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SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS, PANDEMIC CHANGES WAY CLASSES ARE TAUGHT
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News Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu
Sanitizing Stations are available around campus, as well as in buildings, such as the Humanities and Social Sciences building.
(Heather Bair/ The Penn)
School year begins, pandemic changes way classes are taught EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP As COVID-19 continues to spread over the world, many aspects of daily life have been changed. This includes the way in which colleges are reopening their doors. While some have decided to go fully online, the administration of IUP has taken a different route. “With cases of COVID-19 on the increase locally and in PA, we’re updating our plans to reduce the number of students on campus this fall by about two thirds,” IUP’s response said. The list of students staying on campus include students under 30 credits, ones that require faceto-face classes, most graduate students, international students in the U.S. and ones with special circumstances. The announcement was made via IUP’s website a few days after its decision to hold the graduation for May and August 2020 online, as well as two weeks before the first day of the semester.
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It was also shared on IUP’s social media pages with a flood of responses. Student and parent opinions have been mixed upon this release. Generally, there is some criticism toward the decision coming from both those wanting on campus learning and those who prefer online. Bethany Bailey (sophomore, nursing) is glad to return to campus, but said there should be more options. “I honestly think we should be having more in-person classes, but also have the option for online,” she said. “Leave it up to the students whether they think it’s safe to attend class or not.” For others, students coming back to campus will raise more problems. “I honestly don’t think it’s worth coming back,” said Taylor Nissly (sophomore, biology). Nissly’s opinion stems from what she has seen from other universities. “A couple schools went back to school just to go back home, so who knows what IUP is going to
do next.” Malloreigh Yingling (senior, international studies) was most upset by the school’s treatment of seniors and upperclassmen. She said the school was choosing money over education as its reason for preferencing freshmen.
“I am so disappointed with my university and the place I’ve loved to call home for the past three years,” she said on IUP’s post about the decision. “We have worked so hard to get where we are at now, and you are going to allow freshmen to partake in activities and face to face classes? “If you’re going to make this decision to go completely online, it
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needs to be for everyone.” Some students focused on the timeliness of IUP’s response, in comparison to other state universities. “It’s kind of disappointing how little most universities are taking this seriously,” said Lewis Dominguez (mathematics) on the same post. “We needed this response in early June, not weeks before opening.” Those against IUP’s decision have also cited off campus apartment leases that have already been signed and are non-refundable. IUP responded by offering ways to assist students who are bound to housing agreements. “Off-campus leases are agreements between the tenant and the landlord, so we are encouraging students to contact their landlord to find out what options are available. The Student Cooperative Association can provide legal guidance for renters:” Safety measures IUP is taking include all students receiving a safety kit and a lot of extra cleaning. Sports and some clubs have also been put in null for the semester.
Dining services will also be under change. Food will be mostly takeout, and students are urged to use GrubHub in order to lower lines. Though the Hadley Union Building (HUB) and North Dining will remain open, everywhere except Starbucks will be closed in the Crimson Cafe. Students who have housing leases on campus, but who will no longer be staying, can get out of their contract through StarRez without penalty. A list of in-person classes can be found at www.iup.edu/WorkArea. Though there is no predicting what will happen this semester, President Michael Driscoll remained pleased with the IUP community. Despite the mixed response, he showed gratitude for the students and staff. “I remain extraordinarily proud of how the IUP community has worked together to plan, plan again, and rebalance plans and how it now stands ready to execute that plan,” he said. “In the worst of times, even though challenged and disappointed, Crimson Hawks never disappoint.”
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Annual book sale happening with safety precautions, distancing HEATHER BAIR News Editor zzzx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP
(Heather Bair/ The Penn) Theta Chi’s symbol consists of the rattlesnake, the swords, the Coat of Arms and the Badge.
Fraternity finds new home on campus EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP One of the fraternities at IUP has a change in its home starting this semester. Theta Chi Epsilon Eta’s new house is located on South 8th St. behind Pratt Hall. Though it was originally just a rumor, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Betsy Sarneso confirmed the news in an email Friday. The original house was located at 228 South 7th St. Chapter President Matt LaBarbera was reached for questioning on why there was a change in housing but had yet to respond at the time of this article. Originally established at IUP in 1957, the goal of Theta Chi is to establish its brothers as upstanding men in society. Members tend to be from the ROTC community, as well. The original fraternity was founded in 1856 and is one of America’s oldest fraternities. Despite its long history, the chapter had its recognition withdrawn in 2011 by IUP, but was reinstated Nov. 2014. Over the past six decades, over 1,000 brothers have been initiated into the chapter. While many fraternities at IUP have been caught in scandals due to hazing, Theta Chi has no known instances of such behavior at this time. GreekRank.com
gives the chapter a rating of 70.2%. Many who rated list the brothers as being friendly with good brotherhood. Another member of the website, “Al,” said that the brothers were helpful. “All of the men in this chapter seem to care not only about the safety of those inside but the safety of all involved.” This concern for safety may also be seen through its social media posts regarding the COVID-19 epidemic and the riots after the death of George Floyd. These posts can be found on its Twitter, @thetachiiup. In the past, the fraternity has been involved in a lot of community work, including helping clean up after homecoming and IUPatty’s. They were also one of the fraternities involved in raising over $4,000 for the Salvation Army last year. Though COVID-19 has caused IUP to lower the number of students staying on campus, it is unknown how the pandemic will change fraternity housing life. Because freshmen are still required to live on campus, a change in rush numbers is less likely to be affected. A recruitment open house for Theta Chi and other Interfraternity Council chapters start Tuesday, Sept. 5. The full list of Interfraternity Council (IFC) chapters can be found at https://www.iup.edu/ greeklife/chapters-and-councils/.
