The Alvernian: Vol 59 Issue 6

The GreaT ChrisTmas DebaTe

Five Reasons It Is Never Too Early To Celebrate Christmas

“Too Early For Christmas”: The Christmas Creep

Mies Peter Smith Managing Editor Contributing Writer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There is a certain type of magic that just fills the air during Christmas time. People seem happier, families get together, and joyous music fills every radio. Why should we limit this joy solely to the month of December? The joy of Christmas should not be limited to 25 days. Each year, the season seems to go by quicker and quicker. With all there is to do, why not give yourself more time?

Junior Olivia Blockberger, an avid supporter of Christmas, said, “Christmas is a time to celebrate family and to spread kindness to others so it’s never too early to start spreading joy to yourself and others.”

It is never too early to start celebrating Christmas. I usually begin my holiday adventure the day after Halloween. Some wait until after Thanksgiving, but the delay is a subjective idea. There is no definitive start to the holiday season. Whenever the mood strikes is when you should hang your stockings. There are plenty of grinches who will try to break the spirit and tell you it is “too early” or “not the right time.” Here are five undeniable reasons that Christmas starts according to your calendar.

1. Christmas really does bring joy to the world.

Christmas is psychologically proven to make you happy. The levels of nostalgia bring a certain feeling of joy. The old movies, songs,

and traditions will make your heart skip a beat. The winter months can be depressing for many, but Christmas is the light at the end of the tunnel. According to Inverse, putting up Christmas decorations early can create positive emotions and feelings of satisfaction. 1

2.The weather outside is already frightful. Especially here in Pennsylvania, the temperature drops very fast, very quickly. At the feeling of the first cold breeze, it is normal to feel like cuddling up with a hot chocolate and a good Christmas film. This October was one of the coldest months on record. Snowfall is also common in October and November. Don’t resist the jolly feeling that comes with cold weather and snowfall.

3. You’ll have more time to have yourself a merry little Christmas. There are a lot of requirements throughout the holiday season. Everyone needs to shop for presents, decorate the house, 1 https://www.inverse. com/mind-body/why-celebratingchristmas-is-good-for-your-mentalhealth

I love it when it gets close to the holiday season. As soon as Thanksgiving is over with, I jump right into that jolly spirit! Seeing snow and shiny lights everywhere warms my heart. However, when Walmart starts promoting Santa Claus in late September or mid-October, I begin to ask a few questions.

The phenomenon known as Christmas creep seems to worsen every year. The “creep” is the trend of department stores and businesses extending the holiday season, putting out their Christmas decorations earlier and earlier each year. However, this is not a good thing, as Merriam-Webster pointed out in a Words We’re Watching overview. According to the dictionary’s website, “It seems to never be employed in celebratory fashion, but rather functions as a shorthand for the existential dread and disgust that many people feel at the apparent increasing commercialization and banality of the season.”

Can you blame people for feeling like Ebenezer Scrooge when they see holiday iconography

all over the place these days? Some companies want to cash in on “the most wonderful time of the year” with big savings and cheery music over the loudspeakers. Peace, joy, and kindness seem to come across only as hearing “All I Want for Christmas is You” in October.

Amazon’s home page is already telling me to shop for Christmas gifts, along with an image of a stereotypically happy family, a decorated tree, and a fruitcake. I have already done my Christmas shopping, but it was not because of my enjoyment of the holiday season approaching. That was more out of paranoia over things like financial troubles or shipping delays. I like to be on top of things... and yet I was crept upon anyway.

Not only is capitalism and shoehorning a problem, but the mixture of holidays annoys some people. For me, I like to get into the Christmas spirit right after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, sometimes a little earlier. But it always bugs me when Rudolph and Frosty overshadow the entire Halloween holiday. I adore Halloween too, and I would much rather hear “Grim Grinning Ghosts” on the radio this time of year than “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

In some regions, Christmas creep may start even earlier! In an article for the British publication website,

Jeffery Dahmer Series

Heath for Finals

Red October

Sarah

People celebrating Christmas in a fully decorated town.

Credit: Alsu vershinina via Unsplash.com

ChrisTmas DebaTe

the alvernian

Managing Editor

Sarah Mies

Section

Five Reasons It Is Never Too Early To Celebrate Christmas

Editors

Sarah Mies

Laura Nentwig

Ashley Rogers

Weasner

Jennifer

Contributing Writers

M.J. Brown

Kevaughn Ferguson

Kevin Kazokas

Yesenia Maldonado

Teresa Marsh

Sarah Mies

Tony Mongeluzi

Laura Nentwig

Ashley Rogers

Dane Sabarese

Peter Smith

Sherrin Smith

Jennifer Weasner

Layout

Sarah Mies

Faculty Adviser

Ryan Lange

The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.

To contact newspaper staff, the office telephone number is 610-796-8358.

Articles submitted for consideration into The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style. Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to ryan.lange@alvernia.edu.

The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length.

The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors.

bake cookies, and pick out a tree. This all can be very timeconsuming. On top of the mandatory tasks, there are also festive activities that many want to partake in, but don’t have time for. These include going to see Christmas lights, watching Christmas movies, going to Christmas plays or concerts, and building a gingerbread house. Giving yourself an extra month or two (or three) gives you ample time to do everything you want to get done. The earlier you start celebrating, the more magic you can fit into the season.

4. Let the Herald Angels Sing. It is universally acknowledged that Christmas music brings joy and happiness. There is a wide array of songs to choose from and only a short amount of time to listen and enjoy them. Holiday tunes should not be limited to when the radio plays them. With YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, the joyful sounds of the Christmas season are available year-round.

Talia Galbreath, junior at Alvernia, said, “As soon as Halloween is over, I put on Michael Bublé’s Christmas, the deluxe 10th anniversary edition and decorate my room.” Feel free to enjoy them whenever you like, there are no limitations!

5.Don’t stress like you did Last Christmas. More time also equals less stress. The Christmas season passes in the blink of an eye and the holiday rush can be stressful for some people. Giving yourself more time to enjoy the holidays without the panic of last-minute shopping and baking can lower stress levels and let you relax more. Getting Christmas tasks done early also gives you more time to spend with the people you love who bring you joy.

