Providence College

Vol. LXXXIIII No. 8 October 31, 2019 thecowl.com "Welcome to the Renaissance" TDF's Something Rotten! a Fresh Take on a Broadway Hit

Something Rotten: XXX

Above: Nolan Donato '22, Daniel Jameson '21, and Ensemble. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GABRIELLE MARKS/PROVIDENCE COLLEGE TDF Below (L to R): Michael Henshaw '23, Steven Sawan '20, and Teddy Kiritsy '21G. by Madison Palmieri '22 A&E Staff THEATRE

Something Rotten! is something special. Providence College’s Department of Theatre, Dance, and Film has been granted the privilege and honor of giving the show its northeastern regional collegiate premiere this past weekend. The production offers something for everyone, from casual theatregoers to diehard fans of Shakespeare, who will be sure to catch every one of the many theatrical references made throughout the show’s two acts. For the past couple of months, the talented cast and dedicated crew have worked tirelessly to bring the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit to life in the Angell BlackFriars Theatre in the Smith Center for the Arts. Directed by Jimmy Calitri, with music direction by Lila Kane and choreography by Jennifer Hopkins, the show chronicles the misadventures of the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel. It follows their attempts to create a successful show in Renaissance-era England, in an attempt to compete with their rival, the beloved William Shakespeare. With a colorful cast of characters and outrageously hilarious musical numbers, the brothers and their friends learn about the importance of friendship, love, and theatre. TDF/Page 12

Providence College’s Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935 UNDERtheHOOD News 2 Opinion 7 Photography 10 Check out Portfolio's A&E 12 annual Halloween insert! Sports 17 Page 2 News October 31, 2019 Women Making Big Strides in Science Dr. Amanda Lynch and Ava Calle '12 Speak at Women in STEM Event

by Alexandra Huzyk ’20 climate science, which is heavily computational,” Ava Calle, a Program Specialist and Board News Staff said Lynch. Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Intensive Instruction Program at The New England Center CAMPUS Throughout this change in culture, Lynch continued to code and became the first for Children, presented after Lynch. Calle woman “Scientist 1” at a research center while graduated from Providence College with a BA in On Wednesday, October 23, Women in STEM working towards her Ph.D. However, with psychology and a pre-health minor, and went on hosted their third event, inviting speakers Dr. this achievement she also became the object of to obtain an MS in applied behavior analysis from Amanda Lynch and Ava Calle ’12 to talk about the scrutiny. Male supervisors would constantly send Western New England University. challenges and opportunities that they have faced female secretaries to check up on her, she received She began her presentation by considering the pursuing careers within the STEM field. minimal support and guidance, and she was not Lynch, a climate scientist currently teaching at considered for required computational resources Brown University, obtained a Ph.D. in atmospheric to complete her work. Due to these gender biases, “There are very strong science from the University of Melbourne in 1993. Lynch decided to change Ph.D. programs to She began as an undergraduate pursuing degrees another university. females in my field. They in electrical engineering and physics, but quickly As a climate scientist, Lynch said she started to switched to applied mathematics due to her become involved in field science while she was are researchers and they negative experiences in the realm of laboratory completing her Ph.D. and then more heavily as science. a post-doc. “I was very choosy about situations I are mothers and they are “In engineering and chemistry labs, I didn’t chose to put myself in,” said Lynch. “I only took wives, and someone has feel welcome, and I was called on to repeatedly positions in which I was the lead researcher… and demonstrate my competence,” Lynch said. only with researchers I knew and trusted.” This is probably been in your She shared that “having your competence and due to the issue of sexual harassment and assault belonging questioned over and over again, you in field experiences. position before you.” start to internalize that,” and it is important Although Lynch said that she has never to remember that “you do belong and you are personally experienced any form of sexual competent.” harassment in this domain of field science, she familiar question, “What do you want to be when In her presentation, Lynch described data from provided data which reports that harassment you grow up?” She pointed out that this question a 2015 study in which 100% of 60 women scientists affects women more than men in these particular becomes more weighted when you get older and, had reported encountering one or more patterns of scenarios. especially, as you go on to college. Calle said, “It gender bias in the workplace. These experiences In order to navigate these situations, while seems like the question might be insinuating how were even more pronounced for women of color, pursuing a career in the STEM field, Lynch successful you want to be.” who were often Calle shared that questioned she knew she liked whether or the sciences and not they were people, and would supposed to typically answer the be in labs after question by saying hours. she wanted to go into In terms of psychiatric nursing or computational neuroscience—without science, Lynch actually being convinced explained, of these statements “Women have herself. really been at PHOTO COURTESY OF NECC.ORG During her time at PC, the forefront of Calle conducted research coding, and in encouraged the audience to network with in a cognition lab and completed an internship fact made up the majority of computer operators, both female and male allies. Additionally, she at the Groden Center. These experiences exposed until the ’80s when these numbers plummeted.” said, “Support other women, refer them, cite her to research and design, as well as applied During the 1980s, Lynch explained that people them, nominate them. You can do your part, behavioral analysis. Particularly at the Groden started to think that it was necessary to have in very concrete ways, whenever you have Center, Calle was exposed to children with autism, knowledge of computers or a love of gaming the opportunity.” Lastly, Lynch stressed the severely challenging behavior, and students who in high school in order to pursue it in college. importance of being stubborn and re-submitting communicated non-verbally. “This shift in culture really influenced the uptick proposals and work, especially in the field of In her current position at the NECC, for autism of women in science; especially in an area like academia. education and research, Calle has continued to ask questions as a researcher while also providing direct care as a teacher. She shared that she is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, and where her career path will take her. She urged the audience to “think about who you want to be, not just what you want to be when you grow up.” As for Calle’s suggestions for PC undergraduates, Calle recommended finding a mentor. “There are very strong females in my field. They are researchers and they are mothers and they are wives, and someone has probably been in your position before you.” She also suggested asking for feedback on your performances and always continuingto ask questions. After both speakers presented, the audience was encouraged to ask questions. One student asked, “For the people in this room who don’t necessarily know what they want to do yet, what would you give them for advice?” Lynch suggested test driving careers, particularly in summer internships or working in a lab with a professor. Calle said, “Utilize the network and the people in your department, but also other faculty at Providence College and get in touch with alumni. Don’t assume that if their title is X at that point, that they didn’t go through similar situations and Lynch lectures about how women inclusion in science has grown significantly throughout her career. NICHOLAS CRENSHAW '20/THECOWL jobs.” October 31, 2019 NEWS The Cowl 3 Working for Greater Equality On-Campus College Responds to Call for Greater Inclusion and Diversity

by Maura Campbell ’22 the Diversity Strategic Directions News Staff Steering Committee, a committee to help engage internal leaders in CAMPUS a conversation about diversity and create a clear plan and direction for On Monday, October 21, the diversity, and Advocates for Beloved Providence College student body Community (ABC), a team promoting received an email from Rev. Brian racial justice and reconciliation on Shanley, O.P., president of the campus and addressing Title VI racial College, informing students, staff, bias incidents. and faculty of an update by the Office The flyer also detailed IDEI’s of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and five focus areas for 2019-2020. This Inclusion (IDEI). The email provided strategic plan, known as PC200, general information regarding IDEI’s hopes to promote diversity, equity, recent work to promote diversity on and inclusion at PC through these campus, and specifically addressed focus areas, “ranging from structural some potential issues previously diversity, access, and equity, to student raised about the elementary and learning and development—and has special education department. developed relationships with a diverse In light of recent claims that the team of campus partners to address PC200 deals specifically with inclusion and diversity. PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLICDOMAINPICTURES.NET Department of Elementary and these areas through educational Special Education has not been an training, specific programming, King Jr., promoting “nonviolence, important part of the College's inclusive department and major on departmental counseling, and other consensus building, and civic action,” mission, and this update is relevant to campus, IDEI has partnered with the initiatives,” Shanley said. and the World Cinema Series, a PC students seeking resources and outlets department to help to create a more These five focus areas are structural faculty-hosted program centered on these issues. The goal of their work inclusive environment. diversity, access, and equity, around “the film traditions and can be summed up in their mission In reference to the ESE department, institutional infrastructure, climate innovation of different countries statement: “Rooted in our Catholic the email also mentioned Jennifer and intergroup relations, formal throughout the world.” and Dominican identity, the Office Swanberg, dean of the school of and informal curricula, and student This email highlights the work of of Institutional Diversity, Equity, professional studies, high lightingher learning and development. the Office of Institutional Diversity, and Inclusion advances Providence work “to develop a cultural In addition, the flyer included Equity, and Inclusion in recent and College’s commitment to developing transformation process with the information about events and upcoming months. This work to purposeful collaborations across all goal of ensuring that all ESE faculty programming held at the Center promote diversity and inclusion areas of the College and the greater and staff are equipped with the at Moore Hall. This programming is “critical to the future success of community to foster an environment evidence-based skills, knowledge, includes the Urban Dance Series, Providence College," Shanley said. where people of all backgrounds, and competencies to foster this type classes on diverse dance styles He further added that “each of us is cultures, identities and perspectives of inclusive environment.” and culture held by Providence- responsible for communicating and can flourish.” In particular, the email included based dancers and educators. Other working together to translate this The Office of Institutional Diversity, a flyer that was distributed at IDEI’s programming includes Conversations vision into action.” Equity, and Inclusion can be reached recent meeting, explaining their major for Change, a set of workshops IDEI’s dedication to promoting at [email protected] or in initiatives. These initiatives include inspired by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther diversity and inclusivity at PC an their office in Harkins 312. Featured Friar: Nicole Ing '21 Vice President of Asian American Association

by Nicole Silverio ’22 the president, designing all posters for the club campus, which helps us to be more open and to News Staff and planning meetings. Meetings are bi-weekly, continue to spread diversity in our community. planning events around Asian culture to promote Ing is a marketing major with a minor in public FEATURED FRIAR and introduce Asian culture beyond Chinese food & community service. She is undecided on what and sushi. she wants to do in her future career; however, she Nicole Ing ‘21 has been an active part of the Ing said, “The Asian American Association is a is considering designing or event planning since Providence College community since her freshman way to bring people together, bringing pride into she loves both of those things. She does not want year and has continued her work ever since. Ing being Asian American or even just Asian.” Her to sit in an office for several hours a day. is currently vice president of the Asian American favorite part of the Asian American Association is Although Ing does not know where she will end Association (AAA) and an orientation leader. “bringing people together, especially at events, and up, her work at PC over the next couple years will She is also involved in Dance Club, the Board seeing people happy and talking to each other, and prepare her for her bright future. of Multicultural Student Affairs (BMSA), and knowing that I was a part of making that happen.” Leadership Fellows. Aside from being VP, she also involved herself Ing grew up in Saugus, MA with parents who in the Center for Orientation, Transitions, and immigrated to the United States from Cambodia. Leadership. She loved her orientation leaders going Growing up with parents from Asia, Ing mentioned into her freshman year. She made the decision to how she is proud of her Asian heritage and culture. apply to show people of her background that there When it came time to apply for colleges, she are other Asians on campus and that they should said Providence College was the last on her list, not be afraid of reaching out because there are but having had an uncle who went here, her dad other students like them. encouraged her to apply. She did not like the school She became an orientation leader in her at first. In her first semester of freshman year, she sophomore year, and this year was her first year spent the majority of her free time in her room and being a June orientation leader and an autumn did not reach out to others. When second semester leader. “I liked PC a lot more once I began to get rolled around, she realized she needed to reach out involved, and I wanted to help others get more to people in order to make friends. involved,” said Ing. “In the first semester there weren’t a lot of Ing’s story shows how in the beginning, students people I shared common interests with,” she may feel uncomfortable in a place that seems out said, “so when I found people that I had things in of their comfort zone, but getting involved and common with, I felt better.” striving to make a difference in the community After joining the Asian American Association, helps to feel more comfortable, helping them to she felt more comfortable being around those she fit in despite differences in their background. She could relate to culturally. In her second semester shows how organizations and clubs revolving of freshman year, she began to regularly involve around different cultures and backgrounds are herself in the club. The executive members pushed important, helping some to feel comfortable in her to become an exec member herself. She started their own skin while helping others learn about out in public relations, trying her best to make a different cultures, as it can be difficult to learn difference. about them otherwise. PHOTO COURTESY OF NICOLE ING '21 As VP of the club, she is involved in assisting Her goal is to spread diversity around the Ing '21 has been part of AAA since her freshman year. September 6, 2012 4 The Cowl NEWS October 31, 2019 "Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt" PC Special Olympics Set to Host Unified Basketball Tournament

by Peter Mazzella ’23 players; announcers, who bring difference in someone’s life. of individuals who assist in the News Staff enthusiasm and play-by-play Special Olympics Coordinator coordination and role assignment of commentary of the game; Catherine Flugel ‘20 volunteers to ease the process. CAMPUS as well as those spoke about the meeting, Sarah Kerrigan ‘20 is Flugel’s distributing saying, “It was a great “right hand." She is the Awards The Providence College Special awards during turnout, there were Coordinator, and the two work to Olympics group hosts events to the ceremony. many people who bring the joy and energy that each transform lives through competitions These showed enthusiasm one of these events delivers for all such as swim meets, basketball positions are towards helping that are involved. tournaments, and even an end of the not the only out during the Kerrigan gave her take on the year dance. Using the excitement of ones that upcoming importance of preparation for competition, Special Olympics can PC Special events which is each of the events, stating, “Being change lives. Olympics exactly what we prepared is the most necessary part Special Olympics is the largest offers; were looking of each of our events. If everyone is organization worldwide for people volunteers for!” not on the same page, then it is hard with intellectual disabilities. They can help Coordinating to get things accomplished, which is host over five million athletes as court and planning why we take the time to make sure from 193 different countries. The monitors, events for PC each of our volunteers knows their organization also requires many who watch Special Olympics task and where to find us during the volunteers. over the is no small feat. event.” Recently, the PC Special Olympics courts and Flugel works PC Special Olympics has over club held an informational meeting players’ tirelessly to ensure 70 active members who range from with the intention of getting new actions as every aspect is in event coordinators to volunteers. volunteers to help at Special well as fans in order, which is why There is no shortage of staff when Olympics events that will be coming the stands, to the task of gathering these events come around. up in the next few months. a large group of The number of people On Nov. 23, PC Special Olympics involved in these events shows will be hosting their Unified how much students at PC care Basketball Tournament, which about volunteering. This strong brings many opportunities for those PHOTO COURTESY OF REDDIT.COM community atmosphere that the interested to get involved. encourage good sportsmanship and willing volunteers is essential. club emphasizes is something that Some roles that students can having fun. With a successful meeting behind will be carried on for generations

