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27-year-old greenhouse International students Women’s basketball to expand, receive guided through journey wins game, breaks much-needed updates abroad by mentors 8-game losing streak PAGE 3
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Thursday, February 8, 2024 Vol. 77 No. 19
THE student voice since 1960
Student Senate hears AFSCME bid for solidarity, announces resignations of two student senators
THE SENATE SCOOP M o n d ay, Fe br u a r y 7, 2024 - G os h e n L o u n g e
DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief Several members of AFSCME Local 2887, including President Julie LaTempt-Brazier and Vice President Amy Bodenstab, spoke to the Student Senate during its Feb. 7 open forum asking for support in their contract negotiations. Vice President Jared Jess also announced the resignation of two senators. Eddie Caumiant, regional director with AFSCME Council 31, said AFSCME Local 2887 had been 585 days without a contract. “[That] means [no] cost of living or other adjustments. That means no ability to deal with rising inflation, no ability to
deal with costs associated with COVID and remote work,” Caumiant said. “[It’s] really a pause button [that] has been pressed by this administration that affects some 400 people at this university.” Caumiant said the university had broken the law by offering union members at the School of Dental Medicine a different pay increase than those of the Edwardsville campus, an action he called “unconscionable and ridiculous.” One senator asked how best to support the unions, and Caumiant suggested showing up at the Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Feb. 8 in the Legacy Room in the MUC. Caumiant also said the Staff Senate had recently passed a resolution in support of the unions. “By Feb. 29, [the university] must
DATES TO KNOW
THIS ELECTION SEASON
have all of the collective bargaining agreements not only resolved, but resolved fairly,” Caumiant said. Before the open forum, Jess announced the resignation of two senators, Rahmat Salau and Anna Krienert, whose schedules no longer allowed them to meet Senate attendance requirements. Jess also issued a public announcement of warning, in accordance with Student Government’s disciplinary policy, to Senators Ashton Carter and Brian Obi for failure to meet the required number of office hours per week. Both senators were given the opportunity to address the Senate after the announcement, but declined. Election Commissioner Luke Head announced that election applications had gone live and gave a brief overview of the election timeline. Head also said he thought earlier elections going forward would allow for more time to train new elected officials. The Senate approved a total of $5,000 in travel funds for nine different organizations, as well as $6,507.62 in program
DYLAN HEMBROUGH editor-in-chief
FEB. 12
Student Government’s new election commissioner, junior electrical engineering major Luke Head, has plans to clarify and promote this year’s round of elections. Head was appointed senator for non-traditional students in October 2023. He applied for the then-open position of election commissioner and was approved by the Student Senate in December. “It surprised me how much I enjoyed being part of Student Government,” Head said. “When I learned about the commissioner position, I saw it as a great chance to be more involved and have more responsibilities.” Head was not a member of Student Government last year, but said he was aware of the controversy surrounding last year’s elections. Former presidential candidate Ugo Eleonu filed grievances against the Election Commission, which Eleonu said had not followed the protocols laid out by the election manual. “I think a lot … of the troubles of last semester came from inconsistency,” Head said. “Within the document, if one page says one number of hours and another page has another, you’re automatically going to have some troubles and difficulty getting a sure answer.” One of the grievances last year was that the election period was cut short at 36 hours, rather than running the 48 hours required. Head said elections will run for 50 hours this year to avoid that problem. Another grievance
Election information meeting at 3:30 p.m., MUC Board Room
FEB. 21
Candidate applications due by 4 p.m.
FEB. 28
First mandatory candidate informational meeting at 4 p.m., Willow Room
MAR. 1
Second mandatory candidate informational meeting at 10 a.m., MUC Board Room
MAR. 11
Third mandatory candidate informational meeting at 9 a.m., MUC Board Room; Campaigning begins
MAR. 18
First candidate debate at 5:30 p.m., Goshen Lounge
MAR. 22
Second candidate debate at 11:30 a.m., Goshen Lounge
MAR. 25
Elections begin at 9 a.m.
MAR. 27
Elections end at 11:59 a.m.
MAR. 28
Grievances must be filed by 11:59 a.m.
MAR. 29
Unofficial results will be posted by Student Government
APR. 1
Official results will be posted upon ratification by the Senate
APR. 15
Student body president, vice president and student senators will take the oath of office for the 2024-2025 academic year.
D E V PRO
AP
Student Government election timeline released; Commissioner hopes to streamline process
FEB. 2
Candidate applications went live on GetInvolved
funds requests for three organizations. The Senate also approved the formation of two new student organizations. The first, Pudding Club Revamped, plans to meet biweekly on Tuesdays to eat pudding while wearing vampire garbs. The second petitioning organization was Students for Justice in Palestine. Both organizations were approved unanimously. Five senators were absent without an excuse, including Senators Brian Obi, Ray Ehrenhaft, Cheyenne Carpenter, Alexis Allen and Mae Mohme. The next Student Senate meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 19, in the Missouri Room in the MUC.
was filed due to approximately lines need to be set in greater 30 students being unable to vote, detail, because I think they are a which occurs online. little bit vague at this point.” “The website we use is GetHead said the text of the Involved. It’s the same website election manual is not voted on that all the student organiza- by the Senate as a whole, as it tions do their events [with],” acts as a supplementary docuHead said. “It’s the way that ment to the constitution. Howwe can determine what school ever, the Senate has debated a student is a part of, and various motions regarding so that they can vote on this year’s election cycle, the senator that pertains such as a proposal to limto their particular school it campaign spending for or major.” every candidate. Head said he hopes “The idea was pushed to work closely with Inin the interest of making formation Technology Luke Head sure that each candidate Services to ensure that the would be coming from same issues from last year do not the same place when it comes to happen again, but that technical fairness and capability, [such as] issues can be difficult to predict if one candidate was sponsored, and will likely have to be dealt which would allow for a greatwith as they arise. er amount of funds to be put Head also said online ballot in,” Head said. “The concerns stuffing is nearly impossible be- that a lot of the Senate had was, cause of student documentation ‘How do you track that?’ I don’t tied to GetInvolved. have access to these students’ This year’s Election Com- bank accounts.” mission is made up of Head, Head said the motion ulStudent Government Advisor timately failed because the risk Liz Delaney and students Brodie of unprovable allegations being McIntyre and Sylvie Kessler. made was too high. Head said the non-Senate Head said other changes members, who were approved by he plans to implement serve to the Senate in January, offer an benefit both the candidates and outside-the-box perspective on the voters, including a shorter the elections. One of the ques- campaigning period. This shorttions they raised regards the er campaigning period — two approval of campaign materials, weeks as opposed to three — is such as flyers and pamphlets, by mostly to avoid campaigning the commission. over spring break, according “There are a lot of details as to Head. far as where someone can post “Not a lot of students are and the size and material of phys- here during [spring break]. It ical postings,” Head said. “There didn’t make sense to me to have are also guidelines set by the uni- that be a part of the campaign peversity — anything explicit [and] riod. It also gives me more time anything overtly hateful has no place here. That is where some see ELECTION on page 2
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KNOW YOUR vote:
Get to know your elected student officials by Dylan Hembrough
Kayefi Kuboye
Yassine Ndiaye
Senator for International Students
Senator for the Diversity Council
Students from all around the world have two senators representing them — one of them is Kayefi Kuboye. Kuboye is a second-year graduate student majoring in mechanical and mechatronics engineering, as well as a Nigerian international student. “I get a lot of questions about how [international students] can get more involved on campus in organizations that are more inclusive and represent them.” Kuboye said she also meets with International Student and Scholar Services to guide international students through their journey at SIUE. Kuboye said that, in the future, she hopes more people apply to positions aimed at inclusivity. “I would like for more students to apply to these positions, from different cultures and different tribes,” Kuboye said. Kuboye said her hobbies include volunteering and trying foods from different cultures.
