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Addiction 101 series off to successful start following Meil’s presentation EMILY LOOSE

Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Drug and alcohol addiction is a widely debated topic because no one is fully aware of where it comes from and its changes to the body.

But according to one professor at IUP, one thing is certain: addiction is a disease.

“Understanding Addiction” was a program held on the IUP campus Tuesday to help the Indiana community have a better understanding of this issue.

Anne Sesti is the director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) office at IUP. She welcomed the audience to the program to give them an understanding of the talk’s importance.

“If we really want to help people, we need to be more compassionate,” she said.

According to Sesti, the ATOD office was given a grant by Pennsylvania to bring more awareness to drug and alcohol abuse due to the current opioid epidemic.

Tuesday’s event was the first of four programs that the office will be holding.

Held in G-60 of Suites on Maple East, the first program was given by psychology professor Dr. Bill Meil, who has worked in the research of drug addiction for years. He worked in a lab that studied cocaine addiction in rats.

The first fact he made clear was that no one understands drug addiction entirely.

“Drug addiction doesn’t have a single answer,” he said.

Meil said that there were many different combinations that could influence addiction. This includes a person’s genetics, stress levels and the environment around them. His talk was to focus on “appreciating” the complexity of addiction to help stop the stigma.

Though every drug is different and causes a different sensation, Meil said that they have more similarities overall than differences because they all affect the brain.

He also said that addiction is a

News

(Emily Loose/The Penn) Dr. Bill Meil, a professor in IUP’s Department of Psychology, presented the first of many programs in a series geared toward understanding drug and alcohol addiction.

brain disease and is not differes the brain and, in turn, will ent from other illnesses. Just increase the chance of addiction. like other illnesses, relapses are After increased use the brain common and happen to many changes set points for the body sufferers. because they become more used “Treatment, in reality, is not a to being on drugs than not. This possible goal is what causes for everyone.” increase use A study and a harder on 300 herwithdrawal. oin addicts However, showed that, social standuring a span dards can also of 20 years, be a factor. most relapsed Meil asked at least once. the audience Compared to how many of those suffering their parents other illnesses, discussed the rates were drug use similar. and alcohol Meil said before they that by making came to colpeople aware lege. Very few that addiction people raised is a disease, it their hands.

IUP Department of Psychology He said this will help diminish stigma. could inBut the question of where crease usage because they were addiction comes from is harder never told it was wrong. to decipher.

Mental health is another The main point Meil said in his factor. talk was that using a drug changAccording to Meil, those with

“Detox is only one step, but it is not treatment.

Addiction is a downward spiral and process.”

- Dr. Bill Meil,

February 14, 2020

depression are more likely to become addicted. While family drug abuse and alcoholism can also mean a four times higher chance, it is not always the case.

“Genetics do not mean destiny.”

A study by Dr. Marc Schuckit looked at sons of alcoholics to see how their response to alcohol affected their chances of becoming alcoholics. While only 14 percent of those with a high response became alcoholics, 56 percent of those who had an abnormally low response did.

Despite this, only half of alcoholics come from families of alcoholism.

Another question Meil answered was how drugs become addictive. It all stems from positive reinforcement. One of those reinforcements is the release of dopamine to the brain.

In his study on rats, he found that when they pressed a lever for more cocaine, their dopamine levels increased, and they would go back for more. When they were given dopamine blockers, they stopped pushing the lever.

However, he said there were limitations to this theory. Marijuana, a drug that increases dopamine levels, is not addictive. Nicotine, one of the most addictive drugs, does not give off any positive reinforcements.

He also discussed how negative reinforcements could play a factor, such as withdrawal.

“Drug addicts often say they continue to use to stop withdrawal symptoms,” he said.

There are limitations to this, as well. If it was the driving force, increased withdrawal would stop relapses, but that is not always the case. It is one of the many arguments that those who say drug addiction is not a disease use, but Meil disagrees.

“Detox is only one step, but it is not treatment,” he said.

“Addiction is a downward spiral and process.”

Meil told the audience the main reason he became interested in researching addiction.

Years ago, he found himself homeless in San Francisco but found a friend who helped him find a job and somewhere to stay.

“I learned two things about him. The first was that he was an excellent drummer,” Meil said.

“The second was that he was a heroin addict.”

He said this friend would be gone for weeks at a time and, one time, he had to be taken to the hospital. His track marks were infected, and the doctor told him that continued use could mean amputation.

Two days later, he was using it again.

“Drug addiction can override a person’s passion,” Meil said.

“These people need help and deserve help.”

After the program was a support group for those whose lives were touched by the opioid epidemic. Sesti said there would be one after each of the programs and, if popular enough, would continue on throughout the year.

The next event in the program is Tuesday. It will be a panel discussing the impact addiction has on lives. It will be held in G-60 of Suites on Maple East.

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Police Blotter ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN • Travis Biss and Megan Abbott of Indiana were charged with endangering the welfare of children when police discovered them intoxicated from a controlled substance while they were the sole caregivers of three children at 7:06 p.m. Jan. 20 in the 200 block of Nixon Avenue, according to Indiana Borough Police.

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(Flickr) Some common things to see during Valentine’s Day are flowers and hearts. But what many may not know is that the holiday is based off a mystery in the Catholic Church, where Saint Valentine wrote a letter professing his love for a woman who visited him.

Valentine’s Day: A celebration stemming from sainthood, love to fall in love with. According to legend, he wrote, “from your Valentine” on the letter.

Many believe that Christians Not many people know the decided to set St. Valentine’s history behind Valentine’s Day. feast day in the middle of FebWhile some people know that ruary to coincide with the Pagan it’s attached to the legend of St. festival of Lupercalia. They beValentine, other people know it lieve the Christians wanted to try only as a day to exchange gifts, to take emphasis off the Pagan candy and cards with people you holiday and put it on a Christian care about. one instead.

Many kids usually Lupercalia was a learn about the story fertility celebration behind Valentine’s for Fanus, the Roman Day during their god of agriculture. elementary school It ended up being years, when they outlawed at the end make mailboxes and of the fifth century pass out Fun Dip when Valentine’s Day and candy hearts to was declared to be every one of their Feb. 14.

St. Valentine classmates.

Love was not asso(facial depiction) ciated with Valentine’s The legend of St. Valentine is actually Day until a while after full of mystery. St. Valentine is it was officially declared a feast part of both ancient Roman and day. In England and France Christian tradition. There are at during the Middle Ages, it was least three St. Valentines, acthought to be the beginning of cording to the Catholic Church, mating season for birds on Feb. each with different background 14. stories.

The first person to document One story revolves around Valentine’s Day as a romantic a man named Valentine who occasion was Geoffery Chaucer, attempted to free Christians an English poet. In a poem from from Roman prisons. When he 1375, he associated Valentine’s was imprisoned, Valentine sent Day as the day every “foul” his first “valentine” letter to a meets their mate. woman who often visited the The oldest known Valentine prison and whom he happened today is one by Charles, Duke of MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer M.Donny@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Orleans, in 1415. It was written to his wife while he was imprisoned during the Battle of Agincourt.

Valentine’s Day is associated with Cupid because Cupid has a history as part of Greek Mythology. Eros, the Greek God of love, is portrayed as a small, chubby cherub (Cupid) during the Hellenistic Period.

Valentine’s Day is not celebrated only in the U.S. but Canada, the U.K., France and Australia. It wasn’t until around the 17th Century when Valentine’s Day became popular among these places.

During the 18th Century, friends, lovers and neighbors would exchange small gifts and hand-written notes. By 1900, printed cards were available and came into popularity. Postage rates became cheaper, which also popularized the sending of Valentine’s Day cards.

The first person to create mass-produced cards in America was Esther A. Howland. According to the Greeting Card Association, about 145 million greeting cards are sent each year for Valentine’s Day. This makes Valentine’s Day the second largest card sending holiday, after Christmas. Women purchase the most Valentines usually, buying about 85 percent of the Valentines each year.

February 14, 2020

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Health and Wellness mix condoms, fashion in ‘Condom Runway’ ABE ESHELMAN

Staff Writer A.Eshelman@iup.edu @DukeOfKalos

Three teams of IUP students competed in designing condom-based clothing in a fashion runway competition in Suites on Maple East, Feb. 13.

In Room G-60 on Wednesday, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., the Health and Wellness Promotion team hosted one of its many events.

This time, it hosted the “condom runway.” Participating students were educated on the different kinds of condoms and the prevention rate of condoms, and then they were tasked with designing clothing out of condoms, trash bags, ribbon, feathers, tape and glue.

The students broke into three teams, two of them using peer educators as models and one team using Ranger the therapy dog, the unofficial mascot of the Health and Wellness Promotion’s therapy dogs, as their model.

After finishing their outfits, each model stood up and presented their condom-clothing to the judges.

The idea for “Condom Runway” came from the show “Project Runway,” according to Sara Dillon, assistant director of Health and Wellness Promotion/ Ranger’s owner. The event’s goal was to raise awareness of birth control methods, condom usage and safer sex practices in a “fun way.”

The winning team consisted of four students, Elizabeth Adolphson (freshman, biology – ecology/conservation), Jessica Gillespie (freshman, pre-physical therapy), Mary Kate Johnston (freshman, nursing) and Riley Kieffer (freshman, anthropology), along with their model, Ranger.

Despite winning, Adolphson said that the competition was “a little intense” and credits the creativity of the other competitors. It was a “unique” experience, Kieffer said.

It was “a bit uncomfortable for some people,” Gillespie said, “but we had fun doing it together and we learned stuff.”

“This is about creating awareness for birth control methods,” Adolphson said.

The team learned several things about condoms, male and female, through working with

(Abe Eshelman/The Penn) Charles Coleman and Kaitlyn Kocian pose with Ranger during the Condom Runway (bottom, left). Kaitlyn Kocian was one of the clothing creators and used hot glue to put her pieces together.

them as supplies.

“We mastered which side is which on the male condom,” Adolphson said.

“I learned that female condoms are a thing,” Gillespie said.

The winning team attended the event because they “go to most of the events” Health and Wellness Promotion host at Suites on Maple East, according to Adolphson.

“We thought it would be interesting, and we go to a lot of these events anyway,” Johnston said.

Kaitlyn Kocian (senior, human development and family science), another participant, designed a different outfit than Ranger’s. She worked on an overall design, consisting of a functioning and glitter-bedazzled central pocket.

“I teamed up with a random stranger, and we worked on a

little fashion project out of a garpublic health) spent the event bage bag and some condoms,” being poked and prodded by Kocian said. budding fashion designers as he Through working on the changed into his condom-andgarbage bag overalls, Kocian trash apparel. realized that “not everything is “As a model, I’m here to push guaranteed” and sees the risk of forward creativity and sexual tearing the health edgarbage ucation,” bags as a Coleman metaphor said. for the ef“When it fectiveness comes to of conthe educadoms and tion itself, the risk of the event’s condoms mostly tearing. sophomore, Peer Educator about the Despite different how “silly” condoms, the final product looked, Kocian the different shapes and kinds of said she felt a sense of pride them, and at the beginning how about her condom-creation. It we talked about how condoms “turned out pretty good.” are only 98 percent guaranteed.”

Peer educator and model All participants received a Charles Coleman (sophomore, color-changing cup, a t-shirt

“As a model, I’m here to push forward creativity and sexual health education."

