Sept. 25, 2019

THE TIMES-DELPHIC The weekly student newspaper of Drake University Vol. 139 | No. 5 | Sept. 25, 2019

FEATURES

SPORTS

OPINIONS

The Road to 2020: Where does it start? Discover how Drake University and its students are a key piece in the political scene.

Read more on page 3

The Drake Women’s Tennis Team is off to a solid start; the team had a strong showing at the 2019 Gopher Invitational.

Read more on page 6

Popular indie band the Lumineers recently released their third album.

Read one listener’s take on the band’s newest music.

Read more on page 7

timesdelphic.com

Cowles Library exhibit spotlights detective Sherlock Holmes Cameron Bolton Staff Writer cameron.bolton@drake.edu

From Sept. 1 until Dec. 6, Cowles Library will have an ongoing display that features Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

The pieces were donated to the exhibit by former Dean of Cowles Library Rod Henshaw.

Henshaw started reading Sherlock stories when he was young and has collected Sherlock Holmes memorabilia for many years including books, magazines, artifacts and posters. Henshaw has also been active in Sherlock Holmes fan clubs and societies.

“So I collected all these things through the years and several years ago I just got to a point where I didn’t have any more room for them,” Henshaw said. “I wanted to make a gift of a pretty big chunk of my collection to our library. So, it’s housed in the library archives special collections.”

The reason Henshaw did the exhibit this year is that he is co-teaching a first-year seminar on Sherlock Holmes alongside colleague Michael Couvillon from the Department of Education.

Later this semester, Henshaw will be doing a Ray Society lecture on Sherlock Holmes. They both felt this was an excellent time to take some of the items from special collections and put them into an exhibit.

“Rod and Michael both [came to us] because they co-

SHERLOCK LIVES! A display located in Cowles Library features memorabilia from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries. PHOTO BY TINA INTARAPANONT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

teach that class. And [Rod’s] the one that really handled a lot of parts to the collection because it’s his passion. So he had books, and he had film posters,” said Cathy Lincoln, University Archive Associate.

“So I kind of just helped him get things reproduced and printed larger in some cases. And then when everything was ready, Rod put it in the way he really felt it should look. He had kind of a theme to how it should go in, like different parts of Conan Doyle’s writings.”

Lincoln and Political Papers

Archivist and Assistant Professor of Librarianship Hope Grebner Bibens often talk about ideas for exhibits in the library.

They consider things like if there is an anniversary coming up, or if there is something else special happening on campus that could be highlighted.

“Sometimes it’s taking some of our primary resources and highlighting them in some way,” Lincoln said. “And sometimes students who work in the archives or someone from faculty or elsewhere come to them with ideas.”

Henshaw said his favorite Sherlock Holmes story is The Hound of the Baskervilles because it’s one of the cornerstones of English literature. It brings so much together: The characters of Sherlock and Watson, the mysterious countryside of Devonshire, England, the moors and the great legend of the hound, which was an existing legend Conan Doyle had learned about and wove into this story. According to Henshaw, it’s a very compelling, intriguing and very well written story.

“We know that Sherlock Holmes continues to be very popular, and [the exhibit] kind of traces the history and popularity of the character of Sherlock Holmes,” Henshaw said. “The exhibit starts with early images of Sherlock; actors who have portrayed Holmes over the years, from actors in the early part of the 19th century up through Benedict Cumberbatch in the current Sherlock series.

I think the fact of the visual impact of the exhibit is the image and presence of Sherlock Holmes in popular culture.”

Intro to Politics Day: everything to know about politics The Iowa Caucus Project encourages Drake students to get involved Zoe Treibitz Contributing Writer zoe.treibitz@drake.edu

The room was packed the evening of Sept. 17 as the Iowa Caucus Project set up to present a PowerPoint titled: “So You’re in Iowa, Now What?”

With pocket constitutions in one hand and free snacks in the other, students were given a step by step plan for how to get involved in Iowa politics.

“The Iowa Caucus Project is here because we’re trying to prove a point, and that point is that Drake University is the center of the political universe during a presidential election,” said senior staffer Kiley Roach.

She listed the two initiatives of the project to be to engage students and campus and to become a reputable source for on the ground information for Iowa politics.

Tuesday night, however, was all about engagement.

It started with step one: every student getting a voter registration form to fill out then and there.

One of the students of the project would take all the cards to turn in so that individuals wouldn’t have to find their way downtown.

This was just the first indication that this presentation would be less about the politics of the caucus and more about the opportunity they would provide.

Then the presentation began.

Step two: Join some clubs.

The first idea that was pushed was to join groups on campus.

Some of the ones mentioned were, of course, the Democrat and Republican student groups.

Others like the Environmental Action League were referred to because of how involved they too can become in politics at this time of the political cycle.

Step three: Go to campaign events. They told everyone there that there are tons of rallies, house parties, town halls, all of which you could potentially meet political candidates or get close to the action. Plus, they said, people like Drake students and often give them a priority.

Step four: get an internship; it’s as easy as sending an email.

Step five: write and blog; you could get published.

Step six: watch your Drake email; you’ll get lots of opportunities.

Step seven: know your campus resources, including professors and admin with connections.

As each slide went by it, students weren’t learning about Iowa, or Iowa politics, or even much about the caucus itself.

Students were learning that they can be a driving force behind the political climate at the school, in the state, and affect in the county at large.

Savannah Schaefer, a firstyear student from outside of Iowa, shared her biggest takeaway from the event.

“I’m registered to vote now, which I wasn’t in any other state

THE IOWA CAUCUS PROJECT promotes political involvement and awareness to students at Drake.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERY VANDENBERG

which means I’ll actually be able to vote for the first time,” Schaefer said.

She also said she’d definitely be attending political events on campus in the future despite not having any real interest in politics as a health science major.

And the message of the night was just that, step eight: Jump in.

Whoever you are, no matter your major, political leanings, interest in politics, being on campus at this time is full of opportunity. Show up to events

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of anyone you can hear, listen to those with whom you disagree, write and learn, and reflect. Try to take it in as much as you can.

Don’t forget to take pictures, the presenters warned, or no one from home will believe all of this was done in Iowa.

NEWS

SEPT. 25, 2019 | Page 2

NEWS

Crime in Des Moines: an examination of gang activity

The prevalence of gangs in Des Moines and what is being done about it

THE DES MOINES POLICE DEPARTMENT strives to keep crime at bay both in the city at large and around Drake University. The area around the university is often stereotyped as a “bad” area. PHOTO BY TIM DENDY| STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Caleb Lillquist Staff Writer caleb.lillquist@drake.edu

Students at Drake University, especially newcomers, have frequently heard the phrase “Drake is in a bad part of the neighborhood, so be careful.”

