The Hawks' Herald | Feb. 3, 2022 by Hawks' Herald

www.rwuhawksherald.com Vol. 34, Issue 11 FREE

KN95 masks urged for student use by RWU administration

RWU appoints Dr. Dameian Slocum as Associate Vice President for Student Life Slocum began his new position full time January 27 Jimmy Sadowski News Editor

Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald Students in the GHH atrium on Feb. 2. The university strongly recommends students use KN95 masks in indoor spaces on campus. Research shows these masks are more effective than clinical or cloth face masks.

Jimmy Sadowski News Editor The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their masking guidance on Jan. 14 which said certain masks provide more protection to the wearer than others. Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection while layered finely woven products including KN95 masks offer more protection, and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators such as N95s provide the highest level of protection according to the CDC. In light of the research such as the masking guidance from the CDC, Vice President for Student Life for Roger Williams University John King said “the University is urging all students and employees to use KN95 Masks, or other high-quality masks (avoiding whenever possible cloth or clinical masks) in indoor facilities ESPECIALLY IN CLASSROOMS.” in a Jan. 23 email to students. COVID Prevention Coordinator Kathleen Yorks also credited the university’s recommendation for students to wear KN95s to the CDC’s new guidance. “The research has shown that the N95 or KN95 masks are much more effective against virus

transmission.” Yorks said the price of KN95s is less than N95s which she called the “gold standard” that medical professionals use. When students arrived for checkin for the Spring 2022 semester, the university gave them three KN95 masks. In the Jan. 23 email, King said students at the end of each day can place each mask in its own sealed paper bag for 48 hours to decontaminate and the masks can be used again. Junior Lindsey Young said she is glad the university encourages students to wear the KN95s. “I’ve heard a lot of how they protect us more from the variants, so I definitely think it’s a good idea to encourage everybody to wear them, especially to keep us on campus longer.” Even though she is glad the university

“I’ve heard a lot of how they protect us more from the variants, so I definitely think it’s a good idea to encourage everybody to wear them, especially to keep us on campus longer.” -Lindsey Young ‘23

encourages the use of KN95s, Young said she prefers the more comfortable feel of cloth masks. “When I want a sip of water or something in class, it’s just easier to pull the cloth mask down because it fits with the shape of your face.” Senior Mike Roy said he respected the university’s decision to recommend KN95s. “I think they [the university] are doing their part and trying to make sure we’re as safe as possible,” said Roy. “If it takes an extra measure like that [recommending KN95s] then I guess I kind of respect their decision.” Yorks said the reason why the KN95 and N95 masks are more effective than cloth masks is because of their design. “The way they’re designed is they don’t let the small respiratory particles through where cloth masks can much more,” said Yorks. “The KN95s are made to prevent respiratory secretions from getting through them, they stop them as opposed to filtering them somewhat.” King said KN95 masks will be on sale at Lower Commons, the School of Law Bistro, Hawk’s Nest Coffee Shop and in vending machines in certain buildings.

Dr. Dameian Slocum has been announced as the Associate Vice President for Student Life according to a Jan. 26 email from Vice President for Student Life Dr. John King. Prior to the decision to appoint Slocum, the AVP for Student Life Search Committee had a national search generating 100 candidates that resulted in eight highlyqualified semi-finalist interviews, and three finalists were identified who had full campus interviews. Slocum said the opportunity to help students grow made him want to become the Associate Vice President for Student Life. “I really enjoy the idea of working within areas that help students grow and develop,” said Slocum. “Student life has become home for me when it comes to that, so this opportunity allowed me to take what I was Courtesy of Dameian Slocum doing at Johnson and Wales and actually grow that level of support on a campus that had already been moving in that direction.” Previous to joining the RWU administration, Slocum worked in Student Life at Johnson and Wales University in Providence for over 20 years. As a Resident Assistant (RA) during his time attending Johnson and Wales, Slocum said he fell in love with Student Affairs and worked his way up within that system and department, and had the opportunity to “grow it and transform it in some really cool ways.”

