JANUARY 20, 2021 • THEONLINECLARION.COM • VOLUME 51, ISSUE 9 • MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE ARTS
OPINIONS
SPORTS
Ramen noodles are transformed in creative dish » 9
What is your resolution this year?
Picking the winners of the NFC and AFC championships »12
We all get asked this question, but years like 2020 presented the type of hardships that make it even more difficult to achieve your New Year’s promise » 6
Advocate for the student body, join the Student Senate EIMY GONZALEZ News Editor
PHOTO PROVIDED TO THE CLARION
Alfreeda L. Davidson, a nursing graduate, was the student speaker for the Fall 2020 graduation.
College hosts virtual graduation ceremony ANICA GRANEY Editor-in-Chief The end of 2020 also marked the end of a semester at Madison College, and while this last semester had its challenges, 893 students rose to the challenge and were eligible to graduate this past December. Of the 893 students eligible, 279 participated in the graduation ceremony which took place virtually on Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. The Student Life department, along with many others, were the ones overseeing and directing the virtual graduation ceremony. “It is really a team effort with a number of other departments involved including Marketing,” said Director of Student Life Renee Alfano. Putting together a virtual graduation ceremony comes with its own set of unique challenges as compared to a regular, in-person ceremony. “It’s always a little nerve-wracking because you never know if things will work out right, but everything worked fine
and the ceremony went well, technology worked well, everything went smoothly,” said Alfano. Student Life utilized MarchingOrder, a company that puts together graduation slideshows, and had staff member Anna Purnell read the names of the graduates using the college’s radio station equipment. After that was completed, the slideshow was sent off to be captioned. “That’s probably the part that if anything were to go wrong, it’s going to be right there because we have to do that in a matter of three days, but it all went well and it all worked out.” Even though the graduation was not in-person, students who wanted one still received their caps and gowns for the occasion. “Even though it’s not ideal for the graduates, our goal is to always try and make it special for them and so we want to really try to do the best job that we can because there are family members and friends that may be watching,” said Alfano.
“Some students have even said that this was their first time participating in a graduation due to life’s circumstances not allowing them to participate in previous ceremonies, so we just wanted to make it special even though it may be more difficult to do online, it’s what we have right now.” The ceremony began with speeches by Madison College President Dr. Jack Daniels III and Madison College District Board of Trustees Chair Francis M. Huntley-Cooper. The ceremony then continued with a speech by the student speaker, Alfreeda Davidson, who graduated from the nursing program, and a slideshow of all the graduates who chose to take part. Each graduate had a slide with their name, program, a message and a photo if they chose to include one. The virtual graduation ceremony and program is still available for viewing on Madison College’s website found here at https://madisoncollege.edu/graduation-ceremony.
As a new semester begins so does the search for new students eager to advocate for the student body and seize new skills. The Student Senate, with the loss of students who graduated or transferred last fall, has vacancies available that promise great learning and growth opportunities. The Student Senate has varied achievements that were pursued for the interest of the Madison College community. They maintain close relationships with students and are constantly researching the different problematics that they are facing to work up to different solutions. To this day, the Student Senate has successfully provided the college with the Food Pantry, to battle food insecurity, and the Textbook Rental program which has eased the issue of textbook affordability. The structure of the Student Senate has been established to hear and work for the college community as a whole. Therefore, besides the open positions for online or Truax students, there are specific positions that need to be filled by students from the South Campus and the regional campuses. Now, there are openings for Watertown, Reedsburg, Fort Atkinsons, and the Goodman South. Additionally, there are 10 general position openings for any student, regardless of campus or program. However, the requirements of entry need to be met, this include being enrolled in three or more-degree credits, pay supplemental fees, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Alternative winter break finds recipe for success HAILEY GRIFFIN Arts Editor This year’s alternative winter break varied from that of previous years. In the past, alternative winter break consisted of traveling to different states across the U.S., assisting in tasks like tutoring children, removing invasive species, cleaning up litter, or painting homes. Because of the pandemic, students were unable to travel and participate in typical alternative break activities. Instead, Madison College staff and students had to find ways to give back to the community in a virtual setting. So, from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15, they did
just that. Brianna Stapleton-Welch, Volunteer Center Advisor, and Carolyn Kosabucki, Student Coordinator, hosted the alternative winter break event, and helped connect students with different virtual projects that could make a difference. “We tried to connect with some local opportunities, and we were really trying to think about what students could do from their homes…so, we partnered with the Madison College Cupboard Food Pantry,” said Stapleton-Welch. In their partnership with the food pantry, the eight students who participated this year devised
recipes that could be handed out in the bags that Madison College’s Cupboard Food Pantry usually uses for distribution. Over the course of the three-day alternative break, devising recipes for the food pantry was not the only activity that student participants were engaged in. Participants listened to guest speakers from the Wisconsin Historical Society and contributed to the Society’s COVID-19 Journal Project, submitting journal entries about their experience throughout the pandemic and what it has been like. » SEE BREAK PAGE 5
ANICA GRANEY / CLARION
As a Student Senator there needs to be great commitment to ensure that the goals are met in a timely and satisfactory matter. However, the responsibilities and time dedicated vary depending on the position. Student Senate members meet each week for 1-1/2 to 2 hours and are expected to attend it every Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. online through Microsoft Teams. Each member is also expected to participate » SEE SENATE PAGE 5
2 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
THE CLARION
OFFTHESHELF
NEWSROOM
By Mark Luetkehoelter and Mark Perkins, Librarians
Storytelling with Madison College Libraries THE STUDENT VOICE OF MADISON AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
2020-2021 Anica Graney EDITOR IN CHIEF
clarioned@madisoncollege.edu
Chris Bird
MANAGING EDITOR
clarion@madisoncollege.edu
Eimy Gonzalez NEWS EDITOR
clarionnews@madisoncollege.edu
Kaleia Lawrence OPINION EDITOR
clarionopinion@madisoncollege.edu
Hailey Griffin ARTS EDITOR
clarionopinion@madisoncollege.edu
Kyle Kunz SPORTS EDITOR
clarionsports@madisoncollege.edu
We’d like to tell you some stories. National Storytelling Week is being celebrated Jan. 30, through Feb. 6. The Madison College Libraries will be using the occasion to launch its new Read Along series of online storytelling events. A 2017 online article in Forbes by Celinne Da Costa entitled, “Why Every Business Needs Powerful Storytelling to Grow,” points out that “storytelling connects us, helps us make sense of the world, and communicates our values and beliefs.” A search on storytelling as a subject term in the library’s subscription database PsycARTICLES brings up multiple articles on the mental health value of the storytelling practice. Jonathan Gottschall’s
Vacant PHOTO EDITOR
WEB EDITOR
Emily Merlin
Hannah Dotzler Elise Fjelstad Paige Zezulka COPY EDITORS
Michelle Meyer
BUSINESS DIRECTOR
clarionads@madisoncollege.edu
Cassandra Cullen BROADCAST GENERAL MANAGER
clarionmedia@madisoncollege.edu
Ivan Becerril-Gutierrez Maia Lathrop GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Analea Brown Cole Downing Craig McKinley Boh Suh Staff Writers
Brittney Williams Photographers
Doug Kirchberg ADVISOR
dkirchberg@madisoncollege.edu CONTACT US
NEWS PHONE: (608) 246-6809 ADVERTISING PHONE:(608) 243-4809 FAX: (608) 246-6488
SUBMISSIONS To submit an item for publication, drop it off at The Clarion office, Room B1260G Truax and Room D237 Downtown, or email it to clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All opinions expressed in editorials and advertisements do not necessarily represent those of the Madison College administration, faculty, the student body or the Clarion staff. CORRECTIONS The Clarion strives for accuracy in all of its articles. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at (608) 246-6809 or e-mail: clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. REMEMBERING Adam Lee Suby, 1987-2009 Philip Ejercito, 1981-2013
library’s Wisconsin Author collection. Other reading focuses will celebrate African American History Month, Women’s History Month, and Poetry Month, plus some possible surprise readings. Different library staff, as well as potentially some special guests, will do the readings. While many of the readings will be English, some will also be in Spanish. Look for more information about the program upcoming on the
PUBLICSAFETY
Mariah Mallek
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
book “The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human,” available for checkout from the Madison College Libraries, argues that stories help us navigate life’s complex social problems. Through WebEx and YouTube recordings, the library’s new Read Along series will feature different thematic readings. A couple of the reading focuses will highlight the library’s Children’s Diversity Collection as well as the
By Sgt. Lucas Adler
To enter campus this spring, you must complete survey Welcome back to Madison College! We at Public Safety hope you had a fun and safe holiday break. Procedures on campus will remain the same as they were the previous semester. Prior to entering the building, please complete the COVID screener survey. There are signs on the doors that have a QR code that you can scan with your smart phone that will take you to the screening survey. Also, you can go to Madisoncollege.edu/covid and click the link labeled “COVID Screener Survey.” Upon successful completion of the survey a green check mark will appear. Take a screenshot of this on your phone to show the screener upon entry to the building. If you do not pass the survey, a red stop sign will appear. If this happens, contact the COVID Screener at the information listed below for further direction. Do NOT enter the building until you are cleared by the screener. If you do not have access to a smart phone, you can print your results off on a home computer or complete the survey verbally with one of the screeners at the door. This is required for all staff, students, and faculty to enter the building. If you have any questions, you can contact the Madison College COVID Screener at CovidScreener@madisoncollege.edu or call 608-243-4880. If you have any questions regarding Public Safety, send me an email at Lfadler@madisoncollege.edu or call my desk at 608-243-4165.
