Leader
@elmhurstleader
NOVEMBER 17. 2020
@ElmhurstLeader
ISSUE 05 ELMHURSTLEADER.COM
BAILEY HOENIG
TheLeader
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GIANNA MONTESANO
PAGES 4-5
JENNIFER DUFFIELD ON RADICAL SELF-CARE: "IT IS A NECESSITY FOR SURVIVAL." MICHELLE CABANAS
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KEITHLEEN MENDOZA
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PRESIDENT-ELECT
JOE BIDEN UNVEILS
WEBSITE HIGHLIGHTING TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF: USEFUL THOUGHTS AND TIPS ADVERTISING
THE TOLL OF COVID-19 ON LIVE EVENTS
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LETTERS & GENERAL
PRESIDENTIAL PLANS
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NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD MARISA KARPES Editor-in-Chief GIANNA MONTESANO Managing Editor AFAAF AMATULLAH News Editor JULIA ZAWITKOWSKA Graphics Editor OLIVIA JANICKE Copy Editor ERIC LUTZ Faculty Advisor
ASSISTANTS ARTURO MAGALLANES Assistant Graphics Editor MICHELLE CABANAS Social Media Manager SARINA OKRZESIK Assistant Copy Editor
STAFF BAILEY HOENIG JASMINE LILLIS ANDREW CRIPE NIKLAS FAULK ISABELLA HERRERA PRINCESS GONZALEZ ESPARZA HANNAH HORN VANESSA SEVILLA SARAH QUREISHI SANTÉ DYBOWSKI KEITHLEEN MENDOZA
CONTACT US The Leader Newspaper Elmhurst University 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 Office: 630.617.3320 GENERAL INQUIRIES & LETTERS TO EDITOR: leadernewsec@gmail.com ADVERTISE WITH US: theleaderadvertising@gmail.com
ABOUT US The Leader is the student-run newspaper speaking to the students, faculty, and administrators of Elmhurst University. The Leader is not submitted to any person or organization for prior approval. The contents are the decision of the editor in agreement with the editorial board. Opinions expressed in The Leader do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or its staff and are not intended to represent those of the university at large. No text, photos, or art can be reproduced without direct permission of The Leader.
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Pfizer announces success in Phase 3 trials for COVID-19 vaccine SARAH QUREISHI Staff Reporter
After eight months of COVID-19 restrictions, more than 10 million cases, and nearly 250 thousand deaths in the United States alone, it appears that things will not be returning to “normal” any time soon. Here at Elmhurst University, classes for the spring 2021 semester will continue to be a blend of hybrid and online classes. On-campus social distancing policies and mask requirements will also remain. However, a recent advancement in vaccine development for COVID-19 may provide hope to those who are fatigued with the pandemic. Pfizer Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that has been developing a vaccine for COVID-19 since March. On Nov. 9, Pfizer announced the success of their Phase 3 clinical trials for the vaccine. In their trials, Pfizer compared the effects of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine and a placebo vaccine on the coronavirus. The finals results found that the experimental vaccine was 95 percent more effective at fighting COVID-19 compared to the placebo controls. “We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis,” Dr. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer Inc., said in an official statement. Although this unexpected news is a sign of light at the end of the tunnel, it could still be a while before a vaccine is readily available to the public. Phase 3 trials for the vaccine are still occurring and they could take up to two months to complete. After they receive FDA approval, Pfizer will be able
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Graphic by Isabella Herrera to mass-produce the vaccine for general use and administration. 500 million doses by the end of 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021 are projected to be delivered by Pfizer. Synchronization among multiple manufacturers, medical suppliers, federal and state governments, and health care providers is required for the effective distribution of the vaccine. Pfizer estimates that approximately 12.5 million Americans could receive the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of 2020. It is uncertain who will receive these doses since they can only go to a portion of the population. Ultimately, the success of the Pfizer clinical trial may aid in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
11.17.20
NEWS Kevin Krauskopf reflects on personal values for #ElmhurstUVotes luncheon
Jennifer Duffield on radical self-care: "It is a necessity for survival."
VANESSA SEVILLA Staff Reporter
Kevin Krauskopf, first-generation student and assistant director of housing and residence life, reflected on adversities he faced prior to knowing his personal values at the virtual #ElmhurstUVotes luncheon on Nov. 11.
Photo from Elmhurst.edu
“There were a lot of obstacles I had to overcome, and there were mistakes that I made because I wasn’t familiar with my values,” Krauskopf said.
BAILEY HOENIG Staff Reporter
It wasn’t until graduate school, where Krauskopf found himself to be supported by his education, that he began to discover his values. “As time went on, as I went through my education, this conversation kept coming up.” Although he has developed some self-understanding, Krauskopf still battles with opposing social values such as money, comfort, convenience, and entertainment. Krauskopf extended his sympathy to people who face a similar struggle in practicing and aligning themselves with personal values. “This year is the perfect example of the muck that the world can fling at us [with] viruses, injustices, difficult conversations across differences in regards to politics,” he said. Jasmin Robinson, director of diversity and inclusion, followed by sharing that “the value of our money doesn’t align with what we do with our people.” “I believe money should not be valued in the same ways [as people],” she said. The discussion was wrapped up with an uplifting attitude; the act of finding attunement with your own values is one of change and reevaluation. Krauskopf advised the audience to continue utilizing their values as they navigate life. “When I sit with that stuff, I come to terms with [the fact that] I am going to change,” Krauskopf asserted. “My life is going to change, and for me, that’s okay.”