- Charles Coleman,

and a bracelet, all branded with the Health and Wellness Promotion logo. The winning team received, in addition to the participation gifts, 10 Pup Bucks as a prize.

Pup Bucks are pseudo-currency that can be earned at “each health and wellness promotion event,” Dillon said, such as the therapy dogs visiting or the Condom Runway, and can be spent on prizes like “a Keurig, fleece blankets, pillows and more.”

On Tuesday, in Room 116 in Northern, students can compete from 7–9 p.m. in a Kahoot trivia night. On Wednesday, Health and Wellness Promotion will co-sponsor a blood drive in the HUB Ohio Room.

On Thursday, the therapy dogs will be visiting for Just Paws in Suites on Maple East in Room G60 from 2–3:30 p.m.

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February 14, 2020

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Sanders, Buttigieg still in race following New Hampshire primary ELLIOT HICKS

Sports Editor E.Hicks@iup.edu @ehicks39

This article contains opinion.

After the drama of the Iowa caucuses, the second state to vote had a much better night.

New Hampshire’s first-in-thenation primaries went off without a hitch Tuesday night, where Vermont senator Bernie Sanders claimed a slim victory against Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind. Sanders won 25.7 percent of the vote, with Buttigieg earning 24.4 percent. Both men will each earn nine total delegates of the 24 available in the Granite State, which keeps Buttigieg in the lead in delegate count based on the draw between the two in Iowa last week.

The remaining six delegates went to third-place finisher Amy Klobuchar. The Minnesota senator earned a great deal of momentum following a strong debate performance last Friday night and grabbed 19.8 percent of the vote.

On the Republican side, incumbent President Donald

(Flickr) Democratic candidates Pete Buttigieg (left) and Bernie Sanders (right) accounted for more than 50 percent of votes during the New Hampshire primary election on Tuesday.

Trump won handily as expected, but had 9.1 percent of the vote taken from him by former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld, who has focused the majority of his campaign in New Hampshire.

Weld is the last remaining major GOP candidate going against Trump but will not see a performance better than this as Trump will cruise to the nomination.

Going back to the Democrats, alarm bells are sounding in the campaigns of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden. The duo

finished fourth and fifth Tuesday, each earning less than 10 percent of the vote and earning zero delegates as a result. Candidates in the Democratic Primary must earn at least 15 percent to earn any delegates. Warren, unlike Sanders, could not take advantage of the fact that she is from a neighboring state to New Hampshire, which generally can give candidates a boost.

As for Biden, he has run for president three times (1988, 2008 and 2020) and has never finished in the top three, let alone won,

a single primary or caucus. The former vice president didn’t even stick around to hear the results, heading Tuesday to South Carolina, a state where he is still a favorite. If he can’t win South Carolina, his campaign may be all but finished before Super Tuesday comes around March 3.

The voting in New Hampshire quite literally did end a trio of campaigns, most prominently the political outsider and businessman Andrew Yang, who ended his run after earning 2.8 percent and an eighth-place finish. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado and former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick dropped out as well after each earning less than half a percent.

The victory was great news for Sanders, who is now the favorite in the race, not only because he is polling well nationally but just as much because Buttigieg isn’t doing well in those polls. Voters from more racially diverse states have taken to Sanders relatively well and don’t seem to be as supportive of Buttigieg or Klobuchar, who are expanding their campaign operations in Nevada and South Carolina, the two next states to vote. Things also

look good for Sanders because only twice in the last 48 years has a candidate gone on to win the nomination without winning either Iowa or New Hampshire (George McGovern was second in both states in 1972, while Bill Clinton was third in Iowa and second in New Hampshire). Coincidence or not, that once again doesn’t bode well for Biden or anyone else other than Sanders or Buttigieg.

The big story heading into primary voting was that Sanders’ and Warren’s similar progressive policies would split their supporters’ votes, clearing the way for a more moderate candidate to win early states.

Just the opposite has happened, however; moderate votes have been mostly split between Buttigieg, Klobuchar and Biden, while Sanders has done much better than Warren among progressives.

In New Hampshire, that trio took 53 percent of the total vote, but with the split, Sanders was able to grab the victory. With the party not necessarily loving Sanders’ frontrunner status, it will be interesting to see what happens moving forward.

political science) said. “I tried it at first, and it didn’t work, then I got it and just watched how long it could stand for.

“I think it is a lie because the broom is still standing in my room now, and I think you can get anything to balance if you try hard enough. I believe it is fake news.”

Experts claim that this “trend” can occur anytime during the year.

According to astrophysicist Paul Sutter, the trick has more to do with the object’s center of gravity, and brooms have a low center of gravity, allowing them to balance effortlessly on their bristles.

Many people had the initial reaction of believing it was fake news from the start.

“I heard about it through Snapchat,” Mitchell Angelo (senior, international studies) said. “My initial reaction was that I didn’t believe that the broom standing up on its own was due to the gravitational forces from the Earth on Monday or the magnetic poles.

“I’ve taken physics and know that isn’t the case. It’s not the

alignment of the planets or the gravitational force; it’s simply physics. The broom standing up on its own in the middle of the floor occurs due to the broom’s design and center of gravity.

You are essentially just creating a tripod with the ends of the broom. The broom will stand on its own on the floor any day if you balance it well enough.”

According to USA Today, this isn’t the first time the Broom Challenge has circulated. In 2012, the Broom Challenge circulated and seems to recur every year around the time of the spring equinox.

People use the spring equinox occurrence to relate it to Earth’s gravity to explain why the broom trick works.

“This is another social media hoax that exemplifies how quickly pseudoscience and false claims can go viral,” said Karen Northon, NASA communications spokeswoman to ABC News.

NASA called the hoax “harmless,” but Northon suggests people fact check with NASA’s online resources and look for “real science fun facts before jumping into the latest viral craze.”

A ‘sweeping’ turn of events: Gravitational shift inspires internet craze ANNA MECHLING Staff Writer A.Mechling@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

On Monday, the “Broom Challenge” took the internet by storm as people were eager to see if their brooms could stand up on their own by their bristles in the middle of the room.

A viral tweet claimed that the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) said that Monday was the only day brooms could stand on their own due to the Earth’s gravitational pull.

There is no evidence that supports the claim.

The tweet was followed by a video a woman shot with her broom standing in the middle of the floor. The woman in the video was flabbergasted as the broom stood on its own and didn’t fall over.

Of course, this tweet encouraged many people to try it for themselves to see if something that was probably never tried before could happen.

“My roommate showed me a video and thought it was a myth, so I was intrigued to try it,” Mack-

(Facebook) Due to a supposed momentary change in the Earth’s gravitational pull, people were able to not only balance their brooms perfectly, but they also lit up social media with the news. This theory was debunked.

enzie Morgan (junior, nursing) said. “When it worked, I was very shocked.

“However, after midnight, I didn’t think it was real. I wanted to believe NASA, but I’m still skeptical. Once we saw it all over social media, we went on the internet and found the story. I believed it at first, but I am very unsure now.”

While NASA didn’t release an article, it has spoken to different sources about the trend.

The trend is making many people believe in the tweet that

NASA supposedly claimed. However, there are many people who don’t believe in the trend occurring just on Monday.

Many people believe the trend and the news is based on faulty science and believe the reason why brooms can stand on their own in the middle of the floor is due to the broom’s center of gravity and design instead of the Earth’s gravitational pull.

“I saw it on one of the guys on the basketball team’s Snapchat story,” Manijah Henry (senior,

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February 14, 2020

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February 14, 2020

News

Sustaining the art of the heart during Heart Awareness Month HALEY BROWN

Lead Culture Writer H.Brown@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

February is Heart Awareness Month, which now makes the perfect time to educate yourself about arguably one of the most important parts of the body, likely only competing with the brain for top rank.

Without knowledge about our blood-circulating machine, we put ourselves at risk for mistreating our bodies and putting our health at risk and potentially leading ourselves to the possibility of a shorter life span and possibly even to expensive medical procedures down the line.

Heart disease and other cardiovascular issues do not arise in only older adults and can occur in any individual due to a variety of health factors. Our heart health is affected throughout our lives, and without proper treatment and care for the cardiovascular

(Pexels) Heart disease can strike due to poor diet, lack of physical activity and more.

system, it is more likely that the onset of potential health struggles may occur faster than one might expect, and they are hard to reverse once the snowball effect of cardiovascular decline is set in motion.

High rates of obesity and high blood pressure are climbing in the younger generations of America

and other countries, and this puts them at risk for heart problems at earlier ages. Some serious threats to heart health include tobacco use, mainly smoking tobacco, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels.

Obesity puts stress on the heart and can cause other health issues that may add strain to the

cardiovascular system, such as diabetes and physical inactivity, which both increase the likelihood of a more rapid decline in heart health.

Unhealthy eating patterns can lead to other unhealthy habits, which can start the aforementioned snowball rolling and exponentially increase your risk of heart issues at any age.

Some ways to take the best care of your heart include getting regular exercise, which can be helped by finding a set schedule you stick to keep yourself disciplined and well-motivated. If regular exercise has proven itself to be a difficult goal for you, finding a workout buddy or a certain activity you enjoy will make working out less of a chore and more of an enjoyable experience for you as well as your workout companion.

Hours of cardio are not required to keep your heart healthy, but some moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes per week

will keep your heart healthy and happy. It may seem daunting to face 150 minutes head-on, but splitting that time into 30-minute blocks makes regular physical activity seem much more manageable and enjoyable. Regular exercise has also been proven to increase serotonin levels, which is known as the happy hormone.

Getting regular check-ups with a physician, usually necessary only once a year, is the perfect way to stay updated on the condition of your cardiovascular system.

Remaining aware of the status of your heart health is vital in order to keep an eye on any potential conditions you may need to address and manage with your health care professional.

The food you eat plays a large role in the condition of your cardiovascular system as well. Keeping a diet full of whole grains, veggies and healthy fats while limiting your intake of processed sugars and saturated fat is ideal.

Students have mixed thoughts for expressing creativity on Valentine’s Day HALEY BROWN

Lead Culture Writer H.Brown@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Valentine’s Day has been hated and loved intermittently by all.

Everyone holds a different opinion, and the debate about V-Day is never-ending. Love Day can be about whatever you choose, whether that be romantic love or spreading love to anyone you encounter Feb. 14th.

“Valentine’s Day is just another holiday to me,” Cassidy Newman (junior, biology) said.

“I don't hate it or love it, but if I have someone to celebrate with, it’s great. I think you can share Valentine’s Day with anybody [because] it’s not about love, but togetherness. I think that love is seeing someone for who they truly are and accepting all parts of them.”

Some believe Valentine’s Day has been commercialized to the max, but others believe that the small things are what it is really all about. Spending time with whoever you love most and ensuring they know how much they mean to you is one of the most

positive ways to spend the day, and realistically, one of the best ways to spend any day.

“I think that Valentine’s Day is cute, but some people take it too seriously,” Sadie Jobe (junior, English writing studies) said. “You shouldn’t expect a gift; it should be more about taking time to appreciate the ones you love. I think it’s pretty mainstream to celebrate Valentine’s Day only with people who you romantically love.

“To me, it’s more about love in general, but I don’t have a problem with people only celebrating romantic love. My perfect Valentine’s Day would be getting a few movies, heart shaped shortbread cookies and other snacks and playing Uno with my boyfriend.