WolfPack Welcome
Have you signed up to receive WolfPack Alerts from Madison College? These alerts notify you of school cancellations or about emergencies on or near campus.
library’s home page. In addition to the new Read Along series, the library’s trivia page at https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/ trivia will also feature the theme of storytelling during January and February. Give the trivia quiz a try, and you may even win a prize. The Read Along series hopes in some small way to help to form connections and hopefully broaden perspectives. There are a lot of quotes about the power and benefits of storytelling, but to close, this simple quote from the fantasy author Brandon Sanderson seems most apt for what we’re trying to accomplish: “The purpose of a storyteller is not to tell you how to think, but to give you questions to think upon.”
CAMPUS UPDATES Clarion staff
Programs and Activities Council has open roles The Programs & Activities Council is looking for creative students who are interested in coordinating virtual events for Madison College students. We’re also looking for one student to help create exciting content for our social media platforms! Email pac@ madisoncollege.edu for more information.
Join the Yahara Journal editing team this spring Students who are interested in creative writing or the arts are invited to join the Yahara Journal’s editing team. The Yahara Journal is Madison College’s fine arts and literary journal. The group hosts poetry readings, art shows, writing contests and other events. It also produces an annual journal of student work. Meetings are held virtually every Friday at 1 p.m. To join, just email yaharajournal@madisoncollege.edu
Work on You Wednesday leadership workshops
SCREENSHOT PROVIDED BY SGT. LUCAS ADLER
Don’t forget to take a screenshot of your COVID Screener Survey results before arriving on campus. If not, please do so on our webpage. Registration is free, easy and takes about a minute on your mobile device. In addition to our Facebook page, we have a Twitter account! Be sure to follow @PublicSafetyMC to stay informed of what’s happening on your campus. If in need to report an emergency or have other campus safety concerns, please contact our department at 2452222; Public Safety Officers are available 24/7.
Student Life’s Work on You Wednesday leadership workshop series will resume this spring. The first session will be held on Feb. 3, at 11:30 a.m. in a virtual meeting room at https://bit.ly/S21WOYW. For more information about the workshop series, contact Student Life Program Coordinator Ellie Rome at erome@madisoncollege.edu.
WTCS Ambassador Nominations Sought Madison College is seeking nominations for students to serve as its WTCS Student Ambassador for the upcoming school year. For more information, email erome@madisoncollege.edu.
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10
South Campus Dean Honored
Tina Ahedo, the Dean of Students for the Goodman South Campus, was recognized as one of “The 39 Most Influential Latinos in Wisconsin� by Madison 365.
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Items Donated to Help Hospitals
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 | NEWS | 3
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Within two weeks of the start of the Fall 2020 semester, UW-Madison placed Witte and Sellery Residence Halls under a 14-day quarantine to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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A robotic farming maching that plants, waters and weeds crops to be used by the STEM Center to help bring more awareness to how technology can be used to support sustainable lifestyles.
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Foundation Helps During Pandemic
In early April, Madison College and its Foundation offered assistance to students who found themselves in need due to the COVID-19 shutdown that began in March.
MADISON COLLEGE
2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
College donates personal protective equipment and loans 18 ventilators to local hospitals, including Meriter and UW Health, to help alleviate shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FarmBot Arrives in STEM Center
Two Dorms Placed in Quarantine
3
Joe Biden Wins Presidential Race
Roughly four days after the voting ended, former Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. He carried Wisconsin by about 10,000 votes.
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George Floyd Scholarship
Madison College establishes a George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, joining colleges across the nation in showing support for the black community by establishing a fund in his name.
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Work on New Child Care Facility Starts
Madison College begins construction on a new child care facility on campus, completey remodeling the building that was being used to house the Penske Truck Leasing Company.
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Bobby Seale Speaks on Campus
Co-founder of the Black Panther Party shares stories from his life and talks about the importance of leadership, education and reasoning in bringing about social change.
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College Responds to COVID-19 Crisis
Madison College halted on-campus classes with the start of the 2020 spring break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, moving to mostly virtual learning for the rest of the year.
4 | NEWS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
THE CLARION
Biden Inauguration Challenges await new president
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
President-elect Joe Biden addresses supporters at Chase Center in Wilmington, Del., on Nov, 7, 2020, after being named the winner of the Nov. 3 election.
Misinformation
Divided nation
Whether it is politics or COVID-19, misinformation has proliferated in social media in recent years. Multiple conspiracy theorists have taken hold, including the unfounded QAnon theory about Satan-worshipping pedophiles in government. While some of this can be attributed to bad actors from other nations, Zignal Labs found that misinformation about election fraud dropped by 73 percent after Trump was banned from Twitter.
The nation is deeply divided across party lines. Although Democrats have control of the Senate, the chamber is split 50-50, with the deciding vote coming from the vice president. In the House, Republicans actually gained back 10 seats, leaving the Democrats with a much smaller majority, 222 to 211. In the presidential race, Biden won with 51.3 percent of the vote. He received more than 81 million votes, compared to Trump’s 74 million. Even after his most recent impeachment following the riot at the nation’s Capitol, polls from CNN show that the president has an 80 percent approval rating among Republicans.
Global standing A PEW Research Center study of 13 nations released in September shows that the image of the United States has suffered across many regions of the globe. According to the study, “in several countries, the share of the pubic with a favorable view of the United States is as low as it has been at any point since the Center began polling on this topic two decades ago.” In the UK, only 41 percent of the respondents expressed a favorable view of the United States. In France, it was 31 percent, while in Germany it was just 26 percent. Few continue to see the United States as the world’s leading economic power, with only 34 percent of the people in the 13 nations survey endorsing that viewpoint.
Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the United States, where there have been 24 million confirmed cases as of Jan. 18. The Center for Disease Control director Dr. Rochelle Walensky now projects there will be 500,000 deaths from the disease nationally by mid-February.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
NYPD Officers arrest members of the Black Lives Matter counter-protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge roadway trying to block members of various religious groups along with members of Police Unions, SBA, PBA and others from marching on the Brooklyn Bridge to support Police Officers on July 15, 2020.
Police and justice reform An estimated 15 to 26 million people of all races participated in protests over police brutality after the death of George Floyd last summer. State and local politicians proposed laws to reform policing and combat racism, but the battle to bring about change in the justice system is only beginning. In fact, observers have compared the treatment of the rioters at the nation’s Capitol to Black Lives Matters protestors to show the continued inequity.
The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States is scheduled to be held outside the nation’s Capitol at noon (EST) on Jan. 20. Biden is taking office at a particularly difficult time, with the nation in the midst of a raging pandemic and facing a host of other challenges. Here’s a closer look at some of them.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
National Guard troops stand behind security fencing with the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building behind them on Saturday, Jan. 16, in Washington, D.C. After last week’s riots and security breach at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats across all 50 states.
Domestic terror threat As the Jan. 6 riot on Capitol Hill showed, the threat of domestic terror is real. According to a threat assessment report issued by the FBI on Jan. 17, domestic terrorists inspired by racist, anti-government or anarchist ideologies “pose the most likely threat to the 59th Presidential Inauguration” and beyond. Law enforcement officials worry that the “consumption of online violent extremist media” may lead to the continued “radicalization and mobilization process of U.S.-based violent extremists.”
Environmental challenges
Economic issues
Biden has promised to sign executive orders to rejoin the Paris Climate Accord on his first day in office. Still, climate change will have a tremendous impact on the future of the nation. The past seven years have been the hottest seven years on record, according to NASA climate scientists. Hurricanes, wildfires and severe weather threats have been on the rise. Drought and heat sparked unprecedented wildfires in Australia and the Western United States, the Atlantic hurricane season saw a record 30 named storms, and parts of the Artic saw average temperatures more than 10 degrees above normal.