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL take on are electronic and written With a plethora of options and them, the next task is to arrange to come and will continue to serve scorekeepers, who are responsible different ways to get involved, volunteer roles. Flugel is not and benefit the Special Olympics for keeping score and cheering on everyone can help to make a alone, however. There is a group community. It's Called Fashion, Look It Up BOP Fine Arts Hosts PC Alumni in the Congress Fashion Industry Updates

by Sienna Strickland ’22 start time. News Staff Fine Arts has done a lot of work this year, but by Thomas Beaton ‘22 they are nowhere near done. “We would like to Student Congress Publicity ON CAMPUS continue to reach audiences on campus that we CONGRESS have never thought to reach before with our events. Providence College’s Board of Programmers This year so far, we have been doing a great job on (BOP) is always busy planning fun events for diversifying our projects, but we are by no means Fr. Brian Shanley, O.P. discussed various students around campus. Anne Barbera ‘21, complacent. We are hoping to wow the crowd with topics including the school’s position as member of the Fine Arts committee, talks about the the events we have on the horizon for the rest of the compared to other competing schools. It was contributions Fine Arts makes to campus life. semester.” mentioned that the endowment of the school The Arts Committee has had a busy year so far Barbera gave a quick preview of some of was lower than other schools. In order to with a myriad of diverse programming, but, until these future events. The Fine Arts committee has grow the endowment, the school asks for last Thursday, had yet not ventured into the field of two events planned for the upcoming month of donations and raises tuition, however with fashion. “Style Sophisticated,” an event held in ‘64 November. On Nov. 5 they will be hosting a trip the raising of tuition more financial aid will Hall on Oct. 24, changed this. to Providence Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. to be needed. Barbera, one of the main planners behind the watch the Aladdin musical. They will also be hosting Fr. Shanley also discussed that the school’s event, discussed the event’s origin story, stating, “I a muse painting event called “Drink and Dabble” goal to grow diversity and inclusivity will have always been interested in fashion, and felt that on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. continue to be goal of the school through the it was an area PC needed to touch upon more. I was admissions process. deeply fascinated by the fact that we have successful Student Congress also introduced a new women PC alum who work in the industry. I felt bill regarding the dissolution of certain that more people should know about these talented clubs and organizations on campus due to women and the paths they had to take—as well as inactivity. The bill will be voted on at the receive some fashion advice in the process!” next meeting. Like previous Fine Arts events, the turnout was Student Congress meets every Tuesday impressive. Students, like Barbera, recognized the at 5:30 p.m. in Ruane LL05 and is open to unique opportunity to hear from these women everyone. working in fashion. “The turnout was great, Kelly Schneider and Sarah Viens [the speakers] were very informative, and overall everything went wonderfully. It was an honor to have them.” “The Fine Arts committee is one of the ten committees on the Board of Programmers,” Barbera says. “We plan all of the events that have to do with the arts.” Continuing by listing some events the committee has hosted this past year, Barbera states, “We held a trip to the Boston Arts Festival, put together a tie-dye making event on Slavin lawn called 'Clear

Skies and Tie Dyes,' and also had a vision board- BRIANNA COLLETTI '21/THECOWL making event in McPhail’s.” These events have all Schneider and Viens talk about their experience in the fashion been massive successes in terms of turnout, often industry. running out of materials within an hour of their SeptemberOctober 31, 20196, 2012 NEWS The Cowl 5 Bursting the PC Bubble ISIS Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Killed By U.S. Forces

by Matthew Mazzella ’20 joined by Vice President Pence, National Security weaken the terrorists that wreak so much havoc in the News Staff Adviser Robert O'Brien, Secretary of Defense Mark world we live in. Quite honestly, it makes me feel a Esper, along with other military officials. This mission little bit safer that we are one step closer to putting an WORLD NEWS was a success according to the President, as he stated, end to something so horrible.” “Last night was a great night for United States and for While this is a step in the right direction for the On Sunday, October 27, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the world.” war on terrorism, unfortunately the fight is not over. the leader of the terrorist organization ISIS, was Evan Howells ’20 shared his thoughts on the news Through allies in the Middle East and the courage of found dead in northwest Syria after a raid by United that broke Sunday morning, expressing his optimism United States troops, the battle on global terrorism will States special forces. President Trump made the in the fight against terrorism. Howells stated, “I was fight on in hopes of a safer world in the near future. announcement of his death on Sunday morning and relieved to hear about the al-Baghdadi news because al-Baghdadi’s death marks a severe blow to ISIS, and highlighted this as a win for national security. The of the implications it has on the war against terrorism. it will help in the battle to end the horrible actions of President expressed enthusiasm about the result by The United States taking out their leader will hopefully terrorism around the world. saying, “Last night, the United States brought the world’s No. 1 terrorist leader to justice. Abu Bakr al- Baghdadi is dead.” al-Baghdadi was said to have killed himself by detonating a suicide vest after the invasion of United States troops in a dead-end tunnel. He had been the leader of the terrorist organization since 2010, and the death of the ISIS leader is a huge step in the everlasting fight to end global terrorism. al-Baghdadi had been a top target for the United States for a long time, and there was even a United States offering of a $25 million reward for his capture. The Islamic States spokesperson and al-Baghdadi’s right-hand man was also killed hours later with the help of Kurdish and United States troops in northern Syria. This operation has been in the works for weeks now, after the U.S. was informed of al-Baghdadi’s whereabouts. The United States ultimately got the go- ahead Saturday morning after receiving “actionable intelligence,” according to Vice President Mike Pence. Donald Trump explained how the raid was executed, and said special operations forces flew into the compound in eight helicopters from an undisclosed location to reach the destination in northwestern Syria. After they reached his location, United States forces were met with heavy gunfire at the doors of the compound but were able to force al-Baghdadi down a tunnel with no escape route, where he eventually took his own life. No United States military personnel were injured, although one K-9-unit dog was hurt in the process. President Trump watched the operation in the White House with his team, and the mission to take out the ISIS leader took about two hours. He was al-Baghdadi's death has been a serious blow to ISIS efforts in the Middle East. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM California Wildfires Continue to Run Rampant

by Kyle Burgess ’21 historically-strong winds throughout in northern and central California.” "My partner was in the house and News Co-Editor California as well as human Less than half of these customers had just seconds to get out, to pick up involvement, with fallen power lines had their services restored by this the dog, throw the dog in the car— WORLD NEWS possibly to blame for two of the most past Monday, with some 1.5 million gently—just get out. It happened recent fires. people in 29 counties expected to that quickly and all our neighbors Thousands of California residents Pacific Gas and Electric Co. experience their own blackouts in did exactly the same thing." have found themselves on the move (PG&E) admitted that power lines anticipation of strong winds. Meanwhile, another fire threatens as sweeping wildfires continue to may have started two wildfires over At the same time, the Kincade Fire to engulf the famous Getty Center engulf both ends of the state. This the weekend in the San Francisco Bay in Northern California continued just outside of Los Angeles. The recent string of wildfires comes after Area, causing widespread electrical to spread, covering a new total of Getty Fire has so far covered 618 a relatively quiet year in which no blackouts to prevent their spread by 75,000 acres with firemen only able acres and destroyed eight structures, major wildfires occurred from May further fallen power lines in the face to contain 15 percent of the blaze. according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric through mid-September, the typical of high winds. One spokesperson for Cal Fire, the Garcetti. California wildfire-causing dry PG&E also reported to state California Department of Forestry The blaze, which was only 5 season. regulators that these fires “match and Fire Protection, claimed that it percent contained, also partially The tinder box conditions that blazes that destroyed a tennis club would take “weeks, if not months” destroyed six other structures. An breed such fires are the result of and forced evacuations in Lafayette, to battle back the flames. investigation into possible causes extremely dry summers that turn about 20 miles east of San Francisco.” Some 180,000 people have been of the fire are currently underway. trees and leaves into fuel as well as Per CNBC, “at least 900,000 power ordered to leave their homes in Arson has not been ruled out. strong winds which spread the fires customers...were in the dark at the anticipation of Kincade’s flames, In addition to the Getty Center across entire forests at a rapid pace. height of the latest planned blackout, with the roads around Santa Rosa, itself, many high-end homes in the This process has been exacerbated by nearly all of them in PG&E’s territory CA packed bumper to bumper with Los Angeles area are at risk to the cars trying to flee. High winds wide-sweeping flames, prompting bringing gusts of more than 102 further evacuations. Celebrities such mph have fanned destruction across as LeBron James were evacuated Sonoma, as 3,000 people continue from their houses along with to battle the blaze that has already students of Mount Saint Mary’s destroyed nearly 400 structures, University near UCLA. including the 150-year-old Soda As firefighters continue to slowly Rock Winery. keep the blazes under control The fires’ rapid pace and direction across the state, the destruction left is difficult to predict, with some in the fires’ wakes has prompted residents getting short or even California Governor Gavin Newsom limited notice of their paths. One to declare a state-wide emergency BBC correspondent who quickly as 43 of California's 58 counties are found himself in the way of The Tick under "red flag" warnings with ideal Wildfires have been frequent in California recently. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM Fire near Santa Clarita noted, that conditions for the flames to spread. February6 The Cowl 18, 2010 ADVERTISEMENTPHOTOGRAPHY OctoberThe 31, Cowl 2019 7

Check out our website! www.thecowl.com

Have Something to Say? Write a Letter to the Editor!

Email [email protected] Page 7 Opinion October 31, 2019 The Death of Dating: Hook-up Culture is a Relational Crisis

by Olivia Bretzman ’22 masks insecurities and awkwardness Opinion Staff that come with interpersonal CAMPUS communication.” Many turn to their phones as a way to avoid intimate situations, including dating. Dating is dead. Literally. The He continues, claiming that our Instagram account @barstoolpc recently generation has “too little interpersonal posted a video of a freshman in his and emotional connection in a hook- own “relationship funeral march.” up crazed culture.” As a professor The caption of the video reads, “When on campus, Dr. Gondreau sees these your boy gets into a relationship in the interactions firsthand. Our generation first month of college.” A large parade has shifted so drastically from his, which of Guzman Hall residents follow this focused on casual dating and legitimate procession down the hall as the victim admiration for other human beings. laughs off the situation. Secondly, our idea of commitment While humorous, this post suggests a is completely skewed. Chris Daly ’22 negative outlook on dating at Providence comments on this lack of commitment, College: the death of dating. The idea of stating, “Cheating has become a casual date has faded, and on every normalized to the point where people college campus, hook-up culture has just don’t really care.” Our culture become an “easy-out” from genuine creates an art out of cheating by regularly Dating has a negative stigma attached to it on college NICHOLAS CRENSHAW ’20/THE COWL relationships. A plethora of societal, displaying unfaithful interactions in campuses, especially for underclassmen. moral, and personal factors have shifted media. Similarly, divorce has become a the dating culture from a dinner to a norm, leading to the fear of separation in can start thinking seriously about their effort to normalize dating again. Tinder meetup. every relationship. future, alluding to marriage or serious In fact, Dr. Gondreau challenges his The first factors that have Along with the detriment of divorce, endeavors. students to bring dating culture back in revolutionized dating are secularization anxiety and depression rates have There is a huge stigma in the male his theology of marriage class. He offers and social media, which ultimately go skyrocketed due to hook-up culture. population, especially in the freshman incentives for them to take someone on a hand in hand. Apps such as Tinder, Many worry that dating will cause and sophomore class about dating. date off-campus without physical contact Bumble, and Snapchat allow an ease of emotional trauma, leading to trust issues They regard each other as “soft” if besides a hug. The results are very connection and have one ultimate goal: and fragile mental health. Allie Eurell they ask someone out. Aidan Schifano telling. He states, “Last semester I took a a hook-up. Allyson Giso ’22 comments, ’22 comments on the emotional state ’22 comments on this generalization, poll in my theology of marriage class: all “What is making the first move? Our of dating, claiming, “Even if you have stating that many say that if you are of my students thought I should require culture has redefined this via social known a guy for a while, you assume in a serious relationship, “you’re just the students in my marriage class to ask media.” Now, instead of asking for a you will not date because that would be whipped and you can’t hang out with a person on campus out on a date! What number and then proceeding to ask too emotional. Someone assumes they the boys.” Supposedly, when dating does that tell you?” While daunting, someone on a date, people use apps to will get hurt.” Ultimately, this generation someone, even casually, their significant many have actually experienced positive contact someone in the least social way is scared. Scared of getting attached, of other will have no time for anyone or outcomes with this task. possible with no repercussions. becoming reliant, of giving up a good job anything else. Quite frankly, our societal norms and Hardly any genuine interactions and future for another person. In the Accinno Hall bathrooms, technology have altered the beauty of occur. Paul Gondreau, professor of One of the last issues our campus #Bringdatingback posters line the stalls casual dating into a serious and negative theology, commented on societal norms struggles with is peer judgement. Many and doors. These posters illustrate the topic; however, only our generation of technology, stating, “Everybody texts, do not want to date because of their idea that dating is “not as awkward as it has the power to change this quasi- of course, which too often allows people reputation. There is an idea that no one seems.” Various colleges and universities stigmatized viewpoint. We can do this to turn to text messaging as a crutch that should date until junior year when one have joined together to support this with a simple date. The Reusable Straw Revolution by Joseph Kulesza ’22 Although this sounds only beneficial, the real issue starts to look as if this whole movement does not seem Opinion Staff with this movement arises when taking into consideration like everything it is made out to be. SOCIETY the impact that it has not just on the environment, but on Furthermore, this ancillary environmental movement the participant. and its publicity might actually be cannibalizing the issue When a participant in the reusable straw revolution it is purporting to solve, in that it distracts the public from The reusable straw revolution, a product of the fourth makes the decision to abstain from using a plastic straw, other underlying issues associated with pollution that are wave environmentalism movement, officially reached they believe that they have won points on their moral more pressing in nature. its terminal velocity when the coffee company Starbucks balance sheet. If any real progress is to be made in addressing the announced a campaign to eliminate plastic straws on This self-conceived high moral balance all too often environmental issue of pollution, the plastic straw a national scale in July of 2018, according to the New leads companies and customers to assume that they have revolution needs to be seen as simply a starting point for York Times. This decision by Starbucks has had a drastic done their part already and do not have to do anymore. further action. effect on consumers’ attitudes towards these single use The psychological bargaining that happens with all So yes, your reusable straw will not end up in the products. humans in these situations is a phenomenon known stomach of a sea turtle, but the plastic packaging it came The subsequent paradigm shift in consumers’ as moral licensing, and it is especially prevelant in the in might. relationships with plastic straws has manifested itself in context of this environmental fad. Trendy movements can be good, but only insofar as public outcry, websites, and various hashtags which are Considering that the impact of using a reusable straw they result in additional progress rather than distraction all part of a new movement that claims to be the sole is minimal in light of the issue of pollution as a whole, it from the issue they are proposing to solve. agent expediting the demise of plastic straws in the name of saving the environment. This highly publicized movement is seen by many as a crucial step in humanity’s attempt to reduce our impact on the natural world. But, when reduced to its intrinsic worth, much of what this movement stands for and claims to be is nothing more than a distraction from a superseding issue that is not nearly as convenient, vogue, or hashtagable to address. Looking at this movement at face value, the reusable straw revolution appears to cause no harm. In fact, virtually everyone considers it to have a net positive effect on the environment. Even with plastic straws comprising less than one percent of the waste stream, according to the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, with the efforts of the numerous hashtags, websites, and the awareness generated by the reusable straw movement as a whole, there is potentially one percent less plastic entering the

