The Cistercian Informer Volume 52 | Issue 4 | December 2020 www.CistercianInformer.com In This Issue Meet Mr. Lewis

Ayden Kowalski, ‘21, who strikes again with a stellar interview.

Cistercian welcomed sev- eral new teachers this past year, among them Mr. Lewis, who

Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From IN NEST: Digital Music Club teaches Latin and Music in Middle School. The Informer sat down with Another Cistercian club enters the fold! him to learn a little bit of his story and to hear his unique voice in a special performance.

So, what brought you to Cister- cian?

I’ve known about Cistercian for a long time. I was a student at the University of Dallas, graduating

Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From IN EDITORIALS: A Conservative in ‘07. And I was a retreat house SCOTUS guide at Cistercian, on the premises At University of Dallas, I majored in Two differing views on a divisive issue cooking breakfast for the monks Photo From Mr. Lewis English, concentrating in Latin, so it and answering the phones for them. comes in handy now teaching Latin ensemble Collegium Cantorum and So, I’ve known them for many years; at Cistercian. But I got my master’s also in the Schola Cantorum under Father Paul reached out to me last in sacred music choral conducting Father Ralph March at Cistercian. autumn when he found out that at the Catholic University of Amer- And especially in those two venues, the long-standing music teacher ica. I really came to know the beauty would be leaving, and he asked me and richness of the sacred music if I would be interested in the job, What drew you to specifically sa- compendium in church. which I obviously was. cred music? What drew you to Latin instead of

Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From IN NEWS: Election Fraud? Did you major in music at Univer- I always loved it. At the University English? sity of Dallas? Proof still not found of Dallas, I sang in the polyphonic Continued on Page 2 A Conservative SCOTUS? Opinion: Bad for the USA weren’t threatening to unleash hell Saish Satyal, ‘21. still stuns me to this day. STAFF WRITERS Apart from the disappoint- Saish Satyal, Ayden Kowalski, Max- IN SPORTS: USMNT Status ing actions of the Democrats, the Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From In 2017, President Donald well Vaughan, Tarun Senthil Kumar The future of American national soccer is question we must now turn to is Trump appointed Neil Gorsuch looking up the way the Court rules on certain to the Supreme Court to replace SECTION EDITORS issues. We’ve all heard of Citizens Antonin Scalia. In 2018, he ap- Nest: Saish Satyal United v. FEC, in which the conser- pointed Brett Kavanaugh to replace News: Mateo Ramirez vative Roberts SCOTUS ruled in a Anthony Kennedy. Finally in 2020, Arts: Alex Smith 5-4 majority that Citizens United, he appointed Amy Coney Barrett Sports: Chase Frutos an independent conservative entity, to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Middle School: Tarun S. Kumar was allowed to air a movie criti- Before I begin on my views of the Editorials: Mateo Ramirez cizing Hillary Clinton close to the conservative Court, I must tip my presidential primaries. While this hat to the Democrats in the Sen- PRODUCTION particular instance may seem con- IN MIDDLE SCHOOL: Fixing the ate—I’m not quite sure I’ve ever seen Layout: Mateo Ramirez stitutionally sound, the results have

Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From Cowboys a group of people so good at being Digital: Ayden Kowalski been disastrous for democracy. It Yes, it’s possible walked all over. The fact that Mer- Pictures: Mateo Ramirez now allows for corporations and the rick Garland was blocked in 2016 Faculty Sponsors: Mr. Laurange, ultra-wealthy to finance political ac- and Amy Coney Barrett was pushed Br. Matthew tion committees (PACs) which can through in 2020 doesn’t have them then spend a ton of money for can- out for blood is baffling. They just EDITOR-IN-CHIEF didates, whether it involves donating let it happen. Merrick Garland was Alex Smith directly to them or talking about blocked because it was an “election “the issues.” If a PAC does not do- year” and the president should (in OTHER CONTRIBUTORS nate directly to, or coordinate with, theory) not appoint a Justice in Dominic Andrews, Coby Scrudder, a specific candidate or party, they that year. Yet ACB was confirmed Leo Ontiveros, Dylan Kowalski, can then raise unlimited amounts of IN ARTS: Art in Quarantine in October of 2020, while ballots Drake Manos, Mr. Lewis money from whomever they want. were actively being sent in during a Photo From Creative CommonsPhoto Creative From The brilliance of artists in isolation general election. The fact that they Continued on Page 3 Page 2 Nest The Informer Meet Mr. Lewis (Cont’d)

All along, I had enjoyed Latin ever You’ve actually sung for those of us Exactly. And since I was young and studying here. in the Renaissance senior seminar. this can maybe And then at the University of Dallas, So what drew you specifically to happen in the so- I was taking Latin for my language polyphonic Renaissance music? prano voice and before realizing that if I just took then be echoed three upper level courses, I could Collegium Cantorum, going back to in the bass voice, concentrate in it, which was to my those days at undergrad at the Uni- for instance. But advantage later on when I got to versity of Dallas was very pivotal, I like that in- teach Latin. as has been singing in the ensemble terplay and the Chantry, an early music ensemble connectivity that You majored in English with a in Washington, D.C., which special- it engenders, in Photo From Mr. Lewis Latin concentration; did you only izes in Gregorian chant and sacred a more polyphonic structure rather

read Latin or did you read the Lat- polyphony. than homophony, which is sort of My favorite part of teaching music is in with a separate English transla- the vertical composition that we experiencing the joy and camarade- tion? As a deep student of Renaissance commonly hear today. rie that making music affords. music, is there anything from

