The Highlander
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
For the week of Tuesday, January 4, 2021
VOL. 70, ISSUE 10
est. 1954
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OPINIONS The UC should expect the best and plan for the worst with the two-week online period WHILE THE UC IS WISE TO GO ONLINE FOR TWO WEEKS TO LET HOLIDAY INFECTIONS DIE OUT, IT SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO GO BACK IN PERSON WHEN IT’S OVER.
The UC system’s announcement that the first two weeks of winter quarter will be online was met with mixed reactions. With some campuses like UCR heavily advocating for an almost completely inperson quarter, the news of two weeks online came as cases of the Omicron variant began to rise across the country. While the promise of only two weeks online eerily echoes the sentiment at the start of the pandemic in 2020, the UC can now act more responsibly and not repeat history by keeping a close eye on the cases and potentially proceeding to a hybrid environment accordingly. Though the situation looks bleak, the UC’s choice to go online for at least two weeks was a smart move. It seems like enough time for people to recover from any potential exposure to COVID or other illnesses before heading back to
campus. While it’s a disappointment to many students who were looking forward to a taste of in-person classes again, going online for two weeks and the new recommendation of getting the booster shot are both essential preventative measures to ensure campus safety. The opt for two weeks online is a step in the right direction, and the booster mandate even more so to ensure that in-person classes will be a possibility once the two weeks online period ends. They should take into account, however, that the right choice might just be to go back in person as promised when the online period ends. The fact is that these “unprecedented times” are now precedented. Though UCR did have to deal with some student COVID cases last quarter, the hybrid model worked well for students who wanted to be in-person and for those who felt safer being at home. And although UCR’s ambitious desire to go fully in-person seemed great, the fact ► SEE EDITORIAL PAGE 5
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NEWS Winter quarter to begin with remote instruction for the first two weeks BOTH THE CHANCELLOR AND PROVOST URGE STUDENTS TO GET THE VACCINE BOOSTER. ABHIJIT REGE News Editor
Classes for the upcoming winter quarter will now be conducted remotely for the first two weeks of the quarter as announced recently by the University of California. UC Riverside is just one of seven UC campuses on the quarter system which will see a delay in returning to campus due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. This comes in contrast with Provost Elizabeth Watkins and Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox’s earlier statements promising that 95% of classes would be held in-person next quarter. This quarter’s on-campus classes will begin on Jan. 3 with remote instruction, with an expected return on Jan. 17. The only exceptions are for off-campus field courses and internships that may continue to meet in-person.
Several other preventative measures will be implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission on campus. As explained in Provost Watkins’ faculty update, these steps are being taken to provide instructors and students with as much clarity and predictability amidst the uncertainty caused by the onset of the Omicron variant. “Waiting to take this action immediately before or after the start of the quarter would be more disruptive for all,” explained Watkins. A spike in positive COVID-19 cases in the country occurred following the New Year’s holiday as predicted, and as such, returning to campus immediately is deemed to be not viable considering the spread that may occur among students. In Chancellor Wilcox’s update on the beginning of winter quarter, he confirmed that no large in-person indoor events will take place on campus during the first two weeks of winter quarter. The campus itself will be open and other operations ► SEE WINTER QUARTER PAGE 4
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WINTER DRINKS & RECIPES THAT WILL KEEP YOU COZY FOR THE CHILLY SEASON
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NEWS
Student Researchers Union is now being recognized by the University of California AMARAY ALVAREZ Assistant News Editor
Following a rally that took place in October and an intent to strike, as of Dec. 9, 2021, the Student Researchers United-United Auto Workers union is now being formally recognized by the University of California. The UAW union, created on May 24, 2021, supports 17,000 graduate student researchers and student teachers across the UC system. The SRs and teaching assistants help the universities with research, student development, mentorship and more. “This decision is a credit to the thousands of student researchers who, during COVID, organized for the right to negotiate with UC as equals,” said Jess Banks, a student researcher in the mathematics department at UC Berkeley. UAW first rallied in October across all UC campuses to protest a budget cut imposed by UC President Drake. At UCR, a 8.2% budget cut was imposed. This budget cut would increase the workload of the university’s SRs and TAs who already have several sections and full classes. UCR has also traditionally received less financial support than other UCs. In November, the UAW created a petition authorizing a strike in hopes that the UC system would formally recognize their union. The petition was signed by 10,890 members, and
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UAW STRIKE IS CALLED OFF DUE TO NEGOTIATIONS.