See

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Jimmy Sadowski jsadowski031@g.rwu.edu

NEWS

DESIGNER

Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

RWU administration’s expectations for upcoming semester Luke Brennan Managing Editor As the first couple of weeks of inperson classes begins, the RWU administration has high hopes for the upcoming semester. Vice President of Student Life John King believes that the administration’s goals “are the same as students.’ We all want to have the fullest semester possible.” King said the administration is pleasantly surprised with the current percentage of students with COVID-19. “We’re running at 1%, and that is lower than we expected it to be,” said King. King is not alone in this feeling either, as RWU Chief of Staff Brian Williams said the positivity rate is “close to what [they] were projecting.” King credits the low number to several different factors such as the pre-arrival testing by students, the clearance testing upon arrival and the

fact that about 20% of both students and faculty contracted COVID during break, which, per CDC guidelines does not let them get tested for 90 days. “Those three factors, combined with an extremely high vaccination rate are really what has enabled us to be at 1%,” King said. Regarding the new Omicron variant, King said “the rates of transmission in Rhode Island will continue to drop, related to Omicron, over the next few weeks.” King added “the magic number you want to be able to get to as a state and as a community is to be below 100 cases per 100,000 people. We have a long ways to go before we get there.” King further said RWU’s goal is “to always be substantially below whatever the regional rate is.” As for what the future looks like for RWU regarding COVID-19, King said he thinks RWU is going to have “much lower positivity than the local community.”

February 3, 2021

SLOCUM

from page 1

In 2012 Slocum became Associate Dean of Students for Student Services at JWU where he helped assist with Residential Life, Transportation Services and Off-Campus Student Services. He was responsible not only for the Providence campus but also JWU’s branch campuses in Charlotte, Denver and North Miami where Slocum said he had functional responsibilities for them. He also said he, “made the case for and developed Off-Campus Student Services at Johnson and Wales University and made sure there was a strong footprint for that office, a space that had all of the needs that commuter students felt were important for their campus.” Slocum said he added resources in that area so a commuter or off-campus student had a number to call just like a residential student does. His role in Transportation Services he described as a big operation and as a big believer in mass transit he himself does not have a car. Similar to what he

did at JWU, Slocum said he will make sure the voices of off-campus, commuter and graduate students are heard and their needs are addressed. As AVP, Slocum said he will be partnering with the teams in Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution in the Department of Residential Life and Housing. He will also work closely with Student Programs, Leadership, and Orientation (SPLO). Slocum said he wants to make sure there is room for conversations on diversity, equity and inclusion and what that will look like on campus. As a big believer in spiritual wellness, Slocum said he will be working with King to talk about what the future of spiritual life on campus will look like and how to bring that forward. Slocum said the university is getting a person who looks very serious but likes to smile and have a good time. He can be introverted at times and is better in small groups but does not shy away from large groups. “I prefer to let people shine in the way that they shine.” He said he looks forward to getting to know the students of RWU and he will listen and collaborate and wants every student to succeed.

THE GAVEL

Your source for Student Senate news

Welcome back, everyone! Student Senate began our first meeting of the semester on Monday by appointing our three Council Vice Chairs - congratulations to Christian Thomas, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council Vice Chair, Kelsey Wells, the Sustainability Council Vice Chair and Jack Dunn, the Parking Council Vice Chair! We also appointed the student body members to sit on all three councils and look forward to working with each and every one of them. In other news, next week we will be appointing a new Public Relations Chair as well as the Student Life Involvement Ceremony Co-Chair, so stay tuned for that! As always, follow us on social media @RWU_Senate and come to our weekly meetings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Tefft White Center. Our meetings are recorded so you can watch the recordings on the Senate YouTube page if you miss them. Emily Dvareckas/The Hawks’ Herald RWU administration hopes to keep positive COVID cases low this semester. Administration is pleasantly surprised with the current 1% positive cases.

The gavel is contributed by the Student Senate and does not reflect the views of The Hawks’ Herald

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Amy Martin amartin052@g.rwu.edu

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Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

The groundhog says... Emily Dvareckas Photo Editor

FEATURES February 3, 2021

What the Year of the Tiger will bring Amy Martin Features Editor Now that the new year is here, it is also time to welcome the Year of the Tiger in 2022. The Chinese New Year, otherwise known as the Lunar New Year, is on Tuesday, Feb. 1, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. What exactly is in store for the Year of the Tiger? While it may be hard to hear, this year will be about making big changes. There have already been a lot of changes these last few years, but this year will focus more so on risk-taking and adventure. Changes can occur in several different parts of life, including career and romance. However, the Chinese zodiac warns to be careful and not get ahead of yourself. The Chinese zodiac also cycles through five elemental types— fire, earth, metal, water and