The annual Newman Used Book Sale is happening despite COVID-19 pandemic. The book sale usually happens in the parking lot of the St. Thomas More University Parish during the summer, right before school returns. However, this year, things are a little different. Rather than the white tent set up in the parking lot filled with paperbacks, hardbacks, textbooks and any and all genres you could think of, this year the Newman Used Book Sale will be held as a Drive-Thru Sale. The sale will take place Saturday, August 29, 2020 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until supplies last. The book sale. which typically lasted all weekend, will now be one day only. The way it works is you must wear a mask and stay in your vehicle. You’ll receive an order from a masked volunteer on which you fill out and complete your form, being sure to mark what categories you prefer,
such as adventure, mystery/suspense, romance, science fiction or westerns. The masked volunteer will take your order and will place bags of books in your vehicle. The payment for books must be in cash only and change will not be given.
The books in bags have been in quarantine themselves for two weeks prior to the book sale. “We understand that people like to pick their own books,” said The Newman Used Book Sale at St. Thomas More University Parish Facebook page.
“However, under the current COVID-19 regulations and guidelines, we could not see a way to hold our normal sale.” The hope is to return to the normal way of holding the book sale in 2021 and they are currently taking donations for the 2021 Newman Used Book Sale. “Our drive-thru sale is the best way to ensure everyone’s safety while allowing people to get books in the categories that they prefer,” said the Facebook post. “While you may not be able to pick the exact books you would like, you may receive a book or author that you would have not normally picked but end up enjoying.” The Newman Book Sale also offers children books starting at pre-readers, early readers, chapter books and teen/young adult. The bags are $5 per bag. Whether you’re looking for new books to add to a collection or are looking for something new to read while in quarantine and stuck at home, the book sale is your place to go. It takes place 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. or while supplies last.
The Newman Used Book Sale looks a little differently this year thanks to COVID-19.
(Facebook)
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HUB changes looks amid pandemic with signs, arrows
(Paul Marchwinski/ The Penn) The Hadley Union Building (HUB) has transformed their look to offer safety and precautions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The food court has doors that are specifically for entrances and exits and social distancing is in full effect. The signs around help people know where to go and how to navigate the “new normal” on IUP’s campus. Textbooks must now be pre-ordered or purchased online through the Student Co-Op.
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Local theater shows classic movies in private showings
(Facebook) MovieScoop Cinemas, located in the Indiana Mall, had closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with specific health regulations in places, the theater is open again to give customers a way to escape the quarantine blues. MARTY WEAVER Staff Writer zglz@iup.edu @mrweavs The MovieScoop Indiana Mall Cinemas offers private showings of “classic” movies for up to 20 people. Guests can visit the MovieScoop website, find a date and time, purchase one ticket for $40–$100 and choose a movie, according to the director of marketing and strategic communications, Liz Harper. Then, all there’s left to do is invite your “pandemic pod” or “quarantine crew,” Harper said. “Private shows before 4 p.m. boast a $40 ticket price; after that time, the price for a private show is $70, and newer films can bump the ticket price to $100,” said head manager Jonathan Langham. MovieScoop is also open to the public – with lots of safety measures in place. Films like “16 Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Jaws” and “Jurassic Park” are on the table for movie-goers. Family movies like “Shrek” and “How to Train Your Dragon” are also offered weekly. MovieScoop will be “mixing things up” in the fall lineup with newer films like “The Avengers” (2012) and “Inception,” Harper said. A new film called “Unhinged” just premiered Friday. All guests are required to wear facial coverings to enter the building and traverse the lobby and hallways, though guests may take off the coverings to eat and drink in the auditoriums. Disposable masks are also sold for $1 each.
The back room in MovieScoop Cinema is prepared for cleaning.
Facial coverings are required for all staff. The fee for online purchases has been waved temporarily to encourage contact-free ticket buying. The theater “lowered the seat counts by 50 percent in all auditoriums so customers can easily practice social distancing, as recommended by local health officials and the CDC,” according to the MovieScoop website. So, guests can sit with the people they came to the theater with, but should stay away from other movie-goers. Each auditorium has a separate ventilation system, Harper said. Every other row in each auditorium is blocked off, and on busy nights, staff will help seat guests to abide by CDC guidelines, Langham said. Each seat is wiped down with soap and hot water after it is used. “We’re cleaning harder than we ever had before,” he said. All staff members are required to fill out a private online survey every day they have a shift. Survey questions include “Have you
(Marty Weaver/ The Penn)
travelled in the past 14 days?” and “Has anyone you know started showing symptoms?” “The wellness check is not personally invasive,” Harper said. “I’d rather overkill than be criticized for not doing enough,” Langham said. MovieScoop is still offering weekly specials. The Mighty Movie Monday special is $5 tickets and a free 32-ounce popcorn. Tuesday nights are student nights – student tickets are $7.25 (evenings only). City buses stop at MovieScoop, and the last bus leaves the theater at 10 p.m. The last movies get out around 9:30 p.m. each night. Though many films have been released directly to streaming services amid theaters closing, Harper isn’t worried about the future of movie theaters. “I think theaters are going to be thriving,” she said. Seeing a film in a theater is different than seeing one at home, and studios understand that, Harper said. “In a movie theater, you’re committed to being sucked into a different world,” she said.
(Marty Weaver/ The Penn) The movie theater requires masks be worn inside and that every other row is sectioned off.
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News
Kamala Harris (left) and Joe Biden (right) responded to President Trump’s attacks before the National Republican Convention on Sunday.
(TNS)
Biden, Harris reply to Trump's attacks before convention JANET HOOK TNS Los Angeles Times Joe Biden, girding for a week of attacks at the Republican National Convention, previewed his response Sunday by laughing off questions about his mental acuity, denying he supported defunding the police, and leaping to defend his running mate, Kamala Harris, against President Trump's attacks. In the Biden-Harris ticket's first joint television interview since being formally nominated at their party's convention last week, Biden said his selection of Harris was not a response to pressure to pick a Black woman as his vice presidential nominee. "I didn't feel pressure to select a Black woman," he said in an interview with ABC, according to video excerpts released in advance of its broadcast in full. But he added: "The government should look like the people, look like the country." "I think that there is so much about what comes out of Donald Trump's mouth that is designed to distract the American people from what he is doing every day," she said. "That is about neglect, negligence and harm to the American people."