of those, 10,622 or 97.5%, agreed to strike if necessary. With the recognition of the union, the strike had now been called off. “The UAW is proud to welcome UC Student Researchers into our union family,” said Cindy Estrada, UAW vice president and head of the UAW Stellantis, Women’s and Higher Education Organizing Departments. “They have shown what is possible when workers stand together and refuse to be divided. We look forward to supporting them as they bargain a strong first contract.” Since the creation of the union, the UC had delayed its response of recognizing UAW despite 30 members of Congress and 50 state legislatures requesting that they do so. After almost a year of negotiations, they can now celebrate this first achievement. “The contributions UC student researchers make are foundational to the university’s mission and to its R1 status in the research community,” said Mitchell Smith, Director of UAW Region 8. “And for too long, they have done so without a union in their corner. We congratulate them on this important victory.” More information on UAW can be found at H uaw2865.org.■ COURTESY OF SRU-UAW VIA VIMEO
► FROM WINTER QUARTER
on campus will continue as planned, but venues such as the library, Student Recreation Center and the Highlander Union Building will operate with a limited occupancy during the weeks of Jan. 3 and Jan. 10. In addition, both Wilcox and Watkins discussed how they will be implementing a more aggressive approach to COVID-19 testing for students and employees. Regardless of vaccination status, all students must take a COVID-19 test before returning to campus, or immediately upon their arrival. Following this, they will be asked to test once more five days after arriving on campus. Those who test positive will be instructed to remain at home in isolation until their symptoms improve. Students who are not symptomatic are welcome to return to on-campus housing as planned for winter quarter. Employees who return to work on campus are also instructed to test before Jan. 3 at any off-campus location or at an employee testing site at the Pentland Hills Bear Cave Meeting Room starting on Jan. 3. Both the chancellor and provost urge students to
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obtain the vaccine booster shot if they are eligible to do so over the winter break. All UC health care workers and UCR medical students are required to receive a booster shot no later than Jan. 31. However, the chancellor and provost assure students that these changes have been implemented with consideration of individual and community health. “Delaying the start of inperson instruction will allow time for the implementation of a robust testing protocol for students returning to campus and for students who test positive to isolate and to continue to participate remotely without need for individual instructional accommodation,” explained Provost Watkins in her update. UCR’s approach to returning to campus fall quarter proved to be mostly successful as a result of a combination of health and safety measures and students’ cooperation. The UC plans to return to in-person instruction after two weeks, but they have stated that adjustments will be made to further accommodate the health and safety needs of the H campus community. ■
Opinions
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OPINIONS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
THE HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL
The UC should expect the best and plan for the worst with the two-week online period that a petition to continue offering hybrid options made its way around campus shows that some students don’t feel safe coming back to in-person classes yet. The UC system should ensure that after these two weeks are over, there are still options for those who do not want to risk going to in-person classes. For the rest of students who are anxious to be back in classrooms again, the university shouldn’t plan to go fully online again either. At this point, the best thing that the UC can do is implement precautions when the student body goes back in person. It isn’t worth the risk of another year online that affects the mental states of every student. Seniors want to be back on campus and enjoy the last few months of the college experience while they still can. Newcomer freshmen want to sink their teeth into the college experience. The mental health crisis among college students during the pandemic has been well documented, with students feeling everything from Zoom burnout to increased rates of anxiety and depression. To go completely online again after college students were adjusting to being in person again
could potentially lead to a greater slew of mental health consequences the university system isn’t ready to assist. Though the fear is that the UC will ultimately shift all classes online, the UC needs to put its students first. Mandating the booster shot and continuing to advocate for students to practice individual safety precautions will ensure a safe winter quarter for all. Continuing to allow hybrid options on an open campus will be the best way to ensure students still get interaction while also having the choice of staying home or coming to campus, depending on what they feel more comfortable with. The UC must take these actions for the good of all of their students or risk another quarter of students feeling H down. ■
The Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.
“Seniors want
to be back on campus and enjoy the last few months of the college experience while they still can.