“I just want to enjoy time together rather than buy each other a lot of things or do anything expensive. I love him, not stuff, and that’s what I want to celebrate. When I have been single, I enjoyed spending Valentine’s Day with my friends. It was a little sad but being with people I love in a different way helped a lot. It’s just a day.”

Though Valentine’s Day can

(Flickr) One popular way of expressing love is writing a song for your significant other. The only problem some run into is following through with the singing.

be tricky without a significant other, when energy is focused on small positives, it can be much easier to endure and even enjoy the day as single person just as much as someone in a relationship.

“I enjoy Valentine’s Day,”Nathan Wissinger (freshman, environmental geology) said. “I usually spent it with family and friends, which has always been

fun. This year will be my first with my girlfriend, and I'm so excited.”

“I think V-Day can be shared with anyone you love, and if you love someone romantically, that's an amazing bonus. My perfect Valentine’s Day would just be a day with the girl I love with absolutely nothing to do.

The past few years [of Valentine’s Days] were hard to endure. Even

while surrounded by friends and family, I still wished there was someone with their arms around [me].”

Love is different in everyone’s eyes, and the definitions for the word are infinite and often depend on a person’s past experiences with romanticism.

“I think romantic love is saying you have found your person, the one you want to spend your life with. The first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing you think of before you go to bed. Your other half.

Your lifelong partner in crime.

Someone who you would die for,” Wissinger said.

Though the definition of love may often elude the contemplator, it has been stated that life is indeed about love, whether romantic, platonic, familial or vocational. When you love the people in your life and the things you do with it, dedicating a specific day to celebrate whatever society tells us love is seems trivial, especially when spreading positivity and love throughout your life is by far the best way to find happiness and beauty, even when facing the mundane.

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(TNS) State Senate President Joe Scarnati announced his retirement Wednesday.

Questions arise for Pa. Senate following Scarnati’s retirement JAN MURPHY TNS The Patriot News State Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati’s announcement on Wednesday that he is retiring at the end of the year opens the door for someone new to fill the third highest office in Pennsylvania government.

Who will it be?

That answer in part rests on what the voters say in this year’s election to fill 25 Senate seats.

If the Democrats manage to win four seats to win majority control, that would cause a sea change in the Senate, which has been under Republican control for the past 26 years.

But if the Republicans hold their majority in the chamber, it creates the possibility that Centre County could see one of its own elected as president pro tempore for the first time since 1935.

Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, who represents Centre County, is the one most people are betting would occupy a GOP-controlled Senate’s top leadership post. Centre County is home to Penn State University’s flagship campus, which is also Corman’s alma mater.

Corman, 55, was first elected to the Senate in 1998, succeeding his late father, Doyle Corman, who held the seat for 21 years. He moved into a leadership role in 2009 when he was elected by his Republican colleagues to be the appropriations committee chairman. Then, six year later, he was chosen to be the caucus leader.

In that role, Corman has become regarded as a strong leader and defender of his caucus’ positions but like Scarnati, is open to compromise when necessary.

As to whether Corman would be interested in the top post, his spokeswoman, Jenn Kocher, said it’s too early to say. There’s the 2020-21 state budget to get done, along with other policy issues to be considered, and legislative elections to be held. In November, the caucus could be in the position of deciding on a nominee for the highest salaried position in the chamber.

“At this point we’re focused on what we can accomplish in the next nine or ten months rather than what will happen in nine or ten months from now,” Kocher said.

Many observers believe if the Republicans hold their majority control, the president pro tempore’s post is Corman’s for the taking.

“I think Jake has earned the respect of everybody and, for me, he’s earned the right to first consideration to ascend to president pro tempore,” should he want that, said Sen. Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson, R-Bucks County, the Senate GOP caucus’ most senior member.

He also said that, despite the loss of Scarnati, he has a lot of confidence in the people in his caucus and, whoever emerges, “we’re not going to miss a step.”

In the event that Corman would prefer to retain his present role, observers predict the most likely contender for the position in a GOP-controlled chamber is Sen. John Gordner,

R-Columbia County.

Gordner, 58, is in his 17th year in the Senate and served 11 years before in the House of Representatives. He serves as majority whip, a position he was first elected to in 2014. In that role, his duties include working to gain support for legislation and acting as assistant floor leader, among other duties.

Other possibilities include Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne, R-Lehigh County; Sen. Robert Mensch, R-Montgomery County, who serves as the caucus chairman; and Sen. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster County, the caucus secretary.

And the growing number of Republican senators from the western part of Pennsylvania may insist on a seat at the leadership table.

The president pro tempore’s job is to preside over the Senate when the lieutenant governor isn’t there. He also makes committee assignments for members of his caucus and appoints committee chairmen.

Along with voting on bills, the president pro tempore plays a significant role in negotiations with the House and governor.

Should the lieutenant governor’s position becomes vacant in the middle of a term, the president pro tempore ascends to that position until the term expires. This happened in 2008, when Scarnati became lieutenant governor after the death of Catherine Baker Knoll. It led to the remarkable situation where a Republican lieutenant governor served under a Democrat, thenGov. Ed Rendell.

(TNS) President Trump called fellow New Yorker Mike Bloomberg a “loser” during a speech.

Trump, Bloomberg trade blows in continuing feud DAVE GOLDLINER TNS New York Daily News In a long-standing feud going back decades, it comes as no surprise that there is no love lost between the two New Yorkers running in the 2020 U.S. presidential race as the latest barrage of insults on Twitter on Thursday The insulter-in-chief reprised his most effective jibe from the 2016 primary campaign when he dissed Bloomberg on Thursday "as a tiny version of Jeb 'Low Energy' Bush."

"Bloomberg is a LOSER who has money but can't debate and has zero presence, you will see," Trump tweeted.

Trump made the remarks as he retweeted a crudely Photoshopped image of him towering over Bloomberg. He also gave Bloomberg the ultimate backhanded compliment by unfavorably comparing him to Jeb Bush.

"Jeb has more political skill and has treated the Black community much better than Mini!" Trump tweeted.

Bloomberg wasted little time hitting back at Trump, claiming that some of their shared acquaintances from New York social circles secretly mock him as a "carnival barking clown."

"Behind your back, they laugh at you," Bloomberg wrote on Twitter. "They know you inherited a fortune & squandered it with stupid deals and incompetence."

Trump wishfully predicted that Bloomberg would flop in upcoming debates with seasoned Democratic rivals and predicted that progressive supporters of Bernie Sanders will cry foul at Bloomberg's river of cash.

"Bernie's people will go nuts!"

Trump tweeted.

The stream of Trump Twitter insults aimed at Bloomberg suggests that the media mogul has gotten under the president's famously thin skin.

Trump has sought to exploit controversy over Bloomberg's record on race relations.

A recently resurfaced video showed Bloomberg aggressively defending the racially charged "stop and frisk" policy that he championed during his three terms as mayor – the same policy he has apologized for since joining the Democratic presidential primary race.

While most Democratic presidential candidates, or Democrats in general, have resisted the urge to take the president's bait, Bloomberg is using the classic adage of "knowing your audience" and is acutely aware that Trump is particularly sensitive to his social status within New York City.

While Trump has Bloomberg beat on height (6-foot-2 vs. 5-foot7), the former mayor is worth more.

Forbes estimates Bloomberg is worth $61.8 billion vs Trump's net worth is $3.1 billion.

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Writer vs. Is celebrating Valentine's Day genuine Writer: or geared towards commercialization?

ANNA MECHLING Staff Writer A.Mechling@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

OLIVIA CARBONE

Staff Writer O.C.Carbone@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

Mechling is speaking for those against Valentine’s Day, while Carbone takes the pro-side.

Mechling’s Take: Against To some, Valentine’s Day is a special holiday that is spent with a loved one or loved ones when they receive gifts like stuffed animals, chocolates and flowers.

There’s often a nice trip to a restaurant or a home-cooked meal made with love to top off the romantic celebration.

However, Valentine’s Day is incredibly commercialized.

Valentine’s Day is no doubt a highly profitable holiday. It’s a big money-making opportunity for a number of companies.

In fact, many claim that Valentine’s Day was invented by greeting card companies to make more money. On top of greeting cards profiting, florists, candy and chocolate companies and restaurants profit as well.

It is somewhat expected if you’re in a relationship that you buy your significant other a number of gifts and treat them to the special day.

If you don’t, it’s somewhat frowned upon. Others judge you and ask you why you didn’t shower your partner with gifts and take them out to a nice restaurant or cook them food.

If you are against Valentine’s Day, you’re viewed as stuck up or weird because you’re not into the supposed “loving” holiday.

Even while I was in relationships, I always felt the pressure to buy gifts for my significant other and that I needed to somehow “celebrate” the madeup holiday.

I also think that single people may feel awful about the holiday, too, since Valentine’s Day is centered on couples and people

(Flickr)

(Wikimedia)

To some, Valentine’s Day is a holiday in which purchasing different items, like candy, flowers, etc., are what define the holiday. On the other hand, some put the commercialization behind them and cherish spending time with their loved ones. Which side are you on? Tell us at thepenn.org.

in relationships.

I work at Dollar Tree, where we stocked Valentine’s Day merchandise soon after Christmas.

Cards are always a popular item to purchase at the dollar store since cards are either $1.07 or 50 cents.

According to GetFluid.com, approximately 131 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged, and according to the National Retail Federation, the average person celebrating Valentine’s Day spends nearly $142.

Valentine’s Day is also a highly sexualized holiday as well.

Other merchandise that are highly pushed during Valentine’s Day are lingerie, cologne, perfume and jewelry. Because Valentine’s Day is seen as a couples-only and romantic holiday, these products are highly advertised and pushed for consumers to buy.

Anything, really, that contains red or pink colors or hearts can be marketed and branded to consumers for the holiday.

For me, I think every day should be “Valentine’s Day,” especially if you truly love the other person or people in your life.

People shouldn’t feel pressured and have a major commercialized holiday be the reason why they’re showering their loved ones with gifts and making them feel special.

Like a lot of things in Amer-

ica, things are over-advertised and overdone with products and materialized objects that often are meant to represent emotion.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Valentine’s Day can be a special day and has good intentions when people spend the time with their loved ones, but when advertisements and products are pushed down our throats, it’s no wonder why there are many people who dislike the holiday.

That’s the main reason why I am often against Valentine’s Day overall. The meaning of the “holiday” has diminished and become so commercialized that it’s often overdone.

But, the commercialized holiday aside, spend time with your loved one or loved ones every day. Tell them you love them and how important they are in your life, because that’s ultimately the most important thing to get out of Valentine’s Day in my opinion.

Carbone’s Take: Pro Valentine’s Day is one of the most highly anticipated holidays throughout the year.

People either love or hate it; there’s no in-between. Many people tend to not like it because the stereotype is that it’s spent between two significant others. Besides this reason, there many other reasons why

Valentine’s Day is a perfect holiday for everyone to enjoy.

Reason #1: It’s all about love.

Whether you’re in a relationship, your mom and dad give you a gift every year or you’re hanging out with friends, Valentine’s Day is a day when you can show everyone in your life that you care about them! Many sad things happen in our world today, and who doesn’t need a little love sometimes?

Reason #2: Discounted candy and chocolate.

There are so many different kinds of sweet treats to buy for yourself, friends or a significant other for the holiday. Sometimes everyone is craving something sweet, especially on Valentine’s Day. Grab a bag of your favorite candy, cuddle up and watch a movie.

Reason #3: Organizations host bake sales.

