DU Clarion Volume 125 Issue 03 by The DU Clarion

VOLUME 125, ISSUE 03

JAN. 24, 2018

PIONEERS SHUT OUT MAVERICKS IN SERIES

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THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR WOMEN’S MARCH

RESPECTING DREAMERS IN 9 THE DACA DEBATE pa g e

SMILING MOOSE OPENS 6 NEAR DU pa g e

“THE POST” IS STUNNINGLY RELEVANT

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DU CLARION

JAN. 24, 2018

| NEWS

Government shutdown ends amidst immigration disagreements

Photo courtesy of PsBattle

n Jan. 22, the government shutdown came to a close after Congress had voted on a short-term spending bill to fund government operations that had been closed for the past weekend. The bill will be effective through Feb. 8 and, as part of the agreement, there will be a vote on immigration in the next couple of weeks. This is following the government shutdown that began Jan. 20 which left “non-essential” departments and agencies to be furloughed (off work until the shutdown ends).Those affected include federally funded research, national park operations, the Department of Education, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Republican’s and Democrat’s disagreement toward policies regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and immigration is the primary issue that left the Senate in deadlock. The attempt to create legislation on DACA is in response to President Trump’s order last Sept. when he called to Congress to address immigration issues before the act’s demise on March 5. Earlier this month there was discussion between President Trump and senators about extending DACA and creating other resources and pathways for students who came to the country illegally through their parents. The “Gang of Six”—six senators working towards a bipartisan immigration bill—introduced a bill that would allow students that qualified for DACA to get legal status, eliminate

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the chance for parents of DREAMers to receive citizenship through their child’s sponsorship, eliminate the diversity visa lottery and re-allocate the visas and add more finances for border security. Proponents of this bill are led by Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and includes Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO). Despite the efforts, progress was halted after President Trump’s comments at a meeting discussing the protection of immigrants with lawmakers on Jan. 11 where he asked, “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” in regard to immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries. For a deal to get passed and end the shutdown, there will need to be a bill that can get 60 votes in the

Senate and as well as be approved by Trump. On Jan. 21, the president had tweeted his suggestion for what Congress’s next step should be. “Great to see how hard Republicans are fighting for our military and safety at the border. The Dems just want illegal immigrants to pour into our nation unchecked. If stalemate continues, Republicans should go to 51% (Nuclear Option) and vote on real, long term budget, no C.R.’s.” Ultimately, in the Senate the vote to end the shutdown was 81 to 18. The vote in the House was 266 to 150.

Daniela Santos | News Editor

DU Clarion EDITORIAL STAFF

JOHN POE, Editor-in-Chief RYAN NINESLING, Executive Editor DANIELA SANTOS, News Editor NIKKY JOHNSON, Sports Editor ELIZABETH LOCHHEAD, Opinions Editor The Clarion is the official student newspaper of the University of Denver, serving as the “Voice of the Pioneers.” Founded in 1899, it covers campus and local stories with the highest level of journalistic integrity possible. 1000 copies are distributed each Wednesday afternoon (throughout the academic year) across the DU campus, and every article is also published at duclarion.com. The Clarion does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the faculty, staff and/or administration of DU, and the opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the Clarion. Reproduction of The Clarion in whole or part in any form written, broadcast or electronic without written permission of The Clarion is prohibited. The opinions expressed by columnists and contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of The Clarion. Weather forecasts are of courtesy of the National Weather Service. The Clarion reserves the right to reject advertising, stories, columns or letters to the editor that it deems graphic, obscene or that discriminate on the basis of race, culture, gender or sexual orientation. The Clarion welcomes letters to the editor. Those who submit letters must limit them to 500 words. Some letters may not be published because of space limitations, overly-libelous content or similarity to past submissions. Please submit letters to duclarioneditor@gmail.com.

HOW TO JOIN

The Clarion is open to contributors of all years and majors at DU, including both undergraduate and graduate students. There’s no application necessary; all you have to do is show up to one of our weekly meetings, which are held every Monday at 6 p.m. (during the academic year) in the Driscoll Underground. Can’t make it to a meeting? Send an email to duclarioneditor@gmail.com and we’ll do everything we can to get you published.

TARYN ALLEN, Arts & Life Editor KENDALL MORRIS, Arts & Life Editor CAITLAN GANNAM, Photo/Video Editor GRACE HOUSER, Photo/Video Editor MONICA MCFADDEN, Podcast Editor JUSTIN CYGAN, Copy Editor MAYA PINON, Copy Editor ANDREW MATRANGA, Faculty Adviser Cover photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong

CONTRIBUTING STAFF LARS BRADY HANNAH BRANIT GRACE CARSON AMBER GANTT MADISON HELLER GRACE WILKINS

JAN. 24, 2018

DU CLARION

NEWS | 3

Women’s March mobilizes Denver a second time T he 2018 Women’s March took place on the morning of Jan. 20, bringing thousands together to protest and march in major cities like New York, Washington D.C. and more across the country, including Denver. People gathered downtown to hear music, organizations and guest speakers like Mayor Michael Hancock speak before getting onto the marching route around 9:30 a.m.

Local turnout was lower than the original event last year (estimated around 50,000 people rather than 100,000), but the march still attracted people of all ages, races and genders to Civic Center Park, many bearing pink hats and creative signs calling attention to a wide range of issues. While most attended in general support of female empowerment and equality, others took to the streets with messages on

abortion, sexual assault, the environment, health care, immigration reform and more. Some were distinctly anti-Trump or directly calling out state and local representatives. More so than last year, there were huge pushes for political action, with petitioners and voter registration volunteers scattered across the city. Chants rang through crowds of empowered people, the most Coloradan of which joked about Trump and Pence

skiing in jeans. Despite the lower turnout, morale remained high for Denverites who marched amidst a government shutdown, controversial movements like #MeToo and a generally unstable political and social climate.

