The Quinnipiac Chronicle, Volume 95, Issue 4

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 • VOLUME 95 • ISSUE 4

The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929

By CARLEIGH BECK and SAMANTHA NUNEZ

Whitney Pizza opened its doors for the first time on Sept. 12 after taking over the space that once was Falcon Pizza.

Falcon Pizza shut down on March 1 after failing to submit a sales and use tax permit. The Instagram account @qubarstool was first to inform students about the restaurant’s suspension through a post.

The post featured a photo of a document from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, notifying that the store was suspended.

“There (are) a lot of students asking for Falcon Pizza, ‘are you guys Falcon?,’” said Selim Sahin, co-owner of Whitney Pizza.

“We’re here to serve, nothing else. Just sell food to them, make our money, make customers happy, sell fresh, fast.”

Falcon Pizza has had its place on 3394 Whitney Ave. since February 2017 and was a staple to some Quinnipiac University students, alongside other nearby pizzerias such as Tonino’s Pizzeria, Domino’s Pizza and Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza.

“I’ve never been in (Falcon Pizza), but I ordered from it all the time,” said Jack Casey, a junior biology major. “I liked their calzones a lot, and their pizza too.”

Whitney Pizza offers similar commodities

Whitney Pizza replaces Falcon TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

See PIZZA Page 2

Britain’s former Lord Chancellor discusses the upcoming U.S. presidential election

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief

On Sept. 23, the Political Science 215 — Political Theory — class deviated from its usual lecture format and welcomed a roundtable discussion featuring U.S. political representatives and Sir Robert Buckland from Britain.

The Right Honorable Sir Buckland is a member of the conservative party, holding a seat in Parliament from 2010 until this year. He served as the Secretary of State of Justice, Secretary of State for Wales and held the position of Lord Chancellor from 2019 to 2021.

The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the ruling monarch on the advice of the current prime minister and is the senior member of the Cabinet.

This position is one of the most ancient offices of state.

Buckland is also the first person to be knighted

by King Charles III two years ago. “(I got here) through my friendship with representative (Lucy) Dathan,” Buckland said in a post panel interview with The Chronicle. “I’m in Connecticut for a few days and what I like to do is mix my social life with work. Politics is in my blood, when I was asked to take part, I liked to come in and share my thoughts.”

Buckland was joined by three other panelists from various areas of U.S. politics: John Ashford, political analyst; Lucy Dathan, state representative of Norwalk and New Canaan — and the first Democrat in her seat — and William Tong, Connecticut’s attorney general.

John McGee, former vice president of public policy and programs and commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development, moderated the panel.

“It happened very last minute, I got a phone call and I was asked if I wanted to put on a few folks who work in politics and I said well this is perfect for a class on elections and political parties,” said Candice Travis, visiting assistant professor of political science and the course instructor. “I think it’s

important insight that I couldn’t provide as a professor who studies it but doesn’t do it.”

The panel focused on the recent British election as well as the lessons and comparisons with the upcoming U.S. presidential election, which tailors towards the course curriculum.

On July 4, the Labour Party won the British election by a landslide, securing 404 seats out of the 650 in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party, which was in power for 14 years before this year, only got 121.

Britain’s government is run by a prime minister and is separated into the House of Lords and House of Commons. Every five years, citizens vote for their Members of Parliament, in a first-past-the-post system, and the party with the most MPs makes up the government. The

next largest party forms the opposition.

“It was an enormous defeat for the conservative party, a bloodbath,” McGee said when introducing the panel to a room of about 30 students and faculty.

Buckland credited a lot of that to inflation and immigration, issues that are very prominent in the U.S. presidential election right now as well.

In Buckland’s words, the 2016 Brexit vote changed the face of Britain’s politics immensely, leaving the Liberal Democratic party with 72 seats, the highest since 1929.

The talk later moved from British politics to the 2024 election.

“I think if the elections were held today, Vice President (Kamala) Harris would win the popular vote,” Ashford said. “I’m afraid (former president

NICHOLAS PESTRITTO/CHRONICLE

Lucy Dathan (left), state representative, John Ashford (center left), political analyst, Sir Robert Buckland (center right), former Lord Chancellor of Britain and William Tong (right), Connecticut’s attorney general, speak on the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

Donald) Trump would still leak out the electoral vote, but I think it’s ultimately gonna come down to Pennsylvania.”

Tong emphasized the importance of coalitions, using it as an explanation for the shift of previously Democratic voters to the Republican party.

“We took for granted that people in cities, particularly people of color and immigrants, and second generation children of immigrants would stay with Democrats,” Tong said. “And they’re not. When Black men, Latinos turn on Democrats, that’s very concerning because you’re watching your coalition disintegrate.”

“The Democrats managed to make themselves irrelevant, if not offensive to the struggling blue collar working class, middle class,” Ashford said.

When asked by an anonymous student Q&A about the future of the western world following the U.S. presidential election, Buckland said he’s “desperately worried.”

“At this time we need stability and certainty from the U.S. government and the White House,” Buckland said. “The last thing we need is this uncertain approach actor that we had from 2016 to (2020). It’s totally the wrong time for the world to have that sort of leadership.”

All three of the U.S. panelists were Democrats.

And as Ashford put it, “Trump’s strongest support is white, male, non-college educated. Trump’s strongest opposition is female, college-educated.”

“My God, the Democrats have nominated one of those women for president again!”

Ashford said.

The panel concluded on Tong’s note about the 2020 election, citing his worst day as attorney general when he got the call about 18 republican attorney generals across the U.S. seeking to overturn the results and that if Democrats win, it is going to happen again.

“If you think the U.S. is in decline you don’t get out much,” Tong said. “It is still dominant in this world, economically and militarily. If white men think they are losing, who is winning?”

2 | News

MEET THE EDITORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexandra Martinakova MANAGING EDITOR Colin Kennedy DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR Emily Adorno CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tripp Menhall ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Carleigh Beck OPINION EDITOR Lillian Curtin ASSOCIATE OPINION EDITOR Ben Busillo ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Amanda Madera ASSOCIATE ARTS & LIFE EDITORS Grace Conneely-Nolan Gina Lorusso SPORTS EDITOR Amanda Dronzek ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR Ryan Johanson ASSOCIATE DESIGN EDITOR Katerina Parizkova ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Tyler Rinko ASSOCIATE MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Quinn O’Neill COPY EDITORS Samantha Nunez Charlotte Ross The views expressed in The Chronicle’s opinion section are those of the respective authors. They do not reflect the views of The Chronicle as an organization.

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The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 25, 2024

Information Technology Services launches experience portal

By ANDREW ALLISON Contributing Writer

Quinnipiac University’s Information Technology Services recently debuted its new experience portal, an internal tech tool students can use to customize their technology and information experience.

It is designed to provide “knowledge at your fingertips,” according to the Chief Information Officer Matthew Romeo.

The Quinnipiac experience portal is designed to eventually replace the old “MyQ” portal as early as Jan. 1, 2025. The portal will act as a centralized point where students can access all of their technology and information needs.

“It’s single, one pane of glass getting the same information,” Romeo said.

Students can also access the portal through the Quinnipiac app. Romeo emphasized the convenience of using the app, where students can check information onthe-go, such as their class location. 97% of students use their school’s mobile app at least once a week, and 53% use it at least once a day, according to tribalgroup.com, .

“I enjoy the mobile aspect of it. On the fly, you can really get the data in a responsive meaning,” Romeo said.

The experience portal also assists in keeping students safe.

The portal can be used by students if they wish to report something but don’t know how. “…And you know, students might not know where to report things or what to do,” Romeo said.

Students can also receive announcements from Quinnipiac through an information bar in the portal. It aims to keep

PIZZA from cover that Falcon Pizza offered to Quinnipiac students. This includes the ability to use QCash to pay for their meal and food delivery to campus. They also have their menu on Slice, GrubHub, UberEats and DoorDash.

“It’s open late, (there’s) good workers (and) they’re friendly,” said Owen Brady, a junior media studies major. “It was a good late night snack when you need it.”

Whitney Pizza boasts late night hours to accommodate students as well. It’s open from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. from Sunday until Wednesday and open from 11 a.m. until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

“We have every single item on the menu … you could eat spaghetti and meatballs at 2 a.m., it’s totally up to you,” Sahin said.

Selim and Yavuz Sahin, the owners of Whitney Pizza, hoped to hold a ribbon

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

students informed.

The portal highlights control over what information you can see, where students can choose which information “cards” are displayed on the site. Each individual can organize and compartmentalize the information “cards” to their desired configuration.

“It is named appropriately for once where it’s that is your experience, view the end user’s experience, and that’s what the goal is,” Romeo said.

