Thursday, March 2, 2023 Vol. 132, No. 23

STORY

Sydney Mech’s masterpieces: The artist behind the athlete

BY KARSYN LANE

PHOTO BY SERENA BETTIS

THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN

FORT COLLINS FOCUS

TOP STORIES TOP STORIES

NEWS: Concerns about bird flu outbreak rise with case numbers PAGE 4

L&C: Charity, community, diversity: Project Pizza PAGE 8

CANNABIS: Weed to Know: Ranking classic, inventive fruit pipes PAGE 10

OPINION: Seriously: CSU still standing in ‘The Last of Us’ makes perfect sense PAGE 14

SPORTS: Mountain West basketball: Where the Rams stand days from tourney PAGE 18

A&E: Washington’s music venue: A hidden FoCo gem PAGE 20

PHOTO: UWC Hair Show PAGE 7

FOCO EVENTS FOCO EVENTS

First Fridays at The America Building

6-9 p.m. March 3

ACT Human Rights Film Festival Kickoff Party at Odell Brewing Company

7-9 p.m. March 7

Spring Choral Showcase: Spirited Light at the University Center for the Arts

7:30-9:30 p.m. March 8

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor reflect the view of a member of the campus community and are submitted to the publication for approval. Readers may submit letters to letters@collegian.com. Please follow the guidelines listed at collegian.com before submitting.

Officer August Barber with the Fort Collins Police Services Special Weapons and Tactics Team participates in a monthly training Feb. 15. “I think I’ve gotten pretty good at just focusing on what needs to happen,” Barber said. “Because we’re so busy trying to collect intel and trying to understand everything about the situation and the people we’re dealing with, we are so occupied by that that we don’t really let a whole lot of fear and doubt really ease in.” As an on-call team, every SWAT response is a collateral duty, which means most members are working other jobs or beats and can have officers responding to a number of situations. To handle the situations, the team trains 20-40 hours every month on a variety of scenarios, including high-risk warrants, barricaded suspects, search warrants, hostage rescues and domestic abuse.

Lory Student Center, Suite 118 Fort Collins, CO 80523

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DISTRIBUTION 970-538-1186

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CLASSIFIEDS 970-538-1183 ADVERTISING 970-538-7186

This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. Approximately 59% of Rocky Mountain Student Media Corp’s income is provided by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) for the purpose of fostering student careers post-college and greater campus awareness and engagement. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 4,000-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum and is printed on paper made of 30% post-consumer waste. It publishes every Thursday during the regular fall and spring semesters. The Collegian publishes online Monday through Thursday. Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each.

CORRECTIONS

Everybody makes mistakes, including us. If you encounter something in the paper you believe to be an error, please contact us at: copy@collegian.com.

Serena Bettis | Editor in Chief editor@collegian.com

Taylor Paumen | Content Managing Editor managingeditor@collegian.com

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Adah McMillan | Copy Chief copy@collegian.com

Chloe Leline | Print Editor design@collegian.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

Trin Bonner | Illustration Editor design@collegian.com

Tri Duong | Photo Director photo@collegian.com

Lucy Morantz | Photo Director photo@collegian.com

Piper Russell | News Director news@collegian.com

Allie Seibel | News Director news@collegian.com

Ivy Secrest | L&C Director life@collegian.com

Bella Eckburg | Opinion Director letters@collegian.com

Karsyn Lane | Sports Director sports@collegian.com

Braidon Nourse | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com

Alex Hasenkamp | A&E Director entertainment@collegian.com

Alex Wilson | Social Media Coordinator socialmedia@collegian.com

PHOTO BY GARRETT MOGEL THE COLLEGIAN

Ambassador to Ukraine discusses war with college, community

By Grant Coursey @grantcoursey

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor gave the keynote address for the Colorado State University International Symposium Feb. 28 at the Lory Student Center.

His address focused on what the war in Ukraine looked like over the past year, what the future of the conflict may entail and why the war matters to the United States.

CSU’s International Symposium is a multi-day event designed to allow CSU students, faculty and staff to share what they are doing internationally, said Kathleen Fairfax, organizer of the event and vice provost for international affairs.

Fairfax said the symposium also tries to include a big speaker to bring an international current event to campus. is year the organizers were thrilled to bring in Taylor to share his perspective and background on the war that currently racks the country.

Taylor served as ambassador to Ukraine 2006-09 and as the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Ukraine in 2019, according to the United States Institute of Peace. e crowd for the address filled the seats allocated for the event well before it was set to start, forcing organizers to remove the divider between ballrooms in the LSC to create more space.

Many audience members were wearing pro-Ukraine shirts, pins and hats to show their support for the country, and several members of the crowd mentioned their involvement in organizing aid for Ukraine.

Associated Students of CSU President Rob Long and Speaker of the Senate Nick DeSalvo commended the Office of International Programs for their choice of speaker for the keynote address.

Long did, however, say the crowd appeared to have an average age of over 40, indicating a lack of student engagement.

e address was moderated by Leigh Paterson, senior editor and reporter for KUNC, a Northern Colorado community radio station.

Paterson started the address by asking Taylor about his view on the beginnings of the war and the current state of the war.

Taylor said he had been in Ukraine three weeks before the invasion began, speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelenskyy, and that despite U.S. intelligence reports showing Russian President Vladimir Putin was gearing up for invasion, it was still hard for them to imagine Putin would invade another sovereign nation in this day and age.

Taylor said he was horrified when the invasion began but heartened that the Ukrainian people united behind Zelenskyy.

“ e war today is a slugfest,” Taylor said. “It’s more than a stalemate. It’s really a battle back and forth between the Russians who invaded a year ago and the Ukrainians who are defending their land. I say it’s a slugfest because it’s not stable; the (front) line moves a little bit this way and that way.”

ere are two likely conclusions for the war, according to Taylor: a short scenario and a long scenario.

In the short scenario, the Ukrainian military breaks through the Russian lines and forces the Russians to the table for a diplomatic solution.

In the long scenario — which Taylor said is, unfortunately, more likely — both sides exhaust their militaries, resulting in a situation similar to North Korea and South Korea in which the war never explicitly ends but fighting slows to a stalemate.

e Russians have damaged the Ukrainian economy, Taylor said, mining Ukrainian farmland and bombing infrastructure

that estimates say will cost $500 billion to rebuild — a cost that should largely be covered by Russia.

“It turns out that the Russian Central Bank, by mistake actually, in retrospect, stored $300 billion in western banks, (or in) G7 banks,” Taylor said. “ at money should be seized. It’s now frozen; it should be seized and put into an account: an international fund that will fund this reconstruction.”

Following the address, members of the crowd expressed appreciation for the ambassador’s insight and hopeful attitude in his remarks as well as an outpouring of support for Ukraine.

In a short interview following the address, Taylor encouraged graduating college students looking to support Ukraine to do so from both the private and public sectors, explaining that there will need to be both private and public participation in the eventual rebuilding of the country.

Taylor also commented on the recent anti-Ukrainian behavior of CSU students at a Mountain West men’s basketball game. “ ey’re free to express themselves,” Taylor said. “But I know the Ukrainian people. ey are an inspired people, and they’ve been united now in this fight for their own freedom, and I think we should support them.”

Reach Grant Coursey at news @collegian.com.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor speaks on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia at the Colorado State University International Symposium in the Lory Student Center Feb. 28.

PHOTO BY LUCY MORANTZ THE COLLEGIAN

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor Feb. 28. Taylor, who is now the vice president at the U.S. Institute of Peace for Europe and Russia, was the featured speaker at this year’s International Symposium where he spoke to a room overflowing with audience members about the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

PHOTO BY LUCY MORANTZ THE COLLEGIAN

“The war today is a slugfest. ... It’s more than a stalemate. It’s really a battle back and forth between the Russians who invaded a year ago and the Ukrainians who are defending their land. I say it’s a slugfest because it’s not stable; the (front) line moves a little bit this way and that way.”

WILLIAM TAYLOR FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR TO UKRAINE

CSU seeks institutional reaccreditation for 2024

and evidence from campus and community stakeholders, will be due to HLC this upcoming summer, according to SOURCE.

Compliance Review and Student Opinion Survey when making their decision whether to reaccredit CSU.

HLC is a historically recognized accreditation agency and is acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC is one of six regional accreditors across the United States. e HLC website states its mission is to “advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education as the leader in equitable, transformative and trusted accreditation in the service of students and member institutions.”

By Piper Russell @piperrussell10

Colorado State University seeks institutional reaccreditation every 10 years and is working to prepare for the Comprehensive Evaluation to receive it in 2024.