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Jennifer Duffield, assistant dean of students, hosted an online self-care lecture to Elmhurst University students and staff on Nov. 10, where she provided tips on how to remain mentally healthy as an activist. Duffield believes that if an activist doesn’t take care of themselves, they can’t help others. “Taking care of our physical bodies helps us continue the physiological behavior [required] for activism work,” she explained. “It seems to be only about the individual, but we need to expand our view of the self beyond the individual to everyone we touch,” Duffield said. Self-care, according to Duffield is, “active self-preservation, a necessity for survival, and a form of resistance.” Mental health disproportionately impacts people in minority groups. Both the Black Panther Party and Rosa Parks used self-care techniques, including yoga, to build resilience and resistance in Black communities. As a staff member at EU, Duffield focuses on continuing her activism from her college years. Duffield manages a busy life by having a social network group with similar interests. She advised activists to engage in radical self-care regimes that enable them to support others. “It’s very much a reciprocal relationship,” says
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Duffield, noting the importance of curating a social network group to help take a load off of the emotional labor that comes with advocacy. Activists may struggle with several impacting conditions, including post-traumatic stress syndrome, burnout, and disengagement. “Self-care does not need to be some big elaborate plan to add to your calendar,” explained Duffield. A self-care regime would release pressure caused by activism, some techniques can be as simple as eating healthy or drinking less. More elaborate techniques could be breathwork and exercise. Duffield shared that if a person outside of the impacted community wants to participate in an activism activity, it’s important to be aware of the position that they may play. “[For] some cases, it may be important to take a back seat. If that’s the case, you need to ask what role you can play,” explains Duffield. “You don’t have to do everything, but you do need to know your appropriate role.” Duffield’s workshop focused on self-reflection and ways to incorporate self-care into an activist’s life. Advocates may encounter dangerous situations or distressing events. “[Self-care] helps you respond instead of react,” emphasized Duffield. “You will have control and life won’t feel as chaotic.”
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NEWS President-elect Joe Biden unveils website highlighting presidential plans
Graphic by Princess Gonzalez Esparza
Internet Photos
GIANNA MONTESANO Managing Editor
On Nov. 8, President-elect Joe Biden launched buildbackbetter.com, a website highlighting the plans, missions, and goals of the Biden-Harris campaign once they take office in 2021. Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris highlight the priorities their administration will take during this transition of power between Donald Trump and Biden. The website lists COVID-19, climate change, economic recovery, and racial equity as the main issues Biden-Harris will tackle once getting into office.
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“Our nation is grappling with a pandemic, an economic crisis, powerful calls for racial justice, and the existential threat of climate change. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris know we can’t simply go back to the way things were before,” is stated on the website's homepage. Biden-Harris detailed a seven point plan to lead the country in decimating the presence of COVID-19 within the United States, promising to provide more access to testing, provide more personal protective equipment, and establish a plan for
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11.17.20
NEWS CALLING ALL:
Graphic by Princess Gonzalez Esparza
vaccine distribution and development. The Biden-Harris plan promises to invest 25 billion dollars into vaccine development and distribution in order for every American to get the vaccine for free. With vaccine trials still ongoing, Pfizer announced their trial vaccine to be more than 90 percent effective in participants. The Biden-Harris campaign has been in talks with Pfizer for months in order to determine storage requirements for the vaccine. Another pertinent issue for the Biden-Harris administration following COVID-19 is economic recovery from the pandemic. On their website, they highlight how the pandemic has knocked the country down with unemployment rates higher than in the Great Recession of 2007-09. “Implementing Biden’s comprehensive strategy to get the pandemic under control and effectively reopen the economy — an approach that will both protect the health and safety of our people and boost economic activity — is one of the President-elect’s top priorities,” states the economic recovery page. Biden-Harris outlined their plan, noting how America should revisit its social contract and treat American workers as essential always, not just in a time of crisis, by increasing wages, benefits, and creating a safe work environment. One of the main issues on the presidential debate stage for Biden and Trump was systemic racism.
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In his plan, Biden plans to tackle systemic racism to achieve racial equity by working to uplift Black communities and creating an economy which allows everyone to get ahead. Additionally, the Biden-Harris administration promises to enact a permanent ban on chokeholds by police and create a national police oversight committee. “The [criminal justice] system must be focused on redemption and rehabilitation. The Biden-Harris administration will take bold action to reduce our prison population, create a more just society, and make our communities safer,” stated on the racial equity page. Climate change has been a big topic in the United States, especially after President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord in 2017. Biden plans on re-entering the Paris Climate Accord once he enters office.
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In addition to rejoining the Paris agreement, Biden plans to invest in public transportation, infrastructure, and environmental justice. Biden was announced as the President-elect on Nov. 7, and Trump has yet to concede and meet with Biden to commence the transfer of power, Trump insisting the election was stolen from him. The finalized electoral count for the election holds Biden with 306 electoral votes, and a 5 million popular vote lead, and Trump with 232 electoral college votes.