There are countless reasons that it is never too early to celebrate Christmas. It is up to you entirely! If Christmas brings you as much joy as it brings me, put up that tree today.

Too Early For Christmas: The Christmas Creep

The Spectator, Sarah Rainey writes about how the Christmas season has snuck into August! Rainey says, “School is still out for summer. The sun is shining. There are 118 days until 25 December. I’m no Grinch, but I can’t even begin to think about Christmas until I’m wearing a jumper and drinking toffee-nut lattes.”

Is there anything that can be done to stop this? Well... no. This is something our corporate culture has embraced to sell more products and give people that warm feeling. By the time December rolls around, those same people will be sick of seeing Christmas stuff everywhere. The best thing we can do is ignore it or laugh at it. To be truthful, it may be obnoxious, but it can also be funny sometimes.

In the TV special It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!, the Peanuts gang visit the store for eggs and find a winter wonderland. “It’s

Easter, and they already have their Christmas decorations up!” Sally said. We should prepare our cookies and eggnog in case this joke ever becomes a reality.

Editor’s Book of the Month

Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe

By Melissa De La Cruz

This spoof on the classic Pride and Prejudice provides a fresh look at love during the holiday season. Cruz brings the original Pride and Prejudice characters into modern America and swaps the genders to create a whole new holiday tale.

sporTs

Bedlam at The Bank

Tony Mongeluzi Contributing Writer

For the first time in 11 years, the Philadelphia Phillies have made it to the playoffs. The past few years they’ve failed to live up to Phillies fans’’ expectations, but this season they have punched an October playoff ticket.

With most of the team from last year combined with the additions of Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, and a couple of new faces in the bullpen, the Phillies have gotten back into the postseason. The last time they made the playoffs, however, the team looked much different. Let’s look at that team and see how they stack up against this year’s roster.

The last time the Phillies made the playoffs was in 2011 when they took first in the division with a record of 102-60. This was the fifth straight NL East Championship the Phillies had won. This was also the second straight year the Phillies finished with the best record in baseball. With this record, this Phillies team broke the previous franchise record for wins.

Not only did the 2011 Phillies have the best record, but they were the best team as well. Their starting rotation of Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt was one of the most feared in the whole MLB. Not to mention the bullpen for the Phillies in 2011 was fearsome. With Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo headlining the relievers, the Phillies bullpen had no weaknesses.

Now the rest of their team had most of the players that were on the 2008 World Series Team. Guys like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and the rest of their core were still very good, even if some players’ individual stats weren’t their personal best. They were run by manager Charlie Manuel who led this team to

two NL Pennants and the 2008 World Series. The cherry on top of this fantastic season was that the Phillies had led all the major leagues in attendance. This was the first time this happened in team history. They achieved this by having an average of 45,440 fans per game and 3,680,718 fans overall. Now, these aren’t just any fans we’re talking about. Philadelphia sports fans are some of the most passionate fans and can give a home-field advantage unparalleled to any other team.

The 2011 Phillies carried into the postseason as the heavy favorites to World Series with odds stacking 3-1. The Phillies, due to their record, had secured home-field advantage in Divisional Series. The first game of the series at first seemed to be heading in the Cardinals’ favor, but with sixth inning runs from Raul Ibanez and Roy Halladay keeping the Cardinals at bay, the Phillies were able to secure an 11-6 win to go up 1-0 in the series.

In Game 2 the Phillies jumped out to a four-run lead, but the Cardinals scored 5 runs in which the Phillies could not overcome. Game 2 went 5-4 in the Cardinals’ favor. Game 3 was a pivotal game and pinch hitter Ben Francisco came up big when it was needed

most by hitting a threerun shot in the top of the seventh inning. The Cardinals tries to rally back, but Ryan Madson closed the door on any attempt of a comeback. The Phillies now found themselves up 2-1 in the series, and just had to win 1 more game back in Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

In Game 4 the Phillies jumped out to a three-run lead early, but with the Cardinals getting 1 run back in the bottom of the first, David Freese hitting a huge two-run RBI double in the fourth, and a two-run homer in the sixth would eventually put the Phillies away. The Phillies found the series tied 2-2 and were headed back to Citizens Bank for Game 5. The starting pitchers for the final game were Roy Halladay and Chris Carpenter who were both teammates in Toronto.

Game 5 was opened up by the Cardinals who jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but that was all they needed. The Phillies couldn’t get anything going and fell in Divisional Series 3-2. To add to this devastating loss, arguably the Phillies’ best player, Ryan Howard, tore his Achilles on the final play of the game. He was the Phillies’ last hope at anything in this game, and it was a horrible way for their season to end.

The injury to Howard would then mark the downfall of the Phillies’ aging core as a majority of their core was already heading closer into their mid-30sRoy Halladay would eventually retire 2 years later, Cliff Lee would retire 1 year after him, and the players that did stay on the Phillies just could never reach the peak years that they had in the mid to late 2000’s.

Compared to the 2011 team, the Phillies finished this year with a record of 87-75 giving them the third wild card spot. With a 22-29 record to start the season, Joe Girardi was out as manager and Rob Thomson came in. With Thomson, the Phillies righted the ship and went 65-46 in their final 111 games to clinch themselves a playoff birth.

Standout players included the usuals of Bryce Harper(when he was healthy he was great as we have seen in these playoffs), JT Realmuto, Aaron Nola, and Zach Wheeler. A surprise this year was Kyle Schwarber who had by far the best season of his career. The bullpen even though they weren’t the best did improve a lot. They were a huge reason why the Phillies were able to make it to the playoffs this year.

With all this, the Phillies headed into the Wild Card Series where they faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team that beat them last in the playoffs 11 years ago. The Phillies made quick work of the Cardinals by beating them with game scores 6-3 and 2-0 in favor of the Phillies.

The next series was against the NL East Champions the Atlanta Braves. The Braves had a bye week and headed into the Divisional Series as favorites. The Phillies proceeded to shock everyone as they only dropped 1 game to Atlanta proceeding to beat them with game scores of 7-6, 9-1, and 8-3.

