January 9, 2020 Volume 102 Number 01 THE DUQUESNE DUKE www.duqsm.com PROUDLY SERVING OUR CAMPUS SINCE 1925 Welcome back, time to hit the stacks New drug created to target only cancer cells

Kellen Stepler features editor

A Duquesne University pharmacy professor and his team have re- cently created and synthesized a drug that targets cancer cells with- out damaging normal cells. Aleem Gangjee and students in his lab have developed a way to block the protein SHMT 2. When SHMT 2 is overproduced in the body, it is a major contributing factor in pancreatic cancer cases. Gangjee explained that SHMT 2 is known as an “onco driver,” which is an enzyme that drives cancer. “The goal of the drug is to attack a specific enzyme in pancreatic cancers,” Gangjee said. “The onco driver leads to growth of cancer cells in the pancreas.” Gangjee also notes the drug is Griffin Sendek / Photo Editor selective; the new treatment will Students return to campus and to the library as the Spring 2020 semester begins on Jan. 9. see CANCER — page 2 Osteopathic School of Medicine finds its home at DU

Jessica Lincoln vations last year. staff writer "I believe that 1323 Forbes Av- enue is the ideal location for the new Duquesne's new College of Osteo- medical school," said John M. Kauff- pathic Medicine now has a home, man Jr., the founding dean of the officials confirmed in December, as medical college, who assumed the the university entered into a purchase role on Jan. 1. "In addition to being agreement for a Forbes Avenue build- at the entrance of the university, it is ing site. located across the street from UPMC The Medical College will be located Mercy Hospital, where we anticipate at 1323 Forbes Ave., a 1.2-acre site training medical students. This co- bordered by Magee Street to the west location of medical school and teach- and Stevenson Street to the east. ing hospital would serve the needs of The university has agreed to pay our communities, the medical stu- $5.7 million for the site, which is cur- dents and the faculty very well." rently occupied by the headquarters Work on the building will com- of Life'sWork of Western PA, a non- mence later this year with the de- profit organization. The new build- molition of the Weitzman Building, ing will sit across from the UPMC which has served as the headquar- Cooper Fieldhouse (formerly A.J. ters of Life'sWork for nearly 50 years. Palumbo Center), which began reno- Katia Faroun / Staff Photographer see OSTEOPATH — page 2

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POLICE briefs DU professor creates drug to attack cancer cells, leave healthy cells alone Welcome back to campus! Some- how there was crime over break CANCER — from page 1 The idea to create a drug like executive officer at Flag Therapeu- for us to report. Let’s hope your this was “obvious,” according to tics, which develops the drug for enter only pancreatic tumors. He New Year’s resolution is to do Gangjee. clinical trials. explained that cancer cells have a better. “Once we found that SHMT 2 According to the American Can- transport mechanism that allows was an onco driver, it was just cer Society, pancreatic cancer is them to facilitate nutrients to en- On Dec. 18, a student reported a matter of designing a drug,” the third-leading cause of cancer- ter the cell. Some transport sys- that one of his roommates may Gangjee said. “It took an enor- related death in the U.S., and has tems are only in tumor cells, while have taken his microwave and an mous amount of time, it didn’t just the highest mortality rate of all others are found in normal and expensive jacket. happen overnight. The idea was major cancers. For all stages com- tumor cells. mine, and lab student Junayed bined, 91% of pancreatic cancer “The drug avoids normal cells, On Dec. 23, a non-affiliated fe- Nayeen synthesized the drug.” patients will die within five years and just attacks cancerous cells,” male reported that she had been Chemical synthesis in drugs is of diagnosis. Gangjee said. “Only cancerous sexually assaulted by a Duquesne cells get transported.” an artificial execution of chemical Gangjee’s research is not going University student in the Locust Currently, the drug is still in reactions to obtain a product. Syn- unnoticed at Duquesne. Street Parking Garage. The City animal trials. These studies have thesis occurs through physical and “Dr. Gangjee has dedicated his of Pittsburgh Police sexual as- been successful thus far, as the chemical manipulations involving entire career to new drug discov- sault unit was contacted and is treatment has yielded positive re- Courtesy Duquesne.edu one or more reactions. ery. His latest discovery, a drug handling the investigation. sults in both early and late-stage called Flag Therapeutics, which is Gangjee explained that students targeting pancreatic cancer, is an pancreatic cancer. in his lab synthesize the drug at excellent example of how basic sci- On Dec. 28, the theft of a bicycle an early-stage oncology company. “We expect the drug in clinical Duquesne, and then send out the ence medical research contributes had been discovered, but no vic- Last year, Gangjee shared his trials in about a year or two, but drug to other institutions to be to increasing health outcomes in tim has reported it missing as of findings at an American Associa- there are a lot of hoops to jump tested. Gangjee collaborates with patient their communities, which this time. through,” Gangjee said. tion of Cancer Research confer- Dr. Larry Matherly at the Karma- is the essence of the mission of the Gangjee is hopeful to begin pre- ence, and the results have been nos Cancer Institute in Detroit, School of Pharmacy at Duquesne,” clinical development of the drug published in Molecular Cancer which tests the treatment, and Dr. said J. Douglas Bricker, dean of JOKE CORNER! in the near future with a group Therapeutics. Frank Sorgi, president and chief Duquesne’s School of Pharmacy.