Biden jumped in to add that Trump was incompetent and that his attacks were out of bounds and unpresidential. "The idea that he would say something like that, no president – no president – has ever said anything like that," Biden said. "No president has ever used those words." Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the fourth day of the DNC The interview gives voters the first unscripted, extended look at the dynamics between the running mates, a historic pairing between a 77-year-old white man who, if he wins the presidency, would be the oldest person to assume the office, and a 55-year-old who is the first Black woman and first Asian American on a national party ticket. Biden and Harris have made joint campaign appearances, and they sat for a joint interview with People magazine last week. But ABC was granted the first broadcast interview, which was conducted by David Muir and Robin Roberts. Despite their differences of background and generation and their sometimes-bitter competition during the 2020 presidential primary, Biden and Harris have a
relationship of some warmth and affection because Harris, while serving as California's attorney general, had been close to Biden's late son, Beau, then the attorney general of Delaware, who died of cancer in 2015 at age 46. In the interview, sitting at a significant distance from Harris and the interviewers in accordance with health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden said that choosing Harris as his running mate was "an easy decision to make." "I cannot understand and fully appreciate what it means to walk in her shoes," he said. "What we do know is that we have the same value set." It remains to be seen in the coming weeks exactly what role Harris will play in the campaign. For now, both nominees are sticking to virtual campaigning and lying low while the spotlight turns to Trump and his party during this week's GOP convention. The ABC interview gives Biden and Harris a chance to answer some of the criticisms that Republicans are expected to highlight. When asked about Trump's questions about his mental acuity, Biden laughed and welcomed the comparison to Trump's fitness. "Watch me," he said. "Mr. Pres-
ident, watch me. Look at us both, what we say, what we do, what we control, what we know, what kind of shape we are in." Trump hailed his own mental acuity by boasting he "aced" a cognitive test, although the test questions are mostly rudimentary. Biden has brushed aside Trump's suggestions that he should undergo such testing. When Biden was asked about statements the former vice president made that he was a transitional figure in the Democratic Party, he denied that meant he intended to be a one-term president. He said he "absolutely" would consider serving two terms. A central GOP line of attack is that Biden is not the political moderate that he claims to be; Republicans sometimes portray him as a Trojan horse for the party's extreme left wing. In the interview, Biden denied – as he has on many occasions – that he supported defunding the police, which is a rallying cry of many Black Lives Matter activists and other progressives who believe that public resources should be shifted from armed law enforcement to social services. Biden's criminal justice plan actually calls for increasing funding for community policing. "I don't want to defund police
departments," he said. "I think they need more help; they need more assistance." Much of the Democratic convention spotlighted criticism of Trump's handling of the coronavirus crisis, which has killed more than 176,000 people in the U.S. and led to economic calamity. Trump for months insisted that the outbreak would "eventually disappear" and pressured governors to lift stay-at-home restrictions. In the ABC interview, Biden said he would take far stricter actions – even imposing severe quarantine restrictions on the country – to contain the virus' spread if scientists said it was necessary. "I will be prepared to do whatever it takes to save lives because we cannot get the country moving until we control the virus," Biden said. "That is the fundamental flaw of this administration's thinking to begin with. In order to keep the country running and moving and the economy growing, and people employed, you have to fix the virus, you have to deal with the virus." And if scientists said it was necessary to shut the country down to do so, Biden said, "I would shut it down; I would listen to the scientists."
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Opinion
CARTOONS
(Heather Bair/The Penn) This is the office located upstairs of the Hadley Union Building (HUB), above the food court.
The Penn’s plans for Fall 2020
Welcome to The Penn, the IUP student newspaper since 1924. There has been a lot that has happened since then and COVID-19 is just another thing to add. What we have is a legacy that I know the staff and myself will live up to. I am not going to guarantee anything because we would prefer to show you what we are capable of producing. Since school shut down last semester, there has been a lot that has happened. The pandemic has continued to spread at unprecedented numbers, and protests have swept across the nation. These protests could be seen locally as well. On June 3, a peaceful protest took place in Indiana for the Black Lives Matter movement. We as a staff decided to put out a special issue detailing the protest, which could be read on our website. There will be another special issue coming out Wednesday as well. This will detail what it is like to live on and off campus as a black student in Indiana. It
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will be part of a series of articles split-up that will be exclusively on our website. Since COVID-19, our staff has been working remotely to ensure that we continue to produce content. That will continue into the fall semester. There have also been a lot of tough decisions not only for the university but for ourselves. We, like the university, would love to be back to normal but are forced to live out in the new normal. It is our duty to keep our staff as safe as possible during these times. One of the changes we are making is that our issues will be coming out once a week and will be produced on Wednesdays. You could find the link to our website and all of our social media. We promise to give the most accurate information in all of our articles. We may be students, but that does not mean we should not follow all the guidelines and rules we have as journalists. That is our duty to you the reader.
