February 18, 2021

opinions features sports a & e ... February 18, 2021 Letter to the Peace, Love Put your Dukes Poetry, pod- Editor and Magnolias knowledge to casts, ballerinas Volume 104 SGA President Black business owner the test Entertainment is Number 5 responds to action brings southern Try the DU basketball teeming on and off taken against Shank sweetness to baked crosword challenge campus www.duqsm.com goods

PAGE 5 PAGE 6 PAGE 8 PAGE 9 THE DUQUESNE DUKE Proudly Serving Our Campus Since 1925 Ash Wednesday: A sprinkle of Update: something new in COVID-19 times Bi-weekly COVID-19 testing starting soon Kellen Stepler editor-in-chief

Asymptomatic, bi-weekly sur- veillance testing on-campus will begin this week – a couple weeks later than scheduled. On Jan. 13, Duquesne issued an update about the Spring 2021 semester, noting that the university “will have required surveil- lance testing.” The delay in testing, Duquesne spokesperson Gabe Welsch said, Katia Faroun / Features Editor was due to “issues with support Although a dark, ashen cross on the forehead is the standard symbol of Ash Wednesday in the U.S., this year, the pandemic has led churches across the country technology.” to slightly alter the tradition. To avoid making physical contact, ministers have resorted to sprinkling the ashes on the recipient's forehead. “With the issue now resolved, testing will begin this week,” T Welsch said. testing resident students first, symptomatic testing program since Duquesne’s website. The Allegh- More updates on CO- The process will go something and then will test commuter stu- the beginning of the semester. eny County Health Department VID-19 testing are to be dents and employees. Appoint- “When coupled with pre-ar- maintains the county dashboard, like this: Students will utilize a made available in the platform called SONA to sched- ments for testing are required. rival testing, Duquesne has co- which is updated every day. coming days. ule test appointments, track their Even if a student has already ordinated the administration of results and relay other communi- received a vaccine, they still are 7,300 tests (as of Feb. 16) since cation relevant to testing. Stu- required to participate in the the beginning of the calendar dents will receive an email with testing, according to the email. year,” Welsch said. a link to register when it is their However, students who have Additionally, Duquesne dis- turn for testing, according to a tested positive for COVID-19 are played a new COVID-19 dash- campus-wide email sent Wednes- not eligible to participate until board on their COVID-19 website day afternoon. they have passed the required this week. “Participation in Duquesne 90-day window from the date of “To see the testing figures as Testing is mandatory for all stu- diagnosis. well as a range of other informa- dents who are on campus this se- The tests will take approxi- tion, people can visit the univer- mester in any capacity,” the email mately 15 minutes, but students sity’s significantly upgraded CO- read. “Non-compliance will result should be reachable by phone in VID-19 dashboard,” Welsch said. in the student being prohibited the event that they test positive. The new dashboard offers an from campus (including from re- “You will be contacted via overview of average case data siding in on-campus university phone within one hour in the and weekly test data on campus. housing) and having to complete event of a positive result and The information is updated Mon- Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor all coursework remotely.” contacted by email in the event of day through Friday by a dash- A view from the catwalk at the Genesius Theater shows the newly installed testing Testing for each student will a negative result,” the email read. board team comprised of seven stations. For the remainder of the semester, all individuals who come to campus be required every two weeks, and While this testing was de- staff members at Duquesne. in any capacity will need to be tested here. While the infrastructure for testing has will take place in the Genesius layed, Welsch pointed out that COVID-19 data across Allegh- been in place since the start of the semester, university administration struggled to Theater. Duquesne will begin Duquesne has continued its eny County is also shown on assure the proper technology to carry out their extensive testing plans. 2 POLICE briefs Celebrating Darwin Day: A closer look Here are the crimes reported at biology in the age of the pandemic from Feb. 8 to Feb. 15. Peyton Harris On Feb. 11, a Duquesne Univer- staff contributor sity employee reported a harass- ing phone call. A report was made The beginning of a life that and the case is active. would drastically change the way the scientific community and the Also on Feb. 11, the resident di- world as a whole believed it func- rector of Assumption Hall confis- tioned started on Feb. 12, 1809. cated marijuana in the building. This date is the birth of English The student is being referred to naturalist Charles Darwin, who the Office of Student Conduct. fostered the theory of evolution by natural selection, which since has become the foundation for everyday evolutionary studies COVID-19 and works. Two hundred twelve years NUMBERS later, Duquesne University and many educational institutions across the globe paid tribute to The new dashboard features the man whose work is still be- Courtesy of Duquesne University campus COVID-19 data ing put into practice today, and The program logo for "Trees and Disease," presented for Darwin Day 2021 at Duquesne, seemingly fits the year's along with information from in relation to current events: the theme: a discussion about viruses. Allegheny County. study of COVID-19. The campus data dashboard Annually, Duquesne hosts an over to Worobey, Seaman dove gin as early as November, but breaks down COVID-19 and included a variety of uni- event called “Darwin Day” in into how genomic epidemiology was first recognized by the U.K. cases, tests, isolation and versities across the country. The is working to track and discover a short time later. It is also likely quarantine spaces and vac- which one facet of Darwin’s vast main discussion, titled “Trees studies are expanded upon to a different strains of COVID-19, all that B.117 will become the vari- cination information. and Disease: Evolutionary In- wider audience. while sticking to the basic Dar- ant most prevalent in the U.S. sights into Viral Pandemics,” “The Department of Biological winian principles of evolutionary by this March, due to its potent As of Feb. 17, there were four was led by Seaman. the featured theory. While the first diagnosed positive tests at Duquesne, Sciences, with support from the transmission rate. guest speaker was Worobey, a case in the U.S. was at Seattle- Bayer School of Natural & Envi- By the end of the discussion, and 494 tests conducted. Tacoma International Airport on Jan. 15, 2020, the work done by questions that had been blindly As of Feb. 17, three students Worobey and his colleagues, as submitted into the chat feature are in isolation. well as those at The Seattle Flu were answered by Worobey, who Project, concluded that since was optimistic in the efforts of multiple genomic sequences mitigation as well as the vaccines SCAN HERE FOR were being found in Washington coming to the forefront and not- COVID-19 DATA state, COVID-19 had been in the ed that “the escape-hatch of vac- area for quite some time prior to cinations” would bring about a the first official U.S. case. large change in transmission and “In retrospect, based on analy- furthering of the disease. Most ses of viral genome sequences questions had been answered be- using evolutionary trees, we now fore Worobey experienced tech- know that the first COVID case in the U.S. did not lead to an out- nical difficulties and was discon- break in Seattle,” Seaman said. nected from the talk, leaving the “This was probably the result of rest of the discussion to Seaman. swift action to isolate the patient Seaman directed the discus- Courtesy of Unsplash.com and prevent contact with other sion to apply the works of Darwin A statue of Darwin sits outside the Natural History Museum in London to serve people. This was the first good to science today, and believes as a reminder of his momentous contributions to the field of science. evidence, way back in January that Darwin’s discoveries con- of 2020, that aggressive public tinue to be relevant today. ronmental Sciences, has held a professor within the University health measures could be essen- “It is easy to mistakenly think public talk to celebrate Darwin of Arizona’s Department of Ecol- tial in preventing the spread of that evolution is only relevant ogy and Evolutionary Biology. COVID.” Day for nearly 20 years. Dr. Da- for understanding the distant vid Lampe started this event at Seaman opened the discus- The discussion explored differ- JOIN THE DUKE! past,” Seaman said. “But every- Duquesne in 2003, and now he sion with a few remarks on Dar- ent ways in which Darwinist the- thing that we have learned over If you’re interested, email thed- and co-coordinate the annual win and the ensuing talk, saying ories played a role in determin- [email protected] or stop by our event,” said Duquesne University “nothing in biology makes sense ing disease origin. The speakers the last 150 years of evolutionary newsroom located in the basement professor Michael Seaman. except in the light of evolution.” discussed the likelihood that the biology, including the nature of of College Hall (Room 113). Seaman said that while the topic He then quoted renowned evo- COVID-19 U.K. variant, known mutations and natural selection, varies from year to year, a discus- lutionary biologist Theodusius as B.117, was around for quite is directly relevant for combating sion about viruses was “a perfect Dobzhansky, saying, "Nothing in some time with an unknown ori- the ongoing pandemic.” EmailTips fit” for this year’s Darwin Day. biology makes sense, except in “Although back in July and Au- the light of evolution." We want your input! gust, when we were making these “This is as true today as it was The Duke’s news section would decisions, we were afraid that by when he said it nearly 50 years February 2021 people would be ago. Evolution is the single love to hear from you about sick of talking about COVID, but stories that you want to see in unifying principle in biology,” print. Know a talented professor clearly we aren't,” Seaman said. Seaman said. “The fact that hu- or accomplished student? See “This year, being virtual, also mans share a common ancestor something on campus that just made some things easier. We with mice, fruit flies and bac- doesn’t make sense? You can didn't have to fly the speaker in teria is what allows us to use send your tips and story ideas to from far away, which I think made these species in our research as News Editor Colleen Hammond it more likely that our speaker, Dr. proxies for human biology. No at [email protected] Michael Worobey, would agree to field of biology is not directly give our annual talk.” impacted by Darwin's theory of This year’s discussion was held evolution.” virtually due to the pandemic Courtesy of Wikipedia Creative Commons Upon turning the discussion A portrait of Darwin Day's leading figure, Charles Darwin. February 18, 2021 News 3 A traditional, Catholic take on a new pandemic problem