“
► FROM EDITORIAL
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OPINIONS
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Letter to the Editor A response to ‘It’s time to take a closer look at the Cal Grant and THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE RESPONDS TO A PREVIOUS PUBLICATION RELEASED its systemic disadvantages’ DURING THE FALL QUARTER. THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE
In reading the Opinions piece titled “It’s time to take a closer look at the Cal Grant and its systemic disadvantages,” the Financial Aid Office at UC Riverside wanted to provide a response as we believe that it can help clear up some information that was published. Financial aid application process: California resident students must apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The financial aid application that’s used would be based on a student’s citizenship status – citizens and eligible noncitizens (e.g., permanent residents) can use the FAFSA and our undocumented students can use the CADAA. The editorial mentioned that undocumented students cannot receive federal aid because there’s no tax returns – however that is not exactly accurate. Undocumented students cannot receive federal aid because they cannot apply using the FAFSA due to their immigration status. And therefore, they can’t use the IRS data retrieval tool that’s available through the FAFSA. However, our undocumented students can fill out the CADAA. In fact, many of them do! And many of our undocumented students and their families do file taxes and may receive generous financial aid packages. The editorial also referenced that students must chase down documents even though they are estranged from their parent. This also isn’t exactly true. We do ask for information about parents’ tax returns; however, if we hear that a student is estranged from their parent, we ask them to document it for us (usually by just writing up a personal statement). If a
student has no parental information to add due to estrangement from both parents, then we go through a dependency override appeal process with the student. It’s called a dependency override because the financial aid application usually considers students dependents when they are 23 years old or younger. Therefore we must go through this appeal process to document and collect supporting evidence to prove to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) why we are advocating for a student to be considered as independent. How financial aid is determined: Moreover, we wanted to help explain how aid eligibility is determined. The editorial stated that financial aid applications make certain assumptions based on income and not household size. However, household size is considered. Currently, family income and household size are some of the biggest factors in determining how much financial aid a student can receive, and there is even a formula that is used to determine aid eligibility. The formula considers income, assets, untaxed income, household size and who of the student’s siblings in that household are going to college (for their undergraduate degree). It also protects part of a family’s income because it knows that the income the family earns is used to pay for housing, food, and other expenses. This information is public and can be found on the federal government website. The Cal Grant application process: Applying for Cal Grant is a two-step process. The editorial said it was confusing to apply, but we’re writing to clear that up for you. When students are applying for Cal Grant for the first time (or because they lost it and are trying to re-apply), they will need to submit their FAFSA or California Dream Act Application along with ensuring that their GPA was submitted to the California
Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Our office automatically sends a student’s GPA to CSAC when they’ve completed at least 36 units. This is usually for our continuing students and even new transfer students. However, if you are a new first year who doesn’t have Cal Grant nor has completed 36 units, then you’ll need to go back to your high school and ask them to send your GPA – even if one was already sent last year. If you currently have Cal Grant, then you only need to file your 2022-2023 financial aid application (FAFSA or California Dream Act Application) to be considered for Cal Grant for the next academic year. Lastly, even if CSAC determines that you’re not eligible for the Cal Grant, our university is able to evaluate students to see if they can qualify for other forms of aid such as the UCR Grant. The future of financial aid: We know a lot of this process can appear very complex – but that’s why we are here to help! Our office is tasked with collecting documents on behalf of the federal government and/ or the state to help determine financial aid eligibility. However, there are some active efforts happening at the Capitol that are meant to help simplify the financial aid process and this is resulting in some legislative changes. For example, this year the DOE removed the negative consequences associated with drug convictions and failure to register for Selective Service. More changes are coming and will be fully implemented in the academic year 2024-2025. How to contact the Financial Aid Office: We understand that financial aid can be complicated, so we’d like to encourage students to contact us if they have any questions. We have multiple ways that you can reach us. If you’re coming
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to campus, you can book an appointment with the Highlander One-Stop Shop (HOSS). This is a place where you can get help regarding Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, and Student Business Services. They are open by appointment only from Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. You can also call our office at 951-827-3878 Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm or you can email us at finaid@ ucr.edu or even use the chatbot and get help 24/7 – sometimes even with a live representative. We’re also on Instagram and post reminders and our most common processes/procedures. We also wanted to share that we have a Financial Wellness Program where we can help students manage their money through individualized coaching appointments, quarterly workshops (covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loan repayment, and investing) and mini educational lessons through Instagram. ■H for letting us share this Thanks information with you. We hope you find it
Biden and Democratic lawmakers may need student loan forgiveness more than borrowers AS STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS ARE PUT ON HOLD UNTIL MAY 2022, DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALL FOR STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS.
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YSABEL NAKASONE Contributing Writer
With the effects of the pandemic still taking its toll, the Biden administration announced that the student loan payment moratorium will be extended to May 2022. Currently, 89% of borrowers remain unable to meet their payments at this time or anytime soon. With the moratorium announcement, the issue of student loan forgiveness has been brought back into the forefront of public debate. The extension enacted is a step in the right direction and will help many borrowers during these financially uncertain times. However, loan forgiveness needs to remain an important goal for President Biden and the American people. Forgiving student debt is both an economically and morally sound idea. Practically, the forgiveness of student debt could lead to a possible substantial increase in GDP. A 2018 paper from the Levy Economic Institute of Bard College states that an increase in annual GDP from 86 billion to 108 billion is possible with the one-time forgiveness of 1.4 trillion in student loan debt. Furthermore, debt forgiveness can aid in decreasing the racial wealth gap. When comparing Black students to white students, a startling 86.6% of Black students utilize federal loans at four-year colleges. The number of white students who do the same is significantly lower at less than 60%. The high costs of a college education are a much higher ask for families whose financial
success has been impeded by centuries of institutional racism. Student loan forgiveness would be a major step toward leveling the playing field. For President Biden, student debt forgiveness could be the boon his approval rating could use. Student loan forgiveness would also be a victory for Democrats seeking reelection in the coming midterms. Pressure from many members of the Democratic party to forgive up to $50,000 in student debt is well established. Senator Elizabeth Warren, Majority Leader Charles Shumer and Representative Ayanna Pressley held a press conference on the subject last February. Members of Congress, like Representative Pramila Jayapal, have also taken to social media to encourage President Biden to take action on student debt forgiveness. This issue has been growing in popularity among the breadth of Democratic lawmakers as opposed to just progressives. For some moderates who are approaching a tough reelection, action on student debt forgiveness will be a key issue. The president campaigned on working toward forgiveness of $10,000 in student debt, but even that promise remains unmet. It seems that it is Biden’s intent not to utilize executive action and to allow Congress to craft the legislation on student loan forgiveness. This appears to be a large misstep considering how adept and willing Congress has been to thwart Biden’s political agenda and campaign promises.
