Issue 5 | Volume 102

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College October 17, 2023

Single Copies Free

bobcatmultimedia.com

The Amazon trial GC’s Farmers and Artisan Market: Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

petition from gaining

On Sept. 26, the

anti-discounting mea-

any type of momentum.

Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, filed suit against Amazon in tandem with attorney generals from 17 different states. The FTC’s complaint accuses Amazon of adopting exclusionary policies to prevent competitors from contending with them, which is a violation of the FTC’s antitrust policy.

Amazon’s alleged anticompetitive

conduct

is reported to occur in two markets: the online shopping market, where consumers buy products, and online marketplace services, where sellers are offered the opportunity to sell products through Amazon’s According

website. to

the

complaint, Amazon has employed a wide range of tactics to stifle out preexisting competition and prevent new com-

These tactics include sures,

which

A glimpse into small businesses

punish

sellers and ensure other online retailers cannot offer lower prices than Amazon. If Amazon finds a seller that offers lower prices than they do, they intentionally put them extremely far down in the search results on their website.

This ensures that Amazon cannot be undercut by viable sellers who offer lower prices, keeping prices higher for products across the internet. Amazon is also accused of obfuscating relevant search results with

sponsored

ad-

vertisements and junk ads and ensuring that searches prefer Amazon products over the same products from other companies that are often of better quality.

See AMAZON | Page 2

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

Hannah Dunn Staff Writer On Oct. 3, GC’s front campus came alive with entrepreneurial spirit as students showcased their businesses at the annual Farmers and Artisan Market. From baked goods to crafts to handmade items, the event offered an assort-

ment of products that

ly

earrings

one example of determi-

reflected

passion

and necklaces. Patton

nation throughout GC’s

and creativity of these

shared her insights on

student

young business owners.

the challenges she faces.

One entrepreneur at

“For me, managing

the market was junior

my time, classes and

art major Ellen Patton,

work is the hardest chal-

the creative force be-

lenge,” Patton said. “I al-

hind “Ellen’s Eclectic.”

ways remind myself that

Her booth displayed an

it’s worth it in the end.”

array of polymer jewel-

Her dedication to her

ry, including intricate-

craft and studies is just

the

TAYLOR SWIFT + TRAVIS KELCE = FOREVER AND ALWAYS Kate Verity News Editor

Last June, the superstar tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce, attended the show of the summer: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The performances have garnered plenty of media attention already, so I do not need to explain how they have boosted economies across the country.

Since I do not need to explain any of these monumental records Swift broke during this tour, or

life: her new boyfriend.

men looking to date her.

themselves joining his

I know the stigmas

This leads me back to

fanbase: the Swifties.

around Swift’s dating life.

Kelce. He had already

Kelce hosts a popular

People say that she is a

made a name for himself

maneater, who only dates

as the league’s best tight

podcast with his broth-

boys to villainize them

end while on the two

in songs for publicity. I

time Super Bowl cham-

have a few things to say

pion Kansas City Chiefs.

to the haters, but I will let

But, his popularity has

designed

er, Jason Kelce, who is a center for the Philadelphia Eagles, another important NFL team to

Chance Curbow Staff Writer

The Pac-12 currently has a 41-17 record and only two teams with a losing record.

This same conference, if it even exists next season, is only set to consist of two teams.

Due to a lackluster

skyrocketed in recent

TV deal signed with

as she did years ago, in

weeks, as a whole new

back to this detail later.

Apple, reportedly worth

an interview for her For-

demographic has found

See SWIFT | Page 10

more than $23 million

ever and Always Tour .

“I just figured that if guys don’t want me to write bad songs about them, then they shouldn’t do bad things,” said Swift.

At this point in her

recount how impressive

incredibly

putting on three separate

career, any man that

three-hour-long concerts

chooses to engage in a

in a new city every week-

Countless

crochet

lovers gathered around to check out another GC student’s handmade items.

Colorful

cro-

cheted pieces, including stuffed animals and plush blankets, filled the table.

See MARKET| Page 7

Pac-2 to Pac-12

Swifties. We will come

Swift speak for herself,

entrepreneurs.

the 2024 season. OSU is hoping to lure other teams into the Pac-12 and revive the conference.

“I think geography is important, so I think they need to add teams from the west that would be willing to move up,” said Jackson Gallagher, a junior mass communication major. “They also must accept that they are likely no longer

to each school per sea-

a power conference.”Ma-

son, all but two teams

ny fans are speculating

of the current Pac-12

teams that could join

Conference have de-

the conference in or-

cided to transfer into

der to give it a revival.

other conferences for

“I think that North-

more lucrative deals.

successful

Pac-12 as an option for

western

University

As it stands, only Or-

would be a good fit be-

egon State and Wash-

cause they are probably

relationship with Swift

ington State, both with

going to be pushed out

end for six months is, I

knows what he is get-

winning records, being

of the Big Ten soon,”

am going to talk about

ting into. Swift is yet

4-1 and 4-0, respective-

said Tyler Baker, a ju-

the newest and most

to find herself without

ly, are the only teams

nior

exciting facet of Swift’s

a plentiful line-up of

Julia Jensen | Art Director

still

considering

the

nursing

major.

See PAC-12 | Page 4

NEWS | PG. 2

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG7

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 11

A government shutdown looms, as Congress cannot agree on a federal budget.

Haley Van Voorhis became the first female non-kicker player in NCAA football.

On-campus clubs and organizations host a variety of events to celebrate the history of the LGBTQ+ community.

On-field and off-field concerns put the franchise’s future in question.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

NCAA HISTORY

LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH

CHICAGO BEARS COLLAPSE

2

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

10.17.2023

NEWS AMAZON

many sponsored ads from

by their rules,” said GC

and leave competitors

ket. The company has

rupt band of hooligans

other golf club vendors.

marketing professor Jo-

with no leg to stand on.”

grown ever more profit-

have

It was very frustrating.”

anna Schwartz. “Not only

By protecting them-

able because of this, with

the free economic prin-

Amazon has also been

do they make money off

selves from competition

a gross revenue of $514

ciples that this coun-

accused of attempting

the product that you buy,

in the seller’s market,

billion in 2022, up from

try was built on for the

to discourage compe-

they are paying less for it.

buyer’s market and ad-

$470 billion in 2021,

better part of a decade.”

tition by nailing sellers

They have carefully put

vertising, Amazon has

according

that are reliant on the

themselves in a position

Amazon market to sell

“I was trying to order

their products with ex-

some golf clubs on Ama-

Continued from page 1 This has created a much lower quality user experience

on

Ama-

zon’s

website,

which

has

led

outrage

disgracing

Statista.

The case against Am-

been able to attain a

Junior business ma-

azon is still ongoing, and

where they also make

stranglehold on the on-

jor Dean Hufford is

the result of it and the re-

money off of advertising

line e-commerce mar-

appalled by Amazon’s

percussions they will face

pensive and predatory

conduct but finds it un-

remain to be seen. A de-

zon last week,” said Glenn

fees. Amazon requires

surprising, as he feels

finitive start date for the

Fleming, junior exercise

sellers to pay hidden

this monopoly has exist-

FTC trial is yet to be set,

major. “I searched for a

fees, forcing dependent

ed for quite some time.

but a trial date for anti-

Ping G-Max driver and

sellers to pay month-

“I am shocked that

trust violations has been

had to scroll down to the

ly fees, advertising fees

the FTC took this long

brought against Amazon

second page to actually

and a per-item-sold fee.

to bring a case against

in California state court,

find what I was looking

“If you sell through

Amazon,” Hufford said.

and is set to appear

“Jeff Bezos and his cor-

on the docket in 2026.

to

among some customers.

for because there were so

Amazon packages

Amazon, you have to play

to

been

U.S. government narrowly avoids shutdown Drew Bogumill Staff Writer The United States government avoided a shutdown by passing a stop-gap spending bill to extend funding for federal agencies. This bill was passed only hours before the Oct. 1 deadline and extended the federal budget until Nov. 17.

