Vol. 71, Issue 08

OP-ED

UCR PHD CANDIDATE

Academic workers at the University of California aren’t unique in feeling the pain of the housing market in the state. This is an issue that any renter, unhoused person or first time buyer knows all about. Where we are unique is that many of us get our housing from the same institution that pays us. This means that the University of California knows what they charge and knows how much they are distributing in salaries. So it may come as a surprise to people outside of academia that the institution is charging so much for its own housing options that its researchers and instructors can’t afford to live without finding other ways to supplement their income.

Like other underpaid workers who struggle to make ends meet, academic workers get creative. Take my case. I’m a first year Environmental Science PhD at University of California, Riverside. I focus on carbon capture to mitigate climate change and I’m deeply committed to this work. Our passion for our work is something that higher education institutions too often use to take advantage of academic workers by refusing to do things as simple as cost of living pay increases. The philosophy seems to be that we’re just young people paying our dues, even if we’re in our late twenties, thirties or forties and have dependents to take care of. Even if we’re selling our blood plasma to pay the bills every month, which is what I do.

I would much rather spend my time working towards my research goals, but after doing some household math, selling my plasma to supplement my income seemed necessary. The University of California pays me $2,300 per month, and takes back $1,375 as rent for my UC-owned apartment. That’s 59% of my salary. While I was hoping UC housing would be more affordable, it ended up being roughly the same as my previous rent off campus. After rent and taxes, I have $400 each month for all other expenses including food, health care, internet, phone, insurance, car payments etc. So

about a month after getting here, I tried to figure out how I could supplement my income without interrupting my research and landed on selling blood plasma.

Twice a week, I catch a bus and ride about 45 minutes to the plasma center. The process is similar to blood donation, uncomfortable but not horribly painful, and takes about three hours at a time. I have to be on top of my health and make sure I supplement with vitamins and keep an active lifestyle. I can sell my plasma up to 104 times a year and I’ll need to do so to make it through this year of work. I’m not sure what I will do if I start to experience health effects like massive energy drains.

I’m not alone – I know so many people right now who are struggling to make ends meet. But I believe this situation can change. My union, UAW, has been bargaining for new union contracts which we hope will guarantee compensation that matches the cost of living. Instead of negotiating in good faith on these issues, the University of California has been breaking a myriad of labor laws. Our union has had to file over 25 charges with the California Public Employment Relations Board against UC to compel them to follow the law. To give a sense of how big this problem is, over 36,000 academic workers across the state just voted to strike. No one wants it to come to that, but as researchers and teachers, we know not every teachable moment happens in a classroom. We want the next generation to be more supported than we currently are and are willing to fight and sacrifice for that.

For me, my greatest hope is that some of our issues are addressed. If they aren’t, it’s likely I’ll have to continue selling my blood plasma for the duration of my PhD. If the University of California is able to come to the table and bargain in good faith, I can be a better employee, researcher, teacher and colleague, by devoting more time to my work, rather than spending my time selling my blood.■ H

KIA NOOSHI Contributing Writer

UC Riverside’s men’s soccer team edged a win over UC Santa Barbara this past weekend in the Big West fi nals, picking up their second trophy of the season and booking a spot in the NCAA men’s college soccer tournament. The Highlanders came into the matchup looking to win their fi rst Big West tournament since their last win in 2018 as the one seed and were slightly favored over the two-seeded Gauchos who they had beaten just a few weeks prior 4-1.

The Highlanders started the game off slowly, struggling to maintain possession and resorting to long balls up to the strikers as a means of getting out of their own half. Head Coach Tom Cupello said of the slow start that the Gauchos “came out in a completely different tactic and a completely different formation … than what we had prepared for to be honest.”

The Gauchos stifled UCR’s attack by manmarking UCR’s attacking midfielders and preventing the Highlanders from transitioning the play up the field as they had been able to do a few weeks prior. Tim Cupello made some key adjustments noting that this would be a defensive battle rather than an offensive one showing why he won Big West coach of the year as the Highlanders were able to slowly get a foothold in the game and have their fi rst massive chance of the game as a Highlander corner resulted in a shot by sophomore defender AJ Meade-Tatum which catapulted off the crossbar around the 26th minute.

This match was physical from start to fi nish with a whopping 32 fouls being committed throughout the contest with 14 of those coming in the fi rst half. A foul

Student workers shouldn’t have to sell their plasma to survive

UC Riverside men’s soccer wins the Big West Finals with a 1-0 victory over UC Santa Barbara

GRACE SUN / THE HIGHLANDER

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ScotSurplus Public Sale 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ScotSurplus

Friendsgiving Prep 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. SRC Classroom Kitchen

Sustainability Open House 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. SSB Lawn

Campus Safety Walk 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. UCR Bell Tower

Women’s Volleyball vs. CSUN 6 p.m. SRC Arena

Queer Cinema Night: “Movies in the Closet” 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 245 Costo Hall

Tilly No-Body: Catastrophes of Love Opening Night 8 p.m. ARTS 113

Spirit of the Tribes 5k 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Rivera Lawn

Alumni Homecoming Concert 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. HUB Lawn

Intramural Sports Play 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. SRC Competitive Sports O ce

See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Virtual Event

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UCR ranked No. 9 for Sustainability

ABHIJIT REGE News Editor

The University of California, Riverside has achieved another distinction through the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges by being ranked the 9th best public university for Sustainability. Released on Oct. 25, the guide recognized universities that promote green, environmentally friendly practices and education while providing a healthy quality of life for students. Our university was also ranked No. 27 in the same guide when ranking among both public and private institutions.

The guide was made by the Princeton Review surveying the students that attended 713 colleges during the 2021-22 academic year. Administrators were also surveyed as well for additional data to review. Notably, the top 50 institutions shared similar practices that saw a promotion of renewable practices. All schools shared a high percentage of purchases from local or organic sources as well as noteworthy efforts to decrease waste from going to incinerators and landfills. Furthermore, sustainability was also promoted through offers for degrees focused on energy and the environment and the presence of a sustainability officer in conjunction with green clubs on campus, the largest ones being the Green Campus Action Plan and R’Garden.

GCAP provides Green Grants and sustainability internships, while promoting large-scale campus initiatives. Their projects aim to educate the community about more environmentally friendly practices, and these projects include the Glove Recycling Program, Fair Trade Festival, and Hydration Stations. Being a student-led organization, GCAP is able to tackle sustainability issues through the efforts and support of Highlanders. R’Garden similarly promotes sustainability with their goal of increasing local food access in Riverside through a sustainable food system. They provide food banks throughout the

campus and city of Riverside with fresh produce.

UCR’s sustainability officer, Fortino Morales, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the campus’s Sustainability Committee, which is made up of committed students, staff, and faculty to promote sustainable practices. “We’re extremely proud of all the work the campus has done recently to achieve this ranking and to further campus sustainability initiatives in our academics, operations, and campus life,” he stated.

Morales also highlighted the alternative transportation programs that campus offers including free bus passes, vanpool programs, and hybrid work schedules. “All of these programs help reduce our campus carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier region overall. We look forward to making the campus even more sustainable in the coming years.”

