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January 29, 2021 Issue 1 Follow us online

The aftermath of the capitol insurrection Out of the Fire Zac VanderLey – Staff Writer Eoghan Holdahl – Staff Writer In Sheldon, , a Ford Focus pulled into its garage on a pleasant January morning. Joya Scorch marks and cloudy shadows of smoke Schreurs, a freshman at , had greet people attending Dordt University’s art just finished running some errands and decided gallery. “Out of the Fire” celebrates Professor to check her phone. She gasped. Emeritus Jake Van Wyk’s past 50 years of Schreurs witnessed images of Confederate creation and expression. It is an exhibit born flags, a lonely gallows, and swarms of people out of the fire that desecrated his studio in wildly raising American flags as they damaged November of 2019 when the heat loss from Van the Capitol. In the midst of Wyk’s restored kiln caused nearby objects to jubilant insurrectionists strolling the halls of catch fire. the Capitol, screams of revenge, and utter chaos “I know fire, I know draft,” Van Wyk said. stood Christian imagery: crosses, “Jesus Saves” “And I knew I was pushing it with this setup. flags, and reports of hymns being sung. I was suspicious of it, but I thought I was “I was scared,” Schreurs said. “I was afraid smart enough to compensate. Well, obviously I for our country.” wasn’t.” Schreurs and many others across America Most wood-fired kilns release their heat found themselves glued to television screens, upward through a vent, but when Van Wyk afraid something even more terrible might restored his he installed a fan and backup fan to happen if they looked away. After witnessing blow the heat out of a vent in the side of the kiln. the events of January 6, she believes she took There was also substantial heat loss through the political stability for granted as a kid. walls of Van Wyk’s kiln, which he says could Scott Culpepper, a history professor at have been prevented with a thermal blanket. Dordt, was prepping for some of his spring While Van Wyk left for a short break, the semester classes while listening to a podcast fan and backup fan both failed. This, combined when he found out about the storming of the with the heat loss of the old kiln, was enough to Capitol. He was surprised, like Schreurs, but ignite the picture frames and shelves nearest to not shocked. the kiln. He was gone only seven minutes. “I hoped we could do better,” said Culpepper. “It was devastating, and I was just numb,” According to Culpepper, the attacks occurred Van Wyk said. “It was just a toxic stew.” because of a growing lack of confidence in According to his official statement, Van verifiable sources. This skepticism, coupled Wyk’s studio was filled with “drawing, mixed with confidence in sources proven to be media drawings, fine art prints in etching and inaccurate, created a dangerous group of people Contribued Photo lithography, painting, and clay works.” passionately driven by false information. All of this was transformed into 8-12 inches At Dordt, Culpepper teaches the art of on the riots: “It was a sad day for our country thanked all the D.C. and U.S. capitol police that of melted debris. There were “hundreds of critical thinking in various history classes. This to see anarchy occur and damage done to the protected him and many others. works of art, over 200 frames, 34 canvasses, art has been undermined by a political loyalty capitol. That is not what our country stands In the same interview, though, Feenstra and countless tools and equipment” lost in the that rises above truth. for.” referred to protesters as a “wonderful group”. fire, according to Van Wyk. Fortunately, pieces On a KCRG interview, house representative Feenstra was at the Capitol just outside This comment caught the representative some of art that were sandwiched between glass were and former Dordt University business of the chamber in his office on January 6 and heat and he later qualified his statement, saying preserved along with some sculptures, which administration professor Randy Feenstra spoke still bear blackening from the fire. cont. pg. 2 When Van Wyk showcased Shadow Box, a piece that got him into grad school, he pointed out the beautiful way the smoke marks Dordt creates new COVID-19 support accentuated his design. “It was not only saved, but God decided to add just a little bit. God took away a lot, but coordinator position gave me back multifold,” he said, “in ways Lexi Schnaser– Staff Writer that I could never reproduce even with my best airbrush technique.” As Dordt University enters its spring break: COVID-19 Support Coordinator. This Health, Beimers and Mackey reach out to that Van Wyk has reframed two of his paintings semester, the COVID-19 pandemic continues position is shared between Bev Beimers and student and work alongside them so that they to show the smoke marks on the back of the to affect campus living. Last semester, the Dordt senior Brady Mackey. find a comfortable and reasonable quarantine canvas instead of the original painting on the university sustained at least four students in The decision to create this position was plan. However, their job is not simple. front. some form of quarantine or isolation for each fairly straightforward. “At any time throughout the day we could Along with the reclamation of art, the fire week. At its highest peak of cases, 135 students get an email and that email could include a also gave Van Wyk the opportunity to rediscover were placed in quarantine or isolation. Students “We went into the variety of students, each one with a unique story some of his work from as far back as the 70s. will likely experience the quarantine process that requires a unique response,” Mackey said. again this semester. semester with a good “Every situation that comes up is unique, The contact tracing process that places plan and learned to and with COVID-19 we hear new things every students in quarantine is complicated. Each day,” Beimers said. quarantine case involves several staff members adapt as we encountered Thankfully, COVID-19 cases at Dordt from Dordt Dining, Student Health, and Student issues” have started off slow, with three students in Services. Last semester many of the contact quarantine or isolation and zero active recorded tracing responsibilities were delegated to COVID-19 cases as of January 25. Student Services and Residence Life directors: “It was basically looking at the fact that our “It’s been slow so far, which is a good Derek Buteyn, Kim Byma, and Sam Roskamp. energies in Student Services were being put thing,” Mackey said. “We went into the semester with a good plan entirely towards COVID and not on the typical The slow start to the semester has allowed and learned to adapt as we encountered issues,” Student Services things that we normally Beimers and Mackey to analyze Dordt’s Buteyn said. do,” Buteyn said. “Having full time staff to COVID-19 data from last semester. Sifting Throughout the semester, they realized specifically focus on COVID and allows us to through the quarantine data from last semester the number of students entering quarantine or do what we do and allows them to fully focus has allowed Mackey and Beimers to identify isolation totaled a lot higher than they expected, on COVID.” the highs and lows in quarantine numbers meaning their responsibilities piled higher as The COVID-19 Support Coordinator’s job throughout the semester. They have found the is simply to track and care for the students who measures Dordt takes, such as capacity limits, well. Contribued Photo In order to relieve staff and streamline the enter quarantine. When a student is informed process, Dordt created a new position over they need to go into quarantine by Student cont. pg. 3 cont. pg. 6 page 2 News News page 3 Joe Biden, Kamala Harris Dordt opens Thrive Center Dordt Dordt University’s COVID-19 Dashboard sworn in as 46th President, for Applied Behavior Analysis creates new Aleasha Hintz—Staff Writer

Vice President of the U.S. The Thrive Center for Applied Behavior COVID-19 Lexi Schnaser—Staff Writer Analysis of Dordt University officially opened for business on January 11. The center is a The morning dawned over Washington D.C. nation.” Dordt affiliate academic center that uses applied coordinator with a blue sky and crisp air. It was the day “Politics need not be a raging fire destroying behavior analysis strategies. America would peacefully transition to a new everything in its path,” President Biden said. Applied behavior analysis, ABA for short, cont. presidential administration. He has promised to be a president that will is a therapeutic strategy that helps people with with Van Tol. