Fall 2022 Issue 10

Instructors on Campus: Responsibilities, Pay Sources, and More

By Alfred Simpson | Senior Staff Writer & Yukthi Sangoi | Editor-in-Chief

The variety and participation of in structors in classes contributes greatly to the function and quality of a university. There are myriad opportunities present for students to become involved with courses, either as an instructor or as an assistant.

NJIT’s website on graduate funding states, “There are over 300 teaching and research assistantships available in ac ademic departments, which are funded internally or externally.” There are four main categories: research assistants, teaching assistants, graders, and provost doctoral assistantships. Research assis tants are under faculty supervision; they conduct research as part-time workers totaling 20 hours or fewer per week.

Teaching assistants must have a cu mulative GPA of at least 3.5 to receive this award. They have the same 20-hour responsibility as research assistants, and their tasks include — but are not limit ed to — conducting recitations, teaching laboratory sessions, and grading sub missions. There is a separate service in volving only graders - these are appoint ed part-time and work under faculty supervision on an hourly basis.

Provost doctoral assistantships are open to full-time entering Ph.D. students. According to NJIT’s Ph.D. assistant flyer, “Holders of these assistantships will be given instructional assignments within their school/college relating to the re tention of first-year students.” These can be nominated by department chairs and college deans; first- and second-years are funded by the university, and thirdand fourth-years are funded by grants.

A quick Google search will show that NJIT is actively hiring adjunct profes sors, some full-time and some part-time. Adjuncts are “professors who are hired on a temporary track, often to teach [or

lecture] only a course or two for a single semester or year” according to Practi calAdultInsights. In 2021, the average salary was $5,175 at NJIT, as reported by OpenPayrolls.

NJIT’s adjunct ethics page includes that “NJIT adjuncts are required to file an Outside Employment Questionnaire for Adjuncts at least every three years and every time they have new outside activities to disclose.” Universities tend to hire adjuncts as a method to save money since they do not have to pro vide as many benefits. Adjuncts typi cally need to follow more constraints in universities because they are hired for a limited time period, unlike tenured or tenure-track faculty, but they can still have the same course load as full-time, tenured instructors.

Tenured faculty usually have con tracts attached to their profession or are working towards meeting contract requirements if they are on the ten ure-track, allowing them to have a rela tively secure position for a longer time period. According to a 2021 article pub lished on Best Colleges, “In 1969, about 78% of [United States] faculty members worked in a tenured or tenure-track role. By 2018, that number dropped to around 20%.”

There are several unions, or orga nized associations of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests, available to staff and faculty at NJIT. The Professional Staff Associa tion became the recognized agent in the fall of 1970. According to its website, “In 1988, the PSA approved the affiliation with the American Association of Uni versity Professors. The PSA represents all tenured and tenure track faculty, Uni versity and Sr. University Lecturers, Pro fessors of Practice, Visiting Professors, Professional Staff, Full-time instructors

in their adjunct capacity, and Academ ic Administrators, up to Associate Dean with academic rank.” PSA’s 2022-2024 governing board officers include:

The United Council of Academics at NJIT, or UCAN, represents adjunct pro fessors, teaching assistants, research assistants, and postdoctoral members. Its mission statement states, “Together, we are committed to advancing the ac ademic mission of this university. We know that improving conditions for ac ademic workers will attract the best and the brightest minds, and we believe that an institution at this level should live by the highest standards of fairness and jus tice in treating its workers.” Its executive council includes:

The Lecturer’s and Educator’s Con gress represents tenured and non-ten ured faculty. According to NJIT’s web site, the organization “has the authority to recommend policies and procedures; issue appropriate approvals; collabo rate, consult, and communicate with other university stakeholder groups and their members, as well as the admin istration; draw upon the services of in structional staff; collect and disseminate information; and designate representa tives in matters affecting its membership including but not limited to the Faculty Senate, University Senate, and univer sity search committees.” The executive council includes:

Interim President - Maria Stanko, Dept. of Biology (term expires 2022)

