February 11, 2021

opinions features sports a & e February 11, 2021 The Vinyl What's Earth Women's hoops I can't feel my face Renaissance without art? team back in action when The Week- Volume 104 With vinyl sales on the Mother-daughter duo Duke's game Fri. will be nd comes on Number 4 rise, the record player encourages creativity in first since Jan. 17. Super Bowl LV half time has officially made a studio. show makes audiences www.duqsm.com come-back. stir with commentary. PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 7 PAGE 9 THE DUQUESNE DUKE Proudly Serving Our Campus Since 1925 Guest Column: "Duquesne Univ. Update: has a whiteness problem" Shank could return as professor Kellen Stepler editor-in-chief

Gary Shank, the Duquesne education professor who was fired for using a racial epithet in a Sept. 9 lecture, may now be able to return to teach at Duquesne. On Friday, Feb. 5, university President Ken Gormley issued a statement responding to Shank’s grievance that he filed against the university in November. On Jan. 14, the University Grievance Committee for Faculty (UGCF) found that while Shank’s use of the racial epithet was misguided, Griffin Sendek / Multimedia Editor “it was not malicious,” and rec- As the Duquesne community reacts to the news that education professor Gary Shank has the opportunity to be reinstated, alumnus George Yancy, a Ph.D. recipient ommended that he be able to re- from Duquesne, shares his thoughts on the matter. In an open letter to the Black students of Duquesne, Yancy speaks to issue of race on campus. turn to his job at Duquesne. According to Gormley's state- OpenP Letter to Black I be next? The question grows grapple with controversial texts, tion. “We can’t breathe!” is our ment, Shank will be suspended, out of a collective understanding that you want to be coddled, that shared reality. When Shank said without pay, from Duquesne until Students at Duquesne that Black lives do not matter in you are a “prisoner” of political “I’m giving you permission to August 2021. He will be required University white America. What you felt in correctness, or that you are part use” the N-word, that was a grip to meet multiple conditions dur- Shank’s course was a microcosm of a larger problem called “cancel around your throat, a knee on ing his suspension in order to be of a larger form of societal and culture.” Had Shank been better your neck. Both his permission Editor's Note: Last semester The eligible to return to his position. historical anti-Blackness. educated about his whiteness, and his use of the word were vio- Duke committed to addressing Requirements for reinstatement I say this, because as Black and about how the structure of lent. Since Black people already the issue of race on campus as During his suspension, Shank people, we have earned the right whiteness functions as a site know the pain caused by white part of the Poynter College Me- will undergo mandatory diver- to articulate how we feel. We of willful ignorance, he would people using the N-word, it must dia Project. We believe this col- sity, equity and inclusion train- know what anti-Black racism have understood that using the have been white students who umn helps drive that dialogue. ing taught by Alvin B. Tillery Jr., feels like, what it looks like, and N-word, as he did, was not just were being given permission. the founder and director of the what it sounds like. It is not our about poor judgment or “mis- Simultaneously, Shank’s center for the study of diversity I apologize for not writing fault that many white people do guided behavior,” but was self- whiteness endorsed and invali- and democracy at Northwestern when I initially heard the dis- not understand the magnitude ish, pedagogically incompetent, dated that permission. Imag- University. turbing news that Dr. Gary of our plight, that they do not and violent. ine me giving “permission” to “Shank will be required to take Shank used the N-word in his know what it means to be Black So, let us be clear, as Black male students to use the B-word a course in “Leading Diversity, Educational Psychology course, in a country that has systemically people, we should always be or the C-word without serious Equity and Inclusion” with Dr. on September 9, 2020. That year, failed to address, let alone fully uncompromisingly angry when pedagogical work on the real Tillery and complete additional the killing of Breonna Taylor and acknowledge, our pain and our white anti-Black racism rears its violence and ugliness of sexism. independent training as deter- George Floyd galvanized global suffering under white suprema- ugly head, but never surprised. Imagine me giving “permission” mined appropriate by Dr. Til- protests against the killing of un- cy. I want you to know that I see I am convinced that anti-Black to heterosexual students to use lery,” according to the statement. armed and innocent Black bod- you, I hear you, I feel your pain. racism exists in every nook and the Fa-word. Imagine me giv- Following the training, Shank ies by white police officers. As it When it comes to anti-Black rac- cranny of “American democ- ing “permission” to nondisabled will be required to write and sub- was for me, I’m sure their deaths ism, let no one tell you that you racy.” This country was founded mit a substantive reflection to students to use the R-word. The impacted the core of your Black are being too sensitive, that you upon our unheeded cries and our see LETTER— page 2 see SHANK— page 2 psyche, leading you to ask: will do not possess the “objectivity” to existential and social asphyxia- 2 Guest POLICE briefs Shank narrows down path to

Here are the crimes reported for permanent reinstatement Column Feb. 2 to Feb. 8. from SHANK— page 1 “While Professor Shank’s actions Shank’s attorney Warner Mariani from LETTER— page 1 On Feb. 5, the resident direc- may have lacked intent to cause shared a letter sent Feb. 10 from the tor of Vickroy Hall smelled the Gormley of what he learned from the harm, they nonetheless were harm- AAUP to Gormley, closing their file pattern here would reflect a sense odor of marijuana coming from a training, including how it impacted ful to the students in the class and to of unquestioned authority, the dorm room while she was doing his view of his behavior on Sept. 9. on the case “while indicating [the the entire campus community and power of normativity, and a failure paperwork verifications. A cita- “Dr. Tillery will be asked to certify deserving of strong sanctions,” the AAUP’s] willingness to assist any ef- to understand both the violence tion was issued. to the president, based upon his ex- statement said. forts to bring the faculty handbook embedded within those slurs and tensive experience, that Dr. Shank Gormley is allocating an addi- into closer conformance with AAUP- COVID-19 DATA understands the seriousness of the the marginalized who are assault- tional $50,000 of special funding supported academic freedom and (as of Feb. 7) conduct he engaged in and its po- to Duquesne’s Office of Diversity ed by them. If you add to these ex- tenure standards.” tential impact on his students and and Inclusion, “to create opportuni- amples the tenor of Shank’s peda- Educational Psychology stu- This week, Duquesne the university community, as well as ties for students across campus to gogical disrespect, then you create the importance of being sensitive to, launched a new COVID-19 engage positively on the issue of re- dent: “I don’t want future stu- an environment where Black stu- dashboard on its mini-site. and mindful of, diversity, equity, and spectful language and behavior on dents to go through what we inclusion in the classroom,” the state- dents will not feel safe, will not feel The new dashboard features the issue of race.” went through on that day” ment said. Argument of academic free- respected, will not feel “at home.” campus COVID-19 data Following Gormley’s announce- along with information from Shank will also be placed on a dom rejected by the university Add to this the predominantly ment Friday evening, Duquesne Allegheny County. “performative improvement plan Gormley wrote Friday that “aca- white undergraduate student The campus data dashboard with a specific emphasis on teaching demic freedom and tenure do not pro- sophomore Zeke Daure sent an body at Duquesne University, and breaks down COVID-19 methodology,” and will work with vide a blank check for faculty mem- email to students in Shank’s fall its predominantly white faculty, Duquesne’s Center for Teaching Ex- bers to engage in conduct which is cases, tests, isolation and 2020 Educational Psychology class, this only creates those private mo- cellence (CETR) to “re-structure, re- disrespectful or harmful to students. quarantine spaces and vac- and to a social justice class, regard- ments when Black students ask cination information. write and organize his lessons in all Nor is a faculty member immunized courses.” from responsibility by sitting in front ing things Shank has said. themselves: Am I wanted here? Between Jan. 29 and Feb. A formal reprimand will also be of a Zoom screen and stating, ‘this is Daure, who was in the Zoom lec- Do I belong here? Why does this 4, there were eight positive placed in Shank’s permanent file, pedagogical,’ before launching into a ture when Shank used the n-word, university not reflect more stu- which will make “clear that if Profes- tests at Duquesne, and 471 series of offensive racial slurs to make said he sent the email because he dents and faculty who look like sor Shank engages in conduct of this an ill-defined point, thus seeking to tests conducted. As of Feb. “strongly believes [Shank] should not me? At predominantly white aca- 10, Five students are in isola- nature again, he will be subject to im- transform improper conduct into an teach again.” demic institutions, white people tion and six are in quaran- mediate termination.” act of legitimate pedagogy.” do not pose those uncomfortable tine. “If Professor Shank takes the above Previously, Shank defended his “I can’t explain [the Sept. 9 lec- required steps, he will be permitted behavior by invoking academic free- ture],” Daure said. “It was unexpect- race questions. Why? It is white to return to the classroom in the fall dom; however, both Gormley and ed; the way it occurred. He egged on privilege. Shank not only failed semester of 2021,” Duquesne spokes- the UGCF rejected that argument. you pedagogically by using the N- students to say it.” person Gabe Welsch said. “However, In Shank’s grievance filed Nov. 5, word, he insulted you with white if this does not occur, the decision When Daure received the cam- he wrote that he “was terminated arrogance and took your Black makes clear that there will be no ad- for making statements during [his] pus-wide statement, he said he was critical subjectivity and humanity ditional chances.” teaching that are well within the ac- “pretty upset.” for granted. That is one thing that Shank’s conduct “deserving cepted standards of academic free- “I don’t know if he deserves to be of clear sanctions” dom.” white privilege does. And even if back in the classroom…even with all The timing of Shank’s behavior, He also demanded a “full reinstate- it does this unconsciously, our col- the training,” he said. “As someone Gormley said in the statement, made ment with no conditions, back-pay lective hurt is no less painful. To SCAN HERE FOR it “especially disturbing and inappro- and benefits, and payment and reim- who wants to be a teacher, I don’t see add insult to injury, not only does priate in the fall of 2020.” bursement of all [his] legal fees and COVID-19 DATA a place for him.” white privilege go unchallenged “Students and faculty alike expenses as a result of this wrongful As of Monday afternoon, Daure had ‘just returned to on-campus termination.” in any robust way at so many pre- said that he heard from a couple JOIN THE DUKE! activity after a difficult sum- Additionally, the American As- dominantly white institutions, but If you’re interested, email thed- mer grappling with the COVID sociation of University Professors students who had experiences our wounds are neither acknowl- [email protected] or stop by our pandemic, and marked by racial (AAUP) and the Foundation for In- with Shank. edged nor attended to. newsroom located in the basement unrest sparked by the murder of dividual Rights in Education (FIRE) “I knew other people spoke White anti-Black racism is not of College Hall (Room 113). an unarmed Black man, George both came to Shank’s defense during about other instances with Shank,” always spectacular. The storm- Floyd, by Minneapolis police,” the fall semester, asking that he be re- Daure said. “I’m just trying to see ing of the Capitol is one obvious T h Gormley wrote. “One would have instated at the university. e what else there is, and use the stu- example of spectacular white to be completely divorced from However, Gormley wrote Friday S BLACK t dents’ voice behind my own. One racism. However, for the most o reality to be unaware of the fact that “academic freedom is not a

