ESTABLISHED 1826 — OLDEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER WEST OF THE ALLEGHENIES
Volume
o. 8
Miami university — Oxford, Ohio
Republicans win big in Butler County elections
Biden named President-Elect, Miami students react JENNA CALDERÓN
TIM CARLIN
ASST. CULTURE EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
CAROLINE HAUBENSTRICKER STAFF WRITER While Joe Biden won this year’s presidential election, Ohio’s 18 Electoral College votes went to his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. In Ohio’s state-wide elections, as well as those in Butler County, Republicans also won big. The Ohio State Senate, Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Supreme Court all remain under Republican control after this year’s election. Ohio State Senate There are 33 seats in the Ohio State Senate. Of the 16 up for grabs this election cycle, Republican candidates won 13, according to Ballotpedia. Butler County belongs to District 4 of the State Senate. In our district, George Lang (R) beat Kathy Wyenandt (D) with 61.1% of the vote. According to his website, Lang County’s families, businesses, and communities.” His goal is to “make Ohio the most business-friendly state in the nation.” Ohio House of Representatives After the election, Republicans the Ohio House of Representatives, according to Ballotpedia. Butler County falls under Disbeat Chuck Horn (D) with more than 63% of the vote. Gross is pro-life and anti-same sex marriage, universal healthcare and immigration, according to her questionnaire on iVoterGuide. She is also pro-national security and Second Amendment. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
VIVIANA SELVAGGI
THE MIAMI STUDENT After he was projected to win Pennsylvania on Saturday morning, Joe Biden became the next President-Elect of the United States. Biden toral votes, according to the Associated Press, and more than 75 million popular votes, the most cast for any presidential candidate in American history. Biden’s projected win has sparked an array of emotions across Miami’s campus. Caroline Roethlisberger, a senior political science and journalism double major and president of Miami’s College Democrats (Dems), is ecstatic about the results. But more than anything else, she is feeling relieved. “America has shown that Trump’s racist, misogynistic rhetoric [and] his general bigotry will not and cannot be tolerated in the presidency,” she said. While some students are thrilled with Biden’s win, some aren’t ready to accept the results just yet. Taylor Armstrong, Chairman of College Republicans (CRs) did not anticipate this turnout in the election, nor did he anticipate how close the race would be. cial,” Armstrong said. “We are going to wait until all the processes that are being pursued by the other side of paign, are completed.” Although most major media outlets have called the race in Biden’s favor, Armstrong said his win is not “It’s not premature, it’s not early, Joe Biden is going to be the next President of the United States,” Armstrong added. Sophomore accounting major Bennet Chambers typically leans con-
DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG
servatively but settled on casting his vote for Biden this election. I personally just don’t like Donald Trump as a person,” Chambers said. Despite Chambers casting his vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, he felt as though neither was “I don’t think either of them were the best options,” Chambers said. “But you’ve got to play with the cards that you’re dealt.” Some students don’t identify with Trump or Biden’s platforms. Nick Schooley, a sophomore ecolibertarian, said America’s two-party system needs changing. “My personal belief is that America needs to change, and we need to
abolish the two-party system,” he said. “We need to get some reform. Things have to be changed.” Zoey Seibert, a junior geology major, considers herself an independent. litical party, she’s happy with Biden’s election. “I think that the last four years, there have just been so many tensions built up over time, and I’m hoping that, with these results, we can end those sorts of tensions,” she said.
With Trump having no intention to concede the election as of yet, many predict it may not be a smooth transition. “Of course, Trump has his right to contest what he wants to in court,” Roethlisberger said. “I don’t foresee those outcomes changing the outcome of the presidential results.” calderjm@miamioh.edu selvagvj@miamioh.edu
A tumultuous turkey day: surviving Thanksgiving 2020 Kyle Hunt, a junior economics major, is concerned that his family’s Thanksgiving celebration will be marred by arguments and bickering. “[My family] doesn’t agree on political issues on the best of years, and God knows this isn’t the best of years,” Hunt said. Hunt said he knows his family won’t be able to resist bringing up the subjects of the election and up, things might get nasty. “My uncle and my mom in particular really don’t see eye to eye politically,” Hunt said. “So who knows how mad they’ll get at each other this year. I just want to focus on the food, man.” And while hot-button topics are bound to create tension in some cases, in others, it looks like the constraints ally set to reduce familial squabbling. ative writing and professional writing double-major, said her family is one such case. “Thanksgiving is kinda canceled, to be honest,” Browning said in refer-
AT THANKSGIVING, THE DINNER TABLE CAN EASILY BECOME A BATTLEFIELD. BUT BY KEEPING A FEW THINGS IN MIND, IT DOESN'T HAVE TO. DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG
DUARD HEADLEY CULTURE EDITOR Ah, Thanksgiving. A holiday known for family gatherings and decadent food. As the warmth of count-
less ovens pervade an equal number of houses, the rich smells of holiday feasts come wafting with it. The tables are set for lavish dinners, and the spirit of thanks and generosity abounds. That is, until the political talk starts.
Along with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and a spread of homemade treats, Thanksgiving is often associated with the stress and tension that can result from family members broaching sensitive political and social topics.
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This phenomenon is true for many of Miami’s students, and in a year when issues like a hotly-contested election and a once-in-a-century pan-
have caused her family to limit their dinner to just her, her brother and her parents. “But I do know that if COVID wasn’t going on right now, Thanksgiving would be tense no matter what.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
to reason that dinner tables might get pretty heated this year.
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OPINION
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Catch Miami football on ESPN tonight.
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A timeline of Election Day 2020 in Oxford STAFF REPORT Millett Hall: 9 a.m. When Grant Loewenstine, a sophomore kinesiology major, arrived at Millett Hall this morning to cast his vote in the 2020 election, he thought he had arrived early enough to beat the crowds. But when Loewenstine approached the doors at 6:20 a.m., minutes before the polls were scheduled to open, he realized just how wrong he was. There were around 40 prospective voters already waiting in line, Loewenstine said. After about 10 minutes of waiting, the doors opened and the line of people began to slowly move forward. Loewenstine said there was an air of peacefulness surrounding the polling location. “It was really calm,” Loewenstine said. “Probably because everyone was tired from waking up so early.” By 9 a.m., the lines outside Millett had diminished. Every few minutes, one or two people would walk up the long stretch of sidewalk bundled in winter jackets to avoid the cool November day. Representatives from the Andrew Goodman Foundation (Vote Everywhere) and College Democrats (Dems) were scattered around the arena passing out pamphlets to both incoming and outgoing voters. Andrew Devedjian, a senior political science and religion double major representing Vote Everywhere, said it’s important for voters to know that the power is in their hands. “It’s very important to understand that it’s not our leaders who get to decide who wins the ing this all out, they made voting in the hands of the state for a reason.” As voters exited Millett, they described an easy, electronic voting process. “My last election I voted in was the midterms, and it was on a paper ballot,” said Hunter Reeling, a junior mechanical engineering major. “Everything in there [Millett] was electric and kind of really cool, actually. But it was really easy. And I really liked the electronic voting a lot better.” Despite the cold weather, voters came out to perform their civic duty. “I think it’s important that voices are heard, and that you vote. Every vote matters,” said Danielle Spensiero, sophomore interactive media studies major. For those who haven’t made it out to the polls yet, voters had a clear message for them. “Everybody needs to come out to vote,” said and audiology major. “It’s really important. So make sure you do that.” While not every voter disclosed which presidential candidate they voted for, Bossenbroek made her decision clear.
