![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/3f482d3f87226c1af902bb7f4fb41894.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/3f482d3f87226c1af902bb7f4fb41894.jpeg)
Unity Week celebrates the ‘I’ in identity
By Eva Mihelich News editorMulticultural Student Services is working hard to spread more awareness about critical issues regarding identity and inclusion.
One of these efforts is Unity Week, celebrated Nov. 14-19.
This year’s Unity Week is titled “I am I,” which Jessica Hubert, Multicultural and Inclusion co ordinator, explains the signifi cance of.
“The theme is I Am I; a very simple phrase that holds a lot of power in accepting your truth and who you are in every way,” said Hubert.
Hubert said Unity Week is in tentionally created to empower students.
“It is a week of intentional programs to highlight identities that are often invisible or un derrepresented on our campus. The goals of Unity Week are to emphasize the idea that we hold multiple identities at once and they all are true at the same time,” said Hubert.
Intersectionality is something that Hubert feels very strong ly about, as you cannot define yourself with merely one term. There are many aspects to ev eryone, and it is incredibly con fining to limit yourself to just one title.
Each day during Unity Week,
there will be different programs, speakers and activities scheduled which students are enthusiasti cally encouraged to participate in.
On Nov. 14, Feminista Jones, a well-known feminist, writer, activist, and speaker presented in the Walker Recital Hall. She spoke about intersectional fem inism, women’s empowerment, and gender/racial bias.
She also encouraged students to do their part, research more about what they do not know and to make a difference in their communities, especially through volunteering their time with oth ers.
Tuesday, Nov. 15, offered in teractive opportunities from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room. This event was titled “CommuniTEA with the Counseling Center.”
Students had the chance to win raffle prizes, make their own teabag, take part in art therapy activities, answer community -building questions and take pic tures at the selfie station.
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, there will be an Erie Community Fair in the Great Room featuring small businesses from around Erie.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/1df9b26bc5559a38ae591d805faaea2f.jpeg)
Thursday, Nov. 17, will re volve around the Trans Day of Remembrance. From 7 to 8 p.m. in the Multicultural Stu
dent Lounge, conversations will be held about the new season of American Horror Story and break down the stereotypes of the queer community along with the history of New York City’s community’s influence on pop culture.
MAC/SAC will take over on Friday, Nov. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Great Room, where stu dents can drink some bubble tea and paint a flag that represents their identity.
On Saturday, Nov. 19, MAC/ SAC will host a lip sync event in Luke’s Landing, where students can participate alongside a drag queen who will also be perform ing.
This jam-packed week is an in vitation to consider the different biases you may subconsciously have.
Hear from different people who have faced discrimination and learn from them to improve the way you treat certain minori ties.
You cannot always relate to people’s stories, but you should still hear them so that you can treat them with the utmost dig nity and respect.
When it comes down to it, we are all human which is the most important identity of all.
This is something worth cele brating every day, not just during Unity Week.
Maker market showcases local artists and creators
By Mairead Stewart Contributing writer![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/457bceca631d1edcf5526e5fd8e58766.jpeg)
As the season of ‘dreary Erie’ returns, there seems to be little to look forward to. Don’t stress, though, for the Western Pennsylvania Makers Market will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1307 State Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the second annual market, and the event is free and open to the public. No registration is needed for attendees.
On the Erie Arts Festival website, an excerpt is shared about Benton Bainbridge, one of the founders of the event: “Benton Bainbridge moved back to Erie after building a career as a digital media artist in New York and California.
Benton is making an investment in the City of Erie by pur chasing and rehabbing a building and opening a space where digital artists can create, collaborate and exhibit work.
Benton has embarked on a major adaptive reuse project, saving a building that sat vacant for decades. The building was previously a furniture manufacturer and at one point in time served as a location where wagon wheels were built.”
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/c84af23c5425a4f0f5b21ff096aab95f.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/73fd7b1983e8103e878a6d92e2995fcd.jpeg)
Many of the artists have previews to their work such as Zach Merril, who uses both traditional and new printing methods to create one-of-a-kind garments and prints.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/1f8560937d631f8d15c396f0753acea9.jpeg)
For those who prefer more of a sculpture style, Yerace Glass Studio will also have an exhibit showing and selling their best pieces.
These are just two examples out of the vast selection of art and other goods that will be showcased at the festival.
Erie is an incredibly diverse and charismatic city, so consid er showing up to the Erie Arts Festival to celebrate everything that the city offers artistically.
The entire event takes much preparation and looks like a fantastic way for Lakers to spend their Saturday. Check out @erieartsculture on Instagram to look at some more of the featured makers.
PCC equips students with professional style
By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writerAs college students, we are always told first impressions are important, especially when it comes to interviews. Interview ers are instantly judging candi dates based on how they look, starting at introductions.
How one dresses during an interview could be the deter mining factor on whether or not that person attains a job, intern ship, etc.
Unfortunately, many college students struggle affording pro fessional business clothes. Rec ognizing the financial barriers college students face, Mercy hurst created the Professional Clothing Closet (PCC).
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/42ffbc422c95f9954a19ec0bce6d8029.jpeg)
Associate Professor of Crim inal Justice and Associate Dean of the Ridge College of Intelli gence Studies and Applied Sci ences, Maria L. Garase, Ph.D., runs the PCC.
“The PCC is an on-campus of fice that provides students with free access to professional busi ness attire for purposes of class presentations, job interviews, career fairs and other important career development activities. It is open to all students and is a confidential service,” said Ga rase.
Garase stated that although the selection is dependent on do nated inventory, professional offerings include formal suits, shirts, ties, pants and shoes. The PCC also has business casual clothing, which is nice pants and shirts/sweaters.
Once taken from the PCC, these clothes are yours to keep.
The PCC started at Mercy hurst in 2017 and has grown sig nificantly in the past five years. Most of the items are donated by generous Mercyhurst faculty members and staff at Erie In surance.
In recent years, it has grown more important to have the
PCC on campus.
After noticing that many stu dents were not wearing the proper attire to interviews or presentations, and learning that money was the issue, Garase de cided to so something about it.
“Some have professional at tire, but do not have access to it while they are on campus (e.g., it is at home). They don’t want to miss the chance at an inter view that just popped up. Thus, they are wearing what they have and what they think is appro priate to interviews and career related events. As we all know, first impressions are critically important. The PCC and Dress
for Success affiliate wants to help students ‘dress to impress’ so that they can feel confident at their next career-related activi ty,” said Garase.
Despite the Professional Clothing Closet carrying mostly masculine clothing items, Mer cyhurst found an outside part nership for individuals seeking professional feminine clothing items that the PCC may not have.
“We have signed an affilia tion agreement with the Mercy Center for Women’s Dress For Success (DFS) program for our female students to use their professional clothing/suiting
services, free of charge,” said Garase.
For this service, students must contact Garase. This takes a few days from referral to ap pointment, and in some cases, transportation can be provided. Items are size inclusive. The PCC has a limited amount of women’s clothing as well.
The PCC is located in 121 Preston Hall. The closet is filled with clothes but has not been utilized a lot.
“So far this semester, we have had 18 students take advantage of the PCC. We only track the number of students who use the closet, we do not take any names. It is a confidential service. Since we started collecting data on us age, we have seen about 15-20 students a year,” said Garase.
If you already have a full suit, but receive a second interview, you can stop by the PCC to ob tain a new shirt and tie.
Students can stop by the PCC every Monday and Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for walk-in hours.
Students can also email Garase at mgarase@mercyhurst.edu to make an appointment outside of walk-in hours.
Daylight Savings is not saving mental health
By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writer![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/b7c36f4e1a91e83b4e1df7c482bdde75.jpeg)
On Nov. 6, the United States, Europe, Canada and other na tions across the globe turned their clocks back one hour.
While many appreciated the extra hour of sleep on Sunday night, the appreciation for the day did not go beyond that.
Across the nation, thousands of people have a challenging time adjusting to it getting darker earlier in the day.
Students are feeling the ef fects of daylight savings here at Mercyhurst as well.
Cooper Hicks a senior Mu sic major reacted to the lack of daylight.
“I don’t like how it gets dark at like 4 p.m.,” said Hicks.
For others, getting darker out earlier results in detrimen tal health effects.
“It honestly really messes with my mental state all win ter. I end up feeling tired and unproductive by 6 p.m.,” said Veronica Guerrini, a senior In terior Architecture and Design major.
Teddie Dombrowski, a ju nior majoring in Sports Med icine, agreed with Guerrini saying, “My mental health is severely affected by Daylight Savings.”
In recent years, there has been a movement to make Daylight Saving Time perma nent.
In March of last year, the
United States Senate unani mously passed the Sunshine Protection Act.
If passed into law, when we turn our clocks an hour for ward in Spring 2023, that will be the last time Americans will take part in this practice.