This common generalization is not necessarily the truth, however.

Dan Ramaeker, a former Department of Criminal Investigation agent, often worked surveillance and informants in the streets of Des Moines.

“In times of poor economical investment in a neighborhood, crime often follows.”

“We spent a lot of time up on University and chasing people around there and following our guys up there for drug deals,” Ramaeker said in regard to that generalization.

“There was a lot of stuff going on in the East University and even down by Drake.”

He also noted the Italian Mob that was prevalent on the East Side of Town when he worked years ago. Even with the past crime, Ramaeker said that it has been cleaned up over the years.

“It’s always been a tough part of Des Moines and I don’t think people understand how tough some parts can be,” Ramaeker said of gang violence and activity.

“Down around Drake is where a case for a pound of heroin developed back in the 70s when I was working surveillance.”

An undercover officer

discussed the various gangs that are prevalent in town, especially those active by the university.

The gangs that the officer listed off were the Outlaws, C-Block, Heavy Hittaz, EBK, Gunna Gang, 500 Gang, 600 Gang, ABM, Fry/66, and La Familia. “[The gangs] all operate differently... some are primarily juveniles, some focus on violence and guns, some focus on selling drugs, etc,” the officer said.

These gangs were noted to be active around the university as well as around the entire town.

Des Moines police officer Sergeant Paul Parizek, the top dog of the Des Moines street patrol, weighed in on the various crime rates in town along with how students at Drake can stay safe, especially when going off campus.

“The neighborhoods surrounding the Drake campus are full of historic homes, and businesses that keep the area economically solid, and busy. Unfortunately, over time many of those properties were, for a variety of reasons, under-maintained and allowed to significantly devalue. In times of poor economical investment in a neighborhood, crime often follows,” Parizek said. “The ‘broken-windows’ theory is a real thing. In recent decades, the city and university have partnered with a variety of organizations to revitalize those neighborhoods, renovate properties, build new affordable housing options, and create a neighborhood that is safe and vibrant year round.”

Parizek also touched on the safety of Drake students on campus.

“Student safety is a priority in and around the Drake campus.

Environmental design changes (lighting, emergency call boxes, etc) contribute significantly to student safety, but the single most important factor is student behavior,” Parizek

CRIME IN DES MOINES while a serious issue over the years, is less than often assumed. Acts of crime include but are not limited to gun violence. GRAPHIC BY HANNAH COHEN

said. “Most crimes that impact students in and around college campuses are crimes of opportunity. A criminal sees an opportunity and he seizes it. Eliminating the opportunity is the goal.”

In regard to neighborhoods that students need to stay away from, Parizek said that there really are no areas of Des Moines that anyone should steer clear of.

Neighborhoods are diverse, crime is transient, and it often follows the path of least resistance. Combining the environmental design security measures with situational awareness will make the biggest difference in keeping any neighborhood safe.

Citizen engagement is crucial when it comes to crime-fighting. It can be as simple as the phrase “see something, say something.”

Parizek urges students who witness a crime or

see something that looks genuinely suspicious to call the police.

The sergeant said that gang activity can be fickle. While Des Moines has had a gang presence since the late 1980s, it has become increasingly disorganized. That can be a double-edged sword, said Parizek. It can make the investigation of criminal activities easier at times, because they aren’t criminal masterminds, but it also adds a layer of unpredictability.

“Dependant upon who is calling the shots, they may be involved in drug distribution, organized theft or simply a nuisance in a neighborhood impacting the quality of life with disturbances like loud parties or graffiti,” Parizek said. “This is why our policing strategies and priorities have evolved over time. Instead of the historical reactive policing, we focus on being

proactive.”

According to Parizek, the DMPD actively pushes prevention (keeping kids out of gangs), intervention (getting kids out of gangs), and suppression (disrupting their criminal activities and locking thugs up).

The police department also hosts a variety of youth programs that are typically athletic or educational, and has a strong partnership with Des Moines neighborhood associations to create an environment where gangs can’t function.

“The one thing that no gang can withstand is constant scrutiny,” Parizek said. “Not C Block, not the Heavy Hittas, not a biker gang, and not a supremacist group. With the police and community on them, they fold like cheap card tables.”

FEATURES

FEATURES

SEPT. 25, 2019 | Page 3

“Road to 2020:” Celebrating Drake’s role in politics Lizzie Deal Contributing Writer lizzie.deal@drake.edu

In preparation for the upcoming presidential election and Iowa Caucuses, Meredith Hall’s front windows have adopted a new look — red and blue window clings that read “road to 2020 starts here.”

The clings, which were installed on Sept. 4, highlight the impact that the university and its students have on the upcoming Iowa caucuses and presidential election.

“Drake is increasingly recognized as a focal point for the kickoff of the US presidential campaigns,” School of Journalism and Mass Communications Dean Kathleen Richardson said.

“We are celebrating the role that Drake plays in the American electoral process, the opportunities that it brings to our campus and to our students and the fact that we are very proud that we are able to provide this kind of forum for intelligent, civil debate and discourse around politics.”

The design for the windows was developed by University Communications and Marketing (UCM) staff in partnership with an outside firm.

According to UCM Director of Communications Jarad Bernstein, the goal of the environmental branding was to “create a visually stunning embodiment of the excitement on campus” for caucus season.

The UCM doesn’t plan to install any other clings that celebrate Drake’s role in the caucuses around campus, however. The caucus-themed decoration, while referring to Drake as a whole, is specific to Meredith because it houses both political science and journalism majors.

“I think they’re beautiful,” Professor Rachel Paine Caufield said. “Just as the road to the White House begins in Iowa, when we say that the road to 2020 starts at Drake, we’re really claiming our role in Iowa politics.”

Political involvement at Drake is a “decades long tradition,” Dean Richardson said, which commenced in the 1970s when the Iowa caucuses first began. Since then, the campus has seen presidential campaigns, debates, victory parties and everything in between.

“Just as the road to the White House begins in Iowa, when we say that the road to 2020 starts at Drake, we’re really claiming our role in Iowa politics.”