This started with budget disagreements between the White House, Senate and House of Representatives last month. This forced President Joe Biden to sign the extension bill, which was passed in the House and Senate, into law.

A government shutdown is initiated when Congress or the president disagrees with a spending bill that funds the operation of the federal government. This budget process was established

in 1976. Since then, 10 government shutdowns have occurred.

If the government shuts down, then non-essential federal workers are told not to come to work until the shutdown is over. Benefits such as Medicare and Social Security are still intact, but food-safety inspections, small-business loans, passport applications and more are not available during a shutdown.

“A shutting down of the government is not ideal at all, especially if it means many people losing jobs,” said Keller Pantsari, a senior mass communication major.

“If spending cuts means no shutting down of the government, then I side with conservatives.”

The plans for a shutdown are often specific.

For example, the Securities and Exchange

Commission’s, or SEC’s, contingency plan warns of the possible effects of a shutdown.

“During the shutdown, employees who have not been designated as excepted may not volunteer to work without pay,” the SEC said.

“Such voluntary services are a violation of the Antideficiency Act and will not be permitted under any circumstances.”

The last time the U.S. government had a shutdown, it occurred from Dec. 22, 2018, to Jan. 5, 2019. This five-week shutdown cost about $18 billion in federal spending and impacted millions of federal workers across the nation.

“A government shutdown would be less than ideal,” said Addison Stockdale, a sophomore psychology major.

“Spending money that

VOLUME 102 | NO. 5

we do not have is pointless, especially with the debt that we already have accumulating. I feel that the best and most logical solution would be to stop spending money and make budget cuts until the problem can be resolved.”

Because of issues with the budget and disagreement among House Republicans, Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker of the House earlier this week. This is the first time in U.S. history that a

speaker of the House has been voted out of office.

Congress will hold a speaker election on Oct. 11, where an agreement must be reached on 12 federal spending bills before the Nov. 17 deadline is up. These appropriation bills have only been passed by Congress ontime on four occasions.

“I really hope Congress approves enough of those bills so that this whole thing can come to an end,” said Ashlyn Hawley, a ju-

nior

early

education

major.

“A

shutdown

would be awful for our country right now, and I would hate to see a lot of people lose their jobs.

The

funds

allocat-

ed by the 12 bills will go towards pre-existing bills and programs that support foreign operations, the environment and military construction. Of course, this depends on whether Congress approves or denies these

appropriations.

U.S. Capitol Building

@GCSUnade

@TheColonnade

Editorial Board

Jennifer Crider................. Editor in Chief Cale Strickland................Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Kate Verity......................... News Editor Shadimon Smith......... Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz......... Sports Editor Emily Henderson........... Asst. Sports Editor Paige Blakemore............Arts & Life Editor Kylie Rowe........................ Asst. Arts & Life Editor Drew Oldham.................. Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Kylie Noles........................ Digital Media Editor Avery Blair..........................PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager William Burke.................. Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

The Colonnade is looking for staff writers, editors, designers, videographers, and more.

Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail.com for more.

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If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

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3

KATE VERITY, NEWS EDITOR SHADIMON SMITH, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

10.17.2023

NEWS

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez indicted Davis Camuso

new

Benz

stepping down is best for

nearly a year ago, there

in the United States. This

as he deals with federal

convertible and near-

those Senator Menendez

has been an active smear

call occurred two days

charges,” Sanders said.

ly half a million dollars

has spent his life serving.”

campaign of anonymous

after all five defendants

“If he decides not to run,

in cash that was found

These charges stretch

sources and innuendos

attended a dinner with

the Democratic Party

as far back as 2018 and

to create an air of impro-

the Egyptian business.

will have the task to pro-

“When Official-1 at-

tect the open seat from

that they found enve-

tempted to explain why

any Republican candi-

lopes with tens of thou-

the monopoly was det-

dates who may decide

sands of dollars in cash

rimental to U.S. inter-

to fight the uphill bat-

that

fingerprints

ests, MENENDEZ re-

tle of winning a Senate

that traced back to one

iterated his demand, in

seat from New Jersey.”

of

defen-

sum and substance, that

She also explained

dants in the indictment.

the USDA stop interfer-

that the Democrats cur-

On Sept. 22, Menen-

ing with IS EG Halal’s

rently hold a slight ma-

dez stepped down from

monopoly,” the indict-

jority lead in the Senate.

his position as the chair-

ment said. “Official-1

“It would take two-

man of the Foreign Re-

did not accede to ME-

thirds of the Senate to

lations Committee. Al-

NENDEZ’s demand, but

expel a member, and it

though, he has refused

IS EG Halal neverthe-

does not look like there

to resign from his posi-

less kept its monopoly.”

is enough support so far

all five defendents in this

tion as a senator despite

Claire Sanders, po-

to do so,” Sanders said.

trial have plead not guilty.

other Democrats advis-

litical science professor

With there likely not

Menedez is being ac-

ing him to step down.

at GC, gave a comment

being enough members

on the situation and

in the Senate to forcibly

what it could mean if

remove Menendez from

Menedez were to be ar-

his seat, he could hold

rested and put in jail.

his seat until he is up for

Staff Writer Robert

Menendez,

New Jersey senator and chairman of the Senate

Foreign

Relations

committee, has been indicted on three charges of federal burglary for allegedly

accepting

hundreds of thousands of

dollars

from

the

Egyptian

government.

Nadine

Menendez,

Menendez’s wife, and three other New Jersey businessmen, Wael Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes have also been charged; however

cused of acting as a for-

the

Mercedes

Menendez

Authorities

had the

revealed

other

“Senator

home.

Menendez

New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez

go all the way into 2022.

priety where none exists.”

“For years, forces be-

In 2019, it is alleged

hind the scenes have

that Menendez called

repeatedly attempted to

an Agriculture Depart-

silence my voice and dig

ment official to ask if they could stop opposing

remains is if Senator Me-

to Fox News, Menedez

eign agent for Egypt.

is again facing a feder-

Allegedly, the five defen-

al indictment, one that

dants used Mendendez

contains shocking al-

government position to

legations of corruption

send more aid and mili-

and specific, disturbing

my political grave,” Me-

tary sales in exchange for

details of wrongdoing,”

nendez said in an email

an Egyptian companies

nendez will run again in

is currently pleading not

financial compensation

said New Jersey senator

statement. “Since this

venture to monopolize

2024 when his Senate seat

guilty, and plans to run

such as gold, a brand-

Cory Booker. “I believe

investigation was leaked

the supply of halal meat

comes up for re-election

for re-election in 2024.

“The big question that

re-election.

According

GEOGRAPHY MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: TANNER ADAMS Shadimon Smith Asst. News Editor GC’s Geography major

teaches

students

jor learn how to iden-

ic data. It mainly works

I’ve learned is geospatial

tify problems and solve

with anything that can be

data

them through the use

mapped, such as roads.

standing the data that I have and also how I

jor provides opportu-

courses in human geog-

can manipulate it and

nities in government,

raphy, regional geogra-

project this on a map

teaching, agriculture or

phy, physical — or envi-

using the software so

non-profit organizations.

ronmental — geography

people understand what

also be used to see how

“I had no idea as a se-

and geographic infor-

I’m presenting and also

humans interact in these

nior in high school what

mation. Through these

the problems and solu-

different

atmospheres.

my capabilities could be

courses, they are intro-

tions that come with it.”

Adams,

after college when it came

duced to real, hands-

senior geography ma-

to earning my degree in

on experience that can

available as a minor. Stu-

jor,

inter-

geography,” Adams said.

help future geographers

dents can also join the

geography

“It is very broad, mean-

develop

much-needed

Geography Club. This

ing I could choose from

skills. To gain a degree in

club spends time dis-

many different pathways.

this field, one must com-

cussing academic out-

Specifically, I’ve been in-

plete an advanced course

reach and service proj-

physical features of the earth

and

its

atmo-

sphere. Geography can

Tanner

has

been

ested

in

since

middle

a

school.

“I was always fascinated by maps and learning

Students

can

Under-

take

about the study of the

of patterns. This ma-

analysis.