all over campus,” Christy said. Colleen Hammond “Look for us. Come. Receive news editor the ash.” The distribution of ashes was of- Just like every other momentous occasion and celebration for fered in 11 different locations dur- the past 11 months, Ash Wednes- ing the day with full masses offered day is looking a little different at 7:45 a.m., noon and 9 p.m. this year. “I don’t think I have ever an- Ash Wednesday, the annual ticipated an Ash Wednesday like Christian holy day of prayer and I am anticipating it this year,” fasting, marks the beginning of Christy said. the Lenten season. This day, pre- While the holiday may look ceded by a usual slew of Mardi different to practicing Chris- Gras and Fat Tuesday celebra- tions, has been transformed by tians, Christy remains hopeful in dioceses across the globe to ac- its symbolism and the necessary commodate the new COVID-19 time of Lenten preparation. health and safety protocols. “[Ash Wednesday] tells us that “This year, our Ash Wednesday spring’s coming, Easter’s coming. has to be different,” said Rev. Bill New life is coming. Resurrection Christy, chaplain of Duquesne in is coming,” Christy said. “And I a video addressed to all students. Alex LaFontaine / Staff Photographer don’t think that I’ve thirsted for In the years before the pan- In the Spiritan Campus Ministry Office, Fr. Bill Christy and other lay ministers administered ashes by sprinkling them on that so much as I do this year.” demic, Christians around the the penitents' foreheads to reduce the of spreading COVID-19 through physical touch. world were marked on the forehead with a highly recognizable and sections of the church. T cross of ashes. However, since “This is common in other parts physically touching each recipi- of the world and actually has a "[Ash Wednes- ent would exponentially raise lot of biblical connotations in it,” day] tells us that the risk of transmitting the virus, Christy said. “We’re just not used church officials have reevaluated to doing this here in the United spring’s coming, Easter’s coming. New life is coming. Resurrection is coming,” Fr. Bill Christy said. “And I don’t think Alex LaFontaine / Staff Photographer that I’ve thirsted While uncommon in the U.S., the tradition of sprinkling ashes on the forehead for that so much is not unusual across different parts of the world. The ashes are made from the burnt reamins of the blessed palms from Palm Sunday of the previous year. In as I do this year.” the Catholic tradition, blessed and holy objects can only be discarded by burning or burial. To dispose of the palms properly, they are burned to make the following Katia Faroun / Features Editor year's ashes. Before receiving their ashes, students, staff and faculty gathered for a group prayer in the Student Union. Duquesne's Lenten how this sacred ritual will be per- States.” formed. Although it has not been stan- Activities List “This year we are going to be dard practice in the U.S. in previ- Weekly Mass Times: taking the ash and instead of ous years, congregations across thumbing it and imposing it on the city — and nation — are quick- - Weekdays 7:45 a.m. and noon the forehead, the priest or the lay ly adopting it to protect their pa- - Saturday 5:30 p.m. minister is going to take a pinch rishioners from COVID-19. - Sunday 11 a.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. of the ash, and as the penitent “It’s how we’re going to cel- bows their head, the minister ebrate Ash Wednesday this year. *A fish fry was offered in the is going to sprinkle just a bit of We’re going to bow our heads. the ash on the top of their head,” We’re going to accept the ash. And Student Union by the brothers Christy said. we are going to know that this year of Phi Kapp on Ash Wednes- While this may seem strange is different,” Christy said. Alex LaFontaine / Staff Photographer day. Similar events are yet to be and out of sorts to American Christy, who celebrated the fi- scheduled for the Lenten season. Christians, Christy noted that nal in-person mass in the diocese Fr. Bill Christy (right) administers ashes and a blessing to students in the Campus Ministry Office in Towers. this is customary in other regions of Pittsburgh before lockdown began last March, stated his un- time, strong precautions are derstanding that the struggles of still being taken by Duquesne’s the pandemic and the sacrifices Campus Ministry to ensure the typically associated with Lent safety of all students and service run deeply parallel. He said he attendees. views the COVID-19 protocols as In addition to the sprinkling of an extension of Lenten sacrifice. the ashes, Duquesne’s Chapel is “This year’s ash symbolizes currently operating at a fraction something different for us,” of its in-person capacity. While Christy said. “Because it signifies virtual services are available to the hope in a new life, a new begin- public, those who wish to attend ning, a new spring, a resurrec- in person must sign up in advance Scan here to sign up tion like we haven’t had before.” on the Spiritan Campus Ministry for in-person mass Katia Faroun / Features Editor Despite Christy’s hope in the webpage. Services are limited to Students had the opportunity to receive ashes at 11 different srevices throughout Easter season and a conclusion 25 people for the time being. the day, and at three separate masses. to the pandemic in the spring- “As is our custom, we will be 4 Opinions THEDUQUESNEDUKE staff What value does social media actually have? editorial 113 College Hall lose to 18 years ago, the encouraged. Albeit, most of supporting our worst fear that so- 600 Forbes Avenue world was introduced to these “supporters” are the notori- cial media is adversely impacting Newsflash: Ableism isn’t cute, es- Pittsburgh, PA 15282 Cnone other than the revo- ous Zucks and their disciples of younger generations. In a 2018 pecially when there are misconcep- lutionary social networking site, the tech industry. study by Pew Research, 45% of tions regarding neurodivergent rep- editorial staff Myspace. The first of its kind, I’m not necessarily suggesting American teens between the ages resentation in mainstream media. this innovative platform is argu- that the vision of these entrepre- of 13 to 17 stated they are online Australian pop artist Sia has tried editor-in-chief Kellen Stepler ably responsible for sparking the “almost constantly” — a 21% surge her hand at directing, but the re- managing editor Colleen Hammond meteoric rise of social media that from 2015. What’s important to sults, thus far, have been poor. news editor Colleen Hammond has taken place over the past two note here is that reports of depres- Just released on Feb. 10, Music opinions editor Noah Wilbur decades. sion, anxiety and low self-esteem follows a now-sober girl taking care features editor Katia Faroun Now, with nearly 4 billion peo- have also risen considerably dur- of her half-sister who is on the au- a&e editor Capri Scarcelli ple across the globe using social ing this same time period that tism spectrum. sports editor Adam Lindner media to some degree, it is reason- social media usage has increased layout editor Kelsey Burtner able for me to infer that this “me- among teenagers. This movie is supposed to explore multimedia editor Griffin Sendek teoric rise” is, in fact, nothing less Not to mention, bullying is also themes such as “finding your voice” administrative staff than a social phenomenon. widely prevalent across social me- and “creating family,” but instead adviser Paula Reed Ward Since 2015, social media use dia. As cyberbullying continues leaves a sour taste in the mouth ad manager Carissa Haslam when you remember former Dance social media manager Erin Carbone has grown by an average of 12.5% to grow increasingly mainstream, year-over-year with the current young adults, teenagers and ado- Moms actress Maddie Ziegler is not, email us: [email protected] count of worldwide users almost lescents are more than ever at risk in fact, on the spectrum — which is doubling from five years ago. In of online harassment. According to what her role in the film requires. the U.S. alone, over 75% of the the American Psychological Asso- According to ABC News, Sia said population owns at least one so- ciation, a recent survey found that that Ziegler cried on the first day of cial media account — an increase Noah Wilbur almost two-thirds of teens indicat- rehearsals, afraid that her acting in of more than 70% since 2005. opinions editor ed that they “often” or “sometimes” an autistic role might seem like she The overwhelming evidence stumble upon “sexist, homophobic is mocking, or making fun of those clearly indicates that the advent neurs is inherently flawed. Much or religious-based hate content in on the spectrum. Thus, Sia said that of social networking has truly research confirms the benefits so- social media.” she “wouldn’t let that happen,” but changed life as we know it and is ciety derives from platforms such The truth of the matter is that so- now realizes that she can’t actually now deeply rooted in our every- as Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter cial media is undeniably reshaping protect her from that ridicule be- day lives. As a consequence, the and the like. However, I am of the the way the world thinks about pol- cause that is the position she put “Whatever you are, be decisions and actions we make on opinion that the negatives out- itics, commerce, education, culture a daily basis — whether it be in a weigh the positives. As luck would and other aspects of life by influ- this young teenager in. a good one.” professional or social setting — are have it, my point is also validated encing relationships as well as indi- Although Sia has researched au- intrinsically influenced by this ex- by empirical evidence. vidual behavior. With this change tism for the past three years while also getting approval from the Child Abraham Lincoln ternal force. From social displacement accelerating every passing day, and Think about it. How many and increased anxiety, to FOMO only further expedited by the arriv- Mind Institute, this does not consid- memorable moments can you re- and feelings of inadequacy, al of COVID-19, the future of social er the individual emotions of each call with friends or family where there are a growing number of order hangs in the balance. person on the autism spectrum. you spent more time in pursuit of academic studies confirming With awareness growing and Autism is referred to as a spec- the perfect pic for the Gram rather the direct relationship between humanity becoming more in- trum because it is just that: a wide w than actually living in the moment? social media usage and dimin- formed, I am of the opinion that array of cognitive abilities, each You just read Now tweet Don’t worry, I’m not calling you ishing mental health. new research will soon emerge unique to the individual. A broken our thoughts. us yours. out. I am just as guilty as the next The issue at hand ultimately that further validates social me- leg is a pretty universal experi- for succumbing to the societal boils down to the notion of social dia’s negative influence on our ence, and can be represented with @TheDuquesneDuke trend of “doing it for the gram.” All image and humanity’s desire to globalized and modern society. accuracy and ease with a mere set jokes aside, you must admit that construct an outward appearance That being said, I also believe of crutches and some wincing. Au- our society’s social networking de- that breeds gratification from our there is hope and even an op- tism? How can a movie define such pendency is unmistakably appar- peers and colleagues — a socio- portunity to change our habits a vastly differing experience? ent even without all the arbitrary economic paradox that social me- and use these platforms in a way statistical verbose. dia has indisputably accelerated. that is valuable and useful. But it’s not just about “getting it Supporters of social media’s Social networking platforms are Last week, I urged people to right” — it’s also about giving act- editorial rapid ascent into the spotlight specifically designed to activate put down the cellular devices, ing opportunities to performers on emphasize the fact that these plat- the pleasure department within disconnect and throw on a vinyl the spectrum so they can represent forms create value for society by our brains by triggering the re- record. This week, I am urging the adversity they personally face, policy enhancing communication, pro- lease of dopamine — our “feel- each of you to make an effort knowing their cognitive disabil- viding easy access to information, good chemical” — and thus estab- to live in the moment as I can ity and portraying it in a thoughtful The Duquesne Duke is the student- written, student-managed newspaper offering opportunities to grow lishing a dependent relationship promise all the Insta pictures way that isn’t like bullet points on a of Duquesne University. It is published professionally or simply to meet where users crave constant sat- and tweets in the world will check-list. every Thursday during the academic people with similar interests, and isfaction from followers, likes, never amount to the pleasure When Sia announced the pro- year except during semester breaks and last but not least a place where retweets and shares. of experiencing the moment in holidays, and prior to final exams. The duction of this movie, fans on the Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- creativity and self-expression is Most importantly, research is real time. spectrum took to social media to ions of the editors of The Duke and does express their concerns, feeling mis- not necessarily reflect the views of the students, faculty, administration, stu- understood or underrepresented in dent government or the University pub- Donald Trump’s acquittal breeds disap- the acting industry, though no com- lications board. Op-ed columns do not mentary has been made on Sia’s reflect the opinions of The Duke, but end. rather are the sole opinions of the col- pointment among Americans umnists themselves. The movie already has even lower Alyse Kaminski Going into the vote, it had al- shown at the hearings com- Rotten Tomato ratings than 2019’s Letters policy staff columnist ready been confirmed that the pletely proves that. Mitch Mc- Cats — which is saying something Letters to the editor must be typed, needed number of Republican Connell, who voted not to con- considering how heinous that adap- double-spaced and include the writ- ver the weekend, for- votes to convict was not going vict President Trump, even er’s name, school/department and tation was. mer President Trump to be reached. said so. In a tweet from CNN phone number for verification. Letters Clearly, including autistic actors should be no longer than 300 words was acquitted on im- Of course this news is dis- White House Correspondent O in the ensemble won’t cut it. Why and should be delivered to The Duke peachment charges dealing heartening, but it does not Kaitlan Collins, she confirmed office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed with his involvement in the really change anything other that Senate Minority Leader was there not a casting call for a to [email protected] by 5 p.m. deadly insurrection at the woman on the spectrum to play the Tuesday. The editors reserve the right than confirming what we al- McConnell said, “There’s no to edit any and all submitted copies. Capitol Building on Jan. 6. ready know to be true: that question — none — that Presi- lead role? Do we always need a big- All letters must be verified before being This came as no surprise to Republicans once again chose dent Trump is practically and name, neurotypical role in the spot- published. me. their party over their country. morally responsible for pro- light? When I logged on to Twitter This calls to mind Leonardo Di- Corrections/clarifications I will be crystal clear in voking the events of the day. Readers should report any story or after seeing headlines of the saying that Donald Trump No question about it.” Caprio’s performance in What’s photo error to The Duke. All legitimate acquittal, my feed was filled was 100% guilty in helping to If that does not prove my Eating Gilbert Grape. So many errors will be corrected in print the fol- with users writing as though cause the breach of the Capi- point, absolutely nothing will. lowing edition. people were amazed by his perfor- they were shocked that this is tol. This would not have hap- All of the evidence present- mance, shocked to find out that he Contact how it all ended. I personally pened under anyone else’s cannot fathom why anyone leadership, and the evidence see ACQUITTAL— page 11 see STAFF ED— page 11 email [email protected] would be surprised by this. Opinions 5 Letter to the Editor: Student Government disagrees with DU decision