In the past, state legislatures have attempted to make Day light Savings Times perma nent, but it was unable to go into effect due to not being federal law.
This is not the first attempt to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. In January 1974,
President Nixon signed a law to make Daylight Savings per manent, but law did not last past October when Congress voted to repeal the law.
According to CNN, Propo nents say that extra daylight in the evening cuts down on car accidents and crime, and in creases opportunities for com merce and recreation, as peo ple prefer to shop and exercise during daylight hours.
Despite politicians rushing to end the dance of moving clocks back and forth, sleep experts have shared some in
sight on this.
“I’m one of the many sleep experts that knows it’s a bad idea,” Elizabeth Klerman, Ph.D., a professor of neurol ogy in the division of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, told CNN.
“Your body clock stays with (natural) light not with the clock on your wall,” said Kler man. “And there’s no evidence that your body fully shifts to the new time.”
According to CNN Health, a 2003 study found the detri mental effects of getting less
sleep due to Daylight Savings.
“Getting one hour less sleep for two weeks had the same effect on thinking and motor skills as going without sleep for two full nights. Reducing sleep by 90 minutes from the recommended 7 to 8 hours for adults altered the DNA of im mune cells and boosted inflam mation, a key cause of chronic disease, according to another study,” said Sandee LaMotte, an author for CNN Health.
It appears making Daylight Savings permanent is never successful, yet we continue to try.
“The United States has tried permanent daylight saving time twice before and ended it early. The UK tried once before and ended it early. Russia tried it once, so did India and ended it early,” Klerman said to CNN. “I think we should learn from history.”
For now, we must wait to see if we move our clocks back next October or not.
Students who feel that their study habits and mental health are being poorly affected by daylight savings time are en couraged to go to sleep at an earlier time and get your body on a maintained schedule.
Seasonal depression is com mon this time of year, so take extra care of yourself and make sure to prioritize your mental health.
Merciad IN A MINUTE
Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving Break is next week and Res Life needs to know your plans.
Fill out the form on Self Service to inform Res Life if you will be staying on campus or returning home.
If you are going home, please make sure to properly clean your area and to dispose of trash before leaving in order to keep Mercyhurst as sanitary as possible.
Free Flu Shots
Flu season is upon us. Take action now to prevent future sickness.
Flu shots are available at the Cohen Student Health Center by appointment only.
Call 814-824-2431 to schedule an appointment.
Mental Health Tips for Break
The Bystander Intervention Committee understands that going home for Thanksgiving can be a hard time for some. They offered advice:
Be realistic and understand that things may be different from last year. Your family and loved ones might not act the same as they once did.
Don’t abandon your healthy habits. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
Take breaks alone if you get overwhelmed by company. Consider journaling, going on a walk, or stargazing.
Take care of yourselves this break.
Hurst Alum Needs Our Help
Moe Diakhaby, former Mercyhurst studentathlete, was a victim of a hit and run by a drunk driver.
He has been paralyzed from the waist down and is facing many medical bills alone.
Consider donating to his Gofundme and keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Link to the Gofundme can be found on the @hurstmbball Instagram bio.
Bias Activity Reporting provides a way for students to speak up
By Eva Mihelich News EditorMercyhurst always welcomes feedback from students, not just with IDEA evaluations or with MSG’s voice for the student body.
The Bias Activity Reporting process is a new initiative to pro vide both students and employ ees a direct way to report instanc es where they felt discriminated against in some way.
This was created by the Of fice of Diversity and Inclusion in order to provide students with a convenient, non-intimidating method to report instances of bias or discrimination.
Although Mercyhurst active ly combats racism, sexism and homophobia, it is unrealistic to expect cases to completely dis appear. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion recognized this inevitability and decided to do something about it.
Mercyhurst President Kath leen Getz, Ph.D. released a state ment through an email to the en tire campus community.
“I am pleased to announce that the University’s Bias Activity Re porting process is now live and accessible on the Hub. This has been a top Diversity, Equity, In clusion, and Justice (DEIJ) prior ity for the university, one which I believe can slowly and meaning fully build a culture of increasing inclusion and respect,” said Getz.
Although it is encouraged stu dents disclose their identity for purposes of following up and taking more specific action, there is the alternative of keeping your identity anonymous for those who would rather just bring at tention to the issue.
Greg Baker, D.Min., vice pres ident for Mission, described the purpose of this reporting comes from a place of desiring students to feel safe and included on cam pus.
“This new process is important because Hurst is not fully home for everyone as long as some feel like they are singled out or disre spected based on their identities,” Baker said. “It can help members of the university to recognize— myself included—that all of us always have room to grow in our understandings of diversity and in the sensitivity of our words and actions.”
The implementation of the new process has been an inter active process with faculty, staff and students on campus.
Baker hopes that it encourag es healthy dialogue about topics that may be difficult to bring up, while also promoting change in individuals who have made mis takes in the past.
“This is one of our significant DEIJ efforts to ensure that we are working to proactively build a culture of increasing sensitivi ty and inclusion. While it might help us to identify and investigate more serious conduct violations, the process is primarily designed to address microaggressions and individual words and actions that are offensive or inappropriate,” said Baker.
You can access the reporting form on the Student Hub, or you can contact Baker directly to make a report.
With many cases of bias re porting at other places, Getz acknowledges that there will be some cases in which the bias was unintentional.
“As is the case at many cam
puses that use similar processes, we anticipate that most reports will involve unconscious bias or lack of understanding. We will work—privately and sensitive ly—with everyone involved to educate and facilitate dialogue and better habits of speech and action,” said Getz. “This report ing process will also assist indi viduals in figuring out if an in cident is more serious and merits a conduct-related investigation through existing conduct pro cesses.”
A large part of society today is “cancel culture,” in which a person is ostracized or cast aside due to being called out for some of their actions in a negative way. Although this is typically done to hold that person accountable for their actions, it is also deep ly damaging to the accused and does not promote learning or im provement.
Getz said that the newly im plemented bias reporting is not intended to promote cancel cul ture.
“The process is a vehicle for growth and accountability, but it is not designed to “cancel” stu dents or employees. Our Mercy tradition confronts unjust and unkind behaviors, but it does not cancel people. We seek as a community to trust in the mutu al goodwill of one another, even when we might at times disagree or offend,” said Getz.
Getz noted that another goal of the anti-discrimination initia tive is that students and faculty will not be afraid to have difficult conversations about diversity out of fear that anything you may say will be used against you or used to cancel you.
She encourages healthy dia
logue that shows respect for ev eryone.
It may be scary to stand up for yourself, but remember that by reporting biases you encounter, you may be preventing this from happening to someone else.
Multicultural & Inclusion Co ordinator Jessica Hubert offered encouragement for those who feel intimidated at the thought of reporting bias.
“Be courageous and know that the Bias Activity Response Team as well as the Immediate Response Team has your best interest at heart. We are people with faces whom you most likely see around campus all the time,” Hubert said.
“We are human and under stand that the reports we will get will be from very brave individ uals who want to see and help make change on our campus, and the only way to do that is to hold folks accountable as we hold our selves accountable,” Hubert said.
The only way to bring change on campus is to be the change.
Encourage your friends to speak up if they hear about any thing disrespectful being said or joked about.
It may seem like a small step to report microaggressions, but small steps add up.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against in some way, whether it was regarding your race, gender identity, so cio-economic status, or some other aspect of you, consider re porting it to stand up for yourself and spread awareness for others.
By standing up for yourself, you are standing up for others in the future.
Reflect through art this Advent
By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writerThis December, Campus Minis try will be hosting free Advent Art Journaling on Thursdays, Dec. 1 and 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Ministry lounge.
Students do not have to regis ter in advance and art supplies will be provided for these walkin-sessions. The Campus Ministry Lounge is located on the ground level of the Student Union.
These sessions are a chance for you to follow an art prompt that usually has some words like joy, love, peace and hope.
The event will provide students with an opportunity to express themselves.
“My favorite part is that we are using the same prompt but each person in their own unique
and distinctive way come up with something that speaks to them,” said Jenell Patton, assistant direc tor of Campus Ministry.
Advent is the reminder of in tentionally slowing down in the li turgical calendar as we wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ—whose birth we celebrate on Christmas.
“We hang people’s work on the Campus Ministry wall to allow people to further reflect on inten tionally waiting on the arrival of Jesus Christ’s birth” said Patton.
You do not need to be someone who practices religion to partici pate. Just come, slow down and be present to yourself and the God of your understanding.
While Advent Art Journaling is a special holiday event, Campus Ministry hosts free events Sunday through Friday that students can participate in throughout the se
mester.
Every Sunday, Campus Minis try hosts a Women’s Group at 7 p.m. that focuses on a video series on Breneé Brown and Brown’s se ries on “Atlas of the Heart.”
