The Alvernian- Volume 59 issue 4

The Waning State of Warner Bros. Discovery

Peter Smith Contributing Writer

You should warn a brother about this terrible, new discovery. Warner Bros. Discovery is in deep trouble after a company merger and several ill-considered cost-cutting measures. In the span of only a week, the media giant behind such brands as DC, Cartoon Network, and HBO got on the internet’s bad side after several executive decisions by company CEO David Zaslav to save money.

One of the biggest surprises was the cancellation and tax write-off of many projects. Most notable of these is Batgirl, a DC film directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Because of poor test screening results and Zaslav’s desire to make “big theatrical event” DC films, the film was shelved. The shelving sent $90 million down the drain in the name of tax savings.

The cast and crew were unaware of the cancellation until news headlines broke. Upon hearing this, El Arbi and Fallah tried to recover the footage, but they were locked out of their media servers. In Fallah’s own words, “We have nothing.” The cast and crew were invited to watch “funeral screenings” of the film before it would be locked away forever and become one of the most expensive unreleased films in history.

Another shock came in the form of the sudden removal of shows from the HBO Max streaming service to avoid paying royalties. Programs like Close Enough, Infinity

Train, and Theodosia were all taken off the platform’s library without explanation. Not even Sesame Street is safe, as 200 episodes of the series and the entirety of the HBO-original spinoff The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo are now gone.

Along with the axed projects and removed programs, around 70 employees were laid off to cut down costs, most being people of color. Former HBO executives anonymously took to The Daily Beast’s news website to share their grievances. One wrote, “I don’t think anyone knows just how white the staff is. There may be one black woman on the HBO side. Maybe.” Why is this happening? Former and current employees believe the company is moving towards more white and conservativeoriented content. Company head David Zaslav plans to merge HBO Max and Discovery+ into one service. Having led Discovery before the

merger, he wishes to focus more on reality TV. Back in late 2020, he said at a UBS telecom conference, “We feel like scripted has had its moment and this is our time.”

However, demographics for HBO Max and Discovery+ couldn’t be any more different! In simplest terms, HBO Max serves a diverse audience of young, single people, while Discovery+ is for married, white Republicans that drive minivans. With all the layoffs and this possible platform merger, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery are becoming predominantly white companies.

“The layoffs have amplified the lack of diversity at HBO. HBO is the most homogenous part of this umbrella,” another anonymous representative told The Daily Beast. “Instead of trying to figure out how to integrate some of [Max’s] executives into HBO, they just made this radical cut of three divisions: kids, family, and international. So a lot of black and brown people lost their jobs.”

This situation goes

beyond just a few of your favorite shows disappearing from a streaming service. It concerns controversial decisions to save money and embrace “basic white girl” culture.

The 2020s should be a time of diversity and celebrating creators of all kinds, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, whatever. What was once a breeding ground for all these kinds of creative minds to come together is slowly being overturned by Zaslav.

In these attempts to cut costs of $3 billion, Warner Bros. Discovery ended up losing $20 billion in market capital. Ouch. With the company’s 100th anniversary taking place on April 4, 2023, they will need plenty of support to make the big birthday a special one. Only time will tell if the company bounces back from this massive hit, both in terms of finances and public opinion.

David Zaslav speaking to CNBC. He has held the title of Discovery CEO since January 2007

Credit: Thomas Hawk, from www.flickr.com

EntErtainmEnt

Madison Square Garden is Harry’s House

Managing Editor

Sarah Mies

Section Editors

Sarah Mies

Laura Nentwig

Ashley Rogers

Jennifer Weasner

Contributing Writers

Maria Fajardo-Vargas

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.

Sarah Mies Managing Editor

From late August to midSeptember, musical sensation Harry Styles held fifteen concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York City. In May, Harry released a new album titled “Harry’s House,” soon after, he announced a series of concerts in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto, and Chicago, which he called “Love on Tour.”

These concerts are much more than just musical performances. American fans have turned Harry Styles’ concerts into significant events. Fans wear bright colors, lots of glitter, pink cowboy hats, and feather boas to the concerts. Some will even show up hours early to wait in line to get as close to the stage as possible. “American women go all out for Harry’s shows,” said Claire, a resident of London who traveled to New York for this concert, “in the UK, no one dresses up or makes a big deal out of it.” Harry’s team and the staff of Madison Square Garden work hard to ensure the guests are having a good time and the energy is high. Music is playing over the speakers before and after

the show. There are many different photo opportunities throughout the venue, as well as a variety of food and drink options. The stage is set up directly in the center of the floor, so every guest can see it, no matter how far away the seats are.

Singer Blood Orange was the opening act, as he started to set the mood and hype the crowd for Harry. After Blood Orange performed, there was a short break where music played before Harry’s big entrance. “It’s so exciting knowing he is going to start performing at any moment,” said Amelia, who was about to see a Harry concert for the first time ever. The moment the lights go down, the crowd passionately yells. Harry comes up from under the stage, and the show begins.