My sorority had a Valentine’s Day sweets and treats bake sale Wednesday. It’s the perfect way to grab a snack between classes, last minute gifts for someone you care about and overall just spreads love throughout the campus.

Reason #4: It’s beneficial to show others love.

Reminding your significant other how much they mean to you is important any day of the year, but it’s nice to hear it on Valentine’s Day. My significant other and I are going out to eat

at a BBQ restaurant and then going to cuddle up to a movie.

Many couples have a very simple Valentine’s Day, but it’s still nice to celebrate since it is the day of love. There isn’t a right way to celebrate Valentine’s Day; it’s all up to you and your partner(s) or friends.

Reason #5: Cost of gifts is irrelevant.

Whether it be an expensive dinner and jewelry or a pizza and a Redbox movie, there is no “certain” way to celebrate the day.

My boyfriend and I have been together for four years now.

Every year, we go out to dinner and buy each other something small. I personally don’t feel that Valentine’s Day should be like Christmas. I believe that a little something to show your appreciation goes a long way.

Reason #6: This is the perfect day to try something new.

If you’ve been wanting to check out a new restaurant, see that new movie, check out the new museum or go on a trip, this is the perfect holiday to do it. Why not step out of your comfort zone on a holiday centered around love?

Overall, Valentine’s Day is a unique holiday that is celebrated in many different ways. I look forward to the holiday every year and enjoy seeing pictures of everyone else’s activities. I hope everyone has a great day

Opinion

(needpix) With Valentine’s Day here, remember that love is not like the stories seen in movies.

Books, movies do not portray true meaning of love Ask anyone I know, and they’ll tell you I’m the biggest cynic when it comes to love. It’s not so much that I don’t believe in it. It’s more that I don’t believe in the big elaborate fate-and-destiny side of things.

I’m an avid reader. I will read any book given to me. And if it’s good, I’ll go on for hours about it.

Now, I hate romance books.

I hate them with an utmost passion.

I don’t think they’re believable; I don’t think they’re relatable.

But once in a blue moon, I’ll find that one book that features a romance and will fall head over heels for, not just the main character, but the

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story itself. Take “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. Two people fall in love only for one of them to lose the other to death.

I adored the book and couldn’t put it down. The movie was alright, but I’ll always say the book was better.

With books that have romance, there’s always the big “AHA” moment.

You know, the one where the two protagonists finally realize they love each other and finally admit those feelings? That’s not exactly how it happens in real life.

See, I never bought the whole “it’s our destiny to be together”

or “fate brought us together” spiel. I never thought that fate or destiny had anything to do with two people falling in love. Or at the very least, having feelings for each other. I was more the type to believe that books and movies had it way wrong when it came to finding someone.

I’m the last person to say I like Valentine’s Day. The discounted candy Feb. 15 or even the cute stuffed animals are kind of worth it. My mom always got me my favorite candy and a stuffed animal. I got her some candy or chocolates and we called it a day.

But this year, there’s something a little different. There’s someone new to celebrate with in my life.

Books and movies portray love and feelings as something that happens overnight. One night you go to bed with no feelings for someone, and when you wake up you realize you have a crush on your best friend. Or vice versa. Either way, no one can truly know if they love someone completely overnight. And falling in love at first sight? Not a chance.

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Love is something that happens slowly. And it isn’t just something that you automatically feel. And it isn’t something you just feel with a significant other.

Love is staying up until one in the morning laughing your head off because your friends are hilarious when they’re exhausted. Love is buying someone their favorite drink when you go to the vending machine to surprise them. Love is being there for someone when their heart is broken and wanting to repair it but not knowing how.

Love isn’t a huge, elaborate scene that books and movies make it out to be. Now, there are some that do it right. Like the movie, “10 Things I Hate About You.” When Kat reads her “10 Things” poem to Patrick, you can tell how much it means. And it’s a small gesture that means the world to this guy who’s been trying to get the girl and succeeding very slowly, making her fall in love with him throughout their time together.

Don’t let books and movies ruin your perception of love.

There are times, yes, when love is a home-run-outta-thepark, fly-me-to-the-moon, headover-heels feeling for someone else. But there are also times where you look at someone and think, “this is what love is.”

Whether they’re laughing their head off at a stupid joke or just being there for you, you know you love that person, whether it’s your significant other, best friend or someone else, with everything you are.

Everyone wants to be loved and everyone believes in fairy tales.

But sometimes, you’re left to write your own happy ever after.

So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t believe all the hype that surrounds love. Keep it simple and show someone you love them.

Whether it’s standing outside their window with a boombox or simply saying “I love you,” be sure to show someone special just what they mean to you.

Brought to you

By THE PENN STAFF

Opinion

Culture

Culture Editor: Heather Bair – zzzx@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown– ydmx@iup.edu

(Facebook) A way for couples to spend Valentine’s Day together could be going to see IUP’s performance of “Mummenschanz you & me” (left) or go the movies to see a Valentine’s Day movie, such as “The Photograph” (right).

Writer gives ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day with IUP, friends MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer M.Donny@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Valentine’s Day can be everyone’s favorite (or least favorite) day of the year.

Even if you don’t have a significant other to celebrate with, you can still enjoy the holiday.

Many people dread the holiday because it makes them feel more alone. All the social media posts of couples on this day can be hard to scroll through. Luckily, in recent years there have been many new and fun ideas for people who are single.

Some things are happening on campus during Valentine’s Day

Culture

that you can participate in. Winter Warm Up is an event held to learn about activities on campus and get involved. This event is happening from 3 – 6 p.m. Friday in the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. There is also a theater performance of “Mummenschanz you & me” from 7 – 9 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium.

One simple idea for both single people and couples on Valentine’s Day is to take a social media break for the day. By not going on social media and focusing more on yourself, your friends and/or your significant other, you can have a more immersive and stress-free day. You want to be in the moment with

whoever you are with.

A fun and creative thing you can do with whoever you choose to spend Valentine’s Day with is making something homemade. A lot of the time, homemade gifts can be more special and heartfelt than store-bought gifts. You can hang out with your friends or significant other and make decorative picture frames, paint on canvases together, make each other homemade bracelets or write each other love letters/ homemade Valentine’s Day cards.

While a lot of people go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day, we all know that in college, we can be on a strict budget. Instead of

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going out and spending money on food, go shopping with your friends or significant other and make a meal together at home.

This is a cheaper and funner way to spend time with your favorite people.

Another idea similar to cooking dinner together is making a Valentine’s Day themed dessert.

There are many different box mixes of Valentine’s Day themed desserts like cupcakes, cakes, cake pops, cookies and brownies in the seasonal aisles of Walmart and Martin’s.

Another popular Valentine’s Day date is going to the movies.

A trip to the movies is always fun, but it can be a lot of mon-

ey, too. Instead of going to the movie theater, you can stay home, eat junk food and watch your favorite romance movies. It can be a much more enjoyable time to be snuggled up at home than out in public.

If you know that you won’t be able to resist the draw to your phone and scrolling through all the V-Day posts, you can always have a “Galentine’s Day” photo shoot with all of your friends.

You can get decorations and set up a wall for you and your friends to take photos in front of. This is a fun idea for people who don’t have a significant other but don’t want to be left out of the holiday.

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Perfect Places to go with someone you love ANNA MECHLING Staff Writer A.Mechling@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

For a lot of people, Valentine’s Day is a special holiday meant for spending time with your significant other and or the people you love.

Many people enjoy Valentine’s Day despite celebrating their meaningful relationships throughout the rest of the year.

Because of this, it is a widely celebrated holiday throughout the nation.

It is often the norm for couples to enjoy a meal out in a nice restaurant. This allows for intimate and bountiful communication to occur.

Activities like watching a movie, baking and bowling are some ideas for a night out with a significant other and or a group of friends you are close with.

On Valentine’s Day, many people buy things like sappy Valentine’s Day cards.

Many people speculate the idea that Valentine’s Day was created as a scheme to sell inventory by the

(Facebook) One of the best places to go are restaurants to enjoy a romantic dinner with someone you love, like Olive Garden, an Italian restaurant.

masses, forcing people to buy things like flowers, cards, chocolates, stuffed animals and jewelry.

However, despite what you buy and how much money you spend, it’s often the thought that counts and the quality time spent with your significant other and or loved ones that makes Valentine’s Day a special holiday.

“Last year, I gathered all her gifts for over a month,” James

Watson (senior, history) said. “I had the day off, so I set up the room with roses and candles.

“I took her on a date, and when we came home, I had her wait for me downstairs while I lit the candles. After that, we went to the movies and went bowling.

“This year, I am taking her to a restaurant in Pittsburgh. It’s like a Shake Shack. Then, we are going to an arcade and a movie after;

then I’ll take her back to IUP.” Despite many couples going out to restaurants, many people also dine in, either ordering food in or making food together.

“I usually like to surprise her with gifts,” Nicholas Richardson (senior, fine arts) said. “She really likes things like stuffed animals and chocolates.

“Then, we either will either go out to dinner or order pizza

and just spend the day together.

We enjoy going to the movies as well.”

Many couples go to fancier restaurants and dress up for the special occasion.

“I am going to take my girlfriend to a very nice restaurant because I prefer upscale restaurants, and my girlfriend deserves the best,” Lyndon Darwin-Shelton (senior, computer science) said.

“Last year, I took her to one of her favorite restaurants, Olive Garden.

“Since she likes spending time with me, I am going to take her somewhere where we can spend time together instead of sitting silently in an environment like a movie theater. “We like to go to upscale, dine-in restaurants because we both want to be in a setting where we can enjoy each other’s company.”

Whatever your choice and plans of spending time with your significant other, friends or family you love, Valentine’s Day is a symbolic holiday, meant to let the most important people in your life know that they’re loved and appreciated throughout the entire year.

Best places to get your coffee fix before your day starts CASEY COFFIELD Contributing Writer C.J.Coffield@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

“We believe coffee is more than just a drink: it’s a culture, an economy, an art, a science – and a passion,” says the National Coffee Association on its website before urging readers to learn more about coffee.

For millions, coffee is a daily ritual that fuels the day, and most don’t even stop to think about it.

Behind each sip of coffee is a fascinating history. All coffee comes from two types of beans: arabica and robusta. The flavor of each depends on the roast and can be made many different ways.

Arabica makes up approximately 70 percent of the world’s coffee production but contains less caffeine and costs more to cultivate.

Coffee comes in many different flavors and sizes. Here’s a quick rundown of the world’s most popular caffeinated beverages.

Other than your basic hot and iced coffees, there are four com-

(Heather Bair/ The Penn) Caffe Amadeus offers a wide variety of tea, coffee, snacks and more for students in a hurry or needing a quiet place to study.

mon espresso beverages. Espresso is a concentrated, thick coffee usually paired with milk to make this line of espresso drinks.

The drink most everyone is familiar with is a latte, which contains a shot of espresso and steamed milk with foam. This is very similar to a cappuccino, which contains a smaller proportion of milk. A latte may sometimes be referred to as a “mocha,” which includes a chocolate flavor.

The macchiato is the most

versatile espresso drink. It’s made differently in the U.S. than just about anywhere else. The makeup of a macchiato is two shots of espresso topped with milk foam.

Most coffee houses in the U.S. build a macchiato like an upside down latte: milk first with espresso poured on top and left unstirred.