Interim Vice-President - Jaskirat Sodhi, Mechanical and Industrial En gineering (term expires 2022)

Executive Secretary - Catherine Sie mann, Dept. of Humanities (term ex pires 2024)

Treasurer - Scott Kent, Dept. of Histo ry (term expires 2024)

Webmaster - Geraldine Milano, Civ il and Environmental Engineering (term expires 2024)

President - Brian O’Donnell

Vice President - Andy McCarthy

Secretary-Treasurer - Ayushi Sangoi

Member-at-Large - Miriam LaFuente

Member-at-Large - Manuel Hercules

Member-at-Large - Nicholas Harty

Member-at-Large - Jake Brusca

UCAN’s contract states that the min imum pay is $1,850 per credit hour, equaling about $5,550 for a general three-credit course. Postdocs, profes sional researchers who have completed their doctoral studies, earn a minimum of $49,882 a year. Research and teaching assistants earn a minimum of $28,500 a year — $25,500 during the academic year and $3,000 during the summer.

Instructors play a significant role on campus, and unions provide a platform for them to protect their rights and equal treatment based on their involvement.

President - Amitabha Bose Faculty Vice President - Burt Kimmel man Professional Staff Vice President - Mi chael Kehoe

THE VECTOR About

As the official student newspaper of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, our mission is to inform and entertain our readers, cultivate awareness of issues con cerning the NJIT community, and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members.

Deadline for articles is the Thursday the week prior to publication at 10 p.m. For more information on submissions, e-mail managing-editor@njitvector.com.

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Executive Editor Areej Qamar executive-editor@njitvector.com

Staff Writers Rushi Desai Aaron Dimaya Paridhi Bhardwaj* Alfred Simpson*

Contributing Writers Ann Ibrahim Pranav Anthapu Matthew Fleishman Ruveyda Mert Shreyal Sharma Najee Manning Harshil Kikani

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POLICE BLOTTER

11/08/2022

11:16 a.m. Officers responded to the Central King Building on the report of a student acting in a disorderly manner in class. The student calmed down after speaking to the officers.

11:39 a.m. Officers responded to the Campus Center on the report of a non-affiliate individual inside the building. Officers met with the non-af filiate male and explained to him that only the first floor of the Campus Center is open to the public.

11/09/2022

4:25 p.m. Officers conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Central Avenue and Lock Street for improper passing. The driver was confirmed to have an open warrant; the individual was placed under arrest and taken to NJIT Police Headquar ters for processing.

5:01 p.m. Officers responded to Greek Way on the report of two males who were soliciting inside Vil lage Market. Officers contacted one of the non-af filiate males; the individual was warned and sent on his way.

11/10/2022

11:47 a.m. Officers responded to Cullimore Hall on the report of an individual inside the building who didn’t belong. Officers contacted the caller, who stated the individual was seen 30 to 45 min utes prior to the officers’ arrival.

6:10 p.m. Officers responded to the Newark Light Rail station at Central Avenue and Lock Street on the report of an aggressive panhandler. The indi vidual was checked for warrants, which yielded negative results. The individual was warned and sent on their way.

11/11/2022

1:33 a.m. Officers generated a report on a tres passing incident that took place at 269 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The investigation is ongoing.

12:05 p.m. Officers generated a theft report on multiple individuals who left Village Market with out paying for the purchased items. The investiga tion is ongoing.

Newark Gunman Arrested

By Ruveyda Mert | Contributing Writer

At 4 p.m. on Nov. 1, a phone alert was issued regard ing an alleged rooftop shooter four miles away from the NJIT campus, causing fear and panic. This initial report was false — the incident had taken place in a parking lot. Later that day, NBC News reported that the suspect had shot two police officers at 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 25 Van Velsor Pl., around 3.5 miles away from NJIT.

East Orange resident Kendall Howard, a 30-year-old man who goes by the nickname “Book,” was a suspect in a firearm incident in which an unidentified man had fired a gun into the air on Oct. 28. Subsequently, an alert was issued to the residents of Newark with a pho tograph of the suspect. New Jersey News reported that Howard’s own mother recognized her son on the flyer and called the police, directing them to the residential building.

