Inside this Issue
Expect Delays in Election Results| Page 4
Album Review: “Love Goes”| Page 6
A Stain on the Robes of the Supreme Court | Page 8
The Bengal
isubengal.com 4 November 2020
Volume 46 Issue 11
The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910
Black Rock & Sage: Fostering Creativity Joanna Orban Copy Editor Reigh Downs is a senior at Idaho State University and also, a published poet. Two of Downs’ poems were published in Black Rock & Sage, ISU’s only literary journal. Published annually through the Department of English and Philosophy, some iteration of the journal has been on the ISU campus since the school’s founding. According to the BR&S website, “A number of literary publications have emanated from and been affiliated with the Department of English and Philosophy over the years.” The journal became BR&S in 2002 under the direction of poet Michael Sowder. Sowder currently teaches at Utah State University. Some of the previous names of the journal include The Last Stop Before the Desert and Ethos. One thing that has remained constant is the focus on ISU student creativity. “It’s great to share our creative work together,” said Downs. “It shows people that the students aren’t just kids, going through classes, they are creative adults with incredible skills.” Downs is an English major on the creative writing track, but students from all across the university can submit poetry or prose to the journal; BR&S is unique because it also accepts musical submissions as well as submitted art pieces from the art and music departments. Another reason, BR&S is so impactful is because it only features the work of undergraduate and graduate students on the ISU campus. The Department of English and Philosophy, under the direction of Brian Attebery, has another journal called Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts. Unlike BR&S however, this journal is a national journal which means its contributors are scholars, not students. This is just one more that makes BR&S unique. As with many things, Black Rock & Sage was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally, new issues of the journal are released in May, just before the spring semester ends. However, with the quarantine order that went into effect in March, the journal was not published until this fall semester. Unfortunately, COVID-19 still impacted the launch. Rather than hosting an in-person launch party as the BR&S staff normally does, the launch for this issue was held virtually via YouTube. Student contributors, like Downs, sent in videos of them performing their pieces. The video submissions were then edited together to form a full-length video. Musical submissions and artwork pieces were also included. The video can still be viewed on the College of Arts and Letters YouTube page. When Susan Goslee was hired by ISU as an assistant professor in the fall of 2007, she was hired under the
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expectation that beginning the next semester she would begin to helm the journal. Since then, Goslee has supervised and supported the student editors and acted as a liaison between BR&S and other campus departments. “It is exhilarating to see their work showcased with other great student artists,” said Goslee. “BR&S supports all of the arts on campus and showcases our tremendous students.” One change Goslee has made to the magazine is the addition of a class called Literary Magazine Production. In this class, students make selections for what will be included in the upcoming issue and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes. Students will also learn more about the impact of literary journals. Goslee has many goals for the magazine going forward including making sure the 2021 issue still goes out in May and hosting virtual events. More information regarding these events can be found on the journal’s Instagram which is brs_isujournal. The current editor-in-chief of Black Rock & Sage is a second-year grad student, Breck Dalley. Dalley is pursuing a Master’s in English, with an area of focus in 20th and 21st poetry and ecocriticism. Throughout her time at ISU, Dalley has been aware of the magazine. “Even as an undergrad, I knew of the magazine. As a graduate student, I started being more involved last semester because I took the class,” said Dalley. After taking the class, Dalley was approached by Goslee to serve as editor-in-chief for the 2020-2021 school year. All student positions are volunteer. Although Dalley cannot submit her own creative work now that she is editor-in-chief, she submitted her own poetry and was published in the current issue. She can be seen in the video launch, reading her poem entitled “Now Go”. BR&S is currently accepting submissions for the 2021 issue. According to Dalley, “The goal is for the magazine to set a bar for creative works at ISU”. All students, undergrad, and graduate can submit to the magazine regardless of their major. More information regarding the submission rules can be found on the journal’s website: https://blackrockandsage.org/. “It provides a space for students to both showcase and share their work. It creates and allows for community. The arts play a really important role,” said Dalley.