It is the university’s Information Technology Service’s goal to make it so student organizations and clubs can create and display their own cards on the portal. This feature is not available at this time, and there is no current information on when this will be available.

“At some point we might think cards can delve down to very detailed groups, club level, department level, major level,” Romeo said. “I’m not indicating that students will be able to publish their own cards, but we really feel like over time, through the groups, through student life, through club sports, that there’ll be cards again, designed that it get more specific.”

The experience portal’s most convenient functions students can easily access Quinnipiac services while only having to sign into the portal once. Students can also access Self Service and the Learning Center directly through the portal.

The site is located at experience.qu.edu.

Students can also access it through the Quinnipiac mobile app.

cutting ceremony and open the restaurant before students arrived at Quinnipiac for the semester. A family emergency prevented both of these from occurring.

“Everyone comes in here shocked, ‘oh, you’re open,’ everyone comes in happy,” Selim Sahin said. “We see that, we feel that, we feel the warm welcome, it makes us happy too. We’re excited that they… wanted someone here.”

This isn’t Selim Sahin’s first business venture, as he helps run Andy’s Pizza in West Haven. The restaurant has been in business for 30 years and has been a staple to the community. Before Sahin and his partners took over, the restaurant was previously owned by someone else. They decided to keep its original name.

Despite the name change, the menus between Falcon’s and Whitney are similar.

“California Dream” and “Fisherman Delight” are a few of the pizza names that are the same in both menus.

“Here, one main thing is we have everything fresh, nothing is canned here …

Dough is made fresh daily. Our sauce, nothing is (from) restock or extra. It’s out, we make a new one,” Selim Sahin said.

“And as a business owner, I believe that for me, to be successful in the restaurant business, you do it fast, sell it fast, and you’re on top of your business.”

Whitney Pizza has people in the community come in and see the new restaurant and to pick up their menu.

“We have so many people coming here not to buy stuff (but to say) ‘hi, welcome, you guys are here,’ it’s good,” Selim Sahin said.

The Sahin brothers and their team are looking forward to serve their food to the community, especially the Quinnipiac student body.

“We appreciate the warm welcoming from Quinnipiac, people are happy, people want us here, it gets (us) more excited,” Selim Sahin said.

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Falcon Pizza closed after seven years due to its failure to submit a sales and use tax permit. The space remained empty for six months, before Selim and Yavuz Sahin opened Whitney Pizza.

September 25, 2024

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

News | 3

Voter education committee encourages students to vote

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief

Quinnipiac University’s voter education committee aims to educate students about the election and the voting process involved.

The voter education group is a bi-partisan group comprised of various Quinnipiac organizations and faculty, such as the Student Government Association, Quinnipiac’s Political Science Student Association, Quinnipiac University Democrats, College Republicans, Public Safety Department, Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett and other Quinnipiac organizations and administration representatives, according to Ellett.

“We meet every other week during the course of the end of summer through the election and then every once a month after that,” Ellett said.

The voter education committee is set on doing what its name suggests, to educate the students.

“As an educational institution we need to be bi-partisan because we get funding from the federal government,” Ellett said. “We can’t say this is the candidate you have to vote for. We don’t talk about our own feelings about the issues, we talk about the issues.”

The committee participated in the organization of the presidential debate watch party hosted by the QPSSA. “We have these groups that do programs, part of which we ask them to do and part of

which they would’ve done anyways,” Ellett said. “But they just partner with us under the rubric of the voter education committee.”

And according to Ellett this was far from the last event before November.

“The Critical Conversation series is bringing in folks from the liberal and the conservative medias and talking about the election,” Ellett said, though the exact date for that is currently not certain.

There is also a themed “Talks on the Rocks” event planned later in the semester.

“We (also) asked the (Quinnipiac University Democrats) and (College Republicans) to do a session conjointly to bring in the two different perspectives on the issues.”

The university library provides links on their website that can bring students to their state’s registration websites.

“You can as a college student register your permanent address here, should you want to,” Ellett said. “There’s some benefits for students to do that, and there’s probably some political reasons why people would or would not, which I’m not gonna get involved in.”

This group is part of the national organization, All In. The All In Campus Democracy Challenge is a national awards program. “By recognizing colleges and universities for their commitment to increasing student voting rates, All In encourages higher education institu-

tions to help students form the habits of active and informed citizenship, make democratic participation a core value on campus and cultivate generations of engaged citizens who are essential to a healthy democracy,” according to the organizations website.

“We have to turn in our plan to them on how we get students more involved and start the process of registering and teaching them the issues, educating them on the issues and getting them to actually vote,” Ellett said.

The All In Program recognize campuses for joining the challenge and “making a commitment to increasing student voting rates.”

It recently awarded Quinnipiac with the Bronze election seal, which shows 20-29% voter participation.

Quinnipiac is only one amongst the 14 universities involved in Connecticut, alongside Fairfield University, University of Connecticut, Trinity College, Wesleyan University and Yale University.

The committee also plans to provide a shuttle bus to Hamden on election day for students who are able to vote locally.

“I think (the committee) is bringing in the consciousness of how important it is in a democracy that people actually help decide who will be the best leader,” Ellett said.

“Understanding your own beliefs and where do you gravitate towards … we want you to find out what’s right for you and then do your civic responsibility and vote.”

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY KATZ

New student organization tries to raise awareness about human trafficking

By AVA HIGHLAND Contributing Writer

Quinnipiac University sophomore criminal justice major Anna Dobson created a new student club, Voices for Freedom, in hopes of shedding light on the global issue of human trafficking. The club aims to raise awareness to the issue of human trafficking, as well as advocate and support survivors.

Dobson also plans to host fundraising events and bring in guest speakers to raise awareness for human trafficking.

Though the topic typically sparks interest for criminal justice majors, the club is open to all students.

“Even though it’s something that everyone should know about it, only a specific demographic have been interested so far,” Dobson said.

Previously, Dobson attended a human trafficking panel hosted by the Quinnipiac Law School’s group, Human Trafficking Prevention Project, during their annual Human Trafficking Awareness Week. During the panel, two human trafficking victims shared their stories. Dobson then felt inspired to raise awareness on an undergraduate level, as Quinnpiac does not have any other organizations focusing on human trafficking specifically.

“It was really impactful because we don’t hear about it like every day,” Dobson said. “And it was just eye opening to how fast like that process can happen, and how fast like the conversation can happen.”

Dobson hopes to partner with the Human Trafficking Prevention Project to spread the organization across both undergraduate and graduate students.

Over the summer, Dobson began putting her plan into action. She found a group of friends to create her executive board.

“They’re driven and then I thought that they would be able to spread awareness about it,” Dobson said.

Hedryck Alvarez, first-year computer science major, is the organization’s Public Relations Officer, and has developed a passion for raising awareness.

“I think human trafficking is a topic that is very hard to talk about and I think that makes it a topic that we have to talk about to further prevent it,” Alvarez wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “I want to help others understand how big of an issue it is and how anyone can help.”

The Execuative Board is driven to advocate for human trafficking victims and promote more conversations.

First-year finance major Noah Batista, the club’s vice president, is inspired to advocate for victims of human trafficking.

“I joined this club and its e-board to raise awareness about a pervasive issue that is rarely discussed in mainstream media,” Batista wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “And I look forward to hosting various community events in which our guest speakers can relay their thoughts and feel-

ings to us and highlight methods to prevent these crimes from happening and raising awareness to generate a proactive response from the public.”

An organization with such a sensitive topic can face obstacles in its creation, but Dobson had none.

“You can’t just like have a meeting and have it be all light hearted,” Dobson said.

“You have to take it seriously.”

Although it can be a tough topic to discuss, Dobson knew that creating this organization would be beneficial in raising awareness and supporting victims.

“Since it is a sensitive topic, I was uncertain at first as how to go about touching on a global crisis like this,” Dobson wrote in an email to The Chronicle. “But I knew that spreading awareness about it is important nevertheless and it is my goal to reach audiences that may not have thought about it that much and advocate for survivors.”

Dobson also noted the challenge in spreading the club throughout the university. She hopes to have club members beyond criminal justice majors.

“Even though it’s something that everyone should know about it, only a specific demographic have been interested so far,” Dobson said.

On Sept. 23, the E-Board met with the Human Trafficking Prevention Project in order to partner to spread awareness about Human Trafficking Awareness Week, as

well as plan panels and tabling events.

“I will be getting trained by experts on the topic on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and how to stop it,” Dobson in an email to The Chronicle. “I will then be eligible to teach highschool students, criminal justice classes, and other populations this important information as well.”

Now outside of classes, Dobson will be gaining more knowledge to aid in teaching others about the issue.

“I am looking forward to this as I will have to opportunity to educate populations of different people about how common human trafficking is and further educate myself and others on the topic,” Dobson wrote.