Members of the Student Body, to racial equality and justice but tion by calling upon the Faculty of discrimination, to ensure com- Duquesne President Ken quietly slip into silence and com- Senate to make specific changes mittee members have all the facts Gormley provided The Duke I address you today concerning placency when the fight for racial to ensure that this type of conduct and evidence surrounding the cir- with the following response the decision regarding Mr. Gary justice requires real action. does not happen again. We, the cumstance. to SGA’s letter: Shank. In the days leading up to It is the belief of some that 49th Senate and Executive Board Furthermore, according to stu- the release of this decision, I saw this decision makes clear that of SGA on behalf of the entire dent testimony that I and others “I appreciate the SGA’s and heard your pain and out- conduct of this sort is not accept- student body of Duquesne Uni- have received, this was not Mr. thoughtful statement, which rage. As president of the Student able or tolerated in any context versity urge the Faculty Senate to Shank’s first offense and thus advances campus discussions Government Association, it is and will be subject to immedi- revise the Faculty Handbook on cannot be labeled as “a moment on equity and inclusion. The my responsibility to ensure that ate termination. But that is not multiple fronts. of extremely poor judgment.” recommendations SGA makes all students feel represented and what this decision does. This de- First, the Faculty Handbook However, the Faculty Grievance are excellent, and are worthy heard at this university. That is cision makes clear that conduct must be revised to make clear that Committee cited that there were of consideration. The review why this past Friday, Feb. 12th, I of this sort is acceptable and you this type of conduct by a faculty no other “officially reported” in- of policies and procedures at went before the University Board will not be subject to immediate member will be condemned. Con- stances regarding Mr. Shank. the University is an ongoing of Governors to express the stu- termination but rather remedial duct that disregards and harms That my colleagues, ends today. process. It can, and should, dents’ distress. The following diversity training. This opens the students through inappropriate If you see misconduct, if you hear dovetail with our new Action highlights several points I ad- door for other slurs such as LG- words or actions that display dis- misconduct, if you experience Plan for Diversity, Equity and dressed. BTQIA+ slurs, ethnic slurs, and crimination based on race, color, misconduct – Report it! Granted, Inclusion. Right now, we are First, however unpleasant it is, religious slurs. religion, sex, sexual orientation, there is currently no official por- in the process of hiring a con- we must honestly see and admit We need to take proactive ac- gender identity, national origin, tal for students to anonymously sultant with extensive experi- that racism is still deeply rooted tion on behalf of justice and push age, disability and/or genetic in- report these instances; however, ence in the DE&I field to help across America. It is much more for the changes that will have the formation will warrant the stron- SGA is beginning to work with with that effort. I will request wide-spread than is often appar- greatest impact on our students, gest possible sanctions, including key stakeholders to make this that consultant to confer with ent. Second, that the university’s both now and in the future. We termination from tenure-track procedure possible. In the mean- the Faculty Senate’s officers Action Plan for Diversity, Equity, must move to the high grounds or tenured faculty positions. Sec- time, I would encourage all of you to review the existing policies and Inclusion has experienced of a firm dissent based upon the ond, the Faculty Handbook must to file reports directly with the and practices that may hinder “white backlash.” This is a con- mandates of conscience and the be revised to ensure that the Fac- dean of your school or college. the inclusivity we seek to fos- cept in which positive steps for- reading of history. If we do not ulty Grievance Committee houses The time is always right to do ter at Duquesne. I appreciate ward were taken on the question act, we shall surely be dragged greater diversity in its member- right. That time is now. Now let the SGA’s timely and produc- of racial justice and equality, but down the long, dark, and shame- ship. Finally, the Faculty Hand- the message of this university be tive suggestions.” then certain backward steps were ful corridors of time reserved for book must be revised to mandate one of commitment, hope, and made at the same time. Dr. Mar- those who possess power without that the Faculty Grievance Com- solidarity with our students. In tin Luther King Jr. said that the compassion, might without mo- mittee consults with appropriate doing so, the mission of the uni- greatest obstacle to overcoming rality, and strength without sight. experts in the campus commu- versity will be fulfilled. racism in America is those who That is why the Student Gov- nity, particularly when disciplin- Duquesne SGA like to say they are committed ernment Association is taking ac- ary hearings involve accusations Kallie Crawford, President