I was gonna tell a time- traveling joke, but you guys didn’t like it. Medical school to take Man who claimed to

Job interviewer: “And over LifeWorks building be missing boy gets where would you see yourself in five years’ OSTEOPATH— from page 1 As a result of the plan, new de- time Mr. Jeffries?” velopment in the Uptown area is Planners estimate that the new expected to adhere to sustainable two years in prison building and other improvements Mr. Jeffries: “Personally building performance standards, (AP) — An Ohio man who claimed ra, Illinois, boy who disappeared in to the medical college will cost I believe my biggest weak- and developers are encouraged to to be a child who disappeared at 2011 at age 6. Authorities said Rini about $60 million. A "substantial ness is in listening.” use other "green" design strate- age 6 pleaded guilty Wednesday to claimed he had just escaped captors portion of the cost of construction" gies throughout the planning pro- aggravated identity theft and will who sexually abused him. will be covered by upcoming fund- cess. Preliminary designs for the serve two years in prison, minus Federal authorities said they were raising efforts, the university said medical college include enhanced time served. suspicious after he refused to be fin- in a statement. Q: What’s the best thing greenspace in the area, as well as Brian Michael Rini, 24, of Medi- gerprinted. DNA testing quickly re- SLAM collaborative architects about Switzerland? glassed lobby spaces and a curved na, will be on one year of probation vealed his true identity. have already completed prelimi- setback from the road. to be served at the end of his sen- Rini had been released from a A: I don’t know, but the nary designs for the 80,000 square As for Life'sWork, the university tence, U.S. Judge Michael Barrett state prison last March after serving flag is a big plus. foot building, and construction is has structured a delayed closing so told him. Rini will be credited for more than a year on burglary and set to begin in June 2021. SLAM's that the organization and its ten- time served dating to his arrest on vandalism charges. Prison records previous work includes the Medical ants will have time to relocate. The April 4, 2019. show he was accused of making up Education Building at Emory Uni- organization will begin transition- Rini, now with a neatly trimmed stories during his time there. Q: What happens to a versity and the Simulation Center ing to its new space in the South beard, answered Barrett with a soft Richard Monahan, a federal pub- frog’s car when it breaks at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Side this spring, with the move set “Yes, sir,” when asked whether he un- lic defender, told Barrett that Rini down? "In addition to administrative derstood the consequences of his plea. still faces state probation violation and faculty offices, the building will to be completed by June 30. "The space we have on Forbes Prosecutors dropped charges of charges, among other pending legal A: It gets toad away. include more than 12,000 square lying to FBI agents. Barrett ordered matters. Avenue is no longer ideally suited feet of classroom space and more a presentencing investigation into When confronted with the DNA to meet our current and future than 20,000 square feet of space Rini’s background, but both sides results, Rini said he’d watched a needs," the organization said in a for such advanced learning tech- agreed that the federal identity theft story about Timmothy on ABC’s blog post. "We are proud that this nologies as virtual anatomy labs, statute requires a two-year sentence “20/20” and wanted to get away new development will be so ben- simulation exam and clinical spac- and that Rini will remain jailed from his own family, the FBI said. es and virtual reality studios," the eficial to all of our neighbors in the without bond during the official Authorities said he twice earlier university statment said. Uptown community and the City of sentencing. portrayed himself in Ohio as a juve- The project has been designed Pittsburgh; it is a win all around!" Rini last year pleaded not guilty nile victim of sex trafficking. EmailTips to work with Pittsburgh's Uptown Although the university has to identity theft and lying to FBI In 2017, Rini was treated at an EcoInnovation District initiative, not said when construction of the agents. He would have faced as Ohio center for people with mental We want your input! a plan for sustainable redevelop- building is expected to finish, the many as eight years in prison if con- health or substance abuse prob- ment that the City Planning Com- College of Osteopathic Medicine is victed of all charges. lems, according to court records. The Duke’s news section would mission formally adopted in 2017. set to admit its first class in the fall Judge Barrett ruled Oct. 31 that The hoax had briefly raised hope love to hear from you about stories According to its official website, of 2023. Kauffman, who has been Rini was competent to stand trial, last year among Timmothy’s relatives. that you want to see in print. Know "the EcoInnovation District is an included in discussions with the ar- after he underwent an evaluation in Timmothy vanished after his a talented professor or accom- opportunity to identify the ways chitects, is ready to get started. a federal facility in Chicago. A court mother pulled him out of kinder- plished student? See something in which redevelopment can im- "I am very honored and excited transcript of the that hearing showed garten, took him on a two-day road on campus that just doesn’t make prove the environment, support to have this amazing opportunity that the defense and prosecution had trip to the zoo and a water park, and sense? You can send your tips and the needs of existing residents to build a medical school at this discussed settling the case. then killed herself at a hotel. She left story ideas to News Editor Hallie and expand entrepreneurship outstanding and highly respected Police said Rini was wandering a note saying that her son was safe Lauer and hallielauer18@gmail. and job growth." university," Kauffman said. the streets of Newport, Kentucky, with people who would love and com last April 3. Police said he told them care for him, and added: “You will he was Timmothy Pitzen, an Auro- never find him.” December 5, 2019 News Opinions 3 THEDUQUESNEDUKE K I P V J W V D V T T H G F O P M H G D staff L D W Z T O O G R M I Q C V Q D V G U M 113 College Hall editorial 600 Forbes Avenue K W L N S W P O C A N K Y U F R U W P Z Back To School Wordsearch Pittsburgh, PA 15282 T L K Z N B F X Y G O K I A M Q B Q N H Paradise Lost In a city called Eden, the skies J Q Y R Q Q Q T G O B B U C P Z V U U K BLACKBOARD editorial staff overhead have turned red. Empty H Z N Y Z I K S C A K M K W L V W R F B CLASS streets and vacated houses stand in editor-in-chief Ollie Gratzinger G X U D C M O Z L E I T J C I A Z R F O EXAM stark opposition to the flames pushing managing editor Hallie Lauer residents toward the coast, where news editor Hallie Lauer K G Y Z O T O W H S L V M F A D S I R W FUN they hope to seek refuge on a crowded opinions editor Colleen Hammond Q Q N D R M B O U W Q V V F D L Z S T N GRADE features editor Kellen Stepler beach. Children wearing respirators a&e editor Josiah Martin M A X E I K E S G O Q I R W E L B D J M LAB pile into boats, and by the town’s wharf, sports editor David Borne NOTEBOOK families wait out the blaze on dinghies S G R N P W T D P K T W Q Y J P Y S F R layout editor Kelsey Burtner and harbors, watching as smoke blots PROJECT photo editor Griffin Sendek C R E C M Q O G G D L I O T U B J H M O out the sun and night comes early. administrative staff SCHOOL It might sound like the establishing F A T A G L N N P F A S C R I O M O O S adviser Paula Reed Ward TERM shot of a dystopian movie set sometime ad manager Vincent Gullo Y D P E T H F R P A R E R T N O A V Z E in the distant future, but for many TEST social media manager Claire Neiberg K E G K I X X Y J C J O L L D C L E D Z Australians, a life cast in flames has email