JAN. 31, 2018
VOLUME 125, ISSUE 04
DENVER’S BEST MUSIC VENUES
10 pa g e
3 pa g e
NICK TILSEN SPEAKS SUSTAINABILITY AT DU
GYMNASTICS TAKES DOWN UTAH STATE
6 pa g e
AMAZON ANNOUNCES 4 DENVER AS HQ2 FINALIST pa g e
2018 ACADEMY AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED
11 pa g e
DU CLARION
2
JAN. 31, 2018
| NEWS
Chancellor announces annual report and new provost
C
hancellor Chopp recently released the chancellor’s annualw report detailing the university’s vision and and introducing the new Provost/ Vice Chancellor. In the report, she breaks DU’s progress into three separate categories: achievement, innovation and engagement. The first idea Chopp discussed was achievement. She noted that DU has a knack for attracting dedicated people-faculty enveloped in research, student-athletes pushing winning national championships, students climbing 14ers and community members coming together to share knowledge and serve. To help foster achievement, Chopp outlined plans for a new community commons, freshman dorm and career achievement center. Next, Chopp discussed innovation. She argued that to be a Pioneer is to challenge what you learn in the classroom and
seek new opportunity. “We have a long history in social work, psychology, business, technology and creative expression in humanities. We’ve made new ways, ideas, interpretations and artistic expressions possible,” she said in a video included in the report. According to the report, research expenditures at DU have increased 12% to $28.6 million. The final topic covered in the Chancellor’s report was engagement. “In 1864 DU was founded to serve the public good. Today we continue that mission, here in Denver, in our state, in our country, and around the world. To be a Denver Pioneer is to care for the world with purpose and passion,” said Chopp. According to the report, 189 classes have a community involvement component. Morgridge College of Education students complete more than 263,000 hours of unpaid field internships, and Sturm College of Law students fulfill 50 hours of supervised,
ABOUT US
uncompensated, law-related public service work. Along with the release of the chancellor’s report, Chopp announced that Dr. Jeremy Haefner has been selected to be provost and executive vice chancellor starting July 15. Haefner has an extensive list of research and experience. He served as provost at the Rochester Institute of technology where he increased research capacity, elevated student success and access, expanded international education, created new colleges and schools, prioritized diversity and inclusive excellence, created the Innovative Learning Institute and promoted faculty support and success. In addition, Haefner has spoken on global education, the future of work and measuring education quality at the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education National Advisory Council and enjoys participating
in Ironman triathlons. Dean Andrei Kutateladze expressed his enthusiasm for Haefner in the report, “Dr. Haefner has a spectacular track record in higher education. He is a decorated STEM expert who takes issues of liberal arts education extremely seriously. I am very optimistic about the future of our academic enterprise under Jeremy’s leadership.” Chopp said that Haefner listens with great care, collaborates to solve issues and create new possibilities and shares DU’s passion to serve and build the public good. She added that Haefner has already participated in a reception on campus and is looking forward to meeting more Pioneers.
Grace Wilkins | Contributing Writer
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
CONTRIBUTING STAFF HANNAH BRANIT GRACE CARSON AMBER GANTT SARA LOUGHRAN BEN ROSSI GRACE WILKINS
JAN. 31, 2018
DU CLARION
NEWS | 3
Potential gubernatorial candidate Donna Lynne visits DU
O
n Jan. 23, as part of the Sturm College of Law’s Meet the Gubernatorial Candidate Series, Lieutenant Governor Donna Lynne visited the campus and introduced herself to an intimate audience where she spoke about her past history in government and her goals for Colorado’s future. As the first to be a combined lieutenant governor and chief operating officer, Lynn—who was appointed by current governor and endorser John Hickenlooper—compares her job to that of a vice president but without the ability to break ties or influence legislation directly. The Colorado Constitution, she references, simply says that there shall and will be a lieutenant governor present if the Governor is absent. According to Lynn, the work and focus of a lieutenant governor can vary depending on the individual itself. “We work on natural resources, we work on health care, education, transportation, criminal justice,” she lists. Earlier that Tuesday she had a press conference regarding a bill that will soon be introduced proposing the elimination
of purchasing and using bump stocks in the state. This lead her to be a few minutes late to
introduction to the audience, Lynn had admitted that—prior to being Lt. Governor—she was
Grace Houser l Clarion
the discussion. Although originally from New Jersey and receiving her education and first work experience in the east coast (New York, New Hampshire, Washington D.C.), Lynn has been a part of Colorado government since 2005 when she was recruited to run Kaiser Permanente. In her
a DU Board of Trustees member. In Colorado, she said, there are minimal obstacles in becoming politically active—something she admires. “When I got here it was clear to me, I’m from the east coast, and sometimes in some of these older more traditional spaces there are barrier to entry, barriers to being engaged
and that wasn’t the case for Colorado. I think that’s one of our hallmarks that you can come here and get engaged,” she said. The lieutenant governor campaign will focus on infrastructure investment, environmental protection and making healthcare affordable, she said. Alluding to other potential democratic nominees, she pointed out that other’s desires for free college, free kindergarten and 100 percent renewable energy in Colorado by 2040—although appealing—are challenging to accomplish. “These are all great aspirations but as a state we’ve resisted paying for even minor changes in our education system,” she admitted. She hopes that potential voters ask candidates what it will take to accomplish these goals—specifically how will taxes be affected and how will they work alongside Colorado’s legislative branch. Her promise to her constituents is to be clear about the details of her proposals.