A college’s commitment to sustainable energy and the environment have been noted in the Princeton Reviews’ surveys as an important factor that influences students in their decision to apply or attend the school.

Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of the Princeton Review, furthered this claim and conveyed his appreciation, acknowledging, “We are proud to shine a light on these schools and to continue serving as a unique resource for students who want their ‘best-fit’ college to also ideally be a green one,” he said. “We highly recommend each and every one of the colleges in our guide.”

UCR has achieved numerous distinctions and rankings in the past academic year, in the realms social mobility, sustainable investment, and conservation efforts. You can learn more about them through The Highlander’s coverage.

COURTESY OF PEXELS

ASUCR announces their solidarity with academic workers.

HARU CHANG Assistant News Editor

ASUCR WELCOMES A NEW CNAS SENATOR.

The ASUCR Senate meeting was called to order at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Besides President Pro Tempore Aalani Richardson and BCOE Senator Chloe Au, who arrived later during the meeting, all were present.

A motion to remove Special Elections for Elections Director from the agenda was approved by CNAS Senator Brenden Cano and seconded by CHASS Senator Hemant Hari. The agenda with the following amendments was approved 14-0-1. The previous Senate meeting minutes were approved 15-0-0.

During the public forum, speakers that represented the University’s Advancements and Giving Department announced they would be hosting an event called Giving Tuesday. Every Tuesday after Black Friday Champions, or UCR ambassadors, would help them promote the day of giving. The Champions with the most donors could win an iPad. For more information contact crystal.sankey@ucr.edu

ECAB Minutes were opened and approved 15-0-0.

During the Ex-Officio Reports Chief Justice Arias announced that the Judicial Meetings will be held monthly. The Justice also reported that the Justices are currently voting between two candidates for Elections Director, however the Justices were unable to break the tie. The General Advocates applications were reopened. Justice Aria also mentioned that they are trying to include someone from the Judicial branch in all other branches to serve as a liaison. President Assaf urged senators to go above and beyond in their positions in terms of student outreach and reminded the senate of the fight for livable wages by the grad students the coming week.

The Committee Reports began with Finance Hearing Minutes #5. The Vice President of Finance Christian Martinez noted the general allocations of $30,540. He reported that the Indian Student Association request for off-campus events was denied because ASUCR does not fund off-campus events. President Assaf requested a stipend for a Press Secretary position, a temporary stipend was granted. Martinez also reported that one stipend was granted to VPEA for statewide Lobbying Director. Finance Hearing Minutes #5 was approved 15-0-0.

The motion to open SR-F22-004 was approved by Senator Cano and seconded by CNAS Senator Abby Choy. The LRC Vice Chair Ruhi Barman and Senator Choy reported

the support of the academic workers who will be striking this coming week. TAs and postdocs are calling for the support of students during the strike and asking for student solidarity with those protesting. 98% of TAs and postdocs spend around 60% of their income on housing. ASUCR voted to stand in solidarity with the academic workers.

SB-F22-006 was a follow up to the previous legislation that was approved and continues the stipends requested by VPEA Hearns. The VP of Finance Martinez could table the issue after evaluating the request as something that required more discussion. The motion to make an amendment to strikethrough 2j through 2n and revert the salary of External Chief of Staff to $1320 was approved by SPP Senator Sean Nguyen and seconded by SOE Senator Leyan Elkatat. SB-F22-006 was approved with the following amendments being approved 14-0-1.

SB-F22-009 was a request for the addition of a new position for the Office of President: Press Secretary. They were to act as the liaison between the Office of President and UCR campus media and communications. Senator Nguyen raised concerns about the UC’s financial capacity to continue to fund the trend of approving new positions. The Office of the President was asked to confirm if the Press Secretary needed to be a paid position and provide an evaluation of the necessity of the position. Senator Shah addressed the concerns of overlapping duties of existing positions and the Press Secretary: requesting that President Assaf expand on how these positions differ. President Assaf advocated for the position as an important addition to the executive staff. According to President Assaf, the Press Secretary would be a liaison between non-ASUCR related organizations within the greater Riverside area. The motion did not pass 4-9-2. President Assaf requested that this matter be tabled, but the motion did not pass 3-10-2.

SB-F22-011 adds a new student disability training for student leaders. President Assaf presented the new measure. It is the third training to raise awareness of students who have disabilities, training the Senate to better address and write legislation for students with disabilities. The motion passed 13-0-1. ■ H

SKIN CONTACT WITH THIRDHAND SMOKE INCREASES POTENTIAL OF SKIN DISEASES.

HARU CHANG Assistant News Editor

Thirdhand smoke (THS) describes the residual contamina tion from lingering tobacco smoke that remains on surfaces like clothes, furniture, drapes, bedding, and carpets. THS can remain on surfaces for many months long after the smok ing has stopped. Thirdhand smoke that remains on surfaces cannot be effectively eliminated by conventional household cleaning, airing out rooms, or limiting smoking to only certain areas of a house. THS exposure primarily occurs through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact. It poses a persistent health hazard to both smokers and nonsmokers. Now, research led by a University of California, Riverside cohort found that acute skin contact to THS increases the potential of skin inflammatory diseases and it mimics the harmful effects of cigarette smoking.

The clinical research on effects of THS is limited to two studies. One study evaluated the relationship between THS exposure of people living in homes of smokers and the risk of cancer. The second study investigated the effects of THS chemicals when it is inhaled. However, no studies have been done on skin contact to THS.

Providing informed consent prior to the study, the research ers assess the potential health effects of skin exposure to THS by measuring biomarkers in urine and plasma and plasma proteome. The study gathered ten healthy adult nonsmoking subjects that participated in randomized, unblinded THS and clean air exposures. The subject wore clothing with or without THS for three hours. In order to induce sweat, all participants exercised on a treadmill for 15 minutes per hour. The exposures were randomized and separated by 20 to 30 days. Urine samples were collected before the exposure; at 3 and 8 hours after the start of exposure, the next morning; and at 22 hours after the start of exposure. The urine samples were analyzed for biomarkers of exposure and the plasma proteome was analyzed to identify effects on protein expres sion.

The repeated measures analysis using the mixed effect model found the “treatment” significant in all the urinary bio markers. This indicates that between the THS and clean air exposures the overall concentration of the three urinary bio markers over time are significantly different. After confirm ing this, the researchers narrowed down at which points the concentration of the biomarkers were significantly different between clean air and THS.

The result of the study supports the idea that THS exposure mimics the biological imbalances caused by a chemically toxic environment and immune activation previously ob served in cigarette smokers. While the brief THS exposures did not cause skin irritation and were unlikely to induce skin disease, there was an increase of markers associated with early-stage contact dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin condi tions. The study notes that this not only mirrors the potential risks associated with repeated cigarette exposure, but also supports the idea that acute skin exposure to THS could induce skin diseases.

The results provide evidence that proteins involved in disease pathways were increased in a subset of humans after acute skin exposure to THS. Growing literature, the study con cludes, will be useful in making meaningful interventions to limit exposure to THS in contaminated properties and will enable healthcare workers to advise their patients on the risks associated with THS exposure.

Thirdhand smoke: the harmful residue of cigarettes.

