Banner | Vol. 67 Issue 6

Volume 67 | Issue 6 | November 22, 2019

Mobilization partners with blood drive

BY EMILY MCGINN ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The annual fall Mobilization Blood Drive took place Nov. 19-20 in Innovators Auditorium in which students and faculty donated blood to supply local hospitals with blood for patients.

California Baptist University partnered with LifeStream, a nonprofit organization, to organize the drive.

LifeStream aims to supply more than 80 Southern California hospitals with blood.

For each blood donation, students will receive $20 to fund International Service Projects for CBU’s Mobilization program.

“On the CBU campus, there are many staff, faculty and students who want to support sending our students into the world to share the gospel, but they might not be able to participate,” said Kerri Horton, Spiritual Life logistics coordinator. “What we do is advertise campus-wide the opportunity to donate blood, and it brings a large number of those CBU students, staff and faculty who want to support ISP.” Horton has been organizing the annual blood drive since 2011. She said she supervises the blood drive, manages volunteers and works with LifeStream to schedule and prepare for the event. Before the blood drive, she also organizes advertising to encourage students, staff and faculty to participate in the event.

“One of my favorite parts (of running the blood drive) is being a community partner

with LifeStream and seeing the difference it makes and how much they truly rely on the blood donations that the CBU family gives,” Horton said. “They love being a part of what we do. It is great to see an organization excited about another way of serving people around the world.”

Adam Botello, LifeStream regional developing coordinator, organizes blood drives in Riverside and surrounding areas and worked with Horton to prepare for the event.

To prepare for the drive, Botello scheduled the event,

SEE BLOOD DRIVE | PAGE 2

Alex Iannone | Banner Students gather in Innovators Auditorium to give blood and support their fellow Lancers’ International Service Projects.

CBU community mourns loss of student

BY SOFIA ENEQVIST NEWS EDITOR

California Baptist University student Orlando Prado died Friday, Nov. 8, at the age of 20, and is fondly remembered by his family, friends and the campus community.

Prado, sophomore pre-mechanical engineering major, was described by those close to him as someone who continually showed kindness and cared for everyone around him. He is remembered for his engaging stories, upbeat personality and kind, encouraging spirit.

A Riverside native, Prado was a soccer coach and program leader at Mission Middle School in Jurupa Valley. Those in the progam said his dedication to the students left a lasting impact on everyone in which he came in contact.

Sebastian Prado, senior computer science major and cousin of Prado, said his cousin was like a brother to him.

“He always thought of others before thinking of himself and he had a smile that would brighten up this world. He was the hope in so many people,” Sebastian Prado said. “We hope that he is watching over us, protecting us. He will live forever in our hearts and memories.”

Alex Iannone | Banner

Noah Schmidt, junior computer science major, is prepped for giving blood by Kyira Wiggins, a local LifeStream employee.

Nea Prado, the 15-year-old younger sister of Orlando Prado, recalled fond memories of working on their soccer skills together, his motivational jokes and him telling her that anything can be done and how to succeed.

Orlando Prado will be remembered for being a light that brightened up the room, Sebastian Prado said. No matter what, he would always have a smile on his face, spreading joy and cheer to everyone that was around him.

“Thank you for sharing all these memories with me. I’ll never ever forget you big brother. I wish I was there to give you a big hug and tell you that I love you one last time, cry on your shoulder, and tell you that you matter,” Nea Prado said.

Sebastian Prado also encouraged people to appreciate their loved ones.

“Hug them and tell them you love them because life is short and we need to appreciate every second with the people around us,” Sebastian Prado said.

Dr. John Montgomery, CBU dean of Spiritual Life, encouraged students who have lost someone close to them to talk about it with others they are close to.

Alex Iannone | Banner Sophie Long, junior psychology major, watches the preparation as she gets ready to donate blood.

Student-led studio produces new films Elephant Room recognized for work in various original films, creative projects

BY JACKSON WALDROP STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of the Prado Family Orlando Prado, sophomore pre-mechanical engineering major, enjoyed playing soccer and coached in a youth program.

“CBU Students should be aware that the CBU Counseling Center can equip them to process grief healthily,” Montgomery said.

Counseling services are available for students or other members of the CBU community through the CBU Coun-

seling Center, located in the Wellness Center on the Health Science Campus at 3626 Monroe St. The CBU administration, faculty and staff ask that students keep the Prado family in their prayers during this difficult time.

Four creative individuals from different walks of life were inspired by their professor and shared passion for film to create professional content and successfully connect, promote and collaborate with local artists to build their community.

This is Elephant Room.

Nathan Rierson, Michael Duggan, Jonathan Cadenhead and Allen Fletcher all met at and attend California Baptist University where they are all juniors majoring in film.

They connected in an Introduction to Film class with the help and inspiration of Fraser Kershaw, former adjunct professor of film, and together,

they started working to create professional content.

Receiving a Best Screenplay award at the 2018 CBU Film Festival for their first short film, “Film School,” solidified them as a group and they said they knew that they did not want to stop there.

“Everything we do has to have effort and meaning behind it,” Duggan said. “It gets annoying from time to time because we could be like, ‘Let’s just make this and it will look dope,’ but no, we have to take the time and have meaning. And that’s how the name Elephant Room plays into that.”

Elephant Room has released three narrative short films, which have received awards from the CBU film festival, including Best Actress, Best Supporting role, Best Editor and Best Picture, along with two other awards at the 2019 CBU Film Festival for their short film “Jetpack Girl.”

They are currently broadening their portfolio by making a three-part, mini-documentary series about local artists in the

SEE ELEPHANT ROOM | PAGE 12

Tree Lighting kicks off holiday season —

Urban Excursion heads to Ventura —

Behind the scenes look at Chapel preparation —

N e w s , Pg. 3

L i f e s t y l e , Pg. 6

A & E , Pg. 13

Dr. Ronald L. Ellis will lead campus traditions, Dec. 3.

All-female team visited youth correctional facility.

Many staff work hard to put Chapel together.

NEWS

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

THE BANNER

staff PRINT

Editor-in-Chief Sienna Darula Managing Editor Abigail Wolf

Asst. Lifestyle Editor Sophie Gravitt Mary Molina Sports Editor Cullen Holt

Photo Editor Kelsie Stevens

Asst. Sports Editors Adityastha Wratsangka Yvonne Chavira

Asst. Design Editor Sofia Eneqvist

Social Media Director Taylor Finn

News Editor Sofia Eneqvist

Public Relations Director Austin Romito

Asst. News Editors Jessica Cejalvo Emily McGinn Jasmine Severi

Distribution Manager Christian Spangler

Business & Tech Editor Jane Robertus Asst. Business & Tech Editors Casey Maldonado Nathanael Hovda A&E Editor Adam Douglas Asst. A&E Editors Taylor Finn Dyana Villa Lifestyle Editor Randi Wuflestad

Advertising Manager Austin Romito

ONLINE Editor-in-Chief Robert Jordan Managing Editor Misty Severi Photo Editor Elijah Hickman Director of Multimedia Tyler Bradley Video Editor Elijah Hickman

Asst. Director of Student Publications Sonya Singh Adviser and Director of Student Publications Dr. Michael Chute

We want your help!

Write, take photos or design with us.

Email us at BannerEditor@calbaptist.edu for more information.

Blood Drive

Continued from Page 1

monitored the sign-up page for the drive on the LifeStream website and helped manage the preparation of equipment and supplies.

Botello said LifeStream has experienced a recent decrease in blood donations at events elsewhere because of the of time donors must dedicate to complete the required steps to participate in the drive.

At the blood drive, students, staff and faculty are required to check-in, complete a screening process and receive a brief physical before donating blood, which takes additional time.

However, Botello said he hopes the recent development of a screening process that donors can take before the blood drive and the importance of donating blood will motivate people to donate.

“It is a challenging industry to be in,” Botello said. “We are coming off a tough summer where our donations were at such a low level that we were having to work with our hospital partners to reschedule elective surgeries.

“We are trying to partner with campuses like (CBU) to continue to support our hospitals and make sure we have enough blood on the shelves in case of an emergency.”

Over the past few years,

Jack Bramlett, junior communication studies major, works on his laptop while giving blood.

CBU has experienced a growth in blood donations. During last semester’s blood drive, Lifestream collected 453 donations and helped roughly 1,359 patients, resulting in CBU receiving the LifeStream Blood Drive of the Year award.

Botello said he hopes many students, staff and faculty will participate in the blood drives

to provide LifeStream with a large number of blood donations to distribute to hospitals.

“This is a Christian campus with a focus on serving others and serving God, and this is an easy, free way that you can take just a little bit of time and potentially save someone’s life,” said Nathan Smith, junior chemical engineering major

Alex Iannone | Banner

and blood drive participant. “I do not know why you would not spend 15 minutes to save someone’s life.”

Students, staff and faculty will have additional opportunities to donate blood to LifeStream in future blood drives and raise money for the ISP program during the Spring 2020 semester.

CBU alumna runs for Congress

BY MISTY SEVERI

ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR California Baptist University alumna Aja Smith (RCA) recently announced her campaign against incumbent House of Representatives Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) to represent District 41 in the House of Representatives.

Smith, who was a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and is a Republican candidate, said she is running because she believes she can better relate to the issues that are important to Riverside residents.

“I have been where many residents have been. I relate to a lot of their issues because

I have been through it myself,” Smith said. “I was raised by a single mother; I know what struggle looks like when it comes to jobs and living pay check to pay check. I know these issues and I want to help.”

During her time at CBU, Smith said it was the university’s commitment to the Bible that impacted her most.

“A lot of the things I heard at CBU were things I never thought about growing up, or had even heard about,” Smith said. “It opened me up to a world of different views and ideas and my relationships with my professors, especially Dr. Robert Jabs, became a huge part of who I am now.”

Smith’s circuit and target audience includes speaking at local churches in the area, including Harvest Christian Fellowship and Magnolia Church.

Current students at CBU said they were pleased an alumna is seeking election to a national platform and are inspired by her choice to run.

Kaitlyn Lee, freshman exercise science major, said she is in favor of better representation of Christian ideals in Congress, especially if they are representing CBU in the process.

“It is cool that a woman who came from CBU is running for office because we come from a Christian school and our values are not always represented

in Congress,” Lee said.

Rachel Bolinger, freshman pre-nursing student, said she believes Smith’s run for Congress will benefit the school’s publicity.

“It’s great she comes from CBU and it’s great for the school,” Bolinger said, “but really, I’m glad a woman is running to represent this district.”

One other candidate, Democrat Grace Williams, is currently running against Smith and Takano in the California primary set to take place March 3, 2020.

The top two candidates out of the three currently running will advance to the general election in November 2020.

Fall graduates prepare for commencement

About

THE BANNER

The Banner newspaper is an award-winning, bi-weekly campus publication that publishes 12 issues a year at California Baptist University.

The newsroom is located in the James Building in Room 060 and can be reached at 951-343-4787. The Banner, a student-run newspaper, serves the CBU community with accurate, timely and factual reporting on significant aspects of university life, Riverside life and subjects of interest or concern to its readers.

Students, faculty, staff, administrators and others in the university are encouraged to react to published material or to comment on matters of conern. The Banner retains the right to edit your letter upon publication based on grammar and word count. Send letters to Sienna Darula, editor-in-chief of The Banner at BannerEditor@ calbaptist.edu.

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Collin Magness, senior international business and anthropology double major, gives out a CBU alumni license plate to Madison Rojer, graduate student in organizational leadership.

BY JASMINE SEVERI ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Fall commencement ceremonies at California Baptist University will take place Dec. 11 in the Events Center with two ceremonies —one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 2 p.m.

Dr. Jairy C. Hunter, president emeritus and professor of business administration at Charleston Southern Universi-

ty, will be the commencement speaker for the graduation ceremonies.

In preparation for graduation, CBU had students take graduation photos in October and filmed “thank you” videos for their loved ones. They also had a celebration Nov. 14-15 called Grad Finale.