The Phillies now found themselves in the NLCS for the first time since 2010. The series started off with the Phillies and Padres splitting the series 1-1. The rest of the series however was all red as the Phillies rattled off three straight wins. In game 3, Kyle Schwarber got things rocking early with a leadoff shot to deep right field to put the Phillies up 1-0. The Phillies wouldn’t turn back as they’d proceed to win the game 4-2. Game 4 was high energy from the beginning as well as the Padres scored 4 runs and the Phillies would put up three runs in the first inning. The Phillies would tie things up in the 4th inning just for the Padres to go back up 6-4 in the top of the 5th inning. In the bottom of the 5th though the Phillies rallied off four runs to go up 8-6. Add on two runs scored between the 5th and 6th innings and the Phillies would find themselves up 3-1 in the series. They just needed one more win at Citizens Bank to advance to the World Series. Game 5 had fans on the edge of their seats the whole game. Would the Phillies make it to the World Series for the first time since 2009 or would the series extend another game? Well, the Phillies found themselves down 3-2 in the bottom of the 8th inning, J.T. Realmuto on first with Bryce Harper up to bat. Harper, with two strikes, Harper hit not only the most important hit of his career but also one of the most important plays in Philly sports history. Ranger Suarez would seal the deal in the 9th and would help the Phillies advance to the World Series.

Even if they don’t win the World Series, this team has already made it further in the postseason than the 2011 Phillies. No matter what happens, I think it’s fair to say we’re going to be seeing Red Octobers a lot in the upcoming years.

The Phillies logo lighting up the night

Credit: Shannon McIntyre

alvernia news

A Chat with An Exchange Student: Ryan O’Hanlon

different and slightly more challenging than school in America. You have multiple choice and true and false tests here, that’s not common in Ireland. Also, class sizes here are smaller, which is nice because you actually get to know people in your classes and your professors know your name.”

independent. Also,” Ryan says jokingly, ‘You set off the fire alarm a lot more. Like learn to cook, please.”

Ryan O’Hanlon, 20, came to America for the first time in August to begin his journey as an exchange student. Ryan came here from Killean, Ireland. He attends Queens University Belfast where he is studying law.

In his first two years of university, Ryan was an outstanding student and was recommended to do a study abroad year. He applied to a program called Study USA. He was accepted and placed here at Alvernia University. Now, as we are nearing the end of the first semester, Ryan is reflecting on his experience so far.

I sat down with Ryan to discuss his time in America up until now.

“What are the biggest differences between school here versus school in Ireland?”

“School in Ireland is

Managing Editor Introducing:

“What do you miss most about Ireland?”

“My family and friends. Most importantly my mom, dad, sister, and especially my niece, who is two years of age and developing fast while I’m not there.”

“What was the biggest culture shock coming to America”

“You drive on the other side of the road. And there aren’t many roundabouts here, it’s concerning. Also, the portion sizes here are larger and the drinking age is higher. You also get your hand held more here. Like you have advisors and RAs who look after you, while students in Ireland are more

“Do you ever feel like an outcast because you are not from here?”

“No, not at all. I think people make a special effort to include me. Also, I sound funny and there aren’t many Irish people around, so they want to get to know me. People are nice here.”

“Was Alvernia accepting?”

“Yes. There were many people who helped me get adjusted and introduce me to the area.”

“Would you recommend for your friends back home to come to America?”

“Absolutely yes. America is a global leader and in a lot of media stuff. I feel like it’s best to see it in person. There are also a lot of stereotypes about Americans, it’s interesting to discover what’s true in real life.”

Wolfpack Media

Laura Nentwig Contributing Editor

The newest registered student organization coming to Alvernia is the Wolfpack Media Communication Club. This club will allow students to experience the world of communications as it relates to careers in the field and advance in the field of Creative Open-Minded Media (COMM). Wolfpack Media is designed to bring Communication students together, something that hasn’t happened since before the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.

Also new with Wolfpack Media are the two specialty club rooms located in the John R. Post building at Reading Collegetowne. Visit the study room (#039) or the lounge room (#062) in between classes to catch up on homework or socialize with your classmates. These rooms are available for use by any student, not just those in Wolfpack Media.

Wolfpack Media wants its member’s ideas to be the driving force in deciding on club activities. The club

hopes to hold events like informational sessions, and other activities like hosting speakers, film nights, going to conferences, networking events, and other field trips as it relates to communication and the many avenues that a career in this field could take AU students.

The club will be advised by Dr. Caroline Fitzpatrick, Associate Professor and Communications Department Chair. “I’m very excited to see the Wolfpack Media Club launch this year,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. “Student clubs are so important for networking, leadership development, and campus activities.

Wolfpack Media will help in

creating a vibrant campus and rewarding learning experiences outside of the classroom. We have creative and clever COM and DMM students, and I can’t wait to see what events and projects they dream up.”

Wolfpack Media is brought to you by the dedication and hard work of Laura Nentwig (Inaugural President) and Sherrin Smith (Inaugural Community Relations Executive) who have worked to finalize the constitution, attend Student Government Association meetings, create marketing materials, and organize the first general membership meetings and events of the club.

“Would you recommend doing a study abroad in general?”

“One hundred percent. It widens your horizons. It makes you a more accepting, independent, and adaptable person. It opens great employment opportunities if you put it on your CV.”

“Is it hard communicating with your family back home?”

“Not really, social media is a wonderful thing for communicating with family members. For example, I FaceTime my mom every day. The time difference makes it a

little more difficult. Ireland is five hours ahead of here. But I still make it work.”

Adjusting to a new country can be challenging. Ryan is getting used to American ways quickly. He is only here for 10 months, so he is trying to make the most out of it. He goes to sporting events, hangs out with lots of people, goes to the gym, and so much more to make himself feel more at home. “This is an experience I will never forget,” Ryan said, “I will always appreciate the people I met here and the memories I made.”