Daniela Santos | News Editor
Nick Tilsen talks about sustainability at the Diversity Summit
O
n Jan. 25, Nick Tilsen, citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation, gave the keynote speech during the lunch of the first day of DU’s 2018 Diversity Summit. The speaker came to talk on issues related to the summit’s focus, which was on the intersections of social justice and sustainability. In the opening of his speech, Tilsen explained that this organization was started through spirituality
and through a challenge from his ancestors that asks, “When are you going to make a way for your people? Are you not warriors? It’s time to stop talking and start doing.” Since that message was shared with him from his ancestors during ceremony, he has made making change in his community his duty. He told of his plan to create a $60 million sustainable community on Pine Ridge that builds homes,
creates jobs and produces all of its own energy, clean water and food. He also told of the barriers he has faced in order to begin this project, and how he overcame them. The organization broke ground on the land two years ago, and has since then raised $12 million in investments. He said that one of the main reasons for creating this community was to create a call for action worldwide. He said that he always tells people, “If this can happen on Pine Ridge, one of the poorest communities in the world, then what is everybody else’s excuse?” Tilsen ended the speech by saying that the decisions that humanity makes right now are going to decide where the world is going to be 100 years from now. He said, “We know where we have come from, so I ask ourselves to think about that… Where we are going, and where we are heading. And my hope and belief, especially from what I’ve seen on Pine Ridge, is everybody is a changemaker. Social change is not an act of spontaneous combustion, but you must light yourself on fire.
What is the thing that lights yourself on fire? I’ve found what it is for me, and I encourage you to find what it is for you.” Tilsen is the founding executive director of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation — an organization that is working with local people and national organizations in the development of a sustainable regenerative community, that creates jobs, builds homes and creates new opportunity on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Since 2013, he has served as a local point of contact for President Obama’s Ladders of Opportunity Initiative, working to make targeted investments into America’s poorest communities. He currently sits on the boards of the Indigenous Peoples Power Project, the Water Protector Legal Collective and helped with on the ground organizing in the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline in Standing Rock. Grace Carson | Staff Writer
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!
303-792-0707 / nowad54@gmail.com FOR DETAILS, AVAILABILITY & SHOWINGS
Grace Carson l Clarion
DU CLARION
4
| SPORTS
JAN. 31, 2018
Pioneers score huge win over No. 1 South Dakota
D
U Men’s Basketball showed up to earn a victory in their game on Jan. 27 against No. 1 South Dakota (USD) in Magness Arena, beating the Coyotes by an impressive 16 points with key performances by junior guard, Joe Rosga (St. Paul, Minn.) and senior guard, Jake Pemberton (Highlands Ranch, Colo.). The final score read 84-68 as Denver improved their record to 10-12 while the Coyotes dropped to 18-6. The Pioneers have now claimed three straight victories, its longest string of wins since a six-game streak last season. Rosga contributed a game-high of 23-points, deadly from behind the three-point arch, knocking down five threes as part of a 9-for-
13 day from the field. Teammate Pemberton came up big for a second straight game, scoring a season-high 22 points for the Denver squad. Sophomore forward Jake Krafka (Austin, Texas) had his best game of his collegiate career, scoring a career high of 12 points in 14 minutes. Krafka came off the bench and provided big plays at critical times on numerous occasions in the second half, highlighted by a clutch threepointer with four minutes left on the clock. Sophomore guard, Ade Murkey (Minneapolis, Minn.) added 10 points. The game was Murkey’s fifth in the last six with double-digit points. In the first 10 minutes of play, Rosga dominated the court as Denver took an 18-3 lead by the
11:48 mark in the first half. Rosga was Denver’s spark, scoring 13 of the Pioneers’ first 18 points on the day. He had it dialed in from all three levels, scoring on the drive, mid-range and from deep. The Pioneers didn’t stop there, raising their lead to 22, the largest of the night, after a layup from Murkey at the 4:16 mark. South Dakota fought back late, cutting into the Denver lead. The score going into the second half was 42-28, with only a 14-point Denver lead. Rosga and Pemberton made a statement in the first 20 minutes of the game, combining for 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 7-for-11 from three-point range. Denver’s defense was also stel-
lar, holding the Coyotes to 36.4 percent shooting in the first half. In the second half, the Coyotes came out strong, bringing the Pioneer lead to nine after a three from Triston Simpson at the 14:49 mark. Denver immediately countered their momentum with a two-hand dunk from senior center, Daniel Amigo (El Paso, Texas), triggering a 7-0 run, which extended DU’s lead back to 16. DU held its ground from there, never letting USD get any closer than 11 the rest of the way, locking up the statement win. The Pioneers head to Fort Wayne, Ind. for a quick one-game trip next weekend. Denver will play the Mastodons on Feb. 3 at 12 p.m.