A Harry Styles concert is very unique. He doesn’t just play his songs, but he interacts with his fans and even had the entire venue sing “Happy Birthday” to a fan named Nadjah, who turned 21 the night of his 14th show. He guarantees the fans have a good time and are being themselves. “Tonight is the night to be who you want to be, not what anyone else is telling you to be,” Harry told the crowd,

“I want you to dance like no one is watching.” Harry is known for his positive energy and inclusivity. “He is just so loving to his fans,” said Maya, a fan of Harry Styles since he was a One Direction member.

Some life-long fans of Harry have seen him perform multiple times. “This is my fifth time seeing him this month,” said Tyler, a resident of New York and a frequent concert goer, “I just can’t get enough.”

A few years after One Direction broke up, Harry released his self-titled album. His fan base expanded, and he slowly transitioned from a boy-band member to a global musical icon. Harry’s fan base is passionate about not only his music but him as a person. Fans from the southern United States are now in luck because Harry is now traveling to Austin for a 6-night concert series, continuing Love on Tour.

the alvernian

Alvernia students, Sarah Mies and Olivia Blockberger at Madison Square Garden on September 15th

Credit: Kathryn Mies

EntErtainmEnt

Is Hollywood Obsessed with the Biopic?

Yesenia Maldonado Contributing Writer

From the action heroes of the 80s, the rom coms of the 90s, the vast Marvel Cinematic Universe, to many remakes and reboots: What is next on Hollywood’s list of trends? The biopic seems to be next, with the format making its resurgence in the past couple of years.

What exactly is a biopic? A biopic is a biographical picture. It tells the story of a real-life person, usually covering multiple events within their lifetime, with a lot more dramatization. These stories revolve around a single protagonist, ranging from being about the lives of musicians, actors, or historical and political figures.

“Biopics can be massively successful,” Mina Le, content creator, fashion, and culture commentator, said, “According to a study on IMDb, 11 of the top 20 highest-grossing biopics were released in the last decade.”

Biopics themselves are nothing new, dating back to the early days of film. Two of the earliest biopics were about Joan of Arc (in 1900) and Queen Elizabeth (in 1912). The biopic fell out of vogue for a time but are now on the upswing. Variety noted the 2021 Oscars proved to be “bullish for biopics.”

The films in this genre are numerous. Some recent releases include Elvis, King Richard, Pam & Tommy, Tick, Tick… Boom! House of Gucci, Spencer, Respect, and many more! Some upcoming projects include Blonde (starring Ana De Armas as Marilyn Monroe), Going Electric (starring Timothee Chalamet as Bob Dylan), and I Wanna Dance with Somebody (starring Naomi Ackie as Whitney Houston).

In addition, those said to be in the works include biopics on Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Cher, and Madonna.

However, is it too much of a good thing? In an interview with The Talks, Quentin Tarantino, filmmaker, and director of films such as Pulp Fiction and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, expressed having no respect for the genre.

“Biopics are just big excuses for actors to win Oscars.” He said, “It’s a corrupted cinema.”

Despite accusations of biopics being cynical award-season bait filmmakers and actors alike continue to make them. They’ve proven profitable and give actors a chance to prove themselves as a lead. As they immerse themselves into widely known figures, there’s also a higher chance of being recognized. As seen with Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, Austin Butler was given a chance to play the titular icon many know and love.

“We’re all very nostalgic for different periods of time at the moment,” Zak Hepburn, an Australian-based film programmer, and critic, said, “And doing that with icons of those eras is something that is very attractive to audiences.”

Biopics often offer familiarity, whether that’s through an icon, music, or a star-studded cast. Audiences will continue to be drawn to these films as they find comfort or idealize a moment in time that is not their own, especially in a world full of uncertainty.

Nonetheless, like any movie genre, the biopic has its good and bad. Films such as Marie Antoinette and I, Tonya, are credited as biopics that are told in an unconventional and stylized way. While a biopic like Stardust, about singer-songwriter David Bowie, has been critiqued for not having any of Bowie’s music, which is due to Bowie’s family being unwilling to give rights to the artist’s

music.

Can biopics do harm? Some say that biopics can be exploitive by creating films about people who are still alive without their consent.

For instance, Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, the people on whom the Hulu miniseries Pam & Tommy is based, were not consulted during its production. The family that inspired House of Gucci was also not consulted during production. The family openly disapproved of the film, critiquing it for things such as casting choices and taking things out of context.

While biopics have the chance to introduce beautiful stories of influential people and share their triumphs and struggles, there’s also the challenge of carefully crafting a narrative that surrounds a real person’s life. It will be interesting to see how the biopic evolves and how long it will stick around.

The Hollywood sign in Hollywood, CA

Credit: De’Andre Bush, from Unsplash.com

Created by Sarah Mies

major SportS

Will There Be a New Champion Crowned this NBA Season?

