The Montgazette | May 2021

Help end Asian hate Chadwick Boseman The “Barrow Study” Enjoy local ramen, Page 7 An icon gone too soon, Page 16 A tribute to a student, Page 3

a student publication FREE

Issue 86 Serving Montgomery County Community College and the Surrounding Community May 2021

Help end Asian hate Read on Page 7.

Photo by Getty Images. Page 2 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021

The Staff

Josh Young Editor-in-Chief

Michael Chiodo Sufyan Davis-Arrington Khushi Desai Sheridan Hamill Daniel Johnson Nina Lima Anthony Sannicandro Farewell and thank you Audrey Schippnick Emma Shainline Nicholas Young May Contributors

Yaniv Aronson for the memories Robin Bonner Advisors Josh Young Joshua Woodroffe Design & Layout The Montgazette Editor-in-Chief

Hello, once again, everyone. semester and helped me grow have had over the past couple of this paper, and the exploits of the I hope that you are all in a into my role as editor-in-chief years. During my time here, we people I have mentioned above position to succeed and thrive of The Montgazette. Without published very few issues with a would be for nothing, and The as we approach the end of the her, I am not sure that I would lack of articles. You guys always Montgazette would likely cease semester and finals week. I wish have had the confidence to made meetings a lot of fun and to exist. So, once again, thank everyone good luck and hope go for it and gain the valuable something that I looked forward you for reading and making all you have a restful summer break. experience of being the head of to. Most importantly, however, the work that The Montgazette This will be my final an organization, and for that I this paper would not be as well- staff does truly meaningful. semester here at Montgomery will be eternally thankful. off as it is without the talented While I may be graduating, County Community College, as I Next, I would like to thank writing that you consistently and leaving Montgomery will be graduating with a degree Professors Bonner and Aronson bring to the table, which makes County Community College in psychology and transferring for all of the hard work they the editing process a lot easier and The Montgazette, I know to Temple University to pursue have put into helping the paper and allows students and others that it will be left in good hands. a career in law. As such, I want by serving as advisers. Without on campus to be heard. It was a My brother, Nick Young, will to take the time and space to the time and advice that they pleasure to work with each and be assuming the role as editor- thank everyone who helped me offered me, this paper would every one of you, and I wish in-chief, and I know there along the way in this position as not be as rich and full of life. you nothing but the best in your are plenty of young, talented editor-in-chief and as a student They were always there to future endeavors, in whatever writers who will keep the at the College. work through whatever issues career field you choose. publication’s tradition strong. I came to the College as a we may have been having, and I would also like to thank Knowing this, I find it much recent high school graduate, we were thus able to get them Tyler Steffy, Director of Student easier to leave, although I know unsure of myself, my own resolved quickly. Thank you for Life, for serving as a liaison that I will miss working with abilities and my direction in helping to improve the paper between us and the administration everyone and formulating our life. However, with the help and thank you for all the work and extending a helping hand four issues each year. With of the College’s faculty and you put into recruiting new whenever we needed it. all that being said, I want to resources, I was able to find my writers, who will now have Finally, I would like to thank wish everyone at Montgomery way. The first person I would crucial roles within the paper in our readers because, at the end County Community College a like to thank is Professor Lauren the upcoming semesters. of the day, it is you who give very fond farewell and thank Keatley who took a chance on Speaking of which, I would The Montgazette its purpose. you for helping me become a me when I was only in my first like to thank all of the writers we Without your continued support, better student and person. May 2021 Page 3 A tribute to former Psychology student Brigette Barrow through the “Barrow Study”

