THE BAGPIPE THURSDAY, OCT 3, 2019 14049 SCENIC HIGHWAY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, GA 30750 VOLUME 67.6

Whistleblower Complaint Covenant Confessions Gen Z Soccer Prospects Short Fiction Contest Recent Film Remakes Democrats begin impeachment Controversy Watch out for these young athletes Two Covenant professors look for (and why they are all so bad) proceedings against President Contentious Instagram page shuts and their promising talent a new kind of Christian fiction Trump down Page 1 Page 1 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT LEADS TO IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY

by Hannah Urban

On September 19th, a whis- tleblower complaint emerged from a member of the intel- ligence community involv- ing President Trump. A whis- tleblower is someone from a company or government agen- cy who shares their knowledge of any wrongdoing in the form of fraud, corruption, or illegal activity within an organiza- tion. This particular complaint involves a phone call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelen- sky, the president of Ukraine.

video still from Jack Dempsey, youtube.com A memorandum of the tele- phone conversation was re- leased on September 25th. It was not the exact same words as used originally. The White CLIMATE STRIKE IN CHATTANOOGA House warned that it is not a verbatim account. by Zoe Kiratzis downtown Chattanooga, approxi- tanooga which featured multiple and kpanlogo drums, and even and Ian Banks mately one hundred locals assem- speakers and activities. participated in some aerial danc- In the call, Trump encouraged bled in order to raise awareness of ing. Zelensky to investigate Dem- On Friday, September 20th, pro- the climate change crisis. Many Two Kenyan women offered pow- ocratic presidential candidate testers of all ages gathered in cit- came toting signs emblazoned erful testimonies about how the Just days after people around the Joe Biden for corruption. Ac- ies across the world as part of the with slogans such as, “Respect warming climate is affecting their world joined together to strike for cording to the memorandum of Youth Climate Strike. The strike your mother,” “There is no plan- homeland and the innovative action on climate change, the 2019 the call, Trump said, “There’s was catalyzed by Swedish envi- et B,” “Don’t be a fossil fool,” and solutions that their communities United Nations Climate Action a lot of talk about Biden’s son, ronmental activist Greta Thun- “The Future is Green.” Demon- were being forced to employ. Summit was held in New York that Biden stopped the prosecu- berg. It became a part of a global strators ranged from young chil- City. Thunberg made headlines tion and a lot of people want to movement that over 7.6 million dren to senior citizens, but the A McCallie student with the Nat- by taking a specially-designed find out about that, so whatev- people in 185 countries partici- majority were high school and ural Conservation Guild chal- racing sailboat which offered a er you can do with the attorney pated in, according to globalcli- college students. Eight students lenged the crowd on their com- zero emissions option for travel- general would be great.” matestrike.net. Thunberg drew from Covenant participated in placency and called for greater ing from Plymouth, England to international attention when she the strike, and one faculty mem- action. The Chattanooga Times participate in the summit. Before Trump’s personal lawyer Ru- began to protest the inaction of ber joined them. Free Press reported that Graham the United Nations, Thunberg de- dolph Giuliani was involved in the Swedish government on cli- Shults, a leader of Chattanooga livered an impassioned speech to persuading Kiev, Ukraine’s cap- mate change by skipping school The strike in Chattanooga bore Students Leading Change, also rows of world leaders. ital, to investigate matters that to demonstrate in front of the many similarities to the other called for greater action and de- would help Trump politically. Swedish parliament. Her actions strikes happening simultaneous- manded attention from adults Now, Thunberg is traveling across Government officials who han- have inspired responses from stu- ly across the United States and about the problems that the stu- North America before heading dle foreign policy connected dents all over the world, including the globe. Lauren Newman, the dents will have to live through. to Santiago, Chile. There, at the Trump’s willingness to support in Chattanooga. sustainability coordinator at the United Nations Climate Change Zelensky with Zelensky and his University of the South and part The strike wasn’t just speech- Conference, Thunberg will con- government’s readiness to pur- On the 20th, outside of the Ten- of the local Climate Reality Chap- es—protesters joined in chants, tinue to advocate for increased nessee Aquarium in the heart of ter, headed up the event in Chat- danced to the rhythmic djembe action on climate change. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

rise, sing, and pray together. “The CONTROVERSIAL ‘COVENANT DAY OF PRAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE sunrise service at Rock City is a longstanding tradition that began CONFESSIONS’ INSTAGRAM by Anna Rogers while he hasn’t been present for with the Psychology Department them all, Chaplain Lowe can pro- years back,” Lowe added. PAGE ERASED On September 25th, Covenant vide us with some insight into the had its biannual Day of Prayer. day itself. He shared with us some Lowe also said, “We have lately by Elias Ferenczy for creating the platform. It gave For most Covenant students, of the activities and events that tried to be thoughtful about pro- students the opportunity to say this means no school! And while happen on Day of Prayer, none viding structure and content into “The solution, end the page. Sim- what normally is secret or forbid- this is an added bonus of Day of more well-known that the sunrise the time at Rock City.” ple, uncomplicated.” -@cov_con- den, and the creators were curi- Prayer, it means much more than service at Rock City. Sleepy-eyed fessions ous to see its results. just a break from our academics. students gather together at Rock Now, I’m sure most of you are City at 7 a.m. to watch the sun- CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 This month, @cov_confessions, After running for a time, the page well aware of the meaning and the Instagram page that once was cleared by the administrators importance of Day of Prayer, and boasted an estimated 276 follow- themselves to resolve an ongoing I’m sure most of you have monk- ers—most of whom were Cove- conversation that resulted from like discipline that pushed you nant students—erased all posts, circling rumors and complaints into prayer from dawn until dusk. leaving students with conflicting about the direction of the page’s However, on the off chance you reactions. The account, which content by students and admin- need a refresher, here are a few posted “confessions” written and istration. Not only did rumors words from some of the Covenant submitted by anonymous stu- spread around campus, but com- community to help you out. dents, gained popularity and ig- plaints were expressed via direct nited controversy for its often message and anonymous submis- For our first guest, he kills animals questionable, negative content. sion as well. with his car, he has hair more vo- luminous than you can imagine, The account was founded on an- While the page may have had that’s right ladies and gentlemen, onymity of all parties. For this negative impacts, several stu- I’m talking about Chaplain Grant reason, the four account admin- dents praised it for its humor Lowe himself. Day of Prayer, af- istrators would not provide their fectionately known as DOP, has names, as they take responsibility CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 been around for decades, and photo by Eden Anyabwile NEWS 02 STUDENT SENATE UPDATE

by Grant Kierpa broader topics.