Additionally, Biden is in need of a political win in tandem with his low approval rating, which many hope will be loan forgiveness. As the Omicron variant emerges and Americans are feeling more and more like their lives are under siege, it seems that President Biden’s efforts are only minimally effective just as his predecessor’s lack of effort. It is coming down to who is vaccinated and who is not, and Biden’s ability to improve vaccination rates at this point is marginal at best. Since Biden took office, about 210,000 Americans have died due to COVID-19. Although this figure is lower than previous highs, this is a fact that will be touted loudly by Republican lawmakers and candidates during the 2022 midterms which will likely become a referendum on Biden’s effectiveness as a president. Student loan forgiveness is the means in which this country will support its future generations and growth. It will allow families to become homeowners and begin to finance their children’s educational aspirations as well. It may also be the way that Biden sustains his presidency and Democrats keep their seats in congress. It is a moral and economic imperative that Biden expends political capital on this issue if only to support his Democratic colleagues, to keep the promises he made as a presidential candidate and to impress upon people the H pricelessness of education today. ■
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
7
Inside the fight for an
$18 minimum wage CALIFORNIANS MIGHT SEE THE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE TO $18 AN HOUR THROUGH BALLOT INITIATIVE.
HARRY STOLTZ Contributing Writer
California minimum wage workers might see another wage increase as soon as 2022. Joe Sanberg, an anti-poverty activist and California native, is funding a ballot initiative to raise the state minimum wage to $18 an hour and tie it to inflation. Sanberg’s proposal, The Living Wage Act of 2022, would steadily bump up the minimum wage by a dollar per year for large companies starting in 2023, and hit $18 an hour for all workers by 2026. The ballot proposal was filed with the state attorney general’s office on Dec. 3, and I spoke with Sanberg on Dec. 13. With this wage increase, many working class Californians will benefit greatly from it I asked Sanberg how the COVID-19 pandemic affects poverty in the state. “California has the nation’s worst rate of poverty. I think the pandemic reminded people that those that care for us when we’re sick, those who tend to us who deliver our food, when we’re staying at home because of the pandemic are also the people who make the least amount of money,” he stated. The state minimum wage is currently on track to hit $15 an hour for all businesses by 2023, with large businesses required to
in California pay that much by January 2022. Sanberg’s Living Wage Act of 2022 seamlessly raises the minimum wage beyond this point. He argued, “If you work full time, you should be able to afford life’s basic needs: food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health care. And that requires so much more than California’s minimum wage.” Something that immediately caught my eye when I first heard of Sanberg’s proposal was how it would immediately tie the minimum wage to inflation, once it hits $18 an hour — effectively preventing wage decreases over time. When asked if this would be a negotiable part of the initiative, Sanberg reaffirmed that this was an essential part of minimum wage reform. “That’s a nonnegotiable; we’ve already compromised. This initiative is a compromise. The minimum wage should be $24 right now.” Indeed, according to a 2020 CEPR study, if inflation had kept up with productivity since 1948, the current rate would be over $24 an hour. “You have to confront the political realities of building 50% plus one. And we will pass 18. We’ve extensively polled 18, and it has substantial support among Californians.’’ This isn’t Sanberg’s first foray in state politics. In 2015, he put pressure on California
lawmakers to legislate an earned income tax credit which would help poor Californians. After the measure passed, Sanberg founded the nonprofit CalEITC4Me, an organization which spreads awareness of the program. Now, with his sights on the minimum wage, Sanberg is committing to funding the extensive, and expensive, process of gathering signatures. When asked, Sanberg encouraged the possibility that the California legislature could pass a similar bill to his ballot proposal if it gains enough traction. “I just want to see the minimum wage increase to $18 with a cost of living adjustment built into it. And if the legislature passes, that the governor signs it into law, that’s great.” California is due for a minimum wage increase. With the cost of living skyrocketing and many individuals reeling from the financial crisis caused by the ongoing pandemic, this type of relief is necessary for those who are struggling to get by. Rally and support must be garnered in order for this increase to happen. And although the fight will be hard, it is still a worthwhile endeavor for the safety H and welfare of California citizens. ■
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8 TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
Features
FEATURES
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Winter drinks that will keep you cozy for the chilly season ASHLEY CHEN Features Editor
Winter is my favorite season of the year, and I love all of the delicious winter drinks that come with it! However, as a college student, it’s difficult trying to find ways to save money while also having the desire to buy a seasonal drink that is over $5 almost every day. As a former barista, here are a few easy recipes that will fulfill your winter cravings while also saving you some extra money. All of these recipes do not require a steamer.