us: [email protected] been a harsh reality since Sept. 2019, O G B E S B Y O L O T H F E P Z M R F J when more than 100 wildfires began R T D A M J Y F R E D H S N R N S P L R ravaging the southeastern portion of the continent, killing at least 25 people X F G P Q R V P S C B I W C Y B L E P V and more than one billion animals, S C H O O L E T J F H N H P C S E Q Z G according to USA Today. “I see my body The smoke is visible from space, and C P F I Z X T T T Z I F K Z T Z C B D K Wordsearch by Kellen Stepler its haze reaches as far as New Zealand, as an instrument, situated more than 2,500 miles away. Australia usually experiences a wildfire season ranging from rather than an Relief from high prescription prices is nearing December to March, but experts mid the recent chaos of to choose to allocate money to companies in America spent say human-caused climate change ornament." the holiday season, a life-saving medication or other over $17.2 million dollars on has contributed to a longer, more A pending impeachment necessities like food, clothing marketing while only spending catastrophic fire season, which is Alanis Morissette trial and the potential for a or housing. No family should be $8.2 million on research. quickly shaping up to be the worst in the country’s history. major conflict in the Middle placed in a position where their While these companies This year, a natural weather East, it can be all too easy child cannot receive necessary present themselves as cutting- I phenomenon called the Indian Ocean to overlook the last bills medication because of its price. edge medical pioneers, their Dipole has brought record-breaking introduced to the Senate in However, pharmaceutical interest in profit over research heat (an average maximum of about the final days of 2019. After companies often argue that has paralyzed Americans most 107 degrees Fahrenheit) and drought You just read Now tweet years of petitioning, the their high prices are needed to in need of medications. to the states most affected, according our thoughts. us yours. Prescription Drug Price Relief fund ground-breaking research Luckily, hope is not lost. to the BBC. But “the overwhelming Act of 2019 is finally picking and ensure the quality and With the introduction of the scientific consensus is that rising @TheDuquesneDuke up speed in congress. Prescription Drug Price Relief levels of CO2 are warming the As many American families Act of 2019, lawmakers have a planet,” and with Australia’s average temperatures running roughly 1C can attest to, prescription drug unique opportunity to reform above the long-term average, the prices in the U.S. have soared in a very distorted section of the country’s fires are set to become more recent years. However, the cost American marketplace. This frequent and more intense. editorial of producing these drugs have bill, if passed, will allow for Climate change has lengthened the not risen at the same speed as Congressional oversight of the wildfire season, decreased rainfall the out of pocket price. price of brand-name drugs across the continent and brought policy Since 2014, a name brand and force big pharmaceutical temperatures to new and dangerous EpiPen, owned by Mylan companies to disclose more highs. According to the Australian The Duquesne Duke is the student- Bureau of Meteorology, last year was written, student-managed newspaper Pharmaceuticals, has more financial information to help both the hottest and driest year in the of Duquesne University. It is published than doubled in price; the retail lawmakers discern appropriate every Thursday during the academic nation’s history, and December was cost for a two-pack of EpiPens year except during semester breaks and prices for drugs. one of the top two hottest months ever holidays, and prior to final exams. The is currently close to $700. This will increase transparency Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- Colleen Hammond recorded in Australia. ions of the editors of The Duke and does Although a generic version of opinions editor between the drug industry and The devastation brought on by not necessarily reflect the views of the the drug was released in 2018 consumers. Although it is not a human-caused climate change has students, faculty, administration, stu- at roughly $150 per two-pack, dent government or the University pub- safety of their medications. perfect solution, this bill has the contributed to a long-term alteration lications board. Op-ed columns do not the new drug is also owned by This could not be farther from rare potential to adjust industry to Australia’s natural environment. reflect the opinions of The Duke, but Mylan Pharmaceuticals. the truth. The profit margins standards. Out of the more than one billion rather are the sole opinions of the col- animals that are estimated to have umnists themselves. This product provides life- for Mylan are astronomical. The Prescription Drug Price perished, some of those are found saving doses of epinephrine Despite its bank-breaking Relief Act of 2019 will bring Letters policy on no other continent. Estimates to people experiencing price tag, Mylan employees Letters to the editor must be typed, the U.S. to the same level say that up to 30% of koalas may double-spaced and include the writ- potentially deadly allergic have reported that a standard as the rest of the developed er’s name, school/department and have already perished, pushing phone number for verification. Letters reactions and anaphylactic EpiPen only costs about $30 to world. The U.S. has the highest the species closer to the brink of should be no longer than 300 words shock. It is not a luxury produce. prescription drug prices in the extinction, according to a USA Today and should be delivered to The Duke item that should be reserved With that excessive profit interview with Stuart Blanch, an office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed western world. to [email protected] by 5 p.m. only for the wealthy. Severe margin, Mylan reported their The industry’s quest for profit environmental scientist with the Tuesday. The editors reserve the right allergies are not a choice 2018 total revenues reached has greatly disadvantaged the World Wildlife Fund in Australia. to edit any and all submitted copies. Other species, including Australia All letters must be verified before being and are in no way indicative $11.43 billion. Unfortunately, American people and places natives such as kangaroos, wallabies, published. of personal health failures, as industry trends show, the many low-income families in cockatoos and honeyeaters, have yet large pharmaceutical Corrections/clarifications majority of that revenue was dire situations. suffered devastating losses during Readers should report any story or companies, like Mylan, choose spent on high executive salaries Despite the overwhelming photo error to The Duke. All legitimate the recent fires, and some subspecies errors will be corrected in print the fol- to charge their customers and marketing — not research. start to 2020, lawmakers are estimated to have been wiped lowing edition. unimaginable fees for vital As recent as 2016, large drug must not neglect their duty out entirely. Contact medication. companies have been spending to protect the American Besides the losses being reported This often places low-income nearly double on marketing people from pharmaceutical currently, the devastation of the email: [email protected] families in extremely difficult than on research. Johnson & companies who seek to profit situations, frequently having Johnson, one of the largest drug off of medical desperation. see STAFF ED — page 8 4 Opinions Tensions with Iran raise under deeply inconsistent policies Hallie Lauer It is also beneficial to note news editor that almost exactly a year ago, on Jan. 13, 2019, Donald Trump n Friday, Jan. 3, the was tweeting about bringing U.S. launched a drone strike that killed Major troops from Syria home saying, O “Stop the ENDLESS WARS,” in General Qassim Suleimani — the head of Iranian his tweet. security. Closely following the What