AFTER A SURGE EARLY IN THE MORNING, LINES TO VOTE WERE MOSTLY EMPTY AT OXFORD POLLING LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. PHOTO EDITOR BO BRUECK
she said. Devedjian said Vote Everywhere is not concerned with which candidates students vote for, but rather that they have the proper tools needed to vote successfully. “Obviously, in this heavily polarized time, it’s important to ensure that the students have the things that they need in order to just come in and vote,” he said. “Whoever they cast their ballot for is who they cast their ballot for.” Millett Hall: 3 p.m. Lines were short outside Millett this afternoon, but Omar Elghazawi, junior and volunteer for Dems and Miami University for Biden, said volunteers were expecting an uptick in voters later in the day. A man standing outside Millett waved a could ask for comment. First-year games and simulation major Bailey Tate said it was fairly empty inside Millett, and he was able to get through the voting process quickly and easily. ence, especially in a time like this,” Tate said of First-year special education major Claire Heilman said she expected more people at the polls but appreciates the calmer atmosphere because she came by herself and wasn’t sure exactly what to do. Wyatt Taylor, a junior economics major, said people need to vote whether they like either of the presidential candidates or not. “It’s very important to vote, even if you think
both candidates kinda blow,” Taylor said, “be-
major Gabby Kovachich said. “I did not expect
a lot of people. So you’ve got to do it.” Kramer Elementary School: 3 p.m. Very few voters were at Kramer in the afternoon. Poll workers said they were expecting more voters later in the day. At around 4:40 p.m., three trucks brandisher parking lot. One of the drivers yelled at a poll worker about the lack of Trump signs outside the polling location. Poll workers said that the biggest rush of voters came early this morning. “There was a woman out here at 5:45,” poll worker Jean Pateman said. “Before the polls opened at 6:30, we had a line from the door of the gym all the way out towards the teachers’ parking lot.” poll worker Robert Simpson added. Millett Hall: 4:30 p.m. As temperatures dipped and the sun began to set, voters became sparse. People stopped by every now and then. When they arrived, there was no lengthy line to wait in. In fact, there weren’t lines at all. After voting, one girl got picked up by a friend who was blasting “FDT” by YG. There were more people going for a night jog by Millett than people stopping by to vote for periods of time. When they did come, though, there were
… I thought [the poll worker] would judge me for who I voted for, but she didn’t say anything … it’s like, ‘It’s OK, I’m not going to look, we’re just going to make sure your vote counts.’” Others spoke about the impact of this particular election. “The world – the country – is very divided right now,” Oxford resident Kaila Sowards said. “It’s gonna be history, I think.” Kramer Elementary School: 6:30 p.m. With only about an hour left to vote and the darkness of the night taking over Oxford, the last few voters made their way to Kramer Elementary School. Kimberly Barlotta, 52, says if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain. “Everybody’s vote counts. If you don’t vote,
time voters shared their enthusiasm about their ing,” sophomore geology & English literature
period [when I lived in] Florida when I didn’t vote. I complained because of who was the president, but it was my fault because I didn’t go and vote.” Bonnie Elliott said that poll workers assisted her in reading her ballot which made the process easier. “They explained everything to me that I needed to have explained because like I said before, I am not a very good reader,” she said. “So, with them being there with me to help me do the process went a lot smoother and easier for me to understand it. So I could vote” eic@miamistudent.net
NEWS 3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
LUMPKIBM@MIAMIOH.EDU
City Council passes funding for cold shelter, transitional housing
student celebration HAILEY QUALLS THE MIAMI STUDENT
ABBY BAMMERLIN
Miami University celebrated its
ASST. NEWS EDITOR
gen alumni who answered questions, advice. Peskin and Lindsey Core oversaw the event, with the help of Miami’s associate vice president for alumni and advancement, Kim Tavares. Friday’s panel featured alumni Janell Walton '94, David Dafoe '84, Dr. Joe Homan '83 and Miranda Ferguson '16. Walton was a transfer student from Cincinnati who decided Miami was right for her after attending two previous universities. Miami caught Walton’s eye after she realized how close it was to home and saw “the beautiful red brick buildings.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and is now the vice president of communications & strategic development at Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Understanding the class structure was a struggle,” Walton said, describing tion transfer student. “Miami taught critical thinking, and I was used to memorization.” Walton said she is thankful for the experience, as it made her more moti-
COURTESY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY
things — a common theme among the panelists. Dafoe was a zoology major and is now the founder and owner of Flavorman, a beverage development company. He agreed with Walton, saying that being a certain drive. “I have no fear of failure,” Dafoe said. “I path.” dent gave him the drive he has today. Homan was a geology major and is the chief Monterey Technologies, Inc. “My parents didn’t even graduate high school,” Homan said. “I had no guidance … I relied on word of mouth and followed my friend to Miami.” on move-in day, Homan was placed into an
unfamiliar environment, but he believes he gained work ethic and drive. Ferguson received a degree in software engineering and is now a program manager at Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company. She mentioned that joining organizations, such as her sorority, helped her create a life for herself at Miami. “I was able to do my own thing,” Ferguson said. “I had nothing to compare it to.” only gave her drive, but provided her the desire to build community and push to try new things. Dafoe noted that many of the panelists’ majors do not necessarily have a relation to their job now, and that it is a good thing. The four alumni also provided advice to Miami community. Ferguson and Walton advised joining student organizations to get more involved. Ferguson said her sorority created a community for her, and Walton said she was thankful for
the resources the Black cultural community gave her. Dafoe and Homan also believe in getting involved. They said the social aspects are just as important in college and that making friends and doing things around campus will help you better connect to Miami. Peskin and Core were able to make a connection with the panelists as they had similar stories. Both believe joining a community on campus is helpful. One example is MiamiFirst, dents and to any student who supports them. As the four panelists were able to share their stories and advice, they closed by sharing quotes that were personal to them and embodDafoe quoted Calvin Coolidge’s “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence,” as he explained a common message from the alumni: This experience bettered them and quallshn@miamioh.edu
DORA extended into winter ABBY BAMMERLIN
sure if students would actually be gone. He
ASST. NEWS EDITOR Oxford City Council passed an extension to Oxford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) during its Nov. 3 meeting. The DORA will run from Nov. 27 to Jan. 22. Within the DORA, adults are permitted to buy and drink alcohol in open containers from participating vendors. “I think we all agree we’ve got to do what we can to help our restaurants and our other businesses during this long cold winter,” City Manager Doug Elliott said. “Some of them hopes students will have returned home by this time. Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, said the city is looking to turn the DORA on every year. “The goal would be, with so many students departing the region, that we have a way to encourage a way to support local businesses, and [the DORA] is one way we can do this,” Greene said. Vice Mayor Bill Snavely said he wasn’t
will remain in Oxford. “I don’t know that this is a good idea,” Snavely said. “I don’t know that in the winter there’s going to be that many people who want to walk outside with a drink, unless they’re students.” Snavely was the only councilor to vote against the resolution. Greene said there would not be any changes to the program. The city was looking into having the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) join as a participating business, but Greene said the city was not able to include OCAC. “We were not opposed to [including OCAC],” Greene said. “But what we learned is that in order to engage them as a formal participant in the DORA, we would have to re-turn in our entire application to the state. And we just don’t have time to do that, but we did tell them what we would try to get them included for the summer.” Greene said the city is still planning to reactivate the DORA during the summer after students leave for summer break. Ann Kamphaus, owner of Books & Brews, said since students returned, her business
Republicans win big in Butler County elections CONTINUED FROM FRONT In District 53, Thomas Hall (R) beat Michelle Novak (D) with 68.4% of the vote. According to his website, Hall is pro-life, Second Amendment and small business. He believes farmers are the backbone of the country and money back to the local governments.” Ohio Supreme Court Two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court were up for election this cycle. While candidates running for the Ohio Supreme Court are technically nonpartisan, that does not stop them from aligning with and accepting money from either of the two dominant political parties. Sharon Kennedy, a Republican incumbent justice, beat John O’Donnell, a Democrat with 55.1% of the vote. According to her website, Kennedy “will continue to honor the Constitution by upholding the law, not creating it or legislating from the bench.” Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, beat Republican incumbent Judi French with 55.2% of the vote.