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NEWS Whirlwind of election lawsuits filed by Trump face dismissal in court AFAAF AMATULLAH News Editor Following election week, the Trump administration has persistently decried the results and filed numerous lawsuits in battleground states including Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia, and Michigan, many of which are coming up empty-handed. Trump and his allies have publicly alleged the occurrence of widespread voter fraud despite lawyers steering clear of such charges while litigating. The lawsuits that have held up in court are unlikely to shift the election’s outcome in favor of Trump. In a high-profile case, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito ruled partially in favor of Pennsylvania’s GOP on Nov. 6, and ordered counties to continue segregating late-arriving ballots from the rest. However, Alito rejected the campaign’s request to halt the counting process of ballots that were delivered after Election Day. According to the state attorney general’s response, there is no need for further intervention from the high court because the mandate is being appropriately observed. Attempts to put a hold on ballot counting from the Trump campaign have largely been unsuccessful. Claims of there being restricted access for Republican poll observers in Philadelphia were dismissed by U.S. District Judge Paul Diamond on Nov. 5.
Rudy Giuliani said that Trump is “outraged” by alleged election fraud during a Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” interview on Nov. 15.
the vote count, a Pennsylvania judge allowed observers to stand at a 6-foot distance. Election officials appealed the decision and on Nov. 17, the state Supreme Court ruled that poll watchers do not have the right to stand at a specific distance. In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania a lawsuit to stop the counting process was denied on Nov. 13, when an attorney representing the campaign testified that no allegations of voter fraud were being brought forward. On Nov. 10, the campaign retracted a lawsuit filed in Nevada to expand public observation access during the Clark County counting process.
On the same day, in a decision that did not impact
Few days prior, a federal judge turned down a pe-
GOP bolsters Trump's refusal to concede
ed that Trump is “100 percent within his rights,” to pursue court challenges that undermine election results. McConnell seemed to soften his stance on Tuesday, Nov. 17 and committed to an orderly presidential transition during a press conference.
AFAAF AMATULLAH News Editor
Defeated GOP candidates have similarly denied voting results, including Republican John James, who is yet to concede after incumbent Sen. Gary Peters (D)’s victory in Michigan. In Pennsylvania’s 17th district, Sean Parnell (R) has not recognized Democrat Conor Lamb’s reelection to the U.S. House, though the Associated Press has called the race for Lamb.
As election results began pouring in, President Trump immediately took to his Twitter account and questioned the outcome of the presidential race in a series of inflammatory tweets. His campaign since then has launched a string of lawsuits contesting election outcomes across multiple states. Trump is not alone in his refusal to concede. Several congressional Republicans have followed suit, echoing claims of voting irregularities. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) initially declined to declare Joe Biden as President-elect and not-
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Trump is the first incumbent president to be unseated after the first term since George H. W. Bush’s loss to Bill Clinton in 1993. Emily Murphy, head of the general services administration, has hesitated to handoff transition resources and millions in federal funding to Biden. The transfer of power would allow the incoming
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Screenshot: Fox News
tition against the county after a Nevada voter, Jill Stokey, claimed that she had experienced identity theft due to faulty signature verification technology. Last week, Republican challengers attempted to delay the certification of Michigan’s election results in five separate lawsuits. Bids to deny final outcomes were refused by judges, including Wayne County Judge Timothy Kenny, who allowed Detroit results to go through. Rudy Giuliani, who is currently at the forefront of Trump’s legal battle, promised during a Fox News appearance on Sunday, Nov. 15, that the election results will be “overturned,” in the near future through the campaign’s extensive litigation efforts. administration to prepare a COVID-19 plan and begins only when Murphy verifies election results. Two weeks after the election, Murphy is reportedly preparing for a post-Trump career, a move that hints at an acknowledgment of the GOP’s loss. At the most, the lack of a formal concession speech prevents Biden’s staff from acquiring office space before Inauguration Day, although Trump’s comments also stoke division, some say. Former President Barack Obama criticized Trump’s inability to accept the outcome and labeled him as the “Richie Rich” character in an interview with The Atlantic. Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) urged Republican leaders to quit playing into Trump’s “charade” that is distracting from the ongoing coronavirus crisis. As of Nov. 17, the CDC reports a total of 245,470 deaths nationwide due to COVID-19.
11.17.20
ARTS + CULTURE perience that was meant to be seen physically. The money that is brought in from these shows is also not always enough to cover costs for the artist, much less their staff. During the end of July, Live Nation revealed that they had a 95% decrease in revenue earned from the same time last year. Alternative methods typically do not make up for lost concerts, and not every artist can or wishes to hold them, but it is a start.