Sophomore chemistry major Yassine Ndiaye is one of five members of Student Government’s Diversity Council, a body devoted to furthering Student Government’s commitment to inclusivity on campus. Ndiaye was one of the inaugural senators of the Diversity Council, as the positions came into existence after last year’s Senate expansion. “I’m passionate about making a positive impact on campus and advocating for the needs and concerns of the student body,” Ndiaye said. Ndiaye said one of her primary focuses has been meeting the dietary needs of different groups on campus, such as providing halal food for Muslims. Ndiaye also said the role has been eye-opening to the needs of all kinds of students — not just those who share a background with their senator. Ndiaye said her hobbies include painting, crocheting and watching movies.
SG elections are coming up soon ELECTION | COVER
to have the mandatory meetings with the candidates so that everyone understands the rules of the election process,” Head said. Head also said the shorter campaign period could be beneficial for candidates in their studies. “I can only imagine how stressful the actual campaign is for the students running. I think dragging it out longer than two weeks would pose too much of a dent in their school life.” Head said McIntyre and Kessler have also encouraged him to organize public debates between the candidates so voters can get to know their ballot. The other benefit of public debates, according to Head, is promotion of the election in general. “I intend to go to classes, talk with professors and see if they’ll let me make announcements at the beginning of some of the larger classes, as well as talking with a lot of the Greek life here on campus,” Head said. “It’s one thing to be aware of the election and the other to care about it, so that’s where, with the debates, I hope to get the student population to know the candidates.” Head announced via email, on Feb. 2, that applications had opened for 29 Senate positions and three spots on the Executive Board: student body president, vice president and trustee. Applications will be live until Feb. 21. Two public debates are scheduled to take place March 18 and March 22. Election day is March 25.
Democrat leaders oppose Israel aid bill for lack of humanitarian aid CAROLINE COUDRIET CQ-Roll Call (TNS)
House Democratic leaders promised Tuesday to vote against a standalone Israel aid bill teed up for floor consideration, calling into question whether the bill can pass. Republicans plan to bring the $17.6 billion legislation to the floor Tuesday afternoon under suspension of the rules, which means it needs a twothirds majority to pass. But with Democratic support wavering, it appears unlikely to meet that threshold. Democratic leaders argued in a “Dear Colleague” letter that Speaker Mike Johnson’s move to bring the Israel aid bill to the floor “is not being offered in good faith,” instead calling for passage of the Senate’s $118.3 billion supplemental package funding Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and border security. “It is a nakedly obvious and cynical attempt by MAGA extremists to undermine the possibility of a comprehensive, bipartisan funding package that addresses America’s national security challenges in the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific region and throughout the world,” they wrote. Democrats also took issue with the bill’s omission of humanitarian aid for Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian civilians have been killed since the start of the war in October. “2.2 million people are starving,” said House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro. “So humanitarian assistance is key. It is critical. It is not there.”
Democratic leaders have not formally whipped against the bill, members said Tuesday morning, and some staunchly pro-Israel Democrats will likely still vote yes. Rep. Brad Sherman said he planned to vote for the bill on the principle that good bills shouldn’t be blocked because of what they don’t include. “I’m not going to vote against the Ukraine bill because it fails to deal with Armenia, because it fails to deal with Tigray,” he said, referring to a part of Ethiopia facing devastating hunger. “So to vote against a good bill, because of what’s not in it — you know, every bill I vote for doesn’t have a train through the Sepulveda Pass,” he added, alluding to a potential transit project in his district. President Joe Biden said Monday he would veto the bill if sent to his desk on the grounds that it does not fulfill most of his supplemental funding request, adding an additional layer of pressure on Democrats. “Obviously, I care about democracy in Israel. But it has no provisions for humanitarian aid for the civilians in Gaza, or in Ukraine,” said Rep. Ann McLane Kuster. “We cannot walk away from Ukraine. In fact, I would venture to say thousands of American lives will be lost if we do.” The bill’s consideration marks the second time the House has attempted to pass Israel aid. In November, Republicans brought to the floor legislation to provide $14.3 billion in aid for Israel, offset by funding cuts to the Internal Revenue Service. All but 12 Democrats voted against it. Johnson acknowledged
02.01.24 A person in Cougar Village reported smelling gas. An officer reported a slight smell and Edwardsville firefighters fixed it. 02.03.24 An officer responded to a report of a set of keys possibly being stolen in Bluff Hall. According to the officer’s report, the investigation is still currently ongoing 02.05.24 Hygiene products were destroyed in a MUC men’s bathroom. Hygiene products have been destroyed multiple times since the spring semester began.
HAITI Guy Philippe, a Haitian rebel, appeared in Portau-Prince to call for the ousting of Prime Minister Ariel Henry sometime on Wednesday, Feb. 7, due to rampant gang violence. CHILE Wildfires in central Chile have killed at least 130 people. It is believed that the reason this wildfire was so deadly was due to warmer weather from climate change.