Misinformation and hate speech run rampant on Twitter after Musk’s acquisition of the platform

After months of negotiations, billionaire Elon Musk has finally purchased Twitter, appointing himself as the chief moderator of the social media site. Upon his acquisition of the company on Oct. 27, Musk has made several changes including firing hundreds of key employees in the guise of wanting to restore true “freedom of speech” to the platform. He has agreed to reinstate accounts that have been banned and will allow users to buy the blue verification check mark for only $8 a month, creating an environment where fake news will run rampant. This transfer of Twitter to Musk has troubled both journalists and the public who believe that the integrity of the site will no longer exist.

In this current age of technology, many people have stopped consuming traditional forms of news media, like television and newspapers, and instead receive the majority of their information from social media platforms, like Twitter. In a 2021 Pew Research Center study that surveyed 2,548 Twitter users, it was found that 23% of Americans use Twitter, and roughly seven-in-ten U.S. Twitter users, or 69%, say they get news on the site. In protest of Musk owning the company, several important figures and influencers have stated that they will be leaving the site. In doing so, those that have managed to make Twitter a site for news are leaving it vulnerable to people wanting to spread dangerous political agendas and hate speech. Musk owning Twitter has completely changed the dynamic creating a space that is no longer factual or respectable.

Although Musk claims that he is pro free-speech and wants to make Twitter more accessible, he is creating an environment where fake news will be tolerated and used to confuse the public. There is a clear difference between freedom of speech and hate speech, which was previously monitored and typically taken down for violation of Twitter policies. Musk does not seem to know or mind the difference and has created a playground for those wanting to belittle and tear down others. Young and impressionable users will

have trouble understanding and distinguishing information causing a potential rise in harmful ideologies. Just hours after Musk took over Twitter, there was a sharp rise in racist slurs and Nazi memes on the site.

Users have also begun treating Twitter as a joke, poking fun at the new pay for verification feature — a feature previously only given to celebrities, politicians and members of the media. Users who have bought the verification, for the price of $8 a month, have started changing their usernames to impersonate companies, politicians and even Musk himself, tweeting mostly inappropriate statements. Many of these accounts have been taken down, but not before going viral, confusing the public and prompting apology statements to be released by those impersonated.

In an effort to combat these large-scale impersonations, Musk changed Twitter policies and made it so that usernames could not be altered once an account was verified. This only prompted pushback with people, like celebrity singer Doja Cat, being stuck with their silly usernames, unable to make their account themselves again — in this case Doja Cat was stuck with the username “Christmas.” The pay for verification has since been banned not even surviving a week after being instated. We are already seeing that an over influx of misinformation on Twitter will create a generation of people who do not know how to properly consume media, leading them to blindly follow it causing ignorance.

While freedom of speech is important for democracy and the media, the way that Musk has introduced it is not correct. With Twitter’s integrity now being compromised, people should resort to only consuming direct news sources. This shift will benefit those who will take the time to check their facts and consume traditional media again, but will harm those unable to. Under Musk, it appears that misinformation, fake news and hate speech will be allowed, leaving Twitter to rot away.

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.

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COURTESY OF STEVE

R’Perspective: Gen Z: Count on Us

CECILE DIROLL Contributing Writer

WITH THE RISING POLITICAL POLARIZATION AND GROWING CHALLENGES IN THE U.S., GENERATION Z MIGHT JUST BE THE POLITICAL FORCE THAT CAN GET US OUT OF IT.

As a newly eligible voter, I was thrilled to cast my first ballot in the Nov. 8th midterm election, being able to vote for the politicians and issues I care about. I studied the policy issues and candidates and even looked forward to filling in the bubbles, shading in my choices. When I was done and dropped my ballot off at the UCR polling station, I felt satisfaction and empowerment, knowing that I had done my civic duty

But recent news coverage weighed heavily on me, dimming my enthusiasm. The sense less attack on Paul Pelosi, the Speaker of the House’s husband, by a right-wing con spiracy theorist pointed out the normalization of political violence. The campaigns of far-right candidates and election deniers, like Herschel Walker, highlighted the deep and bitter political divisions facing our nation today. As Gen Z, we have grown up in a time of unprecedented challenges — climate change, a global pandemic and depressingly routine mass shootings — with rising political polarization as the background. At times, these challenges can feel overwhelming, leading to the belief that there isn’t much we can do. However, rather than be apathetic, data reveals that Gen Z exhibits characteris tics and values indicating we are poised to be a potent political force.

We are the most racially diverse American generation ever. According to Pew Research Center, Gen Z is the leading edge of the country’s changing racial and ethnic makeup, with approximately 25% of us being Latinx, 14% Black, 6% Asian and 5% some other race or two or more races. In addition, approximately 22% of Gen Z have at least one immigrant parent. Coming from minority perspectives and experiences, the majority of us believe in equality and inclusivity.

Regarding views on family and societal change, most of Gen Z supports gay and inter racial marriages, doesn’t believe that single women raising children on their own is bad for society and support using gender-neutral pronouns. Our familiarity and comfort with the terms stem from growing up in a diverse community.

Gen Z is on the path to being the most educated generation ever, with fewer high school dropouts and more young people pursuing higher education. Based on a Pew Research Center study, approximately 57% of 18 to 21 year olds were enrolled in a two or fouryear college. As the most educated generation, Gen Z is equipped to be well informed, think logically about issues and bring new perspectives to solving societal problems. Therefore, Gen Z feels a sense of urgency to adopt government policies that address human-caused global warming.

Growing up during the digital era, Gen Z has little to no memory of life before tech nology. Thus, we are the most “tech savvy”, particularly with social media. With most Americans receiving their news online, social media wields significant power to influ ence and impact people’s beliefs. Gen Z utilizes different social media platforms to communicate messages and connect easily with millions of people simultaneously. By using social media to disseminate information on social and political issues, Gen Z can more quickly network and organize events highlighting social justice issues like repro ductive rights or gun control.

Most notably, about seven out of 10 members of Gen Z say the government should do more to solve problems. This desire for an increased governmental role in solving prob lems may help explain early polling numbers indicating Gen Z voters showed up at the polls in record numbers, muting an expected Republican “red wave.” The desire to curb gun violence is what motivated Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Florida to run for office, becoming the first member of Generation Z elected to serve in the U.S. Congress. Gen Z’s concerns about numerous issues appear to have spurred thousands of other young people across the country to run for local and state offices, and vote to support candi dates advancing the issues we care about or in defense of our rights.

Growing up in such a volatile period in American history has been challenging and finding solutions to the myriad of issues confronting us isn’t going to be easy. Disaffec tion and inaction aren’t going to get us closer to finding solutions for the issues we care about or get us a seat at the decision making table to have our voices heard. Voting is one way we can bring about change. Although my first voting experience wasn’t what I expected, it has spurred me to get involved and urge a greater portion of Gen Z to get involved as we are the best equipped to lead our nation into a better future. ■ H

“My favorite is ham because I don’t eat turkey. It’s deli cious, and it can be seasoned differently or mixed with other foods.”

“I like pumpkin pie because it’s one of the only pumpkin products that I like. I’m not a big fan of pumpkin spice.”