According to CSU SOURCE, institutional accreditation requires CSU to “demonstrate it operates at the highest standards in its educational commitment.”

is shows the quality and value of an education at CSU and pushes the university to continue improvement.

“Accreditation serves as a public assurance of institutional quality,” said Laura Jensen, vice provost for planning and effectiveness and chair for the accreditation planning team.

“It is focused on both continuous improvement and accountability.”

e process, led by the Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness under the Office of the Provost and the vice president for academic affairs, will include a comprehensive self-study report sent to CSU’s accrediting institution, the Higher Learning Commission, then a peer-review team campus visit scheduled for September. e self-study, which incorporates input

LAURA JENSEN VICE PROVOST FOR PLANNING AND EFFECTIVENESS AND CHAIR OF THE ACCREDITATION PLANNING TEAM

HLC will also consider documents and reviews such as the Federal

As of now,the planning team,which includes Jensen and Susan Matthews, presidential fellow for accreditation, is assembling an Assurance Argument, which includes evidence that CSU meets HLC’s requirements and criteria for accreditation.

According to Jensen, there were six work groups on campus that gathered the necessary information the planning team will compile into the Assurance Argument. Jensen also explained that they met with the employee councils, the president’s cabinet and the college deans and engaged with the Associated Students of CSU throughout the process.

Additionally, CSU offers opportunities for community members to participate in the process and submit their input.

Opportunities for participation and engagement in the accreditation process are posted on CSU’s accreditation website. ose who are interested in participating can also reach out to members of the CSU employee council or Jensen, Matthews or Mary Pedersen, special advisor to the provost.

“ is semester, we will host open fora and continue to review input provided through our accreditation email linked on our website,” Jensen said. “ e site visit will also offer opportunities for various stakeholder groups to meet with our peer review team and provide input.”

HLC will announce its decision on whether to renew the accreditation during the spring of 2024.

“Accreditation is a federally recognized third-party assurance of the quality of CSU’s educational offerings based on national standards,” SOURCE reads. “ is university-wide, 10-year cycle of internal and external assessments, reports and reviews confirms the value of a CSU degree to students, other universities, licensing bodies and prospective employers while fostering a culture of continuous self-review and improvement within the university.”

Reach Piper Russell at news @collegian.com.

Concerns about bird flu outbreak rise with case numbers

By DJ Vicente @deejmako

As new cases of the H5N1 avian influenza virus continue to affect wild and commercial bird flocks internationally, questions rise on what flock owners and avian health advocates can do.

Otherwise coined the “bird flu” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus’newest pandemic has been spreading to a large number of bird flocks worldwide, with more than 58.4 million reports of infected poultry birds in the USA alone, according to the CDC.

“We don’t see it slowing down, at least right now,” said Heather Reider, avian health coordinator at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories at Colorado State University.

Reider, who works under the VDL Avian Diagnostics at CSU, noted that while able to observe the direction of past migrations that have caused outbreaks to rise in the U.S., factors showing any signs of the virus slowing down are hard to identify.

“It is very hard to predict if this virus mutates and it changes,” Reider said. “ at could impact (predictions).”

Waterfowl birds are the “natural reservoirs” of bird flu, with the virus being able to replicate itself in the bird’s intestinal and respiratory tracts, Reider said. As a result, it infects other species through fecal matter and the air.

Reider also said these birds caused a “viral load” into the environment, which causes more infections due to how prevalent the virus becomes over time.

Reider noted the timeline of cases within the United States as well.

According to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, cases in commercial and backyard flocks have been traced back to February 2022, with cases of wild flocks first detected in January 2022.

In Colorado, wild and commercial bird detections date back to March and April of 2022, respectively, according to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Association. In the case of wild birds, mortality rates in November ranged “from a single animal to more than 1,000 dead geese on a single reservoir,” also according to CPW.

Since the virus’ spread since last February, economic impacts have shown in the poultry industry.

According to a chart provided by

the USDA, due to the large loss of commercial flocks throughout 2022, inventories of shell eggs declined, leading to a 267% price increase heading into Christmas time due to the demand.

“We’re feeling a lot of the economic impact, and I would expect that to continue as long as this virus is here,” Reider said.

e current most effective method of protecting flocks, especially those owned commercially or in backyards, is through biosecurity. is is especially important with the high number of cases spreading between flocks.

“It is hard to predict where it’s going to pop up,” Reider said. “A lot of our commercial facilities have great biosecurity, but just given the density and prevalence of the virus in wild birds, it’s even more important for people to practice biosecurity to keep the virus out of their flocks.”

To learn about biosecurity, Reider points to the USDA’s Defend the Flock Program, an educational initiative that provides information to flock owners in order to protect their birds from infectious diseases, especially avian influenza.

According to Defend the Flock, biosecurity is maintained through the prevention of exposure to

diseases, “away from birds, property and people.” Basic measures include the disinfection of the owner’s body before contact with live poultry, the designation and sanitization of clothes and tools used for inside and outside flock areas and limiting contact with other visitors.

“ e other big thing too is when owners are feeding their birds, you want to keep other wild birds out of your flock,” Reider said. “Everyone knows there’s food there, … and you want to prevent wild birds from mingling with your coop.”

On the topic of mammals, the virus remains unable to spread

from animal to animal, with scattered detections due to the consumption of birds infected by avian influenza, Reider said.

Like with mammals, only one human case within the U.S. has been reported. e CDC states the virus has had “no known human-to-human spread.” Globally, human infections are rare.

Reider urged those who have concerns about the bird flu outbreak and other questions to contact CSU’s Avian Health Hotline at 970-297-4008.

Reach DJ Vicente at news @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY FALYN SEBASTIAN THE COLLEGIAN

“This semester we will host open fora and will continue to review input provided through our accreditation email linked on our website. The site visit will also offer opportunities for various stakeholder groups to meet with our peer review team and provide input.”

‘Antisemitism Today’ addresses concerns of Jewish community

By DJ Vicente @deejmako

With the events of Colorado State University’s Holocaust Awareness Week in full swing, education and discussion surrounding the effects of the Holocaust as well as the culture and experience of the Jewish community are emphasized.

One such event was “Antisemitism Today: From the World to CSU,” a lecture held by CSU Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies Carolin Aronis as well as a panel of Jewish students. e event, held Feb. 28 at the Lory Student Center, unfolded the history, harmful rhetoric and impact the spread of antisemitism has on the Jewish community.

“Many Jewish people in the U.S. feel that they are abandoned by authorities and by both their progressive and conservative non-Jewish friends,” Aronis said. “On campus, they feel that they are abandoned by administrations, diversity offices, faculty and other students.”

Aronis, alongside introductions from moderator Lauren Maskus,

emphasized the modern impact of antisemitism. She led a lecture that educated attendees on the long history of hateful rhetoric and treatment toward the Jewish community, as well as the forms that hate takes in the modern day.

Aronis expanded on her experience growing up as a thirdgeneration Holocaust survivor, discussing her familiarity with the basic conditions of hatred, being betrayed by neighbors, friends, the system and the products of the precedent antisemitic rhetoric has placed against the Jewish community.

Much of the impact of antisemitism, especially in the aftermath of the Holocaust, also led to the suppression of Jewish culture and identity in other countries, leading many to wish to hide their cultural and religious identities for safety from antisemitic retaliation.

“You’re familiar with finding your own ways of survival, with being precautious of revealing your Jewish identity and background,” Aronis said. “You know to recognize all too well the practices of the minimization of antisemitism and its total dismissal as well.”

Reflecting on her family’s history with the Holocaust, Aronis recognized the impact the event had on Jewish families, especially those like her own.

“People who are second- or third-generation Holocaust survivors are used to living with dead people in their heart,” Aronis said. “In some ways, they’ve learned to connect to (family members’) photographs and stories if they exist.”

Aronis also expanded on the history of antisemitism, which began internationally with prejudice based on Jews’ religious beliefs. Over time, Jews were discriminated against with political, racial, scientific and other forms of rhetoric, such as hateful conspiracies and horrifically blatant lies about Jewish people gathered throughout the years.

“ e point with antisemitism is that it’s not factual; there are no facts,” Aronis said. “ ere are a lot of accusations and practices of antisemites to reveal the actual nature of Jews like there is something to be found.”

Aronis highlighted the ways in which harmful rhetoric against Jews in the United States

has become more prevalent in modern times. She mentioned incidents such as one at CSU concerning a neo-Nazi group on campus in 2018, as well as the recent proliferation of antisemitic rhetoric from rapper Kanye West.