Taryn Allen | Arts & Life Editor

Taryn Allen l Clarion

Law professors on the many sides of net neutrality

n Jan. 18, the DU Federalist Society hosted a discussion between University of Nebraska College of Law professor Justin Hurwitz, and DU MFJS associate professor Derigan Silver—each focusing on the implications between the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent decision to repeal net neutrality rules. This vote would then potentially allow internet service providers (ISP) the ability to regulate internet speeds on their own accord. Hurwitz, who spoke first at the event in Sturm College of Law, told the audience of law students, undergraduate students, professors and other members of the DU community that they should focus on the legal and policy aspects of the issue. As lawyers, he argued it’s the profession’s job to clarify to the general public what the implications of political discourse are without the filtering lens of rhetoric. Through a legal perspective, Hurwitz questioned the FCC’s statutory authority to regulate the internet. This question, Hurwitz hoped will be tackled through the Major Questions Doctrine. The doctrine says, “courts should not defer to agencies when it comes to major questions. Questions of vast political or economic significance,” described Hurwitz. If an agency is claiming to have newfound authority to regulate an important part of the American economy then, “Congress needs

to be clear in giving [the organization] this power,” he said. When discussing the policy behind net neutrality and its revocation, Hurwitz saw a more optimistic side that may come from paid prioritization. As a case study, the professor gave the example of Metro PCS’s 2011 plan where users for $40 a month could have access to unlimited YouTube in order to transition users to 4G. Despite accusations of violating net neutrality, the plan was popular among users according to Hurwitz who saw this as an example of a pay-forwhat-you-want program that is can be successful. MFJS Professor Silver began his half of the discussion by dispelling assumptions that the general public may have when debating net neutrality. When it comes to telecommunications law, Silver believes there is value in having government regulation for it can increase diversity of thought and ease one’s access to information. Corporations, such as ISPs, he argued, should not be thought of immediately as anti-regulation. “Corporations will always be in favor of what maximizes corporate profits,” said Silver. Silver proceeded by asking the attendees if they were willing to cut their access to the internet. No hands were raised. His follow-up question asked if they were willing to cut their access to cable; multiple hands raised. He did this to raise his point that, “we don’t want an internet that

works like cable. Why? Because cable television sucks,” he said. He concluded by summarizing that, in his eyes, an ideal internet should have fast speeds, equal access to all content and a greater broadband access for greater populations. Silver argued that

those who favor net neutrality see those regulations as the best way to ensure that underrepresented populations have access to the internet. Daniela Santos | News Editor

Grace Houser l Clarion

Houses for Rent Next Year

Now is the time to reserve a quality home for next school year with leases starting in the summer or fall. Large 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedroom homes include washers, dryers dishwashers, appliances, garages, yards, basements. Walking distance to campus and light rail. Don’t be left out! CALL OR E-MAIL NOW!

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DU CLARION

| SPORTS

JAN. 24, 2018

Pioneers take down Mavericks in weekend matchup

U Hockey earned a 5-0 win against the University of Nebraska Omaha on Friday in Magness Arena and rallied for a 4-0 victory the following night, downing the Mavericks in the weekend matchup. “Our collective intensity and urgency is back,” Denver Coach Jim Montgomery said. On Friday, senior goalie Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta) made 34 saves in his third shutout of the season and freshman Ian Mitchell (Calahoo, Alberta) recorded a career-high of one goal and three assists. To start the momentum to the win, sophomore Jarid Lukosevicus (Helsinki, Finland) opened the scoring on the power play late in the first period, deflecting a shot from Mitchell to make it 1-0 by the first intermission. Henrik Borgström had the assist on the goal. Mitchell extended Denver’s

lead at 2:42 of the second period when he received a drop pass from junior Dylan Gambrell (Bonney Lake, Wash.), and slid the puck past the pad of Mavericks goalie Evan Weninger. The two-goal advantage held through 40 minutes of the game. At 4:52 of the third period, the Crimson and Gold struck again on the power play as junior Troy Terry (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) took a pass from Gambrell and scored a shot over the shoulder of Weninger to make it 3-0. Mitchell had a secondary assist on the goal. Less than two minutes after Terry scored, the Pioneers returned to the power play, as Borgström found Lukosevicius with a crosscrease pass and Lukosevicus patiently put the puck into an open net. Mitchell tallied his fourth assist of the night on the play. Sophomore Erich Fear (Win-

netka, Ill.) added the final goal of the night and the first of his collegiate career at 12:37 of the third period with a shot from the point. Borgström and junior Logan O’Connor (Calgary, Alberta) were credited with assists on the goal that earned a final score of 5-0. In game one, the Pioneers finished 3/5 on the power play and 4/4 on the penalty kill. On Saturday, Jaillet made 30 saves in the shutout, marking the first time Denver recorded back-to-back shutouts since Oct. 13-14, 2013. Borgström had one goal and one assist and O’Connor had two assists in the victory that pushed the Pioneers to the top of the NCHC standings. Freshman Jaakko Heikkinen (Helsinki, Finland) opened the scoring at 18:15 of the first period, receiving a pass from Jake Durfligner and reaching

the back of the net between the legs of Maverick goalie Evan Weninger to make it 1-0 at the first intermission. Denver extended its lead late in the second period when Borgström found a loose puck outside the crease and scored. The Pioneers’ two-goal advantage held through two periods. At 2:01 of the third period, Terry slid the puck into the net to make it 3-0. Junior Colin Staub (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added an empty-netter with 2:05 remaining. The Pioneers sweep marked their first sweep since Dec. 1-2, 2017 against Minnesota Duluth, and outshot the Mavericks, 30-29, finishing 1/5 on the power play and 4/4 on the penalty kill.