The Bagpipe had the opportunity Is there something you’d like to see to sit down and chat with both changed about Senate this year? the oldest and newest members of Student Senate. Erik Peeples Peeples: I would like to see Senate ’20 is now Student Body Presi- more connected to campus and dent after serving for two years I’d like to see Senate grow. Func- as Class President and last year as tionally, I want Student Senate to the Student Body Vice President. be more connected so we’re doing The other, Liz Daley ’23 from Co- these events called Minute with lumbia, SC, is the newly elected Senate where we’ll be going to Freshman Class President. Both each Resident Hall for about an had insights on what Senate has hour or so where we’ll be meet- been and what it can be in the fu- ing with RAs, collaborating with photo from covenantcollege.edu ture. them, sitting down in lobbies of each building to help make our- vision for this year is to make Sen- that it would help get me out of Freshman class you’d like to share? First question to the veteran, Erik: selves known. ate more united with the rest of my comfort zone. Then it quick- what are some things you’ve seen campus. We want to let everyone ly turned to [the thought that] Daley: I definitely want to make change on Senate in your four Structurally, we’re looking to add know that we are there for them, maybe this will be my place in the sure I listen well to the Freshmen years? a position to be a liaison to the and we support them. We aren’t community to serve. class and hear what they want Multicultural Program. Last year just some group of students that before I commit to anything sig- Peeples: When I got into Senate we felt the need to address the meet in isolation. [End Quote] Have you had any student gov- nificant. I’ve heard a lot of [con- my freshman year, the executive dissonance between Senate and ernment experience prior to being versation about] continuing to committee was comprised of a the rest [of the Student Body], [Note to Reader: Student Senate elected Freshman Class president? improve gluten-free and dairy- lot of business majors. Senate and the Multicultural Program is meets in Carter 109 Tuesdays, free options. There also isn’t a lot was going through an ideolog- a large and growing institution. In 7:30. All meetings are open to the Daley: Yes, but not technically. I of vegetarian options. For right ical battle of should it be run as most other schools, this is a pro- public.] was homeschooled and I didn’t now, I’m trying to figure out the a business or not. We’ve moved gram that is usually under senate, really have a great way to do [Stu- best way to talk to my class, out- forward from trying to be run so we thought about creating a Now, from a conversation with dent Government]. I did partici- side of the people I’m surrounded as a business and realizing that if voting position that would be on our most experienced Senator, to pate in and work for an organiza- by. That’s sort of what I ran on, there is something we can do for Senate as a liaison to represent the our newest. tion called TeenPact. As a student was that I love the community students, we should do it. Like, if diversity on campus. I ran for governor and won one here, and that cliche should con- we have the money to pay for stu- Why did you want to run for year. This past summer I ran for tinue. [End Quote] dents to go to events, we should What do you [Erik] think Senate Freshman class president? a national position as senator. I do it. Senate has also gotten more should be addressing in this up- didn’t win, but it was still a fun As Peeples begins to pass the efficient. Last year we created the coming year? Daley: I definitely first thought, experience. I think that’s when I torch to underclassmen like Da- finance committee which comes “Oh that’s cool” but I’m sure like fell in love with politics. So I think ley, the Bagpipe will continue to up with budget decisions before Peeples: We need to continue the many others I thought that there’s that’s kind of how I saw this posi- follow along with Student Senate, [Senate meetings], which gets rid conversation to make Covenant a no way that I have time for this tion coming in, but I didn’t realize keeping the Student Body up to of a lot of extra discussion. It’s so more eco-friendly and sustainable right now. But, it definitely is how much power and influence date with changes the Senate may much more streamlined, and so place. I think Covenant can do something that I love, and some- the Senate here actually has. make. much less argumentative. This more in regards to that, especially thing I’ve done before. I toggled allows us to focus on bigger and as we’re called to be stewards. My back and forth and settled on Do you have any plans for the

COV CONFESSIONS were not only challenged to con- ebrating these little dirty acts…” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fess, but encouraged to seek reso- While Wylie, who never followed According to Mineo, @cov_con- lutions. Another suggestion was a the account, believes the adminis- fessions posted Instagram stories “There seems to be no signs of student-led panel that read anon- trators desired to glorify God, he revealing followers’ requests to repentance from anyone,” said and authenticity. “I’ve had several ymous submissions and invited asked the question, “How do we remove the page and complaints Smith, referencing people’s laugh- students say they enjoy the page campus community members to love one another well?” of it being offensive. She pointed ing in the comments, which trivi- because it’s comedic, they just see discuss solutions. out that the moderators weren’t alized unethical behavior. it as entertainment. Beyond that, Olivia Mineo ’22, who did follow the ones making “confessions,” it may provide the campus with According to Jonathan Wylie, the account, provided some ad- only sharing them. While it may Some confessions tore down cer- a sense of humility, that not ev- Associate Dean of Students, Cov- ditional insight from a student’s not be right to share certain posts, tain groups and people indirectly, eryone here is perfect,” an owner enant College does not monitor perspective. Originally, the page she feels contributors should take and several posts were also about wrote. any social media. claimed to publish all the stories responsibility for any offensive pornography and masturbation, the Bagpipe could not. “It started content that was shared. she said. “A confession like that As far as the administrators of the “One of our biggest sins as a com- off really innocent,” she said, ex- should be a sign […] A lot of these page are aware, no disciplinary munity is gossip and using words plaining that submissions would “I just thought it was funny. I confessions were cries for help, actions resulted from their posts. that tear one another down.” Wy- be about secret crushes and other liked seeing it, and it was inter- and we’re just kind of celebrating However, certain posts did lead to lie said. He went on to differenti- topics just as serious. The admin- esting to see how each confession them.” If our brother or sister is “some heated discussions,” they ate between the Christian’s calling istrators would also include their got worse and worse.” Mineo ex- struggling with porn or any other said. “Ultimately, we decided that to both private or public confes- reactions within the posts’ cap- plained that she didn’t feel the issue, we’re called to come along- the page was not conducive to a sion, depending on the context. tions. administrators were trying to get side and build them up. positive community environment anyone in trouble, but were sim- on campus, and decided to shut it Wylie explained his disinclination “After a while, more and more ply exposing students to campus “It wasn’t a supportive commu- down.” to squelch these sorts of conver- people started to get bold, and activity. nity, or a community running to- sations, as the discussion of sins started to confess more inap- wards Christ,” Smith said. Instead, When asked for solutions, @cov_ allows them to be brought to light propriate stuff,” Mineo said. She Lastly, Mineo commented on the it seemed to scream that students confessions suggested healthier and turned from, to which we are found it humorous, adding that difficulty of healthy confessions weren’t all “good” people, and ways to discuss these topics. One called. “Maybe the Lord is going Covenant students would often- while at Covenant, which she failed to challenge one another idea was the establishment of a to use this as something that’s times not imagine such activities partly attributed to the Standards in good ways. @Cov_confessions transparent forum where students calling us into action.” occurring on campus. of Conduct. While in no way was could have run in two different she advocating their curtail, she ways, Smith suggested. It may expressed her sentiment that the have published only light-hearted more rules are enforced, the more content, or acted as a resource for they are broken. troubled students. Certain issues are not easily resolved through “If you’re upset, just unfollow and social media, as one’s struggles report it.” must be brought to light before he or she can receive help. Julia Smith ’21 followed @ cov_confessions simply to be in- While Smith acknowledges her formed of its content. Smith is not own fallenness, she feels people trying to condemn the writers of are not convicted if they submit the confessions, but rather the confessions anonymously. moderators’ decisions to publish them. “I’m not gonna hate on you “It’s more saddening than any- or judge you for doing whatever thing, I think—the whole page. your little confession was, wheth- Because it just shows a lot of im- er it be stealing a loaf of bread maturity.” The page gave the im- from the great hall, or getting pression that more students par- high in Mills. But I think the page take in wrong activity than is the was encouraging submissions of case. these confessions in a way that screenshot of @cov_confessions page, taken Oct. 2nd, 2019 was more like glorifying and cel- NEWS 03 IMPEACHMENT mark they have had issues with waste, abuse, or a danger to made, the Director of National a South Carolina Republican, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Trump politicizing information public safety. Intelligence has a ministerial said in the New York Times that in the past. responsibility to share that with “Democrats would be insane to Joseph Macguire, Acting Di- Congress.” proceed with the impeachment sue investigations. In an article from the Associ- rector of National Intelligence, on the basis of the [Ukraine] ated Press, Biden talked about blocked the complaint from be- Congressional Democrats sid- call.” Trump’s personal lawyer be- Trump’s attempt to pull the ing reported. ed with him and brought back lieves that the president has a Justice Department into inves- their argument that Trump is In AP news Republican Sen- right to tell another country’s tigating him. Biden called it a Macguire consulted with both orchestrating a cover-up of an ator Chuck Grassley said, “I leader to investigate corrup- “direct attack on the core inde- the Justice Department and the urgent and legitimate whis- wouldn’t want to make too tion. He said in an interview pendence of that department, White House to confirm the tleblower complaint that could quick of a conclusion when with the New York Times that an independence essential to complaint being withheld. Ac- affect national security. They you’re reading something that this is true particularly if it the rule of law.” cording to the New York Times, rallied together and told Mac- somebody heard somebody else “bleeds over into” the United he said his delay in sending guire that he had until Thurs- say second or third hand.” States. He added that “If I were The law states that whistleblow- the complaint to Congress was day, September 26th to turn president, I would do that.” er complaints must be reported about “sorting through possible over the whistleblower com- The whistleblower complaint to Congress. For Congress to claims of executive privilege.” plaint or he risked retaliation. was released in full by the However, in light of the fact receive a complaint, it has to Intelligence Committee on that former Vice President concern the existence of intel- Adam B. Schiff, Chairman of House Democrats initiated a Thursday, September 26th. It Biden is running for president ligence activity that violates the House Intelligence Com- formal impeachment inquiry on confirmed that Trump pushed and according to the New York the law, rules, or otherwise mittee, said in a briefing that September 24th. Speaker Nancy Zelensky to investigate Biden, Times, intelligence officials re- amounts to mismanagement “once the determination is Pelosi announced that the im- and said that a few days earli- peachment inquiry would be er Trump withheld over $391 on the schedule. House Dem- million in aid money from ocrats want to keep it simple Ukraine. and make the point that Trump abused his political power, and According to the whistleblow- that is why they are moving for- er complaint, the White House ward with the inquiry. took extraordinary measures to keep the phone call from going Pelosi said in the announce- to the public. The transcript of ment that “The actions of the the complaint said they moved Trump presidency revealed the records of the phone call to dishonorable fact of the pres- a secret computer system to ident’s betrayal of his oath to lock them down. They told the office… The President must whistleblower that this was not be held accountable. No one is the first time under this ad- above the law.” ministration that a presiden- tial transcript was placed into a President Trump is only the computer system to protect po- fourth president to be facing litically sensitive information. impeachment. His position in the Republican-controlled Sen- In a New York Times article ate could have him confident Macguire said, “My responsi- that even if the Democrats vote bility was to get you the whis- to impeach, the Senate would tleblower letter and get the not convict him. other information released. I have done my duty. Wheth- Several Republicans sided with er to investigate further is on Trump on the whistleblower the shoulders of the legislative photo from washingtonpost.com complaint. Lindsey Graham, branch and this committee.”