“I am very excited about the wolfpack media club!” Sherrin Smith, Community Relations Executive for Wolfpack Media, said. “There are many opportunities for COM students and students interested in media to come and share their ideas that we could possibly implement on campus and in the Alvernia community. We have discussed possible events that I am very excited about in the near future and hopefully, the members will be excited about too.”

Wolfpack Media hosted its first meeting on Thursday, November 3 and discussed dues, general member inductions, elections for next semester, and events that students were interested in.

In the Spring of 2023, Wolfpack Media is going to have their first election for the first full set of Officers. Positions that members can run for include President, Treasurer, Public Relations/ Advertising Executive, Community Relations Executive, and Event Coordinator. The term for Officer positions is a full

academic year.

Dues for Wolfpack Media are $10 per academic year. These funds secure your position as a member as well as give the club the ability to book experiences for its members.

Any currently enrolled Alvernia University undergraduate student may join the Wolfpack Media Club. You can request to be a member of the club through PAX. All students are encouraged to join, especially if they have an interest in the field of communications. The club can offer experience and guidance for students who wish to put themselves out there in their desired career.

Wolfpack Media plans to host an induction ceremony for its first cohort of members in February of 2023. If you are interested in joining Wolfpack Media, reach out to Laura Nentwig, current President, or request membership on the PAX page at https://pax. alvernia.edu/organization/ wofpackmediaclub.

The Wolfpack Media’s logp

Credit: Credit: designed by Laura Nentwig

Ryan (Back row, third from the left) at his goodbye party with his friends from home.

Credot: Ryan O’Hanlon on Instagram

Sarah Mies

ThanksGivinG

The History of Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Traditions

Jennifer Weasner Contributing Editor

As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, many people think back on the holiday and the traditions that they have and how they have changed over the years. “Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by the English Colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people.” (1) However, it was later proven that this is not the case, and this particular occasion was not actually a happy celebration “When the pilgrims first arrived in 1620, they were unprepared and had little food, so they robbed corn from Native Americans’ graves and storehouses.” (3)

Over time, Thanksgiving has changed and evolved into how the holiday is celebrated today. Originally the Thanksgiving holidays “typically were marked

by religious services to give thanks to God, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest,” (3) the first one being celebrated two years after the original feast celebrated in 1621. As time passed “thanksgiving days” were declared by governors and priests, and then once George Washington became president

“Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789.” (3)

Over the years, the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day has changed but whether it is a day spent with family, a day watching

football or just an extra day off from work, most people have traditions for the holiday that create many lasting memories. The Holiday season is a joyous time where many families create memories that last, “growing up, the night or two before [Thanksgiving], my sister and I would help my mom and dad make stuffing,” Maggie Loomis, junior healthcare science major, said.

When thinking about Thanksgiving, most people think about the classic family dinner. While traditional Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day Football

Sabarese Contributing Writer

It’s a tale as old as time. A family gathers around a table to enjoy a great Thanksgiving dinner, and then THE COWBOYS… throw an interception! (Had to get one gut punch in there.)

But seriously, families all over the United States come together to enjoy some turkey and football on Thanksgiving Day. Some even have their own Turkey Bowls where they play each other before the feast. What could be better? In our more reflective moments, one might wonder how Thanksgiving and football came to be a package deal. What is the history behind the tradition?

Believe it or not, the NFL (National Football League) is not the first football league to showcase games on Thanksgiving. Games played on Thanksgiving started at the collegiate level, with the first being a matchup between two Ivy League powerhouses, Yale

The idea of football games picked up some decent traction and found its way into the lap of the NFL not long after, in 1934.2 On that Thanksgiving, the Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit Stadium. At first, Lion’s owner, GA Richards, wanted to get more fans in the stands. Richards’ plan worked in succession as the 26,000-seat stadium sold out in two weeks. 3 Obviously, the NFL, chasing the money, decided to keep the tradition alive and have had the Lions play on every Thanksgiving since.

What drives Americans to watch football on Thanksgiving? A Turkey

Bowl may have something to do with it.

Turkey Bowls are a time when friends and family come together and get a little competitive before they sit down and say grace over a warmed turkey and stuffing.

Alexander Essig, a close friend of mine, thinks of his Turkey Bowl as a time to connect with his loved ones. “I play football on Thanksgiving to carry on the tradition of getting together with friends each year and having some fun,” Essig said. “It is always an awesome experience to just be with some of my best friends playing a sport we all love.”

Unfortunately, not

food to most is turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, many families have their own unique traditions when it comes to the food that is prepared.  “I’d say my favorite tradition is the Greek food that we all prepare since my entire family is Greek,” Nick Denlinger, senior marketing and finance major, said. Denlinger also said that his favorite dish is called Pastitsio, which is a baked pasta dish with ground meat.

It’s hard to talk about Thanksgiving traditions without mentioning Black Friday. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and many people across America go out shopping in the middle of the night just to find the best deals. “After eating our Thanksgiving dinner and while we enjoy dessert, my family enjoys looking through magazines to find the best Black Friday deals,” Emily Sano, junior digital media marketing

and business management major, said.

With the holiday season upon us many families are already making plans to celebrate Thanksgiving. From traditional Thanksgiving dinners to black Friday planning, millions of people gather to celebrate the holiday.

(1) https://www.britannica. com/topic/Thanksgiving-Day

(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Pastitsio

(3) https://www. nationalgeographic.com/history/ article/how-the-traditionalthanksgiving-feast-has-evolvedover-centuries

everyone is still in physical shape to take on Turkey Bowls so for people who are past their prime, my father Victor, football is special to them for other reasons. “Watching football on Thanksgiving takes me back to my childhood when I would sit down with my father and bond over some good football that was being played on the television,” Victor Sabarese said. “It just puts me in a really good place unlocking some good core memories.”

All in all, football on Thanksgiving is a great form of monetization for the NFL, but also means something to the people consuming the entertainment. Whether it be nostalgia or just getting together to have a good time with friends and family, it can be said that the bond between football and Thanksgiving is a special one.