exactly are you doing announcement of Suleimani’s here, President Trump, if not death, "World War 3" began creating another endless war? trending on Twitter. You are creating a scenario that This drone strike, which the your successor, whether that be president is saying was not an act this year or in four more, will of war, has people contemplating have to clean up. the fact that America might very The U.S. government is soon be in a conflict with Iran, making a mistake here, and as Iran has been promising history will not look kindly upon this moment. War is wasteful — Courtesy of CNN retaliation. The president, Mourners take to the streets of Iran after the death of Iranian general and national hero, Qassim Suleimani. though, is saying he launched it wastes lives, resources and change, but we have the money was formed). But there was no the power that he holds. this attack to “stop a war,” and typically has little success. The to get into a senseless war? need to launch this drone attack Trump says that this was that Iran should not retaliate. military option is a very easy What we are in right now is and mobilize American troops in response to the death of an Pot, meet kettle; we all know if option for governments to cling similar, in my opinion, to when to send overseas. American contractor working the situation was reversed, the to. However, it is less likely to the U.S. was in the Vietnam I also completely understand in Iraq. If that is the case, which U.S. would retaliate without a yield sustainable results. War. Multiple presidents that Suleimani was not a “good second thought. It is an even easier option I don’t believe it is, where was The U.S. put boots on the when your country spends more knew that the war wasn’t guy.” He was an enemy of the that outrage when Turkey ground in the Middle East in on military alone than any other going anywhere, yet they kept state. However, that doesn’t killed and dismembered a 1958, and we haven’t left since. country in the entire world. sending young men over there mean we can just launch journalist working for The It has been 61 years of American On Sunday, Jan. 5, two days to die. For 61 years we’ve been drone strikes willy-nilly to kill Washington Post? And how presence in the Middle East. after the drone strike, President sending American citizens to our enemies every time our many more innocent deaths I thought Donald Trump’s Trump tweeted that the U.S. their death in the Middle East. president feels like his power are we going to see now? mantra was “America First.” had spent $2 trillion on new Can someone explain what the has been threatened. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Yet, starting a conflict where military equipment. Where difference is right now? Because that’s really President Trump said in a we have to send more troops are we getting that money? I understand that at this point what I believe happened televised statement that “the overseas and spend more Somehow we don’t have the it would be impossible for us to here. Donald Trump felt United States is ready to money on the military doesn’t funds for healthcare for all, or pull out completely, lest we risk undermined and decided embrace peace with all who seem like a very “America to help the homeless population creating another power vacuum he needed to do something seek it.” First” thing to do. in the U.S. or to combat climate (as is what happened when ISIS drastic to remind everyone of But is the U.S. seeking peace? Gentrification breeds radically different views of the same city Noah Wilbur Across the nation, we are seeing the forced staff columnist displacement of low-income individuals and people of color as an adverse consequence ver the past two decades, of gentrification. gentrification has developed Supporters declare that neighborhoods Ointo a widespread topic often subject to gentrification are in desperate appearing in the headlines of major U.S. need of investment, and that the cities such as San Francisco, New York, displacement of residents is a necessary cost Washington, D.C. and many more. The of urban development that can be mitigated. controversial expression has become a In contrast, adversaries are calling the heavily disputed topic in political debates, process of gentrifying low value areas as as well as a critical action point in the discriminatory and an act of marginalization campaigns of many candidates seeking on the working class. Courtesy of VisitPittsburgh.com election in local and national offices. Here in Pittsburgh, the effects of Pittsburgh's South Side shows signs of increasing gentrification at the new South Side Works. By definition, gentrification is the process gentrification are indisputably seen by gentrification sweeping across the Steel City. into modernizing and improving homes, of renovating and upgrading homes, taking a drive around the city and the Within the past two years, Pittsburgh has buildings and infrastructure. buildings and surrounding infrastructure surrounding communities. made headlines as one of the most gentrified The gentrification process often results in deteriorating neighborhoods to Take South Side for example; beginning cities in the U.S. In a recent study from in reduced crime rates, and increased conditions that are considered affluent and on S16th street and East Carson and heading the National Community Reinvestment productivity of business activities related to “middle-class.” towards SouthSide Works, one can see the Coalition, the NCRC developed a helpful retail and entertainment (e.g. restaurants, Behind the efforts to gentrify poorer buildings and residential homes beginning visual to reveal the cities with the highest boutiques, stores, theaters). neighborhoods, a paradoxical situation to change as they appear newer, renovated intensity of gentrification from 2000-2013. Finally, I cannot neglect to mention the arises. As investment pours into these and modern. Likewise, the infrastructure To my surprise, Pittsburgh ranked eighth, most significant benefit of them all: jobs. communities, buildings and infrastructure also considerably improves as you near outpacing the likes of San Francisco, Los Increased investment within an area is drastically improve; consequently, there SouthSide Works — the preeminent Angeles and Austin. Deeper investigation met with the arrival of more diverse and is a sharp increase in rent, property values destination of the area. indicates that the Pittsburgh residents abundant job opportunities. and taxes. Other areas that have experienced mainly being displaced are those of color Therefore, when it comes down to Unable to afford these rising prices, gentrification in Pittsburgh include: and with lower-paying employment. the brass tacks, the negative criticism However, it is difficult to argue that original residents must upend their lives Downtown Pittsburgh, Mount Washington, surrounding gentrification corresponds and search for a new home. Wealthier gentrification is wholly unfavorable as it North Side and Lawrenceville. largely to the expulsion of residents. citizens and families continue to arrive By visiting only a few local news websites, does indeed steer a community towards If wide-spread displacement does not and enjoy the updated structures and you will likely see numerous articles economic growth and prosperity. Obvious see SOUTH SIDE — page 8 contemporary amenities. pertaining to the widespread occurrence of examples include substantial investments Opinions January 9, 2020 FEATURES 5 Starting the new year and the new semester on the right foot 020 marks not just the start of a new ment online around the time a paper is Well, finding a job available through the study position.” semester, but a new year. Whether due this semester. Federal College Work Study program at Falleroni also sees the benefits of a work 2 you’re beginning your first semester The Duquesne University Barnes & Duquesne is one way students can get in- study, saying that it prepares students for or you’re set to graduate in May, The Duke Noble bookstore offers an on-campus re- volved on