Internet Photos | Featuring: BTS, Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion, Ashnikko, Bree Runway, Kali Uchis, Maluma, Omar Apollo
THE TOLL OF COVID -19 ON LIVE EVENTS KEITHLEEN MENDOZA Staff Reporter COVID-19 has caused an immense struggle for many industries since its spread in March. One of the most impacted being live entertainment. Artists canceling world tours, sporting events being postponed, and theaters closing their doors are are only some of the virus’ many consequences. CDC guidelines categorize these events as “high-risk” events, where large groups gather, which makes it difficult for people to remain six feet apart. As a result, those involved in the entertainment industry have suffered a major blow. Among them are those working behind the scenes to make these events happen. Since the lockdown in mid-March, more than 57 million Americans have filed for unemployment. These Americans wrestle with the chance that they may not return to the workplace as soon as 2021, with event crews making up a large portion of filers.
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For Rafael Ayala, CEO of Production Depot — a company that specializes in the installation of audio, video, and lighting for concerts — this has put their work on hold. “The pandemic affected us in that the events we do are in theaters, in massive venues that hold thousands of people. They’ve all been canceled.” Ayala said.
Graphic by Aruturo Magallanes
Currently, in Chicago’s Metro, they are giving live streaming a shot as an independent theater. On Oct. 17, they joined various venues across the nation, with their musical guest, Rise Against, to host an online concert via YouTube. The three-day event, hosted by the National Independent Venue Association, allowed them the opportunity to keep their business afloat.
Regardless of a venue or artist’s decision, a full return to regular concerts will take time. Stadiums will have to be replaced by smaller-scale venues as long as the effects of the pandemic last. For Ayala, whose company has worked with musicians such as Bad Bunny and Maluma, returning to work will be a gradual process. “There likely won’t be events until at least December, or possibly the upcoming year,” stated Ayala. “It’ll be a bit difficult. We’ll have to start doing small events and build up.”
Those who still hold shows are now resorting to alternative methods. Artists such as Billie Eilish, BTS, and Sam Smith have switched to live streaming their performances instead. In BTS’ two-day “Map of the Soul On:e” online concert alone, they totaled an estimated 993,000 viewers. Though a safe compromise, it is not a replacement for an in-person show. The majority of these events are ticketed, which many people currently struggling with unemployment are either not able to afford, or do not see value in paying for an ex-
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Rina Sawayama photographed by Sabb Adams for HIGHSNOBIETY
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ARTS + CULTURE Understandably, taking part in a discussion where you try to argue for the undeniable emotional drive of somebody like that will get you pelted with glares, as though you just played devil’s advocate for Nabokov’s Humbert Humbert. So let me quickly build a fort and say that I think all teachers should be punished equally for the lines they cross with their students. Whether it is a male or female teacher, it’s abuse. That said, Fidell makes clear from the first episode that the teacher, Claire (Kate Mara), isn’t a monster. She isn’t even that much of a perv, and the senior-year student, Eric (Nick Robinson), she strikes a connection with isn’t blinding his way through the realm of the senses: He drinks to excess, parties with people who only want to talk about sex and have sex with each other’s younger siblings, and to top it off, he has an unchecked ego that is costing him a scholarship to a school that seems more like a sad pipe dream than an actual possibility. Robinson, who isn’t even close to looking the age he’s playing (ultimately a good thing, as the original film’s casting was uncomfortably spot-on in terms of appearance), still delivers a resonant performance by giving the seemingly confident and outgoing Eric a twitchy vibe of constant uncertainty bubbling beneath his cool surface. Nick Robinson and Kate Mara in "A Teacher"
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FIRST THREE EPISODES OF ‘A TEACHER’ LEAVE AUDIENCE WITH A LOT TO PONDER ANDREW CRIPE Film Critic
Note: This is a review of the first three episodes that have aired so far.
The new series on Hulu, “A Teacher,” begins and ends every episode with a message. The former gives us a warning, and the latter provides us with resources in the event we know somebody who is going through a similar experience. Maybe it’s ourselves. I am not entirely up-to-date on TV, but I’ve only seen this kind of social responsibility on old Nick at Nite sitcoms, “Euphoria” (which, if you’ve seen “Euphoria,” you know what I’m talking about), and the final season of “Mr. Robot,” which had so much suicide and cruelty it would have actually been offensive
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for them to not acknowledge that, yes, these bad things happen. A little information goes a long way. It takes a jerk to say warnings like those are pointless, because I think they’re as necessary as seizure cautions before big CG firework fests (of which there’s not nearly enough in theaters, but I digress). However, I do think in the case of Hannah Fidell’s “A Teacher” (a reinterpretation of her 2013 film of the same) a warning might wrongfully urge viewers away from exploring the layered psychological dynamics between a troubled high school English teacher and an anxious star-athlete student. The warnings suggests that the only way to look at this all-too-common occurrence is with disgust rather than with an investigative lens for what kind of mindset it takes for a teacher to commit statutory rape.
