives its vice and know members an what is best annual end-offor you. There the-year “SpoAlyssah Nevarez, are multiple tify Wrapped” Senior political science reasons why, that sums up all their activimajor but she has one aspect she ty for the year.

“I also enjoy how Spotify emphasizes the most.

“Apple Music allows me to finds ways to integrate pop culture into your experience with choose a song that I already BuzzFeed-type quizzes to in- love and make it into a radio teract with that further (and) station just for me,” Verble grasp your listening habits, and said. “I then get to listen to new (it) can produce new playlists and old songs that Apple Music

“

As someone who enjoys the technicalities behind music...I like how the settings (in Spotify) give the listener the option to adjust the crossfade.

knows I’ll like.”

Apple Music and Spotify have many similarities as well.

Both services allow you to create personalized playlists, like specific songs and create profiles just for you. Both will also provide you with nonstop listening, and no ads will interrupt your vibe.

Alan Martin from Livingetc. com has a lot to say about Spotify, Apple Music and the battle they have unleashed on their followers. However, Martin concludes that it is ultimately up to personal preference.

“While Apple Music offers better sound quality and is brilliant for those fully invested in the Apple ecosystem, Spotify wins out in terms of connectivity and podcasts,” Martin said on the website. “The two offer impressively vast libraries, though Apple Music’s ability to expand on this via iCloud Music Library arguably gives it the edge there.”

Your best bet is to utilize a free trial of both services and see what works best for you.

Each service will allow you to play the music you love. Ignore the haters and listen to what you want, where you want.

Artist of the issue: Lilliane Vargas creates music from the heart

BY ZERENITY LOPEZ ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music at California Baptist University has made it its mission to inspire students to the highest standards of musical craft and prepare them for success in musical professions.

“Music is a universal language — no matter where you are, no matter the place, music will always be there,” said Lilliane Vargas, sophomore studio production major. “It’s a way for people to communicate with each other.”

Vargas fulfills the School of Music’s mission by creating music that represents her in the truest sense. Vargas describes the studio production major as the study of the music industry and focusing on the recording side of the industry. She explains that it emphasizes teaching “the behind-the-scenes that you don’t see behind the artist” in studio production.

Initially, she planned to enter CBU as a nursing student, but after realizing that her lifelong adoration of music had the potential to be more than just a hobby, she made the switch and started learning about the

School of Music.

Her music journey began when she first learned how to play the piano. She now plays various instruments, including violin, guitar, cello and ukelele.

“Music has just been something that I identify myself with, and it feels part of who I am,” Vargas said.

Vargas said her main inspiration stems from her faith because it is something that she believes is a blessing in her life.

Her faith has helped her overcome thoughts of not being the best she can be.

Vargas said she is grateful for her ability to create music, which inspires her to push forward and grow in the craft. She classifies her music as Spanish Rock, drawing inspiration from Selena Quintanilla, Olivia Rodrigo and Paramore.

However, she prefers to stay away from typical genre labels and strives to create genuine and “real” music, as she says.

Vargas describes music as a vulnerable piece of you that should highlight what your work means to you and tell your story.

Vargas’s creative process varies according to where she is in life. She knows what kind of piece she would like to create and can experiment on her

own or even jam out casually with friends.

“Creative process of music is a lot of experimentation,” Vargas said.

She explains that she draws inspiration from preexisting works and their structure and makes them her own. Whether she is in a large group or oneon-one with another artist, spontaneity creates something beautiful that will blossom.

The primary demographic that she is trying to reach is young adults. She believes that young adults are at the most vulnerable stage in their life, and she would love to make an impact on them.

Her mission is to influence people to be true to who they are.

“Stay true to who you are and don’t let anyone try to change you into a version that you aren’t,” Vargas said.

She said she strives to create music that makes people want to dance. Vargas wants her music to make people feel good, and although she enjoys love ballads, she would love to create a sound that excites her audiences and makes them feel confident and happy.