Limits on larger gatherings and other pandemic-related restrictions have had a significant impact on businesses, especially the service, hospitality and tourism industries. The nation’s unemployment rate now stands at 6.7 percent. According the Brookings Institute, small business revenue is down 20 percent from last year and Chapter 11 bankruptcies are up more than 15 percent.
The brown coal power station Kosova B and its adjacent coal power plant A supply energy to the whole country in Obilic near Pristina, Kosovo, on Dec. 17, 2011.
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 | NEWS | 5
BREAK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Meet Clarion Radio’s new GM CLARION FILE PHOTO
Cassandra Cullen is Clarion Radio’s new General Manager, pictured at a radio booth at one of the campus club events.
Cullen’s passion for radio aids her well as she starts her new role PAIGE ZEZULKA Copy Editor Imagine driving home from work. Everything about the journey is the same as the day before. The congested traffic, the light of day turning into dusk and the constant battle of the static on the radio. Finally, one station tunes in clear. Only this time is different, a familiar voice appears. Cassandra Cullen, a Madison College student, realized her passion for broadcasting after her friend mentioned that she heard a “girl” that sounded just like her on the radio on her way home from work one day. Cullen shared the memory while laughing, “I’m like, no, that is me!” “To have someone recognize my voice, I was like, wow, that is awesome!” said Cullen. Little did she know she would be the next general manager for Clarion Radio a year later. The St. Louis, Mo., native, took a courageous leap and moved away from her hometown in 2018 to explore the many options before her. She was one of those people who sacrificed comfort for opportunity. “I really didn’t have, like, a lot in mind as to what I wanted to be, other than being happy.” said Cullen, the jack of all trades. She had envisioned herself once as a veterinarian or the “wife of a rich man,” and even tried many jobs, such as working in fast food to being a caregiver. But nothing truly aligned, until she came to Wisconsin. “I feel everyone should move away from their hometown at least once just to get to know themselves better. I have gotten to know myself so much just by moving six hours away,” said Cullen. After the move, Cullen quickly realized it was time to expand her path even more, which led her to Madison College a year later. As a journalism and marketing student, with a focus on production, Cullen has a lot of passion for the world of media. After joining The Clarion, Madison College’s student-based newspaper in the spring of 2019, this passion only grew. “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I first started school,” said Cullen. Then one moment that all changed. One of her professors mentioned that The Clarion needed some help and she said, “I think I’m going to do that; just so that I can get to know people because I was alone, and I just wanted to meet likeminded people.” The part time student began writing articles as a staff writer for The Clarion, not many but a few to get her feet wet. Though, writing turned into something more when the “grand-dad” of The Clarion introduced Cullen to the broadcasting side of media.
HOW TO JOIN CLARION RADIO
For those who are also interested in a future in broadcasting, The Clarion is there to guide you in the proper direction. With a requirement of just six credits, anyone can join. All one has to do, is fill out the Broadcasting Interest Form on Madison College’s website or contact Cullen via email at: ccullen1@ madisoncollege.edu. The team meets every Wednesday at 2 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. “Doug, he actually pretty much forced me to be like a DJ for an hour on the radio, on Clarion Radio, and I realized how much I really liked that because I do enjoy going to shows, listening to music. So, to be able to let people hear the music I listen to really got me started into wanting to go into media.” Cullen, now the new general manager for the broadcasting team, which consists of Clarion Radio, a YouTube channel and news, is not only a DJ but also runs her own radio show called C@t’s Corner. Cullen’s show consists of random topics, “you know, whatever comes to mind,” and is broadcasted on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. “There is really not one topic that I like to talk about because I do like to learn, and I like to know about things that I had no idea about.” said Cullen. Clarion Radio also airs the show, Good Times, with Sabeel Samrah every Tuesday at 11 a.m. This show entails discussion and music based off positivity. Then, there is World Language Soundscapes, hosted by Britton Downing and his son Cole every Friday at noon, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. This production focuses on Spanish and French music. “The great thing about the Clarion Radio itself is that you can really talk about whatever you want to. So, every week is different.” said Cullen. Clarion Radio allows its listeners to tune in 24/7, providing access to a variety of music and Clarion news. For the radio shows, listeners are only able to listen to them at their designated times. Though, the team is in the process of uploading shows to SoundCloud so viewers can listen in at any given time. Cullen explained the radio station is running into a few difficulties due to the pandemic, making it challenging for newcomers who want to learn. The campus’s COVID-19 guidelines require students to wear masks and only allows students at certain times to visit, which can be tricky when needing to learn something hands on. Even with these roadblocks, Cullen
explained there are ways to work around them. The software Audition that the campus uses is not able to be accessed at home, but students are still able to work from home if they have the ability to record themselves. Once the recording is complete, the individual can send it over to Cullen and she will be able to put the show onto Clarion Radio. Another helpful aspect of Clarion Radio is that they will have different show ideas prepped for students to choose from. “It is difficult to think of a show topic for yourself,” said Cullen. So, the broadcasting team is there for assistance to get students started. At the moment, there are seven people on Clarion Radio’s team, “My hopes for being the general manager is to at least get one or two more people recruited for The Clarion,” said Cullen, “I don’t think people realize that this type of media is very popular, and they don’t know how to get started working in this media and working with Clarion Radio will definitely get you started. You can do as little and as much as you want.” Cullen not only participates with Clarion Radio, but also works part time. She has been employed with a few different jobs since starting school, such as working for the radio station JJO and the sister station, The Resistance at Midwest Family Broadcasting. Before COVID-19 hit, she even worked for Frank Productions assisting with their several venues like the Sylvee, High Noon Saloon, The Majestic and Orpheum Theater. Now, Cullen works for GrubHub, “Which gives me a lot of free time as a driver because I can pick my hours. So, I get to be home, training my dog, and then I can go to school and work as the GM.” With Clarion Radio’s influence, Cullen’s present and future interest is within the world of broadcasting, “With broadcasting, I want to be a part of that. I want people to hear my voice and know that what I’m saying is correct. Not so much like fox news or whatever, or CNN, but unbiased. I want them to think what I say is interesting, that they go and tell their friends.” As broadcasting mediums become more and more popular, such as radio, television and podcasts, people tend to shift their attention away from print-based material. With the media industry always in constant motion, one who indulges in such interest also needs to be up to speed. Cullen, who will soon have a journalism certificate, a marketing degree and background in broadcast media, will shortly have all the necessary tools as well as the momentum to move forward in her career.
They also went on a hunt for little free libraries and little free food pantries in their neighborhoods, donating supplies provided by Madison College. Lastly, participants were able to learn about sustainability from the Madison College’s Green Club. Overall, this year’s alternative winter break was a success. Although it provided a different experience than usual, it still offered a way for students to learn and engage with one another and their community. “We used a lot of different interactive tools. We did breakout rooms. We tried to give everyone a chance to share, I think that was good. I think it was a little bit harder to make that happen than in person, but the students who did it, all shared and all talked, and all participated. So, I feel like it’s because of the good student participation that it was successful,” said Stapleton-Welch. One of the students that participated, Marguerite Kuhnke, said that she looks forward to the next alternative break. “Each day it was something new, something fun. Having the presentations from the Historical Society, from the Green Club, it was something new for me to learn, so I took in everything. Every day I learned something new, so it was really good for me,” said Kuhnke. For Kuhnke, the alternative winter break was not only a learning experience but also a good way to interact with others. “It was just really neat. We had fun. So, I think we were like a little mini-community—virtual if that makes sense. We just all got along. We laughed, we joked, we had fun, we learned a lot.” Luckily, there will be another opportunity for students to engage with each other and their communities later in the spring semester. “Yeah, we have tentative plans to do this for spring break,” said StapletonWelch. “I think the participants were great at giving us feedback about what works and what we could adjust to the schedule, and so we’re going to take that into consideration.”
SENATE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 in other committees, either internal to the senate or campus wide with involvement with the student affairs council and, on a weekly basis, spend at least one hour in the virtual student senate virtual office. It is especially important for members to maintain communication with their peers. “It’s expected for them to just talk to their peers. Talk with students who are in their classes, to their friends, to club members, and see what the issues are and get feedback. Because they really are representing other students not just their own perspectives or opinions,” said Ellie Rome, Student Senate advisor. Joining the Student Senate can be a beneficial life changing opportunity. Rome mentions that the experience gained from this opportunity is extremely valuable. Senators are involved with all students while developing leadership, communication, and teamwork related skills—just to name a few—that are transferable to any career. “It’s just an incredible opportunity to work on some of those professional skills while also making a really big difference for the students at Madison college,” says Rome. If you are interested in joining the senate and would like to speak with a senator to gain firsthand experience of what they do, you can drop in during their virtual office hours following the link in WolfPack Connect or by sending an email to senate@madisoncollege. edu. Now, the student senate will begin to recruit for next year soon. So, if someone who is interest joins before the spring election they would show as a returning member of the senate which would be beneficial on the ballot. If this is something you see yourself doing, contact the Student Senate and be on your way.