Johnny Aquino and Jabril Paul, two rookie police officers, arrived at 25 Van Velsor Pl. but could not find the suspect. As the two were about to leave, they en countered Howard in the building’s parking lot. “They stopped him to talk to him and to identify him, and a vi olent interaction occurred,” acting Essex County Prose cutor Theodore Stephens told reporters on the evening of Nov. 1.

Howard shot both officers at “close, close range,” according to Newark mayor Ras Baraka. While Paul’s left leg was struck, a bullet grazed Aquino’s neck and

lodged in his shoulder. The officers were rushed to Uni versity Hospital, where they received treatment. Paul was released the next day, and Aquino was allowed to leave on Nov. 3.

New Jersey governor Phil Murphy visited the offi cers, mentioning that they were both expected to make a full recovery. “I commend our local law enforcement on their swift action to control the situation and protect their community during another horrific act of gun vi olence,” he tweeted on Nov. 2.

In addition, Baraka commended residents and oth er departments who had assisted in the apprehension of the suspect. “Our residents in Newark have shown several times over and over again that they are willing to put themselves in the way of police and harm,” he said, referencing a woman who had heard gunfire and stopped to pull an officer to safety. “Additionally, I want to thank all of the surrounding police departments, as well as the sheriff’s department, Homeland Security and the [Federal Bureau of Investigation] for being here today.”

Residents who heard the gunshots thought that they had come from above, causing false reports of a rooftop sniper. On Nov. 1, State Assemblyman Ralph Caputo commented that the officers were shot from the roof top of a nearby building, but this statement was refuted by Baraka.

After Howard shot the officers, he ran into a residen tial building containing over 80 apartments. To trap the suspect, a lockdown was put in place for Chancellor Avenue and Van Velsor Place, according to CBS News. Several residents were prohibited from entering their homes.

Yellie Lopez, resident on the building's third floor, told the New York Times that she and her three young children were forced to stand outside their apartment door while her husband waited inside, unable to come out. D'Andre Mentor, a resident on Chancellor Avenue, commented, “You come outside and boom, it’s a whole standoff happening outside your house.”

A New Jersey State Police helicopter, visible from NJIT’s campus, hovered overhead for much of the af ternoon of Nov. 1 as authorities continued their search. The chase finally ended when the police apprehended Howard on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Howard was charged with two counts of attempted murder and weapons offenses. During his appearance in court, he pleaded not guilty, according to ABC News.

The suspect’s fame was short-lived at NJIT. With only 24 days left of the semester, many have already start ed studying for final exams, and the incident has faded from students’ minds.

Layout by Andrew Anil George

Newark Board of Education: Sunny Sojourns and Substandard Schooling

By Mrunmayi Joshi | Managing Editor

In late September, Superintendent Roger Léon took the stage at the monthly Newark Board of Education meeting. Heralding the achievements of several educa tional facilities, he listed 13 schools as “high perform ing” and 18 as “beating the odds.”

“Beating the odds” is a technical term defined by the New Jersey Children’s Foundation as a school where students perform better than other schools with similar demographics. A study by MarGrady Research found that 35% of Newark students attended schools that “beat the odds,” the highest proportion in the country.

However, this number can largely be attributed to Newark’s charter schools, of which 75% are classified as “beating the odds.” Charter schools are publicly fund ed, but privately operated.

In comparison, only 16% of district schools, directly managed by the Newark Board of Education, can claim this title. Léon has actively urged the state to deny “any and all” applications for the renewal or founding of new charter schools.

Moreover, not a single Newark kindergarten-eighth grade public school was found proficient in the state wide New Jersey Student Learning Assessment, known as the NJSLA. During the September meeting, the New ark Board of Education revealed that only 13% and 27% of Newark students had met the math and reading re quirements respectively. The New Jersey averages for the same test stood at 37% and 49%.

