CULTURE

Culture Editor: Katelin Pompa – xzgw@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

(Zoom) Students prefer in-person classes, cite plethora of limitations While Zoom provides an alternative teaching platform, students would rather be in a real classroom instead of a virtual one. HALEY BROWN “Some students like to turn talking where I can’t think of a is the time-lag where responses students are comfortable sharing Lead Culture Writer their pictures off and go do other word and being trapped in front from students in Zoom and are not with each other and get to know tbfx@iup.edu things during class,” Nienkamp of a camera makes that worse. It’s immediate. If it could only be a bit each other.” @ThePennIUP said. early days yet, though, maybe I’ll faster. I am continually surprised Students have also expressed “It’s much more apparent on relax into this, and we’ll all have by its sluggishness, even in ideal their dissatisfaction with the new

It’s no secret that online edZoom when people are looking off more fun.” conditions.” learning methods, but many are ucation is wildly different from into the ozone or something,” she Professors expressed their trying their best to keep their chins face-to-face, and it is interesting to said. “I don’t assume that those dissatisfaction with the Zoom up despite the frustrations of this observe the opinions that students people aren’t paying attention platform when used for education strange new world. This includes and professors hold about the because some people listen that and how much they’ve had to being more forgiving with their changes that have taken place in way. It’s just that when I’m in front adapt to using Zoom as opposed own learning methods. Students IUP’s learning community due to of a face-to-face class, I tend to to being in the classroom with seem to have empathy for the new the pandemic. talk to the people who look at me. their students. Some professors obstacles their professors face,

Many professors expressed a In Zoom, everyone is the same have had to drastically switch up and they strive to be patient and huge difference in the way they size and is equally noticeable.” the way they’ve been teaching as a compassionate with their experiteach Zoom classes compared to However, Nienkamp believes result of some of the imperfections ences as well. teaching in a regular classroom most people are respectful of of video-chat technology. “[Zoom learning] hasn’t been environment. It’s also no surprise class time. “Does it feel like face-to-face? as bad as I thought,” Liam Noble that the students have expressed “It’s just a different way of Absolutely not,” McCreary said. (senior, communications media) the same observation but from a seeing students,” she said. “There are limitations to teaching said. “Although, I would prefer indifferent perspective. There is also the fact that online this way that actually force me to class lecture and discussions, but I

“I have three very different formats make being personable cut down the number of activities I understand this is how the world is classes,” said Jean Nienkamp, that much more difficult and conwould normally attempt,” he said. right now, and we must adapt. associate professor of the Enfusing. Reaching an audience is all Some professors have ex“There are also several different “All of my Zoom Classes are glish Department. “The technical about presentation, and professors pressed how comfortable they types of activities that are simply online this semester. I prefer writing class, which could be done have had to work twice as hard were with technology before impossible to implement.” face-to-face instruction, but Zoom on Zoom or online easily; a public to get their students to listen and Zoom classes began, so the jump An example McCreary menclasses are a good substitute for speaking class, which I’d rather do understand the material they’re from classroom teaching to online tioned would be a survey exercise the trying time that we are living in face to face, and a basic writing class, which is meeting in the hybrid model, although most of the students are attending on Zoom.” Professors certainly have petpeeves when it comes to the behavior of students in a classroom, and Zoom classrooms appear to be a whole different monster in this regard. Some behaviors are more distracting than others, but the need of allowing a learning presenting. In a classroom, it’s much easier to act like yourself. Though for many, speaking in front of an “audience” on a video call seems much more performative, and the pressure might feel higher in these situations. “I normally have a great sense of humor in class, but I don’t think it’s happening in front of a computer,” Nienkamp said. teaching was less overwhelming for them. However, Zoom can prove a challenging opponent, even for professors who are proficient with technology. “If Zoom were a student of mine, I think I would likely give him a B,” said Dr. Charles McCreary, an IUP language professor and chairman of the Foreign Language Department. “He frequently comes close to where students need to collect as much information as possible from many different students. It is also apparent that professors miss the environment that in-person teaching could provide. The sense of isolation is apparent when looking at the rest of a class through a screen and being able to almost sense how far apart everyone is. “Perhaps most importantly, the right now.” Noble believes that his professors are “proficient” when it comes to his overall academic experience. “It is definitely a step up from the Zoom classes last semester,” he said. “I am glad the professors took more time to learn how to teach online.” Despite the obvious drawbacks of having classes online in order to keep every faculty member and curve with the strangeness of a “I also think that moving around what I would really love to see him sense of community is very hard student as safe and healthy as formal video-chat environment is must help me find words,” she do, but then just as frequently falls to create,” he said. “A foreign possible, we all must keep a brave understandable in todays time. said. “I’ve had big gaps in my short,” he said. “A case in point language class works best if the face and get through this together.