I have an English class and separate- Renaissance music that you think You liked the ability that polyph- Are there any songs you’d be will- ly from the Latin one, because the should be a little more prevalent in ony has to allow for interplay ing to sing for us today? Latin ones are in the original text. popular music today? between a great number of voices

And a concentration at the Univer- and the unique constructions that I can sing the opening phrase from sity of Dallas is sort of like saying a Ooh, that’s a good question. Actu- offers, instead of just having one Nessun Dorma, which is a very minor. ally, I keep talking with my music melody and everything else is the popular tenor aria from the operatic appreciation class about imitative harmony or just support? world. What is your favorite part of teach- counterpoint, where a subject will

ing Latin? happen in one voice and then be Absolutely correct. So they have a [The fantastic clip of Mr. Lewis sing- echoed in another one. So, I think lot of autonomy while still combin- ing is on the Informer website. Check My favorite part of teaching Latin is I’d like to hear that more often. ing in intervals. It allows for a great- it out!] experiencing the enthusiasm of the er complexity and depth in each of

students in the classroom as they When you say subject, you mean the songs we listen to. This interview has been edited for make connections and discoveries like a musical phrase, like a se- clarity and flow. in the language. quence of notes? What is your favorite part of teach- ing music? New Digital Music Club

I found myself to my delight, he gladly became the be able to create their own music. stuck at home, club sponsor. We were able to bring We will be sharing our projects with and I eventually the club to Mr. Novinski for approv- each other, commenting on them, discovered music al, and I was able to prepare an an- and asking questions to the present- production soft- nouncement for the Freshman class. er about how they were able to do a ware, also known I recruited Ayden Kowalski, a fellow particular thing in their song. While as DAWs (Digital music producer, as my co-founder, this year is limiting, I would love for Audio Workspac- and we gave our presentation to the the members of our club to even- es). I was already new members of the Upper School. tually be able to play their music familiar with The rest is history. for a crowd. When things return to Photo From Creative Commons GarageBand, but I knew I was not the only normal, I’d love for a few of our guys those higher end programs, such as one who wanted to master how to to participate in Coffeehouse, the FL Studio, were on a whole new lev- produce music. There are a lot of Spring Talent Show, or even at ISAS. Leo Ontiveros, ‘22, who wants to el. After hours of tinkering around people who share my love for music We’re the Digital Music Production share his love of music with all. and teaching myself the various and I’m sure they want to learn new club, we can’t produce music with- shortcuts of the DAWs, I became music producing software; I’m sure out an audience! I know that if our Hans Zimmer, Toby Fox, skilled at handling the software by that a few of them have used music members are able to display their Kanye West —what do they all have the start of the school year. programs before as well. Mr. Nied is performances, we will be one of the in common? They love music. Be- One day during English doing a fantastic thing for the school greatest clubs ever at Cistercian. If cause of their love, they are regarded class, Mr. Nied told us that his and will be showing us how to use anyone is interested, please do not as some of the best composers of son, Mr. Joseph Nied, was a sound FL Studio, the program he used in hesitate to join. You don’t have to the 21st century. While I do not designer, and he said that he was his own club. FL Studio is not only know music theory to be a part of consider myself among their ranks working here at Cistercian. When a great beginner program, but it is the DMP club, all you need is a will- in terms of skill and fame, I would the senior Mr. Nied casually asked also a good challenge for veteran ingness to learn and produce music. claim that my passion for music if anyone was interested in sound producers. If they’re interested, any- Just contact me, Leo Ontiveros, class rivals theirs. In an effort to share design, a light bulb blinked on over one that joins the club will become of 2022, at my Cistercian email if my passion with others, I decided to my head. The next day, I went over an FL Studio professional. you would like to join; we’ll be hap- start the Digital Music Production to junior Mr. Nied’s office and pre- However, this club is not just py to have you! club at Cistercian. sented him with the idea of a sound for learning the music software; we Not only do I love music, design club. Funnily enough, he are also heavily dependent on proj- I’ve also been creating my own mu- had formed a club just like this one ects. Each member, when he is fa- sical compositions for a few years. when he was at Cistercian as well; miliarized with the software, should This summer, thanks to COVID, Page 3 Editorials The Informer Opinion: Bad (Cont’d)