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 marked the support all Americans, including those who did special needs acquire social skills, play skills, They began to talk more about bringing cont. from pg. 1 inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice not vote for him. and functional communication. To accomplish ABA to Sioux Center. They collected and President Kamala Harris. Trey Engen, a junior political science major, this, ABA applies research in human behavior masking, and social distancing, help to limit analyzed data around the area and discovered After the attack on the Capitol on January recognizes the impact the last few months have and how one’s environment affects behavior the spread of student-to-student exposure. They just how badly Sioux Center needed ABA. They 6 came a wide range of concerns about the had on the nation. to learning. Therapists use ABA to help people have also identified places where Dordt can do found that many area families were traveling an security of the inauguration. In the days before “This election was chaotic and messy,” with ADHD, addiction, reactive attachment a better job of limiting future outbreaks. hour or more to find appropriate therapy for the event, the FBI vetted all 25,000 National Engen said. “My hope is that the newly disorder, and autism. “We have been able to see that the variety of their children. Guard members who were stationed in the appointed Biden administration can work The Thrive Center is a much-needed precautions Student Services have taken, even But Hawley and Van Tol were not prepared nation’s capital on the day of inauguration towards unity in this deeply divided nation.” addition to the Sioux Center community. There if they haven’t been met with the most positive to start a business. However, Dordt University to boost security efforts. 12 National Guard Dordt University students understand the are not many appropriate therapies for children feedback, are working,” Mackey said. and other investors provided the connections members were removed from the detail—some implications the 2020 election and the new with autism in the area, something that the Beimers and Mackey know it can be difficult and start-up funds to make the vision a reality. due to extremist statements they had made administration have and will continue to have Sioux Center public schools, Kathleen Van Tol, for students to understand what it means for the “It all just sort of meshed,” Van Tol said. online. on their lives. and Sarah Hawley all agreed on. campus to experience a spike in cases if their Though the plan worked well, it was not a fast All in all, the event went off without a “In theology lunch last Wednesday, we were Van Tol is a special education professor at lives are not clearly affected by other students process. The Thrive Center had been in the hitch. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became talking about the inauguration and Dr. Bailey Dordt University. Now she is also the faculty . . . entering quarantine. works for just over two years before finally the President and Vice President of the United emphasized how he wishes this presidency will director for the Thrive Center. She has 35 years “Without being able to see the data, you don’t being launched earlier this year. States around 11 AM Central Time. be a boring one. I agree with what he said in of experience in special education and caring actually know what happens. The students are “It felt in those two years like every single Aside from Bernie Sanders’ mittens and Bill that I hope the news won’t constantly be filled for her clients. kind of like, ‘is there really?’” Mackey said. step took forever,” Van Tol said. Van Tol and Clinton nodding off during Biden’s address, with the dynamic and controversial decisions,” Hawley works as the clinical director, Although COVID-19 cases have yet to Hawley agreed that the process left them with a more powerful moments of the inauguration said Kara Jasper, a theology and community running the clinic day-to-day, hiring staff, and pattern first semester numbers, it is likely only good foundation and a solid plan. included Amanda Gorman’s inspiring poetry development major. “I think that biblical creating treatment programs. a matter of time before quarantine and isolation Dordt’s involvement in the center provides and President Biden’s words of strength and leadership is more about addressing the small Rachel Raakman, the graduate assistant for numbers start to rise on campus. a unique experience for students. Any Dordt unity. Kamala Harris became the first woman and mundane parts of life that affect the cause the Thrive Center, primarily does one-on-one In the fall semester, the period from reporting student can volunteer to meet and work with to hold national office when sworn in, as well and not just the symptoms of the problem.” work with clients and social skills groups. COVID-19 symptoms or being contact traced Thrive Center clients and their families under as the first African American woman and As Americans move into the coming But even before becoming involved in the to entering quarantine often took days. But now supervision. South Asian woman to hold the vice president years of the Biden administration, they must Thrive Center, these women were working that the responsibilities are more consolidated, “This experience is invaluable for psych position. continue to hold him and other elected officials fervently in the field of special education. Beimers and Mackey hope the process will majors,” Raakman said. Biden’s address noted significant struggles accountable, as they have done since the Van Tol said she is always trying to find ways happen more quickly. But this opportunity is not limited to for American people such as job loss, the founding of this nation. After the disunity of the to make special education better. She had a psychology majors and is a beneficial pandemic, racism, domestic terrorism, and past months, politicians and constituents across connection to the Sioux Center public schools, experience for anyone pursuing a career in climate change, The president said he is putting the aisle will be anxious to see if Biden and his so when the need for special education arose, service: such as nurses, teachers, social workers, “It’s really a unique his “whole soul” into “bringing America administration will be able to follow through on they came to her. HR professionals, and even pastors. Education majors teach over break together, uniting our people, and uniting our their promises. The schools recognized that they did not time to try to care Van Tol encourages hesitant students to have the staff to create a focused ABA program. Jaclyn Vander Waal—Staff Writer step out of their comfort zone and volunteer. Plus, the law requires ABA centers to be run by for students, not It is a relatively low-risk opportunity since Program.” a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Van After having her fingerprints recorded, “Being without another adult was both any students who do choose to volunteer are Although she has enjoyed her time in her Tol pursued certification as a BCBA, and Dordt just physically but completing a background check, finishing humbling and a confidence boost at the same supervised and have no obligation to return. various substitute teaching placements in University invested. online training on mandatory reporting, and time,” Lodewyk said. “A lot of education “The unknown is what’s scary,” Van Tol emotionally or grades 5-7 math, science, social studies and Meanwhile, Hawley recently moved to filling out a bit of paperwork, Kate Lodewyk majors worry about classroom management, said, “once we have some knowns, we can say English classrooms, Lodewyk is ready to come Sioux Center with her husband. She had a was ready to begin her first day of school as a and it is not always something that you can autism isn’t all that scary: it’s like this.” spiritually.” back to a classroom she is familiar with. background working in ABA, but when she substitute teacher. teach in a college class. You have to find that The Thrive Center held its first open house “Filling the shoes of a regular classroom arrived and googled the therapy, nothing came -Bev Beimers out in practice.” on Monday, January 25. Additionally, the center teacher for a day is hard work,” she said. “I up. Jacquelyn Geels, a senior elementary is pushing through the application process for wanted to keep the students productive and Hawley was passionate about ABA but, education major, appreciated how her new clients. following the plans that their teacher had to continue working in ABA in Sioux Center, experience substitute teaching in Pella during Van Tol explained that the Thrive Center Dordt’s winter break provided her with both outlined for me, but it was often hard to keep Hawley would need her BCBA. Naturally, she First, the student will be contacted by was born out of a real need in Sioux Center and good and bad experiences that will prepare her kids focused, especially when I do not know pursued it. It did not take long for her to figure Student Health informing them they have will help many families in the area while also for her own classroom someday. anyone’s names or what they have been working out that Van Tol was also getting her BCBA been contact traced. Next, they will receive a providing special education experience to Dordt “Each time I have the chance to be in front on all year.” and that they were on track to finish at the same call from either Mackey or Beimers who will Contribued Photo students. of a classroom gives me more confidence for Zonnefeld said he could not speculate how time. Hawley knew she needed to get coffee explain quarantine procedures. After that, the next time I will be in front of the class— this experience will impact future careers, but Mackey or Beimers will send the student an whether it’s my class or someone else’s,” Geels he does think the experience is worth it. email with more information about things said. “What does that say to a principal? It like meals, online classes, and quarantine Two highlights for Lodewyk were seeing doesn’t make you more qualified, but I do think Capitol insurrection cont. transportation. Throughout the student’s time how different teachers set up their classrooms that to some principals it may say something cont. from pg. 1 in quarantine or isolation, Mackey and Beimers