The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment is

scored from one to five in both math and reading, with one being the lowest and five being the highest score possible. None of the district’s elementary or middle schools reached an average of four in either category, with most schools scoring around a two, according to Newark Public Schools.

Similar data was presented in the Newark Board of Education’s October meeting. This past spring, Newark students took state science examinations for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Only 6.8% of students passed, and many grade levels saw drops in performance. “We know that the pandemic is what negatively impacted the trends that we were seeing,” said Léon during the meeting.

“When I started as the superintendent, we had schools that didn’t even have science labs,” León add ed. “And so how are you going to pass a science test?”

Recently, the school board has drawn controversy for the numerous expensive trips that it has funded for members and staff. In 2022 alone, the district sent employees to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Orlando, Atlan ta, Honolulu, and Palm Springs. Meanwhile, the board visited San Diego in April and is slated to fly to Puerto Rico in December, according to records obtained by the New Jersey Star Ledger.

These trips have all been funded by Newark citizens, while the schools of the district have exhibited substan dard performance. Some of the events include a March women’s empowerment summit at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a conference at the La Concha

Resort in Puerto Rico, and a Hawaii University Interna tional Conference in Honolulu.

John Abiegon, president of the Newark Teacher Union, commented, “Under the current situation, [the school board] shouldn’t be going anywhere. The city’s education system is obviously, according to the state tests, in crisis. There is no conference at all that is nec essary for them to go to at this moment.”

Nancy Deering, spokesperson for the Newark Board of Education, responded, “All travel, like every initia tive in our schools, is aimed at promoting [a rigorous and culturally responsive instructional program that prepares every student for success, builds knowledge, strengthens character, cultivates ingenuity, and fosters leadership].”

The Newark Board of Education has a fractious his tory that resulted in the state seizing control of school ing in 1993. After a review starting in 1992, the New Jersey Department of Education found the district struggling “under the weight of poor performance on the part of many students, neglected buildings, charges of mismanagement, nepotism, cronyism, and rampant political interference."

In 2017, the New Jersey Board of Education voted to relinquish power and allow the locally elected school board to take over. Newark mayor Ras J. Baraka referred to the decision as an opportunity for Newark residents to have a say in their community. Only time will tell whether the problems of 1993 will repeat themselves nearly 30 years later.

Layout by Varsha Thampi

Club Spotlight

By Yukthi Sangoi | Editor-in-Chief

The National Residence Hall Honor ary Highlander Chapter is an organiza tion specific to Residence Life that rec ognizes the top 1% of on-campus student leaders. Its membership capacity is 1% of the possible population on campus. This is enforced by the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Resi dence Halls and National Association of College and University Residence Halls.

Formed in 2021, the chapter aims to enhance the resident experience through professional development, community outreach, and organized advocacy. Students can apply to be a member through a form; it requires at least one recommendation from a staff member in Residence Life or adjacent departments who can advocate for your impact on student experience.

“NRHH has extended its abilities as an honorary organization into the realm of advocacy with our Residence Life Amenities Survey, which received 532 responses and provided critical feed back to various administrators,” said Se bastian Fine, third-year biomedical en gineering graduate student and chapter president.

The chapter sells grilled cheese sand wiches weekly as a fundraiser for NJIT delegation to both regional and nation al conferences; the order form can be found at njit.gg/cheese, generally on Thursday nights. Additionally, in part

nership with Residence Hall Associa tion, the chapter can identify on-cam pus residents who volunteer or support its mission and provide them with the ability to attend conferences represent ing NJIT residents — they do not have to be an inducted member of the chapter.

“The most enjoyable component is being able to structure a space for my ex ecutive board to professionally and per sonally develop,” Fine said. “The com petitive nature of being a recognized student leader can become dehumaniz ing and overextending; aiding my execu tive board in finding their individual bal ance of work and life while serving both the NJIT and greater Newark community through advocacy and programing pro vides me with a sense of pride.”

Albert Joseph, third-year mechani cal engineering major and chapter vice president, commented, “This semester, NRHH has exceeded my expectations because we have done many large-scale programs in a very short amount of time. We have also pursued a large amount of branding initiatives and collaborated with multiple organizations despite only being founded in 2021.”