Aronis noted the ways in which antisemitism takes form, including violence in public, private and religious settings, the proliferation of Nazi and antisemitic imagery in public and Jewish places — especially on college campuses — social media posts sharing antisemitic ideas, political rhetoric and the minimization or denial of the Holocaust.

“Many American Jews carry fear and anxiety of being assaulted and discriminated because of wearing a Jewish identifier (and) attending Jewish institutions when they’re revealing their Jewish identity,” Aronis said.

e lecture also led to a student discussion panel where Jewish students Chaia Geltser and Aaron Gilbert and alumni Michael Lichtbach and Gavriel Binyame, who was absent at the time, gave anecdotes of their experience facing antisemitism.

Much of their discussion revolved around the prevalence

of ignorance and hateful rhetoric around the culture and history of the Jewish community, giving firsthand accounts of incidents they experienced.

“Mostly what I experienced was a lack of understanding and basic ignorance,” Geltser said.

One topic brought up in the discussion was the students’ vision for a Jew-inclusive CSU. Gilbert noted that allowing Jewish students the ability to freely express themselves on campus is integral; however, Gilbert believes the window is closing on the United States being able to address the concerns of students as more Jews emigrate to other countries to escape prejudice while others stay in the United States.

Lichtbach noted that one thing he envisioned was making a more diverse campus.

“If everyone feels like they’re not sticking out because they’re the only one of that group, I think that would be the way to do it,” Lichtbach said. “Learn about each other.”

Reach DJ Vicente at life @collegian.com.

Colorado State University Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies Carolin Aronis discusses past antisemitism incidents on the CSU campus at the beginning of her lecture in the Lory Student Center Feb. 28. The lecture was part of the 2023 Holocaust Awareness Week hosted annually at CSU. PHOTO BY SERENA BETTIS THE COLLEGIAN

UWC Hair Show showcases hairstyles, connects communities

By Emmalee Krieg @csucollegian

Since 2015 the United Women of Color and the Black/African American Cultural Center at Colorado State University have been putting on a hair show.

e Feb. 26 event in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D featured participating designers’ work on — you guessed it — hair.

Maya Johnson, the vice president of United Women of Color, described the essence of the show.

“We’re just showcasing Black talent on campus and just expressing the beauty and art behind Black hair, even if it’s adding hair to your own hair or using your own hair,” Johnson said.

It being her first year in the vice president position, Johnson expressed the learning curve of planning the event.

“So I think it was stressful but also a good opportunity to get more connections with people and build relationships with some of the pro-staff in the Black/ African American Cultural Center,” Johnson said.

“We took on our different roles, and we made it happen,” said Taslima Yusuf, president of United Women of Color.

hair care products. ere was also delicious food offered to all participants and audience members.

“Not everybody might be interested in hair, but some people stay for the vendors and stay for the show,” Yusuf said.

e interest in hair, however, did not disappoint. is year’s theme was “Blackprint: e Original Blueprint.” e two designers who showcased their hair designs were Precious Oladoye and Angela Frierson.

e show had three categories, with designers going head-to-head.

e first category was “ rowback,” which featured old-school styles.

e second was “Pushing the Boundaries,” which featured a new and innovative style, and the third was “Freestyle,” which gave the stylists a chance to show off in whatever way they wanted.

After all the models showed styles, Oladoye was named the 2023 Hair Show winner.

Not only did e Hair Show feature art, it also featured a few local vendors selling jewelry and

“Just getting closer with my clients and just helping my hair models be closer with one another too and to see how they feel and how confident they are (is my favorite part),” Oladoye said.

As the event grows, participation will only grow as well.

“I think more people should come because it’s like an amazing experience,” Oladoye said. “You can see hairstylists from around Fort Collins.”

e other contestant, Frierson, was thrilled to show her designs to CSU students.

“I’m a hairstylist here in town, so this was a great opportunity to just get out and support the Black History Month festivities that they do,” Frierson said. “ ey do this every year; it’s always a really great time, so I was glad to come out and support.”

With the conclusion of e Hair Show, both stylists were recognized for their beautiful work.

“I think one thing to note is that it’s for everyone,” Yusuf said. “It is not just for Black people. It is not just for Black women. It is open to any and everyone because I think it’s good to include everybody and let them know that this is an important part of our culture and our heritage.”

Reach Emmalee Krieg at life @collegian.com.

“I think one thing to note is that it’s for everyone. It is not just for Black people. It is not just for Black women. It is open to any and everyone because I think it’s good to include everybody and let them know that this is an important part of our culture and our heritage.”

TASLIMA YUSUF PRESIDENT OF UNITED WOMEN OF COLOR

A jewelry pop-up shop sells bracelets and other accessories at the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show at the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26. Every year the United Women of Color host the hair show in order to celebrate Black History Month. This year they included a variety of pop-up shops from local businesses.

PHOTO BY CAT BLOUCH THE COLLEGIAN

FRAME BY FRAME

Tangled in community

PHOTOS BY CAT BLOUCH

3

1. Aniya, a model for the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show, flips back her braids on the runway in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26. The UWC Hair Show is an annual event that takes place at Colorado State University in support of Black History Month.

5

2. Hosts of the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show, Taslima Yusuf and Maya Johnson, present the winners of a raffle in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26. This year’s theme touched on the discrimination people of color experience in the workplace due to their hair.

3. Maya Johnson, host of the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show, gives a speech to the judges, Jasmine Retland, Taya Hancock and Ricky Winston, in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26. The event included a competition of hairstyles presented by models as well as a variety of pop-up shops from local businesses.

4. Owner of the local business Sharma’s Hair and Accessories, Sharma Threatt, stands next to her product at the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26. “I sell wigs and hair accessories, brushes, combs, clips,” Threatt said. Along with her line of hair accessories, Threatt also sells purses, necklaces, jewelry and hair extensions.

5. Teja Johnson, a model for the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show, smiles on the runway in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26.

6. Participants of the 2023 United Women of Color Hair Show, Teja Johnson, Shewa Jibowu, Tiara, Precious Oladoye, Angela Frierson, Maya Johnson, Aniya, Hope and May, stand in a line waiting for the results of the competition in the Lory Student Center Ballroom D Feb. 26.

Charity, community, diversity: Project Pizza

By Alexander Wilson @alexgrey0604

Project Pizza has served Larimer County good food and good times for a cause since 2021.

“ is idea of a mobile pizza truck was pitched to a previous employer, and when they decided not to move forward with the idea, we decided it would be a great fit for us on our own,” founder Isaiah Ruffin said. “(It’s) a way to combine the passion for food literacy and the skill of cooking.”

Currently the company has a program called the Food Lit Foundation. is charity funds gardens for many schools in the Larimer area and food literacy programs for students. e awardees of the quarterly Learning Garden Grant receive $500 and a pizza party thrown by Project Pizza.

Ruffin’s wife, Colleen Constant, was at his side from the very beginning. Constant is the co-owner

and the director of administration for Project Pizza. She controls scheduling, employment and any administrative needs. Constant is also head of community engagement, which means businesses reach out to her and she ensures the schools who win the Learning Garden Grant receive their pizza parties in a timely manner.

“I decided I was done working for other people and was excited for the next adventure,” Constant said.

One of the couple’s goals for their adventure, the pizza truck, was to throw the world’s largest pizza party. e duo attempted this feat in August 2022.

“We had five other pizza trucks from all over Colorado,” Constant said. “We never heard back from Guinness (World Records), but in our eyes, it was the biggest pizza party.”

Although the company had plenty of fun and made great memories, they still experience

hardships some other businesses in town don’t. Being a Black-owned business in a town with about an 80% white population, Project Pizza attempts to bring everyone together despite the intense discrimination they face on a daily basis.

unsuspecting ways as well as microaggressions, which makes for twice the amount of work on our end,” Ruffin said. “Another difficult part of being a Black business owner in this area is that we don’t have a network with other Blackowned businesses, specifically in the food industry.”

However, according to Constant, there have been positive impacts of being a Black-owned business in a predominately white community.

“It has affected our business in ways that are positive and negative,” Constant said. “People will seek us out for pizza; we have other Black people in the area that will seek us out. It has helped us gain business but also helped us lose business.”

e business has been attempting to obtain a brick-andmortar for over two years now yet has consistently faced challenges.

where customers have a main location to visit.

“We’ve had a very trying time trying to get a brick-and-mortar, but we find other businesses have no issue at all,” Constant said. “It’s been a challenge for sure, but (it) has been hopeful for other people of color in the area.”

e goal of the brick-andmortar is to make Project Pizza fully a nonprofit.