eggnog latte Start to finish: 5-10 minutes Servings: 1 2 shots of espresso or coffee of your choice ½ cup of milk ½ cup of eggnog 2 tablespoons of whip cream Heat together milk and eggnog for about 1 minute in the microwave. Use a blender, frother or shaker to mix together for about 30 seconds.
WARM AND EASY DRINK RECIPES THAT ARE PERFECT FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER SEASON.
salty chocolate hazelnut latte Start to finish: 5-10 minutes Servings: 1 2 shots of espresso or coffee of your choice ½ cup of milk 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup 1 tablespoon of caramel syrup 1 tablespoon of hazelnut syrup In a bowl or mug, combine the milk, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup and hazelnut syrup. Microwave for 1 minute. Mix together until the syrups are fully melted to your liking. Pour the espresso or coffee into a mug, along with the chocolate hazelnut mixture. Top it off with a dash of sea salt, and drizzle some more chocolate and caramel syrup.
Pour your espresso or coffee into a mug, and top it off with your eggnog mixture.
cookie butter latte
Top with whipped cream and ground cinnamon.
Start to finish: 10-15 minutes Servings: 1 1 tablespoon of cookie butter 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla syrup ½ cup of milk 2 shots of espresso or coffee of your choice In a bowl or mug, add in the cookie butter, milk, ground cinnamon and vanilla extract or syrup, and microwave on high for about 1 minute. Mix together until the cookie butter is fully melted. Pour your espresso or coffee into a mug, and top it off with the cookie butter mixture. H Top it off with whipped cream and cookie crumbles.■
New year’s resolutions don’t have to be big; they just have to be meaningful THE NEW YEAR BRINGS MANY RESOLUTIONS THAT MOST PEOPLE ABANDON IN A FEW WEEKS. THINGS DON’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.
EVELYN HOMAN Opinions Editor
The new year often comes with a lot of fresh energy and the feeling that this year, we’ll be better. This time of year is rife with promises to not eat sugar anymore, to exercise five times a week with no compromises or finally learn to play an instrument. And yet by Jan. 17, dubbed “National Ditch Your Resolutions Day,” we give into the temptation that just one brownie won’t hurt, to sleep in instead of hitting the weights and to set the guitar down as a lovely centerpiece in the back of our closets. It’s all too common to burn out on new year’s resolutions simply because they are too big. Everyone wants to become the best version of themselves, but we often forget that that kind of shift doesn’t happen simply because we start a new diet or a new hobby. Instead of taking on too much at once, sit down instead and consider a “theme” for your new year instead of a bunch of grandiose resolutions. I’ve been doing this myself for the last few years, and it definitely helps me set goals that feel in line with what I need. This year, I’ve felt like I have spent so much time on my classwork,
and I would constantly work on homework until it was time for me to go to sleep. There were no boundaries between being a college student and having time to relax. Therefore, I decided that my theme for 2022 will be “balance” — something that makes it easy to decide what my goals for the new year should be. If something doesn’t feel like it will help me achieve the work-life balance that I want to bring into my life, then I don’t prioritize or take those goals on. This takes a lot of the pressure off, because there’s no strict mentality of “I should get this done.” Instead, it’s more of a conscious choice about the actions I want to dedicate myself to. This doesn’t mean that I’m throwing goals out completely; I want to incorporate more exercise into my daily life, eat healthier and learn something new. But I’m hitting on all those stereotypical new year’s goals with the goal of bringing balance into my life. I’m not choosing these goals with the intention of hitting the gym a certain number of times or eating so many calories; rather, I’m exploring self-improvement that will grant me what I need in my life right now. There’s nothing wrong with those big, superpowered resolutions if you’re the uber-
determined sort. But for the vast majority of us, baby steps are what we need to get us toward the lives we want to live. You don’t need to climb Mount Everest to have a great 2022. If you want to make improvements in your life, deciding your big goal is only the first step. One of my goals is to teach myself how to draw. Obviously, I’m not going to be Michaelangelo starting out; learning how to draw and develop a style that I enjoy certainly won’t come overnight either. Instead of rushing all into it and then burning out, I’m dedicating an hour every Saturday to watching some videos on the craft and following a free online course on technique so I can at least learn how to draw the basics. It doesn’t seem like much, especially since a lot of people seem to create new year resolutions thinking they’ll see results quickly. This unfortunately is not the case; it isn’t a gung-ho full-force attack at a major goal that will help you accomplish your dreams. Instead, it is a consistent plan of action that will get you where you want to go. The bottom line is, don’t stress yourself out if massive new year’s goals aren’t your thing. If they are, that’s fantastic. Pursue those in a way that will ensure you aren’t
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burned out by the nefarious day of Jan. 19. For those who want to improve their lives and don’t want to do a complete 180, remember that even the smallest changes can bring us joy. Challenge yourself to read a book a month, or discover a new band from every country on earth. In the end, a new year’s resolution is all about what will bring an improvement to your life that you feel you need. Whether you want to set an intention, a big goal or a little goal, make sure it will bring you joy. If it doesn’t bring you joy, then feel free to let it go. Changing into the best version of yourself is something that only you can control. Make sure that H you like the changes you want to bring in.■