Nikky Johnson | Sports Editor

Erika Sobelman | Clarion

DU finishes second at Boise State Quad Meet N o. 7 DU finished second at the Boise State Quad Meet on Friday, Jan. 19. Freshman Lynnzee Brown (Kansas City, Mo.) won the all-around title for the second meet in a row, scoring a 39.325. The Pioneers won four of the five individual titles, with Brown taking the title in all-around and floor, senior Nikole Addison (Fort Myers, Fla.) on vault and sophomore Maddie Karr (Stillwater, Minn.) on the uneven bars. The Pioneers began the meet on bars with six athletes competing, and the lowest score being dropped.

Junior Claire Kern (Charlotte, N.C.) led off and scored a 9.775. She was followed by freshman Mia Sundstrom (Boulder, Colo.) who also scored a 9.775. Junior Diana Chesnok (Charlotte, N.C.) finished strong, despite a fall, earning a 9.350. Karr led the team in scoring with a 9.900, while Brown scored a 9.850, placing her third overall. Senior Leah Lomonte (Katy, Texas) made her season debut, with her score being dropped. On the beam, in the third rotation, Sundstrom had the team high, with a 9.850, placing her second overall. Karr, and junior

Kaitlyn Schou (Orlando, Fla.) tied for third overall with 9.825, followed by Addison, who scored a 9.775. Brown and Chesnok each scored 9.700. On the floor, DU competed with five student-athletes for the second straight week and swept the podium. Brown was the top scorer for the Pioneers, receiving a 9.900, matching her personal best. Schou and Karr tied for second, earning 9.850. Addison finished with a 9.450, and Sundstrom finished with a 9.475. Denver finished the meet with five student-athletes on the vault.

Addison led the Pioneers with a new career-high of 9.900, securing the title on the vault. Brown finished second overall with a 9.875, Sundstrom scored a 9.835 and Chesnok scored a 9.800. Brown won the all-around title, with Karr placing third (39.325) and Sundstrom finishing fourth with a 38.925. The Pioneers come back next weekend for a three-meet home stand, starting with Pink Night against Utah State on Saturday, Jan. 27 in Hamilton Gymnasium. Hannah Branit | Contributing Writer

JAN. 24, 2018

DU CLARION

SPORTS | 5

DU Nordic teams ski to a victory with 650 points

U’s nordic ski team faced eight rival teams and snowy conditions at the Utah Invitational on Friday, Jan. 19. Despite the snow and competition, the Pioneers took the overall team crown with 650 points. The Pioneers earned 173 total points in the freestyle, with 84 points coming from the men’s 20k and 89 coming from the women’s 15k. In doing so, Crimson and Gold skiing edged out in-state rival CU by 14 points and third place Utah by 50.5 points. Denver’s senior Dag Frode Trolleboe (Oslo, Norway) took second on the men’s side with a run of 54:02.7, while senior Linn Eriksen (Oslo, Norway) also carded a second place finish for the women, with a time of 45:43.9. Both skiers earned 37 points for the Pioneer squad. “[It was] fun to be a Pioneer

in the snowstorm today,” said Eriksen. “I got my first podium of the year, which I am very happy about. Good skis and a good feeling gave me the confidence to position in front and pace the race.” Trolleboe was happy with his performance too, adding: “Today was an interesting race,” said Trolleboe. “I was dropped halfway through the race and had no energy left. With less than 2k to go, I could see the lead group far ahead and started gaining on them. Suddenly I was in the mix for a podium place, and was able to take the second place. I’m very happy with that.” “I was really proud of the way the team stepped up to the challenging conditions today,” said Nordic Coach Dave Stewart. “Our women were aggressive from the start, going to the front with Linn pushing the pace and leading for most of the race.

Taeler, Aja and Jasmi were all charging and placing four in the top nine in this stacked women’s field is a good day.” “Trolleboe and Kvaale continued their strong and consistent racing this season, with Daggi in second to go with his win yesterday and Eivind in fifth,” Stewart added. “Trolleboe has been first or second in all RMISA races this season and Kvaale has not been lower than sixth, so these guys are setting the pace for our program right now.” Sophomore Eivind Kvaale (Hoydalsmo, Norway) raced for another fifth place finish with a time of 54:19.8 earning 29 points for the Pioneers. Three other Pioneers finished in the top 10 in the women’s 10k: junior Taeler McCrerey (Frisco, Colo.) led the way in sixth place. The junior tallied 27 points with a run of 47:57.4.

Right behind McCrerey in seventh and eighth came Aja Starkey and Jasmi Joensuu respectively. The duo each scored 25 points, with times of 48:00.3 and 48:40.9. Borgar Norrud skied for a 20th place finish. The freshman chalked up 18 points with a completed run of 59:04.9. A few spots behind was Nick Sweeney, who completed the race in 59:54.5 for 23rd. Sweeney, an Aspen, Colo. native finished just a little over a second faster than teammate Simon Zink who took 25th. “I was impressed again with Sweeney’s result this weekend, stepping up his distance skiing to go along with his great sprint results,” said Stewart. “Overall, I am pleased with the trajectory our team is on and we are looking forward to the second half of the season.” Nikky Johnson | Sports Editor