Nikky Johnson | Sports Editor
Julie Gunderson | Clarion
No. 13 Denver beats Utah State in home meet N o. 13 DU Women’s Gymnastics scored a 196.675 to top Utah State’s 195.000 on Jan. 27 in front of a sellout crowd in Hamilton Gymnasium. Sophomore Maddie Karr (Stillwater, Minn.) claimed the all-around title with a score of 39.600. She was not the only title-holder of the night, as DU swept the event titles during a sellout Pink Night. DU began the meet on vault with only five gymnasts competing. Freshman Lynnzee Brown (Kansas City, Mo.) took the title in the event with a personal-best score of 9.925, while Karr took second with a 9.900. Senior Nikole Addison (Fort Myers, Fla.) tied for third with a USU gymnast, with a score of 9.825. Freshman Mia Sundstrom (Boulder, Colo.), posted a 9.775, and junior Diana Chesnok (Charlotte, N.C.) scored a 9.725 to contribute
to the team total of 49.150 on vault. On the bars, Denver competed the first time with only five gymnasts, and scored two of the meet’s top two scores. Karr tied her careebest score of 9.900 to win the bars title for the second meet in a row, while Brown set a new personal record on the event with a score of 9.875 to finish second. Chesnok, Sundstrom and junior Claire Kern (Charlotte, N.C.) all scored 9.775. The team finished with a total of 49.000 The third rotation began with Denver on beam, the only event in which Denver used six athletes. The lowest score would be dropped. Addison led the team off with a 9.60. Chesnok followed with a 9.55. Brown set another personal best on beam with a 9.875, tying Karr for first on the vent. Sundstrom placed third with 9.850, and junior Kaitlyn Schou (Orlando, Fla.) finished just
outside of the podium with a score of 9.825. Despite only having five gymnasts compete, the Pioneers finished the meet on the floor, earning their highest team score on any event this season, with a score of 49.475. All five gymnasts earned spots, tying for either first or third. Karr and Addison tied for first with 9.925, while Sundstrom, Schou and Brown all scored 9.875, tying for third. Karr took first in the allaround. Brown finished second with a personal high of 39.550, while Sundstrom was third with a career-high 39.725. “It was a total team performance tonight. We’re still using five student-athletes on three events, but I continue to be impressed with the mental and physical toughness of this team,” Head Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart said following
the meet. “Everyone plays a role. We had some outstanding performances tonight and still have room for growth, and we’re going to continue to get better especially as we increase our depth.” Kutcher-Rinehart thanked the fans after the meet for continuing the momentum from the home opener, stating, “I want to give a special thank you to our fans and friends. It was great to have sellout and continue the momentum from our Jan.14 meet in Magness Arena. They provided energy and an electric atmosphere.” The Pioneers are currently in the middle of a three meet homestand. They compete again on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. against BYU, Bowling Green and Ball State.
Hannah Branit | Contributing Writer
JAN. 31, 2018
DU CLARION
SPORTS | 5
Denver Swimming sweeps Air Force in final meet
I
n their final meet before the Summit League Championships, the Denver Men’s and Women’s Swim Team combined to win all but one event on Jan. 27, against Air Force Academy. The women outscored Air Force 242-80, with the men having a similar score of 227-89. Outside of the sprint races, Denver set new pool records at Schlessman Natatorium on Colorado College’s campus. Denver began the meet with the 200 medley relay. For the women, senior Morgan McCormick (Golden, Colo.), juniors Bailey Andison (Smiths Falls, Ontario) and Lauren Moden (Parker, Colo.) and red-shirt junior Heidi Bradley (Victoria, B.C.) combined for a 1:41.70. For the men’s team, senior Anton Loncar (Hillsboro, Ore.), freshman Cy Jager (Moscow, Idaho), sophomore Peter Webster (Odense, Denmark) and sophomore Sid Farber (Portland, Ore.) finished in 1:28.57. Following the 200 medley relays was the 200 free. In the
women’s race, the Pioneers swept the podium. Sophomore Andi Johnston (Fort Collins, Colo.) finished first with a time of 1:50.15, freshman Aysia Leckie (Georgetown, Ontario) touched second at 1:51.82 and senior Maddie Myers, the Summit League Women’s Swimmer of the Week, finished in 1:51.93. Denver men also swept the podium with redshirt-freshman Stephen Calkins (Calgary, Alberta) touching first with a time of 1:36.96. In second was sophomore Colin Gilbert (Kamloops, B.C.), while junior Kyle Ewoldt (Gilbert, Ariz.) was third, with times of 1:38.96, and 1:40.40. The only distance race of the meet was the 500 free. Myers, junior Annelyse Tullier (Dallas, Texas) and Johnston took the top spots, with Myers placing first with a 4:54.88, Tullier second with a time of 4:56.25 and Johnston touching third with a 5:00.41. For the men, Gilbert and senior Alex Walton (Boul-
der, Colo.) took first and second place, with times of 4:31.64 and 4:35.55 respectively. In the sprints, Calkins took first in the men’s 50 fly, with a time of 21.51. Webster touched second with a time of 21.72. Denver swept the podium for both 50 yard backstroke races, with McCormick touching first with a time of 25.68 for the women, and Loncar winning for the men with a time of 22.20. In the 50 breast, Andison and junior Courtney Laird (Overland Park, Kan.) took the top two spots for the women. Andison, a two-time All-American, won with a time of 28.92, while Laird finished in 29.01. On the men’s team, Jager took first with a time of 25.37. Denver combined to take six of the sports in the top four of both freestyle sprints. Senior Morgan Wice-Roslin (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led the women, touching first in 22.69. McCormick finished in third with a time of 23.32, while Moden finished fourth with a time of
23.44. For the men, Farber won with a time of 19.80, with Calkins close behind with a time of 20.27. Freshman Cameron Auchinachie (Binghamton, N.Y.) touched fourth with a time of 20.42. The last two events of the meet were the 200 IM and 200 free relays. In the 200 IM, Myers took the women’s title with a time of 2:02.79, while Ewoldt finished first in the men’s with a time of 1:51.98. Denver’s men’s and women’s teams combined to win both relays. On the women’s team, Moden, Wice-Roslin, McCormick and Bradley combined for a time of 1:33.25, while the men’s team of Farber, Auchinachie, Calkins and Loncar won with a time of 1:19.78. The Summit League Championships for the swimming and diving programs takes place in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Feb. 14-17. Denver’s divers will head to Air Force on Feb. 2, at 9 a.m. MT for one final meet.