Cover Photo Courtesy of Black Rock & Sage
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The Bengal at Idaho State University
4 November 2020 • Page 2
NEWS
Logan Ramsey | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Chick-fil-A Coming to Campus Causes Controversy
Photo Courtesy of Idaho State University The Bengal Staff In August Idaho State University and catering partner Chartwells Higher Education announced that fast-food chain Chick-fil-A would open on the Pocatello campus in Fall 2021. Chick-fil-A was slated to replace Mandalay Express in the Pond Student Union Building. Chartwells announced the addition of Chick-fil-A alongside the announcement that the university and Chartwells had extended their contract and Chartwells will add a Starbucks to the Pocatello campus in 2022. According to President Kevin Satterlee, “The decision to have a Chick-fil-A location on our campus was made based on input and feedback from our campus community, primarily our students.” “This was the foodservice option that students wanted, and the entire purpose
and mission of our food service operation is to enhance the student experience,” said Satterlee. “I was told unequivocally that the number one and number two things demanded by our students through surveys, studies and listening sessions was Chick-fil-A and Starbucks.” However, the announcement to bring Chick-fil-A was not without controversy. Chick-fil-A has a history of supporting anti-LGBTQ organizations, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and the Salvation Army. In 2019 Chick-fil-A announced they would stop donating to the FCA and Salvation Army, and instead start donating to charities that addressed education, homelessness and hunger. However, Chick-fil-A has not explicitly promised to bar donating to anti-LGBTQ organizations again—including the FCA and Salvation Army. Many LGBTQ advocates have also
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons
argued that Chick-fil-A has not done enough to protect LGBTQ individuals in the workplace. Chick-fil-A CEO Don Cathy has been criticized for his stance towards samesex marriage. In 2012 Cathy was quoted saying, “I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’” Cathy has personally donated money to organizations that fought against samesex marriage and organizations that provide conversion therapy. In 2014 Cathy told the Atlanta JournalConstitution that he regrets getting involved in the debate on same-sex marriage, but he did not apologize for his comments. “I think the time of truths and principles are captured and codified in God’s word and I’m just personally committed to that,” said Cathy. “I know others feel very different from that and I respect their opinion and I hope that they would be respectful of mine. I think that’s a political debate that’s going to rage on. And the wiser thing for us to do is to stay focused on customer service.” Most poignant to many students today is the anti-LGBTQ history that Chick-fil-A will be bringing to the Idaho State campus in Fall 2021. “I am personally really hurt because the thing that bothers me the most is not real ignorance,” said Rowan Smith. “Nobody in charge of putting Chick-fil-A on campus can pretend they were not aware of Chick-fil-A’s anti-LGBTQ history; I am somewhat annoyed with the fact that they’re going through with it when they had prior knowledge.” Smith is the lead coordinator with the LGBTQ student group Lambda Qi at Idaho State. ASISU Graduate Studies Senator and Former ASISU President Camdon Kay did not know that Chick-fil-A was coming to campus until a meeting with the ASISU Senate. But when the ASISU Senate was made aware that Chick-fil-A was coming to campus, many senators were immediately concerned about the impact Chick-fil-A would have on perception towards the university and the impact it may cause to students on campus. “Although it may have been student selected, [Idaho State] did not consult with the right groups on campus,” said Kay. “And [Idaho State] did it without concern for the student that would be negatively
affected by their presence on campus.” Kay and others at ASISU are writing a resolution that condemns the University, effectively stating, “the choice to bring Chick-fil-A to campus was done without appropriately consulting with students and affected groups.” Kay predicts that the resolution will be passed by the ASISU Senate with ease. “We are working hard as a Senate to make sure that student voices on campus are heard,” said Kay. “We are trying to defend those that can’t speak up for themselves right now with the administration. I wish the administration would be more cognizant of student needs.” University administrators have brought studies to ASISU which claim bringing Chick-fil-A to campus will help with recruitment and enrollment retention. Claims which are true. Studies have shown that having dining options that appeal to students can increase enrollment at universities. And there are many students that welcome the addition to campus dining options, citing that the nearest Chick-fil-A is in Ammon, ID. “I’m excited for Chick-fil-A to come next year,” said Idaho State first-year student Wyatt Hamilton. “It will be nice to not have to drive such a far distance to get [Chick-fil-A] in the coming year.” Even if the ASISU Senate passes the resolution condemning the University for bringing Chick-fil-A to campus, it is unlikely that the university will change course, especially since a five-year agreement was already made with Chickfil-A. “I understand and respect the reasoning behind why people are opposed to this decision. I do not defend Chick-fil-A or their political decisions, especially those related to anti-LGBTQ actions. Their past decisions weighed on my mind when I made the decision, but choosing a food service option is not meant as an endorsement of anyone’s political or social views,” said Satterlee. “We will continue our efforts to ensure that we have an inclusive campus. We will continue to be supportive of our LGBTQ students, faculty and staff, and of everyone in our community. That inclusivity, that support and that acceptance are all critically important to Idaho State University.”