Learn more about Vargas and her sound on her Instagram, @LillyOfficialMusic.

Elijah Martinez | Banner

Lilliane Vargas, sophomore studio production major, takes time to perfect her skills on her guitar.

Review: ‘Turning Red’ is a fun watch

KASSIDY'S MUSIC PLAYLIST Ladies of the Playlist

BY JOSIAH MURPHY

BILLS, BILLS, BILL

ASST. A&E EDITOR

Once you accept that Pixar will never reach the heights it once coasted at, you can accept that “Turning Red” is a solid entry in its canon. Better than “Luca” in pretty much every way. Some very funny moments. Solid Pixar fluff. Get it?

Fluff ? …Never mind.

“Turning Red” is the latest of Pixar’s releases to have a theatrical release nixed in favor of being dumped straight to Disney+. While for “Luca” this was a sad indicator of quality, “Turning Red” feels like Pixar at its pre-pandemic post-“Inside Out” peak. Every Pixar story asks a similar question: “Do monsters have feelings?”,

“Do cars have feelings?”, “Do jazz-pianists have feelings?”.

Now, with “Turning Red” they ask: “Do Canadians have feelings?”

Joking aside, “Turning Red” is the story of a girl growing up in Toronto who really just wants to find her own way, coming out of her family’s expectations of her. It is a coming-of-age, much like “Luca,” but by way of red pandas and finding who you are. Some of the messaging is blatant where subtlety is better suited, but some of the visual humor, as well as verbal, land very well and make “Turning Red” a fun treat on Disney+ for the whole family to enjoy.

The animation style cops the very urban, bent-reality feel that “The Mitchells vs.

The Machines” had, yet feels wholly and completely Pixar.

Visually, it is one of their more impressive offerings in quite a while.

The soundtrack manages to recapture 2002 very well, with a boy band (whose songs are penned by Finneas and Billie Eilish) with catchy songs that sharply satirize the era, while making a notable contribution to its sound, as well. It helps cement the reality of “Turning Red” and makes the world feel big and lived-in. And the world is very big.

If you thought “Onward” had a big conclusion, Pixar goes all in with a climax that I won’t spoil here, but is one of their biggest in a long time.

And while it does not have the emotional peaks and valleys

of “Onward,” there is a tender moment or two shared. But largely, “Turning Red” is about having a fun time, and if you turn it on with your family or some good friends, you’ll have a good time by accepting it for what it is.

3 out of 5 stars.

“

Once you accept that Pixar will never reach the heights it once coasted at, you can accept that “Turning Red” is a solid entry in its canon.

04 : 17

Destiny’sChild

04 0 4 : 04 04

FANTASY

MariahCarey

04 : 59

KILLING ME SOFTLY Fugees

THE BOY IS MINE

04 : 55

WANNABE

02 : 55

JUST A GIRL

03 : 29

NO SCRUBS

03 : 34

(YOU DRIVE ME) CRAZY

03 : 19

BrandyandMonica

SpiceGirls NoDoubt TLC

BritneySpears

04 : 34

I TURN TO YOU ChristinaAguilera

03 : 59

BELIEVE Cher

Fantasy

Mariah Carey

00 : 00

04 : 04

Luis Menendez | Banner

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

13

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Students enjoy swing dance and community

BY ROWEN ZAMORA A&E EDITOR

Since the beginning of time, humans have been dancing.

From David worshiping the Lord to the Victorian era, ballroom dancing has been a large part of culture, history, life and expression. This historic theme continues within our current context with an unofficial swing dancing club on campus.

The swing dancing club meets at 9:30 p.m. every Thursday in the James Building courtyard, making it perfect for hardworking students who need a break during their late-

“

Before I began going to swing dancing, I had been praying that the Lord would provide me a safe space to dance.

Mikayla McAtee, Senior intercultural studies major

night study session.