DAY OF PRAYER SMC office, and over the course of house off-campus, and overall resting from the chaos of every- the story of redemption.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the semester, each SMC prays for had a “good chill time,” as Barrett day life and focusing on our re- every request. The chapel office describes. lationships with Christ and his Chaplain Lowe sums up the im- has accumulated and prayed for body. portance of the day by saying, “I One way this is done is through hundreds of these over the years. DOP isn’t just about the tradi- believe Day of Prayer can be a the worship music provided at the tions; it also has a lot to do with Barrett said that as an RA, DOP wonderful time of recalibration service, which was led this year Lowe also discussed, as I’m sure a time of fellowship with one an- is important because it gives her and remembering. We need times by the ever-talented trio of Jus- many of you are aware of and in- other. “I feel like DOP brings us an opportunity to “slow down to slow down, to be quieter, to tine Blick ‘21, Will Bryan ‘20, and volved in, that there are a whole closer as a hall because it gives us and really focus on developing pray together and alone, to rest.” Susan Anderson ‘22. When asked slew of hall traditions and events a chance to slow down and spend relationships on the hall, as well about picking songs for DOP, throughout the day as well. time with each other in prayer,” as creating spaces where other Boy, doesn’t all of that make Anderson said that she and Blick Barrett says. “It’s good to be able friendships within the hall can you want a Day of Prayer every worked closely with the Student One hall that loves a good tra- to have conversation and encour- thrive.” month, maybe every week? While Ministry Coordinators (SMCs), dition is Third North, located in age each other in our faith during that may not be possible, I can tell who have a heavy hand in orches- Carter and led by fearless leader the week, when we would nor- Anderson discusses DOP worship you that we do have the privilege trating the day and the sunrise Carly Barrett ‘21. Barrett dis- mally be busy with classes.” by saying, “DOP music isn’t just of having one every semester. So service itself. cussed how Third North will of- ambiance to accompany the sun- mark your calendars, another Day ten go to the sunrise service as a All in all, discussing Day of Prayer rise, or a ploy to coax tears from of Prayer is coming to a campus Anderson said, “The progression hall and then have breakfast to- with several different members the student body at 7 a.m., but near you on February 11, 2020. of DOP, as planned by the SMCs, gether afterwards. This year, the of the Covenant community has an opportunity to dwell upon the was moving from lament, to grati- hall made and ate breakfast at a presented the overall theme of person of Christ and our place in tude, and into glory. When choos- ing songs, we aimed to match that progression.” Anderson also said that the main focus of mu- sic events through the Chapel Department this year have dealt with encountering Jesus through music with the entire student body, and DOP was no exception to this.

Along with the sunrise service, there are several other activities that have been put on for DOP. Throughout the years, Lowe says that, “There have also been times of guided prayer in the chap- el (with live acoustic music and slides), daily prayer offices that the community can pray through no matter where they are at set times of the day, Carter Hall tow- er tours, and an evening time of worship.”

This year in particular, two new elements were added to the itiner- ary, which included SMCs visiting staff offices to pray for and with the staff, as well as a prayer walk through campus. Prayer request cards that are in the chapel every year also get taken back to the photo by Eden Anyabwile NEWS 04

jana praised the involved intelli- The former fighter pilot will work gence agencies for their successful INTERNATIONAL NEWS: alongside other astronauts on sev- collaboration. eral experiments and take part in an Arabic language broadcast on “Let us remain vigilant for there AROUND THE WORLD IN 500 WORDS his mission to the ISS. are still enemies out there who will always try to inflict havoc in by Lief Le Mahieu ny placed the responsibility with A UAE flag and a family picture, the communities,” he said. Iran at the U.N. General Assem- Britain, France, and Germany ex- among other small objects, will On September 14th, several Sau- bly. The Iranian President, Hassan pressed their desire for Iran to en- be brought by Mansoori on his On September 24, China Tri- di Arabian oil facilities were at- Rouhani, said to reporters in New gage in peaceful dialogue and to eight-day mission. The UAE space bunal, a human rights group, tacked, leading to an increase in York, “Those who make the alle- stop disrupting the Middle East. program, partially motivated by presented evidence to the U.N. global oil prices. On September gations must provide the needed The U.S. has continued its sanc- the Apollo missions, plans to send Human Rights Council accus- 23, Britain, France, and Germa- proof. What is your evidence?” tions on Iran. unmanned spacecraft to Mars by ing the Chinese government of 2021. harvesting organs from religious “Today, the U.S. imposed new minorities. Organs harvested in- sanctions against Chinese com- On September 23, Philippine po- clude hearts, kidneys, lungs, and panies that transport Iranian oil lice forces arrested six individuals skin for medical and scientific contrary to U.S. sanctions. Deny- with suspected links to ISIS. Po- purposes. ing the Iran regime revenues for lice believe that these individuals destabilizing conduct at the ex- were involved in the Isulan mar- Business Insider noted that two pense of the Iranian people, ” said ket bombing on September 7th groups, Uighur Muslims and ad- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo which left seven injured. herents to the Falun Gong reli- in a tweet on September 25. gious community, have been par- According to Benar News, one of ticularly targeted. Nearby, the United Arab Emirates the arrested suspects, Hassan Ak- photo from gulfnews.com celebrates as its first astronaut pre- gun, is a Swedish national, while “Victim for victim and death for pares to go to space. Set to travel the others are Filipino. death, cutting out the hearts and to the International Space Station other organs from living, blame- (ISS), Hazzaa Al Mansoori, age An ISIS flag, bomb making sup- less, harmless, peaceable people,” 35, will be only the third astro- plies, and multiple firearms were said China Tribunal lawyer Ha- naut from an Arab country to go confiscated by the police during mid Sabi, “constitutes one of the to space. Mansoori came out of an the arrests. The arrests happened worst mass atrocities of this cen- applicant field of over 1000, ac- in Bagumbayan, a town in the tu r y.” cording to the BBC. southern province of Sultan Kudarat. Sabi believes that there are hun- “This mission is a great milestone dreds of thousands of victims and for me personally and for the Westmincom (a division of the urged the U.N. to investigate fur- United Arab Emirates,” Mansoori Philippine Military) commander ther in China’s treatment of reli- Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobe- gious minorities. photo from time.com told reporters in July.