Hannah Branit | Contributing Writer
Big Leagues: Eagles look for Super Bowl upset
O
n Feb. 4 as people from across the country congregate around their television sets with chips and guacamole, fans will be looking forward to seeing which commercials they will be talking about the next day and how Justin Timberlake performed at the halftime show in comparison to past halftime shows. The most prominent question for football fans is whether it will be the sixth Super Bowl title for the New England Patriots or number one for the Philadelphia Eagles. At 13-3 in the regular season the Eagles and Patriots wound up with the best records in their conferences. Once again, quarterback Tom Brady and Head Coach Bill Belichick, arguably the greatest of all time in their positions, find themselves on football’s biggest stage for the seventh time. Defending their title, the Patriots continued to dominate throughout the regular season finishing with the best record in the American Football Conference. Brady looks to exploit the Patriots’ offense with short tosses to running back Dion Lewis and passes to star Patriots receivers Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan and tight-end Rob Gronkowski who is expected to play after taking a gruesome hit in the AFC Championship game. The Patriots rank first in total yardage as every year Brady continues to find a way to successfully execute his offense regardless of who’s on his offensive crew. The Eagles on the other hand proved doubters wrong all season and in the playoffs. Going into the season the Eagles were predicted to need another season to develop before being contenders. They proved everyone wrong there. Additionally,
in week 14 their star quarterback Carson Wentz suffered a left knee injury. This brought in backup Nick Foles who has been around several different teams after being traded from the Eagles to the Rams in 2015. Foles has seen his share of struggles over the years but proved he could play against an NFL top defense center stage as he threw for three touchdowns against a top-ranked Minnesota defense in the NFC championship game. Foles is complemented by an explosive receiving core that includes Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Torrey Smith and tight-end Zach Ertz as well as a difficult backfield featuring Jay Ajayi and Legarrette Blount, both players acquired this year. Philadelphia knows that if they’re going to have a chance they’ll have to pressure Brady and continue to allow limited yards defensively as they’ve ranked fourth in least yards allowed. While the Eagles seem to have overall more versatility in their spots the Patriots have always been known as the team to prove doubters wrong in the face of adversity like down two scores in the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game or Brady playing through 12 stitches in his throwing hand. Nonetheless, Brady has successfully continued to look ahead to what could be a historic Super Bowl win as we could either witness number one for the city of Philadelphia or number six for the Patriots, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Lombardi Trophies.