Khushi Desai The Montgazette Contributor

Many people have the basics Dr. Barron, associate professor of recommendations. the Psychology department, and Dr. covered: shelter, stable finances, food, Psychology at the College. “Though she [Barrow] will not Barron is working on the project and all the things that contribute toward Upon completing her bachelor’s directly see such efforts [come] to personally. The Psychology Club living a comfortable existence. On degree, Barrow planned to earn a fruition, we hope to honor her by has reached out to Brigette’s mother, the other hand, some people struggle graduate degree in Education and doing it for her. Her mother has also looking to create a scholarship in just to survive every day. Despite the then pursue a law degree. She sought asked to participate, as it was clear she her honor. challenges they face, however, they to help those who had no means and helped to shape Brigette’s character,” “Brigette was an extraordinary persist, and Montgomery County to improve the state of education in said Dr. Barron. “This is the biggest person; she was a force to be reckoned Community College alum Brigette the U.S., primarily motivated by her thing we will be doing in honoring with. She understood that education Barrow was one of those people. own experiences, which she willingly Brigette, since she was so passionate was her way out. She was always Sadly, Barrow passed away at the shared at one of the College’s about education. The Psychology brave and confident in her demeanor; young age of 24. Despite this tragic “Wellness Wednesdays.” Club’s presidency is now called the she wasn’t ashamed to share her outcome, Barrow is recognized by her “During that dialogue, she and ‘Barrow Presidency,’ in honor of her,” struggles. She and I had many peers as being one of the strongest her friend shared that, as young black says Jennifer Farris, President of Psi similarities, and I am so committed people they knew. Even though she women, one of the most insulting Beta. to making sure that things she cared faced challenges throughout her life, issues they dealt with in education Farris also said that for the entire about come to fruition,” says Farris. she fought for what she believed was teachers who would belittle them year of 2021, the Psychology Club Brigette inspired many students in every day. She frequently faced or placate them by suggesting that would be focusing on the ‘Barrow and faculty members at Montgomery housing and food insecurity, but but they would decrease the academic Study. “This is the biggest thing we County Community College to make while she was at the College, Barrow rigor knowing of their situation,” Dr. will be doing [to honor] Brigette, the world a better place. She was a earned national awards from the Phi Baron said. since she was so passionate about loving, caring and inspirational person Theta Kappa International Honor “It was one of the most honorable, education,” she says. who persisted throughout her life, Society and was also President of the dignified, mature statements I have When campus reopens, the despite every hurdle that came toward college’s chapter of Psi Beta, an honor ever heard,” Dr. Barron said. Psychology Club also wants to have her. And so, her legacy continues society for Psychology majors. Now, this statement is guiding a plaque in Barrow’s honor hung in through the Psychology Club. “Brigette had to commute Psi Beta’s “Barrow Study.” The an hour each way on public Psychology Club is working toward transportation, and despite the long creating a scenario-based survey About The Montgazette travel to school, she never asked to to ascertain the mindsets and turn in an assignment late. Though expectations that students bring to the The Montgazette is published twice a semester from October to frequently distressed by bureaucracy, College and the expectations teachers she never gave up and, instead, put have, both of themselves and of their May by the students and advisory staff of Montgomery County all her efforts into pursuing what was students. The Psychology Club will Community College. best for the students of Montgomery be collecting the data, analyzing County Community College,” says it and providing the College with Page 4 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021 A vision for the future: Interview with Antonio Mejia

Emma Shainline MSP 170 The Montgazette Contributor

AMPUS In March 2014, Antonio Mejia started in Colombia and loves that the climate and in my family who live in the U.S. I have a new future for himself by moving to the scenery are beautiful all year round. a number of family members who live in United States of America. With a strong When asked about the anti-immigrant Miami, North Carolina, New Jersey, and hope for the future, Antonio made his way rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, New York City.” to New York and enrolled in high school. As Mejia responded with ease, “The anti- It is clear that Mejia has had his struggles he ventured through his adoptive country, he immigrant policies and rhetoric of the and triumphs throughout his life journey in ON C decided to enroll in the United States Army former president were in all honesty fear the U.S., but there is hope and happiness when he turned 19. inducing. When he was elected, I was in the in his future. He feels the country and its Originally from Colombia, Mejia had to process of becoming legalized, but was not military have welcomed him with open arms quickly learn English, so he could translate a citizen just yet.” and offered him the chance to achieve the for his family members. To this day, his first Because he was not yet legalized, the American Dream. language is Spanish, but English is a close rhetoric instilled fear in not only him, but second, and he is proud that hardly anyone many other legal immigrants as well. “I was can tell English is not his first language. The living in New York at the time and ICE was Army was quick to accept him, and he was cracking down on illegal immigrants, making soon on his way to gaining U.S. citizenship. it scary to even go to the grocery store. After However, Mejia’s dream of coming to everything was settled and these sorts of the U.S. started long before he entered high things weren’t happening as often, it was school. When visiting the United States at simply infuriating and confusing to see that five years old, Mejia realized this was where a country built by immigrants was now so he wanted to be. “Over the years, I noticed against them.” that while there were some opportunities in As Antonio makes his own way through my country, there was a ceiling that I would life in the U.S., including being a new not be able to reach if I stayed there. That, homeowner, he has also made the brave coupled with learning a new language and decision to be in the military. “I will be going gaining independence, made me decide to into the military after my basic training as a leave my family and my life in Colombia at combat medic, which is the equivalent of an the age of 12,” said Mejia. advanced emergency medical technician for Mejia talks about not ever regretting civilians. In the future, however, I hope to his decision, but there were times when he become an officer and have a career within did question whether it was the right call. the military.” If he had stayed in Colombia, what kind of Thankfully, he did not go through all person would he be now? “While I have of this alone. When moving to the U.S., left behind most of my Colombian self, his uncle accompanied him and helped much like a lot of immigrants, I hope to him enroll in school. Now that Antonio is one day retire in my country, after making financially stable, his uncle has since moved Mejia at age 19. a life and name for myself here.” Mejia back to Colombia. “For the moment, I only Photo submitted by Antonio Mejia. says it is much cheaper to live and retire live with my mom. We are not the only ones May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 5 Opinion: Virtual classes may get students through school, but they do not get them educated