“We’ve been told that we aren’t the right fit for a brick-and-mortar in a particular location,” Ruffin said. “At this point, we have tried at least four times to get a brick-and-mortar in the Fort Collins area.”

With all of this in mind, everything Ruffin and Constant do is worth it in the end.

“

e reality is that people can be very racist and hide it in

e goal of a brick-and-mortar is to gain more clientele by having an in-person restaurant business

“My favorite recurring memory is when customers come up to the truck and tell us our pizza is the best they’ve ever had,” Ruffin said. Reach Alexander Wilson at life @collegian.com.

“My favorite recurring memory is when customers come up to the truck and tell us our pizza is the best they’ve ever had.”

ISAIAH RUFFIN FOUNDER OF PROJECT PIZZA

Project Pizza co-owners Colleen Constant and Isaiah Ruffin with a pizza outside of their food truck parked at Stodgy Brewing Company in Fort Collins Feb. 20.

PHOTO BY REILEY COSTA THE COLLEGIAN

NUGS OF WISDOM

PTSD can’t be cured with cannabis, may ease some symptoms

By Bella Eckburg @yaycolor

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex mental health condition brought on by one or a series of traumatic events. For a long time, it was primarily associated with veterans coming home from the atrocities of war. It was also normalized given the taboo around seeking therapy, especially for men.

By the late 1970s after the Vietnam War, it was clear PTSD needed to be better understood and studied. Psychologists and sociologists alike worked to understand how trauma affects the brain.

I was officially diagnosed with PTSD in 2019, nearly five years after I initially experienced the trauma that led to the diagnosis. is is common in people with PTSD — the symptoms can take a while to appear. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s common for symptoms to take up to a month or even years to officially manifest.

Not all trauma causes PTSD necessarily, but if the symptoms worsen over time despite attempts

BECAUSE I GOT HIGH

to cope, reach out for help, etc., those lasting effects and symptoms are those of PTSD.

When it comes to cannabis and CBD specifically, it can be effective in treating anxiety, especially in social settings.

“From my personal experiences and feedback I’ve received while budtending on and off for the last few years, I’ve always found CBD to be the most helpful of the cannabinoids for anxiety,” said Chase Pritchett, a budtender at Verts Neighborhood Dispensary.

“I typically recommend something very low in THC, ... (around) 5 milligrams or less but high in CBD (and around) 10-20 milligrams of CBD for edibles.”

Cannabis and PTSD research is pretty scarce, but as of 2017, Colorado is one of at least 20 states that does consider PTSD an ailment that can be treated with medical marijuana. When someone experiences trauma, there are real changes in the way their brain communicates with itself about stressors and the surrounding environment.

If you’re constantly in fight or flight, something needs to give. It’s important to remember cannabis will never cure

Deer in the headlights and deli meat snuggles

I was asleep and noticed, and we still find it funny to this day. All in all, I felt like complete shit the next day and just still can’t bring myself to eat deli meat anymore.

Deer in the headlights

someone’s PTSD, but it can help them manage their symptoms.

“You need to do the work to be able to properly communicate how you’re feeling and where it’s coming from before turning to an alternative measure like cannabis. PTSD is so complex on its own without the effects of cannabis, and it could actually make things worse if you are not doing the work to cope and live with a changed brain.”

“ ere’s also something to be said for THCV, which is a rare cannabinoid that actually does the opposite of what THC does,”

Pritchett said. “THCV shows up in small amounts and isn’t (found) in all strains, so it’s harder to come by. ( ere have been) more studies being done and coming out about its uses for anxiety and more.”

You need to do the work to be able to properly communicate how you’re feeling and where it’s coming from before turning to an alternative measure like cannabis. PTSD is so complex on its own without the effects of cannabis, and it could actually make things worse if you are not doing the work to cope and live with a changed brain.

PTSD is also commonly treated with medications like antidepressants, so those with PTSD need to be aware of how any medication they take may interact with any substance. Cannabis should not be used as a way to numb symptoms or avoid doing the work.

Trauma is trauma, big or small, and the brain has to legitimately shape around the experience to continue on. It’s incredibly difficult, and every day brings something different, so being in tune with the body and mind is the best way to identify areas in need of change. Cannabis can be a part of that care routine if you’re careful. Reach Bella Eckburg at cannabis @collegian.com.

By Guest Author @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: “Because I Got High” content consists of community story submissions and does not represent the views of e Collegian or its editorial board. e Collegian does not promote underage or excessive substance use or impairment for the purpose of creating a submission.

Deli meat snuggles

ere was a time when my roommate and I got WAY too high before bed. Of course I ended up having the munchies and really nothing to eat, so I thought it would be crafty and yummy to roll up croutons in deli meat (ham). I remember eating a bunch and ended up passing out and waking up with croutons and ham slices in my bed and on my chest. My roommate came into my room when

During my first week my freshman year, one of my roommates wanted to go smoke. So all three of us set off to find a good spot. We ended up at Horsetooth Reservoir in a deep industrial part down a dirt road. We were sitting on the ground next to our car passing around a joint. I kept feeling an uneasy feeling, like someone was watching us. As the smoke continued to pass around, I started hearing little snaps and movement behind me. I kept trying to tell myself that I was lost in the high, but the noises got louder. at’s when both my roommates looked up at me and we all looked at each other in a sudden panic, unsure of what the noise was. I turned my flashlight on and spun around behind me and screamed when I saw three deer about 5 yards in front of me. A deer-in-theheadlights moment for both parties, I’d have to say.

To submit stories, email cannabis@ collegian.com or fill out our Google Form, which is linked alongside guidelines in our Letter from the Editor.

$125, TIER 3 8 GRAMS FOR $142.48.

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GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA SIROKMAN THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TRI DUONG THE COLLEGIAN

Ranking classic, inventive fruit pipes

By Lucy Morantz @lucy_morantz3

I’m proud to say my first time ever smoking was out of an apple. Back then, my best friend and I had to watch multiple YouTube tutorials before we had a functional, but by no means preferable, fruit pipe. If only those fruits lived to see the day I purchased a $300 bong.

I’ve come a long way since then. Like an adult, I use glass now. But if you get bored of that and feel fruity, there are certainly some easy alternatives.

1. Apple

e classics really do stand the test of time. Recall the nostalgia your parents feel when they tell the story of how they met — this was more meaningful.

Like an artist returning to their muse, recreating this piece made me

appreciate the curves and crevices that have cemented apples as the go-to fruit pipe. I think God wanted apples to be used as smoking devices, otherwise, why would they have made the divot surrounding the stem the perfect bowl shape and size?

Despite the emotional attachment I have, I will admit the smoke was a lot harsher than I was expecting, and the taste was underwhelming.

Rating: 7.5/10.

2. Lime

I made a lime pipe once before when I went on vacation and forgot to pack rolling papers. After scavenging through the rental house looking for anything else that would suffice, we saw a lime with a wedge already taken out for a cocktail. It would have to do. e shape and size made it hard to carve a bowl, but that was cancelled out by how much easier it was to hold. Maybe it was the fact that I tried it immediately after the apple,

but I noticed the couple hits from this pipe hit me faster than any of the other ones.

is pipe delivered the best taste of any I tried, ultimately earning it third place and a permanent spot in my fridge — in case of emergencies.

Rating: 8/10.

3. Cucumber

Apparently I loved this one enough to use 13 exclamation points in my notes.

Although the taste was a little weird, it was weird in a good way — like pickles and vodka or the smell of gasoline.  is was the smoothest hit of any probably because its shape most closely mimics a churchwarden pipe.

Rating: 9/10.

4. Banana

First and foremost, I want to thank the cashier at Whole Foods who didn’t question me buying a singular banana.

is was hands down the most fun piece to make. But unless you want to spend 10 minutes making something that will rot in half that time, opt for a different method. Rating: 5/10.

5. Eggplant

According to the notes app on my phone, all I had to say after trying this was “ew” and “absolutely no redeeming qualities.”

I don’t feel the need to elaborate. I’m honestly not sure why I thought this was a good idea. Rating: -5/10.

6. Dragon fruit

In any scientific experiment, which this very obviously is, there will inevitably be a let down. is dragon fruit was my let down. It was the hardest to make and the least flavorful, not to mention way too heavy for somebody who already smoked two bowls that night to be holding next to an open flame. All in all, meh. Rating: 3/10.

I’ll echo the first bullet point in my notes app to start this one: “WOAAAAHHH!!”