Society’s youth continues to struggle as positive role models face extinction Troy Smajda look up to as a role model. If But let me then ask this: LeBron debate (as most overly slightly flawed version of what staff columnist you have more success than When’s the last time you ab- competitive men do). And I it means to be the “best.” Sure me and my family … great, but sorbed something from these made the point that as a bas- MJ has six rings, but LeBron is ho are some men you I’ll assume for argument’s sake men that wasn’t simply for ketball player, I’d much rath- an amazing person, teammate, look to as role models? you might’ve struggled with entertainment or pleasure? er have LeBron on my team activist, philanthropist and WSince I’m limited to the question. Exactly. These powerful role simply because he seems like leader, and is probably one of my immediate family due to And I believe that’s because models are subjugated to en- a good teammate, and after the most important men of the the pandemic, I couldn’t go there simply aren’t many posi- tertainment while trivial role watching The Last Dance Mi- last 20 years. out and ask some of the young tive male role models in today’s models like Joe Rogan, or Bar- chael Jordan seemed the op- My point is this: Men should men and women around cam- society, and the ones that ex- stool, or sports (or sports bet- posite. This point was met focus more on positive role pus this question, so instead I ist aren’t highlighted enough. ting), or video games, or social with vitriol, and they all asked, models like LeBron and all asked my immediate family. In the past they seemed to be media, or far-too-often por- “Who cares? MJ won six rings.” those other great men I listed I asked my little brother more obvious: Presidents like nography are where most men And for a second I could tell above. Their focus should not what men he looks up to and JFK or FDR or Lincoln come to receive their real influences. that they thought the point I be on other men’s achieve- I was flattered when he an- mind, Dr. King is one I person- And sure, that’s a generaliza- was making was completely ments, but on the content swered that my dad and my- ally hold in highest esteem and tion, and those things I guess stupid and nonsensical (much of their character. That way, self were two. I asked my dad, Barack Obama was one that are acceptable nowadays, but like you might be reading this instead of constantly being and he answered his father influenced much of my young I would argue that ultimately article) and of course they’re focused on winning and “be- and his best friend (oddly he life. But lately I’ve been try- they are moral dead ends. my friends so I knew it wasn’t ing a man,” me and all other didn’t mention me). I asked ing to look for some in today’s Maybe I sound like some personal, but their reaction men can focus more on being my mother, and she also men- society, and honestly I’m not weird, contrarian hippie dude, was disheartening to me. I good teammates to everyone tioned her father. finding much. but all I’m really trying to say is realized then that men have a around us. So the answer I kept getting Obviously, I’m being histri- that we could all benefit from to my question was either fa- onic and there are plenty of a serious realignment of what thers or immediate family or amazing men doing meaning- men are continually viewing/ friends. But then I followed up ful things: Terry Crews, Neil absorbing/focusing on. And my initial question with this DeGrasse Tyson, Lin-Manuel one: What about out in the again, hopefully you do read, Miranda, Harry Styles, Ste- world? Are there any men in listen, and watch actually im- phen King, Bill Gates, Neil society you look up to? portant content featuring men And the answer I got from Patrick Harris, Elton John, doing impactful and meaning- everyone in my family was no. George Takei, Kevin Love, ful things, but I’m going to as- There aren’t. LeBron James, every athlete sume again that is not always The reason for this could be that is fighting for social jus- the case. that everyone in my family is a tice, Drake, Bo Burnham — I will close this lengthy, tes- misanthropic weirdo (hopeful- you get the point (and that tosteroney diatribe with a per- ly that’s the case and you don’t list is not at all exhaustive). sonal anecdote. have to read any further), but And hopefully you thought I love playing basketball. I suggest you ponder my sec- of some of those men when I Months before the pandemic ond question and try to come originally asked the question I was playing with my best up with a man that’s not close and think maybe I’m being friends, and we got into the Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons family or friends that you truly redundant now. perennial Michael Jordan/ Smajda encourages men to find role models, like LeBron James. T h e S t y o t r i i n e

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DUKE SERIES: MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS B n