According to her Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, Brunner will oppose partisan gerrymandering and hopes to create a “transparent, public database of criminal arrests, charges, prosecutions, convictions and sentencing by Ohio judges, according to demographic factors such as race, gender, LGBTQ, income zip code, education and more.” U.S House of Representatives While Democrats are projected to remain in control of the U.S House of Representatives, Republicans have made a net gain of Butler County belongs to District 8 of the U.S House of Representatives for Ohio. In our district, Warren Davidson (R) beat Vanessa Enoch (D) with 69.1% of the vote. According to his website, Davidson is focused on “policies that help grow our innovation, and limit runaway government expansion that threatens to bankrupt America.” @haubenstrickerc haubence@miamioh.edu
has seen about 40% of normal sales. She’s hoping the DORA will encourage more community members to come out and shop in her store, as well as buy drinks from the bar. “When they come and get their drinks, I’m hopeful they’ll look around the store a bit and purchase merchandise as well as their DORA drinks,” Kamphaus said. Kamphaus said during the summer DORA, she was able to mix cold drinks. But the winter DORA has made her rethink her menu to include warmer drinks. She hopes that will drive more full-time residents in. “I don’t have a lot of community members quite a few students that are a very supportive group,” Kamphaus said. Greene and the members of City Council are hopeful the DORA will help stimulate the local economy. “Anything that we can do to encourage the economy to be successful and to keep our businesses in business is to be welcomed,” Councilor Edna Southard said. “And if we have to adjust, if we have to make changes, @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu
Oxford City Council passed a resolution donating about $74,000 to pilot a cold shelter and transitional housing for Oxford’s homeless community during its Nov. 3 meeting. The funds will be allocated to the Family Resource Center (FRC), which will manage the project. The cold shelter will be made up of rented hotel rooms. Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, said it will only be used for a short-term stay of a few nights. The transitional housing will be used for more longterm stays. The FRC will rent six rooms for four months. This will amount to about 120 days during the months of November, December, January and February, but there will be flexibility in the days that the rooms are used. The funds come from the city’s general fund and will last about a year. “We have known that a shelter in the winter is something that has been a need,” FRC Director Brad Hoblitzell said. The FRC will also be doing case management, which will involve connecting clients with resources and housing. “So often with many of our clients, if we get them to a shelter somewhere, it’s hard to remain in contact,” Hoblitzell said. “But when we know where they are, we can work with them.” Later, a resolution was passed to spend about $93,000 for a three-year contract with Spectrum to provide free, public internet to Oxford’s parks and two Oxford communities. Council also passed an extension to Oxford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). The DORA will run from Nov. 27 to Jan. 22. Council was presented with a resolution to address Black Lives Matter (BLM) Oxford’s request for a task force to look into alternatives to traditional policing. Councilor David Prytherch introduced the resolution. He said he recognizes the Oxford Police Department (OPD) has put an emphasis on social services, but there might be systematic changes that still need to be made. “I believe that any board who makes a recommendation to City Council deserves action by City Council,” Prytherch said, “whether we vote it up, vote it down or amend it.” Brandon Humphrey, a BLM Oxford representative, has said BLM Oxford is in support of the spirit of the resolution, but there are some issues with it. Humphrey outlined four main issues BLM Oxford had with the resolution Prytherch put forward. Most of the concerns BLM Oxford had involved the wording of the resolution which called for OPD and the Police Community Relations and Review Commission (PCRRC) to work together in finding solutions to OPD’s partnership with social services. “I’m supportive of this, and as I’ve spoken in the past, I want to work with these community members,” OPD Chief John Jones said. “It doesn’t matter how we do it.” Due to Councilor Chantel Raghu’s absence, the resolution was tabled to be discussed at a future meeting, when all councilors could be present for discussion. Jones and Elliott explained to council that they would like to survey community members about their thoughts on police services and possibly other issues. Elliott updated council that, as of Oct. 24, there have been 205 COVID-19 cases in the 45056 zip code, excluding Miami University’s case numbers. This represents 2.2% of all reported cases in Butler County. The next council meeting will be streamed on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu
NEWS 3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
LUMPKIBM@MIAMIOH.EDU
City Council passes funding for cold shelter, transitional housing
student celebration HAILEY QUALLS THE MIAMI STUDENT
ABBY BAMMERLIN
Miami University celebrated its
ASST. NEWS EDITOR
gen alumni who answered questions, advice. Peskin and Lindsey Core oversaw the event, with the help of Miami’s associate vice president for alumni and advancement, Kim Tavares. Friday’s panel featured alumni Janell Walton '94, David Dafoe '84, Dr. Joe Homan '83 and Miranda Ferguson '16. Walton was a transfer student from Cincinnati who decided Miami was right for her after attending two previous universities. Miami caught Walton’s eye after she realized how close it was to home and saw “the beautiful red brick buildings.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and is now the vice president of communications & strategic development at Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Understanding the class structure was a struggle,” Walton said, describing tion transfer student. “Miami taught critical thinking, and I was used to memorization.” Walton said she is thankful for the experience, as it made her more moti-
COURTESY OF MIAMI UNIVERSITY
things — a common theme among the panelists. Dafoe was a zoology major and is now the founder and owner of Flavorman, a beverage development company. He agreed with Walton, saying that being a certain drive. “I have no fear of failure,” Dafoe said. “I path.” dent gave him the drive he has today. Homan was a geology major and is the chief Monterey Technologies, Inc. “My parents didn’t even graduate high school,” Homan said. “I had no guidance … I relied on word of mouth and followed my friend to Miami.” on move-in day, Homan was placed into an
unfamiliar environment, but he believes he gained work ethic and drive. Ferguson received a degree in software engineering and is now a program manager at Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company. She mentioned that joining organizations, such as her sorority, helped her create a life for herself at Miami. “I was able to do my own thing,” Ferguson said. “I had nothing to compare it to.” only gave her drive, but provided her the desire to build community and push to try new things. Dafoe noted that many of the panelists’ majors do not necessarily have a relation to their job now, and that it is a good thing. The four alumni also provided advice to Miami community. Ferguson and Walton advised joining student organizations to get more involved. Ferguson said her sorority created a community for her, and Walton said she was thankful for
the resources the Black cultural community gave her. Dafoe and Homan also believe in getting involved. They said the social aspects are just as important in college and that making friends and doing things around campus will help you better connect to Miami. Peskin and Core were able to make a connection with the panelists as they had similar stories. Both believe joining a community on campus is helpful. One example is MiamiFirst, dents and to any student who supports them. As the four panelists were able to share their stories and advice, they closed by sharing quotes that were personal to them and embodDafoe quoted Calvin Coolidge’s “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence,” as he explained a common message from the alumni: This experience bettered them and quallshn@miamioh.edu
DORA extended into winter ABBY BAMMERLIN
sure if students would actually be gone. He
ASST. NEWS EDITOR Oxford City Council passed an extension to Oxford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) during its Nov. 3 meeting. The DORA will run from Nov. 27 to Jan. 22. Within the DORA, adults are permitted to buy and drink alcohol in open containers from participating vendors. “I think we all agree we’ve got to do what we can to help our restaurants and our other businesses during this long cold winter,” City Manager Doug Elliott said. “Some of them hopes students will have returned home by this time. Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, said the city is looking to turn the DORA on every year. “The goal would be, with so many students departing the region, that we have a way to encourage a way to support local businesses, and [the DORA] is one way we can do this,” Greene said. Vice Mayor Bill Snavely said he wasn’t
will remain in Oxford. “I don’t know that this is a good idea,” Snavely said. “I don’t know that in the winter there’s going to be that many people who want to walk outside with a drink, unless they’re students.” Snavely was the only councilor to vote against the resolution. Greene said there would not be any changes to the program. The city was looking into having the Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) join as a participating business, but Greene said the city was not able to include OCAC. “We were not opposed to [including OCAC],” Greene said. “But what we learned is that in order to engage them as a formal participant in the DORA, we would have to re-turn in our entire application to the state. And we just don’t have time to do that, but we did tell them what we would try to get them included for the summer.” Greene said the city is still planning to reactivate the DORA during the summer after students leave for summer break. Ann Kamphaus, owner of Books & Brews, said since students returned, her business
Republicans win big in Butler County elections CONTINUED FROM FRONT In District 53, Thomas Hall (R) beat Michelle Novak (D) with 68.4% of the vote. According to his website, Hall is pro-life, Second Amendment and small business. He believes farmers are the backbone of the country and money back to the local governments.” Ohio Supreme Court Two seats on the Ohio Supreme Court were up for election this cycle. While candidates running for the Ohio Supreme Court are technically nonpartisan, that does not stop them from aligning with and accepting money from either of the two dominant political parties. Sharon Kennedy, a Republican incumbent justice, beat John O’Donnell, a Democrat with 55.1% of the vote. According to her website, Kennedy “will continue to honor the Constitution by upholding the law, not creating it or legislating from the bench.” Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, beat Republican incumbent Judi French with 55.2% of the vote.