Campus Ministry hosts Student Athlete Fellowship every Monday at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room.
Students who love knitting or wish to learn can go to Sip and Stitch on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Supplies to knit are provided in addition to tea and coffee.
Campus Ministry also hosts Catholic Devotions on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
On Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., students can participate in Wednesday Night Fellowship. Then on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., join Campus Ministry for a Bible Study session.
On Fridays from 2-4 p.m., students convene in the Campus Ministry lounge to play various games and make crafts.
Students should also watch for a future announcement about the spring Carpe Diem Retreat.
In the past, Campus Ministry has host hosted several Dog Days, where they convene in front of the Student Union with many dogs to bring smiles to students and faculty faces.
To keep up to date with all events Campus Ministry is host ing, you can follow them on Ins tagram @hurstcampusmin.
Anyone who has any questions or wishes to get involved with Campus Ministry can reach out to Jenell Patton at jpatton@mercy hurst.edu.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/086c05f584f7e3f79e2c3a08876cc036.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/1883cd1c2baaefddfdb4e903b63e8ae7.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/fb512c5752ce634c258f78f006aacc7f.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/16ba63f9a34f5ac0ea56fb894cd0c579.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/b711e9121555080578513925dfd9063e.jpeg)
Feminista Jones discusses diversity and activism at MSG Speaker Series
By McGinty Managing editorMercyhurst is an institution like no other because we are granted countless opportunities and experiences.
The MSG Speaker Series is one such event. This collection is different from other on-campus experiences because it is the op portunity for students to listen to influential people with successful backgrounds. The most recent to join the list of esteemed figures invited to campus is educator, writer, public speaker, activism professor and former social work er Feminista Jones.
Her work and career is centered around diversity and inclusion which are two critical things that
constantly need to be addressed in our environment today.
A Ph.D. student and educator at Temple University, Jones first gained attention with her critical ly acclaimed novel “Reclaiming Our Space: How Black Feminists Are Changing the World From the Tweets to the Streets.”
Since this novel, she has been published across major publica tions such as the New York Times Essence and the Washington Post just to name a few.
Since 2013, Jones has been hosting lectures at campuses across the country and this week Mercyhurst joined that list.
On Monday, Nov. 14, Jones was welcomed to the Walker Re cital Hall where students had the opportunity to hear her speak. While with the Lakers, she opened up about her upbring ing and the many challenges she faced along the way to becoming who she is now.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/1fe35d48736eb8ab22aa8c39455e476a.jpeg)
Born into poverty, living with a single, LGBTQ parent in an ultra Christian family was not easy but despite all odds, Jones overcame a lot.
Her mother valued education and ensured that she learned to read at an early age. As a gifted student, Jones was able to attend private school in Manhattan and later boarding school.
Her love for activism began at the age of 19. While Jones began her career in social work, she rec ognized many injustices in this work and decided to change her career around to focus even more on social change and activism.
Jones discussed the good and bad sides of diversity and inclu sion’s place in America and why things need to change.
LAKER MOMENT
“Sometimes we get the wrong idea of what it means to be a di verse community,” said Jones. “It is about honoring and recog nizing differences, not ignoring them.”
She also encouraged students that being young and having a voice is the first step to a cultural revolution and reset.
While our country is very di vided today it is important to recognize that today’s universi ty-aged students have the power to create waves of change.
Jones spoke about the various injustices that persons-of-color and feminine-identifying persons face daily and why it is important to address those issues as well.
“Anti-feminist rhetoric has been increasing and this is as sumed to be aligned with women having more educational degrees than men in the last forty years,” said Jones. “Additionally, ex ploitation of labor of persons of
color and poor people is the basis of the U.S. economy and it is dis graceful.”
Jones’ topic of conversation, while heavy, is very important. Such issues are not often dis cussed as openly as they should be and Jones is just one of many activists who are passionate about seeing positive changes in our na tion.
“She was very inspiring and after her lecture I felt like I had the ability to do whatever I can to make change possible,” said Mat ti Trimbath, sophomore English major. “She was very passionate and her lecture was unlike any thing I have ever heard before. It was truly incredible.”
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/3b08ff1e2b52cd1643b2299a9ce1dc79.jpeg)
If you missed Feminista Jones’ presentation and are interested in learning more about her work, follow her on Instagram @Fem inistajones or visit her website at www.feministajones.com.
On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the Grotto Commons put together a Pumpkin Palooza lunch where all kinds of pumpkin themed dishes were on display.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/e75e0d683e0889343b6f73d4b2224cee.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/0d4c06811b0a6d91c46bb4499756e31a.jpeg)
Executive Chef Marcy Fickes and Chef de Cuisine Arthur Castrow hosted a monthly pop-up called “The Stand” where they partner with local producers to promote wellness. This month’s was partnered with the Cucurbitaceae Gourd Family who supplied the various vegetables.
The Chefs believe that they can play a role in helping student’s change up their diets with healthier options and mentioned how pumpkins and squash are eaten in a lot of countries because of their health benefits.
All the dishes at The Stand had major health ben efits including increased fiber, blood sugar and pres sure maintenance and aids in weight loss. The Stand featured pumpkin seed granola, hummus, turkey chili, roasted squash and protein balls.
The Grotto also featured pumpkin quesadillas, pumpkin pie smoothies and various treats at the des sert bar.
RSCO FEATURE AIM FOR FRIENDS CLUB
By Vydalia Weatherly Staff writerFor this RSCO feature, the Merciad would like to highlight Aim for Friends, a new RSCO on campus that was approved in November. Laurie Baker, student support coordinator for the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) and advisor for Aim for Friends, explains that “the purpose of AIM for Friends (AFF) is to to create a campus-wide community of acceptance and inclusivity for neurodiverse students. We shall promote these ideals through social events, flagging, and awareness campaigns.
We want to create safe spaces for both students that are neurotypical and students that are neurodiverse to socialize together. We will use flagging to create safe spaces at events around campus and we will join with the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) for AIM sponsored events. We will also collaborate with other RSCOs in promoting Autism Awareness Campaigns.”
The RSCO has not been active for long, but it is already having positive impacts on students. Alexandra Kruse, a sophomore Early Childhood/Special Education major with a minor in Social Justice, currently serves as the president for Aim for Friends.
“My favorite moments of Aim for Friends so far have been how quickly the members have bonded at the few meetings we have had. It truly shows how loving and accepting our community should be,” says Kruse.
Aim for Friends welcomes all students to become members who will promote their goal of inclusivity. Students should join AFF if they wish “to expand your friend circle to include neurodiverse students as well as any student who may need some assistance engaging with new people. To be a part of creating a campus atmosphere of inclusivity— clearly designating safe approachable groups of students to engage with,” says Baker.
AFF wishes to create an environment on campus in which all students feel accepted. “Although this group was created with AIM students specifically in mind, we have recognized that there is a great deal of students who have difficulty engaging socially—whether they are on the Autism spectrum or not. The goal of this group is to lessen the anxiety associated with social situations and create safety for students to be accepted exactly the way they are,” Baker notes.
Despite Aim for Friends being active for only a few weeks, the RSCO has many plans for the rest of the academic year. “For the future, we are planning to pass out these pins at our general meeting at the beginning of the spring semester. We also hope to have enough members attend campus events wearing our pins to create these safe spaces for AIM students. Some AFF run events are still in the making, and we would love to have new members join and share their ideas with us!” says Kruse.
AFF has been coordinating with the AIM program and will continue to do so in the future. “Currently, some of the students in this group are gathering for lunches on Mondays and Thursdays. There are recreation activities on Tuesday afternoons. Students from this group are also cooking dinner together on Thursday evenings. In addition, we want to create a large pool of students who are interested in meeting and working with others who may have some difficulty engaging socially. In the spring of 2023, AIM will start a social skills mentoring program using this group as a base. We are also planning to utilize club members to assist with the CREATE Summer Program as well,” says Baker.
Aim for Friends currently meets once or twice a month on Mondays on the second floor of the Student Union, but are currently in the process of finding a new location.
Students can go on Laker Launchpad to see when meetings are taking place. If you are interested in joining Aim for Friends or have any questions about the RSCO, you can reach out to Alexandra Kruse or Laurie Baker for more information.
Become a published author: write for Lumen
By Samantha Weber Editor in chiefHave you ever written anything creative and wanted it to be published? Now is your chance!
The “Lumen” is a com pletely student-run magazine that showcases students’ artwork for all to see at Mercyhurst.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/3cef810d3b6a4a54df0637c26f9d04df.jpeg)
Originally, “Lumen” began in 1995 as a journal for creative writing pieces only, but it has since expanded as a Mercyhurst tradition to feature all of the talents that the student body has to offer. This is done by showcasing multimedia such as photography, dance and music in addition to creative writing pieces.
