March 23, 2020
USFENCOUNTER presents
The
EXPRESS Edition
Editorial Board Student led, student written
UNIVERSITY
4 Editorial Columns 5 COVID-19 Pamphlet
NEWS
6-7 USF News
FEATURE
20-21 Lack of Physical Objects 22 Evolution of Streaming 23 The Future of Amazon 24-25 Patience Is Action
8-9 Local News
ENTERTAINMENT 10 WCSF Top Ten
COMMENTARY
11 Monthly Staff Picks
26-27 Don't Settle 28 Infleuncer Pro
12-13 Fine Arts Feature
29 Influencer Con
15 35th Anniversary of BTF 16 Blue Taco Food Review
31 Social Media vs. Self Love
17 Tame Impala Album Review
Emily Plummer Editor-in-Chief emilyplummer@stfrancis.edu Janelle Suriaga Assistant Editor janellemariesuriaga@stfrancis.edu Antonio Smithberg Layout Designer antoniosmithberg@stfrancis.edu Richie Mroz Layout Designer richardmroz@stfrancis.edu Andrey Simon Entertainment Editor andreysimon@stfrancis.edu Ashley Hare Feature Editor ashleyhare@stfrancis.edu Jacob Hubbs Sports Editor jacobhubbs@stfrancis.edu Tyler Drag Online Editor tylerdrag@stfrancis.edu Jordan Missig PR Manager jordanmissig@stfrancis.edu Beatriz Sindac Photographer beatrizannesindac@stfrancis.edu Dr. Scott Marshall Advisor smarshall@stfrancis.edu
Staff Writers
Cover Photo courtesy of www.wallpaperaccess.com
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Clarissa Del Rio Elizabeth Badalamenti Eve Odum Ian Bond Jalen Williams Mary Mathieu Matt Lauterbach
Letter From the Editor So far 2020 has not been the year we expected it to be. As a senior, my finals moments on staff at The Enounter have been robbed by this pandemic. I don't get to create a final edition in person with our editorial board and spend hours editing with our layout artists. In many ways, my favorite part of my college experience has been cut short. I know this is not limited to just myself. As a university built upon athletics and fostering a strong core of athletic individuals, I know I am not the only one hurting. The class of 2020 is experiencing a mutual feeling of disappointment and heartbreak as our final college experinces vanish before our very eyes. I fully expected to hold this editon in my hands at the end of March and prepare for my final print edition of The Encounter in April. It's disheartening to not be able to do so, but COVID-19 will not take away the power of campus media. The USF Encounter will continue to post content for our readers online, although in many ways our content will differ, we will still provide engaging material for you all to enjoy online. During this time we also greatly encourage students and staff to reach out to us in order to share their voice. If you're feeling stir crazy while at home social distancing and want to write for us online, please send me an email! COVID-19 will not take away our spirit, we are in this together. Don't forget to wash your hands,
Emily Plummer Editor-in-Chief
From the top to the bottom: Emily Plummer (Editor-in-Chief), Janelle Suriaga (Assistant Editor), Antonio Smithberg (Layout Designer), Richie Mroz (Layout Designer), Andrey Simon (Entertainment Editor), Ashley Hare (Feature Editor), Jacob Hubbs (Sports Editor), Jordan Missig (PR Manager), and Beatriz Sindac (Photographer) (Not Pictured).
Policies The USF Encounter is published by the students of the University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60435. The newspaper office is located in room S413C of Tower Hall. The USF Encounter phone number is 815.740.3816. As a member of USF Campus Media, the USF Encounter strives to produce a publication that stresses quality writing and design.By reporting on issues that may be sensitive in nature, the USF Encounter aims to educate, inform and persuade students on topics that affect their lives on and off campus. Editorial pages provide USF Encounter staff with opportunities to express thoughtful views on controversial topics. Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author and are not necessarily opinions of the USF Encounter Staff. Publications of letters to the editor are subject to space availability and management discretion. Letters are also subject to editing. Letters to the editor or any other submissions may be dropped off at the USF Encounter office or emailed to encounter@stfrancis.edu As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.
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EDITORIAL COLUMNS Opinions, Everyone Has One
NBA All Star Weekend By: Ashley Hare Staff Writer
By: Antonio Smithberg Layout Designer
It was the weekend all basketball fans have been waiting for: NBA All Star Weekend in Chicago. This was the first time in almost three decades that Chicago hosted the iconic weekend. The event included concerts, pop-ups, exhibitions and of course the big game! All weekend long fans had the opportunity to attend the NBA Crossover at Navy Pier, the Converse Creative Series, late-night after-parties and various events across the city. However, all fans were eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite athlete, rapper,or singer who came to town!
Nowadays everyone’s a critic. With the advent of social media everyone gets a soapbox to stand on. Whether it is movies, television shows or something you bought on Amazon, everyone becomes an expert in 280 characters or less. The middle-aged “I’d like to speak to your manager” women are now online and primed for battle as soon as the timeline refreshes. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like to share my opinions also. I love to offer commentary about the recent movies or television shows I have watched. However, when I do, I do so with the awareness that my thoughts do not exist in a vacuum.
I had the opportunity to attend the Converse Creative Series and the Crossover at Navy Pier. The Converse Creative Series is an ongoing series that brings together global creatives and shines a light on local talent including sports, music, and art. I was able to see rappers DaBaby and Roddy Ricch thanks to Converse! These rappers’ names might not be familiar to you but I am sure you have heard their iconic songs on the Tik Tok app. DaBaby is popular for songs “Suge” and “Vibez” while Roddy Ricch is known for his Billboard Hot 100 number-one song "The Box.” Besides the mini-concerts at the Converse Creative Series, I was able to shoot some hoops, watch the Harlem Globetrotters perform amazing moves and create custom converses. Next, I attended the AT&T Pre-Game Concert at the NBA Crossover featuring artists Normani and Megan Thee Stallion also known as Hot Girl Meg. The only way to get into this the pre-game concert was by winning. AT&T was sponsoring several methods of entry to get into the show over the course of the weekend. Both Normani and Megan Thee Stallion paid homage to NBA legend Kobe Bryant by wearing custom-made versions of his Lakers jersey. Normani sung hits such as “Motivation” and “Dancing with A Stranger” while Megan Thee Stallion sung hits “Big Ole Freak” and “Cash Sh*t.”
