Writing SNHU’s Story
VOLUME XXV
ISSUE 6
FEBRUARY 6, 2018
PENMENPRESS.COM
Fighting for All Voices at The Boston Women’s March
Attendants at Boston’s Second Annual Women’s March. (image credit: KimSarah I) Alexa Gustavsen March was all about. January 19, to listen to movement and voice Staff Writer The third annual speakers, protest, chant their support for the Boston Women’s March and rally before march- cause. Women’s Center “ S i s t e r h o o d . drew in large crowds full ing across the city. member Erika Cantarella Solidarity. We ex- of women and men of all Southern New (‘21) spoke on the imist, and we will rise,” ages, races, sexual orien- Hampshire University’s portance of being at the said Boston Women’s tations and backgrounds Deborah L. Coffin march. March keynote speak- to call for equal rights. Women’s Center took a “Women coming toer and Massachusetts The supporters came in bus of 27 students down gether to support each Congresswoman Ayanna masses on the Boston to the march to show other shows media we Pressley. This is what the Common in the biting support. These students are stronger than they 2019 Boston Women’s cold weather Saturday, wanted to be part of the think,” said Cantarella.
The first Women’s March took place in 2017 following President Trump’s inauguration, known then as The Women’s March on Washington. It was the largest, single-day protest in U.S. history built from the momentum of outrage against anti-women comments made by Trump. Women’s Center Director Brooke Gilmore spoke on why the march remains important with each passing year. “My biggest fear is that people get complacent in the new normal,” said Gilmore. “Even though there maybe didn’t feel like this sense of urgency like there had two years ago, it is as urgent and as important as ever that people show up and have these conversations and decide how they want to act and what they want to do and commit to that or we just accept things.” Protesters expressed
their beliefs by dressing in colorful outfits and holding well-decorated signs. A few signs read, “I’ve Seen Better Cabinets in Ikea,” “A Woman’s Place is in the Resistance” and “Big Bitch Energy.” These posters further proved that these marchers came with a backbone and a message to spread and that they don’t plan to sit by silently. Some outfits worn to support the cause were costumes from popular television shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and t-shirts saying, “Girl’s Doing Whatever the Fuck They Want.” One woman even wore a tracksuit covered in Hillary Clinton’s face. The Boston Women’s March is hosted by March Forward Massachusetts, a non-profit organization that aims to advocate for women, LGBTQ+ im. . . . . . . . . . . Continued on page 3
dent financial services. Finally, the third piece of information is that “GI Bill benefits have continued, though support for claims and other as-
sistance may be limited.” Any student who has seen delays in payments or application processing should contact their advisor.
SNHU Provides Financial Aid During Government Shutdown Rosa Valente News Editor
On January 15, President Paul LeBlanc sent a memo to the SNHU community concerning the government shutdown and acknowledging how it may be affecting students, faculty and staff. The email also mentioned that the administration has received many inquiries from the people of SNHU and that it is difficult to help everyone because “every situation is different.” Despite this setback, LeBlanc said, “What we do know unequivocally is that no one should have to go hungry, risk a loss
of housing or go without basic human needs because of the political impasse in Washington.” LeBlanc then goes on to say that SNHU has set aside an emergency fund of $1 million dollars to give aide to the students, faculty and staff who are “facing immediate financial crisis due to the shutdown of the government.” This aide will be considered a grant, not a loan, and will therefore not be expected to be paid back at any point. Information on who is eligible for this grant is detailed within the email. Applications could be submitted starting
Thursday, January 17. LeBlanc’s email also detailed some other information that has become available which affects the students of SNHU. The first piece of information being that any student receiving financial aid or Pell grants from the government will not be affected. According to LeBlanc’s email, “Federal financial aid for the 2018-2019 school year was fully funded and money for Pell Grants is mandatory.” The second piece of information explained that the government shutdown should not affect students’ ability
to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any students who are experiencing issues can report to SNHU’s stu-
LeBlanc offers aid to those affected by the shutdown. (image credit: SNHU))
the penmen press
editorial tHE PENMEN PRESS STAFF 2018-2019
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Why journalism?
CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF Nick Klotz nicholas.klotz@snhu.edu CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF Nikki Fain nikki.fain@snhu.edu BUSINESS MANAGER Sultan Akhter sultan.akhter@snhu.edu COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER Maddie Covino madison.covino@snhu.edu MARKETING MANAGER Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez samantha.aguilarhernandez@snhu.edu ONLINE MANAGER NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu LEAD COPY EDITOR Catherine LaChance catherine.lachance@snhu.edu NEWS EDITOR Rosa Valente rosa.valente@snhu.edu LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci nicholas.ricci1@snhu.edu ARTS & ENERTAINMENT/OPINION Spencer Fennell EDITOR spencer.fennell@snhu.edu SPORTS EDITOR NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu LAYOUT EDITOR Emma Sheehan emma.sheehan@snhu.edu LEAD VIDEOGRAPHER Jaime Mailloux jaime.mailloux@snhu.edu PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR NOW HIRING: email penmenpress@snhu.edu FACULTY ADVISOR Jon Boroshok j.boroshok@snhu.edu
The Southern New Hampshire University Penmen Press is a news publication produced by Southern New Hampshire University students and funded largely by the Student Government Association of the University. It is our responsibility to inform the SNHU community about events on and around campus. The Penmen Press will print any material found to be factual and in good taste by the editorial staff of the paper. The views published do not necessarily reflect the views of Southern New Hampshire University. The Penmen Press is published biweekly during the academic year and is printed by the Concord Monitor. To contact the newspaper, please email us at penmenpress@snhu.edu.
Why in the world would anyone want to be a journalist? In a recent article published by NBC News, the organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB) compared the number of journalists worldwide who were detained in 2017 to 2018. The number jumped from 326 to 348 individuals. The United States recently made its way onto RWB’s list of most dangerous countries for reporters, earning a spot in the top five for the first time ever. “At least 63 professional journalists were killed doing their jobs in 2018,” said NBC News. Reporters were killed on the job in only three countries on RWB’s list. The U.S. is one, after the horrifying events that took place in Annapolis, Maryland at the Capital Gazette. That summer, through just the breaking news reports we gathered around on TV and social media, we gleaned one important thing: the reporters on the Gazette probably got their start as nosy kids like us. Most of us on the Penmen Press found journalistic passion by wanting to be in the room where it happens, by wanting to know more.
(image credit: Kyle Griffin) What we know is media today is noisy. For every journalist out there being the watchdog, it can feel like there are a dozen more fulfilling an agenda. Some journalists take their role to be an advocate. As Melanie Plenda from the Granite State News Collaborative stated, “Advocacy is not a journalist’s job.” Their job is to present information and ask questions the public needs to know. Then, let the public decide. Journalists are a service to the public. “If we can get the public to trust individual journalists. . . future ‘news activists’ can find their place and voice without fear of being targeted as the enemy,” said Carol Robidoux, founder of the local, online publication Manchester Ink Link. While we’ve been enticed by the power of knowledge, we’ve stayed because we value truth. We’ve stayed because people need a platform without fear of being censored or harassed. Social media has made sharing much more efficient but not more productive. Our generation navigates digital space with ease, but we need to learn how to seamlessly integrate journalism between
the web and the real world. Through this school paper, we gain media literacy, the ability for one to process and critically think within the multimedia world we live in. This is our superpower, and this skill is ever important.With a growing roster of over fifty members, The Penmen Press often questions what it is that keeps our journalists dedicated to our newspaper. It’s curious they even got here to begin with, in a school without a traditional journalism program. But upon further inspection, their reason becomes as simple as the desire to share SNHU’s story and inform the public of the things that may brew behind closed doors. They bring their diverse backgrounds together to see the full picture and tell it in the ways that are important to them: through writing, video, social media and even a new podcast. All in the spirit of community engagement. “We are storytellers and truth-seekers, information gatherers and disseminators,” said Robidoux. Because they are here, there is hope.