At Grad Finale, students picked up their caps, gowns and tassels and got exclusive deals

on graduation items, such as diploma frames and CBU stoles.

They had the opportunity to make sure their names will be pronounced correctly during graduation, take portraits in their caps and gowns, receive a gift from Spiritual Life and the Alumni Office, talk to Financial Aid and Career Center staffs, purchase class rings and pendants and connect with their fellow graduates.

Juli Mory, director of University Commencements, said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, president of CBU, enjoys the commencement ceremonies.

“Dr. Ellis calls commencement the highlight of every year. He cares very much about commencement and we love that,” Mory said.

Many students have been working hard for this day and it is finally almost here.

Omar Dillon, senior graphic design and visual experience major, said he is hoping to work as a motion graphics designer or videographer in Los Angeles or Riverside after he graduates.

“I feel like my education was useful, and something I am going to value for the rest of my career and the rest of my life,” Dillon said.

Savannah Uhlir, senior kinesiology major, said she will be pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology at CBU after graduating and said her experience at CBU has been rewarding.

“I definitely learned a lot about myself and other people in the process and I’ve grown a lot,” Uhlir said. “I love my major, so that has made it really easy.”

Approximately 700 students will be participating in the December graduation ceremonies.

Each student graduating will get nine tickets to give to family and friends, and there will be approximately 3,300 guest seats for the ceremony.

NEWS Students celebrate culture

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

BY JASMINE SEVERI ASST. NEWS EDITOR

International Celebration Week, which occurred Nov. 1821, is an annual event meant to celebrate and honor international students and allow domestic and international students to bond, giving students an opportunity to learn about other cultures represented on California Baptist University’s campus.

Leslie Shelton, director of International Student Services, said, “By coming to the events, domestic students have the opportunity to experience international culture, whether that’s through music, food, sports or games.

“Our international students have an opportunity to highlight their culture in the variety of ways throughout the week.”

CBU kicked off International Celebration Week with the International Education Fair on Nov. 18 and continued the festivities with karaoke that night. Other events included the Foreign Food Affair that offered food from around the world.

The event also had fall-themed games and arts and crafts Nov. 19, followed by CBU Recreation’s volleyball game and the World Sports Tournament Nov. 20. The week of festivities concluded with the international carnival on Nov. 21.

Madison Baker, senior psychology major, said she has been going to the karaoke night event for years, and was excited

NEWS briefs

IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY UNDERWAY

Gabrielle Tieman | Banner

Joy Keley, junior illustration major, gets food from Leslie Shelton, director of International Student Services, during the International Celebration Week’s foreign food affair.

about the other events that took place during the celebration.

“I am really excited about the lineup,” Baker said. “I’m excited about the games on Wednesday; it’s fun to get to play different games from around the world with people I know and people

I don’t know. It’s a really fun week.”

Giulianna Scarinzi, freshman psychology major, said she appreciates CBU’s effort to include international students in all of the events on campus.

“It’s really nice of CBU to

celebrate international (students),” Scarizni said. “It’s difficult being away from home so it’s good to feel that people care about you and your culture and having other experiences. It’s welcoming. It feels like home.”

An impeachment inquiry was launched Sept.

24 after a scandal broke out accusing President Donald J. Trump of pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to find harmful information on political rival Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

Public hearings regarding the accusation began Nov. 13 in the House of Representatives and are scheduled to continue through November, with hearings being scheduled every week.

Dr. Chase Porter, assistant professor of political science, said he does not expect an impeachment or removal of office to go through both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“Impeachment in the House of Representatives is becoming more likely than not, as the Democrats hold the simple majority necessary to approve any articles of impeachment and Democrats have become increasingly receptive to the idea of impeaching the president,” Porter said. “There is simply no chance of removal from office by the Senate. That would require a two-thirds approval by the Senate, which is currently majority Republican.”

Since the impeachment process is still in the early investigatory stage, it is too soon to conclusively determine the odds of Trump’s impeachment. With an election in November 2020, some politicians are skeptical of the impeachment inquiry will hinder Trump’s chances at re-election.

“I don’t foresee the impeachment process having a substantial effect on the next election,” Porter said. “Support for and opposition to President Trump is hardened outside of the impeachment process; I don’t see anyone changing their minds based on the impeachment process.”

Trump’s impeachment lies in the hands of three House committees involved in the inquiry.

The political process will determine if Trump will be convicted of high crimes or misdemeanor, as required by the U.S. Constitution.

CBU to celebrate the season through song

BY ELISE WINEGARDEN STAFF WRITER

Kelsie Stevens | Banner

California Baptist University students pose with friends in front of the newly lit Christmas tree during the 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting event. This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Dec. 3 on the Front Lawn.

CBU’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event to bring cheer

BY ANYSSA GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER

California Baptist University’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony Dec. 3 in the front lawn is expected to be merry and bright. In addition, other traditions such as, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis’ reading of the Christmas story and celebrating the holiday together as a CBU family will usher in the holiday season.

This year’s event is named “Merry and Bright: A CBU Christmas Celebration,” explained Kristin Holderman, director of Campus Activities for Community Life. During the event, students can experience many activities provided to enhance CBU culture.

“We hope everyone will come experience this tradition and celebrate the holiday

season as a CBU family,” Holderman said.

In addition to the lighting of the tree there will be Christmas music and activities, such as inflatable jumpers, snow sledding, photo booths and food and various refreshments.

The event will also highlight the eighth annual Operation Christmas Child packing party.

Julie Dobbins, director of Compassion and Women’s Ministries, explained the unique opportunity to give back to children.

“We love being able to support an organization that is committed to sharing the gospel in a way that is intentional, loving and tangible,” Dobbins said. “We want to be able to serve children by gifting them with things they

need, such as a toothbrush or calculator, but also by giving them an opportunity to hear about the hope they can have because of Christ.”

Dobbins also explained the itinerary for this year’s Christmas celebration and how it would include past traditions.

“Our plan is similar this year as we will focus on the Christmas story and tree lighting initially, and then we will open to all of the festivities, including a chance to pack a box. It is super-exciting and really fun to see everything come together,” Dobbins said.

Cassidy Martin, freshman early childhood studies major, said she expects to feel a sense of familial community as she attends her first annual tree lighting event at CBU.

“I am excited to attend CBU’s tree-lighting event.

I could not think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season,” Martin said. “This event shows how important building a community is to CBU as it allows for everyone to feel a part of a family, especially as a freshman.”

In addition to the collaboration between Community Life, ASCBU, Spiritual Life and many vendors, Conferences and Events and Provider also host this event.

Students may volunteer and contribute through student-athlete teams, or by packing a box for Operation Christmas Child during the event.

CBU’s annual Christmas celebration and packing party will take place Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m.

For the second time in California Baptist University’s history, the Shelby and Ferne Collinsworth School of Music's annual Command Christmas performance will take place in the Events Center this holiday season.

This event, called “Gloria, A CBU Christmas,” will be held Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m.

“Gloria, A CBU Christmas” will feature CBU’s Festival Choir and Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Camerata, Rhapsody, Magnolia Singers, Lancer Chorus and the University Choir and Orchestra.

This program will also feature Chloe Trevor, Grand Prize winner at the 2006 Lynn Harrell Competition and the 2005 Lennox Competition, on the violin, and Bruce Sledge, a Canadian opera singer and a finalist in the 2002 World Voice Masters Competition in Monte Carlo.

Travion Williams, adjunct professor in the School of Music and assistant director of the Worship Collective choir, said he looks forward to hearing two new pieces at the event that were composed by CBU faculty members.

“I am most excited to hear the two new compositions by our faculty, Dr. Glenn Pickett and Dr. Josh Rodriguez. They wrote these new compositions specifically for this event and the students have really been

working hard on this pretty tough music,” Williams said.

Emilie Wickham, senior nursing major who has participated in University Choir and Orchestra the past four years, said she is excited to perform in the event.

“This year’s Christmas performance will be absolutely amazing.

The beautifully complex music has been chosen and crafted for this CBU performance,” Wickham said.

“These Christmas songs bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus. I am going to have so much fun being a part of this Christmas experience.”

Allie Brown, junior public relations major performing in “Gloria, A CBU Christmas,” said she is eager to share this music with the audience.

“I am excited to see everything we have worked so hard on come together and for the audience to thoroughly sit back and enjoy the musicality of our pieces,” Brown said.

Many of the CBU School of Music faculty and staff said they believe this event is a perfect way to continue sharing the joy of the spirit of Christmas.

Reserved seating is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $5 for CBU students.

General admission is $10 for adults, free for children and free for CBU students with their CBU ID. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 and at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.

Tickets for this event can be purchased at the Events Center’s box office, the School of Music office and online at CBUchristmas.com.

VISION

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Fortuna Bowl Football, food, fireworks and friendship are some of the wonderful things included at California Baptist University’s annual Fortuna Bowl event. This event never disappoints, and this year was no different.

In an intense game between the two finalist female teams, the Bull Rushers and the Bombshells, the game grew to be quite intense with the Bull Rushers winning 6-0. These two teams played against each other in the first game of the season when the Bull Rushers claimed the victory over the Bombshells. The outcome was the same at Fortuna, but the Bombshells did not let the Bull Rushers off easy.

In the last two minutes of the game, with the score still 6-0, a member of the Bombshells ran to the end zone with the ball, but a member from the opposing team pulled her flag at the last second, making the Bull Rushers the winners.

Jenesis Andrews-Kendale, sophomore applied theology major and team player for the Bombshells, explained that playing at Fortuna was an exciting and memorable experience.

ABOVE: Ryan Deck, master’s of business administration student, is cheered on as he runs out of the fog tunnel at the start of the men’s Fortuna Bowl game.

“There was so much energy at the event, which made the game more exciting. My favorite part was being with my team. We overcame a lot throughout the season, so we deserved to be there. It was great to see that our hard work got us that far,” Andrews-Kendale said.

In the second game of the night between the men’s teams, the intensity increased. The Baptist Baddies went head-to-head with the Twinkle Toes in a fight for the Fortuna trophy. As sophomores fought seniors for the win, the crowd’s hearts were torn between both teams. The game ended in a score of 13-12 as the sophomore team, Twinkle Toes, took the win.

David Summers, sophomore computer science major and team player for Twinkle Toes, scored the final touchdown at the end of the game. He said it was an honor to participate in this event.

“One of my favorite parts was taking the final knee to end the game and being able to celebrate the win with my teammates,” Summers said.

In addition to thrilling games that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, this event also had bounce houses and a photo booth, as well as various foods and deserts.

Fortuna Bowl united CBU friends and families for a night of entertainment, games and food.

Copy by Sophie Gravitt Design by Jacob Dimsey Photos by Alex Iannone and Austin Romito

VISION

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

LEFT: Molly Acevedo (left), sophomore criminal justice major, faces off with Amber McAtee, senior criminal justice major, during the match between the Bombshells and Bull Rushers.

RIGHT: Ian Coronel, freshman business administration major, celebrates with his team after winning Fortuna Bowl by one point.

LEFT: Allysandra Currie, junior electrical and computer engineering major, looks onto the field during a team huddle for the Bull Rushers.

RIGHT: Alexus Ramos, sophomore biomedical sciences major, cheers during the half time show at the 2019 Fortuna Bowl.

LEFT: Ryan Deck (left), master’s of business administration student, and Jacob Hernandez (right), senior criminal justice major, chase David Summers (center), sophomore computer science major, as he runs down the field with the ball.

RIGHT: Anthony Navarro, sophomore sociology major, and Emilee Deardoff, senior communication and science disorders major, buy ice cream during halftime at the men’s Fortuna Bowl game.

LIFESTYLE

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

OC Cathedral models Sistine Chapel

BY IVANIA MONTES STAFF WRITER

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, is making its way to Orange County. The exhibition is a recreation of the Italian artist’s historical work, allowing visitors to get close and connect with the paintings on a whole new level.