DU Swim and Dive sweeps Colorado Mesa, falls to Utah

he Pioneers swept Col- ing second in 4:40.81, senior orado Mesa on Friday, Alex Walton (Boulder, Colo.) Jan. 19, as the women placing third in 4:47.32 and won all 13 events, and Haraden coming in fourth with the men won 9 of their events a time of 4:48.46. to secure the win over Colorado Denver finished the meet Mesa. Sophomore Josie Valette with relays, where both men’s (Boulder, Colo.), redshirt-junior and women’s relay team lineHeidi Bradley (Victoria, B.C.) ups were changed as a way of and junior Courtney Laird (Over- challenging their swimmers to land Park, Kan.) helped lead the improve individually. In the women with wins in the 100 fly, women’s 200 medley, Bradley, 100 back and 100 breast, while on sophomore Taylor Stoll (Hartthe men’s side, sophomore Peter land, Wis.), Andison and Lingen Webster (Odense, Denmark), red- won with a time of 1:46.57. The shirt-freshman Stephen Calkins men’s medley team, which fin(Calgary, Alberta) and sophomore ished in 1:34.36, included freshJesse Haraden (Ballston Spa, man Trent Panzera (Gauteng, N.Y.) racked up points through South Africa), freshman Cy wins in the 100 free, 100 back and Jager (Moscow, Idaho), fresh1000 free. man Andrew Brown (Vero Denver began its dominance Beach, Fla.) and freshman Jackin the 100 fly, with Valette fin- son Gainer (San Jose, Calif.). ishing in 57.17, while senior Ben Denver closed out its home Ussery (Austin, Texas) finished meets with Senior Saturday, in second, with a time of 51.65. on Jan. 20. Denver Women’s DU swept the 100 free swimming fell to Utah 151-149. events, with freshman Aysia Myers won three events, includLeckie (Georgetown, Ontario) ing 1000 free and the 200 free. finishing in 52.46, sophomore Denver men also fell to Utah Sarah Lingen (Maple Grove, 173.5-126.5, but set two new Minn.) placed second with a pool records. Sophomore Sid 53.15 and junior Bailey Andison Farber (Portland, Ore.) set a (Smiths Falls, Ontario) touched new record in the 50 freestyle third with a time of 53.21. For sprints with a time of 19.98, the men, Peter Webster touched and redshirt-freshman Stephen first in 46.70, senior Anton Calkins (Calgary, Alberta) set Loncar (Hillsboro, Ore.) was a new record of 1:38.58 in the second in 47.20 and freshman 200 free. Farber broke a school Emmett Wayte (Seattle, Wash.) record that was previously was third with a time of 47.66. held by Assistant Coach Kyle Bradley handily won the 100 Robrock, while Calkins broke back with a time of 57.62. Junior his own record. Annelyse Tullier (Dallas, Texas) Seniors Myers, Hannah Bradfinished second with 58.48. For ford (Centennial, Colo.), Larissa the men, Calkins touched first Grammer (Olathe, Colo.), Karly with 49.70, while freshman Haraden (Ballston Spa, N.Y), Cameron Auchinachie (Bing- Morgan McCormick (Golden, hamton, N.Y.) touched second Colo.), Morgan Wice-Roslin with a time of 51.97. (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Ray Senior Maddie Myers picked Bornman (Mackay, Queensland), up her second win of the meet Loncar, Jared Smith (Boulder in the 500 free with a time of City, Nev.), Ussery and Walton 5:05.11. Denver’s men swept the were honored during the meet top four spots in the distance for their contributions to the race, with sophomore Colin swimming program. Gilbert (Kamloops, B.C.) touching first in 4:37.40, junior Kyle Ewoldt (San Jose, Calif.) touch- Hannah Branit | Contributing Writer

Hannah Branit | Clarion

DU CLARION

JAN. 24, 2018

| OPINIONS

Jeff Sessions is after the wrong drug T

aking another step to undo the previous administration’s every policy, Jeff Sessions on Jan. 4 rescinded three Obamaera memos that had suggested non-interference on marijuana in legal states. This decision was met with outcries from both Congress members and the public, but protests aside, one of the main issues with this move is that it targets the wrong problem. The ongoing opioid crisis is the most pressing drug issue of our time, one whose place on the list of government priorities should obviously and distantly surpass that of marijuana. What

is more, because all the new plan does is allow federal prosecutors to individually decide how to handle marijuana in legal states, Sessions is mostly just talk here. It is a sorry state of things when the administration can’t even talk about the right issue. In October of last year, President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a “public health emergency” but did not allocate any additional federal funds for relief efforts. Since then, opioid addiction has continued to ravage the lives of tens of thousands of people in the United States. It makes no sense that Sessions has chosen marijuana

Photo courtesy of The Denver Post

to be his target—he has a history of abhorrence toward the drug—when opioids are far more dangerous and destructive. Also, legalization of marijuana has high approval ratings from Americans and has spawned an enormous industry in Colorado that sends hefty tax revenues back to benefit projects like school construction each year. A policy that amounts to disapproving words from the attorney general on marijuana seems like a diversion from the important drug issue at hand, an issue that the Trump administration is not taking seriously enough. While members of Congress, including Colorado Senator Cory Gardner, had to argue with Sessions about pot this week, the National Governors Association created a list of recommended actions to address opioids. The

list included increased access to naloxone (an anti-overdose drug), closer watch over synthetic drug shipments to the U.S. and more support for the states from the federal government. This kind of bipartisanship and urgency is what is needed to take on the opioid crisis, and it is the kind of effort that must be strengthened at the federal level. Sessions’s call on marijuana is a bad one on its own but even worse when set in front of the backdrop of a national opioid crisis. Sessions’s personal beef with pot must not get in the way of aid for communities struggling with addiction. This is the actual drug problem the Trump administration needs to confront. Elizabeth Lochhead | Opinions Editor