Anthony Sannicandro MSP 111 The Montgazette Contributor

Over the past year, it has pm.” But the most significant a classroom. been a constant desire of mine reason online classes will affect And it’s not the teachers’ to hear that I’ll be having live students my age negatively fault. There is only so much class, and that virtual classes is because we’re not actually you can do when given a Zoom are over. At the beginning of learning and being educated link and material and need “cyberschool,” it was cool as much as we would be if we to teach to 20 to 30 students and different to try something were in the classroom. without actually interacting new, where we did not have Having to watch videos with them. to wake up at 7:00 a.m. every to learn the material (which I think that the more we day and go into school to for some classes is the bulk of keep entertaining this idea listen to teachers’ lectures. the material or having to listen that virtual classes are just as We could login and kind of to a teacher over the screen effective as live classes, the doze off, and nobody really can help with some stuff, but more it’s going to affect the knew. Our assignments were it is not nearly as effective as students in the long run, and not due at midnight, not first interacting with the teacher in for the positive. thing in the morning, and we didn’t even have to get up out of our beds and change out of pajamas. However, one year after it started, I feel completely differently when it comes to virtual classes vs. live classes. Not too long ago, I saw a post on social media about how it has been 365 days since my school closed for “two weeks.” The main reason that I’m fed up with virtual school and just want to go back to live classes is because I feel I’m not getting a lot out of it. Yes, there are minor issues that everyone can say they My books and work, and the computer have, with distractions on the on which I take classes. computer and procrastinating, Photo by Anthony Sannicandro. since “it’s not due until 11:59 Page 6 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021 Opinion: Don’t throw the ball on the one-yard line; reopen with caution

Michael Chiodo MSP 111 The Montgazette Contributor

Six years ago, in Super Bowl pandemic is over. States such as restrictions were first put in top. All of our leaders must XLIX, the Seattle Seahawks Texas and Mississippi recently place one year ago, with a 7-day continue to take the COVID-19

OPINION were trailing the New England lifted their mask mandates and average of 1,500 deaths in the pandemic seriously and urge Patriots by four points with the allowed businesses to operate at United States. The pandemic is caution for their citizens. ball on the one-yard line and just 100% capacity. This is incredibly not over, despite the increasing Leave mask mandates in place. 26 seconds remaining. Rather reckless and could lead to a number of people vaccinated. Loosen restrictions slowly and than run it into the end-zone, devastating spike in cases. According to NPR, 10% of the cautiously in a data-driven Seattle decided to throw the Americans have worn masks for U.S. population has been fully manner. The end is near. In the ball. It was intercepted by New the last year; everyone can handle vaccinated at the time of this coming months, the expectation England, and the Seahawks lost it a little longer. writing. While that number is that all Americans will have a certain victory. Lifting mask mandates is is encouraging, 90% of the the opportunity to be vaccinated, This is a great history lesson, purely political and is having the country is still unvaccinated. and that there will finally be a but what does it have to do with opposite effect of what governors So, caution must be used when sense of normalcy again—but COVID-19? It is important that as were elected to do: protect and reopening businesses. that can be reversed if we let up the U.S. starts to beat the virus, it serve their citizens. It also sets a Leadership starts at the too soon. does not throw an interception on dangerous precedent and could the one-yard line. According to create a trend nationwide, as the CDC, there is finally a light at other governors are pressured to the end of the tunnel. Millions of do the same. Americans are getting vaccinated Although it is fair to begin daily. After a year of a worldwide loosening some restrictions, pandemic, President Biden says these should be done with that all American adults will be proper health guidance and with vaccinated by the end of May. an eye toward the bigger picture However, this does not of eradicating COVID-19. Per mean that governors around the the CDC, there are still more country should jump the gun coronavirus cases per day and act prematurely, as if the today than there were when

As much as people crave normalcy, there must be caution when reopening. Photo by Freeimages.com. May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 7 Opinion: Eat at your favorite Ramen shop to help end Asian hate

