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The observer | Wednesday, OctOber 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
Sexism is never OK (unless I think you’re wrong)
Ellie Konfrst
consider This
It’s fair to say that these past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind — I keep feeling like every day I need a recap of all the news from the previous day, like the ones they put at the beginning of Tv episodes. Yet, through all the debates and discussions and covId-19 diagnoses, I’ve found one thing that’s stuck with me, permeating all the noise. With women like Amy coney barrett and Kamala harris sitting in the center of the political universe, I’ve noticed that sexism has snuck back into public discourse in a really sinister way.
As a female political science major, the sexism faced by women in politics often feels particularly personal. I’m hoping to enter a career in which my ideas are respected, my intelligence is acknowledged and I have access to the same opportunities as my male colleagues. While I recognize that politics is a notoriously exclusive field, I hoped that at the very least, I would be able to avoid outright misogyny. based on the events of the past few weeks, I’m feeling increasingly disheartened about that goal.
In case you’ve missed it, President Trump nominated Amy coney barrett to the supreme court, and there is only one biographical fact you need to know about her: she has seven children! The new York Post inadvertently summarized the sexist way barrett’s nomination to the highest court in the land has been framed in the first line of their profile of her: “Judge Amy coney barrett is a wife, mother of seven, and a devout catholic.”
The fact that barrett is a wife and a mother are likely parts of her identity that she finds personally important, but they have next to nothing to do with her capabilities as a legal mind. especially coming from those on the left who are opposed to her nomination, the repeated emphasis of her motherhood comes with an unspoken implication: how could she
Letter tO tHe edItOr
since the White house rose Garden ceremony two weeks ago, many newspapers, including The observer, have focused on the behavior of notre egregious maskless handshaking behavior wasn’t the only violation of notre dame’s covId-19 policies that day. According to one source, 17 notre dame professors, administrators and spouses attended the event in addition to Fr. Jenkins.
While Fr. Jenkins’ apology may have been lackluster, the silence in the walls of the law school is deafening.
I am a third-year law student. I am also immunocompromised. And I am shocked, appalled and frankly embarrassed by the behavior of the law school faculty and staff who attended the White house rose Garden event. The fact that they felt it necessary to attend the function in the first place goes against school policy, but I can understand that decision. their masks, sat right on top of each other, hugged and shook hands and then, when word got out that a number of the attendees tested positive for covId-19, decided not to quarantine and did not apologize for their behavior is all beyond the pale.
possibly be a good supreme court Justice and a good mother?
The misogyny is perhaps more overt from the right, however. After senator Kamala harris’ participation in last week’s vice presidential debate, many republican lawmakers commented on her performance in unmistakably gendered ways. her colleagues in the senate shared their thoughts on Twitter: marco rubio tweeted a joke relying on the sexist stereotype that women can’t be trusted with national security, and chuck Grassley expressed his belief that vice President Pence won the debate because he was more likable. President Trump, on the other hand, was more straightforward, calling senator harris a monster. once again, critiques of harris invoked her womanhood, in and of itself, as disqualifying.
At this point, I feel that it’s important to say that I don’t think Amy coney barrett would be a good supreme court Justice, and I don’t think her nomination is a step forward for women. her legal and political beliefs are far more conservative than mine, and I tend to believe that her record restricting abortion rights would make this country much more dangerous for most women. Additionally, despite being more aligned with her views, I believe that Kamala harris has a record worth critiquing, and that some of her past policies (like jailing single mothers for their children’s truancy) are decidedly bad for women.
What has always been odd to me about relying on misogyny to take down women in politics is that they usually have a substantial public record worthy of criticism. more so than any other public figures, women with a career in politics make decisions and enact policies that can be extremely controversial and debatable. by resorting to sexist attacks, all critics do is expose their own misogynistic tendencies and cheapen legitimate critiques of their targets.
Given both of their extraordinarily high levels of professional success, it seems pretty clear to me that barrett can probably balance a career with seven It shows a lack of leadership, a lack of empathy and frankly, a lack of common sense. I am aware that many of them received rapid tests before the event, but clearly those tests were not effective, judging by the sheer number of people who tested positive mere days later. And even if they hadn’t, optics matter. decision to go mask-less, two anonymous members of the notre dame delegation said it stemmed from a “desire to politely blend in, as a guest at a cocktail party may remove a tie upon realizing everyone else was dressed business casual.” They also expressed regret.
This is not enough. Wearing a mask in a time of pandemic is nowhere near wearing a tie to a cocktail party. Wearing a mask is the best known method to contain the spread of a deadly virus — wearing a tie is a fashion choice. Wearing a mask saves lives — wearing a tie might save your shirt from a ketchup stain. Wearing a mask is an effective measure of protection — wearing a tie is a mere showing of elegance. maybe the next time a student is reprimanded for meeting up with friends without masks on, they should cite their recent negative covId-19 tests and say they just did it to “politely blend in.” children, and that harris’ hormones don’t influence her decision-making capabilities. They have earned the right to have their careers discussed honestly, and in good faith. In general, I don’t tend to subscribe to the notion that putting women in positions of power, regardless of the impacts they have, is a feminist act in and of itself. however, it is clear to me that making sexist arguments to prevent women from gaining political power is an inherently anti-feminist act.