The E-Board is eager to begin advocating for justice, as well as making a change in the local community and beyond. Jax Danahy, a first year marketing major and the club’s secretary strives to be a voice for those who are unable.

“I joined the voices of freedom, in order to establish a voice to advocate Justice and support for the survivors of humans trafficking who’s voices might not be heard,” wrote Danahy in an email to The Chronicle.

“I am most looking forward to expanding are group and helping others learn new information on the topic. Along with bringing voices to the cause.”

Students who are interested in joining Voices for Freedom can follow their Instagram, @quvoicesforfreedom.

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

4 | Opinion

September 25, 2024

Opinion Call your mom

Why you should make the most of your time on earth

By BEN BUSILLO

Associate Opinion Editor

Life has a way of slipping through our fingers. We get caught up in the everyday hustle with work, responsibilities and the endless scrolling of social media. Before we know it, time has passed and the people we care about drift away. It’s easy to assume they’ll always be there when we need them, but the truth is, they won’t.

We’re all guilty of it. There will be times where I find that I haven’t texted and called a family member all day. I’m on my phone, rotting my mind with TikTok. In today’s world, with our endless stream of technology and entertainment at our fingertips, our brains are begging to be kept occupied. The new world of social media is more harmful than beneficial. But what you can do is use that technology to do something worthwhile.

Getting off the phone after a long conversation with a loved one feels better than any amount of Instagram scrolls. It’s counterintuitive that humans have made such a powerful machine, with infinite knowledge — more advanced than the technology we went to the moon with — but use it for watching 10 second videos over and over again.

Never take anything, or anyone for granted. There will be a day where you can’t call your mom or dad. Where you can’t go out and grab a drink with your buddy. Where you can’t go out on a late night drive with your brother or sister. So while their phone

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still has a signal, reach out.

In a time that is so infested with stress, and with people who are too wound up in their own lives, it’s easy to forget about the people that truly care about us. Your support system is your greatest ally. You are never alone. If you have a problem, someone is willing to listen.

If you don’t have a problem that you need to talk about, maybe they do. Just check in.

See how things are going. Talk about your

day and listen to them talk about theirs.

Our world has caused basic human interaction to feel foreign. Even if it feels awkward, send that message, make that call. The significance at the time might seem small, but the impact could be monumental. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but those connections are what make life rich. It’s these interactions that make us human, and more importantly remind us what a human is.

Society often prioritizes individual success and digital distractions over personal connection, and it’s easy to forget the simple power of reaching out. These moments of vulnerability remind us of our shared humanity. They reconnect us to the people who matter most, grounding us in what truly makes life meaningful. And while fostering these bonds is essential, so is letting go of the barriers that keep us apart.

Life is too short to hold grudges and too unpredictable to waste time in anger. Instead of soaking in the bath of vexation, let go of your past issues. Forgiveness is also about your own inner peace. It allows you to move on without being shackled by the past, freeing you from the stress that comes with holding a grudge.

In your life, do as many things as possible. Find your passion. Try new things.

When you are long gone, you won’t be saying to yourself, “Wow! I’m really glad I spent 10 years on my phone, and always prioritized work over my family and friends. What a productive use of my time on earth.” Skeletons don’t have a net worth.

When you look back, it won’t be the endless hours spent scrolling that you’ll remember, or the shift of work you picked up instead of going to your friend’s house — it will be the conversations, the laughter and the time spent with the people who matter.

And if you tell yourself that the asking price of doing is too high, just wait until you receive the bill of regret.

What makes a franchise?

By JAMES NOLAN Contributing Writer

The ‘Ship of Theseus’ is a philosophical thought experiment that ponders the following: if a ship had each of its parts replaced one at a time until every aspect has been upgraded, is it still the same ship?

There was a recent ESPN Article that talked about potential NBA expansion scenarios.

It pointed out that if Seattle, Washington, was awarded an expansion franchise, it would regain the history of the original SuperSonics (1967-08). That would mean that the Oklahoma City Thunder would be treated as an expansion franchise that began in 2008.

There was a lawsuit from the city of Seattle back in 2008, when the SuperSonics first threatened a move to Oklahoma. That ensured that if the city were to ever get another team, they would get back the SuperSonics name, branding and records.

This is in line with how the NBA treated the situation with the Hornets and Pelicans franchises, as well as how the NFL handled the Browns and Ravens. In all three of these scenarios, there was an initial franchise that then moved to a new city. When the initial city then got a new franchise from the league, they also inherited the initial franchise’s history and records from their time in said city.

That’s preposterous. The teams, coaching, staff and players all translate from city to city. Kevin Durant won the Rookie of the Year award with the SuperSonics in his final year in Seattle and then eight seasons with the Thunder. Vinny Testeverde was on the 1995

ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL

Browns and the 1996 Ravens the year after, the same team.

Durant’s departure to Golden State in 2016 and Testeverde joining the Jets in 1998 may be the final remnants of the franchise’s previous identity, but they act as identifiable links that can be used to trace the team’s proper history.

It is ridiculous that when the new SuperSonics arrive in Seattle they’ll get the records of Gary Payton, Shawn Kemp and Durant.

Russell Westbrook magically becomes the Thunder franchise leader in assists and rebounds despite never holding the title while playing in Oklahoma.

That doesn’t feel right. The new franchise has no connection to the old one, outside of the name and the brand.

While the NFL and NBA might skew the history by linking franchises to cities, MLB

gets it right.

There have been three MLB franchises to exist in the nation’s capital, Washington DC. The first team was called the Senators from 1901 to 1904, then the Nationals from 1905 to 1956 and then back to the Senators for four years before moving to Minneapolis and becoming the Minnesota Twins after the 1960 season.

However, the league wanted to keep a team in Washington, so the 1961 season saw a new Washington Senators franchise form.

Even with a non-existent gap, very similar branding and a name verbatim to the original franchise, this was, for all intents and purposes, a new team. They played there until the end of 1971, when they packed up and became the Texas Rangers.

It is also important to point out that the

Twins kept all of the records and statistics from their time in DC, including the 1924 World Series. History only began for the second iteration in 1961.

Baseball was then absent from Washington for decades. It would not be until the Montreal Expos, a failing expansion franchise from 1969, had to move in 2005 that the capital got a team again. Yet again, the Nationals, as they would be called, did not inherit any history or titles from previous Washington teams, as they had no connection to them outside of the city that they played in.

A franchise is the lineage of decisions that leads a given team to their current point in history. The first, second and third Washington baseball teams were simply not the same governing bodies. Sure, the departure of the first led to the formation of the second, but that cause-and-effect chain does not profoundly link the players and statistics of the two.

The same way that the old SuperSonics history should remain associated with the Thunder. Allow the new team to start anew, and don’t rewrite history as it pertains to cities.

This is not to say that the Ravens should have to build a Jim Brown statue or that the Nationals re-retire all the numbers the Expos took out of circulation, but just the fact of connection being recognized, not replaced.

The ‘Ship of Theseus’ is not simply just the original planks used to compose the vessel. Rather, it is the current state of the ship, no matter how many original or upgraded parts.

As it sails across the sea, it embodies the saga of people and events that once were.

September 25, 2024

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

Opinion | 5

Opinion Trump’s careless rhetoric is wreaking havoc on Haitian communities

By GABRIELLA VILAS BOAS Contributing Writer

Former President Donald Trump made damaging claims about Haitian immigrants during the presidential debate on Sept. 10.

These false accusations resulted in a slew of harassment targeted at Haitian communities all over the country.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats ... They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame,” Trump said on ABC News.

As a direct result of these bogus statements, Haitians are currently facing an influx of assaults, threats and bullying.

“I come here to find some peace and I fled my country because of that, and right now the same thing is happening,” Haitian immigrant, Vilbrun Dorsainvil, told CNN. The Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio is braving the brunt of this storm. Several schools and government offices have faced closure as a result of numerous bomb threats.

Additionally, the town was forced to cancel its annual cultural diversity celebration, Culture Fest, due to the alleged violence.

“We did not have threats seven days ago. We did not have these concerns seven days ago. We did not have these hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent in Springfield and from the state of Ohio in support seven days ago. We do today,” said Springfield Mayor Rob Rue. When asked about the bomb threats, Trump fueled the fire by responding, “I don’t know what happened with the bomb threats. I know that it’s been taken over by illegal migrants.”

Regardless of the consequences, Trump

Bobcat Buzz

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JOE PEITTE/FLICKR

JOE PIETTE/FLICKR

Protesters at a rally outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania defend Haitian immigrants in light of former President Donald Trump’s recent comments. continues to spread hateful narratives. On Sept. 13, he claimed that Haitians are “destroying” America.

Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, followed in the former president’s footsteps by posting to X, reinforcing the false claims.

“Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio,” Vance said. “Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn’t be in this country. Where is our border czar?” However, there is no rcorded police evidence of any instance of the sort.

When confronted about the validity of his

statements, Vance admitted to reporter Dana Bash that he is willing to “create stories.”

“If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” Vance said in the CNN interview.

The risk of these baseless claims far outweigh any sort of benefit Trump and Vance can conjure up to defend their actions.

The livelihood of Haitians communities is being threatened. One Haitain woman reported that her cars have been vandalized twice in her own driveway. She woke up to find one car with broken windows and the other covered in acid.

“I can’t even leave my house to go to

Walmart. I’m anxious and scared,” The woman said to the Haitian Times.

There is a newfound fear consuming Haitian migrants, particularly those of Springfield, Ohio. ABC News reports that at one elementary school, about 200 out of the 500 students were absent after schools were forced to evacuate the previous day.

A politician’s voice has the power to make or break a nation. If Trump’s carelessness is causing such chaos during his campaign, who is to say what he is capable of if elected as the next president of the United States?

Boundaries are necessary for being a good roommate

By CARLEIGH BECK Associate News Editor

It is not an easy feat adjusting to a new environment, a new schedule, a new crowd of people and particularly, college roommates.

It is not easy living with a new person. Whether you’ve become best friends or just tolerate each other, it is important to grasp how to be a good roommate.

There is nothing worse than walking into your room and feeling like you aren’t comfortable or welcomed in your own space. By learning how to live together, it ensures you and your roommate(s) will have a comfortable living situation

through the duration of the year.

An important aspect of this is setting boundaries on a variety of living styles and keeping consistent communication about them. How often should you clean the room? How late can guests stay in the dorm?

When should you turn off the speakers and put on headphones?

Boundaries help facilitate conversations between both or all sides and ensure everyone has their voice heard. It can also be easier to hold roommates accountable for when conflicts arise.

Setting these boundaries early is also key in being a good roommate.

Though resident assistants often

facilitate these conversations during the first semester, roommate conflicts can arise far before this happens.

There’s no sugarcoating it: starting these conversations can be awkward. But what’s worse than this is the stress that comes with living in a tense environment.

By coming from a place of understanding and respect when talking about boundaries is important as well. Chances are, your roommate comes from a different town or state, a different living situation and a different lifestyle than you. No matter these differences, everyone deserves to have their boundaries respected.

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

6 | Arts & Life

September 25, 2024

Arts & Life Sweet treat o'clock

Quinnipiac Residential Life hosts 'Make your Second Year at QU Sweet'

By AMANDA MADERA Arts & Life Editor

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

Quinnipiac Residential Life hosted “Make your Second Year at QU sweet” on the Village basketball court. Sophomore students were treated to candy bowls and a dessert bar on Sept. 23, 2024.

Students were in good company with friends while they stayed warm by the fire and roasted marshmallows.

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

The fire blazes as sophomores gather around to keep warm.

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

Students dig in to candy bowls provided by Residential Life.

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

Sophomore students fill the Village basketball courts to pick up sweet treats at "Making your Second Year at QU Sweet" on Sept. 23, 2024.

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

Students roast marshmallows.

Is this the end of reality TV stars?

By CHARLOTTE ROSS Copy Editor

Reality TV has been one of America’s most beloved television genres since the early 2000s.

From raunchy romance shows, singing and dancing competitions, to fashion and cooking contests — there is a limitless range of options to binge when you need that distraction from everyday life.

But if there’s one takeaway from reality TV today, it is to remember reality stars only see what you want them to. What happens when the cameras aren’t rolling?

Some of the most prominent reality TV stars of the last decade have gained media attention with their publicity, shows and even books.

Abby Lee Miller, the eccentric dance instructor and owner of the Abby Lee Dance Company, caught major media attention in the early 2010s with the popularity of the show “Dance Moms.”

Joe Exotic, the “Tiger King,” rose to fame during the pandemic as a nationwide obsession following the operation of his exotic animal park in Oklahoma.

Amy Slaton, a southern YouTuber, became popular for her dramatic body and lifestyle transformation in the TLC hit series “1000 Pound Sisters.”

What do all these stars have in common?

Following their short-lived fame, each descended into estranged behaviors — and even jail time.

Miller served eight months in prison from

2017 to 2018 for concealing assets from the bankruptcy court and failing to report an international currency transaction, according to the Department of Justice.

Exotic was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his involvement in a 2017 murder-forhire scheme against his competitor, animal rights activist Carole Baskin.

Slaton, perhaps the strangest and most unexpected story of them all, was arrested on Sept. 2, 2024 at a drive-through zoo in Tennessee for drug possession and child endangerment.

Police were called to the scene because Slaton claimed she had been bitten by a camel, which the owner later denied.

Now, I certainly don’t think we should idolize stars like Exotic, Miller and Slaton by any means, but with all the recent headlines coming out, I think we are allowed to laugh at them.

I mean it’s pretty hard to see “bitten by a camel” and not want to read.

It isn’t clear what happened to send each socalled “star” off the edge following the fall of their shows, but it is obvious they each somehow continue to hold a loyal fanbase.

Under one of Miller’s recent Instagram posts, where she reunited with another cast member from "Dance Moms,” the comment section was full of praise, calling her a “legend,” “iconic” and even asking for another season.

Even Exotic has a trending tag that appears in the comments of all of his Instagram posts,

GAGE SKIDMORE/FLICKR/JUSTIN WAITS/FLICKR/PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL

#freejoeexotic, with 34.5k posts under it.

To their fans, the stars’ negative actions don’t even seem to matter. The fact that they each continue to hold on to their thousands of followers while serving a prison sentence shows this to be true.

The reason why fans choose to support stars even in their dark moments might just be a matter of opinion, but it can also be the fact that people are intrigued by “acting out of the box” and characters who defy societal norms.

Reality TV is set to “mirror” reality in certain ways but instead seems to provide us more with a

glimpse into a day-to-day life that is very different from our own, which is entertaining.

Each of the characters, Exotic, Miller and Slaton, live interesting and quite peculiar roles, ones that their audiences, regular working-class people, certainly can’t relate to. Stories of an exotic animal park and a drastic weight loss journey are so entertaining because they aren’t normal stories we hear daily.

Whether you support them or not, it is obvious that people will always love the exciting drama, and it seems that while it's popular, reality stars might have the spotlight for a little longer.

September 25, 2024

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

Arts & Life | 7

Post Malone got a 'thang' for the 'Finer Things' in 'F-1 Trillion' concert

By RYAN JOHANSON Associate Sports Editor

When I took the 40-minute drive up to the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, I didn’t quite know what to expect from Post Malone — my most listened-to artist — seeing him live for the first time.

In 2022 alone, I listened to 5,166 minutes of his music, reaching the top 0.05% of listeners and was in the top 1% in 2021 and those minutes were all worth it.

This was my second ever concert — not counting Quinipiac’s annual Wake the Giant concert — but it's something everyone should experience.

The best thing about the F-1 Trillion tour is the mix of his old music from “Stoney,” “beerbongs & bentleys,” “Hollywood's Bleeding” and his newest album “F-1 Trillion.”

It wasn’t every track from the “F-1 Trillion,” which would’ve been great as I like the whole album, it was a well-balanced mix.

Fourteen of the 27 songs on “F-1 Trillion: Long Bed” and 11 hits from his earlier albums were performed. For somebody who has never seen him live before on any of his six tours, the addition of the older hits was a vital point in the experience.

Malone opened the concert with “Wrong Ones” and “Finer Things” from “F-1 Trillion” and it was the perfect start as the songs have catchy instrumentals starting the

night on a bang. He then dove into “Circles” and “Chemical” as the first songs outside of the new album.

These aren’t the only songs from previous albums that stood out to me.

“Better Now,” “Rockstar” and “Psycho” were my favorite of his older hits because of the way that the lights and the pyrotechnics made the whole crowd sing and dance to every word.

Now what about the songs from “F-1 Trillion.”

“M-E-X-I-C-O” stood out from the rest because of its music and Malone’s personality. Unlike the hit song “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan, Malone doesn’t have a hit dance for his song — at least not yet — he did his own rendition when the song spells out Mexico. This part, along with the banjos, fiddles and drum pattern gives the song a tune that makes everyone want to stop their feet while allowing Malone to be himself.

The two songs I was most excited to hear were not on the new albums but were the most viral ones on social media, “Stay” and “I Fall Apart.”

"Stay” is one of his slower songs and Malone pulled a fan, Sarah, on stage to play the guitar. This part had everyone getting behind them while they performed it.