As a staff, we love IUP and everything it has to bring. There is a lot of good that comes from this school, and unfortunately at times there is some bad. Over the course of this year The Penn will bring both in a timely manner. If you are interested in reading every issue, I would suggest subscribing to our newsletter. We also post information on our social media platforms located on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If there are any questions throughout the year, you may send us an email at the-penn@iup.edu I hope everyone stays safe and remembers to listen to the health experts during the pandemic. We look forward to producing content for everyone and making sure to get all the facts right throughout the year. Brought to you By: Steven Langdon Jr. Editor-in-Chief
(TNS)
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Opinion
Culture
Culture Editor: Katelin Pompa – xzgw@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu
(Kate Pompa/ The Penn)
IUP enforcing new rules due to COVID-19
Staying safe and germ free at IUP during a pandemic Haley Brown Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP While IUP students are busy with getting their materials and instructions for the start of their new Fall 2020 courses, the campus staff has been keeping equally busy in order to properly prepare our campus for the students who have been allowed to come back to the university this fall. Despite the hopeful push to allow all students to return, IUP is aiming to invite back only about a third of the pupils that usually grace the school grounds for the safety of all students and staff and to attempt to aid in the slowing of the spread of the unfortunately well-known COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that the campus is as safe as possible, the staff of the health services, maintenance, and custodial departments of IUP, as well as the IUP dining and housing services offices, have been working tirelessly to create the most sanitary conditions as possible and to provide the resources to allow for a healthy and safe experience for everyone
Culture
who plans to return to campus. In order to help and encourage the students to protect themselves and their peers’ health, every student is to receive a student safety kit. These plastic-bag kits will include a thermometer, hand sanitizer, washable face masks, tissues, and pamphlets that will include plenty of health and safety information concerning COVID-19, how it is spread, and how to stay as healthy as possible during these strange and unprecedented times. Masks are, of course, required on campus when you are in any of the buildings, and they are also going to be required outside when social distancing is not an option. Many lecture classes are planned around a hybrid model. This means that small groups will be determined, and the groups will rotate between being present physically in the classroom and being connected to the professor and their classmates through a Zoom call, or another similar video chat platform, for the length of the normal class period. In most classrooms, IUP has
installed special cameras called Meeting Owl Pro Smart cameras. These cameras are capable of capturing video in 360 degrees and can choose to split your screen between being able to see whoever is speaking including the professor and the board or screen they are working on, or being able to see the entire 360 degree video of the classroom. Signs have been placed everywhere across campus encouraging passersby to maintain social distancing from others whenever possible. One-way traffic flow signs have also been placed where it is maintainable, such as entrances and exits for certain buildings like the dining hall and the HSS buildings. There are even “stay-in-your-lane” markers with arrows to further enforce this type of movement. Elevators are limited to three passengers per ride and priority is given to anyone with disabilities. The cleaning crews will be constantly sanitizing high-traffic touch areas such as door handles, stairway railings, elevator buttons and bathroom stalls. All food services that are open will allow mobile ordering through the Grub-Hub app so
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students can order before they arrive and pick up their food when it is ready to further limit social contact. North Dining and the HUB Food Court are also allowing face-to-face ordering and limited seating will be available at North Dining. The POD stores will be open to students who need to shop for limited groceries and “grab and go” bags will be available at Folger Dining Hall. Most students who live in residence halls will have private rooms and some will have private bathrooms. Gathering spaces in all buildings will be regularly sanitized so that students can work together at safe distances from one another. Seating in computer labs will be limited, but the IUP computers will still be available for use. If you require health services, you must make an appointment since no walk-ins will be allowed. You can also request a skypestyled appointment with one of the nurse practitioners or a physician. Touch-free temperature-check kiosks are scattered around campus and are not mandatory but can be used for discretionary use.
The library will remain open, and study spaces will be limited and spaced for social distancing. In order to receive books you need, you will need to request them at the front desk. The HUB fitness center will be open with limited hours and will include a wellness check when you arrive. Limited capacity in the gym ensures that appropriate social distancing guidelines are being followed. The Co-op store is to be open on Aug. 14 and 15 from noon to 4 p.m. to allow students to pick up books they have ordered online. Other shopping will be open at limited capacity as well. Crimson connect and IUP’s other social media platforms have more information about events, both in-person and virtual, that are still occurring in Indiana. Despite these complicated and sometimes frightening times, IUP is always fully committed to providing all of their students with the highest-quality education possible. COVID-19 may have complicated our lives, but IUP has stepped up and continues to actively prioritize and ensure the health and safety of all campus-goers.
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Culture
College Cookbook Chronicles for the cooking impaired MARTY WEAVER Staff Writer zglz@iup.edu @ThePennIUP A new year means a new dorm, apartment or, in the case of this hellish year, staying home. Either way, you gotta eat. If you are understandably wary of eating at campus eateries, and dining out has burned a hefty hole in your wallet (I am chowing down on some Dunkin as I write this), then why not try your hand at cooking? I am living in a shoebox “apartment” this year. I will have access to only a hot plate, microwave, coffee maker and a community kitchen that I’ll use sparingly. So, I’m going to be chronicling my cooking adventures, both the successes and failures, for y’all’s education and – if I do my job right – entertainment. First thing’s first: you need some basic equipment in order to cook. Not all single efficiency units allow hot plates, so make sure you carefully read your lease before dropping cash on appliances you’re not able to use. Next, get yourself a nonstick pan or two. If you’re an egg fiend such as myself, then consider getting one of those teeny-tiny egg pans you see in grocery stores. Don’t bother with cast iron or stainless-steel pans; not only can they be exorbitantly expensive, but there’s no need to get anything beyond nonstick pans for a college apartment. A frying pan’s best friend is a wooden spoon because the wood doesn’t conduct heat like metal does. If your spoon or spoons have a flat edge, then they’re perfect for squishing things like tomatoes. A couple of big-ish mixing bowls will be very helpful. There might be more dishes to do down the line, but that is less frustrating than having to stop to do some dishes in the middle of cooking. On that note, get yourself a whisk. Listen, sometimes you want pancakes, and whisks are the best tool for the job. Also invest in some cheap measuring cups and spoons if you’re terrible at estimating measurements like yours truly. A rubber spatula is another
(Marty Weaver/ The Penn) A good way to start the day is with an English muffin and a poached egg. indispensable gadget in the kitchen. They’re great for scraping down the sides of bowls, folding ingredients together and mixing things like bread dough if you don’t like using your hands. Some professional chefs get judgemental if you don’t use your hands, but not everyone likes the feeling of touching food, and everyone should respect that. (I really love mixing bread dough by hand; touching raw chicken, however, sends shivers up my spine. Be understanding of people with sensory issues!) Last but certainly not least, get yourself a good chef’s knife. The difference between a $5 knife and a $20 one makes a world of difference in hospital bills alone. Dull knives are the most dangerous tools in the kitchen. The duller the knife, the more likely it is to slip and cut your fingers. My knife came with a sharpening sheath, so every time I put it away, it sharpens itself. A chef’s knife should be the first kitchen knife you invest in because it can be used for most
tasks. More specific knives, like paring, fish and butcher’s, have fewer uses, though they’re superior at those tasks. I’m not Sohla El-Waylly or Samin Nosrat, though; one fairly high-quality chef’s knife is good enough for me. And remember: cutting boards are your friends. Please don’t lose your security deposit because of me.