Nina Lima The Montgazette Contributor

Hate against the Asian American are a few simple things that can make the AAPI community is by giving offers access to a bingeable five-part Pacific Islander community has soared a huge difference: them your business. documentary series called “Asian in the past year. With tensions rising, Check in. Ask your AAPI friends, Donate. Give to AAPI Americans” that shares the history in part because of the pandemic, coworkers and neighbors if they need communities to help them build of Asians in America. (See pbs. and the former president calling help with any small tasks. Avoid community networks. One reliable org.) The hashtag #StopAAPIHate COVID-19 “the Chinese Virus,” the asking how they are doing or how they site to donate to is stopaapihate.org. on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube number of attacks against the AAPI reacted to events in the news. Instead, This organization works to end all can lead you to AAPI influencers, community rose by almost 150% offer to bring them a meal, ask if they forms of structural racism in America streamers and other content creators from 2019 to 2020, according to CBS need a ride or help them weed their by offering multilingual resources for that can help you diversify your feed. News. Most devastatingly, on March garden. A small act of kindness can go people who need them, supporting The road to ending hate against 16, in Atlanta, Ga., eight people, six a long way to make others feel seen, community justice, and advocating the AAPI community is a long and of whom were AAPI, were killed valued and supported. for policy change. The website also arduous one, but these simple actions where they worked. Support local businesses. Now has more than 40 links to other reliable can make a difference. Although this Events like this are harrowing, is the time to splurge on your favorite places that accept donations. list is a good place to start, there is both for members of the community takeout! Experiment with ingredients Educate yourself. Taking the still a lot of work to be done, from involved and those who are now from an AAPI-owned supermarket. time to learn about AAPI history in calling legislators, to attending AAPI constantly shocked by the reality of Treat yourself to a mani-pedi at America may sound like a daunting demonstrations, to petitioning for ascendant racism in the U.S. If you an AAPI-owned nail salon. The task. However, it can be as easy as change. However, as the Chinese are wondering what you, a college pandemic hit Asian-owned businesses diving into a documentary on Netflix philosopher Lao Tzu famously said, student, can do to support the AAPI especially hard this past year, so one or following a few AAPI social media “The journey of a thousand miles community at this critical time, here of the easiest and best ways to support accounts. On their website, PBS begins with a single step.” FREE Are you reaching your TUTORIAL academic SERVICES goals? mc3.edu/tutoring Help is here! – tips, resources & how to connect Page 8 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021 Opinion: Will the Eagles continue to disappoint?

Sufyan Davis-Arrington The Montgazette Contributor

At the beginning of the 2021 NFL onto the ball for too long. players at key positions. offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles made the Additionally, according to NFL. To be fair, though, General Manager questionable decision to fire head coach Doug com, Wentz was ranked 35th out of the 59 Howie Roseman is trying to massage the Pederson after a five-year tenure. In that time, quarterbacks who started in the 2020-2021 cap for the upcoming season. He managed to Pederson amassed a career record of 46-39- season. Finally, it had been reported by restructure the contracts of cornerback Darius 1, and coached the team to its first and only multiple outlets that Pederson’s and Wentz’s Slay, offensive guard Brandon Brooks, SPORTS Super Bowl victory in 2017. Yet, three years relationship had deteriorated, meaning one offensive center Jason Kelce, offensive tackle later, the organization decided to move on. had to go. Thus, it was thought by many that Isaac Seumalo, safety Rodney McLeod, It has been reported that Eagles’ owner Wentz would stay after Pederson’s firing, kicker Jake Elliot and defensive lineman Jefferey Lurie and Pederson had differing especially with the Eagles hiring someone Javon Hargrave. These moves provided relief views on the direction of the franchise, from Reich’s staff. from cap purgatory, and the team is now especially regarding the quarterback However, Wentz was then traded to the $3.34 million under the salary cap. position, as franchise quarterback Carson Colts, and Reich, for a 2021 3rd-round pick Wentz had struggled mightily during the and a conditional 2022 2nd-round pick. The Continued on Page 10. previous season. Pederson comes from the return on the trade is remarkably low for a Andy Reid coaching tree, though, and thus is player who is a former second overall pick and thought to be a quarterback whisperer, much who was considered a prime MVP candidate like Reid, so Wentz’s regression became all less than four years ago. Additionally, this the more troubling. made the decision to fire Pederson that much Then, on January 21, Nick Sirianni more baffling, since Wentz was assumed to was hired as the Eagles’ new head coach, to be the main reason for his firing. replace Pederson. Sirianni had worked under Now, the Eagles are left with an former Eagles coordinator Frank Reich, the unproven quarterback project in Jalen Hurts current head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and a washed-up Joe Flacco, who they signed as an offensive coordinator. During Reich’s to a one-year contract, presumably to back up tenure in Philadelphia, he was considered Hurts. We still do not know if Hurts is truly instrumental to the success of the offense, an NFL starter, which he will need to be if the particularly during the team’s run to the team wishes to improve this year or at least Super Bowl. Wentz reportedly had a strong show promise for the future. relationship with Reich, and this seemed to While quarterback is the most important indicate he would stay with the Eagles despite position in the sport, this Eagles team still his poor play. has other massive holes to fill. However, the Then, Wentz was benched in the second franchise is hurting financially, as they are half of Week 13 against the Green Bay running up against the cap, in large part due Packers, after a dreadful season. According to the $33.8 million in dead money being to Pro Football Reference, at the time paid to Carson Wentz, according to Eagles of his benching, Wentz led the league in Wire. This price tag has hampered the team’s interceptions, with 15, and turnovers, with search for potential starters at wide receiver, 19. Wentz also led the league in sacks by a offensive line, defensive back and linebacker. The Philadelphia Eagles mascot. wide margin, with 50, which is a sign of a The result is an aging, oft injured, and Photo by Pexels.com. quarterback not seeing the field and holding depleted team with a multitude of overpaid May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 9 Here we go again: Flyers lack consistency