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From the first three episodes, you can tell that nobody here is a paragon of propriety. Teachers drag from hidden flasks at school proms and make no secret about picking favorites; parents are oblivious at best and negligent at worst; the cops are bribable, and the husbands still think they can get a rock band off the ground. This depiction of a Texas suburbia is socially incestuous and just plain depressing. The high points of these first three episodes is watching Eric’s grip fall away from him the more Claire becomes part of his life. It isn’t “love” at first sight, since the two of them spend most of the first episode unaware of each other. They do finally meet at the restaurant Eric works at. Their first interaction is less flirtatious and more awkwardly friendly, the way most teachers are with young students they’ve bumped into outside class. Watching them finally take notice of each other isn’t immediately as creepy as you’re expecting it to be. It’s actually nice. No legal or emotional boundaries are being crossed, and the chemistry between Mara and Robinson is so multi-dimensional that I forgot something terrible is bound to happen. On paper, it may seem like Fidell (who wrote the first two episodes and directed all three) is too wrapped up in this twisted subject matter. This is not unfamiliar ground for Fidell, but this story
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ARTS + CULTURE has grander psychological aims than just being a retread, and it is a story that deserves the depth and layers of a miniseries. The teacher of the film version (played there by Lindsay Burdge) acts like somebody who is engaged with a reverie rather than a felony. It’s sickening to watch, but because it’s a film, sickening is all it ends up being with the meek 75 minute runtime it had. Simply put, 2013’s “A Teacher” is just about a bad thing happening. But 2020’s “A Teacher” treats this conflict like much more than one bad thing: It’s the end of many different threads of many different bad things. What we understand of Claire’s psyche in these 90 minutes is disappointment, numbness, bitterness and unchecked self-destructiveness, all of which are exhaustingly spread over Mara’s understated, yet thrillingly deep performance. The episodes are well directed, especially the first episode, which makes brilliantly demonic use of LCD Soundsystem’s “oh baby,” sharpening and looping the closer destiny brings us to the inevitable bad thing that drew us to watching the show in the first place. The cinematography by Quyen Tran (this year’s “Palm Springs”) is slickly executed. The editing makes better use of social-media culture than most shows and movies trying to make texting and selfies interesting. You also get to enjoy neat split-screen work involving phone cameras, an impressive stylistic flourish that removes some of the sting from the big-time-cringe of watching a grown woman sexually latch onto a confused kid. Through these early episodes viewers are lowered into Eric and Claire’s dreams of each other, both of which are romantically lit up as they yearn for each other, but then their dreams take us into darker territory, and the audience is forced to ask a question about themselves that goes beyond the story being presented: When our daily grip on our goodness loosens so we can sleep and unleash our minds, is what we dream our real expressions of desire, or just sexually frustrated casualties of a pornographic world? A world that encourages us to desire bodies over hearts and personal fulfillment over moral consequence. The troubling final images of the third episode are of Claire taking Eric in the backseat of her car, and it is a moment that earns the warnings of the beginnings, but the way Fidell chillingly frames this scene impresses on the viewer an even stronger message that’ll keep them tuning in to see what’s next: These characters are not reaching for what their hearts truly want, but are instead ripping into the pathetic fabric of their latest distraction from growing up.
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Series title artwork
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ARTS + CULTURE Internet Photo
Music today is being led by the next generation of young talent worldwide. Charlton Howard, also known as The Kid LAROI, is leading the charge. The 17-year-old rapper from Sydney, Australia, is currently a viral sensation after the release of his new album “F*ck Love” released on July 24. The 22-song album displays LAROI's incredible lyricism and vocal skills that many people overlook. Being a young artist, it is difficult to get exposure in the world of music. He talked about the struggle and how he got to this point in XXL Magazine. “The first step is actually doing it," LAROI said to XXL Magazine. "You can only do so much planning before it’s time to execute. I was already writing and recording when I could, so getting that studio experience early on was pivotal.” Being only 17, LAROI’s future is very bright. In years to come, he will be a very memorable name in the Hip Hop genre and will be one of the key contributors to the new emo style that has been developed.
The Kid LAROI makes a name for himself with new album SANTÉ DYBOWSKI Staff Reporter
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He was mentored by the late rapper, Juice Wrld, who passed on Dec. 8, 2019. Juice Wrld helped the young artist start to make a name for himself. In 2018, LAROI earned a lot of attention after winning the Triple J Unearthed Competition which landed him a spot opening for Juice Wrld. LAROI’s latest project sticks with the emo-rap style that sets him apart from most of the rappers we see today. He brings up topics of love and heartbreak, which is like the style that Juice Wrld made so popular. “Go” featuring Juice Wrld is the album's most popular track, racking up over 134 million plays on Spotify. The album debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 charts after selling 40,000 units the first week. This made LAROI the first Australian to debut in the top 10 since Iggy Azalea in 2014. He also has some notable features such as Marshmello and Machine Gun Kelly as well as production credits from Benny Blanco and Internet Money.