campus. the “real world.” has some tips to start the new year off on source to purchase school supplies, appar- The Federal Work Study program is a “Federal Work Study is part of the col- the right foot. el and textbooks. Note that the bookstore need-based program. A work study award lege process of making students into re- accepts all forms of payment, including is provided to students demonstrating fi- sponsible adults,” Falleroni said. On the right foot Student Financial Aid and Barnes & Noble nancial need. Students interested in work Students who fail to qualify for work Griffin Sendek Gift cards. study must indicate their interest when study are still able to earn on-campus jobs, You can find the required textbooks by filling out the FAFSA while applying for according to Zurow. Parkhurst Dining and photo editor logging into DORI, going to Self Service, student loans. The decision of who is qual- Barnes and Noble offer jobs throughout Student Information, Registration and ified and who fails to qualify is ultimately each academic year, and students can con- One of the most common lies nearly ev- then View Customized Booklist/Order determined by the Financial Aid office. tact the Center for Career Development, eryone tells at the beginning of every se- who work with organizations in Pitts- mester is, “From now on, I’m going to the burgh looking to hire students and recent gym every day.” graduates. For the most part this is only followed for the first week of classes before the Join a Club stress and fatigue of the semester sets in. Joining clubs help students meet new However, it is time to start this new se- people with similar interests, make new mester and decade off on the right foot by friends and have fun, among other things. At better committing to your physical health. Duquesne, there are more than 260 student Be careful not to set your goals too organizations, ranging from fraternities and high, especially if you are a gym newbie. sororities, community service and advocacy It’s easy to want to come out of this year groups to club sports. with ripped abs, a perfectly toned butt and Marc Grandillo, director of programs able to lift double your bodyweight. While and leadership at Duquesne, says that join- having high expectations for yourself is a ing an organization on campus gives stu- good thing, setting the bar too high is the dents an opportunity to build their profes- fastest way to burn yourself out and get sional skill set. back into the rut of going months without Griffin Sendek | photo editor “Whether this includes communication, stepping foot in the Power Center. Start the new year by working out at Duquesne's on-campus gym, the Power Center. leadership or time management skills, any If it has been awhile since you have additional experience improves employment dedicated yourself to working out, or if Books Now. Many people suggest to wait John Falleroni, the senior associate di- marketability when applying to jobs and in- it’s your first time going to the gym, start until classes actually start to see if text- rector of financial aid at Duquesne, ex- ternships,” Grandillo said. small with some cardio and simple weight books are required, but not having a book plains that the work study program is Grandillo also said that involvement in lifting. Commit to going at the very least can make coursework difficult. Reach out awarded to students demonstrating need, clubs can lead to long-lasting friendships, to once or twice a week. to a professor or the financial aid office if which is determined by the FAFSA. and allows students to meet and network Duquesne’s Power Center is host to a purchase is an issue. “When a student completes a FAFSA in- with others outside their immediate social fully equipped cardio/selectorized weight Organizing your study space has the dicating an interest in Work Study and it circle. Participation in these organizations room with more than 100 machines, potential to refocus your mind for a new is determined the student has need ac- can also help build self-confidence. weight rooms, excerise studios and a spin semester of homework and projects. Go cording to the FAFSA; the clearance is au- “By learning to balance academics with ex- room, a high intensity training (HIT) zone, through paper clutter from the fall se- tomatically given on the initial Financial tra-curricular activities, students gain an un- according to the Power Center’s website. mester, keeping only what you need for Aid Notification,” Falleroni said. derstanding of their own capabilities, and are The Power Center is open from 6:30 a.m. this semester or want to remember, and, After the clearance is provided, students better prepared to take on more challenges,” to 11 p.m on Mondays through Thursdays, if possible, recycling the rest. Make sure can check with the Student Employment Grandillo said. 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to that your desk surface and laptop are dis- office about opportunities for the upcom- There will be a Meet the Sororities event 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. infected. ing semester. Sunday, Jan. 12 at 9 p.m. in the Union Ball- on Sundays. Financial organization of your life pre- According to Tiffany Zurow, Duquesne’s room, and a Meet the Fraternities event At first, going to the gym might be the pares you not just for a successful aca- student employment recruiter, jobs range Wednesday Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. in the Union worst thing you’ve ever experienced, but demic semester but a new year as well. from office assistants, CTS computer lab Ballroom. According to the Student Orga- do yourself a favor and don’t let that deter Sort out your finances by looking at your aides, residence hall desk attendants and nizations webpage, there are 10 fraternities you. Before too long it will become a habit purchases from last year. See where you tour guides, among others. and 10 sororities at Duquesne. Additionally, and you might even start enjoying it and can spend less or where you can afford to Another aspect of the work study pro- Duquesne hosts 11 Greek lettered profession- go more often. spend more. Set financial goals for your- gram, according to Zurow, is the focus on al organizations as well. Pro tip: Go with a buddy and the whole self, such as an amount you want to see in community service. A Spring Student Organization Expo will process will be a lot easier. And don’t for- your savings or coming up with the money “We have many partnerships with com- take place the week of Monday, Jan. 21 to get to drink plenty of water! for a spring break trip. munity service organizations throughout Friday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Finally, whether you live in a dorm, the city of Pittsburgh,” Zurow said. day on the second floor of the Student Union. On the “write” foot an apartment or at home, look for a few For example, Duquesne has partnerships “The Expo is a great opportunity for stu- new recipes to try this semester. Finding with organizations such as the Brashear dents looking to join an organization to meet Grace Rosello new things to cook can prevent the rut of Association, Mercy Hospital, the Chil- some of the great organizations we have on staff writer cooking the same thing all the time or at dren’s Institute and the John C. Heinz campus,” Grandillo said. least give you an option to cook something Family Center. The Duquesne Program Council (DPC) will Looking for ways to make your transition decent in the microwave when you have Zurow also notes the benefits of hav- also host some upcoming events this semes- into the spring semester easier? Here are a night class that lets out at the moment ing a work study job, and says that the ter. The DPC will sponsor Epic Bingo on Fri- some academic ways you can lay a good most dining options are closing. Use a experience gained from working in higher day, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. in the Union Ballroom, foundation during the first week of classes. Google Search such as “dorm recipes” or education before entering