Now, onto food staples you should almost always have on hand. A good rule of thumb is
to get the best ingredients that you can afford, but don’t feel bad for liking “cheap” stuff. The most important ingredient in all of cooking is salt. Do yourself a favor and get Kosher salt. Sure, it’s about twice as much as regular table salt, but we’re talking $1 for table salt and $2 for Kosher. Kosher salt has bigger flakes than table salt, and those flakes provide a better taste and texture. As counter-intuitive as it seems, the bigger the salt flakes, the less “salty” it is per… capita? Unit? Whatever the right noun is. The next most important ingredient is “good” olive oil. Again, get what you can afford; I’m a middle-class bougie white person, but I am well aware of others’ budgets. A bottle of olive oil should last you a while, so shelling out for a $10 bottle will make a difference in the long run. My preferred brand is California Olive Ranch, which isn’t that much more expensive than bargain brands. A key piece of info concerning olive oil is that older is actually
worse. Olive oil has an expiration date, so the fresher, the better. That being said, a bottle should be good for at least a year. You should always keep sandwich fixin’s in your kitchen. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are one of humanity’s greatest inventions, and I love me a turkey and cheese. A few condiments will also go a long way, especially hot sauce. Spice adds a lot to a meal, even if you don’t like spicy foods. Finally, it’s a good idea to always have some eggs on hand. They’re cheap, last longer than you think, and there are a million ways to cook them – if you like eggs, of course. You can add or subtract items from this laundry list as you see fit. This column is meant to be a suggestion, not the Gospel. There’s no need to go all Steve1989MREInfo this year and stock up on Lunchables. With the help of my Food Network upbringing (and heeding the warnings of my intense hubris), you should be able to learn how to cook at least one meal.
Culture
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August 24, 2020
Popular Shows to Binge during Quarantine
(JESHOOTS-com, Jade87/ Pixabay)
Be sure to stay safe and healthy by social distancing and sanitizing. MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Unfortunately due to COVID-19, most of the U.S. has been stuck indoors. The nice thing is that many have been able to binge watch new shows. Here is the best shows to binge on each streaming platform. With the school year beginning and many of us stuck inside doing online school, most of us will be drawn to relieve our school stress by binging shows. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon all have hit shows that will be sure to help you avoid focusing on the stress of the new school year. Listed below are popular shows right now on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.
Netflix: Umbrella Academy Season 2: Many have been awaiting the release of the second season of the Netflix Original show, “The Umbrella Academy.” After season 1 was released in 2019, fans of the show have been dying to see what comes next for the main characters. The show is based off of the collection of comics
and graphic novels, which were written my Gerald Way, who is My Chemical Romances’ lead singer. The show has superpowers, tons of drama and even a global apocalypse. The characters are all very unique and easy to love. I’d recommend this show to fans of dystopian dramas packed full of adventure and witty characters. The Legend of Korra: When Netflix released Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” on their platform earlier this year, fans went crazy. Many of us college students grew up binging the series, and Netflix gave us all a chance to relieve our fond childhood memories. They recently released the follow-up series “Legend of Korra,” also from Nickelodeon, on their platform. This show has 4 seasons and follows some of the characters from the original Avatar. Teenage Bounty Hunters: Netflix recently released this new original series, which is already high on their trending top 10 chart. The plot revolves around two teenage fraternal sisters who align with a veteran bounty hunter. They have to juggle their lives as teenage bounty hunters and the stress of growing up and teen-
Hulu:
(StocksSnap/Pixabay) Finding something to watch age life. The series is full of comic relief and funny scenarios. Forbes calls the show“one of Netflix’s Best Shows of 2020.”
Normal People: This Emmy nominated Hulu original series revolves around a relationship between characters Marianna Sheridan and Connell Waldron as they navigate life as adults. The series is based off of the novel by Sally Rooney. The show has four Emmy nominees. Little Fires Everywhere: Based off the novel by Celeste Ng, this Hulu miniseries follows the story of two families in the Cleveland suburbs known as Shaker Heights in the late 90s. I had to read this book for my English Literature class my Freshman year, and it certainly did not disappoint. The show stars Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington. Mrs. America: While this isn’t a Hulu original show, they recently added it to their platform. This show is a historical drama that follows the events proceeding the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The show has a lineup of stars including Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth Banks and Margo Martindale. Like “Normal People,” this show has also received Emmy nominations. It has
10 Emmy Nominations at the 72 nd Primetime Emmy Awards.
Amazon:
Tales from the Loop: This American science fiction drama is set in the fictional town of Mercer, Ohio. It’s an Amazon Original series, and the town is home to the Mercer Center for Experimental Physics, also known as the Loop. The series contains eight episodes. Hanna: Even though this series isn’t new to 2020, its second season was recently added to Amazon. The show follows the story of a girl, Hanna, who was raised in the forest. She has to constantly evade the capture by a CIA agent who wants to discover the truth behind her existence and who she actually is. Upload: Released in May, this Prime original show is a science fiction comedy drama that was an instant hit and renewed for a second season only seven days after its premiere. In the year 2033, humans get the choice when they die to choose their afterlife. They get the choice to “upload” themselves into the virtual afterlife of their choosing.