The tradition of Groundhog Day began in February of 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pa. when local newspaper editor Clymer Freas went to a group of businessmen and groundhog hunters to describe his idea of a groundhog predicting whether there would be an early spring or a long winter. Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary — the full name given to the groundhog that has been predicting the length of winter since 1887. The special rodent has predicted six more weeks of winter for 2022. Over the years, his predictions have been correct less than 50% of the time, meaning it would be more accurate to flip a coin to determine the length of winter. Groundhogs are known for being able to predict the end of winter but not with their shadows. When these animals start leaving their hibernation hideaways, it is a sign that winter is ending soon. On Feb. 2 of each year, the “inner circle” of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club — most notable for their tuxedos and top hats — prepare two scrolls: one saying there will be six more weeks of winter and the other saying there will be an early spring. When daybreak arrives on Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow and is assisted by one of his handlers to a tree stump. According to the inner circle, the groundhog speaks to the President of the circle in a language known as “Groundhogese” and tells him whether or not he saw his shadow. The President then translates what Phil has said and directs the Vice President to read from the appropriate scroll.

Courtesy of bady abbas on Unsplash

wood. On top of it being the Year of the Tiger, it is also the Year of the Water Tiger, which last occurred in 1962. Water years are more impactful on emotions compared to any of the other elements. Overall, 2022 is a year for making big, emotional changes, whether that be in personal relationships or in society as a whole. Unfortunately, those born during a Year of the Tiger are particularly unlucky this year. A zodiac sign’s year is traditionally the most unlucky in Chinese astrology. However, tigers can overcome this precedent and accomplish great things. There are certain symbols that are favorable for each sign in the Chinese zodiac and can potentially bring them luck. For the Year of the Tiger, the lucky colors are blue and green; the lucky numbers are 1, 3 and 7; the lucky flower is the plum blossom, and the lucky direction is north.

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Nicole Kowalewski nkowalewski683@g.rwu.edu

DESIGNER

Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu

ARTS & CULTURE February 3, 2021

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Swings Into the Record Books

Courtesy of Marvel Studios “Spider-Man: No Way Home” hit theaters in December 2021. Spider-Man is the highest-grossing movie superhero of all time.

Nicole Kowalewski Arts & Culture Editor *THIS STORY CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR “SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME”* Well, it has finally happened– Marvel has released a film that even rivals the success of “Avengers: Endgame.” It appears that even the allure of resurrected aliens and Avengers can’t compete with Spidey One, Spidey Two and Spidey-Can’t-Seem-To-Get-AThreequel. “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the third installment in Marvel’s latest trilogy, was out for “Endgame”’s crown from the beginning. The film’s trailer racked up over 350 million views worldwide within 24 hours of its release, far eclipsing the 289 million record held by “Endgame.” SpiderMan also reigns as the

highest- grossing movie superhero ever at $8.05 billion, according to Guinness World Records. The movie has even managed to generate some Oscars buzz. Part of the success of “No Way Home” could be attributed to movie fans’ eagerness to get into the theaters again, especially with Marvel’s blockbuster reputation. But the fact remains that no theatrical release has garnered anywhere near the amount of attention as “Spider-Man” since COVID-19 shut the U.S. down two years ago. With any luck, this marks only the beginning of theaters’ return to normalcy. But popularity aside, the question remains: is “No Way Home” worth all the hype? Actually…yes, if you are a SpiderMan fan. In the months between the recordbreaking teaser trailer release and the

movie’s premiere, the Internet buzzed with rumors that Sony’s previous two Spider-Man stars, Tobey Maguire (2002 - 2007) and Andrew Garfield (2012 - 2014) would swing onto the scene. And despite the actors’ (many, borderline desperate) attempts to deny it, the pair do play a significant role in “No Way Home.” This lends a nostalgia factor to the film that no doubt plays into its hyper-positive reception, but the charm of their performance extends beyond pure sentimentality. Bringing three iterations of the same character together from across the multiverse allows for unique interactions, affording these scenes an extra bit of depth as well as humor. The Internet is ecstatic over the meme potential, but Marvel’s Spider-Man arc benefits as well. The two older “Spider-Men” act as temporary mentors to Tom Holland’s