Geography

is

also

about human movement

troduced to geographic

in each one of these ar-

ects to help improve the

throughout history and

information systems, or

eas as well as complete a

community as well as ed-

stuff,”

Adams said. “So

GIS. That’s something

senior capstone course.

ucating its members on

when I got here, I real-

I hadn’t heard of be-

There are also op-

different cultures and tra-

ly wanted to open my

fore I came to school.”

portunities for intern-

ditions around the world.

eyes to more cultures

Geographic informa-

ships in the area of work

One of the projects

Geography Major: Tanner Adams

County.

Using

public

on,” Adams said. “What

participatory geographic

are the problem areas

information systems, or PPGIS, the class was able

that we can go out there and fix on a screen with a

to map out problem sites.

“I basically asked the local community members at the Sustainability Symposium

what

very visual and informative projection to make people

more

aware?”

in-

A geography degree

formation they had on

can be used in multi-

dumping sites or hazardous areas within our own

community

ple

different

avenues,

and at GC, students can

and get

real-world

prac-

major.

that Adams worked on

how can I display that

puter-based tools used to

“I was a GIS intern

in a previous class was

on a map to show oth-

take

store, visualize, analyze

this summer,” Adams

focused on analyzing the

ers in our community

technology

on geography as a ma-

and interpret geograph-

said. “The main skill that

waste areas in Baldwin

what is actually going

their specific passions.

and

different

tradi-

tion systems are com-

tions around the world.”

Students

who

regardless

of

tice with the current to

find

4

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

10.17.2023

SPORTS PAC-12

Continued from page 1 Northwestern is currently in the Big Ten West and sits towards the bottom of the rankings, being 1-2 in conference play and 2-3 overall. With bigger schools

would be beneficial to

ferent reasons, but the

Caleb Williams is favored

relocate into the soon-

main one being larger

for the award, and right

to-be-vacated

Pac-12.

and more consistent TV

behind him is Washing-

USC, UCLA, Wash-

deals. The Pac-12 failed

ton QB Michael Penix Jr.

ington and Oregon will

to leverage its high-lev-

all be joining the Big

el talent to solidify a

Oregon QB Bo Nix is

Ten from the Pac-12

TV deal early and lost

tied for third in the

in 2024. Other depar-

their

performing

Heisman race, with the

tures include Colorado,

schools because of it.

only non-Pac-12 play-

top

Not

to

mention,

Arizona, Arizona State

Not only does the Pac-

er in the top four being

joining the Big Ten next

and Utah moving to the

12 currently house two

Quinn Ewers of Texas.

season, it is possible that

Big 12 Conference, and

of the top quarterbacks,

It is difficult to imag-

Northwestern and oth-

Stanford and California

but those players are also

ine the Pac-12 having

loss it will be having so

ington State is left to

er universities that are

moving to the Atlan-

the top bets to win the

such

talent

many teams depart from

be seen, but this could

towards the bottom of

tic Coast Conference.

Heisman

this

this season, but it is not

the conference. What is

mark the end of the

their conferences feel it

All for slightly dif-

season. USC quarterback

difficult to see what a

next for OSU and Wash-

Pac-12 as a conference.

Trophy

NCAA history

high-end

MLB postseason rules

Drew Bogumill Staff Writer

Davis Camuso

went on, however, the

play out in the playoffs.

Staff Writer

pitchers and batters both

With a whole season

got used to it, and many

of players getting used

can hardly notice it now.

to the pitch clocks, it

“I like the pitch clock

should not be too much

rule,” said John Raines, a

of a problem with play-

GC pitcher. “Once you get

ers having to follow it

used to the pitch clock,

during the postseason.

you can’t even notice

Along with the pos-

that it’s even a real thing.”

itive momentum head-

As the playoffs ap-

ing into the postseason,

proached, the question

the MLB has the num-

began to rise again, if

bers to back it up. Ac-

the MLB should take the

cording to CBS sports,

pitch clock away. These

The attendance has ris-

games are by far the most

en over 9.18% since last

important,

every

season, along with 23 of

pitch matters. Fans are

the 30 teams seeing an

concerned that it could

increase in TV viewers.

mess up a big game or

It also states that this

ruin someone’s at-bat

has been the highest it

in a heated moment.

has been since 1998.

According to ESPN’s

The reason for these at-

Jeff Passan, The average

tendance numbers going

time for a playoff game

up is also from the new

typically lasts 3 and a half

rules placed. Accord-

hours. Previous years

ing to Sports Illustrated,

have been slower too,

runs,

having the games averag-

and stolen base attempts

ing of lasting up to almost

have all gone up com-

4 hours long. Passan goes

pared to last season. Not

on to explain that play-

only are the games faster,

ers insisted on adding

but there is more action

time to the clock to give

in these games now too.

the pitchers and bat-

“I think the MLB is

ters more time with the

doing the right thing by

“moment to feel bigger.”

keeping the pitch clock

Haley Van Voorhis, a

The MLB made sev-

female safety at Shenan-

eral new rule chang-

doah University, made

es this season. They

big headlines on Sept.

made the bases bigger,

23, when she became the

took the shift away and

first female non-kick-

limited the amount of

er player to take the

times you can pick off

field in an NCAA game.

first base. The one rule

Van Voorhis, a junior at the Division III

that has made the big-

college, came onto the

gest

field with under a min-

even had players and

ute remaining in the

fans complaining about

first quarter and helped

it, is the pitch clock.

contribute to her team’s

difference,

and

The pitch clock rule

48-7 victory over Ju-

is simple. If a pitcher

niata College. Shenandoah routed Juniata in

Julia Jensen | Art Director

takes over 15 seconds

came onto the field.

nior accounting major.

to throw a pitch with no

According to the

“I think it will take

one on base, then they

Washington Post, ever

a while before we start

have to surrender a ball.

since Van Voorhis joined

to see it on a regu-

a coed flag football team

lar basis,” Sutton said.

If a pitcher takes over 20

in fifth grade, she has

“If these small steps

only ever played against

keep occurring, then

boys. She was the only

I could certainly see

girl on that team, and she

a future with wom-

has continued playing the

en in college football.”

game she has loved from

Denise Fajardo, a

the first day she stepped

junior exercise science

several hours at a time.

between

major,

thrilled

With the new pitch

The article further

when she saw Van

clock rule that was im-

explains how she was

Voorhis’s historic play.

plemented at the begin-

the first girl to play

“No one can deny

ning of spring training

high school football at

that she actually made

Christchurch, a board-

a good play and didn’t

this season, games have

ing school located about

just stand there,” Fajar-

an hour east of Rich-

do said. “She showed

mond, Virginia. Here she

what she is capable

saw considerable action

of, and I can’t wait to

at both wide receiver

see her play more.”

and defensive back and

Not everyone is com-

even got named team

pletely on board, how-

are many people who

Van Voorhis hit Juniata

captain her senior year.

ever, as many people are

disagree with the rule.

QB Calvin German just

Scott Yoder, head

bringing up the poten-

Many fans, who have

after he managed to get

coach at Shenandoah,

tial dangers of allowing

been cheering on their

rid of the ball on what

has been impressed with

females to play con-

favorite baseball teams

was an incomplete pass.

her in practice and has

tact football with men.

their whole life and have

An ESPN film crew

even indicated that she

“I’m all for women

was in attendance at

will receive more play-

getting treated more

Shentel Stadium and got

ing time in the future.

equally in sports, but

to watch Van Voorhis

Many are wonder-

there has to be a line,”

history

ing what this means for

said Alex Paparo, a ju-

in this blowout game.

female college football

nior philosophy ma-

Also in attendance was

players in the future.

jor. “I just know the

president

“She definitely proved

day will come where

ing your time, so that

Fitzsimmons,

that it is possible for a

she takes a big hit,

you can pitch at your

who was visibly thrilled

woman to play football,”

and I just really hope

pace, not the batter’s or

after

said Tucker Sutton, a se-

nothing bad happens.”

a clock’s . As the season

dreadful weather due to Tropical Storm Ophelia.