DACA: When politicians play with people’s lives O

n Sept. 5, 2017, Donald Trump ordered an end to the program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive action taken by President Barack Obama that allowed undocumented immigrants who came to the US under the age of 16 to apply for protection from deportation. The order also allowed DACA recipients to get renewable two-year permits to work and study in the U.S. The end of the program threatened deportation for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants that were protected by the program. Since the announcement, Trump has advocated for a bipartisan immigration bill through Congress. Yet when a bill was proposed by a bipartisan group of senators led by Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) in mid-January, Trump rejected the bill. His administration then demanded that the bill include $18 billion for construction and renovations of a wall along the border of Mexico, which had been his core campaign promise. Democrats and some Republicans resisted funding a wall, claiming that illegal immigration over the Mexico border is at record lows. While the San Francisco-based U.S. District Court judge William Alsup blocked Trump’s end to DACA and

ordered the administration to resume accepting renewal applications on Jan. 9, Democrats refused to pass the federal budget without a bill ensuring long term, guaranteed protection of Dreamers,

To say that the current political situation is a mess is an understatement. My worry, however, is for those whose lives are on the line. My concern is for the 690,000 young people who might lose their lives in the only

Photo courtesy of PBS

those who are protected by DACA. And so, on midnight of Jan. 20, the government shut down for the first time in four years, and on the anniversary of Trump’s inauguration.

place they’ve ever known. These people— who are my friends, fellow students, co-workers and who stand beside me with the intention of making our country a better place— are

being used as a weapon for Trump’s own personal gain. And that is unacceptable. I am angry at the politicians who are using people’s lives as a political ploy— those who think using human beings as leverage for carrying out campaign promises is acceptable. It is dehumanizing, insulting and cruel. Those protected by DACA are people who have families, friends and careers. They are people who have hopes and dreams, and who are fearful that their life in America will be taken from them. To use that fear as a political weapon is, in my opinion, evil. And so I ask that we put politics aside for a moment and forget the inconvenience that this government shutdown may have on us, but rather, think about those whose lives are being argued as if they aren’t even real. I ask that we all take the time to make these people real to us. Read their stories, and hear their voices. Reach out to organizations like United We Dream, UndocuMedia and Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Get involved by donating or volunteering. And lastly, call or write your representatives asking them to remember Dreamers as people rather than a piece of legislation, and to fight for their protection at all costs. Grace Carson | Staff Writer

JAN. 24, 2018

DU CLARION

OPINIONS | 7

New climate data keep confirming fears

s if we needed it, more irrefutable evidence of global warming trends was published last week in a New York Times report on the findings of NASA and NOAA. In sharp relief, the evidence shows that warming trends continued in 2017, making it one of the hottest years on record even without being an El Niño year (generally speaking, weather pattern changes during El Niño lead to warmer overall temperatures). The 2017 numbers are alarming and foreboding, but they also must be a prompt to evaluate our environmental priorities and remember the difference between weather and climate. When President Trump tweeted that east coast states experiencing freezing temperatures over New Year’s “could use a little bit of that old Global Warming,” he made the common mistake of conflating weather patterns and climate patterns, a distinction that NASA’s website explains in elementary language. A frigid New Year’s on the east coast is a weather event, happening over a short period of time. There can still be cold days in the midst of overall warm-

ing climate trends, which take place over years at a time. No doubt, many Americans across the U.S. nodded in agreement at Trump’s tweet, falling victim to the same misunderstanding. Taking a minute to nicely explain the difference between weather and climate is an easy way to spread the word when one is found in an aggravating argument about global warming. Trump’s tweet also mocked the idea that the U.S. would pay “billions of dollars” to confront climate issues, but this has no reason to be mocked. The 2017 report details how global warming is on track to severely affect ecosystems globally and therefore agriculture and health as well. More regulations on industry and individual emissions now may have a shortterm negative impact on the economy, but they are necessary if we want to protect a natural environment, the destruction of which would have long-term negative impact on the economy (as well as health and safety). It goes without saying that President Trump must not repeal the Clean Power Plan, as has been proposed, and must not withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

Photo courtesy of The New York Times

These two visible federal plans are essential to the U.S.’s way forward on climate policy. We should expect the climate report at the end of 2018 to be even more catastrophic if serious action is not taken over the coming year. On the individual level, make efforts to drive less and turn lights off, but also be sure you prioritize environmental issues when it comes

PIONEER FUNNIES

to your voting record. Don’t make the same silly mistake as our president and be fooled by uncommonly cold days, either— there is a difference between weather and climate, and the more people who understand that, the more clearly we will see the seriousness of this issue. Elizabeth Lochhead | Opinions Editor

DU CLARION

| ARTS

& LIFE

JAN. 24, 2018

5 tips to help you on your way to graduate school

re you considering to pursue a graduate degree, but are unsure about how to start the application process? Applying to grad school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are five easy tips to help you get into your dream program: Start the application process early. Completing graduate school applications can be very time consuming. Checking deadlines and requirements ahead of time will help relieve some of the stress of applying and make

sure you don’t miss out on any important deadlines. Take the GRE/GMAT. Not all schools require advanced testing to apply to their graduate programs, but it is still quite common to be required to take either the GRE or GMAT. Make sure to check on your desired program’s requirements. According to ETS, the average verbal score for incoming grad students is 150 and 153 for the quantitative score. However, some schools will list the minimum score they are willing to accept or the average scores for their incom-

