The Argonaut | December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

UIARGONAUT.COM

Celebrating 125 Years of The Argoanut

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Vandals playing in second home playoff this season

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From text to triumph: The journey of Scott Green A look into president Green’s career prior to his book release Herman Roberts ARGONAUT

John Keegan | Argonaut

Marcus Harris goes low for an interception to bring the Idaho offense on the field in overtime. See story on page 12

idaho will host ualbany in quarterfinal matchup saturday at 7 James Taurman-Aldrich ARGONAUT

After a 20-17 overtime win over Southern Illinois, the Vandals are in for an even tougher matchup against the UAlbany Great Danes on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. #5 UAlbany enters this game off the back of a 41-13 win over Richmond on Saturday. The Spiders gained 89 yards on the ground, but only netted 38.

UAlbany holds their opponents to 2.46 yards per rush and 75.9 rushing yards per game, which makes them the best FCS rushing defense in the country. The Great Danes also average 3.62 sacks and have forced 27 total turnovers, both the best in the country.

On top of all that, senior linebacker Dylan Kelly, who totaled 148 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, is a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award.

In comparison, the Vandals played the fifth-best rushing defense in the country in SIU and netted 110 yards on the ground. Sophomore running

back Anthony Woods and senior RB Nick Romano both had more than the average that SIU gave up. Woods ran for 64 yards on 18 attempts while Romano ran for 29 yards on seven attempts.

“They’re the number-one team in the country at stopping the run, numberone team in the country with sacks and number-one team at turnovers created,” Head Coach Jason Eck said in a press conference. “We’ve got to really, as a coaching staff, keep things simple so the kids can play fast.”

Although UAlbany has the best rushing defense in the FCS, Idaho has a solid run offense. The Vandals average 164.2 rushing yards per game and 4.38 yards per carry. Woods has carried the bulk of those yards this season, running for the 13th most in the country with 1,051 yards. He’s also 31st in the country in yards per carry at 5.53 yards.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy is in the top 30 for every passing statistic in the country and has the third-most passing yards of QBs left in the playoffs with 2,593. The only two above him: Reese Poffenbarger of UAlbany with 3,030 and Connor Watkins of Villanova with 2,608.

His number one receiver, redshirt junior wide receiver Hayden Hatten, is the best receiver left in the playoffs in

every category. Overall, he’s third in the country in receiving yards with 1,096, eighth in receptions per game with 6.8 and ninth in receiving yards per game with 91.3.

“I think we’ve got to get (Hatten) involved earlier, (and) we’ve got to have better execution,” Eck said.

The Vandals’ passing offense will also need to prove why they’re a top defense in the country. They have the second-best passing defense left in the playoffs behind defending champion South Dakota State. Idaho only gives up 168.9 yards per game and 5.89 yards per attempt, which is the eighth and sixth-least in the country.

Idaho will also have to hope that history is in their favor. According to an article written by Mark Singelais of the Times Union, UAlbany is 0-8 all-time outside of the Eastern time zone and 0-3 against Big Sky teams.

Idaho’s potential final game in the Kibbie Dome this season will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday. It will be the only quarter-final game not aired on national television, but will be streamed on ESPN+.

James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on X @ jamesaldrich25

“You should be the next president of UI” was the text that sent Scott Green into a state of bewilderment while he sat in his New York office during the fall of 2018, totally unaware of the text’s implications and the incredible journey he would inevitably embark on. As mentioned in the first chapter of his new book, those eight words were what it took for Green to eventually give up a well-established life and career on the East Coast and start driving westward with a stuffed Joe Vandal in tow, ready to become the 19th President of his alma mater: the University of Idaho.

On Dec. 7, Green’s new book titled “University President’s Crisis Handbook” will be released nationwide. Co-authored by Temple Kinyon, a Vandal alumnus, it talks about Green’s path to leadership and what strategies he’s employed to successfully navigate our campus through its significant times of turmoil. A meet-and-greet signing will be held at the VandalStore from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, and another one will take place in Boise on the Dec. 11.

Born in Moscow and having spent numerous hours as a child alongside his grandpa working at UI, Green had already formed a deeply rooted connection to our campus and community long before he considered becoming its president.

“I often say that the Memorial Gym and the arboretum were kind of my

playgrounds,” said Green.

“I’ve often felt like I owed this place a lot. It’s been really a part of who I am growing up and helped form me.”

After graduating from Boise High School, Green enrolled at UI and enjoyed his time here until pursuing a higher education at Harvard University. Green found that the education he received at UI was “as good or better” than most of those who came from bigger schools.

Around and following the same time, Green continued to stay involved and support UI in various capacities, including serving as the president of the university’s alumni board. Though Green still never pictured himself as an academic, his motivations grew stronger and clearer as the opportunity to lead UI revealed itself to be more and more of a real possibility.

“I just felt it was time for someone to come in who cared about this place,” said Green. “And I’m just grateful that this is where I’ve landed.”

Before Green’s arrival, the UI had been running at a deficit for a number of years. Soon after he began, however, he quickly started realizing that some hard decisions were going to have to be made. After communicating the severity of the financial circumstances to his faculty and relying on them further to meet specific financial targets that he’d set, the university ended up running on a small surplus during Green’s first year.

“That wasn’t me, that was them,” said Green.

“That was all of our faculty and staff out there finding ways to bring the deficit into balance.”

SEE GREEN, PAGE 2

A JOURNALISTIC LEGACY RIVALED

BY FEW BUT IMPACTFUL TO MANY Kenton Bird, long-standing UI professor and well-achieved journalist, reflects on his career Herman Roberts ARGONAUT

During the years 1971-1976, the Blue Mountain Rock Festival was an exciting event for Vandal students to attend, but the date was always kept confidential until a week before.

“The agreement that the ASUI made with the administration was that they could have the rock festival on campus, but they couldn’t publicize it to outside groups because they didn’t want unsavory influences,” said Kenton Bird, who was the editor of the Idaho Argonaut from 1974-1975 during his junior year at the University of Idaho.

News, 1

Life, 8

Sports, 12

He found it unfair that the dollars paid for the event came from students who couldn’t know about it and might miss it as a result.

However, after one of his reporters ended up figuring out what the secret date was one year, Bird wanted to take the story to press earlier than usual.

The ASUI threatened to cut funding for the issue if the Argonaut went through with publishing the date in it, but Bird reacted accordingly. He called the production manager of the Idahonian (where the Argonaut was being printed), and the words “Blue Mountain Date Revealed” were plastered on the front-page of the Argonaut a few days later; the entire issue being printed in blue ink instead of black.

Bird grew up in Kellogg, Idaho, where he was editor of both his high school’s newspaper and yearbook.

Opinion, 16

John Keegan | Argonaut

SEE KENTON, PAGE 4

Kenton Bird at his retirement reception University of Idaho

Volume 125, Issue no. 4

Recyclable

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ARGONAUT

December 7, 2023

Joanna and the Argonauts A letter from the editor Joanna Hayes ARGONAUT

For 125 years, the Argonaut has dedicated its pages to the University of Idaho students. The student-run newspaper commits every word to other Vandals just like us.

For myself, my journey to Editor in Chief is somewhat miraculous.

I transferred from a small, private school in Arkansas, where I played volleyball, to UI in the spring semester of 2022. I was already a sophomore in college, and I felt like I was late to the game when it came to the Idaho journalism scene.

Yeah, I had reported on smalltown Arkansas sports, but not much more than that. Then I found out UI had a student newspaper, somewhere I could learn and grow into the best journalist I could be. But its name was the Argonaut. What the heck is an argonaut and am I sure I really want to work there?

In 1898, when UI students founded the paper, they named it after the Greek mythological hero

Jason and his group of Argonauts.

This group was on a never-ending quest for the Golden Fleece, a way for Jason to restore his rightful place on the throne.

I don’t know much about Jason and the Argonauts, or even why we are named the Argonaut, but I know the culture, the people and the purpose of our newsroom.

I worked on the third floor of the Bruce Pitman Center the first semester of my junior year as a news reporter. I took a semester off from the newsroom and rejoined because of the influence of UI Journalism and Mass Media professors Kenton Bird, Don Shelton and Glenn Mosely.

I wouldn’t be a reporter getting assignments. I would be the Editorin-Chief giving assignments.

I was hesitant, nervous, apprehensive and honestly scared of the responsibility. But being a part of the Argonaut this semester is the best decision I have ever made, apart from coming to UI in the first place.

My hesitancy was replaced with excitement. My nerves were replaced with comradery. My apprehension turned to joy. My fright turned to dedication.

For 125 years, the Argonaut has

been a place that can turn fears into fervor. The unknown became indescribable. The stranger becomes a friend. For 125 years, our student paper has ruthlessly reported on the state of the world. It has been a steady voice during the Great Depression, two world wars, the Vietnam War, 25 presidents, September 11, 2001, the creation of the internet, the invention of the iPhone and even the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

All this to say that no matter the political and social climate of the world, our country, our state or our town, the Argonaut is here to be a constant and steady voice from Vandals to Vandals. We will continue to pursue that Golden Fleece, just as Jason did with his Argonauts. We will continue to pursue excellency in every story and passion in every paragraph.

Thank you for your committed readership for the last 125 years.

Here’s to 125 more.

Joanna Hayes can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

GREEN FROM PAGE 1

Collaboration seems to be a common theme both within the book and within Green’s day-to-day life when it comes to solving the problems he encounters.

Mentioning the research of Dr. Heidi Gardner, who wrote the book’s foreword, Green’s a firm believer that the larger his network, the greater the chance he has at successfully leading UI through the challenges it will face.

“You bring as many people around the table who can help you as possible,” said Green. “And they have to be the right people.”

When COVID-19 first hit Moscow, Green turned to medical experts, including the Gritman Medical Center, for guidance on ways he could help keep the virus at bay while ensuring that Vandal students could continue enjoying their college experience. However, his mitigative efforts weren’t enough to combat the severity of the situation at the time.

“It broke my heart, having to close the university,” said Green. “That was a really hard decision, but it was the right decision.”

According to Green, the Department of Public Health informed him that not a single case of COVID-19 was traced back to a university classroom or lab. What’s more is that our local hospital also never went into a crisis standard of care during the height of the pandemic.

When capital crimes were committed last November, it was something nobody could have expected.

Yet, Green couldn’t remain idle and knew it was his responsibility to act, despite the emotional distress he felt internally. He credits those around him with helping him through the tragedy as well.

“What I learned from that was what a great community we have,” said Green. “Despite all of our differences here on our campus and in the town of Moscow, we all came together and stood together at a time of crisis.”

Green felt it necessary to accommodate both groups of students following the homicide: those wanting to return home to be amongst family and those wanting to stay in Moscow to be amongst friends. This meant that online and in-person classes were offered.

Throughout each crisis he’s experienced, it’s apparent that Green assumes a humble and cautious approach, placing any ego of his aside and making sure to collect all available information from all available sources before making the important decisions himself.

“If the decisions were easy, they wouldn’t even be on your desk,” said Green. “You only get the hard ones.”