Current students of any class year or major can submit work. Each student can submit up to two short stories and/or three poems. Other works can include a short film, picture, perfor mance, or digital media.
“Lumen” is produced through a lot of teamwork from the faculty advisors, chief editors, editors and designers. The faculty ad visors are Gregory Brown, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, and Jodi Staniunas Hopper, MFA, department chair of Art and associ ate professor of Art. The editorial staff this year are Ashley Barletta, Sarah Beck, John Carol, Ash Carr, Alexia Enright, Madison Jukkola, Gabriella Piccirilli, Elizabeth Plummer, Marley Ramon, Sarah Sebald, Matti Trim bath, and Corinne Voelker.
There is always a different theme for the magazines and those are created by the designers. Brown said, “Lumen’s theme develops organically each year from the submissions we get and the design team’s vision. There’s no theme going into each year—or at least there hasn’t been one before. The student editors are looking for engaging work.”
The “Lumen” is revealed in the final event at the Lit erary Festival in the spring semester.
This is a wonderful op portunity for anyone who is interested in writing, pho tography, music, or dance to have their work published. Again there are no topic re
strictions to the work that is submitted as art is subjective and should be important to the author.
“It’s wonderful to see one’s name in print or on the Mercyhurst website. For those who wish to be writers later in life, the process of having work submitted to “Lumen” is very similar to the way work is submit ted to the best journals in the country. In the same vein, students who work as editors and designers of “Lumen” get valuable, pro fessionalizing experience,” said Brown.
There is also a little con test where the English fac ulty anonymously judge the best three works and those authors receive cash awards amounting to hundreds of dollars.
Here is a link to last year’s
“Lumen” for those who are interested: https:// www.mercyhurst.edu/sites/ default/files/lumen2022f inaldigital.pdf
If you have any questions regarding the “Lumen,” you can reach out to Dr. Brown.
Do not hesitate to submit to the “Lumen Submission Manager” on the student HUB page under Campus Life if you are at all inter ested in being part of the literary journal. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. There will also be an open mic event at Luke’s Landing the day before the deadline closes.
Be sure to keep your eye out for the “Lumen” when it is published this coming spring!
Wear blue to support American Diabetes Month
Jon Chapman Contributing writerDo you know someone with Diabetes? Do you know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2? Diabetes impacts so many more people than you may think, even people around you.
People you may know and love, or even people you pass in the hallway may be living with Diabetes. It is not a very visible disease, and most en dure the consequences of it in silence.
It does not discriminate, affecting people of all ages, races, religions and identities. It is a disease that is commonly known, but less often under stood.
November is American Dia betes Month. According to the CDC, approximately 37.3 mil lion Americans have Diabetes. This encompasses both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and af fects one in ten, including me.
I have had Type 1 for about eight years now, and I have been shocked to find how little people seem to know about it as a whole. No, I did not have too much sugar as a kid, and no, I cannot prevent or get rid of it with physical activity.
While Type 2 is preventable, Type 1 is not. This is a very important distinction, and one that far too many seem to miss.
Type 1 diabetics are com pletely dependent on insulin. I get regular doses of insulin before/after every meal, and I am constantly trying to adjust my blood sugar levels.
I track my glucose numbers with my CGM (continuous glucose monitor), which sits on my arm most of the time.
I wear multiple devices, as my insulin pump typically rests on
one of my sides.
Diabetes treatment has become quite technological, getting smarter and more advanced every year. There are even prototypes of the artificial pancreas being tested currently, and eventually I will likely have one!
Type 2 diabetics typically require weekly shots and blood sugar checks, and they are nor mally recommended to drink diet soda and consume foods/ drinks with low sugar and fat content.
Although November is American Diabetes month, it is important to recognize that for some, like myself, the disease is ever present. For many years I have worked closely with the Buffalo branch of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to raise awareness
in my local community.
I have led fundraisers at many schools and businesses, and I have attended the annual walk with a team many times. I am lucky to be surrounded by supportive and eager friends and family, but not all patients are afforded that luxury.
That is why donating to JDRF and other organizations like the American Diabetes As sociation and the International Diabetes Foundation is so im portant, and we need to ensure that all patients are cared for and properly treated.
There are a myriad of com plications that can arise with Diabetes, and it can take a toll on many other body functions. Some diabetics go blind, lose fingers/toes or limbs, and some even experience DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) or
diabetic comas. Many of these issues are life threatening, and Diabetes can be much more se rious than is generally thought.
Raising awareness is about more than educating others on the disease and how it operates. It is also important to shed light on the steadily growing issue of medication availability and affordability.
Specifically in the United States, it is increasingly diffi cult for millions of patients to afford the life-saving insulin they need. Some have even taken such drastic measures as traveling to Canada or Mexico for cheaper insulin, sometimes in bulk.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/fccfd3baa653c03aa6b9b36034f7a072.jpeg)
Considering the very obvious need for accessible and afford able insulin, it is frustrating to observe government officials and leaders of major insulin
corporations actively sit back and ignore it.
Unfortunately, there is very little progress being made on this issue. I am struck with an acute disconcerting feeling when I think that I may have to struggle financially simply for having a disease I cannot control.
It is a very disappointing re ality, but over a million diabet ics have to ration their insulin.
It simply cannot be over stated how badly changes are needed, and how necessary it is that people understand the severity of this problem.
It is an even scarier situa tion when considering all the insurance issues with covering pumps and devices, as well as government officials (past and present), and even a president attempting to remove coverage of pre-existing conditions.
The ACA (Affordable Care Act) was contested and recom mended for invalidation under the previous administration, and if something so destruc tive can be done so easily, how can patients with Diabetes be sure they can stay healthy, or even alive?
There are so many reasons to get behind American Diabetes Month, and there are so many ways to show your support, it can be large or small!
The color for diabetes is blue—it can be as simple as painting your nails or wearing blue any day of the week! It is necessary to further diabetes awareness in any way possible, and no gesture of support goes unappreciated!
So move all of your blue clothes to the top drawer and support diabetics this Novem ber!
Mercyhurst honors our veterans
Lilly English Contributing writerNov. 11 was Veterans Day in the United States. Mercyhurst always puts out American flags lining the flagpost when you first enter the gates, but there were a number of different events on campus.
As someone who is in ROTC and will be going into the mili tary in some way in the future, I have always found it import ant to celebrate Veterans Day.
To start off the day there was the raising of the flag, or the Reveille, ceremony at 7:45 a.m. The weather was not great, so there was not as big of a turnout as there has been in the past.
The lowering of the flag, or Retreat, scheduled in the after noon was ultimately canceled due to inclement weather.
At 3 p.m., a local band called “Music for Veterans” began playing patriotic songs leading up to the Celebration of Valor ceremony at 3:30 p.m.
The speaker at this event was Jim Hertner. His speech was dedicated to women veterans who have all served in the past and present from all different branches.
Hertner had all the current female ROTC cadets speak about recent female ROTC Mercyhurst graduates.
In their speeches they talked about what they are currently doing in the army and how they believe doing ROTC and being a woman in the military helped shape them into the
people they are today.
I had the honor of talking about Jacqueline Ward.
Ward is the first female to commission as an infantry officer from Mercyhurst Uni versity.
She is also only the 69th female to complete Ranger School, which is one of the toughest training courses a sol dier can volunteer to complete.
During her first try, she failed to even qualify for con sideration for Ranger School, but she never gave up.
She was determined and went back and conquered Ranger School.
As a woman going into the Army, learning more about female veterans was very inspi rational since women were not always allowed to serve in the military.
If you have a family member or know someone who has or is still serving, be sure to wish them a happy belated Veterans Day as their service should always be honored.
Native American Heritage month film and discussion
By Mackenzie Zent Opinion editorOn Nov. 9 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Mercy Heritage room the History department and the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society (ELIES) held a show ing of the film “For the Rights of All.”
The film highlights the history of the Alaskan Native Americans after the United States purchased the Alaska territory. In the begin ning, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution did not apply to the Natives living there, and the film depicts their fight for justice and rights.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/b76e8d9d9ac4d13ccc4d2ea19ee31bb1.jpeg)
ELIES at Mercyhurst is a group that was created in fall of 2008 to raise awareness for different ethical issues affecting people and society.
They look to Mercyhurst’s Core Values as a basis for their practic es and how to educate others on ethical problems and solutions for combating them.
The organization focuses on the Core Values of socially responsi ble business practices, science and emerging technologies and ecolo gy and sustainability.
They also provide many pro grams throughout the duration of the school year to provide infor mation on current events as well as global challenges.
History professor, Ben Scharff,
Ph.D., hosted the showing of the film and led a discussion with the group of students afterwards.
“Turnout was strong, about 30 people or so,” said Scharff. This made for a very active and engag ing discussion with many voices to hear from.