These are called Super PACs, and it was outdated. Essentially, the which was passed they should scare you. One only conservative bloc argued that these in 2019. It’s been needs to look at the amount of mon- states had been good for 40 years introduced by ey being spent on recent elections and the fact that they already had a Democrats in to determine that Citizens United v. history of voter discrimination was the Senate and is FEC has been terrible for the Amer- not enough. The dissenting opinion, sitting on Mitch ican public. While this could be written by the late Ruth Bader Gins- McConnell’s an indictment of the SCOTUS as a burg, provided the perfect analogy desk, ready for a whole, the liberal in me is inclined when it stated that this argument vote. to point out the fact that the liberal was tantamount to “throwing away Dominic bloc on the Court voted against Cit- your umbrella in a rainstorm be- Andrews (‘21) Photo From Creative Commons izens United, possibly because they cause you are not getting wet.” argues that originalism, a principle himself argued in his Federalist #1, foresaw the dangerous precedent Perhaps the reason that these states often touted by conservatives, is the we need a vigorous and energetic of ultra-wealthy entities being able had not been discriminatory against best approach to the Constitution. government to protect our liberties. to do whatever they wanted in the minority voters since 1960 was be- He makes a fair argument and you In this terrifying world, the original- realm of politics. cause it was illegal to do so? I would should read his article. However, ist principle of limited government Turning away from Citi- love to point the conservative bloc originalism sticks to the vision of cannot protect our liberties from zens United, we’re going to move towards the 2018 elections in Geor- the Constitution and of our govern- malicious entities. The Constitu- to something that should be taking gia, in which the Secretary of State ment that the Founding Fathers had. tion, meant to limit the power of a more of a front seat, especially in (Brian Kemp, also the current gov- They decided that the principle of tyrannical government, allows for light of the election: Shelby County ernor) purged 700k voters from the limited government was best, since the shadow government that spies v. Holder. Essentially, the SCOTUS rolls in 2017 alone after purging a government was the biggest threat on its own citizens, but it apparently ruled part of the Voting Rights Act total of 1.4 million voters from 2012 to the rights of the people in 1789. cannot protect the voting rights of of 1965 unconstitutional because of to 2018. Of course, the entire state of While they wrote the Constitution its own citizens. In short, it’s time to a formula it held in which areas with Georgia was covered as “discrimina- as a living, breathing document review what it means to be strict in histories of voter discrimination tory” under Section 5, the very part because they knew the world would adherence to that document. would be subject to federal oversight of the act they repealed. To be fair, change, they did not foresee how if they attempted to change voting they left the road open for Congress quickly that would happen. The 20th *The views expressed within this procedures. The conservative Court in 2013 to pass a new Voting Rights century began with the invention of article are those of the author and not ruled, once again in a 5-4 majority, Act using a more updated formula. radio and ended with thermonucle- necessarily those of Cistercian or The that this section of the Voting Rights At the moment, the current House ar bombs and an International Space Cistercian Informer.* Act was unconstitutional because has an updated version of the Act Station. As Alexander Hamilton A Conservative SCOTUS? Opinion: Good for the USA ing the Ameri- of any given case. A justices’ job is in which the Constitution can be le- can people the to conserve the Constitution in its gally amended, instead of simply in- promise of equal original intent, no matter on which terpreted in a different way. In short, justice under “side” the ruling happens to fall a living Constitution would only law and, thereby, when considered from this angle. be necessary if there was no way also functions Yet why should we interpret to change the actual Constitution. as guardian and the Constitution in such a way? The Originalists, therefore, by definition interpreter of basis of originalism presupposes try their best to not inject their own the Constitu- that the original framers (and the personal values into a ruling. For- Photo From Creative Commons tion.” Their role Reconstruction framers) got it, in mer Justice Scalia, for example, was is to protect the American people essence, right. Not only that, but opposed to flag burning yet voted by guarding the Constitution. The the framers themselves made it with the majority in Texas v. Johnson Dominic Andrews, ‘21. Constitution is not a set of laws for very clear that originalism was the that allowed citizens, under their the American people. The Consti- best way to interpret the Consti- First Amendment right, to burn the The question “What does it tution is the law that governs those tution which they themselves had flag. mean to be a conservative Supreme who govern us. The Constitution written. To quote the author of the The original meaning of the Court justice?” is misguided. The was established to protect our rights Constitution, James Madison: “In words can also be applied to new reason for this is that those justices as Americans. The Supreme Court, the exposition of laws, and even of meanings and new developments. appointed by Republican presidents therefore, plays an important role Constitutions, how many important Take, for example, the First Amend- view their job as removed from their in protecting those rights. This errors may be produced by mere ment. The First Amendment holds own personal beliefs. Thus, being a poses the question: how should one innovations in the use of words that freedom of speech should not liberal or conservative has nothing interpret the words of the Constitu- and phrases, if not controlled by a be prohibited. Taken originally, the to do with their rulings. To under- tion? Those “conservative,” Republi- recurrence to the original and au- First Amendment protected speech. stand where they are coming from can-appointed justices would claim thentic meaning attached to them!” This can and should be applied to requires us to look at what it truly that originalism is the best way to The Constitution is supposed to be speech on the internet. Though the means to be a justice. interpret the Constitution. Origi- a long-lasting, enduring document internet was not what the founders What is the role of the Su- nalism is the idea that we should that got things mostly right. That in had in mind, originalism, nonethe- preme Court? According to the Su- interpret the Constitution based on no way means that the Constitution less, can meet these challenges. preme Court website, the Supreme its original meaning. Justice Gor- cannot be subject to change. Rather, Is originalism merely a Con- Court is “the final arbiter of the law, such explains that originalism deals in section five of the Constitution, servative Ploy to control the coun- with the process, not the substance the framers clearly lay out the way the Court is charged with ensur- Continued on Page 4 Page 4 Editorials &NewsThe Informer Opinion: Good (Cont’d) try? No. If it really was a Conserva- thought that times had changed, energetic? Per- tive ploy, then abortion would have but maybe they were too optimistic. haps it is, but already been outlawed. Originalist The point, however, is that measures in any case we opposition to Roe v. Wade stems such as Section 4(b) and 5 should should be wary of not on morality, but on the actual only be used in emergency circum- concentrating too constitutionality of the decision. stances, and not fall into frequent or much power into Originalists want to return to what natural use. In fact, in South Caro- the government. the Constitution says, and therefore lina v. Katzenbach (1966) the court He even points laws, such as abortion, should be ruled that Section 5 was a valid out in his arti- left to the democratic and legislative use of the Fifteenth Amendment, cle that the US process, instead of in the hands of reasoning that only under extreme government spies Photo From Creative Commons nine unelected justices. cases of racial discrimination and on its citizens, and argues that the made a return to our founding doc- To know why and how the clear inadequacy of case-by-case Constitution allows for that. How- uments, the rights and liberties of originalists make their conclusions litigation to stop the discrimination ever, that is categorically false. The every American would be ensured. can, at times, be difficult. My easiest could justify the use of Section 5, Fourth Amendment clearly prohib- defense is saying that these cases and thus allow it to stay in effect. its the government from doing such *The views expressed within this aren’t as black and white as some The question, however, is whether things. If we returned to the Consti- article are those of the author and not would portray, and to paint them or not those same provisions should tution, our liberties would thus be necessarily those of Cistercian or The as wholly evil or wrong would be ultimately stay in effect. better preserved than they are today. Cistercian Informer.* contrary to the reality of the situa- Saish also quotes Federalist Also, not ensuring voting rights is tion. One case that Saish Satyal (‘21) #1 about the necessity of a vigor- also a violation of the Constitution. brings up is Shelby County v. Holder ous and energetic government to originalism, therefore, seeking to (2013) in which the Supreme Court ensure our liberties. I would ask, defend the Constitution, should be ruled that section 4(b) of the Voting what does a vigorous and energetic seen as better to the alternatives Rights Act was unconstitutional, government exactly entail? For the which allow for such potential which virtually nullified Section 5 of Founders, it clearly meant a limited government power. Originalists, the act at the same time. The major- government. If Hamilton did not with their limited knowledge and ity opinion, written by Chief Justice believe that the Constitution would foresight, may not correctly defend Roberts, argued that the 40-year-old allow for a vigorous government, the Constitution, but the reality formula, which had not changed then he would have advocated for remains that such cases would be in at all, should not apply to today’s it so strongly, or even at all. Now, is conflict with originalism in the first standards. Perhaps the originalists today’s government vigorous and place. Originalists may fail, but if we Tension in France