6 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
opinion
THE CLARION
THEBUZZ
Questions asked to you, our readers.
EDITOR: KALEIA LAWRENCE
What is your favorite winter activity?
CLARIONOPINION@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
"Snowboarding." - Mallory Lieberman
COVID help not enough EIMY GONZALEZ News Editor
"Ice skating."
"Sledding." - Alberto Lopez
- Mahbuba Amer
Vaccine becomes available
L
ate March COVID-19 restrictions went into effect, plunging the country into a void of uncertainty. As small businesses and big corporations alike were forced to shut down with no clear date of reopening, much less reach full capacity, millions of people were left devasted by the lack of work and therefore lack of income. Unemployment insurance applications peaked in the months following the shutdown, most of the population relying on federal and state assistance. Almost instantly following the initial shut down, a relieve package was issued to better supply laid off workers with benefits to survive such dark times. Beside the weeks of unemployment provided by the different states, the CARES act assisted with $1,200 payments to each adult and $500 for every child in the household. It also added a supplemental $600 on top of the weekly benefit amounts of unemployment stretching until the end of July, an extension of 13 weeks to collect UI benefits with a deadline of late December, The PUA program for people otherwise not eligible to collect unemployment benefits, as well as loans and grants for small and big businesses. However, even if it seemed sufficient at the time, the money soon dried up. As the pandemic stretched on, this package did not seem as appealing down the road. After July, the population received a fatal blow to their financials, having to make do with $600 less in their weekly payments. Not only that, even if the 13-week extension expired until December, by early November there were people who had already exhausted all available benefits and were struggling to keep their home and provide food. Many had to confront the hungry faces of their children and worry for their future, living one week at a time. With no clear end date for the pandemic, why should state and federal assistance have one? With the last of the benefits expiring, the population was pushed towards extreme conditions, some which will not be amended by a new stimulus package. In other situations, individuals are driven into returning to work, even under unsafe conditions, putting themselves and others at risk. Placing their need of survival above health. » SEE FEDERAL PAGE 7
IVAN BECERRIL-GUTIERREZ / CLARION
Health care worker gets her first vaccine dose EMILY MERLIN Social media director
C
OVID-19 has plagued our planet for about a year now. Since it was qualified as a national pandemic, government testing facilities all over the world have been working day in and day out to create a vaccine for this virus. It’s taken these facilities a year to create a vaccine that can combat COVID-19. This is a record-breaking time in history for a vaccine to be in place. While only a select few places are currently giving them out to people, when they do become available, I highly recommend getting the vaccine. I’m lucky enough to work in a government hospital and just the other day I got my first dose of the Moderna vaccine. I was a little nervous because it’s brand-new, but I have never
had an adverse reaction to any kind of vaccine so I wasn’t too worried. A few hours after I had gotten the shot, which goes into your arm muscle, my arm was so incredibly sore I couldn’t lift my arm up. But keep in mind, that this arm soreness is something I would take any day over going through the pain of having COVID-19. Getting this vaccine will also lessen the chances of me catching COVID-19 and spreading it to other people. The only people that shouldn’t be getting their COVID shot, and vaccines in general, are people that will go into anaphylactic shock or other health-related issues. My coworker’s daughter has Guilliam-Barré Syndrome which is an immune system disorder. This particular person physically cannot get a COVID vaccine because of this rare disorder, so
You settled for Biden. Now what? ELISE FJELSTAD Copy Editor
CLARION EDITORIAL BOARD 2020-2021 Anica Graney
Eimy Gonzalez
Chris Bird
Hailey Griffin
Kaleia Lawrence
Paige Zezulka
EDITOR IN CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR
A
t the beginning of November, I was one of many young progressive voters that begrudgingly filled out my ballot for Joseph R. Biden (D). Biden was not many people’s first choice for the Democratic nominee. Personally, Biden wasn’t even my third or fourth pick, and a video of someone dancing and shaking a pill bottle to the chant “Please don’t make me vote for Joe Biden!” went viral on TikTok back in 2019. However, after four years of a president who spewed hate towards women and immigrants, backed legislation harming the LGBTQ+ community, spread misinformation, attacked the free press, and overall engaged in extremely discriminatory and divisive rhetoric, we recognized the need for » SEE BIDEN PAGE 7
she is forced to rely on people around her to get their vaccines to lessen her chances of getting COVID. When anti-vaxxers and people who don’t think COVID is real refuse to get the vaccine, they’re not only harming themselves but those around them. They’re too worried about what’ll happen to them and not everybody else around them. While I understand people are suspicious of these vaccines, keep in mind, around 30,000 (if not more) people have been tested. The CDC wouldn’t give the OK to release this if it wasn’t safe. One thing, in particular, the government is not putting “chips” inside of you when you get this vaccine. I don’t know where this rumor came from but, let’s be real, you carry your phone around with you everywhere. That's the real "chip" you carry.
OPINION EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR ARTS EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
The views expressed by The Clarion editorial board do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Madison College, its student body or any faculty therein. They are comprised of the writers listed above and/or of those who write for the Opinion section. LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor should be typed or written legibly, be 250 words or less, and include the writer’s name, phone number and email address. The Clarion reserves the right to refuse to publish any editorial submission or advertisement, which may be edited for length, taste and grammar. All submissions become the property of The Clarion and may be used for publication. Bring letters to The Clarion office, Room B1260G Truax, or email clarioned@madisoncollege.edu. ANICA GRANEY / CLARION
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 | OPINION | 7
Resolution destitution KALEIA LAWRENCE Opinion Editor
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ith every new year comes New Year’s resolutions. Right after a week of holiday spirit, people are ready to kick into a high gear to get ready for whatever comes next. Resolutions are usually things like working out more, eating healthier, reading more books or some other self improvement plan. But there are some who aren’t fans of New Year’s resolutions, myself included. When someone asks me, “What’s your resolution for this year?” I usually try to redirect the question back to them, or something like “Sorry, I’ve got resolution destitution” and that’ll end the conversation pretty fast. I understand why resolutions are appealing. It’s satisfying to look back on a year and see a goal that you accomplished. Sticking to some sort of plan focused on one thing over the course of a year can test your endurance, so it’s a mental win too. However, it’s difficult enough living through a pandemic, much less trying to reach a goal every single day of it. Having a resolution puts more pressure on someone during a time when just about everything is uncertain. Even typical resolutions like working out just aren’t as attainable as usual. Some gyms are open, but going puts your health at risk. 2020 also brought on financial difficulties for many, and eating healthy can cause a dent in your budget. The year 2020 was rough, and 2021 is likely to be filled with a lot of the same hardships. Make sure your mental and physical health are priorities. If New Year’s resolutions work for you, that’s great! But don’t feel pressured to make one if it isn’t for you. Likewise, don’t pressure others if they say it’s not for them.
FEDERAL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 This should be out of the question; however, the sluggish movements of congress and the Trump administration to develop a new package at a timely manner has placed a toll on the people. Now, after finally reaching agreement in late December, there will be at least 11 more weeks of unemployment
BIDEN
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MAIA LATHROP / CLARION
change, and settled for the only viable alternative. As of today, Jan. 20, 2021, Joe Biden will be inaugurated into the presidential seat, after successfully winning both the electoral and popular vote, and having the unsubstantiated lawsuits filed by the Trump administration thrown out. The removal of Trump is undoubtedly a cause for celebration for liberals and leftists, but we mustn’t forget that this is only a start; much more work is to be done. First, it must be acknowledged that we live in a country where a person like Donald Trump was able to win a presidential election in the first place, and still won 74.2 million votes the second time around. That is 74.2 million people that were willing to vote for someone with no political experience who built a platform based on racism and nationalism; as evidenced by the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. We need to start by education, even on a small level. Talking with friends and family can be difficult, but preventing the spread of misinformation helps prevent the spread of misinformed opinions and decisions. It
insurance with an additional $300 on top of the weekly amount. And yet, will it make a significant difference to those who became homeless, or became ill from seeking housing in shelters or by returning to work prematurely? Early assistance from federal and state funding would have made a distinction in the well-being of the country. After all, a country cannot be without its people. is also essential to educate ourselves as well, so continue to fact-check, challenge your thinking, and grow. The second thing is to hold Biden accountable and never refrain from criticism. Idolizing politicians is counterproductive, as they are supposed to be loyal to us instead of vice versa. I witness many Americans who refuse to criticize politicians they voted for, however that detracts from democracy as an institution. Community care and continuing harm reduction is perhaps the most important action to take these next four years. Donating to mutual aid funds can ensure help for society’s most vulnerable groups. In addition, paying attention to and voting in local elections directly impacts the community, so making sure that you participate in small scale politics leads to tangible change that also matters. Don’t let Joe Biden’s election allow complacency. 81.2 million people cast their vote for a candidate who, I’m assuming, they hope will bring needed change to the country. However, voting is the bare minimum. We also need to ensure that people are taken care of, Biden delivers on his promises, and that his presidency makes way for a better America.