The History department want ed to show the film because they run an event for Native American Heritage Month every year during the month of November.
Scharff was adamant about bringing awareness to the Native American history and population today especially because of the re cent election that occurred.
He explained that most poli ticians will talk about hot topics such as women’s rights, African American rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
“Think about the last time you heard a politician discuss Native Americans. It might take you awhile. This is because Native Americans are a forgotten and of ten overlooked population in our country,” said Scharff.
He hopes that the annual event during Native American History Month will help to bring aware ness to the population.
At the conclusion of the film, they held small group discussions and then came together as one to share their thoughts and what they talked about.
The students were told to not only reflect on the film, but also try to put themselves into the shoes of Native Americans in the film and present day.
This is a great exercise in under standing the perspective of others and how they view the world be cause of the discrimination they face.
Another topic the group dis cussed is not having role models that look like those in different marginalized communities.
The standard of beauty and suc cess is likely engraved into people’s minds as white, skinny and upper class.
Even if this is not meant to hap pen, kids in minority groups grow up thinking that they are less like ly to succeed or be beautiful be cause of that.
It is so important to have role models from every background so that kids can grow up knowing that they have the ability to suc ceed just like everyone else.
Society must remember the his tory of the land we live on today before our ancestors even founded the United States.
Keep an eye out for future events from the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society as they normally host a couple of events each semester!
By Samantha Weber Editor in chiefIsland shut its doors after processing more than 12 million immigrants since opening in 1892.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/f3b9b5f8606e2c880439f0aa129dd2ac.jpeg)
Audiences ‘reflect’ on body image in new Disney+ short
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/34c531a935844431b02b7804de152d19.jpeg)
“Reflect” is a short film cur rently streaming on Disney+ featuring its first-ever plus-size protagonist.
The animation is about a young ballet dancer named Bi anca who battles with her reflec tion, hence the title of the film.
The director, Hilary Bradfield, said in an interview that she was inspired by her own issues with her self-confidence.
She shared that the dance stu dio felt like a great setting for the animation about body-im age and self-love because of the predominant social mindset re garding the craft.
So many young girls develop low self-esteem and body in securities by comparing them selves to their peers.
“It’s a part of the craft to be looking at your posture and checking things in the mirror, so it just seemed like a really good way to put her in that environ ment where the main character has to look at herself and she doesn’t want to,” said Bradfield in the same interview.
“When people watch the short, I hope that they can feel more positively about them selves and how they look and feel okay about the tough parts of their journey.”
The short is about overcom ing body issues and self-doubt,
and it taps into what it is like to struggle with body issues.
“Reflect” has been praised for exploring body positivity and emphasizing finding inner self love, strength, grace and power.
However, the praise has also come a bit of controversy. There has been some ongoing criticism with how the film encourages an unhealthy lifestyle instead of suggesting solutions.
Others, though, have criti cized it for telling young girls that it is okay to be overweight because they will be okay in the end.
For some, the issue of obesi ty is not something that should be represented, just like anorex ia, but addressed by suggesting changing to a healthier lifestyle.
I thought this film stemmed from good intentions: to en courage young girls not to com pare themselves to others, which has a really positive message.
However, I can see how some people are concerned about the message being perceived in the wrong way, similar to how some people love the singer Lizzo for her confidence and what she stands for while others criticize her for “fat acceptance” and “en couraging obesity and unhealthy habits”.
The themes presented may be considered darker for the audi ences that may watch it.
This representation, though, is meant to be an accurate depic tion of overcoming struggles of
self.
“Sometimes you go to the dark place to get to the good place. And that just makes the good place that much more beauti ful,” said Bradfield.
At the end of the day, chil dren’s minds are so precious and easily impressionable.
From that perspective, I can understand how everyone is looking at it from different an gles because both sides of the argument are fighting for giving children the best possible mes
sage to take away.
Body positivity should not be about one type of look, but it should rather be about valuing yourself enough, despite your flaws, to feel at home in your own skin.
“Fat acceptance” is the idea that you do not need to change, nor should you want to, just be cause you are what society deems to be a “bigger” person.
We need to take away the idea of the ideal size, aesthetic or “re flection” of a person and look at
their physical, mental and men tal well-being.
Children should not be raised believing that their bodies are somehow wrong.
Films like “Reflect” empha size the importance of allowing children to grow into themselves without society’s preconceived notions of the ideal size affecting their self-acceptance.
Celebrity costumes shock and surprise
By Bella Lee Staff writerHalloween promises fun with trick-or-treating, decorations and being scared out of your mind at haunted houses.
However, there is an addition al aspect that can be both im pressive and controversial, and that is what celebrities wear for this beloved holiday.
For his concert at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, Harry Styles transformed in Danny Zuko from famed musical and movie Grease.
He also performed a rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted to You” from the same production.
Kendall Jenner poked fun at a viral moment of her awkwardly slicing a cucumber during an ep isode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” by dressing up as a giant cucumber slice, complete
with a fake knife.
Heidi Klum, who is no strang er to wearing the most eccentric and well-executed Halloween costumes, celebrated her first Halloween party in two years by dressing up as an enormous worm while her husband was dressed as a fisherman with a bloody eye.
Klum’s costume had a wide array of reactions, but it was un deniably original.
At the opening of Starchild Rooftop Bar & Lounge at CI VILIAN Hotel in New York City, musician Anderson Paak was dressed as a nun.
Celebrity couple Justin Tim berlake and Jessica Biel dressed as Harry and Marv, also known as the Wet Bandits, from the “Home Alone” movies.
There were a variety of cos tumes that, much like Klum’s, you would have had no idea who they were without explanation.
For example, actor Sam Rich ardson sported a head-to-toe ensemble of Skeletor from the “Masters of the Universe” fran chise.
Machine Gun Kelly and Me gan Fox complemented each other’s costumes, dressing up as Link and Zelda from the “Leg end of Zelda” franchise.
However, their other reli gion-themed couple’s costume earned them a fair bit of back lash.
Jaden Smith, the son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, dressed up as Harry Potter, complete with Gryffindor robes and the famous round glasses.
Rapper Cardi B took her cos tume to the next level and paint ed her entire body yellow to dress as Marge Simpson, as did Lizzo.
Lil Nas X was one of many ce lebrities that had more than one costume for the occasion.
For one party, he dressed in a devil-like ensemble that appears similar to what is seen in his mu sic video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).”
For another party, the rapper dressed in a robot/alien-like cos tume.
For the premiere of The Jen nifer Hudson Show, the titu lar host dressed up as Whoo pi Goldberg’s character, Sister Mary Clarence, from “Sister Act.”
One particularly amusing cos tume was worn by Joe Jonas who dressed as Flo, the famous Pro gressive insurance spokesperson.
Among the great Halloween costumes included those that were done in pairs or groups.
One such example was sing er Ciara and her daughter, who dressed as Serena and Venus Williams from their Got Milk? campaign.
Billie Eilish and Jesse Ruth
erford were criticized for a cos tume calling attention to their eleven-year age gap, dressing as a baby and a grandpa.
“Riverdale” alumni Lili Re inhart, Madelaine Petsch and Camila Mendes appeared as a trio for the third year in a row, all dressed as the Sanderson sis ters from “Hocus Pocus.”
Of course, as they do every year, Neil Patrick Harris and his family won Halloween.
Harris, his husband and their two children each dressed as fast-food mascots, with Harris as Ronald McDonald, husband David Burtka as the Burger King and twins Gideon and Harper as Colonel Sanders and Wendy, re spectively.
Although Halloween has sad ly departed us, we can continue to fondly remember each of the costumes we were able to enjoy thanks to our celebrities.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman
By Megan McKay Staff writerMarvel released a new film over the weekend, which has had a re cord opening upon hitting the big screen.
“Black Panther: Wakanda For ever” has been highly anticipated as it is the sequel to the original “Black Panther,” a favorite of many Marvel fans.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/e16a7603137be244bb3c23aede5ec4f4.jpeg)
“Black Panther,” released in 2018 became one of the highest grossing films of all time earning $1.4 billion worldwide.
The film also quickly became a cultural phenomenon as it made history as the first big-budget su perhero movie featuring a Black hero, Black director and majority Black cast.
Additionally, “Black Panther” is a historic film because it cor rectly depicts Black heritage and
celebrates African cultures, which have often been misappropriated in the past.
The film won three Oscars among other accolades, and it was just as successful commercially.
Fans have been long awaiting the return of the superhero film, but the feeling is bittersweet.
The film originally starred Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther/King T’Challa.
However, in 2020, a year full of tragedy, the acclaimed star passed away at age 43 after a four-year battle with colon cancer. Boseman battled in secret, with only his closest friends and family knew of the immense struggle he faced.