present-day Peter Parker, steering him away from the mistakes the older heroes had made. Because of this, “No Way Home” has an excuse to deviate a bit from the paths of its predecessors, avoiding some of the repetition that reboots and remakes so often get trapped in. It’s an interesting way to add the nostalgia factor while conveniently steering the plot away from some more tired tropes. With that said, by no means does “No Way Home” avoid cliches altogether– it is a superhero movie, after all. But it has heart, and while the inclusion of Garfield and Maguire may be fan service, their performances challenge any criticism. Like any Marvel film, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is full of action, acrobatics and rapid-fire jokes, and believe it or not, it might even make you shed a tear or two. All in all, this is one film no Marvel fan should miss.

Keeping Up With ‘The Bachelor’

Gabriella Boretti Herald Reporter

After joining Season 18 of “The Bachelorette” with Michelle Young, Clayton Echard started his own journey as the Bachelor on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, premiering at 8 p.m. on ABC. Echard was a fan favorite in Young’s season and ultimately stole America’s heart.

The Bachelor attended the University of Missouri, where he was a Division I collegiate football athlete. He was then drafted into the NFL, where he played for the Seattle Seahawks but did not make the final roster. In his Instagram bio, Echard refers to himself as a “washed-up athlete.” The show started off with 30 amazing women and is now down to just 22. The Bachelor has his hands full this season with candidates who have

impressive careers, including a real estate agent working at the same agency as the “Selling Sunset” cast, an Olympian, an NFL cheerleader and a Disney World character performer. Drama has already started to unfold among the ladies as secrets start to pile up, including one woman who potentially has a friend with benefits back home. As for the Bachelor himself, Echard has struggled with body dysmorphia

since he was a kid. In an interview with “People”, he said “you can never shake that body dysmorphia — it’s always there. You can kind of get it under control in some realms, and I’ve done that through diet... That’s kind of the power of body dysmorphia and the fear of it is like, you never truly get rid of it.” He has shared this with a select few throughout the season and truly embodies his ideals, inside and out.

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Samuel Elwell selwell531@g.rwu.edu

Emily Dvareckas edvareckas213@g.rwu.edu

I know, it’s been a while since we last talked. I couldn’t stay away from you any longer and we have plenty to discuss! For those of you who do not know who I am, my name is Stacy but I am most often referred to as Racy Stacy. I am here to share the raciest stories on campus as well as answer the uncomfortable questions that public high schools failed to answer. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable for everyone involved and I want to help make that possible. Sex in the real world is vastly different than Hollywood’s portrayal of the act as well as porn’s portrayal. Both of these can be harmful to young adults who are just starting to navigate their bodies and sex. We will have plenty of time to discuss all of these possible questions and scenarios but let’s start on a more tame note and let’s talk about a big step in a relationship, the first planned night together. This is an exciting step but can also be stressful for both of you.

February 3, 2021

Staying the night When deciding if you two are ready to share a cozy twin XL bed, make sure you are both ready by going through my handy checklist of things to address.

Make sure both of you are comfortable with the idea of spending the night together. Don’t spring the idea of spending the night on your significant other at the last moment especially if you two haven’t even discussed the idea in passing. If one of you is not comfortable but feels like you don’t have a choice, it can cause some issues in the relationship.

Choose a night that works for both of you It would be ideal for both of you to have a clear schedule in the morning. You will both be in an unfamiliar situation so don’t expect a totally restful night. Remember that it is okay that the night does not

OPINIONS

DESIGNER

go perfectly, relationships are all about learning how to adapt to new situations so both parties remain happy and can grow together.

Make compromises Everyone has a bedtime routine that is specific to them. Make sure you both discuss your routines and make compromises if need be. If one person needs white noise to fall asleep and the other needs complete silence, compromises will have to be made. Communication is key in all aspects of a relationship.

deciding when to have your sleepover, just don’t make an unwanted move. If you two do decide you want to get frisky but realize you don’t have protection, remember sex does not always mean penetration. Don’t be afraid to explore your own body and your partner’s body while together for the night. Whatever you decide to do, remember to be safe.