As always Ears Up, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Turkey

Credit: Unplash.com

Dane

and Princeton, in 1876.1

Chicago Bears players preping for the 1935 Thanksgiving Game

Credit: Alan Fisher

10 Gift Ideas for Students on a Budget

Yesenia Maldonado Contributing Writer

The holidays are drawing near, and we all need ideas for gifting the special people in our lives! Moreover, we need gifts that won’t break the bank. Need some inspiration or suggestions? Check out a few gift ideas below!

1. Themed Gift Baskets

Gift baskets can work for anyone or everyone on your list! You can find many premade, but this is also a great way to make something personal and unique. Make your own arrangements with sweets, a spa kit, movie night goodies, a cozy blanket, socks, or whatever fits the person best!

You can find gift baskets in many general stores in your area, such as Walmart and Target, which often carry a variety of gift baskets specifically for the holiday season. They can also be found online with businesses such as Harry & David and River Street Sweets. While on the more expensive side, they can also provide many chocolate assortments and treat boxes between $25 and $30, as well as additional coupons! Boscov’s, as a part of the Berkshire Mall, also has many chocolate assortments and candy gift sets on its second floor. Another great place is Etsy, where you can find many premade gift sets ranging from $20 to $50, including some treats and multiple self-carecentered items!

2. Treat-filled Mugs

If you’re looking to give multiple gifts to people, coworkers, or a favorite teacher, mugs filled with some treats are a thoughtful and inexpensive idea! You can fill it up with chocolates or candy, a gift card, a variety of teas, etc.

The dollar store is a great first option, especially if you’re just looking for plain-colored mugs. Michaels often

provides lots of sales around this time of year as well! There you can find simple white mugs, Christmas-designed mugs, and glass/mason jar style mugs.

3. Books

Books are great personable gifts for the readers in your life. Try getting a book from their favorite genre and consider leaving a little note inside, it’s something they’ll appreciate!

You can find many classic novels on Amazon and Barnes and Noble for anywhere between $5 and $ 10. Or, if looking within other genres or newer titles, wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Barnes and Noble will often provide sales up to fifty percent off! Sites like Thrift Books provide significantly discounted prices on books as well.

4.Journals

As for those who are creative and enjoy writing, journals might be the perfect gift! Whether they are into daily reflections, art, planning, etc. There’s a variety of journals out there! You may even want to include some pens to go along with it.

“I have kept an art/ hybrid journal, and I liked it for its flexibility,” Marc Awouya, an Alvernia

student and philosophy major, said, “If the person you’re giving it to likes to write or draw to straighten their head, then it’s a great gift!”

5. Sweaters

You can’t go wrong with a nice sweater! It’s a staple piece for the cold weather and something you can get in someone’s favorite color or reference their favorite artist, movie, or sports team.

General stores like Target carry many licensed movies, tv shows, cartoon characters, and references on sweaters. Online sites usually offer great deals on sweaters, such as Shein. Boscov’s provides well-known brands of sweaters like Champion, which are often on sale. Considering places like Ross and Marshall are great options for both quality and discounted brands too!

6. -Care Items

For those who may be into skincare, aromatherapy, or overall wellness, you can provide them with the perfect gift to help them feel more relaxed and stress-free. So, you may consider things like face masks, essential oil sets, bath bombs, a new robe, etc.

7. Custom Gifts

If you’re feeling crafty, handmade gifts are always a good option. If you’re into painting, knitting, or making jewelry, that may be something you might consider. If not, Etsy is a handy website for custom gifts, many of which can be found for under $50! Whether that’s for clothing, jewelry, kitchen décor, etc.

“I’ve made little notes and each note has a cute saying,” Aleksandra Kolesnikova, another Alvernia student and communication major, said, referring to a note jar she crafted full of messages for a friend, “Like, when your sad, you grab one every time you’re your sad.”

8. Personalized Photos

Photos are always lovely! They are heartwarming gifts for family and friends. So, try printing and framing some of your favorite moments with them!

“Never be afraid of telling someone how you truly feel, especially while you have them here and now, present in your life,” Grace Maketa, Alvernia student and political science major, said, “When I went to Italy, I gifted everyone with letters. Something small, but it touched and moved them.”

9. Bluetooth Speaker

This is a fun gift to give to all music lovers! Plus, it may become useful when wanting to play some tunes during holiday festivities!

It may be best to wait for the best deals on Cyber Monday, where you can get lower prices for Bluetooth speakers at places like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.

10. Home Décor

Everyone would appreciate you making their home a bit cozier! You can go for some nice candles, but you can also consider wall art, throw blankets, bookends, etc. If you’re looking to be more unique, you can consider their quirks! For those coffee lovers, you might consider a floating coffee cup for their table. Or for those into keeping plants, a disco plant pot.

No matter the price, gifts are made the most special through the thought and care you put into them! So, think about the people in your life, their interests, and their meaning to you, and see how maybe one or some of these ideas can connect with something they’d enjoy!

Wrapped gifts ready to be given to loved ones this holiday season

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Tips for Staying Healthy During Finals

Kevaughn Ferguson Contributing Writer

With finals on the way, it takes a lot of focus and effort to end the semester strong. With winter flu season looming, avoiding getting sick is essential for academic success. Forcing yourself to do work and meet deadlines when you are sick is extremely difficult, as all your body wants to do (and should do) is rest. Fortunately, with some smart preventative methods, you can make it through this critical time of the year.

Prioritize yourself and your self-care routines.

Often college students get too caught up in schoolwork and other activities to take care of themselves. Simple things like getting enough sleep, eating three meals a day, and regularly drinking water help boost the immune system and stave off viruses. Sleep is one thing that most college students do not get enough of each day. Without it, your immune system is more vulnerable to viruses. Most importantly, always make time for yourself, even during the busiest days. Some self–care tips you can add to your

routine are taking a break from your phone for 1-2 hours a day, schedule time for meditation and selfreflection (in a place that is environmentally positive for you), and make your favorite calming drink when stressed.

Practice regular hygiene

This seems like a no-brainer, but many still do not keep themselves clean throughout the day. Washing your hands, taking regular showers, and handling dirty objects with care can keep you safe from sickness. Plus, keeping yourself clean will keep those around you safe because germs that don’t affect you can affect someone else.