(The Penn Archives)

Autumn is coming and students welcome it with open arms.

Students are getting ready for fall

MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer bbcx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

As the weather begins to cool down, many students eagerly await the beginning of the fall season.

Fall is many students’ favorite season. The chill breeze and colorful leaves in the Oak Grove make fall a beautiful time of the year at IUP.

No matter where you may be on campus, you could always see all the tree changing. Seeing all the orange and yellow brightens up campus, especially in these dark days.

Some students are already prepping for the fall/autumn season. Stores like Joann Fabrics, Target, TJ Maxx, and Walmart have already put out their seasonal fall decorations.

“I decorate for fall at the beginning of September,” said Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing). “I get all my decor from Target, TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Joann Fabrics.”

While some students, like Tavoletti, enjoy decorating their apartments and dorms for fall, other students prefer not to.

“I personally don’t decorate for fall,” said Dorothy McCullough (senior, fashion merchandising). “My family never decorated for fall, so I just don’t.”

Students aren’t only looking forward to decorating but also getting to dress in fall fashions.

“I think I’m most looking forward to the fall fashion and being able to wear my sweaters and boots again,” said Maran Davis (senior, fashion merchandising).

Davis said her favorite fall-fashions include chunky knit sweaters and blanket scarves.

“Flannels and jean jackets are a killer combination for the fall,” McCullough said, “as well as ankle boots and patterned socks.”

Tavoletti said she prefers to wear oversized crewnecks and sweaters with jeans.

Popular fall fashions for 2020 include leather fabrics, pleated-skirts, preppy style and oversized crewneck sweatshirts. Another great part of fall is the foods served during the season. Coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks have already released their seasonal fall food and drink line ups, which always includes pumpkin spice.

“My favorite fall food is anything pumpkin spice,” Davis said.

McCullough said she loves pecan pie and Reese’s pumpkin shaped patties.

Hot apple cider and toasted marshmallow flavored foods and drinks are also popular during fall.

Students also discussed their favorite fall activities that they like to participate in.

“My favorite fall activities are apple picking and going to haunted houses,” Tavoletti said.

McCullough said she thinks the best part of fall is Halloween.

“Dressing up in costumes and going to parties with friends is always a good time,” McCullough said.

Davis said, like Tavoletti, that she likes to go apple picking and to pumpkin patches during fall.

While students are definitely looking forward to the fall season, many voiced their concerns about how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) will affect their plans.

“Halloween will definitely be affected by COVID-19,” McCullough said, “People won’t be able to go to parties or the bars, which won’t be fun at all.”

Tavoletti said that she loves going to haunted houses during the fall season.

“One thing I won’t be able to do due to COVID-19 is go to haunted houses because they’re all closed,” Tavoletti said. “Also, a lot of fall festivals won’t be open this year.”

Fall festivals like The Renaissance Faire, Kennywood’s Phantom Fright Night and Fort Ligonier Days have either been canceled or are now holding virtual events.

Some pumpkin patches and farm activities are luckily still hosting events with limited customers on their properties.

Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival, which occurs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5 will still take place but as a drive-through event. (Jade87/Pixabay) Watching shows is a great way to blow off steam.