Muslim nations, Nice openly supported the protests, priate to oppress religion just be- who in turn claiming, “We’re at war, against an cause it opposes secularism? France boycotted French enemy both inside and outside.” also has laws preventing discrim- goods, gaining These attacks, especially the one on ination against someone’s race or the attention of Charlie Hebdo, led to massive pro- religion, but many officials seem to the rest of the tests throughout France, in which have turned a blind eye to it. world. protesters held signs that said “Je As French politician Clé- But French Suis Charlie” or “I am Charlie.” mentine Autain puts it, the debate officials looked The republication of the over terrorism and secularism “is at this issue as a pictures also caused massive op- dominated by emotion and is no Photo From Creative Commons terrorist attack, position, especially after French longer rational.” Both sides are and not only allowed those carica- President Emmanuel Macron gave becoming more and more radical Aidan Smith, ‘24, who sees France in tures to be republished, but some a powerful speech explaining that on the issue, and she claims French religious turmoil. went further - including a few who he would do what he could to crack officials are using it as a way to announced they would distribute down on “Islamism.” This proved to “ostracize Muslims.” On the other Earlier this year in October, booklets containing those carica- have a negative effect and changed end, Muslims are using it as a way to a teacher in a suburb of Paris was tures to high school students. These the perspective of many people protest France’s opposition to reli- decapitated by a Muslim refugee moves, however, only proved to who used to support that cause. gion and oppression of people who for showing his students a cartoon. make matters worse, having turned In response to the speech, Anne violate their meaning of “freedom The same cartoon was shown in France’s people against each other. Giudicelli, a French expert on the of expression.” But really, what does an article five years earlier by the Many countries, including Arab world, claimed, “The publi- “freedom of expression” mean? Both French newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the U.S., have even advised France cation and republication are not sides have their own meaning of it, where 12 people were murdered against going further. Not long after the same thing.” Also, in response causing this issue to escalate to what by two Muslims shortly after it was the beheading in Paris, three more to the speech, a Muslim murdered it is today. published. Why? Because they de- people were killed by a Muslim im- two people protesting outside the Currently, 14 people ac- picted Muhammed, the founder of migrant from Tunisia, this time in Charlie Hebdo offices and another cused of helping the Charlie Hebdo Islam, often disrespectfully, which in the main Basilica of the French city murdered another teacher showing murderers are being tried in court, itself is considered highly blasphe- of Nice. Shortly after, what began depictions of Muhammed, including which started on September 2nd of mous to most Muslims. Shortly after as a gathering of 50 people mourn- one showing him naked on all fours. this year. This issue, clearly, is far Charlie Hebdo published it, France ing for the loss of the dead turned Freedom of expression has from over. was forced to temporarily close over into a full-scale protest that blamed steadily become a pillar of France’s 20 embassies and schools in many Islam for the attack. The mayor of secularism, or laïcité. But is it appro- Page 5 News The Informer Election Fraud?