If you’d like to learn more about these critical decision-making-moments, hear more of Green’s thoughts and insights or gain a better understanding of how to effectively manage an institution when faced with adversity, Scott Green’s new book will surely warrant a read.

Herman Roberts can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Taysia Mendenhall | Argonaut

Some of the fall 2023 Argonaut staff

Argonaut through the ages: find the old logos

commencement preview Ben DeWitt ARGONAUT

The University of Idaho will be holding a winter commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 9 for students that are graduating. The ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. and at 2 p.m in the ICCU Arena.

More than 550 students are graduating with 607 degrees this winter at the University of Idaho.

The 555 students have earned 391 bachelor’s degrees, 140 master’s degrees, 29 doctorates, 12 juris doctorates, four associate degrees and two specialist degrees, according to a University of Idaho news release.

Since UI’s foundation in 1898, there have been 131,895 students that graduated with more than 141,399 degrees.

The commencement ceremony in Moscow will be livestreamed at

University of Idaho Library Archives | Courtesy

Over the last 125 years, the Argonaut has gone by many names and logos.

This year, for our 125th anniversary, our staff got together and chose 14 logos that we thought were the best ones or most intriguing ones. We have placed one on each page. The name may be different for not just the Argonaut, but also for the university itself. So feel free to look for the logos and maybe you’ll learn something you didn’t know about our university or the Argonaut.

This game was created by Connor Anderson.

uidaho.edu/live.

General seating is free and firstcome-first served.

Skip Oppenheimer, the 1968 chairman and CEO of Oppenheimer Companies and President of Oppenheimer Development Corperation will give the commencement address.

Clear bags will be required at the ceremony and attendees will be required to pass through metal detectors. Graduating students will not be allowed to have bags.

No weapons, including knives and firearms, will be allowed at the ceremony. This rule also applies to concealed carry permit holders.

Ben DeWitt can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

THE FINE PRINT

Staff Members

The Argonaut Directory

Brendan Kassebaum Georgia Swanson Saugata Debnath Grace Boehland Edward Dorey Alyssa Johnson Herman Roberts Josey Bouhanna Jacey Coleman Katie Place Andrea Roberts Lilly Giger Jack DeWitt Abdullah Masum Jayden Barfuss Leona Marquess Brooklynn Jolley Sierra Rode Sophia Newell Ricky Simmons Willie Gibbs Mattea Campanella Bryce Norwood Aaron Serio

Joanna Hayes Editor in Chief

argonaut@uidaho.edu

Taysia Mendenhall

Connor Anderson

arg-online@uidaho.edu

arg-production@uidaho.edu

Social Media Manager

Design Editor

Abigail Spencer

John Keegan

argonaut@uidaho.edu

arg-photo@uidaho.edu

Copy Editor

Ben DeWitt News Editor

arg-news@uidaho.edu

James Taurman-Aldrich Sports Editor

arg-sports@uidaho.edu

Advertising Circulation Editor-in-Chief Newsroom

Multimedia Editor

Grace Giger LIFE Editor

arg-life@uidaho.edu

Presley Zimmerman Opinion Editor

arg-opinion@uidaho.edu (208) 885-5780 (208) 885-7825 (208) 885-7845 (208) 885-7715

UI STUDENT MEDIA BOARD The UI Student Media Board meets at 4:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public.

Questions? Call Student Media at 885-7825, or visit the Student Media office on the Bruce Pitman Center third floor.

The Argonaut welcomes letters to the editor about current issues.

However, the Argonaut adheres to a strict letter policy: • Letters should be less than 300 words typed.

• Letters should focus on issues, not on personalities.

• The Argonaut reserves the right to edit letters for grammar, length, libel and clarity.

• Letters must be signed, include major and provide a current phone number.

• If your letter is in response to a particular article, please list the title and date of the article.

• Send all letters to: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 4271 Moscow, ID, 83844-4271 or arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage or retrieval) without permission in writing from the Argonaut. Recipients of today’s newspaper are granted the right to make two (2) photocopies of any article originated by the Argonaut for personal, non-commercial use. Copying for other than personal use or internal reference, or of articles or columns not owned by the Argonaut (including comic strips, Associated Press and other wire service reports) without written permission of the Argonaut or the copyright owner is expressly forbidden. Address all inquiries concerning copyright and production to: Rights and Permissions, University of Idaho Argonaut, 301 Bruce M. Pitman Center, Moscow, ID 83844-4271.

The Argonaut is published by the students of the University of Idaho. The opinions expressed herein are the writers’, and do not necessarily represent those of the students of the University of Idaho, the faculty, the university or its Board of Regents. All advertising is subject to acceptance by The Argonaut, which reserves the right to reject ad copy. The Argonaut does not assume financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertising unless an error materially affects the ad’s meaning as determined by the Student Media Board.

The Argonaut’s liability shall not exceed the cost of the advertisement in which the error occurred, and a refund or credit will be given for the first incorrect insertion only. Make-goods must be called in to the student Advertising Manager within seven working days. The Argonaut assumes no responsibility for damages caused by responding to fraudulent

Non-profit Identification Statement: The Argonaut, ISSN o896-1409, publishes special print editions during the academic school year and is located at 301 Bruce Pitman Center, Moscow, ID 83844-4271.

The Argonaut is printed on newsprint containing 24-40 percent post-consumer waste. Please recycle this newspaper after reading. For recycling information, call the Moscow Recycling Hotline at (208) 882-0590.

December 7, 2023

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Special thanks to UI Library Special Collections and Archives

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December 7, 2023

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Argonaut Editor In Chief profiles Elizabeth Rudd Sophia Newell ARGONAUT

Elizabeth Rudd | Courtesy

Elizabeth Rudd was the editor in chief of The Argonaut from 2011 to 2012. She first joined The Argonaut news team in 2009 and made her way up to becoming the editor in chief.

During her time as EIC she had a mix of writers, editors, designers and photographers, leading her to 80 staff members all working at The Argonaut.

She found a love for news working for her high school newspaper, aspiring to get some real-life experience outside the classroom at UI. Shawn O’Neil, the former Argonaut advisor, gave her a nudge into joining The Argonaut newspaper her second semester at UI. This helped her at UI as she studied journalism with an emphasis on advertising and a minor in art.

Having 80 staff members felt mostly like a joint effort to Rudd as she didn’t recruit many members of the staff on her own. Most the recruiting was word of mouth from seniors and juniors to sophomores and freshmen. She had a lot of help in aspects similar to that, which made her time at The Argonaut feel fun and united. She also made some friendships that are still in her life to this day.

One of her favorite experiences at The Argonaut was, in the summer,

working as managing editor where she wrote a column called “The Freshman Orientation Addition” where she wrote on the Boise State University and UI rivalry. Her column resulted in the discontinuation the rivalry.

The biggest educational experience Rudd had as EIC was during the Katy Benoit incident. She had to lead and be responsible for all news that went out on a sensitive topic. She learned how to navigate that kind of situation and made sure all the information was out there for the community and students.

“Yes, we were students too, but we were students with a purpose,” Rudd said, “Our job was to make sure our fellow students knew what was going on and knew what they needed to do.”

Not only did Rudd work for The Argonaut, but she was also an editor for Blot Magazine, had a segment on KUOI radio and was a production manager for ads.

“It 100% pays off because you’re never gonna get to be in this kind of environment again, having ownership in so much and having the safety net to make mistakes.” Rudd said.

Rudd now works at Washington State University on the Pullman campus and runs the on-campus visitor center. She feels working at The Argonaut helped her immensely at the job she is in now, as it helped her build skills and experience. She learned how universities are structured and how to converse with strangers comfortably.

“It’s all about learning how to communicate and how to speak effectively and efficiently,” Rudd explained, “And no matter what you go and do, working at the Argonaut will directly relate.”

Sophia Newell can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

KENTON FROM PAGE 1

Before arriving to the University of Idaho as a freshman in August of 1972, he had the chance to work at the Kellogg Evening News. Bird interviewed several political candidates from Idaho who were running for Congress at the time, a type of interview that requires a lot of confidence for a journalist at such a young age who’s just barely starting his professional career.

Through these political interactions, Bird was able to meet James (Jay) Shelledy, who encouraged Bird to get involved in the Idaho Argonaut and to write a letter to the editor whom Shelledy had known from a campaign they had worked on together. Bird sent in a letter, hopeful, but unfortunately never heard anything back.

Keeping busy regardless, Bird decided to get involved with the marching band during his first semester at UI (playing the French horn). Then, in January of the following semester, Bird got a phone call from Rod Gramer, the new editor of the Idaho Argonaut, who wasn’t the same person who Bird had addressed his letter to.

“Rod said, ‘Well you won’t believe this, but I’m the new editor of the Idaho Argonaut and when I moved into the editor’s office, I found a drawer full of unopened mail. And one of them was the letter you had written last August.” said Bird.

Gramer asked Bird if he was still interested in writing for the Idaho Argonaut and soon enough, Bird became a staff reporter in the spring semester of ’73, his first story being a small story on the Community Development Center.

At that point in journalistic history, the Idaho Argonaut staff couldn’t rely upon digital methods as it does now to design its paper; rather, the staff had to put their papers together by-hand using a method called “paste-up.”

“You would print out your stories in a long strip and then you would, using either a glue stick for small items or an electric waxer, wax the back of the pages of the paper,” described

Bird. “Then you would put it on a grid sheet that was exactly sized to represent the newspaper page.”

After working in a few different reporting roles at the Idaho Argonaut, Bird became the editor from 1974-1975 and oversaw the production of a little over 60 issues during

Christina Lords Alyssa Johnson ARGONAUT

Christina Lords | Courtesy

From a college freshman uncertain about her career, to the editor in chief at The Argonaut, and now editor in chief at the Idaho Capital Sun, Christina Lords reflected on her time working as a reporter for The Argonaut and becoming editor in chief shaped the kind of journalist she is today.

Lords was editor in chief for The Argonaut during the 2008-2009 academic school year.

The Argonaut was a huge part of Lords’ life. She says she always found herself in the student media office between classes, it was where she loved to be. She eventually took an open sports editor position and became the summer editor in 2008. She’d been building up to apply for the editor in chief position at The Argonaut her entire junior year and excitedly received the title going into her senior year.

Lords remembers there were always tons of big new ideas she wanted to bring to the newsroom, but reflecting on them now, she says she wishes she had tried to keep things more of the same, even though it is nice to put your own stamp on things.

Lords emphasizes how The Argonaut showed her the basics of how newsrooms worked, how to conduct an interview and improve her writing skills.

She also shared, “Some of my best memories at University of Idaho were as editor in chief and being at The Argonaut.”

One of Lords’ favorite memories as editor in chief was celebrating The Argonaut’s 110th anniversary. She felt extremely grateful to hear past editor in

piece “A Day in the Life of the USA.” “It was so popular that the Office of University Relations…ordered, with our permission, an extra thousand copies to give to campus visitors,” said Bird.

Bird enjoyed finding a sort of balance in reporting while at the Idaho Argonaut; in both exposing the hard-hitting truths and celebrating the moments

chiefs’ stories and seeing what they were up to. What Lords found interesting was how older generations shared similar challenges to ones she faced as editor in chief. She says multiple reporters recall there being persistent roadblocks with administrative stories.