what’s happening on Tuesdays? I Students like Messer find that keep hearing about these Tuesday Tuesday Talks aren’t just challeng- TUESDAY TALKS CONTINUE TO GAIN Talks from [students they were ing, but genuinely enjoyable too. mentoring].’ It’s just always nice Mixed in with the more difficult to know that you’ve hit a nerve applications are blessings of fel- INTERST AMONG STUDENTS and the students have been really lowship and understanding. encouraging in that way.” by Mary Haynes ered topics such as sexual purity, Tuesday Talks’ invitation to all For Messer in particular, “there’s pornography, dating and physi- students continues this semester For Cammie Messer ’21, the talks just something really cool about Posters scattered around campus cal boundaries, and gender roles as Formenti and Bloomquist be- have created a safe place to discuss being able to walk into a room and slides in chapel are advertis- (specifically, the role of women in gin a series on the “theology of hard topics in a group setting. where all four buildings are repre- ing the “Tuesday Talks.” But what the church). the body.” Alternating between sented, athletes and non-athletes, exactly are they? joint and separate talks with “One of the reasons I love Tues- people who consider themselves The study stretched to eight men and women, Formenti and day Talks is because it’s such a conservative or liberal—all of us In January of this year, the talks weeks, and by the end of the se- Bloomquist lead this semester’s good place for hearing a lot of just discussing what a healthy re- were organized by Stephanie For- mester, the Tuesday Talks includ- talks with the help of Brett Bor- different ideas from people who lationship looks like or how we menti, Covenant’s Chapel Associ- ed both male and female students. land and Stephen Dillon, the res- all love Jesus,” said Messer. “This view body image with the goal of ate for Discipleship, and Hannah ident directors of Founders and semester we’ve been talking seeking truth.” Bloomquist, Andreas RD. They As Formenti explained, “I think Carter, respectively. about body image, and there have are the result of a number of con- Tuesday Talks evolve[d] the same The response to Tuesday Talks has been so many different ideas and “It’s a unique opportunity for in- versations Formenti and Bloom- way they were created: by just been a positive one. opinions on what it means to be ter-generational conversation,” quist were having with various listening to the conversations, healthy and what it means to love said Formenti. “That doesn’t nec- students. listening to the needs, listening “Students are very affirming here,” food and things like that—but essarily happen super easily in the to the questions of our students. said Bloomquist. “Last semester, despite all the different opinions, church. When we take the time to Formenti said, “[Both of us had [During one Tuesday Talk], a stu- between 25-60 students came to you can assume the goodwill of sit down with people of different been talking to] students about dent had the idea of having guys these conversations and it’s so everyone in the room.” generations and talk about im- the silence around issues involv- come [and discuss gender roles encouraging to me because their portant things through the lens of ing sexuality, either from their with us].” presence shows a desire to grow Messer said that the practical Scripture—that’s experiencing the families or from churches—or in Christ and to grow in their application of these discussions Body of Christ in a very unique they were coming to Covenant As a result of the eager approval ministry, in the way they want to can often be a hard pill to swal- w ay.” and getting introduced to these from other students, Bloomquist be shaped.” low. “Sometimes listening to what things for the first time. We just and Formenti agreed to open the Hannah and Stephanie have to For interested students, Tuesday felt that maybe opening that group’s doors to men. The follow- Formenti has shared a similar say makes me check myself and Talks meet weekly from 11:00- door for conversation would be a ing Tuesday, both men and wom- experience. “I’ve gotten a gener- that can be really hard. At the 11:50 AM in Hannah Bloom- worthwhile thing to do.” en gathered in Hannah Bloom- al sense that the [Tuesday Talks] same time, though, that’s really quist’s apartment on the first floor quist’s apartment to discuss the conversations were helpful for good because I don’t want to go of Andreas. The idea originally began as a role of men and women in the [students] in friendships or on just to hear things I already know; four-week series of discussions. church. the hall. I’ve even had wom- I want to go and be challenged.” Formentti and Bloomquist cov- en from churches be like, ‘Hey,

stack, a welcome change for the Stapleless staples have existed professors who need to print doz- for several decades but were not TECH CHANGES ON CAMPUS ens of syllabi. practical or efficient until 2009. They were not able to staple many by Kyle Kraus falling apart. “Staplers contribute over 2 million There are a few problems for the pages together, could not hold, kg of CO2 equivalent of Global new staplers to overcome. The and were not economically fea- This semester, the Covenant Stapleless staples could have a Warming Pollution. To put this first is that the printer in the mail- sible. In 2007 the Japanese com- College mailroom introduced bright future on our college cam- in perspective, the stapler market room can only staple five pages pany Kokuyo decided to change stapleless staples to campus via pus. The senior class president, accounts for over 500 passenger together. Standard staplers will that. Wanting to produce a green the Canon imageRunner printer. Ian Banks ’20, said, “I am very vehicles worth of emissions each still have to be used for extra-large alternative to the common sta- These staples are made from the thankful that our college has de- year!” essays. Another issue is that while ple, Kokuyo dedicated time and paper itself. cided to place a greater emphasis the paper can hold itself together, money to creating a product that on ecological responsibilities and Other benefits of this new stapler the pressure that the printer ex- could attach many pages and hold According to the official Canon chosen to reduce our consump- include cutting the costs of refills erts can weaken the paper itself, for a long time. According to their YouTube page, “Staple Free Sta- tion of staples. The [stapler] holds and broken staplers. Also, the of- increasing its ability to tear. An website, their efforts eventually pling binds the paper together paper sufficiently and is better for ficial Canon page notes that these often-used set of documents at- resulted in the Harinacs in 2009. with pressure, which is a great al- the environment. It is a no-lose new staples allow for more effort- tached by a paper staple, such as a ternative to metal staples.” situation.” less shredding, as you do not need syllabus, may begin to tear. In ad- Since then, stapleless staples to remove the staple beforehand, dition, this form of staple is not as have continued to be on the rise. After the paper is bound together, According to an article by Da- which would be a win for tired easy to remove as the metal staple. All that is required is the simple the top corner will have several vid Cyron and Veronica Spencer work-study students on campus. To separate pages, you will likely touch of a button, and metal is re- grooves keeping the pages from posted on Georgia Tech’s website, It also makes the paper easier to need to tear the paper apart. placed with paper. SPORTS 05

ond Liberian Civil War and later German side Borussia Dort- percentage this season shows. His moved to Canada when he was mund, Sancho has been clinical. speed and dribbling ability make GENERATION Z 5. At age 14, in 2015, he signed His coldblooded approach to him appear quite mature on the with the MLS Vancouver White- his goals and vital approach on field, yet exciting like any hungry caps youth squad where a year the offensive run make Sancho a young attacker trying to make an SOCCER PROSPECTS later he debuted in the MLS for promising winger. He will most impact any chance he can. It’ll be the first team. With 2018 being likely be essential for England’s interesting to see if he returns to his big breakout season, he cap- national squad, which recently Manchester City or snubs them by Luis Santiago Sanchez age 6 and later signed with FC tured the attention of the barbaric have been a disappointment on for any other big club in Europe. Barcelona at the age of 10. At 16 giants, Bayern Münich. He cur- the international stage. There’s I’m sorry your soccer talents years and 268 days, he became rently has 10 appearances and 2 been speculation that he may Honorable mentions: Ellie Car- didn’t blossom when you were five the second-youngest debutant goals--one being a major goal in return to the Premier League in penter, 19, Thorns FC | Ferran or twelve. Your soccer may have for Barcelona’s first team in July the preseason against Tottenham. England due to his current play of Torres, 19, Valencia | Gianluigi peaked in high school or your of this year. So far, in five games, He’ll most likely go on loan in the 4 goals in 9 games in all competi- Donnarumma, 20, AC Milan | first year of college, yet no major Fati has scored two crucial goals. winter window based on where he tions for Borussia this season and Rodrygo, 18, Real Madrid | Nico- soccer club came calling. I’m glad It’s his poise with possession and stands in the pecking order of at- 13 goals last season. His abilities lo Zaniolo, 20, Roma AS you’re pursuing your little C and flare in attack that have convinced tacking wingers at Bayern. At 16, are only getting better, as his goal big C callings here at Covenant FC Barcelona to place a 100-mil- he became the youngest player to College. We’re all glad you’re here. lion-euro price tag on the starlet. debut for Canada’s national men’s Statistically, you’re really late to FC Barcelona is currently negoti- soccer team where he now has 16 making it to the most elite level -- ating a new contract, so that price appearances and 4 goals. so enjoy where you are right now may increase. With Lionel Mes- and the soccer talent that is devel- si as his teammate and mentor, Erling Braut Håland | 19 | Red oping worldwide. there is no telling how great Fati Bull Salzburg will be in the years to come. In a globalized world, we are see- The England-born Norwegian ing more amazing talent reaching Tierna Davidson | 20 | Chicago has already been through three the shores of the biggest leagues Red Stars clubs, and made his first team de- in the world, whereas before they but at 15 with Norwegian side By- would have gone unnoticed, un- The youngest player on the 2019 rne in the first division. It was his photo from fcbarcelona.com scouted. Globalization has in- U.S. World Cup winner roster, performance back in May where creased these clubs’ ability to Tierna Davidson already has 21 he scored 9 goals against Hon- reach different parts of the world, appearances, one goal, and five duras in the U-20 World Cup in and national teams are benefiting assists playing from the back. Poland that took the soccer world as well. Davidson attended Stanford for by storm and put his name out soccer, where she played center there. He currently has 8 appear- I’ve compiled a small list of the defensive midfield and would lat- ances with Salzburg and 11 goals most exciting youth talent in the er move to center back for club this season alone. It has helped world right now. The sport is im- and national team. She is a very his case that he scored a hattrick mense worldwide, so I am sure to influential player when on the for RB Salzburg in his Champions have missed many more exciting field, with her defensive mindset League debut on September 17th. prospects. Most of them are your for the ball and key distribution of His finesse in front of goal and photo from ussoccer.com age or close to it, so it’s cool to the ball on offense. She’ll be one to prowess with the ball have catego- look at what others in your gen- depend on for the next world cup rized him as the most promising eration are doing in the soccer in 2023 with fellow 21-year-old striker out there right now. We’ll sphere. starlet, Mallory Pugh. see how long RB Salzburg can keep him before big money clubs Ansu Fati | 16 | FC Barcelona Alphonso Davies | 18 | FC Bay- come knocking. ern Münich The youngest on this list hails Jadon Sancho | 19 | Borussia from a West African nation, Born in a refugee camp in Gha- Dortmund Guinea-Bissau. He moved to na of Liberian parents, Alphon- Seville, Spain with his father at so Davies’ parents fled the sec- Going into his third season with photo from bavarianfootballworks.com