two Republican Senators from Trump will Coby Scrudder, ‘21, who has done a Georgia, currently seeking reelec- request a recount thorough examination. tion themselves, called for the in the coming resignation of the Georgia Secretary days. While it of State over his alleged mishandling does not appear [Please note that some of the content of the election, with no evidence to that any lawsuits mentioned in this article has already back up said claim. Georgia is have been raised, been addressed or resolved!] having a manual recount done and many Republi- When looking at the 2020 the results of that will be known by cans are calling Presidential Election and analyzing November 20th. foul play for a it for fraud, there is not currently a MICHIGAN: With Biden variety of rea- Photo From Creative Commons lot of evidence in support of it, leading by a slim margin of 0.65%, sons, ranging from an error in the precinct, as a precinct becomes which makes having an unbiased the Trump campaign has raised AP vote recording that gave Trump more Republican, more and more take on it difficult. In order to try to many suits in Michigan. They sued over 19,000 extra votes for a mo- people stray from party line and do achieve that in this article, I will be early on to stop the vote count and ment before taking them away, to a not vote for Trump. This happens at referencing reputable news sources, to stop the certification of the state law that was changed in June a linear rate and he claims that this primary sources, and court hearings results, both of which have been that changed how long a voter had must be because of a weighted ballot and will not be making my own denied due to a lack of evidence. to live in their current residence feature that many of these voting conclusions on anything. This article However, the Trump team has raised before voting (from 10 to 28 days). machines must include because one is solely to put the evidence before even more suits, claiming that there Outside of these legal chal- voting machine back in 2001 had everyone to let you make an opinion was bias among the poll workers lenges there have been a couple of this feature. He claims that this based on what we know at the who they claim were wearing Black theories about the election fraud means that over 138,000 ballots moment, which will change in the Lives Matter masks and were rolling that have gained traction recently, were stolen from Trump. While this future. In this article, I will talk their eyes when people voted especially given their backing in seems like it may be a sound argu- about the many lawsuits that have Trump. These cases have not had seemingly sound math. The first is ment, many people have problems been raised by the Trump campaign, hearings scheduled and there has the Benford’s Law idea. with this argument. First, these among others, as well as presenting been no evidence so far that these Benford’s Law is an idea voting machines have weighted the facts on some of the popular actions led to a change in the vote from statistics that if you find the ballot features (where, for example, theories that are going around. With totals. leading digit of a set of numbers a single vote could count for two that being said, let us begin. NEVADA: This state, where spread over multiple orders of votes) so that they can be used at November 3rd was an Biden leads by 0.75%, has been sued magnitude, then the leading digit shareholder meetings, where this election for the history books. We by the Trump team many times. will be “1” almost 33% of the time, feature is necessary. Another argu- all knew that it would last far be- They have wanted to stop processing “2” around 18% of the time, “3” ment against Dr. Shiva is that his yond election day and that there mail-in ballots, stop using an optical about 12% of the time, and so forth. hypotheses that we should expect a would be many lawsuits after it. And scanner to verify signatures, and A popular right-wing article claimed constant relationship between that is what we are facing right now. slow down the vote counting in to have evidence that when counting party-line Republican voters and As it stands, the AP has called the Clark County as a result of “irregu- the votes for Michigan precincts, Trump voters is wrong. An argu- race in favor of Biden. If these larities.” However, the Trump Trump’s data perfectly matches ment against this is that, given how results stand, regardless of the vote campaign has found some success Benford’s law, whereas Biden’s does divisive Trump has been, Republi- in states such as GA or NC, Biden here, successfully petitioning to add not, so therefore there is fraud. cans have a higher probability than would be our next president. How- more observers to Clark County, but There are many problems with this. normal to not vote for him, so as a ever, the question on everyone’s ultimately changing no votes. First, in this article, we can see that precinct becomes more Republican, mind is “Will these votes stand?” PENNSYLVANIA: Another the author uses different data sets more people would defect and not Sadly, this seems to have become a close race where Biden leads by only for his analysis of Trump (616 data vote for him. However, it seems that partisan issue recently, and the 0.83%, the Trump campaign has points) and Biden (630 data points). for now, no evidence has come out Trump campaign has levied lawsuits filed at least 15 legal challenges. The We also do not know if this data is to support Dr. Shiva’s claim, al- in six states to try to prove that the most important of these revolve sufficiently spread out enough for though there could be some in the elections were fraudulent. Let’s around the issue of when the mail- Benford’s Law to apply. However, future. examine these by state. in ballot deadline is. This was there is an even greater problem. In conclusion, this election ARIZONA: While Biden extended to November 6th by the Benford’s Law cannot be used to has played out similarly to how currently leads Arizona by a margin Pennsylvania Supreme Court and detect election fraud. To quote from everyone thought it would. Trump of 0.32%, the Trump campaign is the Trump team is challenging this a 2011 article titled “Benford’s Law has continued his accusations that suing, currently seeking the manual in court. The campaign recently won and the Detection of Election the election is fraudulent and has inspection of ballots that it claims a small victory in disqualifying Fraud” written by professors at the been throwing the book at every were mishandled by poll workers. first-time mail in ballots where the University of Oregon and the state that he thinks could flip. Many This lawsuit is currently waiting to ID was confirmed after November California Institute of Technology, conspiracy theories have popped up be heard, but the Secretary of State 9th, but it is unknown how many “Its ‘success rate’ either way is online supporting his claims that the of Arizona believes that it will be ballots this will disqualify. Another essentially equivalent to a toss of a election was fraudulent. Given the dismissed like a similar lawsuit over pending lawsuit includes one trying coin, thereby rendering it problem- evidence that we have now, it ap- the use of sharpies to mark ballots. to stop the certification of results atical at best as a forensic tool and pears that it is not. However, any- GEORGIA: Georgia has because of fraud, but the lawsuit wholly misleading at worst.” thing could happen, and Trump become an unlikely battleground as itself did not have any evidence The second theory that has keeps claiming that he has more Biden only leads by a margin of within it. Even if these lawsuits do gained traction recently comes from evidence. Yet as of right now, we 0.28%. The Trump campaign has get ruled in Trump’s favor, it is not a video by Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai, who don’t know what that evidence is, so had one lawsuit dismissed after no predicted that this will change the is running for Senate as a Republi- all I can leave you with is the fact evidence was found to back their race as it is estimated that only can in Massachusetts and has a PhD that this election is far from over claim that ballots received after the 10,000 ballots may be affected, and in biological engineering from MIT. and will be one of the most interest- deadline of 7pm were mixed in with Trump is losing by over 50,000. In his video, he claims that by ing of our lifetimes. legitimate ballots from before the WISCONSIN: With Biden analyzing the results of multiple deadline. In response to this, the leading by 0.63%, it is expected that Michigan counties by individual Page 6 Sports The Informer A Bad MVP Choice