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news
Fighting for All Voices at The Boston Women’s March Continued from page 1
People gather in Boston to fight for gender equality. (image credit: Chris Webber) migrants, refugees, peo- way forward. People are It was a day filled with Butt is the first ple of color, indigenous a lot more laser-focused speakers and performers Muslim woman in people, religious minori- now and really know from all backgrounds. Massachusetts to be ties, and more. why they are coming These speakers includ- elected for the board of These ideas were a out,” Sanchez continued. ed Mahtowin Munro selectmen and was repmain focus for the march The protests were from United American resenting the Muslim in making sure not only not limited to those in Indians of New England, community during the women were represent- favor of the movement. Holly Ryan from LGBT march. Butt spoke to how ed, but all groups of Nationalist protesters Liaison at the City of her religion prepared people who are subject to were barricaded off by Newton Mayor’s Office, her for an event like the injustices. police officers to keep Tanisha Sullivan, the Boston Women’s March. With the recent con- them separated from the President of NAACP“The values that troversy surrounding were instilled in me the Women’s March on through my faith about a national level involvbeing kind to others, ing anti-Semitism, the helping people, feeding Boston Women’s March the hungry, housing the and March Forward homeless; those are all Massachusetts made sure reasons that I am here people knew they had no to make the world better ties to such. and kinder for everyone,” “We have never been Butt said. a part of the Women’s Coming together as March [organization]. A a solid force is one way lot of our constituency to create awareness and are super diverse. We community around prohave never supported gressive ideas, but real anything along those change is made from pollines and are immenseicy and the government. The Boston Red Cloaks group protest at the ly opposed to anything The importance of havMarch. (image credit: Nick Klotz) anti-Semitic and aning women represented ti-anything, any of the marchers. Boston, and Mehreen in the government is a phobias,” said Natalie “[We barricaded the Butt, the Wakefield, MA major part of Mehreen Sanchez of March group] to allow people Town Councilor, just to Butt’s message. Forward Massachusetts’s to express their opinions name a few. The speakers “I want to see more Board of Directors. and feeling while pro- were chosen to highlight women and more mi“I think the first year tecting their first amend- differing issues related norities, under reprepeople were obviously ment rights while keep- to human rights. Each sentative populations coming out post-elec- ing everyone safe,” said spoke with passion and running for elected potion because they felt Boston Police Captain intensity that filled the sitions at all levels. Local this cloud of depression. McCormick. crowd with energy as levels, state levels, and They wanted to find a All attending groups they cheered and waved congress. You know, [in] way out of it and find a were civil, overall. their fists and signs high. 2018 we had great victo-
ries. There is now over 100 women in Congress,” Butt said. “Congress has 535 members and 100 is not equality and not representative of what our country looks like. We have to keep going and keep building the movement.” One of those new members of congress is Ayanna Pressley, the congresswoman from Massachusetts. As the keynote speaker of the event, all eyes were on her. Her speech was full of passion as it informed everyone she was ready for action. She told the crowds, “today we march, tomorrow we run,” and “justice is uncomfortable and an inconvenience.” Pressley got the crowd inspired and fired up just in time for the march around the city of Boston. The congresswoman has already made great steps forward to make a change for Massachusetts, which she spoke to in an interview after her speech. “I have already advocated for the introduction of legislation requiring
universal background checks for gun purchases. I have introduced legislation to ensure that federal contract workers affected by the shutdown are entitled to back pay, and I have been vocal in opposition to the cruel and draconian policies of this Administration, which are harming the communities I represent. I intend to continue being an intentional activist leader on behalf of the people I represent,” Pressley said. The 2019 Boston Women’s March was a day full of aspiration for people as thousands gathered together with a common goal in sight. From SNHU students, to the marchers, the organizers and the speakers, it was a successful day that brought real hope. “I was proud to stand with thousands of activists this past Saturday on the same weekend we celebrated the legacy of Dr. King - and recommit to continue our advocacy and our activism, to reject hatred and affirm the humanity of every person,” said Pressley.
Protesters hold their signs in front of the stage. (image credit: Kyle Griffin)
the penmen press
news
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Residence Life Prepares for Largest RA Applicant Pool Ever Stefan Karlberg Staff Writer
RA Applications were released this past November, and the Office of Residence Life is expecting its most competitive pool ever. Applications consist of four short answer questions and require a reference. They were open until January 15 and all current students are qualified to apply for the 2019-2020 school
year. At a panel in Tuckerman Hall, three Resident Assistants and the Residence Director, Grant Hock, got together and presented to students who are interested in the position. The job consists of multiple training sessions before each semester. In addition, RAs are expected to give 10-20 hours a week to the position. The panel made sure to empha-
size that this policy, while important, can mean many things. RAs are expected to build community first and foremost. A good RA talks to all their residents and is a resource for them should they need it. According to the panel, the RA position is a big responsibility. In addition to time on the job, RAs are also required to make posters and door tags for their residents. They
Getting involved as an RA is a great opportunity. (image credit: SNHU)
Stefan Karlberg Staff Writer