Ben Rossi | Contributing Writer
Photo courtesy of Denver Post
DU CLARION
6
| OPINIONS
JAN. 31, 2018
No Amazon would be a relief Photo courtesy of Realtor.com
A
mazon released its highly anticipated list of 20 finalists for its new headquarters on Jan. 18, another very visible step in the hyped public bidding process that has taken place over the last few months. Denver is still in the game—its tech-industry focus and draw of young people placed it on the list of contenders early on, so it is not a surprise that the city has advanced. In fact, the New York Times picked Denver as the best choice back in September. After the release of the finalists, Governor John Hickenlooper made headlines last week by saying there would be a “sense of relief” if Denver is not selected. He has since had to backtrack on these comments, clarifying that he still will work hard to win the bid. But
his comment was not wrong— for all of the beneficial growth Amazon would bring to Denver, it is all too likely that the difficulties would outweigh it. Predictions about the new headquarters, which is being called HQ2, detail what could be a $5 billion investment that would potentially add around 50,000 new, high-paying jobs to the chosen area (annual wage averages over $100,000 for these jobs). It is this economic opportunity that has cities vying for selection. Where the cons list comes in is the downsides of such a large addition of high-paying jobs—for a city like Denver that is already experiencing growing pains, tens of thousands more residents moving here would drive up rents
and worsen traffic congestion. In 2016, Denver was reported to have the 21st worst traffic in the U.S., and the city’s population has grown since that date. Traffic congestion is one of the primary concerns for cities being considered by Amazon, and it is already a large concern in the Denver area even without this consideration. Public officials have declined to release proposed locations for the headquarters, but Amazon intends for the size to equal that of its Seattle headquarters which consists of over 30 buildings. A giant new campus and tens of thousands of new workers will undoubtedly increase traffic congestion. Denver’s infrastructure is already struggling to handle current growth. Housing prices and neighborhood gentrification are also concerns, and again, these are issues Denver is struggling to keep up with in the current status quo. The city is facing an affordable housing shortage of thousands of units, and gentrification in many of Denver’s neighborhoods is a major problem (brought to national attention by a sign outside of Ink Coffee in Five Points that tactlessly joked about the subject). The more highly paid
Amazon employees move into Denver, the more pressure will be placed on housing and rents, and this will hugely complicate the affordability and gentrification issues that Denver can barely deal with at the moment. Pricing residents out of their own homes is a real danger for the city, and it absolutely must be avoided. In taking back his relief comment, Governor Hickenlooper said that though Denver has growth problems, Amazon can be a “partner in that growth.” It is tempting to believe that this kind of collaboration and innovation would happen, and it is also incredibly difficult to argue against what would be a huge boost for Colorado’s economy. But what was most likely behind Hickenlooper’s original words is the knowledge that Denver is already attracting people and jobs on its own, and that the city still needs time to adjust to these changes as is. The arrival of Amazon would heighten the severity of each of these in a way for which the city of Denver is not prepared and which it should not accept.
Elizabeth Lochhead | Opinions Editor
Affordable housing hits another obstacle A
s development booms in Denver and the number of home renters, including higher-income renters, continues to increase, affordable housing will stay at the forefront of many minds, both for city residents and officials. The number of people who rent their homes instead of own them has increased significantly nationwide over the last several decades, and many cite financial circumstances as the reason for renting. Fortunately, the city of Denver has taken substantial efforts to increase affordable housing, establishing a fund for this purpose last year. The new federal tax bill, however, presents even more challenges to affordable housing projects, challenges that will require more city strategy and possibly more funding. The affordable housing plan
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
in Denver consists of a $150 million fund over the next ten years aimed at a variety of housing issues including subsidized housing, homeless transitional housing and mixed-income buildings. The project recognizes that despite low unemployment in Denver, housing prices are still too high for many residents. According to the city’s housing report, the estimate of affordable units needed in the city is over 15,000. This need is based on income of residents making 30 percent or less of Denver’s median income. Denver has good priorities when it comes to affordable housing, and it will be important to follow these promises through. Affordable housing projects in all states experienced a setback last month with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Since the low-income
housing tax credit was created in 1986, housing developers have been able to get credits from state governments to distribute to corporations that buy equity in buildings. Now, with the large decrease in the corporate tax rate included in the new bill, the value of these credits also decreases. Analysis has shown that this could mean 235,000 fewer units nationally over the next 10 years. Denver is already experiencing an affordable housing shortage which will likely be compounded by a decline in these tax credits. Low-income residents need to be able to live in the city of Denver, and those already living here need to be able to stay. Skyhigh housing prices and shortages of affordable units threaten the livelihoods of families and individuals who cannot afford new units or even their own rising
rents. Denver’s affordable housing fund and associated projects are encouraging, but it is likely that city funds will now have to replace more money lost due to the lower-valued tax credits. Affordable housing planning and fundraising, despite difficulties, should continue to be discussed and carried out as promptly as possible, and an increase in local funding should be considered (several ways to do this, including a bond measure, have been proposed by advocacy groups, though these proposals will need more evaluation). The hit to affordable housing caused by the lower corporate tax rate can be a rallying point for cities across the country to redirect attention to caring for citizens who increasingly cannot afford to live in their homes. Elizabeth Lochhead | Opinions Editor
DU CLARION
JAN. 31, 2018
OPINIONS | 7
The 2026 Denver Olympic bid debate
D
enver’s Winter Olympics exploratory committee met a few weeks ago to discuss a possible bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics. While there has been no news yet on any decisions reached during the meeting, many are anticipating what a Denver Olympic Games might entail. Denver previously turned down an opportunity to host the 1976 Winter Games due to the impact it would have on the environment, a move somewhat ahead of its time. With many countries still recovering from the impact of past large sporting events, such as the Olympics or the World Cup, it is hard to fault the city for that decision. 2016’s Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro were wrought with worry over various issues in the country, such as the Zika virus, pollution and Brazil’s political climate at the time. However, these fears were voiced more out of concern for the athletes rather than for the environmental and economic toll it was taking on the country and its citizens. Life in Rio since the Olympics has seen its fair share of negative impacts, as the anticipated economic growth from the events did not pan out
Photo courtesy of Max Pixel
as planned, instead worsening Brazil’s recession and agitating the political climate even more that it already was. Not to mention the added pollution and environmental damage from constructing the stadiums that are empty most of the time. Cities have been known
to invest millions of dollars in creating venues for these events, often in hopes that the money will come back to them tenfold, end up boosting the economy through creating more jobs and increasing tourism and consumer spending. But the problem is that most of the
PIONEER FUNNIES
time, arenas, stadiums, courses etc. get created for the events and then never get used again. It becomes a massive task for something that lasts about sixteen days, and one has to worry if the effort is worth it. Denver should not take any risks with these possible consequences, and decline the bid. With climate change having reached the critical point that it has, in which humans are one of the main causes of environmental destruction and extreme weather, massive infrastructure construction for little payout does not seem worth it. We should not risk doing more damage to the environment than we already have. Not to mention that we could possibly be spending large amounts of money to construct venues from which we never reap any rewards. The Games should be taken to places that already have the infrastructure and ability to accommodate them, rather than force other cities to devote time, resources and damage their environment for sixteen days of televised sporting events, only to never be touched again.