An Israeli tank moves along Israel’s southern border with Gaza. | Amir Levy / Getty Images Tuesday that the new version, which does not include offsets and includes added resources for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, is an effort to bring more supporters on board at a time when tensions in the region are at an all-time high. “We understand now that in the couple of months that have transpired since we passed it the first time, this situation has gotten much more dangerous,” he told reporters. “We need to stand with Israel right now, and we cannot wait any longer. And that’s why, as desperate times call for desperate measures, that’s exactly what we’re gonna do.” Republicans, meanwhile, face headwinds of their own in building support for the bill. Several members in the party’s conservative wing oppose the bill’s lack of funding offsets. Rep. Thomas Massie said “quite a few” Republicans would join him in opposing the legislation. “It’s too much money,”
he said. The House bill’s consideration comes as senators mull the $118.3 billion supplemental package released over the weekend by appropriators and a trio of border and immigration policy negotiators. Many Senate Republicans are against the measure, suggesting there may not be enough votes to advance it. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer who had teed up a cloture vote on the bill for Wednesday, said on the Senate floor Tuesday that he would consider delaying the vote until Thursday to accommodate Republicans who want more time to consider the bill. But the House’s approach may not fare any better. “You give people information, you give them the facts. You tell them where you are, which is what I did, and others did, so forth, and they’ll make up their own minds,” DeLauro said. “But I think that the Democratic votes will not be there.”
PALESTINE Israel has said 31 of the hostages held by Hamas have been killed. This leaves around 136 hostages left in Gaza, but the war shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. EL SALVADOR President Nayib Bukele has been re-elected in a landslide victory in El Salvador. The young president cracked down heavily on gang violence in the country. UNITED KINGDOM King Charles III was diagnosed with cancer on Monday, Feb. 5. He has said he won’t be stepping down from the office and will continue until death, similar to Elizabeth II.
Information courtesy of Reuters / AP
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How 1.5 C of warming will damage the planet HAYLEY SMITH Los Angeles Times (TNS)
Federal and international climate officials recently confirmed that 2023 was the planet’s hottest year on record — and that 2024 may be even hotter. With a global average temperature of 58.96 degree Fahrenheit, Earth in 2023 was within striking distance of a dangerous limit: 2.7 degrees of warming over the preindustrial period, or 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The benchmark is significant. In 2015, the United States was among 195 nations that signed the landmark Paris agreement, an international treaty drafted in response to the worsening threat of climate change. The parties agreed to hold the increase in the global temperature to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels — and preferably below 1.5 degrees Celsius — in order to reduce the worst effects of climate change. The preindustrial period refers to an era before humans began to meaningfully alter the planet’s climate through fossil fuel and other heat-trapping emissions. Most agencies measure this using temperature data from between 1850 and 1900. But last year’s simmering temperatures make it clear the 1.5-degree Celsius benchmark is slipping away. “At this point, it is really difficult to see a path to keeping warming below 1.5 degrees,” said Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists. To do so, she said, would necessitate a more than 40 percent reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “That requires a pace of emissions reductions that’s really inconsistent with what we see on the planet to date,” Dahl said. “At the same time, it’s really important that we continue to strive for that goal, even if we know we’re not going to make it.” NOAA noted that global surface temperatures can be influenced not only by human-caused climate change, but also by natural climate factors such as El Niño and random weather, which can briefly push monthly or even yearly temperatures above the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. “To know when Earth has passed that threshold, we have to look at longer timescales,” the agency said. What is clear, however, is that each additional degree — or even tenth of a degree — of warming will have impacts beyond those already occurring, including increased tree mortality, biodiversity loss, worsening wildfires, longer heat waves, extreme rainfall and heavy floods. In 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a special report on the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold that outlined a number of potential futures based on different levels of emissions reductions and subsequent warming. In one middle-of-the-road
scenario, delayed action around emissions leads the planet to experience a warmer decade in the 2020s before peaking at 2 degrees Celsius of warming around the middle of the century. The warming then begins to decrease due to improved global efforts and technology. In that world, deadly heat waves would strike major cities such as Chicago, while droughts would plague southern Europe, southern Africa and the Amazon, the IPCC report says. The destruction of key ecosystems including coral reefs, tropical forests, mangroves and seagrass beds would lead to reduced levels of coastal defense from storms, winds and waves, and Asia and other places would experience major flooding. That scenario also predicts that steadily rising sea levels, increased water stress and declining crop yields would put pressure on global food prices and lead to prolonged famines in some African countries. Such possibilities illuminate the need for urgent action, as well as the consequences of a half-degree Celsius increase from 1.5 to 2 degrees of warming. For example, about 75 percent of the world’s coral reefs are expected to be lost at 1.5 degrees of warming, versus 99 percent at 2 degrees, Dahl said. Antarctic ice sheets are also sensitive to that half degree, and would see exponential melting at 1.5 degrees Celsius and beyond. Their melting would be “a tipping point in Earth’s climate system that would be really difficult to recover from,” Dahl said. At 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, the planet would soon see about 19 inches of sea level rise, a 16 percent increase in hot days and an 8 percent decline in northern hemisphere snowpack, the report says. But at 2 degrees Celsius, those numbers would increase to 22 inches of sea level rise, a 25 percent increase in hot days and an 11 percent decline in snowpack, among other effects. The current best estimate for when Earth will surpass the 1.5-degree benchmark is between now and 2040, according to the IPCC’s 6th climate change assessment, released last year. Yet the planet is not only nearing that limit, it surpassed 2 degrees Celsius for the first time on record on two days in 2023 — Nov. 17 and 18, according to Copernicus. Humanity has never before “had to cope with a climate this warm,” the agency’s director, Carlo Buontempo, said recently. “There were simply no cities, no books, agriculture or domesticated animals on this planet last time the temperature was so high,” Buontempo said. “This calls for a fundamental rethink of the way in which we assess our environmental risk, as our history is no longer a good proxy for the unprecedented climate we are already experiencing.” Limiting sustained warming to below 2 degrees Celsius is still within reach, Dahl, of the Union of Concerned Scientists said — so long as countries continue to strengthen and implement their pledges to reduce emissions. “Every tenth of a degree really matters,” she said.