Often, in the online communities that social media creates, that fact can be lost. Instead, they end up engaging in dialogue with “trolls” who come wielding words like weapons to attack someone they may have never met before, for what? Five minutes of feeling superior to a person who thought that maybe the latest installment of Star Wars wasn’t the best? This may seem like a silly comparison but it happened. It led to a large segment of fandom to attack a director of a film that, essentially, they just simply didn’t like. This then led to a petition to remake the movie. The ability to gather such like-minded individuals so quickly with social media platforms is both amazing and horrifying. Yes, the examples I gave about silly movies and shows aren’t much to worry about, but the dialogue that they lead to is cause for concern. You may be justified in thinking the movie may have been bad but that is where it should remain. It is too often that online discourse shifts to personal attacks that are way off target. Social media is useful and fun but also incredibly powerful, so treat it that way. Carry yourself lightly and remember your opinion is exactly that, your opinion, everyone has one.
The NBA brought a spectacular weekend for Chicago basketball fans of all kinds. Hopefully, All Star Weekend in Chicago will be back sooner than expected!
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Thoughts and opinions of the USF Encounter staff is not reflective of those of the University of St. Francis.
C VI D CORONAVIRUS DISEASE
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What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Press release provided by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
What are severe complications from this virus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.
Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ transmission.html#geographic.
Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.
How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of • fever • cough • shortness of breath
How can I help protect myself?
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19? If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine? There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS 314937-A 03/03/2020
CAMPUS NEWS
By: Elizabeth Badalamenti Staff Writer
March is Women’s History Month and USF, an institution filled with strong, educated women, certainly knows how to celebrate! Led by Dr. Joanna Kourtidis, the Assistant Director of the Academic Resource Center, the Women’s History Month committee worked hard these past few months to put on a variety of events, trips, and discussions to make this month’s celebration a success. Some highlights from the month include “Strong Coffee and Successful Women”, a panel discussion featuring three prominent female leaders from the community; the Clare Award Presentation, a ceremony honoring Roxiana Fuqua, the owner of Generation Dance Company; and an Open Mic Night featuring poems, photographs, paintings, songs, and non-fiction pieces honoring women. However, the month isn’t over yet and there are still two more opportunities to participate in Women’s History Month!
Drink tea and discuss the pride in being a woman at the HERstory Tea Event (March 26; 3:00 p.m.; Executive Conference Room) or travel to the Illinois Holocaust Museum (March 28; 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; shuttle departs from Rec Center) to view the Karkomi Holocaust and Ruth Bader Ginsburg exhibitions. After all, only through student and faculty involvement can we keep the spirit of Women’s History Month alive at USF! SGA’s VP of Diversity, Fernanda Sandoval states it best: “It is important for USF to celebrate women’s history month because women are the minority that is most discriminated against within each ethnic and racial minority, making it significantly harder for accomplishments to be highlighted and recognized. By having a month dedicated to women, we further push that empowerment to encourage continuous growth.”
Free Coding Workshop for Area Educators on April 2 Whether we like it or not, the days of computer classes being nothing more than introductions to Microsoft products and word-per-minute tests on bulky, fifty pound computers are of the past. Now, in order to keep up with the technological advancements that characterize every career path of the future, students need to understand computers on a much deeper level. To help bridge this gap between educators’ current understanding of technology and students’ growing need to know more advanced principles, USF will
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offer a free coding workshop to educators from the surrounding area who teach grades 6-12. The program will run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2 in the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall in room B206. As an added benefit of participation, educators will also receive two professional development hours. Made possible by the USF Noyce STEM Educator Program and taught by the Director of Professional Development of CodeHS, Lea Sloan, the program will teach basic JavaScript coding principles within
the platform CodeHS as well as share the importance of teaching computer science to students. On its current trajectory, technology shows no sign of slowing. Therefore, it is vital that teachers begin to familiarize themselves with how to use it so they are better equipped to prepare students for the world of the future. For more information and to register for the program, local educators should visit stfrancis.edu/real/professional-learning soon, as registration closes March 25 and space is limited.
Photo courtesy of USF Facebook
USF Celebrates Women’s History Month
SGA Legislation: Banning Smoking on Campus
Photo courtesy of www.biorama.eu
The Student Government Association meeting on Monday, February 24 seemed to draw a little more attention from students than usual as Senator at Large Christopher Pagan presented a piece of legislation that sought to remove one of the three smoking areas on campus with the goal of completely banning smoking at USF by Fall 2021. Why? According to information brought to administration by Director of Counseling & Wellness, Dr. MaryAnn Andrade-Bekker, in order for USF to qualify for a six-figure mental health grant that would fund a variety of new counseling services and add another counselor to the staff, we must make plans to become a smoke-free campus.
the Will County community from low-income families, will be awarded to all accepted students who meet the following criteria: reside in Will County; attend a Will County high school; have and maintain at least a 3.6 high school GPA; file their Nonetheless, no matter the future FAFSA by December 31 each year of outcome of this legislation, it is important anticipated USF attendance; qualify for to note that the passage of the bill through financial aid with a $0 Expected Family SGA most certainly will not guarantee Contribution (family income must total the ban of smoking on campus. As $50,000 or less with assets of $50,000 or explained by Damon Sloan, VP of Student less); be a U.S. citizen and Illinois resident & Alumni Affairs, during the meeting, and have parents who are listed on the this legislation piece only seeks to gain FAFSA that are Illinois residents as well); the opinion of the student body, which be admitted to USF as a new freshman; represents only one of three governing not be coming to USF as a student-athlete groups that make up USF. In order for with an athletic scholarship; and enroll administration to proceed with making as and stay enrolled in a baccalaureate degree Although the legislation was rejected by big of a decision as this, the opinions of program full-time for the entire school students with a final vote of 19 opposed the other two groups, Academic Assembly year. and 16 in favor--the first rejection of any (e.g. professors) and Administrators and piece of legislation by the student body in Staff Council (e.g. non-faculty) will also be In USF’s press release announcing the almost three years--students vocalized they considered before moving ahead. scholarship, USF president Arvid Johnson, would like to revote on the bill provided USF Announces New Full-Tuition Ph.D. described the scholarship as “a certain changes were made. President Scholarship Opportunity for Underserved mission-inspired approach to offering a of Pre-Health Care Association, Joshua Populations high-quality, private university education Williams, admitted he thought “removing to students who may have never realized the smoking huts from campus [would be] Authorized by the Board of Trustees in that this option was open to them” and a great idea”, but wanted to understand consequence of the success of the 2020 will give “local students [the opportunity] “how removing the smoking huts [and Caritas Scholarship Ball, the University to earn their college degrees without the banning smoking] would affect the of St. Francis has officially established worry of incurring student loan debt”. campus” first before he felt comfortable the “Will County Access Initiative”, a For more information on the Will County supporting the bill. Other points brought full-tuition scholarship that will begin to Access Initiative Scholarship, please visit up during the meeting by a variety of be available to incoming freshman for the stfrancis.edu/access. students were the popularity of smoking 2020-2021 school year. This scholarship, among international students, the distaste which is focused on serving members of
NEWS
non-smokers have for walking through clouds of cigarette smoke on their way to class, and the possibility of using the grant money to fund services to help those trying to overcome nicotine addictions.