oceans and surrounding environments than before. Who NICK CRENSHAW ’20 / THE COWL can argue with that? Reusable straws should be seen as a starting point for futher environmental action. October 31, 2019 COMMENTARYOPINION The Cowl 8 PC Should Institute Mental Health Days Letter to the by Joshua Chlebowski ’21 even withdrawal from friends and social aware and act productively in order to Editor Opinion Staff settings on campus can all result from help themselves. CAMPUS mental and emotional struggles brought Including these excused absences on by Dr. Alexander Moffett on by academic stress. syllabi may bring some to claim that they Director: Development of Western One might be tempted to claim that are taking a mental health day when they Civilization Program Since October is Mental Health students are already able to take a day off are, in fact, not. However, do all students GUEST WRITER Awareness Month, students, faculty, and for mental health reasons if they want; all claim that they cannot go to class because staff have all been able to participate in a that student needs to do is use one of their they are ill or have some physical malady? range of activities, such as the semi-colon “skips.” This option, however, does not Some may take advantage of this Dear Editors, project, fresh check day, and wilderness benefit students because in attempting system, but the vast majority will retreats, to understand and break the to handle an overwhelming amount of recognize the importance and welcome stigma around mental health. As beneficial As Director of the Development stress or other mental taxation, they are the knowledge that if academics become of Western Civilization program, I as these events are, Providence College now facing the skepticism of a professor intensive to the point where work in must work to further develop means of was delighted to read Alyssa Cohen’s who thinks that the student just wanted other courses is suffering, they can take thoughtful editorial in the Sept. 12 nurturing mental health throughout the a day off. a day off and come back refreshed and academic year. issue of The Cowl on the “Misuses Taking a day off for mental health prepared to produce the high-caliber of Western Civilization” panel we The opportunity to introduce the value reasons differs from simply waking up work expected of them. of mental health should start with the hosted last spring. A primary goal of and deciding that one does not want to Mental health is a topic that many have organizing the panel was to generate excused absence section of the syllabus, go to their classes. Equating the two only heard of, but few fully understand the distributed on the first days of each new conversation about issues regarding fuels the stigma surrounding the mental depth of the subject and its far-reaching the DWC program, so it is heartening semester. Professors will often permit health of college students. effects. Emphasizing the importance students to have one or two unexcused to hear students talking about them. If a student faces a workload that of self-care for students, especially as it I think that Ms. Cohen is essentially absences from classes, usually attributing overwhelms them to a point where pertains to remedying the stress from them to oversleeping or some other correct in her observation that different they are unable to make any fruitful multiple courses, is an excellent way to sections of DWC have different situation. Illnesses that impact physical progress, knowing they can take one day prepare them for life after graduation. health, such as the flu, are often excused degrees of engagement with issues to practice mindfulness without scorn Listening to your body and knowing of diversity, and that, consequently, in the syllabus. from a professor can allow that student how it works in conjunction with your With that being said, these skip days students’ experience of the class can to produce higher-quality work for their mind allows for self-awareness that be quite different. I am not quite and excused absences do not take into courses. Sometimes it is this simple pause many individuals lack. While including account another very pressing health so certain that “standardization,” that brings about beneficial long-term a provision for mental health days in as she puts it, is the answer to that concern on college campuses, particularly productivity. college syllabi will not bring about here at PC. concern. Professors who teach that When students are overwhelmed widespread self-revelations, it takes a class possess a great deal of freedom A person’s physical health certainly and unable to pursue the activities step in that direction and allows students fluctuates and is susceptible to germs and to select their own texts, and it’s that bring them joy due to fear of that who do wrestle with it to know they are precisely that latitude that has allowed cold strains, but mental health is equally next assignment or exam, they learn understood by their professors and are as important and just as vulnerable. professors to bring in texts by authors to place shallow productivity over not penalized for situations that are out of from underrepresented groups in the Legitimizing not going to class to take a developing methods to become self- their control. day to destress and work on one’s mental first place. Standardization might state will go a long way in destigmatizing discourage professors from doing the and opening up conversations type of work needed to continually surrounding common factors of college invigorate the curriculum in the campuses that negatively impact future. students’ mental well-being. Nonetheless, I agree with Ms. Though some professors may inform Cohen that the disparity in student students that mental health days will experience is an important topic. For count as excused absences, universalizing students who are interested, I’ll be this policy across all departments at delivering a vision statement for the PC ensures that all students have equal DWC program on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at access and provisions when it comes to 4:30 p.m. in the Ruane Great Room caring for their mental health. that will address some of these issues. Mental health, if not properly cared for, Hope to see you there! can negatively impact the physical body. To eliminate the stigma around mental health on campus, PC PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY Poor eating habits, sleep deprivation, and should allow its students to take mental health days. PC Po s This Week’s Question: Last week’s results are in... Should campus security officers be armed?

Vote online until Monday, November­­ 4 using the link on our Yes: 54% Facebook and Instagram pages, and check next week’s issue for No: 46% the results!

Should vaping be illegal? @TheCowl @The_Cowl 9 The Cowl OPINION October 31, 2019 Providence College’s Student-Run Newspaper Since 1935 The Cowl Heads to Washington, D.C. Publisher: Kristine Goodwin Co-Publisher: Dr. Steven A. Sears Making our Mark on “the First Rough Draft of History” Advisor: Richard F. Kless from writing traditional English into how to make improvements to Journalism Consultant: Michael Pare essays and learned how to write our own publication.

Editor-in-Chief: Kerry Torpey ’20 journalistic feature articles. It was However, I am even more excited also originally only a half-year class, just to be back in Washington, Associate Editor-in-Chief: Katherine but I convinced my principal to let D.C. In a world of ‘Fake News’ Torok ’20 me take it for the entire year because and questionable people in power, I loved the material so much. real journalism matters now more Managing Editor: Julia Vaccarella ’20 One of the most memorable parts of than ever before. Thus, this year’s the class was our trip to Washington, convention location is more relevant Social Media Curator: Mikaela Lee ’20 D.C. to visit the Newseum—a than ever. museum dedicated to promoting At the end of high school, I News Co-Editor: Hannah Langley ’21 freedom of expression and the First painted Mr. Madin a canvas with Phil News Co-Editor: Kyle Burgess ’21 Amendment of the United States Graham’s famous line, “Journalism is Opinion Co-Editor: Andrea Traietti ’21 Constitution. the first rough draft of history.” And Opinion Co-Editor: Kelly Wheeler ’21 Four years later, I am headed every Wednesday night, The Cowl Asst. Opinion Editor: Savannah Plaisted back to D.C. for journalistic reasons office is crafting Providence College’s ’21 by Katherine Torok ’20 Editor-in-Chief yet again. This time around, I, along first rough draft of history through Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor: Patrick with eight other editors, will be students’ perspectives. Fuller ’21 EDITOR’S COLUMN representing The Cowl at this year’s The ability to take part in creating Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor: Sara Conway ’21 National College Media Convention this rough draft is at the same time Arts & Entertainment Co-Editor: Peter and could not be more thrilled—even a privilege and a responsibility—and Keough ’20 I fell in love with journalism my if that means missing Halloween. we are keeping this in mind as we senior year of high school thanks to I am excited to sit in on Marty head to the Convention this weekend. Portfolio Co- Editor: Connor Zimmerman ’20 my journalism teacher, Evan Madin. I Baron’s keynote and various other Check out next week’s issue of The Portfolio Co-Editor: Elizabeth McGinn never wrote for our school’s paper, so panels, learn from other editors and Cowl to see what the National College ’21 this was the first time I stepped away media professionals, and gain insights Media Convention was all about! Asst. Portfolio Editor: Sarah Kirchner ’21 Sports Co-Editor: Meaghan Cahill ’20 Sports Co-Editor: Jack Belanger ’21 Asst. Sports Editor: Cam Smith ’21 Photography Supervisor: Nicholas Crenshaw ’20 TANGENTS TIRADES Photography Co-Editor: Laura & Chadbourne ’20 Photography Co-Editor: Nora Johnson ’20 Take the Challenge, Appreciating Clean Your Dirty