’ s CAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT Mel's Magnolia owner brings passion to reality with bakery Gillian Fitzgerald different means to cheer herself up, staff writer and baking was the way for her to get her out of her down state. ust about everyone has that “Whenever I say baking saved one thing they are passion- me, baking has literally been my ate about and instantly makes savior. I bake whenever I’m down, J I bake whenever I’m happy,” Mon- them feel better. For some, it might be sports or meditation. For others, talvo said. “And I don't do it because maybe it’s painting or playing an in- I want to make money; I genuinely strument. For Melissa "Mel" Mon- like to do it and I like to make people talvo of Mel’s Magnolia Boutique happy with the things that I bake.” Bakery, it’s baking. It’s her journey as a changed per- Montalvo bakes anything and son that inspired the perfect name everything one could come up with for her business. — she loves trying new things. She Google offers various different is always hoping customers will ran- meanings for the magnolia flower, domly ask her to make something but for Montalvo it signifies what she’s never done before so she can she’s gone through to get to who try it out. Whether it be cakes, cook- she is now. ies, biscotti, brownies, macarons or “I’m all about love, and I’m actu- muffins, Montalvo will do research ally a very changed person. If you on anything a person wants because knew me in my past, I was always she knows she can do it. really rowdy, I was angry and I “I’m the type of person that couldn't figure out why,” Montalvo Courtesy of Mel's Magnolia Boutique Bakery doesn’t give up until I master it,” said. “Now that I know more about As a Black business owner, Montalvo feels she has to step up more than other businesses to escape stereotypes and prejudices. Montalvo said. myself, I’m all about peace and love, until she’s able to open a Mel’s Mag- support small and Black-owned provides, having worked in that area Montalvo began baking when and the reason why I chose ‘Mel’s nolia Boutique Bakery storefront. businesses puts purpose behind ev- her whole life. Montalvo has learned she was just 8 years old as a way Magnolia’ is because of the meaning Her friendliness and the exposure ery cent, especially during Covid-19. from the bad experiences she’s had to not only get out her emotions, of the ‘magnolia’ flower. From my from customers both in and out of However, support doesn’t just mean with other businesses to know what but to also pass the time when she understanding, it’s about strength, state has allowed Mel’s Magnolia to spending money, especially if one she doesn’t want to have in her own. couldn’t sleep. Her insomnia kept rebirth, and renewal — and that’s grow, just as her understanding of doesn’t have the means to do so. It’s things like the detail she puts her up when she was young, so she what I’m about. I’m such a changed supporting small and Black-owned For Montalvo, support also into her cakes, owning up to infre- would go into the kitchen at 1 or 2 person and I wanted to include that businesses has grown. means sharing business cards and quent mistakes and being willing a.m. and find new recipes to make into my bakery.” After becoming a business own- social media posts, and also at- to fix them that allows her to show for her mom and dad. However, her business’ unique er, Montalvo realized the impor- tending events in the community customers the kind of person she is. tance of giving support in any way to shop at Black-owned businesses. “I want people to know that when possible to local and community Supporters can use hashtags to they buy from me, that is what you’re businesses. find out about certain businesses, getting. I’m someone that was raised “I noticed that I should have been or when looking for a specific prod- in the south, very nice, respectful of supporting more friends and more uct, and word of mouth still proves culture and beliefs … and that is what family, because a lot of the time its effectiveness. they're gonna get,” Montalvo said. Black-owned businesses get put to “I encourage everyone — no mat- “They’re gonna receive something the side because a lot of people think ter who you are — looking to sup- that is tailored towards them and that they’re maybe not as profes- port Black-owned businesses to do that is tasty, and if I ever mess any- sional or that their standards aren't their research and try to find events thing up you can call to let me know as high,” Montalvo said. “But more to go out and support,” Montalvo and I will fix it as soon as I can.” often than not, their standards are said. “There are families right now Montalvo’s individual style and the much, much higher because they really struggling in this pandemic, twists she puts on all of her sweets have a lot to prove — we all do. We so if you have the means, please reflects the hard work and detail she have so much more to prove.” support these people … they need it. puts into her business. Although she Black-owned businesses often have We all need it.” is only in the first year of Mel’s Mag- to step up 10 times more because of As a new baker and a small busi- nolia Boutique Bakery, the Pittsburgh the judgment that people have, ac- ness owner, she’s experienced the community will be seeing many more Courtesy of Mel's Magnolia Boutique Bakery cording to Montalvo. And when liv- challenges of first starting out, espe- of Montalvo’s signature cakes and Montalvo uses baking to cope with the emotions resulting from her bipolar II disorder. ing or being in a predominantly white cially managing everything herself hearing her trademark salutation — area, that biased view causes false and during a pandemic. But she prides “peace, love, and magnolias” — online herself on the customer service she and soon in her own storefront. Now 29, Montalvo has turned her name isn’t the only reason it stands ignorant perceptions for businesses passion into a small, Black-owned out from other bakeries. and their owners who have to work business with her online and social Montalvo rarely ever makes the harder to prove themselves, their media-run store based in Pittsburgh same thing twice — and when she products or services. that officially began on Instagram does, she makes sure to tweak it “It really shouldn’t be that way last year. Just as baking was a way and make it more interesting. Not but unfortunately, it is,” Montalvo for Montalvo to take how she felt and only is she always looking to make said. “I have to present myself a put it into something she loved when her items better and unique, but certain way so they don’t think that she was a kid, it remains a means of she also asks her customers about I’m a different type of way … I don’t transforming her emotions today. themselves first so she can tailor want anyone to think that I’m ghet- Montalvo was diagnosed with goods specifically for them. to, I don’t want anyone to think that bipolar II disorder three years ago, And since Montalvo does every- Black businesses are ghetto, or that and she decided not to take tradi- thing herself — the shopping, baking, they’re using the cheapest means tional medication because of the decorating and packaging — every possible to make their products, be- way it made her feel. Instead, with cake, pastry and cookie contains a cause it’s just not the case.” Courtesy of Mel's Magnolia Boutique Bakery the help of her husband, she tried personal touch from Montalvo herself Researching and going out to Until she opens a storefront, Montalvo adds a personal touch to each baked good. SPORTS 7 Duquesne volleyball squad drops first game to VCU, 3-0

Brentaro Yamane The fact that VCU was able to come back 22 each. watching his team play against VCU. staff writer in the first set after trailing by four points VCU now owns a 12-6 all-time series lead “One of our first things that we are work- seemingly gave the team all the confidence over Duquesne, with the Dukes losing their ing on is our first touch or our first con- The VCU women’s volleyball team got its it needed against Duquesne. VCU would seven straight matchups against the Rams. tact. I think that we did a decent job with brooms out and swept off Duquesne’s new win the second set 25-15 and the third set For Duquesne, its next game is not un- our ball control. We need to adjust our court Friday, beating Duquesne 3-0 in the by a count of 25-14. til Feb. 26, when the Dukes travel to take in-game strategy, and I had advised the Dukes’ first-ever game at the newly-reno- Duquesne scoring less in each match as on Dayton. Until then, Opperman and players to be more aggressive and more vated UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. the afternoon went on might appear con- his staff will work on some things that he assertive when attacking regardless of the Last season, Duquesne played its home cerning to the naked eye. Opperman, how- thinks his team can improve upon after situation that we are in,” Opperman said. volleyball matches at PPG Paints Arena ever, liked what he saw from his team after and Mt. Lebanon High School while the the first match. Fieldhouse was being renovated. “We showed some really good signs of Duquesne had not played a home game what we can do. Overall, it wasn’t a great on campus since Oct. 28, 2018, prior to performance by any means, but it was a nice Friday’s match against the Rams. start to see things that our players have the Duquesne Head Coach Steve Opperman potential of doing,” Opperman said. “The knew how excited his team was to play tough thing that we went through is that it in the new arena, and the team had been was our first matchup of the season while looking forward to it for a long time. It had it was VCU’s seventh matchup. However, been a full 464 days since the Dukes last I thought we fought hard even though the played a game on their Bluff campus. score didn’t show it.” “It was awesome for our team to play in One of the most vicious plays of the game the new arena. The kids were excited to was in the third set when VCU’s Jasmine play,” Opperman said. “Our freshmen and Knight recorded a kill, spiking the ball so sophomores have never played in this fa- hard on Duquesne’s side of the court that the cility. The juniors and seniors have. It was ball ricocheted off the ground, onto the bas- a great experience for the younger kids to ketball backboard on the baseline and circled get in here and enjoy the atmosphere and around the rim. The explosiveness of that basically get back on the court to compete.” play was one of the reasons why VCU looked Things looked good for the Dukes in the like more of the dominant team in the game. early stages, scoring the first two points of VCU led the game in many notable cat- the first match. Duquesne outside hitter egories, including kills (51), assists (45), Morgan Kelly recorded a kill, then an at- hitting percentage (.360), block assists tack error was made by VCU. At one point (18) and digs (four). VCU’s Qairo Bentley in the first set, Duquesne was leading 18- led the game with kills (12) and points (13). Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor 14, but the Rams were able to come back to Her 12 kills in the game is a new career- Members of the Duquesne volleyball team warm up prior to its Feb. 12 match versus VCU. win the set 25-19. high. VCU’s Dani Jo David and Duquesne’s The Dukes fell, 3-0, in their first-ever match at the newly-renovated UPMC Cooper Field- The Rams took over after the first set. Hailey Poling led the game in assists with house. The team’s next home game is set for March 5 against Atlantic 10 foe Saint Louis.