Students further their learning about politics through clubs, working on campaigns and listening to visiting candidates, and even some classes boast curriculum

THE “ROAD TO 2020” CLINGS are located in Meredith’s front windows. Meredith was chosen due to the fact that it houses both the journalism department and the political science department. PHOTO BY MCCADE GOWDY | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

tailored to the current political climate.

“It’s not just political science students; students from all across the university have a chance to get involved in this process,” Professor Caufield said. “A lot of people think of politics as something that happens far away, important people wandering around marble hallways in suits and ties and high heels. Instead, I think it’s important to realize that we are the people on the ground, we are the ones who get to make these choices. We’re in a unique position, students, faculty, staff, to be able to

participate in this process.”

Students at Drake aren’t the only ones who can learn about the upcoming election on while on campus.

Different programs frequently host events to inform the public or other, more specialized groups of people about all things related to caucus season.

“We think of ourselves as providing a resource for our community about issues related to the presidential campaign,” Dean Richardson said. “In the past, we’ve hosted panel discussions, and guest speakers.”

While the caucuses are still months away, students are already preparing to get their hands dirty during election season.

“Students who are here this year and next year especially are going to be really lucky because it’s just a very exciting time to be at Drake,” Dean Richardson said. “There’s always something going on, there’s always a congressional campaign going on, there’s always a local campaign, so there’s plenty of opportunities for students to take advantage of when they are here.”

Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute undergoes new changes

THE DONALD V. ADAMS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE now includes a three-part leadership training series, meant to be a three semester process. Students only need to apply once to be accepted for all three sessions. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN ECONOMOS

Kendall Hunt Contributing Writer kendall.hunt@drake.edu

We will build lives worth following.

This is the motto of the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute at Drake University, a unique program open to all students with the goal of building strong skills in leadership, self-awareness, and communication.

“The institute sets Drake apart,” says Kristin Economos, the Director of Student Leadership Programs at Drake. “Other institutions provide students with leadership experiences, but you can be the president of a club on any college campus.

The institute helps Drake students to develop the skills they need to really be successful in those roles as opposed to just trial by fire.”

The Adams Institute is

available to students across all academic disciplines without any additional cost.

The program requires an application, and those who are admitted gain access to a three-part leadership training series, a community of engaged leaders and peer mentors on campus, and preparation for developing meaningful relationships and networks in their professional careers.

“We want students to be able to say ‘Who am I? How do I want to be seen in the world?

And is the way people perceive me now the way I intend to come across’?” Economos said. “When students go into an interview, we want them to be able to tell [the employer] why they should be hired instead of the fourteen others already interviewed.”

The three-part training series is new to the Adams Institute, added in order to establish more structure

and continuity within the leadership program.

“The institute helps Drake students to develop the skills they need to really be successful in those roles as opposed to just trial by fire.”

The current series includes three workshops that all students in the Institute go through – Adams 1, 2, and 3.

With the introduction of these courses, DVALI has transitioned from an “umbrella term” describing leadership at Drake to a great community of leaders and students connected by the Institute.

The new workshops, as well, allow students to build upon the skills they’ve learned each year, which Economos notes is when “students do their best.”

“The new program is structured to be a three semester process where students apply once and are accepted for all three sessions,” junior DWALI peer mentor Emily Wilcox said. “These sessions are not a class. They’re workshops to help develop and, eventually, fine tune your skills as a leader. Adams 1 focuses on who you are as a leader and an individual. Adams 2 looks at how you can be a leader in the groups and organizations.

Adams 3 takes a look back at all you have learned in the workshops and how you can put it to use in the real world.”

In addition to the training workshops, DVALI students have the opportunity to participate in several

leadership events, including the Sussman Leadership Conference, Florence Meyer Wallis Luncheon, and the Adams Leadership Convocation, all of which encourage students to have their voices heard on campus and in the local Des Moines community.

“I feel like DVALI has been so beneficial for me,” claims Wilcox. “I have more confidence now to talk with business professionals in my dream job. I know I am much more prepared and equipped with the skills to sound intelligent, while remaining my true self. I gained tangible skills that I can actually use in my everyday conversations as well.”

The application deadline to be admitted to the Institute in the fall has already passed, but any students may apply in the spring by Feb. 15, 2020.

FEATURES

FEATURES

SEPT. 25, 2019 | Page 4

Rainbow Welcome event connects LGBTQ alumni and students Mina Takahashi Staff Writer mina.takahashi@drake.edu

Drake alumni and the LGBTQ Alumni and Allies group hosted their third annual Rainbow Welcome event on Sept. 17.

This event was open to all students and provided information about LGBTQ student resources on campus.

Senior Luke Miller has been in Rainbow Union for

four years and is the current president.

“This event is an opportunity for alumni to connect with our students,” Miller said. “It’s especially cool to see people who graduated come back. It’s really an opportunity for students to know where Drake has been and where it is now, and also find out what queer people are doing after college because there are some good environments for queer

people out there and there are some bad environments.

It’s interesting to hear a lot of perspectives because I know entering the workforce can be as scary as going to college for the first time.”

Hoping to find the support he lacked in high school, Miller decided to join Rainbow Union when he came to Drake.

“I decided to join initially because I came out towards the end of high school and

RAINBOW WELCOME allowed alumni and allies to connect with each other. It gave students the opportunity perspectives on entering the workspace after college. PHOTO COURTESY OF LUKE MILLER

there was very distinctly no gay-straight alliance,” Miller said. “It wasn’t a hostile environment, but there was a lot of misunderstanding and misrepresentation so I was curious what it would be like to be around a bunch of other people in my community.”

“I think a lot of people are scared to let themselves shine through, and I think this organization does a really good job of teaching people ‘hey, your best self is the most visible self.’”

From the very first meeting, Miller knew he wanted to be a part of Rainbow Union. He has held a leadership position all four years.

“I instantly fell in love,” Miller said. “It’s just a really welcoming environment that shows there’s support for you on campus, which is really nice, especially that first week.”

Former faculty member Lori Blachford has been a part of the LGBTQ+ community at Drake for more than a decade.

“I taught at Drake for almost ten years in the journalism school, and I taught a class on diversity as well, so this is important to me,” Blachford said. “It’s also important to me as a married lesbian. I’ve been with my wife for 35 years, ten legally, and I

just want people to know that we are here in Des Moines. It might not be obvious, but it’s important to be visible.”

Blachford was a resource to LGBTQ students on campus, and although no longer at Drake, continues to serve as a resource.

“I always enjoyed talking to students and answering their questions when I was on campus,” Blachford said.