and observing what types of activities they had about your level of dedication, commitment, Puerto Rican nationalists shot at spectators and So much to be consoled as to console differences. Culpepper listens intently as the will touch base to make sure they are getting their students working on. She was especially engagement,” he said. “It is definitely going to . . . the “wonderful group” referred specifically to members of congress on the floor of the U.S. To be understood as to understand student expresses their concern. After thinking, their meals on time, the Wi-Fi is working for impressed by a student-driven inquiry STEM be noticed.” those demonstrating peacefully. In the aftermath House. To be loved as to love with all my soul Culpepper responds through his experience their online classes, and see how students are project in fifth-grade science. Several students Lodewyk is eager to list substitute teacher of the insurrection, this sort of waffling rhetoric “But both those events were created by and knowledge regarding the history of doing emotionally. built 3D printing projects, some flew airplane as a job on her resume. Geels is happy to have has been exhibited by GOP members wary external threats to the US,” Culpepper said. Make me a channel of Your peace American politics. There is honesty in sober “It’s really a unique time to try to care for As a senior elementary education major in simulations, and others examined model wind gotten her “foot in the door” and to have made of alienating their political base who support The most memorable occurrence of internal Where there’s despair in life, let me bring disagreements and beauty in sharing of ideas. students, not just physically but emotionally or Dordt University’s year-long student teaching turbines to discover how they work. connections in a place she plans to move to after the Capitol storming. In a study done by PBS violence in the United States comes from the hope The calm comforting atmosphere permeates all spiritually. We want to make sure their needs are program, Lodewyk already had spent many After substitute teaching for roughly a month, college. NewsHour and Marist, approximately 18 Civil War. After the conclusion of the war and Where there is darkness, only light of Culpepper’s classes. all met when they’re put in this weird position mornings in Sioux Center Middle School Lodewyk feels much more comfortable in the “If you can, do it,” Lodewyk said. “Each percent of Republicans support the pro-Trump during Lincoln’s second inaugural address, the And where there’s sadness, ever joy. “I try and serve, in my small way, in hopes of of being alone for 10-14 days,” Beimers said. classrooms. She had been placed with two classroom. time is an opportunity to broaden your horizons rioters. president preached unity through a scripture- Culpepper stays late after class with a making things better here at Dordt,” Culpepper Student Services did a lot of the trial-and- cooperating teachers for student teaching: one “Subbing is different,” Lodewyk said. “The and learn more about education. Subbing isn’t The escalation of the at-first peaceful influenced speech. student who has a question regarding political said. error groundwork for the contact tracing system in seventh-grade English and another in sixth- climate of the classroom is dependent on how I always easy, but it is a great opportunity to see a protest has led many to question the nature of “We [Christians] can serve that same role last semester. Mackey and Beimers are thankful grade math. react and handle situations that occur. I learned new side to education with every new classroom free speech in America. The First Amendment now,” Culpepper said. for a system that is already in place and how This past winter break, however, Lodewyk mostly by trial and error, drawing on what I that you step into.” clearly states that each person holds the right President Hoekstra in his video welcoming welcoming the Student Services and Student had the opportunity to be the sole teacher in have already learned through Dordt’s Education “peaceably to assemble” but debate still exists. students back to campus reflected on the Health teams have been. each classroom she visited. “I think we need to look at the root of “terrible day in American history” and told “Our goal is to find and maintain a healthy In May 2019, education professor Ryan the problem being protested and ask, ‘is it students to focus on “what we can do.” balance of community as well as keeping Zonnefeld learned of a new proposal allowing justified?’” Schreurs said. Hoekstra called students to be peculiar: lower everyone safe and COVID free,” Mackey said. upperclassmen in education programs to “Free speech as long as no harm,” Culpepper the political temperature through love. If students or staff have questions about become certified to substitute teach in Iowa. said. “But what does no harm mean?” “It’s important for Christians to make faith the contact tracing process, they are welcome Since then, 21 Dordt students—nearly half The U.S. tends to allow and encourage free not tied to power,” Schreurs said. to reach out to the COVID-19 support of Dordt’s current student teachers and three speech, which Culpepper agrees with, but there “This doesn’t represent who we are at our coordinators. juniors—have seized the opportunity. are dangers to erring on the side of freedom. best, but at our worse, this is us,” Culpepper Beimers can be reached at bev.beimers@ “It is a great way for our education majors Although, interfering must be done carefully, said. dordt.edu or 712-722-6042. Mackey can be to get experience in a classroom,” Zonnefeld Culpepper said. Back in Iowa, Schreurs plays “Make me a reached at [email protected] or 712- said. “Teaching a full day, you get some The storming of the Capitol just weeks ago Channel of Peace” on a grand piano. It’s a hymn 722-6045. independence.” was the first time the Capitol had been breached written as a prayer by St. Francis. The lyrics For many education students, this since British troops burned the capitol back in guide her in times of unrest and trial: opportunity was the first time they have 1814 during the War of 1812. In 1954, four Oh Master, grant that I may never seek overseen an entire class for a whole day alone. Contribued Photo Contribued Photo page 4 Art & Entertainment Sports page 5 Soul: jazzing through life Defender basketball eyes end of regular Super Bowl Yage Wang – Staff Writer matchup set season Connor Van Hulzen—Staff Writer In Soul, Joe is depicted as a selfish, the “peak” of our living purpose? What is life Whether you’re a music lover, graphic Caleb Pollema- Staff Writer On a restful Christmas after an exhaustedly After the conclusion of the NFC and unsuccessful man who only aims to get his life all about? designer, or a person who temporally falls into long and chaotic year, the Pixar factory served AFC Championship Games on Sunday, the back for personal purposes. After long awaited There is a scene where Joe reviews his the hole of emptiness or fear, you will find When the calendar nears February, this can people around the world a metaphorical cup of conference tournament. The Defenders are looking forward to the participants in Super Bowl 55 have officially years, he believes his gig in the jazz bar will life “exhibition” and concludes his life was words that speak personally to you. Soul can only mean one thing during basketball season: steaming hot chocolate with the heart-felt movie “These last couple weeks are going to be opportunity to continue to reach their potential been determined. Tom Brady and the Tampa finally fulfill his purpose as a musician. “meaningless.” This comment invokes fear as either be a spiritual zone for you to meditate or the regular season is almost over, and the Soul. Awarded with loads of popularity and fun as it is again a close conference race and as they gel as a unit and gain confidence in Bay Buccaneers will face off against Patrick On the other hand, 22 is a cynical soul who we ourselves ponder the same thought from a gas station to fill you up and get going. postseason picture begins to take shape. appreciation from professional film critics, Soul we have a lot of rivalry games coming up,” each other. As postseason approaches, team Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on the appears to not show any interest in earth but time to time. And at the end of our lives, it can In a video of the behind the scenes, Tina This is the point at which both Dordt’s men’s contributes another lovely addition to Pixar’s said senior guard and Sioux Center native, Ben chemistry will be critical for the Defenders. night of February 7. is deeply afraid of the outcomes of life and be difficult to reflect on a seemingly heartless Fey, the voice actress for 22, says, “What the and women’s basketball teams find themselves long-running history of producing exquisite and Gesink. “We have one home game left which is “Postseason play is always an exciting part Super Bowl 55 will see the Tampa Bay doubts her worthiness of living. As Joe and 22 world that denies us all our efforts. It’s for movie is telling us and what Joe learns is that with only four games left in the regular season. thought-provoking films that include Coco, Toy also senior night in a week, but I am just trying of the year,” Stamness said. “There is a different Buccaneers be the first team to ever play in are stuck in their undesired bodies, they need to that reason, Joe decides to evade his death. there is more to living life