Tony Mongeluzi

Contributing Writer

The NBA season is right around the corner, and fans couldn’t be more ready. The league is especially competitive this season, with even more teams that have a shot at a title. Which four teams have the best chance to win it all this upcoming NBA season?

The defending champion Golden State Warriors are at the top of many people’s lists. The Warriors have had a tumultuous road over the last few seasons. From winning the championship three times out of five years, to dealing with injuries and missing the playoffs two years in a row, to again finding themselves on top of the league last season, Warriors fans have known lofty highs and crushing lows.

The Warriors should find themselves in contention again as the core pieces of the team are still intact. Even with losing Gary Payton II, a key contributor in their finals run, the Warriors have built even more depth on the roster to compensate. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Warriors make it back to the Finals again this year.

The Boston Celtics are also in the hunt. The Celtics were the runner ups to last year’s playoffs and turned heads with their defense. In the playoffs last year, they swept the Brooklyn Nets, got pushed to the brink by the injury riddled Milwaukee Bucks, and were one shot away from losing against the Miami Heat. The finals for the Celtics could’ve been closer, but it was encouraging for them to get that far. The Celtics

have since strengthened themselves with the addition of a very solid, efficient point guard in Malcolm Brogdon. If the Celtics have Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they should find themselves contending in the east.

An analyst would be remiss to overlook the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are stacked on paper, but it always comes down to them putting it together on the court. The constant on this team is Joel Embiid, the runner up for MVP two years in a row. Embiid always dominates no matter how the rest of the team plays. The Sixers second star, James Harden, had a down year last year and many thought he was washed up. Harden watchers think he will bounce back this year as he’s gotten into better shape this offseason. Now if these two guys are at

the top of their games, then the other players like Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, and the rest of the role players will just need to play their role. If everyone on the Sixers is at their best and doing what’s needed of them, then there is no question that the Sixers could win it all this year.

The battle-tested Milwaukee Bucks round out the top four. Last season the Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had himself another fantastic season as the Bucks finished with the third seed. The Bucks rolled through the Chicago Bulls in the first round and had a real chance at repeating, but Khris Middleton’s sprained MCL put an end to their playoff run. Even with this, the Bucks with Giannis and Jrue Holiday gave the Celtics a huge scare in

the second round of the playoffs as they pushed the Celtics to seven games. The Bucks took a tough loss but should bounce back. With a fully healthy team, who some say is currently the best player in the world in Giannis, and adding more depth to their roster through free agency and the draft, the Bucks are for sure a team that should be considered favorites to win the championship this year.

In the end, even the best predictions can’t contain the chaos and excitement of the NBA season. Fans will have another amazing season of basketball to look forward to no matter who finds themselves at the top of the rankings in the end.

Image of a basketball going through a oop at a NBA game

Credit: Marcus Spiske, from Unsplash.com

alvErnia SportS

Friday Night Lights on The Golden Wolves

Turf

Dane Sabarese

Contributing Writer

The Alvernia University Golden Wolves took on the Ursinus College Bears on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 7 p.m. in their season opener, and first -ever game under the lights on the campus of Alvernia University. The magic of Friday Night Lights did not help the Wolves, who were mauled by the Bears 59-27. Despite the gridiron carnage, Head Coach Steve Azzenesi remained optimistic about the rest of the season.

“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted,” Azzenesi said, “ but we had a chance because we stayed together, and that is one of the things we talked about a lot.”

“Together” is , a word that is shared widely throughout the locker room as the Golden Wolves motto Coach Azzenesi preaches the nature of “together” to his team before any game or practice all the way to post-game huddles. It seems as if, so far, the word has stuck.

Defensive player, Antonio

Lazar is a believer in the concept of “together.” ,“Honestly… he talked a lot about just being together, and last year I felt like what we didn’t have much was together,” Lazar said. “...

Coach implementing that rule helped at the end of the day because we trust him… and we’re going to buy into whatever he says because at the end of the day we believe in him.” The feeling of togetherness spearheaded the Golden Wolves to twentyseven points against the Bears, a clear improvement over last year’s showing of six.

A big contributor to the scoring put on by Alvernia was first year quarterback Colin Payne. Payne, a Reading native, threw for a record breaking380 yards and two touchdowns granting him the selection of Alvernia’s Player of the Week.

Payne was also surprised by his standout performance. “It feels pretty good,” Payne said. “. I go by wins and losses and I never really care about individual stats, but it did feel pretty good because it was something I didn’t expect.”

Payne was all over the field

on Friday night whether it be evading pressure, taking a big hit, or using his legs to pick up some yardage for his team. The Golden Wolves seem to have struck gold in the First Year Quarterback. There was a lot of headlines on Friday night, whether it be Coach Azzenesi and his new regimes first ever home game, First Year Quarterback Colin Payne making the start, or it being the first ever home game under the lights for the Golden Wolves, but the atmosphere in the stadium was magical that night. The crowd was rocking on Friday. It was clear that the Golden Wolves were feeding off the

energy from the student section and their loved ones.