“Now that I’m not on campus, but I’m still in town, I don’t really want to give that up. We have some really passionate alumni who feel the same way. They want to be sure that we’re here as a resource not only for students, but also faculty. We also have a network that takes us outside Des Moines. So if we have students that are interested in an internship somewhere, we probably have alumni there who could assist them.”

Miller believes Rainbow Union is especially important for students who come from rural areas.

“There are a lot of people that come to Drake from small towns where they’re really not supported and don’t know what it looks like to have that support,” Miller said. “I think a lot of people come in feeling like they can’t be visible, which I think is unfortunate because Drake should be all about being the best version of yourself. I think a lot of people are scared to let themselves shine through, and I think this organization does a really good job of teaching people ‘hey, your best self is the most visible self.’”

Non-Traditional Students Bring Different Perspectives to Drake Mina Takahashi Staff Writer mina.takahashi@drake.edu

Having served in the Army for eleven years, Fermin Iturbide never got a chance to finish college. Now 32, he wants to return and study to become a lawyer.

Over the years, it has become more common for students to take a break from school and return later in life. Last fall, 110 students transferred to Drake University, and 50 started last spring.

While stationed in Des Moines for three years, Iturbide visited Drake a few times. When he decided to go back to college, he immediately thought about Drake.

“I’ve always heard good things about Drake,” Iturbide said. “When I got out of the Army, I was looking at becoming a lawyer and I was between the University of Iowa and Drake. I had friends who said ‘you need to go to Drake.’ So here I am.”

Iturbide had done some college work in the Army, but never finished.

“Coming to Drake, I came with one goal in mind,” Iturbide said. “I’m paying for not getting my bachelor’s degree sooner. Before, I was interested in something else, not finishing my degree. I need a bachelor’s degree to get into law school, and so I’m here to get a degree.”

Besides in class, Iturbide doesn’t interact much with other students because of the age gap.

“I’m not here to make friends,” Iturbide said. “I’m still adjusting, but throughout the semesters, I’ve learned

new things from the students here. Students I consider to be kids. Now, I have a better mentality than when I came here. When I came here, I didn’t care about nobody. Just let me do the work, let me get my bachelor’s degree, and let me be out. Now it’s like ‘let’s see what happens.’”

Iturbide has also struggled to fit in the classroom environment.

“I don’t interact too much with other people,” Iturbide said. “The gap of experience is very visible. I might say something, and usually I get these weird looks. It’s all based on experience...

Hopefully, I say something based on experience and a student will learn something valuable.”

Jo Arbuckle, associate director of Admissions, said the number of transfer students, which also includes international and nontraditional students, varies each semester.

“The number of transfer students goes in cycles, and it’s related to other decisions and changes that have occurred,” Arbuckle said.

The Admissions Office also works with each transfer student individually.

“Recently, students have been more aware and conscientious about saying ‘I don’t really know what to do or where to start,’” Arbuckle said. “They might take some time off or take a few classes at a community college and that’s okay. We actually work with students individually on their plan, so it’s just one of those opportunities for students who want to save a little money because they are unsure of what they want to do.”

TRANSFER STUDENTS AND INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS looking for more information and support should head to Cole Hall. PHOTO BY VISHVA TUMMALAPALLY | DESIGN EDITOR

Natalie Bayer, associate professor of History, has had at least one nontraditional student in her classes each semester. She believes non-traditional students bring new perspectives to the classroom.

“Since I teach history, if there are non-traditional students who are slightly older, when I mention 9/11, some students might not remember just because of their age,” Bayer said. “It is very interesting to get the perspective of a person who experienced something that others have not. It’s very obvious to me that in many cases, I rely on non-traditional students to bring a different point of view.”

In addition to life experiences, Bayer also sees a difference in work ethic.

“In many cases, I find non-traditional students to be extremely motivated and

task-oriented so they know what they need to do in order to take this trajectory through college,” Bayer said. “It’s a nice, refreshing feature.

In terms of pedagogy, of course adult learners are slightly different in how they approach tasks in class.”

One thing Bayer would like to see is more awareness and accommodation for nontraditional students.

“Because of the multitude of roles that they are playing, they might not be able to take classes during the regular times, since many of them are working full-time in addition to being parents or caregivers,” Bayer said.

“They might not spend that much time on campus, not be involved in extracurricular activities or sports, so there needs to be more conscious programming in how we make non-traditional students in a cohort, not just individuals

who come here and just leave after they take a class.”

Although not involved in any clubs or organizations on campus, Iturbide wishes there were better programs and more recognition for veterans.

“When I came to Drake, there were a few veterans across campus, and they started a program called Drake University Veterans Affairs,” Iturbide said. “It’s a good group but it’s so new that the veterans are still adjusting to it. Their goal is sincere and it’s a good one. It’s to help veterans that are getting out transition to college life. In reality, society could be a lot better with veterans. So we gotta look at the bigger spectrum. Either we can start small here at Drake and then go big, or start big and then go small.”

SPORTS

SPORTS

SEPT. 25, 2019 | Page 5

Hittner prepares for her final season as a Bulldog

BECCA HITTNER has been a star for the women’s basketball team since 2016. Now she enters her senior season coming off an astonishing junior year. PHOTO

COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS

Samuel Amadeo Sports Editor sam.amadeo@drake.edu @amadeo_sam

Becca Hittner is hard to miss on the basketball court.

Her fiery red hair drenched in sweat can make even the most nearsighted fan in nosebleed seats spot her on the court.

In high school Becca played for Dowling Catholic where she lead her team to the State Championship in 2014 and to the semifinals in 2015.

She averaged 19-points and 8-rebounds per game and was a three-time allconference selection. Hittner was well sought after by numerous top colleges, and luckily for Bulldog fans she chose to take her talents to Drake University.

Hittner became an instant star for the Bulldog women’s basketball team. In her first year alone she was on the AllMVC First Team and was the MVC Freshman of the Year.

Over the course of her college career she would help lead the Bulldogs to three NCAA National Championship appearances.

In her junior year her accolades continued to stack up becoming once again a member of the All-MVC First Team, a WBCA All-Region Finalist, and won the Jackie Stiles MVC Player of the Year

for a second consecutive season. She also set a career high in points scored in a single game with 37-points against Missouri State and lead the MVC in points-pergame with 19.7-points. As Hittner enters her senior season for the Bulldogs she is grateful for the awards, but in the grand scheme of things they mean little to her.