“My favorite part of the club definitely has to be the leadership experience I get as being part of the executive board. Be ing behind the scenes with the events we host or sponsor, actively seeing NRHH’s impact on the community, and working

National Residence Hall Honorary Highlander Chapter

with my colleagues has been enjoyable,” stated Manal Desai, third-year computer science and applied mathematics major as well as the chapter co-treasurer.

Secretary of the chapter Ayushi Shah, a fourth-year architecture major, was in ducted in April after being encouraged to apply considering her position as a Resident Assistant. “I was very interest ed in doing more large-scale program ming as a part of the executive board. We have since been able to do quite a few programs, including a banquet for Residence Life staff, a community trash pickup with NJIT’s Public Safety Depart ment, a murder mystery with the Foren sic Science Student Association, and a pumpkin carving competition with the Hillier College of Architecture and De sign and American Institute of Architec ture Students,” she said.

Like Desai, Sheetal Padhi enjoys making grilled cheese sandwiches with the other volunteers. When asked about her favorite part of being involved, the third-year biomedical engineering ma jor and head of the branding committee responded, “The people I met.”

“Programming focuses on two prima ry pillars: accessibility — food, location, or ability to participate — and impact — content, recognition, education, or even distraction from the multitudes of stress ors college life can evoke,” Fine added. On Nov. 30, the group will be hosting a

tabletop game night in the Laurel Hall Game Room from 9:30-11:30 p.m. It’s also planning a cooking event in De cember, Nutrition Night, which is geared towards Maple Hall residents.

The chapter hosts weekly executive board meetings and monthly general assembly meetings for current mem bers. General assembly meetings gener ally take place on the last Friday of each month during common hour from 12-1 p.m. in Room 115 of Cypress Hall.

The organization will be hosting in formation sessions for the application process in the spring. Feel free to reach out to the National Residence Hall Hon orary Highlander Chapter through its In stagram, email, or Highlander Hub page at @nrrh_njit, nrrh@njit.edu, or https:// njit.campuslabs.com/engage/organiza tion/nrhh.

"Thankful I finally figured out the problem in my 490 project and finished that shit"

"I am thankful for the small rock in my shoe for annoying me all day cause I didn't want to look awkward and take it out in public"

"my white friends sticking with me after constantly being on indian standard time"

"my professor never missing his chance to laugh at anyone who has classes on friday"

"Thankful for the people around me who made my year easier and more enjoyable"

"you"

"Thankful that the semester is almost over"

"Thankful for surviving"

"Professors who curve"

"my roommate telling me to stop being depressed"

memories with friends"

for my friends"

"Positive bit.ly/vectorcollections

Layout by Andrew Anil George & Areej

Logo from NRHH

Inktober Costume Party

Last Halloween the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students invited interested designers to Elly's Loft in the HCAD building and submit black ink drawings to the organization. All participants were entered to win a supply giveaway.

by David Bendezu

NCE Networking Night

Student Senate and the Newark College of Engineering worked together to put together a networking event on Thursday, Nov. 3. Engineering students, faculty, and professionals were invited to enjoy the free food and explore the booths set up in the Campus Center Atrium.

by David Bendezu

Photos

Photos

Layout by Areej Qamar

HackNJIT

The Association for Computing Machinery held its annual hackathon in NJIT's Campus Center on the weekend of Nov. 12. Participants from NJIT and other universities were challenged to complete a technology project in 24 hours.

by Ethan O'Malley

Layout by Areej Qamar

Photos

K-Pop Songs

By Harshil Kikani | Contributing Writer

1. “MAISON” by Dreamcatcher

Often credited as “the face of rock music” in K-pop, Dreamcatcher is a unique and resilient group. During its 2017 debut from a small entertainment company, the group had few resources and significant competition. To the sur prise of many K-pop fans, Dreamcatcher quickly began to gain popularity, espe cially internationally.