the workforce is hosts DPC DUNites on Fridays at 9 p.m. in The university offers plenty of academ- “quick healthy meals for college students.” “invaluable.” the Union NiteSpot, and will have a Spring ic resources to students. The University With a combination of organization and “Not only does it help with adding to Film Series on select Fridays at 7 p.m. in Writing Center offers help with writing attention to wellbeing, you will be pre- one’s resume, but having a work study job room 105 in College Hall and Saturdays at 9 at any stage of the process: planning a pared to face any challenges the next few also provides some extra pocket money p.m. in the Union NiteSpot. schedule for drafting a research paper, de- months offer. that students can use for books, grocer- Grandillo also said that for more informa- veloping a thesis, organizing paragraphs ies, late night pizza cravings, paying off tion regarding upcoming on campus events, or editing a final draft. Get involved tuition or whatever they may choose,” students can visit CampusLink, download The Writing Center has locations at Kellen Stepler Zurow said. the free CORQ app on your phone and Gumberg Library in room 402A and at features editor Networking is another added bonus check out the weekly email blast sent to all College Hall in room 216. The Online when it comes to having a work study. students. Writing Center has been specifically cre- “The connections made through working “While academics are the priority, the ated for returning adult students and Get a Work Study Job can help students land full-time jobs once Center for Student Involvement encour- commuting students. It offers 45-minute Everyone’s parents have probably told they graduate,” Zurow said. “In fact, some ages students to make the most of their video appointments with Zoom for the us one time or another to “go get a job.” students have even been hired into full- collegiate experiences and get involved student who has multiple commitments. That’s the whole reason why we are in col- time positions at Duquesne in the depart- with campus organizations and activities,” Consider scheduling an advance appoint- lege, right? ment where they completed their work Grandillo said. SPORTS 6 Men’s hoops finding success in conference play Jacob Hebda three times in his thirteen seasons there. standings with their 2-0 record. tionally-ranked Dayton and other present Before his arrival in 2004, they’d qualified Those two victories have come against conference leaders VCU, St. Bonaventure, staff writer only once. Saint Louis and Davidson, two programs and Richmond. So who better to get Duquesne back to with recent NCAA Tournament experience. Plenty remains to be seen, but Duquesne There has been plenty of talk about the the Big Dance than Dambrot? Everyone Neither team has quite played up to their looks to have taken a step forward. men’s basketball program since Keith Dam- involved knew the turnaround wouldn’t be preseason expectations, but they represent brot was hired. quick, but were confident he was capable of quality wins nonetheless. By this point, the narrative is familiar. eventually achieving something not seen on After a couple seasons of rotation flux, Dambrot’s hiring signaled a new era for the Bluff since 1977. Dambrot appears to have solidified his Duquesne basketball. After decades of pro- His first two seasons were rocky, but the core rotation. That group consists of Mar- gram ineptitude, Athletic Director Dave positive momentum was undeniable. Now, cus Weathers, Sincere Carry, Michael Harper saw him as the right man to turn after all the talk about Dambrot and this Hughes, Tavian Dunn-Martin, Baylee things around. program, results are starting to happen. Steele, Maceo Austin, Lamar Norman Jr. Dambrot is a proven winner. He took In Year 3, Dambrot’s team is currently 12- and Ashton Miller. the Akron Zips to the NCAA Tournament 2. That’s Duquesne’s best start since 1971. Carry was expected to be the team’s best The Dukes won their first ten games, player this year, and he’s been great. He making for their best start since the 1953- leads the team in assists and is second in 54 season. points. Dambrot’s team opened with a 2-0 in He’s complemented by Weathers and A-10 play. That’s just the eighth time that’s Hughes, who have also been outstand- happened in 43 seasons. ing. Weathers has averaged a team-best The veteran coach is getting results that 14.4 points per game and 8.1 rebounds have not been seen in years, even decades per game. in some cases. Hughes has averaged 10.9 points per Their schedule thus far has not been par- game and 7.1 rebounds per game. He also ticularly difficult, but as the old adage goes, has a team-leading 42 blocks. you can only play the teams in front of you. The depth beyond these three has been It is also worth noting that the so-called reliable. Dunn-Martin, Steele, and Austin “easy games” are the sort of games each average nearly ten points a game. Duquesne would have lost in years past. In Norman Jr. is capable of getting hot at any the past two seasons alone, the Dukes suf- time, though he hasn’t been at his best this fered frustrating losses to likes of Robert year. Morris, Cornell, and NJIT. Miller has not provided much in the way This season, they were among the only of scoring but should continue to grow as college squads without a loss before finally his freshman year progresses. falling on Dec. 22 to UAB. There is still plenty left to prove, but it’s A blowout loss to Marshall a week later been a promising start to the season. further halted the momentum of the initial Duquesne now has a chance to build on this Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics winning streak. momentum before they enter the harder Duquesne forward Marcus Weathers looks Yet the Dukes have rebounded well to stretch of the season. to make a pass during the team’s season Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics Duquesne center Michael Hughes celebrates opener against Princeton on Nov. 5 at PPG kick off A-10 play. Albeit early in the sea- What will prove telling are the final five on the bench during the team’s win over Da- Paints Arena. son, they currently sit atop the conference games of the season. The Dukes take on na- vidson on Jan.5 at thhe UPMC Events Center. What obscure statistics tell us about the 2020 NFL playoffs

first round byes, and a second wild card rusher in the same season. This stat may Just look at all the players who have won James Leo spot was added to each conference. Since not seem to represent changes in the NFL, an MVP award but lost in the Super Bowl staff writer this change, 40 Super Bowls have been as football has become more of a passing in the same year: Tom Brady (2017), Matt played. As noted above, six wild card teams game in recent years, but only five teams Ryan (2016), Cam Newton (2015), Peyton It may seem lazy to pick the two number have won the Super Bowl (all since these since 1999 have won the Super Bowl with Manning (2013), Peyton Manning (2009), one seeds from each conference, the Balti- both a 1,000 yard rusher and receiver. more Ravens (AFC) and the San Francisco changes). Of the 34 division winners to Tom Brady (2007), Shaun Alexander The other 37 teams (15 since 1999) only 49ers (NFC), to reach Super Bowl LIV. win the Super Bowl, only three have done (2005), Rich Gannon (2002), Kurt Warner had one, or didn’t have either. Our four However, history has shown that this is the so without securing a first round bye: the (2001), etc. There are several more exam- remaining teams — the Chiefs, Ravens, most likely matchup. 2006 Indianapolis Colts, the 2011 Giants ples, but the point is made. For this reason, 49ers and Packers — only have one of Since the Wild Card system was imple- and the 2012 Baltimore Ravens. we can put the Ravens (with MVP frontrun- these two qualifications. mented in 1970, only 10 wild card teams This means that teams that secure a first ner Lamar Jackson) in the Super Bowl over To eliminate two of our four remain- have ever reached the Super Bowl. Of those round bye are much more likely (around the Chiefs. ing teams, we have to dig a little deeper. 