The question may be popping into your head about now: Why does this even matter? These are both incredibly successful women who will survive a few mean tweets. That is absolutely true, and good feminism, in the same way that it understands that any woman gaining power is not progress, recognizes that the true struggle for equality happens on the ground level. It involves helping low-income women whose reproductive rights would be threatened by barrett, or providing aid to the single mothers jailed by harris to help them pay for their next meal.
This conversation still matters, though, because we cannot permit sexism against any woman, even if we don’t like her, or even if we think she deserves it. We cannot continue to foster a culture in which sexism is seen as a political tool and not a rejection of women’s humanity. by the time I graduate from notre dame with my political science degree, I hope we have moved even one step closer to a world in which my gender is not innately disqualifying, and women like me can be assessed, for better or for worse, on our merits.
Ellie Konfrst is a junior majoring in political science, with minors in the Hesburgh Program for Public Service and civil & human rights. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, she’s excited that people will finally be forced to listen to all of her extremely good takes. She can be reached at egloverk@nd.edu or @elliekonfrst13 on Twitter.
The views expressed in this column are those of the
The law school faculty owe us an explanation and an apology
dame President Fr. John Jenkins. however, Jenkins’
however, the fact that many of them took off
When asked by the new York Times about their
authors and not necessarily those of The Observer.
And it should not escape our notice that their regret is anonymous and in a national publication. If they are truly regretful, why haven’t they reached out to students apologizing? If they are truly regretful, why have they not quarantined? If they are truly regretful, why have they not explained their actions to those they affect the most — those they may infect, should they test positive in the next few days? notre dame puts itself out as a bastion of morality — but the behavior of the last two weeks has gravely tarnished that reputation. Professors concerned about their students would have at the very least worn masks. moral leaders would’ve considered the message they sent by participating in this kind of event while students doing the same would be met with strict punishment. A school that cares about health and safety would require the same quarantining of professors who have been exposed as it does of students. my law school classmates and I have received our administration’s message loud and clear: do what we say here, but ignore what we do There.
The observer | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
By AIDAN O’MALLEY
scene Writer
not to be confused with steve carell — that’s a different 40-year-old — radha blank is an aspiring playwright in new York. Keyword: aspiring. despite having won a “30 Under 30” award, the last decade of her life has been a rollercoaster ride with a lot more drops than climbs. These days, she’s teaching theatre at a harlem high school and struggling to stage her dream project. she lives alone in an apartment she can barely afford, a patterned headscarf wrapped snug around her hair while she ceaselessly sips from a diet drink.
It was only a matter of time before a midlife crisis came knocking, but for blank, it feels less like a last-ditch effort and more like a kind of second calling. Inspired by her students and her freestyling, high school glory days, blank becomes a rapper. “Why my skin so dry?” she recites in the mirror. “Why am I yawning right now?” she wants to bring a 40-year-old perspective to the brooklyn rap game, and in the semi-autobiographical “The 40-Year-old version,” she does much more. recasting classic new York comedies with a black woman front and center, blank shows a side of the city that Woody Allen and the like have for too long ignored.
By CHARLIE KENNEY
scene Writer once characterized by bike-themed décor and orange and yellow colored walls, now sits empty. A dim light casts a shadow on the stainless steel countertops of the open kitchen, and its permanent wooden tables sit empty, fruitlessly waiting for their next patrons. The two sheets of white payears serving this community.” abrupt closing came as no surprise.
If a restaurant wishes to survive on the financially unforgiving street that lies south of our campus, it must possess a certain combination of quality and capital.
For those locations tied to corporate brands, the latter can backers will help them stay afloat. And even if the product they are selling is not particularly spectacular, business will still flow in, most likely due to name recognition alone. pass into their registers. cannot afford to open slowly or rely on the power of a brand. door must be actively convinced to spend their dollars there rather than at the chain next door. And, often, even having become only the second black woman in sundance history to win the U.s. dramatic directing Award (after Ava duvernay), blank sizzles both behind
and in front of the camera for her charming cinematic debut. The handsome black-and-white cinematography by eric branco evokes something akin to “manhattan,” while his handheld camerawork roots the film in real life. The soundtrack is an inspired mix of blank’s own beats — her stage name is radhamUsPrime — with classic hip-hop and jazz.
The film is also, of course, very funny. The staged quality of some of this humor comes into conflict with the otherwise authentic presentation — particularly toward the beginning of the film — but hey, these lines are too good to pass up. blank’s writing is also insightful, especially when her play, “harlem Ave.,” is finally picked up by a producer. originally a genuine investigation into the cause and effects of new York’s gentrification, the play is co-opted by blank’s white producer and his choice for its (white) director. The result is a clumsy production that tries to “talk about race,” yet ultimately says nothing. blank easily weaves between jokes about the play’s tone-deafness and pointed statements on how a white industry can compromise the vision of black artists. It wouldn’t be so funny if it weren’t so true. (cough, “Green book.” What was that? did you hear something?)