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Upcoming expansion project expected for SIUE’s 27-year-old greenhouse BRANDI SPANN opinion editor
An often unnoticed building on the Edwardsville campus, the greenhouse is located between Science Lab West and the Vadalabene Center. It will soon undergo a major upgrade to improve the care of plants and expand research opportunities. Jon Clark, the laboratory manager for the Department of Biological Sciences, said that greenhouses constructed towards the end of the 20th century have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. SIUE’s greenhouse was dedicated on Oct. 30, 1997. The current building has doubled its expected timeframe. “It’s long overdue to where we get into several issues that are pretty expensive to repair,” Clark said. The greenhouse supports a variety of plants with varying temperature and moisture needs, so they have attempted to create multiple different environments within the one room, but that means the specific needs of some of the plants cannot be met. “We end up only having a lot of success with things that are adaptable,” Clark said. “I think [the greenhouse is] an underutilized resource right now. It’s available for research, but the age of the building — and the nature of it now — opens up that possibility for confounding factors to slip, [like] contamination and pests.” Teaching Assistant Trevor Rallo pointed to a few of the issues with the currently standing building. “I’ve only been here for a couple of months and I’ve already seen the areas that might be an issue,” Rallo said. “This wall, the swamp cooler, is what generates the humidity, but all of that black that you see is mold growth.” While the greenhouse is still fully-functioning and supporting the plants, Rallo said the metal tables are rusting through and the mold spans the entirety of one of the walls. According to an email from Bill Retzlaff, professor of biological sciences and interim vice chancellor for administra-
tion, final information regarding the cost, construction plans and schedule for the renovation should be available towards the end of March. Michaela Barter, a sopo-
Clark said that around 70 more majoring in biology, specifically in evolution, ecology percent of the plants in the and the environment, is a stu- greenhouse are used for classdent worker in the greenhouse. es. The plants support introShe said she has a rough idea for ductory level biological sciwhat the new greenhouse may ences courses to demonstrate look like. reproductive strategies and “Basically, where the green- biome adaptations. house is located, they’re going Rallo said that students bento build a bigger unit out in efit from the opportunity to infront of it, closer to the parking teract directly with the plants. lot, and then eventually we’ll go “There’s a certain level of back and renovate the old green- additional education you can get house and connect the two,” through application,” Rallo said. Barter said. “I could read all day about pest Garima Ranabhat, a gradu- management, but until I come ate student in her final semester out here and flip over a leaf studying bioand find some logical science, pests and figis also a stuure out how to dent worker in treat them, I’ll the greennever know the house. proper way.” “After [the I think the R a nabhat g r e e n h o u s e] greenhouse is said that, as a gets more student workspace, we can an underutilized er, she stops by divide those to care for the plants based resource right now.” plants twice on group, like a week. She similar species checks the irriin one place, Jon Clark, gation processwhich might Lab manager for Dept. of Bio. Sciences es — some of be easier for which are authe visitors to tomatic — and observe, as well as for the stu- treats pests or fungi with the apdents to learn,” Ranabhat said. propriate chemicals. Ranabhat said that the reno“We focus on the care of vation will include three separate our collection of plants. So, that rooms for the plants. includes watering, fertilizing, “They’ll all be independent- making sure there aren’t any ly controlled,” Rallo said. “So we pests, repotting, if they need,” can set up one room for desert Barter said. “We [also] do some habitat. We can set up one for side projects like plant sales. tropical. We can set up one for If there’s a class in there doing native habitat — and also, the projects, we’ll take care of those desk area, and a bathroom, for plants sometimes, too. We just Pete’s sake — things out here provide a space.” that really will be appreciated Barter said that the greennot just by the staff, but also by house’s plant sales happen two people who come out here to do or three times each semester. research. It’ll be a sort of shining “The plants that we had at gem on campus, I suppose.” that sale all came from these Clark said the proposed up- mother plants,” Rallo said. grade will have a work area, al- “They sort of keep on giving. It’s lowing for chemical storage away a great way to use a sustainable from the plants themselves. financial generator so that we can “The new building is go- pay for things like soil, new plants ing to be a lot more impervious and pots.” than what we have now,” Clark Clark said that the fundsaid. “Students don’t want to ing from these sales also generstick something out there that ates funding for their outreach might get compromised. Hope- and collaboration with K-12 fully, it will also expand the plant schools for summer programs courses we can offer to our ma- and activities. The funding jors. With this automation and from course-associated fees are new technology that’s being not enough to cover the costapplied to this, this is going to ly operational processes, so be a building that’s probably the sales help the program a going to serve the university for significant amount. several decades.”
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Valentine’s Day: Its mysterious beginning and why we celebrate it MICHAL KATE CASTLEMAN online editor Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with people everywhere enjoying romantic activities and gifts. The holiday has also been criticized for being a cash grab for the retail market. The origins of this holiday are mysterious, but Valentine’s Day has existed long before heart-shaped chocolate boxes. According to Britannica, there used to be a festival celebrating marriage and fertility, as well as the arrival of spring, called Lupercalia on the same day as Valentine’s Day. According to The History Channel’s website, History.com, Lupercalia was dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and Romulus and Remus, who were founders of Rome. The holiday was banned in the 5th century by Pope Gelasius I. Gelasius I is credited for naming the holiday St. Valentine’s Day. The editors of History.com said this particular name is “shrouded in mystery” as we do not
know who St. Valentine was. Third-century Roman Emperor Claudius II decided to forbid marriage for young men as he preferred unmarried men in his military. Against the emperor’s wishes, a priest named Valentine
performed marriages for young couples anyway, until he was killed by Claudius II. History.com said there was also a
bishop named Saint Valentine of Terni who was beheaded by the same emperor. It is this specific Valentine that many credit for the name of the holiday. Britannica said another man named Valentine was imprisoned in Rome and wrote letters to his jailer’s daughter. He signed these letters with “from your Valentine,” which is how people continue to sign their Valentines today. The editors of History.com said another possible explanation behind February 14 being Valentine’s Day comes from people in the Middle Ages believing that bird mating season began on that day every year. The Roman god Cupid, or the Greek god of love Eros, is a common mascot for Valentine’s Day. The first portrayal of Cupid as the baby with a bow and arrow goes back to the Hellenistic period. According to History.com, the En-
glish poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first person to write a poem acknowledging Valentine’s Day in 1375. In his poem, Chaucer said: “For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day. Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate. The oldest version of a modern day Valentine’s card is dated back to 1415. According to Britannica, popular use of the Valentine’s card began in the 1500s, and by the 1700s, cards were being sold commercially. The use of Valentine’s Day cards arrived in the United States by the 1800s. Today, we still trade Valentine’s Day cards and celebrate this charming holiday with one another. People may view Valentine’s Day as an excuse for corporations to make money, but the holiday has a richer history, from Lupercalia to forbidden love letters.
Cost-friendly college dates for Valentine’s Day T. WELTZIN multimedia editor Want to do something nice with your significant other but also have to pay tuition? Here are some easy, local and inexpensive date ideas for the perfect Valentine’s date. Cheap Movie Tuesdays Marcus Theatres in O’Fallon has a $5 movie every Tuesday, where all tickets for every movie that day are $5. If you’re looking for a cheap movie option for a film that is only in theaters, this is a good choice. If O’Fallon is too far of a drive, the Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville has $3 movies every Tuesday. Tubi and Taking It Easy However, if you are not looking to go to the movie theater or are looking for a comfortable online viewing experience, free services like Tubi and SIUE’s Kanopy make for a lazy cuddle date where you can lay back and relax with your significant other. If you’d prefer, these free streaming services also take a more affordable approach to “Netflix and chill.”