Six years later, Dreamcatcher is a piv otal and distinctive part of the K-rock genre. The hit song “MAISON” was re leased as the title track of their second full-length album, “Apocalypse: Save Us,” in April. Arguably one of Dream catcher’s most energetic songs yet, the track brings in many of the group’s sig nature musical elements.

From a fierce, catchy chorus to elec tronic guitar riffs, “MAISON” has it all. The song’s lyrical message is about sav ing the planet from climate change.

2. “Villain” by PIXY

PIXY made its debut in 2021 with the intention of embracing a dark hor ror musical concept. The comeback songs “Addicted” and “Bewitched” im mediately caught the attention of many avid K-pop listeners later that year. The group’s popularity was the result of sev eral factors, with one being the strong world-building in its music.

PIXY has created a whole storyline for their fans to follow during each new comeback, referencing the lore through music videos and lyrics. In turn, the sto ry complements the choreography, cre ating uncommon — yet eye-catching — dance moves. Despite debuting under a small music label, PIXY’s music videos are often praised for their high-quality production.

Its latest mini album, “REBORN,” features the title song “Villain,” which breaks from the group’s usual horror theme. Instead, its latest release em braces a more laid-back, electro-swing mood. The choruses introduce a sweet dose of funk and keep the energy high for most of the song.

3. “Girls” by Aespa

Aespa broke into the K-pop scene in late 2020, debuting under the major mu sic label SM Entertainment. With SM Entertainment’s last girl group having debuted in 2014, the pressure was on for a good performance from Aespa. The hit debut single, “Black Mamba,” saw the group rapidly gain fans.

Musically, Aespa takes significant inspiration from electronic dance mu sic, using loud, gritty synths and bass throughout several songs. The group’s latest title track, “Girls,” was released in July and continues to follow a tried-andtrue electronic music formula.

From the very beginning, the title song brings in an enormous amount of energy with an electronic growl synth that is layered throughout the rest of the track. The dance break climax of the song fully embraces this sound. Eventually, the track goes fully instrumental with a dubstep beat, accompanied by vigorous choreography.

Layout by Ivy Sosing

Photo from YouTube

Photo from YouTube

Photo from YouTube

Photo from Twitter

'The Lincoln Lawyer' Review

By Mrunmayi Joshi | Managing Editor

This review contains spoilers.

The machinations of the Los Angeles court system are clearest in Michael Haller’s rearview mirror. Haller is a defense lawyer and the protagonist of Michael Con nelly’s 2005 crime fiction novel “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Rather than a brick-and-mortar office, a Lincoln Town Car is the headquarters of Haller’s law office.

This book is best described as the apex airport nov el. On the surface, it has the same qualities of a sleazy, cheap paperback sold for a few dollars at Newark In ternational Airport. Haller is a fast-talking, intelligent protagonist who is often able to maneuver his way out of every obstacle and is a double divorcé to boot.

The reason I hate the airport genre, best exemplified by writers like Dan Brown, is that they are so often over simplified and sexist. A common trope is for the male protagonist to defeat the villains alone, only relying on his own intelligence and perhaps muscles. The women in such novels only exist as romantic interests for the protagonist, and not a sentence goes by without men tioning one of their body parts.

Most importantly, there are almost no gray areas. The protagonist is always correct, while the antagonists are the personification of evil itself. These factors are why I could never get through more than a few chapters of acclaimed airport books like “The Da Vinci Code.”

Yet my first clue that “The Lincoln Lawyer” is differ ent should have come from Haller’s profession. He is a defense lawyer, not a prosecutor, and his motto is to in troduce “reasonable doubt.” As a rule, he does not deal in absolutes, and neither does this book.

Haller is a low-level attorney living in Los Angeles, where his clients are primarily gang members, drug dealers, and sex workers. What struck me was the ab solute fairness with which Connelly wrote about these characters. The book does not excuse their actions, which include crimes like murder and robbery, but ex plains the extremely difficult conditions in which they were raised to provide context.