Sara Loughran | Contributing Writer
DU CLARION
8
JAN. 31, 2018
| OPINIONS
PIONEER VOICES Question of the week:
What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday?
“After that awful loss for the Saints against the Vikings, I’ll probably just be doing homework.”
“I’m going to make a ton of nachos and wings, and root for the Eagles with all of my friends.”
Grace Carson, Third Year
Nikky Johnson, Third Year
“I don’t really follow football so I don’t have plans, but I might join friends who are watching.”
“I wasn’t planning on doing anything football related, but I don’t want the Patriots to win.”
Izzy Dreyfus, First Year
Marisa Arsenault, First Year
JAN. 31, 2018
DU CLARION
ARTS & LIFE | 9
“12 Strong” tells the story of unknown American heroes Photo courtesy of Warner Bros
A
ction film “12 Strong” hit theaters this past week. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by photojournalist Nicolai Fuglsig, the film debuted on Jan. 19. It’s based off of the book “Horse Soldiers” by Doug Stanton, which tells the now “declassified” story of the special forces team sent to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan after the attacks on 9/11. The team is led by Captain Mitch Nelson, played by Chris Hemsworth (“Thor”), who has never lead a mission before and has to fight bureaucracy to get his team chosen for the mission. When the team arrives in Afghanistan, they partner up with warlord Abdul Dostrum (Navid
Negahban, “Homeland”) and his men. Their mission? Taking the city of Mazar-I-Sharif from the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. How’d they do it? By horseback and a lot of U.S. bombers. Perhaps the best part of the movie was the somewhat complicated relationship between Nelson and Dostrum. “12 Strong” pits Afghan men alongside American men, fighting the same enemy. When Nelson’s team arrived in Afghanistan, they didn’t know much about Afghan culture, their language or the terrain. They had no choice but to trust Dostrum and fight alongside him. The two leaders don’t always agree on strategy, but they have a respect for each other and are able to put
their differences aside. The film struggles to show a The film has a strong cas- well-rounded plot. In one scene, tlineup, featuring William Fichtner the film awkwardly switches to a (“Black Hawk Down”), Trevante Taliban leader executing a female Rhodes (“Moonlight”), Michael teacher for teaching girls how to Peña (“Crash”), Michael Shan- read and do math. The scene’s non (“Nocturnal Animals”) and purpose was to give the audience Robert Allen Riggle Jr. (“21 Jump cultural context, but it’s placement Street”), but there are moments felt jarring. in which the characters and stoOverall, this is a good film ryline lack depth. It would have that shows the untold story of 12 been nice to see more character American heroes most have probdevelopment. The only glimpse of ably never heard of. There were it we see is with Rhodes, who plays great visuals and sound effects Sergeant Ben Milo. He is skeptical during the war scenes and the film of an Afghan boy who follows him did manage to give you this sense around the camp until he realizes of patriotism. I would still recomthe young boy is assigned to pro- mend seeing the film if you are tect him. He then takes a liking to into action movies. the boy and you get to see a gentler Amber Grantt | Contributing Writer side of him.