According to her Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey, Brunner will oppose partisan gerrymandering and hopes to create a “transparent, public database of criminal arrests, charges, prosecutions, convictions and sentencing by Ohio judges, according to demographic factors such as race, gender, LGBTQ, income zip code, education and more.” U.S House of Representatives While Democrats are projected to remain in control of the U.S House of Representatives, Republicans have made a net gain of Butler County belongs to District 8 of the U.S House of Representatives for Ohio. In our district, Warren Davidson (R) beat Vanessa Enoch (D) with 69.1% of the vote. According to his website, Davidson is focused on “policies that help grow our innovation, and limit runaway government expansion that threatens to bankrupt America.” @haubenstrickerc haubence@miamioh.edu
has seen about 40% of normal sales. She’s hoping the DORA will encourage more community members to come out and shop in her store, as well as buy drinks from the bar. “When they come and get their drinks, I’m hopeful they’ll look around the store a bit and purchase merchandise as well as their DORA drinks,” Kamphaus said. Kamphaus said during the summer DORA, she was able to mix cold drinks. But the winter DORA has made her rethink her menu to include warmer drinks. She hopes that will drive more full-time residents in. “I don’t have a lot of community members quite a few students that are a very supportive group,” Kamphaus said. Greene and the members of City Council are hopeful the DORA will help stimulate the local economy. “Anything that we can do to encourage the economy to be successful and to keep our businesses in business is to be welcomed,” Councilor Edna Southard said. “And if we have to adjust, if we have to make changes, @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu
Oxford City Council passed a resolution donating about $74,000 to pilot a cold shelter and transitional housing for Oxford’s homeless community during its Nov. 3 meeting. The funds will be allocated to the Family Resource Center (FRC), which will manage the project. The cold shelter will be made up of rented hotel rooms. Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, said it will only be used for a short-term stay of a few nights. The transitional housing will be used for more longterm stays. The FRC will rent six rooms for four months. This will amount to about 120 days during the months of November, December, January and February, but there will be flexibility in the days that the rooms are used. The funds come from the city’s general fund and will last about a year. “We have known that a shelter in the winter is something that has been a need,” FRC Director Brad Hoblitzell said. The FRC will also be doing case management, which will involve connecting clients with resources and housing. “So often with many of our clients, if we get them to a shelter somewhere, it’s hard to remain in contact,” Hoblitzell said. “But when we know where they are, we can work with them.” Later, a resolution was passed to spend about $93,000 for a three-year contract with Spectrum to provide free, public internet to Oxford’s parks and two Oxford communities. Council also passed an extension to Oxford’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). The DORA will run from Nov. 27 to Jan. 22. Council was presented with a resolution to address Black Lives Matter (BLM) Oxford’s request for a task force to look into alternatives to traditional policing. Councilor David Prytherch introduced the resolution. He said he recognizes the Oxford Police Department (OPD) has put an emphasis on social services, but there might be systematic changes that still need to be made. “I believe that any board who makes a recommendation to City Council deserves action by City Council,” Prytherch said, “whether we vote it up, vote it down or amend it.” Brandon Humphrey, a BLM Oxford representative, has said BLM Oxford is in support of the spirit of the resolution, but there are some issues with it. Humphrey outlined four main issues BLM Oxford had with the resolution Prytherch put forward. Most of the concerns BLM Oxford had involved the wording of the resolution which called for OPD and the Police Community Relations and Review Commission (PCRRC) to work together in finding solutions to OPD’s partnership with social services. “I’m supportive of this, and as I’ve spoken in the past, I want to work with these community members,” OPD Chief John Jones said. “It doesn’t matter how we do it.” Due to Councilor Chantel Raghu’s absence, the resolution was tabled to be discussed at a future meeting, when all councilors could be present for discussion. Jones and Elliott explained to council that they would like to survey community members about their thoughts on police services and possibly other issues. Elliott updated council that, as of Oct. 24, there have been 205 COVID-19 cases in the 45056 zip code, excluding Miami University’s case numbers. This represents 2.2% of all reported cases in Butler County. The next council meeting will be streamed on YouTube at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu
4 NEWS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
CARLINTM@MIAMIOH.EDU
Seven days at the Inn:
one woman’s experience in Miami’s isolation dorms MADELINE PHABY ASST. NEWS EDITOR Two weeks ago, my parents, an that she is, brought me multiple Halloween candy. -
Every day at 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m., an employee plopped a plastic bag outside my door and knocked -
passing the time by watching TikToks having concerts in the shower and
including rubbery chicken breasts, salads with no dressing and oatmeal -
room. Our correspondence ended when
By no means am I a picky eater, write back so absurdly late, so I just never did.
those inedible meals. quickly started having symptoms as
in isolation in my bed and on my computer. I BoJack Horseman in my
told someone would reach out to me about going into quarantine. Miami never contacted me, and I ers, so I directly reached out to the getting tested. By that point, I’d been They agreed to test me that day because I was symptomatic, and I can’t help but wonder how long it hadn’t directly reached out. was moved into isolation at the MiInn was that it looked like a motel was a hotel until it was converted into a residence hall in 2012. My room was spacious, but it was incredibly cold and smelled vaguely I was provided with soap, towels,
“I must say, though, isolation wasn’t all bad. Having my own room was awesome, and I actually managed
that, I started obsessively watching election covdeeply in love with CNN’s country, I’m glad the election dragged on this long. At least it gave me something to do. I must say, though, isolation wasn’t all bad. Having my own bathroom was awesome, and I actually managed to
ese’s. I was cleared to leave isolation at
On my second day at the Inn, which happened to be Halloween, I was startled by a swooshing sound
the moment the clock struck midnight. I wasn’t going to stay there a minute longer than I had to. -
paper had been slid under the door. “Happy Halloween, how long have I wrote back saying I’d just gotten there yesterday and returned the note to my neighbor. We wrote sever-
motel room. a mask is worth being able to avoid getting stuck in isolation.
DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG
a strange black stain, and the beige blanket was littered with black hairs
‘It’s not just a women’s issue, it’s everyone’s issue’:
Halloween. I have no idea who my pen pal
phabymr@miamioh.edu
Poll workers had a this year
Student brings sexual assault support to campus
ABBY BAMMERLIN
hour, Schiele said the line dissipated and voters had a very short wait
ASST. NEWS EDITOR The days leading up to Nov. 3 poll worker Rob Schiele. Schiele said he’s worked eight
Boes too had very little issue with the voters that came into his Butler County polling location. -
Hamilton counties. This year’s election was his second presidential election. As the election season quickly approached, Scheile said he was worried how the increased tension
Boes said compared to the 2016
people who turnout to vote.
tense. While there was a consistent maybe there would be more people COURTESY OF
JENNA CALDERÓN ASST. CULTURE EDITOR In October 2019, Josie Carter was pus.
more involved, but they aren’t ready yet. She acknowledges that even that
to organizations that share its same values: equality, inclusivity, respect
Tyler Boes, a veteran poll worker who’s worked seven to nine elections, said presidential elections the voting process.
welcome. “It’s not just a women’s issue, it’s
both sides would be a little less than
[men] deserve support and education
counseling services, this year’s Mi-
-
Carter says she wasn’t looking to
Taylor Beasley, a sophomore strategic communication and entrepre-
dents use or have used the services. ways be able to get the help they need in a timely manner. -
“I was nervous
Carter, a sophomore psychology SASS, hopes to provide a communition education. In February, Carter started with a pus, SASS has about 60 members and counting. to virtual, biweekly meetings, where they invite members to tell their stories and make their voices heard. “I’ve been very surprised as to the
same thing this year, but really, the turnout was steady, but it wasn’t as
Though SASS is made up mostly
there are several resources on cam-
She was looking to talk to someone who’d gone through the same thing as her.