than achievement Coming off a road trip to Story, The Incredibles, and Monsters Inc. to take it all in as we only have four regular ‘feel’ that comes with every game. I am looking the Super Bowl in their own home stadium, work together to achieve their different goals. He prematurely believes his life would be which is a really interesting thing to take in. on the 23, the teams will head to Orange City Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the film was season games left.” forward to competing and seeing how far we Raymond James Stadium. This Super Bowl will Eventually, Joe and 22 discover some deep meaningful only if he performs in the jazz band There’s just being present and being in the on the 27 to take on Northwestern in the hotly- Disney’s second tryout of exclusive streaming On the women’s side, Dordt will look to can make it in the conference tournament.” also see the Chiefs attempt to be the first team truths and rebuild their passion for life. As a PG of his dreams, but later finds out that living the world and making connections and having contested rival matchup. on its media behemoth, Disney+. Different than build off a 71-58 victory over Doane, as they With not many games separating the top to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New rated Disney film, it develops with a joyful tone good life is much different than he would have feelings. There’s more to life than checking After Saturday’s loss to Doane, the men the previous release, Mulan, Soul was and still head to Northwestern this week with hopes to teams in the conference on both the men’s and England Patriots won the 2004 and 2005 Super and, of course, everyone lives happily ever after thought. boxes of things you’ve wanted to achieve.” hope to rebound against the Red Raiders in is free of charge for all Disney+ subscribers. replicate their defensive performance against women’s side, the next two weeks will prove Bowls. as is expected from children’s entertainment. It might be a coincidence that Soul is what looks to be a tough final four games to Soul tells the story of a middle-aged music the Red Raiders. critical for both teams as they fight for seeding Those 2004 and 2005 Patriots teams were led However, clichés aside, Soul has made strides streaming at the end of 2020 even though the finish the conference slate. teacher, Joe Gardener, who dies right after With some new additions to the roster, the in the GPAC conference tournament. by quarterback Tom Brady. After a tumultuous to become one of the greatest in 2020. project started running long ago in 2016. One Dordt had one of their worst offense landing the gig of a lifetime at his favorite jazz women have lacked consistency at times during After Northwestern, both teams will face season in 2019 that ended with a loss at the I love this movie because it allows audiences can either consider this film as a memorial to performances of the season against Doane, club. When Joe escapes from his sentence to the the season. Concordia, Dakota Wesleyan, and Briar Cliff, hands of the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card to feel the message through the music as well what we’ve lost in the past year or a celebration finishing with only 69 points while shooting a Great Beyond, he falls into the Great Before and “We have a lot of talent on our team,” which will all be challenging opponents in the Round of the playoffs, Brady left the comfort as characters. It uses 100 full minutes to ask of the little sparks that push us to keep going lackluster 39.3 percent from the floor. desperately looks for ways to return to earth. By Siennah Stamness, a junior guard, said, “As we upper half of the conference rankings. and familiarity of Foxboro, Massachusetts for viewers a question, but does not directly hand on. In general, the film speaks to many people “This is probably the only game this year chance, Joe becomes the mentor of Soul 22 and look to finish the season, we are trying to put an One thing is for sure, both teams have the greener (and warmer) pastures of Tampa, out the answer: How do we love life again? who are similar to Joe and 22: people who lost where we just haven’t been good offensively,” is tasked with assisting her in getting an “earth emphasis on being confident in who we are and opportunities to prove themselves as the regular Florida. He also brought with him another In Soul, there is no villain realized in an strength and courage in the staggering 2020 or said Dordt head coach, Brian Van Haaften. “If pass.” bringing our best effort day in and day out.” season ends, and as an athlete that is all you can feature of multiple Super Bowl-winning evil magician or serial killers. There’s no one even earlier. And rather than haranguing about you want to be an upper echelon team you’ve In the chaotic journey of Joe and 22 sneaking The Defender women currently sit at fifth ever ask for. Patriots teams, formerly retired tight end Rob who wants to take anything away from the the meaning of life, Soul shows us, in a soft, got to make a few of the shots in this game.” back to earth, Joe’s soul ends up in a cat and place in the GPAC standings with a 12-8 record Gronkowski. characters, but they are still frightened of what jolly, and almost innocent language that the Despite a loss that is tough to swallow this 22 becomes stuck in Joe’s body instead. The overall and an 11-6 record in conference. Dordt The arrival of Brady, along with several has been given to them. world is lovable. Likewise, the pastel blue tone late in the season, Dordt will need to have a purposeful plot finds most of its comedy chops will face three of the top four teams in their other important pieces like Gronkowski and What should we do if life is not satisfying? and melodious jazz collide perfectly and create short memory with several important games in the film here as it twists the roles of a soul remaining five games, which will provide an rookies Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr., What if we never fulfill the spark that we are unexpected chemistry in the film, bringing forth coming up that will determine seeding for the who does not want to die and a soul who does exciting finish to the regular season. was enough to push the previously-mediocre born with? What should we do after we reach an artistry feast. not want to live. Buccaneers into the NFC Championship Game. Contribued Photo During the game, a questionable decision was made by Packers head coach Matt LeFleur to Defenders dominate Dordt Open kick a field goal down 8 in the fourth quarter WW84 was really good, News of the World and a timely pass interference call in the Bucs’ Isabel Pheifer—Staff Writer favor was enough to put the final nail in the coffin of the Packers’ season and get Tampa Bay actually review to their first Super Bowl since 2001. The Dordt University Track and Field team inches, scoring her second place. 3, and 4 respectively for the women. On the Tabetha DeGroot —Staff Writer took the Dordt Open track meet by storm last While Tampa Bay played a close game in Gretchen Lee– Staff Writer On the track, Dordt proved excellent in the men’s side, Avery Den Herder, Ben Schmidt, their divisional championship, winning only Saturday. long-distance races. They took control of the Joey Schoonhoven, and Jonathan Veldman all In both the men’s and women’s teams, 31-26, their soon-to-be Super Bowl opponents, After about a six-month delay, the greatly just talked to him in order to get him to back men’s mile, earning places three through nine finished inside the top-ten. success was evident in almost every event. the Kansas City Chiefs, had a much easier time anticipated sequel to Gal Gadot’s Wonder down, I thought it made sense that this was how in the race. For the 3000-meter run, they landed Although no fans were allowed to spectate On the field, junior Grant Brouwer won the disposing of the Buffalo Bills. Woman finally arrived in theaters and on HBO their conflict was resolved. is not a second-place finisher in both the women’s the meet, the Dordt University Rec Center men’s high jump with a leap of six feet and four After a rough start that included a muffed punt Max just before the end of the year. Despite a physical menace; he tears the world apart with and men’s events: Taylor Anema, a junior, ran still filled with noise and anticipation as the inches while senior Cori De Jong jumped four and a 9-0 deficit, the Chiefs found their footing 1984’s efforts to stick to the words, so he needed to be defeated with words. 