Photo courtesy of Dreambridge Partners

ing students. Make sure to study and take practice tests before the big day. There are some sites that offer free practice tests. Take the test far enough in advance of the school application deadline, just in case you have to retake the test. Remember, you can take the test as many times as you need to until you receive a satisfactory score. Request letters of recommendation. It’s best to ask professors, employers or volunteer coordinators that know you well and that can attest to your abilities. If possible, it’s best to ask for the recommendation in person. However, if you can’t ask your recommender face-to-face, write a professional email. You should give your recommenders at least six weeks to write the recommendations. Be prepared to supply them with your letter of intent, resume and a few assignments from class that you did really well on, to give them something to reference when writing. Let them know what you would like them to highlight in the letter. Follow up with your recommenders one to two weeks before the deadline if they haven’t

submitted the letter yet, to remind them of deadline. Write your letter of intent. This is a very important part of your application. This is your time to highlight your strengths and make up for any weaknesses you may have in your resume or GPA. Open your essay with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and makes you stand out from other applicants. Explain why you want to study at the school and what qualities you could bring to the program. Also talk about how your educational and professional background will help you succeed in the program and highlight your goals for your future. Make sure to have a friend or professor proofread it before application submission. Apply for Financial Aid. Don’t forget to apply for FAFSA. Check to see if your school offers graduate level scholarships. A lot of schools offer graduate assistantships, allowing students to either conduct academic research, teach entry-level classes or work as teacher’s assistants for a stipend and tuition credits while enrolled. Amber Gantt | Contributing Writer

Taste of Thailand serves up authenticity

fter spending four months in the depths of Thailand, some may assert me as some sort of Thai food connoisseur. Truth be told, before leaving for Thailand, I had only dined Thai twice in my whole life—I had never even tried the American Thai staple of Pad Thai. That all changed quickly, as I was immersed in the world of Thai culture and food for a good chunk of 2017. Returning directly from the world of sticky rice and meat skewers, I am embarking on a quest to find the closest thing to the authenticity of Thailand here in Denver. Something that can compare to the incredible food I had while abroad. The first stop was Taste of Thailand, on the corner of Evans and Broadway. Immediately, the restaurant has a community feel. Not an overly large space, nearly all the tables were full of families and friends chatting away

over their meals. The six people in my party were seated right in the midst of the action. To kick off the meal, the table ordered steamed chicken dumplings ($5.95 for five) and Thai egg rolls ($5.95 for six). Dumplings were some of my favorite street food purchases to make, so my mouth was watering when they arrived to the table. They were certainly tasty, but were missing the subtle sweetness the best market in Chiang Mai had. Dipping in the soy sauce is certainly recommended, though, and adds lovely flavor of salt to the bite. This reviewer ordered pad see ew with chicken ($10.95), which is a dish also known for its sweetness. In Thailand, people actually put spoonfuls of brown sugar on to their plates of pad see ew, maybe with some chili sauce, too. At Taste of Thailand, the dish was almost as sweet as a dessert, but the chicken and the broccoli help balance it out for a tasty dish. Others in the party ordered pad

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Thai ($10.95), which was also savory and came in a pile that almost rivaled the pad see ew in its size. It is worth commenting, though, that one of the pad Thai recipients had some buyer’s remorse over not ordering the pad see ew herself. While most of the dishes have an option for spice level, the curries do not. Be prepared: if you order the Panang curry ($11.95), it is a very spicy dish. The table was also served a large silver bowl of rice, mainly to accompany the saucy entrees. While abroad, I often ate rice three meals a day every day of the week, and thus my expectations of rice have really climbed since before I left for abroad. That being said, the rice at Taste of Thailand was a perfect balance of fluff and dryness. The group stocked up on all the leftover rice. Overall, I had high hopes that the

dining experience would be reminiscent of what I savored in Thailand. While the meal was delicious and the group was content as we left, part of me was wishing for something a little more, like it just barely missed the mark of what I was expecting. This may be because there was a definitive lack of grease on these dishes which Thailand seemed to have an abundance. Do not let that deter you, though: this location is not too far from campus, and the food was very satisfying to the group. To add to the authenticity, there was an option to purchase Thai beers with your meal for any potential diners over the age of 21. For the large portions, the group finished almost all of the food. A great destination for dinner with friends. Madison Heller | Staff Writer

JAN. 24, 2018

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Netflix gets dark with “The End of the F***ing World”

atter-of-factly, “I kind of think I could be falling in love with him,” says Alyssa, teenage high school misfit, in the trailer for “The End of the F***ing World.” Jump to the perspective of her boyfriend, James, saying, “I thought she could be interesting to kill, so I pretended to fall in love with her.” “TEOTFW” is a dark, wickedly funny Netflix original about two questionable teenagers who embark on a road trip involving awkward kissing, deep-rooted family issues and numerous felonies. The show is sardonic, bleak and heartfelt—think “Juno” meets “Bonnie and Clyde.” Consisting of eight episodes, the first season stars Jessica Barden as the cocky, impulsive new girl and Alex Lawther (Black Mirror’s “Shut Up and Dance”)

as a reserved killer-type. The show opens with James narrating frankly about how he thinks he’s probably a psychopath, since he hasn’t felt much emotional energy since he was a kid. James’s mother killed herself when he was a lad and he never connected with his father. When he was young, James took to killing small animals. Now he thinks he’s ready to kill a human, which prompts him to foster a relationship with Alyssa. Both Barden and Lawther give excellent performances, playing off the bizarre chemistry their characters share. Alyssa is loud and insolent and Barden plays her infuriatingly well. You might just want her to get murdered by the end of the first episode. Lawther does a great job as a quiet, lanky boy who also happens to be laughably emotionally stunted.