That having been said, “The 40-Year-old version” sometimes feels like blank’s first film. her script is funny and insightful, but also long; there’s no need for this movie to be two hours and four minutes, yet it is. Although it could consistently delivering quality food is not enough. The dents, as did the tapas-like environment present at The Livery; however, both closed their doors no less than two years after opening them.
The majority of students in the nd/smc/hc community spend relatively little money off campus, eating the large majority of their mealsin the dining halls. To patronize a restaurant and spend one’s own money doing so is a decision of consequence and it appears that, more often than not, reliable, trustworthy brands win out over new, local ventures. individuals have a certain itch and those establishments scratch it.
The restaurant felt like a chain. A clean-cut logo, clever ad campaigns, a unique focus on bicycles and a do-it-yourself approach to Italian food. I constantly found myself, and saw tenure, providing the services of a bar without the accompanying atmosphere.
ELLIS RIOJAS | The Observer have used a little trimming, the editing by robert Grigsby Wilson is otherwise solid. drawing from the playbook of mr. spike Lee — whose “she’s Gotta have It” was clearly an influence — Wilson and blank make great use of photographic cut-ins and other kinds of cut-aways, which punctuate the film and keep the viewer on their toes.
As netflix expands into the specialty market — snatching up indies from festivals like sundance and distributing them to a much larger audience than they ever could have imagined — I urge that they continue choosing movies like “The 40-Year-old version.” not just because it’s good, but because it comes from a place that hollywood pretends doesn’t exist.
Welcome to the movies, radha blank. It may have taken 40 years, but we’re more than happy to have you.
Contact Aidan O’Malley at aomalle2@nd.edu
Director: Radha Blank
Starring: Radha Blank, Peter Y. Kim, T.J. Atoms
If you liked: “Frances Ha,” “Appropriate Behavior”
on sept. 28, 2020, barbici Italian street Food closed the doors of its 104 north eddy street location for the last time.
Located just off of notre dame’s campus, the restaurant, per that cover the location’s glass double-doors read: “sadly, barbici is no longer in operation. We have enjoyed these six
For those of us who keep our eyes on eddy street, this
often outweigh the former. no matter how slow the business of a chipotle, Five Guys or blaze may be, their corporate money can come from elsewhere when it fails to sufficiently smaller, locally owned businesses are not so lucky and every student or south bend local who walks through the
cajun offerings of Yats won widespread praise from stu-
If a third element allows for a business’s survival on eddy street, then it is alcohol. brothers and o’rourke’s are, by no means, national brands. students don’t go to them because they know the quality will be high. but, college-aged barbici seems to have been an attempt to reconcile the demands of eddy street with local ownership.
others, checking to make sure that its eddy street location really was the only one. And, if that was not enough, barbici Italian street Food offered alcohol options throughout its Shamrocks: 3.5 out of 5
barbici seemed to be a test run for an idea that had the potential to expand much farther than south bend. After all, brands like sweet Green and chipotle began with nearly the same idea — seeking to expand the subway model into
MAGGIE KLAERS | The Observer another cuisine — and saw nationwide success as a result. how had barbici identified a glaring vacancy within the market and still failed?
The answer lies in that barbici sought to fill a vacancy that never existed and had, in fact, been occupied for years by its neighbor just down the street.
The ordering process at blaze Pizza and barbici Italian street Food is not so different. A type of bread/pasta is chosen as the base, options for sauce are provided and then cheese, vegetable and protein options are picked from. The difference lies in that one provides a pizza dish while the other provides a pasta one.
The American people are more attracted to pizza as a quick meal. I don’t need to prove that to you. blaze cooks all its ingredients upon order instead of opting for the preheated, buffet-style that barbici employed. Further, blaze had a history and funding while the restaurant in question did not. barbici Italian street Food never had a chance on eddy street. six years is impressive, truly, but a single event was always going to come along and sweep them off their feet (in a bad way). In this case, covId-19 dealt the final blow.
Perhaps if barbici had placed its first restaurant in a location where a direct competitor didn’t already have an established foothold, then it could have expanded more — seven, maybe eight restaurants across the greater michiana area could have been a possibility. but, like Icarus, barbici flew too close to the sun and desired a spot on the ever-busy eddy street. Glue melts off feathers just as easily as customers flow out a door.