That’s common in university newsrooms though. Lords thinks back to a time in 2009 where the university’s Program Prioritization Process was evaluating several programs and went through the difficult decision of dropping certain degrees.

The university was planning on dropping the physics program, which became a controversial topic to write about. But Lords argues The Argonaut covered it better than the Daily News could have because The Argonaut gave physics students and administrators a voice. The PPP implemented better policy decisions when deciding which degree programs to drop.

Lords still loves to keep up with The Argonaut and grabs a print copy when she visits Moscow, usually during homecoming week or for the College of Letters Arts and Social Sciences advisory board meeting.

She notes that she follows The Argonaut on social media and relies on student media to help her understand a community she values and loves and loves to support student journalists.

Lords has worked in several different newsrooms, but working in one that solely focuses on state politics has changed the game. “It’s a privilege to tell Idahoan’s stories.” She talks about how much she loves her job, but admits it can be stressful overseeing all of Idaho’s politics. So, she reminds herself that journalists are mirrors to what’s happening in society, and she plays a very important role in reflecting different events and issues happening in a community.

She says being an editor is very rewarding because it makes her feel like “a mini expert,” constantly learning new things and never experiencing a dull moment, “I would not be editor in chief at the Capital Sun if it wasn’t for my previous experience as editor in chief, period … I wouldn’t be the same person, editor or Idaho journalist if The Argonaut didn’t show me the fundamentals of being a reporter.”

graduated from UI in the spring of 1976, he had already been writing full-time for The Idahonian and continued to do so until June of 1977.

Though, during the summer of ‘76, he received an internship at The Washington Post and moved to DC for three months of work only two years after Richard Nixon had resigned as a result of The Post’s reporting on Watergate.

John Keegan| Argonaut

Kenton Bird accepts his plaque

his term. He specified three different pieces that he felt most proud of publishing while serving as editor.

Aside from poking back at the ASUI with his blue-ink-bit, Bird also mentioned a time when his team did an investigation into the university’s involvement in the development of the Palouse Mall.

“There were allegations of some inside trading,” said Bird. “There wasn’t really an open call for proposals and other shopping center developers weren’t given a chance to apply.”

The third thing that stood out to Bird was a bonus issue which was dedicated primarily to photographs, titled “A Day in the Life of the University of Idaho,” which was modeled after Life Magazine’s popular

of beauty that he discovered in Moscow.

However, not one of these stories Bird deems as his favorite one to have worked on.

Instead, he talked of some of the editorials he wrote while being the associate editor in the Spring of ’74. For example, when a past ASUI president, who Bird referred to as “not particularly dynamic,” was stepping down from his term, the Idaho Argonaut ran a very overt, yet very humorous, article recapping his presidency.

“We said ‘We at the Argonaut are pleased to celebrate the accomplishments of the ASUI president whose term is ending, the column below lists all of his major accomplishments,’” said Bird. “And then we just ran six inches of white space.”

By the time Bird concluded his work at the Argonaut and

Not being a fan of the swampy DC conditions, Bird moved back to Idaho once he was finished and soon after began working at the Sandpoint Daily Bee, where he stayed for 11 months.

“I was 23-years-old in the fall of ’77 and the youngest managing editor of a daily paper in Idaho,” said Bird.

Bird would soon travel to Cardiff, Wales to work on his master’s degree in journalism history, which he received in 1980. Once he finished his time abroad, Bird bounced around from paper to paper before realizing it wasn’t what he wanted.

“By the early 90s, I was burning out on daily newspapers and decided what I really wanted to do was teach journalism,” said Bird.

While teaching at Colorado State University, Bird was able

Alyssa Johnson can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu to complete and receive his PhD from Washington State University. In 1999, Bird came across an open position at the University of Idaho and was hired and, shortly after, Bird became the director of the School of Communication in 2003, a position he fulfilled for 12 years.

“My goal as director was to get the school nationally accredited, because at the time, there was nothing in the state of Idaho,” said Bird. “We finally became accredited in 2013 after my 10th year as director- and that’s really meant a lot.”

In 2015, Bird shifted to a new position and became the director of general education.

Then, in 2017, Bird stepped down from director status to that of a professor, a role he continues in today.

“I’ve sort of come full circle to what I originally wanted to do when I got my PhD, which was to teach journalism, advise students, help students find internships and make professional connections between current and past students,” said Bird.

With his retirement at the end of this semester, Bird hopes his students, both past and present, will remember the significance and value that a free press offers a democracy and recognize that they, too, are capable of making a place for themselves in journalism’s broader legacy.

Although, when speaking of the legacy Bird will surely leave behind himself, it becomes difficult to describe the severity of his selflessness, steadfastness and commitment to good and honest reporting that’s centered around helping other people.

In recognition of everything he’s done for this university and its students, The Argonaut’s newsroom has since been renamed in his honor. Now known amongst our reporters as “The Bird’s Nest,” the newsroom will forever be a testament of a man who the Argonaut, in all of its 125 years of operation and so on, will not be close to forgetting anytime soon.

Herman Roberts can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

Don Shelton Georgia Swanson ARGONAUT

Conner Anderson | Argonaut

Don Shelton

“Everyone thought we were crazy for doing it—everyone except us. But for 15 and a half glorious hours, I and 10 other University of Idaho students took turns shaking, cursing and mastering a single pinball machine,” wrote Don Shelton in his May 1974 story for the Idaho Argonaut, “After 453 Games, Pinball Wizards Survive Marathon.”

From the beginning of Don Shelton’s journalism career, which started as the sports editor for the Idaho Argonaut in 1974, Shelton has sought out unique stories. From undertaking a pinball marathon, to challenging the best foosball players at UI, Shelton approached the sports section in engaging and creative ways.

Shelton gravitated to the sports section because he had an interest in both sports and writing. From Fruitland, Idaho, Shelton’s first opportunity to approach journalism was with the Argonaut.

After graduating from UI, Shelton went on to have a prolific career in journalism. He worked for the sports section of various news presses and ultimately ended up at The Seattle Times where he worked for 32 years.

“I was really lucky throughout my career,” Shelton said. He described how his first internship jobs at the Idahoan and the Lewiston Tribune happened because people he knew told him to apply. “I think there were people more talented than me, and definitely smarter than me, but I

Jean Cerar Grace Boehland ARGONAUT

Jean Cerar| Courtesy

Jean Cerar

The Argonaut is celebrating its 125-year anniversary and has made a significant impact during challenging times.

There have been many editor in chiefs who have released various issues over the years. One of the oldest EICs is Jean Cerar.

Cerar was the editor in chief in the spring of 1967; she shared the responsibility with Ellen Ostheller who was EIC in the fall.

Cerar said, “In those days, there were usually two editors per year, each one responsible for a semester.”

In that time, the editors were known as “Jason” and were responsible for writing the Golden Fleece opinion column. Before Cerar was editor, she worked on the paper as a starting reporter and moved up quickly through the positions.

“News editor, managing editor, associate editor, and editor in cwhief my final semester,” said Cerar.

The sections of the newspaper have changed over the years, with the removal and addition of new sections, but Cerar’s favorite was the Golden Fleece.

Cerar said, “The freedom to pick any topic of interest and write a personal opinion,” made it her favorite section to write for.

She enjoyed the other sections of the newspaper as she worked on them in the different editor positions. Cerar did have a favorite position, other than EIC, she enjoyed being the news editor.

“The news editor worked with the writers as they developed their stories.

The news editor was also responsible for the layout of the paper,” Cerar said.

With writing for the paper all four years of her college career and holding various positions as an editor, including editor in chief, there was a big

worked really hard and got lucky.”

Shelton remembers the moment he knew he wanted to pursue journalism. After covering a Washington State University basketball game for the Lewiston Tribune, Shelton sent in his work via a telecopier. The next morning, in his fraternity house library, Shelton got to see his work on the front page of the sports section.

“I remember feeling so proud,” Shelton said. “This may be dramatic, but I remember a beam of light came through the stained-glass windows and angels sang.”

Shelton explained that he was happy to work in the sports section for his whole career.

“I think the sports section has the best of everything. Some of the best writers come out of sports because they have to make things interesting and they have to come up with all these creative ways of covering it,” Shelton said. “The sports section has all the elements of other sections: opinion, great feature writing, great photography, business stories about people signing contracts and being hired or fired. They even have crime stories where athletes get in trouble.”

As the sports editor for The Seattle Times, Shelton recognized the need to go digital as technology continued to improve. He prepared his sports staff to meet the digital demands, which led to the publisher promoting him to the executive editor of The Seattle Times.

“I was asked by the publisher to make it a digital newsroom, so that’s what I did for the three years I was executive editor,” Shelton said. “I don’t think it was fun. It wasn’t fun like sports was. I just tried to be a leader, tried to inspire people. That’s been my whole career, trying to get people excited about journalism.”

Shelton continues his goal to get people excited about journalism by teaching feature classes at UI. After attending his Phi Gamma Delta pledge class reunion in 2006, Shelton reconnected with UI. He became his fraternity’s advisor and reunited with Professor Kenton Bird, who brought Shelton in to be a guest speaker in his lectures.

Now Shelton teaches a few classes of his own every semester, usually a reporting class and a class to prepare journalism students for media careers.

“To be able to come back to your alma mater and teach is just the best,” Shelton said. “I see all these students,

I see me in all of them in different ways.”

Shelton tries to keep his students engaged with the class by teaching in an untraditional way. He runs his reporting class like a newsroom so students can gain practical skills. One of Shelton’s class traditions is to dress up as whatever the top student wishes.

Shelton has dressed up as a 70’s reporter, Napoleon Dynamite and Alice Cooper to name a few. President Scott Green highlighted Shelton’s Alice Cooper when he chose Shelton to speak at the 2022 Commencement.

Shelton said he was honored to be chosen to speak at commencement.

He rewrote and practiced his speech until he felt it was as perfect as it could be.

Shelton also has a tradition of giving out a stuffed animal to the students who write the best stories.

Shelton explained that the stuffed animal tradition started when he covered a high school women’s soccer match in Bellevue, Wash. After a game that did not have much content to write about, Shelton noticed the winning team pulling stuffed animals out from under their team bench.

Shelton learned that after the soccer team had lost a game early in the season, one girl brought her lucky stuffed animal to the next match.

Since then, the team had not lost a game.

“I always tell my students to find the stuffed animal of their story,” Shelton said. “Find a unique angle that no one has done before.”

Shelton reflected on what makes journalism so important–the people.

“Whether you’re writing, designing pages or photographing, it’s all storytelling. To be able to tell someone’s story, for them to trust you enough to tell you their story and then you get to write about them. That’s the best. It’s such a cool thing to do, and I never got tired of that. You’re really writing about people if you are doing it right. People care about people.”

“I owe the Argonaut a lot because it gave me my start,” Shelton said.

“You were allowed to be rough at the Argonaut. That’s what it was for, there to make mistakes and learn from them.”

story she got to be a part of. During her first semester on the Idaho Argonaut, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Everyone was in shock, but the staff came together.