quee matchups are in the Playoffs, who shares the Tarun Senthil-Kumar, ‘23, who not the regular season. The best ball with Antho- thinks the award needs redefining. players miss regular season games ny Davis. Also, due to “load management,” and PER is calculated touch the ball more in the Playoffs, on a per-minute The NBA’s MVP award is the shedding an even brighter spotlight basis. It recogniz- most coveted individual achieve- on the true MVP. Giannis was elim- es garbage time ment a player can receive. Voted inated by the Heat 4-1 in the semifi- just as much as on by media members, the award nals this year while LeBron won the the last minute considers many factors, however, championship and Finals MVP. LeB- of the Finals. some of these have come into ques- ron beats Giannis in Playoff value. Analysts value Photo From Creative Commons tion. The 2020 MVP race epito- Most of these media “ex- the wrong stats and should consider award. Though this factor means mized these problems tarnishing perts” decide their vote solely based impact stats such as plus-minus, less than the others, neither of the the award’s value. Giannis Antetok- upon a player’s stats, relating them which LeBron led in, rather than candidates benefit from this factor ounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks to his value to the team, which contextless season averages. Though more than the other. ran away with MVP, earning 85 first abides by the award’s definition. this factor is oversold, LeBron beats With how the MVP is voted place votes, while LeBron James Analysts refer to the league’s most Giannis statistically. on and what it stands for nowadays, of the Los Angeles Lakers finished popular stat, PER, or Player Efficien- The narrative is the most the award does not matter. If a play- second with only 16 first place votes. cy Rating, which measures the over- unique factor of every MVP’s sea- er plays well in the regular season, Perhaps the most controver- all contribution a player makes. This son. Controlled by the community, puts up the correct stats, and con- sial aspect of the award, the MVP season, Giannis averaged the highest it considers random storylines. trols a favorable narrative, he will only accounts for the regular season, PER in NBA history, and the media Derrick Rose won because he chal- win the MVP. If the NBA wants the neglecting the season’s summit: the rushed to award him for it. PER is lenged the Heat Big Three. Steph award to matter again, they need to Playoffs. Over 50% of teams make calculated via a complex formula Curry won because he revolution- prioritize Playoff success first, stats the Playoffs, so performing well in that takes a player’s season averag- ized how the game was played. Rus- second, and narrative third. This the regular season should not be the es into consideration, however, it sell Westbrook won as a 7th seed be- year, for example, LeBron James award’s foundation. The disparity possesses glaring flaws. It overvalues cause of Kevin Durant’s departure. should have won the MVP, not of competition between the East rebounds, allowing big men like Observing these three MVP seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo. In conclu- and West is embarrassing. Despite Giannis to have higher PERs than the narrative changed, and with it, sion, the MVP award considers the enduring a tougher conference guards, and volume players, em- so did the criteria for winning MVP. correct factors but wrongly priori- and schedule, LeBron’s Lakers only powering Giannis, who lacks a true Additionally, the narrative generates tizes them, and the award has ended finished 4 games behind Giannis’s second star, while slighting LeBron, voter fatigue once a player wins the Bucks. Furthermore, the real mar- up in the wrong hands in 2020. USMNT Status

not made an ap- He is a workhorse who likes to cover teenagers are doing. Konrad, just 19, pearance for the a lot of ground, is very athletic, is finally a full-fledged member of national team), and is a good passer. Unfortunate- the Barcelona first team this season. and twelve are 20 ly, though, his acceptance of this Although he is yet to make an ap- years of age or call-up does not make him perma- pearance, he impressed in preseason younger. So, we nently American. Since these games and has made several appearances could be getting are only friendlies, he can make a on the bench. The young winger a glimpse here at one-time switch to another national could help bolster our attack for America’s future team that he is eligible for. England years to come. stars and the po- is playing in the European Champi- These friendlies will also Photo From Creative Commons tential squads for onships this summer, and I fear that serve as a chance for Berhalter to the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Nat- a call-up would easily sway him to figure out who fits in the vacant urally, this warrants a breakdown. joining England. If he stays with the striker position. I hope from the Maxwell Vaughan, ‘21, who sees The most interesting play- USMNT, however, he has the prom- bottom of my heart that the days of great potential. er in this 24-man roster is Yunus ise to play a key role in the next two Jozy Altidore, Jordan Morris, and Musah. The 17-year-old, New York World Cups. Gyasi Zardes are over, or at least I The United States Men’s Na- native grew up in Italy and En- As I mentioned earlier, ten hope they will be by the 2022 World tional team has not played a game gland, where he shined in Arsenal’s players on this roster (at the time of Cup. Regardless, Berhalter needs to since February 1st. Yet on Thursday, Youth Teams. He is eligible to play writing this) are uncapped. Thus, find a reliable number 9. Josh Sar- November 12, The Yanks were back for Ghana, Italy, England, and the we are getting our first look at some gent of Werder Bremen seems like in action versus Wales. This time United States. The fact that Musah exciting prospects like Gio Reyna the best candidate, but his club de- around, there is a lot to be excited chose the United States (for right and Konrad de la Fuente. Reyna has clined to release him for the friend- about for these friendlies. Due to now) over two prestigious teams been on fire for Borussia Dortmund, lies due to their COVID-19 policies. travel restrictions on MLS players like Italy and England is evidence becoming the youngest player in So, Berhalter called up 20-year-old (because their playoffs are coming of the promise and allure that the Bundesliga history to have three strikers Sebastian Soto (Telstar) and up), the squad that Gregg Berhal- USMNT has. Musah plays his club assists in a game. He has been vital Nicholas Gioacchini (Caen). They ter called up is made up of a much football for Valencia in Spain, and in Dortmund’s attack, creating a are both young, raw, and unproven, younger, mostly European-based has impressed in his first appearanc- great partnership with young Dan- but they have a chance to show the group of players. In fact, the latest es for Los Murcielagos, becoming ish striker Erling Haaland. Reyna manager what they can do. All in all, roster is the youngest roster (21 the youngest non-Spanish player to has the potential to be the best ever this is easily the most exciting and years, 300 days) of any top-150 score for them. He can play either as American player. He is doing things promising group of players that the ranked country. Among the players a winger or a box-to-box midfielder. on the pitch that very few other United States has ever fielded. called up, ten are uncapped (have Page 7 Middle School The Informer Fixing the Cowboys