Museum Dates for Dark Academics If laying in bed is too low-key for your tastes, a trip to either the Art Museum or the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis provides a free alternative (save for gas). Museums are a wonderful way for you to spark meaningful and intellectual conversations with your date. Nerd Out Over Your Date at the St. Louis Science Center If you’re more interested in science than art, the St. Louis Science Center allows you (or your date) to show off your smarts and hopefully impress. Just make sure you account for any of their paid exhibits, such as the current ECLIPSE exhibit in the planetarium. The exhibit has $7 tickets and comes with safety glasses that you can use for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8. Indoor Picnic in Your Dorm If you’re short on transportation and would rather not sit in a crowded restaurant, an indoor (or outdoor) picnic with MUC-gathered supplies works just fine. Throw down a nice blanket and use your residential meal plan (or Cougar Bucks) to purchase snacks of your choice with
a decent discount. While you may be limited in choices, atmosphere is the key here. As long as you clean your room and make an obvious effort to do something nice, your date should appreciate it. Creating Competition with Cake If you appreciate creativity but don’t have gas money, a cake-decorating contest allows you to show off your decorating creativity. Box mix along with all the needed supplies can be bought in Union Station in the MUC. Cakes are easy to make and cheap to buy, and a tasty dessert to share! Cold Stone Staring With many local ice cream shops in Edwardsville, tasty dessert options are always just around the corner. Check out our past MEE columns for nearby places reviewed by us. Some businesses not only have a student discount, but they still have cheap options. Thoughtful Thrifting Another fun twist to a common date idea is to go thrifting for your partner’s
outfit and go out to dinner. With your significant other wearing the outfit of your choice, you can have a date at a restaurant that is full of jokes and conversations about fashion. Painting for Two If you can’t afford a dinner for two, there’s always the option to buy a few cheap canvases at Walmart and paint together. If you don’t want to do a whole painting yourself, you can have one color and switch canvases every 10 minutes. The results will be two collaborative pieces that you and your lover can keep and display. Art is Always in Bloom While the weather is cold and flowers aren’t blooming, the art in the SIUE Gardens is still up and vibrant. Take your partner on a delightful walk through the Gardens and show them sculptures that you can debate and contemplate the meaning of as you take a stroll in the February sun. If you don’t want to walk outside or don’t have a means of getting to the SIUE Gardens, a walk through the Art and Design buildings is also an option.
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Valentine’s Day watchlist: Something for every vibe For the full list, scan this QR code:
OLIVIA WHITLOCK copy editor Casanovas, cynics and everyone in between, I present you with my curated Valentine’s Day watchlist. From modern-day romance and underrated gems to anti-romance and tearjerkers, there’s a little bit of everything — from every genre for everyone Please check out websites such as “Does the Dog Die?” to check for potential triggers and sensitive topics before viewing any movie on this list. ‘P.S. I Love You’ (2007) Director Richard LaGravenese Holly (Hilary Swank) is heartbroken after the death of her husband, Gerry (Gerard Butler). On her 30th birthday, Holly begins to receive a series of gifts and letters Gerry left behind to help her cope with her grief. ‘Easy A’ (2010) Director Will Gluck Olive (Emma Stone) lies to her best friend about losing her virginity. As the rumor spreads throughout her high school, she decides to embrace her new promiscuous reputation.
‘Imagine Me & You’ (2005) Director Ol Parker On her wedding day, Rachel (Piper Perabo) spots florist Luce (Lena Headey) at her ceremony. Rachel and Luce become close friends until Rachel begins to develop feelings for Luce and questions her sexuality and marriage. ‘Moonlight’ (2016) Director Barry Jenkins Following the life of Chiron through three pivotal chapters of his personal journey, intimate portrayals unfold as he grapples with the challenges of finding his place in the world and navigating his identity and sexuality. ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ (1999) Director Jamie Babbit High school cheerleader Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is sent to a conversion camp after her parents begin to believe she’s gay. In this satirical comedy, Megan navigates the absurdities of the camp’s attempts to change her sexuality while forming friendships and falling in love.
‘Anything’s Possible’ (2022) Director Billy Porter Kelsa (Eva Reign) is focused on navigating her friendships and transgender identity during her senior year of high school. All is well until her world is flipped upside down after her crush, Khal (Abubakr Ali), asks her out.
‘Love & Basketball’ (2000) Director Gina Prince-Bythewood Friends since age 11, Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) pursue their individual basketball dreams while overcoming obstacles and the challenges that arise with their decade long love story.
‘Penelope’ (2006) Director Mark Palansky Penelope (Christina Ricci) is an heiress hidden away from society after a curse is placed on her family causing her to be born with the snout of a pig. It is believed that the curse will be broken once she finds true love.
‘Ready or Not’ (2019) Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett Grace (Samara Weaving) unwittingly becomes the prey in a sinister game of hide and seek on her wedding night, orchestrated by her wealthy in-laws and their ritualistic traditions.
‘Supernova’ (2020) Director Harry Macqueen Long-term partners, Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci), take a trip in their old RV, revisiting places from their past together as Tusker struggles with his advancing dementia. ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ (2009) Director Ken Kwapis This A-list actor-filled romantic comedy follows nine people and the romances and friendships that come along with modern love and dating.
‘Drive Me Crazy’ (1999) Director John Schultz Next-door neighbors, Nichole (Melissa Joan Hart) and Chase (Adrian Grenier), devise a plan to make their love interests jealous by fake dating. ‘Gone Girl’ (2014) Director David Fincher On their fifth anniversary, Amy (Rosamund Pike) disappears, and her husband, Nick (Ben Affleck), becomes the prime suspect. Despite presenting the perfect marriage to family and friends, in reality, it’s filled with lies and deceit.
A playlist you should not play during sex GRACE GENTEMANN reporter In the heat of the moment, it’s important to keep the vibes going. The best intended sexy playlists can go off the rails with the wrong song added. Let this list be a cautionary tale when making your sexy, fun time playlist. ‘Kiss from a Rose,’ Seal “Kiss from a Rose”, is a powerful vocal performance, with ominous lyrics, to describe a passionate love. With iconic lines, “My power, my pleasure, my pain.” ‘Glimpse of Us,’ Joji Want you or your partner to be thinking of their ex in the heat of the moment? This song will surely do it! Joji delivers a soulful ballad of being reminded of a past lover every time he looks at his partner. Your partner looking at you and thinking of someone else, nothing more romantic than that! ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire,’ Billy Joel Hit song by Billy Joel, “We Didn’t Start the Fire” details all major events from the year 1949 to 1989, the year Billy Joel turned 40.This song is the perfect way for you and your partner to learn about each other’s bodies and 40 years of history all at the same time.