Focus on taking care of yourself this winter season EIMY GONZALEZ News Editor
W
inter can be a gratifying season. The contagious joy of the holidays it homes encourages acts of kindness and reciprocity while spreading awe with the beauty of snow fall, warm fires, and sweet hot cocoa. Nevertheless, winter can also be a tough season to endure. With the changes in the landscape, weather and the adjustments of sunlight, the body, mind, and spirit are greatly impacted. These changes have consequences in the basic functions of any human being, the cold and lack of sunlight can provoke anxiety, feelings of isolation and/or depression. It can become overwhelming for anyone. To go beyond just surviving the wintery months and actually begin to look forward to them, it is important to adjust the routines we are comfortable with and innovate them with a self-care program conducive to maintaining a personal well-being. Even more so now, considering COVID-19 restrictions. Everyone is different and has unique preferences as to what activities to be engaged with throughout the day. It is crucial to follow one’s personal likings when
determining a self-care routine and avoid suggestions that do not seem appealing. It is about genuinely enjoying and taking advantage of the environment. However, there are basic needs that all self-care routines need to implement such as keeping hydrated, eating healthy, getting sufficient sleep, and, of course, making enough time to relax. Relaxing is an entire world unto itself, there are innumerable activities that belong to just this one category. Such like exercising, from which more activities can derive from, enough to at least satisfy the liking of every single person. It can vary from a relax walk, enjoying nature and the sunlight, to nerve thrilling snowboarding. It does not matter what pastime it is, in the end it is all about feeling healthy and well. Once the basics have been satisfied, mental health is another important concern to address within a self-care routine. With the natural isolation that winter forces upon us, and now facing an ongoing pandemic, it certainly becomes a priority to care for something so important. Beginning therapy is always a promising idea, especially now that it becomes easier to do meetings from home and not worry about weather impediments. Furthermore,
keeping a journal to empty thoughts in or reaching out to family members and friends work just as well. At this point, taking advantage of the technology is the way to go. Scheduling meetings, setting up virtual activities, or just go for a simple heart-warming phone call or an old fashioned letter. Then, if in doubt, it is worth trying and experiencing different things; Cooking or baking, painting, crafts, reading a book or listening to your favorite music while singing along can go a long way. There is no limit to the opportunities available to do the best for yourself. Considering the needs to stay healthy and creating a self-care calendar to follow each activity helps immensely with staying on track and reach the desirable results. By giving self-care an opportunity, enjoying winter and any season will become inherent.
MAIA LATHROP / CLARION
8 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
THE CLARION
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 | 9
arts
Making New York style pizza at home
EDITOR: HAILEY GRIFFIN CLARIONARTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
HANNAH DOTZLER Copy Editor
Raving for anime ramen
Last year, my boyfriend and I decided to start a new tradition for New Year’s Eve – making homemade pizzas for dinner. Only, last year, our pizzas were not completely “homemade.” We cheated a bit and bought already-made crusts and just basically piled on sauce and cheese and claimed we made it from scratch. This year, though, we decided to take our pizza-making game to the next level. I thought about my favorite pizza I’ve ever had, which was a $1 classic cheese slice I got when I visited New York, and I decided I wanted to try to replicate that ever-so-tasty pizza. My boyfriend and I hopped over to YouTube and found a video by Adam Ragusea about how to make the perfect New York-style pizza. So, we decided to give it a go. Some of the ingredients for this recipe are very particular for creating a true New York pizza. For example, the cheese must be a whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella, which can be hard to come by. And we could not find the sauce brand he mentioned at any grocery stores, so we had to compromise there. However, our pizzas turned out absolutely delicious in the end! I thought they were even tastier than some restaurant’s pizzas I have tried in the past! They did not taste exactly like the $1 slice I had in New York, but the flavor was similar. This is the perfect meal to make with your friends and family, for parties, or just for a casual Friday night. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I did!
Ingredients
For the dough: 2 ¼ cups warm water 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp active dry yeast 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing the dough 1 tbsp salt 5 cups of bread flour, plus more for working the dough Cornmeal or flour for dusting.
ANALEA BROWN / CLARION
Anime ramen. This recipe also has a gluten-free version.
Simple ramen noodles found at the grocery store can easily be changed to look like famously delicious ramen found in Japanese anime. ANALEA BROWN Staff Writer The meals in anime always look so enticing, especially the ramen. Thankfully, with a few additions, grocery store ramen transforms into the steamy, flavorful meal seen in Japanese animation. With the image of ramen that can almost be smelled through the television on my mind, I started looking for recipes online. I found several very complex recipes online before settling on a simplified version I found on Pinterest. With a gluten-free diet, the recipe would need some adjustments, so I decided to include both the gluten-free version and the standard version with regular ramen noodles. I have rewritten the recipe’s instructions for clarity and to accommodate the adjustments I made.
Anime Ramen
Serves: 2 Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •
8 ounces of Chickpea Pasta (gluten-free) 2 cloves of diced Garlic 4 ounces of sliced White Mushrooms 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil 4 tablespoons of Siracha Sauce 2 packages of Beef Ramen (not gluten-free) 3 cups of Beef Broth (gluten-free) 2 or more Seaweed Snacks 1 Small Ham cut in half Steak (to taste) Garlic Powder (to taste) Black Pepper (to taste)
Note: Check all of your ingredients for additives to ensure that your ingredients are gluten-free for a truly gluten-free meal. Some products may contain different ingredients.
ing. Slice the mushrooms and dice the garlic cloves. Cut the ham in half to create two even pieces.
Cooking
On a 4-burner stovetop, the cooked items can be prepared simultaneously, taking care to watch which burner is on and at what temperature for safety.
Pasta
For the gluten-free version, prepare the chickpea pasta as directed on the package. Portion the pasta evenly into two bowls. Then, heat 3 cups of beef broth in a sauce pan until boiling. Remove from heat and pour evenly into the bowls over the pasta. For the with-gluten version, prepare the ramen packages as directed. Portion the ramen evenly into two bowls.
Ham
Heat the ham steaks with the olive oil in a frying pan on the stovetop on medium for 15 minutes. Season with garlic powder and black pepper, flipping the steaks occasionally to prevent burning. When finished, place a ham steak into each bowl.