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LOCAL NEWS By: Jacob Hubbs Sports Editor
Photos courtesy of The Herald News
University of St Francis Nursing Department Receives Five Thousand Dollar Grant
President Arvid Johnson with Midland States Bank Foundation Members
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The College of Nursing department at the University of St Francis (USF) was given a five thousand dollar grant by The Midland States Bank Foundation. The Senior Vice President of Banking Dan Stevenson presented the to University of St. Francis’ President Arvid Johnson.
invested in the communities we serve and want them to thrive. As partners in the community, we are able to see Joliet and the surrounding areas positively affected.” This grant will help the continued support for community nursing and primary nursing research for the local Joliet community.
According to a USF press release, Stevenson said, “USF works tirelessly to make our Joliet community stronger through the power of education. We are
President Arvid Johnson was proud of the support given to the university stating, “As Joliet’s only four-year university, USF is proud of the support it receives from
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community-based organizations such as Midland States Bank and the Midland States Bank Foundation. This grant will support community nursing and primary care research for community health care and serves as a reminder of the power of partnership. We sincerely thank the Midland States Bank Foundation for its support of our university and our students.”
Brand New Sensory Room Now Available for Students to Unwind and Refocus The University of St. Francis (USF) has opened a new opportunity for helping students relieve stress throughout the year thanks to the school’s Schmitt Scholars. USF recently opened a sensory room at USF’s main campus. Located on the third floor of the LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Library, the room gives students and staff a place to unwind, refocus and more importantly relax in a stress-free environment. The sensory room went into development two years
ago after USF nursing student Madelyn Rogge experienced one herself. The idea sparked a service project by USF’s Schmitt Scholars.
Once the idea of a sensory room was finalized, the Scholars got to work researching and developing where and what the room should look like. With the help of USF administration, the project was moved from just a concept to being a complete project. The room’s opening was
promoted through the use of flyers, social media and other on-campus advertising. Since the sensory room’s launch, it has received very positive feedback from students and staff alike. The Schmitt Scholars put out a survey so they can get feedback from USF students and staff on the new space. The responses favored positively towards the room’s lighting, as well as the over impact of the sensory room itself.
Local High School Students Program Draws Large Participation from Local High Schools
Photo courtesy of www.stfrancis.edu
Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors high schoolers around the Joliet area are invited to the University of St. Francis’ Pay It Forward service program this summer. This is a great opportunity to learn about USF’s core values and to give back to the community, all while earning some service hours. The Pay It Forward program runs daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 22nd to the 25th. There are four different sites within the Joliet community students will
NEWS
spend time at each day. Those sites include Will County Forest Preserve, Habitat for Humanity, Joliet Hope Center and Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Students will work in teams along with a USF staff member and will travel to each site by buses provided by USF each day. Every student and team will go to and participate in activities at each site. Rev. Terry Deffenbaugh, one of USF’s Theology instructors and commonly known as Father Terry, acts as the
Pay It Forward program coordinator. Father Terry states, “Service learning at USF provides the opportunity to incorporate the university’s values into learning experiences.” He also added, “These values include service (building community and caring for the needs of others); compassion (promoting empathy, forgiveness and peace); integrity (fulfillment of responsibilities, commitment to truth and justice) and respect.”
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Upcoming
For more information, contact dgordon@stfrancis.edu
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Top 10
Artists Let’s get in touch!
musicdirectorwcsf@stfrancis.edu -- 815-740-3697
1. ISOBEL CAMPBELL There Is No Other
2. BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB Everything Else Has Gone Wrong
3. WOLF PARADE Thin Mind
4. MOLCHAT DOMA Etazhi
5. TOP
I Feel Alive [Single]
6. HAZEL ENGLISH
Wake UP! [Advance Tracks]
7. 8.
GEORGIA
Staff Picks
The USF Encounter Staff took to Spotify and shared their favorite songs from this month in their "Monthly Staff Picks" playlist “Stupid Love” Lady Gaga “Godspeed” Frank Ocean “Full Circle” Five Finger Death Punch “It's My Life” Bon Jovi “Break My Heart” Valentina “London Girls” Barns Courtney “Have A Drink On Me” AC/DC “Nelly” Dr. Dog “3's and 7's” Queens of the Stone Age “Bulls On Parade” Rage Against The Machine “Carrie” Europe
Seeking Thrills
“After The Party” The Menzingers
ANNA CALVI
“The Cold Wind” Greta Van Fleet
Don't Beat The Girl Out Of My Boy
9. WILD NOTHING Laughing Gas [EP]
Artwork courtesy of WCSF
MONTHLY
10. DESTROYER Have We Met
ENTERTAINMENT
“Blinding Lights” The Weeknd “Memories” Maroon 5
Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify!
“I'll Be Your Shelter” The Housemartins
“Alright”
Judah & The Lion
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Hell As A Community Thing (2020) by Dr. Terre Laynge Rosner
Hell as a Community Thing | 2020
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You’re Walking by Eve Odum
I’d know that gait anywhere. The careless throwing of one foot forward at leisurely pace with seemingly no destination in mind. Hands, up to the forearm, resting in a large stomach pouch on your oversized hoodie. Elbows casually bouncing at your sides. A sort of melodic sway goes on in your shoulders that originates the hips. Yards away and I know it’s you.
Proceed
by Robert Elkins Keep walking, let your mind roam. Keep walking, until you’re far away from home. Keep dreaming, don’t let it fade away. Keep dreaming, make it a reality today. Keep thinking, and draw from the gold mines within. Keep thinking, even though the night is closing in. Keep walking, let your mind roam. Keep walking, until you’re far away from home.