Page 3 • 4 November 2020
The Bengal at Idaho State University
Logan Ramsey | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Pocatello High School to Retire Mascot
NEWS
Brandon Oram | Photo Editor Andrea Diaz Reporter Pocatello High School has both made history and caused controversy with its decision to change its Indians mascot. The board of trustees for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School district voted to retire the mascot after the 2020/2021 school year. The Indians have been the school’s mascot since the 1950s and has had a long and not so pretty history. According to the Idaho State Journal, the first known instance of the mascot was in a 1946 yearbook cover featuring a stereotypical Indian with a mohawk hairstyle and a spear. Then in 1951, the Indian was featured again, but this time as a representation of school spirit with a cartoon Indian that called himself Oske with the caption, “Hi! My name’s ‘Oske-ow-ow!’ I represent your school spirit.”
The Indian mascot was then taken on by the school and it wasn’t until 1972 that the school faced significant backlash over their mascot. The American Indian Movement (AIM) was an organization that focused on protesting the unfair treatment of Native Americans by the United States government. Dennis Banks, the co-founder of AIM, arrived in Pocatello in 1972 at the request of the Native American Students Association at Idaho State University and was very critical of the mascot saying, “If they’re willing to go out there and be Indians for that one hour it takes to play a basketball game, let them come out and live on the reservation.” The general relationship between the local tribes and Pocatello High School has been both a positive and negative one. According to KTVB a school board meeting was held and multiple testimonies were heard. Many testimonies were for the mas-
Brandon Oram | Photo Editor
cot and others against. One of the testimonies being Michelle Dan Hernandez, who said that she was a descendant of Chief Pocatello. Her thoughts towards the mascot were positive where she doesn’t feel like it is offensive and gave the school her blessing to move forward with the Indians mascot. However, Louida Benally, a member of the Tribal Youth Education Program, felt that the mascot was offensive after she watched an “Indianettes” performance, which is the school’s dance team. She described the performance by saying, “I felt shame, and embarrassed - it just creeped up my back,” she said. “That’s when it hit me... there’s something wrong with this if I’m going to feel this [way,] there’s something terribly wrong with the way they
are portraying us.” The dance team came out to the sound of stereotypical “Indian sounds” and “music that would fit a blackand-white Western movie,” according to Benally. Overall the school board members reached a decision of 4-1 to retire the Indians mascot. The list of possible new mascots has now been narrowed down to nine possible candidates. Most of the possible candidates allude to wild animals such as the wolves, the eagles, the bison, the mountain lions, the falcons and the mustangs. Another possible option is the phantoms which is a nod to the many rumors of the schools being haunted, with the last two options being the stampede and the thunder.
The Bengal at Idaho State University
4 November 2020 • Page 4
NEWS
Logan Ramsey | News Editor Contact: bgnews@isu.edu
Expect Delays in the Results of the 2020 Election
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons Dylon Harrison Managing Editor The 2020 presidential election has come and gone, but the results of the election are likely to take some time to be accurately determined. With all of the unprecedented circumstances around this election, it is within the realm of possibility that the decision will be made over an unprecedented amount of time. With the record-setting amount of absentee and early voters this year, it is ex-
pected that the results of the election may not be known until midway through November. Some experts predict that during the time it will take to count the votes, each of the candidates may appear to take large leads in specific states that will eventually narrow as more ballots are counted. President Trump is expected to take this early lead in red states that count Election Day Votes first, while Vice President Biden is expected to lead in blue states that count their early ballots first.