Resident Assistants help build community both in their respective dorms and throughout SNHU’s campus. (image credit: Jaelle Matthieu) have to plan community they get. Despite the source and are open conversations and cre- reduced price for room to their residents. ate an accommodating and board, among othIt is important to and safe environment in er benefits, the most have a big pool of aptheir hallways. It’s a big important thing in an plicants for the next task to uphold, but they applicant is a desire to school year, so people are compensated very build community and who want to build fairly for the work they help their residents. community, be a helpdo. RAs do not need to be ful resource and want The panel also extroverts. Introverts added responsibility mentioned that RAs are successful in the are urged to apply for should be in the posi- position as long as next year. tion for the experience they are a good re-
Dr. Diana Polley Wins Warren Brooks Award
Students are often showcased for their great achievements and milestones, but sometimes there is a faculty member who should be recognized for their successful endeavors. Dr. Diana Polley recently won the Western Kentucky University’s (WKU) Warren Brooks Award for her book “Echoes of Emerson: Rethinking Realism in Twain, James, Wharton, and Cather.” Named after Robert Penn Warren and Cleanth Brooks, this award is representative of the ideologies of two people who Polley described as “powerhouses
in literary history and whose ideas and practices inform how [I] teach and write.” Officials at The Robert Warren Penn Center at WKU said the award “was established by the Warren family to honor an outstanding work of literary scholarship that embodies the spirit, scope and integrity of the work produced by Warren and his frequent collaborator, Brooks.” Polley won the award just around two years after publishing it. The germ to write the book came to Polley in 2001 when she was in graduate school, and the book was officially published in 2017. She spent many years revising it
before releasing it to the public. Polley was actually unaware that she was in contention for the award as publishing companies submit author’s work without notifying them. So, when she was notified by Western Kentucky University about winning the award, she was surprised. “I was pleasantly surprised,” she said. “In part because I didn’t know the book had been submitted for the award.” The award was not the only thing that Polley gained from writing her book. Polley said that Echoes of Emerson inspired her to write a monograph about changes in masculinity during the 19th century.
Dr. Diana Polley’s award winning book. (image credit: Diana Polley)
the penmen press
Kyle Griffin Staff Writer One can travel the world by following their stomach, but it isn’t always kind on the wallet. Traveling to study abroad in another country can be fun and exciting but only after the hassle of moving well pack things there and back. One of the biggest struggles is finding where and what to eat. Japan has some of the most exquisite foods, be it sushi, ramen, miso, or even Tonkatsu, deep fried pork drizzled in sweet sauce and served with cabbage. Southern New Hampshire University Students Frank Chin
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Lifestyle
Get by on More than Ramen: Budgeting While Studying in Japan
(’21) and Goran Orr (’20) shine light into dining in and out through the new partnership with Japan. According to Chin, food shopping in Japan is convenient and inexpensive to traveling students. Chin has a private kitchen in his dorm. He is able to cook multiple meals without breaking the bank. “Grocery Shopping usually goes around 13 dollars for eggs, meat, cartons of drinks such as milk and maybe some lunch box items,” said Chin. Chin also explained that convenience stores have a wide selection of bread, meats and drinks if he is looking for a quick bite before classes or other extracurricular
activities. As for Orr, he does not have his own private kitchen in his apartment. Orr explains that residents have a restaurant that they can go to which serves breakfast for about $2.50 and dinner for around $4.50. along with Chin, Orr agreed that the convenience stores are “a nice luxury to have.” Luckily in Japan, there are a lot of cheap convenience stores like 7/11 where you can get full instant meals. They can even prepare them for you. “Ramen restaurants usually cost between 3 and 10 dollars. Japan is known for having exceptionally good food so it’s worth it to eat out a few
times a week!” said Orr. Southern New Hampshire University has over 10 partnering
fine dining for years, including at the renowned Bedford Village Inn, and brought that experience into the development of Resoration cafe. “[I] wanted to tap into a healthy living and healthy eating point of view, but from a chef ’s perspective, where health food and healthy eating didn’t have to be boring and flavorless,” said Puskarich. The menu strikes a balance between nutritious gluten free and vegan-friendly meals, freshly-made smoothies and juices and omnivorous sandwiches. Modern coffee drinks, local beer and craft cocktails round out the menu. Those seeking out a flavorful and satiating plant-based meal can opt for one of Restoration Café’s bowls. The Buddha features brown rice, sweet potato noodles, baby kale, crispy spiced chickpeas, pickled on-
ions and tahini dressing. Coming in for breakfast? For a vibrant taste of the tropics, try the Thai Bowl, which blends acai berries, banana and coconut milk and is topped with mango, coconut, pineapple, coconut and gluten-free granola. “We’re becoming more and more known for our bowls…partly because of the dietary flexibility. We easily service those with dietary restrictions and special diets,” said Puskarich. “The bowls are creative, tasty and flexible.” Juices and smoothies are made with whole fruits and vegetables, and many involve unique flavor combinations. The “Gold” Juice features golden beets, golden delicious apples, lemon and turmeric. For a simultaneously rich and vitamin-packed smoothie, the “Mo Mo” blends almond milk, banana, peanuts, baby kale and
peanuts. Boosts such as egg white protein, flax seed, yogurt and spirulina can be added to any offering. The folks at Restoration even think outside the box when it comes to the vessel that the juices are served in. All are served in Pyrex graduated beakers, which is the variety typically used in laboratories. Those wanting something a bit heartier can opt for a Cubano sandwich, which stacks crispy pork belly, Canadian bacon, aged swiss, pickled pineapple and whole grain mustard on ciabatta. There is also a fourcheese grilled cheese containing swiss, ricotta, cheddar and provolone, making for one melty masterpiece. Puskarich makes two menu changes each year to coincide with seasonality and changing dietary habits. Brunch
countries. The new partnership with Japan lives up to its expectation with reasonably inexpensive
food. Food shopping and cooking on a budget in Japan are quick and easy for traveling students.