Their characters mesh well together. Like everybody, both want specific things out of their relationships with others but struggle to communicate this with the people around them. James and Alyssa are disturbed, heartfelt people that make for a very memorable pair. The dialogue is also quick and witty. Despite their criminal tendencies, Alyssa and James have an undeniable charm. As they fumble across England, it’s hard not to root for them, despite their many shortcomings. This makes for some darkly hilarious scenarios, including a scene in which Alyssa walks in on James being groped by a veteran in a rest stop bathroom. Both teens are absurd but the audience connects with them nonetheless as they learn to connect with each other. Structurally, however, the

first three episodes don’t have the same focus as the last five. Prior to the fourth episode, there is a distinct lack of any one specific conflict driving the plot forward. When a show is only eight episodes long, screen time must be maximized. Also, there’s a chance the ending of “TEOTFW” leaves you confused and frustrated. Still, “The End of the F***ing World” is a well-crafted show that encourages its audience to take a moment and appreciate the people that support you, even if they’re riddled with issues. It’s strongly acted and well-written—a heartfelt romcom paired with gallows humor. It’s about delinquent teens, pedophiles and the struggle to take responsibility when you really screw up. Lars Brady | Contributing Writer

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Smiling Moose now open on University Blvd.

his week, unbeknownst to many, a new restaurant opened its doors on University Blvd. Based on the popular chain up in the mountains, Smiling Moose Rocky Mountain Deli, this location is right next to Ginza Sushi & Grill, making it central to other popular food spots for students. Admittedly, I had no idea there was a new sandwich friendly joint opening so close to campus. It was not until I

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passed a group of people who haphazardly passed off a flyer for the opening that I became aware. The flyer advertised a free drink through opening week, which was enough of a sell to get me through the opening doors. Upon entrance, the venue is clearly very fresh and pristine—as would be expected for a brand new restaurant. There are at least half a dozen big screen TVs around, making

it very friendly to your local sports fiend trying to catch the big game. If you are not in to sports, fear not; this Smiling Moose does not have a distinct sports bar vibe. Taking advantage of the free drinks offered for opening week (well spirits, beer on tap or a glass of wine), this reviewer tried out one of the beers on tap. At the waitress’s advising, and since they were not serving the Firestone on rotation, I ordered

the Moose Drool Brown Ale. A free beverage, it went down smooth and sweet. For the table, the group split the Mo! Crack Fries ($6). A basket of waffle fries with a tastefully delectable seasoning, it is an excellent appetizer that comes with sauces. Our waitress, Aryel, recommended their Nashville sauce for some extra spice, as well as the Chipotle Aioli which has a small kick but not as strong. The group decided on ranch, chipotle aioli and another waitress recommendation: Thai peanut sauce. It was a toss-up as to whether or not the peanut sauce or the chipotle rocked our worlds more. Either way, cannot go wrong. Overall, the staff was very friendly and encouraged us to come back another time for brunch (hint: they have mimosas, eggs benedict and a funnel cake French toast). The restaurant was not as hopping as expected, but with a tasty looking menu and word of mouth, this place is sure to have DU students making their way through the doors in no time. Madison Heller | Staff Writer

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“The Post”: A period piece that relives the 1960s

had the pleasure of watching “The Post,” a film directed by Steven Spielberg starring Meryl Streep (“Sufragette”) and Tom Hanks (“Saving Mr. Banks”) . “The Post” begins in the 1960s with Daniel Ellsberg, a researcher who visited Vietnam with the president to check on the progress of the war. Ellsberg was asked to lie and tell reporters that the United States had been very successful in its war efforts and should continue to send more soldiers overseas. Ellsberg was flabbergasted at the government’s dishonesty and decided to release a series of documents called the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times, depicting knowledge that Vietnam was a lost cause. Regardless of how many soldiers we sent overseas, the United States would lose the war. The New York Times and Washington Post were asked to stop publishing and

attend a hearing at the Supreme Court for releasing confidential government information, but both newspapers won the case. The court concluded that “news should be for benefit of the governed, not the government.” The film ended with a security agent calling the FBI with a tip that there had been a break-in at the Democratic National Convention. I can see why people have been raving about it. Its discussion of issues such as freedom of the press remain poignant, and the actors accurately portrayed the bravery and honesty displayed by reporters of The New York Times and Washington Post. Meryl Streep spoke slowly and you could even hear a crack in her voice when she gave the editors permission to publish the Pentagon Papers regardless of the consequences. She reasoned that the Washington Post has a commitment to its readers to pub-

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

lish the truth. Steven Spielberg had no hesitation about the timing of the film. While certain rhetoric gives evidence to distaste for the press on the hill, and with the overflow of media we receive we have to be more discerning. There is still

hesitation to publish important information in papers, and this can have detrimental consequences. I found “The Post” captivating and relevant; it’s a great movie to see with your family. Grace Wilkins | Contributing Writer

Denver Botanic Gardens hosts Orchid Showcase

he Botanic Gardens will host the Orchid Showcase until Feb. 19. While the tropical gardens are open all year round, I truly recommend visiting the showcase before its end. The fascinating exhibit is located inside the Orangery and Marnie’s Pavilion beside the tropical conservatory. The showcase is truly a special opportunity to escape the snow and enter into a warm, floral wonderland. The air inside the gardens is rich in oxygen and humidity; a few deep breaths amidst the flora is the perfect mid-quarter stress relief. Inside the showcase, you’ll find hundreds of exotic blooms, featuring both common specimens and rare orchids that are part of the Botanic Gardens’ living collection. Inside the Orangery the Gardens have a wide selection of orchids to take home. These orchids are more common and easier to grow and they offer discounted prices to members. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk to experts about how you can become an orchid grower yourself. The Gardens will offer a class called “Orchids 101” on Jan. 27 and Feb 24. The class is only $39 and will cover basic orchid biology, ecology, cultivation and propagation. The class will also give demonstrations of proper watering, repotting and mounting techniques. A visit to the Botanic Gardens is not just a fun and relaxing