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August 24, 2020
Culture
August 24, 2020
Culture
15
Next-Generation Console Battle
Working Remotely and staying focuse
(Brenkee/ Kropekk/Pixabay)
How to learn with off campus classes EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer gtkw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP Due to IUP’s decision to transition most classes online for the Fall 2020 semester, many students are finding themselves working remotely. This could mean working from their apartment or even at home. Though it might feel similar to the second half of the Spring 2020 semester, there are many differences, including the fact that these students know some of their friends may be at IUP while they are not. Having that thought may add to their stress that they have already from doing Zoom classes once more. As someone who is working from home themself, I have found a few ways for students to deal with the current situation. The first thing to remember is that you are not in this boat alone. Although it may feel like all of your friends have returned to campus, that is not true. Even if they are on or near campus, they will still be working with online classes. You are just not paying for the same housing costs as they are. Also, IUP is not the only school where students are dealing with this change. It is also important, whether at home or somewhere else, that you have a quiet space to work. It can be hard to ask family and friends to be quiet or to stay away from a certain room for a time, but your education should be a priority that they understand. Keep your schedule posted somewhere they can see it so they know when you are busy. I also recommend using a room that is not your bedroom, especially
for morning classes. It can be so easy to want to fall back to sleep, muting your microphone and turning off your video.
That is one of the quickest ways to failing the semester. I have even sat outside for class, as it made me feel more open to learning and waking up. It also gives off some of the best lighting for Zoom classes. If you must use your room, sit at a desk and not on your bed to assure you will not sleep. To stay out of a funk, get ready before class as you would if you were attending in person classes. Not only will this wake you better, but you will feel more productive in the morning. You may also feel less fretful over the current situation because you are treating the day as if there was no change. During the spring semester, I had trouble wanting to attend my classes or get out of bed unless I got dressed and treated my room like my dorm. I saw a huge difference in myself. Also try to get your family more involved in your learning. They themselves may have never gone to college, so you might be able to teach them some things by having them help you study. Both they and yourself will get something positive from it, including family bonding. This can work well with friends you have close by, too. If you still find yourself struggling or feeling stressed, you should seek help from someone. Whether it is someone close by or talking with a professor, you should talk about what is troubling you. Your mental health is just as important as your education, if not more so. Feeling overwhelmed is normal during times of changes, so you need time to focus on yourself.
(Samir Satam/essentiallysports, Andriod Central/Andriod Central) Next generation console controllers. KATE POMPA Culture Editor xzgw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP This article contains opinion. Team Xbox or PlayStation? The debate has been sparked since 2006 about who offers a better console. Do you like cross play or a story driven game? The debate has sparked once again, and here’s a little information about the new generation of Xbox and PlayStation. Both prices for the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 are still to be announced, although there has been rumors of the consoles being available for around the $400 to $500 range with the Xbox series X on the more expensive side. The release date for the PS5 is set to bearound Holiday season of 2020, while the Xbox Series X is placed around November 2020. Visually, the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 have very different designs. The Xbox Series X is a lot chunkier due to its massive cooling system, and it is only available in a matte black. The PS5 is white and slimmer. The PS5 console will change colors depending what mode it is in (awake, sleep, active). It is taller than any console previously made. The PS5 will also
have a digital only version. It is rumored that the Xbox Series X will have a digital version. In terms of cogs and gears, both new consoles will put out 8K resolutions and high frame rates up to 120 frames per second. Along with that, they are both equipped with powerful processors. In terms of storage, if you need more space, the Xbox Series X might be the better bet. Xbox Series X comes with 1TB of SSD, while PS 5 has 825GB of SSD. Although that is what they come with, both consoles will be compatible with expandable storage options. Both consoles have an 8-core processor, while the PS5 will run at a steady 3.5 GHz, and the Xbox Series X will have to capability to run up to 3.8 GHz. The key exclusive games for the PS5 are Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon II: Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7. These games will only be available on the PS5. In contrast, the Xbox Series X the exclusive games include Halo Infinite, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Forza Motorsport 8 and State of Decay 3. It’s important to note that unlike the PS5, Xbox will continue to support backwards compatibility all the way to the
original Xbox and some PC. That is a perk of Xbox, but visually, anything new Xbox releases within the next two years will not look as good as the PS5 exclusives. The PS5 will include backwards compatibility to an extent. You may be able to include almost all PS4 games on the newer generation. In terms of subscriptions, Microsoft and Sony have not outlined a game streaming service on next-gen consoles. PlayStation Now is Sony’s game streaming, but it is unknown if it will support PS5 games. The Xbox Game Pass will still be able to be enjoyed on the Xbox Series X. In terms of Virtual reality, the PS5 will still be compatible with the PS VR headset, although there is a possibility for a new one to come out over time. The Xbox Series X has no plans for a VR headset, which might make PS5 the better option depending on how invested you are in Virtual Reality headsets. Overall, when choosing the best console for yourself, you have to look into what each one has to offer and how it appeals to you and what you want your new console to do. This will not be the end of the console war, but we can always pick a side.
August 24, 2020
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Culture
(Shafin_Protic/Pixabay)
Keep others safe! Wear a mask
Making your own customizable face mask Haley Brown Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP
It’s no secret that 2020’s most popular and necessary accessory is the quarantine face mask. Whether you bought a pack of disposable paper masks at your local Walmart or secretly nicked a couple from your local health clinic before they became scarce, reusable masks are just not working anymore. They last a week at most before ripping apart and can’t be washed or reused. Paper masks simply aren’t a convenient option. As quarantine weeks stretched into months, countless crafters began coming up with cute and creative methods to make mask wearing trendier, more affordable, more accessible and more bearable in general. If you don’t have the sewing skills to craft a face mask from a scrap of fabric, don’t panic. There are hundreds of hacks and DIY options online to scroll through for possibly endless hours to find the easiest ones. So, we did it for you so that you don’t have to. Here are some of the best mask hacks, mask DIY options, and reasons to endeavor to
make your very own reusable face mask.