the turnout he saw in 2016. “I wasn’t really prepared in 2016
ami that haven’t been either personally touched or know someone who 40 assaults were reported, more than any semester in recent history. Beasley manages the organization’s social media, which includes a website, blog, LinkedIn and Ins-
“Mental health plays a huge role in Beasley said. Eventually, Carter hopes to have a space in Armstrong Student Cena well-known resource on campus,
both sides would be a little less than kind with the presidential - Tyler Boes
-
remote nature, Beasley is working to
say, ‘Oh, that’s so sad,’ but then we
-
-
we’re getting really creative with how we’re reaching people is probably our
With a balance between heavy -
SASS has even been able to utilize
and lighter occasions like yoga and
support. student organizations to receive a dent Community Fund. The dating app distributed money
Boes and Schiele attribute some creased emphasis to early voting or voting by mail. “I think it was publicized more and just letting people know that that option was available, more so than in previous said. While Schiele and all other poll workers go through training with the county to de-escalate situations, he said he never needed to. All the voters he saw on Nov. 3 wore masks and poll workers. “That was really
iar with our systems, and they are more ready to spew talking points When Schiele arrived at his polling location at Wyandot Elementary in Liberty Township, he was surprised to see his worries were “That was really not the place,
“where … people have to listen be-
said. “Compared to previous presidential elections, [turnout] was
calderjm@miamioh.edu
He said when polls opened at 6:30 a.m., there was already a line
said. ence working the polls this year was a pleasant surprise. “I really enjoy working the elecdemocratic process and helping the more patient and technologically equipped workers we have, the @abby_bammerlin bammeraj@miamioh.edu
NEWS 5
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
LUMPKIBM@MIAMIOH.EDU
Miami plans to quarantine sick students through Thanksgiving
SEAN SCOTT
THE MIAMI STUDENT In a university-wide email on Oct. 28, Miami University’s Division of Student Life warned students to use caution in how they approach Halloween festivities. The email to the Miami community read that “a legally-mandated 14day quarantine could mean spending the Thanksgiving holiday in quarantine on campus.” For students looking forward to this year’s extended break, testing positive for COVID-19 might make it impossible to travel home before their quarantine period ends. It might be tempting to ignore guidance from the university, but Jayne Brownell, Miami’s vice president for student life, said quarantine and isolation are legally binding state orders. “It’s a Department of Health order through the state of Ohio,” Brownell said. “So it is not a Miami quarantine or isolation order … Since our residence halls wouldn’t meet the standards for students to be able to quarantine or isolate, we provide the facilities to support that order.” Brownell said the Butler County prosecutor wrote in an August email that he would press charges against students who failed to follow quarantine orders. Not every student who isolates has to stay at Miami, though. The Butler County Health District has allowed students within four hours of campus to quarantine at home. Students who live farther away are more likely to stop on the way home for food, gas or restroom breaks, so they will not be allowed to leave. For Grace Connors, a sophomore public health major who lives rule makes November an especially stressful month. “Halloween was last week, so you know cases are going to start going up in the next week,” Connors said. “I’ll be very upset if [someone who] went out and partied somehow gives it to me, and I have to stay here for Thanksgiving. I’m still a little shocked that they can make you stay.” Connors said she watched an informational video from the university over the summer that said students will have the option to go home to quarantine. Her parents planned on picking her up if she tested positive for COVID-19, but under current guidance, they
DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG
would no longer be allowed to. Vicka Bell-Robinson, director of residence life at Miami, said her team will work to provide the same level of comfort to students in quarantine through Thanksgiving break. “The students [in quarantine or isolation] get assigned a residence life person,” Bell-Robinson said. “That person is supposed to call and check in with the student fairly regularly. Not every student is necessarily getting a call every day because that might not be what they want, but we want to make sure that they just have a contact for if they have questions. We don’t want people to feel like they’re super isolated.” Residence halls close to students who didn’t request to stay through break on Nov. 25, but Bell-Robinson said isolated students will get temporary access to retrieve their things before leaving campus. However, students are not
“I’ll be very upset if [someone who] went out and partied somehow gives it to me, and I have to stay here for Thanksgiving. I’m still a little shocked that they can make you stay.” - Grace Connors permitted to leave and come back over break. For Connors, one of her biggest concerns is that a reduced holiday cess for students in quarantine. “The only thing I expect them to do for me is give me food,” Connors said. “I do believe they’re doing everything they can. But I feel like if it’s Thanksgiving time and people aren’t supposed to be here, they’ll
get all the food? I don’t know.” Bell-Robinson said that while holidays, students in quarantine won’t have to worry about missing meals, as her team is committed to helping students. Miami is already planning for students who are isolated during the holidays, especially those who will miss their Thanksgiving meals with family.
“We’ll continue to support [isolated students], to call and check on them each day while they’re there, make sure they have their meals,” Brownell said. “We are looking at how to provide at least a special Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day for those students who celebrate it. We [will] continue to support students during that week as we have been all semester.” scottsr@miamioh.edu
TOPSS prepares for Thanksgiving amid COVID-19 restrictions HANNAH HORSINGTON STAFF WRITER
TOPSS IS GIVING OUT KROGER GIFT CARDS TO SUPPLIMENT FOOD COSTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. THE MIAMI STUDENT CAROLINE BARTOSZEK
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, local food pantries are balancing their effort to help customers during the holidays while also following COVID-19 guidelines. The Talawanda Oxford Pantry and Social Services (TOPSS) has found creative ways to provide meals to local families. For the last seven months, TOPSS has been delivering food boxes to customers’ homes to allow for minimal contact. The building reopened for curbside shopping just over two weeks ago, which allows customers to personalize their boxes. “When we pre-pack food boxes, and especially if we deliver as many as 28 boxes a day, it’s really hard to customize [or] personalize those boxes for individuals,” said Ann Fuehrer, director of TOPSS. Fuehrer said that although many customers were eager for the building to reopen, the number of in-person shoppers has still been fairly low. “I think people are still wary of the spread of the virus, even though we do everything we can to follow COVID prevention guidelines,” Fuehrer said. She said TOPSS decided to reopen the building in anticipation of the holidays, when the pantry will likely need to provide more food to customers. In the past, TOPSS has supplemented traditional shopping with bags of additional food and Kroger gift cards. This year, the pantry is only giving out gift cards but has increased the values, which
vary depending on family size. These gift cards allow TOPSS to provide assistance to customers while still giving them the opportunity to choose what they want to buy. “The ability to choose what they want is really important to our customers,” Fuehrer said. TOPSS received overwhelming support from the community when it came time to begin raising money in preparation for the holidays. The funds needed to buy these Kroger gift cards were largely contributed by the Oxford Kiwanis Club, which raised almost $12,000 for TOPSS in a recent holiday drive. The club also hosted a small food drive in early November and collected about 400 pounds of food, including traditional holiday items the pantry will soon have a great need for. TOPSS also recently received $95,000 in CARES Act funding from the city, which provides economic assistance to workers and small businesses, among other things. With this money, TOPSS was able to purchase a 22-foot refrigerated transit van, which it plans to share with the Oxford Farmers Market. TOPSS plans to begin using the van in the spring as a mobile pantry to deliver to subsidized housing, mobile home parks and other community centers in the rural areas of the Talawanda school district. TOPSS and the Kiwanis Club are continuing raising money for the pantry’s needs through the TOPSS website. @hannahorsington horsinhp@miamioh.edu
6 CULTURE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
HEADLEDD@MIAMIOH.EDU
Wild Berry: 50 years on High Street MEGAN MCCONNELL THE MIAMI STUDENT Upon entering Wild Berry, a local retail shop uptown, customers are overcome by the smell of incense and the store’s eclectic kets, gifts and accessories, and the store’s clothing and towers of incense. Wild Berry was founded by Miami University alum Mark Biales and opened in 1971. it began by selling Biales’ handmade leather products, such as belts and sandals, before gradually acquiring other goods from around the world. In addition to leather products, Wild Berry has been making and selling incense since Wild Berry Incense Factory location out on College Corner Pike, employees dipped incense sticks in the back of the uptown storefront. Now, the factory ships sticks, wax melts and cones to dozens of countries around the world. Fragrance oils are also available and burn incense in dorm rooms and on-campus housing. Although the store has been open for decades, general manager Kimberly Clarke says Wild Berry has always sold the same type of products and has successfully maintained their brand as a “hippie” shop throughout the past 50 years. “We have perennial favorites,” Clarke said. “For decades, we’ve sold gags. For decades, we’ve sold pipes, and we’ve sold Indian import clothes … There are things that have been in here — not the same item but the same product line — for almost as long as there’s been The Wild Berry.” journals, sage, gag gifts, socks, aprons, imported clothing, jewelry, kids toys, books, incense, pipes and a variety of other products. “We have everything,” Clarke said. “We have little kids who come in and look at toys. We have older townies that have been coming here [since] the ’70s. We have college kids. It really is a store that appeals to everyone. We have some people that just come here because they love Jelly Bellies [and] First-year political science major Adeline times since arriving on campus this fall. Hatboth welcoming and calming. “It’s the vibe that keeps you coming,” Hattomers and sales associates creates a sense of community. Oftentimes, she goes to Wild Berry simply to interact with others or hang-
FOR WILD BERRY, THE BUSINESS MODEL OF MAKING INCENSE HAS MADE SENSE SINCE 1971. THE MIAMI STUDENT MACY WHITAKER
out with friends. “I don’t just go there with the intention of bly talk to some of the people that are there … Sometimes, I talk to other [Miami] students because we obviously have some kind say that captures the overall experience of going to Wild Berry, especially if you go there frequently.” Although Clarke believes Wild Berry caally interested in phenomena such as astrology and witchcraft are likely to be drawn to the store. “I feel like a lot of times, astrology is more certain jewelry products that you could wear that have astrological symbols on it, [and] they have some articles of clothing and even decor.” According to The New Yorker, a 2017 Pew Research Center poll revealed that almost 30% of Americans believe in astrology, which is likely due to the prevalence of social media
and apps such as Co-Star that provide daily, weekly and monthly horoscopes to its users. Witchcraft practices, such as Wicca, have also been on the rise, and there has been an increase in the population of Pagans and Wiccans since 2014, according to The Atlantic. “I think with the rise of Co-Star, social media [and] astrology-type posts, it’s become a casual interest for a lot of people,” fall under that category as well, which is why I think people are drawn to stores like Wild Berry. It’s very accessible.” However, not all Wild Berry customers are interested in the occult. First-year psychology major Katie Craig has also shopped at Wild Berry several times. After visiting, Craig bought several posters to decorate her dorm room and found many of the store’s products appealing. “I feel like there [is] something for everyone in there because it is a gift shop,” Craig said. Although Craig doesn’t entirely believe in