The 19-year-old stands at 5-foot-6 and weighs 145

pounds,

severely

undersized compared to her fellow teammates.

Van Voorhis took the field on a thirdand-long and successfully rushed the Juniata quarterback, contributing to the ever-evolving history of the NCAA. Van Voorhis had been patiently waiting for this opportunity for over two years. Her role in the special defensive package was to push up to the line and blitz the quarterback.

Not only did she manage to get through the line, but she also disrupted the quarterback.

make

NCAA

university Tracy

Van

Voorhis

the

Pac 12 logo

lines.

was

seconds to throw a pitch with someone on base, the same rule applies.

Baseball

has

also

been known for its games taking up to

been lasting an average of just two hours a game.

While making the games shorter, and having them also be more enjoyable to fans, there

MLB

and

batting

average

Commission-

for the playoffs,” said

er Rob Manfield made

Holden LaCour, a GC

the decision to ride the

pitcher. “I think it’ll be

positive

momentum,

good for TV numbers by

and let the pitch clock

making the games faster.”

a great amount of respect for the game, think that it takes the point away

from

baseball.

Pitching traditionally has been about tak-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

5

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR EMILY HENDERSON, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

10.17.2023

SPORTS

USWNT stars retire Emily Henderson

played 123 games, had 20

73 assists and scored 63

Asst. Sports Editor

goals — 10 being head-

goals, which ranks her

ers — and six assists.

No. 10 for the USWNT.

Over her career, Ertz

Rapinoe’s 2019 season

received U.S. Soccer Fe-

alone earned her more

male Player of the Year

recognition than many

twice, first in 2017 and

receive in their whole

again in 2019, and the

career.

Bronze Ball in 2012. Ac-

the Olympics’ website,

cording to U.S. Soccer’s

this season alone, she

website, Julie is also the

received both the Gold-

16th player to return to

en Ball and the Golden

the team after becom-

Boot at the World Cup,

ing a mother, returning

FIFA Women’s Player

less than eight months

of the Year, the France

after

Football Ballon d’Or and

United States Women’s

National

Soccer

Team

legends

Megan

Rapinoe and Julie Ertz played their final games for the Stars and Stripes after

countless

years

of hardwork and dedication to the team.

Ertz, 31, stepped on the pitch one last time on Sept. 21 against the Republic of South Africa, while Rapinoe, 38, finished her career with

giving

birth.

“Julie Ertz had a child

the

According

Sports

to

Illustrated

Julia Jensen | Art Director

els to little girls who had

players — including Ertz

lion from the federation.

dreams to one day play

— filed a similar lawsuit

Because of this fight

and still came back to

Sportsperson of the Year.

play in the World Cup,”

Both helped lead the

for the US women’s team.”

against the federation.

said Ashley Meyer, pres-

national team to two FIFA

for equality and being an

Not only were they

These lawsuits came after

ident of GC Women’s

World Cup gold medals,

advocate for racial jus-

great players on the field,

the men’s team contin-

Club Soccer. “She was

in 2015 and 2019, and

tice and LGBTQ+ rights,

game brought a record

but they also impacted

ued to make significantly

one of the best athletes

the bronze medal at the

she became the first soc-

number

equality in sports, as both

more money and had bet-

cer player to receive the

the team on Sept. 24, also against South Africa.

ESPN

explained

that Rapinoe’s farewell of

attendees

on the field, never back-

2020 Olympics. Rapinoe

National

Women’s

were also part of the equal

ter working conditions

Presidential Medal of

ing down on any play,

was also part of the 2012

histo-

pay movement. Rapinoe

than the women’s team.

Freedom in 2022, from

and I think that really

USWNT, who won gold

ry to a USWNT game,

was one of the players

inspired a lot of young-

at the London Olympics,

coming in at 34,130.

that led this movement

claimed in these lawsuits

While these players

er

athletes.”

while Ertz was part of

in 2016, filing an Equal

that since they contin-

Ertz started her career

will be missed great-

Rapinoe, on the oth-

the gold-winning FIFA

Employment

Oppor-

ued to outperform the

ly on the team, their

for the USWNT in 2013

er hand, started her

under-20

tunity

Commission

men’s team, they de-

careers

as a defender under her

career with the squad

“Both had such great

complaint against the

served equal pay and

women of all ages tre-

maiden name, Johnson.

back in 2006. During

attitudes on and off the

U.S. Soccer Federation.

opportunities as them.

mendously in the world

In the 10 years of her na-

her

ap-

field,” Meyer said. “They

Again, in 2019, Rapi-

After six years, the team

of soccer — and for

tional team career, she

peared in 203 games,

were such big role mod-

noe, along with 27 other

was awarded $24 mil-

overall equality for all.

of

of

last season, the Bobcats

in

Soccer

League

female

career,

she

U.S.

squad.

GC tennis has a strong showing at the Mercer Gridiron Classic

The

women’s

team

President

Joe

have

Biden.

inspired

Connor Blakley

In the B flight, Noe

reflected on his prepa-

Morrison and Lucy Kim.

News Editor

Villen started off strong

ration for the season.

Young, a junior, was

Tampa. She continued

are looking to improve

Flagler

“Playing in the presea-

a part of the A1 flight,

strong with another win

upon that throughout

are nearing their start to

College’s Asher Willen-

son tournaments helps

where she picked up two

against Ane Ibarra from

their off-season efforts.

the 2024 season in Feb-

borg 7-6 (7), 7-6 (2) in

me

techniques

wins in her four match-

Auburn

ruary, as both the men’s

his opening match. Noe

and focus on the little

es. She defeated Georgia

and women’s teams have

went on to defeat Adria

aspects of the matches

State University’s Alba

en’s

team

been competing in var-

Pratdepadua from Mid-

that are played,” Wright

Retortillo 1-6, 6-4, 6-3

eight

more

ious fall tournaments.

dle Georgia State Univer-

said. “They also help

most

sity, as he unfortunately

boost

recent fall tournament

suffered an injury during

was held from Oct. 6

the match. He would

to Oct. 8 at the Mer-

then go on to suffer a

also made their pres-

cer

Classic.

loss to Luciano Alcocer

ence felt at the Mercer

toro added on two more

Both teams are very

That kind of men-

The tournament con-

in a 6-2, 4-6, 1-0 match.

Gridiron Classic, with

wins as well in her ef-

eager for the season

tality is infectious, as it

sisted of 96 total players

The Bobcats contin-

strong

fort in the tournament.

to start in February, as

can help the whole team

on the main draw for

ued to win in the C flight,

from Jada Young, Chiara

her

they have high expecta-

buy into what they are

both men’s and women’s

with players Jorge Robin-

Santoro, Ashley Bentz,

first match against Sa-

tions for what is to come.

trying

singles matches as well

son, Aurelien Arlot and

Laura Almagro, Ashton

vannah

as 48 players listed in

Braxton Wright all pick-

the men’s and women’s

ing up wins in the flight.

doubles matches. Play-

Robinson went on to

ers eligible for the tour-

win three of his matches,

nament all came from

suffering only one loss.

Division II, Division III,

Arlot added on two wins

the National Association

of his own and suffered

of Intercollegiate Athlet-

two losses in his matches.

The GC tennis teams

The

Bobcats’

Gridiron

ics and junior colleges.

by

defeating

Wright,

a

refine

the

University

Montgomery.

The rest of the wom-

“Off-season

real-

ly helps us shape who

tallied

on

we are,” said Sebastian

wins

in

Nuñez, a redshirt se-

in her first match of the

the B, C and D flights.

nior. “We have a good

confidence

flight. She then went on

The contributing play-

connection as a team,

going into the season.”

to defeat Olivia Bryant

ers to those matches

and it shows during

by default due to injury.

were Bentz, Almagro,

off-season workouts and

Morrison

early-morning

The

my

women’s

team

performances

Fellow

junior

Santoro

won

Williams

San-

out

and

Kim.