Radar
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
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‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ swings above expectations, giving the audience a thrilling and emotional experience THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN DEALS WITH MAJOR PROBLEMS CONFLICTING BOTH HIS PERSONAL AND SUPERHERO LIVES IN MARVEL’S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED FILM.
KIMBERLY BEJEC Contributing Writer
Since the release of Marvel’s last “SpiderMan” movie, “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” audiences were eager to see what would happen next for Peter Parker, after being left with a cliffhanger from the previous film. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” directed by Jon Watts, was released only in theaters on Dec. 17, 2021, finally giving fans what they have been waiting for. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” picks up right after the last film as Peter, played by Tom Holland, deals with the aftermath and scrutiny from the public. After having his identity revealed and being framed for the death of Mysterio, Peter’s privacy gets invaded as he is watched by the public. The public begins to question SpiderMan’s true intentions, affecting not only Peter himself, but also those around him. Seeing the negative effects of the news on his loved ones, he enlists help from Dr. Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch. This unfortunately goes awry, as a tear is created in their world, bringing in villains from other universes who have previously fought Spider-Man. With Spider-Man being arguably one of the more favored superheroes, it is no surprise that fans were highly anticipating the new film. Besides wanting answers after the cliffhanger, fans were anxious to see more of the Multiverse on the big screen. The Multiverse is a phenomenon in the Marvel Comics in which there are various other universes existing at the same time. With
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the Multiverse being explored in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, fans were excited to see more stories and characters be brought in. This tied in to “Spider-Man: No Way Home” as it was revealed that villains from Sam Rami’s “Spider-Man” trilogy and Marc Webb’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” film series were going to be featured. Upon the discovery of the old villains being featured in upcoming films, fans were buzzing to see these actors stepping back into their roles. Since then, major talk around the film began to spread. Speculation arose over whether or not audiences would see the past Spider-Mans, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, reprise their roles for the film. Many different generations grew up with either franchise, holding the films and its characters close to them. This created a nostalgic factor for fans from different generations to enjoy as they were brought back to the past. From an impressive cast list, many of the actors bring in phenomenal performances. Zendaya, Jacob Batalon and Marisa Tomei each do an amazing job as MJ Watson, Ned Leeds and Aunt May, respectively. Despite being supporting characters, they deliver strong, moving performances with chemistry that amplifies the film. With the returning villains of Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus, Jamie Foxx as Electro, Rhys Ifans as Lizard and Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, fans were able to see them ease back into their roles and deliver impressive performances that helped build the film. However, Willem Dafoe’s performance as Green
Goblin remains one of the highlights of the film. His eerie performance of the crazed scientist pulls audiences at the edge of their seat as he switches from a confused man to the deranged Green Goblin. Tom Holland excels in the film as he takes on a more mature and emotional side of Peter Parker. Despite the large cast list, Tom Holland does not get overshadowed and shines in his rendition of Spider-Man. While it may have been difficult to keep up with all the characters and their ties into the plot, the chemistry between the characters and ease of screenwriting gives audiences a jam-packed film. The chemistry of the actors bounces off one another, keeping the fun and wild energy of the “Spider-Man” franchise. The movie takes audiences on a rollercoaster of chaotic fun, action and emotions in just under two hours and 30 minutes. Everything fits into the film, keeping the audience engaged without rushing too soon into scenes. The movie is filled with heart and humor but does not shy away from dealing with more pressing, emotional issues that are sure to tug at the heartstrings. The film ends on a bittersweet note that will pave the way for the future of MCU’s Spider-Man. Since the release of the film on Dec. 17, 2021, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has smashed box office records. According to its studio, Sony, the film made an estimated $253 million in the domestic box office on opening weekend. Now that the film has been released, fans have been raving about the film on social media, making it H a must see.■
With the thrilling plot that keeps audiences on their toes, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has fans satisfied and cheering from their theater seats. It is a nostalgic, exciting film for fans of the “Spider-Man” franchise to experience and enjoy.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/ae