Christ Cathedral’s Cultural Center in Orange County welcomed this new experience in April 2019. The exhibit displays near-original size paintings that replicate a similar experience one would expect in Rome, which is where the original Sistine Chapel is located.

“

Every painting has a story.

Jacob Hernandez, senior criminal justice major

World-famous masterpieces, such as “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment,” are on display and allow visitors to learn and get a closer look.

Visitors can expect an intense experience in which they can acknowledge the artwork in a whole new way. Each painting has a brief description located near the piece for all to read about its vast history.

Cindy Vu, employee of the Sistine Exhibit, said she highly encourages visitors to add the

optional audio guide, as it can help enhance the experience. It is only $3 to add the audio guide to your experience. She explained that the audio guide can help bring each of the paintings and its meaning to life.

“Even when you go to Rome — of course, it is a different experience because it is the real thing — you can’t even see the little details because it is so high up and you don’t actually get to listen to every story behind each painting,” Vu said.

Nancy Manriquez, resident of Orange County, said art exhibits like this allow family bonding time, which is her favorite part of the experience.

“Being able to go through this with my mom, sister and daughter makes this memorable. Either teaching them or my mom teaching me — it is about the memories we create when we do the stuff like this,” Manriquez said.

The Sistine Exhibit has something for everyone, whether it is for other artists to get inspired, photographers to capture special moments, or even for family to do as a bonding activity. The displays of paintings help capture the significance of Michelangelo’s work.

Jacob Hernandez, senior criminal justice major, said, “Every painting has a story.

These paintings show biblical references that allow us to have a strong visual of what the Bible

Mathew Graves, junior business administration major, admires the Sistine Chapel exhibit at the Christ Cathedral’s Cultural Center. has to say. It is intriguing to analyze the painting.”

After the paintings traveled around the world and were shown in places such as New York and Shanghai, Southern California now has the privilege

to showcase these breathtaking artifacts.

Students can visit the Sistine Chapel exhibit anytime during the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

General admission starts at $18 and a small discount is offered

for college students and military veterans. The audio guide is not included; however, it is highly recommended for visitors to get the full experience.

This exhibit is fairly new and still unknown by many, yet it

Alex Iannone | Banner

has much to offer within the 34 paintings that are displayed.

All are welcome until January 2020 to experience the world of Italian artist Michelangelo through this interactive exhibit.

Urban Excursion team serves at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility

BY SOPHIE GRAVITT

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR Spiritual Life at California Baptist University creates local service projects for students to participate in each school year. These urban excursion trips are an opportunity for students to serve the Southern California region in various ways.

An all-women’s team of students visited the female inmates at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility on Nov. 16 on an urban excursion day trip.

Students had the opportunity work side-by-side with the chaplain during part of the chapel service, share the gospel with the residents there, and invest in fun activities with the residents, such as art, basketball and fellowship.

Julie Dobbins, director of Compassion and Women’s Ministries in Spiritual Life, explained the goal of this trip was to make the young wom-

en in the ward feel loved and cared for not only by CBU students but also by Christ.

“We wanted to be a community that shares truth, life, conversation and fun with the people that were there,” Dobbins said. “We have so many opportunities for students to engage in conversation with people who have had very different life experiences, which helps them to grow in their confidence to share their faith, expand their understanding of different circumstances and hardships and be aware of how we can serve others around us.”

Spiritual Life regularly partners with nonprofit organizations in need of assistance from urban centers. This allows CBU to gain knowledge of the best ways it can serve the community. There are many areas in and around Riverside that are in need not only physically, but also spiritually. Urban excursion trips expose students to the needs

of their community and give them practical ways to make a difference.

Rio Guzman, senior sociology major and intern in Women’s Ministry at Spiritual Life, explained how she was impacted by this experience in Ventura.

“My favorite part was getting to know the girls and hear their stories, how they have committed their lives to Christ, and about how they want to grow more spiritually,” Guzman said.

Kathryn Spangenberg, senior early childhood studies major, said she has been on an urban excursion trip with CBU every year of college. One thing that surprised her about this Ventura trip was how she was able to relate to the residents there, even though they lived completely different lives.

“This trip was an extremely eye-opening and humbling experience. It pushed me out of my

comfort zone, challenged me and gave me a completely new perspective of that environment,” Spangenberg said. “These people are just people.

Even though their circumstances are different, they themselves are not very different from us.

This experience broke the stereotypes of correctional facilities and their residents.”

Spangenberg also explained how this experience was spiritually encouraging for her because she saw that these residents were so grateful to have chapel services and to have a relationship with God. Even when they are unsure of what to do, many of the young women find their hope for a better future in Christ.

This trip not only allowed students to serve and make a difference in the community of Ventura and its youth corrections system, but it also allowed them to gain new perspectives and refresh their faith.

Students benefit from Office of Student Success resources

BY DANIELLE MONZON STAFF WRITER

Sofia Eneqvist | Banner

Students are often unaware of the free resources their college offers. The Office of Student Success takes pride in servicing students at California Baptist University. The OSS aids in helping students achieve their academic goals.

Being a college student comes with responsibility, and oftentimes, stress. CBU aims to ensure students never feel alone during their time at the university The OSS promises to be a helping hand on its website with the statement, “From the classroom to commencement.”

A multitude of resources are available to support every student’s individual needs. The OSS offers tutoring, workshops, disability services and academic support materials.

A popular resource many students take advantage of is the free tutoring. One-on-one and group tutoring is offered for almost every discipline at CBU to reinforce the material students are learning.

Joseph Arriga, tutor for the writing center, said he helps students at all different levels of studies.

“Most of what we do is help students feel more confident in their paper,” Arriga said.

Along with helping students

on essays, tutors also offer help with student organization.

Arriga has assisted students in many ways, from creating resumes to assisting with capstone projects.

“

It feels easier to come and talk to a tutor one-onone because you can take your time.

Natalie Delgado, freshman undeclared major

Arriga also said tutoring students is extremely fulfilling and one of the most gratifying things he has ever done.

No matter the student’s rank in the classroom, Arriga said every student can benefit from having a second pair of eyes on his or her work.

Natalie Delgado, freshman undeclared major, is one of many students being tutored

by Arriga. She said she had been struggling in her writing class, and her professor gave her information about the OSS. Delgado said the tutoring she received has opened her eyes to improvements she had not even considered before-

hand. A key factor that keeps many students coming back is the benefit of learning on their own time.

“It feels easier to come and talk to a tutor one-on-one because you can take your time. In a classroom, your time for asking questions is limited,” Delgado said.

Each program offered by the OSS is carefully designed to give students confidence in their college journey. In fact, confidence plays a major role in why the OSS exists.

Michael Osadchuck, coordinator of OSS, explained why the OSS was put into place.

“Success might mean helping a student not fail. Success might be going from a B to an A, or even just feeling confident. Success might mean accountability. It is going to look different for all students. We are there throughout the entire journey,” Osadchuck said.

Osadchuck extends an offer to all CBU students. “You don’t have to struggle alone. There are people ready to help you get to the next level. Stop by and say hi, and we will be here when you need us,” Osadchuck said.

The OSS is available to all CBU students and is open every Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

LIFESTYLE

7

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Randi Wuflestad, junior journalism and new media major, finishes her homemade rug by cutting the excess string off the burlap and lace. The DIY project can be completed for $18 in two and a half hours.

Camille Grochowski | Banner

Lifestyle Tries: Burlap, lace area rug

BY RANDI WUFLESTAD LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Ever wondered why rugs are so outrageously expensive?

Your guess is as good as mine.

But have no worries, Lifestyle Tries is here to show you how to make a simple and cost-effective rug that can transform any space and keep those wallets a little fuller.

Supplies needed include a 40x59 inch nonskid rug pad, a 3x5 inch piece of cardboard,

white yarn, sisal rope, 30 feet of 5.5-inch burlap, three yards of 4-inch lace ribbon, scissors, hot glue and glue sticks.

All supplies can easily be found at a Walmart, Michaels, and even the Dollar Tree.

This DIY took about two and a half hours to create and cost $18 to make.

Follow these steps to create this Anthropology inspired rug: · Step One: Fold the nonskid rug pad in half vertically and glue it together. Be careful not

to let the glue slip through onto the ground. · Step Two: Create pompoms out of yarn with the 3x5 inch piece of cardboard. Wrap yarn around the 5-inch side roughly 40 times. Cut the yarn at both ends. Then, taking a separate strand of yarn, tie a double knot around the middle of the loose strands. Repeat this step 24 times. · Step Three: Starting from either of the two short sides of the rug, hot glue 12 pom-poms

in a vertical line along the edge. · Step Four: Measure two equal strips of burlap to the rug and glue them together, then glue all of it onto the rug pad next to the pom-poms. This will ensure the burlap is not seethrough. · Step Five: Cut four strands of sisal rope equal to the length of the rug. Glue these side-byside next to the burlap row. Repeat steps four and five three more times. · Step Six: After gluing the

last four rows of sisal rope, glue down one final strand of burlap. · Step Seven: Glue 12 more pom-poms in a vertical line. If there is some rug pad still left over, just cut it off to match the length of the pom-poms. · Step Eight: Cut three strands of lace to the length of the rug. Glue each strand in the middle of the first, third and fifth burlap rows. · Step Nine: Clean the edges by gluing excess burlap and lace strands underneath the rug.

The rug is now complete and ready to decorate any living space. Keep in mind the dimensions can be altered to match the length of rug desired.

Switch up the pattern or get creative, but most importantly, have fun doing it.

Keep those glue guns for future DIYs and share your recreations on Instagram and tag @ cbulancermedia or use #lancercam for a chance to be featured online or in the next issue of The Banner.

Faculty, staff serve students late breakfast for finals week

BY GEORGIA DALE STAFF WRITER

Finals season is slowly creeping up on the students at California Baptist University.

When that sheer lack of motivation and late-night munchies attack, the Alumni Dining Commons will be there to provide fuel for students.

The ADC will hold the traditional late-night breakfast on Dec. 5, opening at 8 p.m. for graduating seniors and 9 p.m. for all students.

“

I cannot wait for the longstanding tradition to continue; it is something of which we are very proud.

Kristin Holderman, director of Campus Activities

The menu will include familiar breakfast options such as eggs, pancakes, tater tots, French toast, bacon, sausages and doughnuts. Faculty and staff will be there to serve breakfast to students.

Kristin Holderman, director of Campus Activities for Community Life, said, “I cannot wait for the long-standing tradition to continue; it is something of which we are very proud.”

This event is created to

provide an opportunity for students to unwind from the stress of finals, but it will also be allow staff and faculty to demonstrate their appreciation for the students.

All evening, faculty and staff serve breakfast options for students from the various stations offered.

“We love that this event brings the community together and has been a long-standing tradition at CBU for many decades,” Holderman said.

The Annie Gabriel Library and the Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering will also be promising areas on campus to cram in some study past hours.

“I am so excited to know that California Baptist University is encouraging students to utilize the beautiful facilities that we have,” said Ane Olaeta, junior liberal studies major.

Maryn Budiman, sophomore biology major, said the late-night breakfast will be a much-needed break.

“I know I am going to feel very stressed during this crazy week, so this event will make me feel more comfortable in knowing that I will be able to hang out with some friends and eat some good food,” Budiman said.

CBU encourages students to take advantage of this night. The event costs one meal swipe for residential students, while commuter meals will be covered by Associated Students of CBU.

Sofia Eneqvist | Banner

Students rate professors

BY JULIUS KWAN STAFF WRITER

Many California Baptist University students use Rate My Professors, a popular website, to read and write reviews about professors and their courses. This helps students decide whether to take a professor’s class.

The website has reviews for professors from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The website allows students to write reviews about a professor by rating them on the overall quality and difficulty of the professor. It also allows students to describe a professor with phrases such as “tough grader,” “get ready to read” and “caring.” Students can use these phrases to provide a thorough summary of a professor’s teaching style.