After an 8-10 record

to

ropes.”

accomplish

throughout the season.

sopho-

The men’s team had a

more, picked up a win

strong showing in both

in one of his matches

the B flight and the C

against Middle Geor-

flight of the tournament.

gia State University. He

Courtesy of GC Athletics

6

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

10.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Cale’s cinema corner: “The Swan”, “The Rat Catcher” and “Poison” review Cale Strickland

“The Wonderful Story

across the lake the be-

and Anderson does not

which he believes is on

there is something there;

Managing Editor

of Henry Sugar” return

loved bird reigned over.

shy away from showing

his chest, under the cov-

Anderson’s

Opinion

in “The Swan,” “The Rat

It is a 15-minute gut

the less-than-admirable

ers. Unable to move, he

ligned “The Darjeeling

Catcher” and “Poison.”

bunch and by far Ander-

— and gory — aspects

cries for help. His associ-

Limited” followed three

Ralph

plays

son’s darkest work, short

of Fiennes’s work. But

ate, played by Patel, and

white American broth-

lowing contains spoil-

Roald Dahl in all four;

or feature, yet. Never

here, bloodshed is used

doctor, played by Kings-

ers’ raid of Asian — and

ers for “The Swan,” “The

Richard Ayoade, Bene-

before has the director’s

to show his dedication

ley, come up with a plan

specifically Indian —

Rat Catcher” and “Poi-

dict Cumberbatch, Ru-

candy-colored,

pictur-

to his craft. “The Swan”

to sedate, and eventually,

culture for surface-lev-

son,” which are available

pert Friend, Ben Kings-

esque style been juxta-

highlights two boys’ dis-

remove the snake, only to

el spiritual enlighten-

to stream on Netflix.

ley and Dev Patel round

posed with subject matter

regard for human life; in

realize there is no snake

ment in the aftermath

out

as drab and depressing.

“The Rat Catcher,” ro-

to sedate or remove. It

of their father’s death.

“The

Tenen-

dents’ disturbing demise

might be pretentious to

“The Rat Catcher,” an

Warning:

The

fol-

Wes Anderson’s four

Fiennes

the

series’

cast.

latest short films, “The

“The Swan” follows

Wonderful Story of Hen-

Peter Watson, played by

baums” is dark; “The

illustrates the titular rat

draw grand moral and

unofficial bookend to

ry Sugar,” “The Swan,”

Friend, as he recounts his

Swan”

pitch-black.

catcher’s disregard for life

philosophical

conclu-

“The French Dispatch,”

“The Rat Catcher” and

experience with bullying.

From there, we get

— even if it is not human.

sions from a 15-minute

Anderson’s love letter to

“Poison,” are available

Watson’s meek, preco-

“The Rat Catcher,” a wel-

It takes a rat to catch one.

short, but I think it is

journalism, is by far my

to stream on Netflix.

cious younger, played

come change of pace from

“Poison,” the fourth

worth noting its setting:

favorite of the bunch. As

four

by Asa Jennings, is tor-

“The Swan.” Fiennes stars

and final of Anderson’s

India and, more specif-

I said in my review of

shorts form the equiv-

mented by a pair of big,

as an idiosyncratic, yes,

recent run of shorts, is

ically, colonial India. I

“The Wonderful Story

alent of a feature film.

brutish boys. They tie

rat catcher, who shares

a thriller — or about as

do not know if Ander-

of Henry Sugar,” Ander-

“The Wonderful Story

him to train tracks. Af-

his

against-the-norm

close as Anderson can

son’s

of

son’s quartet of shorts

of Henry Sugar,” which

ter he escapes, they chase

tactics with Ayoade and

come to making one. It

Cumberbatch’s

unjus-

will not go down in his-

I wrote about in the last

him, kill the village’s fa-

Friend, a pair of report-

centers on Cumberbatch

tified wide-eyed panic

tory as his best work —

issue, runs about 40 min-

mous swan, clip its wings,

ers at a small-town news-

as a man bed-ridden, not

with Patel and Kingsley’s

and nor should they. But

utes; the other three are

make him wear them

paper. He is not your

only by illness but also by

frantic, hushed rush to

they are certainly worth

each around 20 minutes.

and force him to climb to

everyday exterminator;

a more immediate threat:

rescue him is worthy of

watching,

Most of the cast of

the top of a tree and “fly”

his ways are irreplicable,

a

essayistic analysis, but

if you are a fan of his.

Together,

the

Royal

much-ma-

is

poisonous

snake,

juxtaposition

especially

Midterm mania Delaney Derry

manageable increments.

Contributing Writer

Instead of spending

Minds are blazing as

hours at a time study-

midterms begin to roll

ing,

into GC. Students feel

find it helpful to divide

defeated as they race

studying into sections.

to the finish line only

Spending one full day

to realize they are only

studying does not of-

halfway

through

the

semester.

This

seem-

ingly never-ending relay to make it to the second half of the semester

has

students

slipping into a slump.

As students start to fall into the “midterm slump” while exams start to topple one onto another, they begin to lack motivation in their studying. Where there is lack of motivation, procrastination often follows.

When the stress of

some

students

ten help with memory.

Studying over multiple days allows information to have a lasting effect.

According nell

to

Health,

Cor-

breaking

up studying “increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus.”

Oftentimes,

col-

lege students result to pulling

all-nighters

to

information

cram

before

important

ex-

ams or presentations.

Christie

Campus

Julia Jensen | Art Director

GPAs, increased risk of

Jackson Schwartz, senior

dropping out of school,

mass

getting sick more often, difficulty

perpetuating

more psychology ma-

procras-

jor. “I stay motivated by

major, “I take little men-

tination is for students

journaling and making

mood

tal breaks. I cook, listen

to find healthy hab-

sure to write down what

regulation and a bigger

to music and do some

its that they enjoy to

risk of getting into motor

sort of physical activity.

give themselves some

vehicle accidents,” said

I will take a little pause

peace in the midst of

Christie Campus Health.

that will make me want

this

There are many ways

to come back to study.”

“I deal with the stress

in which students try to

When the stress of

of midterms by mak-

with

communication

The best way to avoid

midterm

mania.

I’m grateful for so I can keep a positive mindset.”

Staying

positive

is

key in staying out of the midterm slump, as this can change the entire

passing exams becomes

Health, one of GC’s

extinguish the flames

studying takes its toll, it

ing sure to separate out

too overwhelming, stu-

mental health resourc-

of stress as the mania

is always good for stu-

time from my studying

dents can resort to pro-

es, reports that 70%

for studying for their

dents to take a step back

and school work for self-

crastination in order to

of college students do

midterms

commences.

and take small breaks

care time to also focus

most importance when

deal with the anxiety. To

not get enough sleep.

“The aspect of hav-

to keep their mental

on me and my person-

the chaos of cramming

help combat this, stu-

“Sleep deprivation can

ing good grades the first

health in check. Phys-

al needs, not just my

for that final midterm

dents can break up study-

result in more extreme

half of the semester is

ical activity helps keep

academic needs,” said

causes

ing into smaller, more

consequences like lower

motivation itself,” said

the

Macy

ing amounts of stress.

brain

stimulated.

Baugh,

sopho-

outlook

on

studying.

Self-care is of ut-

overwhelm-

7

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

10.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Isabella McCommis | Digital Media Editor

Students showing off their products at the GC market on front campus

MARKET

Continued from page 1 Her passion for cro-

student and a small busi-

challenges, shows the

products,” Customs by

just a marketplace; it was

the demands of their

ness owner comes with

resilience

these

Cara said.“The environ-

a celebration of student

schoolwork while also

its own set of hurdles.

hard-working students.

ment of selling alongside

entrepreneurship,

cre-

pursuing their passions.

small

others is just so wel-

ativity and resilience. It

Each booth represent-

of

“The thing with the

Yet

jams is, you need a large

business,

as

coming and exciting!”

highlighted the determi-

ed a unique story of the

kitchen and large pots,”

“Customs by Cara,” con-

The GC Farmers and

nation of young business

ambition and hard work

Newman said. “In col-

sisted of vibrant GC-

Artisan Market was not

owners who maintained

of student entrepreneurs

lege dorms and houses,

themed

you don’t have the luxu-

such as T-shirts, color-

ry of a big kitchen.This

ful handbags and oth-

means I can only cook

er unique accessories.

pus, “With the Wild-

my products when I go

The owner handmakes

flowers”

with

home. This is a chal-

each piece for the en-

attention, a junior envi-

lenge when it comes

joyment of her peers.

ronmental science major

to coordinating when

“I like to encourage

Amy Newman displayed

I can make my jams.”

others to explore open-

chet and the genuine connection she shares with

her

demonstrates sense

of

customers a

deep

satisfaction

that comes with pursuing

one’s

business.