Following his death, the world mourned the star and celebrated his contributions to the film in dustry.
During his short career, Bose man truly became a real-life su
perhero as he was constantly sharing the significance of shining spotlights on black communities.
Following his untimely passing, a hole was left in one of the most important franchises in the Mar vel Universe.
Without Boseman, the sequel is undeniably different than initially planned, but it will serve as a me morial for the acclaimed actor.
The film is offered as a tribute to Boseman’s passing, and his charac ter T’Challa is given a proper send off by the filmmakers and actors that loved him so dearly.
Instead of replacing T’Chal la and crowning a new King of Wakanda, his death is a formative portion of the plot.
“Chadwick Boseman was an immensely talented actor and an inspirational individual who af fected all of our lives profession ally and personally,” said Marvel
President Kevin Feige in an inter view. “His portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends iteration of the char acter in any other medium from Marvel’s past.”
Feige described how they con tinue to honor Boseman’s legacy and the legacy he helped build as the King of Wakanda.
With the impact of his death, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forev er” acts as a story of grief and trib ute, both on- and off-screen.
Fans can expect to experience a Marvel film unlike ever before.
The film borders the fourth wall with the depiction of a real-world tragedy expressed through the characters and audience as they grieve both Chadwick and T’Challa.
The new film has brought in over $180 million sales domesti cally from the weekend, making
it the second biggest opening of 2022 behind Marvel’s Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, which was released in May.
The film received an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to the original’s 96%.
Compared to its predecessor film, critics have agreed on one thing: that the loss of Boseman weighs heavily on the film.
Critics acknowledge his charac ter’s importance to the impact of the story, so it is not unexpected that the original is superior.
However, there is still a strong appreciation for the intricate world of Wakanda and the ac tion-packed story.
The film is undoubtedly worth the watch for Marvel and Bose man fans alike.
Hurst Hot Take: “Normal Gossip” podcast
Emma Coppolo A&E editorWhile it is not socially ac ceptable to acknowledge, gos siping is one of the most enjoy able ways to spend time with friends.
However, the social repercus sions of this kind of conversa tion make it less than ideal.
For this reason and others, I’m obsessed with a podcast called “Normal Gossip.”
Host Kelsey McKinney com piles juicy stories from listeners across the country.
After anonymizing the story to refrain from exposing peo ple’s private lives, McKinney presents the story to that epi sode’s guest.
Firstly, she and the guest dis cuss their feelings on gossip in general.
McKinney then tells them whatever story she has chosen for the week.
I think one of the best aspects of the podcast is the format it is presented in.
McKinney takes a sort of choose-your-own-journey” ap proach, asking the guest what they think each person should do in a given scenario.
While some scenarios seem predictable, there is always a shocking twist.
One of my favorite episodes is about a family controversy that has spanned decades.
This specific story is about four cousins, one of which flushed a hot dog down their grandpa’s toilet at a family func tion.
None of the children con fessed even after being interro gated by the parents and grand
parents.
Even as adults, everyone had their theories, but a confession had never been made. That is until a confession is made to the grandpa on his deathbed. The grandma notes that he refused to tell her, but his hypothesis was correct for all these years.
As the story unravels, listen ers get to make their predic tions, as well.
The conversational tone of the podcast makes you feel like you are in the room with McKinney and her guest, which makes it even more fun.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/75bde1d85c7ba350db0699aeb68c2c2f.jpeg)
Some episodes, such as “Hot Dog-Gate,” are light-hearted and inconsequential. Others have serious implications that make you wonder how people could act in that way.
All episodes, though, reel you in and hold your attention until
the very end.
I 100% recommend this pod cast, even if it does not sound like your cup of “tea.”
OPINION
Don’t be a grinch, let people celebrate early
The first member of Gen Z just got elected to Congress!
By Bella Lee Staff writerIt has started snowing.
GOOD BAD HOPEFUL
Hopefully we will all get a break over Thanksgiving next week.
One of the most famous (or perhaps infamous) debates that occurs in the last quarter of the year is whether Christmas is celebrated too early. There are some people that hang up their decorations as soon as it hits November (my boyfriend’s college roommate would put up the Christmas tree the second it hit midnight on November 1st), while others wait until after Thanksgiving in an effort to acknowledge the holiday that falls in between Halloween and Christmas. Meanwhile, I just sit here with a bag of popcorn, laughing as I observe all of the chaos unfold.
I am someone who fares towards the middle when it comes to all of this. I am okay with Christmas music blaring on the radio once November begins, but my family generally doesn’t decorate until after Thanksgiving, oftentimes not getting and decorating the
tree until December or even a week before Christmas. That way, Thanksgiving can still be acknowledged but Christmas can be celebrated as early as possible. Just do not be like Hobby Lobby, where I have seen Christmas decorations be advertised as early as July or August.
“Happy Hallothanksmas!” is what many folks say at this rate. With three major holidays occurring within two months of one another (four if you include the New Year), it is a lot to take in all at once. Therefore, I can understand why there are folks that are so adamant on separating every single holiday from one another. The same people that are upset that others begin celebrating Halloween in September are the same people that are upset that others begin celebrating Christmas in November. If this is the case, you would think that there would be more backlash for early Halloween celebrations like there are early Christmas celebrations. Therefore, I really ask one thing: why all the fuss? Why does there have to be such a battle over when people choose to celebrate
Christmas?
I understand that some things are really annoying (I am looking at you, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey), but Christmas is known by many to be a very heartwarming holiday where people are able to spend precious time with their families and loved ones. Even for those that do not celebrate Christmas and instead celebrate holidays like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, the latter months of the year remind us of how fortunate we are to have people around to love us and care for us, no matter what.
To wrap things up, even though I think it is a bit much that people switch out the cobwebs for the fake snow the moment October becomes November, it really is not my place to judge, and it should not be anyone else’s place to judge either. This is the season for giving and caring, and it should be treated as such, instead of being judgmental about when people choose to bring out the mistletoe and wreathes. Just keep “All I Want for Christmas is You” away from me and we’re good.
I love my family’s Thanksgiving traditions
The Merciad
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year. Our office is in Hirt, Room 110.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/e0e2910179b1f5e4a89f10fde496dfe8.jpeg)
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters via email at merciad@ mercyhurst.edu.
By Samantha Weber Editor in chiefThanksgiving is my favorite holiday by fa especially the amount of food I consume. Thanksgiving dinner contains some of my favorite foods, like turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and cranberry jello salad.
I love not eating anything all day and then eating more food than any other meal throughout the year.
My family has started having its own Thanksgiving since COVID because my dad’s side of the family is still pretty cautious and that is normally who we would eat Thanksgiving dinner with. I hate how I cannot have the tradition we normally have this year with my extended family but obviously, I respect their wishes.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/c621e737538d4c4ae44951aea9cc6042.jpeg)
The past two years have started new traditions as my family now hosts some of my mom’s family. Last year we had my aunt and uncle over along with my aunt’s mom and her only niece. It was
a different group than we have ever had but it was very fun nonetheless.
Now, my grandma, mom and I spend all day cooking and preparing food. We normally eat around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and it is always a nice reward for cooking all day.
Another one of my favorite traditions is breaking the wishbone. We always switch it up among the kids who are at the dinner, and we always guess who will get the bigger half. Usually, we are wrong but it is still a lot of fun. I love making a wish when it is my turn because you never know, it just might come true.
An underrated part of Thanksgiving is the leftovers that we have and can eat for days after. I always say Thanksgiving food is the gift that keeps on giving because sometimes I find myself eating mashed potatoes for like four days after dinner.
Another tradition in my household is getting outside for a little part of the day. Whether that be for a quick walk around the neighborhood or to play football with my cousins in the backyard, I love being outside for a little bit
to take a break from the constant cooking.
To start the day, we normally have the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on and enjoy watching all the floats and performances. This is always a fun way to begin the holiday and we usually have hot apple cider to start the day off right.
We also always have a football game on during the day. I am excited this year because the Bills are playing on Thanksgiving and they have been pretty good this year.
Arguably one of the best parts of the day is the post-dinner nap before dessert. Obviously, when you are full from actual dinner, you need to find a way to make room for dessert. Over the years, I have found that it is best to take a nap and then eat some dessert.
Now the dessert is not my favorite part of the meal. I am not a fan of pumpkin pie and that is usually what we have, but I tend to stick to my cranberry jello salad.
I love the way my family celebrates Thanksgiving because I am constantly surrounded by two things I love: family and food.
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are welcome and can be emailed to merciad@mercyhurst.edu
Black Friday quickly losing its appeal
By Hailey Steidle Contributing writer![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/75402a790ff5944d40bf2fc7c78b09c0.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/4a0a4ca11986352c0cbd4fb9e8981609.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/607bf84272d687e2b6e5bd4a3eb89f1f.jpeg)
If you were to look back 10 years ago Black Friday would have been seen as the largest shopping day of the year.