“It’s never been about the awards or accomplishments, so these things don’t really affect me.” said Hittner, “My focus is on what I can do to help our team win. When you get to play in the offensive system we have, we all score and we all can pass, so it’s just fun basketball to play. It’s crazy that it’s already my last year, but I really want to just leave it all out there and make the most of it.”

Bulldogs basketball is still a little over a month away from starting its season, but the women’s team is hard at work preparing for the season. They are knee deep in what Hittner calls ‘preseason workouts’.

“Preseason workouts consist of weights, small group workouts, team workouts, extra shooting on our own, and watching film.” Hittner stated, “We’ve had a really good summer and a good start to preseason. Everyone’s been working hard and we’ve had really good energy and

intensity in our workouts. It’s getting me super excited for actual practices and games to start up.”

With games against big schools like Oklahoma, Hittner is excited to get the season started.

“This offseason, there’s been a heightened sense of motivation from this past season. I can feel it and I can see it in our coaching staff and in the team.

“The Florida Thanksgiving tournament is one I’m pretty excited for.” said Hittner, “We start out with our game against Purdue and there will be good competition down there. I’m looking forward to playing some of those teams.

Our entire schedule has good competition on it, so I’m really just looking forward to taking the season game-by-game Drake women’s basketball is no stranger to success. Last year the women finished the season with an astonishing 27-6 (17-1) record and the season before finishing with

an unbelievable 26-7 (18-0) record. For many players and teams it would be easy to let that kind of success get to one’s head, but not for Hittner or her fellow players.

“It’s more about the motivation we feel going forward than dwelling on the success we have had.

We aren’t satisfied with what we’ve done. Yeah, we had success, but we want to continue to get better and do something special come March. We come in each day with this mindset, and it allows us to really push each other to improve and compete even more.” recounted Hittner, “This offseason, there’s been a heightened sense of motivation from this past season. I can feel it and I can see it in our coaching staff and in the team. I think it’s important to keep the mindset of taking each day as it comes. Our coach talks a lot about staying present and controlling the things you can control.

Success is never guaranteed and Hittner knows it. The Bulldog women’s basketball team has lost in the first round of the NCAA National Championship the past three years. To Kansas State, Texas A&M, and last year to Missouri by a single point in overtime.

“I think we’ve grown each year in terms of our post-

season play that I’ve been here.” said Hittner, “I think year by year we’ve gained experience and raised our expectations. It’s what makes this year super exciting. We have a really good team and we’re looking to do something really special this year. Like I said earlier, we can’t focus on March. That will come. Right now it’s just focusing on our chemistry and getting better everyday.”

It’s hard to ask for any better from Hittner or the women’s basketball team. But we hope they carry on as they have for the past few years.

And we can only hope they continue their success when Hittner departs the team in May. Potentially looking at a professional career in the WNBA. “It’s been my dream to play basketball professionally.

When the time comes, I will definitely explore whatever options come my way in terms of that. But that’s something I’ll worry about and think more about after season.”

Catch Becca Hittner and Drake women’s basketball in their season opener on October 29, an exhibition game against Central Missouri. The Drake Bulldogs women’s basketball team officially begins their season with a home opener against South Dakota State on November 8.

All the way from Australia...meet Adam Fogg Vada Abrahamson Staff Writer vada.abrahamson@drake.edu

This summer, Adam Fogg of Brisbane Australia, moved over 8,000 miles to join Drake University’s cross-country team and study marketing.

Fogg was born in England, then moved with his family to Australia when he was seven years old.

Through primary school, Fogg participated in soccer, rugby and running. At the age of 10, Fogg became more focused on running, and a few years later began to train seriously for the sport.

After high school, Fogg attended university for two years in Australia studying psychology.

“I’d always thought about coming to America, even

right out of high school, but I didn’t find the right fit” said Fogg.

Drake’s cross-country coach, Jay Koloseus, messaged Fogg on Instagram, introducing him to Drake.

“When I got that message, I thought ‘I’m going to properly look into it’ now here I am” said Fogg.

After initial contact on Instagram, Coach Koloseus remained in touch with Fogg helping him through the process.

“It’s been as easy as it possibly could’ve been” said Fogg.

Coach Koloseus also reminded him of deadlines to apply and connected him to resources at Drake International.

Mark Carroll, Drake’s head cross country coach, was another big reason Fogg decided to come here.

“Drake, for me, was the best

fit and had the best coaches” said Fogg.

Before moving to America this summer, Fogg spent seven weeks in England running.

During this time, he set is personal record for the 1500 meter run at 3:40.

“Drake, for me, was the best fit and had the best coaches...

It’s a whole different vibe to racing crosscountry over here.”

In Australia, cross-country is an individual sport, versus

being team based in America.

“It’s a whole different vibe to racing cross country over here” said Fogg.

The transition to a new dynamic has been easy for Fogg.

He found help through Coach Koloseus and his supportive teammates.

Another member of the team is also from Australia “The team aspect to it is really good” said Fogg.

Fogg’s teammates have helped him on and off the team. Being far from home, he sought out support at Drake.

“I’ve made quite a few friends from International Orientation and my teammates are very welcoming” said Fogg.

Fogg will also run Track in the spring.

“It’s a busy schedule, I’m making the most of one involvement” said Fogg who is

currently not involved in any other campus activities.

It is uncommon in Australia to travel for college, so Fogg has always lived at home until now.

Born in England, he still has family there, along with cousins in Michigan, a brother in Denmark and his family in Australia. “We’re all over the place” said Fogg.

He plans to move back to Australia after completing two and a half years at Drake, though that plan is flexible.

His other options include staying in America to work or running in England.

On September 6, Fogg won his first American race at the Hawkeye Invitational.

Fogg ran the 6k race at a time of 18:06. Winning is not unusual for Fogg, but if challenged to race Griff he says, “Griff would win. Every time.

Have you seen that dog?”

SPORTS

SPORTS

SEPT. 25, 2019 | Page 6

Drake Women’s Tennis Makes Strong Debut at 2019 Gopher Invitational

SWINGING STRONG TO START THE SEASON The Drake women’s tennis team finished with multiple wins on the final day of the tournament.

PHOTO BY KENDALL HUNT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kendall Hunt Staff Writer kendall.hunt@drake.edu

The Drake women’s tennis team continued their successes this fall season at the annual Gopher Invitational over the weekend.

Action began at 9 AM this Friday at the Baseline Tennis Center in Minnesota. Drake competed against seven different teams, including Minnesota, Iowa, Iowa State, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. Despite being one of the smaller D-1 schools in the mix, the Drake team held their ground and made an

impressive showing.