Vegetables
Combine the mushrooms, garlic and siracha sauce in a frying pan. Heat on the stovetop on medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms become soft and are completely covered in the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent burning and evenly coat the mushrooms. When finished, evenly place half of the mushrooms on top of the pasta in each bowl. Add your desired number of seaweed snacks and serve. This recipe’s creation was all I expected from ramen in my favorite show. It is spicy, but the mushrooms can be stirred into the noodles for a milder flavor. I used wasabi seaweed snacks for mine, which complimented the spice of the siracha. More vegetables can be added to for a more complex meal. The siracha could be swapped out with a different sauce
Preparation
Gather all ingredients and prepare them for cook-
» SEE RAMEN PAGE 11
HANNAH DOTZLER / CLARION
New York style pizza made from the comfort of home. For the sauce: 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (Pastene ‘Kitchen Ready’ recommended) 2-4 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sugar 2 tsp dried oregano For the cheese: 24-32 oz whole milk, low-moisture mozzarella Grated parmesan for dusting
Directions
I recommend watching Ragusea’s video tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDpCzJw2xm4&ab_channel=AdamRagusea), as he shows you step-by-step how to make the pizza. But you can also » SEE PIZZA PAGE 11
10 | ARTS | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
THE CLARION
Stop the ‘calamity’ in the new ‘Hyrule Warriors’ game CRAIG MCKINLEY Staff Writer “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity,” a recently released title for the Nintendo Switch, is an enjoyable game that should appeal to both fans of action games, as well as to those who appreciate the Legend of Zelda franchise. “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” poses as a prequel to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” but as the player may quickly realize, it’s not quite that simple. With that said, playing “Breath of the Wild” first will certainly help the player gain the context to understand the events and characters of “Age of Calamity.” In “Age of Calamity,” you play as Link, a knight of Hyrule, tasked with helping Princess Zelda seal the cause of the Calamity – Ganon, the series’ villain. Zelda is also tasked with finding “Champions” to pilot large machines called Divine Beasts, which would be used to aid in stopping the Calamity. In addition to these Champions, many other characters encountered in “Breath of the Wild” are found along the way. As the Calamity gets closer, Link, Zelda, the Champions, and other heroes fight to keep Hyrule safe. In terms of gameplay, “Age of Calamity” feels a lot like the “Dynasty Warriors” series but also quite a bit like “Breath of the Wild.” It includes giving the player the power to take down hundreds of enemies, and even pilot the Divine Beasts from “Breath of the Wild” during certain scenarios. The player’s movement-and combat-related abilities take plenty of inspiration from “Breath of the Wild” as well, such as having access to a paraglider, runes,
Horror and science fiction combine in ‘Dark Skies’ BOH SUH Staff Writer People sometimes say it is difficult to choose a movie from Netflix because there are so many movies to choose from. I sometimes have the same problem, but when I saw the trailer for “Dark Skies,” I was not hesitant to press play. Keri Russell and Josh Hamilton are the main cast of the movie. Both of them are still active in the film industry, so we will see them around. The movie was released in 2013 in the United States. The genre of the movie is listed as horror and science fiction. If you had watched the “Paranormal Activity” movie series, you might find this movie a little similar to that. Yes, there were some cameras recording within a movie showing strange things happening. I found out that the movie was produced by the producers of “Paranormal Activity.” The story is basically about a couple with two children who start seeing strange things happening around the house and to their youngest son. The youngest son says someone is with him, but of course, the parents do not believe him, just like most other horror movies. However, strange things keep happening. The wife starts to see it, but again, the husband still tries not to believe it. At this point, I was like, ‘Why wouldn’t you believe your wife and kids?’ However, he did set up cameras around the house because he wanted to see himself--here comes a little “Paranormal Activity”. He finally sees unexplained phenomena happening, and the family seeks help from police. The police do not believe them, as expected. There is a » SEE DARK
SKIES PAGE 11
CRAIG MCKINLEY / CLARION
“Hyryle Warriors: Age of Calamity” is available to play on the Nintendo Switch. and unique abilities for each character. “Age of Calamity” would be great for fans of “The Legend of Zelda,” “Dynasty Warriors,” or even those who want to jump into “Hyrule Warriors” for the first time. For those who want more of “Age of Calamity,” there’s a lot to do in Hyrule. The main story doesn’t need much more than the length of a day to be completed. Those who enjoy longer games can look forward to a lot of extra content. With most of the game’s content being optional, it can provide entertainment for people with little or lots of time. The game’s visual presentation puts
power into its animation and implements a mix of darkness and hope into its art-style. The graphics are so exaggerated at times that it slows the game down. While those who enjoy the art-style of “Breath of the Wild” would also enjoy that of “Age of Calamity,” people looking for the most impressive of graphic quality probably won’t be as impressed. “Age of Calamity” has a good soundtrack, but many tracks don’t stand out from the rest. It can also be difficult to pay attention to the music because the gameplay takes most of the player’s focus. That said, for the
purpose getting through battles with having good music in the background, it works well even for scenarios that last longer than half an hour. While “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” is introduced as a prequel to “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” it is still exciting for those who want more. It features a new story, many distinct characters with different abilities, exciting gameplay, a lot of optional content, a compelling art-style, and good music. While it would be better if the graphics were more stable, and the music more distinct, it would still be a great experience for many of its players.
THE CLARION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021 | ARTS | 11
PIZZA
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
Author of “Parable of the Sower” Octavia Butler.
Butler’s novel still relevant today ELISE FJELSTAD
Although her father is a Baptist minister, Lauren begins to develop her own religion, Earthseed, which Many recognize Octavia E. she views as merely a realization Butler’s name as the author of of a universal truth- that humanity “Kindred,” a science fiction novel is meant to leave earth and coloabout a young black woman from nize other planets, taking their 1976 who finds herself transported rightful place among the stars. to 1800s Maryland. However, in light When Lauren’s gated community of current events, Butler’s dystopian is attacked and family is killed, she “Parable of the Sower” (and its sequel sets off to move north with other “Parable of the Talents”) are noterefugees, and continues to write worthy reads that I recommend for the foundation of Earthseed. Along those looking to engage in literature the way, she gains new followers of that opens discussion about the most Earthseed as she fights to survive. pressing issues facing the United “Parable of the Sower” has all States today. the qualities of a good The main characdystopian work, but ter is a young black Butler also sprinkles in woman named Lauren elements of sci-fi and Oya Olamina born Afrofuturism. In the in the year 2010 with book, the crisis of the a neurological con2010s and 20s is a period dition that gives her referred to as The Pox, hyperempathy, or which many interpret the ability to feel the as Butler’s criticism of pain others are feelwhat will happen if the ing when she looks at climate crisis is ignored them. The book begins and the government conin 2024 when Lauren tinues to be corrupted is living in her small by corporate interests, Los Angeles suburb TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE as well as critiquing while chaos reigns “Parable of the Sower.” big pharma. In the outside; a result of the novel, police and most devastating effects schools are privatized, and those in of climate change that have caused gated communities live under conmassive food and water shortages stant threat of looters, drug addicts, and extreme wealth inequality. The human trafficking and gun violence. current president, Christopher This duology does differ from Donner says he will enact policies many other dystopias in that there is to help return to normal but many not necessarily a rigid authoritative are skeptical, and there is a small society that the protagonist actively but growing talk of an ultra-reliseeks to overthrow. Instead, a culmigious politician named Andrew nation of material conditions within Steele Jarret who promises to “make the status quo make an oppressive America great again” (again, this was society, and Lauren creates a roadpublished in 1993). map for a better, alternative one. The Copy Editor
unique approach to the genre is also highlighted in Lauren’s intersecting identities as a black woman, as they play a crucial role in how she experiences and critiques the current world. Many critics say that her hyperempathy also makes her a disabled character, which adds another perspective. Although I don’t think Butler’s vision is fully accurate to current times, there are important parallels to point out. Lauren’s father discusses how many people are apathetic toward elections, because many are skeptical of whether Donner will actually help return to normalcy. Later in the duology, we witness that Jarret’s growing support is through a platform of “Christianity” and renewed white supremacy. Not only is “Parable of the Sower” and its sequel an exquisite example of dystopia, but is an overall well-written story. Sprinkled throughout the book are written verses from Earthseed, which helps the reader more easily understand Lauren’s belief system. In addition, Lauren herself clings to her and her ideology as correct, but through Butler’s writing the audience is able to see her flaws as well; though it definitely didn’t stop me from falling in love with her character. The events of this imagined world are cohesive and scarily realistic. I picked up a copy at a bookstore on a whim, and it ended up being my favorite book I read in the past year. On the surface, “Parable of the Sower” may appear just an engrossing story of a young woman who creates a new religion, but it is also an almost necessary analysis of late-stage capitalism and American nationalism.
Contest embraces the sappiest of stanzas HAILEY GRIFFIN Arts Editor Different people will have different views on Valentine’s Day. On the one hand, some will see it as an extravagant night out or an opportunity to spoil and cherish that special someone. On the other hand, some will see it as a “Hallmark holiday,” or an excuse for corporations to exploit love with boxes of chocolates, heart-shaped candies, and gimmicky cards.
At Madison College, those who belong to the Yahara Journal see Valentine’s Day as an invitation to share a laugh about that which many of us have done in the name of love but would rather not admit. Now, you’re probably wondering; what is “that” which I refer to? It’s writing a love poem, of course. That’s not to say every poem written in the name of love is laughable. But I’d be lying if I said that sappy, mawkish, and cheesy love poems don’t exist.
In good fun, Yahara Journal embraces the existence of these sappy stanzas with their annual Bad Love Poem Contest. On Jan. 24, Yahara Journal will begin to accept submissions for the Bad Love Poem Contest. Submissions that live up to the “bad love poem” name will receive a $25 prize! The deadline for the Bad Love Poem Contest is Feb. 14th. If you’re interested, don’t hesitate; submit your bad love poem to https://madisoncollege.edu/ bad-love-poem-contest.
just follow the recipe below. Start the dough by combining the water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl, and let it sit for a few minutes (to activate the yeast). Add the olive oil, salt, and bread flour. Mix until just combined, then start kneading the dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of extra flour. Continue to knead until you can stretch some of the dough into a thin sheet without it tearing (this will probably take at least 10 minutes). Divide the dough into four equal balls (this makes enough for four pizza crusts). Lightly coat glass containers and the dough balls with olive oil, then store the balls in the containers. Cover, and let them rise for two hours at room temperatures (if you want to make the dough a few days before, you can also store them in the refrigerator for one to seven days). When ready to begin baking, put a pizza stone or pizza steel into your oven at the highest possible temperature, ideally on the convection setting, for a full hour. In the meantime, make the sauce by mixing together all the ingredients. Liberally dust a pizza peel (or another flat object, such as a large plate) with cornmeal or flour. Take the dough and dust it in flour. Stretch it as wide as you can to fit your stone/steel (it does not need to be perfectly round). Top with just enough sauce to lightly coat the surface. Dust the sauce layer with parmesan, then cover with mozzarella. Transfer the pizza to the hot stone/ steel and bake until the crust and cheese have browned, about 6-7 minutes.