Cleveland Cavaliers needed to they were. moved schools, gone overseas, fender who uses his length to support Kevin Love and bring inquired into different leagues, guard several positions. He could LAMELO BALL him his second ring? But beyond Lonzo went on to UCLA and then and now plays for the Illawarra be quite the exciting player. by Nate Plating the regular season, and into next the NBA, being drafted 2nd over- Hawks of the National Basket- summer, the 2020 draft rumors all by the Los Angeles Lakers and ball League in Australia. And this But on the other side, his down- The NBA off-season is draw- have already begun to swirl about, recently being traded to the New season could perhaps be the most side is equally as catastrophic as ing to a close, with the opening and one name keeps popping up: Orleans Pelicans. LiAngelo, po- important one thus far. LaMelo his upside is exciting. A poor de- games of the coming season fast LaMelo Ball. tentially the best of the three, still has recently been generating a lot cision maker who forces passes, approaching. We’ve moved be- has not quite panned out, but I’m of buzz as he will most likely enter misses ill-advised shots, and takes yond the 2019 Draft and Summer The Ball brothers, Lonzo, LiAn- confident it will come. And when the NBA Draft come next sum- defensive possessions off—three League, and now have only the gelo, and LaMelo, burst onto the it does, he’ll come flying into the mer, and where he goes is truly a things that will not fly at the high- regular season to look forward scene a few years back due to their league with his knockdown cor- mystery. est level, the NBA. And his NBL to, which is certainly something high-flying, long range domi- ner 3’s. But more recently, one season could be a great indicator to be excited about. The season nance at Chino Hills High School Ball brother has been the focus of His upside is enormous—a lanky of which of these we will see come will finally answer the questions and their big-talking dad, Lavar. much of the hype: the youngest 6 foot 6 inch point guard with next season. But like his brother NBA fans everywhere have been Lavar built up an outrageous brother, LaMelo. silky smooth control of the ball, Lonzo, we really have to wait and asking. Just how far will Zion go? amount of hype around his boys, who can throw a full court pass see how LaMelo’s skills will trans- How long until Cam Reddish in- leading to interviews and a now LaMelo has been followed much and a 2 foot dump off with the late to the NBA game, something evitably emerges as a top player failing shoe company. But the of his serious basketball career, same effortless ease. A long range I am very excited for. in the league? Was another scor- hype would not have lasted unless from his younger years of high shooter who can pull up or come ing point guard exactly what the his kids were actually good, and school up until now, as he has off of screens. A lockdown de-

ARTS gradual increase in volume of gui- sical skill. Fans of “The Hair,” be- JOE KEERY OF ‘STRANGER tar. The lyrics exemplify a sense of Joe Keery’s talent shines in his ware, for you may end up loving longing for past times, when “I’m first album. Although he is fair- Steve Harrington even more after at the chateau and I feel alright,” ly new to the music industry, experiencing his talent as a singer THINGS’ RELEASES as Djo puts it. “Roddy” contrasts “Twenty Twenty” features many and guitarist. with exciting, hopeful, and hap- different layers and levels of mu- NEW ALBUM py tones, featuring lyrics about self-revelation and motivation to by Emily Robertson dicted to lying to herself. The move on and do better. “Mortal song finishes with a long guitar Projections” begins with intense If you are a Stranger Things fan, solo, which is most likely Keery’s chiming sounds and slows down then you know Steve “the Hair” own talents being displayed, as he and smooths out to allow piercing Harrington. What you may not is the former guitarist of the band lyrics about heartbreak. know is that Joe Keery, who plays Post Animal. Steve, is not only an actor but “Total Control” features only a singer as well, under the alias “Tentpole Shangrila,” the next Keery’s distorted, deep voice, “Djo.” His album is only for- song, begins with psychedelic chanting phrases like “relax, lay ty-four minutes long, which may beats and a chiming sound. Gui- back.” “Flash Mountain” provides explain the title: “Twenty Twenty.” tar riffing breaks the song in half, a refreshing switch up with in- and more psychedelic beats en- tense rocker vibes. “Twenty Twenty” is an indie al- sue, accompanied by more strik- ternative album that begins with ing sounds from the guitar. The final song, “Mutual Future an intro featuring the repetition (Repeat)” begins with a synthetic of the word “Showtime” in a dis- “Chateau (Feel Alright),” “Roddy,” guitar sound that sounds slightly torted, deep voice. The next song, and “Mortal Projections” share similar to the main theme from “Personal Lies” jumps the listen- the status of being released as sin- Disney’s “Up.” The song is a sur- er right into a quick and elevated gles before the entire album was prising ending to the album, with beat, complete with lyrics about released. “Chateau (Feel Alright)” its sensitive lyrics about wishing a woman who appears to be ad- starts off slow and mellow, with a to be back with a past lover. photo from nme.com ARTS 06