Across the front cambuzzed

her ornate jams and sauc-

Newman’s to

another known

merchandise,

com-

ing a business because

es, captivating visitors

mitment

deliver-

you can make good

with their vibrant colors.

ing high-quality prod-

money, and it’s just so

However, being a college

ucts, despite logistical

fun designing your own

LGBTQ+ history month Isabella Nicklas

Contributing Writer October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a month that commemorates the past and celebrates people in the community that fought for equal rights.

Since this community has historically faced oppression by those who consider their identity against societal normalities, it is important to make LGBTQ+ members feel safe and appreciated.

With a lot of time, hardships and heartbreak, the LGBTQ+ community has learned to adapt to the challenges that the stigma has placed around them and provide them a voice through LGBTQ+ History Month.

There have been many civil rights movements in the past supporting members of the LGBTQ+, one major event being the Stonewall uprising.

The monumental Stonewall uprising took place on June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn, a New York City LGBTQ+-friendly bar.

On this night, police officers raided the establishment, arresting 13 people and injuring many others.

When the news of this event began circulating through the city, people

started protesting in the streets around the bar, demanding change. From June 29, 1969, to July 3, 1969, new people gathered every day in alliance with the LGBTQ+ community, slowly breaking down the barriers.

With time and persistence, members of

are three major celebrations recognized by the community.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and it is dedicated to supporting those who decide to publicly express their sexuality without feeling judged or tormented.

“Coming out day real-

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

Julia Jensen, Art Director, selling her hand crafted items

support for LGBTQ+ youths. On this day, those who participate in this holiday are encouraged to wear purple.

During Ally Week, which falls between the months of September and October, allies of the LGBTQ+ community come together to

Uniting and Building — is home to the LGBTQ+ Center, Cultural Center and Women’s Center.

Throughout October, the HUB is holding many events that are focused around the community.

“The HUB is a great resource center for LGBTQ+ students, and

Julia Jensen | Art Director

these protests were able to change the way people of this community were treated.

In 1980, New York ruled that anti-sodomy laws were unconstitutional. This decision allowed members of the community to freely express themselves, as they could not be punished by law for their sexuality.

During LGBTQ+ History Month, there

ly marked the beginning of my life,” said Collin Zabroske, a senior mass communication major.

“It was such a milestone for me, and I know that can be different for a lot of people. But I’m very grateful that I had a good coming out experience, and I was fully accepted by everyone.”

Spirit Day is celebrated worldwide on Oct. 20 as a way to display

show encouragement and bring awareness to the bullying and treatment members of the community endures.

These celebrations have been stepping stones for members of the LGBTQ+ community for years, and here at GC, it is important to continue this path for students.

The GC organization, the HUB — which stands for Honoring,

it can act as a liaison for other departments,” said David Magrino, a freshman accounting major. “It’s how I found my current roommate.”

The GC Pride Alliance, one of the clubs within the LGBTQ+ Center has hosted a variety of events this month, such as the Come Out Cookout that was held on National Coming Out Day. Located in Milledgeville’s

Central City Park, members of the LGBTQ+ community were able to come together and enjoy food and quality time on this special day.

Gaining simple knowledge about communities and organizations ultimately helps everyone. People in these communities feel heard, and outsiders leave with a sense of compassion and understanding.

“Every event or awareness month that is meant to educate people about a community, I think that it’s reflective of stuff we should be doing all the time,” said Bailey McAlister, an English professor at GC.“I learn a lot about other communities and cultures in other awareness months, so I’m hoping LQBTQ+ History Month does the same for other people too”.

These events hosted

by GC help show support and unity to the LGBTQ+ community, which is a good way for people to become connected while breaking down more societal barriers. People are able to learn more about this community and what it means to be a member.

“There’s always more room for communication and education,” McAlister said.

8

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

10.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

Writers Guild of America strike finally ends Carly Henderson Staff Writer

Guild-American Federa-

AMPTP, at the end of last

tion of Television and Ra-

month. The $233 million

After 148 days, the

dio Artists, also known

deal

Hollywood writers strike

as SAG-AFTRA, remains

pay, streaming bonuses,

ended on Sept. 27. The

on strike following de-

minimum staffing re-

mands of increased pay

quirements in TV writ-

for streaming services

ers’ rooms and regula-

and protection from use

tion of studios’ use of AI.

of their image generated

“As someone who is

by AI. The strike is ex-

interested in writing in

pected to be prolonged

my future career, I’m glad

due to disagreements be-

that the WGA stayed

tween actors and studios.

strong in their fight for

“With all the things

better benefits in their

that AI can do, I’m not

workplace,” said Autumn

surprised that writers

Arnette, a senior Mass

gains and protections

the past few months,”

and cool way, and it is

were worried about their

communication

major.

for writers in every seg-

said Rachel Lumpkin, a

kind of nice,” said Ky-

job security,” said Mar-

“This situation shows

ment of the member-

freshman Spanish ma-

lie Brakeman, former

cus McMain, a junior

that sometimes you have

ship,” the WGA said.

jor. “I’m happy that the

writer for “The Tonight

business

management

to take desperate mea-

Saturday Night Live

people who help make

Show Starring Jimmy

major. “You can literally

sures, in this case, boy-

was one of the many

my favorite show are get-

cotting your own career

shows to cease produc-

ting what they deserve,

wouldn’t be hard to get it

for six months, just to get

tion due to the writ-

and I’m even more hap-

to write a script. I doubt

what you rightly deserve.”

ers strike. The show

py that I’ll get to watch new

strike began on May 2 due to unfair conditions and worries in the workplace.

Writers in the Writers Guild of America, also known as the WGA, began the strike, demanding increased pay and protection from the use of artificial intelligence, or AI, in their industry.

Writers were not paid royalties for reruns on streaming platforms and feared that the increased use of AI could eventually cost them their jobs.

The

Screen

Actors

get AI to do anything. It

Guild joined the strike

it would be as good as an

on July 13, marking the

actual person writing it,

is

first time in more than 60

but it could still be done.”

tract

years that writers and ac-

The writers strike end-

tors were on strike at the

promises

higher

People striking at the WGA strike

This

tentative

deal

was forced to bring its

a

three-year

con-

48th season to an end

Writers returned to

as a writer and as an actor, but it feels a little bit more optimistic because it feels like there’s more

work the day the strike

—

ly. The show will air

ended. While many are

ed after the WGA struck

won with the power of

again this Saturday af-

going back to their for-

same time. The strikes

a tentative deal with the

member solidarity and

ter a six-month hiatus.

mer jobs, others are look-

shows and movies will

caused a halt in produc-

Alliance of Motion Pic-

our union siblings over

“I watch SNL every

ing for new workplaces.

return to normal pro-

tion across the industry.

ture and Television Pro-

a 148-day strike — in-

week and have just been

“I am unemployed

duction as writers re-

ducers, also known as the

corporates

watching

in kind of an awesome

turn to the workplace.