“The Idaho Argonaut staff gathered at the office and the editor started assigning staff to cover the story as it related to the campus community. I was sent upstairs to do a man-on-thestreet interview with students in the cafeteria of the Sub,” Cerar said.

The story she wrote made the front page. Cerar earned her first Idaho Argonaut byline.

Being a part of the Idaho Argonaut for four years, there were many moments that were significant to Cerar, but also to the student body.

Cerar and her fellow editor, Ostheller, were almost fired in 1967 for publishing something that the student executive board did not approve of.

“We all talked it out and the crisis passed. Negotiating skills learned,” Cerar said.

Cerar remembered that student’s rights were a significant issue on campus at the time.

“Students were demanding more freedom and less control by the university administration. The system, up to that time, had been in loco parentis, meaning the school had the responsibility to in act in place of the student’s parents, especially for women,” Cerar said.

This issue was spread across campus and gave women strict guidelines that they were required to follow.

During Cerar’s freshman year, all the women living on campus had to check in and out whenever they were gone from their living spaces. Along with that, there were strict hours for coming in at night.

“By the time I was a senior, all senior women had keys, but were still supposed to be in by 2 a.m. All students, but especially women, were discouraged from living off campus.”

Cerar said.

Time went on and student’s rights changed after Cerar graduated. After she graduated, a different issue would be brought up on campus, the Vietnam draft. There were well-attended debates about Vietnam and students staged quiet protests, but these actions changed nothing on campus.

“I would get a call at the Arg office at 11 p.m. for a member of the Students for a Democratic Society chapter at Berkley. They wanted to know what was happening in Idaho. I told them not much, and I’m sure they thought that was disappointing,” Cerar said.

In the late 1960, the University of Idaho was still an isolated school with enrollment around 5,700. The Idaho Argonaut tried their best to cover the campus community.

“We chose not to cover national or international news because that information was available from other

sources.” Cerar said.

The Idaho Argonaut was printed at the Daily Idahoian office in the middle of downtown Moscow back in the late sixties.

“During my four years on the Idaho Argonaut the Idahoian upgraded from printing on lead-type flatbed presses to printing on rotary offset pressed.”

Cerar said.

She is glad to have witnessed the transition long before the appearance of desktop publishing and internet publishing.

Cerar is still in contact with Ostheller whom she shared her year as editor in chief. She is also still in contact with Jane Watts (Weiss) and Leo Jeffres, who were editors at the Idaho Argonaut during the 1965-66 year.

“The people were one of the best things about being on the Argonaut.

We are responsible for putting out two issues every week in addition to being full-time students. It was always a thrill to see the issue come to life, to this day I am a sucker for watching the newspaper press roll.” Cerar said.

Writing for the Idaho Argonaut for four years and being the editor in chief, Jean Cerar has wisdom that she would like to pass down to future journalists.

“The Argonaut is a wonderful place to try ideas and make mistakes in a safe space. Take every opportunity that comes your way while on staff and you’ll come away with great skills.”

Georgia Swanson can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Grace Boehland can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

THE ARGONAUT WOULD LIKE TO HONOR THE WORK OF UI STUDENT JOURNALISTS OVER THE LAST 125 YEARS. THANKS FOR THIS LEGACY!

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Honoring Fred Cornforth’s Contributions to Vandal Food Pantry Fred Cornforth’s donations to the Vandal Food Pantry and its long-lasting impact Andrea Roberts ARGONAUT

Andrea Roberts | Argonaut

The Vandal Food Pantry

ASUI recently created a joint resolution for the University of Idaho with Boise State University and Idaho State University honoring Fred Cornforth and his contributions to not only the Vandal Food Pantry but also the perspective pantries at the other schools.

One part of ASUI’s resolution is focusing on their gratitude toward Fred Cornforth and the impact he has made on the University of Idaho and the Vandal Food Pantry. “[Cornforth] had always said that ‘my family has always understood food insecurity and understood the need for pantries,’” Director of the Vandal Food Pantry, Sandra Kelly said.

Fred Cornforth and his brother Ed Cornforth both attended Idaho State University. Recognizing the need for food pantries, they helped fund and start the ones at Idaho State as well as Boise State.

After Fred Cornforth’s son visited the University of Idaho, he met with Kelly as well as Jeff Pilcher who is the Senior Director of Development in the University Advancement Office at UI, and they talked about Cornforth contributing to the Vandal Food Pantry.

“We already had the food pantry, but certainly needed help,” Kelly said.

The contributions that Fred Cornforth has donated have allowed the Vandal Food Pantry to be staffed full-time, including work-study students. It also allows for the food pantry to buy more food and potentially expand its operations as well as increase the hours of operation. This helps students who rely on the Vandal Food Pantry to have more access and support.

“You can’t study, you can’t perform well, you can’t do your day-to-day things if you’re hungry,” Kelly said. “We are just now getting it established where people know that there is a food pantry here. And that every student can use the food pantry.”

Kelly further went on to say that this helps the pantry to not only rely on donations and giving day dollars. The contributions made by Cornforth allow stability for the Vandal Food Pantry.

“For the longevity of the pantry and our students [this] is a gigantic building block,” Kelly said. “This is such a foundation.”

Fred Cornforth, being a native of Idaho, has done much to support communities throughout the state. Along with contributing to universities’ food pantries, he also has a company called CDI which has developed 100 affordable housing projects across the U.S., 40 of those being in Idaho.

According to the resolution by ASUI, they highlighted how much Fred Cornforth believes in college education and his belief that it will change how a person thinks. In turn, this will help make the world a better place.

Through his contributions and support, students will see his impact and his legacy through the Vandal Food Pantry.

“To me, it makes it feel like [the Vandal Food Pantry] could be around for decades,” Kelly said. “I would not have that confidence without the support.”

Kelly further promotes awareness for the Vandal Food Pantry.

“There is no criteria to come in,” Kelly said. “I want everyone to come in. If you are heading to the library and you forgot to grab your lunch, come in and get something to eat. Everyone should be using the food pantry at some point.”

Through the Vandal Food Pantry’s mission and Fred Cornforth’s donations, the students at the University of Idaho have gained access to a valuable resource.

Andrea Roberts can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Andrea Roberts | Argonaut

The Vandal Food Pantry

PAGE 6

ARGONAUT

December 7, 2023

Special thanks to the UI Library Special Collections and Archives

This Argonaut front page from May 25, 1934 features a plethora of pictures and drawings to accompany the eye-catching headline. Although 1934 was in the middle of the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, Argonaut staffers kept the tone light with a paper filled with satire and humor. The “Arboretum Masks Hidden Love Nest” story seems scandalous at first look, but when readers find the story a few pages in, it’s revealed that the “Love Nest” was actually about a nest of robins. More jokes can be found with a closer look at this first page, for example the donkey in the bottom left is supposedly a depiction of the most recent ASUI candidate, Joe Phlugg, who guarantees his constituents a “full manger” if elected. The edition also includes a story about the UI Rifle team winning third in the nation and a romance advice column called “Aunt Emma.” This edition shows the culture of the UI campus in 1934 and the humor of the Arg staffers, even in the midst of national tragedy.

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

PAGE 7

Special thanks to UI Library Special Collections and Archives

This is the front page of the Argonaut on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1956. In this edition, the centerpiece photo pictures members of the Radio-TV workshop learning new techniques in the brand new TV center. The story on the right recounts different instances of vandalism on campus that occured over Christmas break while the students were home for the holidays. The story below the photo details how the new TV center came to be on campus, a center that is still on campus right next to the Administration building. Journalism, Film and Television and Broadcasting majors currently use this building for broadcasting, podcasting and other classes. This front page also starts the story about freshman being chosen for the yell team, a sort of spirit squad that supported the men’s basketball team. This edition would have come out in the 58th year of the Argonaut. Another story details complaints about the orange color of the water on campus and in the Moscow community. This iconic front page boasts more than 10 stories.

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ARGONAUT

December 7, 2023

New Destination for Beer, Food and Fun in Moscow Moscow Axe Throwing Expands with Bavarian-Themed Restaurant and Beer Hall

Horoscopes: December Overview WHat’s in Store for you this month?

Grace Giger ARGONAUT

Jack DeWitt ARGONAUT

Moscow Axe Throwing just held a soft opening for the restaurant and beer hall in the basement of their current location.

Known as Countryman’s Bier Hall, the restaurant can be described as a “subtle” Bavarian beer hall. Complete with long tables and rustic décor, the restaurant is home to 18 regional beers on tap and another 18 ready to serve in a can or bottle.

The menu boasts a lineup of traditional German cuisine, with brats and sausages as well as more traditional pub food such as a giant German

Katie Place| Argonaut

Owner Chris Ihler (third from right) poses with Bier Hall staff

pretzels with beer cheese and chicken wings. There is also a selection of slider style sandwiches, with everything from tri-tip to seasoned pork.

The wide range of regional beers, ciders and seltzers

makes Countryman’s Bier Hall the perfect local stop for a drink and some delicious German style food.

For now, patrons can expect a variety of food and beer, complete with axe throwing, all in

Katie Place| Argonaut

“The Hinterlander” tri-tip sandwhich

the same location.

However, it doesn’t stop there. Countryman’s Bier Hall is looking forward to its grand opening in the first couple of months of 2024. By this time, patrons can expect a variety of events. From dancing and comedy nights, to live music and game nights, all under the same roof.

Owner Chris “The Axeman” Ihler, explained that the addition of the Bier Hall is just another step in making their business a staple in the Moscow community.

“We are looking for new ways to show people a good

time” Ihler said.

“And we are hoping to become a longterm institution here in Moscow.”

Currently, a patio is being constructed for outdoor dining and fun during the summertime. There are also plans to triple the size of the menu and hold more events geared towards the community. With many projects under way, Countryman’s Bier Hall is looking to become one the liveliest places in Moscow.

For any inquiries, about future events visit the website: countrymensbierhall.com or call 208-563-3725.

Jack DeWitt can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.

Review: “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” Hunger Games Prequel Falls Flat Grace Giger ARGONAUT

Eight years after the last of the original Hunger Games series, “Mockingjay Part II,” was released, the newest addition to the Hunger Games universe hit the big screens on Nov. 17. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” based off the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, has made a splash in the world of YA dystopia fans, and this adaptation stays true to the tragic and brutal political commentary that drew people to the original books and cinematic series.

Directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis and Peter Dinklage among others, the movie is an interesting addition to the Hunger Games universe but pales in comparison to the blockbuster originals starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.

Set 64 years before we meet Katniss Everdeen, “Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” follows the story of a young Coriolanus Snow (Blyth), who fans will recognize as the future villain President Snow from the original series. Unlike the tyrannical dictator who we see terrorizing Katniss Everdeen, this version of Snow is a poor Capitol student whose father was killed during the War and who is determined to win a monetary prize given to the best Academy student to support what remains of his family. This year, however, the rules have changed, and the prize will be given to the students who ‘mentor’

their assigned Hunger Games tribute the best.

Snow is assigned to the female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray (Zegler), a rambunctious outsider whose songbird voice sets her apart from the other tributes. Snow is tasked with helping Gray to win in the arena and increasing viewership for the Games. As the film progresses, we see Snow and Gray fall in love as he becomes increasingly desperate to keep her alive, and more involved in the design of the Games. After the violent and tragic finale of the games, Snow slowly progresses into the villain we remember from the original series.