Europa Coffee House is a community hotspot Photo courtesy of Europa Coffee House
Photo courtesy of Europa Coffee House
E
uropa Coffee House, located on Bayaud Avenue and Pennsylvania Street in the West Wash Park area, is a funky, friendly coffee shop perfect for either a date or an extended study session. Their coffee blends are well-roasted and they offer a variety of classic lattes with both almond and soy milk substitutions. It may just be my favorite coffee joint in the Denver area. The atmosphere is friendly and eclectic with an artistic air. Ferns and succulents reach toward the windows and glass charms hanging from the high ceiling, making the atmosphere chill and inviting. The baristas play artists like Frankie Cosmos and Fleet Foxes. Europa’s walls are covered
in the work of local artists. Their bathrooms boast stylish handpainted murals. By the register you’ll find handmade zines, booklets and cassettes from local artists and musicians. The café has a slew of seating options including big, comfy booths, tables and bar seating. There is an outdoor seating area too, and so long as it’s not too cold out, it’s a great place for conversation. The outdoor patio is dog friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring your pups along. From pancakes and parfaits to wraps and sandwiches, the menu doesn’t fail to satisfy. I frequent Europa and I’m consistently surprised by the quality of the cafe food I’ve tried. I highly recommend either the croque madame or the salmon bagel if
you decide to stop by. For those unfamiliar with croque madame, it’s a French breakfast staple. Europa uses a croissant instead of the typical bread slice, layers it with ham and tops it with white cheddar and and a perfectly cooked over-easy egg. Needless to say, it’s delicious. Other great menu options include their omelets and breakfast plates, which come with a hearty serving of breakfast potatoes and thick slices of toast. They have tons of delicious gluten-free and dairy-free pastries baked in house if you’ve got a sweet tooth. On a side note, the kitchen is always happy to work around allergies and diet restrictions. Their menu has tons of vegetar-
ian and vegan options. The baristas at Europa are helpful and incredibly kind. The shop has great WiFi coverage so you don’t have to worry about using a mobile hotspot or getting kicked off in the middle of a quiz. The shop can get crowded on Saturday and Sunday mornings, but you’ll more than likely be able to find a table, and it’s never too loud to get through a reading or work on an essay. Overall, Europa is a staple to the West Wash Park or Baker neighborhood. The owners put considerable forethought into crafting a café that suits everybody’s needs, and it’s not likely to disappoint you. Kendall Morris | Arts & Life Editor
DU CLARION
10
| ARTS
& LIFE
JAN. 31, 2018
“Call Me By Your Name” a masterpiece love story Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
W
ith a lot of Hollywood buzz and four nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards, “Call Me By Your Name” invites high expectations. The film exceeds those expectations, though, as the stunning drama romance invites audiences to laugh and cry along with an exceptional cast. The story, taking place in the early 1980s, follows Elio (Timothée Chalamet, “Lady Bird”), an intelligent and cultured 17 yearold spending the summer with his family on an apricot orchard in Northern Italy. While he usually passes time transcribing and playing music, reading and swimming, Elio’s focus shifts upon the arrival of his father’s summer research assistant,
Oliver (Armie Hammer, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”). The two men, amidst the heat of summer and despite flirtations with local women, slowly grow closer, forming a complex, exciting and explorative relationship. It is, of course, on a time limit, as the summer has to end, but Elio and Oliver enjoy their weeks together, discovering themselves and what it’s like to navigate homosexuality and relationships in 1980s Italy. Perhaps it’s the quaint Italian setting or the small pieces of ‘80s nostalgia that appear, but “Call Me By Your Name” feels almost like a smaller-scale indie-style film, exploring relationships in similar fashion to films like “Blue is the Warmest Color” or “A Man Called Ove.”
The cinematography and overall simplicity of the wardrobe and dialogue combine to make a film that’s impossible not to fall in love with. Not only is the film incredibly well-shot and well-written, it is also exceptionally real. Chalamet, a relatively new face in Hollywood, steals the show, delivering a simultaneously heartbreaking and heartwarming performance full of wit and curiosity. He captures the pain of growing up and self-discovery while also just being genuinely likeable and fun. Hammer is excellent alongside him, full of charisma and authenticity. Elio’s parents are crowd favorites, as their somewhat surprising acceptance and kindness toward Elio
and Oliver is very welcome. While “Call Me By Your Name” is definitely not a family film, it’s a fantastic coming-ofage film for more mature audiences. Even with scarce moments of ambiguity and confusion, watching it is such an enjoyable and memorable experience; one leaves the theater stunned and grieving from watching the long close up of Elio crying as the credits roll, but also aching for the world of beauty, innocence, romance and foreign adventure that “Call Me By Your Name” fearlessly showcases. The film comes highly recommended and is now playing in theaters everywhere. Taryn Allen | Arts & Life Editor
Your guide to the best Colorado concert venues
F
or a city of our size and cultural weight, Denver bustles with music venues. You’ve probably heard or been to few of them; the ineffable Red Rocks, the Ogden, the Fillmore etc. But, if you’re perhaps a newbie to the Denver Music scene or someone just looking to increase their knowledge of the multitude of venues in Denver, here’s a short overview of the numerous spaces to enjoy a show. Large: The bigger the better right? These venues usually showcase the largest and most well-known acts coming to town. They offer great opportunities for seeing big artists with impressive stage design, but they lack the intimacy of smaller venues. Red Rocks: There’s really nothing to say here. It’s simply the best venue in the state and in a lot of people’s minds, one of the best in the world. Being outdoor means shows are submissive to the elements, but come rain or shine any show here is unlikely to disappoint. Pepsi Center: The top visit for the biggest acts, for what Red Rocks gives us, the Pepsi Center takes away. It’s honestly a disappointing venue, but so are most stadiums. If given the choice over a Pepsi