‘Stan,’ Eminem, Dido This is not just a song but a story about a crazed fan of Eminem. In frustration of rapstar Eminem not returning his fan mail, an unnamed fan referred to as “Stan” gets drunk, drives off a bridge with his girlfriend in the trunk. This is the perfect song to ruin the mood, while Dido delivers haunting vocals for the chorus, the lyrics and storytelling are still chilling. ‘Big Foot,’ Nicki Minaj Rapper Nicki Minaj has issues with another female rapper Megan Thee Stallion resulting in Minaj releasing “Big Foot”, a diss track titled because of the old news of Megan Thee Stallion getting shot in the foot by fellow rapper Tory Lanez. Not only is this track almost unbearable to sit through, but in the last minute Minaj cuts the beat and goes on a tirade threatening Megan. ‘All Time Low,’ Jon Bellion This is another song for a hookup, to remind yourself that you are indeed at rock bottom. This song is a very theatrical performance portraying Bellion’s mood. This pop hit describes the worst part of break ups when you begin to relive all the mistakes and wish you could go back and change things.
‘Facts,’ Tom MacDonald, Ben Shapiro Political discussions always set the mood. If listening to a Ben Shapiro podcast episode is not enough, you can follow it with a newly released rap song by Shapiro with bars like,“ My comment section all woke Karens.” ‘Murder on My Mind,’ YNW Melly Rapper YNW Melly released Murder on My Mind in 2018, only to be charged with two counts of murder in the following year. ‘Crank That (Soulja Boy),’ Soulja Boy Let’s rewind to the 2000s with the dance classic by the viral sensation, soulja boy. the infectious beat will have you moving, and you won’t be able to resist doing anything but crank that! ‘I Don’t F—- With You,’ Big Sean, E-40 This song is perfect for a hookup—or getting back with an ex, to really set the tone of your feelings. Big Sean delivers an upbeat, angry rap detailing his overall disdain for his ex-girlfriend Naya Rivera. ‘Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig Zags),’ Afroman An upbeat retelling of wild, intoxicated stories from comedian rapper Afroman, this song has a catchy rhyming scheme and hilarious lyrics. I would not suggest this in any sexual setting.
‘Cbat,’ Hudson Mohawke This is a jaunty club song that does not fit the vibe for anything, especially sex. An anonymous user on the social platform Reddit expressed his adoration for “Cbat” during his spicy time, only to be met with internet backlash and a number of hilarious replies. ‘Dance Monkey,’ Kidz Bop Kidz Bop, which was, created in 2001, takes modern pop songs and creates a clean version sung by the Kidz Bop Kids group. Dance Monkey, created by Tones And I, was a pop hit in 2019. Online, this song became a meme for being incredibly annoying. The Kidz Bop version enhances just how terrible this song is by making it worse. ‘Wait for It,’ Leslie Odom Jr. and the Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton Leslie Odom Jr.’s powerful voice makes him an absolute highlight to the Hamilton musical. Occurring in the first act, this song evokes the feeling of being left behind while everyone else reaches their goals. Find this playlist and more on the Alestle Spotify.
Thursday, 02.08.24
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A two-way street: International Student Mentorship Program opens up opportunities for cultural exchange Their mid-semester meeting was a trip to Six Flags during Fright Fest, which was Duft’s favorite group activity due to the Moving to a new country to study excitement many mentees had. Their closing ceremony was held at at a new university is difficult. InterEdison’s Entertainment Complex in Ednational Affairs’ mentorship program wardsville. Chon Sin said this group event hopes to sidestep these challenges by was his favorite. pairing international students with “Our program orientation last seexperienced mentors. mester, the first time doing this, we Emanuel Chon Sin, International Afdidn’t know how it was going to go,” fairs’ general assistant, came up with the Chon Sin said. “But I could see it so idea to create the program because of his clearly, at the end of the semester, in own experience as an international stuour program ceremony, how close they dent. all were. I could see the “I’m originally from contrast from the very Panama, and as someone first time we all met to who has experienced the the end of the semesups and downs of coming ter. It really brought Previously, I to a new country, expeso much joy to my riencing the good stuff needed help, and heart, knowing that and the more challenging there was someour efforts are makstuff, I wanted to develop ing a difference in an initiative that would ba- body I could rely the community.” sically create this support- on. So, this time I According to ing community for other can be the Duft, one of the most international students,” important parts of the somebody that Chon Sin said. program is the exLast semester, the can help people.” change of cultures. program entered its pilot During their very first NFN Meenakshi stage with an inaugural meeting as a group, group of 12 international Sophomore students and 10 mentors. Computer science major they discussed cultural norms and how to reChon Sin said that spect them. they had three planned group Victor Manuel, a graduate student activities during the semester — an opening ceremony, a mid-semester program from Colombia studying music, said the interest his mentor had in his culture was and a closing ceremony. International Affairs’ Program Ad- one of the reasons that brought them closvisor Sara Duft said the opening cer- er over the semester. “[My mentor] is very, very interestemony is where the participants meet each other and learn how to navigate the ed in Latin American culture. He speaks mentor-mentee relationship. Spanish too. I think that helped a lot
CHLOE WOLFE lifestyles editor
“
The International Affairs office is located in the SSC basement. They offer several services dedicated to helping students. | Sam Muren / The Alestle
because we would sometimes talk in English, sometimes talk in Spanish,” Manuel said. “He was asking me things about my country because he was doing a research project about [it], so I could help him with that.” Mass communications junior Nishi Lodha Jain said she had difficulty adjusting to American life due to homesickness, difference in schooling and lack of transportation. She said that the program helped her better adjust to the differences. “I did find a mentor. She was really helpful and I’m still in contact with her,” Lodha Jain said. “She tells me, ‘If you want to go anywhere, just tell me [and] I will take you.’ She’s really sweet.” The program began its second active semester on Jan. 12, with some mentors returning and some former mentees moving onto the mentor side of the program. NFN Meenakshi, a sophomore computer science major from India, was a mentee last semester but decided to come back this semester as a mentor. She said that the mentor she was assigned to helped her with questions from campus resources to how to apply for a driver’s license. Meenakshi said the transition from mentee to mentor was exciting. “It was a really happy moment,” Meenakshi said, “Previously, I needed help and there was somebody I could rely on. This time, I can be the somebody that can help people and they will see me as someone that [can help them].” Meenakshi is currently mentoring two students with whom she’s already formed a friendship. “It’s been just one week [and] I would say we are already really good friends,” Meenakshi said. “We had lunch several times together. They visited my apartment as well — they were so excited
to see where I live. Now, we are planning to complete ‘57 Things To Do at SIUE’ and we’re really excited about it.” Olivia Rodgers, a senior geography major and Spanish minor, has been a mentor for both semesters. She said that the opportunity to form connections, friendships and cultural knowledge is a reason for others to join the program. “I just really loved getting to hear about [Rodgers’ former mentee’s] culture. She is from Costa Rica. I obviously have a huge interest in Central and South America in general,” Rodgers said. “I’m just getting to learn from her and be able to ask her questions.” Rodgers said the connection is a twoway street in helping each other out. “It’s not just like, ‘I’m the mentor, you’re the mentee,’ solid lines of black and white,” Rodgers said. “I think that it goes both ways. I’m able to help her orient herself to the SIUE environment and take her to different places and introduce her to new things.” While the mentor and mentee group remained small for the spring semester, Duft and Chon Sin said they would like to grow the program in the future. “I think my inspiration is the international community here on campus,” Chon Sin said. “[It’s] so close-knit, and it’s so special. That’s where my desire to serve them comes from. We hope that the program grows and it continues to be something that really helps students here.” “It’s been really fun to see [the program], and it will definitely be something that we continue for the foreseeable future,” Duft said. “I can’t see us ending this. We’ve already seen some mentees who have become mentors this semester, and I think we’ll continue to see that cycle.”