“We like pumpkin pie because it’s delicious, soft, goes well with whipped cream and also unhealthy. It’s orange which is festive for the holiday.”

“My favorite is the cranberry sauce, it has to be homemade though. It’s sweet and you need something sweet with the savory.”

“I don’t really like turkey or ham but I like cornbread. It’s hard to mess up cornbread. Ham makes me mad and turkey is dry.”

COURTESY OF PEXELS

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish and why?

Lauren Saavedra (she/her) 2nd-year English

Melanie Zermeño (she/her) 2nd-year creative writing

Risat Taheen (he/him) and Diego Albarran (he/him) 3rd-year biology and 2nd-year theatre, film, and digital production

Sonali Bhakta (she/her) 4th-year biochemistry

Jorg Galang (he/him) 4th-year neuroscience

“Mashed potatoes can al ways be fixed and saved so I like them. Mac and cheese is overrated because it’s too hit or miss.”

The far-right wing’s crusade against mental health is a projection of their need for mental help

MICHAEL APELACIO Contributing Writer

FOX NEWS PANELISTS EXPRESS UNREASONABLE OUTRAGE AT THE IDEA OF BEING AFFECTIONATE WITH A PET AS A MEANS TO RELIEVE STRESS.

The hosts of Fox News’ “Outnumbered” aired a recent segment which covered a study suggesting that college students benefit mentally from petting cats. Their discussion was fueled primarily by anecdotes, unfounded claims and superficial heuristics as they attempted to debunk the fact that stable mental health is a prerequisite to being successful in higher education. Their raucous demeanor during the entire conversation stood out. Each of the panelists had a turn to speak, and every one of them lacked any comprehension of the study. This Fox News panel exemplified the lack of compassion and profoundness that is all too common in conversations that cover wellbeing not just of college students, but everyone else. After a sarcastically toned introduction, Julie Banderas states that the option to have cats for emotional support is “another example of how we are raising snowflakes,” and that college students should just “do us all a favor,” and drop out. Emily Compagno continues that they “need a slap in the face,” rather than the feline service. Subsequently, Tammy Bruce begins with the idea that “no one’s going to hand [college students] a puppy in the real world” with Webb concluding that students needing cats or dogs for support do not belong in college. The segment is short, but the effects of public discussions like these weaponize the idea of mental health, or diminish its importance. It prevents the normalization of seeking counseling among American communities regardless of political affiliation,

worsening the severe polarization currently occurring in the United States.

McEnany and Compagno’s responses show imperceptiveness and a lack of empathy as they applied the study only to themselves. Compagno’s alternative solution, which directly referenced physical discipline, is worrying as it trivialized compassionate approaches to mental health. This is eerily reminiscent of the cause behind poor mental health in young adults.

The idea that inflicting aggression would be more beneficial than reassurance and affection isn’t something a stable individual would conceptualize. McEnany’s attempts to devalue the outcome of the study fell flat as she kept using a skewed perception to determine if such a service would work by using only herself as a reference rather than considering the perspectives of others.

The panel’s primary takeaway was that the fault lies on the students, without giving a clear reason other than calling them fragile. They stayed ignorant of the fact that more than half of college students suffering from mental illness is due to a systemic issue rather than a personal one. They stressed that yearning for physical affection—from pets or whatnot—as a means to ground oneself to reality is cultivating a society of “snowflakes” and “betas.”

A primary argument they presented throughout the panel was that if college students “can’t make it” or if they “need a cat or a puppy,” then they should simply

quit. Given that 80% of them experience “considerable amounts of stress,” the argument is rendered absurd. The hosts demonstrated that they have no comprehension of the difficulty of higher education. Stress is a common byproduct of higher education, and services that alleviate it should not disqualify an individual from participating in higher education.

This panel, however trivial it may appear, shows that Fox News continues to cultivate a base that is insensitive and unempathetic. They deliberately work to increase the polarization between the two parties that make up American politics; thus preventing them from merging and engaging in bipartisanship. As long as companies like Fox News sow discord among U.S. citizens, the political conflict will be significantly more difficult to resolve.

COURTESY OF PEXELS

AYLIN MORENO / THE HIGHLANDER

FEATURES A drink right for you

ALEXANDRIA LACHMAN Staff Writer

ARIES

Drink

Pink

Being bold and full of energy, you need something a little exciting. Next time you’re at Starbucks, order this vibrant drink that matches your personality.

SCORPIO Espresso Shot

Keeping it simple is what you need — something straight to the point. An espresso shot has no frills and will have you energized for the day.

LIBRA

Flat White with Signature Espresso

Needing balance in life, it’s

flavor,

CANCER

Honey

Citrus Mint Tea

Feeling like everything is on your shoulders, avoid espresso shots. Instead, go with a relaxing mint tea that suits your calm nature, Cancer.

SAGITTARIUS

Mango Dragonfruit Refresher

Being adventurous and always up for trying new things, this drink is for you. This bright, exotic drink will bring adventure wherever you are.

STARBUCKS DRINKS FOR YOU BASED ON YOUR ZODIAC SIGN.

AQUARIUS

Blonde Hot Latte

Being full of energy as a social butterfly, you need a drink that can keep you energized all day. Something simple and subtle but full of flavor, the blonde latte is for you.

GEMINI

Americano

Being outgoing and social, you need a drink to keep your

up. Keeping it simple, an Americano will give you that

PISCES

Java Chip Frappuccino

You are empathetic and caring, so you definitely don’t need the added caffeine, Pisces. Stick to something simple and sweet.

TAURUS

LEO

Iced Passion Tea

Having a bold personality, Leo, there’s no shying from the spotlight. Get a drink that makes you stand out! This drink being bright and colorful is perfect for you.

Anything for the

JAY TELLES Contributing Writer

How far would you go for a killer outfi t? An hour before the show, crammed in a busy ASPB room, 16 undergraduate student designers patiently and nervously waited to present their high fashion moments. Outside it was pouring rain as I was directed to HUB 302 North where the show would be held. Upstairs, a commotion of students also waited. The sound of tearing ASPB wristbands and people chattering kept the room busy until the start of the event at 6 pm. By 6:30 pm students were piling up in long lines to get free items such as DIY fans, magazine photoshoots and the most popular of items: a white “Haute Couture” bandanna that many students iconically started wearing as a head scarf.

Once inside, people seated themselves around the runway as they wished. I noticed many students showed up in their own very well-curated outfi ts. Around me were silk dresses and a girl in a head-to-toe 70’s inspired outfi t. One guy thanked his friend for not letting him underdress for the show. At 7:20 the lights dimmed, and the words “Haute Couture” projected above the runway. The two hosts for the night walked

fit:

ASPB’s first-ever Haute Couture Runway

HAUTE COUTURE IS THE EPITOME OF UCR FASHION. THESE DESIGNERS SHOWED US HOW TO POSITIVELY EXPRESS OURSELVES THROUGH DESIGN.

out, introduced themselves, and the show began.

One by one each artist walked down the runway giving their own bit of fl air and personality in their walk. Evelyn Gonzalez was one of the artists who took the stage. Her look stressed sustainability and a Y2K-inspired design. In a quick comment after the show she said “My design is kind of inspired by Bratz and the early 2000s style (we point out her denim hat and leather knee-high boots) and basically, everything I’m wearing except my jewelry is thrifted and second hand… I support a lot of sustainable fashion and I try to express that.”