The fourth most popular espresso drink is known as the Americano. This may be a go-to for the regular hot or iced coffee drinkers. The Americano is two

shots of espresso diluted with water. It’s the perfect pick-meup without straying too far from the norm or a nice alternative for someone who isn’t the biggest fan of dairy.

With that being said, Indiana has a few spots one might go to get a good cup of joe. Here’s a few coffee joints worth checking out: Caffe Amadeus Roast & Brew located along Philadelphia Street is a beautiful, European-style cafe.

Here you can enjoy a personal pot of tea. They offer select pastries as well.

“Caffe Amadeus has the most welcoming and warm ambiance of any place I’ve ever been,” Autumn Berquist-Cherwaty (fashion merchandising) said. “They have a wide selection of teas and snacks for me, who doesn’t like coffee.

The baristas are kind and inviting, and I’ve liked everything I’ve ever ordered from there.”

Commonplace Coffee, located in University Square, is a western-Pennsylvania-based coffee company. They currently have three locations and offer a unique house roasted blend.

“Commonplace is calm and cozy, so it’s perfect for getting work done,” Rania Rashid, (biology) said.

JavaCity is located in the Stapleton Library but comes all the way from Sacramento, California.

JavaCity houses more than 2,000 coffee shop locations, and it’s worth tasting their hand-roasted beans.

“It’s on campus and convenient; it’s quite quaint,” Sasha Rubert, (graphic design) said.

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The perfect playlist for your loved one should include these songs EMILY LOOSE

Staff Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

Sometimes, music is better at expressing how a person feels than actual words are.

On Valentine's Day, expressing love can be nerve-wracking and difficult, so why not use music?

As a person who uses music for every emotion and thought, I came up with 10 songs that would work great to express feelings this Friday. Whether only one or all of them, I can guarantee there is something on here that will work wonders.

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” The Carpenters Anyone who knows me would not be surprised by me adding The Carpenters to the list. This cover of the 1960s song by Richard Chamberlain was the band’s first hit and possibly their most popular song.

Karen Carpenter’s contralto singing voice is deep yet gentle.

Listening to it, you truly believe her love and adoration for whomever she is singing to. The added-in harmonizing from the other band members adds a spine-chilling aura that is perfect for a deep romantic mood.

“Close to You” is also the song that plays during one of the most tear jerking parts of “The Simpsons Movie.” You really cannot go wrong here.

“Your Song” Elton John Out of all of the songs on this list, this is probably one of the most popular. This ode to a true love is filled with John’s soft piano playing and powerful vocals. It shows an expression of someone’s love, even if they make some mistakes along the way.

John mentions forgetting if their eyes are green or blue. While that can be a hard mistake to make when you are with someone long enough, couples do make mistakes or forget little details about each other all of the time. Maybe John is just so in awe of the other person that the tiny details are less important.

Dedicating this song to someone you care about will definitely

(Facebook) “Love of My Life” by Queen (left) and “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston (right) are two great love songs to convey your feelings for that special someone.

make them feel special. Hopefully, they do not mind.

“Dreaming of You” Selena Quintanilla

“The Greatest Love of All” Whitney Houston

I am adamant that, had she lived, Quintanilla would have gone on to be one of the most famous figures in pop music to date. Despite this, she is still very important for mixing Tejano music into the American airwaves. Coming from her final album, this title track is the perfect song for any slow dance.

This song would show your love how important they are by expressing the amount of time you think about them. So much that they are even a part of your dreams. Not only would it let them know they are important to you, but they are a huge part of your whole world.

I recommend looking at the love story between Quintanilla and her widower, Chris Perez. It will show you what romance is truly about.

Sure, I could have easily put “I Will Always Love You” here, but that song is more of a breakup song, in my opinion. This song shows off Houston’s true passion for the other person as she belts out how important they are to her.

What I enjoy about this song is that it is not only for romance. It can easily be used toward a true friend or a parent to a child. Houston’s raw emotion is hard to ignore here, and she demands attention.

Playing this for your true love would definitely let them know how much they mean to them and keep away any doubt they might have.

“How Deep is Your Love?”

Bee Gees Though the Bee Gees are known for their upbeat and disco-filled tunes, this ballad takes a step back and offers the listener a gentle and romantic approach.

The three Gibb brothers sing and harmonize about all of the amazing things their love has done for them, citing them as their savior.

Even when times get tough and other people try to keep them down, they know that they have each other. It shows the trials and tribulations that many couples might find themselves going through. The only question asks if the other person loves them the same way.

If you find yourself wondering how your love feels or are having trouble expressing your own thoughts, this song has your back.

certain a person is your soulmate, you are certain. This tune is a perfect way to express that. Besides, you can never go wrong with a Beatles song.

“Dedicated to the One I Love” The Mamas and the Papas Though not the original version of this song, it is the most romantic, thanks to Michelle Phillips’ haunting vocals. The song’s lyrics discuss how hard it is to be apart from the one you love most and only asks that they hold you in their heart and pray for you.

Each member of this band’s singing holds real passion, and they synch together in a very beautiful fashion. It shows a strong and raw sense of emotion that not all songs are capable of doing. It is perfect for couples who may find themselves more long distance, something many in college might go through.

“In My Life” The Beatles

“Change the World” Eric Clapton

The Beatles have a lot of love songs in their collection. While “Something” is one of my favorites, “In My Life” sticks out to me for different reasons. It is told through the words of someone who has been through a lot and met so many people. In fact, they probably had other romances.

Despite it all, they still love the person they are singing to more than any of the others. Even if this person was not in their life for as long as the others, they remain the most important figure they know.

It is common to meet many different people and fall in love more than once, but once you are

Not as slow as the other songs on the list and not as “dreamy” as his song “Wonderful Tonight,” Clapton is more straightforward and blunt about his feelings in the 1990s song. He tells his love all of the things he would do for them if it were possible, including making himself the sunshine of their universe.

Anyone who has been in love wants to do as much as possible to make that person know how important they are to them.

This song is a more upbeat way of trying to express that. If you are not as much into sappy slow songs, this is the perfect add to the playlist.

“Love of My Life” Queen Written for his girlfriend, Mary Austin, at the time, Freddie Mercury showed how much she truly mattered to him in this romantic ode. Though they did not stay together, Mercury would still later call her the love of his life and gave her a lot of his estate when he passed away.

This song shows off that dedication perfectly. Though a bit more melancholy than other songs on the list, the story behind the words is one of a powerful and deep connection. Bonding with someone on every level does not come often, so treasuring it in this way is definitely an important note to take.

“Popsicles and Icicles” The Murmaids This song is mainly on here as it is the song my boyfriend and I chose as “ours.” It is one of the first songs I showed him, and it has remained on both of our playlists to date. A one-hit wonder, this is a super rare gem that describes the boy that the singer loves and everything that he enjoys.

When a person is in love, they are willing to take on anything, including all of their love’s quirks and interests. If you love them enough, those quirks just become more special. They are still perfect in their own way. This song is great when you want to tell someone that you accept all parts of them.

Even though there are thousands of songs that could be added to this list, this top 10 is a good way to start off any playlist. Think of it like burning a CD for your crush in the early 2000s and make your Valentine a romantic playlist.

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Culture

(Facebook) “10 Things I Hate About You” (left) and “The Age of Adaline” (right) are two romantic movies to watch either on your own or with your significant other to celebrate the day of love.

10 movies to ‘bring on the feels’ for Valentine’s Day When the grad student, Emily, falls ill from an unknown illness, Kumail has to deal with Emily’s difficult family, different cultures and his feelings for Emily. You can stream this movie for free if you have access to an Amazon Prime account.

MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer M.Donny@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

One of the most popular Valentine’s Day activities for both couples and singles is to watch a good romance or rom-com movie.

It can be a lot of fun to stay home and watch your favorite movies. Below, I list some of the best Valentine’s Day movies as well as some not as well-known (but still good) ones.

“10 Things I Hate About You” This 1999 film with stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles is one of the most watched movies on Valentine’s Day. The movie focuses on two sisters: one who wants to go to the prom and date boys and one who does not. Their father forbids the one sister to date until her unwilling sister starts dating. A boy who is very interested in the sister who wants to date propositions a troublemaker at school to start dating the other sister. The movie is full of humor and an excellent soundtrack.

“Leap Year” “Leap Year” has been a personal favorite of mine since I was a child. The movie stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode. Adams

“The Age of Adaline”

(Facebook) “Lady and the Tramp” is a romantic movie from Disney and was remade in 2019.

decides that, after her boyfriend doesn’t propose to her and goes on a business trip to Ireland, she will travel to Ireland and propose to him on a leap year. According to an Irish tradition, a man who is proposed to during a leap year must accept the proposal. Along her horrible journey, she meets a man who shows her that maybe what she thinks she wants isn’t everything she hoped.

“The Longest Ride” Based on a Nicolas Sparks novel, this film is definitely one of the most underrated adaptations of a Sparks book. It stars Britt Robertson and Scott Eastwood who have a meet-cute at a bull-riding competition. The couple’s romance story intertwines with the story of an old man and his wife. This movie has many ups and downs

that are expected of a Sparks screenplay.

“Lady and the Tramp” (2019) While this film doesn’t have the best ratings, and most people prefer the original version, it can be fun to watch a new adaptation of a romantic Disney classic. The voice actors in this film are all very popular actors like Sam Elliot, Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux.

While the film is exactly like the original version, with the exception of a few changes, it still has all the fun romantic feelings that come with “Lady and the Tramp.”

“The Big Sick” This 2017 film is a non-traditional rom-com in which a Pakastan-born comedian, Kumail, and a grad student fall in love.

This movie continues to hit me “in the feels” every time I watch it. The film has a stellar cast including Blake Lively and Harrison Ford. The visuals, costumes and story line all come together to create an amazing movie. The story revolves around Adaline Bowman (Lively), who after experiencing a near-death accident, has stopped aging.

Adaline hides away from society and avoids contact with anyone except her daughter, her dog and a blind friend. When a man comes into her life and refuses to leave, she must face the fact that maybe it is time for her to reveal her secret.

for college students because it has many themes that college students can relate with. This film is available to stream on Netflix.

“Always Be My Maybe” This new Netflix rom-com stars actress Ali Wong and actor Randall Park. Keanu Reeves also had a hilarious role in this movie. The story revolves around a successful chef, Sasha, and not-so-famous musician, Marcus. After not seeing each other in 15 years, Sasha moves back to their hometown to open a new restaurant and sparks their old connection.

“Isn’t It Romantic” Rebel Wilson stars in this romcom of a woman who finds herself trapped inside of a rom-com. The movie also stars Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra and Adam Devine. This movie is hilarious and relatable at times to many who struggle to find love.

“After”

“Sixteen Candles”

This is one of the newest films on the list and one many may not have heard of. This film from last year focuses on a girl who goes to college and learns how to step out of her comfort zone. She meets bad boy Hardin Scott who has a deep secret. This film is one I would definitely recommend

While this one isn’t always classified as a Valentine’s Day film, this is a classic and a wonderful romance story. Starring Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall, a 16-year-old girl’s birthday is full of lots of embarrassments, and everything that could possibly go wrong goes wrong.

Culture

February 14, 2020

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February 14, 2020

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D-419 | April 2019

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February 14, 2020

Culture

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Polar bear steals the show in new Disney+ movie KEVIN CRUST TNS Los Angeles Times

This article contains opinion.

(Facebook) IUP offers more than lessons that are learned in the classroom; there are plenty to be learned outside as well.