10:32.60 for the women and Davis Tebben ran events took place and each team roared with feet and ten and one-quarter inches—earning in the second quarter, where they would go on theme and atmosphere of the first movie, it has , on the other hand, is a physical villain, 8:47.97 for the men. excitement as their teammates ran past. In the her second place. to put 21 points on the board. As Kansas City been met with mixed reviews. so having Diana fight her was appropriate. I Bethany Ten Haken, a junior, earned herself absence of fans, the team spirit portrayed by In this event’s footsteps, the pole vault continued to score touchdown after touchdown Following the end of WWI and the death do wish that the fight between Cheetah and two mid-distance places: one in the 1,000 each school filled the void and it was a joy to followed suit with a top-two finisher for both with a nearly perfect Patrick Mahomes and their of , has started Diana had been a bit longer since it was such a meters and the other in the 600 meters. witness. the men and women. devastatingly efficient offense, the Bills sealed working in the Smithsonian and has settled into climactic moment of the movie, but if the longer “I felt pretty good about my races,” Ten Haken The Dordt University Defenders Track and “Pole vault is a unique and crazy sport. I am their own fate by continuing to settle for field a seemingly normal life. She uses her powers fight scene was sacrificed to make room in the said. “It was my first time running the 1,000, Field team will compete next at Mount Marty thrilled that I keep improving and look forward goal after field goal. The Chiefs went on to win to stop crime, but has otherwise been laying movie for more character development and so it was something different for me. I started University on Saturday, January 30. to the rest of the season.” Luke Bousema, a 38-24. relatively low. After a mysterious artifact is plot, I would say it was a fine trade-off. There out a little slow and got boxed in, but that’s junior field athlete, said. Super Bowl 55 will see two high output taken into museum custody and Steve Trevor were plenty of smaller plot points that were something to work on for next time. Overall, I Luke soared to thirteen feet and eleven and offenses face off against two defenses that do somehow returns from the dead, however, also satisfying. For example, the parallelism am pretty happy with how it turned out.” one-half inches and was crowned the champion not often get a ton of credit or recognition. Diana comes back into the public eye in order between Steve showing Diana the modern Dordt enjoyed significant success in the 800 It will also see a quarterback that is often to stop Maxwell Lord from assisting humanity in the men’s pole vault, also earning a new meters with multiple top-ten finishers in both world in the first film and Diana showing Steve News of the World, released on Christmas Contribued Photo considered the greatest quarterback of all time, in destroying itself with his new, dangerous personal record. As for the women, Hannah the men’s and women’s races. Mika Kooistra, the modern world in its sequel were a bit heavy- of 2020, offers exciting entertainment while Brady, share the field with Mahomes, who looks powers. Rowe jumped nine feet and six and one-quarter Annika Rick, and Anmarie Stuit placed 2, handed, but fun to watch nonetheless. also invoking deep thought and emotion. Based paper written by the cruel man who owns the like he may someday steal that title from Brady. Overall, this film was a delight to watch. The special effects and score were also on a novel by Paulette Jiles, directed by Paul buffalo skinning business and, therefore, the While the Super Bowl is a much bigger stage The cast of characters were compelling, and very good. Hans Zimmer once again delivers Greengrass, and starring Tom Hanks, News of town. Instead of bowing to the crooked buffalo than a Week 12 game that saw the Chiefs defeat each served an appropriate and realistic purpose an experience-enhancing soundtrack that The World is artfully done. This western drama barren, Kidd reads the people a story of miners the Buccaneers 27-24, it is easy to believe that in the overall plot while still having interesting pairs well with brilliantly shot scenes and a occurs during a time of great tension and strife who rise above oppressive circumstances. some of the trends from that game will carry development arcs individually. Barbra Minerva Women’s volleyball works through season well-crafted plot. The translation of Cheetah’s - something we can sadly relate strongly to Chaos ensues, and Kidd’s life is saved by a man over into the championship game. Namely, that and Maxwell Lord were incredibly well-written; comic appearance to the screen was well done right now. It takes place shortly after the Civil who simply states, “I like your stories.” Tampa Bay’s defense struggled to contain the while you did not agree with their actions and and Diana’s new armor, while a bit confusing War during a time of rebuilding in America, In another captivating scene, Captain Chiefs’ seemingly endless supply of deadly recognized them as villains, the audience could changes in terms of relevance and reason, looked primarily in the south. It is a wild world, filled Kidd is reading of the new laws that the offensive weapons. In that Week 12 game, still empathize with them and recognize them absolutely incredible. All around this film was with rugged and dangerous people. northern authorities are putting into place in Ella de Jong- Staff Writer Kansas City wide receiver Tyreek Hill had 13 as human beings. The acting in this film was visually and auditorily pleasing, rounding out Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (played by Tom an aggravated southern town. Some audience receptions for 269 and three touchdowns. also fantastic, with a particularly memorable to be an excellent movie Hanks) is a former soldier for the Confederacy. members become vocal about their frustrations, This season for the Dordt women’s varsity The Dordt team will bring back 13 girls from spring has to offer.” While that may instill hope in the hearts of performance coming from Pedro Pascal as despite what other reviewers might say. He makes a living traveling from town to town resulting in blue-uniformed soldiers in the back volleyball team has been quite a different trip this season for a chance at nationals. After Christmas break, the team returned to Chiefs fans, there may be nothing scarier to any Maxwell Lord. As jarring as it was to see him and reading newspapers to anyone with ten gripping their guns as the people become more than past seasons. The end of their season should The NAIA National Tournament will be held the gym on January 19. They kicked off their championship-hopeful than a Tom Brady-led go from playing such a soft-spoken, physically cents and a few minutes to listen. These classic and more restless. Right when things seem on have been before Christmas break, but instead, once again close to home. It will take place in first day back with lifting and an open gym. team firing on all cylinders. With his victory capable character in The Mandalorian to playing blue collar towns value sheltered living and the verge of getting ugly, Kidd yells, “Alright their season has been prolonged because of the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa for They will not have their first real practice until against the Packers, Brady’s all-time record a strangely mustache-less, brash character in hard work, relying on Captain Kidd to bring I hear you!”. “I hear you.” He goes on to calm COVID-19. This is due to the NAIA National the thirteenth year in a row. The tournament will February 8. Bousema and Kooima explained in the playoffs has climbed to 33-11. For WW84, once the initial shock wore off Pascal’s them news of the world. A series of events the crowd as he acknowledges their grievances Tournament being moved to the spring. The begin on April 27, 2021, and the championship that they do not have a schedule yet, but they comparison’s sake, coming into this season, the descent into power-hungry madness was causes Kidd to cross paths with a young girl with the simple but profound statement, “we’re volleyball players will not let it hold them back will be played on May 1. know that the GPAC tournament is their major combined playoff records throughout the entire incredible to witness. who was taken from her family and raised by all hurt’n right now.” from competing for a spot at nationals, even if “I’m just grateful that we got to play and concern as of now. Their performance at every operating histories of the four franchises in the The plotline of this movie was written and Native Americans. He discovers she has been News of the World may not be what you they may have a different team than before. got through a season,” Makenna Kooima, a tournament will determine whether they make NFC South was only 34-43. Oh, and Brady is executed well, feels original, and fits neatly into orphaned once again after the war and needs would expect to need right now, but it proves “Most of the girls are back,” Emma Bousema, defensive specialist on the team, said. it to nationals or not. Both players are excited 6-3 in Super Bowl appearances while, again, the themes of Diana’s character. The concept to be taken to her last remaining family. Kidd to be just that. A look at the post-civil war era a defensive specialist on the volleyball team, The women’s volleyball team has had and ready to continue their team’s journey to the entire history of the four franchises that of wishes and the consequences of getting reluctantly agrees to deliver the girl and sets out gives us a healthy dose of perspective. The said. “besides Karsyn Winterfeld—she is opportunities that other colleges and universities nationals, even if it is a little different this year. comprise the division of the NFC South results everything we want was such an interesting on a journey fraught with peril, adventure, and people before us have lived through times and in chiropractic school, Mckenna Vroom have not. They were able to have their first game in a 2-4 record in Super Bowls. topic to dive into, particularly in a superhero growth. circumstances as bad, or even worse, than we transferred, and Lydia Smits is not playing this on September 5, 2020 and started their season Super Bowl 55 will most likely feature some movie. Often, we have been warned in folklore This film has all the elements of a classic ever have. The character of Captain Kidd is an