Some artists had so much fun they wished the show would have been longer. Rose Adrianza and Killian were some fan favorites.

Rose walked down the runway with a gothic but elegant allblack design. The silk black opera gloves and exaggerated lace shoulders were a perfect complement to her pearl jewelry.

When I asked her about her artistic direction she said she had fun mixing art and fashion, “So I put pearls, I put little accessories together into this outfi t, because

that’s a piece of art to me, adding more and more design. That’s just how I wanted to do it”. Killian boldly wore their Halloween costume, the queen of hearts, with a long white lace veil draping behind. Killian’s fi erceness and confi dence won over the crowd, “Honestly I felt so pretty in this… I’m in this outfi t representing my queerness and my identity as a plus-sized person…”

The nerves were defi nitely up but a couple of artists expressed their gratitude for meeting other designers and for the opportunity to show their creativity. John Barcenas who was inspired by Lucky Daye and his genderless expression said, “I was a little nervous but overall hearing that everyone else was walking with confi dence and acting like they weren’t [nervous] kind of inspired me to like not care in a sense.”

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COURTESY OF PEXELS

COURTESY OF PEXELS

Ryan Coogler pays homage to Chadwick Boseman in a Black women-centric

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

SEBASTIAN BUSTAMANTE CEJA Contributing Writer

The Marvel Studios logo is usually greeted with applause as images of previous projects rapidly cycle through before the start of every movie. That is not the case for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The film begins with Shuri (Letitia Wright) struggling to perfect the Heart-Shaped Herb. With a sample that has faint chances of being successful, Shuri decides to take it to T’Challa only to be stopped by Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett). The resounding silence of audiences holding their breath as the screen fades to Chadwick Boseman’s homage, images and clips of his work in the MCU that transform to a purple Marvel Studios logo, sets the tone for the film.

The film is centered on Shuri’s emotional journey to accepting the passing of her brother, King T’Challa, becoming the Black Panther, and facing off against an antagonist similar to the one her brother faced, Namor. Shuri’s character is shown as a mentor to Ironheart Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) who relates with being young and brilliant, and also as a mentee to M’Baku (Winston Duke) and Okoye (Danai Gurira). The internal battle inside Shuri between her intellectual mind and spirituality is later portrayed when she meets with Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) in the Ancestral Plane. Similar to T’Challa when facing Baron Zemo for vengeance, Shuri has to make the same decision of who she is, one who seeks vengeance or peace.

As far as the antagonist, it would be wrong to call

Namor a villain. Ryan Coogler once again presents characters that may split audiences just as he did in the first “Black Panther” with T’Challa and Killmonger. Namor introduces Shuri to Talokan, an underwater Mesoamerican civilization that was not touched by European colonization and has flourished with the help of Vibranium, similar to Wakanda. The movie tells that Vibranium meteorites must have also landed in the water and due to Wakanda’s decision to not trade with any foreign countries, first-world powers are in search of their own supply creating the risk for Namor and his people to be found.

Perhaps the movie’s most subtle commentary, but not the least important, is the portrayal of how marginalized black, indigenous, people of color are misled to have conflict among each other by the hand of White governing bodies. Namor, who lived through the colonization of his native land and survived by being a mutant with the ability to age slowly, is not just the representation of Mesoamerican Indigenous people, but another view into the representation of intergenerational trauma.

Director and writer Ryan Coogler, dealt with the difficult tasks that followed the movie throughout production: the pandemic, casting complications, injuries and of course, the passing of his lead actor. Yet, Coogler accomplished the impossible and delivered an emotional and action-packed film with

VERDICT:

MAX BRIGGS Contributing Writer

VERDICT:

“AFTERSUN” IS A SATURNINE YET MESMERIZINGLY PROFOUND PICTURE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS, RESULTING IN A GRACEFUL TRIUMPH — ONE THAT WILL DEFINITELY BE AMONG THE FINEST OF THE YEAR.

THEMES OF GRIEF AND LOSS COMPLEMENT

THE COMMENTARY ON THE DESTABILIZATION OF AFRICAN AND MESOAMERICAN LANDS BY IMPERIALIST COUNTRIES IN A FILM FULL OF SETBACKS.

Wright, who originally signed on as a supporting character as seen in the first “Black Panther’’ movie, stepping up to take the lead role of MCU’s most anticipated movie since “Endgame.” A note worth mentioning about the film is the assembly of Black women and the scenes that they wholeheartedly share passing the Bechdel Test. There is no forced comedic relief and the soundtracks and scores enhance the action scenes and the heartstrings pulled at the tragic moments.

The dynamics between the protagonist and antagonist here do not feel as intense. Talokan’s introduction is beautiful and will fill the Latin American community with happiness, but never feels like a true threat to Wakanda which is the result many MCU antagonists and villains fail to deliver. The plot drifts away from Shuri and Namor to secondary characters that perhaps could have been written with less screen time.

“BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” IS A BIT WEAKER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE FILM, IT ENDS MARVEL’S PHASE FOUR ON A HIGH NOTE WITH MANY POSSIBILITIES, LEAVING FANS EXCITED ABOUT WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR WAKANDA AND FUTURE “BLACK PANTHER” PROJECTS.

A father and his daughter; a vacation in Turkey; a miniDV; a flicker of light; a wave cresting; and a peaceful yet fleeting night. These are the lone pieces of infor mation that Scottish filmmaker Charlotte Wells projects to the viewer in her directo rial debut, “Aftersun.” Distributed by Mubi and A24, the film was released on Oct. 21, 2022, receiving the French Touch Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival.

There is an invisible barrier between the audience and the characters, mirroring the multiple ones present within the story. Calum (Paul Mescal) and Sophie (Frankie Corio) enjoy the company of one another, but an almost transcendental presence serves as a deterrent, rendering their bond incomplete. Sophie shares her joys with her young father in the form of asking questions, oftentimes recording him with a camcorder. Much like how only particular memories exist within our heads, these few recordings she has are replayed, over and over again. We witness his reluctance to open up in more ways than one. Without warning, we are thrust into the future, into an ethereal recollection of a supposed sin gular event. Is her father truly there? Many questions arise without answers, contribut ing to the dreamlike nature of the setting.

Taking on this disjointed, loose nar rative style of filmmaking is a hefty feat, but Wells hits every beat perfectly. The heart of “Aftersun” lies within its eccentric structure and soul-stirring performances. Brief moments of affection are elevated, even the smallest of sayings such as “hap py birthday” carry a staggering amount of

emotional weight. Complemented by the elegant color palette, prominently consist ing of both neon green and sky blue, the simplistic cinematography aims its focus on the characters, allowing their actions to form the mood. We cannot help but feel that the brief glimpses of their life we wit ness are intangible; a feeling of melanchol ic beauty ruminates deep within Sophie and Calum’s relationship.