“Wash your filthy hands every time you enter a new building,” Dr. Ryan Lange, associate professor of communication, said. “Cough into your elbow. Don’t physically come to class if you’re ill.”

Get Vaccinated

The flu vaccine and the covid vaccine are important in avoiding sickness. Anyone who has caught the flu knows that the experience is not worth repeating. Pounding

headaches, vomiting, and fatigue are all symptoms of the flu, and trying to get any work done in that condition is impossible. “Get a flu shot now. It takes two weeks to fully build your immunity after vaccines and we are already starting to see signs that this could be a bad year for respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu).” statement from Dr. Claire Murphy, Health and Wellness Center. Classrooms and the shuttle especially are compact, making it hard to keep your distance from others. These conditions are where respiratory viruses like the flu thrive. On the other hand, the coronavirus is much worse, as it spreads more quickly and has longer-lasting symptoms. These symptoms

include long-term damage to your internal organs that could take years to show up. Madison Houck, sophomore OT major, shares her experience having covid during finals, “The stress of having covid during this time made me even more anxious about how I would perform on my exams. I am fortunate enough that I could take my exams via zoom and was even exempt from one because of my grade in the class.” Being quarantined for two weeks will get in the way of any plans or schoolwork you need to complete. Be sure to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself and others.

mission momenT

Whenever you feel under the weather, being advised by a primary care provider should be a priority. Wear a mask to ensure you do not spread your illness to others and get lots of rest so your body can take care of it. Making sure you address symptoms early can prevent plenty of illnesses. If your condition does worsen, you should consult a physician. Director of Health and Wellness Claire Murphy recommends visiting the Health and Wellness Center anytime you feel a shortness of breath or are severely ill. If you are unsure whether you need to be seen, showing up for advice is always welcome. Academic success is dependent on your health, as your body determines how you tackle your daily life. Studying is important, but your health is as well. Passing finals means maintaining both. It takes all of us to do our part to keep campus a healthier place, so remembering these health methods can help in doing so. Good luck with finals!

What to do when you are unwell?

Feeling unwell can set back your studies

Credit: Unsplash.com

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Netflix brings Jeffery Dahmer Back To Life To Consume Curious Viewers

Sherrin Smith

Contributing Writer

The horrific story about serial killer, Jeffery Dahmer, has been brought back into the spotlight thanks to the recent releases of “DAHMERMonster: The Jeffery Dahmer Story” and “Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffery Dahmer Tapes” on Netflix. The series was released on September 21, and it took only a few days to build up a lot of social media buzz. In the opening of the series, viewers find out about how Dahmer was arrested on July 22, 1991 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Then throughout the rest of the ten-episode series, Dahmer and the families of his victims share their stories.

The series instantly became a popular show on Netflix and quickly went viral on Tik Tok. “It really is freaky because while I like learning about it [Dahmer series], I go on for entertainment and enjoyment and then I see the face of Jeffery Dahmer,” Alexa Herbein, sophomore, said.

While many younger viewers liked the series, the

families of the victims are distressed by their pain being used as spectacle. According to an article from the “New York Post” Shirley Hughes, the mother of Tony Hughes, one of Dahmer’s victims, said, “it didn’t happen like that.” Hughes’s story was told in episode six titled “Silenced.” He was a mute that had a brief relationship with Dahmer before he was murdered and dismembered. According to the family, the only thing that was true in this episode was Hughes’s death.

Another relative, Eric Perry, the cousin of victim Errol Lindsey, tweeted “I’m not telling anyone what to watch, I know true crime is huge rn [right now], but if you’re actually curious about the victims, my family (the Isbell’s) are pissed about this

show (New York Post).”

The victims’ families were not contacted by Netflix at all, which is the reason for their anger. The over dramatization of the show stains the truth and sensitivity of the victims’ deaths and impact on their families.

Rita Lindsey, Lindsey’s sister, wrote in an essay about how Netflix never told her about the recreation of her outburst in court. In episode eight, “Lionel,” the victims’ families speak out in court about how Dahmer ruined their lives. Lindsey’s outburst was displayed in this scene.

“When I saw some of the show, it bothered me, especially when I saw myselfwhen I saw my name come across the screen and this lady saying verbatim exactly

what I said,” Lindsey said (New York Post).

While Lindsey watched some of the show, sophomore, Evan Bauer, did not watch it at all. “I don’t like the idea of serial killers being idolized,” Bauer said. “The show also twisted what he actually did, so they could make it a show.”

Two weeks after the release of the series came “Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffery Dahmer Tapes,” which rekindled the unusual interest in Dahmer’s story.

The tapes are a raw telling of the gruesome murders that Dahmer committed from 1978 to 1991, a total of 13 years where Dahmer was free to harm and kill young men.

One of his defense attorneys, Wendy Patrickus, conducts the interviews with Dahmer during his time in jail. He described how and why he killed his victims and how he was aware of the possible mental issues he had.

The tapes are three episodes long compared to the ten-episode series. Sophomore Nick Willson described one difference he saw between the tapes and series. “The biggest difference

I saw was that Glenda was supposed to be the next-door neighbor but actually wasn’t the next door neighbor and [instead] lived down the hall or across the hall.”

The tapes barely covered Glenda Cleveland but in the series, she was a main character. The only similarity was that she continuously called the cops about a 14-year-old boy, Konerak Sinthasomphone, that Dahmer murdered.

The Jeffery Dahmer series and tapes barely scratch the surface of what the true crime universe has to offer. Between podcasts, docuseries, unheard tapes, and books, Jeffery Dahmer is just another name to remember in the world of murderers. But while many people believe that these forms of media are idolizing names we should forget, others can’t help but to fall down the rabbit hole and ask the question “why did they do it?”

Hurrican Ian: What Happened and How We Can Help Kevin Kazokas

Contributing Writer

On September 27, 2022, a Category Three storm named Ian first made landfall on the island nation of Cuba. 24 hours later, Hurricane Ian became a Category Four storm and landed in Fort Myers, Florida.