The observer | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 | ndsmcobserver.com
By JAKE WINNINGHAM
Associate scene editor
The year is 1985 — or is it 1955? marty mcFly stands over his sleeping father, dressed in a hazmat suit and armed with a Walkman. he’s darth vader from planet vulcan, and he has one chance to prove that he’s from outer space. The name on his cassette is all he needs, music so futuristic and alien that it could only have come from outside the milky Way. marty presses play, sending his father on the same journey countless music fans have experienced since 1979 — all thanks to one edward van halen. born in Amsterdam and raised in Pasadena, eddie van halen was groomed to be a concert pianist until a chance encounter with cream’s version of “I’m so Glad” inspired him to pick up the electric guitar. Along with his drummer brother, Alex, eddie bounced around the Los Angeles music scene from his adolescent years before settling into what would become van halen in the early ‘70s. From there, van halen (the guitarist and the band) rocketed into the stratosphere, becoming the premiere stadium rock act of the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, even while switching lead singers and sounds. eddie — who died last week at 65 after a prolonged struggle with throat cancer — was the band’s one constant, an enigmatic guitar god who reshaped the sound of an entire genre in his own grinning image. even if he’s not the full-stop greatest rock guitarist of all time — general opinion points to Jimi hendrix; my vote would be for Jimmy Page — eddie is probably the most imitated. Which isn’t to say he was ever truly replicated; the droves of guitarists on YouTube who can play “eruption” note-for-note still can’t hope to duplicate the exact feeling of that song. running a mere 105 seconds, “eruption” is the most significant rock guitar solo in history, introducing the finger-tapping technique — with origins in flamenco guitar and violin methods — to millions of fans and copycats worldwide. coming on van halen’s eponymous 1978 debut album, the song’s footprint is so massive that the billboard charts can’t do it justice; only the richter scale could measure the impact of “eruption.”
That same album basically functions as a greatest hits
By LEXI KILCOIN
scene Writer of enchantment … is what I would say if I was an evil me right. It’s officially spooky season! most, however we can’t let that stop us from having a ery and discover the true witch in all of us. children to enhance their beauty. They were then hanged the black flamed candle while trying to impress a girl, Allison, and brought the sisters back from the dead. The compilation, opening with “runnin’ With The devil” and
burning through “eruption,” “You really Got me,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” and a handful of other classics in short order. It’s tempting to look at the LP as the summation of van halen’s appeal; the opening of “You really Got me” is to guitar riffs what “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” is to novels, so simple and so obvious as to mask its genius.
The hallmarks of the band’s first iteration are all here: eddie’s revolutionary technique, Alex’s metalhead-withswing drumming, bassist michael Anthony’s golden backing vocals and, most of all, frontman david Lee roth’s inimitable drawl, blending buddy holly squeaks with rat Pack louche. The tracks themselves are timeless, whether it’s the onomatopoetic guitar wails on “Jamie’s cryin’” or the problematic, propulsive “Feel Your Love Tonight.” The band could have retired after “van halen” and still made a name for themselves in the annals of rock history; an album released only a year later, though, shows that eddie and the crew had loftier goals in mind. 1979’s “van halen II” is one of those sequels — like “The empire strikes back” or the new Testament — that improves in every way upon its already-legendary predecessor. The harsh, angular singles of the first album are replaced here with the eternal-summer feel of “dance the night Away” and “beautiful Girls”; these are Pantheon songs in the classical sense, as if Zeus condemned Atlas to do a keg stand for eternity instead of holding up the heavens. opening with an unrecognizable take on Linda ronstadt’s “You’re no Good” is “van halen II” in a nutshell; you’ve heard these kinds of songs before, but you’ve never heard them quite like this.
The group’s next three albums — 1980’s “Women and children First,” 1981’s “Fair Warning” and 1982’s “diver down” — all carry the same reputation: middling LPs with moments of effortless brilliance like the tribal sparseness of “everybody Wants some!!” or the way roth asks “have you seen Junior’s grades?” on “And the cradle Will rock.” Two years later, eddie’s burgeoning interest in keyboards led to the album that cemented the band’s place in the mainstream while ensuring the demise of its original lineup. “1984” finds eddie playing the rudimentary opening chords of number-one hit “Jump” with one hand while which witch you are.
Winnie Sanderson
room? Well if this is the case then you’re in luck because ness is typically what drives her to make her decisions, especially when it comes to her 300-year grudge about mess with her, you might as well be dead meat.
If you find problem-solving easy, enjoy casting spells, or if you particularly like to bask in the limelight, or moonlight, I’d encourage you to embrace your inner Winnie. no time.
Sarah Sanderson
is fascinated by everything giving her a childlike innocence. While her childlike personality can be charming, pushing roth out the back door with the other, the group’s
MAGGIE KLAERS | The Observer increasingly synthesizer-laden sound alienating their proudly retro frontman.