similar phenomena, products such as tarot cards and dreamcatchers still piqued her interest. “I think a lot of people are interested in astrology and witch[craft],” Craig said. “I would be interested in buying one of the witch books, not to practice, but because it’s interesting.” to a wide range of customers, which has likely contributed to Wild Berry’s success over the past 50 years. Even though some products like gags don’t bring in a lot of revenue, Clarke believes that Wild Berry is responsible for bringing joy into the lives of many. “We have things that we are known for and always have,” Clarke said. “Not necessarily because they sell better than anything else, but because it’s the thing that people think of when they come to Wild Berry ... People come to The Wild Berry because it makes them feel good when they come here.” @meggy_nicole mcconnmn@miamioh.edu
“Small enough to jail” panel discusses ethics, injustice SHR-HUA MOORE THE MIAMI STUDENT On Nov. 5, the Farmer School of Busiwhich normally features executives of large corporations that serve as role models for the future business leaders of America. The last installment in the series brought actually, all associated with a small bank that sis.. “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail” is a 2017 documentary that chronicles the story of the charges against and subsequent trial of Abacus Federal Savings Bank, a family-owned business that supports Chinese immigrants by helping them secure loans and start their own businesses in New York City’s Chinatown. The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award in 2018 and was produced in part by Mark Mitten, a Miami alum. The panel featured Mitten as one of its speakers. He explained how he formed the idea for a documentary after hearing about the charges against Abacus. other bank had been indicted as part of the 2008 crisis,” he said. “Then the lightning bolt hit, which was that no other bank had ever been indicted.” Abacus was charged with mortgage fraud due to customer ambiguities on subjects loan, as well as discrepancies between using
money. While these were technically illegal, Abacus borrowers consistently paid back the loans, something that does not happen with intentional mortgage fraud. Despite these gal battle that it won in the end. Jill Sung,the CEO of Abacus, was one of the speakers at the panel. She described the absurdity of the charges against the bank made by New York district attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. “It was almost as if [Vance] was like ‘Aha! There’s something wrong and I am the one to tell you that … in a year’s time that something will go wrong,’’ she said. “We found out that, legally, that was not right.” After the trial, Abacus was found not guilty on all 80 charges brought against it. Chanterelle Sung, another speaker, was an assistant district attorney at the very ofpanel, she described how the incident put strain on her family, but ultimately united justice for the bank. “I would say that the trial itself was the point at which we all came together,” she said. “When something like this happened, it was a time that we all knew that we had to come together. Whatever our priorities were at that given time, this became our priority.” Vera Sung is a director of the bank and the fourth speaker on the panel. She talked about how situations like the one that Abacus dealt with were more common than many
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would think. “All of these themes — big business versus small business, bias and racism —are universal. Most people don’t win these cases and justice is not had,” she said. “Sadly enough,
“In ethics, we talk a lot about discrimination and racism in the workplace, but hearsmall family bank was targeted, to see that it was actually a real thing, gives you a new perspective on things,” she said.
with these fresh insights documentary and featured questions from students taking business law and ethics classes. While the Sung sisters talked about the documentary and its effect upon their lives and careers, they also talk-
“All of these themes — big business versus small business, bias and racism — are universal. Most people don’t win these cases and justice is not had.”
COVID-19 on the bank. “There are already some more regulations on small banks [since the 2008 crisis],” Jill Sung said. “I’m concerned that small businesses and small customers have been under so much pressure and so many restrictions that I’m concerned that this crisis will really disrupt what has been happening with these groups.” nah Dove, who helped organize the event, explained that the panel helped her realize discrimination on the basis of company size and race were still relevant issues in today’s workplace.
- Vera Sung
The “Small Enough to Jail” panel is still available for viewing on the Miami University Alumni Association’s Youtube channel. The documentary “Abacus: Small Enough to Jail” can be viewed for free on the PBS website. @hua_shr moorese6@miamioh.edu
Join the TMS Team!
CULTURE 7
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
KWIATKDM@MIAMIOH.EDU
WARNING: graphic (t-shirt) content
A tumultuous turkey day: surviving Thanksgiving 2020 CONTINUED FROM FRONT Browning said members of her cal opinions and that large gatherings have the potential to get heated. This year, because no one aside from her immediate family will be present, that isn’t a concern. In fact, Browning said she’s looking forward to the holiday more than usual this year. “I can honestly take or leave Thanksgiving most years, but I’m excited for the chance to see my family this year,” Browning said. “I really haven’t gotten to see my parents or the rest of my family much because of safety reasons, so even if it’s just in passing to say hi or drop something But not everyone is in a position similar to Browning’s. So for those concerned about Thanksgiving dinner
SUPREME? BLAH. GUCCI? NO WAY. FOR ONE CULTURE EDITOR, GRAPHIC TEES ARE THE WAY TO GO. DESIGN EDITOR OWEN BERG
DAVID KWIATKOWSKI CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR The amount of times I have walked into a store at the mall and impulse-bought a graphic t-shirt just because it had something of pop culture merit on it explains why my drawers at home won’t close all the way. Also, I think my dresser is just broken, but that is beside the point.
I don’t even remember what the first graphic t-shirt I bought was. All I know is that my obsession stems from wanting to wear my interests on my sleeve … quite literally. To make it clear, I did not choose graphic t-shirts — they chose me. When I was younger, my whole family realized that my interests were strictly pop-culture related, and that doesn’t exactly lend itself to a whole lot of
“All I know is that my obsession stems from wanting to wear my interests on my sleeve ... quite literally.”
When I was in middle school, I used to get made fun of for wearing graphic t-shirts too much. Looking back though, that’s an odd thing for a 13-year-old to make fun of their peer for.
ideas for birthday or Christmas presents. So I usually got more graphic tees. For instance, anyone who knows me closely knows that the late R&B star Aaliyah is one of my
favorite artists of all time. This year for my birthday, both my sister and my roommate got me Aaliyah t-shirts. Some people might see this as a lazy gift, but I don’t think so. I now have two shirts of my favorite artist to wear and now everyone that sees me will know that I am an Aaliyah fan. It is very main-character-esque, but it is easier to show than to tell. One of my favorite tees I own is the full cast of characters from Disney’s “Hercules.” I remember the day I bought it, too. I spent the whole hour-and-a-half before lamenting about how much I hated the store Rue 21. All of their clothes are so busy and have too much going on. I really don’t think we need chains and paint splatters on the same article of clothing, and looking at the racks often hurts my head. However, my sister loves it, so I always end up being trapped and forced to go into the store anyway. The moment I stepped in that fateful day, my eyes locked straight on the pile of “Hercules” t-shirts and I loudly exclaimed “I’m buying this!” to no one in particular. Sure enough, I bought it. And I had to sit there and listen to my sister call me a hypocrite for the next hour, but all I could think of was how excited I was for everyone to see my “Hercules” shirt, as it is my favorite
Disney movie. Graphic t-shirts are the way I express myself and I like to think they are indicative of my mood at any given time. If I am feeling confident, I pull out my Britney Spears “Oops! I Did It Again” album t-shirt. If I am feeling cute, I pull out my *NSYNC t-shirt. Angry? I pull out my Grumpy from “Snow White” t-shirt. My collection of graphic t-shirts is something I never knew I was building until I went through my clothes for college and noticed the high volume of them in my wardrobe. I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of any because doing so would make me feel like I was throwing away a part of myself. I know that sounds extremely dramatic, but it’s true! Pop culture is something that is heavily incorporated into my personality. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about it, and your style is said to be a reflection of who you are. Are my graphic t-shirts stylish? I guess an argument could be made either way. They might be corny and childish, but I never feel more comfortable than I do in a graphic t-shirt. So take that, middle school bullies! How do you like me now? @kwiatkdm kwiatkdm@miamioh.edu
are a few bits of advice to (hopefully) make the evening a little less stressful. If possible, just don’t bring politics up. Especially for more left-leaning individuals, I know it might be tempting to want to gloat a little about recent political developments. Don’t. Uncle Marty didn’t make the journey all the way from the next state over just to have his face rubbed in this political topic or the other. In the words of Kyle Hunt, just “focus on the food, man.” I promise that mashed potatoes, crescent rolls and pumpkin pie are far more enjoyable things to center your attention on than the state of American politics or mounting COVID-19 statistics. We can all talk about those things any day of the year. Only on the last Thursday of November, however, does this tasty feast grace our tables. Find common ground. If political agreement cannot be with your family over. Be it sports, TV shows, celebrity gossip or some other topic, there’s bound to be something to discuss that everyone can enjoy. For example, I just got some of my extended family to start watching “Survivor,” and it’s far more fun to talk about than the U.S. House of Representatives. If all else fails, maybe just don’t go. If you truly don’t think you can avoid things getting out of hand this Thanksgiving, maybe settle for a smaller celebration. Social distancing and COVID safety are easier to achieve in smaller crowds anyway, and food tastes just as good at a small dinner as it does in a huge one. This year is unprecedented in more ways than one, and Thanksgiving will spite that, hopefully at least some of the spirit of family togetherness and being thankful can endure. headledd@miamioh.edu
A new avenue for a cappella
MIAMI’S A CAPPELLA GROUPS HAVE ALWAYS FACED THE CHALLENGE OF SINGING WITHOUT MUSICAL BACKING, BUT NOW THEY HAVE TO SING WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE, TOO. INSTAGRAM @MIAMIMISFITZ
LEXI WHITEHEAD STAFF WRITER Singing a cappella presents unique challenges to those who decide to pursue it. They must sing without any musical accompaniment, substituting their voices for instruments, everyone singing a On top of this, a cappella groups now face the challenge of not being allowed to hold any performances or practices in person due to COVID-19. all-female a cappella groups, has adapted to this change by switch-
ing their focus from performances to recording an album. Previously, Miami’s Associated Student Government did not allow student organizations to use their funding for album recording, but they changed that this year since there can’t be any concerts. Grace Callahan actually put the group in contact with a recording company called Voices Only through which they could record remotely. The group voted on four songs that they would record in the next weeks and will decide on four more next semester for the album to be released in the late spring or sum-
mer. had to make was having rehearsal through Zoom, which senior and president Grace Carlos says presented unique challenges for a singing group. Rather than working on singing together, the group members have had to focus more “When you’re singing with the whole group, it’s easier to get into it ’cause you hear the whole piece coming together,” she said. “But since we’ve been focusing on our individual parts, it brought a lot of detail work to our attention … I feel like I know my part better than I usually do.”