k i that students of color and other part, anti-Black racism thrives

VOICES e shield behind which faculty mem- incident may be an accident, but

l members of the Duquesne com- bers can hide to engage in offensive on banality. It does not an-

two or three, it’s really not.”

B MATTER o

munity were already feeling up-

conduct that demeans others and

nounce itself; it dwells within

’

D The secondary English education

q s u e set, vulnerable and concerned does damage to students’ educa- spaces that are considered “nor- by recent events that highlighted tional experience.” major noted that Shank was “very mal.” In fact, it was right there in existing racial injustices and in- FIRE spokesperson Adam Stein- comfortable” when he said the ra- equities in our society.” baugh said that “it's good to know cial epithet, and was “conscious” of your classroom passing itself off Gormley, with interim school of that Gary Shank will not lose his live- his actions. as “free speech” and “pedagogi- education dean Gretchen Generett, lihood for doing his job.” cal permission.” We know that “He even said, you know that’s EmailTips provost David Dausey and the UGCF, “Academic freedom, at its this is an excellent academic in- not OK, after he said it,” Daure said. said that the sanction addresses the core, protects the rights of fac- stitution, and one we greatly re- We want your input! serious academic misconduct Shank ulty members to embrace difficult “I don’t want future students to go spect, but we must shout with a The Duke’s news section would displayed. material,” Steinbaugh said. “That through what we went through on “It is also designed to make clear resounding voice that Duquesne love to hear from you about sometimes means that teachers' that day.” that conduct of this sort is not accept- discussions will include words University has a whiteness prob- stories that you want to see in Abby Lanzelotti – who had Shank’s able by Professor Shank or any faculty and materials that others find ob- lem! The proverbial ball is now print. Know a talented professor Educational Psychology course in the or accomplished student? See member and will make him subject to jectionable or offensive. A univer- in its court. something on campus that just immediate termination,” according to sity that places its faculty mem- fall of 2019 – said that Shank should doesn’t make sense? You can the statement. bers in fear of losing their jobs for not return to his job at Duquesne be- Dr. George Yancy send your tips and story ideas to The statement said that students engaging in difficult material will cause he “is not a good representation Samuel Candler Dobbs Profes- News Editor Colleen Hammond in Shank’s class – and Duquesne stu- chill discussion entirely. Criti- of the school of education.” at [email protected] dents, more broadly – have suffered cism, not the prospect of termina- sor of Philosophy at from his conduct, and his actions re- tion, is the answer to speech oth- “There’s no ‘pedagogical reason’ to Emory University quire “meaningful, genuine work to ers find offensive.” say the word, especially if you’re an Ph.D., Duq. 2005 redress the harm caused.” When reached for comment, older white male,” she said.

February 11, 2021 News 3 Memorial held for deceased Duq student, Lucas Traverse

friendship with Traverse over the Katia Faroun past two years. features editor “In my perspective, Lucas was just someone you wanted around Hundreds of candles were car- you, someone you could trust, ried on A-Walk by students, faculty, someone you could rely on when friends and family on Feb. 4 in mem- you needed it the most and some- ory of Lucas Traverse, a Duquesne one who saw the bigger picture in student who died last week. life than being a 19-year-old col- The vigil, which took place at 1 lege student,” Bunce said. p.m. following a memorial mass, On behalf of herself and her invited the Duquesne commu- husband, Robert, Patricia Tra- nity to support Traverse’s family verse thanked the Duquesne and friends. Attendees gathered community for its support of her outside of the Laval House on son, and mentioned his excite- A-Walk to collect a candle and ment at returning to campus two prayer card and listen to some weeks ago. Though the struggle of Traverse’s friends and family of losing a loved one is shocking share memories of his life. and painful, Patricia encouraged “Lucas Traverse really was the those close with Traverse to fo- best of us, and it breaks my heart that I can’t spend another day cus on his memory and the joy with him,” said Michael Bunce, that comes along with it. a sophomore and president of Members of Traverse's fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, stand on A-Walk outside of the Laval House during Thursday's “Our hope is that in time, the Sigma Tau Gamma (Sig Tau), vigil. A few of Traverse's fraternity brothers gave remarks during the vigil, including chapter president Michael Bunce. pain of losing him gives way to Traverse’s fraternity. the joy in remembering him,” Pa- A sophomore in the Palumbo- Both the memorial mass and T Donahue School of Business, the candlelight vigil were live Traverse died on Saturday, Jan. streamed for friends and mem- “Our hope is that in 30 after being struck by a train bers of the Duquesne commu- in the South Side near Fourth nity who wished to attend the Street and Color Park. His death memorial. time, the pain of los-

ing him gives way to

the joy in remem-

bering him,” Patri- Volunteers stationed at tables handed out candles and prayer cards for those attending the vigil. Before gathering on A-Walk, Duquesne hosted a memorial mass in the chapel to celebrate Traverse. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the memorial mass was only open to Traverse's family and members of his fraternity. cia Traverse said. The event was live streamed for friends and members of the Duquesne community.