The behind-the-scenes strife is nowhere to be found on the album itself, though; in retrospect, it may be the band’s most complete effort. “hot For Teacher” isn’t the best van halen song, but it may the “most” van halen song, especially when it comes to roth; while his tales of childhood crushes and backseat trysts were always tongue-in-cheek, “hot For Teacher” finally tells us whose tongue is in whose cheek. “Panama” is immortal, and with good reason: the beginning of the song should come up when you look for “riff” in merriam-Webster. roth’s departure cleared the way for radio-rock mainstay sammy hagar, whose sleek, anthemic albums with the band have always left me a little cold. van halen’s popularity only increased with hagar at the helm, though, and tracks like “Why can’t This be Love” and “Finish What Ya started” retain much of the original lineup’s charm. The group wasn’t immune to the shifting tides of pop music, and the dual waves of grunge and rap rendered hard-rock bands like van halen obsolete in the eyes of pop radio. They continued to tour, though, and occasionally turned out a solid single (2012’s “stay Frosty” is what “Ice cream man” would be if the latter song was as funny as eddie and roth obviously thought). At the time of eddie’s death, the group was debating the merits of taking on a new tour with both lead singers — true to form, most of the discussion seemed to be happening in public interviews. van halen wasn’t originally named after its lead guitarist; instead, the band initially went by Genesis, unaware of the british group with the same name. It was as Genesis that eddie first began performing “eruption” live, working through the song before audiences in real time. eddie whittled down those ten-minute-plus performances piece by piece until it became the tight, 1:45 solo that would make van halen (née Genesis) famous. The band’s original name wouldn’t have fit anyway — it took God seven whole days to make the world, but it only took eddie van halen a minute and a half to change it.
come little children, I’ll take thee away into a land sanderson sister from salem, massachusetts. You heard halloween might look a little different this year than great october. In honor of halloween being a mere 17 days away, let’s dive into the tale of “hocus Pocus” witch-
For my non-halloween lovers, “hocus Pocus” takes place in salem, massachusetts, home of the witch trials some 300 years ago. sanderson sisters Winifred, sarah and mary were accused of witchcraft as well as eating in the trials. Three hundred years later, a virgin, max, lit two teens, plus max’s little sister dani, had to save salem once again from the evil sanderson sisters. but spooky season is all about, well, being spooky. so let’s find out
do you ever feel like you’re the smartest person in the you might have a ghoul-sister. Winnie sanderson is extremely talented and enjoys the spotlight. her stubbornher dead boyfriend. she is the witch in charge, and if you
she’ll be sure to have you saying “bow down witches” in
Is your inner child is ready to come out and play? sarah sanderson would say, “Yes please!” This free spirit loves to flirt and can be a bit of a ditz, in a good way of course. she
Contact Jake Winningham at jwinning@nd.edu
ELLIS RIOJAS | The Observer she is also a pivotal part in the capture of children by enchanting them with her beautiful singing voice.
If you like to embrace your inner five-year-old and aren’t afraid of others’ judgments, sarah will help you creep it real.
Mary Sanderson
do you have a keen sense of smell … for children? Probably not, but this witch does. mary sanderson is extremely loyal as well as a key part of her ghastly team by tracking down children with her super sense of smell that can not only find children but can also decipher their age. she can seem a bit strange at first, but when you get to know her, she is charming in her own special way. often staying back to observe from behind, she is a bit of a wallflower.
If you are a team player with a bit of a crazy side you and mary will surely brew up a storm. by now you have an idea of which witch you are, but if you’re eager to know the truth, take this buzzfeed quiz and find out for yourself.
SquARE COmiC | XXX
SuDOku | The mePhAm grouP
Happy Birthday: Tie up loose ends. get rid of clutter, and prepare for new beginnings. A change of scenery will spark your creative imagination. Think big, but don’t exceed your budget. hesitation will lead to regret and uncertainty. know what you want, and be honest with those who will be affected by the decisions you make. A financial gain looks promising. your numbers are 3, 9, 20, 27, 33, 39, 49. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Learn, explore and research. The better prepared you are, the less aggravated you will become. stay calm, and focus on what you want to accomplish. don’t take offense if someone is difficult. keep the peace, and go about your business. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): make a change that will give you the boost you need to try something new. discuss your intentions with someone close to you, and it will help give you a different perspective on life, love and the meaning of success. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Think twice before you get involved in someone’s business. Protect your reputation, stick to your principles and avoid compromising situations. Take care of personal problems and responsibilities, and let others fend for themselves. Avoid gossip. CANCER (June 21-July 22): make fitness and health priorities. fix up your space to fit your current lifestyle. Let others know your intentions, and share your thoughts and feelings. spend quality time with someone special. Love is on the rise, and romance will enhance your life. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Take time to do your own thing. don’t let generosity put you in a difficult position. you cannot buy love, respect or loyalty. If someone uses you, know enough to walk away. concentrate on self-improvement and personal gains. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): embrace change and what life has to offer. be part of the solution, not the problem. set high standards, and express your opinions. follow your heart, and don’t back down from adversity. enjoy life, show love and strive for happiness and peace of mind. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): frustration and anger won’t help you solve problems or get ahead. expand your mind, restructure your plans and distance yourself from situations that are holding you back. make your position clear, and put the past behind you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A last-minute change will favor you. your patience, consistency and honesty will encourage others to support your efforts. don’t give up or give in. Pursue your goals. clear up an emotional situation with an honest discussion. romance is favored. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): keep your thoughts to yourself, and focus on your responsibilities. Leave nothing to chance or in someone else’s hands. A change at home or work will have pros and cons. A moderate approach and a tight budget will help you stay on track. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): discuss your intentions before you start. The suggestions you receive will have an impact on the way you proceed. A joint venture and a financial gain look promising. Aim to make personal improvements, and choose peace and love over discord. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): keep your money and possessions out of sight. expect an added expense due to someone else. An intelligent approach will be more effective than getting into a dispute over something that has already happened. choose your words wisely. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): stand your ground, and get things done. The changes you suggest will draw attention as well as encourage exciting offers. expect a financial change, gift or proposal to come your way. Prepare to commit. celebrate with someone you love. Birthday Baby: you are powerful, determined and secretive. you are inventive and tenacious.