Head Copy Editor: Madeline Burns ’20 Underground Films Laundry (Room) Co-Asst. Head Copy Editor: CJ McCartin Not the “Easy A” ’20 Co-Asst. Head Copy Editor: Kathleen Moore ’20 As spring 2020 registration comes This year, the theatres have been Doing laundry is a necessary part around the corner, students should focus inundated with blockbuster hits from of living independently on a college more on what classes interest them rather Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame to the Copy Editors: Hope Allard ’22, Antonia campus. Yet, it is also a difficult part of Barbiero ’20, Elizabeth Gleason ’21, than if the class is an “easy A.” upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. living on a college campus and is often a Haley Godin ’22, Colleen Joyce ’22, The website RateMyProfessor.com Every few months, box office records burden. Ashley Kaplan ’21, Matt MacKenzie ’20, has been a blessing and a curse for college are being shattered and people flock to The laundry rooms for some buildings Tuyenhan Nguyen ’22, Nicole Patano ’22, students when deciding their class the theatres to see the latest installment Grace Sherlog ’22 at Providence College are co-ed, which schedule. While it is nice for students to of their favorite franchises. While this poses an awkwardness when people are look up their professors and see what record breaking year is certainly notable, moving clothes out of a machine. Some type of teaching style they have and other the blockbuster culture has made it much of the machines are also broken, which reviews, this can also limit a students full harder for smaller, independent films to causes students to waste time when a learning experience. get the advertising they need. load is not actually washed or dried. Every student has a different teaching Films with smaller box office numbers There is an unspoken rule at PC that style that fits them best, and a lot of tend to be showcased only for the few when clothing is left after a cycle in a people can disagree about whether or months leading up to the Academy machine for too long, people move it not they enjoy a certain professor. For this Awards. Additionally, they have to onto a table to put their stuff in. But this reason, RateMyProfessor.com can be a spend much more money on advertising becomes slightly uncomfortable in the co- Disclaimer waste of time and opportunity for many as a way to increase the possibility of a ed laundry rooms when boys’ and girls’ The opinions and positions expressed in The students. successful opening weekend. Because Cowl do not necessarily represent those of Providence clothing are sitting out in the open. College or The Cowl’s staff, and the content of For some Providence College seniors, they often are not attached to a particular advertisements do not necessarily communicate People also tend to empty others’ clean endorsement by the College or The Cowl’s staff. this upcoming spring semester can be the franchise, audiences will question if the clothing on the floor. This is appalling Letter/Guest Submission Policy last time taking classes as an undergrad movie is worth seeing. because those clean clothes are becoming The Cowl welcomes guest opinions and letters to the editor from members of the Providence College student. Therefore, students should take This phenomenon is particularly dirty from the floor, and because boys’ community and outside contributors. All submissions must include the writer’s name, signature, a phone into consideration their interests or even disheartening, especially considering the and girls’ clothing are laying out in the number, and an email address where he or she can be challenge themselves to take a thought- fact that these lesser anticipated movies reached. Letters should be no more than 250 words open on the ground for everyone to see in length and will be printed as space permits. Guest provoking class instead of one that is are often the most celebrated films during commentaries should be limited to 500 words in and step on. length, and only one will be published per week. The boring or does not require attendance. the upcoming awards season. Cowl reserves the right to edit articles for grammar. In certain buildings, Suites Hall for Submissions must be emailed to The Cowl office no Being a liberal arts college, PC offers a For example, last year’s Academy example, some of the machines are later than 9 ­­­p.m. on the Sunday before publication. We do not print previously published articles. variety of very different courses ranging Award winner for Best Picture—Green broken. Two of the dryers in Suites do Email responses to [email protected], and from the arts to the sciences and more. Book—had a fairly dismal opening remember a guest submission is only an email away. not work, so students waste 50 minutes Accuracy Watch Students should explore other fields of weekend in the box office. Though it of their lives waiting for their clothes that The Cowl is committed to accuracy and carefully checks every article that goes into print to ensure that study in their electives to broaden their had steady success and was obviously actually are not even dry. the facts are presented clearly and truthfully. If you range of knowledge and spark new a masterful craft, the movie was not find an error in any article, please email the Editor- PC needs to work on improving the in-Chief at [email protected]. Corrections will be interests. granted as much attention as sequels and laundry rooms by encouraging people to printed as necessary. With class registration approaching in extensions of already beloved franchises. Advertising take care of their own clothing as well as Contact The Cowl with advertising requests and the coming weeks, PC students should While these long-running movie questions at [email protected] or, if necessary, others’ clothing, and by ensuring that all via telephone at 401-865-2214. Visit www.thecowl. consider other course options besides series are a fantastic staple in our society, com/advertise for rates, publication dates, and machines function properly. other information about advertising with The Cowl. what is the easiest and focus on what can they often take away from the success of We reserve the right to decline any advertisement at any time for any reason. We reserve the right to label expand their learning and interests. independent movies as a whole. —Emily Ball ’22 an advertisement with the word “Advertisement” when, in our judgment, this action is necessary to clearly distinguish between editorial material and —Marie Sweeney ’20 —Julia McCoy ’22 advertising. Subscriptions Subscription rate for a weekly issue by mail is $100 per year. Send payment to The Cowl, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, R.I. 02918; make checks payable to The Cowl. Student subscription is included in tuition fee; issues are available around campus on Thursday nights.

The Cowl is a proud member of the Associated Collegiate Press. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN PICTURES PHOTOS COURTESY OF PUBLIC DOMAIN FILES AND PIXABAY PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIPART-LIBRARY.COM Page 10 Photography October 31, 2019 RIGHT: Cole Dougherty ’22 performs a song at the Coffeehouse for Mental Health Awareness Month in the Slavin Mural Lounge. The event took place on Thursday, October 24 and raised awareness for those suffering from a mental illness. BELOW: The Providence College Men’s Swimming and Diving Team took on New Jersey Institute of Technology on Friday, October 25 in Taylor Natatorium. The Friars lost 134.5 to 156.5. Top finishers for the Friars were Aidan Hughes ’23 in the 100 meter backstroke and Christian Twyman ’23 in the 200 meter butterfly.

JAY WILLETT ’20/ THE COWL

JAY WILLETT ’20/ THE COWL

LILLIE HUNTER ’22/ THE COWL ABOVE: Elayna Grillakis ’22 runs to steal the soccer ball against a Butler University team member on Thursday, October 24 on Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium. The Friars lost to Butler 0-1. BELOW: The Afro Caribbean Association, Afro-American Society, and Organization of Latin American Student hosts “The Missing Link.” The event inspires a future on PC’s campus that successfully integrates clubs without the pressure of one identity label. The vision is for collaboration and celebration of cultures in the clubs.

NORA JOHNSON ’20/ THE COWL ABOVE: Chris Riccobono ’01 shares his story of coping with anxiety and discovering his internal resilience while founding his successful company, UNTUCKit. Riccobono was accompanied by Kristine Goodwin, vice president of student affairs, and the Riccobono Academic Resilience (RAR) faculty fellows on Wednesday, October 23 in The Center at Moore Hall, Bouligny Lounge. BRIANNA COLLETTI ’21/ THE COWL Photos compiled by Laura Chadbourne ’20, Nora Johnson ’20, and Nicholas Crenshaw ’20, Photography Co-Editors Roving

Page 11 Photography October 31, 2019 What is your biggest fear?

“Getting stuck in a soft mattress.” “Disappointing my parents.” Margaret Sparicio ’20 Mariela Flores ’23

“My boss.” “PC squirrels.” Fausto Balbi Megan Monte ’20

“Clowns.” “Snakes.” Wini Kennedy ’20 Nick Bullock ’22

“Death.”

-The Grim Reaper

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHY_9 FROM FLICKR Photos by Laura Chadbourne ’20, Photo Co-Editor Arts & Entertainment Page 12 October 31, 2019 PC Debuts Witty Comedy Something Rotten! Broadway Play Gets Its Northeast Collegiate Premiere

The score is upbeat, TDF and the opening number “Welcome Continued from front page to the Renaissance” gleefully starts the show off by describing The characters, from the wittily-named Bottom new science and art. brothers to the Bard himself, are expertly portrayed. The closing song, The dynamic duo of Nick, played by Daniel “Finale: Welcome to Jameson ’21, and Nigel, played by Nolan Donato America,” leaves the ’22, showcase their vocal powers in songs ranging audience with hope for from the upbeat, undeniably catchy “God, I Hate the possibility of new Shakespeare” to the heartfelt “To Thine Own Self,” beginnings. Numbers and bring to life the close bond the brothers share. such as “A Musical” The fierce feminist Bea, portrayed by Emily Smith and “To Thine Own ’20, and hopeless romantic Portia, played by Halle Pratt Self” cleverly play with ’22, serve as more than mere love interests to Nick and both Shakespeare’s works, especially PHOTO COURTESY OF GABRIELLE MARKS / PROVIDENCE COLLEGE TDF Nigel, respectively. The two bring humor and heart to Teddy Kiritsy ’21GS, Ethan Descoteaux ’21, Steven Sawan ’20, Michael Henshaw ’23 look off into the distance. every scene they are in. Portia’s tyrannical Puritan father, Hamlet, and beloved Brother Jeremiah, depicted by William Oser ’19GS, musicals from Les Miserables and Rent to The Sound Whether audience members are unfamiliar likewise captivates the audience with an exaggerated, of Music and West Side Story, making it clear that with Shakespeare’s works or can recite any given innuendo-filled take on Renaissance religion. Something Rotten! is a love letter to the art of theatre. soliloquy upon request, Something Rotten!’s humor, Rounding out the cast are Steven Sawan ’20, The catchy songs are performed with captivating heart, and talented cast make it a must-see musical. villainous, flamboyant Shakespeare; the nephew of dance numbers, notably the chorus line in “A Those interested in attending the show can the great seer Nostradamus, portrayed by Thomas Musical” and the egg-cracking antics of “Make purchase tickets for the remaining performances Edwards ’20, who shares his gift of foresight; and an Omelette,” in costumes brilliantly designed scheduled for Nov. 1, 2, and 3 on the TDF website members of the Bottom brothers’ troupe and ensemble. by Anna Grywalski and her talented crew. or at the Smith Center for the Arts Box Office Halloween throwbacks Active Minds’ Semicolon Project you must watch this Season: by Jennifer Villeda ’20 she became involved with Active Minds A&E Staff her spring semester of freshman year. Howell explained what this concept ON-CAMPUS is all about, saying, “The whole idea of the semicolon is how it is used in a There are moments when you sentence; you write your sentence, and are walking around campus in a sea then you want to add more without of students and listening to their stopping it. It is a metaphor for life.You conversations or too loud music, but have gone so far in your life and you feel completely alone and isolated. wanted to end it, but you didn’t. You Your vision and mind do not connect at kept pushing through with what you that moment, but rather, you are swept were dealing with in those hard times.” away in a current of racing thoughts She decided to close the event with that feel as though they are physically an activity called Make Your Own hurting you. It is scary because it Semicolon, where people could paint seems like no one understands what semicolons as they listen to music, be you are feeling in that instance, but we immersed in their artwork, and have all have gone through those periods fun. Emily Tolbert ‘20, co-president where our mind is not our best friend. of PC Active Minds, said of the event, This past week, Providence College “With this, I think it is really special, too, Active Minds dedicated itself to because it has such a strong message of the Semicolon Project. The concept hope and resilience and then people resonates with co-president of Active get to take it home with them as well.” Minds Alexa Howell ’20; she even has Active Minds uses creativity, self- the symbol tattooed on her wrist. When expression, and relaxation through art she found a note on her phone from to provide an outlet for their Friar family. freshman year that had gone untouched This activity, along with the since then, it reminded her of her goal 80 different posters hung around to do this “semicolon takeover” since campus that feature images and

GRAPHIC BY BRENNA CAVALLARO ’23 quotes emphasizing that “everyone and truly embrace the concept of in Friartown is behind you,” the Friar family. As Howell said, beautifully captures how these small “Just like everyone has physical things can mean the world to people, health, everyone has mental health.” especially when we do not know Through the Semicolon Project, what others are going through. PC Active Minds spread the word We walk by one another every day about mental health, helping to but rarely imagine what is going normalize discussions about mental on in someone else’s life. Tolbert well-being on campus. This project mentioned, “Everyone is going to go allowed the student organization to through a time where they feel like further fulfill its mission to decrease giving up, where they feel like they the negative stigma around mental are going through a struggle that illness. As one of the last events in they feel alone in or that they can’t October, Mental Health Awareness JAY WILLETT ’20 / THE COWL share with others.” This activity Month, the Semicolon Project Students design their own semicolons at PC Active Minds’ Semicolon Project event. and club encourages us to be open drove home a memorable message. October 31, 2019 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Cowl 13 JESUS IS KING: Kanye Experiments With Gospel Rapper Undertakes Massive Genre Transformation

by Julia Vaccarella ’20 features several artists, including renowned A&E Staff jazz saxophonist Kenny G. An accompanying MUSIC documentary film called Jesus is King: A Kanye West Experience is also currently playing in theaters. Recently, West has been increasingly transparent about his personal views on God and religion. In addition to the album’s release, he has also debuted a project called Sunday Service, which is a series of mostly invite-only performances consisting of gospel music. In reference to Jesus Is King, West says, “This album has been made to be an expression of the gospel and to share the gospel and the truth of what Jesus has done to me…When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that he does for me, my soul cries out.” Some of West’s previous projects, such as The Life of Pablo, contain undisguised religious references. Understandably, the new record takes the theme PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR even further in making God the focal point. Most hip- as anything in West’s considerable canon.” hop artists do not shy away from explicit material West’s political leanings also caused some dissent in their content, and West is no different. However, among his fanbase. Furthermore, considering Jesus Is King is entirely void of this type of language. that this is West’s ninth album, it would suffice For a number of reasons, reception to Jesus Is to say that he has made a name for himself. King thus far has been mixed. For some fans, West’s Most of his listeners are primed to expect lyrical PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY reputation would be unlikely to connote images of profanity and a generally faster pace in his music, Kanye West has returned to music once again spirituality. In a similar fashion, West’s vocalized God which is not at all the case with Jesus Is King. with the debut of his ninth studio album, entitled complex, coupled with the fact that he is commonly Apple Music states, “The old Kanye and his Jesus Is King. After previously teasing a separate referred to as “Yeezus,” may be just as unconvincing. discerning ear for sample selection is present project, entitled Yandhi, the record was released after The album has a gospel feel to it. Neil McCormick throughout…It all makes for an album unlike multiple delays dating back to over one year ago. As of the Telegraph writes, “Packed with gospel choirs, any West has delivered, and one that might set the name may suggest, Jesus Is King evokes images church organs and soulful ululations condensed into the tone for the future of his music-making.” of Christianity; accordingly, the album’s style more a typically bravura tableaux of obscure samples, Nonetheless, West’s departure from the closely resembles Gospel music than hip-hop or rap. warped synths and spooky slabs of vocoder traditional elements of rap music on this record is The album contains eleven songs and harmonies, Jesus Is King sounds as scintillating precisely why it has garnered so much attention. Modern Music Promotion: How Songs Go Viral Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Song Popularity