Writer shares lessons learned in college CASEY COFFIELD Contributing Writer C.J.Coffield@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

College wasn’t easy for me.

To be honest, I’ll be disappointed if I come to find these were the best years of my life.

These years were challenging, and they taught me a lot.

One of the biggest mental challenges I overcame was realizing my path does not have to look like everyone else’s. I laid to rest some of the nerves I had over not having it all figured out.

Throughout these last four years, I’ve found many pieces of myself that create this palette of interests I have today.

My college career has taught me an abundance of skills outside the classroom as well:

Independence is a good thing Your parents are going to support you throughout your young adult years, but learning not to rely on that as time goes by can be the challenge.

“My dad taught me a lot and I’m grateful for that,” Autumn Berquist-Cherwaty (fashion merchandising) said.

Enjoy your alone time Solitude provides many benefits such as improving concentration, productivity and deep thinking, it helps your brain unwind and reboot. Alone time helps build a better relationship with yourself. A better understanding of self can aid in personal relationships as well.

Find your most productive hours Everyone has a different schedule and biological clock. Dedicate your most productive hours to your responsibilities, and enjoy down time when it works for you.

Budget Being a full-time student means less time for work, but being an adult means more bills and responsibility. Be smart with your money. Overspending is easy when the perks of college lie at your fingertips.

“College taught me that $20 can go a long way if I need it to,” Berquist-Cherwaty said.

Ask for help It’s OK to get help, not only in your classes, but if you’re struggling mentally as well. You’re not

alone, and trust that professors will understand if you just explain.

The Counseling Center is a fantastic resource, so don’t be afraid to use it.

“Professors are one of the best resources you have as a student,” Rania Rashid (biology) said. “Just talk to your professors about whatever; I found that they almost compulsively give advice.”

Try something new and figure out who you are Now is the time. It’s the youngest you’ll ever be. Weird isn’t really a thing. If you like it, pursue it.

Say yes more often, and step out of your comfort zone. Find your niche.

“College is a great place to express yourself or experiment on yourself, and everyone around might be doing the same thing or don’t care enough to make fun of you,” Sasha Rubert (graphic design) said.

Life is what you make it.

More often than not, opportunities will not fall into your lap. You must work hard for the things you want out of life and do so with a smile, a please and a thank you, a light heart and gratitude for the chances life has granted you.

Witness the tween-age protagonist of the new Disney+ movie "Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made." The diminutive, prepubescent Timmy, proud owner-operator of a private detective agency in Portland, Ore., tools around the city on a Segway, draped in a distinctive red scarf, unconcerned with what others may think. Speaking in a deadpan monotone, he is prone to responding to interrogatives with a curt "affirmative" or "negative" and saying things like "normal is for normal people."

Oh, and his partner is a 1,500-pound polar bear named Total, who wandered down from the Arctic.

The most notable thing about the movie itself, which debuted last month at Sundance, is that it was directed and co-written by Oscar-winner Tom McCarthy of "Spotlight." Based on a series of books aimed at middle schoolers by "Pearls Before Swine" cartoonist Stephan Pastis, "Timmy Failure" boasts lovely Pacific Northwest locations and feature film-level production values, but is largely indistinguishable from the type of fare typically found on the Disney Channel or Nickelodeon.

Timmy, played by Winslow Fegley, lives with his mom, Patty (Ophelia Lovibond), who holds down two jobs and wears Sleater-Kinney tees. Eager to move his operation downtown, the young detective takes a case involving a classmate's missing backpack. When he ignores a quick and obvious solution to the mystery to focus on forensics and an investigation, we quickly discern that Timmy has bigger things on his mind.

His vivid imagination and an obsession with connecting the possibly unconnected dots between the death of a classroom pet, the disappearance of the Segway, a peer whose name he refuses to speak and an odd Russian connection, further make it apparent that these are not simply the workings of a creative mind, but a kid intent on evading reality.

Poised on the precipice of middle school, which Timmy has no intention of attending as he plans to end his formal education

(Facebook) “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made” premiered on Disney+ Jan. 25.

with fifth grade, he doubles down on his resistance to study or do anything resembling "normal."

It's vexing to his single mom, who struggles to make rent each month as she is called in regularly for conferences with Timmy's frazzled teacher Mr. Crocus (Wallace Shawn). With a suspension looming over his classroom behavior, Timmy is referred to a kind counselor, Mr. Jenkins (an affable Craig Robinson).

"Timmy Failure" has more in common with McCarthy's quirky character-driven indie films "The Station Agent" (with Peter Dinklage), "The Visitor" and "Win Win" than "Spotlight" or the dark Netflix YA drama "13 Reasons Why," for which he directed the first two episodes.

But the movie leans too heavily on quirk to express character and we are left as annoyed at Timmy's antics as the adults in his life or the kids in his class (save the one girl who finds him "fascinating").

Anyone over the age of 10 (maybe 5) will be way ahead of most of the gags, many of which involve the delightful digitally rendered Total inadvertently wreaking havoc with his girth and Timmy sighing, "That's a demerit."

There's a sequence about an hour in when "Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made" is briefly jolted from its hard-boiled slumber. It's a glimpse at what the movie might have been, with deeper emotions and a hint at more complex themes. It doesn't last long, but it's enough to finally engage the audience. More such scenes may have elevated it from simply being fodder for a streaming service.

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Culture

(Facebook) “For Life” features the true story of Aaron Wallace (left) played by Nicholas Pinnock (right) and follows the story of how he turned a wrongful conviction into something much more powerful.

‘For Life’ captures viewers from very first episode HALEY BROWN

Lead Culture Writer H.Brown@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

ABC’s first episode of the brand-new series “For Life” began at 10 p.m. Tuesday.

The series is inspired by real events and is based loosely on the story of a New York man named Isaac Wright Jr. It revolves around a man from the Bronx named Aaron Wallace who was wrongly sentenced to life in prison for a drug trafficking crime he did not commit.

This series joins the list of increasingly relevant media surrounding the specific social justice issues of unjust punishment, false accusations and wrongly appointed prison sentences and also maintains a focus on the problem of racism in the judicial system and the way it affects those who still suffer under its

disheartening weight.

The growing list of film-based media surrounding these issues includes the Netflix documentary

by Ava Duvernay titled “13th” and the new movie called “Just Mercy,” which was also based on true events and was released to theaters in December.

Aaron Wallace, the main character of “For Life” and played by actor Nicholas Pinnock, becomes a lawyer and is involved in court cases for men he believes were also wrongly accused.

After being arrested and found guilty for drug dealing, Wallace finds an incredible loophole in the prison system and jumps on the opportunity to begin his quest for freedom.

His drive to become a lawyer is clearly fueled by his resilience and his determination to get out of prison and return to his family.

To find his way to the court room, he worked through the paralegal association to represent other

inmates in their internal cases, which gave him unlimited access to the prison library, where he found a way to legally sit for his bar exam.

The series opens with a scene in a courtroom in which Wallace begins the argument for his very first court case in defense of a boy who was accused in a case that involved the supposed statutory rape of a minor and the sale and possession of oxycodone.

Wallace’s patience and resolve is tested right off the bat when it is revealed to the audience that his defense is in opposition of one of the lawyers who was responsible for his life sentence.

The first episode includes hints about his past story, his struggle with white supremacy after his sentence began, his family’s struggles that he remains unaware of while in prison and the stress he faces while he tries to gain credibility as a lawyer and further his cause of helping

those who need it most all while managing his own journey toward freeing himself through his work.

His motivation to win his first case as a defense lawyer throughout the first episode is interesting and occasionally seems self-serving. At certain times, his moral compass even seems somewhat warped. There are a few scenes that show how Wallace bends his knowledge of his first case’s evidence in order to win the case.

He is shown using connections in prison to forge a note, ensure the handwriting was nearly identical to the witness’s, remove all fingerprints and use his wife’s cooperation to send the letter from outside the jail to make it appear as if it was the original evidence from the day Jose, the boy he is defending during his first case, was wrongly accused.

The montage of his prison comrades walking up to him in somber congratulatory fash-

ion after he gets the boy Jose acquitted is moving in the best way, and the viewer’s faith in the purity of Wallace’s motivation to continue freeing wrongly accused men is restored.

In the last scene, he gets a visit from his daughter, who turns his world upside down by admitting to him that she is pregnant. She expects him to be angry, but he only seems heartbroken about the fact that he cannot be with her for every step of the journey.

She begs him to find a way to get himself freed so he can look after her and his grandson again.

The ending monologue of the first episode was well-written and composed a compelling image about his struggle to accept his false accusation and about how he wants to continue to free innocent, including himself. He vows to stop wasting time and continue the fight by doing whatever it takes to act against the corrupt power and get his life back.

Culture

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IUP BASKETBALL

VS FEBRUARY 15 VS. GANNON 5:30 PM/7:30 PM MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT CHUCK SPADAFORA FAITH NIGHT SPONSORED BY FCA

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Culture

Sports

Sports Editor: Elliot Hicks – E.Hicks@iup.edu Lead Sports Writer: Jeff Hart – J.R.Hart2@iup.edu

Women lose at Cal U, ending record 19-game win streak JEFF HART

Lead Sports Writer J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

In the words of author Geoffrey Chaucer, “All good things must come to an end.”

The IUP women’s basketball team’s historic 19-game win streak came to an end Wednesday.

The Hawks took on long-time rival California (Pa.) and lost to the Vulcans 57–52. It was a defensive battle for both teams. The Crimson Hawks held strong to start the game and held the Vulcans to a measly 28.8 percent from the field.

It was a low-scoring first quarter; both teams would combine for 16 total points. Cal U held a 10–6 advantage against the Hawks.

The scoring began to pick up in the second quarter when Justina Mascaro (junior, finance) went on a seven-point tear for the Crimson Hawks. The Hawks went on a 15–6 run that would get them to within three points going into halftime.

(Autumn Dorsey/The Penn) Lexi Griggs (senior, nursing) scored six points in a loss to Cal U.

Cal U came out of the half up 28–25 and led for most of the third quarter. IUP came back late in the fourth and tied things up at 50 with a pair of 3s from Natalie Myers (senior, education) and Courtney Alex-

ander (redshirt junior, nursing).

It appeared as though the Hawks were going to come back and take the lead; however, the Hawks went dead cold from the field. IUP missed seven shots and two free-

throw opportunities in the last five minutes of the game.

The Vulcans took advantage of the Hawks’ shooting slump and hit consecutive shots to seal the game. The ultimate downfall for the Hawks came at the hands of their 21 turnovers.

IUP had struggled early in the season with turning the ball over and had appeared to turn the corner after having only seven in the last game against Slippery Rock.

“They came out ready to play, and we didn’t,” Mascaro said after the game. “We turned it over 21 times, and last game we turned it over, like, seven. We’ve just got to keep control of the ball.”

This loss also extends IUP’s loss streak against Cal U. The Hawks have lost in California eight times now dating back to 2013.

This puts the IUP at 21–2 on the season and 16–1 in the PSAC. This team will have to recover quickly as they will have to take on Gannon, who sits second in the PSAC stand-

ings behind IUP, on Saturday.

With such an important game coming up, head coach Tom McConnell will look to help lead this team to another victory against a strong opponent.

“I think we’re a pretty focused group,” McConnell said after the loss. “Win or lose, we just try to keep the focus on improving and growing and getting better and not so much getting too high or too low with the outcome. We’ve just got to learn, stay together, grow, get better.”