Swing dancing started in the 1920s and took off in the ’30s and ’40s, so many of the moves are conservative and promote healthy boundaries between people.

Paul Pepper, senior graphic design major and founder of the unofficial swing dancing club, started this eccentric group in the 2019-20 school year after he and his family took swing dancing classes over the summer.

The club sadly fell apart in the face of COVID-19 until Pepper had a fateful encounter with Azam Shanikh, graduate student in business and current co-leader of the unofficial swing dancing club, in the fall of 2021.

The club restarted that fall with a humble but fun six members. However, the inviting learning atmosphere, made possible by Shanikh and Pepper, mixed with a little wordof-mouth marketing, has made the unofficial club boom this semester and reach attendance of around 20 students.

While the club is undoubtedly fun, it may seem too ris-

qué for a Baptist campus. Pepper knows this and works hard to create a safe environment that promotes platonic dance partners. In spite of his efforts to create a strong Christian atmosphere, he still has doubts about whether or not to make it an official club.

“I want as many people to come and enjoy swing dancing as possible, but I’m not sure what CBU thinks of that,” Pepper said.

Shanikh acknowledged that he would like to make the club official at CBU. “It would be healthier for (the swing dance club) to (dance) in supervision of (CBU), making sure people just stick to swing dance rather than going further than that,” Shanikh said.

Pepper made light of Shanikh’s comment saying, “We don’t tango. We are not a tango club.”

Overall, the two of them are unsure whether or not to make it an official club because they do not want to rile anyone up.

However, it is clear that their work, official or not, is contributing to the Christian environ-

Marques Brown | Banner

Austin Esquerra, junior mechanical engineering major, lifts Mikayla McAtee, senior interculural studies major, over his head at the swing dancing club. ment on campus.

Mikayla McAtee, senior intercultural studies major and current attendee of the swing dance club, enjoys attending. “(The club is a) super friendly and welcoming environment that promotes great

Oscars 2022 Nominees Best Visual Effects Dune

Encanto

Free Guy

The Mitchells vs The Machines

No Time to Die Spider-Man: No Way Home

Jeremiah Wong | Banner

Best Animated Feature

Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Flee

By Emily McGinn | Managing Editor In 1997, Batman was a joke. In 2008, Batman was a charismatic, brooding hero. In 2022, Batman is that kid who never exited his emo phase after high school and at some point (we never actually discover how he became Batman in the film) decided to become a vigilante detective with expensive toys.

“The Batman” donned the characteristic darkness of the Batman character and kicked it up to full volume, launching directly into the nearly three-hour struggle between Batman and the Riddler, a villain with a knack for toying with Batman through complex puzzles.

The scenes follow a surprisingly high-level, intricate plotline that traces Batman’s journey to find the Riddler, and, just when you think it might be over, it is not, as the film intertwines clever, modern twists into the character of the Riddler. The movie paints a beautifully complex image of the twisted mind of the Riddler, adding another worthy villain to the Batman lineup after the brilliance of the Joker character in “The Dark Knight” (2008).

To complement the plot, the shots in the movie were aesthetically stirring; even if the film was muted, it would have remained beautiful to watch.

However, the Batman character leaves something to be desired. Throughout the movie, we see a lot of Batman, but very little of Bruce Wayne (Batman’s alter ego). While the villain-hero struggle weaves together in a satisfying way, it occupies so much of the runtime that we scarcely familiarized ourselves with the protagonist himself. He is

Continued from Page 1

Best Picture

Belfast CODA

Don’t Look Up Drive My Car Dune

Licorice Pizza

The Power of the Dog Nightmare Alley

Luca

Dueling

Nail Artists

King Richard

Raya and the Last Dragon

community,” McAtee said. “I also 100% feel that it is a safe space for Christians to come dance. In fact, before I began going to swing dancing, I had been praying that the Lord would provide me a safe space to dance since I love doing it,

West Side Story

and messaging people about it,” Klębowska said. “I just started to do design this semester as well.”