Author: David Foster Wallace gests a concept that is logically or Available in Kresge: No scientifically impossible, seeming The main characters are members THE BOOK LIST: In One Sentence: An intense- to suggest that human life is in- of the war government in London. ly funny, virtuosic exhibition herently lopsided or unsymmetri- As V2 rockets fall unchecked, of observational humor and cal. There are two groups of main bringing unannounced death to wide-ranging perspective, with an characters: the students of an elite random city blocks, the govern- READING DIFFICULT underlying commentary on the youth tennis academy, and the ment scrambles to find a way to absurd conditions of modern life. residents of an alcohol and drug protect the city. It is discovered recovery halfway house, both in by happenstance that an Amer- LITERATURE Clocking in at more than half a metropolitan Boston. Characters ican intelligence officer named million words and following a are crafted as allusions to classic Slothrop seems to be able to pre- non-chronological, non-linear, literary figures—Hamlet, Ger- dict where the rockets will fall. In by Will Payne er classics for several reasons: multi-perspective, multi-narra- trude, and Claudius, Telemachus, the final two-thirds of the novel, (1) they are thematically related tive storyline with dozens of lit- Penelope, and Odysseus—but the becoming increasingly paranoid, Lengthy works of literature can (“Gravity’s Rainbow” is one of the erary allusions, “Infinite Jest” im- narrative is more of a subversion Slothrop sets off across liberated be intimidating to approach. One numerous literary classics refer- mediately developed a reputation of these classic stories than a trib- Europe in search of a mysterious reason might be fear: for students enced in “Infinite Jest”) and thus for Gordian complexity when it ute: Wallace has some enormous “Rocket 00000,” which he thinks not majoring in the humanities make good reading partners, (2) was published in 1996. (This was questions to ask about the sources holds the explanation for what is (e.g., your humble columnist), the both were hailed as innovations partially the publisher’s fault: “In- of meaning, significance, and so- happening to his mind. Pynchon’s difficult thematic and plot com- in narrative style and complexity finite Jest” was marketed heavily lemnity in a world overtaken by characterization is unusual—al- plexity of long classics may seem when they were published, and as an American “Ulysses,” an ad the absurd. though critics have counted more daunting. Who are we biology (3) both speak to problems of campaign which stuck a little too than 400 named characters, many majors to claim we know any- postmodern uncertainty which well.) However, the language of *** only appear once, while others thing about interpreting Tolstoy have become highly relevant in the book is extremely easy to fol- Gravity’s Rainbow appear only at the very beginning and Joyce? the first two decades of the 21st low—Wallace is a master of con- and the very end of the book. This century. versational English, and the plot feature, which might be a sign of I could be wrong about this , but develops through the sort of off- careless editing in other works, is I believe that difficult literature is Note that these are novels meant hand observations that you might part of an overarching theme of worthwhile for anyone to read. for adults. They both contain expect to hear from a funny, ob- collapsing storyline. The book’s I’ve found that immersing my- explicit themes, including sex, servant friend walking down the plot structure has been compared self in a deep fictional narrative addiction, abuse, and adult lan- street. to its title, a falling “rainbow” of is a lot like reading good poet- guage. “Gravity’s Rainbow” was increasing chaos. By the end of ry—it leads to a feeling of won- written, among other purposes, The basic premise is this: it’s Mas- the book, narrative structure col- der that goes beyond my ability as a satirical challenge to pornog- sachusetts, sometime in the early lapses altogether, similar to an ex- to interpret the precise meaning. raphy censorship. Readers should 21st century, and corporatism has ploding rocket. Literature can inspire readers to work to develop an individual taken over America—even the reconsider their emotional pre- philosophy of appropriateness for calendar years are named after “Gravity’s Rainbow” is a much conceptions and perspective in novels like these, based on the ar- sponsoring brands. The geopo- darker novel than “Infinite Jest.” ways that nonfiction writing can- tistic value of the work and their litical situation has devolved into Pynchon doesn’t use everyday not. As I’ve challenged myself to sensibilities. populism. A charismatic former image from language, and isn’t in the business read more demanding books, I’ve TV star is president, and has amazon.com of making the reader chuckle at come to appreciate the experience *** dumped all of the United States’ Author: Thomas Pynchon astute observations and absurd of implicit meaning, and even Infinite Jest toxic environmental waste into Available in Kresge: Yes humor. Instead, “Gravity’s Rain- the feeling of confusion, that ac- a southern region of Canada. In One Sentence: A mystery story bow” is densely verbose, especial- companies the unfolding story. Meanwhile, a young tennis star set in World War 2, with a dense ly in its first section, to the point I believe that these experiences is mourning the loss of his father, overlay of hallucinative, post- where many readers fail to finish are valuable, as they point to the a former drug addict is trying to modern psychological musings. the first hundred pages. Howev- intricacies of a beautiful, evil, joy- figure out recovery, and a group er, the work is considered one of ful, sorrowful, definite, unreliable, of ruthless Canadian terrorists It’s London, 1945. German V2 the classics of the 20th century multifarious world. in wheelchairs—Les Assassins des rockets are raining down on the because of the remarkable way in Fauteuils Rollents (an intentional- city, enormous explosive weapons which Pynchon manages to build In this week’s Book List, we’ll take ly misspelled Quebecois of “The which travel at trans-sonic speed, an experience for the reader: this on two major novels of the late Wheelchair Assassins”) are trying meaning that you only hear them is a book which compels the read- 20th century, which have both to locate a film that is so funny it falling after they’ve already hit er to participate, rather than ob- gained a pop-culture reputation can kill whoever watches it (the the ground. This strange horror is serve. The questions that the book as being impossible to read: Da- titular “Infinite Jest”). Pynchon’s entrance to a complex, poses are profound: What are vid Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest” meticulously researched narrative freedom and control? Do events and Thomas Pynchon’s “Gravity’s “Infinite Jest” is primarily about about Pavlovian psychology, psy- occur due to cause and effect, or untraceable stochasticity? What is Rainbow.” image from cycles. The word “annular” re- chosis, eroticism, and the post- amazon.com peatedly appears throughout the modern rejection of cause and the purpose of narrative, and do I picked these works over old- book, usually in a way that sug- effect. stories contain meaning?

a poem for the small things major or not, to enter the contest, by Jem Davenport saying, “It’s actually really cool to NICHOLAS BARKER see your peers apply themselves you, to this kind of pursuit outside of who asks me about my days at night class.” who listens when I speak PRIZE 2020 To tackle the challenge of writ- who remembers my favorite things ing Christianity into mod- by Olivia Mineo aim to create “a more unapologet- who learns my words and repeats them ern-day fiction without appear- ically Christian fiction, one that ing heavy-handed, she combined who understands in the silence “Some say he came down in a pil- offers fictional words harmonious Western fiction, which easily in- who reads in between my lines lar of smoke and fire like some with a biblical, supernatural pic- corporates the supernatural, with great column sent down from ture of reality rather than accom- who tells me sweet nothings that mean everything elements from the Old Testament, God’s own chamber. Ghostlike modating a naturalist, materialist pulling from Genesis, Exodus, who holds me tight and tells me it’s okay to hold you back he drifted over the mesas and left perspective.” Ezekiel, and Isaiah. The result was nothing behind. There’s all sorts who doesn’t mind me letting go now and then “Staggersville,” which follows Jer- of names for such a thing, but They argue that the genre of icho Fife, a wanderer who drifts who feeds me bites of your dinners the Native Americans call them Christian fiction often carries into the small mining town of who fixes my hair when I’m not looking wind-walkers—beings that trav- a negative reputation and that Staggersville in hopes of freeing el the air as the crow flies, zeph- secular features are prevalent in who helps me stay sane the townspeople from the hands yr-like.” contemporary fiction. If robust of a lawless gunfighter named who breaks down all my walls Christian perspectives are includ- Stagger Bell. This begins Aline Sluis ‘20’s ed at all, they are set in the past, who is oblivious to it all, “Staggersville,” the winner of last mitigating the worldview. What if This story, as well as runner-up it’s all you. year’s inaugural Nicholas Barker Covenant students could change Katherine Scott ’19’s “Travis” and Short Fiction Prize, a prize cre- that? all other previous entries for the ated by Dr. Robert Erle Barham Their upcoming academic article and I, contest, are available as a bound and Dr. Hans Madueme. Named “Stories that Gleam like Light- volume in the reserve section of who wants something more in honor of a beloved English ning: The Outrageous Idea of Kresge Library. professor from Covenant who Christian Fiction” expounds on who sits in the dark and wonders taught from 1966 to 2006, this these concepts. Interested in creating your own who longs to hold you tighter annual competition is open to all Christian fiction? Full rules are who watches and waits and pines Covenant students and requires In addition, Covenant Professor posted outside the offices of pre- them to craft a fictional story that Paul Luikart, a working writ- who feels afraid of his own feelings liminary judges Drs. Madueme is 2,000 to 8,000 words in length. er himself who teaches Creative and Barham in Sanderson Hall. who fears of rejection and hatred These stories can draw from any Writing: Fiction, plans on encour- Contest submissions are being genre of fiction, including histori- aging his students to enter. who flies like Icarus towards his sun anyways accepted from October 21, 2019 cal fiction, contemporary realism, through March 2, 2020. All sto- who cannot abandon his affections for you magical realism, fantasy, detective Sluis encourages everyone who ries must be submitted as a PDF who speaks to the moon about you fiction, and science fiction. Stories is interested, whether an English to [email protected]. are required to be unpublished who asks if our stars will ever align and to insightfully and creatively who dreams of happily ever afters with you open up fresh and new insights into the Christian scriptures. This who wakes up to your smile and dies inside is the second year that this prize who lives with the highest hopes regardless is being offered, and excitement who is simply a boy with love, abounds around campus about who will take the cash prize this for another— year.