Ramen is a popular food option in Japan. (image credit: Suzi Pratt)
Restoration Cafe Takes Modern Approach to Healthy Eating Nicholas VonSchantz-Ricci Lifestyle Editor
Healthy eating has never been more accessible than it is now, yet the idea that nutritious eating is boring, bland and uninspired remains a commonly-held belief. This may play a role in the failure of countless new year’s resolutions. However, there is a unique little café that is attempting to change people’s perceptions of what healthy eating can be. Restoration Café in downtown Manchester is a casual little eatery located in The Flats @ Hanover Commons. This is a unique, multi-function housing complex on Hanover Street. Owner Tom Puskarich opened Restoration Café in 2016 with the vision of bringing clean and creative cuisine to Manchester. Puskarich worked in
specials are offered on weekends, with constantly-changing options such as eggs benedict and avocado toast with crispy Cajun ham. The word “restaurant” is derived from the
verb “restore,” and the folks at Restoration Café are working hard to ensure that their offerings are both restorative and flavorful. Stop by any day of the week and keep that resolution alive.
(image credit: Restoration Cafe)
(image credit: Restoration Cafe)
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arts & entertainment Taylor DeForrest Staff Writer Catwalk, released in 2018, is a Netflix original documentary about the world of Canadian Cat Shows and follows the journey of a Turkish Angora cat named Bobby and his number one competitor, Oh La La, a red Persian cat. Oh La La is groomed to perfection and, in terms of a judge in the show, he is a cat that “takes my breath away.” While the show gives other cats and owners a few moments of fame, the stars of the show are Bobby and Oh La La.
Catwalk’s Got My Tongue
The show itself is a standard documentary style with talking head shots, cinematography, a hint of a story and subplots. However, the content of the documentary is so heart warmingly strange that you feel as though you are in a fever dream. The cats are adorable; they’re fluffy and they are literally just cats. Yet, over time, you begin to speak about the cats as if they’re humans competing in the Olympics. You don’t realize you’re doing it until you’ve sat down and watched the show saying things like, “Bobby is at such a dis-
advantage because his grooming is less maintenance than Oh La La’s and they judge on grooming; and since Oh La La is more work they give her a higher score, it’s unfair.” Much like “Keeping up with Kardashians,” you watch the entire thing and don’t understand its oddly charm. The only strange part that had me genuinely confused was when they dove into the love of one owner’s scuba diving passion and the strange hostility between contestants wishing plane crashes and illness on other cats. The drama of the show
is minimal, which makes it an easy watch without too much trauma. Thank goodness there are no deaths of any animals. The graphics in the show are strange. With every chapter there is a new title sequence animated in a cutesy style; they’re well
home the ultimate prize. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ centers itself around a young Afro-Latino teenage boy named Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who, after being bitten by a radioactive spider, develops Spidey-like abilities. After a particle accelerator built in a secret laboratory belonging to Wilson Fisk explodes, alternate versions of the hero are transported into Miles’ dimension. In the end, it is up to Miles, who is a less confident superhero than the commonly known Peter Parker, to disable the accelerator and help all the other alternate versions return home. The characters in the Spider-Verse, especially the one of Miles Morales, are a massive shout-out to correct representation in the industry of Hollywood. We get to see different variations of SpiderMan throughout the film. It is clear the type of message that the film is trying to paint with an out-of-shape, depressed, middle
aged Peter Parker (Jake Johnson), a SpiderGwen (Hailee Steinfeld), a black-and-white Spider-Man (Nicolas Cage), an anime-like biomechanic spider suit piloted by Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) and Peter Porker, an anthropomorphic Spider-Ham (John Mulaney). The message is there are no limits nor conditions for anyone who wants to be a superhero and that it is not up to only one heroic and powerful straight white man to save the world. In an interview with the BUILD series, Kimiko Glenn, who voices the Japanese alternate version of Spider-Man in the film, talked about how important it was to her to have her character and a colored superhero work together. She also discussed how she looks forward to the same happening with real actors on the big screen. Though each of the heroes seem to have the same type of spidey-like abilities, they all have a unique origin story
and qualities and abilities that set them apart from the group. Miles Morales’ ability to make himself invisible and Peni Parker’s advanced technology are among the sets of talents that make this a team of unstoppable heroes. Though I could keep talking of how the diversity of the film was amazing and as a member of the Latino community, having simple lines of dialogue in Spanish in the film were enough for me to loose control in my seat. What really sets the film apart from others is the trippy, comic book esc style it utilizes. As you are sitting in the theater, there is no way you can help but admire the bold lines contouring the shape of the characters or the thought bubbles that appear as Miles runs through the streets thinking of all the new changes suddenly happening in his life. There is a way in which the creators of the film give the audience a take into everything happening in