“Should we support problematic celebrities?”
Matthew Wolden Michal Kate Castleman
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DYLAN HEMBROUGH Editor-in-Chief
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view Don’t lose yourself: Put down your work, pick up your interests THE ALESTLE STAFF editorial board
Amidst the chaos of college, it’s often hard to remember what makes us who we are. Our hobbies and interests can be discarded while we attempt to meet deadlines, go to class or spend hours working. But, it’s crucial that we hold onto our individual identities. We live in a society that is fixated on the perfect career. While work is undeniably crucial for our survival, there is more to life beyond clocking in and taking exams. Humans must be connected to others and also to themselves.
We must keep in touch with our interests and our loved ones, otherwise we are nothing but machines. Even if you love your job, your career does not define you. If we decide to dedicate ourselves to only our work, we can drive ourselves to burnout. Eventually, you work so much that you lack motivation to work at all. Avoid burnout by creating a balance between work and everything else in your life. A way to maintain balance is by taking breaks to delve into your hobbies. You should not feel like you have to give up your hobbies. You developed those hobbies out of a love for what they brought you. The joy
you feel when you sit down and crochet or when you play your favorite game does not need to be replaced by cubicles and study rooms. The work we do can consume us, especially when we’re all attempting to reach a goal, such as a degree or a promotion. To avoid being overwhelmed and over-consumed, we can turn to those activities that bring us joy. Humanity will benefit from the joy we find when we’re in touch with ourselves. What makes you happier: those positive numbers at work, or that new recipe you baked? People are united with others when they connect through
cultural modes of expression, such as art or music. If you give up these forms of expression, you remove the connection between yourself and culture. Strive to carve out time for your hobbies to not only enrich your life but give a much needed balance.Your existence should not be tied down to the hustle and bustle of the week. Take a moment and remember those hobbies you love. Remember the comfort and gratification that comes with them. Form new hobbies and enjoy those too. This way, you will remain a whole individual rather than another working machine in society.
struggle for college students. With the pressure of maintaining good grades, staying on top of assignments, managing social expectations, getting enough sleep and more — money shouldn’t be another concern that adds onto the decline of a student’s mental state. Washington University is currently a site for multiple studies, one of which I am currently a part of. The particular study I am involved with is schedule-friendly, and while the initial screening process took upwards of four hours to complete, I was paid $30 per hour for my time. While I was required to leave campus for this, many research
studies are conscious of students’ time and occasional lack of being able to leave campus. The particular study I applied for paid for my transportaion to their lab. While being in one room for many hours may sound daunting, I was not only paid to be there, but my lunch was paid for, and the researchers provided various snacks while I answered questions. The assessment process was quite long, yet the researchers were conscious of my comfort. Nearly an hour of that time was spent reading through the informed consent document. The study I was assessed for required blood samples and an MRI scan upon acceptance,
which was a small price to pay for $30 an hour. Not only am I eligible for these low-requirement scans, but follow-up blood tests are optional once the initial sample is taken. Daily journals are a part of the study as well. These journals provide the researchers with information about how you live and how your mental health is impacted through the events of the day. These journals also pay $2 per day that you complete them, adding up to over $600 extra per year. Participants remain totally anonymous. Total patient confidentiality is expected and enforced, which ensures your own safety and well-being.
Mental health doesn’t have to be a burden on your life and wallet
T. WELTZIN multimedia editor
If you want to take part in change, apply for research studies that pay you to share your mental health struggles. These studies not only help boost your income, but they allow for people suffering from various mental health issues to benefit from the results collected from your experience. Students don’t need to worry about where to get an extra bit of money when bills come anymore, as long as you’re willing to participate in a study that can last up to two years. Mental health is often a
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Thursday, 02.08.24
Women’s basketball ends drought, wins against Little Rock BRUCE DARNELL managing editor
The women’s basketball team was able to score a win on Thursday, Feb. 1, after an eight-game losing streak. They hope to carry the winning momentum into the rest of the season. Things seemed to start off rocky for the Cougars as they were at a tie of 7-7 four minutes into the first quarter. This spell temporarily wore off when junior guard Sofie Lowis shot a 3-pointer from the corner, giving the Cougars the lead. After a foul against Little Rock got them an extra 2-points, junior guard Molly Sheehan made another three for the Cougars from the corner. The Cougars were able to bring the score up to 14-10 in the last minute of the first quarter. Little Rock was given a small burst of energy, though, and they were able to score two consecutive 2-pointers, one of which was scored right as the buzzer went off. Lowis came back with vigor, scoring a 3-pointer off the first possession. Sheehan attempted and missed a 3-pointer the next play, but the ball was rebounded by junior forward Halle Smith, who was able to throw it in for 2-points. The Cougars developed a great lead for the rest of the quarter, putting up a good defense against Little Rock and consistently scoring shots. By the end of it, they had brought their score up from a tied 14-14 in the last quarter to 34-21 at the start of the third quarter.