Wells’ direction relies on her attention to detail, never lingering on a shot for too long or cutting away without giving it the time it needs to resonate. Methodically meticulous in her approach, the shot com positions and their thematic context are reminiscent of the great Thai filmmaker, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, especially because of the calming disposition and otherworldly consciousness they exude. The events depicted appear to exist on a plane somewhere in between the world of memories and dreams, where we are never one hundred percent certain about how to exactly perceive reality. Coinciding perfectly with the former, natural lighting is used in abundance, mixing brilliantly with the haunting yet heavenly ambient soundtrack. The atmosphere is evocative, striking the most extraordinary of emo tions.

Mescal is an actor that television enthusiasts should be all too familiar with, due to his groundbreaking performance as Connell in “Normal People.” His already present expertise is in full force, transfer ring the specific, simultaneously painful and beautiful experience of fatherhood to

us. Corio’s first venture into acting is equally remarkable, providing a perfect depiction of a child who isn’t fully aware of who they are as a person, let alone their relationships. The dynamic portrayed between the two is raw and palpable, an ascending slow burn that only intensifies with time.

The unforgettable is contained within the lingering moments scrunched inside each frame. Buried beneath the veil of mysticism lies the truth, the words that needed to be said. It simply was not the right circumstance. This mirrors the senti ment of how the story is laid out to us: in fragments that won’t be fully realized without the passing of time. Featuring one of the most memorable and unique endings of the 21st century, the film shatters the typical conventions of its genre, subvert ing all expectations. Leading the viewer to reassemble a puzzle that almost certainly cannot be solved, the numerous interpreta tions hold the key to the core of the story.

The message comes full circle, making us treasure and reflect upon the precious moments we have missed. A requiem for what has already faded, the longing for that connection we all so desperately crave — it is all ineffably contained within this experience. It would be reductive to conform and apply the logical conventions of analyzing film to “Aftersun;” the incom parable feeling it exudes is only born from true empathy, where pathos triumphs over reason. Devastating to the highest degree, this is a work of art with resounding fervor and passion.

COURTESY OF MUBI

‘Aftersun’: an elegy for an elaborate portrait of missed human connection

THE FILM’S INTRICATELY WOVEN SAUDADE PAINTS A PICTURE OF WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN, ENSUING IN THE EMERGENCE OF A MAGICAL FIRST FEATURE.

KIMBERLY BEJEC Staff Writer

“The Crown” is a dramatized retelling of real-life events in the British monarchy. However, since the first season, the show has received praise and criticism. The criticism stems from the public’s discontent with historical inaccuracies. Season five faces more attention from viewers following the death of Prince Phillip on Apr. 9, 2021, and Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 8, 2022. However, fans of the show have been long waiting to see the fallout of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s public and messy divorce.

The series follows the political and personal moments in Queen Elizabeth’s life since her ascension to the throne. The main focus of season five remains on Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s marriage and divorce, as well as the other occurrences in the monarchy between the years 1991-1997. The season also focuses majorly on the public’s view of the monarchy during this time, especially their questioning of Queen Elizabeth’s methods of ruling.

Every two seasons feature a new set of cast members to keep up with the time changes. Following every generation, the audience is captivated by the performances of the actors. This continues with the next set of cast members for seasons five and six. Queen Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton) does an excellent job of portraying the Queen’s mannerisms and character. Other actors such as Elizabeth Debicki, Dominic West and Jonathan Pryce as Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Prince Phillip, respectively, deliver eerily accurate portrayals that enhance viewership for audiences.

The overall progression allows the audience to follow the plot and keep their attention on the show as anticipation builds for the story to unfold. Despite the show being a dramatized retelling of real-life events, the viewer gains an understanding of what was happening behind closed doors. The show not only depicts the good moments but also the bad moments to not sugar-coat anything for the viewers. The season is a look into all the gossip and stories told during the time with the addition of a dramatic flair. Though its dramatic moments make the series more interesting, it does an excellent job of portraying the history of the political and significant moments in the monarchy since Queen Elizabeth took control of ascension to the throne. Unfortunately, there are plenty of viewers who see the dramatic additions as offensive towards the monarchy, as it portrays them in a different light. However, the creators of the show emphasized that the series is a retelling of real-life events and not the full story.

Season five dives deep into the lowest point of the monarchy within the system and with the public. Due to the people’s strong sympathy for Diana, the monarchy and the subsequent events received a great deal of attention from the general population. The release of season five would spark conversation back up on this time and the public’s view towards the British crown. This season covers the moment in the monarchy where the family is out of touch with each other, causing all the scandals to erupt at that moment and shake up the system.

With the series’ first release since the passing of the Queen and her husband, there is a lot of empathy from the viewers watching the show. The show portrays multiple perspectives of the story that allows the audience to sympathize with all characters alongside their flaws. Despite all the praise for Diana and the criticism towards the Queen and Prince Charles, the audience can see that Diana is not perfect and that the Queen and Prince Charles are humans. Although there is dislike from some royals of the show, especially those depicted, the show portrays them in a way that garners sympathy from its viewers.

As the series approaches its end with its last generation of actors for their roles, audiences still crave more from the show. Ending the series at season six, the audience will not be able to see Prince William and Prince Harry’s adult years. While some audiences anticipate these moments, the creator, Peter Morgan, feels that these events are too recent to be portrayed. ■ H

AMARAY ALVAREZ Opinions Editor

The UCR theater, film and digital production department selected the sensual, yet politically charged production of the musical “Cabaret” to be a part of their fall season, thrilling the audience by giving the production its own twist. “Cabaret” depicts a story of love and hardship from 1929 to 1930 in Berlin, Germany during the rise of the Nazi party. With raunchy dance and musical numbers setting the scenes and breaking up the heavier undertones of the show, the cast perfected the tone of the infamous Berlin Kit Kat Klub.

The standout performer of the night was the Emcee played by Ryan Ong. Ong’s energy and take on the character were exhilarating, causing me and the audience to question every move they might make. From the Emcee’s fun costumes to their eclectic faces and dance moves, the first act of “Cabaret” was fun and full of debauchery. The Kit Kat Klub dances also delighted the audience with their silly and sexual moves ensuring that those watching would “leave their troubles at the door.” The remarks and faces they made toward the audience allowed everyone to feel a part of the show.

The second act, however, took a darker turn as main characters Clifford Bradshaw, played by Josiah Alpher, and Sally Bowles, played by Jade Duong, realize that their relationship would not survive Sally’s desire for fame and the rise of Nazism. During the second act, Ong’s performance felt like the Emcee was stung-out and on their last limb. Their dance moves became more cynical and their makeup appeared smeared and messy.

Other notable performers who stole the hearts of the audience were Fraulein

“THE CROWN” SEASON FIVE HAS BEEN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BY AUDIENCES FOR THE MOMENTS THAT LED TO CHARLES’ AND DIANA’S MESSY DIVORCE. THE NEW SEASON AND ITS NEW GENERATION OF CAST MEMBERS’ PERFORMANCES ARE ENGAGING FOR THE AUDIENCE TO WATCH AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MONARCHY DURING THIS TIME.

VERDICT:

a business relationship to fiances was cute and swayed the emotions of the

Unfortunately, their story is short-lived with Fraulein deciding to end the wedding upon realizing the consequences that will come with marrying a Jewish man as the Nazi party gains popularity.