Netflix welcomes new titles

LEVI DONALDSON Staff Writer ypxz@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Binge season is approaching, and we all need to know what shows and movies are going to be at our fingertips this September. Netflix has added a lot of original content as well as other material to its catalogue. Here are just some of the options available this month.

“I’m Thinking About Ending Things”

This new film is from the writer of “Being John Malkovich” and “Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind,” so be prepared for something that will mess with your head. This has been dividing people as many find it to be a work of genius, and others consider the filmmaking too abstract and muddled. “The Devil All the Time”

This Netflix original is set in a small town still reeling from the effects of war. It’s an American gothic story heavy with faith and history. This emotionally gripping story is supported by the fantastic list of talent. Haley Bennett, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Bill Skargaard, and Sebastian Stan are just some of the incredible actors that bring this story to life. “Ratched”

Sarah Paulson leads this heavily stylized drama about a ruthless asylum nurse in the 1940s. The trailer is taut and energized with a wicked sense of humor. This new show is a prequel series for the classic book “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which was made into a classic film starring Jack Nicholson. Fans are excited to revisit this character and see Paulson in her element. “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”

Another classic world that Netflix is returning to is the Jurassic Park series. This time however, it’s a little more kid friendly in this new TV show that comes out Sept.18. This animated series centers around a group of teenagers and the summer camp they attend on the island. Of course, it’s not quite Jurassic Park without some dinosaurs rampaging, so rest assured,

there will be a lot of that too. “Back to The Future”

In case you need your fill of old school stories, check out the classic “Back to The Future” trilogy. Netflix has added all three of the time-traveling adventures back on their site. Jump back into this world with Doc Brown, Marty McFly and the rest of them to see where the DeLorean takes them

next. “Glory”

If you’re looking for something a little more important to watch, then check out “Glory.” This true story is about Robert Shaw and the black battalion during the Civil War. The struggles and stories are brought to light with honesty and respect. The cast is amazing with Matthew Broderick, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington just to name a few. This is definitely one to watch.

“Muppets”

Return to Jim Henson’s magical world with “The Muppets and Muppets Most Wanted.” With beautiful puppetry, great characters and so much heart and soul, they more than hold-up, and it’s worth anyone’s time. Just like the rest of the new-to-Netflix shows mentioned, this is great to watch.

(makamuki0/Pixabay) (dbreen/Pixabay) Finding a new show to binge is one of the best part of 2020. Finding the right snack is almost as important as finding the right TV show.

Students suggest shows to binge while still inside

HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Since we all have so much “freedom” on our hands because of our social-distance-induced imprisonment, we have plenty of time for starting a new TV show. What better way to connect with others electronically than watching a new series online together? There are so many ways to watch with friends and so many options when it comes to deciding what to stream together.

With a myriad of websites and platforms that let multiple people watch shows and movies online simultaneously, social distancing becomes a little more bearable. Plus who doesn’t love sitting down and watching some great TV.

There is a chrome extension called Watch2Gether that allows you to share content with others from a supported site like Dailymotion, Vimeo, and YouTube, among others. There are so many options for this kind of sharing including Kast, Netflix Watch Party and even an app for watching YouTube videos and streaming music along with friends called Plug.DJ.

Since there are so many streaming platforms to choose from with so many shows and movies available to viewers, there is surely a genre for every type of watcher and IUP students have plenty of opinions to share about what shows they’re enjoying at the moment.

“Currently, I’ve been watching ‘Criminal Minds,’ ‘Bones,’ and ‘AP Bio.,’” said Sam Antal, (senior sociology).

“It’s my first time watching ‘Criminal Minds’ and I am hooked. It’s my 3rd or 4th time watching ‘Bones,’ which is my all-time favorite show. If it wasn’t obvious, my favorite genre is crime. I would recommend all these shows to other people. They all have a great storyline and are easy to follow.”

“Criminal Minds” seems to have hit an upsurge in viewings since the pandemic started and crime show fans are buzzing about it. Even the increasingly popular social media app, Tik Tok, has been experiencing a barrage of video creations showcasing one the show’s characters, Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler.