Robert Brown, adjunct pro-

fessor of English, said he used the website as a student.

“When I was an undergraduate, I did check Rate My Professors, but I couldn’t take it seriously as a credible source for making enrollment decisions,” Brown said.

Brown said he has not looked on the website to see what it says about him.

“I’m better off being unaware. But, of course, I still want to know what students think about my classes,” Brown said.

Andrew Torres, sophomore psychology major, said he uses the website to help him decide what classes to take.

“It’s a useful tool for students. There are a lot of different teaching styles and there are a lot of different ways people learn. It just helps the student pick the best professor for them,” Torres said.

“

It is helpful with choosing your professor because you can learn about him or her before taking the class.

Andrew Torres, sophomore psychology major

Torres said he has also used the website to write a review about a professor.

“I did it for a professor because I enjoyed his class and wanted to encourage others to take his class,” Torres said.

Madison Swails, sophomore pre-nursing student, said she also used the website to learn about professors.

“It is helpful with choosing your professor because you can

learn about him or her before taking the class. Previous students’ opinions and comments can help with getting to know how that professor grades and his or her teaching style,” Swails said.

Swails said she was thinking of future students when she decided to write a review.

“The process was simple and easy to rate one of my professors. I did it both for future students and also because I really enjoyed the professor,” Swails said.

There are currently 680 results on Rate My Professors for faculty at CBU. While some professors may not enjoy being rated on Rate My Professors, students use the website to share their thoughts of past professors and courses and determine the best professors for their personal learning style based on reviews.

8

PERSPECTIVES November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Fall Sports Highlights

1

2

3

4 1. CBU’s volleyball team escorts Nicole Abreu, senior criminal justice major, for her senior day in the absence of her family.

2. Cora Jacoby, junior kinesiology major, throws the ball back into the game.

3. Sydney Palma, freshman communication studies major, dribbles the ball around an opponent.

5

4. Christian Nunez, freshman kinesiology major, pins on opponent during a wrestling competition.

5. Scott Tolman, senior mechanical engineering major, competes in the breast stroke portion of a swim meet.

Photos by Reagan Lee and Robert Jordan

SPORTS

9

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Creating Crazie Cullen's Column In college sports, there are supposed to be only winners and losers, no pyrrhic victories. However, in a 33game season, certain teams can afford some productive losses.

That is exactly why California Baptist University’s men’s basketball team schedules games against schools such as the University of Texas at Austin or the University of California, Berkeley, in an attempt to gain positive outcomes from losses.

The Lancers faced off against Texas on Nov. 12 and Berkeley, three days later on Nov. 15. Texas dismissed CBU 67-54 and Berkeley ran away with a 20-point, 82-62 win. Despite the negative outcomes on the scoreboard, the road trip can still be considered a success.

Why? Because testing a team early against good opponents is the best way to improve quickly and to learn about a team. The Lancers' early-season road loss to the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2018 is one example that worked out well.

CBU fell 90-55 to the WolfPack, who were coming off an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance the prior season, then went on to collect 16 wins and host a postseason game. The hope for the Lancers this season is that these early losses to Power-Five schools will have the same result.

CBU fans learned a couple of things about this

Jacob Klarke, sophomore business administration major and a member of the Crazies, dresses crazy to help hype up the crowd.

Reagan Lee | Banner

CBU Crazie Crew brings energy to athletic events

BY MIKAYLA MCATEE STAFF WRITER Lights flash as the thunder of stomping feet and clapping hands echoes through the air.

War-painted faces cry out for victory. The front line raises their hands to the sky and calls for the remaining warriors to do the same. The sound builds and people sway as the energy rises and topples to a crescendo.

This is the playing team's final moments. The sidelined warriors know that their bolstering encouragements can be the thing that pushes the playing Lancers to make that final shot. That is what being a California Baptist University Crazie is all about.

The CBU Crazie Crew has recently taken CBU and its students by storm, but what does being a CBU Crazie actually entail?

Vinh Aven, assistant athletic director for Marketing and Fan Engagement, said, "First and foremost when you are a CBU student, we're all Lancers. We are Lancer Nation, but when we sit in the student section, we become Crazies.”

Therefore, every CBU student attending the games is a Crazie at heart.

However, it is Aven’s team of

24 undergraduate students who have formed the Crazie Crew this year and brought a newfound energy.

"They have brought an incredible amount of energy, which encourages other students to step up their energy and enthusiasm, as well,” Aven said.

Grayson Logan, sophomore international studies major and member of the Crazie Crew, said being a Crazie to him means showing how much he loves CBU. "To me it means showing a lot of school spirit and just hyping up the sports teams to try to give the best home-court advantage possible,” Logan said.

Every member of the Crazie Crew is required to go to the men’s and women’s home basketball games and women’s volleyball games, but many of the Crazie members voluntarily attend other sporting events, as well, to better represent their Lancers.

Other aspects of the job include setup for the games and coming up with new chants to get the other students more involved. The Crazies meet about an hour before each event starts to organize different roles for each person throughout the game.

Phillip Ndowu | Banner

The team of Crazies and California Baptist University students begin a cheer during the Midnight Madness event.

Zac Zeman, sophomore accounting major and member of the Crazie Crew, said he enjoys being a Crazie because he sees it as an outlet where he can be crazy without caring what other people think.

“Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and be a little Crazie for CBU Athletics,” Zeman said.

Aven said this year more than any other year, the student body is really responding to the Crazies and adopting that same school spirit.

This is revealed by the

high-energy, record-breaking attendance at not only the recent volleyball games, but also a staggering 4,000 attendees at Midnight Madness, which kicked off the basketball season Oct. 25.

These high energy levels start with this Crazie Crew and then continue throughout the whole student section. Aven said his team of CBU Crazies is excited for what is to come.

"We look forward to carrying that momentum into the men's and women’s basketball season, as well," Aven said.

year’s team during the road trip. First, the Lancers can play with just about anybody. CBU trailed by just three points to the University of Texas with 7:45 on the clock and went into halftime tied 40-40 with UC Berkeley.

Secondly, Milan Acquaah was definitely not a one-hit wonder. The junior business administration major scored double digits in both losses, proving he has picked up right where he left off in his all-conference sophomore season.

In addition, these types of games are a great opportunity for CBU to gain exposure and show the rest of the nation that this infant Division I program is a force with which to be reckoned.

The Texas game aired on ESPN’s Longhorn Network while the Berkeley game was broadcast on the Pac 12 Network.

Inside Texas writer Joe Cook reported that Longhorn Head Coach Shaka Smart told his staff that CBU was “really good” when he first watched film of the Lancers. Recognition like that from a Power-Five coach, such as Smart, does not hurt.

Matchups against the blue bloods of college basketball are essentially winwin situations for CBU. Lose and come away a better, tougher team. Win and shock the nation, further cementing CBU’s place on the DI basketball map.

CBU aquatics coaches youth

BY ADIT WRATSANGKA ASST. SPORTS EDITOR In an effort to contribute to the community, California Baptist University's Athletics Department sponsors age-group athletic programs in the Lancer Aquatic Center.

Age-group teams help provide youth in the community with a place where they can get involved in sports. Age groups range from 6-year-old children through 16-year-old high school students.

Bryan Engle, associate director of CBU athletics for Facilities and Event Management, said the swim program has been running for 20 years.

"The university's goals and aspirations are to really reach the community," said Kavin Callister, manager of the swimming age-group program.

Callister said the program has multiple social media outlets to reach the community, but the best way to reach out is through word of mouth regarding coaches and how they work with athletes.

"The more kids we can have involved here, the better," Callister said.

Alina Jungklaus, coach of age-group swimming, said the program helps to build a foundation for kids their age.

"Being able to train with other kids your age is fun but also a challenge because they always compare (themselves) to each other," Jungklaus said.

Coaches of the program are mostly CBU student-athletes on the respective sports teams or students who are experienced in either swim or water polo.

"I try to use my own experiences that I made over the 13 years (of swimming)," Jungklaus said.

Jungklaus said she used her experience of once being an agegroup athlete to help young swimmers face their challenges.

"Whenever they ask me questions on how to improve, I remember what my coaches used to tell me and encourage them whenever they doubt themselves," Jungklaus said.

The program is year-round and takes new sign-ups at any point each year. Callister said summer is the busiest term.

"We had 130 to 140 kids (in the program) (last) summer," Callister said. "Coming into fall I thought 30-40 was a pretty good amount."

Callister said the program has been growing, and there are currently 125 athletes signed up for the program's fall term.

BUSINESS & TECH

10

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Online spending increases significantly in the holiday season

BY TEDDY PEÑA STAFF WRITER

For many, the holiday season means decorating, spending time with family and cold winter nights. This festive time also entails buying presents for loved ones. However, as the years continue and new trends emerge, the way people purchase gifts has evolved.

Today, a lot of the shopping and spending for the season is carried out online. With busy schedules and prior commitments, it has become increasingly difficult for people to physically go to a store and buy presents.

Dr. Adele Harrison, professor of finance at California Baptist University, attributes this spike to the changes in the economy.

“There is a predicted increase in (online) shopping this holiday season because most people feel better about their financial future since there is low unemployment and stable growth in the economy,” Harrison said.

Harrison said people feel better about spending money because of these conditions and also enjoy spending more during the holiday season. She said she does not see a future in which traditional stores are overtaken by online shopping entirely.

“It is a social outlet and some

items just sell better in person,” Harrison said.

When asked how students can be more conscious about their shopping habits this holiday season, Harrison advises they have a list of what to purchase and set a time constraint for surfing the web. Being intentional with buying online is key as people can end up buying more than planned because of the accessibility online shopping provides.

Online shopping is not perfect. Many issues stem from this evolving form of purchasing goods. One example that Harrison pointed out is the increased amount of packaging and use of delivery vehicles. The growing quantity of packages proven harmful to the planet and the increase in delivery transportation means a higher output of harmful chemicals.

Many people enjoy the convenience of online shopping not only because it requires less time, but also because it makes the search for an item astronomically easier.

Daniel Barrios, sophomore film major, said, “Online shopping has made purchasing items easier, but only if done ahead of time because the post office could get backed up and my packages could arrive later than intended.”

While it seems easier to shop online, one of the most challenging parts of the process is

Sophia Johnson, freshman pre-nursing student, looks for a Christmas gift bag in Forever 21 that will hold gifts she bought online. shipping and handling. Many online outlets charge a shipping fee and even more if one wishes to have an item expedited.

Christian Atadero, sophomore civil engineering major, said if he is looking for something specific or a particular

article of clothing, it might be better to do so in-person.

“I do a lot of shopping online, however, it does seem to be more difficult when you’re looking for something particular or you just want something to have the perfect fit,” Atadero said.

Traditional stores give the option to try on clothes immediately. In the case of online shopping, one must have clothes shipped to them and try them on, which is a much longer process.

There are still many prob-

Camille Grochowski | Banner

lems to face and conquer with shopping online. However, if people are intentional and mindful with what they purchase and how they are spending, it may help them to form a healthy relationship with online shopping.

Apple AirPods Pro released Netflix considers changing playback

BY COLE STILLWAGON STAFF WRITER

Apple announced Oct. 28 that the company will release updated AirPods Pro, offering new innovative features and a new design along with a significant price increase.

The technology giant debuted the new product in a press release to consumers along with the update iOS 13.2.

The updated wireless headphones provide new immersive sound technology that makes it superior to previous models.

“AirPods are the best-selling headphones in the world.

The one-tap setup experience, incredible sound and iconic design have made them a beloved Apple product, and with AirPods Pro, we’re taking the magic even further,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, in a press release.

One new feature is active noise cancellation provided in

the earphones. Matthew McConnell, technical director for California Baptist University’s Collinsworth School of Music, gave his thoughts on the new feature.