The crowd looked to be in sync with not only their blackout attire but also their support for the players. Not only were the stands filled, but the patio, grass, and entire complex had fans and onlookers yearning to get a glimpse of this year’s team and the talent they hold. Even the players on the field were able to hear the roars and cheers that came from the bleachers that Friday night.

“Every time a play happened, ; I just heard the crowd every time,” Lazar

said. “. I think that really helped because it boosted everyone’s confidence on our team. No matter what happened, the crowd kept the energy high.,”

The Golden Wolves took a mauling but are still in the fight. The season is long with many more challenges to come. The team’s determination to stand together through these challenges will be tested, but the strong support of the community is fundamental to their success.

Ears Up!

Volleyball Ties History, Falls Short To Break It

Contributing Writer

The Alvernia women’s volleyball team opened its season with a 4-0 start, which is the best start they have had in 20 years. The Golden Wolves began the season by defeating Washington College 3-2, clean sweeping their first tri-match of the season with 3-0 wins against Goucher College and Gwynedd Mercy University, and defeating Hood College in their first conference game, 3-1. The last time the women’s volleyball team had a 4-0 start was during their 2002 season. Their streak was broken by suffering a 3-0 loss to Lebanon Valley. Despite the loss, Alvernia went on to achieve a 20-15 season and 9-2 in conference play. Now, the Golden Wolves have

an opportunity to make program history by going 5-0 in their next game.

When speaking to a few members of the team, they were unaware of their historical tie with the 2002 squad. “That’s wild!” sophomore Jamie Pierce said. Her sophomore teammates, Kayleigh Kehler and Allie Evangelista were also surprised. “Honestly… we’re still humble, like, we just go in and have fun…whatever outcome happens we’re just chilling with it,” Evangelista said. After a Tri-Match at Cedar Crest College, the Golden Wolves took a pair of 0-2 losses against the Cedar Crest Falcons and the Moravian University Greyhounds. This caused the Golden Wolves to move to 4-2 on the

season. Despite the strain to their former 4-0 start, the squad is still golden with their home record, 4-0, and conference record 1-0, at the time of writing.

The team has a close-knit bond, which is the cause for their momentum in games. Unlike like last season, the volleyball team is very young with only one graduate student, Molly Gaffney, and one junior, Rachel Sipling. The rest of the team consists of first years and sophomores.

“We have to be the leaders now,” Kehler said. “Step up and show them that. Like we can do this, and we have to push each other and not just cower away.”

While Kehler’s

response to how she has developed as a player focused on leadership, Pierce and Evangelista’s responses focused on confidence. “I’m definitely way more confident. I have my moments but last year I was scared of the ball,” Pierce laughed. “It’s kind of knowing that we have younger people around us, older people, and we all know each other [which] definitely makes me more confident,” Evangelista said. The confidence was well displayed in their answer to whether they think they can go farther than they did last season or not. “Oh yeah, for sure, absolutely,” the three said simultaneously. Evangelista went on to add “it’s just so much of a difference from last year to this year. It’s just hopeful and we kind

of just go out and have fun.” Having heart was another difference Pierce noted about the team. Kehler concluded by saying, “we see a lot more commitment and drive in our team. This year, a lot of people going after balls and just flying across the court.”

The three sophomores have high hopes for this season as they will continue to soar across the court and make their way through, what looks to be, a bright season.

Colin Payne, QB, on the Alvernia Turf

Credit: Marissa Lombardo

Sherrin Smith

local

A Pennsylvanian Parasite

Teresa Marsh Contributing Writer

The spotted lanternfly is a seemingly omnipresent menace these days. Everywhere you go, you see them. Not only are they taking over our sidewalks, but they are taking over the Northeast. These bugs are far from our average fly. They look like a ladybug and a stink bug morphed into a larger, more hideous insect. The black spots and red exterior are instantly recognizable to anyone who has lived in Pennsylvania over the last few years. We know what they look like, but now there is something that not everyone knows; we need to kill them. It is your civic duty to squash the bugs and destroy their eggs whenever you see them.

How did we end up plagued by the lanternfly? Oddly enough, it is rumored that the unwelcomed visitor

hitched a ride from China to the US in as early as 2014 on a stone shipment in the form of egg masses. However, it was not until 2019 that our sidewalks, trees, and roads were flooded with these flying creatures. The East Coast is the host for the spotted lanternfly, and it looks like it will continue to be that way for some time. Ironically, the first sighting was in our very own backyard. It was in Berks County, Pennsylvania on a tree haven. By July 2021, the lanternfly has spread to states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey New York, Maryland, Delaware, and even Virginia.