Pinja Kotinurmi, freshman psychology major, is one of Klębowska’s customers.

“It supports the nail technician and it also supports me because it’s cheaper,” Kotinurmi said.

Grace Hernandez, freshman elementary education major, also does nails at CBU. She does

Reviews

emotionless. He is cold. He is almost inhuman.

While Robert Pattinson thoroughly captures the dark-and-brooding image of Batman, I missed the charisma and charm injected into the character by Christian Bale in the Dark Knight series. Bale’s Batman exhibited the darkness, but it also collided with his charisma as Wayne, which created a unique and complex character constantly facing internal conflict.

In “The Batman,” our protagonist is so crime-focused that his character almost feels flatter than the side characters in the film.

While there are several moments when the film almost reaches across the precipice toward something like a human quality, it suddenly pulls back and thrusts us back into action-soaked crimefighting. Most of what we learned about Wayne comes through voiceovers with “Hamlet”-esque dramatization, instead of through visuals and acting. The movie largely failed to make me empathize or emotionally connect with Wayne — or any of the characters, for that matter. But perhaps that is the point. That does not mean I have to like it, though.

If this werea crime film, I would give it a 5 out of 5 stars — but it is not. “The Batman” is a superhero film. In this movie, I saw Batman as a detective and a crimefighter, but I did not have the opportunity to see him as a hero.

Luckily, the end seemed to indicate potential character development in Batman’s character as the franchise moves toward a sequel. I am looking forward to seeing what Pattinson’s Batman might become.

3 out of 5 stars.

but most spaces outside of CBU are not the best environment for me to be placing myself in.”

So, whether you like exercise, want to make new friends or are just obsessed with the early 20th century, swing dancing is for you.

custom press-on sets and gel manicures. She charges $25 for a basic set, $28 with the kit (nail file, glue, cuticle pusher) and up to $33 for a more detailed design. She decided to do her own nails during the first COVID-19 lockdown. After discovering she could do her own successfully, she decided to turn it into a business, @touchofgrace.x.

“I would see cute nail designs and wonder if I could do them and then eventually found out I could,” Hernandez said.

These nail technicians have saved many people money and time by offering nail services on campus, one hand at a time.

“The Batman”

By Josiah Murphy | Asst. A&E Editor

When a bold, face-painted goon asks a figure clad in a bat costume, “Who are you supposed to be?” and then the bat-clad vigilante pulverizes said goon’s face into mashed potatoes and replies with, “I’m vengeance,” audiences know very clearly what kind of movie Matt Reeves’s “The Batman” will be. Dark, brooding and goofy.

“Goofy?!” you may be wondering. But Batman is COOL and DARK! Yes, but inherently a man dressed as a bat who beats up the bad guys and waxes poetic about justice, parents and darkness is going to be just a little goofy at times.

However, Reeves manages to make the movie so earnest in its presentation of “The Batman” that the goofiness blends in with the grime.

This is Gotham City by way of Seattle.

Constant rainfall, dark framing and characters who brood every five seconds all add to the gloomy atmosphere of the movie’s proceedings. It is in its utter commitment to itself that the movie really thrives — and that’s saying something because there is a lot of movie going on in this movie. Despite the dense runtime, the biggest knock against the movie is there is a good chunk of the middle where there is more staring and questions than narrative progression.

At the helm of “The Batman” is our latest Batman, Bruce Wayne by way of Kurt Cobain (complete with a Nirvana needle-drop). Robert Pattinson is more

dreamy than ever — if you were fawning over him in 2008’s “Twilight,” then he will make your heart throb like never before. Each pulverization of a goon or some unassuming baddie — or an incredible car chase in the midpoint — will make you a true believer in Pattinson’s Batman. Gone is the gravely-throated, marble-gargling that Christian Bale’s Batman (2005-13) featured. Pattinson’s Batman journals intensely, stares great chasms into the souls of his victims and makes good on his opening statement of being “vengeance.”