While the delay in determining this year’s election results is expected to be longer than normal, counting votes after election day is nothing new. It has been happening in America since our modern voting practices began. The only things that are expected to set this election apart from those in the past are the record number of expected voters and the number of those voters who are opting to not vote in person at the polls on Election Day. NPR predicts that it could take until as late as Nov. 12 for election results to be finalized in the final swing state. It is also expected that, if the election is close, it could make its way to the Supreme Court for the final decision to be made, at which point the final results would take even longer to be decided. If the decision does not go to the Supreme Court, we should know the results by the end of November. If it does, it is unclear how long it will take for the decision to be made. As of the writing of this article, President
Trump has also refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power in the event that he loses this election. While it is not within the powers of a sitting president to stay in power after losing the election, America has also never had to face the consequences of a president attempting to. However, none of this means that there will definitely not be a clear-cut winner determined by the end of Election Day if enough states declare their winner that night. President Trump has been pushing for an Election Night decision to be made, so that is not outside the realm of impossibilities. If enough key states determine the winner of their election by the end of the night, it is entirely conceivable that we could know who the next president will be by the time this article is published. Either way, officials across the country are urging Americans to keep calm and wait patiently while the results of the election are determined as accurately as possible.
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons
Page 5 • 4 November 2020
The Bengal at Idaho State University
Kaitlyn Hart | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Things to Look Forward to for the Rest of 2020
LIFE
Photo Courtesy of PixaBay Chloe Reid Reporter With the seasons transitioning into winter once again, and quarantine lasting well into the colder months, this time of year can take a toll on the mental health of many. However, despite such circumstances, there’s still plenty of things to anticipate for the rest of the year. Here are some things to look forward to in the coming months of 2020: Local Events: Volunteer Work: Local businesses are in need of volunteer work this holiday season. Volunteering can statistically assist in increasing mental health, as well as reducing stress. In the midst of all the craziness this holiday season, community service is a great way to help the community, as well as helping yourself. Here are a few of the local businesses that could use your help in the coming months: Idaho Food Bank: Visit https://idahofoodbank.volunteerhub.com/lp/pocatello/ for available dates on volunteering locally. Home delivered meals: Assist senior centers in delivering meals to homebound residents during COVID-19. Located at 825 E. Bridger Street, visit volunteermatch.org for more information. Christmas Night Lights Parade: Hosted by the ISU Credit Union, the Christmas Night Lights Parade will be hosted from 6-8 pm on Friday, Nov. 27th, in Old Town Pocatello. Starting at the Center Street Underpass, the parade will travel from the East to the West side of Old Town. This year will be a bit different, with the parade being a drive-thru based event, with floats parked on either side of the road for guests to enjoy as they drive by. Holidays: Thanksgiving: The closest of holidays is less than a month away. There’s no better day of the year to enjoy pumpkin pie, stuffing and other traditional favorites while being close to those you love. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Thanksgiving Day also comes with the classic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,
cherished by millions of people for decades. Despite many worries about the parade due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the parade has altered certain things to allow it to continue this coming holiday season. It will still be hosted from 7-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day for everyone to enjoy. Winter holidays: Regardless of the cold weather being a downside for many, the icy temperatures ensure the coziest of holidays are right around the corner. Even with COVID-19, enjoying hot cocoa while watching the snowfall, driving around & looking at lights with loved ones and watching classic movies such as “Frosty”, “The Polar Express” and more, still remain a classic and fun way to celebrate the holiday season with others. Movies: Soul (PG): Releasing Dec. 25, Disney Pixar’s “Soul” is about a man named Joe, voiced by Jamie Foxx. Joe is striving to reach his life dream, and right when he thinks it’s’ finally attainable, he’s sent into a whimsical world, where he is forced to begin to think of the true meaning of having a soul. There, Joe meets up with another soul, 22, who doesn’t think life on Earth is as good as everyone says it is. A wholesome family movie from the same studio as “UP”, “Inside Out’’ and more. “Soul” will be a wholesome addition to Disney+ streaming this holiday season. Freaky (R): Releasing Friday, Nov. 13, “Freaky” is a dark spin-off of the classic movie “Freaky Friday”. Teenager Millie finds herself accidentally swapping bodies with The Butcher, a local serial killer that’s been plaguing the town. Millie finds she only has 24 hours to switch back bodies before she’ll be trapped in the middle-aged maniac forever. Music: Shawn Mendes’, “Wonder”: The popular singer/songwriter has announced the release date for his fourth studio album “Wonder”. The album will be released on Dec. 14. AC/DC, “Power Up”: The 17th studio album of the popular
Australian rock band, AC/DC’s new album “Power Up” is set to release on Nov. 13. This album marks the return of 3 members who had left AC/DC during various times in the past, as well as being a tribute to the late guitarist, Malcolm Young. Online Black Friday Sales: Despite many stores canceling the traditional Black Friday events, most stores
are now participating in online versions of sales, either allowing you to ship your purchases to home or receiving them via pick up. Many are also hosting such sales early this year, giving you plenty of time to shop. In all the stress of 2020, being able to shop the anticipated Black Friday sales from the comfort of your own home can seem like pure bliss.