The state and federal government are in agreement that the spotted lanternfly is a menace to agriculture. This Pennsylvania parasite is called an invasive species. They cause direct harm to crop and damage our agriculture. The insect sucks the sap from the trees, then plants and secretes a sugary substance that tends to kill

that plant or tree. Not only are these bugs a nuisance, but they are continuously killing our environment. What could be worse than that? An annoying killer insect? No, thanks. It is only right we call it karma and kill them back.

We need to all come together and save our trees, our crops, our overall environment. That sounds heavy but all we need to do is to put an end to their oneyear life span. Killing one fly may seem trivial since these insects produce at a rapid rate, but it is still crucial to do everything in our power to stop the spread. It has been recorded that these insects will lay up to 30-50 eggs, and these eggs are destined to survive the winter. With that said, we need to do our part and violently crush these Spotted Lanternfly’s as soon as they are, well, spotted.

Extension associate Heather Leach is an expert on all things lanternflies. When raising the question of how

to kill egg masses there is a specific procedure to keep in mind. “Egg masses need to be permanently submerged in rubbing alcohol to kill them. Eggs that have been scraped on to the ground can still hatch, so it is important to follow all recommended steps of egg removal!” Leach says. Rubbing alcohol is often an item found in one’s house so it should not be too difficult to act.

After all of this, hopefully you feel less guilty the next time you see a stranger viciously stomping on a seemingly innocent insect. The spotted lanternfly must be wiped out to protect Pennsylvania’s natural beauty (and economic productivity). Be observant. The next time you see that ladybug-ish stinkbug hybrid on your tomato plants, have that be its last supper before you kill it.

Penn Ave, West Reading

Ashley Rogers Writer/ Editor

Alvernia University does a great job at making sure there are plenty of things to do on campus to keep students busy and having fun. However, if you’re looking for something off campus, checking out local restaurants and shops is always a fun adventure. Penn Ave in West Reading is about 10 minutes from the main Alvernia campus and is a strip with a variety of different options to explore. Even better, if you’re a foodie, you’ll love strolling down Penn Ave with the many different restaurants on this street.

From personal experience, I have visited Say Cheese!, Let’s Taco Bout It, Taste of Crepes, Chatty Monks Brewing Co., and Great Wall. However, that is only to name a few. Within those restaurants named is

a variety of different cuisines to choose from to satisfy any kind of craving. Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese is known as an American Classics cuisine. According to their website they serve a unique variety of dishes including, “delicious sandwiches, soup, salad, burgers, award-winning mac & cheese, locally-made coffee, appetizers, entrees, local craft beers, and homemade desserts.” They were also named the “Best Lunch Spot” in Berks County for three years in a row by Berks County Living magazine! When I visited here, I had their bacon tomato grilled cheese and it was delicious. They also have jazz music every Wednesday and happy hour Tuesday to Thursday, both from 5 to 8 p.m. Making a trip to Say Cheese! Restaurant is worth your while, especially during happy hour

on jazz night!

Next, Let’s Taco Bout It is an authentic Mexican grill restaurant that is worth visiting. It is inspired by Mexican Luchadores and “[their] love of street food.” Let’s Taco Bout It also offers the classic “Taco Tuesday” special which is includes a great deal of 5 tacos for $3. Their menu items are also inspired by Lucha libre (wrestling) and from the movie “Nacho Libre.” They have plenty of options including entrees, tacos, burritos, and Luchadors which are like quesadillas. If you’re looking for flavorful and authentic Mexican cuisine, check out Let’s Taco Bout It.

Taste of Crepes is described as a “cozy French cafe with sidewalk seating providing sweet & savory crepes, pluse desserts and coffee.” This cafe is an adorable little breakfast and brunch restaurant with an assortment of crepes. Their menu is broken up into four sections, the breakfast crepes, the savory “lunch” style crepes, the sweet crepes, and they also have salads. There’s also the option to create your own. The Breakfast Spinach crepe is delicious and the perfect combination of flavors for breakfast! Their Strawberry Banana Nutella crepe is great

to satisfy any sweet tooth. Taste of Crepes is also on the affordable side, so it is most definitely a must-have.

Directly across from Taste of Crepes is Chatty Monks Brewing Co., which is a brewpub style restaurant, selling in-house Belgian beers. This is a family run business and uniquely “pairs their homemade beers with tasty Indian/American fusion cuisine.” Chatty Monks has a great atmosphere inside if you’re looking to go out and have a drink with friends or family. They have a large beer selection with many great flavors. The paired brewpub cuisine is very original with their food items being Indian style infused! Although I have not had the opportunity to try much on their menu, it is on my list for a must-try! From the naan bread pizzas to the tikka masala to the beer mac and cheese or the Flying Monkey Wings, there is something for everyone that they’ll enjoy.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a staple restaurant and in the mood for some good old Chinese food, Great Wall Chinese Restaurant is also located on Penn Ave. Unlike the other spots mentioned, Great Wall is a chain restaurant so you can find one in many other

places. However, if you need a good place for some Chinese cuisine, you can head to Penn Ave and check out Great Wall. They have just about anything you could think of with the variety of options they have on their menu.