Although faithful to the novel and earlier movies, the biggest issue with this film is that there is nothing for fans to root for. If familiar with the original series, everyone watching already knows the fate of Snow, so from his first introduction there is a sense of dread. As the film progresses, there is no sense of hope for a happy ending, no one to cheer for, and no reason to watch except for the powerful hit of 2015 Hunger Games nostalgia.

Unlike the original series, in which audiences have the spunky and sympathetic Everdeen to root for, in ‘Ballad” the main characters are doomed from the start, and it makes all the violence seem needlessly brutal. Of course, an arena of children killing children was always a tragic spectacle, but in this film, it becomes worse without the promise of an upheaval of the evil government that institutes the Games. With no hope for victory, watching impoverished children die brutal and graphically violent deaths on screen feels unnecessary in a world already full of violence and injustice.

The character of Lucy Gray is one of the only redeeming qualities of the film. Zegler plays this free spirit beautifully and her story, though tragic, is what saves the movie from being completely hopeless. She brings light to the darkness of the film, and her beautiful, folksy singing is the true heart of the movie. Tragically, however, Zegler’s role is overshadowed completely by the brooding backstory of Snow, and viewers are left with only glimpses of her story throughout the film. Perhaps if the story was centered around Gray instead of the irredeemable Snow it would have been worth watching.

Overall, “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” provides an outlet back into the Hunger Games universe for fans, but otherwise falls short of the other films. The movie drags along for almost three hours of violence and brutal tragedy with a resolution that leaves viewers disappointed. Of course, the political and societal commentary is present, but with a rushed romance, lack of a moving main character and unending violent tragedies, this film cannot hold a candle to the original series and is an unfortunate prequel to an otherwise ionic cinematic universe.

Grace Giger can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu

Aries (March 21 – April 20) December may bring some harsh or difficult truths to light, so be prepared to make some changes and navigate obstacles that may appear in your relationships.

But take heart, you are more than prepared to face whatever comes your way, trust yourself and take time for serious self-reflection before making any big choices.

Taurus (April 21 -May 20) This is your month to let loose and give yourself permission to have fun. Take this time to invest in your friendships and reconnect with people you may have lost touch with over the busyness of the year. The holiday season is meant to be a celebration so make the most of it by doing what you love and surrounding yourself with people who bring you joy.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) There may be some exciting new developments in your relationships this month, so don’t hold yourself back from new possibilities! Keep an open mind to whatever comes your way because sometimes the unexpected can bring something life changing. Be brave and don’t be afraid to jump right in.

Cancer (June 21 – July 20) It’s important that you look outwards this month and take time to check in on your friends and loved ones.

The holidays, though fun, can be a difficult season for some, so make sure to reach out and lend a listening ear to anyone who might need it. Additionally, while you may be tempted to swoop in and try to fix the problems of those around you, it’s important that you prioritize listening and just being part of a support system.

Leo (July 21 – August 20) December could be a month of profound introspection for you, Leo. Examine your priorities right now and take a moment to breathe, you may discover that you are feeling overwhelmed and now could be the time to implement a stronger sense of work-life balance before the start of the new year. Remember, your value is not found in your work, you are enough just as you are.

Virgo (August 21 – Sept. 20) Make the most of any extra free time you get this month, you deserve this much needed break. This is your opportunity to relax and completely reset before the new year, don‘t miss this chance to release the tension and worry from your life and have some fun!

Libra (Sept. 21 – Oct. 20) This month don’t let anyone stop you from expressing your feelings and emotions boldly. It can be scary to take that first step, but you won‘t regret being brave and reaching out to make a connection this December.

Scorpio (Oct. 21 – Nov. 20) There are some major decisions coming your way soon, and it can be easy to get wrapped up in the stress and worry of it all. Resist the temptation to be consumed by a hard choice, and instead give yourself time to rest, relax and reflect on what’s ahead. Don’t let the fear of what’s next damper the joy of the holiday season and spending time with the ones you love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20) Take some time during this month to meditate on the past months and set intentions for the year ahead. Part of this process may be engaging in self-care and doing activities that feel restful and relaxing so you can enter 2024 with a fresh mindset and a plan for how to move forward.

Capricorn (Dec. 21 -Jan. 20) Release control this month and instead embrace the freedom of letting go. Don’t miss an opportunity to have fun and relax with friends because you are too worried about everything being perfect. The unknown can be exciting, so take a chance this month.

Aquarius (Jan.21 - Feb. 20) Now is an important time for you to pursue security and stability in your relationships and emotions.

Make choices that will benefit you in the long run and keep looking towards the future you want to create for yourself. Now is also a good time to reconnect with old friends who you may have lost touch with.

Pisces (Feb. 20 – March 21) Do what brings you the most joy this month, no matter what happens, make sure you do not let others dictate your decisions or how you spend your time.

If you are feeling bogged down or overwhelmed by obligations, embrace the freedom of saying no when it becomes too much. Use that time for yourself instead.

Grace Giger can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

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10 ways to de-stress Crumbs: Festive for finals week Gingersnap Cookies Fun and relaxing ways to keep your stress levels down before finals!

Brooklyn Jolley ARGONAUT

Finals are coming up quickly, and it can be hard to manage your stress during this time. Finals are important, but don’t forget to take care of yourself and your mental health too! Here are 10 ways you can de-stress before finals.

1. Reading a Good Book Reading through your textbooks and notes may get tiring and maybe you’re looking for something of more sustenance, or something to take your mind to a completely different place.

Curling up with a good book is a nice way to shift gears, take your mind off your worries and pretend like you’re somewhere else entirely.

2. Practice a Hobby Doing something you love, or something that you’re good at, can be refreshing compared to the demands of studying. Whether your hobby is crocheting, baking/cooking, drawing or something else, it’s definitely a fun way to reduce your stress by doing something creative!

3. Spend Time with Your Friends and Family Surrounding yourself with positive people can help scare away those worries and negative thoughts! Taking some time to relax with friends and family is a good way to boost your serotonin and happy thoughts, and maybe even get some laughter out too.

You know what they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”

4. Avoid Procrastination Easier said than done, right? But you can do it! Staying on top of your schoolwork will lessen your stress levels tremendously. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Not having to cram everything in at once allows you time to breathe and take things easy.

5. Listen to Music No matter the music you enjoy, it can make everything better to jam out to your favorite songs, bands and artists! Sometimes listening to music can make everything seem much better.

Give yourself some time to relax, take

a break from everything and just focus on listening to some good music.

6. Indulge in Coloring Coloring is a fun and creative activity that can help lower stress levels and anxiety. Coloring allows you to focus on something that isn’t strenuous to your brain, and it will put you in a better mindset too. It’s not just for kids, so go get yourself a coloring book and some markers!

7. Do Some Physical Activity Participating in some physical activity is a great stress reliever. Don’t be afraid to get out there and get moving!

A little exercise goes a long way, and you can pick whatever physical activity or sport you want. Maybe try including some of your friends in your activity or sport too!

8. Watch TV Sometimes curling up in bed with some snacks and a good show is the best way to relax. Watch your favorite movie or show, as long as it makes you happy. Try inviting some friends or family over and make it a fun movie night!

9. Get Enough Sleep Seems easy enough, right? During stressful times, it can be easy to forget about your sleep schedule and not get the proper amount of sleep you need.

Prioritize your sleep schedule and make sure you’re catching enough Z’s!

10. Ask for Help Reaching out to friends, family members, professors or whoever else can help you is always a good thing!

Don’t be afraid to use your resources and ask for help whenever you need it!

Tackling problems together is better and much less stressful than trying to do everything by yourself.

Chewy and delicious molasses and ginger cookies Grace Giger ARGONAUT

Chewy and crinkly Gingersnap cookies are a stable of the holiday season, and they are surprisingly easy to whip up! Impress your friends and family this winter with some delicious home baked treats full of seasonal spice that are guaranteed crowd pleasers. This recipe makes a big batch, so you’ll have plenty to share with the cookie lovers in your life!

Ingredients: · 4 ½ cups flour · 4 tsp baking soda · 4 tsp ground ginger · 2 tsp allspice · 3 tsp ground cinnamon · 1 tsp salt · 1 ½ cups butter (softened) · 2 cups brown sugar · 2 eggs

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 2. Stir together flour, spices, salt and baking soda 3. Beat together butter and brown sugar using a stand or hand mixer until fluffy 4. Add egg and molasses and mix until fully blended 5. Slowly mix in dry ingredients until fully combined 6. Chill dough for an 1-3 hours in the fridge 7. Roll dough into small balls and roll in granulated sugar before placing onto a greased baking sheet 8. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

9. Enjoy!

· 2 tsp vanilla · ½ cup light molasses · 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Grace Giger can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu

Brooklyn Jolley can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu

Katie Place | Argonaut

Frost covers the trees on the UI campus

Grace Giger | Argonaut

Chewy and delicous holiday Gingersnap cookies

PAGE 10

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

Special thanks to the UI Library Special Collections and Archives

In this February 1977 issue, the front cover is dedicated to an ASUI vote about whether or not to continue the $2 student fee to support the marching band. In the article attached, the debate is explained as being a debate between off-campus and on-campus students, with many off campus students not seeing the point of the fee, and asserting that those fees could be better spent on other campus improvements. The article is then followed up with a letter from the Editor in Chief at the time in support of the marching band. Also included in this issue was details on the end of a strike at the local movie theater, a campus crime report and details on bills in the Idaho Legislature.

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

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Special thanks to UI Library Special Collections and Archives

The Argonaut has and always will be a paper for, of and by the students which has allowed for some interesting and fun pieces to be printed. For example, this issue of the Argonaut had a full front page building up a pretend interview with the mythical creature of Bigfoot. Even though at first glance this may just seem like a bunch of college students having funn there were serious undertones to this piece. This piece talked about environmentally friendly practices in the guise of talking to a mythical creature who lives in the forest.

ARGONAUT

PAGE 12

December 7, 2023

Vandals beat Salukis

John Keegan | Argonaut

Wide receiver Jermaine Jackson makes an 86-yard punt return touchdown

The Vandals’ special teams unit came up clutch in the 20-17 victory James Taurman-Aldrich ARGONAUT

“Glory to God,” senior kicker Ricardo Chavez said in a press conference when asked about the game-winning kick. “Maybe last year wasn’t my time, it wasn’t the time He had for me. He said, now it’s that time. (And) without Hogan (Hatten), the line, LJ (Harm), it’s not going, shoutout to them.”

Idaho and Southern Illinois battled in the final second round game of the FCS Playoffs on Saturday night. In a game where most of the focus was on two elite defenses, it ended up in the hands (and feet) of the special teams.

With two seconds left in regulation, SIU sent out sophomore kicker Jake Baumgarte to attempt a 41-yard field goal for the win. As the kick started to go up, freshman linebacker Xe’Ree Alexander burst through the line untouched and blocked it.