“I was happy with how the team competed this weekend in singles and doubles,” said Assistant Coach Smith. “We got better every day and put ourselves in positions to challenge some of the strongest teams in the Midwest.”

Drake had eight players competing in the Gopher Invitational this weekend, six returners and two newcomers.

Opening day, returners Kelsey Neville, Megan Webb, and Sophia Haleas collected wins in the singles division, advancing to the second round of their respective brackets.

In doubles, the team of Kendall Hunt and Kelsey Neville won the day’s draw

with a pair of victories.

Carmen Palumbo and Maria Tatarnikova also pulled out a win in the doubles division.

“I’m looking forward to building off this weekend’s match heading into the MVC Championships in a couple of weeks.”

The second day of play was extremely tough for the Bulldogs, but the team

fought to earn a few key wins.

Freshman Kendall Hunt won a singles match versus Agata Jurczak of Milwaukee, and in doubles, Liza Petushkova and Maria Tatarnikova defeated UNI’s Proudfoot/Carr.

“We played a lot of matches,” mentioned senior Sophia Haleas. “We battled hard, and it was worth it.”

On the final day of competition, Drake finished strong with singles wins from newcomers Kendall Hunt and Maria Tatarnikova, as well as doubles victories from both Neville/Haleas and Palumbo/ Tatarnikova.

Overall, the tournament was “a great learning experience for the team. We were able to gain some match

experience that will help us throughout the fall and into the spring season,” noted senior Joely Thomas.

The Bulldogs, despite only having played one tournament prior to the Gopher Invitational, were able to collect a series of wins over big teams in the top of their division.

Coach Smith added, “I’m looking forward to building off this weekend’s match heading into the MVC championships in a couple of weeks.”

Keep an eye on the Drake women’s tennis team as they continue to get ready for the MVC tournament following this weekend’s successes on court.

Chicago Bears wring out the Washington Redskins on the road

BEARDOWN, BABY! The Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Redskins 31-15 Monday night. PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Maddie Topliff Staff Writer madie.topliff@drake.edu @Top_Dog30

When I think of Monday Night Football, a Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears match-up does not immediately come to mind as the most riveting of choices.

But WOO, folks — I judged too quickly. We were in for a treat.

Cause for alarm?

Eyes were on the Bears front office this week as reports of an Eddy “Dinero” Piñeiro knee injury surfaced. But no additional kickers showed up on the roster, and Piñeiro was spotted on the field Monday afternoon warming up — just hours before game time. After a game-winning kick last week against the Broncos, we can’t survive without him. He is money, after all.

The Trubisky trials Two lackluster weeks of Mitch Trubisky play has prompted discussion about the team’s overall Super Bowl chances — if you can’t beat the Redskins, then who can you beat? But a couple glimmers of hope late in the 4th quarter against the Broncos convinced me to not rule him out just

yet. We’re no fair weather fan.

Redskins roughing it Washington entered Monday night’s game 0-2, losing two close games against fellow NFC East division rivals: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys.

Still, the Redskins’ mediocre offense just doesn’t logistically stack up against the Bears defense. That’s simply facts.

Their backup quarterbackturned-starter tossup between Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins also hasn’t been ideal, but necessary, after losing Alex Smith to a ‘horrific’ leg injury, which has yet to reveal itself as career-ending or not.

Trubisky isn’t on fire yet, but he’s also not sidelined, so I count my blessings.

Defense domination This is what you’re here for, isn’t it? Me too. Let’s get into the game because I can barely hold back my excitement.

Chicago’s first drive ate up some clock but ended in a Trubisky sack and punt.

The good news? Trubisky was stringing together quite a few passes. The better news? Barely a minute into Washington’s drive, Bears safety Ha-ha Clinton-Dix picked off QB Keenum and ran that ish back 37 yards for

a pick six. And the defense didn’t stop there — Chicago LB Khalil Mack tackled Keenum for a 14-yard loss in the very next series. The rest of the quarter was pretty standard stuff save for a handful of defensive penalties — the Bears’ biggest area of improvement on the night.

The Trubisky triumphs Second quarter started, and the Bears defense picked up from where they left off with an 11-yard sack courtesy of LB Danny Trevathan.

And thanks to a couple of Redskin blunders, Trubisky was able to take his offense down the field and score his first touchdown of the season soon after: a 3-yard pass to WR Taylor Gabriel.

14-0 Bears. Washington’s possession was quickly ruined

by Mack — a 9-yard sack turned into a Chicago fumble recovery which turned into another Trubisky-Gabriel collaboration in the end zone.

21-0 Bears. Poor Keenum could not catch a break, though; he was intercepted by CB Kyle Fuller two plays after Chicago’s kickoff.

Are you kidding?

The play of the game arrived just before halftime and featured a 36-yard grab from

Gabriel; his third TD of the night. Trubisky’s throw was a thing of beauty, but Gabriel’s athleticism proved referees wrong — an incomplete pass call was reversed in favor of a Chicago TD. It was the best toe-dragging I’d ever seen to date. The half ended 28-3 Bears after a late Redskins field goal.

The Redskins came out faster and more furious in the second half, managing to score a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarter, but it wouldn’t be enough to best their visiting foes. Final score: 31-15 Bears — the second straight road win of the season.

Lessons learned 1) Chicago defense is almost already Super Bowl ready. Now the offense just needs to meet them where they’re at. 21 of Chicago’s 31 points were courtesy of turnovers. That’s insane.

2) Silly penalties have consequences. It’s established that the Bears defense is unworldly, but careless mistakes due to cocky behavior cost us yards. They have to be more careful.

3) We can’t count Mitch out yet. Three passing touchdowns on the night is

nothing to snipe at.

Maddie’s Monster of the Game No question.

Gabriel earned his title as Monster of the Game, becoming only the third player in NFL history to score three receiving touchdowns in the first half. We wish him a speedy recovery after he exited the game due to a concussion.

Divisional roundup The Packers retain their first-place position in the division with a win over the Denver Broncos while the Vikings move to 2-1 after besting the Oakland Raiders.

The Lions move to 2 wins as well after besting the Eagles.

A good weekend for the NFC North.

Viking vengeance The Bears return home this weekend to face the Vikings, which won’t be a nice and easy fight. The Bears successfully knocked the Vikings out of postseason play in front of a Minnesota home crowd the last time they met. I smell revenge.