The

Screen

Actors

“This

contract

meaningful

episodes

soon.”

it is tough to find work

ear-

agreement.

three

episodes

Fallon.” “Like, I know

reruns

for

protections More

in

place.”

television

Julia Jensen | Art Director

9 10.17.2023

ARTS & LIFE

LISTEN LIVE TO THE SOUND OF GC ON THE WGUR 95.3 APP

PAIGE BLAKEMORE, A&L EDITOR KYLIE ROWE, ASST. A&L EDITOR

10

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

10.17.2023

OPINION

Taylor Swift cheering on Travis Kelce at the Kansas City Chiefs game

SWIFT

This song also in-

and 12-time Grammy

er than Swift, but not by

didn’t stay dead / You’re

“Cornelia Street” from

Continued from page 1

cludes the lines “So make

Award

winner

Swift.

much. His birthday is

alive, you’re alive in my

Swift’s album “Lover.”

Kelce revealed that as

the friendship bracelets

On

that

Sunday,

Oct. 5, and he was also

head,” and her grand-

She fully wrote this song

much as he loved attend-

/ Take the moment and

worlds collided. Every

born in 1989, a year that

mother’s birthday is Oc-

for Joe Alwyn, who she

ing the Eras Tour, he was

taste it.” These lines in-

Chiefs fan with a Swiftie

clearly holds some mean-

tober 5th. Kelce’s birth-

was with at the time and

disappointed to see that

spire Swifties everywhere

girlfriend knew he was

ing for Swift. But Oct.

day is a combination of

dated for six years. It in-

Swift did not come to

to

of

definitely not going to

5 is important as well.

Swift and her beloved

cludes the lyrics “We were

Swift-related friendship

have a problem getting

On Swift’s ninth al-

grandmother’s birthdays.

bracelets for the tour and

a date to a Chiefs game

bum,

the

Speaking of family, re-

trade them amongst each

this fall. Kelce gained

thirteenth track is called

member when I said to

other. Friendship brace-

over 1 million Insta-

“marjorie.” It is one of

note that Jason Kelce is

lets became a calling

gram followers, and his

Swift’s saddest songs in

an Eagles player? Swift’s

card of a true Swift fan.

jersey

increased

my opinion, and she fre-

home state is Pennsylva-

First, this shows that

nearly 400% in two days,

quently cried while sing-

nia, and she grew up an

Kelce really made an ef-

according to Fanatics.

ing it on the Eras Tour.

Eagles fan. She even men-

fort to understand Swift’s

But beyond all of this,

After all, it is about Swift’s

tions the Eagles in her

empire before shooting

there are a few intrica-

deceased grandmother,

song “gold rush,” which

his shot. Most of us girls

cies in their relation-

who was an opera singer.

is also from “evermore.”

have been hit on before

ship that scrutinous fans

Swift talks about how

“I see me padding

in significantly less flat-

have begun to point out.

she wishes she had tak-

across

tering and meaningful

First of all, Kelce’s jer-

en the time they had

floors / With my Eagles

ways, so Kelce’s actions

sey number is 87. Swift

together more seriously

T-shirt hanging from the

To wrap up, 13 has

are already scoring him

is about to re-release

and that she is proud to

door,” Swift sings. She has

long been Swift’s lucky

brownie

and

her fifth album, “1989,”

be living out her grand-

even been photographed

number. She was born

we do not even know

named after her birth

mother’s dreams of per-

by paparazzi wearing an

on Dec. 13, and young

if Swift is interested yet

year. On her first album,

forming. The meaning

Eagles hat. Jokes are be-

Swift often wrote the

— or so we thought.

“Taylor

teen-

is shrouded in layers of

ing made that Swift’s re-

number 13 on the back

A few weeks ago, it

age Swift wrote the line

metaphor and allusion.

lationship with Kelce is

of her hand during her

happened. It was a nor-

“And I’ll be eighty-seven,

But when the meaning

to throw him off his game

Speak Now World Tour.

mal Sunday in late Sep-

you’ll be eighty-nine.”

does cut through, it hits

so that the Chiefs can-

Since Kelce is Swift’s

tember, as the Chiefs

The roles may be re-

you right in the heart.

not beat out the Eagles

13th public boyfriend, I

played

Chicago

versed, but the coinci-

Not only that, but Swift

to win the Superbowl,

mean, how can you call

Bears. All of a sudden,

dence is still intriguing,

took the time to include

like they did last year.

her a maneater, with only

all eyes were on Kelce’s

and TikTok edits to the

her grandmother’s own

To further add to my

box, which was host-

lyrics have been flood-

opera vocals in the back-

evidence that Swift and

ing

important

ing my For You page.

ground of the song. The

Kelce are destined to be

mother,

Kelce is a little bit old-

key is that “What died

together is the 2019 song

mingle with her fans after the performance. After three hours of singing, she must preserve her vocals to do it all again at the next show. Kelce said that he had made Swift a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it but was unable to get the bracelet to the popstar.

This

immediately

gained attention from the Swiftie community because not only was an American football player interested in Swift, who has a long history of only dating British men, but he had attempted to get her attention in a way that resonated with the Swiftie lore.

When Swift released her tenth album, “Midnights,” in October 2022, it included the song “You’re On Your Own, Kid.” Many fans believe

make

armfuls

points,

the

two

women:

his

sales

Swift,”

“evermore,”

your

wooden

that this song is a narra-

a fresh page on the desk, filling in the blanks as we go / As if the streetlights pointed in an arrowhead leading us home.”

Arrowhead

is

the

name of the stadium where the Chiefs play, and this is the same stadium in which Kelce attended the Eras Tour. It is something of a meeting place for the two.

13

public

boyfriends

by the age of 33 — with how long she’s been in the spotlight — anyway?

I have incredible con-

tive of Swift’s own journey

fidence in this new and

to stardom and becoming the icon she is now.

budding relationship as

She entered the public

well as a deep fear that by

eye with the release of her

writing this article I have

first album at age 16, so

jinxed and ruined every-

she did not get much of

thing. I am hopeful that

an opportunity to make

after many years on a long

normal

school

winding road of relation-

friends and have the typ-

ships of various quality,

ical young adult expe-

which have all ultimately

riences. She was, as the

ended, Swift has final-

high

song says, “on her own.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s mom

ly found her soulmate.

11

DREW OLDHAM, OPINION EDITOR

10.17.2023

OPINION

The collapse of the Chicago Bears Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

It feels as if the Chicago Bears have already been through four regular seasons’ worth of drama and controversy already, and we are only approaching Week 6 of the NFL’s regular season. Currently, the Bears have a record of 1-4, with a rank of dead last in the bitterly contested and animosity-filled NFC North.

The Bears have been a franchise in the NFL since the league’s genesis, in 1922, and for a long period of time, were considered the gold standard for excellence in football.

Lifetime Bears fans will recall the famous 1986 Bears, who terrorized teams with a hard-hitting defense and impressive run offense on their way to a 14-2 regular season and Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots. The backbone of this formidable Bears team was formed

by Hall of Fame inductees on both the offense and defense, most notably running back Walter Payton and middle linebacker Mike Singletary.

Unfortunately, the 21st century has been far less favorable for the franchise. They have not managed to win a Super Bowl since the virtually flawless 1986 season.

The team’s most recent playoff appearances

have both ended in embarrassing fashion. They were drubbed 21-9 by the Saints in the Wild Card in 2020. They also lost to the Eagles in the 2018 Wild Card game due to the infamous “double doink” off the crossbar in a game-winning field goal attempt from former Bears kicker Cody Parkey.

Distraught Bears fans have spent the last few years looking towards a hopeful future, as they used their first-round pick in 2021 to draft highly athletic dual-threat quarterback Justin Fields and also acquired prolific wide receiver D. J. Moore from the Carolina Panthers. With Fields and Moore came the promise of restoring relevancy to a franchise largely starved for success in recent history.

However, these hopes and dreams seem to be just that: hopes and dreams. The Bears began this season on a horrendous four-game losing streak that came with just as much off-field drama and dysfunction as there was on-field disappointment. Both the offense and defense seemed unwilling — and unable — to do their jobs in the first two weeks of the season, recording losses to the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Amidst the disappointment of these losses came a loss to the

coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams was not on the sidelines at the game against the Buccaneers and resigned from the team quite abruptly after the Week 2 loss, citing “family problems and health concerns” as the motivation for his sudden resignation.