DU set to face Florida State during 2022-23 football season

Adam Lindner The NEC’s — and, by extension, competing against marquee opponents. making a point of scheduling high-level sports editor Duquesne’s — goal is to return to normalcy A reported 2023 matchup at Big 12 pillar competition for its non-league dates in the by the coming fall, when the league will West Virginia will do the same. coming years. The program already does a The Duquesne football team played its presumably permit its teams to resume In 2018, before the Dukes departed from phenomenal job of recruiting FBS trans- first Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) op- competition during its typical autumn Pittsburgh for its season-opening UMass fers, boasting a roster littered with power ponent in 2014, falling to Buffalo, 38-28. time-frame. A full NEC schedule and non- game, Head Coach Jerry Schmitt told The conference transplants. It wasn’t until the 2018 season that the conference slates, following a one-year hia- Duke that the opportunity to play an FBS Future schedules marked with dates against Dukes played another FBS opponent, fal- tus, are set to return. opponent wasn’t something the program some of college football’s biggest names figure tering against both the UMass Minutemen The Dukes’ opponents, though? took for granted: “The fact that it’s an FBS to only advance the Dukes’ gridiron profile. on Aug. 25, 2018, and then the Hawaii Those will be anything but typical. opponent is great, for our guys to play in It will provide the team with opportuni- Rainbow Warriors on Sept. 22. Duquesne — yes, the same program with that environment against a bigger school. ties for upset wins and big pay days, too. The team was slated to face both Air three FBS matchups to its name — will “We know it’s a tough challenge for us, but The Dominion Post (W.Va.) reported in Force and Coastal Carolina — the latter of open the 2021 (fall) season at Big 12 linch- we’re looking forward to it,” Schmitt continued. 2018 that Duquesne’s 2023 game at WVU which spent much of last season ranked pin TCU on Sept. 4 in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s abundantly clear that Duquesne is will pocket the Dukes $425,000. in the AP Top 25 — in 2020, only for the The Dukes’ matchup with TCU will mark Northeast Conference to postpone its foot- the first time since Duquesne joined the ball season until the spring. FCS — short for Football Championship The Dukes’ non-conference games were Subdivision — level in 1993 that the team scrapped, as was their typical fall slate. For will face a Power Five (ACC, SEC, Big Ten, the first time since 1968 — the year before Big 12 or Pac-12) conference opponent. Duquesne revived its football program in Duquesne is also scheduled to face FBS ‘69 — an autumn passed with no football member Ohio a week later, on Sept. 11, at to be found on the Bluff. the Bobcats’ Athens campus. The team’s abbreviated, NEC-only The school announced Tuesday that it schedule — announced Feb. 1 — will see would open its 2022 season at Florida State the team play four regular-season games, on Aug. 27, 2022; additionally, it will make beginning on March 7 against Sacred a return trip to Honolulu to face Hawaii on Heart and ending March 28 at Bryant. Sept. 17, 2022, about four years after its The league will host a championship game initial trip to The Aloha State in 2018. at a currently-undetermined date in April to The date with Florida State, a traditional crown its conference champion. Per usual, powerhouse program in the collegiate foot- Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics the NEC’s victor will receive an automatic ball ranks, presents a unique opportunity Senior defensive back Spencer DeMedal prepares for a play last season against Long Island. bid to the FCS playoffs, which begin April 24. for a Duquesne program unaccustomed to Duquesne beat the Sharks, 21-14. Duquesne is set to host LIU for a home game on March 21. 8 THEDUQUESNEDUKE