Catch the game on CBS at 3:25pm CST this Sunday — you know I will be. As always, Beardown until next time.

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY

SEPT. 25, 2018 | Page 7

Lumineers third album: a striking piece of art that tells an honest narrative about addiction

Madeleine Leigh Contributing Writer madeleine.leigh@drake.edu

The Lumineers - an indie band best known for hit singles “Stubborn Love,” and “Ophelia” - released their third album, III, on September 13, 2019. III is so named not just because of its position in The Lumineers’ chronology, but also because it’s a story told in three parts. A story focused on the perils of addiction.

Lead vocalist Wesley Shultz and drummer Jeremiah Fraites have drawn on their own experiences to write a powerful narrative detailing the fictional Sparks’ family’s three-generation long struggle with addiction.

In an interview with NPR, the pair spoke about Shultz’s friend and Jeremiah Fraites’ brother, Josh Fraites. Josh Fraites struggled with drug addiction up until his death, affecting everyone in his life, his brother and friend included.

Studio musicians for the album additionally include Byron Isaacs, Lauren Jacobson, Simone Felice, David Baron and Anneke Schaul-Yoder. III was released with Dualtone Records and Decca Records and produced

by Simone Felice.

What makes III an experience to listen to is the raw emotion Shultz pours into every lyric. His voice breaks when he sings, “and maybe when she’s dead and gone, I’ll get some sleep,” in “Leader of the Landslide,” and you can feel Gloria’s children’s pain

in your own chest. Pain from what their mother’s addiction put them through, and from rejecting her over it.

All of the lyrics in III are captivating.

Shultz sings, “Don’t leave me alone, cause I’ll be scared, I’ll be naked, I’ll be cold,” in “Life in the City,” and paints a vivid picture of solitude that resonates with the parts of me that fear being alone. When Shulz sings, “on the back staircase, you fell to your knees with tears in your eyes,” in “Salt and the Sea,” you can see them fall in your mind.

“III truly is a narrative album. Its job is not just to evoke emotion, but to tell us a story.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be The Lumineers without the instrumentals.

Piano, guitar and drums are at times delicate or soulful or joyous or even manic.

An accented chord on the piano in “Donna,” strikes a chord in you. The guitar and drums pick up in the bridge of “Leader of the Landslide,” and you feel the urge to move to the beat of Gloria Sparks’ children’s anger.

III’s instrumentals feel like a movie soundtrack: dramatic, striking and a crucial piece of the art created. They heighten

THE LUMINEERS have released three studio albums, and twenty-seven of their songs have peaked on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. PHOTO BY TINA INTARAPANONT | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

the ever intensifying upswell of emotion the lyrics and vocals weave.

III truly is a narrative album. Its job is not just to evoke emotion, but to tell us a story.

Listening to III instantly transported me back to 2012 when I first heard “Stubborn Love,” a hit single from The Lumineers’ titular first album.

Much of their new album is reminiscent of the band I first fell in love with in middle school, but III is by no means a rehash of their previous albums. Rather, it reminds

listeners why they fell in love with The Lumineers in the first place while telling us an entirely new story.

I was overwhelmed by how well Shultz and Jeremiah Fraites have pulled the best parts of their sound into the present.

The Lumineers beautifully bridged the dichotomy between major, buoyant chords on strings and haunting lyrics about life, love and humanity.

Not the easy, pretty parts of humanity, but the ones we all struggle with: how to love someone who’s toxic; what it

feels like to be alone; the anger that comes from pain we cause one another, intentional or not.

III is an undiluted look at the humanity of addiction, one of our country’s most pervasive problems. A look at how it affects not just people who have it, but their loved ones. How it lasts for generations.

The result is evocative and lingers in your mind long after the last notes of “Salt and the Sea” fade.

Weekly horoscope: relax and recharge this Libra season Laurel Cramer Staff Writer laurel.cramer@drake.edu

Aries Look up to the sky and breathe in the new air. The fall and all of its change is around you. There’s a difference between change and instability. Don’t invite chaos into your life just for chaos’ sake. Seek advice from those around you who have been a constant in your life before doing anything rash this week.

Taurus The stress of a new routine is fading. You’re getting used to the flow of everything around you. Don’t resist the urge to unshoulder some of that anxiety. Your next weeks will be smooth and grounded.

Enjoy the new energies that are filling your spaces.

Gemini Telling you to just stop caring about others’ opinions is pointless, but it is true.

You put so much stock in your image. Take a break from social media this week.

Disconnect and unplug. Allow your actions to be products of yourself and not a reaction to please the world. Try getting off social media for the week.

Cancer Don’t allow yourself to daydream the whole week in anticipation of the weekend.

Be present even in the less exciting moments. Now is the time to work hard and put in the hours for the long term goals. Remember that these

important things in our lives are cultivated in the small moments— so treasure them.

Leo You love to speak your mind and that is what so many find attractive about you. Your unwavering sense of self is alluring. Still, remember that the line between honesty and rudeness can be a fine one.

Think about how not everyone is as strong as you all the time.

Show kindness in these next few days and weight your words carefully.

Virgo This month will hold great joys for you! Please don’t pick them apart with your perfectionism. Enjoy the ride— I know that can be hard for you. You love to be incontrol and constantly tweaking things around you.

Accept that even the things you have not curated are still perfect in their own way.

Libra There are so many new faces in your life now a days.

Some of them are going to be very important, but you have to be open to the possibility.

You’ll form some tight bonds in the next few weeks. Be trusting that these new experiences will change you for good.

Scorpio As the temperature drops, you are very aware of all the new relationships forming around you. Don’t be scared to allow some vulnerability in your life— it will open you up to new people and things.

You love your tough shell, but there are people waiting to get

NO MATTER WHAT SIGN YOU ARE you’ll need to learn how to balance stress with everything else in your life, the same as everybody else. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLIKR

through to you. See where these opportunities take you.

Sagittarius Your constant need for stimulus is making you feel like you’re drowning right now. Remember that you’re human like everyone else and it is okay to put some things down. Only keep doing what is good for you, and stop letting negative activities fill your calendar. Trust that you know what you need right now.

Capricorn You are already so hard at work and it’s only week three of school. Remember

the altruistic things you love doing. Put some time into your hobbies— paint a bad picture, go roller-blading, set a personal record on a video game. This is what you need in your life right now. Have a little bit of fun— the work will always wait for you.

Aquarius You are a new person this season. There has been a rebirth and there are new wants and needs growing within you. Do not suppress them. Lean into this change and listen to the inner monologue inside yourself.