The Bengal at Idaho State University
4 November 2020 • Page 6
LIFE
Kaitlyn Hart | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Album Review: “Love Goes” by Sam Smith
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images Kaitlyn Hart Life Editor We haven’t had a lot of good things this year. Simply put, but it’s true. Movies were canceled or postponed for years, video game releases were put off for what feels like eons and even Disneyland has been closed for almost an entire year. (Sure, Disneyworld is open, but that’s in Florida so it doesn’t count.) Thankfully, something we can always count on is music, and believe me, it has been my saving grace throughout the duration of this demonic virus that has been plaguing the world for the past however long. Last week, on Oct. 30, Sam Smith released his new album “Love Goes”. I have always been a huge fan of Sam Smith. Lyrically, politically and personally, I have always admired their dedication to the craft and their ability to be unabashedly themselves. The album starts off with “Young”, a completely acapella piece that sounds like what I imagine it feels like to be sitting in a bathtub full of roses, sipping champagne and looking out on the crisp blue waters of the French Riviera. Sam’s voice is like silk, it flows through the song so effortlessly that it makes you forget just how much hard work goes into songwriting and singing. This is my favorite song on the album, and it is only the first track. It’s fair to say that listening through the album for the first time, I had pretty high hopes after this first song. The second track smashed the billboards when it was released as the second single on the album. “Diamonds” is a faster song, something that I don’t usually associate with Smith’s music. It has a very pop tone and starts out sounding like a Barcelonian ballad. When I first heard it, I immediately thought about “The Cheetah Girls” and I honestly could not tell you why. With lyrics like, “My diamonds leave with you, you’re never gonna hear my heart break, never gonna move in dark ways, baby, you’re so cruel”, it has a dark tone while still maintaining a clubby vibe. Not exactly what I would expect from Sam Smith, but a vibe nonetheless. The next three tracks radiate the same vibe for me, the third track, “Another One” sounds similar to The Chainsmokers and has a very radio, top-40’s kind of sound. I feel like that one will be very popular with the teens during the cold winter months. Maybe if prom was happening, it would be very highly played. After that, we have the fourth track,“My Oasis (feat. Burna Boy)” which unfortunately I wasn’t very into. It’s very echoey, and a slower vibe which I’m usually not very
privy to. But if you’re looking for a song to listen to while just daydreaming and staring at the sky, this one is for you. Track five, “So serious” is one of the most lyrically beautiful songs on the album. “Put your fingers on your chest and your body and breathe, let it be. Don’t find it hard to say so, I’ll say it, “I get lonely.” I mean come on. This song is a BOP. A dance track that you can relate to on a deep level with some emotional warmth behind it is something that is very hard to come by, but this song manages to do it effortlessly. The sixth track, “Dance (till you love someone else)”, is also kind of like a club song, and I found it reminded me a lot of another song on the album that was released as a single back in January (I know, it feels like it was years ago). It’s very pop-friendly, something that you would expect to be
second album. It’s slow but all-encompassing and makes you feel like you’re driving through a blizzard with how caught up in the song you become without even noticing it. It’s heartbreaking and desolating, but it is absolutely beautiful. “So I lay a dozen roses for the lover that I’ve lost, I stand by all my choices even though I paid the cost.” The next track “Breaking Hearts” reminds me a lot of Sam’s first album “In The Lonely Hour”. This track is very solemn yet keeps time feeling fleeting while showcasing their soft and pillowy voice. It feels like a song that was written specifically for their voice type and to showcase their range as much as possible. The way that I like to judge a song is how excited I am after listening to it, to learn the words and be able to sing it myself. It’s probably the weird choir kid in me still try-