spring, but mostly everyone is back. But Karsyn with a win. The winning did not stop there. The of the best quarterback play human eyes have and fairytales that getting what we want can western: shoot-outs, cowboys, Native inspiring example of how pain and loss can be is a big role to fill.” volleyball team finished their season with a ever seen. However, the difference maker in this have dire results, but seeing those dire results Americans, and dusty lawless towns. However, turned into hope and healing through an act of There will be different dynamics with the 12-5 record. Their last game was on November case may just be the defenses that are hoping in a modern context hit harder than one might it also has a depth and sincerity that sets it apart. kindness. The film illustrates the power of a new team competing for a spot at nationals 9, 2020, but all the girls knew that the NAIA to balance out the high-powered offenses. expect. It contains themes of honor, kindness, pain, good story through a strong plot and endearing from the team who played in the fall of 2020. National Tournament was still a few months in Whatever the case may be, the first week of The defeat of Maxwell Lord was also well healing, and the power of a great story. One characters. Bousema has confidence that even though they the future. February will again be home to a spectacle that done. Although some people did not like the scene that stands out is when Kidd is brought lost talent from their team, all the girls are great “If we can get there and work hard in the will capture the attention of millions and be fact that Diana didn’t actually fight Lord and Contribued Photo into a town against his will to read a propaganda with adapting to change and can fill the gaps. offseason,” Kooima said. “We’ll see what the talked about for years and years to come. page 6 Feature Feature page 7 Behind the nonprofit saving lives From Canada to Iowa: Opinion: The bastardization

Katie Ribbens— Staff Writer Dordt’s new physics of political iconography

chronic illness, descended into greater pain and you Jesus, has committed suicide,” Brodie said. training. deeper depression each day. But River buoyed “Since they’ve had the dogs, they haven’t even Partners for Patriots also relies on volunteers professor his spirits. Her constancy evolved into a new thought about it.” for fundraising, awareness, and service work. Sydney Brummel—Staff Writer role as caregiver. The dogs are also task-trained, meaning Morningside College sends several students Brodie, who had been training working dogs they meet the unique needs of each veteran. to volunteer at the nonprofit each year. Brodie On March 3, 2020, Professor Jason Ho completing his PhD in December of 2019. for 24 years, taught River to retrieve a phone Sometimes they interrupt traumatic flashback believes Dordt students could meet a similar traveled from Saskatchewan, Canada to Dordt “My sister-in-law kind of found the for her husband in case of an emergency. When episodes, sometimes they break episodes of need. University to be interviewed for a position in the opportunity,” Ho said. “She was looking for Brodie lost her mother to cancer, it was River self-harm, sometimes they help with retrieval or “It’s gonna be one of the most rewarding physics department. At the time, the COVID-19 jobs, and I was looking for jobs. We were who stayed by her side through the emotional mobility—but most importantly they are always things you’ve ever done,” Brodie said. pandemic was still fairly new to the world and, passing each other jobs.” turbulence. The grief prompted her to consider present. They are their patriot’s forever partner. If given the opportunity—and the for many, a distant rumor. However, less than Although he had never heard of Dordt that she wanted to do something else— As a trainer, Brodie carefully examines a dog’s resources—Brodie would like to expand by two weeks after his interview, the pandemic previously, Ho began to ask around about the something more—with her gifts. strengths and molds them into the customized adding West and East coast locations. reached North America, and Ho’s application Christian university and found connections. In “What do we really need?” She asked her partner each veteran needs. “I’m making less than I’ve made in my and hiring process became a great deal more fact, one of his wife’s previous professors at husband. “Not every dog can do this,” Brodie said. entire life. But I still wake up every morning interesting. Western University of British Columbia “Excuse me?” Her husband said. The dog must have an inherent desire to work loving what I’m doing.” On March 25, Ho accepted the job offer to once taught in Dordt’s physics department “What do we really need? Because I’ve got for its handler. But, more than that, it requires serve as a physics professor at Dordt. His move himself. an idea.” intuition: they have to know when they’re to Iowa, though, would prove to be a challenge. “Oh, no.” needed. Many times, these dogs act beyond “I was in the middle of writing my dissertation, Contribued Photo But after talking it over, Brodie’s husband their training in order to keep their veterans which was a big process,” Ho said. “And we “Looking back, encouraged her pursuit of a new endeavor. safe. [Ho and his wife] just weren’t sure what the Every 80 minutes, a veteran commits Their familial ties to the military and firsthand borders were going to be like.” [that was] certainly suicide. The nonprofit Partners for Patriots in knowledge of how dogs change lives pushed “It’s gonna be one Due to such uncertain border policies during Anthon, Iowa is striving to put a dent in this them to consider serving veterans. the pandemic, the couple decided to move down something that I statistic. They obtain, train, and pair service After sacrificing their minds and bodies in of the most rewarding to Iowa at separate times. Ho would move down Contribued Photo dogs with disabled veterans, most of whom are a foreign country, many veterans find it hard to by himself in August, and his wife would teach can point out and Caleb M.S.—Columnist locked in a daily battle against PTSD. readjust back to their lives in the United States. things you’ve ever one last semester in Saskatoon (Saskatchewan, Cindy Brodie, director and lead trainer One veteran needed over 40 surgeries after his say that was God’s Canada) and join her husband in January. For a multitude of reasons, the American for Partners for Patriots, works from dawn to time of service—but he still would’ve gone done” Tread On Me Flag,” was trampled to death on Before he moved, Ho defended his PhD political scene over the last five years was a dusk every day. Hers is not glorified work. She back to serve and go through it all over again. providence,” January 6 on the steps of the capital by fellow on July 24. The next day, he packed a U-Haul shifting cesspool of pundits, alternative-truths, spends her time training dogs and cleaning Veterans often can’t talk about the terrible pro-Trump rioters. truck and travelled to Iowa on July 27. He and intense polarization. A particularly notable kennels,but it means everything to her. things they were forced to do. How can they tell The second historical flag making a In order to train more dogs, Brodie pours all started teaching classes in August. Although trend in direct correlation with the other noted “My life consists of these dogs. I mean, I their spouse they had to kill an eight-year-old “[I was] sort of building a picture and comeback is more puzzling than the former the funds she receives back into the program. the circumstances were extremely busy and not issues has been the increased usage of flags to go to bed thinking about them and I wake up child who was carrying a bomb? Whispering figured I’d throw in an application,” Ho said. He libertarian icon. The Confederate battle flag is By taking a pay cut, she can put out 122 dogs ideal for the couple, Ho is grateful to see how rally behind a certain cause. Most notably, twice- thinking about them,” Brodie said. “I wouldn’t the terrible words to their service dog, who applied in January, eager for a teaching position. completely antithetical to the United States for a year to the veterans who so desperately need everything worked out. impeached former President Donald Trump’s do it any other way.” won’t judge them and won’t tell anyone else, is Despite the difficult circumstances during his reasons that need no explanation. Before crying them. Partners for Patriots relies on puppies “Looking back, [that was] certainly campaign sold a variety of flags ranging from Partners for Patriots, founded by Brodie and opportunity for healing. The emotional support application process, Ho found himself drawn to “state’s rights!” in defense of the flag, examine donated by breeders or will adopt them from something that I can point out and say that was the infamous “Make America Great Again” and her late husband in 2009, began with the rescue the dogs provide by their presence is enough to the community of Dordt. Moreover, he saw the the history closely. The Confederate States shelters—saving two lives at once. Volunteer God’s providence,” Ho said. “…Accepting a “Trump 2020” flags to banners emblazoned of a little beagle puppy by the name of River. keep their veterans sane. school as an opportunity for him to develop and of America went through three flags during puppy raisers care for the donated dogs for over job like this in the middle of the pandemic… with “NO MORE BULL****” and “Trump Brodie’s husband, suffering