“I Fall Apart” became viral for a different

reason, this is the one song where he shares his raw emotion, making you relate to the song even though you may not.

The one part of the set list that made me question the setup was when Malone played “Yours” before transitioning to “White Iverson.” “Yours” was inspired by Malone’s two-year-old daughter about the bittersweet thought as a father of her future wedding day. While a great song that has a strong message, playing it before “White Iverson,” one of his most famous songs, was an interesting decision changing the mood a full 180.

Aside from that, the concert was a blast, not just with the music but also his personality. Whether it’s him dancing to his own instrumentals, saying “cheers motherfuckers” between each song or “dying” during the end of one of his songs, his personality radiated every time you looked on the stage.

Having seen AJR at Madison Square Garden and this Post Malone concert, both of these have the technical elements that made the concert magical. One aspect of the concert that stood out was the production quality, especially the lighting, visual effects and the use of fire at the beat drops.

At certain points, they synced perfectly with the mood of the music, heightening the

intensity of tracks like “I Fall Apart,” “M-EX-I-C-O” and “Better Now.” While Post Malone’s theatrics and music may not be for everyone, he is someone that everybody should see in concert because of his goofy personality and energetic songs.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY RYAN JOHANSON

Associate Sports Editor Ryan Johanson attends Post Malone Concert.

From vlogs to virality: How YouTube shaped a generation and transformed digital content

By GINA LORUSSO

Associate Arts & Life Editor

Every day after school, I’d rush home and dive straight into YouTube, where a fresh lineup of new videos from my favorite creators awaited me. These uploads weren’t just entertainment — they shaped my childhood.

The rise of YouTube in the 2010s was a transformative era for digital content creation. It became the go-to platform for long-form content, paving the way for a new generation of vloggers, influencers and niche creators. Beauty tutorials, gaming videos, reaction content and daily vlogs thrived during this era, creating fan bases that followed creators’ every move.

In the 2010s, vlogging became a cornerstone of YouTube culture. Among my favorites, personalities like Logan and Jake Paul, David Dobrik and Lance Stewart were inviting viewers into their daily lives through energetic, often controversial, content. From the cinnamon challenge to the world's hottest pepper challenge, these creators gave us a front-row seat to outrageous stunts, fueling their popularity and recklessness.

On the flip side, DIY channels flourished, with creators like LaurDIY and Bethany Mota inspiring audiences to get crafty with home projects and personalized fashion ideas. Additionally, makeup tutorials reached new heights of popularity, led by bold personalities like Jeffree Star and NikkieTutorials, who transformed beauty into both an art form and a lucrative industry.

YouTube was a playful and less polished platform where anyone could gain a following, laying the groundwork for the influencers we see today.

As time passed and attention spans shortened, the rise of new apps pushed YouTube aside.

In 2018, TikTok merged with Musical.ly and officially landed in the U.S., becoming the most downloaded app in the country, according to The New York Times. This marked the breakout of short-form content, evolving beyond lip-syncing and dance videos.

At the end of the decade, TikTok was becoming the most used platform among teens and young adults.

In 2022, TikTok beat YouTube in user time spent. Adults in the U.S. spent an average of 45.8 minutes per day on TikTok beating YouTube at an average of 45.6 minutes per day, according to Emarketer. While it’s a small difference, it shows just how quickly TikTok was able to take over a platform that has been established since 2005.

Short-form videos capture and retain viewer interest because they allow viewers to absorb and share the content quicker, according to Don Dodds, a member of the Forbes Agency Council.

He further explains that companies are making a shift to incorporate s h o r t - form c o n t e n t

because it allows them to connect with their audience more directly.

The demands for fast-paced, highly engaging material have fostered a culture where trends change in the blink of an eye, forcing influencers to participate to stay relevant.

In the age of YouTube, creators had the flexibility to take their time developing content, prioritizing quality over chasing quick success. Rather than focusing on instant virality, they built consistent and loyal fan bases that were invested in their personalities and narratives.

Creativity on YouTube emphasized personal style and originality, allowing creators to explore their passions without feeling pressured by the fast pace of meaningless trends or the need to condense everything into shorter videos.

The dominance of short-form videos will most likely persist — but who knows?

As the novelty of short-form wears off, audiences might start seeking more substance and storytelling that simply can’t be captured in a few seconds.

TikTok has already made moves to account for this, trading the 60-second limit for 10-minutelong videos. This update, however, raised concerns

ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL

ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL

among creators.

In an article by CNN, creators commented on how long-form videos are changing the app’s dynamic. Aly Tabizon, known as @ alyyytabizon on TikTok, voiced her concerns about how this new feature might affect engagement with her audience.

“I’m really scared because I watch hundreds of videos on YouTube of people who work on TikTok and post about the new algorithms, I try to stay up to date with everything, and from what I’ve learned … the attention span of today’s generation is around eight to 10 seconds,” Tabizon said. “Even myself, when I see a minute-long video, if it’s not someone I have followed for a while, I’ll probably scroll past it.”

The future of content creation remains uncertain.

Whether short-form videos will continue to dominate or more immersive videos will emerge again, creators must continually adapt to the changing landscape of social media.

Many creators from the 2010s have fallen off due to this shift in content preference. However, for people like me, there’s always a soft spot for daily vlogs and the dangerously funny challenges that once ruled the internet. These videos hold a charm that newer, highly curated content can’t quite replace.

YouTube laid the groundwork for usergenerated content and viral video culture. The platform allowed ordinary people to become creators and set the stage for TikTok’s legacy, introducing a new way for people to have a shot at fame.

No matter where trends take us, the heart of content creation will always lie in the connection between creators and their audience, even if it means stepping aside while new formats take the spotlight.

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

8 | Arts & Life

September 25, 2024

From music mogul to alleged crime boss The downfall of 90s Hollywood hip-hop icon P. Diddy

By GRACE CONNEELY-NOLAN Associate Arts & Life Editor

For the first time in 20 years, rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is making headlines, facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

The 54-year-old went to jail on Sept. 17, and is awaiting a trial in a federal sex-trafficking case that accuses him of inducing female victims and male sex workers into drugged sexual performances dubbed “Freak Offs.”

The founder and CEO of Bad Boy Records and Entertainment, Combs is accused of enlisting his personal assistants, security and home staff to help hide it all. As well as alleged acts of violence to keep victims quiet.

Combs staff reportedly facilitated these “Freak Offs” by supplying victims with IV fluids to help them recover from exhaustion and immense drug intake.

Diddy’s mansions in Miami and Los Angeles were searched earlier this year on March 25, according to AP News. Law enforcement seized narcotics, videos of the performances and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.

Yes, you read that right — over 1,000 bottles.

Along with the excessive amounts of lubrication, federals seized firearms and ammunition, three AR-15s with defaced serial numbers were found in his bedroom closet in Miami.

These disturbing lists of allegations date back to the 90s. The mounting list of civil lawsuits alleging abuse and sexual assault spans over 30 years.

Combs’ reputation first took a hit when he was arrested following a nightclub shooting in 1999.

He was found not guilty but decided to rebrand himself, changing his rap name from “Puff

Daddy” to “P. Diddy” in 2001.

In 2006, pop singer Cassie Ventura was finishing her self-titled debut album “Cassie” as she became Comb’s protege and romantic partner. When the two met, she was 19 and Combs was 37.

Ventura was heading for fame, but her sophomore album never materialized. She eventually disappeared into Combs's world until ending the relationship in 2018 when she sued Combs. Ventura accused him of more than a decade of physical abuse, sex trafficking and rape.

The Washington Post reports this suit was filed under the state’s Adult Survivor Act, allowing victims of abuse to sue beyond the statute of limitations within a limited window.

But this case was settled overnight. Combs denied all accusations and was filed without an admission of wrongdoing.

However, in May 2024, CNN released hotel surveillance videos from March 5, 2016, that explicitly show Combs shoving, pushing and kicking Ventura, according to her complaint in 2018, which occurred at the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

In response to the release of these videos, Combs made a video statement on Instagram apologizing for his actions.

“I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” Combs said.

Ventura reached an undisclosed settlement based on their “mutual satisfaction” with Combs in November 2023.

Since Ventura’s case, 10 lawsuits have been filed against Combs. Abusing those beneath him, wielding his power, prestige and reputation.

Currently, Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, housed in the jail’s Special Housing Unit, separated from the

general population.

Two judges have denied Combs' requests to be released from custody on a $50 million bond due to the risk of witness tampering and obstruction, according to USA Today.

Combs has pleaded not guilty on all charges.

His lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, calls this indictment an “unjust prosecution.” He acknowledged that Combs had been affected by past toxic relationships and was using drugs to cope, but is now in treatment and therapy.

Agnifilio, believe it or not, has tried to argue that the sexual videos, the “Freak Offs,” were not coercive but expansions of sexual relationships.