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ARTS + CULTURE
INNOVATION IN GAMING: XBOX SERIES X AND PLAYSTATION 5 SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH SARINA OKRZESIK Staff Reporter Gamers rejoice: The dark autumn days of COVID-19 got a little brighter with the launch of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 (PS5) on Nov. 10, and Nov. 12, respectively. Players were able to purchase the long awaited gaming systems through online pre-orders months in advance. Unfortunately, the launches didn’t go unscaved for the PS5, with pre-orders causing technological issues for many buyers. Xbox had similar issues on launch day, with a massive Xbox Live outage preventing users from playing games. Both companies had a very limited stock of the consoles, making it a competitive process to even get one in the cart. These challenges didn’t stop the two companies from being met with massive success and selling out their consoles. A post on Xbox’s Twitter reported that “in 24 hrs more new consoles sold, in more counties, than ever before,” making the Xbox Series X launch day the largest launch day in the history of Xbox. The consoles share many features that are major updates from the previous version of their systems. Both have improved loading times due to an improved storage system and frame rates of 120 per second, which allows for seamlessly smooth gameplay. In terms of graphics, the consoles can work well with 4k TVs, although a 4k TV is not
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required for the console to work. The introduction of ray tracing allows for life-like portrayal of light, shadow, and reflection in games graphics. The Xbox Series X offers more storage space than the PS5, including an optional storage expansion plug-in card that can be bought to double its storage. Additionally, the Xbox controller is significantly improved, with gripped material on the bumper and trigger controls, and a D-pad with a larger range of motion. The PS5’s new controller and immersive sound system might make up for other short-comings. The PS5 controller has a built-in mic; it also uses haptic feedback to produce controller vibrations, and adaptive triggers to provide varying resistance levels in the joysticks when performing certain in game movements, leading to a more immersive gaming experience. Both controllers utilize a wireless Bluetooth connection, and USB-C technology for faster charging. Games are available in limited quantities right now partially because of COVID-19 induced delays, but more are expected to come out in the future. For the Xbox Series X, “Halo Infinite” and “Cyberpunk 2077” are just two of the highly anticipated titles coming out next year. The console can play games from past Xbox
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consoles and many recent games are compatible on the console. Some games like “Halo: Combat Evolved” were even specifically remastered for it. The PS5 website reports more than 4000 titles from past PS consoles are playable, and exclusive titles like “Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales” and “Demon’s Souls” have already been released and are receiving positive feedback. Both companies offer bundles that are priced at $499.99. These include the console and a controller along with other necessary pieces of equipment. Xbox Series X offers a different bundle in addition to their basic bundle; this bundle comes with 24 months of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and is paid in monthly increments of $34.99. In times like these, gaming can be a calming getaway for people looking to de-stress. In fact, many new audiences are turning to gaming and experimenting with these new consoles. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, stated in a video posted on Xbox’s Twitter that “this next generation of gaming is coming at a time when the ability to play is more important than ever.” Not only are these consoles introducing groundbreaking technological advancements that have raised the gaming world’s standards, but they are also providing a source of connection and peace for people around the globe.
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OPINIONS
Editorial
Thank you, Elmhurst University educators, keep it up
It could go without saying that this semester has been rough on everyone at the university. Especially at this point of the semester, when the workload is starting to pick up, we must pay special attention and give gratitude to those who have been working tirelessly to provide the best education these circumstances could offer. In a regular school year, educators already dedicate a lot to providing students with an exceptional educational experience. Between the long hours planning lectures, to the late nights grading papers, we as students all had a teacher that went above and beyond for our success.
But now in the time of COVID-19, teachers have had to especially adapt — and some may have better than others. Teachers are experiencing similar issues that students have through all of this.
an email right away, take a while to grade your paper, or even drop the ball a few times, do not hold it against them. It most likely is not a reflection of their character, but rather of the times.
While you may feel stressed when your internet is slower than usual, making you late to your class Zoom call, teachers feel that and then some — they have approximately twenty students depending on them to get them the material they need.
As many teachers have been flexible with students, they deserve the same flexibility back. However, if you feel like your teacher really is not being flexible with you at all, hold them accountable.
Teachers are used to talking to a room full of faces — real people with expressions and body language. Now suddenly they must talk into a void, to the soulless, grayed-out icons on Blackboard Collaborate. Even though many Elmhurst University educators received training on how to teach in an online setting, that does not necessarily take away the difficulties that come with it. Finding the balance between giving students the quality education they’re paying for, while not overbearing and overwhelming them with their online workload is not easy. And these trying times are not only affecting students. Educators are also facing hardships; many of which have children of their own engaged in remote learning, and are experiencing the fear and the reality of catching COVID-19 too. We hope that teachers are receiving additional support throughout the semester. Just as how students did not envision their college experience going this way, this is not how most educators thought their careers would ever go. Students, we hope that you can be patient and flexible with educators. If they do not respond to
It may be difficult to translate some disciplines to an online setting. It may even feel like the workload is more than usual. Be sure to always be communicating not only to your teachers when things get tough, but also make use of any support systems and resources you can. So to all of the educators of Elmhurst University, thank you for all you are doing to ensure that we still get the quality education we all desire and expect from the university.
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JASMINE LILLIS Cartoonist
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THE LEADER
11.17.20
OPINIONS Taking care of yourself: Useful thoughts and tips MICHELLE CABANAS Social Media Manager
Where has our time gone? Where has your time gone? Are you okay? You sure? The virus. The violence. The inequality. The elections. Breathe. It’s too much, I hear you. We’re so focused on the mistreatment of others: racism, inequality, people not accepting that we are living in a pandemic and choosing not to follow protocols. We were so focused on which president was going to be elected for the next four years of our freaking lives. We’re constantly thinking and worrying about our surroundings, that we are the ones suffering. That’s right, us. YOU. Remember, you’re not only put in this world to do good and spread light and positivity, but to also recharge and love yourself. Your body is your home. Regardless of our surroundings, this is your life. You have to make sure you’re sleeping, eating enough, taking your vitamins, keeping up with your hygiene, and surprisingly, making sure you laugh now and then. You have to make sure your body isn’t so tense. Let me guess, you’re clenching your teeth right now, and your muscles are tightening?