Idaho then won the coin toss in overtime and elected to play defense on the east endzone. The Salukis’ drive consisted of a threeyard loss, incomplete pass, and an interception to junior defensive back Marcus Harris. On Idaho’s first play, sophomore running back

Anthony Woods ran it into the endzone, but he was ruled out of bounds at the nine-yard line. The Vandals also got backed up 15 yards to the 24-yard line because of an unsportsmanlike conduct call.

From there, Woods gained a total of 11 yards, then redshirt sophomore quarterback Gevani McCoy took a knee on third down to bring out Chavez. Despite SIU trying to ice him, he hit the 29-yard field goal to give Idaho the 20-17 win.

“Ricardo… he’s been outstanding,” Head Coach Jason Eck said.

“I think he’s the best kicker in the country, which is really important come playoff time.”

Chavez was also crucial at the end of the first half when Idaho was down 10-0. The Vandals couldn’t get anything going, but Chavez was able to hit a 40-yard field goal to give Idaho some momentum at halftime.

The Salukis started the second half with the ball, and they came out hot. After a 12-yard gain on the ground to reset the downs, SIU heaved the ball deep a few plays later on third-and-10. Senior QB Nic Baker found sophomore wide receiver Vinson Davis III for a 36-yard gain to set them up at the Idaho 26-yard line. However, their drive was cut short as redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Malakai Williams forced and recovered the fumble.

Although the Vandals’ defense

came up big, the offense wasn’t able to back it up as they were forced to punt. That punt was followed by an SIU punt, which was followed by a McCoy pass to SIU junior linebacker Branson Combs, which was also followed by a punt.

Redshirt freshman LB Dylan Lane forced the punt with an 11-yard sack, his first of the season. Then, redshirt freshman Chase Reeves punted the ball 43 yards to the Idaho 14-yard line and into the hands of Second Team All-Conference punt returner Jermaine Jackson.

The redshirt senior broke his previous career-high return of 76yards by running 86 yards down the field, through the endzone and out of the building. The return tied the game at 10-10.

Southern Illinois chewed through the final minutes of the third quarter and scored almost instantly in the fourth. Senior running back Ro Elliott picked up four yards to get to the one-yard line, then punched it in one play later.

Down 17-10 with 14 minutes left, the Vandals started their drive with a false start. They were able to make up for it with a 26-yard completion from McCoy to redshirt junior WR Hayden Hatten.

However, they couldn’t keep the ball moving as SIU sacked McCoy on fourth-and-two to take over right at midfield.

Luckily for the Vandals, the defense stepped up again. This time around, it was freshman DL Dallas Afalava in for a 10-yard sack. “I thought Dallas Afalava was a difference maker in this game,” Eck said. The difference he made was Idaho going from down 17-10 to all tied up.

After struggling on offense all day, the Vandals finally started cooking on their final drive.

McCoy backed up a 23-yard pass to Hatten with a 14-yard completion, found senior running back Nick Romano for 26 yards, then hit Hatten again for 24 yards, landing Idaho at the one-yard line.

That’s when things got interesting.

On first down, it went to Woods for no gain, but a flag was thrown for an illegal substitution by SIU. Now slightly closer, Idaho went back to Woods, but he got stuffed again. However, senior defensive tackle Devin Love for SIU was offsides.

It was on the third-straight first down that the fifth-best rushing defense in the country took advantage of a high snap, tackling Woods for a three-yard loss.

McCoy then tried to do it himself, following a one-yard gain with a two-yard gain to get Idaho back where they started. On fourth-andone, McCoy looked for redshirt junior WR Terez Traynor, who was the only slightly open receiver in the endzone.

Just as three other plays saw, the refs from the Coastal Athletic Association threw a flag in favor of the Vandals. Pass interference

John Keegan | Argonaut

Quarterback Gevani McCoy running the ball

was called on junior cornerback Mark Davis, and the downs reset.

On first-and-goal, from basically where Idaho started six plays earlier, the ball went back to Woods. He finally punched it in to tie it up 17-17.

Four minutes later, the P1FCU Kibbie Dome may have been the loudest it’s been in years.

A packed student section was doing everything in their power to shake up SIU and fire up Idaho.

The Vandalizers did their job as the game went into overtime and Idaho eventually won.

If college football was scripted, this game would have been one of the best scripts ever written. Jason Eck faced a conference opponent from when he was at South Dakota State. Harris tied the record for career passes defended at Idaho

with 34. Chavez moved to ninth in career field goals made at Idaho and made up for the missed field goal last season. Jackson broke his career-best punt return by seven yards. And, most importantly, it was Idaho’s first playoff win at home since it beat Boston 21-14 in 1993.

The Vandals will face the University of Albany at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. As of now, the game will be streamed on ESPN+.

“Maybe we can get national TV again,” Eck said. “They might like the ratings we keep bringing in with these Saturday night games.”

James Taurman-Aldrich can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on X @ jamesaldrich25

John Keegan | Argonaut

Woods runs into the endzone just after stepping out of bounds at 9 yards

Vandals travel to Eugene, oregon Vandals and Ducks come in 4-3 with both teams looking to get back in the win column Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

John Keegan | Argonaut

Guard Asha Phillips

The Idaho Vandals women’s basketball team, coming off a heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M-Commerce, will travel to Eugene, Oregon, to take on the 4-3 Oregon Ducks on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. The Vandals also come into the game with a 4-3 record, having split last weekend “Every game for us is an opportunity to compete and grow.

What we can do against Oregon

is competing our tails off every possession and at the end of the day try to go win the game,” Coach Carrie Eighmey said at the weekly press conference.

On the flip side, the Oregon Ducks are a team reeling from losing two of the last three, with both losses by 20 or more points. The Ducks are led by sophomore forward Grace VanSlooten, who is averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game this season. Sophomore guard Chance Gray helps VanSlooten by averaging 12 points per game. She leads the Ducks with 28 assists this season.

With the Ducks’ obvious size advantage, the Vandals will have to rely on their perimeter more this game.

“Oregon, we do not match up

well from a size standpoint, they are a team that likes to play a lot of zone and they will force us to make some mid-range jumpers and threes, and we are going to have to hit shots from the perimeter,” Eighmey said.

The Vandals are led by graduate guard Amalie Langer, averaging ten points per game, and graduate forward Hope Butera, who is not far behind her with nine points per game.

The Vandals have spread the wealth this season, getting everyone involved on both ends of the floor.

The Vandals are 2-0 on the road this season, which will help them in this game. The homecourt advantage has not helped the Vandals and Eighmey hopes the Vandals can play better at home shortly.

“We have played well on the road; I am looking forward to the day we play some really good basketball in the ICCU arena for the great fans here.”

Eighmey likes the opportunity ahead of her team against Oregon.

“I think these opportunities for the players are good. It’s an opportunity to compete against power five players, which is a great challenge for our players.”

The Vandals will be tested in every way against the Ducks, but if there was any time to play the Ducks and get an upset victory, it’s right now.

Jayden Barfuss can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on X @ JaydenBarfuss10

December 7, 2023

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Looking back: The Vandals’ women’s soccer season was one to remember Idaho ended the season 12-52 with its first appearance in the NCAA tournament Jayden Barfuss ARGONAUT

Coming off of a heartbreaking and devasting end to the 2022 season, losing to NAU in the Big Sky Championship, the Vandals had one goal: winning the Big Sky Championship.

After an up-and-down season, the Vandals finished 12-5-2 and achieved their goal by defeating Northern Arizona 2-1 to claim their first tournament title and NCAA tournament berth in program history.

The season began with them hosting Seattle University, and Idaho started the season on the right foot with a 3-1 victory.

The Vandals would then host a PAC-12 opponent, the Washington Huskies. Idaho lost 3-1 and began the season with an opening weekend split.

The Vandals followed the opening weekend by rattling off four unbeaten games (three wins and one draw). On the last weekend of the non-conference schedule, the Vandals split once again, losing to the University of California Santa Barbara, then going down to the Lone Star State and defeating the University of Texas El Paso 1-0.

Idaho then had nearly a week off before they hosted Weber State for their conference opener. Under the bright lights of the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, the Vandals could only muster a draw and start the conference

season with one point.

Idaho then headed down to Pocatello to take on their in-state rivals, the Idaho State Bengals. From the first whistle, the Vandals dominated the Bengals, putting four goals on them and picking up their first conference win 4-0. After the win, the Vandals hit a bump in the road and suffered two consecutive losses to Montana (2-0) and Portland State (2-1), bumping the Vandals down.

With the help of some key players coming back, the Vandals picked up four straight wins leading into senior day against NAU. With the emotions of senior day, and the chance to claim the #2 seed, the Vandals came in hungry to win. With an 89th-minute goal by senior midfielder Jayd Sprague, the Vandals clinched the #2 seed in the Big Sky tournament and had eyes on the championship, capping a 10-4-2 regular season.

With the Vandals earning a #2 seed, they had the pleasure of sitting back and watching the first day as Portland State made a fantastic comeback and defeated Idaho State 4-1, setting up a rematch from earlier in the year.

The Vandals, ready for revenge and with eyes on the prize, defeated the Vikings on the back of a second-half penalty kick goal by senior midfielder Hannah Alfaro to put the Vandals in the championship.

The Vandals watched as #4 NAU defeated #1 Montana, setting up another rematch from the Big Sky Championship game a year ago. On a windy Sunday in Flagstaff, the emotions of a championship crept in, and the Vandals defeated

NAU 2-1 and got the championship they had worked for all season.

After the tournament the Vandals were rewarded for their efforts. Seven players were selected to the all-tournament team including junior center back Rebekah Reyes, senior outside back Alyssa Peters, Lasher, Alvarez, sophomore goalkeeper Kira Witte, Alfaro and Sprague.

With the final goal reached, Alvarez reflected on the season saying, “We accomplished what we set out to do. It was fulfilling knowing that everything we were working for paid off.”

Injuries are a current theme in sports, and for Lasher, she was out most of 2023. However, she was super eager to get back and help her team win.

“Obviously, being out most of the year, I was super eager the entire year. It felt good, personally, that I could finally give the team something, so to be able to score the go-ahead goal, I felt fulfilled,” she said.

Winning a championship feels different for everyone, and for Schoesler and Alvarez, it was the best feeling they have had on the soccer field this year.

Schoesler smiled and said,

John Keegan | Argonaut

Junior Midfielder Jayd Sprague drives the ball past Gonzaga defenders

“The feeling of the final whistle blowing or all the goals going in, in the championship game, was by far the best feeling.”

It was almost the same feeling for Alvarez. “I couldn’t believe I did it, honestly. I just shot it, and it was the best feeling ever, when the final whistle blew, I was crying, it was amazing,” she said.

After the historic championship, the Vandals drew Gonzaga, and the players, especially Schoesler, were excited to play them.

“When we drew Gonzaga, I was super excited. It was a special feeling for me because my dad’s a Gonzaga alum, so I grew up as a Gonzaga fan my whole life. So, just being able to play in front of my whole family was special.”

The Vandals held a top-10

offense to one goal but could not find the back of the net.

Idaho ended its season with a 1-0 loss to Gonzaga in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Vandals accomplished every goal they set out to before the season. While the season was bumpy, it will be a season to remember for the Vandal fans and players for years to come.