done and on theme with the content of the show. There is a running cat graphics to show the contestants’ overall progress that is genius. It’s a bunch of cat shaped blobs running with their scores on their tummies at increasing speed, and the more
(image credit: CBC DOCS POV)
points they have the more cats they pass…they are literally “in the running” to win. While the show has an aura of strangeness, it is worth seeing the cute cats and to learn about a world that you aren’t familiar with. It’s not a Spielberg project or a world-changing documentary, but the reality of it is, you’re not watching for the competition, you’re watching for the cats, but that is completely the point of a cat show anyways. However, the structure of the show is good, but the cats are even better.
‘Into the Spider-Verse’ is a Visual and Inclusive Masterpiece Samantha Aguilar-Hernandez Staff Writer
After Sony’s ultimate disaster with the SpiderMan franchise, the idea of an animated film of the Spidey-tale looked like a bad-enough idea. Fortunately, in an unexpected turn of events, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ is a flawless film and unarguably the best Spider-Man film up to date (Sorry, Tom Holland). ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ is a critically acclaimed box office standout and academy hit of the modern day. It is certified fresh with a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has won a variety of awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film. With this award, the film finally disrupts Disney’s streak of winnings (Thank you, Sony). With the Oscar’s rapidly approaching, there is high-hopes for future awards, and maybe even no doubts that the film will indisputably take
a scene of the film without it being explicitly said in dialogue. Yet, no matter how you ultimately choose to see it, ‘Into the SpiderVerse’s’ animation style is a homage to the hero’s print origins with the comic-book style of bold graphics, printed words, thought bubbles and wavy lines as indicators of the Spider Sense. In an interview with Vulture, the film’s VFX supervisor, Danny Dimian, talks about how the team explored a new territory by giving the film a pop-art type style of animation. Danny Dimian discusses in the interview how looking at the specific styles in the artwork of comic-books inspired them to have the audience feel the work of an artist with all imperfections giving the film that effect of line-work and hand-drawn look. “In the older comic books that we were rifling through, sometimes the printing was a little off, and there would be color separations. Blues and pinks
would be offset. We wanted to replicate that, and an unintended consequence of that was giving 2-D projection a sort of 3-D look,” said Danny Dimian to Vulture. The film is a combination of completely different animation styles coming together from different dimensions of spiders, men, women and in the case of Spider-Ham, pigs. With such a huge combination of characters, it makes sense why they used such a wild and wide use of colors and looks. Though it may be crazy, it is undeniable that the film has a sweet taste. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ did not come to the big screen to disappoint. It is a colorful, fun and full-hearted film that embraces the world of superheroes, celebrating the differences between them through the power of a comic-style animation. There is no doubt that the hottest film of the season will have your Spidey Senses tingling for more.
the penmen press
Joshua LaCroix Staff Writer Should students be penalized for missing classes they pay for? If a customer buys a computer software program from Best Buy, but comes home and doesn’t use it, should Best Buy penalize that customer? Of course not. So, why should a student paying for classes be any different when it comes to attendance? Southern New Hampshire University’s policy states that “being absent and/or late for class may impact a student’s grade, and in the case of excessive absences, may result in failure or the instructor/reviewer withdrawing the student from the course.” Students must ask themselves if their education is a responsibility or a privilege, or if class
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opinion
I Am Entitled to Skip Class
time belongs to them or the professor, and whether or not they should receive a penalty for missing classes they’re doing well in. In the past, a college degree made whoever earned it an attractive contender for employment and put that person above anyone else looking for the same job. Plus, a college education was relatively affordable as it allowed a graduate to at least buy a home after graduating. While a college education is still critical to ensuring a well-paying job today, the job market is over saturated with college graduates. Even a bachelor’s degree is about as useful as a high school diploma in the eyes of employers in today’s market. Moreover, the average loan debt for students is nearly $40,000 and ris-
ing. This means students are pursuing an education they can’t afford to find a job they won’t get. So, do students still have a responsibly to pursue higher education or does it remain a privilege? Jon Boroshok, a communications professor at SNHU, says, “students who are privileged enough to go to college have a responsibly to [go to classes].” While this may be true, most of whom who are lucky enough to go to school still end up having to find a job to make ends meet and maintain some form of social life. These conflicts mean students may not always attend every class, which lowers their grade. Most agree class time belongs to the student and not the professor. Martin Merchant, a college graduate, says “class time is for the students.