The story that broke soon after this resignation indicates the real reason that Williams resigned is far more troubling. ESPN’s Pat McAfee confirmed that during Williams’s absence from the team, the FBI raided his home.

The motive behind this raid is unclear but troubling nonetheless.

Current FBI agent and former Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman reportedly broke the news to the Bears’ head coach, Matt Eberflus, that Williams’s house had been raided by federal agents. This news left Eberflus crying and many members of the football community, of which Williams has long been a member, utterly shocked.

Co-host of Black and White Sports John Matrixx called the Williams resignation the “weirdest resignation” he could think of.

“If you truly resigned for your health, OK, not a big story,” Matrixx said. “But there is so much other stuff now

that’s come along with this, and it’s just gotten really weird now. I mean, I am just stunned.”

Williams’s attorney made no effort to deny the fact that his client’s house was raided by the FBI but did not shed any light on why this raid occurred or what alleged crime it pertains to. If you can believe it, this was not the only public relations nightmare the Bears had to deal with the day this news broke.

In what has been referred to by McAfee as “one of the worst news days for a sports team in history at this point,” the Bears organization faced additional heat in relation to Field’s postgame comments after the loss to the Buccaneers, where he partly blamed poor coaching schemes and adjustments for the team’s pitiful start.

The Bears organization was hobbled by this off-field controversy, and unfortunately for them, the regular season continued on, and the stalling Bears were forced to play the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3. Their low morale as a franchise was on full display in this game, as they lost 4110, and Fields failed to eclipse 100 yards passing and threw 1 interception.

The team then looked to regain its footing in Week 4 against the equally disastrous Den-

ver Broncos. In a game referred to as the “Toilet Bowl” by online jokesters, both teams were winless coming in. Despite a promising performance from Fields, who was facing numerous accusations of being a bust, the team lost in heartbreaking fashion, 31-28.

The team sat winless coming into Week 5 and seemed to regain its composure in an incredible Thursday Night Football showing against the Washington Commanders, recording a decisive 40-20 victory. Fields and Moore were finally the feared duo people wanted them to be. Fields threw for 282 yards, 4 TDs, and 0 interceptions.

Moore exploded for 230 yards on just 8 receptions and caught 3 TDs. The team looked rejuvenated on both sides of the ball in this game, as

the defense limited the Commanders to just 29 measly rushing yards and forced an interception that allowed the Bears to gain an insurmountable 27-3 lead before halftime.

NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson was disgusted by the Commanders’ lousy effort in this game and voiced his concerns on X. “The Commanders played with no intensity or fire,” Johnson said.

“We didn’t compete in the first half and got down 27-3 heading into halftime. It was too big of a hole to climb out of and that is why we ended up losing 40-20.”

The long sought out win and promising outings in the last two games from Fields have restored hope in some Chicago fans for this season. The early hole they have dug themselves is

him to rap in an unapologetically controversial manner, where he questions Christianity, brags about doing acid and claims to employ a rare combination of rock and rap elements in his lyrics that put him in a category of his own.

Meechy Darko’s cutthroat closing verse on “The Odyssey” then transitions into the well-matched vocals and lyrics of the next song, “Bounce,” which ends

drug use, as this was the norm in Brooklyn at the time. Zombie Juice talks about smoking weed before church at his Grandma’s house and recalls his early inspiration from Eazy E and the Notorious B.I.G., the most famous rapper to ever emerge from New York. Anthony Flammia, a Yonkers native, is featured and provides a smooth hook for the song.

The next two songs on

cosmic power. The track ends with the fictitious intergalactic FBZ satellite radio station offering to take calls from its listeners, which are then used in the final song on the album.

The FBZ radio segment transitions into “Smoke Break (interlude),” in which the Zombies speak on their drug use which they do to self-medicate when they feel jaded and overwhelmed in their lives. They feel as

the Architect admits that he is afflicted by addiction to alcohol, women and drugs. While he is dependent on these things, his loyalty lies with Flatbush Ave. and the Zombies.

He proclaims, “I’m only faithful to my bros, my rights and my wrongs.”

This lyric highlights the fact that this group is extremely unified and loyal to one another, and this unity is displayed in many

all odds that have allowed them to reach this point.

Zombie Juice says, “Always was a winner, even when I wasn’t ‘posed to,” and Erick the Architect says, “All my ****** need a plan ‘cause all my ****** need to win.”

Despite their success, Meechy Darko worries that his untimely death is written into the intrinsically violent environment and affiliations he grew up with and the life he has led to this point: “Will I die from homicide, or will I die from taking too much drugs?”

The album concludes with the track “Your Favorite Rap Song,” which is a 12-minute track featuring hard-hitting verses from each Zombie and ending with various positive and negative phone messages from both fans and haters.

These messages illustrate a picture of the fanbase the Zombies’ music has touched, from druggies to low-wage workers, people in hard times and people who are tired of conforming to society. The Zombie fan base is as unique, odd and incongruent as their music is. This album is really unique and intriguing, and if you have not checked it out, I highly recommend that you do.

While it went relatively unrecognized, it is not worth missing out on this “Laced Odyssey,” as it is truly a ride on a chaotic space shuttle through the highs, lows and everything in between of the Flatbush Zombies’ artistic vision.

3001: A Laced Odyssey Drew Oldham Opinion Editor

The hidden gem of the 2010s has been uncovered and been gifted to music listeners everywhere by three zombies from one of South Brooklyn’s most well known and old neighborhoods, Flatbush Avenue.

Meechy Darko, Zombie Juice and Erick the Architect came together to form the Flatbush Zombies and began making music together in the early 2010s.

In 2016, they released their debut studio album under their own label, Glorious Dead Recordings, titled “3001: A Laced Odyssey.” Much like the famous Stanley Kubrick film it is named after, this album sounds like a chaotic journey through space.

This odyssey consists of many twists and turns, terrifying imagery, incredible instrumental and vocal mixing and juxtaposes the highs of human experiences with the lowest of lows imaginable. Its 12-song tracklist, which runs for an hour on the nose, is action packed, unpredictable and irresistibly unique.

Its opening song “The Odyssey,” introduces the artist and album by name and sets the tone for the Zombies’ unique presence and sound. Meechy Darko has the last word on this track and provides a striking verse loaded with alliterations and cheeky wordplay. The verse documents the shocking violence he has experienced growing up in the ghetto in Brooklyn, which has motivated

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Julia Jensen | Art Director

with a chilling outro that reminds listeners “Tag on your soul, everybody got a price.” The third song, “R.I.P.C.D.,” has Erick the Architect on the hook, reminding listeners that in the rapid transition from the compact disk to complete digitization, many classic mixtapes — including some of the Zombies’own — can no longer be listened to and have been lost forever.

The fourth track, “A Spike Lee Joint,” is much slower in pace, and each Zombie speaks on their participation in crime and

the album stay slow as well, and Meechy Darko is the only artist who does vocals on either of them. The song “Fly Away” illustrates the heavy-hearted and overwhelming nature that questions related to existence, belonging and meaning in one’s life often have. His thoughts on these questions leave Darko asking, “Will suicide end the pain?”

“Ascension” documents an intrapsychic conflict within Meechy Darko, which juxtaposes a sense of primal anger and rage with a sense of grandiosity and

if drugs allow them to see the world for what it is, be grateful for what they have and manifest their success.

However, the success they feel that drugs have allowed them to capture comes at a cost. In the song “Trade-Off,” they present the remarkable success and limitless potential for advancement they feel they have, along with a lingering insanity and instability they cannot seem to shake as a result of the impact these substances have on their thinking and health.

In “Good Grief,” Erick

other parts of the album.

This loyalty is so extreme it excuses violence towards others, as shown in verses on “New Phone, Who Dis?,” where the Zombies continue to resort to their innate criminal instincts by behaving violently and trafficking various hard, illicit drugs while adjusting to their newfound success.

The penultimate track, “This Is It,” highlights the unique sound and individualistic style the Zombies bring to rap, their unfailing loyalty to one another and their many triumphs against