Equally dreamy is Zoe Kravitz as Catwoman, the chemistry of the Bat and Cat being one of the strongest parts of the entire movie. “The Dark Knight” (2008) is often heralded as the best of the Bat-movies because of its great portrayal of the Joker (by the late-great Heath Ledger). “The Batman” is a great Batman movie because of its Batman, who finally feels like the main character of his own major motion picture.

Of all the movies called “The Batman,” this is the one that you should be watching. You may want to consider dehydration before going to the theater.

Is it too long? Definitely. Is it a worthwhile ride? Definitely. Is Pattinson absolutely stunning? Absolutely. The positives outweigh the negatives — and there are some big ones! — but it is a good investment, for sure.

4 out of 5 stars.

14

SPORTS

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

Spring Sports Recap

Photos by Elijah Hickman & Courtesy of Athletics

15

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

LANCER ON THE STREET What is your favorite CBU sports team?

Lahela Rosario Senior English major

“Women’s water polo team and the baseball team.”

Madeline Schwegler Senior Business major

“Women’s water polo team and swim and dive.”

Mallory Brubaker Senior Communication sciences and disorders major

“Swim team and women’s water polo.”

Angel Bravo Freshman Civil engineering major

David Lazo-Rivera Freshman Health science major

“Men’s basketball team and women’s volleyball team.”

“Men’s basketball team.”

Please stop going to Starbucks Starbucks has gone through a number of price hikes recently this year due to inflation, supply-chain challenges and increasing labor costs. It has announced it is planning to hike prices again in 2022.

I know most people have heard to “buy local” by now for a number of reasons; buying local helps fuel the local economy, supports the community and is often more sustainable. And, of course, these are all still true.

However, an important shift has occurred with Starbucks’s price hikes: Now, the reasons that made Starbucks more attractive as an option no longer exist.

Starbucks is undeniably convenient. In a 10-minute drive, you will likely pass three Starbucks shops in an ordinary suburban area. However, the number of independent coffee shops has steadily grown (if you ignore an unfortunate dip in 2020 due to the pandemic). In the U.S., there were about 37,000 coffee shops as of 2020 — about 15,000 of those belonged to Starbucks.

While Starbucks still holds a huge portion of the market, these numbers leave a large amount of room for indepen-

BY EMILY MCGINN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For a number of years, I had a routine: on Fridays after school, I would walk to the Starbucks near my house and get coffee.

Now, only several years later, I try to avoid going to Starbucks whenever possible, mainly because I discovered local independent coffee shops.

Starbucks used to make sense as an option for coffee.

After all, going to Starbucks is convenient. Starbucks’s drinks were also always significantly more affordable than coffee at independent shops, making it an attractive choice.

The key word here is “were.”

Dueling

Opinions

By Zerenity Lopez | Staff Writer When I wake up and start my day, I often begin by playing music on Spotify. It’s such a key feature of my life, so why would I mess it up by choosing to stream from another music platform like Apple Music?

Spotify is the superior music streaming platform for many reasons. Spotify has considered all of my different personalities and has created the perfect playlist to match each one.

On the Spotify app, you can find hundreds of playlists based on genre and artist. You also have the option to discover playlists made by other users.

This is a feature I greatly appreciate because it allows me to find more music than I ever would anywhere else. If I streamed from any other music platform, especially Apple Music, my music range would be nowhere near as diverse. I am constantly discovering new music with features like “Discover Weekly” that have me adding to my library at an alarming rate.

Spotify is well-known for compiling an end-of-the-year “Spotify Wrapped,” which should be enough to persuade you to

make the switch. The feature includes a comprehensive list of your most listened to artists, how much time you spent jamming out, detailed information on your preferred genre, etc.

If this isn’t enough to get you to turn to the dark side, Spotify is a collaborative app. You can make playlists that other users can add to and even combine existing playlists with your friends.