In addition to Great Wall, Penn Avenue also houses Hawaii Kitchen, which is a sushi restaurant. I am a huge sushi fanatic myself, but have not yet have not had the opportunity to try dishes from Hawaii Kitchen. However, that will change very soon! If you are a big sushi fan like I am, you might enjoy their signature poke bowls or even their sushi burritos. Of course, they also have classic rolls and even the option to build your own bowl. These are both Asian cuisines that are worth trying if you’re ever craving some Chinese food or sushi.

As you can see, I have listed a few options that are staples of West Reading’s Penn Avenue, but there are many more options in the neighboring streets as well. West Reading is an adorable village that provides an array of options for anyone and everyone!

Lantern fly climbing on the wll of an Alvernia Townhuse

Credit: Teresa Marsh

Image

Credit: Ashley Rogers

collEgE lifE- national

Student Debt Relief Plan

Kevaughn Ferguson

Contributing Writer

President Biden has begun to follow through on his promise to provide to student debt relief to students in higher education across the nation. The administration announced its $20,000 debt relief plan on August 24th, 2022, that will provide many people across students the opportunity to escape the student debt treadmill.

College graduates have been struggling for years with debt that seems impossible to pay off. The cost of college education began skyrocketing in the 1980s and has not slowed down since. Compared to the 1980s the overall cost of college has increased 170% since then. 1

Higher education being so expensive removes the opportunity for many people who make a lower income to pursue 65% of jobs available in the U.S. With many businesses calling for college educated workers, the educational system desperately needs support from the state and federal government.

The student loan relief plan will provide some students with $10,000 in aid, with students whose household incomes make them eligible for Pell grants able to receive up to $20,000. Only borrowers who make less than 125,000 a year individually will be granted the aid.

To stay up to date with information regarding the student loan forgiveness plan

1 McGurran, B. (2022, August 31). College tuition inflation: Compare the cost of college over time. Forbes.

visit the QR code https://www.ed.gov/ subscriptions to begin the process. Then you will be asked a series of questions about which information you want to be informed of.

Student aid has many people feeling optimistic about their future in higher ed. “Debt relief is a step in the right direction, getting a degree is a scary financial burden that should not keep people from succeeding. Education may actually be in reach for more people.” says Sophomore student, Madison Houck.

Debt relief is not the only plan Biden is pushing forward to help graduates. He also plans to pause loan payments and student loan interest for students until January 2023. This will give people time to catch their breath and begin steadily returning to their repayment. Biden is also planning to put a rule in place to ensure that anyone who makes less than $31,200 a year will not have to make monthly payments until they reach above that threshold in earnings. This rule will prevent interest from accruing on your loans while you are paying. Allowing for an easy, straightforward payment process.

for the plan over a 10-year span. The effect this will have on the economy is yet to be seen until the plan is underway, however it will not be as devastating as some may believe. The impact these returns will have on the economy will be cushioned by the resumption of the student loan payments that were previously discussed.

2

There are more aspects of this rule that are not covered within this article. In the eyes of many college students, this debt relief plan will provide muchneeded support, but the question remains how will it be funded? The government is planning to spend up to 600 billion

2 Tankersley, J. (2022, August 30). Biden’s student loan plan sets off fierce debate among economists. The New York Times.

3Creating a safety net that will cause the effects of the student loan plan to trickle rather than pour into the economy. Junior college student Xavier Santiago states, “From what I understand, it would benefit me. But something like this should not be judged on benefits alone with the results being so significant as they will dictate whether or not this is helpful or harmful on a larger scale.” In the end only time will tell how the plan will evolve in the future.

The problems that stem from higher education within America will not be solved by this plan alone. However, improvements must

3 The Biden-Harris Administration’s Student Debt Relief Plan Explained. Federal Student Aid.

start somewhere, and for the benefit of the future, education will assist in improving quality of life. If we are to begin making progress in solving the growing problems within the nation, we need more people who are qualified to do so. College should not be looked at as a regret or burden because of the bills that need to be paid afterward. It should not be used as a form of status for those who can afford it but rather as a more solid building block within society. Opportunity is all anyone needs to succeed as Sophomore student Alexandra Griesemer states, “I strongly believe that due to this opportunity, many more students will consider a higher education and will feel relief knowing that a portion of their debt will be paid off.” Only time will tell what effect this loan will have on society, but for right now, it will serve to help college students afford their future

Chart representing college debt over the years

Credit: Kevaughn Ferguson

collEgE lifE- alvErna

The Alvernia Media Suite Expands Creative Possibilities for Students

Laura Nentwig Writer/ Editor

The Alvernia Media Suite is a student-run facility that provides a space for Alvernia students to collaborate, spark creativity, and practice their digital media and design skills. “It’s a nice place to hang out,” Zane Plaza, said of the Media Suite. Plaza works in the Media Suite as a student worker. Located on the bottom floor of Bernardine Hall, the Media Suite has many offerings for students, faculty, staff, and even alumni. “Depending on what kind of class you’re in, like art design or photography,

you have all the materials you would need here to get your coursework done,” Plaza said.