Photo Courtesy of Genius overplayed on the radio. That being said, I’m a sucker for lyrics, and they can change the entire song around for me, which this song almost did. “Thought I buried you and I, but I have diamonds in my eyes, such a bitter tear to cry.” “For The Lover That I Lost” brought me all the way back to November of 2017 during my freshman year of college. Driving around in the snow back and forth from my night class blasting songs from Sam’s second album “The Thrill of it All”. This album changed my life. I know that it’s tacky to say that, but it’s true. Freshman year was really hard for me and I thank God that this album came out when it did. “For The Lover That I Lost” has such a similar vibe to Sam’s
ing to break free, but the next track “Forgive Myself” awoke the high-school choir nerd that was asleep in my soul and excited her to the core. “Now my heart is broken and I’m crying on the floor, and every part of me hopes you walk through the door. But you’re not here, baby, and I can’t love anyone else ‘till I forgive myself.” “Love Goes (feat. Labrinth)” the title track, feels like Christmas. Starting out with a beautiful piano piece, the beginning is slow and drawn out like watching a taffy machine. Then out of nowhere, a beat comes in and so does artist Labrinth, making the song come full circle. This song is my second favorite because it has such an unexpected turn as well as a beautiful me-
lodic frame surrounding the voices. I don’t want to talk about “Kids Again” because it made me sad and nostalgic. I like to think I’m still a kid because it makes me sad to think I’m old and that is all I will say about that. The next two songs, “Dancing With A Stranger (with Normani)” and “How Do You Sleep?” were both released earlier in the year as singles. I feel the same about the former that I feel about “Dance (till you love someone else)”. Very Top 40, and just not really my thing. However, ‘How Do You Sleep?” is an absolute jam, and if this was a normal year, you would definitely catch me screaming this in a karaoke bar on the weekends. This was not the year to turn 21. “I’m Ready (with Demi Lovato)” is another club song. I’m not usually into the techno-pop, overplayed club songs type, but I absolutely love Demi Lovato and Sam Smith separately, so adding them together was just the most perfect combination I could’ve imagined. “Fire on Fire” is like if I were to take “In The Lonely Hour” and “The Thrill of It All” and melt them together. It is a perfect combination of everything Sam Smith is known for vocally, lyrically and emotionally. It’s a song about a love that is too powerful, something that feels like too much. The songs talk about feeling overwhelmed by someone that you feel so passionately about, hence, fire on fire. Beautiful lyrics, beautiful musical arrangement and a beautiful intro to the conclusion of the album. “Maybe it’s ‘cause I got a little bit older, maybe it’s all that I’ve been through. I’d like to think it’s how you lean on my shoulder and how I see myself with you.” The last song on the album, “Promises (with Sam Smith)” is technically by Calvin Harris, although Sam does the singing. This is the ultimate club bop. Calvin Harris is on it so you know that it’s going to be overplayed in every club, bar and gathering as soon as COVID-19 is over and hopefully not any sooner. I think I will give this album a solid 7 out of 10. I have a very special place in my heart for Smith’s second album, “The Thrill of It All”, so I can’t fathom giving it as high of marks as what I consider a solid 9 out of 10. This album includes some absolutely stunning lyrics, heart-wrenching lyrics and songs that I will be belting out in my car for a very long time. My favorites, “Young”, “Love Goes (feat. Labrinth)” and “For The Lover That I Lost” are the absolute best of a fantastic album, and something that brought so many people so much happiness during such a dark time in the world. I highly suggest that you take a listen as soon as you possibly can.