The vigil took place during class time on Thursday, but hundreds of students on tricia said. campus took time to gather with Traverse's loved ones and pay their respects. Before Christy ended the half hour-long vigil with a prayer, is still under investigation by Fr. Bill Christy — who is also Patricia ended her remarks with Pittsburgh Police, and his man- the adviser for Sig Tau — led the a reminder for those who were ner of death is still pending, ac- service, sharing prayers, songs close to Traverse. cording to the Allegheny County and passages of scripture that “Lucas was loved by his fam- Medical Examiner’s Office. celebrated the gift of life. His ily, his friends, his brothers, and Before the vigil, a private me- message focused on the unique please know that he loved you morial mass was held in the quality of human life, and how too,” she said. Duquesne Chapel in remembrance in the Christian faith, life is be- Recordings of the memorial of Traverse. Because of COVID-19 lieved to be eternal, continuing mass and the vigil can be found restrictions, only members of Tra- beyond death. on the Spiritan Campus Min- verse’s family and fraternity were “[Lucas] is still part of us: of istry’s Facebook page and the invited to attend the memorial in family, of university, of fraterni- Duquesne University Conference person, and masks were required ty. For that life, that spark, that and Event Services YouTube in the chapel. Duquesne President breath — that is eternal,” Christy Traverse's vigil was held outside on A-Walk for safety reasons due to the page, respectively. Ken Gormley also attended the said. COVID-19 pandemic. About 200 members of the Duquesne community attended. T service. Immediately following the me- Photos By: morial mass, Traverse’s family at Duquesne that organized the Katia Faroun and fraternity brothers joined a vigil on behalf of Sig Tau, shared features editor crowd of about 200 members of memories of meeting Traverse the Duquesne community gath- during recruitment, and how SCAN HERE ered on A-Walk for the candle- Traverse’s down-to-earth per- light vigil. Attendees stood sonality caught his attention. alongside tables where volun- “I remember saying, ‘This is teers handed out the candles and a genuine and authentic guy. prayer cards. Counseling stations Someone who’s loyal and trust- were also available. worthy. Someone you can count Christy began the vigil with a on.’ And that’s exactly who Lucas prayer before inviting members was to me and so many others,” of Traverse’s family and frater- Anzevino said. “What more could nity to present remarks in honor you ask for in a brother?” Students, faculty and staff joined Traverse's family and fraternity brothers after More on the death the memorial. Fr. Bill Christy led the crowd in prayer to begin and end the event. of Traverse’s life. Bunce echoed Anzevino’s of Lucas Traverse Anthony Anzevino, a senior statement, reflecting on his 4 Opinions THEDUQUESNEDUKE staff 113 College Hall editorial 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282 Wanted: Bi-weekly COVID-19 editorial staff tests editor-in-chief Kellen Stepler Every two weeks? managing editor Colleen Hammond news editor Colleen Hammond In a Jan. 13 email sent campus-wide, opinions editor Noah Wilbur Duquesne announced that they would features editor Katia Faroun require “surveillance testing” – where a&e editor Capri Scarcelli they will test all students, faculty and sports editor Adam Lindner staff present on campus – approximate- layout editor Kelsey Burtner ly every two weeks. multimedia editor Griffin Sendek We’ve completed three weeks of the administrative staff spring semester. adviser Paula Reed Ward And no tests. ad manager Carissa Haslam This is a great idea in theory, but email us: [email protected] Duquesne needs to follow through. Most students were excited at the chance to return to Duquesne at a time where most colleges announced that they would pivot to virtual learning, but “The big secret in life we also need to make sure that we are Courtesy of Unsplash being safe. Vinyl record sales have surged in recent years stemming from a renewed interest by both young and old consumers. Last semester, Duquesne’s COVID-19 is that there is no response was good, but there’s more to be desired. Last semester, we did not do The long-awaited return of vinyl two-week surveillance testing, but CO- secret. Whatever magine this scenario. You and Apple Music. point. The most significant VID-19 cases ramped over the holiday are taking an afternoon The Vinyl Renaissance is of factor leading to this revival break – when we were not in session. your goal, you can walk and stumble upon a particular interest to me as I is the unprecedented enthu- Other schools in Pennsylvania, like I Juniata College, for example, did two- record store on the corner of believe it is an excellent exam- siasm by younger generations week surveillance testing last semester. the street. In slight disbelief ple of the retrospective trends to experience the full effect of Carnegie Mellon is selecting individu- get there if you’re and genuine curiosity, you that continue to grow in popu- listening to a vinyl record on a als to take a weekly asymptomatic CO- walk in the front door and ob- turntable — the crispy sound, T larity amongst the consumer VID-19 test in order to detect and pre- serve as an employee carefully willing to work." markets, and in all honesty, it relaxed vibe, and romantical- vent the spread of COVID-19 in their places the stylus of a turntable sparks my curiosity as to why ly-charged aesthetic. community. Oprah Winfrey on a polyvinyl chloride disc. retro products are roaring From visiting the local record COVID-19 cases are decreasing as of After a few moments of back into style. store and studying the one-of- late, but they’re still higher than they You just read Now tweet warm crackle, “Stairway to The reasoning behind vi- a-kind artwork, to opening al- were in March – when everything was our thoughts. us yours. Heaven” by Led Zeppelin be- nyl’s unexpected rise in the bum jackets and listening to the originally shut down. According to the gins blaring across the store as past decade requires a two- crackly but inherently smooth New York Times, Allegheny County is at a very high risk level, and was “ex- @TheDuquesneDuke a small crowd of eager shop- fold explanation. On one analog sound, a growing num- pers peruse through hundreds end of the spectrum, nostal- ber of youngsters view the re- tremely high” in the middle of January. of records on display. cord player as an exciting alter- They also defined the outbreak as “se- vere” and at least one in 17 residents in I know what you’re think- native to streaming music. the county have been infected. ing. An actual record store in For these reasons, coupled Survelliance testing, according to the my hometown? Ten years ago, with the wide availability of university of Buffalo, helps to gauge editorial this scenario would’ve been in- turntables at fair prices and the prevalence of a disease within a conceivable as vinyl had taken the emergence of record stores community by periodically evaluating a back seat to CDs and online across America, consumers samples from randomly selected non- policy streaming amidst the digitiza- both young and old are rush- symptomatic individuals within that The Duquesne Duke is the student- tion of the music industry. ing to get their hands on a re- community. written, student-managed newspaper That being said, with a near- cord player to either reminisce Mass testing is a great choice for col- of Duquesne University. It is published ly 450% increase in per unit on old times, or to experience leges to use to stop the spread of CO- every Thursday during the academic VID-19. Large residential areas -- like year except during semester breaks and vinyl sales in the U.S. since music in a new way. holidays, and prior to final exams. The 2012, I am here to inform you Although the heyday of vi- dorm rooms, for example -- are breeding grounds for the virus to spread easily. Staff Editorial is based upon the opin- that the record player has in- nyl is admittedly long behind ions of the editors of The Duke and does In the Jan. 13 email, the university deed made its grand return to us, I still find this renaissance not necessarily reflect the views of the said that the testing would be provided students, faculty, administration, stu- center stage. as favorable and valuable to dent government or the University pub- Noah Wilbur by Duquesne, they picked a location lications board. Op-ed columns do not Not only did vinyl sales sur- opinions editor our society as it encourages in the Genesius Theater, and the test- reflect the opinions of The Duke, but pass CD sales in 2020 for the younger generations to slow ing would come at no cost to students. rather are the sole opinions of the col- first time in 34 years, but the gia has undoubtedly been a down, put their phones away, umnists themselves. Duquesne clearly has the resources and vinyl market also grew for its determining factor as older live in the moment, and listen the funding to implement this program, Letters policy 15th consecutive year. Not to generations — those who to music as an activity rather so what are they waiting for? Letters to the editor must be typed, mention, as surprising as it may grew up around turntables — than as a backdrop. Because of how intense the situation double-spaced and include the writer’s name, school/department and be, young adults under the age are increasingly interested in Since receiving my turntable is right now, Duquesne should be on top phone number for verification. Letters of 25 currently account for half experiencing the original an- as a gift this past Christmas, I of things by administering these tests. should be no longer than 300 words of the buyers driving the resur- alog sound and reliving their have spent many hours listen- They should be on top of things – like and should be delivered to The Duke they promised Jan. 13. office at 113 College Hall or e-mailed gence of the record player. adolescence. ing to my collection of records The comfort that would come from to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Although it is unlikely that However, nostalgia alone with friends and family, and in Tuesday. The editors reserve the right having these bi-weekly surveillance to edit any and all submitted copies. vinyl will ever eclipse stream- fails to entirely explain the many cases, even by myself. tests would alleviate stress on students All letters must be verified before being ing as the most popular format surge in demand of vinyl since The truly immersive musical published. and staff alike in a time where anxiety is for listening to music, industry sales hit a low in 2006, espe- experience that accompanies at an all-time high. Corrections/clarifications experts still project vinyl sales cially considering that one- a record player is truly unpar- Being aware of how many cases Readers should report any story or to maintain steady growth for half of this growth is attribut- alleled. It is my sincere hope are on campus brings ease of mind to photo error to The Duke. All legitimate errors will be corrected in print the fol- years to come. In other words, able to millennials. If someone that more young people con- the Duquesne community, but know- lowing edition. the record player is here to didn’t own a record player tinue to experiment with vinyl ing how many cases is better than not knowing. Contact stay and prepared to contend during youth, how can he or as in all honesty, they’ll never with the most formidable of she be nostalgic about it? know what they’re missing un- In this case, ignorance is not bliss. email: [email protected] competition — Tidal, Spotify This brings me to my second til they try it. Opinions 5 The key to faster vaccine distribution may lie at independent pharmacies Mohammad Sajjad among Americans? The answer health departments. staff columnist may lie at your local, indepen- As Christina Barrille, Ex- dent pharmacy. While the Biden ecutive Director of the Virginia y mother