Collaboration Tables

“The Media Suite is an excellent resource for the Alvernia community. Jon King, the GA’s, and work study students provide exceptional support services by assisting with all media needs. It’s a great place to get individual tutoring, technical support and equipment training,” says Professor Sue Guay. If you need a space for group project work, then look no further than the Media Suite’s collaborative spaces. The three tables are

complete with outlets and HDMI hook-ups to connect a laptop to the high-definition monitors at each station. Users can use this space not only to work on projects, but to facilitate training and have meetings.

Equipment Rentals

The equipment closet is stocked and ready for students to check out things this semester. They have video cameras, DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras, lighting, all sorts of microphones, and a talented team to teach you how to use anything you may need.

Mac and PC Editing Space

The Media Suite has both PCs and iMac desktops available for students, faculty, and staff to use for things as simple as homework or as complex as video editing. All the computers have enough processing power to handle large Adobe programs like InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and more!

4K Video Studio

Students who have projects involving highquality video creation or professors who want to record video lectures

for their courses should investigate the 4K Studio. It features a massive green screen and endless templates for anyone to create whatever video they want! The tech includes UHD 4K video production equipment including a Blackmagic video switcher, a Behringer sound board, LED lights controlled via a light board, a teleprompter, and two 4K video cameras with independent video feeds handled by staff members.  To request use of the 4K Video Studio, simply email, call, or visit the Media Suite to make an appointment. Whisper Booth

The Whisper booth is some of the best podcasting technology on the main campus. The booth allows users to record to SD cards, USB drives, or even personal laptops in a sound-resistant environment. Students on campus use this space for personal podcasts and recording their own music!

One Button Touch Studio

People who are intimidated by the 4K Video Studio or need to do some simple recording without the bells and whistles of the larger room should investigate the One Button Touch Studio. This room

Mission Moment

is completely self-service and all you need is a USB drive! Just simply plug it in and the lights, camera, and microphone activate on their own. The tech includes a high-def video camera, LED lights, studio quality microphone, soundresistant walls, and a mini green screen. arge Format Printing

Students, clubs, and faculty departments on campus all seek out the Media Suite’s poster printing services because it’s so cheap! They charge at-cost for materials, so you always know you’re getting the best deal by getting your posters printed at Alvernia. They print their posters on 24-inch, 36-inch, or 42-inch rolls and can be however big you need them. Paper types include semi-gloss and bright white paper, which is like regular computer paper.

To reserve any of the special spaces listed in this article or request a quote for a poster print, email (mediacenter@alvernia. edu), call (610-790-2955), or visit the Media Suite (Bernardine Hall 023) to make an appointment! They are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Queen Elizabeth

“I know of no single formula for success”

Some equipment ready to be checked out of the media suite

Credit: Laura Nentwig

StudEnt WEllnESS

Credit: Unsplash.com

Jennifer Weasner Writer/ Editor

Having proper work to life balance is a major aspect of avoiding burnout. Physician’s Assistant and PhD candidate Caitlin Long owns a business entitled Team Lifelong Wellness in which she teaches a class called Burnout to Balance. Long coaches busy people on how to overcome burnout as well as give

strategies to help to avoid the negative effects that can come from burnout.

When asked about what advice she would give to students who may find it difficult to balance schoolwork, having a social life, and getting the appropriate amount of rest, Long shared that the first word that comes to mind is intentionality, especially when it comes to making time from mindfulness and self-care.

She also said “I advise being intentional about your circles of influence - who are you spending the most time with, and are they helping raise you up? Intentionally seeking outgrowth opportunities is critical at this stage as well.” This means surrounding yourself with people who want you to succeed both personally and professionally but also people who are willing to help you in your journey to get

there.

Start Living A Balanced Life Rest and Recovery

Another thing that Long mentioned as important to keep in mind is being intentional with time, energy, and resources and how each of these things are spent. In other words, you do not have to say “yes” every time someone suggests plans to go out and do something. It is okay to admit to needing a night in and not doing anything.

Long has practical suggestions for students who are looking for a more balanced life. “In my work around stress and burnout, especially in high achievers, I often teach others about the three S’s: Silence, slower, softer,” she said, “Where can you find more compassion for self and others?”

Long shared what focusing on the three Ss looks like for her. “A workout or yoga, followed by meditation (usually guided), journaling, and then a podcast to fuel my mind on the way to work or PhD classes.” It can be helpful to take time to just be quiet and mindful, you may consider taking the time to do this when

your first wake up or even set time aside in the middle of the day to feel grounded again and bring focus to what is important.