Nicholas Young The Montgazette Contributor

This is without a doubt the of record. The goaltender’s save or Travis Sanheim, would be feel for the team. At least he admitted most disappointing season in recent percentage, the number of goals more effective, and his dropping as such in his press conference, Flyers’ history. The seemingly allowed in relation to the number of effectiveness in the defensive zone stating, “I think the makeup of the eternal cycle of being in the playoffs shots faced, has taken a serious dive is apparent. team is not right.” one year and then out the next feels since 2020. According to Hockey Of course, the defense is not Railing aside, I believe this team inevitable. The main difference Reference, the save percentage the only part of the team, or upper can right the ship, with Fletcher’s help, between this year and the last five through the season so far is an eye- management, for that matter, to of course. Finding capable defenders, years, however, is that it is usually gouging .876, worse than the pitiful blame. The young forwards, with while moving bad contracts, is one step forward and then one step Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres. the tremendous exception of Joel paramount to moving toward back, but now it is two steps forward Whereas it is true Hart and Elliot Farabee, have regressed, as well, contending. If Head Coach Alain and then four steps back. have allowed some awful goals, Travis Konecny being the most Vigneault is going to inexplicably Before the COVID-19 pause last they have seen so many two-on- surprising. He appears to disappear keep Gostisbehere out of the lineup in season, the Flyers were objectively ones and breakaways from offensive for a stretch and then will dominate favor of Nate Prosser or someone else, one of the best teams in the league. turnovers, combined with an infinite like his former self for one game. he should just be traded for scraps, Not only did they pass the eye test number of defensive breakdowns, Whatever the reason for this which seems inevitable, since he was by making creative plays and smart that it is almost impossible to not inconsistency, it needs to be reversed. put on waivers making him available decisions, but they were dominating allow at least three or four goals, no Likewise, whereas Nolan Patrick and to every team in the league. teams statistically in February and matter who is the goalie. Oskar Lindblom can legitimately However, Fletcher could try and March. The Flyers were 10-3 in In addition, the regression claim recoveries from injury, from a work a trade that involves sending February, beating great teams like the of the team’s young defensemen, migraine disorder and bone cancer, Gostisbehere with a decent prospect Colorado Avalanche and Washington Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, respectively, it is now time that they and a second- or third-round pick Capitals, and started March 4-1, and Philippe Myers, is incredibly start producing more. Lindblom can for Marc Savard and a fourth-round before the NHL shut down. alarming. Granted, some have been definitely be given more leeway, pick in the upcoming NHL draft. Fans thought the defense might worse than others — we’re looking since he has had a long road back Columbus is going to force the Flyers dip in effectiveness with the loss at you, Myers — but since Provorov to NHL form, but Patrick, a recent to keep a good amount of his salary, of Matt Niskanen to retirement was supposed to become a true second overall pick, needs to prove so they will probably have to send in October. Apparently, fans number-one defensemen this season, his value to the team, or the Flyers a depth forward their way, Nicolas underappreciated that Niskanen was in the mold of a Roman Josi or Victor must move on. Aube-Kubel or Raffl would fit the bill. likely the greatest defensemen in the Hedman, his step back is incredibly While the players will take A shut-down defender like Savard, history of the franchise. depressing. He will probably never the lion’s share of the blame for the much in the same vein as Niskanen, To say that the team’s defense have the offensive production of a season’s poor results, the front office would be well worth it. has been horrible since then is Victor Hedman or Drew Doughty, and the coaching staff should see some The sad truth is that if the team an understatement. The number but his elite defense was going to of our ire. General Manager Chuck is going to make the playoffs, a of seamless cross-ice passes that help the team dominate, like they did Fletcher’s complete and utter failure to thought almost unthinkable to most resulted in easy potshots at goalies last year. Instead, he is being placed find a replacement for Niskanen, and before the season, the Flyers must Carter Hart or Brian Elliot in the on the power play when the other not keeping Tyler Pitlick or finding a look themselves in the mirror and find month of March must be some kind defensemen, Shayne Gostisbehere suitable replacement, shows a poor some type of consistency. Page 10 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021 Disappointing Eagles