“Turning on the noise-canceling completely removes the sound of the air condition unit outside my office,” McConnell said. “It does not, (however), completely remove voices or other more random sounds.”

McConnell also voiced some concerns about the dangers of the noise canceling feature.

“Any noise-canceling device may prevent one from hearing motor vehicles and other sounds that would alert one to a potential hazard,” McConnell said.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the new transparency mode. This new feature counter acts the noise canceling feature, letting you hear the environment around you.

Phillip Cuneo, freshman health science major, shared his

thoughts on his preferred listening experience.

“Sometimes while studying, I like to have a little background noise while listening to music,” Cueno said.

With the new updated technology also comes a new design to the headphones. The new design features comfortable and flexible silicone ear tips that vary in sizes based on the consumer.

At first glance, Kristin Thoroddsen, sophomore worship arts major, said she was not a fan of the new look of the AirPod Pros.

“Those are not cute; the added ear buds ruin the sleek design I liked from the original pair,” Thoroddsen said.

The new earphones are $249, which is $100 more than the original pair. Despite the hefty price tag, Apple’s AirPods Pro provide users with new features that set them apart from the competition and its previous model.

speed options, faces public backlash

BY SHEILA PONCE STAFF WRITER

Netflix recently received backlash after testing variable playback speed in October, causing the company to reconsider adding the feature.

The idea arose from the company wanting its viewers to watch more movies and shows in less time. The playback feature would allow viewers to watch as slow as 0.5x or 0.75x or raise it to 1.25x or 1.5x speeds.

The public found out and many film and television creators were not pleased.

Netflix Vice President Keela Robison released a statement that said “the feature was tested on limited mobile-only screens and generated a fair amount of feedback— both for and against. We’ve been sensitive to creator con-

cerns and haven’t included bigger screens, in particular, TVs, in this test.”

Dr. Melissa Croteau, professor and director of film studies, said she is against the feature.

“People do not realize how creators shape meaning in such a way. The thing about audiovisual media is it exists in time and space; it is a manipulator of time and space, when you remove the power from the creator to regulate time that spent in that text, you are changing the product,” Croteau said.

Madison Roset, sophomore pre-nursing student, said the feature seems unnecessary.

“If I’m watching a show on Netflix, I would prefer to have it be kept at normal speed so I can enjoy all my favorite shows at the speed they’re meant to be watched at.,” Roset said.

Shyne Webster, freshman graphic design and visual expe-

rience major, said she believes the playback speed will change the movie watching experience.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea because it will reduce the quality of the watch. While I understand it may be helpful to bingewatch shows at a faster pace, the whole point is to be immersed in what you’re watching, and you’re not really doing that if you’re speeding through,” Webster said.

Because of the recent criticism, Netflix announced in a press release Oct. 28: “We have no plans to roll any of these tests out in the short term. And whether we introduce these features for everyone at some point will depend on the feedback we receive.”

The playback feature is part of a series of tests, which also included tests on controls related to display settings and language and audio options.

Google announces plans to buy Fitbit company

BY JANE ROBERTUS

BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR Since the initial release of the first Fitbit in 2017, the market for electronic fitness trackers has only continued to grow.

With this becoming a more popular market as competition from Apple and other brands rises, Google announced plans to buy Fitbit at the beginning of November. This decision can mostly be attributed to the fact that Google is doing its best to keep up with competition.

Fitness trackers are one major way many individuals keep track of their exercise throughout the day and also can be used for motivation for staying active and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Dr. Kristin Mauldin, assistant professor of psychology and director of the spirit and performance psychology program, said fitness trackers can provide new opportunities with exercise but it is still important to use in moderation.

“While the benefits of fitness trackers outweigh any potential negative effects, one should still be careful. Focusing too much on one’s time or speed can start to take away from the enjoyment of the sport,” Mauldin said. “Keep in mind what originally attracted you to the activity and, if need be, reset your goals to be more realistic and turn off the sharing feature.”

Mauldin also pointed to the social aspect fitness trackers can provide that allows users to share their activity with friends.

“This additional piece of social support not

only keeps the exerciser accountable, but also helps to meet their needs for relating and may help them to identify as part of that group,” Mauldin said.

Katie Carson, junior liberal studies major, owns a Fitbit and described how she slowly stopped using her Fitbit and relied more on her Apple Watch.

“I used to wear it almost every day. I really liked it at the time but I wasn’t able to see my steps without checking the app,” Carson said.

“Two years later I got an Apple Watch, which is easier to use and to see my results, and it has more options for tracking exercise.”

Carson’s experience transitioning from one device to another is a great example of what can happen in the fast-paced world of technological devices.

Elizabeth Pryor, junior psychology major, first got a Fitbit three years ago. She said she recently upgraded to a new one that she uses regularly.

“My favorite part about my Fitbit is that it keeps track of how many steps I take and converts it to miles. I’ve used a lot of different phone apps for trackers but none of them work as well as the Fitbit, having the unit on my wrist really makes it easier to keep track of everything,” Pryor said.

With mixed reviews of Fitbit, it remains to be seen if Google buying the company will benefit the business by pushing them toward more complex technology or if it will cause them to lose those loyal to the original design of the fitness tracker.

A CBU student wears his Fitbit during a workout session to track his heart rate.

Kengkue Her | Banner

BUSINESS & TECH

11

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Twitter plans to ban political ads Social media sites work to filter politically focused ads

BY NATHANAEL HOVDA

ASST. BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR

Taylor Bennion, Temecula location Donut Bar employee, makes the shop’s specialty grilled cheese that uses its donuts as bread.

Madison Santana | Banner

Donut Bar comes to Riverside

BY BLANCA HERNANDEZ STAFF WRITER

Riverside is home to many local eateries and food options. Donut Bar will be the most recent addition to local eateries, opening soon in Downtown Riverside near the historical Mission Inn Hotel and Spa. Many Southern Californians enjoy Donut Bar, but until now the closest locations to California Baptist University have been in Temecula and San Diego. Because of this, the new location will save many customers a long drive.

Lynery Olea, sophomore pre-nursing student, emphasized how this new location is convenient.

“It’s really hard to find a good doughnut place nowadays,” Olea said. “I’ve driven up to Temecula to go to the Donut Bar over there so this new location has me excited since it’s in my hometown.”

Chef Santiago Campa is the owner of Donut Bar and said in a YouTube video that there is a new menu with 30 different

types of doughnuts every day, including the creme brulee doughnut, butterbeer doughnut and blueberry-strawberry s’mores doughnut. Another famous doughnut flavor is the PopTart doughnut that weighs a whole pound.

Michelle Meyers, manager of Donut Bar in Temecula, highlighted what sets Donut Bar apart.

“I love the atmosphere and that it is something new and exciting. Doughnut-wise, my favorite ones are the apple fritter and one of the regulars’ favorites is our creme brulee,” Meyers said.

Meyers also mentioned the variety of options available.

“One of my other favorite things about Donut Bar is that we have vegan options and it brings me a lot of joy that we are able to help people with special diets eat yummy doughnuts they have not before,” Meyers said.

For those who have never tried Donut Bar before, Meyers said to expect big beautiful doughnuts and a fun atmosphere for all

to enjoy.

Donut Bar has not only made an impact on its customers but has also been featured on TV and radio, including on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” the Food Network, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and Fox News.

Alex Sauceda, senior mechanical engineering major, is also a downtown Riverside resident who said he heard about Donut Bar and is looking forward to the new location.

“I have heard great things about Donut Bar from my wife because her sister lives in San Diego and goes to that location all the time. It is going to be pretty sweet to have one right by my house if you ask me,” Sauceda said. “I heard they have a PopTart doughnut and it is huge, so I am excited to try that one out.”

Ever since Donut Bar opened in 2013 with its original San Diego location, it sells out of doughnuts daily. A YouTube video also states it has no set closing time and simply stay open until the store sells out of all the doughnuts for the day.

Every second, 6,000 tweets become part of the social media world that has made itself a hallmark of the digital age.

For some, their 280 characters are never seen by more than a handful of people in the world; others have platforms so influential that their posts dictate social, economic and political narratives for millions.

The power of social media apps such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram is undeniable.

Many rely solely on the sites for their news and understanding the world around them.

When Facebook underwent national scrutiny for its political involvement with Cambridge Analytica during the 2016 presidential election, lobbyists and advocates argued that social media giants hold too much data, power and influence to delegate what people see and do not see on their websites.

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter, revealed his company’s intention to ban all political advertising during the election cycles.

Mark Kim, assistant professor of computing, software and data sciences, said the recent rise in social media’s interconnectedness has resulted in a substantial increase in the sites’ political polarization.

This problem arises when companies attempt to decide

what is appropriate and can be censored without human input.

Much of what appears on sites like Twitter goes through filters that can catch or flag potentially harmful content.

“What a developer may think to be an unbiased filtration algorithm may actually cause more harm than good, and it can cause concern when we think about who ultimately makes these decisions,” Kim said.

Landon Cole Dacus, freshman film major, said he supports the move but understands the potentially dangerous implications. “I don’t think social media companies should be the arbiters of political advertising, especially when they’re at risk of their own bias,” Dacus said.

The incentive to ban a large swath of advertising revenue is nearly nonexistent, but the move is a calculated one aimed more at improving public perceptions rather than adding more to corporate profits.

With a platform as large as Twitter, the ways political ads would be filtered out of its platform is not particularly clear. It is virtually impossible to create a program that approves and denies content perfectly.

Matthew Niculae, sophomore computer science major, said artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in the decision process. “(But) it can’t catch everything, so having a human factor is critical to eliminating bias,” Niculae said.

Social media companies have a long way to go in filtering content, and with the number of users only growing, the right way to determine what belongs on their platforms only becomes more challenging and more controversial.

iPhone 11’s release sparks conversation identity as a company for a while now.

I don’t think they’re groundbreaking or progressive like they were a long time This year’s fall season brought beau- ago. ... You look at Huawei or Samsung tiful skies, colorful leaves, refreshingly — they’re trying to get foldable phones,” colder weather and, of course, the new Dacus said. “Pretty much what happens in the phone industry these days is AniPhone 11.

Apple’s September release brought droid invents, Apple perfects. I guess the most advanced model of the iPhone that’s not wrong — I just don’t like it.”

Ron Raghoo, technical coordinator to the world. With an A13 bionic chip, Apple’s website claims that both models of Information and Technology for the Gordon and Jill Bourns of the iPhone 11, regular College of Engineering, disand Pro, are built with agreed, saying that Android “the fastest chip ever in and Apple simply improve a smartphone.” Other each other as they compete features include an allfor customers. day battery life, an LCD “Apple really hasn’t gotscreen that adjusts to its ten stagnant — they just surroundings and WiFi & haven’t given people what LTE improvements.

Landon Cole Dacus, they wanted. We think AnPerhaps the most important improvement, Freshman film major droid is doing it because they’re more of an open however, is the iPhone 11’s dual-camera front-facing camera market, but they’re really not. (Apple system. With a 12 megapixel resolution and Android) are just stealing each othon each camera, the dual-camera system er’s ideas a year later,” Raghoo said.

Although Apple and Android comcan shoot both wide and ultra-wide impete for the same crowd, Apple may curages, as well as shoot video in 4K. It has now been two months after the rently have the upper hand. Raghoo deiPhone 11’s launch, and John Michael scribed Apple’s marketing and business Coleman, senior Christian studies ma- practices as “genius.”

“They make you want their products. jor, said he has been able to use the device after upgrading from the earlier iP- Apple’s thing is they tell you what you hone 8. Coleman said he has had a great want,” Raghoo said. “It sounds silly but experience with the standard iPhone 11 they tell you, ‘You need this. You have to and he would definitely recommend it to have this,’ and as consumers we are like, ‘Yeah,’” Raghoo said. other students.