from a mysterious “Not one veteran that’s had our dogs, thank Contribued Photo improve as a teacher. its short, pitiful existence, and none of them a year until they are ready to enter advanced It’s just a lot of uncertainty, but every step of the Train.” way it felt right.” From his own learning experience, Ho were the current design sported by your local A “theoretical physicist by trade,” Ho understood the significant difference a teacher yee-yee, mullet-having, Busch-light-drinking, completed his years of study in western Canada. can make in what fields students find themselves “the American loud-truck-driving redneck. The Confederate He grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, drawn to. Battle flag first made a comeback during the Dr. Perigo receives grant Out of the Fire cont. where he spent the first twenty-two years of his “I guess part of teaching for me is to try to political scene over 1948 campaign of the Dixiecrat party, who’s cont. from pg. 1 life. take something that, on the face of it, people the last five years was candidate Strom Thurmond argued vehemently “I went to school there, went to university might find intimidating and try to break it down for segregation of Black people and white Georgia Lodewyk- Staff Writer “Even though these pieces were done many there,” Ho said. “I did my undergraduate degree to become a lot more accessible.” Ho said. people. The battle flag did not even appear on years ago, I look at them, and I can relate to a shifting cesspool of lot on how to study the Bible, but there is not a at the University of Fraser Valley.” This semester, Ho is teaching PHYS-231 Georgia’s state flag until 1956, after the Brown This past year at Dordt University, Dr. every intimate detail,” Van Wyk said. lot that brings those themes together, and that’s Ho and his wife later moved to Saskatchewan and PHYS-324. Overall, the professor typically pundits, alternative- v. Board of Education court ruling. From the Jeremy Perigo has been busy writing papers, Apart from the emotional restoration the fire what I’m excited about.” in 2013, where he started his graduate studies instructs students in the fields of engineering, very start, the “Stars and Bars,” have been responses, and answering questions all while provided, it also gave Van Wyk the physical The Vital Worship Arts grant program, at the University of Saskatchewan. During the chemistry, physics, STEM education, and HHP. truths, and intense intentionally racist, hateful, and antithetical to working as the university Director of Campus opportunity to clear out all the junk his studio headquartered on the campus of Calvin couple’s seven years there, Ho obtained his After living in Sioux Center for nearly six the United States. The emblem is the remnant Ministries and Worship Arts. In December of had accumulated and start again. With $9,000 University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has master’s and PhD in physics. In total, he has months, Ho has developed positive impressions polarization.” of a defeated, insurgent nation– the very act last year, the work paid off. from a GoFundMe along with insurance claims awarded 900 grants since the year 2000 to been involved in the physics field for around of Northwest Iowa and its people. of flying the flag shouts “I WOULD LIKE TO Perigo earned himself a slot as one of and various sales, Van Wyk has been able to churches, universities, and organizations. twelve years. “I’ve enjoyed the town. I’ve enjoyed the RETURN TO A TIME WHEN PEOPLE WHO seventeen individuals chosen to receive the Funding from this grant will provide Perigo rebuild his studio. university, and my colleagues are great,” Ho LOOK DIFFERENT FROM ME COULD NOT “I really like being able to dig into nature More interesting to note, however, was the Teacher-Scholars grant. This grant has been with media equipment for podcasts and videos, The fire also provided an opportunity for said. “People here are really, really warm and EAT NEXT TO ME! AND BY THE WAY I and the natural world and see the patterns and rise of historical flags in conjunction with right- established as part of the Calvin Institute of books from scholars and professors, and the Dordt University’s Assistant Professor of Art friendly.” WISH THIS COUNTRY DIDN’T EXIST!” how everything connects,” Ho said. “It’s really wing movements. The Gadsden (Don’t Tread Christian Worship’s Vital Worship Grants ability to focus on his research for the 2021- David Platter to meet Van Wyk, and the two The third ideological banner which has lost cool.” On Me) flag, with its hissing snake on a stark Program. Each funded project holds a unique 2022 school year. have discussed and learn from each other since meaning in recent weeks alone is the “Thin Ho first heard about Dordt toward the end of yellow background, could often be witnessed emphasis, from arts and trauma healing to “We are grateful for each of these Teacher- then. Their friendship also led to Van Wyk Blue Line” flag. The pro-trump crowd at the where any of Trump’s placards were seen. Byzantine iconography. The CICW hopes these Scholars and the promise of their work for learning through Platter about a kiln that was capitol proudly waved these flags at Black Unfortunately, the 1775 libertarian icon is not projects will “deepen people’s understanding strengthening congregational life,” said John available for purchase. Lives Matter marchers months back, but when the only historical pennant to reemerge in the of worship and strengthen practices of public Witvliet, director of the CICW, about the 2021 “I was like, ‘You know what, I think I know opposed by capitol police, they turned their 21st century—the Confederate Battle flag has worship and faith formation.” Perigo’s grant grant recipients. somebody who’s got a kiln that they’d like to pennants into weapons. Officer Mike Fanone made a resounding and frightening clamber back provides him with the opportunity to research a sell,”’ Platter said. “So I tried to get in contact recalls being beaten by a thin blue line flag the to relevancy. Despite the terrible connotations topic near to his mind and heart. with the seller, with that kiln for that matter. day of the riot, right before he suffered a mild of this flag, the usage of both standards begs “My central passion is to help our Dordt And sure enough, they still had it, they wanted heart attack. some difficult and confusing questions. worship arts students connect with the leading to sell it. So, I started talking with Jake and said, In the age of Trumpisim, ideology and The Gadsden flag, created in 1775 by thinkers in the area of worship, theology and ‘Hey, I think we could find you a kiln.”’ iconography have been so bastardized by far- Christopher Gadsden, was intended for use by music,” Perigo said, “It will allow me to help be The kiln proved to be too large for Van right extremists that the irony of attacking a militia groups organizing against the British the translator of material to students.” Wyk’s purposes, but he agreed to purchase it police officer with an emblem of support or government. Over decades it came to represent This research grant will allow Perigo to anyways and exchange it for Dordt’s current flying the flag of a failed insurrection inthe the need for small government, but more research books written by various professors kiln, which Van Wyk has operated in previous nation’s Capitol has completely lost meaning. importantly the necessity of a total libertarian and scholars of theology, worship arts, and years. COVID-19 has made kilns increasingly No immediate resolution is clear, except society. Different political groups adopted the music, and translate them in a way that allows expensive and hard to find, so both are glad that continued education and vigilance. students to engage and learn from the text. they met when they did and were able to agree flag before modern Alt-right movements— Perigo also hopes to create discussion podcasts upon a deal. including the now irreverent Tea Party. Despite with global scholars with students in mind as the by and large indifferent or positive history the audience. Perigo’s podcasts will also be free of the flag, the ideology behind the banner and available to the public through social media has been blurred and defiled in recent years. outlets including YouTube. Ironically, the people carrying the Gadsden flag “We’re all worshippers,” Perigo said, “This and storming the capitol are in direct defiance to is a way to think about that from a theological the intention to Christopher Gadsden’s wishes. angle and a Christian angle.” They act in favor of an administration who Perigo hopes his podcasts and discussions has time and time again supported business will fuse the topics of theology, music, over individuals, raised incarceration rates, and worship together in a way that gets all and flexed the arm of central government for worshippers to study beyond the music on the conservative virtue signaling and personal sheets of paper or the words on the screen. gain. One member of the insurrection, Rosanne “There’s lots of podcasts on how to be a Boyland, who was last seen carrying the “Don’t better worship leader,” Perigo said, “There’s a Contributed Photo Contributed Photo Contributed Photo page 8 The Back Page Wearing a mask and loving Grandson: “Death of an your neighbor Optimist” album review Emma Stoltzfus — Co-chief editor Daniel Ketchelos —Staff Writer