In addition, many of these clients are people of color, and “The Lincoln Lawyer” often references the racism and prejudice that they were shown by the police de partment. Yet Connelly never celebrates or condemns these individuals, or even the prosecutor’s department — his goal is to humanize them, and make the audi ence understand that they are just people. For a book written nearly 20 years ago, this viewpoint feels remark ably nuanced.

Haller himself is also a very flawed individual, but Connelly makes him endearing rather than irritating by forgoing stereotypes. Rather than being written as a lady-killer — which, trust me, is an extremely common trope in this genre — Haller is still in love with his exwife and respectful of all women in the novel. This is a very low expectation, but one not fulfilled by many books.

In addition, he makes mistakes in personal and pro fessional involvements throughout the course of the novel, mostly because of his inability to rely on anyone else’s judgment. Many authors would think of indepen dence as a strength, but Connelly shows that too much self-reliance can be harmful.

The novel itself revolves around Haller’s first high-paying case in years. A wealthy real estate agent, Louis Roulet, claims to have been assaulted and robbed by a sex worker when he visited her apartment. Mean while, the sex worker, Reggie Campo, says that Roulet broke in, sexually assaulted her and would have killed

her if not for her neighbors’ help in subduing him.

Haller is hired by Roulet as a defense attorney and believes Roulet’s version of events at first due to in consistencies with the victim’s story. However, Haller’s investigation reveals many issues with Roulet’s back ground. He remembers a former client named Jésus Menendez, who was convicted for a similar crime.

Ultimately, Haller realizes that Roulet is guilty and committed the crime that resulted in Menendez’s im prisonment. Meanwhile, Roulet threatens Haller’s friends and family if he reveals this information, lead ing to a high-stakes trial in which Haller is pulled be tween his commitment to his client and the truth.

In many ways, “The Lincoln Lawyer” addresses uni versal fears. Haller is wracked with guilt after realizing that his lack of trust condemned an innocent man to a lifetime in prison. A major theme is recognition of the guilty and innocent, just as the audience might find it difficult to distinguish between good and bad deci sions.

Interestingly, the novel does not have an answer for this problem. Although relying on one’s instincts alone is not correct, other viewpoints are often just as near sighted. The only way through law and life, the book seems to say, is to muddle through with input from trusted people. The ending of the case is bittersweet; although justice is served, it comes at a high cost.

I remember staying up all night to read this novel. Every character is painted so realistically, even if they are only referenced for a few sentences. When Haller’s loved ones were in danger, I was nervous for them as well. The book truly feels like a dramatized account of a real defense lawyer’s case.

In addition, there are plenty of humorous moments. Haller’s numerous attempts to get back in his ex-wife’s good graces are light-hearted tension breakers. Haller is a somewhat absent father to his young daughter Hay ley, owing to his busy schedule; he spends much of the novel trying to spend time with her, including at awk ward parent-teacher events.

“The Lincoln Lawyer” cannot be classified as high literature, but it’s one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in recent months. I don’t like to buy books un til I’ve read them at least once, so that I know whether a novel has re-read value. I will be traveling this holiday season, and I will certainly pack this book to read on the trip there and back.

The novel has also inspired a film and a Netflix lim ited series, which I have not watched. However, if you don’t like to read, I would recommend watching them, at least for the gripping storyline. As for the book itself, it’s the perfect travel novel, leagues above anything else in its genre. I rate it five out of five crabs!

From Michael Connelly

Six Jolly Songs for Thanksgiving

By Najee Manning | Contributing Writer

The 2022 holiday season will soon bring the return of Thanksgiving. This family-oriented occasion can be a cheerful, or chaotic, night due to the colorful person alities of friends and relatives. Whether you’re excit ed to have a rambunctious family reunion or looking forward to some eggnog to get through the long night, these celebratory songs will help you feel grateful for Thanksgiving.

#1: “Thank You for the Music” by ABBA

Released in 1977 by the Swedish pop supergroup, “Thank You for the Music” is an anthem that express es gratitude for beloved family members who gave the band confidence. This song has the potential to be used as a perfect family greeting or send-off for Thanksgiving night. “Thank You for the Music” is a heartfelt tune that celebrates the quirks of family.