After I cut a hole that looked about the same diameter as the neck of my bong, I hollowed out the inside. en I used metal straws to make two holes: one that I put a glass bowl piece into and the other to use as the carb. Not only did this pipe produce the biggest hit of any of the fruits, but the hit was bigger and smoother than what I’d normally get from my small bong. And if you need any more of a reason to try this method yourself, it tasted amazing.

I don’t normally like watermelon by itself, so if you ever see me carrying a small green melon out of a grocery store again — no, you didn’t. Rating: 10/10.

Reach Lucy Morantz at cannabis @collegian.com.

7. Watermelon

It’s a known fact that stoners are some of the most resourceful people on the planet — from scrounging the carpet for teeny bits of bud with magnifying glass eyes to willingly hiking through a snowstorm to get to the dispensary. These skills often come in handy when the stoner finds themself without a smoking contraption, and today, friends, we’re talking about whittling pipes from fruits and rating the experience.

BY LUCY MORANTZ

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CSU still standing in ‘The Last of Us’ makes perfect sense

your lungs are already primed, baby! Also, everyone in Colorado does psychedelic mushrooms, so what’s the difference?

CAM would slam his big horns into any zombie-like creature, and with all the construction currently happening at the Lory Student Center, we CSU students basically have a fortress.

It would make perfect sense for the show’s main characters to settle in and stick around CSU. ey could get a CAM Squishmallow and Panda Express and take in the beautiful landscape. Plus, they’d get all of this for free because the majority of us would be dead, given the circumstances.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

By Bella Eckburg @yaycolor

Editor’s Note: is is a satire piece from e Collegian’s opinion section. Real names and the events surrounding them may be used in fictitious/semi-fictitious ways. ose who do not read the editor’s notes are subject to being offended.

Recently an episode of “ e Last of Us,” a show streaming on HBO Max and based on a popular video game with the same name, showed its two main characters arriving at the campus of the “University of Eastern Colorado,” the “Home of the Big Horns.”

Many fans of the show speculated this was a nod to Colorado State University and our beloved CAM the Ram, and the official Colorado State University Instagram and Twitter accounts posted about the possible wink toward our campus.

Of course, it’s clear why “ e Last of Us” chose to show CSU standing strong post-apocalypse.

It is, however, unclear why the show’s creators did not just ask to use the real name of the university. Fans still speculate it’s because the creators wanted to give the University of Colorado Boulder kids

Group presentations.

Hospitals.

a glimmer of hope that it could be referencing them.

I’m sure I do not speak for all of my fellow CSU students, but journalism is about stating facts, and I am simply not built for the apocalypse. I will never be an apocalypse girly, and that’s okay with me. I’m not a runner or a survivalist. ere’s potential for me to punch out one or two of those mushroom killers but certainly not a hoard of them.

CSU is home to multiple large, looming sculptures. ose make great vantage points for spotting oncoming infected hoards. CSU slam-dunked the COVID-19 pandemic compared to a lot of other universities, so what’s another? We’re a damn agriculture school. Bring on the mushroom people.

e Andrew G. Clark Building has been standing since the original ice age. Pipes bursting and filling the newspaper-riddled halls with water? No problem. It’s unphased. Asbestos? Breathe it in, strong, lunghaving student.

e apocalypse in “ e Last of Us” is caused by a Cordyceps fungal infection, which is parasitic. e Cordyceps spores are airborne, and

e squirrels on campus are beefy in case the characters run out of food, but they wouldn’t do that because it’s dark. Once you see one, how can you really be hungry? ose little faces and tracking collars are too sweet.

Plus, those tracking collars are made to last. Use the squirrels as spy equipment.

When you think about it, Colorado State University would make a great fortress, so it’s really no wonder a show like “ e Last of Us” would feature it on the main character’s journey.

Reach Bella Eckburg at letters @collegian.com.

Goldfish (the snack).

Badass women. Dentists.

CSU basketball ending. :’(

Stepping in dog poo.

Easter candy.

Goldfish (the fish).

Not going to the hospital.

“When you think about it, Colorado State University would make a great fortress, so it’s really no wonder a show like ‘The Last of Us’ would feature it on the main character’s journey.”

COLUMNISTS

College student stress is increasing, leads to bad habits

By Jack Miller @millerjack02

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by e Collegian or its editorial board.

College is often thought of as an exciting time with new freedoms and independence. However, over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of college students experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety.

In a study conducted by e American Institute of Stress, eight out of 10 college students said they experience “frequent stress,” while 63% of students also reported high levels of anxiety, according to the American College Health Association.

Of course, there are certain factors that inevitably lead to stress. is can include coursework, students experiencing homesickness or simply the abrupt change of scenery. Although, if these factors have always been present in the lives of college students, they likely don’t account for the recent uptick in stress and anxiety. So what is causing this alarming increase?

“I think the biggest cause is social media,” said Riley Ahern, a senior at Colorado State University. “When you think about the amount of time an average college student spends on their phone each day, it’s mind blowing.”

e average college student spends nearly two hours on social media every day. Not only is that time they could be spending on their studies, but it also leaves them susceptible to the negative effects of social media, such as the fear of missing out, disrupted sleep and constantly comparing themselves to others.

“On the individual level, reducing your stress comes down to replacing bad coping habits with good ones,” Ahern said. “Social media, alcohol and drugs take the stress away in the short term, but they usually make things much worse over time.”

So what do effective coping mechanisms look like for college students? Garrison Unis, a junior at Colorado State University majoring in addiction psychology, has years of experience studying this topic in class and in his personal life.

“It’s really easy to get in a rhythm of relying on vices to help you get through the week or even the day,” Unis said. “Especially when you first enter college, there’s no one guiding you or telling you what to do, so it’s really appealing to do the shortterm fixes.”

Unis participated in these shortterm fixes until he decided to make a change in his junior year of college.

“

ings like Instagram and Snapchat get you to compare your life with the people you are seeing on the screen,” Ahern said. “If you’re in a completely new environment with new people, these constant comparisons are bound to have a huge effect on your mental health.” Financial burdens are another big stressor for students, with undergraduate college students graduating with an average of $33,448 in student loan debt. e cost of attending a university is exponentially higher now than it was 20-30 years ago, and this forces many students to work long hours while having a full course load. Although stress has always been present in college students, surveys from the American Addiction Centers suggest the coping mechanisms used by college students today tend to perpetuate this stress rather than reduce it.

“It started pretty small,” Unis said. “Before I went to bed, I began writing a list of the things I needed to do for the next day. is ensured that I wasn’t neglecting any of my responsibilities, and it helped me feel in control of my life.”

Unis then explained how good habits started building off of one another.

“Within two weeks of making my change, I had established a consistent sleep schedule and had started working out every day,” Unis said. “I became so much happier when I became disciplined.”

College offers endless opportunities for students; however, the newfound freedom in college can lead students to partake in things that harm their mental health. It’s important to consciously establish habits that allow you to stay in control of your responsibilities.

Reach Jack Miller at letters @collegian.com.

COLLEGIAN

“College offers endless opportunities for its students; however, the newfound freedom in college can lead students to partake in things that harm their mental health. It’s important to consciously establish habits that allow you to stay in control of your responsibilities.”

Thanking your bus drivers is the least you can do

By Callum Burke @burkec0621

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by e Collegian or its editorial board.

Colorado State University students implement a wide variety of transportation methods in their daily lives.

For the most part, CSU is proud of its bike-friendly campus, which contains several different bike lanes and routes designed to keep riders safe. Although bikes and other simpler methods of getting to and from campus and beyond are often in the spotlight or praised by the community, it is the bus system that truly deserves a piece of this positive recognition.

RideTransfort houses several buses and employs bus drivers who work around the clock to get students to and from their individual classes or events on time.

Rain or shine, you can bet the buses are already on the streets working to get students and FoCo citizens alike to their desired destinations.

Hundreds of CSU students use the Transfort bus system daily. It runs like clockwork every day, and the least students can do is thank the drivers for their hard work and courteous driving abilities.

“Bus drivers are important and in high demand right now,” CSU junior and frequent bus user Andrew Clucas said. “I don’t think anyone realizes just how important the bus drivers are. … We rely on them heavily every day.”

In total, there are 13 daily bus routes to and from CSU that work around the clock — with the exception of a few routes suspended on Saturdays. ere are even more bus services that frequent the transit center, specifically designed to offer students rides to locations as far as Boulder, Denver and even Greeley.

If you are a student at CSU and dream of traveling the picturesque foothills of Northern Colorado or hope to peruse the delightful skyscrapers in the bustling city of Denver, the buses are a cheap and surefire way to do so.