Apple Music is such an obvious wrong choice. Don’t be herded into the pack of sheep who swear by all Apple products. The Apple platform tends to have a very exclusive and cold persona, and Spotify has much more availability than its big-business competitor. The app can stream on most devices, including game consoles and Fitbits.

Apple has cultivated a cult following that glorifies all its genius, which is justified for most of its creations, but Apple Music is not one of them. The sense of community alone created on Spotify outweighs all the numbers of petty streaming competition.

dent coffee shops to squeeze into the business, especially in Southern California. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least five independent coffee shops within a 15-minute radius from California Baptist University’s campus alone — independent coffee has officially become convenient.

Of course, it has always been difficult for independent coffee shops to compete with big-corporation prices. However, with the Starbucks price hikes, the gap is closing.

I pay $4.89 for a 12-ounce vanilla latte at Twee Coffee, an independent shop a four-minute drive from campus. The same drink at Starbucks is $4.55 — for now.

A handcrafted drink at Starbucks is nearly as expensive as one at an independent shop, and we as a society have long recognized that the nuances of the coffee at independent shops make it far superior to Starbucks in taste. If the drinks are almost the same price, why wouldn’t I opt for a superior taste?

Local independent coffee shops have always had quite a bit to offer; they create connec-

tions among community members, offer their own unique vibes that customers can appreciate and encourage us to support local businesses.

Now, there is no clear reason not to buy independent. In fact, we all should. Visiting different coffee locations forces us to diversify our tastes, meet new people and explore the unfamiliar rather than falling back on what we know.

To be fair, Starbucks deserves credit for playing a major role in creating the coffee culture many of us have grown to love and embrace. Now, though, coffee culture needs to shift.

Starbucks helped fuel coffee culture, but now we have local coffee shops to sustain it.

Now that affordability does not have to force us through the doors of Starbucks, let’s all branch out. Try a new coffee shop this weekend. Next time you go on a road trip, search for an independent coffee shop and take a little detour rather than spotting the familiar greenand-white logo on the side of the road and pulling through that Starbucks drive-thru.

You might discover something great.

Spotify vs. Apple Music

By Luis Menendez | Asst. Design Editor When choosing a music streaming service, two platforms come to mind: Apple Music and Spotify. This comes as no surprise, as the two have dominated the market in terms of the number of subscribers for the past several years. Although, when it comes to choosing between the two, Apple Music is the better choice.

When looking at content — arguably the most crucial aspect of a streaming service — Apple Music beats out Spotify in almost all aspects. Its streaming service offers a plethora of content, with more than 60 million songs available to stream, compared to Spotify’s 50 million. Along with more songs, Apple Music offers exclusive deals with artists like Drake and Taylor Swift for early access to content releases.

Apple also offers some of the highest quality audio at no extra charge, only being beat by the likes of Amazon Music and Qobuz. Spotify sadly has not released its Spotify HiFi since announcing it in February 2021.

HiFi would offer users the ability to stream music at CD-quality audio.

However, this isn’t to say that Spotify doesn’t have anything over Apple Music. After all, Spotify today has become one of the more popular sources for podcasting, offering more than 700,000 shows on its platform, something Apple users need a completely different application to access.

The platform also offers a more detailed algorithm when recommending music that Spotify has based on the user’s musical tastes and likes.

Then there are the two applications’ interfaces and features.

Many argue that Spotify has a more seamless user interface, using a single-scroll system.

Apple takes a much different approach, sectioning off all of its various features in tabs at the bottom of the screen. This offers a much more organized feeling and keeps the app looking pretty to the eye.

Ultimately, Apple Music is superior due to a few factors: the audio quality Apple Music provides, the size of its music library, exclusive content and the ever-so-familiar user interface to which Apple users are accustomed.