It’s their time to learn. Plain and simple.” Lori Deconinck, a history professor at SNHU, disagrees. “It’s the professors who put classes together around their schedules.” Perhaps, professors and students mutually share class time. A student can’t learn without a professor and a professor can’t teach without a student. However, a professor should incorporate class time in a way that compels student to attend. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. This brings up perhaps the most important question: if students can maintain good grades without attending, is penalty necessary? There are plenty of students at SNHU who complete homework, projects, and tests without going to class on a regular basis.
This shouldn’t happen. Students should not be able to miss class and still gain enough knowledge to maintain a good grade. This reflects poorly of the professor whose homework, projects, and tests should be taken directly from in class activities. This is a growing problem at SNHU and students are taking notice. According to Jessica Merchant, a SNHU student, “most professors utilize recycled PowerPoints and quizzes that can be easily found online by students, who then have no need to show up.” Students who are paying for a class that is just as effective as online class shouldn’t receive a penalty by treating it as such. However, most of these students get points taken off their grade for missing classes. If the
point of class is to learn material and the purpose of homework, projects, and tests is to show understanding of the material, then what is the student doing wrong? Nothing. The answer is nothing. Perhaps attendance isn’t as black and white of a topic as one would think. Maybe asking if students should be penalized for missing classes they paid for isn’t the right question. The point is, the education system in the U.S. is broken. College shouldn’t be the main way to earn a good job and if it is, shouldn’t put students in a lifetime of debt. But as of now, that’s not the case. In the meantime, students should make the most of their time in college, but professors should make that possible.
the penmen press
Catherine LaChance Lead Copy Editor
sports
Kylie Lorenzen: Two Records, One Good Eye
Madyson Alexander Staff Writer Kylie Lorenzen is about to break two school records. She is just 65 points away from surpassing Julie Dabrowski in total points scored throughout an individual career. Dabrowski holds the school record with 1,713 points from 1986-1990, and Lorenzen is right behind her with 1,648 points. Lorenzen is also second in line for the record of most career rebounds. So far, she has compiled 856 rebounds and only needs 62 more to trump Tricia Johnson who holds the all-time record with 918 rebounds from 1981-1985. With only nine games left in the season, Lorenzen
Tim Charvat Staff Writer
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needs to score at least 15 points per game and post 10 rebounds per game to surpass both records. Lorenzen, a senior, surpassed 1,500 points earlier this season. At the time, she was blind to this accomplishment, saying she wouldn’t have known about it if a friend hadn’t told her. In fact, she doesn’t look at her stats until the end of every season. Lorenzen instead focuses on each individual game and doesn’t worry about what is written on the score sheet. Lorenzen noted that she wouldn’t be where she is without her teammates. They are a big driving force behind her success on the court. When they play well, she said, it motivates her to play well. “In the games, it’s their assists or their defense,
them stealing the ball or passing it to me.” She says that she is not one to shoot three-pointers all the time or have the ball constantly; she relies on her teammates for support and gives them chances to score as well. Lorenzen is the epitome of a team player. In addition to her teammates, Lorenzen’s family has been extremely supportive of her career. She says her mother and father are her idols all day, every day and says they have been with her since she started playing basketball at age five. In fact, her family has always been very athletics-oriented, and they have supported Lorenzen in a healthy way instead of overwhelming her. “Not everything is about basketball, which
I love; they never make it my life.” she said. Lorenzen, like most other athletes, has a unique background. She is about to break two school records, but she is doing so with a blind eye. She was born legally blind in her left eye and has always had to wear protective goggles when playing basketball. This has impacted her on both the court and in the classroom. “I had to sit in the very front of the class and I still couldn’t even see the board.” After being diagnosed, doctors were adamant about Lorenzen wearing protective eye gear for sports, such as basketball. She also had to undergo eye dilation and wear an eye patch often. However, Lorenzen never tried to make excuses for her condition and
says that her goggles are a part of her now. “Honestly, a lot of people say it’s a disability or [ask] how I have overcome it, but it’s just something I’ve always had.” Lorenzen says her ability to play basketball is not affected, although her depth perception is slightly altered. Therefore, seeing oncoming defenders can be sometimes challenging. Lorenzen, who is a native of Holliston, Massachusetts, is an environmental science major with minors in biology and world languages in cultures. She hopes to one day pursue a career in conservation wildlife, but her first-choice is playing basketball overseas in Europe. She hopes to play in France, specifically, as a result of her ability to speak fluent French.