“Is it sex trafficking? Not if everybody wants to be there,” Agnifilo argued.

In terms of jail time, a conviction on every charge would require at least 15 years and the possibility of a life sentence.

Combs’ arrest is just another example of abusive power dynamics in the music industry.

A man with power, money and influence who manipulates and uses anyone he wants.

What's even scarier is that these allegations are not just about Combs engaging in an illegal activity but being part of a much larger enterprise — there are more names at play here that we don’t know of.

These charges and allegations are part of Combs' downfall and will likely be what he is remembered for, tarnishing his legacy.

Artists are already distancing themselves from him and his reputation. Athletes Lebron James, Patrick Mahomes and Steph Curry have publicly distanced themselves from Combs, deleting old tweets and unfollowing him on social media.

Pop star Kesha announced a permanent change to her lyrics in her famous song “Tik Tok” from “Wake up in the mornin’ feeling like P.

HOTSPOTATL/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Sean "Diddy" Combs could serve at least 15 years in prison if convicted on every charge.

Diddy” to “fuck P. Diddy.”

Howard University has cut ties with him, rescinding his honorary degree and disbanding a scholarship in his name. In June of the same month, Combs honored a request from New York Mayor Eric Adams and returned his key to the city.

When it comes to separating artists from music in the industry, there have been plenty of gray areas in the approach of “canceled” artists.

But in this case, there is no question.

You can’t separate the music from the person.

His lyrics and songs can't be listened to the same way. The meaning of his music is entirely changed — Combs is forever disreputable.

Shine bright on Garba night

By AMANDA MADERA Arts & Life Editor

Garba night filled the Mt. Carmel Campus Burt Kahn Court with color as attendees danced and celebrated the festival of Navratri. Navratri is celebrated over nine days and nights in honor of the goddess of Durga.

The South Asian Society hosted on Sept. 22, 2024, and provided several traditional meals including samosas, Pav bhaji, Papdi No Lot and Gulab Jamun.

ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE

Guests commemorated the festival of Navratri.

ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE

Garba is a traditional Indian dance that combines ritual, devotion and community celebration.

Attendees filled Burt Kahn Court on Sept. 22, 2024.

ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE

ALAN MCNEELY/CHRONICLE

Participants were able to enjoy traditional food catered by the South Asian Society.

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 25, 2024

Arts & Life | 9

'Uglies' isn’t exactly pretty

Netflix’s attempt at bringing back the dystopian genre failed

By ALEXANDRA MARTINAKOVA Editor-in-Chief

I see the vision. I don’t like the execution.

Those were my first thoughts after finishing the Netflix original movie “Uglies.”

Listen, the movie started making so much more sense once I found out that it’s based on a 2005 YA Dystopian novel of the same name

by Scott Westerfield. Because that was the feeling I was getting while watching it, as if it was a piss poor attempt at the good old tried-out dystopian genre.

The reason I say I could see the vision, is because the premise isn’t terrible. I’ll even go on a limb and say that if this movie were released alongside the genre classics, like “Divergent” or “Maze Runner,” it would’ve been enjoyable.

Alas, it was released almost two weeks ago, and that was way too late for this movie.

“Uglies” stars Joey King as Tally, a 16-yearold girl in a world where everyone undergoes a surgery at that age that turns them into Pretties, or the most perfect, skinny, symmetrical versions of themselves.

It’s a commentary on society's pressures on young teenagers and how one loses their individual differences under said pressures, but it would land a lot harder if the whole transformation didn’t look like the TikTok “bold glam” filter.

And not a very good one at that. Peris (Chase Stokes) — Tally’s childhood friend who undergoes surgery before her and gets turned into essentially a supersoldier — is like the Wish version of Ken and there was something extremely unsettling about him.

The movie storyline follows Tally, and her

journey of wanting to be a Pretty above everything else to realizing the brainwashing she and all the other kids undergo and turning on Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox) by joining the rebellion. Your average dystopian plot.

Except it felt incredibly rushed.

For comparison, “Divergent” 's first movie’s runtime was 2 hours and 19 minutes. “Hunger Games” was 2 hours and 22 minutes long.

“Uglies” is only an hour and 40 minutes.

That’s not nearly enough time to explain the movie’s world and develop an interesting plot.

If the ending is any indicator, there will be a sequel in the works, but I just don’t care enough to watch it.

There is no lasting emotional attachment I have to any of the characters after watching it, or their world in general. We get told that it’s a post-apocalyptic world, and that the flower that they created as the best renewable source — yes you read that right, a flower — is actually toxic and they need to destroy it, but the movie never explains what their goals with the flower are.

It explains why the surgeries turn the “Uglies” to “Pretties” are bad, but these two major plot points never seem to blend together — if the flower was never mentioned I don’t think the plot would’ve changed at all.

Back to the characters though, the only one I cared about for long enough to feel sorry for her ending was Shay (Brianne Tju) and that’s saying a lot, considering I didn’t really care about this side character either.

I don’t know whether to credit the short run-time that didn’t give enough space for any development or the acting, but all of the other

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

characters were bland.

Cox’s Dr. Cable lacked that something that made the original dystopian villains. She had the arrogance and the posture, though, I’ll give her that.

And while I don’t necessarily think King is a bad actress, her talents don’t lie in teenage roles, especially not the ‘hero’ roles.

One, she had no chemistry with Stokes, even though Peris clearly had feelings for Tally, which rendered the final scene between them absolutely unimpactful. Two, she didn’t have any chemistry with Keith Powers who plays David, the rebellion’s young leader, but I credit this to the writers showing us three scenes between the

characters, making them kiss and calling it a day.

Really, like writers, what?

The most frustrating part about this is that this could’ve been a good movie. I’ve never read the book, but the premise isn’t terrible. If they built up the world more, made a few different casting choices and extended the time, this could’ve been enjoyable to watch.

But it wasn’t. I used to live on dystopian books and movies, and this felt like an insult to the classics. And probably an insult to the original book, but who knows.

Do I wish this genre would come back?

Absolutely.

Was this movie a good start? Absolutely not.

'Dancing with the Stars' features familiar faces

By NEVE WILSON Contributing Writer

“Dancing with the Stars” premiered its 33rd season on ABC Sept. 17, kicking off another season of placing celebrities out of their comfort zones and seeing who can rise to the occasion of becoming a dancer —and who falls short.

What I love about the show is that there is always someone to root for, whether it’s a professional athlete, influencer, actor or in a bizarre spin this season, a convicted felon. Viewers feel they have a personal stake in the outcome, as the winner is determined by a combination of the judge’s scores and live voting.

Thirteen pairs of celebrities and professional dancers are competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named after the long-time host and prominent figure in the dancing world, who passed away in April 2023.

Perhaps the most unexpected member cast this season was convicted felon Anna Delvey, who performed her dance wearing a bedazzled ankle monitor. Delvey was convicted on eight counts of theft in 2019 while pretending to be a German heiress. During an interview in the episode Delvey said that she believes this is an opportunity to change people’s opinions on her.

This is her partner Ezra Sosa’s first season as one of the dance pros and it seems he is having to work extra to motivate her. “I feel happy that I don’t have to do this dance again,” Sosa told host Julianne Hough after receiving their combined score of 18, tying them for eighth.

I believe she will be an early elimination because what she lacks in dancing ability she

likely won’t make up for with viewer votes.

Increasingly more celebrities and dance pros are using social media to advertise the show and encourage people to vote for them.

This is a great opportunity for fans to get extra content in between the weekly episodes, and to get more of a behind the scenes look at filming.

One of the contestants who frequently posts Tiktoks in between rehearsals is Ilona Maher, Quinnipiac University alum and Olympic medalist. She often ropes her fellow competitors into filming lip syncs and skits.

Despite Maher’s outgoing personality that she regularly showcases to her 2.4 million fans on Tiktok, she appeared nervous during her dance, more so than fans or judges expected.

Dancing with professional partner Alan Bersten, the pair scored 18 out of 30 on their chacha to Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” tying for eighth out of 13.

I too, was disappointed in Maher’s lack of energy but it is important to give her the benefit of doubt as she tries a new sport. One of the hallmarks

of “Dancing with the Stars,” is its ability to put transform celebrities into dancers.

Also competing on the show from the 2024 Paris Olympics is Stephen Nedoroscik. He captured America’s hearts competing in the Pommel Horse to win an individual bronze medal and clinch the all-around bronze medal for U.S. men’s gymnastics.

He is partnered with 19-year-old Rylee Arnold, who debuted last season as a pro, making her the youngest professional this season. In the world of dance youth can be an advantage, and Rylee showed this by choreographing a fast-paced jive to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” which ended with each of them in splits.