10, only six have ever won the Super Bowl: 78% more likely) to win the Super Bowl. In the NFC, we can eliminate the Pack- MVP winners usually do not win the Super the 1980 Oakland Raiders, the 1997 Denver This can help us eliminate the bottom two ers. Only four Super Bowl winners ever Bowl, but don’t have a problem reaching it. Broncos, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, the division winners from each conference: the have won with a first-year head coach: 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2007 New York Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints the 1970 Baltimore Colts, the 1989 49ers, Giants and the 2010 Green Bay Packers. from the NFC, and the Houston Texans and the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the It is true that the last three wild card New England Patriots from the AFC. 2015 Denver Broncos. teams to reach the Super Bowl have won The four remaining teams, the Green Bay The Packers, with first-year head coach it, but the odds are still very low. Based on Packers and San Francisco 49ers from the Matt Lefleur, seem to have worse odds than the stats mentioned above, wild card teams NFC, and the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas the 49ers to reach the Super Bowl. After all, have a 5% chance of actually reaching the City Chiefs from the AFC, have more statis- several head coaches have won the Super Super Bowl, and only a 3% chance of win- tics on their side. Bowl in their second or third year; 49ers ning it. No matter how you spin it, wild card For instance, the old adage that “defense head coach Kyle Shanahan is in his third. teams just aren’t that likely to make it out of wins championships” has shown to be true And then there were two: the Ravens their conference. in the Super Bowl. Of the 53 winners, only and the 49ers. As surmised earlier in this For this reason, we can eliminate this seven teams have won without a top-10 de- article, teams with an MVP frontrunner year’s four wild card teams: the Buffalo fense (determined by points/game allowed have no problem reaching the Super Bowl, Bills and Tennessee Titans from the AFC, in the regular season). but they will have difficulty winning the and the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Se- The other 46 winners have had a top-10 Super Bowl. For this reason, one can de- ahawks from the NFC. defense, with several being the number duce from NFL stats that it will be the San To eliminate more teams, we need to re- one defense in the league. All four teams Francisco 49ers versus the Baltimore Ra- AP Photo view some history. In 1978, major changes listed here, meet this standard. vens in Super Bowl LIV (54). If Jackson Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson pumps up were made to the playoff format. The top Only 16 of the 53 Super Bowl winners the crowd before a game earlier this season wins the league MVP, the stats suggest he two seeds in each conference were granted have ever had a 1,000 yard receiver and won’t win the Super Bowl. 7 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Little Women is a big success for Greta Gerwig Week’s Colleen Hammond bor and childhood playmate, Laurie. opinions editor His boyish charm pairs beautifully events with Ronan’s electric, feminine de- o the delight of audiences, fiance. The two balance each other Play in a Day the dynamic duo of Greta out perfectly and bring a remarkable Jan. 11 @ 8 p.m. TGerwig and Saoirse Ronan sense of youth to the roles, while still reunite for another show-stopping, managing to honor the original liter- Formerly known as the 24 female-centered film in the new ary characters. Hour Play Festival, the Red adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Another stand out performance Masquers challenge them- Little Women. comes from Hollywood newcomer, selves to write and rehearse After their directing and leading Florence Pugh. In this film, Pugh plays in a single day, culmi- lady debuts, respectively, in Lady- manages to expertly embody Amy nating in public performances bird, Gerwig and Ronan revived their March, the youngest and most ma- in the Genesius Theater. partnership to bring a fresh perspec- terialistic of the sisters. Pugh crafts tive to a timeless classic. incredible growth in Amy over the SGA Meeting Set in New England in the 1860s, film’s seven-year time frame. She Jan. 12 @ 7 p.m. Little Women follows the lives of four raises Amy from a bratty and jeal- sisters and their journeys of survival, ous adolescent to a mature, dignified The SGA kicks off the se- sisterhood, artistic dreams and love. woman without betraying the charac- mester with their first weekly Even in the face of unimaginable Courtesy of Sony Pictures meeting in room 203 of the ter. Her astounding acting chops steal tragedy, personal loss and an often Saoirse Ronan, pictured with Timothée Chalamet, was nominated for the Golden Law School. The meetings the show. sexist society, these sisters find a way Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama. are open to all students. In addition to Pugh’s brilliant de- to preserve their familial bonds while adaptation, she ensures that each Gerwig expertly crafts and captures but, another fabulous performance pursuing their individual desires. comes from film veteran Meryl sister’s journey is honored and re- multi-dimensional female characters, Although the general plot may spected, displaying an often forgotten expertly displaying the simultaneous seem like a lagging historical drama Streep. Although audiences have come to expect perfection from the section of the feminist movement: to kindness and strength of the March or belabored chick flick, the mag- respect the women who choose to live sisters. These women perfectly show nificent performances of this star- star, Streep somehow manages to a domestic life. By focusing the story that generosity is not a weakness, but studded cast and Gerwig’s engaging surprise audiences with her hilarious through the lens of modern femi- a natural lifestyle admired by all. upcoming dialogue keep the audience invested portrayal of Aunt March. Streep takes nism, Gerwig brings to fruition the Little Women is sure to please life- and entertained for the entirety of this stuffy, aristocratic woman and original themes and visions of Alcott’s long fans and new audiences alike. this nearly two and a half hour film. turns her into a welcomed comic re- releases Despite its length, the story never lief and expert social critique. Despite classic novel. Gerwig’s new adaptation masterfully From the tender, maternal love of captures the literary classic and its be- feels overly extended. Each actor Streep’s extensive resume, her perfor- 1917 draws the audience into the inner life mance in Little Women is lasting and Marmee (Laura Dern) to the soft glow loved characters while still adding her Friday, Jan. 10 of their character, making the time in deeply memorable. of the March family home, this film own unique fingerprint to the classic the theater fly by. While many find the civil war-era radiates warmth. Even while tackling tale. This film’s rare honesty make it This World War I film has al- The chemistry among this cast story of sisterhood dated and dull, the complex themes of sisterhood, the perfect start to the new year. ready received critical acclaim is undeniable. Timothée Chalamet Gerwig managed to breathe new life grief and feminism, Little Women To put it simply, Little Women is a and a Golden Globe win for shines as the sisters’ wealthy neigh- into this iconic story. In Gerwig’s retains an air of honesty and grace. masterpiece. Best Motion Picture — Drama. Rare Selena Gomez Jesus Christ Superstar resurrected at Benedum Friday, Jan. 10 Gomez’s third solo album has Josiah Martin his eyes up until the astonishing titu- been led by singles “Lose a&e editor lar “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Judas is You to Love Me” and “Look at one of the most emotionally and vo- Her Now.” hen done right, Jesus cally demanding