Page 7 • 4 November 2020
The Bengal at Idaho State University
LIFE
Kaitlyn Hart | Life Editor Contact: bglife@isu.edu
Your Astrological Cocktail Lesley Brey| Reporter Scorpio, October 23- November 22: Mulled Wine Happy Birthday, Scorpio! Celebrate with a mature mulled wine, it perfectly fits your debonair style and personality. ⅓ Bottle of red wine ½ Orange sliced in rounds 2 Whole cloves 1 tsp. Cinnamon 1 oz Brandy Honey to taste Star anise for garnish Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes and serve warm for best flavor. Original Recipe: Lauren Miyashiro, Delish.com
Pisces, February 23- March 22: Caramel Apple Martini This simple martini will be the perfect aesthetic addition to your Instagram feed, signaling to the world that you are in the full fall spirit. It also tastes good, but that’s just a side benefit really. 2 oz Apple cider 2 oz Caramel vodka 1 oz Butterscotch schnapps Apple slice for garnish Best shaken, rim glass with brown sugar for full effect. Original Recipe: Michael Wurm, Inspiredbycharm.com
Aries, March 23- April 22: Drunken Pumpkin Latte Bold Aries, what could be a better combination for you than coffee and alcohol? That’s right, there isn’t anything better! Enjoy responsibly. 1 ½ cup Boiling water 2 tbsp espresso powder 2 tbsp Sugar 1 tsp Pumpkin spice 5 oz Rumchata 3 oz Pumpkin pie vodka Whip cream for garnish
Sagittarius, November 23- December 22: Maple Bourbon Old-Fashioned A fresh seasonal twist on a classic drink is in your future Sagittarius. Sit back, kick your feet up and enjoy. 2 tsp. Maple Syrup 1 tsp. Water 1 dash Bitters 1 Orange peel or ½ tsp orange juice 2 oz Bourbon Cherry for garnish Stir over ice, topping with bourbon and cherry. Original Recipe: Candace Braun Davison, Delish.com
Stir together, rim glass with more sugar and pumpkin spice. Original Recipe: Laura Rege, Delish.com Taurus, April 23- May 22: Cranberry Mule Taurus, you appreciate the finer things in life. This mule makes it easy with all the trappings of sophistication and none of the hassle. 2 oz Cranberry juice 2 oz Vodka 2 oz Lime Juice 3 oz Ginger beer A handful of fresh or frozen cranberries for garnish
Capricorn, December 23- January 22: Pumpkin Spice White Russians You’re straight forward and nononsense, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little flavor sometimes. The pumpkin spice really elevates this White Russian, but don’t worry, no one can see the difference. 2 oz Vodka 1 oz Kahlua 1 ½ oz Pumpkin spice creamer Rim glass with graham cracker crumbs if you’re feeling fancy; serve over ice. Original Recipe: Candace Braun Davison, Delish.com Aquarius, January 23- February 22: Pear & Thyme Fizz Just like you, Aquarius, this drink is innovative and fresh. It takes a little waiting, but all the good things in life do. 5 ½ oz Apple Juice ⅓ Bottle of Champagne, preferably pear flavored 2 oz Orange flavored Liqueur 4 sprigs of Thyme Thinly sliced pear for garnish Stir together everything but the champagne, then refrigerate for 2-4 hours. Add champagne and discard thyme before serving. Original Recipe: Camille Styles, Camillestyles.com
Cancer, June 23- July 22: Cranberry Mimosa This bubbly beverage is perfect for you, sentimental Cancer. It’s simple, sweet and seasonal. 4 oz Sweetened Cranberry Juice ½ bottle champagne Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for garnish Mix cranberry juice and champagne at a one-one ratio. Skewer cranberries with a toothpick then thread with rosemary sprig. Original Recipe: Lindsay Funston, Delish. com
Leo, July 23- August 22: Bourbon Apple Cider Nothing is more quintessentially fall than apple cider, so what better way to enjoy it than boozy? Get as fancy as you dare! 4 oz Apple cider 2 oz Bourbon Orange slice and rosemary sprig for garnish Best shaken, rim glass with sugar and cinnamon Original Recipe: Rachael White, Setthetableblog.com
Virgo, August 23- September 22: Spiced Pear Gin Cocktail This is a classy drink for a classy person. Virgo, this is quite literally the prettiest drink on this list. 3 oz Gin 2 oz Pear Juice 1 ½ oz Spiced pear liqueur 1 oz Lemon Juice Bitters to taste Pear slices and thyme to garnish
Combine over ice. Original Recipe: Candace Braun Davison, Delish.com
Best shaken with ice, then strained over ice. Top with pear and thyme Original Recipe: Michael Wurm, Inspiredbycharm.com
Gemini, May 23- June 22: Apple Pie on the Rocks It’s a pie; it’s a beverage; it’s perfect for you, double natured Gemini. Have your cake and drink it too. 2 oz Caramel vodka 2 oz Cinnamon whiskey 1 oz Vanilla citrus liqueur 8 oz Apple cider Cinnamon stick to garnish
Libra, September 23- October 22: Mudslide Sad that you’re another year older? Nothing like a delicious mudslide to make you feel like a grown-up little kid, or at the very least, tipsy. 4 oz Vodka 2 oz Kahlua 2 oz Bailey’s 2 oz Heavy cream
Stir together, rim with brown sugar if you’re in the mood to. Original Recipe: Chelsea, Galonamission. com
Best shaken with ice. Strain into chocolate swirled glass. Original Recipe: Makinze Gore, Delish. com
Idaho State University Events Calendar Thursday Nov. 5
Friday Nov. 6
Ongoing Until Nov. 19
7pm Public Debate - “100 Years Later: The 19th Ammendment and Women’s Right to Vote” (Watch online at www.facebook.com/idahostatedebate)
3pm Rake a Difference Fundraiser Pocatello Free Clinic (1001 N. 7th St.)