Fort Myers was hit badly by Hurricane Ian. Boats were taken out of the water, the area lost power, and extensive flooding caused widespread havoc. Almost 7,000 homes were destroyed by the storm and at least 6,000 homes were damaged by flooding. Winds speeds were measured as high as 150 mph. Most of the area was advised to evacuate their homes and to seek shelter elsewhere. Even though most people were advised to evacuate their homes there were a bunch of people that decided to stay in their homes and wait out the storm, which was not a good idea because they put

themself right in the face of danger. Those people who could not evacuate were in significant peril People had to be saved by the National Guard. State and county officials believe Hurricane Ian is responsible for at least 119 deaths.

Countless businesses both small and big, were destroyed by hurricane Ian. Store fronts were completely wiped out by the storm. Streets that used to have plenty of buildings now look empty and flat. Who

knows how long it it going to take to rebuild all these businesses or if they can even be rebuilt.

It is very important to help the people affective by hurricane Ian because some people are still without homes and are still dealing with injuries. You can help people affected by Hurricane Ian by visiting Redcross. org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift is

Jeffery Dahmer appearing in court

Credit: Variety

Satellite image of Hurrican Ian

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Speak Your Love Language

Ashley Rogers

Contributing Editor

Building relationships and connections are a crucial part of life. Showing the people you love that you care about them is important in strengthening those bonds. What some may not know is that people have different ways of expressing and receiving love. This leads to the theory of love languages that was introduced by Dr. Gary Chapman in 1992 with his book, “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate”.

There are five known types of love languages. Understanding yours and your loved ones’ love language can lead to healthier and stronger relationships. The five love languages include acts of service, giftgiving, words of affirmation, physical touch, and quality time.

Words of affirmation are about expressing love through words, whether it is spoken or written, including appreciation, love, and encouragement. The key is to be authentic and tell your loved one how you feel and how important they are to you. Those who have a tough time with verbal expression are encouraged to write letters or texts to their loved one. A more creative expression of words to be considered is putting together a playlist for your loved one with songs that remind you of them.

When speaking with junior, Kennedy Waterson, who has been with her boyfriend for 3 years, she explained that she “will text paragraphs about how grateful [she is] that he’s in [her] life.” She also expressed that since her and her boyfriend attend different colleges, she stresses how important they are with communication and being open with each other so there is no miscommunication.

Another love language is quality time, which is simply appreciating the time you spend with your loved ones. It is important to make time for your loved ones and give them your undivided attention from time to time. Some examples include cuddling together before

getting up in the morning, having a date night every week, or scheduling to meet up for lunch once a week. It is so easy for us to get caught up in what we have going on in our lives that we can take our loved ones for granted. So it’s nice to show a little love and appreciation by spending quality time together. Waterson also mentioned that her love language is quality time, and her boyfriend will “plan dates or places we should go,” for example, they go on walks together.

Physical touch is the third love language, but this can look different depending on the type of relationship. In this case, touch is the way to feel connected with others. Some examples can include a kiss goodbye, or holding one’s hand when comforting them, or snuggling up together before bedtime. It can start with something as small as a hug to more intimate activities depending on the relationship (and remember consent is always a must!).

Acts of service may not seem like a love language, but they are among the most important ways of showing care. In other words, you are a big “actions are louder than words” kind of person. Acts of service are thoughtful gestures you do for your loved ones because you care. A close friend of mine, Kyra Stroz, has been with her boyfriend for 6 years now, and she said that there are things she’ll do for him like, “going fishing or trying things like golf, things I know he enjoys that would make him happy.”

There are no expectations in return. Rather, you simply do something nice for them because you want to and you know they will appreciate it. Some examples of acts of service include picking up their favorite flowers, letting them choose the movie or show, and helping with a chore without being asked to. There are plenty of thoughtful ways to show your loved ones you care.

The final love language is gift giving/receiving. This does not mean that you just want stuff. Gift giving and receiving is more about appreciating the meaning behind the gift and the thought that went into it from your loved one. Some

examples include picking up their favorite treat on your way home, surprising them with flowers, or choosing a memento that is personal to the relationship like an inside joke or shared memory. Stroz also mentioned that “he surprises me with flowers or little gifts now and then which he knows I love.” With any gift, there should be thought behind it to show your loved one how much they mean to you.

Love languages are great for understanding yourself and those around you in order to strengthen your connections. Everyone expresses love in different ways and it’s possible your partner resonates with a different love language than you. But that is what makes it so fun to get to know each other better and how you can best show your loved ones how much they mean to you. We all like a little love and appreciation so it’s good to know the best ways to express that.

Flowers are a great gift for someone you love

Credit: Unsplash.com

Created by Teresa Marsh

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A Piece of The Action at Reading Film Festival

M.J. Brown Contributing Writer

As some might have heard, a short while after mid-terms wrapped up, the city of Reading held their 8th annual film fest, a showing of movies and constructed videos created by small, independent studios. The event spans over the latter half of the week between October 27-30th featuring a unique variety of these productions in the form of poetry films, student produced movies, intriguing fiction, educational and political stories, and short films –the segments I tuned into. Each of these is contained in its own designated time slot in either of the event’s venues between the Reading IMAX theater and the GoggleWorks Boscov Theater, meaning showings will happen one at a time without much overlap if you were interested in seeing all the film fest has to offer. Also, if you insist on attending all 10 shows, all you’ll need is your Alvernia student ID and maybe enough cash in on hand to pay for $15 dollar popcorn. And while you’re at it, bring a friend or two if you can, it’s always nice being able to discuss the film for a bit after the credits roll between shows. After all, I speak from experience after pulling my friend, Carlos, along with me to the Saturday Shorts segment at the IMAX theater in the evening.

This segment featured seven short films and even added a bonus film that snuck its way into the schedule. As soon as we made it through the front doors of the theater, we’d been given a slip of paper with the films that would play during the timeslot and had been asked to rate each of them out of five before handing the slip back at the end. We seated ourselves wherever we could find room in the surprisingly filled venue, but we lucky enough to find seats at the top in the back of the theater. From there, the event kicked off, showing the short films one after another, wrapping up close to 5:45. The short films covered a decent variety

as each film had its own individual theme, with some being shorter than others, though none exceeded the 20-minute mark.