Continued from Page 8. Eagles have been relatively quiet. They free agent who played quarterback at the athletic Jamarr Chase, the reigning The situation is certainly better signed a pair of safeties, including the University of Houston. Thus, one of Heisman Trophy winner Devonta than being over but still does not Anthony Harris from Minnesota, who the Eagles’ best receivers is not really Smith, or the lightning-quick Jaylen afford a lot of flexibility in free is arguably the best safety in free agency a receiver at all! Reagor should be one Waddle. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie agency. Players who refused to this year, to a one-year $5 million deal, of the best receivers on the team, as he has publicly declared his support for restructure their contract, such as former Buccaneers safety, Andrew was selected 21st overall in the 2020 Hurts and his future with the franchise. wide receivers Desean Jackson and Adams, and the aforementioned NFL Draft and was expected to have Therefore, Roseman is not expected Alshon Jeffery, were released. That quarterback Flacco. This lack of action an immediate impact. However, Reagor to draft a quarterback this year. said, both were inefficient on the field in free agency for a struggling team only played in 11 games and registered No matter what happens in the and tended to get injured, and so were shows just how strapped for cash the a measly 396 yards receiving, according draft, the Eagles are coming off a shoo-ins to provide more cap space. Eagles are right now. to Pro Football Reference. Also, Reagor 4-11-1 season, falling to dead last in In fact, according to ESPN, the Eagles Currently, the Eagles are weakest at only caught 57.4 percent of the passes the NFC East division. Currently, the are also looking to trade tight-end the wide receiver position, as Greg Ward he was targeted with, which is well team is lacking talent at a lot of key Zach Ertz. He is another cap casualty, and Jalen Reagor, two underperforming below league average. positions. It would be a surprise if despite playing for the organization and unspectacular players, are the best Luckily for the Eagles, this the Eagles fielded a competitive team since being drafted by them in 2013 receivers on the roster. According to year’s draft is filled with talent at next season without drastic changes. and breaking the record for most ESPN, Ward and Reagor posted a the wide receiver position. With the Philadelphia Eagles players, staff and receptions by a tight end in a single combined total of 815 receiving yards. understanding that Hurts will be the fans can only hope that Roseman, season two seasons ago. Ward’s position as one of the best starter heading into the 2021 NFL Sirianni and Hurts will lead the Aside from restructuring these receivers on the team is perhaps more season, it would be smart for the organization to another championship contracts, thus far in free agency the alarming because he is an undrafted Eagles to target wide receivers such as sometime in the near future.

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Use credits from your Associate’s degree toward an online Bachelor’s: Online.USciences.edu/Associates May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 11 Opinion: Free Britney

Audrey Schippnick MSP 111 The Montgazette Contributor

In a widely reported loss of free will, pop The world thought they knew her. as justified. The public felt it had a right to AINMENT sensation Britney Spears has been trapped in It was not until 2007 when Spears have an opinion on what privileges Spears a conservatorship for over a decade, as her seemingly lost control. At the time, mental should and should not have, just because she father, Jaime Spears, has taken full legal health was a taboo topic and to the public, was a celebrity. control of her life. A new documentary it looked like just another pop star gone on Hulu, “The New York Times Presents rouge. Spears entered a custody battle with Continued on Page 12. Framing Britney Spears,” has increased her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, which public awareness of Spears’ situation since greatly affected her mental health and image its release. in the media. There were accusations from Starting in 2008, Spears entered a the courts and from the public that Spears conservatorship, a legal practice which leads was an unfit mother. She was photographed ENTERT to the full loss of control over one’s financial driving with her baby in her lap, something or personal decisions. Conservatorships are the public scrutinized greatly. Spears usually used for elderly people or severely shaved her head and, suddenly, the whole injured individuals as a protection against world was watching. She had claimed she manipulation from those who might take did not want anyone touching her and this advantage of them. This is not the case was her symbolic way of saying that the with Spears. Her father has taken over his sweet innocent Britney they all made her daughter’s life and reportedly abuses his out to be, was gone. power. A social media movement to end this To the press, it was simply a tabloid- conservatorship, “Free Britney,” has gathered selling headline. As her breakdown became support since the documentary’s release. more intense, paparazzi increasingly Spears has always been a talented capitalized on her suffering. They continued singer. She sang in her church choir, and to bombard her, with no remorse. her enormous stage presence was clear The movement “Free Britney” started from an early age. Spears appeared on when fans grew progressively concerned with the famous “Mickey Mouse Club” on the the content Spears was posting online, and the Disney Channel, where she initially made group drew more attention to the matter. Fans a name for herself. She was only 11 at the were worried that the artist was held captive, time and it proved to be the start of her attempting to send subliminal messages reign as a pop star. through social media posts. Questions Spears then released her debut single arose as Spears posted manic, disconnected “Baby One More Time,” at 16. The song images. Dedicated fans attempted to interpret was an instant hit. Now, 23 years after its the irrational online behavior, claiming that release, the song has gone multiplatinum, the posts were an encrypted plea for help. sitting at 10.6 million copies sold. Spears is Some have viewed Spears as an unfit an undeniable icon in the music industry. She mother, especially when the conservatorship Britney Spears on the rose to fame rapidly and was at the height of initially started, marking her as unstable red carpet in ’99. her career in the early 2000s. To fans, she legally. After the media made Spears out Photo by Shutterstock.com. seemed genuinely approachable and friendly. to be the villain, the public saw this action Page 12 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021

Britney Spears Continued from Page 11.