The play ends with the Emcee and the Kit Kat Klub dancers begrudgingly dragging themselves onto the stage only to fall down amidst a backdrop of barbed wire and smoke. Seen standing inside the three doors of the backdrop are Sally, Fraulein and Herr. The audience is led to believe that they have faced the unfortunate fate of the Nazi internment and concentration camps. While the majority of the cast did not fear the Nazis and were confident that Germany would prevail, Clifford was the only one who escaped knowing what was in store for the country.

Although “Cabaret” was originally written in 1966, the social and political tones of the performance still hold true today. There has been a recent rise in nationalism and fascism, and stories like this should be taken as a warning of the dangers that come with these strict political ideologies. It was also refreshing to see a diverse cast reviving the sensational play. Overall, UCR put on a great performance that managed to sell out most nights, distinguishing themselves with their first show of the school year.

More information on the play, as well as a full list of the cast, crew and staff, can be found on the UCR TFDP website.

In season five of Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, tensions heighten as the British monarchy is at its lowest point

THE NEWEST SEASON TURNS INTO A NEW CHAPTER IN THE MONARCHY DURING A TIME FILLED WITH TUMULTUOUS MARRIAGES AND PUBLIC DISCORD.

UCR’s TFDP department entertained and surprised audiences with their fall performance of the musical “Cabaret”

THROUGH THEIR COMEDIC AND SENSUAL MUSICAL NUMBERS, THE CAST MANAGED TO TRANSPORT THE CROWD TO THE BERLIN KIT KAT KLUB.

Schneider, played by Jayla Jacob, and Herr Schultz, played by Aaron Martinez-Duenas. The elderly couple’s complicated love story follows Schneider, the owner of the inn, and Schultz, one of her occupants, as they slowly fall in love. Their slow progression from

crowd.

GRACE SUN / THE HIGHLANDER

Haunted Drag Show 2022 was an iconic experience that welcomed all

BRENDA JOVEL Radar Editor

The Haunted Drag Show enlivened the HUB on Oct. 28, filled with expressive and risqué performances by UCR students. Hosts Olga Marie Davis, UCR Drag Club’s president, and Maksil Lorenzo, recent UCR alumni, made sure to keep the attention of every audience member through their eccentric dynamic.

The show opened with Olga Marie for Drag Storyhour. Wearing a bandana covering their face and a black leather outfit, they moved against the words of Fox News audio recordings that criticized drag performers. “I wanted to include themes that showcase the flaws of how people view us in my performance. I wrote the word ‘predator’ on my forehead and became what people think of us. They view drag performers as sexual deviants, but these same people often fetishize and objectify us for their sexual gratification,” Olga Marie said. Their performance made a statement to fight against the assumptions that society makes about drag culture and its community.

Killian took the stage right after with a fabulous red dress and glimmering golden gloves. As RuPaul’s “Smile” played throughout the room, Killian’s robotic moves and glowing mouth embodied a meaningful performance. Many students cheered and clapped while others swung their dollar bills in the air. They later appeared on stage at the very end of the evening to perform “Death Becomes Me” to Lana Del Rey’s song “Born To Die,” wearing a long, black dress and veil.

Alice Ace haunted the stage soon after with green face make-up, zesty orange pants and a fierce red blazer. They scampered across the runway and into the audience with a striking act and were even given flowers from the audience. Interpreting Jareth the Goblin King from “Labyrinth,” Hunter stomped onto the stage with stellar black boots and a spiky blonde wig like David Bowie’s. Hunter should not only be applauded for their powerful performance but as well as their costume design as they helped with most of the wardrobe utilized by the performers. Following them, Nirvana Mind bloomed with an intricate performance after minor technical difficulties stalled their act. They made light of the situation but soon grew into character once their music began. Wrapped in a blanket and wearing white contacts, they quickly transformed into a glittery black dress and ended their performance with the iconic Death Drop. Though, the icons didn’t stop there. Wh*rechata stepped onto the runway as they impersonated the Fairy Godmother from “Shrek.” As they waved a wand in the air glamorously to “Holding Out for a Hero,” they were able to bring to life a legend from animation.

A brief intermission with a costume contest ensued, allowing the hosts to interact with audience members as they showcased their best Halloween costumes. Soon, the lights went out and Ally Meda illuminated the stage with elegance as they performed Taylor Swift’s, “Look What You Made Me Do.” Nick Herzog, known as Iconik, impersonated Guy Fieri from hair to clothing. Their light-up shoes and slick dance moves made the audience roar into laughter. Kore, the night’s final performer, dressed in a sparkly green bra and skirt with fairy wings, was able to reanimate audience members with their sultry moves. Jackie Lopez, a third-year majoring in Studio Art, is also known as Brujo Paraíso onstage. When asked about the inspiration behind their drag name, Lopez stated, “I took inspiration from Alaska Thunderf— and first named myself Alaskan Paradise, but I wanted people to recognize me. I took inspiration from queens who are Latina, as I identify with being Chicana, and witchcraft with some glam.” Thus, Brujo Paraíso was born.

DRAG CLUB HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL DRAG SHOW WITH ARTISTIC PERFORMERS AND A BEAMING AUDIENCE TO PREPARE FOR THE HALLOWEEN SPIRIT.

Lopez described their first experience with joining UCR Drag Club and performing for the first time, saying, “I was a little intimidated at first, but I learned to let loose. Having a community around me made it less stressful. Olga Marie and Hunter really helped me with knowing what resources to use, such as using transtape that helps with breathing, and just giving great advice.”

in this community,” said Lopez.

When performing onstage, their style embodies both feminine and masculine identities. “I can be anything that I want to be, and I try to be flexible when expressing myself artistically,” Lopez said. Performing at the end with Wh*rechata, Danny and Alice Ace for an exciting “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” inspired act, all created a sensual environment with thrilling dance moves. Yet possibly one of the most exhilarating performances by Olga Marie and Maksil consisted of a daring duet with “Barbie Girl” playing in the background. Seeing the duo dance around the runway and into the overjoyed audience created a sense of community for artistic expression.

When describing their first experience with drag, Olga Marie remembers an enlightening experience in the Aberdeen-Inverness dorms. They said, “I was practicing my makeup the night before my first show. One of my hallmates (Maksil) was intrigued and everyone in our hall joined together to be put in drag that night. Maksil and I got onstage together for the show and we titled ourselves as ‘Joe Mama.’ I was under the pretense that I’d be going onstage alone that night, but having them by my side made me more comfortable.” Both Olga Marie and Maksil aided each other in the process of showcasing themselves in drag, as Olga Marie helped them with walking out onstage for the very first time.

UCR Drag Club has opened its doors for everyone to join. Olga Marie said, “At AI for the underground drag show, I realized that there wasn’t a drag club on campus. I was involved in the process of building the club with other board members, and we grew from there. The existence of this club allows more students to experience drag in college. It encourages anyone to participate.” The club and its members have enabled many to represent both Drag artists, Queens and Kings, with the latter not being as represented in media. Olga Marie wishes to represent more Drag Kings on campus, as they themselves identify as a Drag King. “There is less opportunity for our demographic, and the club offers us a space to explore ourselves.”