This team has all the talent, leadership and coaching to recover from this tough loss. The Hawks still sit atop the conference as one of the best teams in Division II. IUP will have the chance to start a new win streak against one of the best teams in the PSAC on Saturday. Tip-off is at 5:30 p.m. at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex , and all eyes will be on this squad to see how they respond to the loss.

Foster scores 24 as men get 20th win of season TYLER COMO

Staff Writer T.D.Como@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

The IUP Crimson Hawks men’s basketball team kept itself ranked in ninth place after a victory against California (Pa.).

After another divisional faceoff, IUP managed to force a win at the Vulcans’ home arena Wednesday night by a score of 79–70.

The scoring was out in force with all but one of the Crimson Hawks’ starting five scoring 10 or more points. Especially in games this season where one of the starting five may not have been so hot, the rest of the starters have helped pick up the slack to keep the success of this team going, which keeps on forcing wins.

Armoni Foster (redshirt sophomore, criminal justice) once again

Sports

(Autumn Dorsey/The Penn) IUP men’s basketball defeated Cal U 79–70 on Wednesday night.

tallied the most points in game, with 24 points in a team-high 40 minutes.

Foster has proven to be an asset to the Hawks, which is especially important when Malik Miller (senior, communications media) may not be having a record-breaking

game (he’s had a few of those this season, though).

Foster leads the team with 409 total points this season, which shows his consistently strong offensive play.

Miller scored a season low of five points in the matchup versus Cal U.

February 14, 2020

While he normally thrives from the 3-point line, he went 0–4 from 3 and put up an abnormally low FG scoring of 2–10. Despite his rough night, the skill through the rest of the team still prevailed.

Chucky Humphries (senior, communications media) scored 10

points off the bench in his second game back from injury.

Humphries was able to go 2–2 in 3-pointers and 4–7 on FGs. That marks his fourth game that he’s scored 10 points or more for the Hawks.

The closest player behind Foster was Ethan Porterfield (freshman, kinesiology). With five out of 11 FGs, 1–3 in 3PT and 3–4 for FT, he scored a total of 14 points. That marks the fourth game in a row that he’s gotten 10 points or more in a single game.

The Crimson Hawks return to the KCAC Saturday to take on the Gannon Golden Knights. The Golden Knights, not to be confused with the Vegas pro hockey team, currently hold a record of 12–10 and are hoping to have a bounce-back game against a fellow PSAC West opponent, albeit a tough one.

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Sports

Baseball looks to bounce back after rough few seasons JAKE SLEBODNICK

News Editor J.C.Slebodnick@iup.edu @Jake_WIUP

As the spring semester evolves, baseball season draws closer.

For IUP baseball, the upcoming season holds not only lots of playoff potential but also an opportunity to bounce back after last year’s losing season.

The Crimson Hawks enter the season ranked seventh in the PSAC and retain three of their four best hitters from last season in Nick DiAndreth (sophomore, exercise science), who led the team in batting last season, Nick Hess (junior, marketing) and Ben Teplin (junior, business). Each of them finished in the PSAC Top 50 for batting average in 2019.

According to head coach Anthony Rebyanski, DiAndreth spent the offseason fine-tuning his fundamentals to not only ensure a repeat season as one of the PSAC’s top batters but to add more to his stat line.

“Nick is a very humble kid, and you would never know he had the success he did as a freshman,” Rebyanski said. “The key to his sophomore year is going to be that teams have seen him over the course of the year. They will have to make adjustments to get him out, as he will have to make adjustments to what the other teams do to repeat that success.

“He is an extremely hard worker and wants nothing more than to help our team win and be successful. If he can continue to learn and be a student of the game of baseball, there is no doubt in my mind that he can have a great sophomore campaign along with a very successful four-year career here at IUP.” While hitting was DiAndreth’s metaphoric bread and butter of 2019, he also contributed on the base paths and on the field.

He finished with a 90 percent rating in fielding, third in runs scored and second in stolen bases.

Along with DiAndreth, Rebyanski will look to his senior captains to provide the leadership needed to bring a winning record back to Owen J. Dougherty Field.

“There are a lot of guys who we

(IUP Athletics) Chris Eisel (pre-physical therapy) returns for his senior season.

consider impact type players on our current team. A couple to list are seniors Chris Eisel (pre-physical therapy), JP Pellis (finance) and Ben Hudock (software engineering), along with juniors [Hess] and [Teplin],” he said. “Eisel is a guy who has tools to play at the next level professionally, and we look for him to continue his outstanding outfield play and to continue to be the workhorse offensively that he has been since his freshman season.

“Hess has the ability to lead our offense in many power categories while Teplin is the type of hitter that pitchers despise, the pesky type that knows how to get on base and will find a way to do just that.”

Along with the hitting side of the game, Rebyanski knows the kind of impact an efficient pitching staff will have. IUP faces a metaphoric hill to climb following the loss of pitchers Tyler Adams to the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB First-Year Player Draft and Jeff Allen to graduation and a team ERA of 6.90 last season.

Allen was the team’s primary starter in 2019, but that role is now open.

While the ERA seems high, Rebyanski remains optimistic that pitchers will have a bounce-back

NICK DiANDRETH

season with the physical and leadership capabilities of both Pellis, Hudock and the rest of his staff, and a major overhaul to how the team trains.

“Pellis and Hudock look to lead our pitching staff, whether it’s in a starting role or in the bullpen, these two have tremendous work ethics and have shown drastic improvements since last spring. Pitching is always key and if you can pitch, you have a shot to win each time you step on the field. Baseball and pitching has changed a lot over the last decade, becoming the data-ball era, which means it is now focused on velocity more than command, as you can see with the increased velocity at the Major League level.”

One factor of the training overhaul was how the Crimson Hawks adjust to modernized pitching thematics in order to throw hitters offguard with focusing on pitch speed and control.

“Since last spring, we have taken a new approach in building our staff,” he said. “We are not only focusing on increasing velocities more than we have in the past, but also continuing the focus on command at the same time. They go hand-in-hand, and once we establish the command with the velocity, the possibilities are endless on the mound for our pitching staff.”

Including in this pitching staff is returning reliever Francisco Manzaro (sophomore, criminal justice), who found success sporadically throughout 2019, posting a 1.59 ERA in six appearances. His most notable game came against Mercyhurst, in which he got through two innings in fewer than 20 pitches.

Moreover, he allowed only seven hits to opposing hitters during the season.

Another addition to the Hawks’ modernized game plan this year will be one that is unrelated to the roster. In fact, it will focus on incorporating the new renovations to Dougherty Field, including new artificial turf on the infield.

Since most teams have adapted to this material, IUP is no stranger as to what this addition means for the team. ”Fields in the PSAC West are predominantly turf, with the exception of Clarion’s home field,” Rebyanski said. “This transition will not be a difficult one for us. It is a blessing to be able to say we are getting a turf field. While Dougherty Field already has some uniqueness to it, the turf will add that final touch we’ve been looking for.”

The Crimson Hawks begin their 2020 campaign on the road Saturday in a three-game series against Lenior-Rhyne, a product of the South Atlantic Conference.

The Bears began their season at the turn of the month, and faced two nationally ranked teams. Currently they have a 2–5 overall record with their most recent contest against University of Mount Olive this past weekend.

For Rebyanski, he is not worried about the difference in games played already.

“I believe this series will come down to who can outlast the other team on the mound and who plays the best defense,” he said. “Our first game will be their eighth, but I feel we are ready to begin the journey of the 2020 season that is ahead of us.

“Lenoir-Rhyne is going to be the prototypical southern team that we play each year. They are going to have great front-line starting pitchers that possess command and velocity while the back end of the ‘pen are going to be tough shutdown type arms. Their 2–5 record does not represent the type of team they are, as they have played very tough competition early on this spring.”

Both teams have not faced off since the 2012 season, when they split the series and the Crimson Hawks came away with a sizeable 20–7 victory in the final game.

Lace up the cleats and apply the pine tar, Hawk nation. Baseball season is upon us.

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Crimson Hawks Roundup

(IUP Athletics) The spring season for IUP Athletics is ready to begin.

Coaches comment as spring sports get ready to roll ELLIOT HICKS

Sports Editor E.Hicks@iup.edu @ehicks39

As the spring sports season is just about to get into full swing, let’s take a look at the outlook for the various Crimson Hawks teams.

GOLF: IUP golf is in a great spot heading into the spring season after a successful fall slate which saw it win three events along with the PSAC Championship.

“Our expectations for the spring season are very high,” head coach Dan Braun said.

Freshman Shaun Fedor (marketing) is coming off of an individual conference championship in his first half-year as a collegiate golfer.

Jeremy Eckenrode (senior, finance) will still serve as the elder statesman for the Crimson Hawks and finished just behind Fedor in fourth at the fall conference championships.

Jack Buccigross (sophomore, marketing) and Richie Kline (freshman, academic affairs) are also coming into the spring hot after top-10 finishes.

Despite the Hawks’ success in the fall, the spring season will still

be a challenge.

“We are entered in many events with very strong fields,” Braun said, “and realize that we may not be able to judge our success by wins alone.”

The spring season begins March 13 in Jackson Springs, N.C., and the goal for IUP is to earn a berth at the NCAA Championships in May, according to Braun.

“With a focus on sharpening the process we strive to perfect,” Braun said, “I believe we will achieve our goal.”

LACROSSE: After a 10–7 season in 2019 which included a postseason berth, IUP lacrosse is looking to take the next step to contending for a championship in 2020. The biggest difference between the teams will be the loss of Ally Burrows, one of the best players in program history, to graduation.

“Coming off of last season we have a lot of returners and freshman who are ready to make an impact in their first collegiate season,” head coach Brenna Gallagher said.

“We are looking to senior Shannon Hartigan (pre-vet), who was second in points in the 2019 season

to lead our attack,” Gallagher said.

Hartigan’s 59 points and 60 shots on goal are tops among returners in 2020.

“In the midfield, our junior captain Kayte Zeiler (kinesiology) is tough, skilled and strong on both ends of the field,” Gallagher said.

Zeiler started all 17 games in 2019, scoring 37 points.

The Hawks are also looking solid defensively, with three starters returning defensively and two goalies with experience set to play a role as well.

“We plan on using our players to their biggest strengths this season and feel as if we have options depending on the game plan,” Gallagher said.

IUP’s season begins Feb. 22 at Shippensburg, with the home opener coming a week later against Millersville.

SOFTBALL: Resilience is the name of the game for this year’s IUP softball team, according to head coach Shawna Bellaud. Following a 15– 27–1 season in 2019, the Hawks will field one of their youngest teams in recent memory. Eight freshmen will be part of the team this year,

compared to just one senior, Kaitlyn Beers (criminology). Beers was tied for the team lead in home runs (four) last season and was in the top-three in RBIs, hits and slugging percentage. Brooklyn Kotula (junior, accounting) also returns after earning a 3.21 ERA, eight complete games and a trio of shutouts pitching in 2019.

“We have been able to overcome adversity early on and look to enter a successful and maturing season,” Bellaud said.

The Crimson Hawks begin play with four games in Glenville, W.V. on Feb. 29 and March 1.

TRACK & FIELD: Technically, the track and field season is already ongoing, as multiple indoor meets have already taken place. Head coach Joey Zins provided us with some analysis and expectation about the state of the team thus far.