Jayden Barfuss can be reached at arg-sports@uidaho.edu or on X @JaydenBarfuss10

UI E-SPORTS TEAM REVITALIZED An E-sports legacy in the making Georgia Swanson ARGONAUT

In the basement of the Bruce Pitman Center, you can find the University of Idaho E-sports team practicing for their upcoming matches. In a dimly lit computer lab, the smell of popcorn lingers around students clicking away with headsets on, laughing and practicing with each other.

What started as a computer gaming club has transitioned into a competitive collegiate Esports team this year. The University of Idaho Vandal Esports team are quickly improving their program and creating an Esports legacy at UI. The Vandal E-sports team competes in four main games: Valorant, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Rocket League and Counterstrike. At the beginning of every semester, players tryout for the teams and are delegated into varsity and junior varsity leagues.

Teams for each individual game practice together under a coach or team captain, who is usually decided by the team.

The Vandal E-sports Valorant team captain and coach is Jacob Holloway, a sophomore who has played on the Valorant team for two years. Holloway, who uses the gamer tag Cheese, explained his role in the team and how teamwork is an important part of the E-sports team.

“I serve as the in game leader, so I go over what we should be doing, what we will do and then after games I’ll be the one to host practices and meetups to talk to the team and make sure that we’re improving every week,” Holloway said. “I go over the games that we had in the past and see what we messed up on, what we did well and what we should fix for the next week.”

Wayne Ebenroth, the Esports program specialist, describes the team as a very welcoming place.

“You build friendships and it feels like a second home for a lot of people,” Ebenroth said. “The team also helps with communication skills. It helps with teamwork, it helps with being able to listen to other people and understand where they’re coming from.”

Both Holloway and Ebenroth commented on their desire to have more live audiences for their matches against other universities. While the games may be played online, an in-person audience

raises the stakes.

“I wish there were more people watching in-person,” Holloway said. “It is just a different effect when there’s in-person spectators. It is more fun when there’s a live audience. I get a lot more competitive.”

However, if you are unable to attend their games in-person, the Vandal Esports team has a Twitch channel where all their games are broadcasted. Past games are also available to watch.

Summer Muster and Amelia Green are two students who have taken on roles as shoutcasters for the Esports team.

“We’re just essentially the commentators, trying to bring some life to the game especially for those that might just be casual enjoyers,” Muster said. “Being in front of the camera and being able to talk to an audience and hopefully bring some excitement and engagement is really rewarding.”

Along with shoutcasting, Green also writes their weekly wrap-ups, summarizing their games and stats for the team.

“I’m a shoutcaster, but I am able to get opportunities behind the camera to run production, I’m able to run the stream, I can help with lighting, I can help with inventory,” Muster said. “There are so many opportunities here. There are countless jobs and skills that I am able to learn while being a part of the program. Wayne is willing to let us participate in anything that piques our interest.”

There are many different work-study jobs available to work on the Esports team, whether it’s production, marketing, or communications.

The E-sports team is a place made for everyone. Whether you love playing games, watching others play games or being involved in the behind-the-scenes jobs, there is a place for you within the E-sports team.

The team expressed their desire to make students feel welcomed and get involved in the team.

“I think what we’re trying to build here is a place where many of the students that typically don’t feel like they have a place where they belong on campus can find a place here,” Ebenroth said. “It’s nice to be able to pull students out of their dorms and into a place where they can be around other people and enjoy being around other people.”

Georgia Swanson can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

Courtesy of Wayne Ebenroth Members of the E-sports team

PAGE 14

ARGONAUT

December 7, 2023

Special thanks to UI Library Special Collections and Archives

Falling on the first weekend of October in 1967, homecoming weekend took place before the P1FCU Kibbie Dome was built in 1974. Taking place in the old wooden Neale Stadium, the game against the Montana Bobcats ended with a Vandal loss with a score of 41-14.

The three days packed with events involved many experiences similar to those of current students today. From a homecoming rally and fireworks in the stadium to a homecoming dance that took place from 10a.m - 1a.m.

Happening all day in true Vandal Spirit, the Homecoming Dance took place in the Vandal Corral Ballroom now known as the International Ballroom located in the Bruce M. Pitman Center.

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

PAGE 15

Special thanks to the UI Library Special Collections and Archives

Despite being a local news source first and foremost, Argonaut writers were not afraid to branch into the wider world of journalism. In this December 1993 issue, Argonaut reporters wrote on the removal of certain questions from the General Record Examinations due to the introduction of the Kaplan method. The Kaplan method ended up shortening the time nessecary to take the test by half. Argonaut reporters also wrote on Vandal Athletics, ASUI productions and the increase of local garbage prices.

PAGE 16

ARGONAUT

December 7, 2023

Why Taylor Swift made Travis Kelce are the people I am currently making ride a roller coaster of emotions), you think of Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift will pop up I ask you one question: into your mind. Don’t be Who is Travis Kelce? To ashamed, it’s just how some, he may be the tight it works when you date end for the Kansas City Taylor Swift.

Chiefs, but to most, he But, in the end, we is Taylor Swift’s current know Swift made Kelce boyfriend. If you look up famous overnight, more Travis Kelce’s name on famous than he probably Google right now, the first could have ever done on thing you are going to see his own. Even when she is articles on his relationwent to his game, the ship with Taylor Swift. camera was on her. I mean Yes, I know the man the man was playing a is a two-time football game, Super Bowl on a sports champion, but channel and the only reason the camera I knew that was was STILL on because of foother. It would ball fans trying have been to prove he is just another more than just football game, Taylor Swift’s but she made boyfriend. it something If it wasn’t that trended Presley Zimmerman for their for weeks; ARGONAUT relationship, meaning she Kelce would made Kelce have never been trending trend for weeks. He was and I would have continturned into an overnight ued life never knowing celebrity, Kelce himself who the man was. This is even joked about the the same mind set for the fact she made him more majority of people in the famous on multiple platworld. forms.

Even if you are a die According to Today hard football fan (which News, Travis Kelce’s Travis who?

Oh, you mean Taylor Swift’s boyfriend

podcast, “New Hights”, reached number one on multiple streaming platforms as of October 2023, getting so popular that Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, even said on air, “We are officially on the map. Both Travis and I have officially been put on the map.”

Not to mention, according to CBS News, after Taylor Swift attended just one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ games, the popstar’s appearance sent sales of Kelce’s jersey up roughly 400%. You cannot tell me that it is just because he is a good football player. That 400% boost actually put the man in the top five players in the NFL. As much as Kelce is a star in the sports world, there is no doubt that Swift has made him a mainstream media name.

And this is not Kelce’s fault, the media has been focusing on the two’s relationship hard. So much so that according to WPTV, Kelce agrees with sports fans who said the NFL TV coverage has been “overdoing it” with the amount of Swift screen time.

But it comes down to this, no Swift, no main-

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO’S PARKING IS NOT THAT BAD

parking lot on campus, I can still make it to class within 15 minutes.

Yes, the parking lots Have you ever been may look full, in search of that golden but when I parking spot? Driving asked students around in endless circles whether it because you can’t find a was hard for place? Well, the Universithem to find ty of Idaho’s Parking and a spot, eight Connor Anderson | Argonaut Transportation Services out of 10 said Silver permit parking sign on campus can honestly show you they can get how smooth parking on campus can be. I know we a place easily pass. According to Boise enough, and they really can complain that there don’t mind the quick walk State University’s Transcould be more parking portation and Parking across the lot. Three stuthan there is on campus, Department, the Brady dents live off campus and but if we look at this Garage is the most expenstill travel by foot, saying realistically, UI has been sive pass, sitting at a price that it isn’t necessary to treating us pretty well range of $388. Wait, that’s drive since they do not when it comes down to it. cheaper than UI, better mind the short commute.

As the enrollment right? Wrong.

And let’s address the numbers grow, it is imporThere is one garage, elephant in the parking tant for UI to ensure that and according to The lot: permit prices. Now I there is enough parking Arbiter just last year, it know a controversial topic for all students, whether was described as “orgawould be whether the they are living on or off nized chaos” that caused PTS is gouging us with campus. Now, there is some students to have to these permit prices, but only so much when you really find spots in the sparse space in these street parking as overflow. look at it, they Moscow hills, So, you buy the permit, are affordable the PTS has to but you might not get compared to our work with what a spot in the garage. It competitors. Acthey’ve got. sounds like a great deal. cording to the Their future Now, am I suggesting University of plans involve UI’s parking is flawIdaho’s Parking the campus less?

Not quite. But I am and Transportabecoming a saying that we should stop tion Services, place where complaining; we could be the most personal vetreated a lot worse. Sure, expensive Presley Zimmerman hicles are not we could gripe about the ARGONAUT UI parking required. need for more accessible permit is According parking, but let’s think Gold, sitting at a whopto its mission statement, ping $435 for the 2023-24 about it, UI is treating us the vision is to not add school year. But these bad pretty darn well in the more unsightly parking grand scheme of things. boys get you right up to areas, but rather embrace the middle of campus; that The PTS is juggling the fact that Moscow is limited space and increas15-minute walk turns into an easily traversed area. ing enrollment numbers, a five-minute walk, if not You can get from one end but they are making it less.

According to Washof the campus to the other work (for now). So, cheers ington State University in under 30 minutes by to UI, where parking Transportation Services, foot, meaning if you live hassles are just a minor inWSU’s most expensive on campus, there isn’t convenience in the grand pass does the same. a time when you would scheme of our collegiate It gets you right into need to drive to class. adventures. the middle of campus— But let’s say you live off not too shabby, right? campus; I do, and I drive Presley Zimmerman to classes every day. Now, Yeah, that will be $854 can be reached at please, almost double I may park in the worst arg-opinion@uidaho.edu the amount of UI’s Gold We can complain about the campus parking, but it could be a lot worse

stream media. If these two break up, Kelce will be remembered by the masses as another one of Swift’s love interests, maybe he’ll even get a song!

Now I know that you might think I am a crazed Swiftie, but honestly, I’m not. Of course, I know her, and I know some of her songs, but I don’t even follow Taylor Swift, yet she is the reason I know of Kelce. Do you understand

Getty Images | Courtesy

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift on Oct. 15 in New York City

how many other people are in the exact same boat as me? You do not have to be a fan of either one of them to know they are a hot topic in the media right now.

And the only reason it’s happneing to Kelce is because he’s the lucky guy Taylor Swift decided to pick. This

all could have happened with literally any other football player and Kelce would never have been a common name. So, in reality, he can thank her for the publicity.

Presley Zimmerman can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

OFF THE CUFF: CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS Happy holidays to everyone! This month, we went around the newsroom and asked everyone what their favorite thing about Christmas was.

Here is a list of our responses, hoping to get you all into the holiday spirit!

Joanna Hayes

“My favorite part of Christmas is coming down the stairs Christmas morning to a warm cup of coffee, presents under the tree and my entire family in the living room. We all gather around the tree and read the birth of Jesus story in our Bibles. I love taking that time with my family to remember why we are gathering, opening presents and celebrating Christmas.”