For the remainder of the season, Lorenzen hopes to play in postseason tournaments, win games and have a memorable season the team can look back upon with no regrets. In regard to her basketball mindset in general, Lorenzen will be leaving it all on the floor. “I need to remember to enjoy it and have fun and try not to get too serious. Take it play by play,” she said. Kylie looks to add to her totals in hopes of surpassing Dabrowski and Johnson tonight, Wednesday, February 6, at Saint Michael’s College. The next home game for Lorenzen and the Penmen is Saturday, February 9, against Stonehill at 1:30 p.m. at the Stan Spirou Fieldhouse.
losophy is playing hard, and being disciplined; it’s simple things that we talk about every single day,” said head coach Jack Perri. “We just didn’t play with the toughness needed to play on the road, and Stonehill took it to us, so we watched the films, and what you saw against Franklin Pierce was a much more focused team.” Being focused payed off. The Penmen would jump to a 12-point lead at half-time against Franklin Pierce, and despite a brief comeback by the Ravens to bring the score to 74-71, DaeDae Andrews scored a three-pointer to tie the game. After a two-week break, the team played three games before the school year began, with the first two on the road
against Felician and Pace on December 30th and January 9th, respectively. SNHU won both games, 87-85 against Felician and 81-78 against Pace, securing the first road winning streak under coach Jack Perri. “It’s always hard to win on the road,” Perri commented. “And they did a really good job staying focused. I thought right off the bat we had a sense of urgency to the way we were acting and playing against teams that were playing so well. It was really impressive for our guys.” The third and final game before school was back in session was against Southern Connecticut. This was their first meeting since last year’s opening round of the NE10 Championships where
Southern Connecticut beat the Penmen 76-74. Prior to the game, Southern Connecticut won eight games in a row, and averaged over 80 points per game. It was not easy for the Penmen, as they were entering the game as underdogs. However, the Penmen came up big in their most hard-fought battle yet. After regulation, the game was tied 71-71 and would go into double overtime, with the Penmen down by 5 in each extra session. With just ninety seconds to go, the Penmen fought to tie the score in the first extra session. SNHU went on to win 88-86. The win over Southern Connecticut was the Penmen’s biggest win of the season, but it nearly came with a big cost. Early into the second quarter, senior
Charlie Russo went down with what appeared to be a serious leg injury, and was helped off the field. While Russo recovered in time for the team’s first match of the spring semester against Saint. Rose, the loss would have been a major blow for the team. “All guys that play major minutes are huge parts of our team,” coach Perri commented on the potential loss of Russo. “And anybody that goes down is a loss for us. But our whole mindset is, ‘okay next man up,’ and hopefully someone else on the team would be able to step in and help continue our success we’ve had recently.” In spite of the Penmen’s success, the road ahead to the Championship may be a long and bumpy ride. SNHU is in fourth place
in the NE10 conference, with just nine games remaining in the regular season, and five games on the road. They hold a 10-7 overall record and a 6-6 conference record. The men’s team has not had a winning record on the road since the 2015 season, and with a 3-4 record anything is possible, but for coach Perri and the Penmen, it’s not all about the future. “The reality is we just prepare for the game coming up,” said Perri. “I tell our guys not to worry about what the end game is, just worry about today, and getting better each and every day whether it’s practice or our next game, and focus on that.” The Penmen return to action Saturday, February 9, against Stonehill at the Stan Spirou Fieldhouse.
The Long Road Ahead for Men’s Basketball: en route to the NE10s
Christmas break allows students a chance to regroup after a grueling semester. Students are rewarded with relaxation and quality time with family members. However, not all students have this luxury, particularly those on the men’s basketball team. The men’s basketball team grinded day-in and day-out throughout the break trying to gain momentum after a difficult first half of their season. The trek to break was not easy. The Penmen suffered losses to Stonehill and 14th ranked Bentley. After these losses, there was intense pressure to win their final home game of 2018 against in-state rival Franklin Pierce. “A big part of our phi-