Talk about what you are both expecting for the night Don’t assume that by staying the night automatically you two will be having sex. Whether you two have already done it or waiting for the right moment, staying the night will not always end in sex. You can have the conversation once the night has already begun or before

xoxo, Stacy

How Omar Little redefined The necessity of protecting the free press LGBTQ+ characters in Sam Elwell Opinions Editor

The field of journalism may seem very simple to some people. After all, you are sitting at a computer typing up an article just like I am doing right now, right? While it can seem simple in that regard, there is a lot more danger than you might think. In 2021 alone, the United Nations reported that 55 journalists were killed worldwide with 90 percent of deaths since 2006 going unsolved. As a journalist delves deeper into a controversial topic such as corruption in government or corruption of a person of authority, they will get noticed and may be targeted to prevent the truth from being revealed to the public. Just over a week ago on Jan. 25, journalists and citizens of Mexico held a vigil in multiple cities around the country demanding change, justice and greater protections for the press. These demonstrations came in response to recent killings of three Mexican journalists, Alfonso Margarito Martínez Esquivel, Lourdes Maldonado López and José Luis Gamboa Arenas. Mexico is one of the more dangerous countries for reporters to work in along with Pakistan where a journalist was killed earlier this month.

Many of these deaths occurred in response to the work and stories the reporters were covering such as, in the case of Maldonado López, corruption in politics. One of the biggest points of concern over these deaths is the lack of investigation from law enforcement leading some to be suspects and accused of impunity. In the case of Mexico, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is well known for discrediting the media Despite this, López Obrador has promised an investigation into Maldonado López’s murder and promised to prevent future targeting of journalists, though some believe that his aggression towards media outlets is partially responsible for these murders. Unfortunately, murders of journalists are far too common worldwide especially in countries with high censorship and control over the media. In the United States, despite an increasingly polarizing public opinion of the media, the concept of free press and related protections are so ingrained in society that the deaths of journalists are rare, though threats are still common.

Read the rest of the article at rwuhawksherald.com

television

Anonymous Op-ed Contributor

When HBO’s “The Wire,” a gritty drama revolving around the Baltimore drug trade, debuted in 2002, there was little to no LGBTQ+ representation on television and such characters were pigeonholed inside the narrow confines of mainstream media’s assumptions of how a character representing the LGBTQ+ community should act. At least until Omar Little made his first appearance. Not directly involved in the drug trade, Omar instead makes his living off being a “stick-up man,” robbing drug dealers of both their drugs and their money. Next to his shotgun, Omar’s most powerful weapon is his reputation, as all it takes is someone yelling “Omar comin” to send everyone running. Despite his life of crime, he also has certain moral codes he lives by religiously: he does not curse, only kills when it is necessary and he does not hurt or kill anyone who is not in “the game.”

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Omar’s character is his sexuality: he is openly gay and does not feel the need to exhibit any of the macho posturing commonly seen by those in the alpha male-dominated drug trade. He is kind and gentle with those he cares about and is fiercely loyal, arguably to a fault. In a show mired in cruelty and corruption, Omar stands out for his kind nature and, at least compared to the other characters on “The Wire,” moral compass, which has led to him becoming arguably the most recognizable and popular character in the show’s history, with even President Obama citing Omar as his favorite character. At a time when gay men were portrayed as little more than flamboyant comic relief, the character of Omar Little (played brilliantly by the late Michael K. Williams) proved not only that masculinity is not defined by brutality, but also that LGBTQ+ characters can be layered and complex and add great depth to an acclaimed drama like “The Wire.”

SECTION EDITOR

DESIGNER

Rachel Dvareckas Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

PUZZLES February 3, 2021

Courtesy of Daniel Tuttle on Unsplash Stay warm during these chilly days!

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EDITOR’S DESK

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Rachel Dvareckas Rachel Dvareckas rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu rdvareckas244@g.rwu.edu

February 3, 2021

THE HAWKS’ HERALD The student newspaper of Roger Williams University

2021-2022 STAFF DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER

THE HAWKS’ HERALD is a student publication. The views, statements, opinions, depictions, and/or representations (expressions) contained herein are solely those of THE HAWKS’ HERALD and do not, and are not, meant to represent or be attributed to the expressions of Roger Williams University, any trustee, officer, agent, employee, student, or representative of Roger Williams University, and either are such expressions authorized, accepted, or condoned by the university. THE HAWKS’ HERALD is dedicated to providing news to the university in a fair and accurate manner.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

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CONTACT

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OPINIONS EDITOR

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Letters to the editor, suggestions, corrections, story ideas and other correspondence should be addressed to THE HAWKS’ HERALD, Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, R.I., 02809, or sent via e-mail to hawksherald@gmail.com.