Charcoal Sketch by Abigail Liss | USF '22
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Photos courtesy of Disney+
Human Demon By Dee Olabi
If there were birds in my lungs, surely I’d set them free... Even if it meant ripping myself apart, cracking my rib cage to keep them alive. Often feels like a spider sits at the top of my mouth and catches everything, Leaving a dark web down my esophagusAll kinds of things that are caught before reaching my heart. I’d set her free even if I had to bite out my tongue. If my head was as dangerous as a ticking bomb, it wouldn’t be a hard decision to drive myself off the road; I don’t know where I’d go A guarantee hardly exists Theories on theories clog up my mind; dwelling incessantly... Leaves my stomach in knots. If the only way to end it was to reach in, untie each one... I’d do it without hesitation. Peace and tranquility are states I have yet to roam indoor knobs I’m incapable of reaching Maybe my body is much too full if I had the voice to scream it out I think I just might. But what is within me is much worse than a flock of birds or a spider and her webs. What lies beneath is a human demon. Pen Sketch by Jessica Scroppo | USF '23
It is Good
by Mary Mathieu It is through the silence I recognize the good. I see it in the trees, within the singing birds, who sing a hymn that reassures my purpose. I see it in the animals, who feed off hope, off innocence, off freedom. I see it on a leaf, the dew that resides while the angels rejoice in tears. And finally, I see it in the creatures who walk on all fours, then on twos, then on threes. Oh, what a beautiful sight to behold. One that is so wholesome, so pure, so marvelous. It is I who sees the goodness of creation. Photograph by Cosme Lozano | USF '22
ENTERTAINMENT
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Photo courtesy of free4kwallpapers.com
Photo courtesy of www.moviemania.io
By: Richie Mroz Layout Designer From “The Breakfast Club”, “E.T.”, “Star Wars”, and “Top Gun” to “Ghostbusters”, “Uncle Buck”, and “The Karate Kid”, the 1980s was an astonishing time for movies. Among them is Robert Zemeckis’ and Steven Spielberg’s 1985 classic “Back to the Future”. “Back to the Future” follows California teenager Marty McFly as he is accidently transported to the year 1955 in a DeLorean time machine that his scientist friend Doc Brown invented. When he travels back in time, he encounters young versions of his parents who he must make sure fall in love or he will cease to exist! While doing that, he also must figure out a way to get back to 1985, hence the name “Back to the Future”. The success of the first movie spawned to theatrical sequels and an animated television series. According to www.backtothefuture. com, the film was “the highest-grossing film of 1985” as well as “one of the most successful franchises in Universal Studio’s history”. The film has also been inducted into the National Film Registry in the Library of Congress because of its cultural and historical significance.
collectibles, artwork, and apparel will be released in the spring. Technically, the film’s official anniversary will be on July 3 but in the words of Doc Brown, “I figured…what the heck”. “Back to the Future” will always be one of my favorite movies. I remember I was around five years old when my dad put the VHS tape in and I watched the movie for the first time. I have seen it now probably over 50 times and it still has the same effect on me as it did when I first watched it. It takes something truly special to have that effect on not only me, but millions around the world. “Back to the Future” will always be one of the greatest films of all time.
The film series is considered to be a global phenomenon with fans all over the world. University of St. Francis Junior Josh Rutnicki loves the movie, stating “It is nostalgic, funny, and has a great story”. In 2015, October 21 was made the official “Back to the Future” day because October 21, 2015 is the date that Marty and Doc travel to in “Back to the Future: Part II”. 2015 also marked 30 years since the original film’s release. Following that logic, 2020 marks 35 years since the original film’s release. Universal Studios has a slew of things planned for the 35th anniversary of the film. For starters, “Back to the Future: The Musical” was just performed on February 20, 2020 at the Manchester Opera House in England. The musical is getting high praise for its adaptation of the movie. Universal is also planning a special first time 4K screening of the movie in April at the 2020 TCM Classic Film Festival where stars Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson & screenplay writer Bob Gale will make an appearance. According to www.prnewswire. com, a new 4K remastered movie trilogy along with new toys,
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THE
BLUE TACO By: Emily Plummer Editor-in-Chief
FUSION RESTAURANT
Sitting in my senior portfolio class last Monday I found myself continually losing focus as the lunchtime hunger began to settle. I took to Yelp, hoping that my scrolling would make the class go by faster (sorry Dr. Rosner). I was looking for some food on a budget that was local, yet out of the box. With only an hour to get lunch and $15 to spend on food, I still had a fair amount of options; but what kind of food? It was like I was having the typical "well where do you want to eat?" dispute with a significant other, but it was just me internally arguing with myself over Mexican or Italian food. Today Mexican food had won and I settled on Blue Taco, a hole in the wall taco joint. Blame it on my indecisiveness wasting my time or the restaurant’s obscurely limited hours, I only had eight minutes to get downtown before they closed. Was I really about to risk a speeding ticket all for some tacos? You betcha.
you're eating it all!" Nope, actually I was not, but I guess I am now. Rather than get offended, I was more-so surprised that this was my first time getting this response, considering how frequently I got out to eat. In my defense, I did underestimate just how huge this "bowl" was going to be. I think my brain has become conditioned to the ‘Chipotle burrito bowl world’ we live in, to expect just that.
This elote "bowl" was GIGANTIC. It was a full to-go container filled to the brim with rice, lettuce, grilled chicken, corn, butter, lime, Parmesan, and sweet chile. I think that the addition of chicken was a mistake as I didn't ask for any, but nonetheless, it was a pleasant surprise. The rice and corn were cooked perfectly and overall everything tasted amazing. Each element of the bowl worked perfectly together and could easily compete with Chipotle. Especially at $7.50 a bowl, you're Although located right next to St. Francis's getting the more bang for your buck with downtown campus, it was actually a bit this option. hard to find. Google Maps and Yelp list different locations for the eatery and there To start, the pork belly taco had quite a is no distinguishable sign on the building. punch of flavor, deeply saturated with Inside it looks like a 10-year-old picked sweet pineapple juice, red onion and out the color scheme, and the interior peppers to give a little heat. I would have was definitely not what I was expected. preferred fresh pineapple over canned as Including the lack of customers... I quietly it would have detracted from the syrupy reviewed the menu near the counter canned flavor and overall given the taco and waited for somebody to take my that essentially sour pineapple taste. order. Somebody? Anybody? I started to The next taco, the Caribbean chicken taco question leaving, where they even open? was my least favorite overall. Mangoes are After about a five-minute wait somebody entirely unappealing to me unless they’re finally came to take my order.I decided to mixed in some sugary smoothie. indulge in their elote rice bowl, with three tacos, each as exciting as the last. The taste, the texture; everything! Although I appreciated the freshness of As I went to pay, the person taking my the mangoes they used, the mango salsa order exclaimed "That's a lot of food, I did not work for me at all. Without the know you're taking this to go. No way salsa, it would have been much better.