‘Semper Reformanda’ does not mean ‘Yell at the non-Protestants’

BY AIDEN HOBSON MANAGING EDITOR

If you are a Christian, and you are not a member of a Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox church, then you fall into the tradition of Protestantism. When Martin Luther broke away from the Roman Catholic church in the early 16th century, he started a fracturing in Western Christendom that persists to this day, with thousands of new Protestant denominations forming every year.

As an officially Protestant school, many of the students at California Baptist University are Protestant (of various kinds). As a Protestant myself, I join my fellow Protestants with the cry of “semper reformanda” (“always reforming”). I will be the first to advocate for remembering the Protestant Reformation and the wonderful things that came out of it (like my church).

However, remembering the Reformation should not mean that we bludgeon members of other Christian traditions with misguided and inappropriate criticism. Our school is not the place to try to reenact the Protestant Reformation, especially not by being rude and insensitive to students who are not Protestant.

A Roman Catholic student here at CBU told me about an awful experience they had their freshman year: their resident adviser (RA), who was a Protestant, made very insensitive and blatantly untrue comments about a commonly misunderstood aspect of Roman Catholic theology in the middle of a casual conversation.

Through their abrupt insertion of their ignorant opinion on Roman Catholic theology into

“

the conversation, this RA completely alienated the student.

It broke my heart to hear that there were members of student leadership at this school who were using their identity as Protestants to exclude and disaffect non-Protestant CBU students.

While I can understand that one may have theological disagreements with non-Protestant churches, criticizing someone’s beliefs outside of appropriate settings, like class or a formal theological discussion, in nasty and uncouth ways is completely unacceptable and shameful.

Most Protestants can barely get along with other Protestants (not to mention the multitude of inter-denominational conflicts). Ask two Protestants their opinion on baptism or communion, and you will quickly realize there is no one Protestant theological position that someone can resolutely claim is the “right” one.

Protestants are nowhere near perfect, and our Reformation heritage does not give us license to excoriate anyone who is not a Protestant.

Genuine theological disagreement is one thing, but rude and untrue criticisms of strawman, half-baked reformulations of non-Protestant theology is another. If you are going to criticize someone’s theology, at least have the decency to educate yourself on it before you bash someone’s deeply held beliefs (the Protestant reformers were intellectual rockstars who were very well educated on their opponent’s theology, and I shudder to think what they would think of us now).

The Reformation happened 500 years ago, and it is not our job to continue it and attempt to honor the spirit of “semper reformanda” by causing unnecessary division in the student body here at CBU. We bring more honor and respect upon our Protestant forbears by handling our theological disagreements with graciousness, respect and humility, rather than angrily berating anyone who is not a Protestant.

Let us all learn to be mature adults and politely disagree, even (and especially) when matters of heaven and hell are at stake.

We bring more honor and respect upon our Protestant forbears by handling our theological disagreements with graciousness, respect and humility, rather than angrily berating anyone who is not a Protestant.

16

March 25, 2022 · Volume 69 · Issue 9

#Lancercam

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@rapberry

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Congratulations!

This week’s LancerCam winner is

@valramirezphoto Email Elijah Hickman at ElijahD.Hickman@calbaptist.edu to claim your prize.

Send us your photos using #LancerCam to be featured in the next issue of The Banner. @CBULancerMedia

LANCERIllustration LIFE

by Santos Garcia

CLUES

4

Across

3

6

2

7

1

5

10

9

8 11

IN PREPARATION FOR EASTER

1. He’s No. 1 3. He rose in ____ days (Hint: How many days SHOULD there be in a weekend?)

5. The “F” word 8. Revelation 5:12 - The animal 9. Hammer and ______ 11. A California staple, or the Sunday before Easter

Down 1. The city nearby 2. He is ____, indeed!

3. It rolled away, divinely 4. The way Jesus died 6. The meat of Easter, best when honey-glazed 7. Life juice 10. For Bible experts: The guy who was forced to carry the cross