The group reminisces about supportive parents who celebrated their childhood creativity. In addition, they sing about their goal to spread this love through their music. If you want to show your family how thankful you are this Thanksgiving, “Thank You for the Music” presents a form of love and acknowledgment that is dif ficult to verbalize with words alone.

#2: “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

In 1979, the multi-genre musical group Sister Sledge released the disco-themed holiday track “We Are Fam ily” on the album of the same name. This song is about the joy and confidence that comes with a supportive family. As a group entirely composed of sisters, Sister Sledge sing about the simple happiness of being sur rounded by your loved ones during the holidays.

If your family’s Thanksgiving could use a pick-me-up after a night filled with gossip and pandemonium, this is the perfect song to end the night. Small misgivings are left behind for a cheerful dance chant that evokes a house filled with laughter.

#3:

“Everybody Eats When They Come To My House”

by Cab Calloway

Calloway, an American jazz singer, is the perfect host on Thanksgiving night on the 1942 single “Every

body Eats When They Come To My House.” Calloway slides through a groovy melody as he names every fam ily member that attends his dinner table. In addition, the sweet storyline of the song involves providing foods that every guest craves on cold winter nights.

“Everybody Eats When They Come To My House” is perfect if you want to give a certain family member a hint to be a better host this year. The song is also suit able for those who like some smooth jazz to help them dance the holiday night away. Calloway’s song is sure to get guests moving after they have finished everything on their dinner plates.

#4: “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For” by Bing Cos by

Released as part of the soundtrack for the 1942 mu sical film “Holiday Inn,” Crosby’s song revolves around the core theme of Thanksgiving: gratitude! Crosby’s rich tone and composer John Scott Trotter’s powerful orchestra combine in “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For,” in which Crosby sings about appreciation for the most mundane aspects of life.

The song narrates the beauty of shopping at a corner store, possessing arms to share love, and simply having eyes and ears to take in the world. Crosby rejects de sires for wealth and fame, instead showing a preference for day-to-day calmness. “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thank ful For” is a universally positive listening experience, especially for those keeping to themselves during this year’s festivities.

#5: “Autumn in New York” by Billie Holiday

Released in 1952 as a cover of Vernon Duke’s 1934 classic, Holiday’s “Autumn in New York” is a uniquely atmospheric rendition. Holiday’s distinct, warm voice floats over gentle piano melodies, performed by Os car Peterson, to illustrate the beautiful changes in New York City after autumn’s arrival. From the changing sunlight to more companionship during her walks, Holiday sings about how the return of autumn always brings her joy.

She observes that autumn can change even the sad dest slums into jolly locations. However, Holiday also

acknowledges that these annual celebrations can be painful for the less fortunate. Despite this, she believes that autumn rectifies any potential gloom by also bring ing the promise of new beginnings. Therefore, Holiday welcomes the autumn season with open arms, excited to witness its colorful return every year.

This mellow tune helps soothe the soul by reminding listeners of surrounding beauty. “Autumn in New York” is the perfect song to destress on Thanksgiving evening.

#6: “Family is Family” by Kacey Musgraves

American country singer-songwriter Musgraves highlights the intricacies of certain family dynamics during the holiday season on the 2015 album “Pag eant Material.” A song dedicated to less-than-pictureperfect families, Musgraves emphasizes that you don’t necessarily have to be like family members — or like them at all — to love them. In this brutally honest and sarcastic song, she addresses messy family situations with dry humor.

However, Musgraves also sings about the joy that spirited relatives can bring, if only for a night. This song is perfect as a humorous tune to enjoy with your fami ly, or as an icebreaker after inevitable heated moments during Thanksgiving dinner. “Family is Family” is per fectly blunt and heartwarming.

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ARIES

Difficult life lesson: sharing is NOT always caring.

TAURUS

Try calming yourself down or you could ruin a good first impression.

GEMINI

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LEO

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LIBRA

SCORPIO

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AQUARIUS

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From Poorly Drawn Lines