The serious part Fighting an established system is never drugs, but ultimately, drugs leave Grandson I originally wrote this article last semester as Without further ado: here is the original an easy task. Grandson, a musician seeking void of feeling. a humorous “how not to wear your mask” public humorous “do’s and don’ts of mask-wearing.” to revolutionize the system, recently released While Death of an Optimist is Grandson’s service announcement for the Zircon. Sam (my The funny part his debut album, Death of an Optimist. first full album, four of the twelve songs found co-chief editor) and I ended up pushing it to Mask mandates are nothing new. Most states Grandson’s first full-length album explores the on the album had been previously released this year because we thought “please wear your and organizations have established some form overwhelming conflict found within the United through singles or EPs. This leaves the album mask properly” was a message people needed of policy on wearing masks in the past several States, with subjects ranging from personal feeling slightly dated. to hear in a serious context. The semester has months. Dordt University is no exception. This identity, to war, to depression, and even to Overall, this album raises awareness of the barely started, but we were right about that. semester the students, faculty, and staff of the political activism. political instabilities facing America. Despite Many of you probably saw the email chain university have been required to wear masks Canadian American singer- this, there is concern that Grandson’s music may that made the rounds on January 19. In it was when inside or in proximity to other people. Jordan Edward Benjamin, better known by further divide Americans. Lyrics that promote a petition for the end of Dordt University’s Despite the normalization of mask-wearing his stage name “Grandson,” is making his first breaking away from established systems in various COVID-19 safety protocols. The chain in the era of COVID-19, there is still an foray into full-length music albums. Death of favor of revolution may create more tension began with a statement and petition from the astonishing number of mask faux pas being an Optimist, transitions away from Grandson’s than it alleviates. It is important to acknowledge College Republicans Club president—Tyler committed. Here is your personal guide to style of releasing individual songs as singles in issues that face the nation, but it is not effective Bouma—to the engineering department and wearing your mask correctly and effectively. favor of a full 12-track album. if it further divides the population. ended with the email being forwarded to 348 The Sniffer Death of an Optimist features tracks with “I hope people feel excited to take on the students around Dordt. The most common mask mistake is the alt-rock/hip-hop, trap, and rap-rock genres. challenges that they face, rather than a sense of Bouma created the petition on a Google “sniffer.” This is when the wearer pulls the Stylistically, this album’s lyrics and genre hopelessness,” Grandson said in an interview Sheets document, which allowed anybody with mask down to expose their nose. Some do so in resemble a modernized Rage Against the with NME. Fighting the system has been access to the link provided in the email to edit order to breath unhindered through their nose, Machine, another group who focused on Grandson’s aim through his music. Critiquing anonymously. This led to name-calling, memes, others are trying to take a sniff of something in politically charged lyrics. the system in his three-volume E.P, “a modern fake names and emails, and a fruitless debate. the air. Regardless, it renders the mask largely “I’m trying to make sure that everybody who tragedy,” set the foundation for his debut album. Complaints about mask-wearing and social- useless as the wearer expels droplets and germs listens to the music leaves with a sense of power Grandson’s first major release was “Blood distancing featured heavily in the comments through their nose unobstructed. over their life,” Grandson said in an interview // Water” from his 2018 EP, “a modern tragedy section. The Earwig with NME, “One of the hardest things when vol. 1.” This track incorporated high-energy At one point the spreadsheet hosted 90 Another fashion statement made with masks you’re going through a tough time is even being EDM beats and lyrics focused on a population anonymous users arguing back and forth. After is letting them swing free in the wind by one able to articulate what you’re experiencing.” that has become a slave to the system. Currently, several hours of this, Bouma locked the sheet ear. The “earwig” or “earring” method of Key tracks of this album include “Identity,” this is Grandson’s highest streamed track with from further edits and cleared the comments wearing a mask does little to protect the wearer “WWIII,” and “Pain Shopping.” “Identity’s” over 250 million streams on Spotify. section and fake names. or those around them. While often worn for a lyrics focus on the search for a lost sense of self I am disappointed. I’m disappointed in the few moments when the individual takes a swig in America. They explore America’s transition toxic attitude shown by many Dordt students of their coffee or other preferred beverage, the into cancel culture, confusion surrounding hiding behind anonymity. I’m disappointed problem arises when the mask stays on one ear COVID-19, and a push against the established in those who typed in their names to back the for longer periods of time. Masks should either systems. “WWIII” is a point of view story petition’s push for Dordt to drop its health and be linked over both ears or tied around the back about a young soldier experiencing PTSD from safety policies. of the head. The Earwig method is overly casual his war-time experience. This track criticizes This year we have had the opportunity and does not meet the benchmarks for proper the U.S. war machine while asking questions to attend classes and play sports in-person. mask-wearing. about the morality of modern warfare. “Pain Not a lot of schools in America can say the Cheeky Chin Shopping” addresses the crisis of prescription same. These measures are what allow Dordt The “cheeky chin” is the cousin of the drug addiction. The lyrics focus on the search University to stay open. If they are taken away, “sniffer.” Instead of the top edge of the mask for becoming fulfilled through prescription I sincerely doubt we would be able to stay open rolling down to reveal the nose, the bottom for long. is pushed up to show the chin. Without the Contributed Photo I wear a mask and social distance. I do it for support to hold the mask in place, the slightest my family. I do it for my friends. I do it for my movement of the jaw causes the mouth and professors. I do it for people I have never even chin to peek out from under the mask. Like its met. I’m selfish and do it for myself because DORDT UNIVERSITY cousin, the “cheeky chin” does a mediocre job I have a list of lung-related health issues that of offering protection. could complicate a battle with COVID-19. The ‘Stache If wearing a mask and social distancing helps The “stache” is rarely seen due to its less- SPECIALS decrease the chance of my neighbor becoming than-ideal level of comfort. Some masks render ill or dying, I think it is well worth it. No, it is it impossible depending on the type of material not fun. I don’t enjoy this “new normal” we’ve and thickness. This faux pas is achieved by COLLEGE BUFFET found ourselves in over the past year. I will squishing the mask into a tightly drawn strip continue being conscientious though because across the upper lip. The mouth and nose are ONLY $9 we are called as Christians to show love to our left uncovered, and the whole ensemble gives STUDENT ID REQUIRED neighbor. the appearance of a mustache—hence the name. CODE: 54012 The Neckbeard Finally: the “neckbeard.” This fashion disaster is when the mask has been completely stretched past the chin and sits on the underside FREE DELIVERY of the jaw. The wearer’s face is completely bare, but their neck is now pointlessly covered. Like TO CAMPUS the “earwig,” this mask-wearing method leaves the face bare. The Mandalorian After that tour of all the ways *not* to wear a mask, the final stop is the correct mask-wearing technique. As the Mandalorian often responds JOIN OUR TEAM! to questions about his own protective armor: Apply at “this is the way.” For the die-hard fans groaning SIOUX CENTER pizzaranch.com/carreers at the narrow definition of Mandalore culture, 251 N MAIN #100 712-722-3988 this is of course referring to the mask-wearing KK7700 - 1918 tenets displayed in season one of America’s new favorite Star Wars media by Din Djarin. With the “Mandalorian method,” the mask should cover the wearer’s face from the middle of the Diamond Staff 2020-2021 nose to the underside of the chin. It does not gap at the sides or bottom and always stays on when Chief Editors: Staff Writers: Isabel Pheifer Yee Lim Shin interacting with others, especially indoors. Be Emma Stoltzfus Aleasha Hintz Jaclyn Vander Waal Zac VanderLey like the Mandalorian: wear your mask, protect Sam Landstra Anna De Oliveira Katie Ribbens others, and don’t commit a mask faux pas. Caleb Pollema Lexi Schnaser Columnists: Copy Editor: Connor Van Hulzen Mikaela Van Soelen Caleb Schreurs Tess Hemmila Daniel Ketchelos Mikaela Wegner Lauren Hoekstra Gretchen Lee Elise Wennberg Rochelle vanderHelm Ella De Jong Sydney Brummel Faculty Advisor: Layout Designer: Eoghan Holdahl Tabetha Degroot Lee Pitts Ankijkaa Bakker Georgia Lodewyk Yage Wang Contributed Photo