JumBlE | dAvId hoyT And Jeff knurek
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LeBron is the new definition of GOAT
Thomas A. Zwiller
sports Writer
The Latin name for goat is capra aegagrus hircus, a member of the family bovidae, the order artiodactyla, the class mammalia, the phylum chordata — I could go on but I’ll spare you the time. I believe the classification of ‘goat’ now needs a change. The domain of GoAT (greatest of all time) is now the domain of Lebron James. by securing his fourth championship, and his fourth Finals mvP, the GoAT is now Lebron James. James has fi nally overthrown michael Jordan for the title, and here’s why:
ring counting:
Yes, michael Jordan is a six-time nbA champion and yes, James is a four-time nbA champion. Yes, I am aware that six is two more than four and that michael has more rings than James. but by that logic, bill russell is the true GoAT with his impressive 11-ring count. Yet still, Jim Loscutoff and robert horry with seven rings are better than michael Jordan, and they haven’t even been inducted into the naismith hall of Fame. While yes, ring counting is a good way of determining who great players are, it should not be the be all end all of who is the GoAT. otherwise, Jordan is only the 12th-greatest player to play in the nbA, and I don’t think anyone thinks that. I think James’ rings, frankly, are more impressive the Jordan’s in some regards.
James won two with the heat, which is fine to me — those were good years in miami. but then he came home to cleveland and brought them their only nbA championship and the city’s first title after a long drought. not only did he do that, but he did it coming back from being down 3-1 to the Golden state Warriors. These just weren’t any old team however, these Warriors were the defending champs, and had just completed a 73-9 season the best in nbA regular season history. Then you look at James’ title in Los Angeles with the Lakers, the most historic championship ever. It tied the boston celtics, who had a record of 17 championships that the Lakers have now tied. James ended a playoff drought and a title drought for the Lakers in one fell swoop. It was done amidst a pandemic and social justice issues. It was done in the name of Kobe bryant, who had died just nine months before. It was done in a season, counting the preseason, that was over a year long. It was done in a bubble, isolated from fans, friends and family. What James doesn’t have in quantity, he makes up for in quality.
Jordan is 6-0 in the Finals:
Another argument that perplexes me in the GoAT discussion is the fact that michael Jordan is 6-0 in the Finals is treated like Jordan went 1,000-0 in the Finals. This compared to James going 4-6 in the finals is being treated as an indelible mark against James and his career. remind me, why are we punishing James for making it to the Finals more times than Jordan? Instead of weighing their records in the Finals, why don’t we look at the record of the two making it to the nbA Finals? Jordan played for 15 years, 13 for the bulls and two for the Wizards. he went to the Finals six times, meaning his record of making it to the Finals is 6-9, and even if you take away the Wizards years, he went 6-7. James on the other hand has played for 17 seasons and made the Finals 10 times. That gives James a 10-7 record in making the Finals. Winning a conference championship is incredibly hard, and James has four more of them than Jordan, which in my mind counts for something. If you’re the GoAT like Jordan, shouldn’t you have been able to roll through the playoffs? James could carry his teams deeper into the playoffs, doing more and getting farther. Are you really going to knock James for doing more than Jordan?
Finals mVps:
one of the biggest storylines to come out of the nbA Finals was that James is now the first player in the history of the nbA to win Finals mvP on three different teams for a total of four. While yes, I am aware that Jordan has six Finals mvPs, and yes, I am aware that six is two more than four, I still think that James’ Finals mvPs are more impressive, for the reason above. no player has ever taken three separate teams to the Finals and then won while being the Finals mvP. Jordan has six, and yes that is impressive in its own right, but they were all won with the same team. The bulls were a good team — even without Jordan they were a playoff-caliber team. The year Jordan stepped away and played baseball with the birmingham barons, the bulls went 55-27 and made it to the eastern conference semi-Finals, losing narrowly to the Knicks in seven Games. Jordan’s absence was not the end of the team, the team could play on and win without him to be fair Jordan did elevate them.