by Grace Whitman ’22 million streams, and the viral trend Another example of this was A&E Staff over Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Lizzo’s song “Truth Hurts.” Her song and Instagram was responsible. was released September 19, 2017, MUSIC Record labels no longer have to but took almost two years for it to hit invest the same amount of money into No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart In today’s society, everything we promotions, as artists’ interactions with on September 3, 2019. “I just took a do is driven by social media in some fans over the internet can be even more DNA test,” the opening line of her way. Similarly, social media has had an effective than classic radio promotions. song, went viral in Netflix’s movie enormous impact on the music industry One of the biggest hits of 2019, Lil Something Great, prompting millions when it comes to the promotion of songs of people to stream her song, and and the way that artists interact with fans. boosting her to the top of the charts. Social media has also changed the The ability to share songs, albums, way music is produced, distributed, and playlists on social media platforms and sold through streaming services has changed the music industry entirely. like Spotify and Apple Music. The personal connection between artists and fans has been a direct source of boosted music sales in recent years. According to BuzzAngle’s 2018 Report on Music Consumption, on-demand audio stream consumption increased by 41.8% to 534.6 billion streams in 2018. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY Additionally, social media has the power to make a song become an overnight sensation through shares on Instagram stories, retweets, or viral memes. Drake’s “In My Feelings” was immensely popular in 2018, as the viral PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY “In My Feelings” dance challenge hit Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” did not the internet. #inmyfeelingschallenge blow up over radio airwaves, but on on Instagram has over 790,000 posts the video sharing app, TikTok. On the attached to it. The global movement app, millions of creators used the song consisted of people getting out of as a soundtrack to their video which their car to dance to the song. Odell made “Old Town Road” a viral hit. Beckham Jr., Ryan Seacrest, Will In an interview with Time magazine, Smith, and countless other celebrities Lil Nas X said, “When TikTok hit it, with an enormous following posted almost every day since that, the streams their version of the “In My Feelings” have been up. I credit them a lot.” challenge on their individual accounts. Viral social media trends have This trend boosted Drake’s song to boosted songs without the artist No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart spending a dime on promotion as for 10 weeks. “In My Feelings” broke artists and record labels strategically the streaming record for the most use the power of social media PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY streams in a single week with 116.2 to boost streams and revenue. GRAPHIC BY PATRICK FULLER ’21 14 The Cowl ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 31, 2019 From the Archives: Red Hearse Album Reflection Learning About Love and Collaboration in Music

loved came from the three of us in that room...Red by Peter Keough ’20 Hearse is the sound of the 3 of us in a room. I love that A&E Co-Editor about these songs.” Antonoff’s main point in this post MUSIC was to describe how, through the simple act of getting these three artists in a room together, they were able to produce something cohesive and noteworthy. In today’s music industry, collaborations are often Although Sam Dew, Jack Antonoff, and saddled with large expectations and surrounded Sounwave come from disparate musical by excitement. Whether fans are waiting for the backgrounds, their expertise in songwriting, next DJ Khaled-produced album of star-saturated instrumentation, and producing respectively hits or enjoying Ed Sheeran’s newest album No.6 come together to create a cohesive sound. Collaborations Project, the coming together of artists “Half Love,” the first track off of Red Hearse, sets to create songs cooperatively is undoubtedly a the tone for the rest of the project. Heavy bass synths, popular phenomenon. Due to the aforementioned no doubt a product of Sounwave’s experience with PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOTIFY expectations, however, the process of making these the likes of Kendrick Lamar, outline the catchy Like Antonoff and Dew sing in “Everybody Wants kinds of projects can become complicated and chorus of Dew, “Cause everybody’s playin’ it You,” “Feels like I’ve been burnin’ up on the coldest muddled, all in the pursuit of making the perfect song. loose, but / What if we were real with it? / ‘Cause day, uh, mm / Feels like I’m comin’ up on a perfect This kind of perfectionist attitude is exactly what honestly / I’m just too good for that half love / moment, take a moment / But you don’t ‘cause you Red Hearse sought to avoid on their self-titled debut Now that you’ve been feelin’ it too / Ah, admit don’t want it, uh / ‘Cause everybody wants you.” project, Red Hearse. Comprised of singer/songwriter/ the truth / Never gonna love another like you.” Yet the beauty of this album’s story lies in the producer/multi-instrumentalist Jack Antonoff of The group replicates this formula throughout the resilience of the protagonist. In the standout fun. and Bleachers fame, Grammy-winning and Top rest of the album to reinvent the typical R&B sound “Born to Bleed,” Antonoff and Dew sing, “You can Dawg Entertainment-affiliated producer Sounwave, while pushing the theme of love to the forefront. On cut me, doesn’t matter / All the better / I was and singer-songwriter Sam Dew, Red Hearse was “You Make It Easy,” Antonoff reflects on the effects of born to bleed / You can’t do too much damage formed more out of coincidence than intention. being in love, singing, “Now I’ll never want another / I can manage all the same to me / ‘Cause In an Instagram post from June 26, Antonoff wrote / You left a mark that just can’t come off / Now I’m a healer / That can bring me back to life.” about the simplistic approach the group took to I’ll never want another / Never learn my lesson.” Overall, Red Hearse is a collaborative experiment creating music. Speaking on himself, Sounwave, and Although the lyrics sound cliché, they actually paint about an extremely personal experience. Each artist Dew, he stated, “We’d meet ever[y] once in a while in a sophisticated picture of love. Antonoff and company uses their own sound to bring light to the ups and California at the studio. We don’t think much about look at love through the past, present, and future. It downs of love. In its own way, the album demonstrates what we are gonna do, we just make a plan to meet.” is a complicated phenomenon which gives life when the power of coming together to talk through struggle Continuing on, he claimed, “[S]omething that we it is received but also haunts when it is unrequited. but also the ability of individuals to practice self-care. “A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality.” -Lucy Van Pelt

It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

GRAPHIC DESIGN PATRICK FULLER ’21/THE COWL

Looking for a photography gig to add to your resumé?

Apply for The Cowl’s photography section at www.thecowl.com/join October 31, 2019 PUZZLE The Cowl 15 Halloween Horrors

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAY

Last Issue’s The Corny Corner Flip the paper upside down to Answers reveal the answer! Across:

3) Milky Way 15) Dots Why don’t ghosts have bands? 6) Almond Joy 16) Jolly Rancher boooooooed get They 8) KitKat 17) Candy Corn 10) Butterfinger 18) Starbursts 14) 3Musketeers Why did the skeleton go to the BBQ?

Down: ribs spare the For 1) Payday 9) Reeses 2) Skittles 12) Hersheys 4) Tootsie Roll 13) Whoppers Where do most werewolves live?

5) Sour Patch Kids 19) Twix California Howllywood, 7) Nestle Crunch

Where did the goblin throw the football? Over the ghoul line ghoul the Over

JOKES COURTESY OF JOKES4US.COM 16February The Cowl 18, 2010 ADVERTISEMENTPHOTOGRAPHY OctoberThe 31, Cowl 2019 7 What’s Up Mental Health Checklist: This Week in Have you... Friartown? -Gone on a walk to clear Oct. 31: Boo-ingo! (9 p.m., McPhail’s) your mind? Nov. 1: Humanities Forum Hosts Denis McNamara (3 p.m., Ruane 105) -Taken a homework break?

Nov. 1: United Skates of America sponsored Rec Sports (7 p.m., meet behind Concannon Fitness Center) -Talked with a friend about

Nov. 2: Camp Night hosted by BOP (8 p.m., McPhail’s) what’s troubling you? Nov 6: A Trip To CycleBar presented by BOP (6:45 p.m., -Had a full meal today? meet at Cyclebar) -Taken a day off for yourself? -Gotten enough sleep? -Taken a social media break? -Set aside time to do things you actually enjoy or are passionate about?

Can’t Get Enough of The Cowl? Follow us on social media!

@The_Cowl @TheCowl @TheCowl Page 17 Sports October 31, 2019 Sports Men’s Basketball Returns Strong Core Shorts Top Three Scorers Come Back To Make Another Run by Liam Tormey ’22 by Scott Jarosz ’21 Sports Staff Sports Staff MEN’S BASKETBALL SPORT SHORTS Last season, the Providence College Men’s Hockey Update: Men’s Basketball Team finished with On the weekend of Oct. 18, the an overall record of 18-16, tying for Providence College Men’s Hockey eighth in the Big East with a 7-11 record. Team traveled to New York to take The Friars missed out on the NCAA on St. Lawrence University on Tournament for the first time in five Friday and Clarkson University on seasons. Instead, the postseason for Saturday. PC started the weekend Head Coach Ed Cooley consisted of off strong with a 6-0 win over SLU. playing in the National Invitational Parker Ford ‘23 led the way for PC Tournament as the fourth seed. The with two goals in the blowout win. Friars were a first round exit, losing 84- PC carried their momentum into its 72 to the University of Arkansas. contest at CU, beating the home team This season, the Friars are hoping with a score of 4-2. Tyce Thompson for a lot more. And there is a lot to be ‘22 powered the Friars with two excited about. goals. On Oct. 25, PC traveled to Isaiah Jackson ’19 and Makai Ashton- Chestnut Hill to face Boston College Langford ’21 both left from Coach and beat the Eagles 6-2. There were Cooley’s team this offseason. Jackson six different goal-scorers for PC in graduated last spring, and Ashton- the game. PC returned home to play Langford transferred to Boston College the University of Massachusetts- to continue his career. Lowell the following day and would On the bright side, the core group ultimately lose to the visiting team of players are returning for the Friars, PHOTO COURTESY OF PC ATHLETICS 3-2 in overtime. Thompson and including their top scorers. After starting 34 games as a freshman, Duke is slated to be a key piece once again after a Patrick Moynihan ’23 scored the After Alpha Diallo ’20 withdrew from successful performance in the Pan-Am Games. goals. the NBA Draft this past summer, he returns for his senior year and is looking finished with a double-double with 17 to play due to a knee injury, although Men’s Soccer Update: to be more productive than last year. points and 13 rebounds. The team hopes Coach Cooley hopes to see him return The Providence College Men’s Diallo finished last season averaging 16 Holt can give them more statlines like in the first couple weeks of November. Soccer Team kicked off a three- points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. this thoughout the year. Gantt has been dealing with an game week on Oct. 19 at DePaul Nate Watson ’21 will be back after a There were some key additions over Achilles tendon injury and will likely University. The Friars fell to the great season last year (averaging 11.7 the offseason who will likely have a miss the opener against Sacred Heart Blue Demons 2-0, but would bounce points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.4 assists). He major impact on the way this season University. back when they traveled to play hopes to show why he is one of the best goes for Coach Cooley’s team. One of the Pipkins has been battling a hamstring Villanova University the following centers in the Big East this season. big additions is Luwane Pipkins ’20GS, injury, but this past Sunday the Friars Wednesday. PC beat the home team A.J. Reeves ’22 will be looking to a graduate transfer from University traveled to Indianapolis to play in 2-0 with goals by Danny Griffin ’20 stay healthy after suffering a foot injury of Massachusetts-Amherst. The 5’11’’ a closed scrimmage against Purdue and Paulo Lima ‘22. which hindered what looked like a guard from Chicago, IL averaged 15.7 University, and Pipkins played 17 Following their win on the road, huge year for the sophomore. Reeves points, 3.7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds in minutes for the Friars, scoring five PC returned home to host Creighton averaged 9.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and his career at UMass. He hopes to add points. University. The Bluejays scored 0.6 assists last season. another offensive spark to the Friars’ Providence won 60-53 against the the first goal of the game early on, David Duke Jr. ’22 is also hoping game. Boilermakers. Diallo led the way with but PC answered with goals by to have a big year after averaging 7.1 Another key addition to the team this 22 points and 12 rebounds in 36 minutes Christopher Roman ’22 and Davis points and 2.1 assists for PC last season. offseason was Greg Gantt ’23. The 6’8’’, of action. Fans can expect to see these Smith ’21. CU equalized the game Expect Duke to have a lot of playing 205 pound-freshman was the number types of numbers from Diallo most of late in the second half to force time on the court. three recruit in the state of North the season. overtime, but Lima scored a golden Even more exciting for the Friars Carolina according to ESPN. There is The Friars open up regular season goal stunner to win the game for the is they will get back Emmitt Holt a lot of anticipation in what Gantt can play next Tuesday, November 5 against Friars in overtime. ’19GS who was granted a sixth year of bring to the team. Sacred Heart University at 7 p.m. eligibility by a medical redshirt waiver. The Friars have been suffering from Prior to conference play in the Big Field Hockey Update: In the Friars’ first exhibition game this injuries in the past several weeks leading East, the Friars have several games to The Providence College Field season against Stonehill College, Holt into the season. Watson has been unable note. In late November, Coach Cooley’s Hockey Team recently earned the team will travel out to Anaheim, CA No. 25 spot in the NFHCA Division to compete in the Wooden Legacy 1 Coaches’ Poll, and its recent Tournament, which is a combination performance proves it is deserving of schools from all across the country. of this ranking. On Oct. 18, PC The Friars will open up that tournament beat Quinnipiac University in a 3-2 against Long Beach State University. shootout win. PC hosted Merrimack The annual rivalry game against the two days later and beat the visitors University of Rhode Island will take 5-1. Olivia Ward ’21 led the scoring place on Dec. 6 at URI. for the team with two goals. Just before the start of the Big East, PC then hosted Georgetown Providence will be tested against two University on Oct. 25 and beat the tough teams: Florida University and Hoyas 2-0. Goals were scored by the University of Texas at Austin. These Mary O’Reilly ’20 and Amanda games will be great indicators of where Collins ’22. The Friars looked to the Friars are before starting conference carry this momentum into its Oct. play. 27 Senior Day game against Rider Big East conference play will begin University. PC fought out a 1-0 Dec. 31 with the Friars’ home game victory in the game thanks to a goal against Georgetown University. by O’Reilly. The team now looks There is a lot of excitement forward to its next game on Nov. 1 surrounding the team this season. Coach at No. 17 Liberty University. Cooley hopes to get his team back into the NCAA Tournament come March. With many key members returning, NICHOLAS CRENSHAW ’20/THE COWL anything can happen in Friartown, as Diallo has already received multiple accolades; he was named to the watch list for the Julius long as the team can avoid the injury Erving Award and was unanimously voted to the Preseason All-Big East First Team. bug. 18 The Cowl SPORTS October 31, 2019 Addison Root ’20 Hits Career Milestone Senior Joins an Elite Group of Players With 1,000 Kills