Each of the three professional dancers turned judges — Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Anne Inaba — were feeling the energy and awarded them sevens, tying them for third place with a score of 21.

The oldest competitor this season is actor Reginald VelJohnson, 72, who is famous for portraying the

ILLUSTRATION BY KATERINA PARIZKOVA

main character on the sitcom “Family Matters,” for nine seasons. VelJohnson’s age was also showing, and not in a good way, as he pretty much stood in the same spot the entire time while partner Emma Slater danced around him.

“That was the most compact salsa I’ve ever seen,” joked Derek Hough afterward. He awarded the pair a five out of 10 on the dance, as did Tonioli. Inaba, who is sometimes known for being more sympathetic than her fellow judges, gave them a six, making their combined score 16.

Ending the night at the top of the leaderboard was actor Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong. Their tango — an ambitious first dance due to its highly detailed nature — to a slowed rendition of Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO,” had Tonioli ripping his suit jacket off and telling her it was one of the best tangos he has seen on the show.

Kinney mentions dance being her “first love” as a child before acting, and although this is her first time trying ballroom dancing it appears she may already have a leg up on the competition, earning 23 points on her first performance.

Other celebrity competitors this season include two of ABC’s “The Bachelor” alums, Joey Graziadei and Jenn Trann; former professional athletes Danny Amendola and Dwight Howard; actors Eric Roberts and Tori Spelling; reality TV star Phaedra Parks; and model Brooks Nader.

While none of the celebrities were eliminated this round, the next episode airing Sept. 24 is set to feature a double elimination.

10 | Sports

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

September 25, 2024

Women’s ice hockey looking to restake its claim among nation’s best

By COLIN KENNEDY Managing Editor

Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey was teetering on the edge of becoming a perennial powerhouse.

Two straight appearances in the NCAA Regional Finals in 2022 and 2023 made it seem like the Bobcats were primed to break through — last year’s team was set up to do it.

With a core made up of a sixth-year goaltender, five other graduate students and up-and-coming young talent — it was supposed to be the year to finally get over that hump.

But it wasn’t, falling short in the second round of the ECAC Hockey tournament against Cornell and missing out on a NCAA tournament berth.

And now Quinnipiac is standing smackdab in a fork in the road of its program.

Was its two-straight trips to the NCAA tournament just a good stretch, or will the 2023-24 season be just a blip in a future of success for women’s ice hockey?

The 2024-25 Bobcats have a chance to swing the pendulum back to the other side, returning to the NCAA tournament and staking their claim among the country’s best.

But it’s not going to be easy. After losing 13 players from last year’s squad, head coach Cass Turner and her staff had to dive into the transfer portal and bring in a mix of veterans as well as freshmen that could fill the gaps.

“It’s been a process,” junior forward Emerson Jarvis said. “At the end of last year it was a small group of girls, but I

think we got really close from that. We have the ability to make something new this year with so many new people.”

No loss being bigger than that of goaltender Logan Angers, who was in the program for six years and suited up in 99 games between the pipes.

“Logan was awesome,” graduate student defender Kendall Cooper said. “She’s going to do great things in the PWHL.” Coming in to try and replace Angers is graduate student Kaley Doyle. The transfer goaltender is coming to Hamden following four years at Brown where she posted a career 2.30 goals against average and a .926 save percentage.

“Logan of course is like the brick wall and just so reliable,” Jarvis said. “But we all feel the same way, of all the goalies we have, they’re doing amazing, and, we have full confidence in their talent and ability and all working hard, pushing each other, and I think it’s a really good goaltending core.”

Despite Quinnipiac losing a good amount of its production from last year, it still returns a talented group of players ready to slide into that leadership role.

“The culture that we have here, it’s really easy to be a leader,” Cooper said.

“Even if you don’t have a letter, you’re still a leader in your own way.”

Cooper will be wearing the stitched “C” on her jersey this year, following up Kate Reilly and Sadie Peart who were captains last season.

“I’m really grateful to be in this position

… sounds cheesy but I wouldn’t be able to do it without my teammates and the people around me,” Cooper said. “I’ve been trying to step into being more vocal as a captain, and growing as a leader every day.”

The Bobcats return some valuable members in the goal-scoring department as well in sophomore forward Kahlen Lamarche, Jarvis and Cooper. The captain led all defenders on last years’ teams with 11 goals. “(Jarvis) has been speeding around out there,” Cooper said. “She’s always had speed, but she looks a lot more confident with the puck.”

Jarvis’ performance during the Bobcats 2-1 overtime exhibition loss to UConn on Sept. 21, where she scored the team’s lone goal, may be a sign of things to come for the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, native.

“I’d say (I’m) a lot more comfortable,” Jarvis said. “When you get to a new spot, it can be a bit nerve racking, but another year older, another year in the league, I’m feeling more confident.”

Quinnipiac also has eight new freshmen on the squad. While they may not be game breakers right away, that doesn’t mean they won’t be impactful on the ice.

“I’ll shout out my Alberta girl, (freshman defender) Makayla Watson, from my province,” Jarvis said. “It’s been nice to have her around, she’s been awesome.”

Another key freshman for the future of the Bobcats will be goaltender Felicia Frank. While she’ll more than likely be watching behind Doyle for the season,

As of Sept. 16, Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey is ranked No. 10 via this year’s first USCHO preseason poll.

Frank was named the best goaltender of the 2023 U18 World Championships. The Falkoping, Sweden, native will be a name to watch going forward.

Looking ahead to Quinnipiac’s competition, it doesn’t help that it plays in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. The Bobcats came in at No. 10 in the first USCHO preseason poll, behind fellow ECAC members No. 4 Clarkson, No. 5 Colgate, No. 6 Cornell and No. 8 St. Lawrence.

There’s not many breaks in a schedule like that.

“Everyone’s trying to win a national championship at the end of the day, but it’s a big process in getting there,” Jarvis said.

It’s too early to tell how Quinnipiac will fare against the best the country has to offer, let alone the conference. That said, the team has plenty of talent and Turner’s track record has proven that these Bobcats will compete with anyone.

“Ideally it would be to win the ECAC championship, go to the Frozen Four, win a national championship,” Cooper said.

“Those are obviously end goals that every team has. If you don’t, then you’re not really playing for the right reasons.”

How far do they go? That’s up to them.

“I think we might surprise people, it’s a really good group, and I’m excited to see what we do,” Jarvis said.

Quinnipiac kicks off the regular season on the road against Maine on Sept. 27, and it opens up its home campaign on Oct. 8 against Providence.

AIDAN SHEEDY/CHRONICLE

September 25, 2024

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

11 | Sports

COURTESY OF QUINNIPIAC ATHLETICS/PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY TRIPP MENHALL

Dave Clarke’s legacy goes beyond women’s soccer

By AMANDA DRONZEK Sports Editor

Two young girls shuffle single-file into the stands of Quinnipiac’s soccer and lacrosse field. It’s located by the North student parking lot. The athletes play on natural grass.

The girls’ mother is right behind them with two baby carriers to hold the twins.

She sits down with her four children and watches her husband coach soccer.

His kids never know anything else.

One day they’re not all sitting on the bleachers watching Dad. His older daughters graduated university, his twin son and daughter are college juniors.

Quinnipiac since rennovated its soccer and lacrosse field. The tennis courts are located next to North Lot now. And the coach’s wife still watches his matches, now on the new turf.

Their house is quiet. But head over to Quinnipiac and the noise never stops.

“I actually got the job the day before I got married,” women’s soccer head coach Dave Clarke said. “And then Maire was born in the second season. They’ve all grown up here.”

Dave and his wife Kelly’s eldest daughter Maire graduated in 2021, his middle daughter Aine earned her degree last spring and now his youngest — juniors Bridget and Kevin round out the Clarke legacy in Hamden.

“I think the first photograph that we have that’s not a family photograph Jack McDonald (former Quinnipiac director of athletics) took of the game of Bridget and Kevin together as babies,” Dave said.

It’s not unusual for children to attend the same school that their parents work at. But all four? A nearly 25 year legacy?

That’s something rare.

“I always joke about how Quinnipiac is like my second home,” Bridget said.

“I’ve been coming to soccer games, hockey games, pretty much any sporting events, since as long as I can remember.”

Lucky for Bridget, she doesn’t have to attend those games anymore. The lacrosse goalkeeper gets to suit up for the Bobcats and play in them, alongside soccer midfielder Kevin who dawns the blue and white for men’s soccer.

“Coming here was never an issue for me,” Kevin said. “I feel like a lot of people go to college and they’re nervous, they’re away from home, they feel like they miss it. But my dad’s here every day, and then I

see my sister every day.”