Driving a bus for college students is certainly not an easy profession. From the inevitable dirtying of the bus cabins to the hectic and constant stop requests from students, it is work that requires constant focus and sheer dedication toward giving students the best possible opportunities to attend class and receive a college education.

Not to mention, Fort Collins develops some harsh winter driving conditions during the colder months of the year. Maintaining solid and reliable transportation is not only extremely commendable, but the bus drivers demonstrate utmost responsibility to ensure the well-being of several young students at the risk of the driver getting safely to their destination.

With that said, students and locals who use the buses on a daily basis — or only every once and a while — owe these drivers more than an immense “thank you” for the next time they decide to use the bus.

Is it too much to ask of anyone who uses the bus system frequently to say thank you and express gratitude toward the drivers? Absolutely not.

e CSU bus drivers can sometimes be overlooked and undervalued as students forget the privilege of free transportation and the ease of not having to deal with parking or finding a spot for their bikes.

Although there is much more that CSU students could do to express gratitude toward these hardworking drivers, a simple “thank you” is a great start. So the next time you find yourself on the bus, make sure to let the drivers know they are seen and valued with a “thank you” and a smile.

Reach Callum Burke at letters @collegian.com.

This is a special feature on the homeopathic alternatives to better your all-around health! Every feature, there will be a suggested plant or vitamin that research and my personal experience has shown to be an effective alternative to pharmaceutical medicine or just an addition to your daily wellness.

MACA ROOT Lepidium meyenii

Maca Root is a vegtable related to broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower. It is nativeto the Peruvian Andes and has been used for thousands of years as treatment for respritory conditions and rheumatic disease. In todays society, Maca rootis used for enhancing your libido. Libido is what regulates your sexual drive. In men, maca root can boost fertility and sperm count.

Maca root isnt just beneficial for men though. Many women have reported Maca root lessening the symptoms of menopause. It has been scientifically proven to alliviate hot flashes and imporve sleep for women experiencing menopause. Maca is also used to boost mood and energy overall. Like many other vitamins, it also offers a valuable source of fiber and is an antioxident. Consider Maca root to help with your energy and fertility!

by Nicole Atiles

A Transfort MAX bus at Spring Creek Station Aug. 26, 2022. The MAX features stations with ticket machines, level boarding, traffic light priority and a dedicated guideway for much of its route.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MARQUARDT THE COLLEGIAN

Sydney Mech’s masterpieces: The artist behind the athlete

By Karsyn Lane @karsynlane1

Behind this athlete who practices three to four times a week, travels on the road, competes weekly and is currently preparing for the Mountain West Tournament, there is an artist.

Syndey Mech, a Colorado State University student-athlete, balances the life of a star basketball player while perfecting her iconic Mech masterpieces.

Mech became a Ram in 2019 when she transferred to Colorado State as a sophomore at the University of Denver.

“I needed a better fit academically and for a basketball program,” Mech said. “I loved CSU instantly — the campus and Fort Collins in general really drew me in.”

She was seeking a place where she could both follow her passion to paint and defend the paint on the court. During her time at DU, Mech was an engineering major.

“I enjoyed it, but I always had a dream of pursuing art,” Mech said. Following her basketball career and art dreams, Mech

wants to graduate and pursue teaching art education. To her, “there was no better place to be recognized as both an athlete, an artist and a student-athlete” than Colorado State.

When she can find the time to begin the process of creating an art piece, Mech turns to her roots and starts in her sketchbook. She reflects on her life and who she is to create a piece of work that’s a reflection of herself.

As a female student-athlete, Mech takes any opportunity to express her busy life on canvas. Drawing from her experiences, she lets the message bleed from her sketchbook to the canvas and take off. Following a handful of hours and much attention to detail, Mech has made a masterpiece.

“Reflecting on everything that goes on in my life, I reflect that through art,” Mech said. “I think sports have been a lot of topics in my art pieces. Even the mental health aspect, females in sports and what that’s like. It’s kind of cool and powerful to take something you care about and put that in a message through art.”

Being a senior student-athlete, there is quite a bit for her to

reflect on. Her lifestyle can often be chaotic and very busy, which doesn’t leave much time for creative expression.

Many of Mech’s masterpieces show the unspoken struggles and joys that come along while navigating her immersive lifestyle. Allowing her emotions to flow, the canvas becomes her spokesperson and spreads the message loud and proud that she is a powerful female athlete who deals with mental health struggles and the pressure of being a student-athlete every day.

In 2017 Mech decided to take her message and promote her artistic process on Instagram through her creative account @ mech_art. On this account, Mech shares her experiences in the art gallery during the beginning stages of creating a piece with sketchbook doodles, rough drafts, final works and a dash of her other creative hobbies.

Outside of painting, Mech does “a lot of side hobbies with art as well. All of my classes right now are painting, but I love to crochet. I love embroidery and DIY-ing my clothes,” Mech said.

Aside from assisting and sharing the ball, Mech has connected with her team even more by sharing her passion for art. Passing on her creative wisdom, occasionally Mech and her friends will host painting and crafting nights together.

“My friends really like it too; I get them involved,” Mech said. “We have painting nights and it’s kind of fun to have your thing reflect on others.”

“As a player, expressing yourself is a big part of it,” Mech said. “I know we’re not allowed to wear a bunch of crazy colors or anything, but any way I can express myself is really cool.”

One piece in particular represents the anxiety and pressure Mech feels as a Division I athlete and the constant high expectations of her. You can see the emotion through the painting from the dark blue hands pulling at her, the weight of the medal holding her head down despite winning and the overwhelming grasp for her efforts.

Above it all, Mech is much more than a student-athlete and wants to spread her message that she understands and resonates with others dealing with a similar lifestyle.

“When people look at my art, I don’t want them to just see me and think, ‘Oh, she’s a basketball player, just an athlete,’” Mech said. “I want them to respect my art and me as an artist.”

Reach Karsyn Lane at sports @collegian.com.

“When people look at my art, I don’t want them to just see me and think, ‘Oh, she’s a basketball player, just an athlete.’ I want them to respect my art and me as an artist.”

SYDNEY MECH CSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GUARD

Colorado State University student-athlete Sydney Mech with her three favorite works of art in the painting studio of the Visual Arts Building Feb. 26.

PHOTO BY KARSYN LANE THE COLLEGIAN

MOUNTAIN WEST BASKETBALL

Where the Rams stand days from tourney

By Braidon Nourse @csucollegian

The best part of every college basketball season is the months of March and April when the regular season ends and conference tournaments begin, eventually leading to the NCAA March Madness tournament. The stakes get much higher, and for just about every team, it becomes a matter of win or go home.

The Colorado State University women’s and men’s basketball teams are less than a week away from the Mountain West Basketball Championships in Las Vegas. Every year, the entire conference meets at the Thomas & Mack Center to crown a champion over the course of a few days.

Rams women’s basketball is in it to win it

e women’s tournament starts Sunday, March 5 and goes until Wednesday, March 8. Here’s a breakdown of the first-round matchups set to take place Sunday

at the omas & Mack Center (Pacific Standard Time):

but they do have a legitimate shot at the tournament title this year.

e winners of these games will go on to face the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 seeds, respectively, and No. 4 will play against No. 5 in the quarterfinals March 6. e semifinals will be March 7, and the championship game is 7 p.m. March 8.

Before the last slate of conference games Feb. 28, the Rams were in a four-way tie for third place in the conference with San Diego State University, Boise State University and the University of New Mexico. In the season finale, the Rams played the Broncos of Boise State at home and won 66-51 to secure the third seed.

e last time the Rams won the Mountain West tournament was back in 2016 when they doubled as regular season champions. e Rams cannot win the regular season title this year — the undefeated University of Nevada, Las Vegas owns that title —

In last year’s tournament, CSU entered as the No. 6 seed in the Mountain West and, against all expectations, made it through to the championship game. e Rams’ unlikely run ended in that game when UNLV beat them 7565 to win their first conference tournament championship ever.

ability to keep up with anyone in the conference. Five of their six conference losses have been by within 5 points, and the 16-point loss to Wyoming this past weekend was tied at the six minutes, 20 seconds mark of the fourth quarter before the Cowgirls went on a 23-7 run to close the game.

e Rams took the undefeated UNLV Lady Rebels to overtime on New Year’s Eve, and though they would go on to lose the game, it was the closest any Mountain West team has gotten to breaking UNLV’s impressive conferencewinning streak.