by Meaghan Cahill ’20 probably been the closest team that I Sports Co-Editor have been a part of,” admitted Root. “We are more than willing to work VOLLEYBALL hard for each other.” And, despite their overall 5-18 record going into the second half of The Providence College Women’s their season, Root believes it is the Volleyball Team may have lost their team’s closeness and hardworking match against Butler University on mentality that will allow them to Oct. 10, winning only one of the four have a winning record for the final sets played, but for Addison Root ’20 stretch of the season. there was a lot to celebrate. “Our record hasn’t necessarily Root did not realize at the time, shown all of the work and talent but she registered her 1,000th career that we have on the team,” Root said kill. before stating that despite the team’s While she did acknowledge that losing record, they are winning more she had a feeling that she was close sets than ever this season and only to achieving the milestone statistic, suffered a two-point deficit loss to Root said on the feat, “I knew that the ninth team in the country. “We I needed 12 in that game so my come into the gym every single day mindset was ‘alright, gotta go get and don’t let the losses get us down. it!’” We continue to work incredibly hard Root was keyed into her and have fun playing together.” achievement by an official Vowing that the team is ready announcement during a time out. to do whatever it takes to have a “During the timeout, our coach was PHOTO COURTESY OF PC ATHLETICS winning second half of their season, kind of getting on us, so I tried not to This season, Root has paced the team’s offense and Root said, “I think we just need to smile or anything to keep it casual. has led the Friars in kills during the last five games. continue to keep the same mentality My teammates were smirking up at of working hard and keeping up the me and I was like ‘Guys, not now!’” memorable playing moments in has with the team, hanging out in fight. We can upset some teams and A transfer student from the her career (her first weekend of Big the locker room and on their road upset their seasons.” University of Memphis, Root began East play included an upset against trips. Individually, Root would really her career as a Friar in a stellar both Georgetown University and However, despite her immediate like to see the team capture some Big sophomore season, starting in all of Villanova University and personal success as a Friar and the success East wins that she feels they deserve PC’s 33 matches. At the end of her career highs), but was also pivotal in that would follow, Root credits her after all of the team’s hard work thus first season, she led the team in kills rediscovering her love for the game. teammates for having the biggest far. “We’re obviously tired of losing (416), aces (36), and was third on the “The best decision I ever made impact on her career and experience but it’s not [as if] we are going to team in digs (258). The MVP of the personally was to transfer here. at the College. give up. I would like to see some of 2018 Friar Classic, Root was named Being able to get two degrees and “After I got [the 1,000th kill], all that translate into some wins.” to the All-Big East Second Team, also re-find my love for volleyball of my teammates were posting on More focused on what the team is which at the time made her the first after transferring was really social media and I was like, ‘Guys, doing as a whole in comparison to her Friar since 2001 to earn a Big East everything I could have asked for t h i s wou ld n’t be w it hout you becaus e own personal goals and achievements, Award in volleyball. and more,” said the Kansas native. I can’t hit the ball without you. This Root said she is “pretty happy” with Her first season as a Friar The ultimate highlights of her career is all you, I just have to swing.’ We her 1,000th kill achievement. “It was holds not only some of the most as a Friar are all of the memories she are really close as a team. This has pretty cool,” she concluded. Women’s Soccer Vying for Final Playoff Spot

by Marc DeMartis ’21 Sports Staff WOMEN’S SOCCER

This past Sunday, the Providence College Women’s Soccer Team took on the Villanova University Wildcats for the Friars’ Senior Day. Although the Friars were defeated 0-1, they dominated the stat sheet in almost every category. The Friars had a total of 14 shots compared to Villanova’s six. Rhode Island native Hannah McNulty ’21 led the Friars’ attack with five attempted shots, with one shot-on-goal being a header that ended up hitting the right post. A goal that the Friars could have used to tie the game. McNulty also scored an impressive header that was waved off after being ruled offsides in the 60th minute. The Wildcats began the game strong, scoring early in the 21st minute, but lost their momentum in the second half as the Friars outshot them 10-0. Even though the seniors were upset Alessandra Arace ’20 races past a Villanova defender. Arace is one of four seniors BRIANNA COLLETTI ’21/THE COWL after losing a hard-fought game, they on the team and has started in all 17 games this season. were just as happy to play with their teammates for their last home game. Olivia Lucia ’20 said, “Although we home game.” game this week. The little girl inside me ahead of them. Lucia is looking forward didn’t get the result we wanted tonight, When asked about how she felt doesn’t want to let go of the sport that to this year’s tournament, saying, I was so proud of the effort and hard about her Senior Day, Lucia said, “I became her escape and passion.” “Going into the Big East Tournament, work that the team put forth. It was an honestly can’t put into words how Now the Friars look forward to their I have a lot of confidence in the team emotional day, but I was overjoyed to emotional and amazing my senior last game of the regular season against and know that if we work hard we can be surrounded by my team and fellow season has been for me. It doesn’t feel Seton Hall University on Oct. 31. After be very successful.” Tournament play seniors on our home field for our last real that I might be playing my last that, they have the Big East Tournament starts for the Friars on Nov. 3. October 31, 2019 SPORTS The Cowl 19 Money Talks: Which Winter Sports Team The NBA & Will Have The Best Season? China by Cam Smith ’21 Providence College Investigates: Sports Assistant Editor EDITOR’S CORNER Men’s Ice Hockey For months, pro-democracy protesters by Eileen Flynn ’20 Maine, Boston College and University of scoring again against Boston College the have filled the streets of Hong Kong, a Sports Staff Massachusetts-Lowell. Their two wins following week. Michael Callahan ’22, former British colony that was handed against UMaine and BC were not close Jack Dugan ’22, Matt Koopman ’22, and back to the Chinese in 1997. Although PCI games, as the Friars managed to score Tyce Thompson ’22 are four sophomores taking place on the opposite side of the a combined 13 goals against these two who have tallied multiple points since globe, the effects of the protests are being Another winter is approaching and teams, proving that the team does not the season started. Dugan was awarded felt on the American world of basketball. luckily at Providence College that means have trouble finding the back of the net. Hockey East player of the week after To understand the unrest, one must it is finally basketball and hockey season. A good team has a superstar, but a leading the conference in points (5) and understand that since 1997, China and Although both the teams have been great team has talent spread through assists (4). Hong Kong have operated under a “one preparing during preseason, the PC the second and third lines. This year, The upperclassmen bring the country, two systems” policy. The policy men’s ice hockey team is looking like they the Friars have already introduced experience aspect to this year’s squad. grants the citizens of Hong Kong far will have the most successful season. multiple players that can pass the puck Last year, the Friars made it to the Frozen greater access to rights, including the After just a few short weeks, the PC well and score when the team needs it. Four in the NCAA tournament. The team right to free speech and free assembly, men’s team has a record of 4-2, 2-1 in The underclassmen have proven to be fell short to Minnesota Duluth, the No. 1 than those living on the Communist conference play. The difficulty of their an important asset to the Friars’ team as seed after a long, impressive season. This party-controlled mainland. schedule from the start foreshadows a well. Starting with the freshmen, Cam was the Friars sixth season appearing The catalyst for the protests was a strong season as the Friars have already McDonald ’23 netted the game winning in the NCAA Tournament and this year bill that would make it easy for Beijing faced Hockey East rivals University of goal against no. 10/9 Clarkson as well as should be no exception. officials, including President Xi Jinping, The Northeastern University Huskies to accuse Hong Kong citizens of fallacious came up on top in the Hockey East crimes, and then process them through Tournament in 2019, this year the Friars courts controlled by the Communist will want to beat the reigning champions. Party. Although the bill was recently Boston College was the team that knocked withdrawn by the Hong Kong legislature, PC out of the Hockey East running last the protests have continued as they have year. The Eagles won the series 2-1. This evolved into a broader fight against the past week the Friars beat Boston College increasing encroachment of Beijing into 6-2, showing a glimpse of a promising everyday life. season from PC. It is in this context that on Oct. 4, the There is no doubt the Friars will be general manager of the Houston Rockets, tested this season, but their revenge tour Daryl Morey, tweeted out his support might just give them the push they need for the protesters, posting an image that to make it even further this year. Nate read, “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Leaman enters his ninth season as head Kong.” This simple gesture of support coach for the Friars, and since it has been created countless consequences. several years since his 2015 National Subsequently forced to apologize for LAURA CHADBOURNE ’20/THE COWL Championship title, he is ready for his tweet, Morey was denounced by A mix of youth and veteran leadership will propel another one. the Chinese consulate in Houston and the team to another successful season. was even on the hotseat as the Rockets reportedly considered firing him in an effort to appease the Chinese. His own star player, James Harden, took it upon Men’s Basketball himself to apologize for Morey, saying, by Joseph Quirk ’23 coming off successful seasons. In reality successful team on campus this winter. “We apologize… we love China. We love Sports Staff however, all eyes are on two squads, Something is brewing in the Dunkin’ playing there.” PCI the men’s hockey and basketball teams. Donuts Center and will be the big Fellow NBA star, Lebron James, whose Men’s ice hockey, lead by Nate NCAA tournament run the Friars men’s team was in China at the time for a pair As October draws to a close, we Leaman for the ninth season, is basketball team has been expecting for of preseason games, also weighed in, are reminded just how close winter is. five years removed from a national some time now. The Friars will be led saying that, “So many people could have Winter is an especially exciting time championship and one year removed by ninth-year Head Coach Ed Cooley. been harmed [by the tweet], not only in Friartown as some of Providence from a Frozen Four appearance. The Cooley returns after several rumors financially, but physically, emotionally, College’s best sports open their seasons squad was ranked No. 7 in the nation this offseason of him being considered spiritually… Even though yes, we do have and begin their quest for NCAA glory. before Saturday’s loss to University a favorite for the Michigan coaching freedom of speech, there can be a lot of However, of all of the winter sports, of Massachusetts-Lowell and boasts a position, but ultimately withdrawing negative that comes with it.” men’s basketball will have the best young roster with six players currently his name and signing an extension with Since then, Chinese broadcasters have season this year. having their draft rights owned PC. That was followed up with some ignored key games in the opening week Arguments can be made for a couple by NHL teams. All this being said, big offseason acquisitions including of NBA action, including the Rockets of different teams here as several are men’s ice hockey will not be the most University of Massachusetts-Amherst opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. star graduate transfer Luwane Pipkins Chinese sponsors for the NBA have ’19G, transfers Noah Horchler ’20 and also been pulled, and those games that Jared Bynum ’22, and Greg Gantt ’23. did make it to television in China were The Friars also expect a jump and devoid of audio for fear of mentioning the improvement from David Duke ’22, controversy. Kris Monroe ’22 and AJ Reeves ’22. It was only recently that the NBA The Friars are also returning star center forged a $1.5 billion agreement to stream Nate Watson ’21 and seniors Maliek games online with Chinese tech giant White ’20, Kalif Young ’20, and Alpha Tencent Holdings. Prior to the deal, what Diallo ’20, who even tested NBA waters the league labels as “NBA China,” already this offseason. held an estimated value of $4 billion to the This new Friars roster is filled with league. Unquestionably, China represents experience and new talent and has an enormous market for basketball itself. potential to far surpass last year’s However, this does not excuse the NBA team. Gantt was a four-star recruit from turning its back on a people fighting and ranked no. 67 in the nation for freedom. The squashing of support before joining the Friars. Diallo was for Hong Kong by the league, along with considered an NBA prospect but has other American corporations including decided to keep his talent in Rhode Apple and Blizzard Entertainment, is Island. Pipkins is a very experienced deeply disturbing. Furthermore, it is a and talented guard who scores with complete betrayal of the American values ease and is expected to start for PC this that we hold dear as a country, values that year. It would be wrong to assume this have allowed the NBA and its players to NICHOLAS CRENSHAW ’20/THE COWL is not the best team on campus this thrive. The expansion of capitalism must After getting hit with the injury-bug late last year, winter. not result in the sacrifice of democracy. Reeves is poised for a breakout year. October 31, 2019 SPORTS The Cowl 20 Young Talent Ready to Take Women’s A Look Basketball Team to the Next Level by Sullivan Burgess ’20 to answer the call for the team and bring their Around Sports Staff skills and strengths to make a difference both WOMEN’S BASKETBALL on and off the court this upcoming season. Four of the starters are back this season in Friartown In the beginning of October, the Big East the lineup for the Friars, including reigning Big Cross Country: unveiled the coach’s poll preseason rankings East Freshman of the Year, Mary Baskerville for all Big East women’s basketball teams for ’22. 10/25 at Central Connecticut State University the upcoming 2019-2020 season. While DePaul Last season Baskerville finished as one Mini-Meet (Men Only) University was unanimously voted first, of the leaders for rebounds per game at 7.3, Men: 1st the Providence College Women’s Basketball leaders for blocked shots at 1.5, and even field Team came in fifth, tied alongside Villanova goal percentage at .580 percent. Her breakout Upcoming: University. Both teams are coming off of trips season made her the ultimate candidate for a 11/2 at Big East Championship to the 2019 Women’s National Invitational unanimous selection to the Preseason All-Big Tournament. East Team. Women’s Field Hockey: Following this news, the team looks to Herself and other Friar favorites like carry on the success from the 2018-2019 season Kaela Webb ’22 and Chanell Williams ’21 10/25 vs. Georgetown University, win 2-0 and play to the strengths of each player. are ready to give it their all and do great for Last season, the Friars posted a 19-16 the team. 10/27 vs. Rider University, win 1-0 record, which earned them sixth overall in In his fourth season with the Friars, Head the Big East standings. The team made it to Coach Jim Crowley is ready to lead his ladies Upcoming: the second round of the Big East Tournament, into battle and give everything he has for where they lost to St. John’s University. the team to repeat the success they earned 11/01 vs. Liberty University The Lady Friars earned themselves a last season and once again make it into the 11/08-10 Big East Tournament spot in the WNIT, where they made a run postseason rankings. to the Sweet Sixteen, losing to Georgetown The biggest threats the Friars face this Men’s Soccer: University. The 19 wins were the most overall season are rival teams DePaul University and wins the team has had since 2009-2010, which, St. John’s University. DePaul retains their title 10/26 vs. Creighton University, win 3-2 (OT) coincidentally, was the last time they had this season as the most successful Big East made it into a postseason tournament. program for women’s basketball, posting a Upcoming: The team had to say goodbye to three seniors 91-17 record since the 2013-2014 season and who graduated from PC last spring, including has numerous returning starters this year. 11/2 at Xavier University Clara Che ’19, a 2019 Big East Weekly Honor The Friars hope to turn things around 11/6 at St. John’s University Roll selection, Maddie Jolin ’19, the winner of against the DePaul Blue Demons after losing the Rev. Robert A. Morris O.P. ’46 Memorial last season’s series to the team 0-3 including Women’s Soccer: Award, and Jovana “Yoyo” Nogic ’19, a fan a loss in the quarterfinal of the Big East favorite and the Providence College Female Tournament. 10/24 vs. Butler University, loss 0-1 Athlete of the Year. When it comes to St. John’s, the Red Storm is Last season marked numerous career highs expected to make a big jump from 2018-2019, 10/27 vs. Villanova University, loss 0-1 for Nogic. She was ranked 12th on the most with the return of a group of starters who lead points per game in the Big East at 13.8 points, in scoring, steals, and even assists. Upcoming: and averaged 19.3 points in the WNIT. However, this season, the Friars are 10/31 at Seton Hall University While the Friars lost three seniors, they also ready to eliminate all who stand in their gained some new faces in the locker room: way by constantly practicing and grinding 11/03 Big East Tournament First Round Hevynne Bristow ‘23 from Brooklyn, NY, their way to the top. They are ready to Fatima Lee ’23 from Queens, NY, and Lauren show the world whose time it is and where 11/07 Big East Tournament Seminfinals Sampson ’23 from Waltham, MA. All are ready they stand in the Big East. Women’s Volleyball:

10/25 vs. Creighton University, loss 0-3

10/26 vs. Creighton University, loss 0-3 Upcoming:

11/01 vs. Seton Hall University

11/03 vs. St. John’s University

Swim and Dive:

Upcoming:

11/01 vs. Iona College

11/02 vs. Fairfield University

Despite losing their top two scorers, the Friars return four players PHOTO COURTESY OF PC ATHLETICS that started more than 10 games for the team. GRAPHIC DESIGN COURTESY OF CONNOR ZIMMERMAN '20, ELIZBAETH MCGINN '21, AND SARAH KIRCHNER '21 2 The Cowl PORTFOLIO October 31, 2019

Phantom

by Connor Zimerman ’20, Elizabeth McGinn '21, Sarah Kirchner '21 Portfolio Editors I looked around the corner; Phantom eyes staring back at me. A haunting chill went down my spine: Frosty breath, sweaty palms, fight or flight kicking in. Reaching out to touch the specter, As my hand went through, my body went cold. My hand darted back; bumps began to envelop my skin. Vapors dissipating from where it once stood. Fear swallows me. Suddenly, I stand alone. The Wind Does Fear Disappear? by Sarah Heavren ’21 by Sean Tobin ’20 Portfolio Staff Portfolio Staff The wind whips and wails Does fear disappear Shaking the walls If Stephen King writes it down Rattling the trees And Hitchcock films it? Making leaves fall.

Or does fear instead It groans and stings Creep, crawl, and hide deeper down With such distress Where you cannot reach? Like a poor soul That’s not at rest.

Darkness Surrounds by Grace O'Connor ’22 Portfolio Staff I opened my eyes to see darkness surrounding me I slowly stood up as my head throbbed The room smelled musty and the darkness weighed down on me The floor creaked below me as I cautiously took a step forward I stopped quickly to calm my racing heart I heard steps but could not tell from which direction I paused, panicked and paranoid In that moment I couldn’t breathe It all happened in a second Standing over me, it was the last thing I ever saw As the true darkness swept over me

PHOTO COURTESY Of PIXABAY.COM October 31, 2019 PORTFOLIO The Cowl 3 On the Eve of Samhain

by Clara Howard ’20 Portfolio Staff FICTION

As the sun set on the eve only to be swept away by streamed down her face as her up and laced his fingers of the harvest season, the the merciless water. Nature heart found a new home in through her hair, wrapping countryside of Valenlea was swallowed the cries of the back of her throat and sobs the tendrils around his palm awash in yellows, oranges, Valenlea’s dying as she caught behind her ribs with and pulling her head back. and reds. Nature brushed threw electrifying bolts of each flash of lightning that As their eyes met, the terror fingers of brilliant light lightning to illuminate the revealed new destruction. The that had been slowly building against the tops of trees sky and rolled great crashes heavy steps of the king echoed in her throat erupted from and blew winking kisses of of thunder to shake the into their bedchamber, and she her mouth in a scream. The gold to the terracotta tiles ground. Tomorrow, her calm turned her face into his broad queen looked at her husband of roofs. The royal castle, blue skies would shock the chest, the familiar scent of but did not recognize the settled high in the hills above humans who feared her, but her husband wrapping gently man who stared back at her the capital and built of glass tonight, she would let her around her breaking heart. with eyes of a monster from and sandstone, burned anger rage at them. He rubbed a spot between her the ancient myths. Cloudy resplendently in the golden Beneath the ground, the shoulder blades with grey surrounded onyx irises sun. Standing tall, the ancient prisoner listened as chaos jerky movements and circling white pupils. His home of the monarchs cast a erupted. Water gushed forth pressed his lips to the top of face had gone as pale as the proud gaze over the spread from the sewer tunnels, her head. She sniffled, wanting snow covering the peaks of of life beneath it. And as the flooding the dungeon cells to inhale his comforting scent the northern mountains, and sun smoldered red against his golden hair had turned the horizon line, the indigo of as black as tar. A cruel smile dusk crept ever closer. Behind twisted his mouth as he it all, gathering in the east and reached his other hand up to sliding smoothly together, cover her face. With her last clouds covered the moon. The breath, the queen released her forces at work had no wishes magic, the ensuing whoosh for any witnesses tonight, of air masking the sound of after all. her neck snapping. As the monster and the queen fell, *** the storm ceased. Hidden far beneath the earth, in a dirty, moldy prison *** cell, a bearded man sat. His The king awoke to golden head rested against a wall of sunlight flooding his dirt and stone and his eyes bedchamber. A headache were closed. Only the slight hammered at his skull. He rise and fall of his chest gave opened his eyes slowly, any indication that he still blinking in confusion. Why lived. His hands were curled was he on the floor? He sat into fists, cut off by the heavy, up, a nauseous churning in black iron manacles locked at a deadly pace. The guards again, but froze. A small kernel his stomach as he took in around his wrists. A second withdrew, clambering up to of her magic pulsed in the the details of the devastated pair wrapped around his the surface and abandoning abyss of her stomach, and she land outside his windows. A ankles, connected to a short their charges to their certain, sniffed again. Something was glint of gold in the corner of chain embedded in the wall. watery ends. The man wrong. Something was very his eye caught his attention. One of the newer guards opened bloodshot eyes to wrong. He turned, and the headache ventured the observation that watch as black water flooded “Alec?” she whispered, exploded behind his eyes as it almost seemed as if the man into his cell. A figure rose her voice muffled against the he beheld his wife, wide-eyed were waiting for something. from the shallows, cloaked king’s chest. The queen tried to and still, lying on the ground Distracted by the subsequent in oily black and wielding a ease herself out of his embrace, beside him. teasing, none of the guards steaming, curved blade. The pushing gently against his His heart pounding and saw the prisoner’s answering prisoner scrambled up to torso to widen the distance hand shaking, he reached for smile. stand before the figure. And between them. Instead of her. A sob wrenched from as the scythe tipped slowly letting her go, his arms his throat when he felt the *** forward, the edges sharp tightened against her back. He ice of her skin, the sound Above the prison, mere enough to split souls, the crushed her to him, squeezing aggravating the hammering moments after the last dregs man’s bloody, cracked lips her until black spots started behind his brow. “No... of the sun disappeared twisted into a smile, revealing poking holes in her vision, Mae…” Tears streamed down beneath the horizon, an rotten, chipped teeth and a and it became hard to breathe. his face as the sun beat on unholy storm broke over black tongue. He spread his Above them, thunder boomed his back. He closed his eyes, the kingdom of Valenlea. fingers wide and held his as lightning lit the room. In resting his face against her Rain lashed at windows and arms out to the reaper, palms its echo, she could hear her frozen collarbone. sides of buildings, shattering facing up. Death had fulfilled son screaming, and her head glass and tearing at brick his end of the bargain and suddenly cleared. The king struggled to walls. Water roared down had come to claim his reward. Her magic bloomed, breathe. the streets as small streams winding its way through her transformed into furious, *** veins and nerves, lending The queen was dead. churning rivers. Screaming High in the hills of her strength as she struggled gales of wind brought trees Valenlea, the queen against her husband’s And he remembered all of and precious crops crashing to watched the devastation embrace. Another cry from it. the ground. People panicked that tore through her lands her son distracted her, and in as they sought higher ground, with blurred vision. Tears that moment, the king reached PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM & PEXELS.COM 4 The Cowl PORTFOLIO October 31, 2019 No Place Like Home

by Gabriela Baron ’20 Portfolio Staff FICTION

“Do you remember what I told my pillowcase grew heavy started. “Well, all the kids already you?” Mom asked nervously. with full-size candy bars. “Oh, please. It’s not a big deal. took the candy that was out on “Get lost and walk alone?” I “So, who wants to go to I’ll be back in five minutes.” the stoop. But I have an extra said, mocking her. this place next?” David After walking with Snickers for candy apple inside.” He smiled, “Ella!” said, pointing to an old, what seemed like longer than I showing yellow crooked teeth. “Mom, it’s going wooden house had predicted, we finally reached He was looking down at my to be ok. Stop in the distance. the front steps. I could feel my ruby red heels. worrying. I’ll Its paint was heart pounding. You can do this, “Oh, that’s ok!” I laughed be with all my stripped, and it Ella, you’re basically a teenager nervously. friends.” looked naked now, I told myself. I knocked on “No, really, come on,” he said, It was my without any the door three times. No answer. motioning me in. first time trick- shutters. I knocked another three times. “I’m fine. Thanks anyways!” I or-treating “Definitely I thought I heard a sound from turned back around. without my not one of the within but figured it was all in my “No, I think you should come parents. girls,” Kevin head. “C’mon, Snickers, there’s inside!” He grabbed one of my I was in joked. no 'creepy man' inside,” I said, braids. I struggled to break free. sixth grade, “What’s that walking back down the steps. I My friends were too far away to and my mom supposed to heard a door creak open. hear me shout. His other hand and dad were finally letting me be mean?” I called back. “Hello?” said a shadowy figure clutched my forearm, pulling independent! I mean I was 12, so I “It means you girls will in a low, raspy voice. me in. My ruby heels made was practically an adult. I was going chicken out. There’s a creepy I looked back. “Oh, uh, trick a screeching noise, scraping out with a big group of boys and man who lives there all by or treat!” I said awkwardly. against the floor. Snickers girls in my grade (that was the only himself. Rumor has it he hasn’t Snickers’s tail was between his growled and lunged forward. way they were allowing me to go). left the house in years,” Kevin legs. “Ow, what the!” The man Christina was a witch, David was replied. “Are you here all alone, screamed, letting go of my hair. Harry Potter, Kevin and Adam were “I also heard that anyone Dorothy?” The man peered his His ankle was bleeding from the superheroes, Emily, Katie, Natalia, who goes to his house on head out the door. He had beady bite. and Rebecca were characters from Halloween never makes it back eyes. I don’t think “C’mon, Toto, we’re going Winnie the Pooh, and I was Dorothy home,” David added. he ever blinked. home!” I shouted, yanking on the from the Wizard of Oz. “Well, I’ll prove you all “No, my leash. “And don’t let this little stinker get wrong. Haven’t you guys friends are loose either,” my mom said, petting watched Home Alone before? close by!” Suddenly, spending my teacup Yorkie, Snickers. Snickers The scary next-door neighbor Halloween with my parents was dressed up as Toto, Dorothy’s who was always shoveling didn’t seem so bad after all. little pup. snow ended up being a sweet, After another ten minutes of misunderstood father. I bet you reminding me of the rules, my parents this guy’s not bad and these set me free. It was 9 p.m. The sky was stories are just mean lies,” I gloomy, and the moon glared down at argued. us. We made a few stops around the “I don’t think that’s good best houses in the neighborhood, and enough of a reas—” Katie PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM Arctic Summer by Jay Willett ’20 Portfolio Staff FICTION