Spears has personally come out in A large sum goes toward supporting her support of the “Free Britney” movement. children and paying her legal fees to deal In the documentary, Spears says, “I with the matters at hand, but her father is appreciate the informed support of my otherwise still in almost total control of fans,” while also addressing that the her finances. conservatorship itself is voluntary. The Despite any previous mental health issue is not the protection she is provided issues Spears has faced and could with; it is who controls her affairs. Spears presently be facing, there is no denying the this ad? has appealed to have her father removed loss of control over her life is concerning. from the role as guardian, specifically over Spears has asked for the bare minimum: C her financial affairs. Spears has also stated the ability to choose who controls her life, Of course you do! that she will not perform as long as her specifically, with regards to her finances. father is in control of her life. She has asked to change her conservator. ...and so do thousands of others! It is clear who is benefiting more Considering how hard Spears has worked from this conservatorship. As Spears nearly her whole life, she should be granted is considered a high-functioning adult, the respect to make this decision. The lack For advertising info: many fans question how much her father of authority she holds over her life for such email [email protected] is abusing his control. According to an extended period of time must be torture. Forbes.com, Spears is worth $60 million. Free Britney!

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700 East Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA 18901 | delval.edu May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 13 Larry King: The loss of an icon

Audrey Schippnick MSP170 The Montgazette Contributor

A colorful map of the globe “too Jewish.” At the last minute, he well rounded: He was never too ridden personage, or an everyman, sits behind the interview desk of chose the name King after seeing an shy to ask what was on the public’s Larry liked to ask short, direct, the famous Larry King. On January advertisement for King’s Wholesale mind and to push boundaries, but and uncomplicated questions; he 23, 2021, that same map, which Liquor. After some dabbling in writing he was still non-confrontational and believed concise questions usually many around the world know and and radio shows, King, fortunately, non-threatening toward his guests. provided the best answers, and he love, was retired. King was an icon met Jackie Gleason. He credited King was perceived as casual was not wrong in that belief.” in the world of journalism, and Gleason with becoming his mentor because of his physical demeanor, Larry King was an icon in the his interviews will forever be an and providing him with knowledge always leaning in and speaking industry. His interviews will forever important part of media history. about television production. This softly. He was also persistently be a prominent part of history. His Larry King was best known for his influence was the water to King’s respectful of his guests, as he rarely, voice is universally recognized, as is interviews of actors, political figures, seed, which later bloomed as he if ever, interrupted them while his famous background. The art King musical artists, and other celebrities. hosted “Larry King Live” for 25 years they spoke. Following his death, provided the world is completely He was a prominent figure in the before retiring in 2010. King’s Twitter account posted the unique. Always humble, he once entertainment world and had been in The show was the first following message: “Whether he said, “Those who have succeeded at the business for the past 70 years. To international call-in show, which was interviewing a U.S. president, anything and don’t mention luck are be interviewed by King was seen as later became the highest ranked talk foreign leader, celebrity, scandal- kidding themselves.” a privilege. However, King quietly show on the air. King became a fan passed away from sepsis earlier this favorite and gathered loyal supporters year. Therefore, the long list of figures as his list of interviewees grew larger who have been interviewed by him and more exclusive. Frank Sinatra, will, sadly, no longer grow. King was an icon in the music industry and a natural at interviewing: Simply put, notoriously invisible to the public “Work. It’s the easiest thing I do,” eye, was interviewed by his long-term King once said. friend, King, in 1988. When presented King passed away at the age of with the question “Why are you 87. He was most recently married here?” Sinatra responded, “Because to Shawn King and is survived by you asked me to come, and I hadn’t three of his five children: Andy King seen you in a long time. . . . I thought (65), Larry King, Jr. (59) and Chaia we ought to get together and chat, just King (51). King’s other two children, talk about a lot of things.” Chance King and Cannon King, King completed more than sorrowfully passed away in 2020. 30,000 interviews, including every King started his career at Florida U.S. president, from Richard Nixon radio station WMBM. Born Lawrence to Donald Trump (in 1999). King Harvey Zeiger, he originally used was ever present in politics. Other Zeiger as his stage name. According notable interviews done by King to apnews.com, the station was not include Nelson Mandela, Rosa Larry King’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. very fond of the name, claiming it was Parks, and O. J. Simpson. His too hard to remember and it sounded approach was considered fair and Photo by Pixabay.com. Page 14 THE MONTGAZETTE May 2021 Film review: “Nomadland”