John Keegan

“My favorite thing about Christmas would have to be the song ‘Silver Bells.’ It is definitely my favorite part of Christmas bacuase we used to sing it in my house during the winter season. So now, it always brings me back to festive times.”

Grace Giger

“My family always has a big Christmas dinner and then opens all of our presents on Christmas Eve. Then we spend Christmas day just relaxing and spending time with each other. When I was younger, I thought it was so special to get my presents a day before everyone else. Now I’m just grateful for the time spent with my family and a chance to reconnect over the holiday season.”

Ben DeWitt

“My favorite part of Christmas is the snow and the lights. I love walking out in the frigid air and walking through the snow.

I love how Christmas lights brighten up the dark evenings with colorful lights. I also really enjoy spending time with my family around the holidays. I don’t see them very often so it’s always a great time when I do see them.”

Connor Anderson

“My favorite part of Christmas is seeing my family and friends.

After spending multipe months away from them in Moscow it’s nice to return home and relax. The time between semesters helps me enjoy that time because I no longer have to worry about the stress of classes and projects like I did over Thanksgiving break. The mixture of friends and family with free time without stress makes Christmas time the most enjoyable for me.”

Abigail Spencer

“My favorite part of Christmas is driving around my neighborhood on Christmas Eve looking at all the Christmas lights.

I grew up with that being our Christmas eve tradition when I was a kid to drive around in our Christmas pajamas and look at all the lights, and now I still make my parents do it with me even as an adult.”

Taysia Mendenhall

“My favorite part of Christmas is the abundance of fuzzy socks and hot drinks. I love finding comfort and warmth despite the bitter

cold outside. Fresh baked cookies, fires and blankets are also essential for Christmas and winter in general.”

Presley Zimmerman

“My favorite part about Christmas would be the classic tradition of picking out and decorating the tree. Picking out a tree is so much fun because you get to see all the different types, smell the pine and even get some hot cocoa while you shop!

Once my family and I find the perfect one, we take it home and make it completely unique to our home with all the lights and decorations our hearts desire. When we get all finished, this is the moment Christmas really starts feeling Christmas-y and I love it.”

James Taurman- Aldrich “My favorite thing about Christmas is Christmas Eve. Every year, for my grandma’s birthday, which just so happens to be Dec. 24, my family all gathers at her house for a taco dinner.

After eating some super awesome tacos, a handful of us usually gather back around the table for a game of golf (the card version), and my grandpa either beats us by a whole bunch or loses by a lot.

It’s a grand ol’ time that really kicks off the couple days of Christmas on a high note.”

Editorial Staff can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

PAGE 17

“Die Hard” “DIE HARD” FOR HOLIDAYS A beautiful is not a story about Christmas family during the holiday movie season Even Bruce said so Abigail Spencer ARGONAUT

As we enter into the holiday season, the age-old “Dude-Bro” argument comes up again and again, mostly from men, about the infamous 1988 movie “Die Hard” starring Bruce Willis. And here I am, in support of people everywhere, who are sick of this movie and its groupies.

Firstly, Bruce Willis himself argues that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie. He said as much in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2018.

“Die Hard is not a Christmas movie!” He spoke. “It’s a godd**n Bruce Willis movie!”

But more importantly, the movie is not about Christmas, it just takes place on Christmas. If the movie happened during any other work party, the movie would not be a Christmas movie. To say that “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie is to say that “Iron Man 3” or “Batman Returns” are Christmas movies. In fact, it is so not a Christmas movie that instead of having a normal Thanksgiving Day release, like a typical Christmas movie, it had a July release, because producers

wanted it to line it up with the rest of the summer blockbusters of 1988.

Also, it’s important to acknowledge why men all over the world want “Die Hard” to be counted as a Christmas movie. Let us not forget that it is so that, instead of watching Christmas classics like “White Christmas” or “Polar Express,” joyful movies about the importance of love, belief and trust, they can watch a movie about Bruce Willis killing a bunch of bad guys and consider themselves having a festive holiday movie-night.

The proliferation of “Die Hard” as a Christmas movie is to give men everywhere a way to opt-out of all the movies they deem kid’s movies or chick flicks while being able to escape from being called a Scrooge.

Abigail Spencer can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

There is an ongoing debate about whether “Die Hard” is or isn’t a holiday movie. I’m here to argue the fact that “Die Hard” and subsequently “Die Hard 2” are holiday movies. So, let’s get into the major points of my argument.

real in their movies, where people believe that in order for a movie to be considered a holiday movie, it should include a romance plot.

The Hallmark effect isn’t the only plot line; there is, in fact, another one. The other plot line is of a family repairing their relationship with each other, such as in “The Santa Clause” from 1994.

“Die Hard” falls into this category of plot lines, which I call the holiday repair.

“Die Hard” is a movie about a New York City cop named John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, who is visiting his wife

visiting them.

McClane then joins his wife at her office Christmas party held at Nakatomi Plaza, which in real life is the former Fox Plaza in Los Angeles. Ultimately, the party gets interrupted when a group of terrorists takes hostages in order to access the money hidden in the safe.

McClane then decides he’s the only person who is able to save all of the hostages due to the building being blockaded and sealed from the inside.

McClane picks off the terrorists one by one until the leader, Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, is left alone, ending with

Most holiday movies follow the same plot line, which is the romance between two unlikely people, which I will dub the Hallmark effect. The Hallmark effect is very

and two daughters on Christmas Eve. McClane and his wife are currently estranged as the movie starts due to his current job, so McClane aims to repair their relationship by

a climactic fight scene on the roof of Nakatomi Plaza, which ends with McClane’s victory.

If you followed the plot, you may be thinking that this doesn’t sound like a

Connor Anderson ARGONAUT

FALL 2023 GRADUATES B.S. Electrical Engineering Kennedy Beach Skyler Corrigan Tristan Denning Gauri Gaur Jayson Haddon Isaias Munoz Venegas Zachary Pfaff M.Engr. Electrical Engineering Christopher Barney Jimmy Cheng Christian Corwell M.S. Electrical Engineering Jason Canaday Brian Guiana B.S. Computer Engineering Treshur Allen

CONGRATULATIONS

holiday movie and that if it happened during any other season, this wouldn’t even be an argument. You would be correct about this fact, but if you apply that condition to “Die Hard,” it should be applied to other movies as well.

Take almost any Hallmark Christmas movie. If you take that same plot of somebody falling in love with someone through extreme circumstances and move it to the summertime rather than the holiday season, it just becomes a regular romance movie.

There are many other holiday movies that people always say are holiday movies that fall into the line where if it happened during any other season with the exact same plot line, then it wouldn’t be a holiday movie at all.

“Die Hard” is the same way; the movie has roughly the same plot as other holiday movies, where the goal of the main character is to repair a relationship with someone important to them while going through insane hurdles to get there.

The difference between “Die Hard” and other holiday movies is that it suffers from people thinking it’s only an action movie. If it weren’t for the action, there wouldn’t be a debate about whether or not “Die Hard” is a holiday movie. Put action into most holiday movies and people will argue that they are no longer holiday movies.

Holiday movies and action movies can be one in the same. “Die Hard” is a holiday movie, no matter how you look at it.

Connor Anderson can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu

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December 7, 2023

Special thanks to UI Library Special Collections and Archives

Every year from 1979 to 2001, Moscow would put on MosCon, a science fiction convention organized by the Palouse Empire Science Fiction Association. Starting from a class in 1974 called Free University about science fiction, two men, Steve Fahnestalk and Jon Gustafon, created PESFA. The UI Library has an archive collection of the program booklets. Eighteen years after ending, a Revival Convention gathered together in 2019.

December 7, 2023

ARGONAUT

HEALTH CARE YOU DESERVE.

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December 7, 2023

“What the Constitution Means to Me” Professor Kelly Quinnett delivers emotional performance Georgia Swanson ARGONAUT

Last weekend, the University of Idaho Idaho Repertory Theater put on four powerful productions of the play “What the Constitution Means to Me.” Head of acting and professor in the UI Theatre Arts Department, Kelly Quinnett starred as Heidi Schreck, giving a strong and emotional performance.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” is a 2017 play written and originally performed by Heidi Schreck. The play is personal, intimate and inspired by Schreck’s experience competing in the American Legion Oratorical contests for scholarship money as a 15-yearold from Wenatchee, Wash. In the competition, participants addressed parts of the U.S. Constitution and their personal connections to them.

In “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Schreck reflects on the debates she competed in as a teenager and the U.S. Constitution again as a 40-year-old. Through evocative storytelling, Schreck talks about how the U.S. Constitution has affected her and the women in her family. She explains how it excluded almost everyone besides straight white men.

Schreck’s “What the Constitution Means to Me” premiered on Broadway in 2019 and was nominated for numerous awards, including a nomination for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama also in 2019.

David Lee-Painter, the director of UI’s production of “What the Constitution Means to Me,” has

been teaching the script in his play analysis class since 2018. After 29 years of teaching at UI, Lee-Painter chose “What the Constitution Means to Me” as the final play to direct before he retires. “[‘What the Constitution Means to Me’] has been an opportunity to create with my dear friend, Kelly Quinnett, on material that we’re both really passionate about, and to work with my wife,” Lee-Painter said. His wife, Nancy Achali LeePainter was a co-director on the production. “We used to collaborate together and so it just feels kind of like a nice coda on my time here [at UI], getting to be nostalgic about all those years here, and being able to share a piece of theater that I really love.”

The Forge Theater, where the performances took place, was a very intimate setting for an emotional and personal autobiographical play. The audience surrounded the stage on all four sides. Throughout the performance, Quinnett was active in moving around the stage and the audience, interacting directly with them.

“It’s an intimate interaction with the actors and with a play that’s an intimate examination of one person’s experience and interaction with the Constitution as the lens,” Lee-Painter said. “Heidi Schreck’s story is really moving as what it is to be a woman in this country and live with the Constitution, but it’s also funny and thought provoking.”

Jeff Davis, UI theater graduate alumni and the actor who played the Legionnaire in “What the Constitution Means to Me,” described the play as high energy and an emotional rollercoaster.

“There are parts that are very funny, there are parts that are very pointy and there are parts that are very troubling. There is

talk of abortion, there is talk of domestic violence, but there are also some really witty, light and fun moments,” Davis said. “What I hope people take away from it, is that I hope they just really step back and remember, that yes, the Constitution for everything that it has going for it, still has flaws and it still relies on the kindness of strangers—the Supreme Court or Congress—to interpret what it’s saying and historically that’s left a lot of people out. I hope, even if not to seek change, they will recognize that.”

Georgia Swanson can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu

John Keegan | Argonaut

Kelly Quinnett speaks to the audience from one of the wings of seats

John Keegan | Argonaut

Heidi recounts a story of generational trauma

John Keegan | Argonaut

Aurora Dickey debates with Quinnett about whether the Constitution should be abolished

John Keegan | Argonaut

Heidi cries on the ground about her grandma

John Keegan | Argonaut

Quinnett reads from the Constitution

John Keegan | Argonaut

Dickey, Quinnett and Davis bow together after the show, to a standing ovation

John Keegan | Argonaut

Quinnett presents an argument to abolish of the Constitution