Regarding their vision for the con- you. test, Drs. Madueme and Barham photo from @covenantcollege on instagram, March 28th, 2019 OPINIONS 07

probably found ourselves wanting others. We long for people, espe- ter. But we are so bad at this. struggle to be silent. THE PRACTICE to interrupt and yell out, “I wanna cially those we care about, to ac- talk about me!” knowledge our existence and our One common assumption about Silence is so awkward and so un- value, which we sometimes fear listening is that it is synonymous needed, we tell ourselves. What is OF SILENCE However, I think Keith’s song has won’t happen unless we throw with question-asking. We love the purpose of silence? Well, we by Jacob Kortenhoeven more to offer than just a collective pieces of ourselves out in conver- questions because they continue have already established that we chuckle at those whom we per- sation. conversations by avoiding awk- love to talk about ourselves and In his song, “I Wanna Talk About ceive as talking about themselves ward silences and quickly move that we long for the affirmation Me,” Toby Keith addresses a lover too much. It seems clear that the Simply put, one important reason us through our checklist of con- that comes with being heard— or a friend, reflecting on the na- ‘you’ isn’t the only one who re- we tend to talk about ourselves is cepts necessary for understanding these are good things. So, when ture of their conversations: “We ally just wants to talk about his/ because we want people to know a person. These aren’t always bad we practice silence, we have the talk about your dreams and we herself. The song essentially pro- us—or a version of us—and ap- things, but they too often create opportunity to give these things talk about your schemes / Your gresses from ‘you you you you’ to prove. It’s not as if the speaker at a guise of “listening” that func- to others. Think of it as giving up high school team and your mois- ‘me me me me,’ which, I think, is a the end of Toby Keith’s song feels tions primarily as self-service. your right to the conversation; it turizer cream / We talk about your pretty good summing up of most like he should talk about himself That’s not listening. Additionally, doesn’t belong to you anymore. nanna up in Muncie, Indiana / We of our conversations with oth- for the sake of a well-balanced question-asking inherently guides talk about your grandma down in ers. Even when we’re ‘listening’ conversation; he longs for what the conversation where the ques- This conversation now belongs Alabama.” (i.e. allowing the other person to he thinks, likes, knows, wants, tion-asker wants it to go, poten- to the person you are looking speak) we can’t help but plan out and sees to be heard and deemed tially ignoring the object of the at. Your voice doesn’t need to be Although the speaker admits that what we are going to say next and worthy. listening altogether. heard because you have given up he often enjoys talking about his how we are going to relate what that right for the purpose of ser- friend, by the end of the song he they have said to ourselves. Why I think we can see our daily con- In light of this, I’d like to advocate vice and love. Try it sometime: is fed up with all their egocentric do we so often give concurrent versations as a sort of oft-neglect- for the practice of silence. And I put your phone away, sit or stand talking: “You you you you you you monologues to each other and ed opportunity to love and serve. mean actual silence: not talking near someone, be with them, you you you you you you you / I call them ‘conversations?’ And we all know how this is done. when you could be talking. don’t say anything, avoid tempta- wanna talk about me.” I am sure When we truly listen to others Some of us do this often (and tions to ask questions, hear them, we could all identify someone in Another thing we can learn from instead of emphasizing our own there might be a seperate piece see them, be with them. Be silent. our lives who resembles the ‘you’ “I Wanna Talk About Me” is that importance, we show the people on speaking and speaking loud- in this song, and most of us have we long to be seen and heard by around us that they exist and mat- ly) but I think the majority of us

The parents can use this time to ity or special need is never their and with an unenthusiastic heart, WHY SPECIAL NEEDS run any errands they need to run, whole identity. If this hadn’t been the ministry for those with spe- and it gives them a chance to have pointed out to me, I never would cial needs at my church is one of a morning off from being full- have been aware of the small ways the things I miss the most about MINISTRY IS CRUCIAL time caregivers. These parents that we can give dignity to those home. Time with these kids and by Emily Mayfield our church’s ministry for people sacrifice so much to care for their around us. their siblings is good for all of our with special needs pretty early children, and this is a way to serve souls, and the amount of joy is Before I began high school, my on. I was reluctant, intimidated, them and give them a chance to Some of the kids I worked with overwhelming. family started at a new church. and nervous about spending time recharge. were non-verbal, except when we We have loved this church for with people who weren’t like me. sang. Then they got super excited I would like to encourage anyone many reasons, but I think my fa- It took a while for this attitude to By spending time with these chil- and started making lots of noise. reading this to get involved in a vorite thing about it is the focus fade, but the Lord began to work dren and their families, I grew While it’s not words, and it’s not ministry for folks with special on ministry for people with spe- on my heart as I continued to vol- to see God’s image and goodness language I can understand, this needs, or even just to try to be cial needs. Even as a sophomore unteer for Special Saturdays and reflected in the diversity around is how these kids praise the Lord. more aware of the people around in college now, I miss my church Special VBS. me. I began to see the beauty in It brings a smile to my face just you in everyday life. This minis- and the way it loves people so the simplicity of the Gospel as I thinking about it. try taught me how to value the well. Special Saturdays are mornings watched the kids understand it contributions of others in a to- once every month where our better than I ever did. These kids This experience has taught me tally new way. I have a newfound I had never encountered a church church members volunteer to have such a beautiful faith to wit- that although we may have differ- compassion and a new apprecia- with this kind of focus, and if serve children with special needs ness, despite the fact that their ent abilities, everyone is capable tion for the diverse image of God I’m being totally honest, caring and their families. Volunteers run lives are different from and more of praising the Lord in their own in those around me. These kids for those with special needs just stations like games, crafts, and Bi- difficult than mine in many ways. way. He is pleased when non-ver- and this ministry have blessed me wasn’t on my radar. Little did I ble/music time, or they buddy up bal children sing, he is pleased more than they could ever know, know, my entire viewpoint would with one of the children to walk We talked a lot about using “per- when children in wheelchairs and I love them with all my heart. change over the course of high them through the morning’s ac- son first language,” which basical- dance, and he is pleased when I school. tivities. Special VBS is basically a ly means that we say “the boy with sing and dance too. week of Special Saturdays. autism” as opposed to “the autis- My family began participating in tic boy” because a child’s disabil- Although I started begrudgingly