Long encourages students not to get caught up too often in the big picture, and to instead focus on the immediate future. “Take it one day at a time, and one task at a time,” she said. “Celebrate the small wins. Make sure these opportunities you take on are in line with your ‘Why,’ and try to streamline where possible. Know you are not alone and there are many resources on campus to help you out, like the Health and Wellness Center.”

Celebrate getting an A on a test you studied many hours for and take the time to get ice cream with a friend. It is OK to take the time to step back from schoolwork and do something that makes you happy. College is a time where there is always so much happening and students are constantly on the go, so it is important to remember to take not only take breaks but also enjoy the journey.

Contributing Writer

Students may have to contend with many illnesses like the flu and the novel coronavirus, as well as athlete injuries during their time at Alvernia.

“Covid would be the most common. Cold, flu, mono, and respiratory illnesses are also common,” said Dr. Claire Murphy, MD, FAAFP, the Director of Health & and Wellness Center.

“Most college campuses see the same kind of illnesses,” Dr. Murphy said.

Going from health to illness is an uneasy and demanding time, especially for a young person used to always being healthy. College is a time of self-exploration, discovery, meeting new people, and growth. It is an awful moment when you find out you are sick and need a time-out. Rest is important for recovery. It can be challenging for college students to remain still because there is so much fun stuff to do and time seems to run fast. It is vital to reflect that health comes first.

Patricia Kreider, PsyD,  Licensed Psychologist in Alvernia University Counseling Services, commented on the issue:

“Mental health and physical health are very connected. It is very important to manage your emotional concerns when recovering from an illness so that

they do not interfere with the recovery process. Not taking care of your emotional health can lead to an exacerbation of physical symptoms.”

No one enjoys being sick, but there are ways to manage dull days with positive activities.

Here are some helpful tips on how to remain peaceful while healing.

1. No Technology:

What is the first thing most people grab when they wake up? Chances are that it is their cell phone. Students may use technology to do their schoolwork and coordinate their social lives, but screen time can cut into their sleep. “Doomscrolling” can also give people negative emotions when it would be better for a person to be taking time for healing. Rather than turning to social media, students on the mend should use the free time for sleeping, eating, and relaxing.

2. Read the Bible:

The Bible has fantastic stories and many inspiring people. There are many characters with noble traits. Reading the Bible may help people understand how to overcome illnesses by relying on God and faith. Perhaps they can remember the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17: 12-16. They were ten men who had an infectious skin disease and must isolate themselves. Jesus did not care that they were the

“untouchable” and showed great mercy. Meditating on the Bible can also help your mental health. Elijah is one of the fascinating prophets of the Bible. His story in 1 King 19:1 describes Elijah in the wilderness, hopeless and depressed because he believed he had failed as God’s Prophet. God’s angel appeared before him, giving him water and feeding him until Elijah was strong enough. Being ill can cause anxiety, hopelessness, and, sometimes, make us lose faith. Meditating on the Bible can help us strengthen our faith and learn lessons from these brave characters. Other religious books, such as The Quran and The Tanakh, can give one the same peace as the Bible as well.

3. Warm Shower:

Take a shower when you first wake up and in the evening before bed. Warm showers can also relax your muscles and help you de-stress. A warm shower can also help with coughs by making you breathe better. However, do not stay in the shower so long that you will dry your skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology of Association, “Limit your showers to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less” and “ Use warm—NOT hot—water every time.” The AAD also recommends using a gentle soap and a fragrance-free moisturizer. Warm water also kills bacteria, and it is helpful for your

circulation.

4. Art:

All art has value, even if you think of yourself only as a beginner. A good introduction to art is to spend time coloring. “Adult” coloring books are a good way for people to reconnect to their creativity. Beyond adult coloring books, students can explore other tools used in visual art, including oils, acrylics, watercolors and pencils. Students can do anime drawings, portraits, and landscapes. You may be the next Leonardo da Vinci, who took six years to for his most know painting Mona Lisa. Many preferred the style of Vincent Van Gogh, who made 900 paintings over ten years. One of the 900 paintings included the 1890’s “Blossoming Almond Tree” and the 1885 “Autumn Landscape with Four Trees.” Vincent Van

Gogh’s mesmerizing paintings, watercolors, and drawings are available at the Vincent Van Gogh Gallery.

Imagine how much artwork you can do over the four or eight years of college. There are no rules to the type of art you may do either. The most enjoyable part is that there is no rush to complete the art project!

5. Outdoor in the Quad:

Sometimes the best thing to heal is a little sunlight. There are many colorful lawn chairs and hammocks around the campus for students. Sitting in a lawn chair and people-watching can be a warming effect on the body. If you have an infectious disease, fresh air can sometimes help, but be mindful to maintain social distance and put on a mask to protect community health.

Image of woman meditating, a good way to be mindful

The Health and Wellness Center on campus

Credit: Maria Fajardo-Vargas

Maria Fajardo-Vargas