Navigating life outside the nest isn’t easy, and it’s certainly a tall task when your father is a full-time college coach. But the Clarke’s aren’t concerned about their kids coming home for Christmas or calling during the day. There’s no need to be when they can just knock on his office door.

“Not many parents get to bring their kids to work and be in that environment with them,” Dave said.

That environment extends throughout all of his kids. Maire roomed with former women’s soccer star Selena Salas ‘21, Aine is the team’s current team manager — “like the kid out of “Remember The Titans”” as Dave put it.

Quinnipiac’s soccer and lacrosse field was renovated in 2017.

TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE

Life has always been this way for their family — being swept away and diving right into Quinnipiac’s world. Dave had to learn to walk when he first started. In a literal sense, his kids probably did too.

“I remember losing a bad game, and one of the players early on figured that if they brought the girls (Maire and Aine) over, that I couldn’t get mad when they were around,” Dave said.

It’s hard to coach a Division I team, plain and simple. The season doesn’t just stop for you to take time and actively raise your kids and bring them to their own games and practices.

But Dave gets to be there, alongside his wife Kelly.

“I love when my family comes to watch, and they’re always supporting,” Kevin said.

“I try to get to as many as my sister’s games and support, I know how important that feels and just having people behind you.”

When Kevin’s at practice, Dave sits in the booth. Then he goes down and coaches his own team. And when it’s time to leave for the afternoon, Bridget comes along with the lacrosse team.

“It can never be taken away from them that they’re Division I athletes, and it’s had nothing to do with me,” Dave said. “So it’s all their own hard work.”

Funny, it was just yesterday that they were sitting in the stands with Kelly — huddled next to Maire and Aine when it got chilly.

That’s just life. It’s swift and it’s fleeting and family means something. Everyone wants to feel at home with the people they love.

What’s the problem with that home being Quinnipiac?

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

12 | Sports

September 25, 2024

Field hockey plagued by inconsistencies

Sports @QUCHRONSPORTS

By TYLER PLATZ Staff Writer

Sports isn’t everything

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

Men’s soccer supports injured teammate with custom t-shirts

By AMANDA DRONZEK Sports Editor

When men’s soccer junior goaltender Nickolas Cardona suited up for a preseason scrimmage, the last thing he imagined was the bookends closing prematurely.

But unfortunately for Cardona, a season-ending injury brought him to the last page before even flipping to chapter one.

There was really only one word to describe that moment.

Fear.

It rang through the crowd, coaches and players alike. There was nothing anyone could do but cradle that sinking feeling in their stomach, flush swarming their faces.

Because in times of uncertainty, in moments that no one is ever prepared for, all anyone can feel is fear.

“It’s scary,” junior netminder Karl Netzell said. “All the goalkeepers are really close to each other, and we also knew that could have been us because we play that position.”

It’s cliche, but Vin Diesel’s character, Dom Toretto, from the “Fast and Furious” franchise captured it perfectly: “There’s nothing stronger than family.”

“Every once in a while, something like this happens and (it) puts a lot of things into perspective and makes you understand what really is important,” head coach Eric Da Costa said. “One of the cornerstones of our program is family. We talk about it all the time. And then when something like this happens and you see that naturally come to fruition, it makes you feel like you’ve done the right thing.”

And the right thing for Quinnipiac to do was rally. Rally around a teammate who’s devoted his college years to the sport, rally around a player who “wouldn’t hurt a fly,” according to Netzel.

It was a no-brainer for the Bobcats to band together and represent their brother. Not just because they’re good human beings, but because they all play on that pitch. They know what it’s like to step onto the field before the first whistle, take in the atmosphere and think, ‘This is what it’s all about.’

Once someone in their family lost that opportunity, Quinnipiac fought to bring at least a sliver of it back.

That translated through its new pregame practice shirts — navy dri-fit tees with dove

white lettering, “WE’RE WITH YOU NICK” on the front. On the back is Cardona’s surname and number, 32.

“We want to show that we’re with him, which is what the shirts say,” Netzell said. “We know that he would have done the same if he was on the other side.”

No one prompted this mini-movement across the team. It wasn’t something to bolster Quinnipiac’s image. It was Cardona’s teammates doing the right thing, and absolutely no one was watching.

“All of our athletic programs are super involved in the community,” Da Costa said. “They do some really great things, some public a lot that are not public, you know, because I think we just do them because we think it’s the right thing to do.”

And it’s not just men’s soccer.

Men’s hockey hung a number 25 jersey on the bench for longtime fan Al Carbone after he lost his battle with cancer.

In collaboration with team IMPACT — an organization that connects children with chronic illnesses and disabilities with college athletics — several teams across Quinnipiac ‘recruit’ young kids to the Division I roster.

The Cardona shirts aren’t revolutionary, bringing kids on the turf before a game isn’t something

transformative. Many universities do the same.

But these acts of kindness remind people of family values, the idea that no matter what happens in life, you’re not alone. And sports isn’t everything, even when we want it to be.

“It reaffirms your culture,” Da Costa said.

“You know, it’s something that obviously you don’t want to have to experience, but when you do it checks your character, and it checks your team, your program and you as an individual.”

So where does Quinnipiac go from here?

Well, it’s 2-3-1 as of Sept. 23. Then again, that’s not the point. The remaining fall slate could go in either direction for the Bobcats. But at least they have the privilege to touch the ball another day.

Cardona only had one option. Quinnipiac might as well make the season count — maybe not for itself, but for a larger cause.

“You know, there’s some days that we don’t like each other,” Da Costa said. “There’s some days that we get after it, but we tell them … you don’t always like each other, but you do love each other.”

And for anyone with a heart, love seems to have a winning record. *To abide by FERPA, Cardona’s injury cannot be disclosed

TYLER RINKO/CHRONICLE

Freshman midfielder Sivert Ryssdalsnes warms up in the Cardona practice t-shirt before a game against Columbia on Aug. 30.

Head coach Nina Klein consistently stresses defense in post-game interviews. Yes, as the cliche goes, defense can win championships, but it can also earn Big East Tournament berths — a goal Quinnipiac field hockey has pursued since joining the conference in 2016.

“We’ve had a couple of press conferences, but it’s really just cleaning up our defensive side,” Klein said after a Sept. 15 7-1 win over Merrimack. “I want shutouts. I want to make sure that we’re doing a good job above the 25 (yard line) to organize and not let teams just kind of hit it in and get deflections or allow some of those, you know, softer, weaker goals.”

Building on last season’s near-miss for a Big East Tournament nod — where the team fell to Temple in overtime — maintaining strong defensive play is a must for Quinnipiac this year.

For the most part, that focus has been present.

Three of Quinnipiac’s six losses have been decided by a single goal, and another was a 2-0 loss to Providence on Sept. 20, with the second goal coming in the final minute. A key for Quinnipiac in these close games has been the team’s fitness and the ability to compete with teams until the final whistle, a point of emphasis from Klein.

“We are one of the fittest teams in the conference right now,” said Klein. “I would say fittest non-conference as well.”

The importance of fitness traces back to training over the summer, when the players received Garmin fitness watches to track their workouts while preparing for the upcoming season. With a young coach and seven new players on the roster, Quinnipiac needs to control what it can control, one of which is conditioning.

“To show up to training camp fitter than we’ve ever been before has been really great, and it just allows us to be more flexible in our style of play,” Klein said. “I’m glad that we can control that over the season.”

Despite this advantage, shutout losses of 4-0 to the University of New Hampshire and Massachusetts highlight Quinnipiac’s struggle at times to finish and find the back of the net in higher-scoring games.

A glaring statistic for the Bobcats is that they are being outshot 109-143 by their opponents this season. While Quinnipiac has consistently applied pressure in front of opposing nets, increasing shot attempts instead of relying primarily on penalty corner opportunities will serve this team well if it hopes to contend for a tournament berth in October.

At times, the team has put it all together, playing great games on both sides of the ball, most notably in the 7-1 win over Merrimack where freshman defender Francisca Eschoyez showcased her skills by scoring four goals in a dominant performance on both sides of the field for the Bobcats.

“It feels really good,” Eschoyez said after the win. “Thanks to the team we had (penalty) corners, and it was fun.”

Consistently achieving such performances needs to become the norm as the season continues. It’s difficult to identify one area for the Bobcats to prioritize. Under Klein’s guidance — a former goalie with a defensive mindset — the team must find a way to balance its approach. Maintaining solid defense while generating offensive pressure is crucial for a team looking to find its rhythm right now.

Klein has been pushing for her team to go on a winning streak, recalling how they sniffed a conference appearance last season after starting 4-4 through the first eight games. Currently sitting at 2-6, the Bobcats have their work cut out for them.

“It’s really just remaining steadfast at that goal, but recognizing that on a daily basis, we need to be doing the right things,” Klein said.