recently administration has pledged to Pharmacists Association, puts asked me to help her find a location where make more shots available at it, “[Independent pharmacies] M chain and independent pharma- have a different relationship she could receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Not being tech savvy, cies, there needs to be more em- with their patient population.” If she sent me a link a friend had phasis on getting the vaccine to we do not prioritize getting the forwarded to her and asked me the latter. vaccine to independent pharma- to investigate. Regardless of the time of year, cies, many areas across the U.S. After about half an hour of chain pharmacies are constantly won’t be served, and many in- researching, I found out that busy with the number of pre- dividuals will be left wondering despite being eligible to receive scriptions they fill and shots they when they will get the vaccine. the vaccine, there were no loca- administer. When the vaccine Another reason vaccine roll- tions within a reasonable dis- becomes widely available, their out has been slower than an- tance where she could even get workload will only intensify. ticipated is people’s hesitation on a waitlist, let alone schedule Independent pharmacies can in receiving the vaccine. Long an appointment. work to offset any potential back- before COVID-19, people have Vaccine rollout over the past up larger pharmacies may experi- been skeptical of vaccines and Courtesy of Unsplash couple of months has gone slow- ence. Locally-owned pharmacies mistrust their use. Independent pharmacies are in a position to considerably improve vaccination rates. usually have shorter wait times If anyone were to convince er than we hoped. While many country, there are states that are the vaccine, doses that are meant and have less administrative bur- people otherwise, however, it of us are frustrated, what else ahead of the curve. West Vir- to be administered to the state’s did we expect? Vaccinating an den that comes with working at a would be independent pharma- ginia, for example, has adminis- most vulnerable population. entire country is no easy task. larger company. cies. Since their relationship tered 85% of its delivered doses, While chain pharmacies out- Demand for the vaccine was There is no doubt that ma- with the community is strong which is second in the country number their independent coun- at an unprecedented high after a jor retail chains serve large and they are a trusted entity, behind North Dakota. terparts, locally-owned drug stores year of our lives was turned up- portions of the community. locally-owned pharmacies have Officials say that because have the capability to accelerate side down. Getting the American However, there are areas they the ability to encourage commu- West Virginia has relied on in- distribution across the country. people vaccinated was not made cannot reach. These gaps in nity members to get vaccinated. any easier, given that there was service can be filled by inde- In addition, there are more op- dependent drug stores, instead States should shift their focus to no plan for distribution by the pendent pharmacies. Not only portunities for patients to have of activating a federal partner- independent pharmacies and trust previous administration, ac- are locally-owned pharmacies one-on-one consultations with ship with CVS and Walgreens, in their ability to get more people cording to a Biden official. deeply connected with their their pharmacist at independent they have been able to adminis- vaccinated. Despite the current adminis- communities, but they also pharmacies, which will only ease ter more of their doses. States like West Virginia have tration’s initiative in distribut- have the capability of vaccinat- concerns patients may have. On the other hand in Okla- set the example, and it’s up to ing the vaccine, how can we fur- ing patients in their homes, as Although vaccine rollout has homa, CVS and Walgreens have the rest of us to decide if we’d ther improve vaccination rates opposed to clinics held by local been slow in many parts of the been sitting on 62,000 doses of like to follow suit. NFL continues to tackle diversity with 2021 Super Bowl performances Sarah DuJordan Representation like this is we had an unlikely duo join to- staff columnist astronomical. Many people fail gether in the singing of The Na- to realize there even is a “Black tional Anthem. Jazmine Sulli- rguably, 2020 was a National Anthem.” Unless you van and Eric Church, who both time like no other. We watched Beyonce’s ‘Homecom- come from very different musi- A often focus on the nega- ing’ on Netflix, you wouldn’t cal backgrounds put their own tive aspects of what came out even know she incorporated it spin on this duet. of that year. Although, the dis- into her 2018 Coachella set. Sullivan is an R&B singer, cussion around diversity and My parents sat there, con- while Church is a country sing- inclusion being brought to such fused as to what this perfor- er. Many mixed reviews came a spotlight in 2020 influenced mance truly meant. So, here is from this pairing, as it started many new and positive changes some background. ‘Lift Every off promising and then their at this year’s Super Bowl. De- Voice and Sing’ was originally different styles started to com- spite these new changes, we written as a poem by NAACP pete, not completely meshing still have a long way to go in the leader James Weldon Johnson. together. fight for equality, but let’s hope His brother, John Rosamond Before the highly anticipated the NFL can keep up the energy Johnson, then set it to music halftime show, Amanda Gor- (even behind the scenes). in 1899. Of course, this perfor- man delivered an original poem Starting off the night, Alicia mance was met with conflicting titled, ‘Chorus of the Captains.’ Keys serenaded us with her opinions and controversy, but She recited this poem prior to rendition of the “Black National tying this song full of rich his- the coin toss by the three people Courtesy of Unsplash Anthem,” ‘Lift Every Voice and tory and culture into something chosen as honorary captains in Sing.’ She stood surrounded by as big as the super bowl was the toss. Trimaine Davis, a Los Super Bowl LV reflected the NFL’s comittment to enhance league-wide diversity. a crowd of people, ranging in monumental. Angeles teacher; Suzie Dorner, a lines. My only complaint about anti-racism efforts. age, decked out in masks and Black female artists con- nurse, and James Martin, a vet- his performance would be tech- NFL Commissioner Roger some wearing Black Lives Mat- tinued to dominate the stage eran representing Pittsburgh. nical issues. Goodell released a video state- ter shirts. during the remaining perfor- The final performance of the Since this was completely ment committing to donating Others wore shirts with the mances. Singer H.E.R. gave a night wrapped with The Week- live, his mic had some quirks names of the victims of police goosebump-raising twist on the nd’s Super Bowl halftime show. almost making it hard to com- $250 million over a 10-year pe- brutality seen in 2020. The classic ‘America the Beautiful’ A performance completely live pletely hear him. Regardless, riod to combat systemic racism. heartfelt emotion put into the making the song her own by and not pre-recorded compared he poured $7 million of his own While acknowledging that this performance allowed you to providing a powerhouse voice to years prior finished the story money into one of the better is a positive contribution, we feel all the hurt and love she and an epic guitar solo. he established for months. halftime shows, in my opinion. must not forget this is also the has for her community. She She did not miss a beat with People are always very harsh The Super Bowl saw a lot of same organization that nearly ended the Black national an- this rendition. Many deemed and critical of any halftime progression in its representation them sitting at a purple piano, this as the best performance of show, but I thought The Week- of Black artists and anti-racism four years ago punished NFL surrounded by people joining the night, to which I would agree. nd gave us quite the show de- efforts. Despite these acts, the player Colin Kaepernick for his her on the field. Preceding her appearance, spite COVID-19 safety guide- NFL has a long way to go with its acts of peaceful protest. Opinions February 11, 2021 6 FEATURES DUKE SERIES: MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS Mother-daughter duo inspires art with pottery studio Gillian Fitzgerald how crucial yet challenging it can be for small staff writer businesses to create a customer base when first starting out. ottery, canvas, glass, oh my! Kolor-N-Kiln has moved studios four times At Kolor-N-Kiln, located in the Rob- over the years, so they had to learn who their inson Mall, there’s not much you can’t audience is and depend on their growing P customer base as they settled into their cur- paint or create. The mother-daughter duo, Jeaniane and rent studio at Robinson. No matter the space Alyson Blackburn, opened up their pottery they’ve been in, the staff has been able to con- studio in 2012 as a way to spend more time to- nect with their customers while remaining one gether through something they love doing. of only two minority-owned pottery studios in The Pittsburgh natives used to paint pottery the area. as a hobby when Alyson was younger, and as As a small-Black owned business, they are always excited to see different artists coming soon as she was out of college it became a busi- into the store and the amazing things they ness opportunity for the two of them. create — whether it be mosaics, wood paint- “I had just retired from my corporate job and ings or their new clay-building creations com- really didn’t know what I was going to do, and ing in the summer. it just came up in casual conversation about “We don’t shy away from the fact that we are opening a business together. She kept going, a minority-owned business. We celebrate that, ‘Mom, I thought we were going to do this,’” Courtesy of Kolor-N-Kiln because we know that we are one of the only Jeaniane said. “I retired in February, April two minority-owned paint-your-own pottery Kolor-N-Kiln, located in the Robinson Mall, is one of only two minority-owned pottery studios in the area. we had a conversation and in June, voila, we studios around doing everything that we do,” pottery studio will leave a legacy for Alyson’s opened our business.” ists and different techniques,” Jeaniane said. Jeaniane said. That inspiration in art is important for Jea- future family. The fast track to their studio was the perfect The two women constantly celebrate the niane personally, but it’s also important for “My favorite thing about being one of the way to make it happen. And now, the familial diverse backgrounds of their customers and her as a business owner. Just as Jeaniane was owners is that I am leaving a legacy for my experiences at the store are a reflection of their staff. And during Black History Month, Kolor- inspired by her daughter Alyson to start Kol- daughter,” Jeaniane said. “For her and I to do desire for customers to feel at home during N-Kiln is using its Instagram and Facebook to or-N-Kiln, her inspiration and passion to suc- this together … and one day, when I’m gone, their time at Kolor-N-Kiln. highlight Black artists by sharing facts and pro- ceed also comes from a simple piece of advice: she’ll be able to tell her children about this.” Not only has the pottery studio brought Jea- files throughout history. Dream big. niane and Alyson closer, it also brings others Different types of techniques or styles can “As a minority business owner, you have to T h e together. S easily get passed around or claimed by people t dream big and think out of the box. Dream as y o t “There are other pottery painting places i r as their own. By showcasing the achievements i big as you can, and look for opportunities or n e around, but the one thing we know that we’re u BLACK s and methods of Black artists, followers on so- niches where no one else is really traveling m