12 - 6pm 6 Feet ApART - Faculty/Graduate Art Exhibition (John B. Davis Gallery) 12 - 6pm Visibility - A Group Art Exhibition (CompARTment Gallery)
The Bengal at Idaho State University
4 November 2020 • Page 8
OPINION
Dylon Harrison | Managing Editor Contact: bgeditor@isu.edu
A Stain on the Robes of the Supreme Court Dylon Harrison Managing Editor There are a lot of words that could be used to describe the appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court eight days before the conclusion of the 2020 presidential election. The two that seem to keep coming to mind are disgusting and horrifying. I genuinely don’t know where to begin in explaining just how wrong it is, but here we go. For starters, it is an absolute disgrace to the legacy of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. RBG dedicated her life to serving our country and making it a better place. Her dying wish was for her replacement to be nominated by the winner of the 2020 election. After everything she did for this country, she deserved to have that wish respected. For the Republican-controlled Senate to push Barrett’s confirmation through so close to the election is deplorable at best. The pure hypocrisy of it is mind-blowing. Let us not forget that in 2016, the Senate, under the control of the same Senate Majority Leader, refused to allow for even a hearing of President Obama’s SCOTUS nominee, who was nominated nine months before the 2016 election. I will not be using the name of this Senate Majority Leader. As far as I am concerned, he doesn’t deserve it. However, I do think that it is worth pointing out that he himself said in February of 2016, “The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.” Again, this was said at the beginning of February, almost nine months before the 2016 election. Apparently, these words were ever only going to ring true when it was beneficial to the Republican Party. The Senate Majority Leader is not the only member of this hypocritical party to have made such a statement during the 2016 election. Many other Republican senators made similar claims and even told the American people to use their words against them if a SCOTUS vacancy appeared during an election year with a sitting Republican president. Each of them voted to confirm Barrett. It is time to begin holding our elected officials accountable for their words and actions. They work for us. They need our vote to stay in office. Going forward, we must show them that we will not stand for this sort of blatant hypocrisy. We won’t stand for a party stealing the right of the American people to have a voice in who sits in a lifetime appointment to the highest court in our country, and
we will not stand for the utter disrespect thrown upon the legacy of an American hero just days after their death. Not to mention, Barrett is dangerously under-qualified to serve on the Supreme Court. Not only has she only been a judge for three years and has never tried a case in her life, but her judgment can clearly be seen as unsound by the circumstances surrounding the announcement of her nomination. The party at the White House celebrating her nomination turned out to be a super spreader event for COVID-19, resulting in many people contracting the virus. One of these people was the very president who nominated her. He will also remain unnamed in this piece, as I think he is even less deserving of recognition than the previously mentioned Senate Majority Leader. We are now faced with a SCOTUS that is
set to overturn so many critical decisions that were made during RBG’s time on the bench, and many people are now looking at the very real possibility that their rights may soon be stripped away. Women, members of the LGBTQ community, racial minorities and those with preexisting conditions are now in danger of losing civic protections that were so hard-won. I, and I’m sure all of you as well, have many loved ones that fall into at least one of these categories. They’re terrified. I’m terrified for them. Barrett’s appointment threatens to return America back to life not unlike that before the civil rights movement. We, as Americans, can not allow for this to happen. We have to use our voices. We have to get involved in any way that we can.
I know that by the time this column is published, the election will be over. Regardless of its outcome, the fight continues. Marginalized members of our community need our help now more than ever. As of right now, I don’t know who will be sworn into office come January, but for the sake of those I love, I hope it is Joe Biden. If it is, we need him to expand the Supreme Court. That is the only way that we can ensure that the Court’s current conservative majority does not get the chance to strip rights away from our fellow Americans. If Biden is not the winner, remember to be there for each other. Use whatever voice you have to speak out for what is right. Remember your rights and to defend the rights of those around you. The future is in our hands.
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