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Are you perhaps having back problems? How about tension headaches? Do you sometimes feel like your body's here but you’re not? Well first off, place your tongue in between your teeth so they’re not grinding against each other. Stretch and breathe because your body is stiff and suffering. It’s not good to be tense because that’s where it leads to soreness, aches, and new stress habits. Ground yourself, because even though you are alive, your thoughts are somewhere else interrupting your existence from this world. Is someone asking too much from you? DO NOT be afraid to say “no.” Stand your ground. Be your own advocate. Log off. Get off your phone, stop scrolling through Instagram to see what your friends are doing. Stop scrolling on Facebook or Twitter to see news that is going to cause you a severe amount of anxiety. Connect with your friends and family. Have you talked to your parents, siblings, or grandparents lately? Give them a call. Laugh it off with them. Talk about food, the weather, anything simple that will keep your mind off of things.
Graphic by Hannah Horn Don’t take your life for granted and worry about things you can’t control. I hear you, it’s hard not to do that. Seriously, just start being grateful for the smallest things. Think about this: If you focus on your surroundings and dwell on them, will they change? Probably not. I’m sorry but you’re no magician. You’re just hurting yourself thinking about those constant worries that are out of your control. It’s like trying to move a brick wall. You’re wearing your masks, you’re social distancing, you voted, you’re treating everyone with respect, you’re being an ally, and you’re still here in this world. Your heart is beating, correct? You’ve done your part and you’re doing it well. The rest is out of your control. Focus on what you can control — yourself. Remember that it’s not so much about the situation but the way you handle it or view it. Will you let it impact you positively or negatively? That is up to you and only you.
It sounds cheesy, but it’s worth distancing yourself from toxins and talking about the environments that don’t cause harm.
Change that lens that you’re viewing the world through. It’s easier said than done, but it’s not impossible. Nothing is ever impossible.
Focus on your hobbies — paint, read, pamper yourself, play music, shop, watch new shows, craft, cook, bake, anything. By all means, take a small nap.
Just give yourself a break and breathe slowly. Remember that you’re human too. It’s vital that you nurture your body and your mind.
Go for a walk, walk around your place, distract yourself. You don’t need to know what is happening in the world 24/7. Log off for once.
Please love and respect yourself — you won’t get through these unprecedented times if you don’t.
Don’t forget to take a bath or shower. Go ahead and sing, even if you’re not the best at it.
THE LEADER
Even if there’s a slight pause in your life, you haven’t flatlined yet; your heart keeps on beating. Take advantage before it’s too late.
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SPORTS NIKLAS FAULK Staff Reporter
This week in sports
As the middle of November approaches, the news has only become more significant. In the NFL, the Chicago Bears have lost their third consecutive game, raising questions about who they really are as a team. The NBA officially has a start date, and the draft is around the corner. The MLB has also announced its award winners for the season. Kim Ng made history by becoming the first ever female GM in MLB history. In the NHL, there have been talks about the possibility of an all-Canadian division for the 2021 season, and teams have been individually releasing snippets of their “reverse retro” jerseys that will go on full display this upcoming season. I will be covering each of these topics individually as we dive into this edition of “This Week in Sports.”
NFL
The Bears’ special teams are quietly becoming a key reason why the Bears are being kept in the game. Kicker Cairo Santos is perfect on extra point attempts, going 17 for 17, and is 15-17 in field goals on the season. Cordarrelle Patterson has been on pace to top his previous season average of just under 30 yards per return. Rookie Darnell Mooney has caught the eyes of Bears fans by surprise, consistently leading the team in completed catches. Currently, the Bears do not hold a playoff spot and are second place in the NFC North. Another loss could cause significant damage to the Bears’ playoff chances and put Matt Nagy further onto the hot seat.
NBA NBA announces start date for 2020-2021 season
seeing a handful of pass attempts in his direction.
What is going on in Chicago?
As if things couldn’t get any worse, the Bears have suffered some key injuries. Roy Robertson-Harris is done for the season with a shoulder injury. Mitch Trubisky has been sidelined with a shoulder injury as well, and Tarik Cohen is out for the year with a torn ACL. Fans have been calling for Matt Nagy to fully relinquish the offensive play-calling duties to the offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor, after steadily declining in production since becoming head coach in 2018. Since going 5-1, the Bears are ranked 29th in total offense, scoring around 20 points a game. Barkevious Mingo, an outside linebacker, had the longest run for the Bears against the Titans on a fake punt that turned into an 11-yard run for Mingo.