known for is our friendly, family-like environ- o

cial media are able to learn more about histori- that way and put your own spin on it,” Jea- VOICES f

ment. People come into our store, and they

cal sculptors and painters that they may not niane said. D

MATTER u

come back over and over again — we have q

know about. She encourages others to follow their k u c

made so many friends,” Jeaniane said. B n

’ “We always want to make sure that when dreams and make them a reality, while creat- s Jeaniane is proud to be known for their wel- people come in, they have some type of inspira- ing a space for people to express themselves at coming atmosphere, especially considering tion by letting them know about different art- Kolor-N-Kiln. She hopes the creation of their Human Rights Film Series focuses on race, violence, technology Emily Ambery at 7 p.m., and will be followed by already been an hour,” said Amber staff writer speaker Michael Seaman, an associ- Delprince, a third-year Spanish ma- ate professor at Duquesne’s Bayer jor who attended the first film. his year marks the 14th An- School of Natural and Environmen- Delprince attended the viewing nual Human Rights Film tal Sciences. for John Lewis: Get in the Way and Series (HRFS) at Duquesne. The HRFS has always been free felt that the film’s purpose was clear. T and open to the public, but with this “I thought the message was Throughout February, the Depart- ment of Modern Languages and year’s completely virtual format, the also really important because even Literatures is presenting the series series has been able to reach farther though we’re taught about some of entirely virtually. than the Duquesne and Pittsburgh the ‘big names’ that contribute to a Its theme, “Race, Rights, and communities. movement, there’s a lot of other peo- Responsibilities,” was selected by “It’s the first time we’re experi- ple involved who usually get little-to- the HRFS Committee consisting of menting with a completely virtual no credit even though the movement German professor Edith Krause and event, and the results have been wouldn’t have been possible without Spanish professors Mark Frisch and quite favorable,” Bacarreza said. them,” Delprince said. Leonardo Bacarreza. The films focus “The virtual environment has al- The focus on human rights in the on issues of race, gun violence, the lowed us, for example, to invite Pro- Duquesne community continues consequences of technology and the fessor George Yancy from Emory, with the tradition of the HRFS, and use and misuse of gene science. and we have also expanded our inspires dialogue about the most “All these are compelling issues audience to online viewers in other critical issues facing today’s world. that have been at the forefront of universities and in the Pittsburgh “Human rights are conceivable our national discussion and our self- community.” because there is a foundational dig- understanding as a nation,” Krause Courtesy of G is for Gun Film The film series promotes diver- nity, shared by all human beings, in said. “They address both our rights sity of thought and experience. It which we need to believe,” Bacarreza G is for Gun discusses the controversial topic of teachers having guns in schools. and our responsibilities as individu- aims to reach beyond the modern said. “As language educators, we un- als and citizens.” “During the summer and fall se- manity of others and try to work to- languages department to the larg- derstand that words can and need to John Lewis: Get in the Way mester, we all watch a number of gether to solve the issues.” er campus community by engag- be used to denounce abuse, and that (2017) was streamed virtually on different films; there are some is- Death by Design (2018) will be ing students in the conversation they can also be used to build com- Feb. 1, and was followed by speaker sues that are particularly relevant in streamed on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. and through the promotion of human munity, to bring people together, to George Yancy, a professor of phi- Pittsburgh, in the country or in the will host speaker Jim Weber, who rights films followed by an interac- have intelligent discussions that ul- losophy at Emory University. G is for world, and we look for films relating is a professor of Business Ethics tive discussion with an expert on timately solidify the foundations of Gun (2018) streamed on Feb. 9, fol- to them,” Frisch said. “The human & Management at Duquesne. A the topic. society.” lowed by speaker Detective Joseph rights films series seeks to highlight Dangerous Idea: Eugenics, Ge- “It was very informational and All livestream and discussion re- Bielevicz of the Pittsburgh Police de- problems we all face or others face netics, and the American Dream emotionally engaging that when the cordings are available for viewers to partment. and ask people to recognize the hu- (2017) will be streamed on Feb. 25 hour passed, I was surprised it had watch if they missed the live event. SPORTS 7 Women’s hoops HC Dan Burt: “This is our second season”

Adam Lindner scribed below. play, they cannot play more than two or three probably about six games between now and sports editor Please note that portions of The Duke’s minutes at a time. It’s almost lent itself to a the end of the regular season, and then after conversation with Burt have been edited platoon system for this weekend (Duquesne that, it’s a third season with the conference Today marks the 25th day in a row since for brevity. plays Feb. 12 at GW, then Feb. 14 at George tournament. the Duquesne women’s basketball team last Mason). We’ll evaluate that after the week- Editor’s Note: There are 25 days between saw the court. No matter which way you slice The Duke: Personally speaking, how have end. … Instead of being able to plan things Feb. 10 and March 7. it — 600 hours, 36,000 minutes, almost four you been dealing with the pandemic? out a month in advance, a week in advance or weeks — a 25-day mid-season pause is a long Burt: You know, it’s exhausting. I’m blessed a day in advance, I literally wake up and go, The Duke: I would imagine that playing a time away from action for any team. — my family and I have not had any COVID ‘OK, until 1 o’clock, what’s going to happen? simpler style of game will be imperative giv- Heck, the last time the Dukes played, positives, whether it’s my wife’s family or my From 1 o’clock to 8 o’clock at night, what en your team’s current situation. classes hadn’t even resumed yet. Duquesne family, my children, my wife or I. We’ve all else is going to be thrown our way?’ That’s Burt: Very good observation. A simpler students now find themselves wrapping up been very blessed to be healthy. … I think the way we’ve managed. It’s very different, style [for us] will be playing a little bit more their third full week of coursework. we’ll be wearing masks this time next year, because college coaches are used to having in transition, playing with very few set rules Feb. 12’s matchup at George Washington, but hopefully we’ll have most of America vac- structure and routine, and this season is any- [in the open court] and allowing the kids to set for 5 p.m., will be the Dukes’ first contest cinated by the end of summer and we’ll be thing but routine and structure. have a great amount of freedom. That’s what since their Jan. 17 loss against La Salle. It will able to get on with our lives a little bit more our goal is. … There’s about six sets that [our also serve as an opportunity for the team to normally. … I know I just want to travel. I The Duke: What has your team been able to ac- players] know and can do them in their sleep. secure its first victory since Dec. 11, when it want to go on vacation (laughs). I know that I complish, if anything, during this pause? What We want to make sure we’ve got those six or topped St. Bonaventure for its only confer- miss live music and going to see bands. Heck, types of things have you been able to do? seven sets — really, there are probably three ence victory to date. I miss going to practice. I can’t go watch our Burt: It’s a situation where it’s small-group or four [sets] that we know can get us a good That was a whopping 62 days — or, within men’s team practice. But I understand why. workouts based on, ‘Are people healthy? Are shot any time we want. We want to know that the context of a college basketball season, ap- they testing negative? Have they tested posi- we can run those and rehearse those as we proximately two moons — ago. The Duke: You guys are set for the GW game tive in the past, and now they’re through it?’ prepare for Friday. … The simpler that you Currently sitting at 2-7 overall with a 1-4 on Friday, correct? There’s so many different protocols that we can make things, the better it is for the kids. mark in the Atlantic 10, Duquesne is mired Burt: We are going to play against George have to go through for all the different char- We’re dealing with very high-achieving in- in one of its worst seasons in recent memory, Washington. Today is the first day that we’ve acteristics that COVID presents itself with. dividuals that have had, I believe, 10 games albeit a decidedly challenging and unusual practiced with most of our team — we’re … It’s very — I don’t want to say unnerving canceled — some not because of their own one. Aside from COVID-19-related pauses, missing two starters today, but otherwise we — but it’s very different to huddle up in mid- COVID positives, but because of others’. It’s postponements and cancellations, the Dukes had most of our team at practice today for January, or even in February, and you have just been unfortunate that others have had have also dealt with a rash of injuries to key the first time in about a month. three players. It’s very different to practice to cancel games with us. That’s a very tough players, including all-league guard Libby Ba- two days before you play a game and see that thing from a mental health standpoint, when zelak (played 11 minutes in her first game of The Duke: What can you say about your you have 11 players today that will be hav- you’ve been jerked around and you have the season Jan. 17 after missing the first eight team’s conditioning level after such a ing their first practice together as a team in games canceled three hours before you’re with an injury) and guard Amanda Kalin, who lengthy pause? weeks. It’s going to be very challenging, but supposed to play. You fly to Saint Louis and was enjoying a standout year before she suf- Burt: It’s a situation where you are not go- that’s not just a Duquesne thing. George you’re supposed to play in two days — and fered a season-ending injury at Dayton Jan. 3. ing to be in shape and your level of condi- Washington is coming off of a pause tomor- you’re in St. Louis — and the game gets can- Sitting near the bottom of the A-10’s tioning is going to be varied amongst your row, so I have no idea how they’ve been prac- celed. I tell people, ‘We are not going off to standings with roughly one month remain- players, because some of them have been ticing. Who knows who’s available to them war. We are not dodging bullets.’ But it is a ing in the regular season, it would be fair to in isolation or quarantine longer than oth- from a player standpoint? You almost can’t very taxing mental health situation because posit that the Dukes have their work cut out ers. Some of that has been significant. Then, do much from a scouting perspective — you you have such high-achieving individuals. for them if they’re to salvage their campaign. there’s the role that genetics plays in getting look at George Washington and you don’t We have tried to remain happy and hope- Never mind that. back into shape. We are constantly evaluat- know who’s available. They haven’t played ful and celebrate all the little victories; little In Head Coach Dan Burt’s mind, its first ing them individually through practice to since Feb. 1. You have to go with what they’ve victories are when we all test negative. We season is done. Season No. 2, Burt says, be- see where they are and communicating with done in the past, but your greater focus has celebrate that. I imagine I’m going to call gins Friday in the nation’s capital. them, because we want to ramp [condition- to be on yourself and your players. How can a timeout on Friday if we go on a short run Approximately three weeks from now, ing efforts] up slowly to avoid soft-tissue in- we run and execute what we do at the high- and say, ‘Hey, doesn’t that feel good? We just Burt hopes the team’s third season will be juries. … Today, we managed to scrimmage est level that we can in the condition that hit back-t0-back threes. Man, let’s celebrate beginning — at the A-10 tournament in Rich- full-court for about five minutes, and we we’re in? … We are 0-0. This is our second that for 30 seconds!’ We have to do that. We mond, Va., that is. have to play on Friday. When we play, you’re season, and that’s how we are approaching can’t do those things off the court now; we Following the team’s first (nearly) full probably looking at a situation where you’re it. It will be anywhere between five and seven can’t build camaraderie because we can’t be practice in weeks on Wednesday, Burt took going to ask your better-conditioned players games, and then we hope that we are playing around one another off the floor. ... the time to speak with The Duke over the to play three or four — maybe five minutes on March 7 in the conference championship phone. Burt spoke about the team’s elongat- — at a time, and the majority of players are [game]. That is our goal. We have 28 days To read The Duke’s conversation with ed pause, its day-to-day goals and Bazelak’s going to see two to three minutes at a time. from today until March 7, and our focus is Burt in its entirety, please visit our return to full health in the conversation tran- If they’re playing as hard as we need them to on Friday. It is understanding that we’ve got website at www.duqsm.com.