roles in the realm of Christ Superstar is a chilling, powerful show. musical theater, and Beeks was up to W the challenge. The 50th anniversary touring pro- Alongside the perfectly cast and duction, which appeared at the performed group of high priests, Benedum Center from Dec. 31 to Beeks’s performance of “Damned for Jan. 5, did it right. Courtesy of Matthew Murphy All Time/Blood Money” was a glori- Director Timothy Sheader cer- The cast of Jesus Christ Superstar posing as da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” ously frantic, high-energy number. Micro tainly understands Superstar’s The song included a long saxophone strengths. True to Andrew Lloyd Before Pilate.” The high priests en- LaVigne does not portray a par- solo, a feature of the original album, review Webber and Tim Rice’s 1971 concept tered with tall golden staffs that dou- ticularly troubled Jesus. Many pro- which elicited applause and cheers album, this production relies on a bled as microphone stands for “This ductions abandon the confident rock from the audience as it crescendoed Doctor Who “Spyfall” relatively small ensemble backed by Jesus Must Die.” star swagger and style of the charac- into pure manic squealing. Most of a stellar band. Sheader has allowed Jesus Christ Superstar’s show ter, in favor of an emotionally torn the orchestra performed from the On New Year’s Day, the 13th stopping “Gethsemane” perfectly Jesus facing his hesitancy toward his the stellar vocal performances and stage, and clearly had fun doing so. Doctor returned with her titular trio showed off this production’s unique own execution from the first scene. of companions for Doctor Who’s moving lyrics to stand on their own. As they should — Jesus Christ Su- style. Jesus (Aaron LaVigne), stand- Both methods are valid and capti- Season 12 premiere, “Spyfall.” Despite not being a primarily visual perstar is one of Webber and Rice’s ing in a single spotlight at a micro- vating, but LaVigne’s is fresh. It is The season opener was a two-part production, it did feature stellar cos- finest works, and stands as a musical adventure that reuinted the Doctor phone stand, performed the song not until “The Last Supper” that he tumes and set design. triumph off of the stage as well. (Jodie Whittaker) with an old foe and truly appears upset and vulnerable, Emphasizing the show’s roots as a with an acoustic guitar. In most ver- This tour has received acclaim reopened a slew of old wounds for rock opera that depicts Jesus as a rock sions of Jesus Christ Superstar, the making it all the more heartbreaking across the board, and it’s clear why. the dynamic Time Lord. Whittaker, Mandip Gill, Bradley Walsh, Tosin star-like celebrity figure, most of the song peaks with Jesus exclaiming when he does. This production, more than the re- Cole and Sacha Dhawa delivered main cast performed using handheld “why” at an impressive G5. While However, Superstar always relies cent NBC performance, and perhaps brilliant performances in particular, microphones. These also served as a LaVigne nails this note, its his deliv- on its Judas, who is debatably the even more than the classic 1973 film, and if “Spyfall” is any indication, visual motif throughout the show — ery of the line “take me now, before I true protagonist of the show. James understands the goal and the style of showrunner Chris Chibnall’s writing Judas’ red-corded microphone hung change my mind” — sung twice with a Delisco Beeks plays the role beauti- these songs as they were originally promises bigger stories, broader in a single spotlight to represent his false ending in between — that shows fully. The desperation he conveys recorded. Sheader and company have character arcs and darker themes than seasons past. suicide, and that same red cord was off the full prowess of both him and in the opening number “Heaven on earned their place in the ongoing his- used to restrain Jesus during “Trial the band. Their Minds” lingers in his voice and tory of Jesus Christ Superstar. - Ollie Gratzinger 8 THE LAST WORD Now Hiring :lexicon is currently interviewing for a new • Copyeditor • Social Media Coordinator • Editor-in-Chief for Fall 2020. Position duties will begin with shadowing of the current editor in Spring of 2019. To apply for Copyeditor & Social Media Coordinator please visit our website lexiconjournal.org or email us at [email protected]. To apply for Editor-in-Chief please email your resume and cover letter to John Fried at [email protected].

An oasis engulfed in flames STAFF ED— from page 3 and we can’t stand idly by as people in positions Australian fires will continue to contribute to of social power spread misinformation. It’s easy animal deaths and habitat loss. Suffocation to feel as though we’re individually helpless in from the leftover smoke and starvation due to the face of global warming, since its biggest con- the death and displacement of various species tributors are the industries and corporations that produce oil, carbon and natural gas, but we of animals will result in continued declines of can still help. We can pressure our governments Australian wildlife populations. The destruction and institutions to divest from fossil fuel indus- and long-term alteration of Australia’s ecosys- tries, and we can donate to the organizations tems will continue to disrupt natural patterns working hard to put out the fires in Australia. and processes within Australia’s natural areas To directly assist members of the country’s far into the future. First Nations or Indigenous population, Yorta All this comes with a series of disparaging Yorta musician and community rights activ- comments targeted at teenage climate change ist Neil Morris has started a GoFundMe page: activist Greta Thunberg; the 72-year-old sing- au.gofundme.com. er Meatloaf said she was “brainwashed” into In both New South Wales and Victoria — the thinking climate change is real, and Salem Ra- two states most affected by the flames — you dio Host and Ex-Deputy Assistant to the Presi- can donate directly to the fire departments. The dent Sebastian Gorka referred to her as “Thun- Australian Red Cross has also helped more than der Thighs” in a Jan. 7 interview. It seems like 18,000 displaced or otherwise impacted people, the more the world tries to prove to us that cli- and are accepting donations at redcross.org.au. mate change is killing the planet, the stronger Organizations such as Airbnb are offering the denialists bunker down and insult the work free temporary housing for the displaced, and of scientists and activists alike. individuals around the world are doing their We can’t keep denying the catastrophic im- part by stitching mittens for koalas and sewing pact that climate change is having on our world, bat wraps and joey patches for kangaroos. South Side gentrification Visit transforms city landscape Your our SOUTH SIDE— from page 4 of gentrification as a cynical act, and instead occur, gentrification becomes favorable consider it as a mechanism that can improve and advantageous for a community. quality of life for both sides. website Although a considerable “what-if” cir- Through concentrated planning, the fos- Ad cumstance, it does not necessarily seem like tering of bold ideas and direct involvement an impossible task to achieve. For example, with the community, wide-spread displace- at policies and programs such as affordable ment can be significantly reduced. As a re- housing, reduced property taxes and vouch- sult, gentrified neighborhoods will reap the ers are methods that can curb displacement benefits of modern infrastructure and a di- Here among residents. verse population. The truth of the matter is that the process I call upon city officials and community Contact duqsm of gentrifying neighborhoods is not likely leaders to join together and focus their ef- to slow down or cease to exist, especially forts on developing new strategies that can Vincent Gullo .com in Pittsburgh – a place of monumental op- utilize gentrification in a way that equally at [email protected] portunity. We must change our perception benefits all sides of society.