Bandanas:
(to become ear loops) and turn the bandana over again. Fold both ends into one another and pull the rubber bands out to the inside edges of the folds. The ends that you tucked into one another will sit against your face and can be secured together with a safety pin if you prefer. To wear, just slip the bands over your ears like a normal paper mask.
Socks:
One of the easiest and probably most accessible DIY face mask options is to use a bandana and a few rubber bands. Place the bandana stretched out on a table and fold both the top and bottom into the middle to make a smaller square. Turn the folded bandana over and fold the top half of the fabric to the middle of the new square and repeat with the bottom half so you have a rectangle. Place thin,long rubber bands over both ends of your rectangle
Another easy option involves a single ankle sock, scissors, and a square of gauze. Cut the toe off the sock and keep the fabric with the heel and ankle parts. Cut this fabric loop at the top seam of the sock but keep it folded so the heel ends up in the middle.
Fold the fabric in half again so the top edge of the sock is along the bottom heel edge and there are four folded layers of fabric. Cut a slit into the bottom of the folded fabric about one inch in to create a hole. Unfold the fabric so it is one long rectangular strip again. There should be one hole in each side. Lastly, place a square of gauze in the center of the fabric where the heel of the sock was and stretch the two holes over your ears. Why is making your own mask the best option? Since paper masks can’t be washed, they become more ineffective the longer they are used. Making your own washable fabric mask is sustainable, not only for your wallet, but also for the environment because you can use it over and over without creating waste by tossing it in the trash since it won’t wear out or rip. DIY masks are also awesome because they are totally customizable. You can choose what patterned fabric you use and can make any mask match an outfit if you so please. Quarantine and all of the recent changes can be extremely stressful, and isolation can take a huge toll on someone’s men-
tal health. Choosing to focus on a craft with your own hands and treatingyourself to an extremely useful accessory can do wonders in reliving anxiety,depression, and even temporarily remedy loneliness, especially if you decide to phone a friend or two to do group crafting from a distance. Working with your hands, concentrating on creating something beautiful and making something from scratch as a little gift for yourself can help ease the burden of difficult mental health days and can even inspire others to hop on the DIY sustainable mask bandwagon. Show the world your new mask, while helping others too. Do your part today and help keep your community safe and germ free during this time!
Culture
August 24, 2020
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Sports
Sports Editor: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu
Empty Feeling
(IUP Athletics) Normally teeming with action this time of the year, IUP’s athletic facilities like Miller Stadium (above), the KCAC (below) and the South Campus fields have been largely lifeless following the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s decision on July 15 to cancel the fall sports season.
Athletes adjusting to new norms AUSTIN SMITH Sports Writer glxy@iup.edu @ThePenn_IUP
(The Penn archives)
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No matter where you are in the world, Covid-19 has challenged everyone. Loved ones lost, memorable events postponed or canceled, and future events left uncertain. Anything in life can be important to anybody, and like any other university, IUP’s community lived for its sports. This semester at IUP will be very different on campus with most of it being online. Not to mention another huge problem, no sports will be played in the PSAC this semester, as per the conference’s an-
August 24, 2020
nouncement on July 15. Sports added a lot of life on campus, and the cancelation has certainly had an effect on numerous IUP athletes. The PSAC’s decision in mid-July has given the IUP athletes time to reflect on it, accept it and turn their focus to a potential Spring 2021 season. To get an inside look, we interviewed multiple athletes and to learn how the pandemic had influenced their day-to-day training and routines. So how has Covid-19 affected what used to be normal training routines for these athletes? “At the beginning of all the madness, it was hard to find a place to work out that was not my house,”
said Georgiana Chiavacci (Senior, HR Management), a forward on the field hockey team. “Over the last few months, my usual routine was changed from going to the gym to working out outdoors and doing it alone rather than with some friends, which has benefited me and pushed me to hold myself accountable.” Athletes like Chiavacci have lost their entire season to the pandemic after the PSAC announced the cancelation of the fall sports season. Continued on Page 19
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Photo Gallery: The turf projects at South Campus are complete.
Sports
August 24, 2020
Sports
“I want to bring foundations of a winning attitude to all of the players. They have all the pieces in place, they just need direction.”
Winning Mentality
With a long track record of success, Torbett takes over volleyball program JEFF HART
Sports Editor J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePenn_IUP
Things appear to be on the rise for the IUP women’s volleyball team after the hiring of new head coach Julie Torbett, who became the eighth coach in program history on June 10. In the face of a pandemic and a squad that has had its share of struggles in recent years, Torbett is looking to bring new life to this team and get the Crimson Hawks back on track toward success. The ultimate goal is restoring IUP’s once-proud history and getting back to winning titles. “I want to bring foundations of a winning attitude to all of the players,” Torbett said in a phone interview with The Penn. “They have all the pieces in place, they just need direction.” Over the past two seasons, the women’s volleyball team has been trending in the wrong direction, posting a combined 14-45 record since the start of the 2018 season, finishing last in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Southwest Division both years. Torbett inherits a young team, which had just one senior on the 18-player roster last season. Eleven players were either freshmen or sophomore, with six juniors rounding out last year’s squad. The Crimson Hawks played a formidable schedule last season, facing the usual gauntlet of PSAC powers such as Gannon and Shippensburg, along with nationally ranked teams like Tampa and Wheeling. While it didn’t translate to many victories, the Crimson Hawks showed flashes of potential while gaining invaluable experience. And that figures to serve them well next season, whenever that may be. On July 15, the PSAC announced it was canceling the fall sports season in entirety and all athletic events through Dec. 31, which will also affect winter sports and delay the start of their seasons. The IUP volleyball team has talent, Torbett has no doubt about it. But it seemed as though something was missing. With new guidance under Torbett, perhaps that piece has been found. Torbett brings a resume of success at the Division I level, both as a coach and a player. She has racked up 447 career victories in 26 seasons as a head coach, with 304 coming in 17 seasons at UNC Asheville from 1994 to 2010. Most recently, she led East Carolina University to 109 in seven seasons (2013-19) before coming to IUP. Her win totals at UNC Asheville and East Carolina stand as school