than four games. Missing the play- plays to alleviate Dylan Kowalski & Drake Manos, ‘26, offs, they will get a top pick in the Prescott’s burden. who see issues. draft. Firing McCarthy The Cowboys have many is unfair as well possibilities in the draft and offsea- because of all the The Dallas Cowboys are one son. They have 27 expiring contracts roster’s injury set- of the most beloved sports teams. to address including Dak Prescott’s. backs. Jerry Jones Five-time champions, they have a To evaluate Prescott, they should himself has stated decorated history, however, in the franchise tag him for another year multiple times past 25 years, the Cowboys have and let him prove his worth. With that McCarthy failed to reach an NFC champion- Dallas’s current woes, his value has will return, so it Photo From Creative Commons ship game. This season, quarterback gone up. Next, they should trade should be considered set in stone. bevy of assets. It would be foolish Dak Prescott, who led the league in Ezekiel Elliot to a team that needs a In this upcoming draft, the for Jerry to draft a quarterback and passing yards, suffered a season end- RB like the Arizona Cardinals, who Dallas Cowboys will have a vari- keep him when Prescott will return ing ankle injury. Not only have the could take on Zeke’s heavy salary ety of options. The most popular next season as a seasoned veteran Cowboys lost some tough games, and return 1st and 2nd round picks among fans, Option One is to select and proven leader. Also, Dallas but they were also crushed by their along with a defensive back. This a quarterback like Trevor Lawrence needs to inject life into its once- divisional rivals. Though 2 - 7 is one allows for the Cowboys to draft a RB or Justin Fields. Option Two is to great offensive line via the draft to of the worst starts they have ever whose rookie salary helps the salary trade Ezekiel Elliot for a lineman or aid the injury-prone Tyron Smith, had, there is a solution. cap. Turning to the coaching staff, linebacker and some picks on draft Zach Martin, and La’el Collins. Last- The Cowboys are a complete Dallas must fire Mike Nolan. His de- night. A guard like Quenton Nelson ly, having missed out Jamal Adams mess on both sides of the ball. Since fense prior to this year was ranked at from the Colts or a pick from the this year, they could also reshape the Dak’s injury, the Cowboys have the bottom of the league (2014 At- Cardinals would be ideal. The most defense with a trade from a top QB already featured three quarterbacks. lanta Falcons). McCarthy only hired likely one, Option Three is to trade pick. In the event that the Cowboys Except for the wide receivers, the of- him because of their friendship. Of- all assets for multiple first round- do not draft a top QB, they should fense has been disappointing. With fensive Coordinator Kellen Moore, ers, just as the Raiders did with select a defensive back in the first injuries to the line, Ezekiel Elliot who is favored by Dak Prescott, Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. 1st round draft pick from the Zeke has struggled. The defense has been is hard to fire at the moment. His An ancient but clever route straight trade. All in all, both of the authors abysmal with missed tackles, mini- offense has ranked highly every from the 90’s (Herschel Walker), the feel that this plan will help the mal pass rush, and blown coverag- year in his tenure with the Cow- Cowboys could employ the first two Dallas Cowboys return into definite es. Whether they tank or not, the boys, but his game plan needs to options and trade Zeke and the QB playoff contention. Cowboys will have one of the worst improve and include more running we draft (Fields or Lawrence) for a records in the league, winning less Garbage Guru

Kim Kardashian I have been placed into.” Every day, money to help the homeless; I think West Mocked I am greeted with headlines like this this incident may have helped their For ‘Humble’ one. The flaw with this Iowa man’s cause. Though much more oculd be Birthday Par- master plan is that unfortunate- read into this, we’ll just leave it as ty On Private ly, no one reads the paper - it’s all the funny headline. Island on screens these days. However, I would like someone to hire him as The United States Risks Sanctions This is the West the campaign manager for a pres- From Zimbabwe If Elections Are family’s money, idential candidate in 2024; every Not Free And Fair and they can do time his candidate messes up, he’ll Photo From Creative Commons anything they order a nationwide theft of the New I am QUAKING in my boots at the want with it. Not to mention, the York Times. I wish I could say that possibility of Zimbabwean sanctions CDC Says Cruises Can Set Sail Kardashian family got famous off of his strategy wouldn’t work, but I on the USA. The stock market has Again But Passengers Will Not Be Keeping Up With the Kardashians, have no faith left in our nation, so I not yet bounced back—the threat Allowed On Board a show that no sane person would think he’ll win by a landslide. of these sanctions has frightened describe as “classy.” They’ve got so investors far too much! On a more Some cruise ships are going to take much strange, needless drama and I Bay Village Priest Says Someone serious note, it’s a little sad that a the CDC up on their offer, especially don’t know why anyone was expect- Called Police About Homeless Per- fledgling democracy like Zimba- since the CDC is actually allowing ing a proper response from them. son, But It Was A Statue of Jesus bwe, a country that we slapped with 250 passengers (maximum) to be on Let’s be honest, this is how most of sanctions in 2001 because of the vio- board. When they do, I will invite us would celebrate if we won the You know, I don’t think this per- lence following their 2000 elections, you all to attend my funeral; the lottery. Anyway, don’t pay any more son’s assessment is inaccurate. If is now doing the same thing to us. cause of death will be multiple blood attention to the Kardashian clan, I my understanding of the Bible is It doesn’t mean much economically, vessels being popped in my brain beg you. correct, Jesus was homeless for 3 but symbolically, we should take out of rage. Cruise ships are terri- years when he went around Israel a look at how far our American fying polluters of the environment Iowa Man Who Stole Election Sign preaching the Word of the Lord. prestige has fallen in the world. If and large cruise-liner corporations Goes On To Steal Newspapers That The intention of the statue was to the Cold War were to reignite, we mistreat their employees with rules Reported It remind people in the Bay Village would not be the standard-bearers that hearken back to the Ameri- area that homelessness is a serious of freedom and capitalism that we can Gilded Age. Enough about the Every day I wake up, and my first issue, even if they are removed from were. But Zimbabwe is small! Ha! cruise industry, please return to the thought is always “Please let me out it. The statue of Jesus was stationed funny headline. of this Parks and Rec simulation that outside of the local church to raise