If you advocate for clean energy, you are not just a dreamer. If you NET-ZERO EMISSIONS IS NOT believe that we can power our cars and houses with the sun and wind, you are not naïve. While A PIPE DREAM there are still complications like 1955 2019 sourcing materials, the solutions are there. Concern for climate by Joseph Welsh and geothermal plants. Nine U.S. .8% for an average panel; after 20 should be rooted in concern for states and territories (including years, generation would still be how we treat each other—partic- Energy is hot right now (pun in- Puerto Rico) have set clean ener- at over 80% of the original en- ularly the marginalized, who will tended). Climate activists cast a gy goals that require 100% clean ergy output of the solar panel. It be most affected and least able to vision of the US providing clean, energy production within the is worth adding that any kind of escape the effects of a changing dependable energy to all of its next 30 years. energy generation plant will face climate. All it takes is devoting citizens, while also respecting degradation and need replaced less attention (and funding) to Sarah Dreher the people groups who have his- The renewable sector must rapid- parts, but—unlike solar ener- why we can’t and more to how we Editor In Chief torically been neglected or ex- ly expand to supply the energy de- gy—may also contribute carbon will. ploited for energy sources. Most manded by consumers. Govern- emissions in the meantime and, Nate Plating importantly, proposed energy leg- ment subsidization of solar panels according to some recent studies, Managing Editor islation (mainly the Green New and battery storage systems in the may not be as cost effective as so- Deal) mandates reaching net-zero form of investment tax credits en- lar plants. carbon emissions by 2050, with courages activity in these sectors. Will Payne emissions peaking in 2030 at the The pace of ongoing innovation The purpose of this article is not Layout Editor latest. But what does “net-zero in renewables and battery storage to champion solar energy, but carbon emissions” mean, and is is astounding. to lend credibility to the desire Suzannah Guthmann News it reasonable to set such an ambi- for clean energy. Not all con- CORRECTIONS tious goal? There are a lot of worries asso- cerns about renewable energy Grant Kierpa Arts ciated with renewable energy. are unfounded—only most. One David Kraus Opinions Carbon neutrality requires tran- For example, there is skepticism well-founded criticism is that re- Isaac Parker Sports sition away from energy sources about whether solar panels will newables lack reliability. What that produce greenhouse gas pol- last long enough to be worth their if the sun doesn’t shine bright- Paige Hungar Copy For “Clark Beckham lutants (gases that trap heat from investment. Many also fear that ly enough at times? What if the Eden Anyabwile Photo the sun and are thus responsible the panels will be obsolete in 20 wind doesn’t blow and the rivers comes to Covenant Sep- for the earth’s warming). Instead, years and need to be thrown out, don’t flow? These are important tember 30,” published in Kyle Kraus Web carbon neutrality demands a creating astronomic amounts of questions. Volume 67.5: Mary Haynes Staff Writer move toward sources that either plastic waste. While well inten- Anna Rogers Staff Writer remove the same amount of gas- tioned, most of these worries are Even within the constraints of Clark Beckham is man- ses they produce, like biofuels, born from a lack of complete in- net-zero carbon energy, there is aged by Quincy Jones, and Aaron Anand Distribution or that generate energy without formation. room for diversification. There Beckham performed in producing carbon pollutants, like are many kinds of energy sourc- renewables and nuclear energy. While panels will eventually cease es, such as biofuels and nuclear Dubai for 6 weeks, from Cliff Foreman to work and may one day con- energy, that provide reliability, al- January to February of Faculty Advisor Can renewables carry the weight tribute to waste, the average solar though at the cost of other waste 2018. of our energy needs? As of 2018 panel pays for itself within eight externalities. There are also emer- For inquiries or comments, please contact in the U.S, about 11% of energy years, and most solar contracts gent technologies like battery Sarah Dreher at [email protected]. demand is met by renewable en- are set for 20-25 years of genera- storage that will maximize the This is a Covenant College student publi- ergy, with only 8% of that 11% tion. efficiency of renewables. Increas- cation. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the college or the coming from solar panels, 22% ing energy efficiency for the con- student body. coming from wind farms, and Degradation (the amount of en- sumer will also contribute to the the rest from other renewable ergy generation capability a solar effectiveness of clean generation energy sources like hydroelectric panel loses per year) is at about in meeting energy demand. OPINIONS 08 HOT TAKE ON FILM REMAKES by Aline Sluis to produce entertainment in bulk as cheaply as possible, turn to I am not great with probability remakes and sequels to bear the problems, but I do know this: if brunt of their bread-winning. I were to go to the movies today, there’s a 100% chance there’d be Remakes in themselves aren’t a a remake playing. It’s not a sur- bad thing. In fact, there have been prising conclusion. From week to some really great ones. Take, for week, numerous remakes of old- example, John Carpenter’s “The er movies crowd the box office. Thing” (1982; a re-envisioning of Within the past five years or so, 1951’s “The Thing From Another the production rate of remakes World”) or, for another, the Coen has hit a sharp increase that con- Brothers’ “True Grit” (2010; based tinues to skyrocket. off the original 1969 western star- ring John Wayne). The recent Why is this? Can’t studios come up remakes of Stephen King’s “IT” with their own ideas anymore? To miniseries (2017 and 2019, re- an outside observer, it might seem spectively; the original premiered that the big studios have sudden- in 1990) have also seen mild suc- ly lost all their creative thinkers, cess. but, in truth, a far more grievous factor is sucking the life out of the But lately such films have taken film industry. Most big studios a nose-dive in quality. Most re- today are caught up in a get-rich- makes cranked out of the Hol- quick routine and, in their haste lywood meat-grinder are cheap, watered-down imitations of what came before. Take, for ex- ample, Disney’s “The Lion King” (2019)—the ninth remake in a recent strain of live-action films THE that started six years back with “Maleficent.”

VERDICT: No doubt you’ve noticed that Dis- ney in particular puts out a lot of remakes with a lot of mediocre CGI. Bigger studios happen to YES, love CGI because it is faster (and, in most cases, cheaper) than prac- photo from imdb.com tical effects (practical effects be- care and quality. Often these re- Walt Disney Studios brought us and neither should you. If Disney to sunshine. ing the use of tangible props and makes have no real depth or heart many an animated classic such as and other studios find that re- technology such as elaborate cos- to them. They follow a formula, “Bambi” (1942), “Sleeping Beau- makes make good money, they’ll tumes, pyrotechnics, prosthetics, hitting all the points of the pre- ty” (1959), and, of course, “The continue to crank them out fast- animatronics, etc.). decessor while tacking on one or Lion King” (1994). But as both er and cheaper than ever before. NO, two loosely-formed sub-plots to consumers and creators in our And we shouldn’t stand for that. Though CGI is not the enemy, create the illusion of originality. own right, we should demand So be responsible consumers— to eternal summer. cheap stakes and a lack of heart And in this practice, the soul of quality over bland, reworked clas- give due attention to what critics going into production certainly the original is lost. sics sweetened with a pinch of say about remakes. If it’s trash, are. In this fashion, Disney and sugary, manipulating nostalgia. keep your cash. other studios churn out cheaper As I said, remakes in themselves films at a fast clip. This rushed are fine—even great; but we In a capitalist society, money talks. production practice shows should not stand for only half- I won’t be paying good money to through in the distinct lack of way-decent fodder. In the past, support any more cheap remakes,

done in school over the years to near eradication of the Native event so much more significant that all happened on the terrain recognize what happened. American population due to Eu- than the rest? of other countries. September THE LEGACY ropean exploration, the Triangle 11, 2001 was life-changing since When I was younger I always had Shirtwaist Company factory fire, Because 9/11 changed everything. the United States had not been OF 9/11 the question: Why is it important the anniversary of the Dred Scott continentally attacked since the by Jessica Florey to commemorate it every single case or murdering of Emmitt Till, September 11th, 2001 trans- War of 1812. I am excluding Pearl year? There is no doubt that this Hurricane Katrina, etc.). formed our society and changed Harbor since Hawaii was only a As we recently passed the anni- was a sad event; great bravery and the mindsets of Americans. I have territory at the time and it is not versary of September 11th, 2001, sacrifice were shown by many that Growing up, it always seemed so no memory of a time when air- continental. Covenant held a little memorial day, but there are many events in strange to me that people so viv- port security was not the way it for the 9/11 attacks in NY, PA, our history and the world that idly remember where they were is now—or even security in many The attack not only led the United and Washington D.C. As the day can claim those characteristics. and what they were doing when other places for that matter. Now States into multiple major wars, passed, I began to think through There are many events in our his- the twin towers were attacked. you have to get to the airport at but prompted the creation of the the many years we have com- tory which can be counted just Yet terrorist attacks occur regu- least 2 hours before a flight just to Department of Homeland Secu- memorated it and all that we have as tragic (e.g. the Holocaust, the larly across the world. Why is this get through security; clear purses rity. It changed people’s mindsets and bags are required at almost all from feeling secure to feeling in games, concerts, or other major peril and made Americans ques- events; security and metal detec- tion their own safety in the Unit- tors are at almost any event with ed States. It even felt like a direct a fair amount of people. The USA jab at the United States economy, Patriot Act that came out of the with one attack taking place at the attack greatly ramped up border World Trade Center—a bustling, security, created even more of- high-functioning metropolitan fices focused on the security of area where the New York Stock the nation, and surveillance from Exchange is located. the government skyrocketed. Gas prices shot up and pushed the All of these ideas added up to United States into fracking and what felt like a direct attack not still have not quite recovered to only on Americans but also pre-2001 prices. It transformed American society. People vividly our society to target and be fear- remember what they were doing ful of those from the Middle East. on 9/11 because it was a traumat- ic, history-making event—not Before 9/11, the United States felt just for themselves, but for the invincible. Yes, the United States country. has lost in battles and wars, but photo from lovethispic.com