Men’s Basketball A-10 Standings Women’s Basketball A-10 Standings

Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak Next Rank Team Conf. Overall Streak Next

1. St. Bonaventure 8-2 10-2 W1 2/12 at VCU 1. Dayton 9-0 10-1 W9 2/12 vs. Richmond 2. VCU 7-2 14-4 W4 2/12 vs. St. Bonaventure 2. Richmond 7-2 10-4 W4 2/12 at Dayton 3. Davidson 6-2 10-5 W4 2/17 vs. Duquesne 3. Fordham 7-2 10-3 W4 2/12 vs. Saint Joseph’s 4. UMass 6-2 7-4 W2 2/24 at Saint Joseph’s 4. VCU 7-2 9-7 W3 2/12 at Saint Louis 5. Richmond 4-2 10-4 W1 2/14 vs. St. Mary’s (Md.) 5. Rhode Island 8-3 8-6 L1 2/18 at Duquesne 6. Dayton 7-5 11-6 L1 2/16 at Rhode Island 6. Saint Louis 5-3 7-3 W3 2/12 vs. VCU 7. Duquesne 6-5 7-6 W3 2/17 at Davidson 7. UMass 6-4 10-5 L3 2/26 vs. VCU 8. Saint Louis 2-2 9-3 W2 2/13 at Fordham 8. La Salle 5-7 9-10 L2 2/12 at Davidson

9. George Mason 5-6 9-8 W1 2/20 at VCU 9. Saint Joseph’s 3-5 5-5 L4 2/12 at Fordham

10. Rhode Island 6-8 9-12 L4 2/16 vs. Dayton 10. Davidson 3-6 6-9 L6 2/12 vs. La Salle 11. G. Washington 2-3 3-9 L2 2/17 vs. Saint Joseph’s 11. St. Bonaventure 3-8 4-10 W2 2/12 at George Mason 12. La Salle 5-8 8-12 L2 2/16 at Saint Louis 12. Duquesne 1-4 2-7 L6 2/12 at G. Washington 13. Fordham 2-10 2-10 L1 2/13 vs. Saint Louis 13. G. Washington 1-9 4-12 L5 2/12 vs. Duquesne 14. Saint Joseph’s 0-9 1-14 L6 2/17 at G. Washington 14. George Mason 0-10 3-14 L10 2/12 vs. St. Bonaventure 8 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Penguins task Hextall, Burke with leading team Jacob Hebda On Feb. 9, the Penguins officially intro- team defensemen with five points. draft selections in Philadelphia, and duced Ron Hextall as his replacement. Kris Letang and John Marino, when the moves he made to earn them, were staff writer Hextall was the Flyers’ GM from 2014- healthy, have been uneven. Injuries to de- impressive. 18. During his tenure in Philadelphia, he fensemen Brian Dumoulin and Marcus Pet- Burke has a reputation as a bold execu- After five seasons as general manager built the foundation for what has become tersson certainly haven’t helped the cause. tive, unafraid to make moves he believes in. of the Penguins, Jim Rutherford abruptly a Stanley Cup contender. Meanwhile, the goaltending tandem The Penguins seem to hope the two announced his resignation on Jan. 27. The Flyers are currently tied for first of Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith has will strike a winning balance — Hextall Rutherford, the architect behind the place in the NHL’s East Division. Many of been a downright disaster. Neither goalie as a risk-averse roster developer, Burke 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup-winning the team’s core players, including Travis holds a save percentage above .900. as a risk-taker willing to make deals that Penguins, cited personal reasons for his Sanheim, Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny, Jarry, an All-Star last season, possesses a could put the team over the top. departure. Regardless of his motivation, Carter Hart, Nolan Patrick and Joel Fara- 3.95 goals against average. In a shortened 56-game season, time the choice left Pittsburgh scrambling. bee, were drafted by Hextall. Simply put, as things stand now, the is already running out for the Penguins. The team has experienced little post- Despite collecting a promising pool of Penguins are a far cry from true Stanley If the team fails to reverse its woes, the season success in the wake of those back- talent, Hextall’s Flyers failed to achieve the Cup contention. The championship win- offseason could mark the beginning of a to-back titles. Mike Sullivan’s team has success that ownership desired. Philadelphia dow may still be open, but a major over- dramatic makeover. won only one playoff series in the past never advanced past the first round under haul seems necessary to reach that point. Until that time comes, the jury on Hex- three years. his leadership, and he was fired in 2018. The next few months will be telling tall and Burke will remain out. Those lackluster results have carried As an assistant GM with the Los Angeles for the franchise. A turnaround may These hires are not quite a shot in the over into this season, as the Penguins Kings, Hextall won a Stanley Cup in 2012. spur renewed championship aspirations. dark, but rather — if you will — a shot in currently sit at 5-5-1. With massive Joining Hextall in Pittsburgh as president Continued issues could portend the exact the dusk. The aim behind these moves changes possibly looming, Rutherford of hockey operations will be Brian Burke. opposite. is visible but still unclear. Whether they stepped down a mere seven games into Burke has held management positions That is the dilemma Hextall and Burke prove effective is anyone’s guess. the season. with several NHL franchises, including inherit. Based on their respective track re- In the meantime, I recommend heeding the Canucks, Maple Leafs and Flames. cords though, there is reason for optimism. the advice of a beloved Penguin playoff His results have varied, but he won a Hextall is a noted team-builder. His slogan —“Buckle up, baby!” Stanley Cup in 2007 as GM of the Ana- heim Ducks. With the hires now official, Hextall and Burke will be tasked with addressing some significant quandaries. A middling campaign thus far puts the Penguins in a precarious position. Pittsburgh remains in the postseason race with its decent record, but further analy- sis reveals a team in trouble. The Penguins have won only once in regulation this season and their -8 goal dif- ferential ranks last in the division. With a power play percentage of 13.9%, Pittsburgh’s man-advantage ranks 21st in the league. Sidney Crosby leads the team with an unimpressive nine points. Crosby, a two- time Art Ross Trophy winner, currently ranks 81st in points across the entire NHL. Evgeni Malkin is currently riding a three-game point streak, but he’s only Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Brian Burke, pictured here in 2009, is a long-time scored two goals all season. executive that is well respected in the hockey in- The supporting cast has, likewise, been Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons dustry. Recently hired as Pittsburgh’s president of underwhelming. Overall, the Penguins Ron Hextall — named the Penguins’ newest general manager on Feb. 9 — has his work cut out hockey operations, Burke is a close confidant to rank 18th in goals per game at 2.82. for him in Pittsburgh. He is set to inherit a talented yet aging Pittsburgh roster from former GM Jim Pens owner Mario Lemieux. Burke won a Stanley Defensively, the lone bright spot may Rutherford, who abruptly resigned from his post roughly two weeks ago. Hextall, pictured here during Cup as GM of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. be Pierre-Olivier Joseph. The rookie leads his playing days, is regarded as one of the best goaltenders in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers. Montour O-lineman McLaurin set to bolster Dukes in trenches Brentaro Yamane I football. It is something that I’ve always Montour and is close with McLaurin. When protection and keeping my weight distrib- staff writer wanted to do, and I kept working to achieve he asked Macek for more information about uted on my feet,” McLaurin said. that goal,” he said. Duquesne’s football program, McLaurin For McLaurin, he is focused on finishing Luckily for McLaurin, his dreams of play- liked what he heard. the rest of his senior year of high school as It’s a common refrain: Children watch an ing Division I football are coming true. “I asked Roman what the atmosphere of he will graduate in June. But, once he grad- NFL game on television and suddenly think He has started on both the offensive and de- the team was like, and he told me that he uates from Montour, all he will be focusing to themselves, “I want to play football.” fensive lines for Montour for three straight sea- loved it and that it was electric. He said that on is providing an impact for Duquesne’s Montour High School senior Cameron sons (2018-20), but he was not getting much he loves being there and wouldn’t change football team. McLaurin was one of those little kids want- attention earlier on in his high school career. his decision to go there. He always tells me “I am very excited to get to Duquesne, ing to play football after watching the first In April, following his junior year at how great of a school it is,” McLaurin said. to compete, and to get to know my team- game that he could remember. He fell in Montour, McLaurin received his first -Di McLaurin is a two-time WPIAL 4-A All- mates,” McLaurin said. “I’m looking for- love with the game, and he started playing vision I offer from St. Francis (Pa.). He Conference First Team selection on both ward to the college atmosphere and playing football at the tender age of 8-years-old. also had offers from James Madison and the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. football at a higher level.” He’s grown even more attached to the Dayton. However, when Duquesne offered In his senior season at Montour in 2020, he game since then. McLaurin this past October, little did the recorded 45 tackles with 13 of those for loss. “I started playing when I was 8-years- Duquesne football coaching staff know that He signed his National Letter of Intent on old because I loved to watch football on TV he would eventually choose their program. Feb. 3, officially making him a Duke. and I fell in love with the game after that,” “The combination of amazing academ- While McLaurin played two positions McLaurin said. ics and great football made them stand out in high school, he will only play one posi- Given the fact he’s played football for over for me,” said McLaurin, who plans on ma- tion at the collegiate level: Offensive line. 10 years by now and has continued to work joring in finance. “What made me choose Duquesne’s coaches liked what they saw hard, it eventually led others to believe he Duquesne was the opportunity to go play from him on the O-line, but he knows there could have the ability to play football at the great football and get a degree that will help is room for improvement in his style of play. college level. me in the future.” “My strengths are my hand placement “Since I played middle school football, I Current Duquesne offensive lineman Ro- and my first two steps off the ball. Some Courtesy of Duquesne Athletics have always thought about playing Division man Macek played high school football at things I need to improve on are my pass Head Coach Jerry Schmitt during a 2019 game.