Yet again, the Cougars started off strong going into the next quarter. Sheehan scored an immediate 2-pointer, which was followed up in the next play with a 3-pointer from Lowis. Five minutes into the quarter, the Cougars got a 21-point lead with a score of 45-24 against Little Rock. Freshman guard Ava Stoller and sophomore guard Macy Silvey helped bring in the lead. Stoller rebounded the ball from Little Rock and scored a two. Within a few plays, she got the ball from a steal and passed under a Little Rock player to Smith who scored another two. After a final two from Silvey, the Cougars secured the biggest lead they’d have that night. In the last five minutes of the third quarter, the Cougars were only able to score 2-points, while Little Rock had scored 13, bringing the score to 47-37 — now just 10-points away from a tie going into the last quarter. The last quarter was intense for the Cougars. They had maintained a lead against Little Rock for some time now, but this lead would get narrower as the minutes ticked by. The Cougars were initially able to maintain some leg room by scoring four points from foul shots. Little Rock countered this by scoring a two which was followed with a bonus free throw after the Cougars fouled them on a successful layup — during which Little Rock inbounded two times before finally securing a shot. Five minutes left in the
The Cougars celebrate their first win of the semester. They defeated Little Rock 67-61 on Feb. 1. | Maximillian Lenhart / The Alestle last quarter and the lead had dropped to just 4-points, the score being 51-47. The Cougars were now desperately fighting on the court. Lowis attempted a three and missed, but freshman guard Ava Gugliuzza was able to wrestle the ball away from Little Rock, passing it to Silvey who attempted a two and missed. The Cougars rebounded from Little Rock and got fouled, restarting the play. Smith was able to pass to Silvey, despite a lot of pressure from Little Rock’s defense, and Silvey was able to secure a three. The fight was neck and neck
for a time. The Cougars had pulled a more respectable lead, but they had to fight hard to keep it. Most of the Cougars’ scores from the last few minutes of the quarter came from free throws — one Little Rock player got disqualified for fouling five times. The score in the last minute was 63-55. Little Rock created a few scares for the Cougars in these final moments of the night. Little Rock was able to score two 3-pointers within 20 seconds of each other, with the last being just 20 seconds before the end of the match. The Cougars were able to get two
back-to-back free throw attempts from Little Rock’s fouls, which kept the win out of their reach. The Cougars ended the night with a score of 6761, breaking their ongoing losing streak that started back in December — with the exception of a blowout game against Harris-Stowe University on Dec. 20. The Cougars would go on to play UT Martin on Feb. 3, losing by 19-points. Their next match is at 5 p.m., on Feb. 8, away against Morehead State University.
bounded which allowed Shamar Wright a shot, but he also missed. Taylor attempted to take the ball from Little Rock, but they broke loose and were able to score two. From here, the Cougars’ odds slowly began to change in their favor. After a missed 3-pointer from Taylor, Little Rock shot for two and also missed. Taylor made the rebound and threw it up to Minor for another crowd-pleasing dunk. The Cougars did not instantly break on through to a leading score. The hard fighting continued well into the second half. The Cougars surpassed Little Rock 10 minutes in for just a few plays after Taylor put down a 3-pointer. The score was 4645, but soon after Taylor’s three, Little Rock also made a 3-pointer, pushing the Cougars back once again. Things got intense as the clock wound down. With three minutes left, the score was 58-61. Little Rock was able to make a three, giving themselves a 6-point lead that the Cougars would need to beat in just two minutes. The Cougars did just that, securing two 3-pointers in the span of a minute. Both 3-pointers came from Polk. The first was as-
sisted by Minor, and the second got the audience’s attention, who let loose a round of applause for Polk. Another eruption of applause came after the Cougars gained possession after Little Rock got the ball knocked out of bounds. A timeout was called at the one minute mark. The score was tied 64-64. By now, much of the crowd were on their feet. After the Cougars reentered, Lamar Wright attempted to put in a layup but fell down, allowing Little Rock to regain the lead by 2-points. This caused another timeout to be called. The timeout ended and the Cougars had possession. With 30 seconds remaining, the Cougars kept attempting to run the ball in for 2-points, getting blocked by Little Rock multiple times. Shamar Wright got control over the ball and sank in a 3-pointer at the 10-second mark. Almost everyone in the crowd stood up and cheered. The shot led to yet another timeout with just eight seconds left. The score was 67-66. The Cougars fouled Little Rock before the timeout, so they got to inbound the ball. However, Little Rock couldn’t find a player to pass to in time, leading to a turnover that was heavily enjoyed by the Cougars and the fans.
Both team’s players formed a straight line in the center when the Cougars inbounded. The ball got passed to Taylor, but before he got a chance to shoot, Little Rock fouled him, leaving him up for two free throws. The anticipation was deadly. Little Rock still had a real chance to come back from this if they got fouled or were able to pull off a 2-pointer, and with just seconds left, a 3-pointer would secure them a last minute victory. The last timeout ended, and Little Rock came into the court with the ball. The last three seconds felt like an eternity, especially during the fractions of a second when the ball flew from beyond the 3-point line as the final buzzer rang out. Everyone in the Vadalabene Center watched as the ball made its way to the basket, and everyone supporting the Cougars cheered when it bounced off the rim. The final score was 68-66. The Cougars were able to come back and win the closest match of their season. The Cougars went on to lose their match against University of Tennessee at Martin on Feb. 3, falling short by 11-points. Their next match is at 8 p.m., Feb. 8, against Morehead State University.
Men’s basketball slams Little Rock in close match BRUCE DARNELL managing editor
The men’s basketball team was able to clinch a very close win against the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Vadalabene Center. The first score of the night came after junior guard Damarco Minor passed to fifth-year forward Lamar Wright for a 2-pointer. After the Cougars rebounded a bad shot of theirs, Little Rock was able to steal the ball and responded to the Cougars’ initial success with two dunks. Redshirt junior guard Ray’Sean Taylor was able to get another 2-pointer, but Little Rock was able to score a 3-pointer, bringing the score to 4-7 in the first three minutes of the half. The Cougars had to fight hard for every basket they made. Minor was able to get a rebound and passed it to fifthyear guard Shamar Wright who took a shot from the corner and watched as the ball painfully rolled out of the basket. Little Rock rebounded, then missed a shot for two, allowing Taylor to rebound and run it in for 2-points. Taylor was able to score a 3-pointer from a distance,
but this wasn’t enough to even the odds. It was now six minutes into the half and the score was 9-11. Junior guard Eddiean Tirado had a similar incident to Shamar Wright wherein he took a shot and the ball simply rolled out of the basket. Little Rock was able to rebound and got another 2-points. Minor was able to get a 3-pointer, but Little Rock was able to do the same right afterwards. Nearing the end of the first half, the score was 20-24. Little Rock was up to inbound the ball, but Shamar Wright was able to steal the ball and scored two points. Little Rock then dunked on the Cougars in the next play. The Cougars wouldn’t catch a break until the last few minutes of the first half. A morale boost came when Taylor broke a pass from Little Rock, allowing Minor to steal the ball and pass to junior guard Desmond Polk for a dunk. This, along with some free throws and 2-pointers, brought the score to 29-30 at the two minute mark. Halftime ended with a score of 31-33, creating a feeling of dread. Minor rebounded the ball and shot for two, just barely missing. The ball went outof-bounds, so the Cougars in-