Nicholas Young The Montgazette Contributor

The lasting impact of the tightknit friendship, even though approach, which makes the film What McDormand and Zhao pandemic on our culture is yet to be they may not see each other for feel different, while also hiding the want at the forefront of the audience’s fully seen, but the consequences of a months or even years at a time. production’s incredibly small budget. mind is the tremendous loneliness previous substantial, but less lethal, Bob Wells, played by himself, is an An interaction between Fern and inherent in the nomad lifestyle. crisis still remain. The 2008 “Great organizer for the nomads and a real- Wells that imparts Wells’ philosophy This includes attending sporadic Recession” left thousands without life advocate for van dwelling. of life feels more like something communal meetings, needing to find jobs and homes, and companies I do not hesitate to say that if out of a news interview rather than whatever low-paying job is available, defunct, and “Nomadland” is not McDormand were not the lead, this a feature filmscript, yet it still holds traveling across half the country to afraid to confront its aftermath. movie would not be nearly as good. emotional weight with the sincerity do so, and eating lots of fast-food The manufacturing sector at The cinematography is fantastic and of Wells’ thoughts and feelings. The dinners. All of the nomads are trying that time took a massive hit and there is expert direction by Chloe only issue with this style is when to find a certain peace of mind in left lower-middle-class people like Zhao, but McDormand uses her Fern is working small-time jobs, their lives by surrounding themselves Fern, the film’s protagonist, played incredible talent to prove that great the switch between feature film and with nature and embracing solitude, by the always underrated Frances acting does not need to use words to documentary can be jarring, but it but, in Fern’s case, the absence of her McDormand, with almost no safety show a full range of emotions. Zhao was certainly necessary and still husband and longtime home may be net to fall back on, especially in the herself takes a more documentarian works within the context of the film. too big a hole to fill. flat and spread-out Midwest and Southwest United States. As a result, a new culture of van-dwelling nomads formed. These people travel around the country, taking arduous seasonal jobs to get by. Fern begins her journey after the gypsum plant where she worked closes and her husband dies. As she moves around and settles on an Amazon floor job, she meets people who share in her experience. Many of them are, like Fern, struggling to find some sense of tranquility after working all their lives in slavish corporate jobs but no means to retire. Every character is interesting and memorable, especially her friend Dave, played by David Straithairn, who, despite having his own extended family, maintains the nomad lifestyle and develops a connection with Fern. They keep a May 2021 THE MONTGAZETTE Page 15 Opinion: Rotten Tomatoes is not accurate

Sheridan Hamill MSP 111 The Montgazette Contributor

Rotten Tomatoes has or under, the film is rotten. 85% because 85% of critics has a 59% on Metacritic. On on Rotten Tomatoes. grown increasingly popular Anything 6/10 and above is rated the film as “fresh.” That Rotten Tomatoes, though, The takeaway is this: since its launch in 1998. How fresh. But, let’s be real, a 6/10 changes the film from an F it jumps up to 68%. The Audiences should go ahead many times have you seen a movie is still not a great film. to a B. Now, people will go difference is not as drastic as and watch movies, even if movie ad saying, “Certified Sure, there isn’t necessarily watch that movie because some other films, but the rating the grade isn’t that great. Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes!”? anything technically wrong they see how highly it is rated, does change from an F to a D+. Don’t use Rotten Tomatoes Why should that matter? There with a movie that is deemed and then wonder why it was That said, “Joker” ended up as your guide to see if are no ads saying “85/100 60 out of 100, but there isn’t rated so high. Well, you see, it making over a billion dollars you’ll love a movie or not. on Metacritic — YAY!” anything special about it, is because even a “just okay” at the box office and getting Movies are an art, and if art According to The Ringer, either. For example, the 2021 movie it can get a great grade nominated for 11 Academy is subjective, a bad review scores on Rotten Tomatoes film “Our Friend” has a score on Rotten Tomatoes because Awards, including best may have just been the have a direct correlation with of 57% on Metacritic which a 6/10 is considered fresh. picture. That said, this film did outcome of a bad day for the box office performance. If a uses a weighted average However, there are some have the advantage of being reviewer, or a matter of taste. movie is deemed bad by the system instead of a fresh or films that explode at the box a movie about a character a Don’t base your choices on site, then that film usually not-fresh rating system. I saw office, even with reviews that lot of people love, so I think Rotten Tomatoes: If the film does not do well at the box the movie and thought it was are not very favorable. For it was going to do well at the interests you, watch it! office. This brings up the fine. The performances were instance, the 2019 film “Joker” box office even if it had a 10% question, “How accurate is great, but the movie dragged Rotten Tomatoes, really?” on a bit too long. However, The way Rotten Tomatoes since most of the reviews is scored is if a reviewer were around a 6/10, Rotten says the movie is a 5.9/10 Tomatoes has the score at

Spoiled tomatoes. Photo by Freeimages.com.

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