Though creating and planning a drag show from scratch is very stressful, both Lopez and Olga Marie agreed that it was an exhilarating feeling during and after the show. It was enthralling to be in an environment where audiences and performers collided in an artful craft that should be praised. Olga Marie thanked all of the volunteers for making the event as supportive and inclusive as possible, and the LGBT Resource Center for funding the show.

UCR Drag Club opens its doors to all on Thursday evenings from 4-5 P.M. at the LGBT Resource Center. As their second annual Drag Show, it is exciting to see what the club will do next!

UCR

Courtesy of Brian Novoa

Lopez also mentioned that UCR Drag Club has given them the chance to focus on themself while also giving them their own autonomy. “You have to be who you wanna be and build happy relationships. I have a support system that is helpful and loving

UC Riverside men’s soccer wins the Big West Finals with a 1-0 victory over

UC Santa Barbara.

KIA NOOSHI Contributing Writer

HIGHLANDERS

UC Riverside’s men’s soccer team edged a win over UC Santa Barbara this past weekend in the Big West finals, picking up their second trophy of the season and booking a spot in the NCAA men’s college soccer tournament. The Highlanders came into the matchup looking to win their first Big West tournament since their last win in 2018 as the one seed and were slightly favored over the two-seeded Gauchos who they had beaten just a few weeks prior 4-1.

The Highlanders started the game off slowly, struggling to maintain possession and resorting to long balls up to the strikers as a means of getting out of their own half. Head Coach Tom Cupello said of the slow start that the Gauchos “came out in a completely different tactic and a completely different formation … than what we had prepared for to be honest.” The Gauchos stifled UCR’s attack by manmarking UCR’s attacking midfielders and preventing the Highlanders from transitioning the play up the field as they had been able to do a few weeks prior. Tim Cupello made some key adjustments noting that this would be a defensive battle rather than an offensive one showing why he won Big West coach of the year as the Highlanders were able to slowly get a foothold in the game and have their first massive chance of the game as a Highlander corner resulted in a shot by sophomore defender AJ Meade-Tatum which catapulted off the crossbar around the 26th minute.

This match was physical from start to finish with a whopping 32 fouls being committed throughout the contest with 14 of those coming in the first half. A foul by UC Santa Barbara in the 42nd minute proved to be a decisive action in the game as from the resulting free kick, senior defender Brendan Clark lofted a great cross into sophomore forward Luka Lukic who was able to convert the chance which gave the Highlanders the game-deciding goal. Lukic had just been on the field for nine minutes before his goal having been brought on to provide the Highlanders with more aerial ability versus the Gauchos’ insanely physical center back partnership. When asked about the

physicality of the match, Lukic said, “being physical is not a new thing for me. Obviously this is a championship game, so I was ready for it and a few bruises is the least I can want from this game so I don’t really mind it.”

The Highlanders went into the half with a 1-0 lead which would not have been possible without junior goalkeeper and tournament MVP Carlos Gonzalez who made four huge saves in the first half to help maintain UCR’s lead. When asked about the shutout performance Gonzalez chose to praise his teammates saying, “there’s a lot of uncredited moments for our backline, that they go out and battle and make my job as easy as they can and when the moments that I need to step up and have their back. That’s when I do my job.”

The second half, much like the first, was incredibly physical and full of adversity as the Gauchos mounted a spirited attempt at opening the Highlanders’ goal — but to no avail. Cupello said of his players’ ability to overcome adversity, “These guys could’ve easily thrown in the towel after the first few weeks when the losses were coming, but they stuck with and believed in the process. We kept chopping wood and carrying water and believing what’s the next step.” This belief was on full display in the packed stadium as UCR bent, but never broke, under the pressure of the final against a very good Gauchos team.

The Highlanders now look to the NCAA tournament which is due to start this upcoming Thursday, Nov. 17, as they wait to see who their opponents will be when schedules are released on Monday. When asked about the team moving forward, Lukic said, “we’re not stopping here. We are going to have a little recovery and then I’m telling you this team is ready for whatever team, whatever challenge that comes to us. So going to the nationals, Ready.”

HIGHLANDERS

MATTHEW AU Contributing Writer

The UC Riverside men’s basketball team bested Loyola Marymount University 81-79 on Thursday night in Los Angeles. After losing to Colorado University earlier in the week, UCR looked to redeem itself with a tough road game against LMU. In a nail-biting victory, the Highlanders made an impressive half-time comeback to secure their first win of the season.

Sophomore Jhaylon Martinez started it off for UCR scor ing a layup after failing a previous attempt but winning the rebound. The Lions retaliated by securing an early 7-2 lead with a successful three-pointer and jump shot. As UC Riverside continued to closely trail, the Lions slowly pulled forward with three consecutive three-point shots to gain an 11-point lead of 30-19 with 7:43 left. In response, senior guard Zyon Pullin and freshman forward Olbrich Lachlan each scored two points in an attempt to halt the growing disadvantage. Without warning, Loyola put on the board an additional five points as halftime neared. With a subsequent turnover by UCR, graduate and sophomore forwards Kyle Owens and Luke Turner were substituted in, helping Pullin score two free throw points, followed by a triple from gradu ate guard Flynn Cameron. As UCR and LMU continued alternating on shots made, the Lions were ultimately able to score the final five points bringing the first half to a close with an 18-point lead of 34-52.

Right off the start, LMU scored an easy two points which Owens met with five consecutive points within a 33-sec ond span for UCR. Nearing the 18:00 mark, UCR opened an undisturbed 12-point comeback with two-point sinkers, free throws, and three-pointers from Olbrich, Owens, and Cameron. With a sudden catch-up, LMU subbed three of their halftime starters with their star players in an attempt to halt the Highlander’s unprecedented advance. As both teams continued scoring layups and jump shots, UCR consis tently made free throws that kept them in a tight race with LMU. As 18 points soon dwindled to six, Pullin, graduate

guard Jamal Hartwell II, and sophomore forward Vladimer Salaridze finally secured the first lead UCR had on LMU the entire game at 74-72 with 3:08 left. In the final two minutes, LMU was able to score a layup and free throw for a one-point lead on UCR. It ultimately came down to Pullin who scored a three-pointer with 0:29 remaining for a two-point lead. As the Lions scored their final two points, tying the game at 7979. However, Pullin in the final second of the game scored a jump shot that put UCR in the lead 81-79.

Pullin finished the game as the Highlander’s lead scorer with 23 points, one point away from his all-time record. Cameron and Owens both put up 11 points throughout the game with Cameron making three steals, two of them crucial gamechangers during UCR’s scorestreak. UCR ultimately scored a total of 20 free throws with a 69% accuracy, making nearly a quarter of their total points scored.

As the Highlanders continue with their preseason, they look forward to competing against Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska next Thursday.

THE

SECURED THEIR SECOND TROPHY OF THE SEASON AT HOME WITH HELP FROM PERFORMANCES FROM LUKIC, CLARK, AND GONZALEZ.

UC Riverside Men’s basketball team defeats Loyola Marymount in a thrilling comeback.

THE

COME BACK FROM 18-POINTS DOWN TO GET THEIR FIRST OFFICIAL WIN OF THE SEASON.

COURTESY OF LOYOLA MARY MOUNT UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF BIG WEST SPORTS