DARK SKIES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 little romance between the oldest son and his friend, but that lasts for ten seconds. The story goes straight to strange things happening in the house and the youngest son.
Spoiler Alert:
It turns out that aliens, “the Greys,” were messing with the family, trying to take the youngest son away. For those who may not be familiar with “the Greys,” they are aliens. If you have read any conspiracy theories and Area 51 stories, they always appear. The parents still wanted to protect their youngest, so they prepared for the alien attack. Usually, when you fight evil spirits, the cross and some holy objects are used, so I was wondering what they were going to use against aliens. However, it was nothing special. It made me worried about their preparation. I will not reveal the ending here, but there were a couple twists that I really liked. I always enjoy the twist in the end, just like movies “The Sixth Sense” or “Fight Club.” Was Bruce Willis d… No, don’t worry. I won’t say it. Overall, I enjoyed the movie more than many audiences. I thought that the movie setup was nice, and it is definitely a type of genre that I enjoy watching in the early evening. Yes, I am too scared to watch scary movies too late at night.
RAMEN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 for a less intense flavor, or the meat can be swapped out for a different variety. No matter how you customize it, this ramen is the perfect companion to an anime marathon. So, sit back, and enjoy your ramen to the tune of your favorite TV show.
12 | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2021
sports EDITOR: KYLE KUNZ CLARIONSPORTS@ MADISONCOLLEGE.EDU
THE CLARION
TOPPLAYERS
GREEN BAY PACKERS AARON JONES
A look at the top performances in sports
Running back Aaron Jones led the Green Bay Packers’ rushing attack against the Los Angeles Rams in their 32-18 victory in the second round of the NFL playoffs. Jones rushed for 99 yards on 14 carries with a long run of 60 yards to open the second half. Green Bay rushed for 188 yards as it totaled 484 yards against the NFL’s top defense. Jones led the Packers throughout the regular season with 1,104 yards on 201 carries. He also had 47 receptions for 355 yards. During the regular season, he scored 11 touchdowns.
WISCONSIN BADGERS D’MITRIK TRICE
A 6-foot tall senior guard on the Wisconsin Badger men’s basketball team, D’Mitrik Trice is leading the team in scoring with an average of 15.0 points per game. He has scored in double figures in each of his last five games, including a 25-point effort against Maryland on Dec. 28. He also averages 3.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. Trice is converting on 43.5 percet of his shots from three-point range.
Trice
Jones
Trice is the most experienced player on the Wisconsin roster, having started at guard in all 31 games last year. The Huber Heights, Ohio, native earned Third-Team AllBig Ten Honors for his efforts..
Crocket an ESports National Champ WolfPack competitor wins over pool of 32 players
Madison College ready for its second season of Esports
KALEIA LAWRENCE
ANALEA BROWN
Opinion Editor
Staff Writer
Kaden Crockett won a national title playing Super Smash Bros. When it comes to winning big again next season, he says “I think it would be really funny if I could win twice in a row... Historically, I’m a pretty inconsistent player within Other tournaments, so I just think it’d be a little out of the ordinary for me to continue a streak like that.” As humble as Crockett is about his accomplishments, there is much to brag about. From an original pool of 32 players, Crockett knocked teammate and friend Baxter Beckwith out of the semifinals. The National title was clinched in a match against “the Fruitsmasher,” final score 4-0. It was actually Beckwith who got Crockett to play for Madison College. The pair, along with other longtime friend Eric Villanueva, all live close to each other and frequently call during games. The close proximity also allows for in person hang out sessions to iron out different aspects of the game.
Madison College’s ESports team is back this Spring for another season, thriving in an ever-changing field. ESports has begun to explode in the sports world, joining other competitive sports on ESPN. Madison College’s team is no different, welcoming new students of all ability levels and adding new events as interest grows and changes. Students can play on teams or one-on-one, depending on the event and can participate in National Championships. MATC’s own Kaden Crockett returns this season after winning the Super Smash Bros National Championship on December 16, 2020. Events this season are online, where students can view them on Twitch. Normally in-person, this season’s practices, meetings and events are online as the campus adapts to COVID-19. Without meeting face to face, the team continues to weave a solid sense of community and support, evolving to accommodate online meetings. Coordinator Bill Kegler fosters an environment where he says, “Students can get involved with the ESports community and
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Kaden Crockett wins college’s first ESports title. When campus is open, the WolfPack Den is filled with people gaming with Super Smash Bros being a popular choice. While this is his first year at Madison College, he did frequent the WolfPack Den before. “This was a couple of years ago. Other people that were going to school there hosted a tournament there on Friday nights, so after school my friend and I would drive over there and play in the tournament,” he said. Even though he was competing
against people a couple years his elder, Crockett usually placed “in the upper end”, as he put it. To get ready for next season, Crockett has been taking a break from gaming. “I’ve been taking a bit of a break ‘cause my hands have started hurting really bad, but outside of that, it’s been pretty normal,” he said. To watch Crockett in action, head to PackEsports on Twitch. Super Smash Bros is played every Tuesday at 4 p.m.
» SEE ESPORTS PAGE 13
Road to the Super Bowl goes through Green Bay BOH SUH Staff Writer The Green Bay Packers have made it to the Final 4! Final 4! OK, I know this is not March Madness, but it is always exciting to see a team you are rooting for making this far. At this point of the stage, any one of the four teams left can win a championship. The Packers have the advantage of hosting the NFC Championship, while the Chiefs will host th AFC Championship. This week’s matchups include a game between two legendary quarterbacks and a matchup between two young promising quarterbacks. And then the Super Bowl will between a legendary quarterback and a rising star quarterback. Who wins? We will find out soon. Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. My pick: Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers vs. Tom Brady rematch? One is regarded as the most talented quaterback and leading MVP candidate, and another one is regarded as the greatest quarterback ever. Both have interesting stories to share. People thought that Rodgers was done after the last year’s “poor”
WALLY SKALIJ/LOS ANGELES TIMES/TNS
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks for a receiver as Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Morgan Fox (97) pursues during an NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Jan. 16. performance of 4,002 yards with 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. Ironically, that number is still fantastic. As Rodgers said in one podcast: “A lot of times down years for me are career years for most quarterbacks.” What he said is completely true. This year is considered one of the best years of him with 4,299 yards with 48 touchdowns and five interceptions to prove why he is the Most Valuable
Player. Similarly, this is the first year that Brady is playing for a team not named the Patriots, and he showed his greatness with 4,633 yards with 40 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Do people know that he is 43 years old? Whether you like the Patriots or Brady, his performance should be acknowledged. What really impressed me, and many people is how quickly
Brady adjusted to the new team and brought the team to the championship contender. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 7-9 last year, and the team was often shadowed by the fellow teams in the division, such as New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons (sometimes even by Carolina Panthers). The fact that Brady brought this team to this far » SEE GREEN
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GREEN BAY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 is impressive. Now, let’s look at the matchup. The Packers and the Buccaneers faced each other during the regular season, and the Buccaneers beat the Packers by 38 to 10. Rodgers had his worst game of the season with 160 yards with 2 interceptions. On the other hand, Brady had 166 yards with 2 touchdowns. I strongly believe that the Packers will perform much better, especially at home.
SARAH STIER/GETTY IMAGES/TNS
The Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant (7), James Harden (13), Joe Harris (12), and DeAndre Jordan (6) high-five during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center in New York on Jan. 16.
Harden trade top news of NBA’s first month BOH SUH Staff Writer The recent trade of James Harden from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets makes the whole NBA excited about what they can do. It was a great time for the Nets in a way because they became a hot topic in sports media because of absence of their point guard, Kyrie Irving. Bringing James Harden to the Nets distracted the focus of the trouble inside the Nets organization. To be honest, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden combo is one of the most offensive dominant combos in recent eras. The last Big Three with that much impact may have been with the Miami Heat featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Currently, the East has four championship contenders, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Brooklyn Nets. The Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Hornets are currently in the top eight, but I want to wait and see whether they can sustain that record. Out of the four contenders in the East, the Nets show the most star power, and the sports media is already giving them pressure of “championship or bust” season. Remember who got that kind of pressure? Los Angeles Clippers. What happened to them? A second-round exit. With uncertainty regarding Kyrie Irving and chemistry among Big Three and a thinner bench, I cannot say for sure how far this team will go.