In summary, the film fest was a fantastic, even eyeopening event that any fan of cinema can appreciate. Seeing these smaller, often low budget films offers a peek into the intermediate levels of cinematography in contrast with the grandscale blockbusters we see normally, displaying the creativity that is prompted by the limitations of smaller studios. In watching these short films, you can see the uniqueness in their outsideof-the-box ideas that tell a different story that you might not normally find in the space of Hollywood production-level releases. In my experience at the event, seeing these films helped me understand cinema as more of an art form, in comparison to the massive, high budget movies that make telling their stories seem almost effortless. While I can easily say I enjoyed viewing all eight of the short films, here are a few that floated to the top as my favorites:

Identibye: 4/5 Stars

Identibye was the star of the show when it came to emotional storytelling. Despite the film’s silent protagonist, the acting, plot, and especially cinematography was topnotch to match the film’s dark and thought-provoking tone. It follows a man who

suffers as he searches for his identity in life, burdened by guilt and doubt as he is judged by those closest to him -namely his own wife. Its cinematography was unmatched by the rest, as its crowning moment was a beautiful drone shot at the apex of the plot’s revelation.

Method: A Voice Actor Prepares: 3/5 Stars

This short film is definitely one that sticks out among the crowd. It’s a comedic spin on the process of method acting as a voice actor prepares to read his lines at the recording studio. What makes this so special is that it doesn’t feature just any voice actor, but has the real actors of huge fictional characters such as Naruto and Sai from the hit anime series, Naruto, and a few other notable voice actors you may recognize from other animations like Disney productions for example. It was really neat seeing the faces to these voices, most shocking of all the voice of Stitch, Disney’s little blue alien.

Groove: 5/5 Stars

What is there not to love about Groove, the story of Matt as he dances through the street in his pineapple themed outfit. It deserves its five stars without a shred of doubt and may even be one of –if not the best films to ever be shown on screen. Matt is in his zone for almost the better part of a minute, when suddenly, a passerby calls him fat, and

just like that, Matt and his music are ruined. It clocks in at no more than 60 seconds and is rivaled by only one other short film throughout its timeslot.

Surface Deep: 5/5 Stars

The only animated movie of the bunch had more than enough to merit its perfect rating. A young girl walks as a soldier from an underground apocalypticstyle society and is tasked by the village elder to patrol the border of their secluded “paradise”. Not only does its animation make this a cool entry, but its artstyle and charming design raise it above the rest as it immerses you in its fictional world. The thunderous voice of the elder as he narrates part of the story is seriously incredible as he induces her into paranoia driven by influence. And in only five minutes, Surface Deep tells a simple, but quality story that is elevated by its captivating art and animation that I honestly was not expecting to see, especially from the film that wasn’t originally scheduled to show.

A camera set up ready to capture a film

Credit: Unsplash.com

enTerTainmenT

Walker Hayes Concert Review

Teresa Marsh

Contributing Writer

On Friday, October 7th country artist Walker Hayes performed his “Glad You’re Here” tour at the Santander arena located in Reading, Pennsylvania. By the end of the night, it could be said that countless fans and students were glad that they were there. Eager Alvernia students completely soldout the $10 tickets that were offered to them through Student Activities during the weeks leading up to the concert. The concert started at 7pm and ran until 10pm, during which time the school’s shuttle transported the students to and from the event. Meanwhile, at the concert, flannels and country hats were seen almost everywhere in the stadium. It was almost as if fans were teleported from Pennsylvania to down south. Hayes grew up in Alabama which is where his country roots and country vibes come into play. His most famous songs include the 2021 hit

“Fancy Like” and a tribute to his high school sweetheart/ wife “Don’t Let Her” released in 2019. Hayes has released three albums and has been in the music industry since 2010. However, it was not until his 2017 album “Boom” that made a boom in his career and built Hayes into a household name in the country genre.

The opening act on Hayes’ tour was a country band named Parmalee which consisted of two brothers. Parmalee played for about a solid hour while fans were anxiously waiting for the man they came to see. Once Hayes appeared around 8:15pm, the crowd roared. His opening song was “Show Me the Country,” immediately followed by “Country Stuff.”

The audience admired Hayes and chanted lyrics along with him. As for Alvernia students, they were fortunate enough to have floor seats which prompted for a great view and even a greater experience. The energy in the Santander arena that Hayes’ fans brought with them was

indescribable. Everyone was in a good mood and happy to be there. Alvernia senior Catherine Kramer says “Everywhere you looked people of all ages seemed to be having a great time. I think that says a lot about the artist, that they can make music for people of all different generations to enjoy.” Kramer said it best. Hayes puts out music that has no age limit. His country pop songs are for people who want to have fun.

Every good concert needs good food. The Santander arena had that part covered. The arena’s concession offered foods like Krab fries, hot dogs, mac and cheese, chili, burritos and so much more. If they were of age, attendants could purchase a nice variety of different alcoholic beverages. Of course, the lines were lengthy and food a bit overpriced, but in the end, it was worth it.

When COVID-19 came and put a stop to many events, concerts were one of the first to go on the list. For many people, this

might have been their first concert back in years. Senior concert enthusiast Anne Balter says, “I really missed the environment of people coming together to support and watch their favorite musician. When COVID-19 took that away, listening to music was not the same.” Now that things are relatively back to “normal” people are attending concerts to feel alive again.

Walker Hayes did an excellent job of performing and including everyone in that arena. Hayes even gave away a guitar to fan

and threw a signed football away during “Don’t Let Her.”

During his last song, Hayes’ brought out his 6 children, ages ranging from 15 to 5. Everyone cheered and their hearts melted as the children supported their dad, dancing to his final song. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience for Alvernia students and regular fans alike.

Walker Hayes performing on October 7th

Credit: Teresa Marsh

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Created by Sarah Mies