February 18, 2021 sports ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 9 Duquesne professor publishes full collection of poetry week’s capri scarcelli poems out here and there to dif- events a&e editor ferent websites, and it became the next step,” Ussia said. “And honestly ollege life often keeps you when I started taking creative writ- Lenten Fish Fry from your creative pursuits, ing classes at Duquesne, I found that Feb. 19 @ 11 a.m.-6p.m. Cbut it’s never too late to put this counts as research toward pro- your name out there. fessional development, so I thought Go to the second floor of the Matthew Ussia, a teaching associ- ‘oh wait a minute, this is a part of the Union for a full, $12 meal ate professor at Duquesne University job? I can justify spending more time including fish sandwhich, since 2013, has since shifted gears on this?’” coleslaw, mac n cheese, chips from his UCOR, creative writing and Ussia has a binder of over 100 and a drink. All money goes literature theory courses to publish- poems that he, at a time, has only toward the Children's Miracle ing his own book of poetry, entitled shown a few people close to him. Network Hospitals, courtesy of The Red Glass Cat. When he found that there was an Phi Kappa Theta. Ussia described the book as “jux- open call for Alien Buddha Press, taposing beauty and ugliness with- he chose 70 of those poems to bring DPC DUNite: Epic Bingo out either apologizing to the other.” with him. Feb. 19 @ 9 p.m. At age 16, Ussia and his friends “I did it, and I did it without think- were in the process of getting a band ing too much about it,” Ussia said. Sign up for virtual bingo and together, where he would soon find “After red-shirting myself for long pick up your bingo cards on the his love for lyricism and then poet- enough and putting this on the back- second floor of the Union! Prizes ry. Getting to college and graduate burner, I thought, let’s just send it in could include gift cards, game school, however, Ussia said he did and see what happens, and no mat- consoles and more! not make the time for his writing – ter what, I will have what I consider taking a 20-year gap. to be a proper manuscript. And they Now, however, Ussia has been liked it – I got it on the first try.” named Allegeny County’s Poet According to Ussia, Alien Buddha of the Week in City of Asylum’s Press has a reputation for fast pub- Sampsonia Way magazine as of lishing. Lo and behold, his poetry upcoming Feb. 3 – his grand return to the book was published a week and a world of creative writing. half after introducing his manuscript releases “This poem I wrote when I was 36 – an unheard of feat in the creative finally came out right,” Ussia said. writing profession. “There were two stanzas. The first “I think it’s because I’ve rumi- I Care a Lot Friday, Feb. 19th person I showed [the poem] to was nated over this collection for so long, my Duquesne office-mate, who told the need for line-editing, revision A legal guardian appointed by me to cut the second stanza. I spent or any of that was very little,” Ussia the court defrauds her clients, about five years trying to make that said. “I didn’t necessarily even need but all actions have second stanza work. So when I was to call someone in to review the work courtesy of matthew ussia consequences. submitting it to City of Asylum’s ‘All because I’ve done all of that over the Professor Matthew Ussia's newly published poetry collection brings color to writing. Pittsburghers are Poets,’ that was years, and I think it’s still abnormal groups that share calls for submis- ward. Writing is not solitary.” Body Brokers the moment when I realized that he and awesome that we’ve moved as sion. The group meets on Zoom once Ussia emphasized how to “reflect Friday, Feb. 19th was right, and now it's the poem of quickly as we did.” a month to compare and contrast on the process,” of poetry, saying the week.” Putting it into perspective, Ussia their work. that it takes time to adapt to writing Two drug addicts from Ohio Ussia said it felt like a “level-up” said that he submitted a short story “It’s an interesting little round- anytime, anywhere, whether alone are brought to Los Angeles for when his work started to get pub- that took five weeks to publish, table. A friend ushered me in and in a noiseless room or writing in treatment, but soon discover lished; this sparked Ussia to go back honestly, I’m so honored to be sur- crowded diners. that rehab is actually a multibil- along with an anthology sent to lion dollar fraud operation that and refine his past works, adding Penn State on Jan. 15 that won’t rounded by successful writers,” Ussia Giving advice to aspiring writers, recruits addicts and offers them a new level of maturity and profes- come out until 2025. said. “You should always surround Ussia said to “make time for your a small fortune in return for sionalism to the poetry. Ussia, with his recent success, yourself with other creative people art” and “realize you are only rac- help in scheming. Though getting back into a was furthermore recommended to who want to do things and want to ing yourself.” rhythm of writing was challenging, a poetry group that he considers make things happen, because even “Have fun. It should be fun,” Ussia Ussia said that submitting his poems to be a “meeting of minds,” giving when you’re in a moment where said. “And if it’s not fun, make it became “part of the process” of get- opportunity for collaborative edit- you’re uninspired, or you don’t know somehow rewarding.” capri's ting the ball rolling again. ing and workshop models for future what to do, you can look over and Ussia’s The Red Glass Cat can be “I took this long, meticulous route works, giving him added exposure to somebody whose art you like is mak- purchased on Amazon or in a book- complaints to doing it. I started sending some the publishing world with Facebook ing something happen and you can store near you. learn from it, it can drive you for- I have too much free time and I don't Final chapter of 'To All the Boys' franchise excites fans think it's my fault Duquesne used to be booming with on- Braylyn bruno the on-screen couple. The practi- boys, to being about a woman who emotions on full display, and the campus events - and now there's crickets. staff writer cality of the movie makes it less is finding herself. audience is able to see a more per- cliche than the first and second Due to the change in narra- sonal side of his family dynamic. It's very hard to keep myself occupied in a n Friday we reached the movies, strengthening the overall tive, To All the Boys: Always and Lara Jean’s character is also devel- pandemic, I'm so bored I'm running out of final chapter in the To All quality of the movie and plot. Forever is much more pleasing oped more to show depth as to things to complain about. Othe Boys franchise with the This installment of the franchise to sit through than the previous who she is and honing in on her much anticipated release of To All has a more mature feel to it, as the installment, To All the Boys: P.S. I decision-making process. I'm ahead on my school work and it's too the Boys: Always and Forever characters are faced with tough Still Love You. The second movie Teen rom-coms have a tendency cold to go safely explore Pittsburgh some on Netflix. The third movie, star- decisions regarding their futures. painted Lara Jean as indecisive and to fizzle out when they try too hard more, so what now? ring Lana Condor (Lara Jean) and We say goodbye to the cheesy unfair to those around her because to have numerous installments Sit in my dorm and rot? Noah Centineo (Peter), determines love triangles, instead bringing the she was too self-absorbed, and lost that do not hit the mark. However, Lara Jean and Peter’s future, post- attention to Lara Jean and her momentum for many fans of the To the story of Lara Jean and Peter I've been enjoying the few virtual events graduation. The movie is bound journey to self-discovery. Lara Jean All the Boys films. It is nice to see has kept the audience invested that pop up every once in awhile, and I to please fans as they get a deeper must determine what she wants Lara Jean no longer messing with since day one, and by sticking true would truly like more of those; they're silly insight to Lara Jean and Peter’s her life to look like after expe- the hearts of numerous boys for a to the roots of the original story, and make me happy. relationship and the intimate riencing thought-provoking trips change. they show that teen rom-coms can details that come with young love. and events that make her question To All the Boys: Always and be successful as long as the story is Bring more food to the NiteSpot! To All the Boys: Always and what her future has in store for Forever has gotten the franchise delivered correctly. Bring more crafts! More bingo! Forever is by far the most realistic her. The audience watches as Lara back on track, capturing moments The bittersweet ending to the movie in the franchise, making it Jean prepares for adulthood, and and characteristics the audience franchise says goodbye to the char- more relatable for fans who have thinks beyond the boundaries of has not seen before. Peter displays acters and audience in a way that -Capri Scarcelli gone through high school romanc- high school. This shifts the direc- vulnerability that was not evident does justice to both, serving as a es and had similar experiences to tion of the movie from being about in the other movies by putting his final love letter from Lara Jean. 10 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Pittsburgh Ballet brings new, astonishing experience Griffin sendek prisingly well-equipped for hosting a black jumpsuits, followed by the multimedia editor socially-distanced performance. women in a deep red. The costume’s The audience, masked, stood contrast with the bright white floor ittsburgh Ballet Theater spread out among the sculptures was absolute, helping to create im- captivated a live audience as the dancers performed on the peccably striking images and move- Pin the Carnegie Museum of floor below. ments within the choreography. Art over Valentine’s Day weekend, This setting made for an angle of The main feature of the show was in a brief, yet strikingly beautiful viewing that is uncommon and in by far its soloists and duet couples. 15-minute performance. most cases impossible in a traditional With Boléro being a Valentine’s Day Boléro, both the title of the show theater. Witnessing the show from special, the heavy emphasis on the and the music piece chosen, was above was a new and unique experi- duets made fit perfectly. The couples first open to Pittsburgh Ballet The- ence that afforded the artistic director continuously glided across the mar- ater (PBT) subscribers with each live and choreographer, Susan Jaffe, to ble floor intertwined like lovers. They performance limited to 25 people. develop something truly unique. performed with sensuality and pow- Included with the tickets were passes While the show was safely dis- er. The show was romantic: evocative to the rest of the Carnegie Museum of tanced, this was still a far closer look of love without being cutesy. Art and Natural History. at the dancers than most audiences The way PBT’s men lift their Within the Carnegie Museum of would ever get the chance to see partners through the air as if they Art, the showcase took place in the back at the Benedum Center. Being were as light as a feather is always a Hall of Sculpture -- a stark, yet ele- able to see the subtle movements sight to behold and was on full dis- gant white marble room bordered by and expressions of the dancers, even play in Boléro. griffin sendek / multimedia editor large marble statues along the second though their masks, was a key ele- The Hall of Sculpture not only had As PBT adjusts to the venue, they give audiences a brand new viewing experience. level balcony. Not only was this room ment to Boléro. an impact on the viewing of the per- Pittsburgh Ballet Theater has done return to form. gorgeous in its own right, but sur- The men were dressed in pitch formance, but heavily influenced the well to adapt to the pandemic - from “It was definitely such a rush. After choreography as well. The smooth keeping their dancers conditioned the first performance and we were marble floors were far too slippery for with Zoom rehearsals through the like bowing to the audience; I defi- the dancers to wear their traditional summer, prerecorded online show- nitely felt teary-eyed” Garcia Campos pointe shoes and ballet flats; instead, cases and building outdoor stages, said. “I definitely could feel that audi- they were in tennis shoes. PBT has found ways to keep the art of ence was also excited to be watching a The change of footwear didn’t di- ballet alive in the city. show again.” minish the quality of dance, but rath- Boléro, however, is a new first The open-standing setting of the er inspired different choices made for PBT through COVID. Previ- audience area allowed for a little girl with the steps performed. ous shows remained within small to do what all little girls must dream The show was but a brief 15 min- groups, mainly consisting of duets or of when watching the ballet. No lon- utes, but didn’t feel short: The perfor- groups no greater than five. Boléro ger confined to a seat; she had room mance was completely enrapturing as consisted of 14 dancers: two soloists, to dance and sway her red and black the music continuously built to a cre- three couples, three ladies, and three checkered dress back and forth, bliss- scendo and subsequent fiery finale. gentlemen. Dancing in groups and fully daydreaming of being a ballerina As the dancers scrambled off the floor in front of audiences is such a crucial just like the dancers below. and the speakers blared their last piece of what makes ballet, ballet, Eventually, the girl’s mother put note, the show had come to a worth- and has been so deeply missed by the a stop to her daughters dancing out while and satisfying conclusion. dancers of PBT. of fear of the girl being a distraction. There was no room for excess in Though this show is still far differ- Slight distraction it may have been, courtesy of kelly perkovich Boléro; every choice with the chore- ent than anything PBT had produced but an endearing moment all the Duet couple Lucius Kirst and Hannah Carter take center-stage in the Hall of Sculp- ography needed to be deliberate and in previous years, company-member same that proves the magical mo- ture in the Carnegie Museum of Art. necessary, and that was presently Christian Garcia Campos described ment’s art like Boléro can create. clear with every step the dancers took. performing in Boléro as a refreshing Duquesne alumnus entertains with historical podcast rio scarcelli for that industry and for history in length. Aside from writing the senting stark opinions through staff writer go hand in hand. I would come script, the amount of research his many show segments such home from grad school at 8:30 and specificity that comes to as “The Piece of S**t Curve,” or anyone familiar with p.m. go to work at 10 till some- recording and editing that goes “A Twist of Psych” and “A Shot Comedy Central’s “Drunk times 4 a.m.,” DeBacco said. along with podcasting makes for Heard ‘Round the World.” All of F History,” there is ex- “They were simultaneous loves a large time commitment, con- these episodes provide variation citement to be had for a sim- of my life at the time and I want- sidering the relatively bi-weekly in the content and a different ilarly-styled podcast made by ed to take that with me.” uploading schedule. viewpoint on the way that histo- Duquesne alumnus Zachary De- In what Zachary called his Regardless, this is a project ry has portrayed such infamous Bacco: “Drinks with Great Minds “simple philosophy,” the aim of made out of passion. This pod- people. in History,” or DGMH. the podcast was clear and the cast sees viewers from America, While DeBacco’s work is most- The podcast made its debut ideas were in place ever since his Canada, Britain, Australia and ly done alone, he has done many online April 9, 2020 and has time as a graduate student. He even Malaysia. By getting the collaborations with some of his been producing bi-weekly up- felt history should be fun for ev- word out and entertaining peo- own former teachers, historians loads ever since. eryone, and so it took on the so- ple through something he loves, and even best-selling authors: The show, which is recorded, phistication of a show that schol- DeBacco finds the most pride in all in hopes to do more in the fu- produced and scripted by De- ars and the average person alike his work to teach. ture. By getting a collaborative Bacco, takes its time to highlight could understand and enjoy. “It sparks joy and passion for perspective, DeBacco felt it made individual members of history As a history teacher in South history and people that never for much more interesting con- under a listener-friendly and Florida, the dream to educate knew they could have it,” DeBac- versation. wittier scope. All the while, the people was possible, but the co said. Banter does not solely exist show is christened with “a cock- schedule to do so was not so le- Within DGMH’s content, the within the episodes for DeBacco, tail of history, sarcasm and... nient. This is why the podcast show spans history’s greatest but also on his social media ac- courtesy of Zachary debacco cocktails!” as listed on the pod- started around the first COV- minds from Joseph Stalin to counts. cast’s Instagram. ID-19 quarantine. Alexander Hamilton. Episodes “Social media is the best way DGMH makes history fun for listeners. Pursuing a Master of Arts in “It was born out of the pan- tend to take a more subjective to interact with viewers and I podcast itself can be streamed on History at Duquesne in 2014, De- demic because teachers have no and detailed analysis on the way find it really important to help Apple, Spotify, Google and Pod- Bacco spent his college years si- time for podcasts. I was able to that these people both existed stimulate my growth,” DeBacco chaser. For more information multaneously working late hours get started with it now, it's the and were portrayed. said. go visit https://www.podpage. as a bartender in Pittsburgh. In one where I can manage it on a “I teach people to not take his- DGMH can be found on Ins- com/drinks-with-great-minds- growing a passion for history, he weekly basis,” DeBacco said. tory at face value. It is an intri- tagram @dgmh_historypodcast, in-history/. was also a master of his “craft” in For an average script of one cate web and should be treated Twitter @dgmhpodcast as well finding a love for mixing drinks. episode, DeBacco estimates that as such,” DeBacco said. as the Facebook group Drinks “My love for cocktail making, the paper would be 10-15 pages One of DeBacco’s loves is pre- with Great Minds in History. The