However, Raghoo said it may not be “I can communicate faster on (the iPhone 11) than I could on the iPhone 8,” the best idea for a student to upgrade to Coleman said. “Part of it is the fluidity of the latest iPhone.

“If you’re a student and you don’t the apps. I can move from GroupMe to Messenger to Instagram DMs a lot eas- have the money, I would say don’t do it because you’re really not upgrading to ier.”

While Coleman has positive things anything better,” Raghoo said.

Every day better and better technoloto say about the product, Landon Cole Dacus, freshman film major and Google gy is created to meet consumer demands Pixel 3 user, said he would not consider as major companies fight for control of buying Apple’s latest smartphone be- consumers’ pockets.

It remains to be seen if the iPhone 11 cause of his perception of the company.

“I don’t agree with Apple Products is the latest in Apple’s market dominance on a theoretical standpoint anymore. or just another smartphone among so They’ve lost who they were and their many others.

BY LUC STRINGER STAFF WRITER

“

What happens in the phone industry these days is Android invents, Apple perfects.

Sofia Eneqvist | Banner

12

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Elephant Room

Continued from Page 1

Inland Empire area, ìB uilt in Inland.î ìTh e idea of this project is to build community between art≠ ists, create connections and connect Inland Empire artists to one another to further each otherí s art,î Rierson said.

To do this, the group fea≠ tures different local bands from the Inland Empire in each epi≠ sode.

The fi rst episode of the se≠ ries was released Oct. 26 and follows abstract artist Olivia Williamson as she creates piec≠ es for her fi rst solo art show.

The episode captures intimate moments, such as when Wil≠ liamsoní s mother saw her work for the fi rst time. This episode also features music by local band The Guest Room.

The second episode is set to release in late November and will follow local Fingerprint Magazine creator and junior fi lm major Evan Tinker.

The third episode will take a look at a local production com≠ pany, Sola Productions, and will be released in late January.

The idea behind this proj≠ ect was to build a community and connections between art≠ ists, but also to reach out to the talented people who may not be making it in the industry or getting publicity because they cannot afford it. ì We made it a big point of reaching out to people who are in the same place and will give it

Nathan Rierson, junior film major, sets up actress Leslie Streimer, senior film major, to act out a scene at a restaurant during Elephant Room’s short film,“Jetpack Girl.”

100 percent because they have something to prove,î Duggan said.

Elephant Room is making it a point to work with people who are doing what they love for the art ó ìt he purest form,î as Dug≠

gan said.

Elephant Room wants stu≠ dents at CBU to know that if they want to be involved, they are more than welcome to reach out to them. Members of Ele≠ phant Room said they always

want to work with new people and make professional content while maintaining a young, wide≠ eyed view with everything to prove. ì If anyone is reading this and wants to work with us, we

want to work with you,î Rier≠ son said.

Elephant Room is doing its part in setting itself up for suc≠ cess, as well as encouraging and working with other artists in the community.

Courtesy of David Fouts

If students are interested in working with them, look≠ ing for new opportunities or want to learn more about Ele≠ phant Room, they can connect through the groupí s Instagram @elephantroomprod.

Disney’s Marvel launches new radio podcast

BY SOFIA ENEQVIST NEWS EDITOR

Disneyí s Marvel Entertain≠ ment and SiriusXM are set to launch a series of podcasts in 2020 that includes superheroes and characters from popular movies and comics.

The multi≠ year deal will include a set of four podcasts, each of which will contain 10 episodes that will be available on both SiriusXM and Pando≠ ra. Each podcast is centered around different Marvel char≠ acters, such as Wolverine, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Star≠L ord.

A new podcast will be re≠ leased each week and feature scripted and unscripted con≠

tent, all leading to a fi fth series that features the four charac≠ ters coming together.

Dr. Melissa Croteau, profes≠ sor of fi lm studies, said when entertainment products, such as music, video games and now podcasts are integrated and marketed alongside fi lms, they will add to the fi lmí s overall ex≠ perience. ìM arvel stepping into the audio spaces tells you that space has opened up and broad≠ ened,î Croteau said. ì They think young people are going to be interested in this audio≠o n≠ ly media. It is a throwback to when the major piece of enter≠ tainment media in everyoneí s home was the radio.î Marvel podcasts have exist≠

ed for some time, however, the new podcasts in partnership with SiriusXM are marketed to create a greater fan experience since they contain unreleased material and content. ì If the podcast is going to fl esh out the universe in new and different ways, then you might bring that information to your fi lm viewing,î Croteau said. ì I doní t think there will ever be a time when everyone who is watching the movies is also listening to the podcasts.

Enjoying the movies is not con≠ tingent on whether you listen to the podcasts.î Torrin Diaz, junior fi lm ma≠ jor, said podcasts are an inter≠ esting new medium for Marvel to explore. Diaz called the re≠

Podcasts and the audio medium could be that new frontier to expand upon stories.

Torrin Diaz, junior film major lease described as a new ex≠ perimentation that should be rewarded. ì The fi lm industry borrows a lot from other art forms, other mediums (such as) podcasts ó considering how popular they are becoming ó can have an impact on how Marvel or other studios are making their fi lms,î Diaz said. ì A lot of production studios are starting to expand

on their stories, whether it be through comic books (or) nov≠ els. Podcasts and the audio me≠ dium could be that new frontier to expand upon stories.î Tanner Foster, sophomore business administration major, said he is interested in seeing what will happen as the pod≠ casts are released. ì Older generations love to listen to podcasts, but the younger generation might not enjoy it as much,î Foster said, ì but I hope those who are de≠ voted to Marvel can receive more insight on what is to come, through the movies, vid≠ eo games, TV shows and now podcasts.î Disney also has plans to make podcasts that explore the

Marvel Cinematic Universeí s history, celebrity interview shows and talk shows. ì I fi nd it encouraging that audio≠ only media is gaining in popularity and importance in the cultural mediascape be≠ cause people are so used to be≠ ing overstimulated with audio≠ visual media that closing your eyes and focusing on the audio is developing a type of focus and thought that is desperately needed,î Croteau said. ì Using your imagination, actively lis≠ tening, focusing on the audio and not being completely over≠ whelmed with lots of audio and visual ó it forces you to focus.î Marvelí s new podcasts are set to release in early 2020 on SiriusXM.

Worship Collective brings together CBU choirs for praise

BY TAYLOR FINN ASST. A&E EDITOR

Every so often, students may note that Chapel features a choir on stage alongside the worship team. That choir is California Baptist Universityí s School of Musicí s Worship Col≠ lective.

Worship Collective is com≠ posed of three choirs on cam≠ pus ó Lancer Chorus, Rhapso≠ dy and Magnolia Singers ó that are made up of about 150 men and women in total.

CBU utilizes Worship Col≠ lective to facilitate worship.

Hector Jimenez, assistant pro≠ fessor of music, explained what fuels his passion for worship. ìI feel that all men and women were created to wor≠ ship God, so leading worship, in my mind, is a great oppor≠ tunity to remind people of that purpose and to remind people why we were created, which is to worship God,î Jimenez said.

Worship Collective per≠ forms in Chapel three times throughout the course of the semester, usually the fi rst Chapel of every month. The group also rehearses every oth≠ er week on Monday afternoons.

On Nov. 14, Worship Collec≠ tive gave ití s second and most recent Chapel performance of

the semester. They performed ìR aise a Hallelujah,î ì Wide as the Skyî and ìB uild My Life,î which all have important mes≠ sages not only for the worship team but for the student body, as well.

Annie Harm, junior nurs≠ ing major, said she appreciated how worship moves her in her faith. ìTh e songs are good and are important, too. Personally, I am always more moved, af≠ fected and put in a better mood by worship than the sermon,î Harm said.

When Worship Collective performs in Chapel, students are invited to join in with their peers as the choir sets an ex≠ ample for them. The fullness of the voices and joyous praise of a collective group is a good re≠ minder of community and that it is OK to be vulnerable and spend time with God. Skylar Holder, senior health science major, said she enjoys the dedicated time with God. ìI love Chapel. Ití s a time I get to take time out of my busy schedule and focus on God,î Holder said.

Worship Collective is a special group of students that bring extra life to Chapel ser≠ vices and their love for God to the stage.

Elijah Hickman | Banner

Traivon Williams, director of Worship Collective, worships alongside the worship collective students while leading the choir during a Chapel session.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

13

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Brett Vowell, director of Chapel, talks on a headset to Chapel workers while student workers monitor the second Chapel service, and Nathan Shea, sophomore civil engineering major, helps set up the stage for Chapel.

Alex Iannone | Banner

Chapel staff works hard behind the scenes teams of people involved in co≠ ordinating Chapel to make sure everything runs smoothly from beginning to end. ì Chapel consistently in≠ volves the Chapel worship team, media production team, set≠u p and tear≠do wn team, stage managers, hospitality team, attendance scanners and monitors, plus professional CBU staff members who over≠ see programming, production, attendance and crowd manage≠ ment. Needless to say, there are a lot of people involved in each and every Chapel service,î Vow≠ ell said.

BY MARY MOLINA

ASST. LIFESTYLE EDITOR Attending Chapel services is a large part of being a student at California Baptist University as students fi le into the Events Center every week for praise, worship and a message about Godí s word.

Chapel is an opportunity for students to gather together and learn more about God, but few people realize all that goes on behind the scenes to make it all come together.

Brett Vowell, director of Chapel, said there are many

All of these groups play an important role behind the scenes in the making of a suc≠ cessful Chapel service.

Vowell said Chapel dates are planned at least a year in ad≠ vance. Once the dates have been decided, invitations are sent out to speakers. When it comes to deciding which speakers to invite to CBU, there is always careful consideration. ì Among the criteria taken into consideration for a Chapel speaker is like≠ doctrine to that of the university that is engag≠ ing, relevant and applicable.

We understand our chapel au≠

dience consists of varying de≠ nominational backgrounds and ethnic and cultural heritages and, therefore, we aim to bring speakers who are a refl ection of that diversity,î Vowell said.

Along with the speakers, an important part of the service is worship. CBUí s Chapel worship team works hard to give the school a good experience and a chance to sing praises to God. Leslie Gonzalez, junior wor≠ ship arts and ministry major and part of CBUí s Chapel wor≠ ship team, said rehearsals are Monday nights for both band and vocals. Along with Monday

rehearsal, there is more prepa≠ ration leading up to Tuesday morning Chapel. ì The night that we have re≠ hearsals with all teams, (and) we also have sound check.

Sound check is with the band and vocals who are leading on Tuesday. The morning of Chap≠ el we also do another sound check,î Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez emphasized that being on worship team is a re≠ warding experience. ì The most rewarding part of being on the Chapel team and being a team lead is seeing the team grow and seeing their

gifts fl ourish. Not only seeing the team grow, but just hearing the staff and student body sing along with us. Thatí s one of the most rewarding and harmoni≠ ous sounds and moments that I cherish whenever we lead,î Gonzalez said.

There are many people with many different skills needed to create a successful Chapel ex≠ perience. Whether it is putting in time at worship rehearsals or tearing down after Chapel is over, each person involved works hard behind the scenes to give the CBU community a memorable chapel service.

Disney+ revives ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Instagram to remove ‘likes’

BY DYANA VILLA

ASST. A&E EDITOR In August, Disney an≠ nounced at its D23 Expo that ìL izzie McGuireî will be re≠ turning to screens on Disney+ next year with the original cast and Terri Minsky returning as the showrunner.

The revival will see Lizzie McGuire living her new exciting adult life in New York City.

Fans are excited for the new series based on the Disney TV series that originally aired on Disney Channel from January 2001 to February 2004.

In the revival, McGuire is in her 30s and living her dream life in New York working as an apprentice for a fancy interior designer.

Marianne Chavez, sopho≠ more communication scienc≠ es and disorders major, said watching the show as a young child helped her get a perspec≠ tive on what was to come in her teenage years. ìIt í s a classic. As kids, we loved this show and we love to bring back the things that make us feel young and connect with our inner child,î Chavez said.