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Last was the Cajun taco, by far the best taco I’ve EVER had. Although looking like a regular street taco (except with the addition of lettuce), the smokey flavor that you get biting into the chicken was otherworldly! Now, if you take anything away from this post, it should be that this taco needs to be on your food bucket list! To sum it up, if you're looking for a place that's cheap, has great food, and located in a lively downtown area, this is the perfect spot. Although it may not seem like much from the outside, this place is full of funky creations so you are bound to find something you like.10/10 would revisit. Blue Taco is located at 79 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432 and their menu can be found on Yelp.
ALBUM ALBUM ALBUM RE ALBUM ALBUM TAME IMPALA
REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW
THE SLOW RUSH
By: Tyler Drag Online Editor
Picture courtesy of pitchfork.com
Tame Impala’s new album, The Slow Rush has finally been released and I’ve been asking myself if it’s fair to expect a band to stay consistent with my taste in music over time. The Slow Rush came out on February 14, 2020 and on the spectrum of the band’s discography the new album sounds most similar to Currents, the band’s last album. The new album’s similar sound to Currents isn’t a surprise, but I was hoping for a bigger difference or more of a progression from Currents to The Slow Rush. Kevin Parker, the architect behind Tame Impala, has managed to release original sounding albums- but The Slow Rush is the first one to sound this similar to another album in the band’s discography. Innerspeaker, Lonerism, Live Versions, and Currents all have their own individual sound while still retaining the Tame Impala aesthetic. The Slow Rush still has its own aesthetic when compared to the discography, but it’s almost just an extension of Currents with different tones and effects. So, if you liked Currents, you’re in luck. However, even for someone who likes the band’s older material, The Slow Rush does come with a few gems in it like: “Breathe Deeper,” “Instant Destiny,” “ Tomorrow’s Dust,” “Lost in Yesterday” and “Is It True,” but as a whole the album is a bit repetitive and bland. Parker utilizes his ability to make catchy beats accompanied by attractive synths chords, which doesn’t sound bad, but most of this album isn’t worth listening to multiple times compared to other content that’s out there (The Strokes dropped a few singles and have a new album on the way, Khruangbin released a new album, and Thundercat keeps releasing singles just to give a few examples). Obviously, this is all subjective, but Tame Impala was best at Lonerism. Each instrument used to have an entire song to play, but now there’s a lot of moments where it’s just Parker singing, drums, and synth/effects. It’s a bit repetitive, but maybe it’s too soon and The Slow Rush will age better with time. When Currents first came out, I hated it because it wasn’t as good as Lonerism, but now I listen to most of the songs from that album just as much as Lonerism. Maybe The Slow Rush will age better, but at the moment I think it’s just some weak hypnotic synth pop music from one of my favorite bands. Maybe it’s not fair to expect Tame Impala to stay consistent with my taste in music over time, but I wouldn’t say that the band has sold out or lost their talent either. This album was a little disappointing, but after releasing so much good music I am more than willing to cut them some slack.
ENTERTAINMENT
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The
EXPRESS Edition
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March 23, 2020
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THE LACK OF
PHYSICAL OBJECTS By: Ian Bond Staff Writer In case you, dear reader, have been living under a rock, the world is becoming increasingly digital. But if you are not Patrick Star, then you are probably familiar with Netflix or Hulu. When was the last time you even watched a movie or series on a physical DVD disk? You probably can’t even remember because almost every device you own supports Netflix or Hulu. According to the New York Times, Netflix and Hulu aren’t necessarily an eitheror proposition because many users pay for both platforms. While Netflix is the leading streaming service, Hulu offers more shows and channels, especially live TV. But at the end of the day, you, get to decide which platform is best for your needs. Streaming platforms are not the only media that has abandoned physical objects. The computer that you use to watch Netflix or Hulu might not have a disk drive. Some computer cases do not even allow for them so owners must purchase an external disk drive should the need ever arise. Still, in other computers, it will only be used once in a blue moon. USF student, David Paul takes this a step further. He still has a disk drive, but he, “unplugged it [from the motherboard] so I could add an SSD [solid state drive].” Perhaps if you are like my parents and you have a sizable CD collection, you may still want to opt for the disk drive. But even though physical album sales make up a higher percentage of US music consumption than digital sales according to Statista, music
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streaming dominates all. In fact, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Echo and other music platforms made up 78% of US music consumption in 2019, up from 62% in 2017. This trend also continues in the world of gaming wherein the span of 11 years, physical games went from 80% of the market to 17%, according to Statista. This makes sense for PC gamers for reasons mentioned earlier and because the digital game store Steam has become such a household name in the gaming community. This trend is also appealing to those in the console gaming community as well but not everyone has jumped on the digital bandwagon. For example, USF student Russel Egan still prefers having the physical copy for a nostalgic purpose. Egan states, “There is something about having a collection of games like back on the PS2 [PlayStation 2] when you couldn’t download games.” The lack of physical objects does not just impact the entertainment world too. Audible is another example where users can download books digitally. It is great for someone that does not have time to go out and purchase a physical copy. Additionally, you may want to read along with your audiobook instead of actually reading it. Whether you read the physical book or the e-book, physical copies are still outselling e-books according to www.cnbc.com. Additionally, younger generations are the ones reading physical books. Britons under 44 make up
Photo courtesy of entuity.com
63% of physical book purchases in the UK while 75% of Americans between 18 and 29 at least claimed to have read a physical book when polled in 2017, per CNBC.
"In fact, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Echo and other music platforms made up 78% of US music consumption in 2019, up from 62% in 2017."
Books are not the only paper products digitized, as any historian and archivist can attest to. Numerous archives have been digitized of their collections and made available online. The German Federal Archives, also known as the Bundesarchiv, has digitized countless documents, images, sounds, films and maps, albeit much of it is inextensible to non-Germans and the website is difficult to navigate. To gain an idea of how many More importantly, the website with those newspapers came primary sources have been digitized, in 2008 the Bundesarchiv uploaded 80,000 files to Wikimedia Commons in what the online from a database, another great example of the lack of physical objects. I am also willing to bet that most college students will repository believes to be its largest donation to date. have to use a database to write a paper at some point in their college careers. Even though they are not the easiest to navigate, This last example also demonstrates that archives are not the a database such as JSTOR allows you to search through its only place to find primary sources online. Fordham University’s collection of academic journals that you would otherwise have to Online Sourcebook has a plethora of sources spanning search through by hand. thousands of years of history , making it among the first history students learn about. But just as the primary sources The lack of physical objects has a profound impact on day to day are countless, so too are the places storing them, admittedly life whether recreational or professional. Even though so much to a lesser degree. When I researched the Communist Party around us has become digital, holdouts still exist and might of Germany for my senior thesis, I found a source that used digitized copies of the party’s newspaper. Unfortunately, the font possibly grow in tandem with a digital counterpart rather than die out like in other areas. Feel free to share how you refuse or was too difficult to read for someone that only knows a little embrace the lack of physical objects in your own lives. German so they were not that useful.