Rams men’s basketball is just happy to be there

It’s an understatement to say the men’s team had a disappointing season. Heading into conference play, the Rams were 8-5 with a very impressive win over Saint Mary’s College, which at the time was receiving points in the AP Top 25 Poll and is currently ranked No. 17 in the country. But the 5-12 record in conference play has left the team with more questions than answers.

e men’s tournament follows the same format as the women’s tournament but will be March 8-11. e Rams still have a game to play March 3 against New Mexico and can finish anywhere from the No. 8 to the No. 11 seed.

e Rams are led by Isaiah Stevens, who is currently in the top 10 in the nation in both assists per game and assist/ turnover ratio.

CSU has the personnel and has shown they can keep up with the big dogs of the Mountain West. With Stevens and John Tonje playing the way they’ve been recently, along with the alwaysreliable Patrick Cartier, the Rams can potentially make a run if they play up to their standards as they did in the 84-71 win over Wyoming less than a week ago.

But there have been times when the Rams’ efficiency took a steep dive, like their most recent game against San Jose State University when they only put up 46 points. Only the Rams can control which team they take to Las Vegas to compete for a title.

Led by McKenna Hofschild, semifinalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award and finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award, the Rams have showcased an

Reach Braidon Nourse at sports @collegian.com.

“CSU has the personnel and has shown they can keep up with the big dogs of the Mountain West.”

Guard Cailyn Crocker (32) makes a drive to the basket against Boise State University’s Natalie Pasco (32) during a home game at Moby Arena Feb. 28. The Rams went on to win 66-51 against the Broncos.

PHOTO BY REILEY COSTA THE COLLEGIAN

5 lugares en FoCo para alardear tus conocimientos

Por Ivy Secrest @csucollegian

Traducción de Skyler Halopoff

Cuando hace frío y las filas para las cantinas se sienten demasiado tortuosas para soportar, a veces es agradable relajarse adentro y jugar juegos con sus amigos.

Si la idea de quedarte adentro no te llama la atención pero te encanta un buen partido de sparring que es competitivo y académico, un juego de preguntas es la actividad perfecta para ti. Ve y alardea tus conocimientos arbitrarios y lleva a tus amigos para llenar tus huecos intelectuales.

En la noche de trivia, hay oportunidades para ganar premios, participar en discusiones animadas con amigos y demostrar la fuerza de tu capacidad intelectual. Las noches de trivia son un modo genial de salir si no quieres ser demasiado salvaje y en Fort Collins, hay bastantes opciones buenas. Encontramos dos los martes, uno el miércoles y dos los jueves.

1. Pour Brothers Community Tavern

Para participar en trivia a las 7 de la tarde los martes en Pour Brothers Community Tavern, necesitas apuntar tu equipo a partir de las 6:30 p.m. Tú y tus amigos deberían estar bien versados en temas generales y preparados para la alta energía para asegurarse del éxito en Pour Brothers. Puedes picotear y jugar con la posibilidad de ganar dinero, bebidas gratis, el nombre de tu equipo en un trofeo o incluso un foro en la pared de campeones.

2. Krazy Karl’s Pizza

A las 8 de la tarde los martes, Geeks who Drink llegan a Krazy Karl’s para jugar en una batalla de ingenios. Con opciones de pizza sensacional y unas cervezas clásicas, tú y tus amigos tendrán una bomba de diversión con Geeks who Drink.

3. Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar

Si te gusta la sidra con alcohol lo suficiente para competir para un paquete de seis, es posible que desees ir a Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar de las

7 a las 9 de la noche los miércoles. La trivia basada en equipos atrae un público vibrante para los que no les gustan mucho las cervezas. Los participantes que tienen menos de 21 años son bienvenidos también, y hay comida disponible para sostener tu histeria de trivia.

4. Island Grill

La trivia de los jueves sedientos empieza a las 7 de la tarde en Island Grill. Con cervezas de barril por $3, Island Grill es un lugar divertido para relajarte con manía mental. Si tus martes y miércoles están reservados completamente, date cuenta de que no has perdido las noches de trivia completamente en Fort Collins. Si los bares no son tu lugar favorito, Island Grill trivia te respalda los jueves.

5. Intersect Brewing

Los cerebros, los premios y las cervezas se presentan en Intersect Brewing de las 7 a las 9 de la noche los jueves. Con cerveza, vino y comida y también discos para examinar, la trivia es sólo una de muchas cosas buenas que ofrecen

en Intersect Brewing. Si te aburres con la trivia, hay suficientes otras actividades para llamar tu atención.

Si pasas tres días cada semana asistiendo rigurosamente a la trivia o vas una vez para divertirte con amigos, hay tantas maneras para disfrutar de la vida de noche en Fort Collins. Si bailar en los bares no es tu onda, entonces posiblemente unas noches de juegos alimentados con alcohol le

agreguen interés a tu calendario. Incluso si no eres bebedor, la trivia no requiere nada más que tu voluntad y mente. Con suerte entre las cervezas, los amigos y los bocadillos, encontrarás tu lugar favorito para pasar una tarde casual con amigos o participar en un batalla brutal de cerebros. Comuníquese con Ivy Secrest en news@collegian.com.

Michele Mitchell la anfitriona de Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar Noche de Trivia lee en voz alta las preguntas en Scrumpy’s en Old Town Fort Collins el 15 de febrero. Scrumpy’s alberga las noches de trivia de las 7 a las 9 de la noche cada miércoles. COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

CAMPUS CRITICS

Inconsistencies in ‘Cocaine Bear’ will not blow you away

By Christian Arndt @csucollegian

is is a film about a bear ingesting cocaine. Yes, you read that right. Oh, and it’s also loosely — emphasis on loosely — based on a true story.

Elizabeth Banks directs the true story of a black bear that consumed cocaine in 1985, then overdosed almost immediately after. However, Banks’ version tackles a heavily over-dramatized version of this tale. Instead of the bear overdosing, it goes on a cocaine-induced murderous rampage.

One thing that needs to be acknowledged before seeing “Cocaine Bear” is that it does not take itself seriously. Its tongue-in-cheek approach to the story is admirable and brutally apparent within the first minute of the film.

For example, at the beginning, it directly quotes an article about bears and immediately credits Wikipedia as the source. is quickly sets the stage for its comical and outrageously wild take on the initial story’s premise.

e general basis of this film consists of a drug dealer throwing duffel bags full of cocaine out of an airplane in an attempt to lessen the weight on the aircraft. Consequently, a massive black bear gets its paws on the cocaine and consumes multiple bags worth of the product.

e film’s story takes place through the numerous perspectives of different characters. However, the central plot point is a mother (Keri Russell) trying to find her daughter (Brooklynn Prince) after she escaped from the bear during a hike in the woods.

However, a group of drug dealers affiliated with the lost cocaine go into the same forest in an attempt to retrieve the product. is side story provides an alternate view in contrast with the mother’s perspective as each group deals with the bear in different ways.

e other characters and storylines are mostly there for content filler and act as just another corpse for the bear to gruesomely pulverize. Often to the detriment of “Cocaine Bear,” the grotesque violence becomes overused, tedious and ultimately unfunny.

At the film’s conclusion, there is, regrettably, much left to be desired.

Many characters have little to no development. e film’s attempt to give some background to the characters falls short and leaves the audience wondering why they should be invested in these individuals in the first place.

Many of the comedic beats of the movie just barely stick the landing. ere were multiple times throughout the film where it took a situation and attempted to make it funny, but the theater remained dead silent and left the atmosphere with an awkward pause until the next scene started.

A major focus of this film is its use of gore and violence to produce laughs and provide the advancement of plot points. Given this movie is an action/thriller/dark comedy, that is to be expected. However, many times throughout the film, it is overused and unnecessary, which detracted from the overall comedy.

“Cocaine Bear” has some solid comedic events considering its outrageous premise. However, many of the tropes fall flat after

being reused too many times throughout the film. Overall, “Cocaine Bear” is a semi-entertaining watch with some raunchy and overused jokes sandwiched in between. Consequently, this movie stands as an utterly forgettable experience.

If you have absolutely nothing to do and want to watch a movie this weekend that doesn’t require much focus, look no further than “Cocaine Bear.”

Reach Christian Arndt at entertainment@collegian.com.

Washington’s music venue: A hidden FoCo gem

e venue offers two bars, a water refill station, snacks and a 200-person listening room called “ e Armory,” which is located in a different area of Old Town than Washington’s.

“I saw e Motet here a while back, and it is such an underrated venue,” said Brooklyn Coop, a Washington’s customer. “It’s clean, not absolutely packed, and I love the balcony vibes and high ceilings.

ey keep it classy.”

ese shows happen every weekend and aren’t just for popular artists. Any band, whether they are new or undiscovered, can book a show at this local venue.