ì

As kids, we loved this show and we love to bring back the things that make us feel young.

Marianne Chavez, sophomore communication sciences and disorders major Chavez said she is excited to see how they recreate one of her childhood shows. ìI like the new spin for the show. I will defi nitely sit down and watch it. I liked the icon that would walk around, so I hope sheí s back,î Chavez said.

Daisy Sandoval, freshman biomedical sciences major, said this show will bring back many memories for her, as well. ì When I was little, I wanted to know what happened after the show ended and I was really mad not knowing what would happen. So Ií m excited to see what McGuire did with her life,î Sandoval said.

Sandoval said she believes her generation had the ì Golden Ageî shows on Disney Channel. ìI would like to see classic characters, but a new perspec≠

tive would be great as well,î Sandoval said.

Jennifer Tronti, assistant professor and program direc≠ tor of English, studies fi lm literature and is interested in how the show will continue. ì Rebooting television shows is an old trend. If you go back to study mytholo≠ gy, everybody knew the sto≠ ries. When people would go see the plays people already knew, they just wanted to see how new (actors) would play them,î Tronti said.

Disney is targeting an au≠ dience that is already estab≠ lished but Tronti said she was hesitant to call this show a retro show. ì Theyí re trying to do a show like ë Full Houseí here.

Ií m OK with this show, but I just doní t know the intended audience right now,î Tron≠ ti said. ì Thereí s not enough time in between to make this show a retro nostalgia to me.

They want to make a show that would be represented as the ë old is newí type of show.î ì Lizzie McGuireî is ex≠ pected to air exclusively on Disney+ in early 2020.

Editor’s Review It has been nearly a decade since there has been a true sin≠ gle≠p layer ì Star Warsî game.

Since 2010í s ì Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2,î EA has handled ì Star Wars: Battle≠ front IIî (2017) fairly well, but undeniably, the single≠p layer story has suffered at the hands of the more profi table multi≠ player mode.

With ì Star Wars Jedi: Fall≠ en Orderî (2019), Respawn Entertainment takes inspira≠ tion from some of the best ac≠ tion≠adv enture series, such as ìDark Souls,î ìT omb Raiderî and ì Uncharted,î and com≠ bines it with one of the most beloved franchises, creating

EDITOR’S RATING:

not only one of the best ì Star Warsî games, but a canon one at that. ì S t a r Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderî takes place a few years after Order 66 and follows Cal Kestis, a young force≠ wielder who is thrust out of hiding after ac≠ cidentally revealing his pow≠ ers. Kestis sets out to fi nd the last remaining Jedi with his new companions Cere Junda, Greez Dritus and trusty droid sidekick BD≠ 1, while fending off Imperial Forces, the Sister Inquisitors and a few other fa≠

BY ADAM DOUGLAS A&E EDITOR

As mental health becomes a bigger topic of conversation around the world, Instagram has begun testing the removal of ë likesí on Nov. 11 in order to depressurize its platform.

Instagram users will still be able to see and receive likes on their posts, however, they will not be able to see how many likes another person receives.

Audri Zamora, freshman Christian studies and behav≠ ioral sciences double major, said she believes hiding likes can alleviate the pressure so≠ cial media puts on its users. ì When (Instagram) shows you are only getting fi ve likes that brings your self esteem down because youí re seeing people who doní t like what you post,î Zamora said. ì If someone gets 200 likes on a post, it puts pressure on the person to keep up, but now they doní t have that pressure anymore.î Although there are positive effects that removing likes has on usersí mental health, Kayla Coleman, social media consul≠

tant for several businesses, says she believes this could also be a business move for Instagram. ì As much as I would like to think this is a pivot to address the evolving mental health cri≠ ses centered on the pressures of social validation, more of me feels this is a strategic move to create a service around pro≠ viding brands with reliable in≠ sights into infl uencer metrics and analytics,î Coleman said. ì It would be cool if they were trying to do something positive to help society, but I honestly think ití s just a business move.î Coleman said this change will make it harder for infl uenc≠ ers to prove their worth when looking for brand partnerships. ì In the past, external num≠ bers have been enough to get (infl uencers) major brand deals and placements, but going for≠ ward theyí re going to have to re≠ veal more of whatí s happening on the back end and give brands a real look behind the curtain,î Coleman said.

Dr. Victoria Brodie, assistant professor of public relations, also said that infl uencers will have to work harder. However, she says likes are not the best

GAME: ‘STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER’ DEVELOPER: RESPAWN ENTERTAINMENT

miliar faces.

Although Kestis is Force≠ sensitive and wields a lightsaber, he is still only a padawan. As players progress through the game, Kestis be≠ gins to remember his training and uses his powers to traverse through open world≠ like plan≠ ets and take on a diverse set of enemies. ì Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Or≠ derî is surprisingly difficult.

Getting used to the combat system takes time as it pun≠ ishes button≠m ashers and re≠ wards well≠t imed strikes and

parries. The checkpoints in the game are also unforgiv≠ ing, encouraging players to play smart and manage Kestisí health wisely.

Exploration is integral to gameplay as you planet≠ hop between iconic locations, such as the Wookie home of Kashy≠ yyk and Darth Maulí s home≠ world Dathomir. Each planet is far larger than one would ex≠ pect, which occasionally leads to some noticeable choppiness at 60 frames per second.

Though sometimes com≠ plex to navigate, backtracking through planets with newly ac≠ quired abilities allows players to discover secrets and crates

metric to gauge engagement. ì Likes are not really the true form of engagement; ití s the comments. Thatí s a really bet≠ ter metric ó to see if people are really engaging with the con≠ tent,î Brodie said. ì Comments and shares are your truest sign of engagement because thatí s whatí s extending your message verses just double≠ clicking, which is a fl at metric.î As far as mental health goes, Brodie said she believes this is a step in the right direction, but there is more work to be done. ì The challenge in what Ins≠ tagram is talking about doing, in terms of addressing the mental health issue, is youí re still go≠ ing to be able to see your likes.

Youí re still going to be driven by wanting to get these likes,î Brodie said. ì Although ití s fi x≠ ing one part of the challenge where thereí s that competitive nature of wanting to compete with somebody and their likes, it doesní t really address the en≠ tire issue of wanting to validate themselves.î So far the update has only affected some users in the U.S. Only time will tell if the change becomes permanent or not.

BY ADAM DOUGLAS A&E EDITOR

that can unlock some cool cos≠ metic upgrades, such as pon≠ chos and lightsaber grips.

Everything from the game≠ play, sound, action and screen wipes in ì Star Wars Jedi: Fall≠ en Orderî helps create an im≠ mersive experience that sits right in the heart of the ì Star Warsî universe. The story Re≠ spawn tells is dramatic and entertaining, yet plays it safe with some cliche ì Star Warsî elements. These cliches even affect Kestisí voice actor, Cameron Monaghan, who was highly anticipated after his performance as Jerome on ì Gothamî (2014). Ultimately, Kestis is not the most charis≠

matic protagonist, but this can be forgiven for some well≠ do≠ ne character development and his heartwarming relationship with BD≠ 1.

After years of half≠ baked ì Star Warsî games, Respawn delivers a solid game with ì Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderî that even the most novice of fans can appreciate. ì Jedi: Fallen Orderî cycles between exploration, combat, puzzles and cutscenes giving an ì Indiana Jonesî style ad≠ venture that is well paced and hardly ever feels repetitive. Af≠ ter 20≠ plus hours of play time, it is safe to say that The Force is strong in this one.

SPORTS

14

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

Baseball learns from offseason

BY DJ LANGLEY STAFF WRITER

California Baptist University’s men’s baseball team is on a mission to bring home a second-straight Western Athletic Conference championship this spring season.

Every year, the fall season scrimmages serve as an opportunity to prepare for the regular season in the spring. This year is no exception as the team faced off against San Diego State University and Loyola Marymount University in scrimmages.

“I believe our matchups against opponents such as LMU and SDSU are something that is super-important with our fall growth,” said Nick Plaia, senior kinesiology major and infielder.

“We are able to face other top tier Division I programs, where we can put our skills to the test and show what we have been working on all fall in these exhibition games.”

Gary Adcock, head coach of baseball, said he believes the fall scrimmages were a great way to put the team to the test.

“It allows you to get a good indication of where you are and what needs to be improved, and it builds some excitement you don’t get from an intrasquad (game),” Adcock said.

Adcock said he does not, however, put too much stock in the outcome of the fall scrimmages in terms of winning.

“We keep score but oftentimes the score is not a good indicator of who the better team will be in spring,” Adcock said.

As far as conditioning goes for the fall and spring seasons,

CBU softball prepares for season this fall Lancers use scrimmages to ready for spring 2020

BY KAYLEE ELROD STAFF WRITER

Reagan Lee | Banner

Andrew Jurado, senior kinesiology major, catches during California Baptist University’s baseball Fall Classic.

Adcock said, “We get more time in the fall to practice than we do in winter and spring. For that reason, our main ‘teaching’ segment is fall, while winter and spring are to get game-ready.”

This year’s team includes several new players who will look to prove their potential in the spring season. Receiving guidance from older and more experienced players on the team was key for incoming freshmen during the fall.

“We have a lot of new guys and, of course, it always takes a

while to find great team chemistry, but as fall progresses we find each other bonding more and getting closer to one another,” said John Glenn, senior communication studies major and first baseman.

There is no shortage of faith in the team, which finished the 2019 season with a 35-20 record, and a record of 23-7 at home.

“I have no doubt this team can beat any team in our conference,” Glenn said. “With the combination of pitching, hitting

and fielding we have this year, I see us being able to do something special.”

“We plan on not being complacent and bringing home another Western Athletic Conference championship to CBU this spring,” Plaia said.

With a strong mindset and talented players across the board, the CBU baseball team is ready and players said they will not settle for anything less than greatness this upcoming 2020 season.

California Baptist University’s Division I softball team is preparing to have a succesful season this spring and has prepared this fall by practicing and having scrimmages against several other schools.

Caitlyn Lloyd, senior journalism and new media major and outfielder, has played for CBU all four years of her college career. She said these scrimmages are a great chance for new athletes and even returners to get all the jitters out and get in some good practice.

“We’ve done really well in our fall games so far and that is going to prepare us better for the season,” Lloyd said.

Kayla Snaer, volunteer assistant coach, said the scrimmages have gone well this year. The team is scoring runs and competing well.

“The team is building a great chemistry that encourages one another and sets a standard of excellence,” Snaer said.

“The fall scrimmages give us information for the areas we need to work on. We are focusing on being an aggressive offensive and a sharp defensive.

Each game is a way to practice that and improve in areas that require more preparation,” Snaer said.

The team has already had three games and has come out with a win in two of the three games. In the third game, the team tied 6-6 in the last inning with California State University, Fullerton.

Sarah Theiroff, freshman health science major and outfielder, said these scrimmages are preparing her and her team both mentally and physically for the upcoming season.

“We are facing all different kinds of pitching, which is great because at a DI level you have to be able to adjust quickly,” Theiroff said.

Facing these different kinds of pitching is allowing them to do just that.

Lloyd said these preseason scrimmages are also a great opportunity for the team to see how they play on the field together. These games allow them to learn from one another and communicate on the field to the best of their abilities.

Lloyd also said the head coach, Bill Baber, shares insights to encourage the CBU softball players.

“Coach Baber tells the team, ‘The great teams you beat, and the good teams you bury,’” Lloyd said.

The Lancers will continue to test themselves with scrimmages as they work toward the spring season, which begins in February 2020.

SPORTS briefs

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Lancers tipped off the season with a perfect 4-0 start, including two wins over opponents from the Big West Conference to start off the year.

Caitlyn Harper leads CBU in scoring with 17.5 points per game, and she is first on the team with 10 rebounds per contest.

Freshman Taylor Wu broke the Lancers’ all-time record for three-pointers made in a game when she hit 10 threes in a 37-point performance against Ottowa University of Arizona.