‘Don’t Look Up’ is an entertaining film that is rich with cultural critique
ELIAS ALMAREZ-HERRERA Contributing Writer
Any student who has taken even the most entry-levels of astronomy classes can take away a few things for certain: courses in astronomy should not be mistaken for astrology upon registration, mathematical calculations make up a great component of astronomical study and breakthroughs in the study of the vast outer space beyond our planet occur daily. “Don’t Look Up” is the latest Netflix production — currently the No.1 film on the streaming platform — which centers the efforts of astronomy doctoral candidate, Kate Dibiasky, and her professor at Michigan State University, Dr. Randall Mindy. They aim to publicize their discovery that a “planet-killing” comet is on course to collide with Earth in six months time. After calculating the trajectory of the mass in outer space, the main protagonists, played by Academy Award winning actors Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio, send information directly upwards to the oval office. The fictitious presidential administration for Madam President Orlean, played by Meryl Streep, expresses their concern with the timing of the news as they consider how it might impact their standing in the upcoming midterm elections. Issues with a nominated Supreme Court candidate take precedence over the news of imminent danger to public safety. The parallels to present-day America are blatant. In a culture of performative political correctness, Dibiasky and Dr. Mindy embark
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on a media tour to describe the catastrophic events that might occur should authority figures fail to take preventative action. Social media reactions explode as news of the comet is made public and the film begins its exploration of a country in division. Director Adam McKay noted in an interview that the process of writing the script for “Don’t Look Up” began in late 2019, before the height of hysteria as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As reactionary movements and denial of the virus’ existence have pervaded popular discourse and corporate media platforms over the last two years, McKay described having to return to the script to exaggerate the script’s characters and online reaction even more for the satirical elements in the screenplay to land. Seemingly absurd spectacles picked up by algorithms on social media and pushed by news outlets to distract the public from the danger associated with Comet Dibiasky, named after the Ph.D. candidate who discovered it, create a sense of bitter familiarity while viewing the Netflix film. Ariana Grande and Scott Mescudi, also known as Kid Cudi, make an appearance as the fictional pop star couple whose tumultuous relationship takes center stage in audience engagement. Later in the film, they perform a political number to encourage disbelievers and deniers of the comet’s existence to “Just Look Up” and see for themselves. Amid the discourse, hyper capitalist Sir Peter Isherwell devises a proposal to use
technology his fictional corporation, BASH, has developed to obliterate the comet in outer space to mine the rock for minerals, depreciating resources found on Earth. Consumerism and political agendas displayed on-screen are juxtaposed with breathtaking shots of hummingbirds, bees, ants crawling on leaves and views of Earth from space. A daunting score underlies the danger that awaits every inhabitant of the planet as the human race continues to politicize scientific research. As BASH entities introduce their new technology to American political actors, Madam President Orlean can be seen lighting a cigarette against a red-lettered sign which reads “Flammable.” An all-star cast rounds out the success of the 2021 film. Jennifer Lawrence brings to life the narrative of a casual drug-using, post-undergraduate student with a mullet as she navigates jumping through the metaphorical hoops of professionalism and conservatism on a national scale. The frustration from lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio is undeniably a derivative of his real-life efforts to raise awareness on climate change, all the while being used for memes across the internet. DiCaprio received his first Academy Award for best actor at the 88th Oscars ceremony, recognizing his work on the film “The Revenant” (2015). In his speech, he described the film as “man’s relationship to the natural world.” He recalls having to film at the southern tip of the globe in order to find adequate snow and low temperature environments to film
AT THE INTERSECTION OF SATIRE AND DARK HUMOR, “DON’T LOOK UP” OFFERS A GLIMPSE OF TRUTH ON THE LANDSCAPE OF CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, POLITICS AND PUBLIC SKEPTICISM.
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during the summer, which reached the hottest recorded temperatures in history at the time. Over six years following the release of the aforementioned film, climate changes have still gone largely overlooked by political actors in the contemporary world ripe with media distractions. “Don’t Look Up” veers from the ending Hollywood has framed for endof-the-world disaster films. “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” (2012) focuses on mass hysteria with the plot’s final twist creating a hoax for its characters to live with the consequences of their actions. “2012” (2010) takes a deep dive into widespread natural disaster’s effect on human structures with thousands of survivors conveniently landing safely in Africa. DiCaprio stated simply, he would not have taken part in this film if it had included a typical H Hollywood ending.■
Stunning montage of nature and A-list actors equipped with excellent comedic timing create an outrageous, yet unnervingly realistic cinematic world and elevate the viewing experience of “Don’t Look Up.”