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CORRECTIONS There are no corrections this week.

The Hawks’ Herald · Suite 212, Campus Recreation Center · 1 Old Ferry Road · Bristol, R.I. 02809

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Emily Dvareckas

REPORTERS Gabriella Boretti

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SPORTS

February 3, 2021

A record-breaking season

Kristen Dansereau Sports Editor

In a record-breaking season, RWU women’s basketball flexed a record of 17 wins and one loss, beginning the season on a 16 game winning streak. The lone blemish on the Hawks’ season comes at the hands of the Smith College Pioneers in a four-point loss. Katie Galligan is a sophomore guard on the women’s basketball team. She has contributed to the team’s overall success by scoring a total of 239 points during her first year of competition, which was pushed off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This season has truly shown our competitiveness and love for the game,” Galligan said. “We have made a pretty historical start and it has shown us our true potential for the rest of the season.” This week Galligan has been recognized as New England Women’s Basketball Association Co-Newcomer of the week and RWU Hawk of the Week. Team culture plays a huge role in defining a team and aiding its success. What drives a team is an environment around them. If one person is giving their best on any given day for their

team, their team will do the same for them which is a crucial experience in sports. “Playing with a team who is very unselfish and shares the ball is what makes playing so enjoyable,” said Galligan. “We have four captains who all contribute different types of great leadership that complete the team.”

The team came into the season with a thirst for competitiveness after being held back for a year and their record proves just that. “When not having games, it gave us a lot of time to prepare for this upcoming season and we are now experiencing the results of our hard work,” said Galligan. “We go into

every game with the mindset that a win has to be earned and won’t be given to us. Our record won’t win us games, it’s how we perform together as a team.” The Hawks travel to Wenham, Mass. to take on Gordon College on Feb 2. The Hawks bested the Fighting Scots on Jan. 17 by 54 points.

Courtesy of Dave Silverman Katie Galligan shoots against opponent on December 4, 2021 in the game against Curry.

Olympics return to Beijing

Drew Hart Sports Manager

Almost 14 years have passed since the historical 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing that saw athletes like Michael Phelps claim eight gold medals and Usain Bolt and Shawn Johnson storm onto the world stage. As the Olympics return to Beijing for winter competition, the games’ historical significance

is set to repeat itself thanks to the ongoing pandemic. Just this past summer, the 2020 Summer Olympics, held in Tokyo, were successfully completed after being postponed one year due to the pandemic. Olympic athletes will still be held to strict protocols, completing daily PCR testing, masking, and social distancing, while fans from outside of China will be barred from attending events.

Along with the cost of COVID-19 on athletes and fans also comes the cost of running the games. According to official reports from the Chinese government, this year’s games cost $3.9 billion — the cheapest Olympic games in the last 20 years. The reports draw some doubt despite the reuse of many facilities from 2008. A recent investigative article published by Business Insider estimates that the total cost of this

Courtesy of stux on Pixabay The winter Olympics are being held in Beijing China this year. The games start on Feb. 4 and end on Feb. 20.

year’s games could be 10 times more than initially reported, due to China writing off infrastructure and facility improvements as capital improvements even though they directly affect the experience of the games. The games also come at a time when tensions between world superpowers are at some of the highest points in recent memory. Russia and the United States are currently engaged in a Cold War-like standoff over a possible invasion of Ukraine. The United States and Ukraine believe that Russia is preparing to invade their neighbors to the south as a result of Ukraine’s interest in working with European countries and members of NATO. Russia denies any plans of invading Ukraine. All the while, the games are being hosted by a superpower itself in China. COVID-19, Cold War 2.0, China — an intriguing backdrop to what will surely make for an exciting winter Olympics. The 2022 Winter Olympics will commence on Feb. 4 and the closing ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 20. Events can be watched using providers that carry NBC, CNBC and the USA Network.