The Lancers will continue their seven-game homestand with a Nov. 23 matchup against the University of California, Santa Barbara.

MEN’S BASKETBALL CBU started the season 2-0 with dominant wins over Jackson State University and California Lutheran University at home.

The Lancers then hit the road to face the University of Texas at Austin and the University of California, Berkeley. The Lancers lost both those games by an average of 16.5 points.

CBU now plays 10 of its next 12 games at the CBU Events Center as they continue nonconference action in 2019.

Pre-season WAC Player of the Year Milan Acquuah is averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 assists and 5 rebounds per game.

MEN’S WATER POLO The Lancers finished the regular season with one of the best weeks of the year, going 3-0 and beating two conference opponents to earn the fourth seed in the Western Water Polo Association Championships.

The Lancers face the fifth seed Concordia University Irvine Nov. 22 in the first round of the WWPA tournament. The Lancers beat the Eagles twice during the regular season by a combined score of 28-21.

WRESTLING CBU opened the season with a tough test against the Naval Academy and lost 27-6. One week later, however, the Lancers blanked Life Pacific University 51-0. The team now prepares to face Gardner-Webb University Nov. 23 in its third dual meet of the season.

Robert Jordan | Banner Brandon Schuster, senior biomedical engineering major, competes in the butterfly swimming event for California Baptist University.

Swimmers’ Olympic hopes alive

BY FAITH BRAZIL STAFF WRITER

Sprint a set. Repeat. Work on technique. Repeat. Lift weights.

Repeat. Keep a srict diet. Repeat. This never-ending cycle is just words on paper for most of us, but for a swimmer who is training to get times to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials, it is everyday life.

Whether they have been training their entire swim career or just recently aimed their focus toward Olympic Trial times, the California Baptist University swim team has many swimmers training for the elite-level competition.

These swimmers include Scott Tolman, senior mechanical engineering major, Brandon Schuster, senior biomedical engineering major, Joe Molinari, junior psychology major, Buse Topcu, junior nutrition and food sciences major, Rebeca Oviedo, sophomore political science major, and Hannah

Houlton, freshman exercise science major.

Houlton is a newcomer to the CBU women’s swim team but has been swimming most of her life. She said one of her goals in her swim career was to swim at a collegiate level. Now that she is fulfilling that goal, she is working toward the ultimate goal: Olympic Trials times.

“It has always been a goal,” Houlton said. “Making Olympic Trials cuts would be the peak of my swim career. For me, it is the highest you can get.”

With her new goals in place, Houlton goes into each practice with a new and more focused mindset. Houlton’s specialty is freestyle and she is training primarily for the 50- and 100-meter freestyle races. The Olympic Trials cut for the 50-free longcourse meters is 25.99 seconds, and Houlton’s time in the race is 26.57 seconds. For her to drop less than a second she has to intensely train this season and even beyond to reach her

Olympic goal.

Being a seasoned swimmer, Houlton knows every second in a race and training counts. A race can be won by hundredths of a second and each hundredth is crucial, especially when racing to compete against the fastest people in the United States.

The rookie freshman is not the only swimmer on the swim team who has Olympic Trials cuts in mind this swim season.

Standing at 6 feet, 3 inches tall, Molinari said he also has a goal of attending the Olympic Trials. The events he is training for are the 200-meter backstroke, 200-meter butterfly, 200- and 400-meter individual medleys. He also hopes to get the 200-meter freestyle cut, but it will be a byproduct of his training rather than being the main focus.

Similar to Houlton, Molinari said his training in practice must increase.

“I want my aerobic capacity to be high, so that means I will

up my yardage and do more distance individual medley workouts,” Molinari said.

Both Houlton and Molinari are focused on achieving their Olympic Trials cuts, but they said that will not negatively affect their performance at the Western Athletic Conference Championships at the end of the season. Instead, they believe they will place higher at the championship and their results will benefit from their focused training.

These two swimmers have high hopes for their season and so do their coaches.

“The training is for sure more intensive and more specific,” said Lisa Siregar, assistant coach of swim and dive.

Siregar said she hopes making practices more specialized for athletes will help them make the trials cut. As all coaches do, Siregar said she always expects amazing results from her swimmers who dedicate so much time and work so hard.

OPINION LANCER ON THE STREET

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November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

What do you think about Instagram hiding likes?

Christian Salley Junior Graphic Design major

“I like they took it away because I’m always thinking, ‘What if people don’t like this?’ or that I look ugly. So it takes the pressure away.”

Hailee Allen Junior Business Administration major

Joshua Ibanez Sophomore Aviation Management major

Madilyn Ritz Senior Graphic Design major

Raymond Barnes Freshman Mechanical Engineering major

“There are positive and negative sides. On the marketing and influencer side, we need to know if someone is worth spending money on.”

“I think it shows a comprehensive way we’re trying to solve problems in our society.

So I see it as a good thing.”

“I don’t mind because I think their goal was to take away the comparison game. But you can still see the likes on your own picture, which is nice.”

“It can hide the popularity of something if a certain topic is more popular. But it can also give everyone an even playing field, so it’s a weird trend.”

Each of us should volunteer often

BY ABIGAIL WOLF MANAGING EDITOR

It is easy to agree that volunteers make the world a better place. They offer help to those in need, contribute to special

causes and do so much for the community. But most people do not often discuss why you, personally, should volunteer.

Scientifically speaking, volunteering can actually help reduce stress and keep people mentally stimulated. A Harvard Business School study confirmed that “happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop.”

But most students and young people do not volunteer, and with busy schedules that include balancing work, classes and social life, it can be hard to find the time for much else.

Volunteering, however, is

an awesome opportunity for meaningful time to connect with others. If you are struggling to find a reason that volunteering should be a priority in your life, volunteer simply because you can meet people.

Volunteering is a shared activity that can help to develop friendships and get people out of their comfort zones.

Second, volunteer if you are a Christian. As children of God, we are hardwired to be in community with one another and to serve one another, and there is something special about dedicating your time and energy to those who need it most. It is much easier than many think.

Whether it is something as in-

formal as helping out a neighbor or something more formal, such as signing up and interviewing for an organization, there is a plethora of opportunity out there.

“

There is so much need right here at our doorsteps. We have the opportunity to show people who Jesus Christ is by loving others and serving them.

Next, volunteering can help in more practical ways, as well.

It can help boost your resume and help one get more experi-

ence in a particular field. Not only can students volunteer for particular organizations or fields of interest, but all volunteer work can help develop important skills such as teamwork, communication, organization, time-management and problem-solving.

So where can you volunteer?

First, head over to one of the many senior centers surrounding California Baptist University’s campus; these care centers are always looking for volunteers to serve and spend time with their elderly communities.

Students can also tutor for the Office of Student Success or help international students with their English by becoming

a conversation partner through the International Center right here on campus.

One should consider volunteering with one of the many churches and shelters in Riverside that aid the homeless community. Asking your church how you can serve with them is an excellent place to start.

There is so much need right here at our doorsteps, and we have the opportunity to show people who Jesus Christ is by loving others and serving them.

Isaiah 58:10 states, “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.”

Be responsible with finances

BY SIENNA DARULA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As a senior college student preparing for launch into the “real world,” I think about finances quite often.

What is the fastest way to pay off my loans? How much money do I really need to make after graduation? What does insurance cost?

There are so many questions to ponder, and the answers are not always clear.

This summer, I was at a gas station when a woman decided to say hello and talk to me about “financial freedom.” While I was initially confused by the random interaction and her poor explanation of the concept, I looked it up and found it is quite similar to my own money goals.

Coincidentally, it appears that more and more people are striving for it, too.

Financial freedom is the idea of having little to no longterm debt and having a dependable enough savings account to rely on when things get tough.

Oftentimes, people are living paycheck to paycheck and their lives can be derailed by unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical needs.

As college students, most of

us have minimal money in the bank or savings for emergencies. In fact, some may even be relying on their parents to support personal expenses during these expensive years of life.

But when graduation day comes, it is time to start supporting ourselves as much as possible and taking care of our finances — responsibly.

Whether you make $30,000 or $90,000 straight out of college, you need to spend it wisely. Do not go buy a brand-new car just because you can afford it (kind of ).

Pursue paying off any student debt you may have, preferably sooner than the standard 10-year repayment plan.

Make sure you have enough money saved to take care of any emergency expenses that arise.

Start thinking about retirement, even if you can only set

aside $25 each month. Be prepared for the unfortunate scenario of losing your job, or not finding one for a while.

We tend to live in the here and now, and getting our first big paycheck is exciting. However, finances are not just about the here and now. Planning for the future, whether it be in a few months or 40 years, is so important for living a comfortable, stable life.

Some people may have the option to return home if things ever get too rough, but that is not always the case.

You do not have to obsess over a “financial freedom” mindset and follow a step-bystep savings strategy, but you do have to be responsible and be prepared for unexpected things life may throw at you.

Money is not everything, but it is necessary.

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Shorter breaks are better for students

BY NATHANAEL HOVDA

ASST. BUSINESS AND TECH EDITOR College is tough. Exams, midterms, essays, projects and finals all are inescapable realities of higher education.

Students at institutions across the country and around the world all share in the pressures and grind to graduate. College can make the often-heard quip “Cs get degrees” evolve from the occasional joke

after a tough exam to an unexpected reality when transcripts are released.

While some students may have better access to resources, study materials, professors and finances than others, time is one thing essentially all students have asked for more of during their academic career.

Longer breaks have been a tenet of college schedules for decades, and that is not changing anytime soon. In fact, college culture has made the longer breaks a necessity.

Students need time to unwind, but when the academic environment is broken up by long breaks that are too long during winter and summer months, it is unwinding much of the information from classes for which students often go into debt to pay.

Defining what it means to have a semester break that is

too long is not an objective metric. It sounds harsh and even insensitive. Students use breaks to travel and visit family — how would keeping students in school for a few extra days actually change anything?

“

More time in each semester with additional time to review material would give more opportunity for students to succeed at CBU and beyond graduation.

For instance, during winter break this year, California Baptist University gives students five weeks of break.

Universities operate on schedules that have been proven to work, but they need to

work both for students and faculty. Within many majors, having an extra week of academics for both semesters would give time for review and preparation for finals.

Class material cannot be covered in its entirety with the shortened time period. In-class lectures are forced to move to video lectures to ensure the material is covered, and if not they are cut.

Breaks, namely winter and summer, should be shortened to accommodate the academic environment of students. It has been proven that incorporating repeated in-class review sessions directly improves exam scores.

More time in each semester with additional time to review material would give more opportunity for students to succeed at CBU and beyond graduation.

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16

November 22, 2019 · Volume 67 · Issue 6

#Lancercam

@zaczeman

@amandafitzharrisdesign

@commonanomaly

Congratulations!

This week’s LancerCam winner is @commonanomaly

Email Kelsie Stevens at KelsieMarie.Stevens@calbaptist.edu to claim your prize.

Send us your photos using #LancerCam to be featured in the next issue of The Banner.

@brigymnast1 @reaganleephoto

@nathanscreativity

LANCER LIFE Illustration by Elijah Tronti

@d_ardill

@CBULancerMedia

Crossword Puzzle:

Heroes and Villians of Christmas Down 1. Bah Humbug! This classic villain has zero holiday cheer.

2. Would you like some syrup with your spaghetti?

3. “I invented chill!” said this villain, who is the spirit of winter.

6. His heart was two sizes too small.

8. This cutie teaches the true meaning of Christmas amid planning for the Christmas play.

Across 4. After saving everyone from the abominable snowman, this lumberjack from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” gets Bumble a job working for Santa.

5. This 8-year-old is a clever holiday hero who single-handedly saves his family’s house from burglars.

7. The true reason for the season.

9. He’s coming to town.

10. This villain wants to stop Kris Kringle from delivering toys to children in “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.”