When James left a team, however, it had devastating consequences for them. In his last year with the cavaliers before leaving for the heat, James led to them to a 6121 record and a conference semifinal. When James went to the heat, the cavaliers literally did a 180, going 19-63 and missing the playoffs by 43 games. When James went back to the cavaliers, they returned to winning form, going 53-29, and going all the way to the Finals. meanwhile, the heat fell to 37-45, missing the playoffs altogether. When James left the cavilers for the Lakers the cavilers had just gone 50-32 and made an nbA Final, the Lakers had just gone 35-47 and missed the playoffs. The following year, the Lakers went 37-45, largely due to a James injury, but more tellingly the cavaliers had gone 19-63.
In conclusion, James simply changed the math by winning four Finals mvPs for three separate teams. he may never win six Finals like Jordan did, but the fact that he has now done it for the heat, the cavaliers and now the Lakers shows he can do it anywhere. James isn’t done either, the Lakers are currently favorites to win the nbA Finals next year, and even if they don’t win, they will make some serious noise. I expect to see James hoist the trophy at least one more time. As James said, “I want my damn respect,” I suggest you listen to the man and recognize your new GoAT.
Contact Thomas A. Zwiller at tzwiller@hcc-nd.edu
The views expressed in this Sports Authority are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
Game on for the ‘friendly derby’
Greg McKenna
sports Writer
When I became a soccer fan and developed my fandom for Liverpool Football club, in the spirit of the so-called “friendly derby” (well actually, just to get under my skin), my brother naturally chose to support everton. by electing to support the city’s smaller, less successful team that eventually became dubbed “the People’s club”, he gave himself the opportunity to brand me as the “bandwagon” fan. he suggested that I become a Warriors fan as well more times than I would have liked, but his moral superiority could only go so far to dull the pain of consistent mediocrity. When the two clubs situated less than three-fifths of a mile apart meet in the 238th edition of the merseyside derby saturday, it will be precisely a decade since the Toffees last beat the reds — a 2-0 win at Goodison Park, the site of this saturday’s clash. current Arsenal manager mikel Arteta scored for everton that day, while then-Liverpool captain steven Gerrard is now trying to deny celtic’s pursuit of 10 straight league titles in scotland as manager of rangers. The managers at the time, roy hodgson for Liverpool and david moyes for everton, have worked a combined seven different jobs since.
For the first time my brother and I can remember, however, it will be reds chasing the Toffees in the league table. It may be the fifth game in each side’s 2020 campaign, but the madness before the international break adds tremendous significance to saturday’s match. normally, a college football saturday sans notre dame means I make time to consume ePL action on sunday, but I fortunately spent my saturday two weeks ago watching Alabama and Georgia smack Texas A&m and Auburn, respectively. The following afternoon, I thankfully missed Liverpool become the first defending champions of england to let in seven goals in a single match since 1953. on a day when the football world was already in shock after a listless manchester United conceded six times to Tottenham hotspur at home, Liverpool practically said “hold my beer” with a 7-2 loss at Aston villa, who avoided relegation last year by a single point. Liverpool has had one of the best defenses in europe over the past two years, largely thanks to the acquisition of man-mountain virgil van dijk, but Jurgen Klopp’s men became the first Liverpool side to concede seven times since a 1963 loss to spurs. everton, meanwhile, are basking in the brilliance of three-time champions League-winning manager carlo Ancelotti. For the last half-decade, everton has spent plenty of money despite their “People’s club” moniker, but have been unable to avoid chronic underachievement. The signing of former real madrid and bayern munich midfielder James rodriguez already looks like money well spent after three goals and two assists in four Premier League games, but he has not even been the real revelation.
Joining villa as the only other team still with an 100% record, everton currently sit atop of the table as they look to maintain a historic start to the season. If they beat Liverpool for the first time in 23 tries on saturday, everton will have won their first eight games in all competitions, which they last accomplished in the 1894-95 season. The result of that eighth game? A 3-0 victory in the first official merseyside derby, of course. everton has struggled notoriously at Anfield, where they last won in 1999, but should feel due for a big result at home. The last two times Liverpool has made the journey across stanley Park to play everton at Goodison, the Toffees have held the reds to scoreless draws, no small feat considering Liverpool picked up a total of 196 points out of a possible 228 during the last two league campaigns. of course, the debacle at villa Park might only awaken Klopp’s dynamic machine that Liverpool fans like me have come to know and love, and there has been some very encouraging news on the injury and illness front. captain Jordan henderson is set to return after a thigh problem, while sadio mane and Thiago Alcantara are back from isolation after testing positive for covId-19 earlier in the month. All three missed the villa game, but they should all feature in some capacity on saturday. regardless, soccer fans everywhere will be salivating over the genuine possibility that one of the world’s oldest derbies will be the showdown it should be once again. Liverpool’s decade of dominance took some sting out of the rivalry, but Klopp’s men will defi nitely have their hands full come saturday. Unfortunately, the two terrific fan bases will not have a real opportunity to contribute to the spectacle put on by two top teams led by two famed managers. however, divided households in england’s northwest, and around the world, should be in for a treat.
There are not many things I would wake up at 7:30 on a saturday for, but it will be worth it if I am the one gloating to my brother over FaceTime after the fi nal whistle.