Center or Red Rocks show (they are usually around the same price, if not higher at the Pepsi Center) go for the Red Rocks show unless you have to see whoever is playing at the Pepsi Center. 1st Bank Center: Smaller than the Pepsi Center, 1st Bank offers some pretty fantastic shows, and the smaller size means a good view from almost any seat. The major drawbacks are its imposed curfew, the parking situation and its distance from Denver, but it’s still better than the Pepsi Center. Medium: Big acts and smaller ones alike fill out these venues, while not holding the grandeur of Red Rocks, most popular acts not big enough for a stadium tour play in these spaces. The Fillmore: This Colfax landmark has seen a lot of great acts come through, and it’s a pretty fantastic historical auditorium. The auditorium is an interesting design due to the deep floor from its time as a roller-skating rink, making the entire GA section basically a pit. There’s also great elevated seating. The Ogden: Located on the same stretch of Colfax as the Fillmore and the smaller Bluebird, the Ogden is a perfect mid size venue that emphasizes closeness to the artist and intimacy. The theater, like all the others
on Colfax breathes history with its fantastic architecture and decor. The Gothic: Just a few minutes south of Denver, the Gothic provides space for smaller acts than the Ogden and Fillmore but is maybe the most beautiful of Denver’s old theaters. A renovated movie theater, the Gothic abounds in beautiful artdeco vintage looks, and its colorful, psychedelic interior is the perfect space for musical excellence. Small: Big concerts are fun, but maybe the best shows take place in the small sweaty rooms of performance spaces in the city. The Bluebird: An old porn theater, the Bluebird’s historical Colfax location directly contrasts the bigger venues that surround it. It’s perfect for intimate shows from out of towners and local acts alike. Its beautiful blue neon lights shine bright like a musical beacon on Colfax. The Hi-Dive: This mecca of indie in Denver provides maybe the best space for local and small touring acts in the city. The beer stained small wooden stage hosts regularly loud and proud shows that alight the section of Broadway the venue encompasses. The Larimer Lounge: This north Denver haunt is a haven for local and national punk, alternative and rap
acts. It’s a tight, very intimate space that produces some of the wildest and most energetic shows in the city. Lost-Lake Lounge: A simple, pretty aesthetic space on Colfax, Lost-Lake is part great bar and part small, but impressive stage that attracts a lot of local and tiny national acts. Its outdoor patio space is perfect for an after-show beer and cool-down. The Mishawaka: While not located near Denver, the Mish is one of the most unique spaces in all of Colorado. Located north of Fort Collins, this small outdoor stage, which is located directly along the Poudre river (you can literally kayak to it) provides an impressively enjoyable outdoor music experience. The venue feels quite secluded when you’re there due to the lack of parking. You have to be bused to it, but it provides a lovely natural feel. Hosting a variety of acts (indie-band Hippocampus and genre-less bass-maestro Thundercat have played in the last year), catching a show here is a measure of luck and privilege.
Justin Cygan | Copy Editor
DU CLARION
JAN. 31, 2018
ARTS & LIFE | 1 1
Nominations released for upcoming Oscars O n the morning of Jan. 23, the complete list of nominations was released for the upcoming Academy Awards. The competition is tight this year, and almost all the films are must-sees before the big event. Here’s a recap of the top categories, Oscar news and our Clarion predictions for the winners. The most-anticipated category, of course, is that of Best Picture. The nominations include “Call Me By Your Name,” “Darkest Hour,” “Dunkirk,” “Get Out,” “Lady Bird,” “Phantom Thread,” “The Post,” “The Shape of Water” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” All of these films are definitely worth seeing, and it will be a close race. However, there is one in particular that has garnered a lot of attention and received the most overall nominations at 13: “The Shape of Water.” Clarion prediction: “The Shape of Water.” The Oscar for Best Lead Actor could go to Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name”), Daniel Day-Lewis (“Phantom Thread”), Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out”), Gary Oldman (“Darkest Hour”) or Denzel Washington (“Roman J. Israel, Esq.”). While Chalamet is a new industry favorite and Kaluuya stole the show in “Get Out,” the Academy will probably follow the lead of other award shows and organizations that have honored Oldman above others. Clarion prediction: Gary Oldman. Nominations for Best Lead Actress include Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water”), Frances McDormand (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”),
Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”), Saoirse Ronan (“Lady Bird”) and Meryl Streep (“The Post”). With a solid 20 previous Oscar nominations, it would be easy to give this one to Streep. Signs point to McDormand, however, for her performance this year. Clarion prediction: Frances McDormand. Up for Best Director are Christopher Nolan (“Dunkirk”), Jordan Peele (“Get Out”), Greta Gerwig (“Lady Bird”), Paul Thomas Anderson (“Phantom Thread”) and Guillermo del Toro (“The Shape of Water”). Again, based on its continued success, the Clarion prediction must be del Toro. Also, not to jinx it, but listing the nominees for Best Animated Feature seems unnecessary. The award will almost undoubtedly go to the new Pixar animated favorite, “Coco,” a beautiful and innovative film years in the making. Given the political and social statements made at past events like the Golden Globes, all eyes will be on Hollywood this Oscar season. The show is already making headlines aside from nominations, as actor Casey Affleck dropped out of presenting an award in the wake of his history and the #MeToo movement. More positively, though, for the first time in Oscars history, a woman was nominated for Best Cinematography: Rachel Morrison (“Mudbound”). Find the full list of nominations out now, and tune into the show to find out the winners. Jimmy Kimmel will host the Academy Awards live on March 4.
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures
Taryn Allen | Arts & Life Editor
Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures Photo courtesy of Focus Features Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures
DU CLARION
12
| ARTS
& LIFE
SPRING
INTERTERM COURSES
Performance Art in the city ARTH 3910 . 4 credits Location: New York City Instructor: Meg Jackson March 18-24
SIGN UP NOW AT du.edu/interterm
JAN. 31, 2018