“My favorite part of working here is seeing all the new talent,” said Nic Garrison, a Washington’s employee. “We get so many different kinds of performers here. You never really know what’s going to be on stage, but Fort Collins local talent is insane. It’s a great place to work.”

By Sophia Masia @sophie_masia

Conveniently situated in Old Town, Washington’s is a 900-person capacity music venue focused on educating, supporting and increasing sustainable careers in the live concert industry, according to their website washingtonsfoco.com.

Washington’s is located at 132 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, and is open noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

e building was remodeled in 2017 into the music venue we see today. It was previously a beloved college bar called Washington’s Sports Bar and Grill, which operated 1978-2016.

To honor that history, Washington’s preserved the name and kept many nostalgic artifacts from the sports bar.

“God, I love this venue,” said Kat Weiss, a Washington’s regular. “Beautifully redone in a much more modern theme, I like the two bars upstairs and on the main level.”

However, the main attraction Washington’s is known for is the shows. Upcoming shows include J Boog, Paul Cauthen and the Young Dubliners.

Washington’s is also involved with a beloved tradition called ursday Night Live. Returning summer of 2023, Bohemian Nights hosts 15 free and open-to-thepublic concerts in Old Town Square 7-9 p.m. every ursday, June 2 through Sept. 15.

As Washington’s is farther away and smaller than most venues in Fort Collins, business has been slow after the renovation. However, they’ve been supported by the Bohemian Foundation.

Supporting small businesses like Washington’s is important because they don’t just put on shows, they

also seek to help those in the entertainment industry. With more venue choices and more diverse acts in town, local audiences can experience some of the best music in the state without traveling too far from home.

rough Bohemian’s Music District, local artists and production professionals are finding new opportunities to get involved at Washington’s.

Washington’s differs from the norm because they help up-andcoming artists, technicians and those who are interested in the live music industry find their groove.

ey are dedicated to advancing the skills and expertise of Coloradobased individuals through their workforce development program, which gives interested individuals a chance to learn and grow, ultimately creating more sustainable careers in the industry.

ey are currently partnering with the National Independent Venue Foundation to support these sessions and will announce upcoming sessions on their social media.

To try out the venue, check out their website for more information and follow them on Instagram @washingtonsfoco.

Reach Sophia Masia at entertainment@collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

Washington’s in Fort Collins Feb. 24. Washington’s is a music venue for live contemporary music with a balcony level.

PHOTO BY REUEL INDURKAR THE COLLEGIAN

“My favorite part of working here is seeing all the new talent. We get so many different kinds of performers her. You never really know what’s going to be on stage but Fort Collins local talent is insane. It’s a great place to work.”

NIC GARRISON WASHINGTON’S EMPLOYEE

Banff Film Festival exhibits the great outdoors through film

By Luke Wilson @csucollegian

e lights started to dim on a sea of eager audience members as the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival began. e vibrant sounds and colors of meticulously-shot outdoor footage filled the room as the audience bore witness to marvelous depictions of natural beauty and death-defying stunts in a multitude of different forms.

Skiing, biking, surfing and mountaineering were just a few of the sports presented at their most extreme at the Banff Film Festival.

nature and activities in the outdoors and into concepts such as creativity and social equity.

In a film called “Creation eory,” primarily following the relationship between extreme surfing and music creation with indie singer Goth Babe, outstanding cinematography is used to craft an understanding of where humanity has come from and where we are going. e film expressed the freedom to create art and to experience the powerful forces of nature.

“Wild Waters” was another standout short film. Following the journey of a kayaker who made it to the upper echelon of the kayaking world, the film shows Nouria Newman’s triumphs over a plethora of obstacles to achieve a status within the sport as one of the best among her female and male counterparts.

Among the rest of the films shown at Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival, there was one that exceeded all others in the severity of its subject matter and its relation to Colorado State University: “Free to Run.”

“Free to Run” tells two tumultuous and inspiring stories involving ultramarathon runner and human rights lawyer Stephanie Case.

e activities were shot across a wide variety of incredulous locations featured in the trailer. As the trailer transitioned into a quick speech from Andy Nelson, assistant director of outdoor programs at Colorado State University, and then into the films themselves, it became clear the thrill of watching extreme sports and the awe of seeing natural beauty were not all the festival had to offer.

e Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, put on by the Banff  Centre for Arts and Creativity, was displayed at CSU’s Lory Student Center eatre for the first time since the event went virtual during the pandemic, Nelson said. is continued the partnership between CSU and Banff in providing an in-person event for the people of Fort Collins.

All proceeds from the event went to CSU’s Rec Center to continue supporting its mission of getting students active and outdoors to enjoy Colorado and beyond.

During each day of the festival, which took place Feb. 24-26, films ran for an hour before a 15-minute intermission and then continued for another hour. e festival featured a raffle during the intermission each day, with prizes including coffee gift cards and free days at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

As the festival progressed, it became abundantly clear that the focus of the event extended beyond

Case founded the Free to Run organization to empower women in Afghanistan, where citizens were inspired across five of the country’s provinces. Yet when the United States withdrew its military forces from Afghanistan, the organization was no longer able to operate in pursuit of women’s freedoms since the Taliban began to take control of the country.

Case went on to run a recordbreaking and extremely painful ultramarathon in honor of the women of Afghanistan, many of whom could not leave the country. One of the women who was able to leave, however, was Zeinab Rezaie, now a recent MBA graduate of Colorado State University.

“It’s great to be here, but as I also mentioned in the film, it’s so sad that I can not enjoy these freedoms or these feelings of security with my loved ones, with my family who are still in Afghanistan,” Zeinab said.

e film was a powerful representation of what many people must endure, bringing a very somber, human understanding of the reality some face among the seemingly superhuman feats displayed in films shown at the festival.

“I think we saw more films that had a bit more of an equity and social justice frame and lens this year,” Nelson said.

It is this element that can make an event like the Banff Film Festival so important. Awe-inspiring moments of extreme outdoor sports and thought-provoking depictions of real suffering could be seen, heard and felt at this festival.

Reach Luke Wilson at entertainment @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN PEÑA THE COLLEGIAN

“It’s great to be here, but as I also mentioned in the film, it’s so sad that I cannot enjoy these freedoms or these feelings of security with my loved ones, with my family who are still in Afghanistan,”

ZEINAB REZAIE CSU MBA GRADUATE

Sudoku

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS

“I’d rather be allergic to cats than dairy. I fucking love dairy products.”

“There is nothing I hate more than CU Boulder.”

“I use soap from a pyramid scheme.”

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

In the past, you may have felt as if you couldn’t treat yourself to the finer things in life. You are slowly learning that you deserve to feel your best every day no matter what.

Discovering what you love through fashion and aesthetics has been helping you embrace your true self.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

By Abby Flores

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (03/02/23)

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

You are in your element this week and ready to take action toward a new spiritual journey. Even if you don’t resonate with this just yet, take a look at what you are learning right now and continue to flow with the energies.

You have been manifesting more comfort within your home life. This will come in the form of sharing delicious, home-cooked meals with loved ones and finding the right decorations for your space.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

You will enjoy spending time

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

The cold weather has been making you feel sleepy and introverted. Although you are usually extroverted, the universe has been allowing you time to rest and catch up on work you have to get done. You will be surprised and rewarded for your efforts by the end of the week.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)

You may have an urge to get back into reading and drawing this week. These hobbies tend to calm you down and inspire your inner being. Your dreams will be more vivid than usual, so keep a dream journal close to you.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

You have been radiating joy

“Your hair has a lot of body, and your body has a lot of hair.”

Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!

the pathway to learning new things about yourself.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You have been taking yourself on adventures and opening up to others. The more you do this, the more stories you will have to tell. You will find blessings within your finances and career over the next couple weeks.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21) Your energy illuminates any room you walk into. You may not know it, but people are inspired by what you do. Whether you express yourself through art or philosophy, there will always be someone out there who resonates with your energy. This week is all about taking initiative toward what

(DEC. 22 - JAN.

You are not a fan of feeling unbalanced, but sometimes it is necessary to

feel the chaos of life in order to grow. Use the challenges that come your way to gain a better understanding of yourself and others around you. You will learn more about embracing openness rather than perfectionism this week.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18) Your aura is a bright light people tend to gravitate toward. You are happy to let new friendships blossom, but be mindful of who you let in. Creating balanced friendships within your life is important in order for you to thrive.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20) You may be feeling extra sleepy during this time. It is OK to let yourself get the rest you need. Giving yourself permission to recharge will strengthen your focus. You deserve to prioritize your self-care because high social energy has the potential to drain you.