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

experience, it supports biodiversity conservation too. The Gardens actively work to promote ecological health by providing a safe house for endangered plant species. Orchids are indigenous to South America and are found mostly in regions of the Amazon rainforest and in the wetter regions along the Amazon river. Deforestation, urban sprawl, monoculture farming and climate change pose major threats to many of the plants that the Botanical Garden’s living collection maintains. Today, the Amazons face mass extinction of both flora and fauna. Supporting the Botanic Gardens’ conservation efforts helps to ensure that the beautiful orchids of South America will be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you decide to make a trip to the Gardens with a date for Valentine’s Day, with family or friends or merely by yourself as a relaxing retreat, it’s the perfect way to treat yourself and support local conservation efforts. One tip: remember to breathe in that fresh air while you’re inside the conservatory. It’s the perfect remedy for academic stress relief. Bring your Pioneer ID for a discounted student ticket ($9) and gain entrance to everything that the Gardens have to offer, including 24 acres of garden paths and 17 different garden attractions. Kendall Morris | Arts & Life Editor

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JAN. 24, 2018

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The Museum of Contemporary Art’s must see winter exhibitions Photo courtesy of UCCS Commonique

ome wintertime, with the requisite cold and dark— though this disappointing winter might be different—the Denver art scene thrives with the arrival of new exhibitions at Denver’s premier art destination, the Museum of Contemporary Art. Here’s a short preview of the the three new exhibitions that open up on Feb. 2. Feb. 2 - May 13: Diego Rodriguez-Warner: “Honestly Lying” Marking his first solo museum presentation, the opening of Nicaraguan painter Diego Rodriguez-Warner’s “Honestly Lying” is set to provide visitors to MCA with a visually appetizing, complex experience. Trained as a painter in Cuba and the Rhode Island School of Design, his work

is a complex mix of woodblock printing, collage, themes of violence and historical reference and trompe l’oeil (visual illusion that tricks the eye into believing that a painted detail is three-dimensional). The complex pieces in Rodriguez-Warner’s exhibition are sure to delight the MCA audience. Feb. 2 - May 13: Arthur Jafa: “Love is the Message, the Message is Death” Occupying the Whole Room Gallery in the Denver MCA, filmmaker Arthur Jafa’s video installation, “Love is the Message, the Message is Death,” will showcase a montage of footage source from the internet with the backing of Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam.” The video seeks to convey themes regard-

ing the reality of being black in contemporary America. The video contains syncopated clips of black celebrities and anonymous individuals, ranging from MLK to World Star videos. The clips showcase pain and joy in black America and express both stereotypical images of negativity and fetishment but also joy and black excellence. An innovative filmmaker, Jafa is known for his work on Beyonce’s visual album “Lemonade,” Jay-Z’s “4:44” and Solange’s “A Seat at the Table.” Feb. 2 - May 27: Cleon Peterson: “Shadow of Men” Taking over the entire second floor of the MCA, Cleon Peterson’s “Shadow of Men” will transform the MCA inside and out. Peterson’s graphic

style, using a mix of murals, sculptures and paintings will be used to showcase the theme of violence that embodies his work and is poignant in our current social climate. His work’s focus on the disturbing yet important idea of violence in society will be showcased as to show the importance of recognizing how violence lives in society and how it affects our current time. His aesthetic mastery will be shown inside and out of the museum. As well, Peterson will be joining collaborator and contemporary Shepard Fairey, the renown street artist and owner of The OBEY brand for a discussion at the University of Denver Newman Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 12. Justin Cygan | Copy Editor

Denver storefront houses modern day witches W

alk in to the storefront on West 44th Street off of Federal and you’ve entered a modern day witch’s house. Ritualcravt is complete with witchery classes, a library, a medicinal herb wall and all the necessaries such as dried crow’s feet and goat skulls (yes, you read that right). Over the weekend, I made my way to Ritualcravt to have my tarot read by the “intuitive empath and believer of magic” Cooper Kaminsky. Kaminsky was an arty, gentle soul who wore beautiful silver rings on every finger and who spoke poetically and very carefully. After a fifteen minute reading and after Cooper seemed to know details of my life without my even telling him, I was convinced that modern day magic may be less of a myth than reality.

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In the least, the shop is beyond interesting. A small chest hosts “bones and things.” Amidst saint candles rest fallen antlers and mossy branches. I could have spent a day just staring at all the fixtures and smelling the sage smudges. The medicinal wall is also worth checking out for a few reasons. Ask any witch to make you a concoction for whatever ailment needs attention, and soon you’ll have a plump bag of yarrow, milk thistle, marshmallow and poplar for the price of $5. They also carry topical salves that help with anything from pain, to anxiety and sleeplessness. The best part? Their medicinal herbs and salves are all naturally derived and plant based. After speaking with one of the witches present, I learned that the shop has been open for

four years with both an online presence and a brick and mortar front. “It’s becoming a community within the larger community,” the witch said. “Everyone here gets along really well. It’s a pleasure to be a part of.” All the witches have spent years crafting their practice and studying the art, but her own practice was founded upon her Incan and Aztec heritage. You might be wondering what witchcraft entails at this point. Apart from tarot and herbs, the practices at Ritualcravt remains rather secretive. For those who want to really dip their hands into all that Ritualcravt offers, check out their class calendar. They’ll soon be hosting a workshop which focuses on unlocking our empathic capabilities and energy reading skills. Other workshops hide under more dubious titles such as “Candle

Magic” and “Shamanic Wisdom of the Winter.” The witch I spoke with reassured me that anyone who’s interested is welcome to learn the craft. “We all share the divine within us,” she said. “Everyone has to discover what works well for them. Practices have to be developed.” When I asked him what he thought people need to know about the shop, Kaminsky spoke passionately: “Ritualcravt is a safe space for everyone to empower themselves through magic. Whether it’s from the artistic or the spiritual, it’s all here.” Visit Ritualcravt, and it’s likely you’ll get a healthy dose of modern day mysticism, and maybe you’ll witness a bit of magic too. Kendall Morris | Arts & Life Editor

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JAN. 24, 2018