There is an ease that comes with intuitive living. The only difficult part is giving yourself permission to do what you can.

Pisces You constantly allow others highs and lows to overlap your emotions. This makes you very empathetic and thoughtful, but leaves you vulnerable to damage from other energies. Take a break at the end of each day and examine what is really yours and what is a product of someone else. You will figure it out, I promise.

COMMENTARY

COMMENTARY

SEPT. 25, 2018 | Page 8

Checking out the sun: hot or cold?

Annie Furman Contributing Writer annie.furman@drake.edu @The_Telescope_Girl

It might come as a surprise that there our Sun can be described, by astronomers, as cold. Our Sun being cold is hard to fathom, especially after the hot summer we’ve had. In fact, many people think that our Sun is the hottest object imaginable.

However, when we broaden our range of objects we find that the Sun is relatively cold.

While taking a closer look at this concept we can break this into two perspectives.

We can observe the relative parts of the star itself or we can compare the star to other stars outside of our solar system.

To better understand the relative temperature of the Sun, we need to look at the temperatures of each layer.

The core of the Sun can be approximated at around 27 million degrees F. This extreme temperature is due to the nuclear fusion, which is the process of hydrogen atoms getting compressed

and fused into helium. The next level of the Sun is called the photosphere and can be measured at 10,000 degrees F. Even though the photosphere is extremely hot, we can see how it is much cooler than the core of the Sun. The same can be said for the sunspots which are found on the photosphere. These sunspots have temperatures as low as 7,300 degrees and are considered to be the coldest part of the Sun. Each of the above definitions came from space.com.

This is where we see our concept of relative measurements present itself.

If we were to simply examine the sunspots we would simply consider them to be extremely hot, but when you examine them in comparison to the core of the Sun, you can see how they can actually be described as relatively cold.

On a larger scale relative measurements allow us to compare our sun with other stars outside of our solar system.

According to solarsystemquick.com, Sirius A, the brightest neighboring

OUR SUN is the center of our solar system, which is named The Milky Way. PHOTO COURTESY OF

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

star in our night sky, has surface temperatures reaching to 18,000 degrees F, which is almost twice as hot as the Sun. Sirius B is almost five times the temperature of the Sun, with a surface reaching approximately 45,000 degrees F. If we were to only examine these two stars without using any Earthly objects as a comparison, it

would be easy to see how our Sun is in fact cold. In late winter, you’ll be able to view Sirius in the evenings above campus.

According to universetoday.com, the hottest stars in the universe are known as blue stars. A great example of a blue star is Rigel, which is located in the

constellation Orion. Rigel has 17 times the mass of the Sun and has a surface temperature of approximately 19,340 degrees F. So it is fair to say that when we compare our Sun to other stars it really is unimaginably cold, even if this may seem unfathomable.

The Goldfinch: Why Critics Hate It While Audiences Like It Celia Brocker Commentary Editor celia.brocker@drake.edu

Warner Bros’. adaptation of Donna Tart’s best-selling and Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Goldfinch was released on Sept. 13, and has subsequently been bombing at the box office as well as receiving sour reviews from critics.

The film has scored 26% on Rotten Tomatoes, but scored 73% among audiences.

Why the mixed reviews?

What isn’t sitting well with critics? Why is the audience reception more positive than established film critics?

One reason could be that the majority of critics have read Tart’s novel and were disappointed with how the film adapted the story, while the average audience member likely hasn’t.

The Goldfinch novel is almost 800 pages long length often associated with the Harry Potter novels - all of which is impossible to fit into a 2 and a half hour film.

The story Tart weaves in her novel is a long and complicated history of the life of Theodore Decker, whose mother is killed in an explosion while they’re

visiting an art museum.

In his shock, accompanied with confusing demands from a mortally injured gentlemen, Theo takes his mother’s favorite painting - The Goldfinch - out of the rubble.

“Though The Goldfinch keeps the most important parts of the novel, they lack the impact of which they are felt in the novel.”

While Theo moves from home to home, makes friends and enemies, and falls into a troubled life he keeps the painting safely locked away for years.

There is a lot of material covered in the novel - lifeconsuming grief, living with trauma, drug addiction, and repressed feelings. Naturally all of this material was going to be difficult to adapt into a film with a strict time limit.

Though The Goldfinch

keeps the most important parts of the novel, they lack the impact of which they are felt in the novel.

While Tart was allowed pages to build to these dramatic moments, the film only has minutes.

The other problem the film faces is the structure of the story. The novel is told in a linear style, starting with the horrific event that shaped the rest of Theo’s life and telling the sequence of events that follows in order.

The film, however, jumps between the past and present several times, making several parts of the story feel out of place.

Switching between different time periods is a tricky tactic to use in film, and is often used to demonstrate how far the protagonist has come. The film Slumdog Millionaire is an excellent example of time jumps utilized correctly in cinema.

This doesn’t work in The Goldfinch because one of the most important pieces of the story is that Theo hasn’t changed at all since the incident at the museum. He is unable to move on from that day or the guilt he feels about his mother’s death and his theft, and has consequently not developed as a person.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC The student newspaper for Drake University since 1884 RACHEL JAMES, Editor-in-Chief rachel.james@drake.edu JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu

LEXI MUELLER, Managing Editor lexi.mueller@drake.edu

TARYN RIPPLE, News Editor taryn.ripple@drake.edu

AUTUMN OSIA, Photo Editor autumn.osia@drake.edu

EMMA BRUSTKERN, Features Editor emma.brustkern@drake.edu

MAX BROWN, Digital Editor max.brown@drake.edu

SAM AMADEO, Sports Editor sam.amadeo@drake.edu CELIA BROCKER, Opinions Editor celia.brocker@drake.edu

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KIM BATES, Media Manager kim.bates@drake.edu

THE GOLDFINCH is a real painting by Carel Fabrithius. PHOTO

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The film is not without its upsides - the classical soundtrack melds well with the antique style of cinematography, it has some stunning shots and the color palate matches the colors of the titular painting.

The film faces a big challenge, however, with pleasing fans of the novel since so much material is left out of the story. The Goldfinch is the

kind of film where individuals would enjoy watching the film before reading the novel, so they don’t feel robbed from the material that didn’t make it to the big screen.

The Goldfinch is pretty to look at and has an interesting enough plot to follow, but it’s struggle with the storytelling may cement the film’s status as failed Oscar-bait.

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