FEATURE
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THE
EV LO TI ON
STREAMING SERVICES
By: Matthew Lauterbach Staff Writer When you hear the phrases “streaming movies” and “streaming TV shows,” the first thing that may come to mind is Netflix. Which sense since it’s quickly soared to be one of the most popular online streaming services today. According to www.street.com, Netflix was founded in 1997 and was originally a DVD rental and sales site. It was nowhere near Blockbuster, which was the nation’s largest-video rental chain at the time. However, on September 23, 2010, Blockbuster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and other retail chains like Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video filed for Chapter seven bankruptcy the same year. These losses gave Netflix the opportunity to pounce and they did not fail in becoming the newest leader in video rental. To make the company even bigger, Netflix began partnering with several electronics companies to get them on smart TVs and gaming consoles. This process would eventually become known as streaming. On February 1, 2013, Netflix’s first original series House of Cards was released followed by Orange is the New Black in July that year. Netflix’s success carried on into 2016 where it became accessible worldwide and paved the way for other companies to start streaming services as well. Hulu TV became a prominent competitor with Netflix in the late 2010’s but joining the battle in 2019 became even greater competition from other electronics companies. AT&T unleashed its own streaming package and Apple and Disney also unveiled their first streaming methods with Apple TV and Disney Plus. With the newest streaming services out there all competing for the top spot many people are asking the question of what will the future of streaming become? And what other companies will rise to the task? The next challenge these companies may be tasked with is not necessarily about improving TV streaming; the challenge might lie in places that haven’t been explored yet, such as video games. Google Stadia was launched on November 19, 2019 and is the most recent and biggest video game streaming service. However, according to www.gamersurface.com, the release of the service received mixed reviews from people who criticized the lack of multiplayer games and noticed the slower input lag. The same source stated that some users believed it would take four or five years for this problem to be fixed. Luke Laschober, a USF sophomore, says, “Many people called it inferior to other consoles due to the quality of its service and controller.” With the backfire of Google Stadia, it may be an opportunity for console companies to re-emerge beginning this Christmas, especially since Xbox and Microsoft are set to release their newest console— codename “Project Scarlett.” According to www.theverge.com, Project Scarlett will support 8k gaming, frame rates up to 120 fps, ray tracing and variable refresh rate support. Depending on the success of Project Scarlett and the inevitable release of the PS5 later this year, the battle between console video games and streaming video games may not be over just yet. What is safe to say however is that the future of television lies in streaming services like Netflix. Netflix was recently ranked as the number one fastest growing brand according to Forbes. What’s also safe to say is the end of this battle has yet to happen.
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Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com
The Future Of
By: Jordan Missig PR Manager In the past, when you ordered something online you would normally get your product in a week’s time from the day you purchased it. Amazon has sped up that process and has your orders delivered to your doorstep in just two days or even showing up on the very same day (if you have Amazon Prime and placed your order in the morning). So how does a product go from warehouse shelf to doorstep in a matter of two days or less? It is all about logistics. Amazon has trucks that carry more than 2,000 boxes at a time. Not only that but they use a variety of other transport carriers like Fedex, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service for ground transport. According to www.cnbc.com, “Amazon spends tens of billions of dollars a year and employs nearly 250,000 workers in U.S. warehouses. Amazon ramped up its shipping capabilities, with at least 50 of its own airplanes that can carry up to 30 containers worth of packages, 300 semi-trucks, and 20,000 Amazon vans for last-mile delivery.”
For the future, Amazon is planning on coming out with cashier-less supermarkets. According to www.cnbcnews.com, “Shoppers can walk in, scan the Amazon app on a turnstile and purchase products without waiting in a checkout line. Cameras and other sensors throughout the store monitor which items you take with you and charge you automatically when you leave.” Amazon has recently opened its first cashier-less supermarket store near its headquarters in Seattle and are soon looking to expand these stores across the nation.
Photo courtesy of www.pinterest.com
Photo courtesy of www.geekwire.com
It’s amazing how a company like Amazon, which was started in 1994 as an online marketplace for books, has turned into an online super mall. USF student and Marketing major Christopher Kelley said, “It has created a positive for adding many jobs for people to work. It’s a good thing for a household of two working adults who have kids and have
limited time. But a negative that comes from Amazon is that it takes away from many retail stores and their customer business.” Over the past couple of years, more and more stores have closed their doors. According to www.adweek.com, “As online store sales have increased exponentially, Amazon has been credited with single-handedly killing Borders, Toys R Us, Sears, J. Crew and countless other stores that have filed for bankruptcy and closed their doors for good.” Retail stores like Walmart have been able to avoid financial mismanagement and are keeping their prices low; it knows that in the long run, it can actually add to their profits and not require the hiring additional workers during holiday seasons.
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Patience is Action By: Eve Odum Staff Writer
Fast food. Google. Amazon Prime. Grocery Pickup.
Picture courtesy of pexels.com
All of these save people time while also destroying patience. Google aims to load their pages in under a half-second but recommends a two-second page load at max because “57% of people leave a page that takes longer than three seconds to load,” according to www.bluecorona.com. As Eva Bruno, a secondary English education major, pointed out, humans have been finding shortcuts to production since the 18th century during the Industrial Revolution, which means “the wait time for material things greatly lessened.” In a world with instant gratification, people have started wrongly associating patience with passivity, resignation or inhibition. But the virtue of patience does not simply mean sitting back and watching life happen. It is a state of action. It is indeed possible to move and grow while in a period of waiting. It is during this time that you can develop emotional power and, like a lion, know when to attack. Patience is choosing to stay calm and collected in the face of frustration, suffering or hardship. Multiple times in the Bible, patience is paired with endurance and perseverance. It is during suffering that you must keep your anger at bay and demonstrate patience. Occasionally, impatience can be good. It can work to motivate us to find more efficient alternatives and sometimes get to the goal faster. But the majority of the time, impatience drives us to make decisions that go against our normal sense of judgement.