While new shows are always an exciting prospect, it can feel a little overwhelming and at times exhausting or frustrating to start the chore of finding a new series you might enjoy and successfully watch to the end. That’s why sometimes it’s best to stick with the classics and rewatch a show that might still be enjoyable after even the third or fourth time around.

“My preferred TV show genre are dramas. Right now, I am only watching ‘Gossip Girl,’” said Thea McCullough, (senior fashion merchandise” major.

“This is my second time watching the series. I watched it for the first time in high school, in like 10th grade. I remember really liking the show and all the characters back then, but I forgot a lot of the plot that unfolded.

“Also, when I started rewatching the show back in early August, there was nothing new on Netflix that caught my eye. I would definitely recommend this show. You will fall in love with the characters and get sucked in by all the drama. There is good fashion throughout the series and all the actors are nice to look at.”

While the drama and crime genres are a go-to for many people, some of us just need a little more lightheartedness in our lives and naturally gravitate toward comedies. These times of health and safety concerns coupled with social isolation have been hard on so many people’s mental health, so a show with lots of laughs might be just what we need to share with someone else to jump start our mood’s improvement.

“My preferred genres are definitely comedy and mystery/ thriller,” said Gabriella Byrne (junior, English).

“I am actually not a huge horror fan, but creep factor is welcomed in any show I watch. Add a mystery, and I am all in. I also gravitate toward comedies because who doesn’t need a good laugh every now and then?

“I recently finished watching ‘The Good Place’ and plan to re-watch the first season for its laugh-out-loud humor. I am only in the second season for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine,’ but I have not experienced so much laughter and fun since the old TV show ‘Friends’ (which is always there for me when I don’t know what to watch).

“I would recommend ‘The Good Place’ and ‘Brooklyn NineNine’ for anyone wanting a good laugh with some sweet moments mixed in for these two.

It is not all comedies as Byrne said before.

“‘Absentia’ is a thriller, so mystery lovers check it out! Though, some ‘twists’ may be guessable for avid mystery consumers, but the main plot has an intriguing puzzle that I am anxious to figure out.”

If you’re feeling lonely and a bit blue because of the pandemic’s effects, know that you’re never alone and starting a new series with your best pal might be exactly what you need to get yourself out of that difficult emotional rut.

Try a new show or two or maybe try 15 and start sharing them with someone important to you today. Sharing some TV time with a dear friend is guaranteed to bring a bit of relief from those lonely COVID-19 blues we’ve all likely become familiar with.

September 16, 2020 UPCOMING EVENTS

Join at 8:00 PM via the Swank Film Portal link. Must have IUP network access. Autographed Pete Davidson poster!

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. Trivia platform provided by TriviaHub. Cash prizes for winning team. Limited seats!

Join at 8:00 PM via Chrome’s Netflix Watch Party. Must have own account. Movie, trivia, & prizes!

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. FREE! Open to entire IUP campus community! Submit questions for Issa to answer!

Join at 8:00 PM via the Swank Film Portal link. Must have IUP network access. Part of IUP Family Weekend.

Join at 9:00 PM via Zoom. Explore our Solar System, Milky Way galaxy, and parts of the universe near and far.

Join at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Hosted by STATIC. Prizes for winning family. Preregister on the STATIC website. Co-sponsored with IUP Campus Recreation and Intramurals. Register at IMLeagues.com/IUP. Prizes for winning brackets!

Join at 8:00 PM via Chrome’s Netflix Watch Party. Must have own account. Movie, trivia, & prizes!

for more info, check out

www.STATICatIUP.com

Join at 8:00 PM via Zoom. FREE! Open to entire IUP campus community! Official IUP Homecoming Concert!

Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy

ALEXIS LOYA Copy Editor zphw@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Known for being one of Marvel’s fan-favorite superheroes “Black Panther,” Chadwick Boseman passed away of colon cancer at age 43 in his Los Angeles home Aug. 28. Boseman had been battling cancer since 2016, but he never made this information public. Instead, he continued to star in many movies fans love to this day. One of the most memorable of his movies is “Black Panther.” Here, he plays T’Challa who became king of Wakanda following his father’s death in the film. He is given an herb that grants him superhuman abilities. With his power, he not only unites the nation of Wakanda, but he helps the Avengers save the universe from the notorious Thanos, too. When “Black Panther” first hit theaters in 2018, it became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time racking in at a little over one billion dollars worldwide. In 2019, Marvel revealed their plans for “Black Panther 2” with a release date set for 2022. However, due to the tragic loss of Boseman, Marvel will need to make plans to cope (Wikipedia Commons) with his passing. As of right now, Marvel has yet to reveal any plans, but some people have made speculations about what we should expect. Given that filming has not started yet, it is to be assumed that there will be only one issue Marvel faces with the production of the new movie: how are fans going to react to casting a new role for T’Challa? Shuri, played by Letitia Wright is who many are speculating with take over the Black Panther mantle.

To solve this, some believe that Marvel might try to create a story where the Black Panther dies during a fight sequence in the beginning of the new movie.

According to an article published by BGR, Ryan Coogler, writer and director of the first “Black Panther” film, said, “I spend the last year preparing, imagining and writing words for him to say, that we weren’t destined to see. It leaves me broken knowing that I won’t be able to watch another close-up of him ever again or walk up to him and ask for another take.”

The world will never forget Boseman and his role as the Black Panther.

“In my culture, death is not the end,” Black Panther said in the film. “It’s more of a stepping off point. You reach out with both hands to Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veld where… you can run forever.”

It is with high hopes that Bosemen and his legacy rests in the Ancestral Plain.

Wakanda forever.

16 September 16, 2020 Culture Students Bring Their Businesses to IUP’s campus

(Courtesy of Kaiya Reed) A mandela crochet that Reed has made for her business.

EMILY LOOSE

Staff Writer e.d.loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

They say there are only two certainties in life, taxes and death. As a college student, there is also the added certainty of student loan debt. Some students at IUP have decided to find their own ways of covering these costs by running small businesses in their free time.

Each week, The Penn will cover some of these businesses and help get their names out there. For those of you who may be interested in handmade mandalas and skin care, Kaiya Reed (sophomore, anthropology) may have the perfect products for you.

Beginning her business approximately two months ago, Reed got the idea for her business from her grandmother.

“She has a similar business back home,” Reed said concerning her crocheted mandalas. Along with them, she also sells skin and body products that are 100 percent natural.

Though her business is still young, Reed said it is already off to a great start. “I have sold three mandala and six skin care products so far.” Her proudest moment was her first sell, as it showed her the business was worth doing. Though she does not have any official social media pages for her work, those interested in seeing her items or buying can reach Reed on her Facebook page or on Instagram @Finding_Nimoy_.

Aside from her products being natural, Reed also takes special care in putting them together.

“I mix it all by hand and package it in cruelty-free containers,” she said.

Mandalas are sold for $15, and her body and skin products’ prices vary by product and size.

Another business at IUP in

Doing nails has been Jordan’s passion. (Courtesy of Tamia Jordan)

cludes doing nails and is run by Tamia Jordan (nursing).

Jordan said doing nails has been her passion for years, even stating that she is an up-and -coming nail technician.

“I was always into nails since I was young,” she said. “Growing up, I used to do my own press on and made it a fun hobby as a child.”

As she grew older, Jordan found herself even more attracted to the skill.

“I fell more in love with it and how you can be an artist with something as little as a fingernail- doing different techniques and styles that compliments your personality.”

Jordan’s nail work goes from simple and neat to the highest of extremes. She did her first set on someone else March 24.

She can be found for appointments on her Instagram page @ theemiaj.

She also has a Youtube channel under the name TheeMiaJ so you can subscribe.

Have a business and want to get other students interested? Feel free to contact writer Emily Loose at e.d.loose@iup.edu or on her Instagram @emily_ deanne98 for any questions.