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Nick Foles getting sacked
With Week 10 rapidly approaching, the Bears have lost their third straight game. The offense has struggled the entire season, the play calling has been atrocious, and the Bears continue taking penalties. Nick Foles has struggled since week four when he was named the starter, and the offensive line has been statistically non-existent. Jimmy Graham has not been the same since his hot streak in the beginning of the season, and Anthony Miller is starting to come around but mostly has been inconsistent. Ted Ginn Jr. was released after underperforming on special teams. Rookie Cole Kmet has been underused by Matt Nagy, only
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Aside from the lack of offense, the Bears have continued to take costly penalties that have prevented them from scoring opportunities. The Bears lead the league with 63 penalties after week nine, two of which came on consecutive false starts when the Bears were 4th and one in week nine; this forced the Bears to punt. While the offense has been mediocre, ranking in the bottom of the league, the defense has been a bright spot of the season. With Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks staying healthy, the Bears have been able to keep the team in just about every game. Roquan Smith is having a breakout year. He has started every game this year, leads the team with 62 solo tackles, and is averaging a sack a game.
THE LEADER
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NBA Logo
A month after the conclusion of the NBA bubble playoffs, commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA announced that the 2020-2021 season will commence on Dec. 22. The decision came on Nov. 10, and included a description of the process leading up to the first game of the regular season. The season will be shortened by ten games, going from the traditional 82 to 72. The NBA draft will stay put and occur on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Free agency has been moved back to Nov. 20, after a careful decision-making process. There is no discussion on whether or not fans will be allowed to attend games.
11.17.20
SPORTS NHL NHL considering all-Canadian division While there is no confirmed start date for the 2020-21 NHL season, the league has discussed creating a temporary division which would include all seven Canadian NHL teams. This division would include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Montreal Canadiens. The all-Canadian division would be created to limit international travel between the U.S. and Canada for the entirety of the 2020-21 NHL season in an attempt to minimize the spread of COVID-19. If the Canadian division works, there would be a strong possibility of it becoming permanent in the future. Many players have thought it was an interesting concept and were for the idea.
The Arizona Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks are some of the many teams that have previewed their jerseys so far with more on the way. The Coyotes went with a purple base dedicated to their jerseys from the ‘90s, while the Ducks went with their original purple and teal color scheme featuring Disney’s “Mighty Duck” character on the shoulders. The NHL reverse retro jerseys will be worn during games and are expected to be unveiled by each team in the near future.
MLB Chicago represented well in this year’s MLB awards
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The Canadian division would be home to a handful of NHL’s biggest rivalries and could add more exciting matchups, even creating new ones between teams that rarely play each other. The Canadian division would create more matchups featuring Maple Leafs versus Canadiens, Oilers versus Flames, and Canucks versus Flames. It is not confirmed that the NHL will go ahead with the all Canadian division, given the league would have to restructure the divisions located in the U.S. The last time a Canadian division took place was back in the 1930s.
NHL reverse retro jerseys previewed
Reverse retro logos
Over the last couple days, several NHL teams have teased previews of their new reverse retro jerseys for the upcoming season. Adidas, the official maker of NHL jerseys, came up with the reverse retro jerseys concept. These jerseys are similar to the NFL’s color rush concept, but are based off a version of the team’s jersey that was used in the past.
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New Marlins general manager Kim Ng
On Nov. 13, Kim Ng was hired as the general manager of the Miami Marlins, becoming the first woman and the first Asian GM in MLB history. Ng has worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers and, most notably, for the New York Yankees, where she won World Series titles as an assistant GM. Internet Photo
Jose Abreu rounding third
The MLB has announced its award winners for the 2020 season, and Chicago is well represented. Between the Cubs and Sox, six players won awards. Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, Jose Abreu and Luis Robert won awards for the White Sox; Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez won awards for the Cubs. Tim Anderson, Eloy Jimenez, and Jose Abreu of the White Sox won silver slugger awards. Luis Robert was accompanied by Cubs stars Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez in winning Gold Glove Awards at their respective positions for their outstanding defense. For Javier Baez and Luis Robert, these are their first Gold Glove Awards.
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Kim Ng makes major sports history
The most important award went to Jose Abreu, who won American League MVP. Abreu had nothing short of a historic season, finishing with a batting average of .317. Abreu also had a 22-game hit streak, four consecutive games with a home run, and 60 RBIs in 60 games. Abreu is only the fourth player in franchise history to win AL MVP next to Nellie Fox, Frank Thomas (who won it twice), and Dick Allen. In addition to the achievement of winning MVP, back in 2014 Abreu became the twenty-eighth player in MLB history to win rookie of the year.
THE LEADER
Ng is also the first ever female GM in North American sports. She began her journey through sports with the White Sox, and was vice president of baseball operations for nearly a decade prior to being hired as the Marlins GM. Ng was hired by former Yankee legend and owner of the Miami Marlins, Derek Jeter. She will be replacing former GM Michael Hill, who was released after the Marlins were eliminated by the Atlanta Braves in the National League division series of the 2020 playoffs. This move is a huge step forward for women in the sports industry, and will likely be followed by more women being assigned management roles on sports teams in the future. Ng becoming GM of the Marlins is a big step forward for women, as was Alyssa Nakken becoming first base coach for the San Francisco Giants back in July. Ng stated in an article for ESPN, “this challenge is one I don't take lightly. When I got into this business, it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a Major League team, but I am dogged in the pursuit of my goals. My goal is now to bring Championship baseball to Miami. I am both humbled and eager to continue building the winning culture our fans expect and deserve."
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