Picks dug into the transparent That was his problem, Danielle Dusk began to blanket the sun. even from hundreds of feet ice, deep enough for the burly always lectured; Daniel was Night was rare and sparse at the up. There was no light now; man to gain a footing with his too comfortable. He was beginning of the summer season. Daniel’s beam was all that was spiked heel. Void of upper body unemployed and she had been There would only be an hour or left. He angled it towards the strength, Daniel heaved hard, traveling across Siberia working two of darkness. Danielle pulled sky. chuckling at his own physique in the Peace Corps. out a flare, Daniel reached for it. Ripping sublevels of concrete and exhaustion. It had been “Cliff bar?” she waved it “No, not that—here, use this.” ice, an arm glimmered through Danielle who convinced him. towards Daniel’s beard. He handed her a firestarter, the reflection of the natural Think about it, she said, the Inner “I guess there wouldn’t be coated in sap. He always mirror. Daniel could see the Arctic Circle: uncharted land that a time more appropriate than wondered how she got this metal drilling underneath not even the great explorers like now, eh?” far in her career despite being the surface. Amundsen could find. Daniel “I guess not,” Danielle so clueless. Sparks feebly had reached the edge of the grinned. “Sun’s going down, flickered in and out with the mid cliff, the horizon a mixed wanna call it?” heavy northern winds. Danielle magenta and green. Daniel smirked, and bit into frowned and spun the lighter in “Wait up!” Danielle’s laugh the granola. frustration. She had always been echoed up the frozen wall. “Why? You tired?” determined, Daniel thought. Daniel sighed; his breath misted “As if!” Danielle nudged him. Without her, he probably never and fell in front of him. It had “You’re the one panting like a would have left the house. been his sister's idea, yet she dog; I could hear it all the way “UrGh - gzzzzzzt” a growl couldn’t keep up. Two days of back there!” hissed from the ice ceiling on climbing, sliding, camping, and Daniel nodded. This was his the cliffside. Danielle recoiled, crouching from the occasional punishment for neglecting the Daniel grabbed his flashlight. polar bear. Daniel had preferred gym for years. “What was that?!” Danielle to watch them gallop on National “Better than home though, whispered. Daniel held his hand Geographic, safely in the comfort right? I’m glad we could do up. Cracking sounds boomed of his own flat in Nova Scotia. this,” Danielle said. on the lake below, audible PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM October 31, 2019 PORTFOLIO The Cowl 5 The Path Home by Erin Venuti ’20 Portfolio Staff FICTION

Amidst a string of warm Now, she saw them—too small Crunch. turn between McDermott autumn days in October, there to belong to a college student. Too Her heart crashed in her and Aquinas and into the was a cold, dry night the week wet to make sense. And because chest and her hands flew to her quad. She put the AirPods before Halloween. And it was the owner of these feet had been headphones, yanking them from back in her ears, pressed on this cold, dry night that she barefoot, she could tell that they her ears. play, and continued on noticed the footprints. were missing the second toe on She froze. past St. Dom's, Feinstein, She was walking back from the their right foot, giving the illusion Crunch. St. Joe's, Guzman, and at the library after a late-night study that their left foot was slightly She looked down at the bottom of the stairs took a session for her biology midterm. larger. footprints again, confirming they left on that walkway that It was two in the morning and Perhaps it was a Halloween actually existed. They did. used to be Huxley. From one of the security guards had prank or perhaps they'd always Crunch. here, she could see the kicked her out of the library just been there or perhaps she was She fought the pressure that window of her bedroom, as it was closing. As a freshman, only imagining them, but because was threatening to close her her roommate's fairy she might have protested or they were so distinctive, and it airways. What air made it to lights fading off and on. relocated to Slavin for an all- was two in the morning, and she her lungs seemed to be lacking It occurred to her, here, nighter, but she was a senior now, was alone, and they were going in oxygen. that she'd not seen another and she was tired, so she was the direction of her apartment, she The noise was getting closer. person since she left the reluctantly making the trek back couldn't help but notice that her Slowly, she dared to look to the library, which, even at to Davis to go to bed. heartbeat was beginning to speed right of the walkway, where the two in the morning, was She might not have noticed up. sound originated, searching the unusual at PC. the footprints if she hadn't been She looked up and around. shadowed leaves at the edge of She noticed, too, that listening to the "Release Radar" No one. Harry Styles continued the grass. she was about to cross playlist on Spotify, because the to sing through her AirPods A squirrel. paths with the footprints again. first time she looked down at the and she breathed in the sweet, Crisis averted. Except this time, they ground was when she pulled her thick detergent drifting from And to her relief, the were coming from the phone out of her pocket to skip the cracked window of the footprints had changed course opposite direction. They the new Taylor Swift song she'd McDermott laundry room. and were no longer headed in were heading toward her. already heard a hundred times She kept walking, not daring to the direction of her apartment And they were getting that day. step on the footprints. but had rather taken a sharp left closer.

GRAPHIC DESIGN BY SARAH KIRCHNER '21 The Dark Arts

by Samuel Ward ’21 Portfolio Staff FICTION

The wood burned as the fire cracked and the occultist conjured unsettling images. Clowns and killers brandishing knives. “Dahbay!” The syllables erupting from the bottom of his throat; he threw sand on the fire. “Mugrodan!” His hand fell flat on the ancient tome. “Kasarah!” The fire exploded outward, sending him and the heavy book flying to the ground. The occultist was nothing without his enchantress. How could he wreak havoc on humanity without her power? He only knew the one necromancy spell and judging from his blistered face and the decomposing body at the altar, he had done it wrong. He stood up in the catacomb, the dying fire lighting only enough for him to see a fraction of the ornate design on the limestone sarcophagus. The limp body was far from the psychotic clown he had hoped to transform it into. That’s when the walls began to shake and the fire burned a toxic purple. “Who dares disturb me!” The voice oozed from the altar into the soul of the young necromancer. The ancient script on the catacomb walls lit up and the sarcophagus began to convulse and the feminine voice shrieked violently. The occultist turned to go for the exit, running instead into a wall. A left turn yielded a similar result as the shrieking continued. Panicked, he fell to his knees and began searching through the sand for a match, a lighter, or a dropdoor: an exit or something that would illuminate such. He could feel the oxygen subside as if the room was shrinking. The disquieted voice offered no reassurance to the dying man. “The altar is closed for necromancy on Sundays,” she spit before the walls collapsed inward, finalizing his burial in the ancient catacombs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM 6 The Cowl PORTFOLIO October 31, 2019 What 's Up with Everyone Today?

Who's There? by Daniel Carrero ’23 Portfolio Staff by Samantha Pellman ’20 FICTION Portfolio Staff HA FICTION Ike was upset nobody shoveled the snow from the driveway. He had to park HA on the street. Walking inside the house he could hear Wonder barking from the Today was a success! I found everything I needed and was backyard. He dropped his suitcase at the door, “Dad's home!” No response. Ike finally heading to the car. I had been at the mall for two hours thought the house was unusually silent this evening. Typically after a long trip he’s now just by myself, popping into different stores, leaving with greeted at the door. lots of bags. There is no better feeling than going to the mall He walked into his bedroom and Tina, his wife, sat in front of the TV watching for a purpose and leaving with that purpose. It’s dark now. The Office, with a plate of burnt steak in her lap. Her brown hair looked like it was The sun was out when I arrived but seems to have completely dipped in frying oil, and the bags under her eyes were purple potato skins. vanished. I begin to walk through the parking garage, forgetting Last time she looked like this was after Izzy was born, Ike thought. “Hey, babe. where I parked my car. Was I even on the right level? I could not Um, you ok?” remember for the life of me. I always hated parking garages, they Through a mouthful of food, she replied, “I’m freaked me out. This one was cold and dark. It was somewhat doing great sweetie! I jus-just was feeling really empty but I remember it being packed; I could barely find a spot sick the last few days is all.” earlier. There was not a soul in sight, even though the garage “Oh ok, well you’ll feel better soon,” he was massive. I began to breathe faster. Should I go back into the said, putting his arm around her. “That mall and collect my thoughts? It certainly isn’t a good idea to smells good, honey, what kinda steak is that? roam around a creepy parking garage alone. I clicked my keys “Mmm, new recipe I came up with,” she hoping the lights on my car would go off. It was nowhere to be said, offering him a piece. seen. I must be on the wrong floor. My heart was pounding and I “Oh wow, that is good,” he said chewing. felt goosebumps starting to form. What was that noise? I swore I “Where are Izzy and Toni at?” heard distant footsteps. “The kids! Oh, they’re probably raiding the The steps got closer and I began to walk faster. Where the heck fridge or out in the backyard.” was my car? I felt my skin turn white. I heard a laughter echoing “That's weird, I didn’t hear them when I through the garage. walked in.” “Who’s there?” I said aloud. Tina giggled, “Maybe they’re hiding” The laughing continued. I began to run In the backyard, Ike watched Wonder in the snow, at the far frantically, trying to open my phone and call end of the yard chewing a thick bone. Ike called Wonder over, but Wonder ignored someone. As I ran I dropped my keys. But when him. He’s usually more excited to see me, Ike thought. Everyone's usually excited I attempted to grab them they were gone. I looked to see me, what’s up with everyone today? up and saw my car a few hundred feet away, In the kitchen with Tina, Ike asked, “You know when the kids are coming home? running, keys in the ignition: but no one inside. I Preparing some vegetables, she said, “I’m making spaghetti tonight” dropped my bags and headed back to the mall. My Ike narrowed his eyes at Tina, “Ok, but what about the kids? heart was jumping out of my chest. I pushed at the “I’m sure they’re already here, babe, don’t worry.” door but it was locked shut. Tears started to form “Do you not know where they are?” in my eyes. Tina barked, “Of course I do! I told you where they are! Will you stop pressing “Please who’s there?” I mumbled, half to me? I’m cooking. Shut up and grab a beer or something. Leave me alone.” myself. Ike flinched, surprised at Tina’s outburst. Ike decided Tina must be going I closed my eyes. I heard the laugh again. through her woman time—men, right, always assuming. “It’s me,” they said. But I kept my eyes shut. I Opening the fridge for a beer, his stomach churned. He stood frozen, horrified I didn’t want to see who it was. by the two pale, mutilated faces staring back at him next to pools of blood “Oh babe! While you're in the fridge, pass me Izzy and Toni’s heads. I was HA HA defrosting them so we could have spaghetti and eyeballs tonight.” HA PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

The shower upstairs turns on, but I thought I was home alone… At night, you’re home by Samantha Pellman ’20 Neither graveyards, nor alone. The power goes out. Portfolio Staff goblins, not even ghouls. You hear a voice. Just my midterm grades from this school. by Sarah Kirchner '21 Asst. Portfolio Editor by Connor Zimmerman ’20 Portfolio Co-Editor

To die alone and unloved.

by Elizabeth McGinn ’21 Portfolio Co-Editor

An email comes from the Bursar's Office: tuition Spider—crawls away, out of sight...lurks still in mind. due by the first. by Sarah McLaughlin ’23 Portfolio Staff by Daniel Carrero ’23 Portfolio Staff

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAYCOM October 31, 2019 PORTFOLIO The Cowl 7

The Hash-Slinging Friar Tiffany &

by Ghost Hunter ’21 Earl Portfolio Staff Making PC an emotionally stable SATIRE place one letter at a time

Dear Tiff and Earl, In the weeks preceding it on film and have started firmly reject the existence of The spider hanging Halloween, several students to call the phenomenon the such a figure.” over my bed is have reported witnessing a Hash-Slinging Friar. However, after a thorough ghost-like figure wandering investigation, The Cowl whispering sweet late at night. The figure was is proud to debunk the nothings into my ear. described by a source as existence of the Hash- How do I proceed? “dressed in the white habit Slinging Friar. After of a friar,” but appeared to much sleuthing and Cautiously, be translucent. several sleepless nights Slightly Interested Another source stated, lurking the campus in “The friar rose from the fog, search of the figure, like he came out of thin air.” evidence points to a Reports claim that the real friar as the so- Dear Slightly figure only reveals itself called Hash-Slinging Interested, at night, often when it is Friar. stormy and foggy. Around Instead of spotting It's 2019, so no campus, the cemetery, a ghost, students the priory, and Howley have been seeing judgment here. The one Hall have all been sites of Father George, a friar thing I would say is appearances. new to the school. make sure she doesn't With the upcoming After hearing the fear on He is apparently fond of have kids because that holiday of Halloween, behalf of the students, the taking walks at night under could be a pain. She'd students are on edge. Some school issued a statement: ominous conditions. be a cheap date so have taken to wearing “We apologize for any Be sure to say hello to that's to your benefit. rosaries and crucifixes to inconveniences that have Father George the next time Just round up a few ward off the specter. Others arisen as a result of the you see a ghost on campus! flies, and you're good have been trying to catch Hash-Slinging Friar. We to go. Pro tip: make

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEEDPIX.COM sure your roommates don't squish her. P.S. does she have a gig Listomania* at Legs and Eggs? Pumpkin Carving Ideas Creepy Crawlingly, • Exam Cheat Sheet • The Gettysburg Address • Dante’s Inferno • My TikTok username Tiff • A portrait of Father Sicard • My social security number Dear Slight Shady, • A map to El Chapo’s treasure GO FOR IT. Let's be • Another pumpkin real—these days we need to take what we • A tasteful nude can get, and cuffing • The torch season is upon us. After all, nothings are • The bike lane...RIP fine as long as they're • Coach Cooley sweet! They can't be • Dot and Fran as bad as the uncouth things your uncle says • Paul Rudd at Thanksgiving. Plus, • All the productive things I’ve done (nothing—including carving the extra legs might come in handy—you a pumpkin) never know! • My dignity (I don’t know what that looks like) • The Portfolio staff in the style of Da Vinci’s Last Supper Dangly,

*Listomania and Tiffany & Earl and Friartire are satirical pieces that do not reflect the views of Providence Collegeor The Cowl. Earl PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAY.COM