February 18, 2021 arts & entertainment THE LAST WORD 11 Trump’s acquittal not surprising

mongering, pushing of baseless con- FOLLOW from ACQUITTAL— page 4 Follow spiracy theories and violent remarks at the hearing confirms that Trump that caused his followers to do what was responsible — and it did not begin they did. THE DUKE us on with the rally on Jan 6. To me, one of He should have been held account- the most compelling pieces of evidence able, but once again he was not. Twitter was the time that Trump applauded, And that is thanks to the Grand Old ON THE via Twitter, the people who attempted Party, which is composed of nothing to run a Biden campaign bus off an in- but spineless politicians who are sup- terstate. posed to protect this country from ex- Or what about the time Trump actly what happened on Jan. 6. They WEB retweeted a video in which a man said, are too concerned about the fate of “The only good Democrat is a dead their dying party, and the rising feel- Democrat?” You can tell me all day ing among young people in this coun- long that that man’s words were taken try that they are on their way out. out of context. I will not believe you. I applaud the seven Republican sen- Whether he meant a dead person or ators who did what was obviously the a dead party, it is unacceptable, and right thing. It is brave to break apart the fact that Trump had the audac- from something so toxic when the Instagram ity to retweet it speaks volumes about majority is doing something else, but @TheDuquesne his maturity and his capability to ever these seven exercised their civic duty take office again. by doing what they could so the cor- Duke Speaking of violence to Democrats, ruptness, ineptitude and evil that is we all know that is why those insur- Trump may never make his way back @theduquesneduke rectionists broke into the Capitol. It into the White House. doesn’t take a rocket scientist to un- Instead of doing what is right for derstand why the man who sat at the people of this country and pro- House Speaker Pelosi’s desk had a tecting us from another siege of what stun gun on him. Or why a gallow was has been deemed ours for the past 245 Facebook set up outside the building. years, the rest of the Senate Republi- Of course this was planned in ad- cans chose to protect their party, and The Duquesne Duke vance. But it was planned in advance the leader who made this all happen. due to the culmination of Trump’s fear May it never happen again. Twitter Your @TheDuquesne Ableism in the film industry Duke Ad

knowing that this could hurt her career. from STAFF ED -- page 4 It must be difficult for neurodivergent per- You can’t make everyone happy. That’s formers to put themselves out there if they known in the film world. But if the target au- aren’t considered for neurotypical roles, Advertise dience is autistic teenagers, why not listen to whilst also not being casted in neurodivergent Here! what they have to say? There’s been backlash roles that they would be much more qualified with us! on this movie since film production started, for than the same go-to actors and actresses. Contact which would’ve given Sia ample time to make Hopefully Hollywood continues to diversify duqdukeads@gmail. modifications to her work, or reconsider her the film industry; however, that should in- Carissa Haslam at casting — maybe even consider that she put clude those on the spectrum, too. com a young actress on a pedestal for backlash, Oh, and Sia: Stick to “Elastic Hearts.” duqdukeads@gmail.

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