Page 8 Arts The Informer Art in Quarantine

more different than the Spanish to be involved Evan O’Suilleabhain, ‘21, who has Romantic painter Francisco Goya. in its formation. seen artists flourish. Around 1819, Goya’s home country Conversely, Goya was still suffering from the effects of saw his art as a the Napoleonic Wars. Goya him- purely solitary The current pandemic can self was an old man, nearly deaf, venture. Art feel like a heavy cloud looming and excruciatingly aware that he historian Fred over us, an insidious plague from was approaching the end of his life. Licht commented which we must perpetually shield Surrounded on all sides by deteri- that the paintings our mouths and noses, but it has oration and decay, Goya retreated “are as close to also been an unexpected source of to the ironically-named Deaf Man’s being hermetical- Photo From Creative Commons inspiration for quite a few artists. Villa and spent the next few years ly private as any that have ever been posed quarantine was a major Take, for instance, pop star Charli covering the walls in paintings that produced in the history of Western reason. Everything from the cover XCX. The British singer began using range from bleak to downright art.” Perhaps this is the fundamental art to the lyrics paints a picture of a public Zoom calls in early March to disturbing. They’re called the Black difference between these artists: one woman essentially losing her mind, share with her fans the entire cre- Paintings, and they’re pretty cool. retreated from community, and one descending into abstraction as she ation process of a new album. In a The most famous of these works, actively sought it out. sweetly chants on “Genesis”: “My month, Charli wrote and recorded “Saturn Devouring His Son”, com- When Canadian musician heart, I never be, I never see, I never 11 new songs, documenting every pels the viewer to stare into the Grimes locked herself in her dark k n ow.” Slant Magazine describes the step live from her home in Los An- desperate, horrified eyes of a ragged Montreal apartment, barely eating album as “an intimate glimpse into geles. how i’m feeling now is an aptly old man gnawing away at his son’s or sleeping for nine days straight, it the fantasies of its creator,” a specta- named snapshot of Charli’s thoughts corpse. The other thirteen paint- wasn’t because of societal or per- cle without any artifice.” and emotions during this highly un- ings are just as cheerful. Like Charli sonal turmoil. She just had a strict This is the common thread certain period. The songs are nostal- XCX, Goya created his art in total deadline, and she had procrastinat- between Goya, Charli XCX, and gic for a more joyful pre-coronavi- isolation, constructing an incredibly ed. In an awe-inspiring feat of cram- Grimes. Whether because of a glob- rus time, but the mood is generally intimate portrait of his mindset. ming, Grimes, fueled by nothing but al pandemic, civil unrest, or simple optimistic. Despite life’s trials, Charli However, the tone could not be amphetamines and sheer will, made procrastination, artists in isolation remains positive, as she sings on the any more different. For one thing, an album in barely over a week. can drop all pretense and truly song “7 years”: “So hard, the things Charli deliberately made her album’s Visions was acclaimed as one of the reflect on their own deepest fears, that we’ve been through / Could’ve creation as collaborative and joyful best albums of 2012 by NME, Roll- desires, and fantasies. These could fallen but we’ve only grew.” as possible, wanting her fans to not ing Stone, and The Guardian, and be joyful, terrifying, or confusing, In this way (and in many only consume the final product, but it’s safe to say that Grimes’ self-im- others), Charli XCX could not be but they’re always authentic. “I Never Said”

Ayden Kowalski, ‘21.

Fragile words I never said Will I believe, or will I shy You hold your children in your lap

Shadowed worlds inside my head Away? I cannot say, I cannot say, Or are we not conceived for that?

I hid it all from you instead.

I care. I’ll think about you one cold night

A single touch I never shared ‘Cause what if you don’t? When you’re finally out of sight

This thing called love, I never dared I can’t say I care I’ll gaze up at the sky and say, “I want you.” I couldn’t try, I was too scared. ‘Cause what if you won’t? And when I find my life is right

I’ll glide through time, and I will bind Diamond eyes, you’re in my nights. So, if you gave me a try The stars into my palm and say, “I I try to fly away, but I Would we end up side by side? love you.”

Can’t seem to leave, I’m paralyzed. Or would you find that I’m not right?

And if I see you in the light A thousand nights might come to pass

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