February 11, 2021 sports ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 9 Super Bowl halftime show sparks commentary week’s capri scarcelli events a&e writer t doesn’t matter who performs, what they sing, what they wear Valentine Bingo Ior how they dance — there is Feb. 12 @ 7-8:30 p.m. always going to be extensive criti- cism when it comes to the Super Go to the Office of Residence Bowl halftime show. Life to sign up for an in-person, Taking the field in “blinding Valentine's bingo tournament lights,” The Weeknd performed a at the MPR! Prizes and snacks soloist repertoire that progressed provided. 25 person limit. in a narrative he has been brew- ing for months since the release DPC Film Series: of his 2020 album, After Hours. The Proposal Each dancer wore a bandaged Feb. 12, @ 7 p.m. mask that covered the whole face except for the eyes, setting an Go to room 105 at College Hall ominous tone and making the for a Valentine's movie with choreography appear ritualistic friends! 25 person limit. and borderline satanic. This was done to visualize the plights of Hollywood’s expecta- tions, and how conformity forces celebrities to execute multiple “versions” of themselves throughout their career, hence the plas- tic surgery motif throughout the course of the show. The dancers Katia faroun / features editor upcoming reflected this notion as the choir RnB artist The Weeknd passionately performs his old hits and newer works alike, leaving audiences in wonder. and instrumentalists in the sta- room, running through hallways members, skating away from his to “Blinding Lights.” releases dium seats were the jeering audi- with a poor-quality fish lens in hit singles and focusing more on This song topped the charts ences he faces in real life. selfie-mom mode. This, of course, the plotline he was trying to tell. for four weeks straight, and for From violin soloists to animat- With the background perform- good reason. Catchy, blaring and Judas and the Black Messiah took straight to Twitter with a Friday, Feb. 12th ed backup vocalists, the sit-down stream of memes, becoming the ers echoing the somber energy, bright, the chorus swelled with performers were much like on- official Super Bowl LV highlight there was much detail to pay energy, though the choreography Petty criminal William O'Neal lookers, overseeing The Weeknd’s with humorous close-up shots of attention to, but so subtle it was consisted of simple sixth grade is faced with prison for betray- performance as he theatrically The Weeknd’s face later used as hard to tell what was being con- chorus pivots. Surely this put ing the Black Panther Party presented himself as if he was the reaction photos. veyed. The Weeknd was portray- more focus on his vocals, but I’m and his now assassinated only one on that field. This set the stage for “Can’t ing an image of loneliness in confused as to why there seemed partner Fred Hampton. If he The set was simplistic, though Feel My Face,” where The the music industry and how he to be no effort put into this per- gives the FBI intel, however, got the job done. This garnered Weeknd then got swarmed by the worked his way from the bottom formance. he can be set free. some backlash for how gaudy bandaged dancers, dizzying audi- to the top, but it flew over the In fact, The Weeknd spent $7 the stadium usually is for Super ences as they ran circles around audience’s heads. How can we million of his own money to pre- Music Bowl shows, but The Weeknd him like wasps on the prowl. be distracted by such simplicity? pare for this night, so where did Friday, Feb. 5th said he was “looking to tell a I certainly laughed a lot at this Was that done on purpose for the the money go? A musical/drama directed by story.” Not like he had much of part, but I think it fit the buzzing message he was trying to convey? He sang without pre-record- an option anyway, since people pop artist Sia, this movie is energy of the song. Before we could even question ings or autotune, but you couldn’t about a now-sober girl who is seem to forget we’re still in the Returning to the stage, The it, the music seems to abruptly hear him through the mic. to take care of her half-sister, midst of a pandemic. Weeknd kept the middle of the shift gears into the lulling, yet His dancers were in perfect Music, who is autistic. Starting the halftime show with setlist simple and traditional in eerie “House of Balloons/Glass sync, but I’ve done more com- “Starboy,” the bright red lighting, style, treating the show like a reg- Table Girls.” It truly seemed like plicated work in my days in the choreography and vocals were ular performance rather than gar- a scene out of Michael Jackson’s drama guild ensemble. bold, setting the bar high to care- nishing it with elaborate props, “Thriller,” music video, but more The sit-down choir/instrumen- capri's fully transition to his older hit, costume changes or daring chore- unsettling and synchronized into talists were cool in theory, but “The Hills.” ography, hence the transition to chaos. The dancers took up the why were they bouncing around complaints By this point, the stage goes “I Feel It Coming.” whole field as the instrumental- awkwardly and taking away from mostly dark, focusing on The I think he did this to allude ists swooned in the background, the precision of the performance? Duquesne fun comes unprepared Weeknd’s chilling lower range to a sense of normalcy with per- with The Weeknd passing through The Weeknd wanted to tell a and calculated movement, almost forming outside of the pandemic the center of the choreography story, but he chose the wrong Advertised for over a week, St. Martin Hall mechanical. Oddly enough and again, which many artists have almost strutting, like he was lead- audience to tell it to; beer-bellied planned to host a pizza giveaway held in awkwardly timed, he paused the been longing for. ing an apocalyptic battle cry. dads and TikTok teenagers don’t the MPR for Super Bowl pregame: $2 for show to make a point of him The cityscape background with Super Bowl viewers aren’t always have the greatest atten- a slice and $10 for a whole pizza. The sale walking off the field into a ran- the glittering lights, paired with really used to anything but feel- tion-to-detail skills. was supposed to start at 5:30, and the dom exit, which confused audi- his sparkly red suit made for a good moments in a halftime Perhaps us not understanding email did say first come first serve, while ences and made people feel like great pair in both “Save Your show performance, so this came was the whole point he was trying supplies last. the show was already over. Tears” and “Earned It.” as a shock to viewers — espe- to make: The struggle of making However, The Weeknd finds These two songs were more cially when the circling dancers music an art again is more preva- However, I didn't intend for the pizza to be himself in a gold-metallic mirror for himself than for the audience and chorusing echo transitioned lent now than ever. gone before the event even started!