Contact Greg McKenna at gmckenn2@nd.edu
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
notre dame prepares to build momentum in road game against virginia Tech
Observer Sports Staff
The Irish (2-2, 1-1 Acc) are headed to blacksburg, va. to take on virginia Tech (0-1, 0-1 Acc). notre dame will look to build momentum off of their 1-0 win over syracuse. now 0.500 on the season, notre dame is out to make a statement at Thompson Field this sunday.
When asked about what he wanted to improve upon following the win, head coach chad riley said, “When we go up by a goal, we should be a better possession team I think we could have done better with the ball in the last twenty minutes.”
Passing is also high on riley’s priority list for practice.
“There were moments where we could have been a little bit sharper with our passing to create a few more chances,” said riley.
At the time of publication, virginia Tech has only played one game this season, taking
FOOTBAll Observer Sports Staff
now former notre dame linebacker Jordan Genmark heath announced via Twitter sunday night that he will be joining the UcLA bruins. hailing from san diego, cA, Genmark heath, a three-star safety recruit per 247sports.com, was converted to linebacker and saw action in a rotational capacity each of his first three seasons in south bend. he recorded 16 tackles in both his freshman and sophomore campaigns, and posted 10 tackles, including his first career tackle for loss, in his junior season. The best statistical performances of Genmark heath’s career came via a six-tackle showing at northwestern in 2018 and a five-tackle performance against LsU in the 2017 citrus bowl.
With current senior linebackers drew White and Jeremiah owusu-Koramoah — both of whom tied for the team lead in tackles last season with 80 each — helming the starting mike linebacker and rover positions, respectively, Genmark heath looked to fill the void left by former Irish buck a loss against no. 2 Pittsburgh last saturday. senior Kristo strickler tallied the two points for the hokies in the 2-4 loss to the Panthers. virginia Tech will play virginia this Wednesday before facing the Irish. The hokies hold a three-game win streak in their last three meetings with the Irish but are down 3-6-1 all time in the contest. The Irish are in desperate need of a win, not only to keep their momentum rolling, but also to legitimize a chance of earning a spot in postseason competition. riley mentioned strickler when talking about the upcoming match, saying “he’s their player to watch.” riley also said this weekend’s contest is crucial in terms of notre dame’s chances of earning a coveted spot in the Acc Tournament. The Irish will seek to repeat their strong defensive showing over syracuse. senior goalkeeper Keegan mcLaughlin had four saves in the match, and junior midfielder mohamed omar was mentioned by coach riley as having a strong game. notre dame faces off against virginia Tech this sunday at 11 cast live on the Acc network.
Allison ThornTon | The observer
Irish senior midfielder Aiden McFadden dribbles the ball during Notre Dame’s 1-0 win over University of Denver on Sept. 8, 2019 at Alumni Stadium. Junior forward Jack Lynn scored the game-winning goal.
heath to transfer to UcLA
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cosgrove announces leave of absence
a.m, the game will be broadlinebacker Asmar bilal. bilal, who exhausted his eligibility after last season and signed with the Los Angeles chargers this fall, struggled his first three seasons to live up to his billing as a former four-star prospect and no. 7 inside linebacker recruit nationally, but broke through in 2019 after moving from rover to buck, finishing third on the team in tackles with 79. notre dame fans hoped that defensive coordinator and linebackers coach clark Lea would be able to spark a similar development in Genmark heath going into this season. however, a lack of spring practice left Genmark heath without sufficient time to solidify a starting role. despite rumblings that he may have managed to earn that spot in fall camp, he failed to crack the two-deep notre dame depth chart ahead of their season opener against duke. Genmark heath promptly announced that he would transfer the same day that the depth chart was released. barring a redshirt, Genmark heath will have one year of eligibility remaining with the bruins.
Observer Sports Staff
notre dame women’s basketball forward danielle cosgrove announced Tuesday via Twitter that she would be stepping away from the University for the remainder of the fall semester citing mental health reasons. “There is nothing more important than mental health, and I have been struggling with mine for quite some time,” cosgrove said in the tweet. “After talking it over with my family, teammates and coaching staff, I have decided that I will be taking a leave of absence until the second semester. during this time away focused on my wellbeing, I am hopeful on getting myself to a place to be a healthier person.” A 6-foot-4 junior from holbrook, new York, cosgrove was a member of a four-player 2018 class that featured her along with guards Jordan nixon, Katlyn Gilbert and Abby Prohaska. nixon has since transferred to Texas A&m. cosgrove was a freshman on the 2018-19 notre dame team that finished runners-up nationally after a one-point championship game loss to baylor. during that season she appeared in 27 of 39 games as primarily a 3-point specialist. her playing time increased last season as she appeared in all 31 contests and started four for a rebuilding Irish team. It is unclear when cosgrove will attempt to rejoin the women’s basketball program, but she did express her intent to do so. “I remain committed to my teammates, and I’m excited to support them as they prepare for the upcoming season,” she said.