JULIE TORBETT
TORBETT’S CAREER RECORD School UNC Asheville (1994-2010) Winthrop (2011-12) East Carolina (2013-19) Totals
Record 304-257 34-24 109-107 447-388
records. In other words, she has a history of setting foundations of success everywhere she’s been, and her mission is to do the same at IUP. Since arriving in Indiana in June, Torbett has been impressed with the IUP athletic department and the program’s winning mindset and culture, even drawing comparisons between IUP and the Division I schools at which she has coached. “I have been very impressed with how Todd Garzarelli runs the department,” she said, referring to IUP’s director of athletics. “I have seen no difference between IUP and my past programs. “It is nice to be surrounded by others who share my goal of bringing a championship here.” Before she became a coach, Torbett played middle back and defensive specialist at Penn State for legendary coach Russ Rose, who in 41 seasons has built the Nittany Lions into a national powerhouse. Torbett, who graduated from Penn State in 1990, played for Rose early in his tenure. She was part of the teams that laid the foundation for the powerhouse the Nittany Lions are today, so she knows a thing or two about building a winning program. Torbett detailed how she plans to get IUP back on track toward the ultimate goal of attaining titles. “I think we need to work on instilling trust and confidence in the players,” she said. “More mental training as well. There’s a lot of mental training that is necessary in this to be successful.” Even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, she has taken advantage of the extra time she has been afforded following the PSAC’s announcement on July 15 that the fall sports season was canceled. “There are things that you just can’t do during this. It can be very frustrating,” Torbett said. “The delay will allow me more time to be with the girls. It’s a blessing in disguise. We have to try to find the positives during these crazy times.” Whenever the Crimson Hawks get back on the court, the team is primed and ready to start training with their new coach in order to start achieving their goals of winning. With a department that has a winning mentality, a solid plan, and a resume of success behind her, Torbett has everything she needs to have success here at IUP.
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Athletes adjusting to new norms, training regimens
Continued from Page 18 Furthermore, the PSAC’s decision has canceled all athletic events have been canceled through Dec. 31, meaning winter sports athletes like basketball players Justina Mascaro (Senior, Finance & Economics) and Courtney Alexander (Redshirt Senior, Nursing), are also affected. The IUP basketball teams, along with the swim teams, will lose the first two months of their season and can only hope they’ll play in the spring, even if it is a shortened season. “Last summer, I had a strict workout schedule while I interned in Pittsburgh. I would wake up early before work and lift three days a week and did cardio and basketball stuff the other days,” said Mascaro. “The coronavirus has given me the whole day to work out, and I found that to be more difficult. It is easier to push things off and say you will do it later. “I realized I was more motivated when I had a schedule. Every week, I would plan my workouts out, and I found this to be more successful.” Basic, everyday preparation and training for these athletes quickly became difficult due to the abnormal training situation that was put in front of them. Most athletes would go to a gym with all the necessary equipment to train and work out, but these cunning athletes and coaches had to be creative and think of a solution. Conditioning isn’t the only obstacle that faced these athletes. How about basic communication? With social distancing guidelines in place, that meant virtual team meeting and the like. No more team dinners, at least for now. “My team and our coach still try to keep in contact as much as we can,” Chiavacci said. “We typically have Zoom meetings a few times a month as a team, along with talking several times a week in our group chat to catch up with each other. Although it is virtual, we are still able to pick up right where we left off.” “Coach McConnell and the entire coaching staff organize Zoom meetings every other week for us. Each meeting is different, from playing a Kahoot to hearing from alumni,” Mascaro said. “This helps us stay focused and connected as a team. In addition to these meetings, I keep in contact with my teammates and coaches through phone calls and texts.” You could say the virtual atmo-
sphere has had an impact on these athletes, but they have made it work. “A lot of people would fall into the mindset of not working as hard because nothing is set in stone, but I know I would only be cheating myself and my team if I don’t stay focused on working hard for the potential season,” Alexander said. “I think of it this way … working hard builds character and mental strength, so even if a season is shortened or cancelled … my hard work will help me grow in some way.” “I have been continuing to train as I would if we were having our normal fall season. Although my season may be very different, I still like to keep up with workouts and running as if nothing has changed to better myself and my team,” Chiavacci said. These athletes are still on a roll with their athletic training even with COVID-19 knocking on the door. “I have been watching old games and trying to pinpoint the areas I did well in and the ones I need to improve. This allows me to align my workouts with my goals for next season,” Mascaro said. Even though there have been many negative impacts for IUP athletes, it has also provided some silver linings as well. “The blessing for me, and most people probably, was the time I could spend with my family and high school friends. I have not been home for this long in four years, so it was an adjustment that also helped me work on patience with my family,” Alexander said. Chiavacci concurred. “To me, the silver lining in all of this is that I was able to spend lots of time with my family over the last five months while acquiring new hobbies that I probably wouldn’t have tried if I did not have all that free time, like golf and poker,” she said. “I was also fortunate enough to be home when my first niece was born and spend so much time with her before I head back to school in a week.” This pandemic has had a massive effect on these athletes both good and bad. Perspective, mental fortitude, perseverance, and communication have proven to be key to these athletes to allow them to stay on track for the hopeful return of sports next semester. Whenever sports do come back, these athletes will be ready.
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August 24, 2020
Sports
South Campus turf projects completed
(Paul Marchwinski/The Penn) Shortly after the conclusion of the spring semester, the South Campus turf projects at Ruth Podbielski Field (top left), home of the IUP softball team, and IUP baseball’s Owen J. Dougherty Field (middle left), were completed. Formerly all-natural surfaces, both fields were upgraded with new synthetic turf playing surfaces, including pitching mounds, backstops and foul territories. The infield at Podbielski Field is all turf. The outfields will remain natural grass, although Podbielski Field will have a turf warning track. Additionally, new home and away turf bullpens were added behind each dugout (bottom left).