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"Patience is often undervalued and overlooked, but one who is patient has great understanding" So, what does bad impatience look like? Making rash decisions. Honking your car horn in traffic. Leaving slow lines at the grocery store. Progressing a relationship to intimacy too fast. Or ending a relationship because of uncertainty of the future. A simpler way to recognize impatience is through frustration. Two key triggers are learning something that will take longer than anticipated and realizing it might cost more than expected. “When I sense that I am becoming impatient I take that as a message from the universe to slow down,” said education professor Cindy Sloan. Once you find yourself in an agitated state, there are some simple techniques to combat this. An obvious one is to take a few deep breaths. Bruno says, “I try to remind myself to just exist in whatever moment it is that I'm currently living in, and even to savor it, because at some point it will be over.” Meditation is also a fantastic technique to develop patience and fully appreciate the present moment. Sloan said that, “We could all benefit from creating space to intentionally slow down, unplug, and be more present.”
There are ways to foster patience within you before experiencing trials. Improve your time management skills. Read self-help books; USF freshman Seth Joder suggests ones on Buddhism and Taoism because they are easily applicable. Bruno sets short term goals that lead up to the larger one. If you’re feeling risky, you could practice your patience by choosing the longest line in a store, picking up a new hobby or making a trip to the DMV. Choosing to stay calm and patient in a stressful situation is empowering. Patience gives you the ability to have emotional freedom. No, it’s not easy, especially in a culture used to instant instantaneousness. That’s why it must be practiced in order for you to be happier. Patience is not procrastination, rather it is an active state that draws “inwards towards a greater wisdom” and allows you to regroup and choose how to respond, according to www.psychologytoday.com. Mastering this virtue can lead to good self-discipline and less regrets being made. When you are patient, it causes less stress because you aren’t focused so much on gratification and you’re enjoying it when you’re in the moment. You may also find yourself being more flexible with plans because when they change it won’t throw you into such a tizzy. And overall, you will have better health!
FEATURE
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Don't Settle, You're Worth
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By: Mary Mathieu Staf Writer
It.
Photo courtesy of www.quietrev.com
Being in a relationship with someone can be difficult, whether it be a family member, friend or a lover. Maintaining relationships is even harder. After spending so much time and dedication to certain relationships, we may find ourselves with few other relationships in our lives. This becomes an issue because if this main relationship in your life becomes unhealthy or stagnant, then it is difficult to let it go out of fear of being alone. It is important to value certain relationships over others; however, it is equally important to have more than one relationship. Life is about constantly finding new people to grow with. Dedicating your time and energy to one individual may be wonderful and rewarding in the moment. But when things change, the relationship may not be everything you had hoped for. Love of any kind is beautiful but it also has consequences, especially when it pertains to relationships. Therefore, it is important to choose who you invest your time, energy and love in wisely. Change is feared by most but it is inevitable. Changes in relationships can either be for better or for worse. An example of a good change in a relationship is when someone becomes engaged to the love of their life. The two partners went through the awkward dating phase together and will continue to grow together for the rest of their lives. On the contrary, if a couple has been dating for a while and one partner admits that they are not ready to settle down, this has the potential to alter or ruin the couple’s relationship. After discovering this, the relationship would be stagnant and could prevent any future growth from occurring. It is necessary to get out of this relationship, because the purpose of any relationship is to promote growth in both individuals. It is important to note that this is easier said than done. After spending so much time with someone, it is hard to break away and ignore your feelings for him or her. Feelings can be profound and often prevent us from making rational decisions even if it means we would be better off. This is the main reason relationships are complicated, for feelings are the basis of them. Humans prefer to do what is easier rather than harder and are willing to settle in stagnant relationships for this reason.
COMMENTARY
Another situation where people feel obligated to settle for the relationships they have is if they are in an abusive relationship. Being an abuse victim ruins one’s self-esteem and destroys any hope they have of making a better life for themselves. They learn to ignore any feelings of discomfort or hurt they have, because they are taught that their feelings and opinions do not matter. This constant invalidation an individual receives leads them to believe that they are not worthy of anything better. They figure that if they were to leave the toxic relationship, then they would be alone because no one else would want them. In this situation, the victim feels stuck and obligated to stay in the abusive relationship, especially if there are children involved since he or she wants to ensure the safety of their kids. This kind of relationship makes one not only feel lonely while they are in it but also after they escape it. It leads to trust issues and doubts in any future relationships they have. This reveals that relationships are very powerful and have the potential to either better an individual or destroy him or her. The choice to leave a toxic relationship is never easy and leads to feelings of isolation and fear. Therefore, it is necessary to help victims of abuse, for it can help save a life. All in all, people stay in toxic relationships because they fear that they do not deserve better. Another fear that stems out of unhealthy relationships is being alone, for these relationships tend to be so time consuming and jealousy often prevents the victims from forming any other close relationships with other people. Without these relationships, the victim not only feels stuck but also alone, since they have no one else to turn to in times of need. This is not a happy life, because we are all communal beings. Being in a relationship with one person may be nice to begin with but it does not allow us to grow and to achieve our full potential. To do so, we must be in as many relationships as possible, for each relationship we have allows us to develop our own ideas, beliefs and perspectives further. When we broaden our horizons, we not only gain a sense of who we are but recognize what is important to us. By doing so, we will form many new and amazing friendships that will make us recognize that we should not settle, because we are worth it.
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Benefits of
Influencer
Marketing By: Ashley Hare Feature Editor
Influencers are changing the way we promote business and buy products. According to www.hireinfluence.com, Millennials are more connected to influencers and brands on a regular basis, due to their heavy use of mobile devices. These influencers create trends that serve a purpose in order to be considered “cool” and enhance lives. In addition, by 2020 the influencer industry is expected to reach up to 10 million dollars. For example, social media influencers Dixie and Charli D’Amelio have risen to fame on Tik Tok for their relatable dances and lip-syncing videos. One of their Tik Tok dances to Roddy Ricch’s song “The Box '' garnered Ricch’s song to be the Billboard Hot 100 number-one song becoming his most popular song worldwide. The dance alone received 4.6 million likes, 182.4K comments, and 166.4K shares.
are changing "Influencers the way we promote
business and buy products." 28
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Picture courtesy of bustle.com
What is an influencer? With the rise and popularity of social media, an influencer is someone who uses a unique brand or one-time idea to impact an audience. There are various kinds of influencers ranging from micro-influencers, celebrity influencers, blog influencers and social media influencers. If you read my editorial column, I meet influencers frequently. Some of the biggest influencers I have met are David Dobrik, Lili Reinhart, DaBaby, Post Malone and Ariana Grande. Even if you think the influencers I support are dumb, stupid, and idiotic… I am 100% sure that you are influenced by someone. In reality, everywhere you look there is an influencer even if they aren’t “famous.” So why is it important to support and look up to these influencers?