They have to focus on their own parts more rather than the sound as a whole because they can’t sing together over Zoom. Instead, they split into breakout rooms where they each take turns singing their parts for each other. They also sing individually for Callahan, who gives them feedback. It’s helpful for them to practice this way because to record their album, they each have to record their individual part by themselves. Just Duet, Miami’s only co-ed a cappella group, also struggles with not being able to sing together but is making do, said treasurer Emmett Knee. “So much of performing in a listening to each other while you’re singing for the blend,” he said. “There’s also an energy to it when you’re performing in a group … that’s obviously missing as well.” Just Duet has changed their focus from performances to making videos to post on their YouTube and social media accounts. Each member takes a video of them singing their part and then an audio visual engineer puts them all together in a montage. They still held auditions this year, although they looked a litpotential members, they created a website that provided a description of each a cappella group and instructions on how to audition. eo of themselves singing and Just Duet utilized a Google Form for the same purpose. Just Duet ended up having about 60 people audition. After looking through the videos, both groups held live callbacks on Zoom, and then they chose their new members. bers and Just Duet welcomed eight. Although the audition process
went well, the groups have had trouble integrating their new members into the group because they can’t meet in person. last fall semester … the best part was getting to meet people in the other groups and go to these big gatherings with everyone,” Knee said. “It got me acclimated to the culture of the a cappella community here.” To get to know the new members for informal Zoom socials and Just Duet often meets in smaller groups (with not all the members present) to have that bonding. Even though the group isn’t able She particularly valued how much into announcing her acceptance into the group. After sending in her initial audiover Zoom. About a week after her callback, she got a message asking if she would do another one. All the group members were there, her a few questions before she sang again. It turned out they only wanted to ask her one question when all the group members shouted, “Do “I felt so loved by these people that I’d never even met, and even though it was virtual and I knew that I wasn’t going to meet them until at least the middle of September, it was just so special to feel “They all took time out of their day to get on the call and celebrate me and my acceptance into the group.” @nwlexi whitehan@miamioh.edu
style
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The rise of CGI models: the future of fashion marketing -
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LIL MIQUELA HAS GARNERED MILLIONS OF FOLLOWERS FOR POSTING PICTURES IN THE LATEST FASHIONS. BUT SHE ISN’T EVEN A REAL PERSON. INSTAGRAM @LILMIQUELA
THE MIAMI STUDENT
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The socialist in Louboutins:
Look fly while you fly
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shows fashion is for everyone DESIGN AND STYLE EDITOR -
REBECCA WOLFF
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OPINION EDITOR
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AOC’S WARDROBE IN HER VANITY FAIR COVER STORT DREW CONTROVERSY, BUT WHAT WERE THE CLOTHES REALLY SAYING? WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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Sports
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
NELSO156@MIAMIOH.EDU
Mayer stars with help of old pal
AJ MAYER THROWS TO FRESHMAN RUNNING BACK KEVIN DAVIS DURING MIAMI’S 38-31 WIN NOV. 4 AT YAGER STADIUM. THE MIAMI STUDENT ZACH REICHMAN
CHRIS VINEL
After Williamson transferred last winter, Mayer climbed to the backup role, and it took less than -
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF It was just like old times. AJ MAYER WILL MAKE HIS FIRST CAREER START TONIGHT IF THE INJURED BRETT GABBERT IS UNABLE TO GO. THE MIAMI STUDENT ZACH REICHMAN
MICHAEL VESTEY THE MIAMI STUDENT It’s hard to argue with the result. A ridiculous interception by redshirt senior linebacker Ryan McWood goal with mere seconds left on the clock, and redshirt senior running back Zach Kahn punched it in for the
ner-up, Central Michigan, at home. And if their last game is anything to
junior running back Jaret Patterson break the school record for career rushing touchdowns, and that’s certainly a matchup they’ll look to exploit against a Miami defense which
ready to go, though, for their Week 2
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Last year’s game at Yager Stadi-
them for touchdowns. Three scores
RedHawk win being a big statement in conference play following the 76-5 defeat at Ohio Stadium the week pri-
scoop-and-scores and another after a four-yard Vantrease keeper, put the game far out of reach for the hapless Northern Illinois Huskies. That is where the danger lies for Mayer and Co. With the potential for rain coming during the game, the RedHawks may be stuck with the daunting task of running into the
and third quarters put the game out of reach, with the Miami defense forcturned for a score. ferent. After falling to the RedHawks and
Northern Kentucky. Wednesday, he repeated that act in Southwest Ohio.
The Game
Gabbert due to injury in the second quarter, redshirt sophomore backup AJ Mayer impressed at the position,
scores up in quick succession, before
touchdowns to Jack Coldiron at
momentum.
Junior Kyle Vantrease has also maintained his starting quarterback terson got most of the attention on
score, and score quickly, to keep up if the defense is unable to contain Patterson. This certainly looks like a tricky matchup for the RedHawks.
Gabbert left the season opener with a second-quarter injury, Mayer entered and starred, pushing the Mi-
TV: ESPN Radio: Miami Radio Network
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was I hope he’s OK,” Mayer said about Gabbert’s injury. “I know ing there on the ground, and I was ly OK.’ Then, (tight ends coach Pat Welsh) came out to me and said,
in only his second career game, pitched in with two touchdowns.
this is it. It’s time to go.’” Gabbert did not return to the contest, and his status for next termined. “I talked to him at halftime,”
yards and three scores.
was walking around, so they didn’t
er, a redshirt sophomore, said. “It to Miami.” Head coach Chuck Martin said
In Gabbert’s absence, Mayer shirt junior tight end Adam Mehelic young season.
game plan for Mayer.
tackles, one INT les, two sacks
got two really good quarterbacks,’” really dedicated to really competthen being really prepared ... Then, he gets his shot, and then he plays
TD -
Mayer competed against Gabbert and Jackson Williamson for the starting quarterback job be-
tackles, one sack, two TFL the pecking order. He saw action in
@VesteyTMS vesteymj@miamioh.edu
from strength to strength including a
the football around, displaying im-
That’s when Mayer reignited his connection with Coldiron, scorRedHawks the lead permanently. “It felt really good,” Mayer said of playing with Coldiron. “I mean, we do a lot in practice, too, so I’m always with him, but it means a lot to the community, I’m sure. It was really awesome to see it, especially thrown him a touchdown — since my senior year of high school. It was a really cool experience.” Just like old times. @ChrisAVinel vinelca@miamioh.edu
pass.