People would begin lining up Thanksgiving night into the early hours of the morning, waiting in freezing cold weather with hundreds of other people just for the chance to score a deal that happened once a year.
News stories of stampedes, fights and the destruction of property were often seen for weeks after as multiple people would fight and race each other for the last items available.
For years it was thought to be the beginning of the holiday shopping season as many companies would market their products as gifts at the beginning of the nationwide sale.
With the mindset of what Black Friday has been in the past the way people interact with the idea of it in 2022 has changed entirely due to events like Cyber Monday taking hold and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cyber Monday has begun to surpass Black Friday in areas such as the amount of sales, the amount of stock available to consumers, and the overall profit made in just a few short days.
Companies have begun to market their sales online much
earlier and for longer periods of time which makes the actual act of Black Friday shopping lose its appeal to many because people know that if they are not able to get the item that they want then they can just purchase it online at a later date.
Many companies such as Amazon and other large retail stores like Walmart and Kohls have begun to offer deals throughout the following week in order to keep customers purchasing their goods.
These deals, unlike the deals on Black Friday, are advertised sometimes weeks and months in advance which creates yet another reason for people to purchase less in person and more online.
People now know what deals are to come instead of hoping for something better to come up on Cyber Monday.
As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in 2020, the appeal of shopping online in general also grew.
Many people were fearful to be around large groups of people or in public spaces as a whole. This is why Cyber Monday became so much more appealing in recent years than Black Friday shopping in stores.
The idea of standing in line with others, pushing and shoving, fighting, and being in multiple public spaces all within the same night made many fearful that they would get sick and spread it to their family members especially with people visiting for the holiday.
Instead, many turned to the internet to do their shopping as they spent time in the safety of their own homes with their families.
The pandemic has led to a lot more online shopping in general. Instead of grocery shopping, people will use services like Instacart to order their groceries for the week.
Why waste time going to the store when you can just order groceries from your home and either pick them up or have them dropped off to you?
Many people will also order things they need off of Amazon, this way it can be delivered right to their door almost the very next day.
This is another reason there is loss in popularity for Black Friday.
As time goes on, the idea of Black Friday continues to lose its appeal as events such as Cyber Monday grow in appeal.
The idea of being safe and with your family on Thanksgiving instead of waiting in lines for sales that you know will be online in just a few short days has made Black Friday less appealing to many in the public.
HURST STUDENTS SPEAK UP
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/25760ca1759552456219173c94be0cb6.jpeg)
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/7f1d1d12c1ef4b8954101789fc17c6fa.jpeg)
We asked: What is your favorite food on Thanksgiving?
Aly Cooper, freshman biochem major: “Turkey”
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/4533524162ae5da4f7c74f027966b1d9.jpeg)
Bella Flask, freshman applied forensic science major: “mashed potatoes”
Jenna Stretch, freshman English major: “pumpkin pie”
Kiersten Brown, freshman biology major: “sweet potatoes casserole”
Watch Taylor Swift’s career “begin again” on The Eras Tour
By Mackenzie Zent Opinion editorTaylor Swift fans woke up to a nice surprise on Nov. 1 when she announced that she would be going on tour for the first time since her “Reputation” stadium tour in 2018.
“The Eras” tour is a perfect theme for where she is in relation to her life and music right now.
On top of being in the process of re-recording and re-releasing her first six albums, she is also releasing new music.
Her latest album, “Midnights,” was just released on Oct. 21, and she quickly took over the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first female artist in history to reach that achievement.
At the end of 2019, Swift
announced “Lover Fest,” following the release of her seventh studio album, “Lover.”
This was going to be a smaller tour in a few different cities across the U.S. and Europe.
However, due to the pandemic, “Lover Fest” never happened. Many fans were crushed that this was canceled, myself included because I had tickets to go to the show in Boston.
Since then, Swift has released three new albums and two rerecorded ones, so she is in a place in her career where doing a tour for a single album would be very difficult. Personally, I was hoping she would re-release all of her albums and do a tour with just those six, keeping them separate from the new music she has released. But as they say, beggars cannot be choosers, and I am just excited I get to sing along to her music live again.
When she originally announced the tour, there were
only 27 shows for the United States. Many fans were nervous this would mean it would be a challenge to get tickets, but because of the demand for tickets, Swift has now added 25 more dates making a total of 52 shows for the entire tour.
I live in Buffalo, New York, so I was hoping she would release international dates and have Toronto listed as one of them. Back in 2018, I drove to Toronto with my aunt and my sister to go to the “Reputation” tour. This was easy because it
was only a two-hour drive, so I was hoping she would come to Toronto again so that I would not have to drive across the state to see her.
Right now, my plan is to go to the New Jersey show, and while it will be a long drive, it will be worth it.
Phoebe Bridgers is one of the openers for the shows in New Jersey, and I have not seen her in concert before, so I am really excited.
Since the song “Nothing New” by Taylor Swift features
Phoebe Bridgers, I am really hoping we will get to hear it performed live.
I also wanted to go to the show in Pittsburgh because Girl in Red is an opener, but the people I am going with outvoted me on that.
“The Eras” tour is going to be special for sure as it will be a mix of nostalgia and newer memories, and I cannot wait to go this summer.
Women’s basketball kicks off season
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/099c6a1a482fb54d235ec7f396f10dd2.jpeg)
Mercyhurst women’s basket ball kicked off their season last weekend against the University of Charleston and West Liberty Uni versity on Friday, Nov. 11.
The Lakers’ season was under way as they took on the Charleston Eagles.
The Lakers held a 10 point lead in the first quarter and led for the majority of the game.
Charleston came back in the sec ond half to secure a lead, but the Lakers rallied to tie the game in the final minutes by heroic efforts from senior guard Jayde Boyd who scored 11 points in a row.
In the last minute of the game Charleston pulled away, eventually winning by a score of 74-78.
The Lakers came out very strong
and showed a lot of resilience in their first game of the season de spite not being able to get their first win.
Boyd led the charge for the Lak ers with 22 points followed by fel low senior guard Julia Buchman who had 14 points respectively.
Jayde Boyd had an impressive start to the season.
“I can contribute a lot of my success to my teammates. We were really sharing the ball as a team which allowed for us to find the advantages in the offense to get the ball to the open person.”
The Lakers then had a quick turnaround Saturday facing off against West Liberty’s Hilltoppers.
In just the first quarter, West Liberty had a nine point lead and a twelve point lead going into the first half.
The Lakers came into the sec
ond half determined to fight back and with less than three minutes in the final quarter freshman for ward Bailey Kuhn made two free throws and hit a jump shot twenty seconds later.
In the following plays the Lakers forced three stops from the Hill toppers offensive efforts and capi talized.
With just 17 seconds left in the game Danielle Grim crossed her defender and made a jump shot to force the game to overtime.
Grim, the young sophomore, showed a lot of confidence on the court with 26 points in 43 minutes of action making strong plays both offensively and defensively.
Grim shared her thoughts after making a shot to tie the game.
“With 20 seconds left, I was thinking about how much I want ed to make a play and make that
shot for my teammates and coach es,” said Grim. “My teammates and coaches had put so much trust in me to take that final shot and nothing I wanted more than to make it for them so we could send it into OT and have a chance at winning. Throughout the game, I just wanted to do whatever I could to help the team win.”
In overtime both teams played hard back and forth but neither could come out ahead.
The game moved into a second overtime and with a three point shot by sophomore Grace Clary which put the Lakers at a four point lead.
However, the Hilltoppers did not back off and responded after being fouled. On the free throw line they hit three free throws in a row to tie the game up.
The game was 107-107 with 26
seconds left in the second over time, which gave the Hilltoppers just enough time to set up a play that they executed.
Off an out of bounds play they passed the ball on the inside of the paint where the Lakers were forced to take a shooting foul in all efforts to prevent any shots being put up.
West Liberty’s shooter made her free throw which ended the game with a score of 108-107.
“While we didn’t get the out come we had hoped for, I think it was a promising and hopeful expe rience that we can seriously learn and grow from. We have a really special group where everyone is truly bought in and just has that hunger to win,” said Boyd.
The Lakers are scheduled to play Tiffin University on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.
Houston Astros win the World Series
By Bella Lee Staff writerThe World Series, the champi onship that culminates the entire MLB season, came to a close on Saturday, Nov. 5.
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, 4-1, to win the overall series 4-2 and win their second ever championship, their first since 2017.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/2122308f722b1f831c70278605c4f18a.jpeg)
After their first championship was marred by cheating scandals, this was a breath of fresh air for both the team and its fans.
The Astros were the second-best team in the entire league, only be hind the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they were successful in beating the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees in their journey to reach the highly anticipated World Se ries.