The sisters released a statement saying “"If you told me this is what our life would look like in 2020, I would not have believed it.” Their dances have become so popular that the NBA invited them to NBA All Star Weekend to teach basketball players the moves! And they even got invited to the NFL Super Bowl game to teach more players the moves! David Dobrik, a local native to Vernon Hills, Illinois, became social media famous through the app Vine. Now with over 11.6 million followers on Instagram and 4.5 million followers on Twitter companies such as SeatGeek and Chipotle have partnered with Dobrik. According to www.sideqik.com, SeatGeek approached Dobrik with a partnership where SeatGeek would provide Dobrik with certain amounts of money in exchange for Dobrik giving a promotional speech about the benefits of using SeatGeek. Thanks to Dobrik, SeatGeek has seen a 1,500% increase in their sales since the promotion through Dobrik. In addition, in April of 2019, Chipotle partnered with Dobrik to create a burrito named after the YouTuber for National Burrito Day. Chipotle offered the limited edition burrito menu item made specifically after Dobrik’s own Chipotle order. Influencer marketing is the future and is changing the world by storm. Influencers give brands and businesses an opportunity to connect with audience members, enhance brand awareness, and boost conversions. At one point, David Dobrik and Dixie and Charli D’Amelio were regular people like us. All it takes is one post, video, or blog for your life to change. Influencers are important individuals to look up to and nobody can change my mind.
Negatives ofInfluencer Marketing By: Jalen Williams Staff Writer
Picture courtesy of jakartapost.com
days, social media "isThese nothing new and for lots of people, it is what most of their lives consist of." Every day, millions of people post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These days, social media is nothing new and for lots of people, it is what most of their lives consist of. Whether it’s Kim Kardashian posting a new photo or the President tweeting something, people from all walks of life use social media. However, not everyone gets the same amount of exposure online. Some people, like me, get a handful of likes or heart reacts when I upload a new profile picture to Facebook. For others, a new photo can get them over 10,000 likes and/or re-shares just for featuring a product or person. In my opinion, social media influencers should not be paid for posting a picture to Instagram with a branded object in it. Social media influencers are anyone on a social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) that are sponsored by a company to feature their product or brand in a post that is then shared to their page, getting brand exposure and awareness out to the world. To most college kids and young adults, this sounds like easy money. Elemental Medium, an online website about health and wellness, describes social media influencers as normal people who get a large following on social media and then are used to increase product sales. “Many influencers begin as every day, ordinary internet users but by producing content that may be based on talent or skill or on disclosures into their lifestyle, they’re able to build an audience,” says Crystal Abidin, an internet and social media researcher with Australia’s Curtin University who has studied influencers and online authenticity. “Once that audience reaches critical mass, then advertisers may work with these influencers to embed sponsored messages into their social media posts.” Social media influencers can cash in on their social media
followings, unlike most ordinary people, and the reason for that simply being that their lives aren’t exciting enough for people to pay attention. This can cause some self-worth problems as well as selfesteem issues. Social media influencers not only have the power to increase revenue and sales but also to hurt normal, everyday people who may be struggling with who they are. Forbes Magazine reported that Marie Mostad, co-founder of Inspire.Me, believes that many people are pushing for virtual realness. “Authenticity and ‘realness’ are integral to influencer marketing; it’s the reason people follow influencers that reflect their interests and aspirations (and it is based upon the same reasoning that brands call upon specific influencers for collaborations) so any steps that influencers make in this direction are bound to welcomed,” stated Mostad. Mostad’s statement brings up the point that people are drawn to these social media influencers that have interests similar to their viewers but lives drastically different from theirs due to corporate sponsorship. Social media influencers have become a new entrepreneurial opportunity for young adults in the late 2010s following the rising and prospering of social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. While being a social media influencer can mean having thousands of followers and maybe even a partnership with a company sponsorship, that doesn’t mean it comes without its shares of consequences. For most casual, ordinary people, this simply isn’t a reality due to school, work or just not being a super exciting person to follow on social media. If you don’t have over 10,000 followers on Instagram or get 100+ re-shares on Facebook, don’t worry. Most people don’t and you’re not missing out on anything. Who wants to be all over Instagram anyway?
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA 30
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SELF LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA
By: Janelle Suriaga Assistant Editor
Photos courtesy of Pexels
Self-love is defined by Merriam-Webster as the appreciation of one’s own worth and well-being. It is often a culmination of other big ideas like self-esteem, body image and mental health. The concept of self-love is relatively new; however, self-love is applicable now more than ever, especially with the advent of a new stressor: social media.
tool. “Social media definitely affects self-esteem because people are constantly comparing them and their lives to others around them. When you’re constantly comparing, you can feel inadequate”, Mastandrea stated. Social media has the ability to make its users feel left out and not good enough based on a single picture or video or the number of likes something has.
Most social media platforms have a similar format: people post pictures or videos, other people engage with those posts, and some people even decide to become friends or followers based on what you post. The problem lies therein in how people become affected by this cycle of behavior. According to Medical News Today, a 2018 study from York University found that females who interacted with more attractive peers on social media felt worse about their appearance than if they interacted with family members, even when all those interactions were on the same platform.
This way of thinking is problematic because the content on social media isn’t representative of real-life. Let’s say that you look at the Instagram Explore page for at least ten more minutes. You’ll find that many people have articulate profiles, faces free of zits and scars (due to Facetune, a selfie-editing app) and short videos showing how amazing their lives are. This simply isn’t real; life is messy, normal people have skin problems and those videos often don’t show daily struggles. Social media allows people to show the best representations of themselves, not the most accurate ones. The idea that you have to present yourself as a nicely-contrived package places pressure on individuals who engage on the platform, especially among younger users who are struggling to make sense of their own identity.
This isn’t much of a surprise; one quick glance at the Instagram Explore feed and you’ll see all sorts of attractive people having the time of their lives. You might even compare yourself to them at some point. Hanah Mastandrea, a USF biology major, is familiar with the concept of social media used as a comparison
COMMENTARY
In late 2019, Instagram introduced a controversial test option for its platform— it would be hiding the total amount of ‘likes’ from individual posts. A big move, especially since likes are central to the Instagram experience. According to a New York Times article, Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri stated that he wanted to “depressurize the app” and make it less toxic for the average user. It was a way of addressing the growing concerns from Instagram users, and social media users in general, about the effects on an individual’s self-image. Despite this option, I don’t think that this will totally get rid of the problem. Hiding likes won’t necessarily change the content. Constant exposure to altered images and curated life stories is the psychological root of this issue; if we don’t address why people feel the need to do such things, then social media platforms will continue to be a pressure-filled environment that prevents users from appreciating who they truly are.
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