Women’s basketball continues to build in Hendrix’s second season Garrelts, who was Dickerson’s backup last season. Although Garrelts doesn’t and two transfers. One of the new transfers, sophomore guard Jordan played against it as a member of the Ask Hendrix about her new players, and one word pops up immediately and repeatedly: “winners.” “They know how to win,” she said. “They’re all winners. They all
passing ability is more than adequate. Peyton Scott, who was the team’s third-leading scorer last year, will also handle some of the point guard duties, although she’s expected to be more of a combo guard. Hendrix once, with Garrelts being the only true point guard.
to them. Literally, all they wanna do MIAMI WILL HAVE TO RELY ON YOUNGER PLAYERS THIS YEAR AFTER LOSING TWO STARS. THE MIAMI STUDENT MACY WHITAKER
LUKAS NELSON SPORTS EDITOR For women’s basketball head coach DeUnna Hendrix, culture is still the biggest priority in her program. This season, though, Hendrix is ing force behind the team’s culture. “Any time that players take own-
Wins were hard to come by last season, especially in conference. The
ri-Kansas City, so she could be a prime candidate to replicate Kluesner’s interior presence on defense. es that the entire team must be betKluesner. “We’re not trying to go out and just, let’s be really good teammates and let’s do it together and do what you do well.” The RedHawks will open the season on the road against the Wisconsin
further on in the season, rely on our home game will be against Valparaiso
you to do so but because that’s what you want to do,” Hendrix said. personnel capable of doing so. The team returns three of its starters from last year: sophomore guard Peyton and redshirt senior forward Abbey last season.
mark. The RedHawks ended the season with a nine-game losing streak. win this season despite losing its two best players, point guard LauKluesner, to graduation. The shoes of Dickerson, who ended her career as the leading scorer in Miami women’s basketball history, Hawks return junior guard Vanessa
too.” Kluesner was the team’s utility shooting, passing and defense. Expect senior forward Kelly McLaughlin to bring some of Kluesner’s production from last year, while sophomore forward Armani Freeman will bring Sophomore forward Tajah Foster-Walker will also compete for
‘Hawks Talk
Miami will start its conference No matter who’s on the schedule, the RedHawks hope their mix of youth and experience will be enough to bring them back to the top of the MAC. @LukasTheDream nelso156@miamioh.edu
Opinion
10
WOLFFRG@MIAMIOH.EDU
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
STAFF EDITORIAL
Let’s move forward ... together The election results are in people. And we’re feeling hopeful. Hopeful because this was the biggest voter turnout in the last century, and that showed us the power of change belongs to us. This happened because of us. People have been celebrating in the streets (stay safe from COVID-19, you guys), letting out giant sighs of relief, posting emotional testimonials on social media about their joy and feeling validated in more ways than one. But, in complicated and unpoetic fashion, our hope and joy comes with strings attached. We can acknowledge this was a great step in the right direction. But, if we want to continue moving forward in that direction, we need to show up — for, like, the rest of our lives. That’s how democracy thrives. Yes, we elected these candidates, and got rid of one that many of us were fed up with. But voting margins were razor thin. If you asked any of your friends if they feel their one vote counts, now more than ever their answer will like-
ly be a resounding yes. But, without tremendous voter turnout by people of color, the LGBTQ community and other marginalized groups, this could’ve been a very different election cycle. So accountability is going to be just as important going forward as it has been leading up to this point. Tough conversations need to continue to happen, we need to continue condemning hate and we need to educate ourselves by staying informed on issues that will be points in upcoming elections, not just the presidential one. And it can’t just happen within our small circles,
ASST. NEWS EDITOR I’m not a very emotional person, but I must admit, I cried a little when CNN projected Biden’s victory. I’d been staying up until 4 a.m. every night watching the votes trickle in, and I started to forget what life was like before the election began. Four-and-a-half days of my life were consumed by it. And then, all of a sudden, it was over. We’d voted Trump out. As I browse social media, I see how much this victory means to many people, especially those belonging to the marginalized groups that Trump victimized throughout his entire term. Seeing the pure happiness and hope these folks are experiencing makes my heart soar. But I’ve also seen the opposite trend simultaneously evolving on social media. People are calling for recounts in every battleground state. They’re claiming the whole election was fraudulent, and many are straightup refusing to accept the results.
that, the less power we have to come together. Those people will continue to feel misrepresented, which is place. his most overzealous supporters will surrender their beliefs and join us. Biden has made it clear he doesn’t want to see the division that has existed among the Ameri-
pressure on the government. With Joe Biden and Kafront. We should be on the same page, not reading comthrough on the promises they’ve made. After everything we’ve been through together, it’s time we have a president who does what the people say, rather than tell the people what to do as they push their own agenda. If we’re going to do this, we need to get back to understanding that word — people. Biden has talked a lot about unity and people from both sides coming together to tackle problems that im-
Biden won, but we’re far from done MADELINE PHABY
pact all of us. The rhetoric of Trump supporters being uneducated and inconsiderate that liberals love to push has got to stop. The numbers of white college graduates who voted for Trump or Biden were nearly even.
Pat yourselves on the back, America — we did something amazing here. Do we still have a long way to go? Without a doubt. But, whether we like it or not, we’re going into the future as one. So, let’s do everything we can to help each other get there … it’s going to be a long ride.
Ohio’s Unknown Soldiers:
a Veteran’s Day letter from the past
They don’t listen to reason — instead, they take everything Trump says as fact and live in an alternate universe of lunacy. going to make these people see the light. Doing that will require many, many tough conversations. Admit it, my fellow white folks: You have at least one person like that in your family — a racist granny, an uncle who’s always complaining about immigrants or a brother who uses “gay” as an insult. Contrary to what you may believe, it’s on us, not folks from the communities these people’s words and actions are hurting, to call this behavior out and make it clear that it won’t be tolerated. It may be hard to admit, but we are the problem. We are the reason Trump won in 2016, and we’re the reason this year’s election was stunningly close. If you’re a white woman, like me, you may think you’re pretty “woke” because you voted for Biden and went to a Black Lives Matter protest over the summer. But 55% of our fellow white women voted for Trump. If you’re not sitting down and talking with the ladies in your life that are part of that 55%, you’re part of the problem. If you’re college-educated, you may think you’re smarter and better than the less-educated folks that voted for Trump. But, did you know that college-educated whites voted for Biden and Trump equally — 49% for each? Are you actively confronting the fact that a huge portion of your graduating class likely voted for Trump? If not, you’re part of the problem. If you celebrate Thanksgiving, are you prepared to start a full-on war with your racist family members when politics inevitably gets brought up? If not, you’re part of the problem. I’m dead serious. We cannot simply accept the results of this election and move on with our lives as if all is well. We need to be just as diligent in opposing Trumpism in the years ahead as we were during his presidency. Have those tough conversations, and embrace the discomfort they bring. Don’t listen to your parents when they scold you for “making everything political,” because some people’s entire livelihoods have become political under Trump’s leadership. And, most of all, keep
By Lee Fisher Famous orator, Daniel Webster, once said about veterans, “Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.” I thought of this quote as I emotionally stumbled through hundreds of my Vietnam letters that were saved Rosemary. Daniel Webster would be amazed, I think, at the hundreds of memorials our nation has created to honor those who have served. The Vietnam Memorial and many like it all over the country are a testimony to our nation’s deep appreciation of all those, past and present, who have stepped forward when their service was needed. What follows is one small glimpse into one soldier’s life many years ago. May 17, 1970
“We need to be just as diligent in opposing Trumpism in the years ahead as we were during his presidency.”
This alone is an indication that we have a lot of work ahead of us. Many liberals have stressed the importance now that they’ve achieved that, they’re ready to sit back, relax and put the chaotic election season behind them. It’s hard to blame them, as it’s indeed been a rough few months. The problem, though, is that voting Trump out was the easy part. The hard part, which will likely take years, is getting rid of the residual Over the past four years, Trump has developed a large, incredibly loyal following. These folks worship the president like a deity, despite his numerous sexual assault allegations, two ent from the typical Republican politician, Trump’s most vehement supporters are ex-
if they’re Democrats. After all, the original mantra was “settle for Biden,” not “praise Biden’s every move because at least he isn’t Trump.” move forward.
Lee While I was absent from my unit, members of my squad were shot down on May 9, 1970. Some survived, and some did not. Michael Monroe Ussery my place on that day. My hope has always been that God was with him and heroism is commemorated on Panel 10W, line 008, of the Vietnam Memorial. Daniel Webster would be proud that sculptured marble has risen to Michael’s memory.