Obviously it was a good deal and a lot of people wanted to buy, but you can't just order 10 pizzas and offer it to the entire campus via email - pizza is a sensitive Valentines from The Duke subject, people! Though a kind gesture, Duquesne To: From: To: From: To: From: To: From: programs have to make sure they com- pensate for the audience they advertise Can we kiss... Oh valentine... you are Your eyes twinkle like the Are you COVID? Be- to, making sure I can get my pizza when I with masks on? beautiful AND new Duke mascot <3 cause you make me feel show up early :) Duquesneable! crazy ;) -Capri Scarcelli 10 THEDUQUESNEDUKE 'iCarly' makes surprise comeback with revival series rio scarcelli “I started out as a child actor... staff writer that certainly lent some psycho- logical trauma (sound guys can be any children and young especially creepy!)” McCurdy said. adults growing up in Despite her outside success, M the 2010s could have McCurdy said she felt ashamed also associated that time with of “90% of her resume” and ulti- the now Nickelodeon classic tele- mately unfulfilled, so she turned to vision series iCarly. With the alcohol; but since that didn't work, show’s five-year run coming to an she quit acting and began pursu- end in 2012, Netflix has recently ing writing/directing in 2017. aired the first two seasons of the “There was something about show in preparations for a spinoff the shallowness of my success series to be released on the new that made me resent it. That re- courtesey of nickelodeon press streaming service Paramount+. The iCarly cast returns to television with new streaming options and an additional installment of the series. sentment festered, providing iCarly follows teenager Carly second most-viewed telecast in the new platform Paramont+, a friend Gibby Gibson. even more fuel for my disordered Shay (Miranda Cosgrove) as she Nickelodeon history. bulk of episodes are scheduled While Noah Munck was not a eating. I actively began to engage navigates high school while si- For nostalgic teens, it may to be released on the streaming main character and can be ex- in anorexic behavior again,” Mc- multaneously running a hit web have been no surprise to see the service’s premiere as an added cluded in the reboot, McCurdy Curdy said. show called “iCarly” that updates show air again on Netflix. The selling-point. played a pivotal role in contrast- Her exposure of how she people on her life. With the help first two seasons debuted on Feb. While not much is known ing Cosgrove’s meek, sweet- viewed her experiences during of her best friend Sam Puckett 8 with Netflix waiting to com- about how the show’s plot line heart archetype. Her brazen at- the times of iCarly and Sam and (Jennette McCurdy), her cam- ment on whether or not they will span out, it is said to be fol- titude brought juxtaposition to Cat have also gotten her to allude eraman Freddy Benson (Nathan will be releasing seasons three lowing Carly through her 20s, the show that no other charac- to the fact that she would prefer Kress) and her older brother through six to complete the rest taking a lot more risks than they ter could provide as Shay’s best to step out of the spotlight in the Spencer Shay (Jerry Trainor), of the series. Until then, fans can could have on Nickelodeon’s TV- friend and internet co-star. Mc- future whenever it comes to act- the four were able to create enjoy seasons one and two along- Y7 rating. Curdy has yet to release any of- ing. While it is unknown wheth- countless stories all filled with side spinoff show Sam and Cat The cast has been posting up- ficial statements as to whether or er she is involved in this new their characteristically random seasons one through three. dates on the progression of the not she will be a part of the show; installment, her role in the show humor throughout. Because iCarly was a show show as script-writing, filming she is not seen in Paramount+’s will be missed by fans; the writ- Starring as Megan in Drake heavily anticipated by its view- and producing ensues. cast photos that were released of ers, I’m sure, are actively work- & Josh, iCarly was Cosgrove’s ers to be put onto Netflix, many Excitement for the revival has on-set rehearsals. ing around this to fill in the gaps breakthrough as a main role. fans are wondering why now is rippled amongst the show’s fans, Although she has provided no that McCurdy provided. While the show received mixed the time they chose to do it. On but many are asking the same explicit reasoning as to why she As of now the show’s specific views from critics, the sitcom Jan. 27, Cosgrove took to Insta- question of who is actually in- would not be on the show, there's air-date is unknown; until then, resonated with fans which can gram to post a picture amongst volved. Cosgrove, Kress and Train- speculation about prior state- people can choose to occupy be shown within their ratings. her former co-stars to announce or have all openly advertised about ments that the star has made on their nostalgia with the first two The most viewed iCarly episode, the fact that a reboot of the se- the reboot, however no word has her website jennettemccurdy. seasons of iCarly in preparation “iSaved Your Life,” garnered ries would officially be releas- come out from McCurdy or Noah com in regards to her experienc- for future works. 11.2 million views: making it the ing in 2021. In conjunction with Munck: recurring actor for Carly’s es with childhood acting.

New 'Wandavision' episodes astound viewers griffin sendek brought (or ‘blipped’ as the show left you frustrated with its dearth multimedia editor calls it) back. This time, it’s from of meaningful answers and lost as the perspective of Monica Ram- to where the show was possibly andaVision episodes 4 and 5 beau (Teyonah Parris), remate- headed — episode 4, thankfully, Wtransform the show from an rializing in a hospital that in the bucks this trend. entertaining yet perplexing ride moment of return is thrown into Episode 4 puts context to the with a hint of intrigue to some of complete chaos. This opening is seemingly confusing choice to fo- the best content in the Marvel Cin- a glimpse into what kind of trau- cus so entirely on the sitcom ele- ematic Universe. matic impact everyone returning ments from the previous episodes. This episode bundle begins and from the blip might have had on Darcy (Kat Dennings) discovers ends on extremely high notes. the world — it’s a look into the that the barrier around Westview Episode 4’s cold open is one of the average human perspective which is emitting a broadcast frequency, best of the MCU, and episode 5’s is so often overlooked and over- when she tunes in with a vintage ending reveal is not only a para- shadowed in the larger-than-life television the sitcom begins to digm shift for the series — but it superhero storylines. play. This places the characters changes the franchise forever. “We Interrupt This Program” in the same shoes that we were as WandaVision Episode 4 “We breaks the formula of previous viewers, watching the show Wan- courtesy of disney Interrupt This Program” kicks chapters, taking place almost en- da is putting on and asking many The Marvel Cinematic Universe adds to the drama with new Wandavision episodes. off with the moment from Aveng- tirely outside of the sitcom world. of the same questions. as-always production design and Elizabeth Olsen conveys beau- ers: Endgame that everyone is If the previous three installments This episode ushers in the re- costuming, capturing the look and tifully how lost the character of turn of Darcy from the first two feel of shows such as Full House. Wanda truly is, how much it pains Thor films, as well as Agent Jimmy The show is now split between the her to keep secrets from Vision Woo (Randall Park), the endear- sitcom and the characters in the but knowing full well, this painful ing FBI agent from Ant Man and outside world, giving ample time fabricated reality is the only one in The Wasp. for both. which she can live a life with the These Marvel television shows As Vision uncovers more secrets man she loves. are a perfect opportunity to ex- and Wanda’s grip on this fabri- The last moments of episode plore and flesh outside characters cated “perfect” reality continues 5 are jaw-dropping and world- that only have a limited screen to slip, the tension between the breaking in a way that I’ve never time in the films. WandaVision characters comes to a boil. These seen in any form of media. What uses Darcy and Agent Woo el- moments are where the episode this moment will mean for the re- egantly — it’s lovely that these shines the brightest. mainder of the show and the rest characters have not been tossed to Paul Bettany continues to com- of the MCU from this point for- the wayside. pletely steal the show every minute ward remains to be seen. “On a Very Special Episode” he’s on screen. It’s clear through WandaVision has been a wild begins in somewhat of a return his performance that Vision’s fits and confusing ride, but I know for to normalcy for WandaVision, of rage are not seeded in anger but a fact that I will be tuning in on courtesy of disney utter confusion and loss at the se- Friday to see what the next install- Wandavision picks up the pace, adding action to the sitcom-driven plot. opening in the sitcom world, this time set in the '80s with beautiful- crets Wanda is keeping from him. ment has to offer.

February 11, 2021 arts & entertainment THE LAST WORD 11 Over 21- Enjoy Responsibly

Under 21- Zero Tolerance

Did you know?

Alcohol use and abuse is common in incidents of dating violence and sexual violence.

In fact, Alcohol is involved in 80% of unwanted sexual activity in college students.*

Be safe this Valentine’s Day, and break the chains of A reminder from du cares alcohol-related dating violence! @du_cares

This program is made possible through a grant funded by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control board. *Dating violence among college students. Iconis, rosemary. Contemporary issues in education research, vol. 6, no. 1, 2013. The opinions and statements expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the PLCB. Follow us on Instagram @TheDuquesneDuke

The Duquesne Duke supports local businesses Visit our Subscribe to website at The duqsm.com Duquesne LISTEN Duke LIVE 24/7 Today! ADVERTISE WITH US DUQSM.COM/ TODAY! WDSR/ 12 THEDUQUESNEDUKE Anyone Can Become Addicted. Anyone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, reach out.

Become a nurse in as little as 12 months. You matter.

Choosing to become a nurse, even after earning a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

Attend a Virtual Second Degree BSN Information Session. PA Resources Duquesne Resources Wednesday, Feb. 24

10 a.m. - Noon PAstop.org DU Cares- [email protected]

Text “PA” to 741-741 Counseling & Wellbeing Center- 412-396-6204

Get Help Now: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Health Services- 412-396-1650

duq.edu/second-degree-info Campus Ministry- 412-396-6020

Message brought to you by DU Cares with funds from the PA Dept. of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) @DU_Cares

The WW Teaching Fellowship offers...

• a $32,000 stipend • a master’s degree • a pathway to teacher certification • ongoing mentoring

Use your science, technology, engineering, or math degree to teach students in high-need schools in Pennsylvania.

Apply by March 1 ctzn-schlr.org/teach