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SPORTS
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022
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Highlander Hot Take: The Kansas City Chiefs will silence the doubters and win the 2022 Super Bowl THE IMPROVED PERFORMANCE FROM THE KANSAS CITY DEFENSE WILL BE KEY TO THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP RUN.
HANSEL CHU Assistant Sports Editor
The 2022 NFL season has been very interesting and entertaining so far. From thriller-ending games to record-breaking years from the superstars, this season was filled with many highlights. Many teams that were projected to have bad records outperformed expectations and are currently battling for their spots in the postseason. One team that has slipped under the radar is the Kansas City Chiefs due to their dominance in the past few years. However, the Chiefs will remind everyone how good of a team they are by winning the 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough start to the season after making it to the Super Bowl for the last two years. In the first seven games of the season, the Chiefs had a record of 3-4, by far their worst starting record in recent memory. A large part of their rough start was due to their defense, where Kansas City ranked dead last in pass defense and in the pass rush. This meant that opposing quarterbacks were having their way with the Chief’s defense and they could throw the football wherever they wanted to against Kansas City. Another big reason for the Chief’s early struggles was the performance of their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. According to USA Today Sports, in the Mahomesera, Kansas City never lost a game in September, and Mahomes accumulated 3,304 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and no interceptions as a starter. In this season, however, Mahomes had 940 passing yards with nine touchdowns and three interceptions in the month of September, which is underwhelming compared to his previous years. Furthermore, in the first seven games this season, Mahomes led the
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league in interceptions with nine. A large part of Mahomes’s poor performances was Kansas City’s ill-judgment in thinking that they could outscore everyone while Mahomes led them to victory. However, blowout losses to the Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans proved to the Chiefs that changes had to be made. After a rough first seven games, Kansas City turned things around with their improved defense and Mahomes being more patient with the football. Since their early struggles, the Chief’s defense has allowed the least amount of points since Week 6 according to FanNation, and jumped up to fourth in total takeaways according to ESPN. The addition of Melvin Ingram and the return of Chris Jones helped Kansas City improve on the pass rush. Mahomes has also become more patient with the football, as instead
of always trying to make the home-run play, Mahomes is taking what the defense is giving him and is making the easy play. Kansas City is also utilizing more of the run game to keep the defense guessing and also using speedster wide receiver Tyreek Hill in more short routes to put more pressure on opposing defenses to try and catch Hill’s world-class speed. Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on a four-game winning streak to close out the regular season following their bye week, and they used that momentum to dominate the playoffs and win the Super Bowl earlier this year. If history is to repeat itself, the Kansas City Chiefs are in a great position to carry their winning streak into the postseason and remind everyone how dominant they have been by winning the H 2022 Super Bowl in Los Angeles. ■
With the spread of the Omicron variant in California, UCR Athletics decides to take a brief hiatus
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KEVIN CONTRERAS Sports Editor
With the current condition of the pandemic and the spread of the Omicron variant, UC Riverside has decided to transition to an online format for the first two weeks of the
2022 winter quarter. As a result, Highlander Athletics has decided to follow the schools lead and take a quick break while they assess the threat of the pandemic. Going into the winter season, the main sport being affected in the Big West Conference is basketball. On Dec. 20, Highlander athletics
released a statement where they announced that their men’s basketball non-conference game against the University of Idaho would be cancelled. Days later, they announced that the games scheduled for Dec. 28 and Jan.1 would also be cancelled due to the pandemic. The women’s basketball team also had to cancel. The women’s basketball team also had to cancel their games on those same dates. In addition to that, Highlander athletics would no longer be allowing fans to attend in person until Jan. 17. Whether in-person attendance will resume after Jan. 17 is yet to be confirmed. With five out of the 11 schools in the Big West Conference being UC’s, the UC system-wide hiatus affects many games within the conference. Both UC Irvine and UC San Diego have also cancelled many of their upcoming games, forcing a brief halt in the progression of the conference. With the championships still scheduled for late March, it is still unclear how UCR and the Big West conference will make up for the games being cancelled. UC Riverside’s men’s and women’s team are scheduled to return to the court on Jan. 6, and the games will be streamed on ESPN+. Be sure to tune in and support your fellow H Highlanders on the road to the championships.■
BOTH MEN AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SUSPEND ACTIVITY WHILE UC RIVERSIDE DECIDES THE FUTURE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.