Several players and higher-ups in the team secured major victories with the Astros.
First baseman Trey Mancini, who was traded to the Astros from the Baltimore Orioles not long before the playoffs began. He beat a battle
with Stage 3 colon cancer just two years prior, marking a massive win for someone whose health was in jeopardy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This also secured a win for man ager Dusty Baker, an MLB veteran who had last seen a World Series win with the Dodgers way back in 1981.
Game 6 of the World Series, the one that secured victory for the As tros, was also the first time that the series was won at home since the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
A major contribution to the As tros’ victory was also seen in their elite pitching squad, which in cluded those ranging from future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander to Framber Valdez and his unhittable curveball to Cristian Javier and his invisiball to a ridiculous bullpen full of power arms.
Thanks to them, the pitching staff posted a 2.29 ERA in the postseason (and held the Phillies to a .163 average) with Valdez leading the way in Game 6, allowing just one run over six innings. Addition ally, the Astros won all four post
season games that Valdez started in.
Another unsung hero of the Astros, especially in Game 6, was left fielder Yordan Álvarez, who hit three home runs in the sixth inning to turn the Astros’ 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. In addition, rookie short stop Jeremy Peña was a revelation.
He hit in all six World Series games, making him the first rookie with a hit in six straight World Se ries contests.
He made several excellent plays in the field and hit four home runs in the playoffs, including a goahead home run in that 18-inning 1-0 win over Seattle back in the
ALDS. His single preceded Alva rez’s blast. He was Houston’s best position player this month.
The Astros can finally be classi fied as a dynasty, with two champi onships in the past five years, four trips to the World Series in the past six seasons and four 100-win sea sons all within that.
Impressive
By Megan McKay Staff writerThe men’s soccer team dom inated this season and recently secured the PSAC champion ship. On Sunday, Nov. 6, the Lakers defeated Bloomsburg in the PSAC finals and secured their first championship since 2016.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/4cde88bc89882de17097eb89b4e37830.jpeg)
Sophomore Dylan Sumner de scribed the team’s anticipation of winning the PSAC Champion ship.
“We were all buzzing to win the PSAC title. Last year we were disappointed to lose in the semi’s after having a good team, so this year we wanted to make sure we don’t slip up and stay focused to win the title,” Sumner said.
The match was full of action until the final minutes where the Lakers grabbed the automatic ticket to the NCAA tournament.
Sophomore Jorge Tallada Tor res found the back of the net in the only goal of the match by a pass from Sumner to win.
The Lakers entered the tourna ment with a record of 19-0-1 and a perfect 10-0 conference record.
Head Coach Ryan Osborne gave his thoughts on the team’s championship win.
“It felt great. It was a relief, fi nals are never easy to win. How ever, it was also something that
we’d planned for, worked hard for and a goal that we set our selves prior to the season,” Os borne said. “At the final whistle the overwhelming emotion for myself was that I was proud of the team and the staff as a lot of dedication, hours and hard work go into this behind the scenes.”
Going into the National Tour nament, the Lakers were ranked third in the region and received a first round bye, starting the sec ond round on home field vs the Post University Eagles.
Osborne described the team’s preparations going into game one. “Our main focus is to exe cute and to be who we are. We need to play the game and not the occasion, we have prepared well and are ready. Post is a very good team and we know we’ll have to be at our best to win and advance,” Osborne said.
The Eagles were ranked num ber six in the nation posting a 153-2 record on their season.
The two teams faced off Sat urday, Nov. 12, at 6.p.m. in the most challenging game of the season for the Lakers.
Saturday night the beginning of the match saw a lot of action in very harsh rainy conditions. The game was tied 0-0 after half.
The second half continued a series of very physical play with
various tackles and stoppages.
In the 77th minute, the Eagles capitalized off a corner kick and put the Lakers down 1-0.
The Lakers went all out for the final minutes trying to return but were caught pressuring resulting in another goal off a rush from the Eagles.
Post held off the Lakers attack and ended in a final score of 2-0.
Despite the Lakers falling to
Post in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Osborne attributes the team’s success through the regular season to their willingness to do the tough parts and a full commitment from the whole team.
The Lakers set out to achieve a goal of playing in the National Tournament and regardless of the result the team did just that.
It was not the end score the
players obviously hoped for when searching to go deep in the tour nament.
The Lakers however have had a historic run this season both in dividually and collectively.
The team has made the com munity proud and should be proud of themselves.
By Bella Lee Staff writerThe NBA season began on Oct. 18, and there is already a lot of excitement buzzing.
From the Los Angeles Lakers losing their first five games to a variety of teams and players to be on the lookout for, the NBA has a lot of great things to look for ward to.
![](https://assets.isu.pub/document-structure/221128191210-098b7927e9824aa560188d0f4b9d1110/v1/00192bcb210d930662190b4be633a14c.jpeg)
Despite the Lakers being 2-10 as of this writing, small forward and NBA giant LeBron James has a lot of hills that he can keep climbing.
James could potentially pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer this season. He is also only the ninth player in NBA history to reach 20 seasons played.
Additionally, James is also cur rently seventh in all-time assists, 14th in games played and 11th in three-pointers.
However, James is not the only one that could make history.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic could become the fourth player in NBA history to win MVP honors three times in a row.
Only 13 players have won MVP honors back-to-back, but if Jokic can do it three times, he will join greats Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird in achieving this astounding feat. This could also be a breakout
year for Zion Williamson, the number one pick in the 2019 NBA draft whose career has so far been marred by injuries, caus ing him to have only played 85 games so far.
This past season the New Orle ans Pelicans made it to the play offs for the first time in four years before losing in the first round, so with Williamson, they have a chance of going even further.
There are also some impres sive age gaps in the league. The youngest player, Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren, is days away from turning 19 years old. On the oth er hand, the Miami Heat’s Udo nis Haslem is 42 years old, mak ing him older than five current head coaches.
James is older than three cur
rent head coaches, while the Golden State Warriors’ Andre Ig uodala is older than four of them.
The youngest head coach in the NBA currently is the Utah Jazz’s Will Hardy, who is only 34 years old; there are currently 19 active players that are older than him.
Like James, Haslem is enter ing his 20th season in the NBA. He is one of only three players to spend 20 or more years with the same team, joining the late and great Kobe Bryant, who stayed with the Laker for all 20 of his seasons, and Dirk Nowitzki, who played all 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
Carmelo Anthony could also mark his 20th year in the NBA if he gets signed by a team. Over all, the NBA could hit 14 million
points altogether fairly soon.
The most notable coach to keep an eye out for right now is Gregg Popovich, the coach for the San Antonio Spurs. He has faced off against 163 coaches so far in his career, and only needs three more to hit the most of all time.
At 74, he is also the oldest cur rently active coach in the NBA. However, Popovich is dealing with quite a young team; Jordan Hall is 20 and the Spurs have five other players—Joshua Primo, Blake Wesley, Dominick Barlow, Malaki Branham and Jeremy Sochan—who are still 19 as this season begins.
This year’s NBA season is sure to be exciting!
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is a good time to speak out on a diffi cult situation. You’re known for your honesty, so people will listen and, perhaps, begin to make long-needed changes.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) The Bovine’s sharp business sense alerts you to question the positions of those trying to push the Bull into a deal. Demand to see proof of what they pro fess.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your quick thinking helps you get out of a troubling situation that was suddenly thrust upon you. Later on, you can expect to learn more about why it hap pened.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You might feel you’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s regarding that upcoming deal. But there might be some facts you’ve ignored. Check again.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Time for the Lion to be more physically active. It will help shake off any lin gering Leonine lethargy and restore your energy levels so that you’ll be prepared for what lies ahead.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Helping those in need at this time is laudable. But don’t ignore your own needs, especially where it concerns your health. A medical checkup is a wise move.
LIBRA (September 23 to Octo ber 22) Good news: Your outspoken views about a controversial on-thejob situation could find unexpectedly strong support from a most unlikely workplace faction.
SCORPIO (October 23 to Novem ber 21) You might have to draw on your reservoir of spiritual strength to help someone special through a diffi cult time. Your loving attitude makes all the difference.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Your proven leadership qualities make you the perfect person to take on an important workplace task. Don’t shy away from the chal lenge.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Although some compro mise might need to be reached regard ing your stand on an important issue, you’ll still be able to get the most cru cial points across.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to Feb ruary 18) A chance to make a career change carries both positive and uncertain possibilities. Best advice: Check it out thoroughly, and don’t be rushed into a decision.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You’re still a staunch supporter of one side of an important issue. But be pre pared to deal with new information that could cause you to question your current stand.
BORN THIS WEEK: You’re per ceptive and quick to act when you sense that someone needs help. You are an always-dependable friend.
© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.