However, if they stick together for two years, they will contend for that championship. The west has its usual suspects in the top two featuring Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. The Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors are surprisingly in the top eight to show that they belong in the playoffs, while the Cinderella Denver Nuggets sit with 6-7 record, slightly better than New York Knicks (6-8). To be honest, I was eager to see the Golden State Warriors this year with both Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson and Step Curry, the team I believe can be top four in the West. However, I doubted the Warriors after seeing Thompson go out with the injury, so it is good to see them Warriors back in the top eight.
Will Ohio State be back to title game next year? BOH SUH Staff Writer It was exciting to see Ohio State upset Clemson in the semifinals, but they could not do that against Alabama. At least the college football championship was not another Alabama-Clemson matchup, right? ESPN’s current top 25 lists Clemson, Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia and Ohio State as their top 5. I feel like that is similar for the past five years or so. I was impressed with Oklahoma’s finish by beating No. 7 Florida by 55 to 20. However, the team I believe will shine is Indiana. They pushed Ohio State to the edge in 2020, and that was an away game. I believe that they could have a big impact in Big Ten and College Playoff next year. If Big Ten conference did not cancel earlier games, Indiana may have been a possible playoff team with only loss coming against Ohio State at away game. Another team that I see a big improvement is Wisconsin. Not to be biased, but their
quarterback Graham Mertz showed us a promising skill in the first game against Illinois. The next few games were not as impressive, but this is his first year. Wisconsin’s weakness has been passing rather than rushing, so if Wisconsin can have a strong passing game going on with rushing, they could be favorite to win a Big Ten West division again. The last team that can make some noise is Cincinnati. Yes, they lost to Georgia, 24-21, but we all know how great Georgia is. The fact that it took a last minute 53-yard field goal to win the game shows that Cincinnati is in the same league as Georgia, a team that is always considered as top four. If Cincinnati has early games with Power 5 teams and wins, the playoff committee won't be able to overlook their resume. Other few teams that can make interesting cases are Penn State, Louisiana State University, and Texas. I am sure that they will leave their forgettable 2020 season behind and be recognized at the national level as before.
MICHAEL REAVES/GETTY IMAGES/TNS
Xavier Johnson (25) of the Ohio State Buckeyes leaves the field following the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on Jan. 11, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs. My pick: Buffalo Bills. Even when their starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game, the Chiefs were able to seal the deal with much improved Cleveland Browns. The real question is whether Mahomes is able to be back in time for the matchup with the Bills. And when he comes back, will he be 100 percent ready? With each playoff game means do or die situation, the Chiefs hope to have their quarterback back in time. The backup, Chad Henne, threw 66 yards with one interception, which is not a strong performance. He will be more prepared, but again there is less pressure for the Bills to cover Henne vs. Mahomes. On the other hand, the Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen is having a career year this season by throwing 4,544 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His connection with his wide receiver Stefon Diggs is having a career year with 1,535 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. The weakness of the Bills is their rushing game. They only ran for 32 yards against the Baltimore Ravens. I believe that Allen will be more involved with his mobility against the Chiefs. In normal condition, I believe that the Chiefs would have a better chance to win. They have the experience of winning the Super Bowl together last year, but with the concussion of Mahomes makes me hesitant to pick the Chiefs over this dynamic Bills team.
ESPORTS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 create friendships online to eventually meet in person when we can return to campus.” Their meetings encourage personal growth and emphasize academic success through support from the team and staff. All students are welcome to join this tight-knit group regardless of ability. While the Spring season is closed to new members, the Fall 2021 season is open until August 15th. For season eligibility and to join, students can email esports@madisoncollege.edu or contact Bill Kegler. With new titles arriving this season, Call Of Duty joins the list, allowing teams of various sizes, and NBA 2K replaces last season’s Madden, offering one-on-one matches. Competitor match-ups, as well as specified event dates and times, will be available on madisoncollegeathletics.com on January 30th. Post season is scheduled to being on April 17th, where participants like Crockett can make a play to return to the National Championships. The Spring 2021 season offers the following titles weekly. Overwatch (PC) – Monday @ 4pm Super Smash Bros. (Switch) – Tuesday @ 4pm Rocket League (PC) – Thursday @ 4pm NBA 2K (PS4) – Thursday @ 5pm Call of Duty (PC) – Friday @ 4pm While waiting for in-person tournaments to return, students can watch the upcoming events on Twitch at PackEsports. The team can also be found on Facebook at Madison College ESports, on Instagram @pack_esports, and on Twitter @packesports1.
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THELIGHTERSIDE BREWSTER ROCKIT
Puzzles and Cartoons
TIM RICKARD / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
BREWSTER ROCKIT
TIM RICKARD / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
CROSSWORDPUZZLE Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis / MCT Campus
ACROSS
1 Leave unmentioned 5 Source of French fries, informally 10 In good physical shape 13 Glowing review 14 Mirror reflection 15 Army installation 16 In general 18 Aches and pains 19 Beachgoer’s footwear 20 Cast-iron pan, often 22 Hardy’s Miss Durbeyfield 24 A bit teary-eyed 25 Air Force B-52, e.g. 29 Worker with bricks 32 Does as told 33 Pre-Easter period 34 What you wear 38 Post-it jotting 39 Loaded with beef, say 40 App-based car service 41 Unable to hear 42 Cruel creature of fable 43 Michael of “Alfie” (1966) 44 Beyond heavy 46 Like many margarita glasses 47 Keystrokesaving shortcut 50 The “first” in “first and ten” 52 Like the taste of much breakfast juice 55 Downloadable talk show 60 Nevada casino city 61 Bring on difficulty 63 From the beginning 64 Need a Band-
Aid, say 65 Dog-biting pest 66 Young fellow 67 Mails 68 Govt. agents
DOWN
1 Spheres, to poets 2 Yucatán native 3 “Terrible” czar 4 Work behind, as the bar 5 Boat’s steering device 6 Store up 7 Waterproofing gunk 8 Omelet staples 9 Stink to high heaven 10 Niagara __ 11 Speck in the ocean 12 In a crabby mood 15 Fluent in two tongues 17 Goes out with 21 Texter’s “I think” 23 Applied sloppily, as lipstick 25 “__, James __” 26 Double-reed woodwind
27 Self-referential, in modern lingo 28 “See you later” 30 Start the poker pot 31 Pig’s home 33 Some chicken servings 35 Slightly 36 Russo of “Thor” movies 37 Raised, as cattle 39 The bossy Stooge 43 Like a positive attitude 45 Where cranberries grow 46 Dueling weap-
ons 47 Lesson from Aesop 48 Place for a concert 49 Repaired with wicker 51 __ out: declined 53 Flows back 54 Christmas season 56 Shirt sleeve’s end 57 Having the skill 58 Vehicle pulled by huskies 59 They accompany crumpets 62 Japanese coins
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Keepin’ it Classy
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The Clarion offers free classified advertising to students. Send your ads of 70 words or less to clarionads@madisoncollege.edu. Space is limited. Submission does not guarantee publication. Help Finding Housing
60 Clubs to Choose From
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Madison College is partnering with Rent College Pads to provide a curated list of houses and apartments available near all campuses in the district. The site is exclusive to the Madison College community. Visit madisoncollege.edu/housing to learn more.
Madison College libraries are now offering a Personal Academic LIbrarian program to help support students with research help. For more information about the new program, visit the https://libguides.madisoncollege.edu/pal.
There are more than 60 clubs available at Madison College. Participating in a student-led club is a great way to meet new friends or develop a new skill. Visit madisoncollege.edu/ clubs-organizations to learn more about how you can join.
Writers, photographers and graphic artists are invited to join The Clarion staff at any time during the school year. If interested in helping out, email clarioned@madisoncollege.edu to connect with our editor and learn more about the newspaper.
Madison College offers Madison Metro bus passes for its students to help them commute to campus. New bus passes are availabe in Student Life. Bus passes can be mailed to your home. Visit madisoncollege.edu/buspass for more information.
Remember to sign up for the college’s WolfPack Alert emergency messaging system. You will get need-to-know info about school closings and urgent updates. Go to madisoncollege.edu and search “WolfPack Alert” to find instructions.
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Students can reserve lockers at the Truax Campus by visiting the Student Life Office, Truax Room B1260 or register them using the form at madisoncollege.edu/locker. Students must provide their own lock. There is no charge for locker use.
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Objective The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.
Difficulty
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