“We are in the middle of our indoor season, so our focus is mostly on that right now. We do try to structure things so that our team is at its best outdoors while still being as competitive as possible indoors. We’ll have a better idea of what reasonable goals are for both

the women’s and men’s outdoor season once the indoor season is complete.

“We do have several of the top track athletes in the conference in Nikeela Austin (senior, psychology), Andre Carr (sophomore, exercise science), and Christian Jones (senior, hospitality management), all of whom have hit national times/ marks so far during indoors.

“Our other top returning scorer from conference on the women’s side, Jess Jones (senior, applied mathematics), is redshirting both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

Both of our teams are on the small side this year, so we are going to need contributions from as many of our student-athletes as possible.

“We have a very young team, so how well the teams perform will largely come down to how quickly some of our freshmen can adjust to competing at the college level.

Another major factor in our team’s performance will be health. We are dealing with several injuries right now that is hampering our progress so far this indoor season. We hope to start getting some of those individuals back soon and that could have a profound impact on [the rest of] our season.”

Sports

February 14, 2020

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February 14, 2020

Sports

(TNS) Duke and Kansas are two favorites in the upcoming 2020 NCAA March Madness tournament.

Top teams, sleepers abundant for upcoming NCAA tournament JEFF HART

Lead Sports Writer J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

It’s almost one of the best times of the year for basketball, folks!

March is right around the corner, and that means college basketball thrills are sure to follow.

With selection Sunday being only a month away, here’s a preview of some the best contenders and underdogs for winning the coveted national collegiate title.

Jeff’s Top Three Contenders 1. Duke Blue Devils Duke is fresh off its disappointing 2018–19 season in which many thought Coach K and his squad underachieved in the national tournament, losing in the Elite Eight.

After the departure of Zion Wil-

liamson and RJ Barrett, Duke has a new cast that looks primed for another title run.

Currently sitting second in the ACC at 11–2, Duke led by Trey Jones looks ready to go. The No. 7 Blue Devils have gone on a sixgame win streak since losing to Louisville just a few weeks ago.

Now with the return of Wendell Moore Jr., many think that Duke can make some noise in the tournament.

2. Kansas Jayhawks Bill Self and the Jayhawks always seem to be in contention for winning a title every season, and this year is no different.

The Jayhawks have lost only one game all season and are No. 3 in the nation.

The pick and roll tandem of guard Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike has proven to be deadly.

These two account for more than 30 of Kansas’ 74 points per game.

Kansas has been strong defensively all season and will prove to be a tough matchup when it gets later in March.

bounds and putting a solid 9.8 points per game.

This is a squad that will beat you with superior defense and teamwork and has a strong chance to win it all.

3. Baylor Bears The Bears have stunned the nation this season at the No. 1 spot in the country. Currently undefeated, this team has been a problem for teams all year long.

This team is stout defensively and averages 7.7 steals and 4.6 blocks per game.

The Bears had a disappointing 2019 season where they were bounce out of tournament in the second round against Gonzaga.

This team has bounced back and is playing lights out with production from all their starters.

Forward Freddie Gillespie is leading the team in block and re-

Sleeper – Butler Bulldogs Butler currently sits at 19–6 on the season and 7–5 in the tough Big East.

The Bulldogs by no means are a physically imposing squad, but their dynamic guard play could push them over the edge and cause a few upsets in March.

Guards Sean McDermott and Kamar Baldwin both can shoot from range and collectively average 36.7 percent from 3-point range. This guard tandem can put up shots in a hurry and combine for 28 points of total offense for the Bulldogs.

If No. 18 Butler can get a bid into the tournament, they may be

able to upset a top title contender by putting up points in a hurry.

These are only a few of the many teams that could really make a run in the national tournament this year, and as always there will be plenty of upsets that will ruin brackets all around.

These teams I believe to be some of the best in the country and have the best chance at making a run for the title or making an upset. With only a month left of play, teams will be playing their hearts out for the best seeds in the national tournament.

In the end only one squad will be able to cut down the nets in the big dance. Seedings and rankings can determine everything for a program.

It will be interesting to see how things will shake up when the regular season ends.

February 14, 2020

Sports

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February 14, 2020

Sports

Pens trade for Zucker, reinforcing lineup for playoff run TYLER COMO

Staff Writer T.D.Como@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

The Pittsburgh Penguins started off their past week with tremendous success, beating out two division rivals: the Flyers and the Capitals.

Though that may not have changed their position, it keeps them going steady against the teams underneath them and attempting to stay ahead. But luck is not on their side this time around.

After beating Washington, the Pens took on another commanding force in the NHL, the Tampa Bay Lightning (37–15–5). The Lightning are now ranked second through the entire league after besting Pittsburgh twice and are currently on an eight-game win streak.

Despite the Penguins’ best effort, including goaltender Matt Murray, who was in net against Tampa for both games, Pittsburgh managed to score only three goals compared to Lightning’s six, though one being an empty-netter goal.

In the first matchup, Tampa was ahead the whole game 3–1 ‘til the third. All it took was a bad pass in the offensive zone from Mikhail Sergachev to bring them within one. The rogue pass went through Mitchell Stephen’s legs, off the boards, then straight to Malkin.

Geno carried the puck past both blue lines and swung around the net, where John Marino was open in front of the net to bring Pittsburgh within one. Due to an empty-netter, they couldn’t pull away with a win. The Lightning claimed victory, 4–2.

Marino did not make it through the rest of the third period. With four minutes left, Marino took a one timer, deflection to the face and immediately fell to the ice. The slap shot came from Stamkos but deflected off Aston-Reese’s stick and up into Marino’s face. Marino underwent surgery Monday afternoon.

Mike Sullivan was optimistic

(TNS) Pittsburgh traded for Jason Zucker (left) this week.

about the injury, saying, “... when injuries occur, it’s going to provide opportunities for others to step up and continue to help this team move forward.”

Marino is expected to return in three-to-six weeks.

It wasn’t all bad through the week, though. The Penguins pulled out a win against the Florida Panthers (30–30–6). Kris Letang scored first after getting a breakaway goal coming off a penalty kill from Pittsburgh. Teddy Blueger rallied next for another goal. Johnson threw on net, then after a few bounces of a Panthers’ d-man’s leg, it went left of the net, right where Blue was coming around, 2–0 Burgh.

Frank Vatrano took a pass past through the blue line, then carried the puck to the outer circle, which opened up center after being followed by the lone defensemen, Letang. He passed it back to Hoff-

man, who ripped one past a trailing Jack Johnson who was expecting a pass, then past the netminder, Tristan Jarry. The Panthers were within one.

All it took was another power play chance for Pittsburgh to score again. After a few fumbled passes and some shots on net, it went back to the point to Jarred McCann. He took a shot on net, which was deflected by Sidney Crosby, who called for the pass prior to his shot. Not long after that, Brett Connolly slipped another goal past Jarry. But that would be all they scored, and Pittsburgh would head back home with a win in their pocket.

Due to recent injuries such as Guentzel and Kahun, Pittsburgh was looking for someone to fill an offensive position in the lineup. But

for GM Jim Rutheford, he knew he had to replace the talent that was there prior to these two being injured. The GM had his eyes set on Minnesota and forward Jason Zucker.

There were some early hints as to his current trade that may have been in the works for quite some time. Just a little negotiation from Pittsburgh’s GM and the offer of their first-round pick plus a few add-ons made it a worthwhile trade for former penguin Bill Guerin. The Wild earned in the trade Alex Galchenyuk and minor league defensemen, Caleb Addison, plus the 2020 first round pick on a conditional basis.

Jason Zucker has scored 90 goals in the last three or so seasons. Zucker’s contract contin-

JASON ZUCKER

ues through 2023, and his cap hit of $5.5 million made for an easy choice when adding to the deal a prospect from the minor league.

Zucker looks to be a part of Pittsburgh’s top six.

With Rutherford’s trade of Addison, the Penguins prospect isn’t something of great glory. Seemingly, Addison may have proven himself to be one of the best after proving immense skill in the World Juniors Tournament last year.

GMJR is looking for a “win now” idealism. It’s hard not to having two of the best players in the sport on the same team. But they can’t stay young and skilled forever.

It’s up to the coaching staff, the managers, and the players alike to do their best and be the best they can while they had the dynamic duo of Crosby and Malkin, as well as other prime and high-level veterans on the team.

February 14, 2020

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February 14, 2020

Sports

(TNS) The Flyers earned a statement win by defeating the Washington Capitals.

Flyers clawing at fringe of playoff spot in East AUSTIN SMITH

Staff Writer A.S.Smith7@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

The Flyers are on a mission right now looking to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference 2020 playoffs.

The Orange and Black have been on a roll as of late.

This season is a different breed as far as the standings go. The Eastern Conference has been a dominate division and doesn’t look like it’s slowing down.

The Flyers have rallied and made a statement against some of the best teams in the NHL recently and some of the lowest teams.

In the past few weeks, it started with a 3–0 shutout win against the Detroit Red Wings in Michigan.

This might have not have been

a big surprise who you thought would have won this game, but the Flyers have had trouble on the road this season. They have been very inconsistent on the road, and that’s about it. They have beaten the best teams on the road, which has been a great lift for Philadelphia.

So, with that big shutout against the Wings, the Flyers headed back to the Wells Fargo Center a few days later where they took on the New Jersey Devils.

With shutting out the Devils 4–0 in their previous meeting earlier on with Carter Hart in net, Brian Elliott would look to do the same.

Unfortunately, things did not go well that game for Philly as New Jersey shut the Flyers out 5–0, which has been rare for Philadelphia to lose on home ice this season.

The Broad Street Bullies put the embarrassing loss to the Devils behind as they had a tough Washington team on the road to face a few days after.

Elliott was looking to rebound, and he sure did that as well as the offense exploding for the Flyers.

The Flyers went on to win 7–2 at Capital One Arena and put a bold statement to the Capitals and the NHL. This was another prime example why the Orange and Black are a team to be reckoned with in the NHL, especially in the Eastern Conference. When Philadelphia has its lines rolling and Hart and Elliot are playing well, they are tough to beat.

The Flyers had then gone back to the friendly confines of Wells

Fargo Center to face a tough and pesky Florida Panthers team. Hart was between the pipes and made his return off injury. He looked just fine as the Flyers took care of the Cats 4–1.

The Flyers did a great job holding off the Big Cats’ offensive weapons like Jonathon Huberdeau, Alexsander Barkov and Evgenii Dadonov as well as Mike Hoffman. The Flyers played well in the neutral zone and held them off for the most part.

The Flyers’ fourth liners like Connor Bunnaman and Nicholas AubeKubel were also a key factor in the 4–1 win as they created a lot of offensive chances.

The Flyers’ most recent game was against another Metropolitan opponent, the New York Islanders,

who are one of the top defensive teams.

Dangerous offensive players like Matthew Barzal and Brock Nelson were to be a lookout for in the game. The list goes on and on, but the Islanders took a 3–0 lead against Philly early on.

The Flyers were able to tie it back up late in the game, but the Islanders would win 5–3 in regulation. With not even 40 seconds left, Ryan Pulock would take a slapshot from Matt Barzal at the point and rip it past Elliot’s blocker to break the score.

The Orange and Black were close to taking the game to overtime, but they could not quite get there. The Flyers look to bounce back and get in the win column as they must keep earning points.

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February 14, 2020

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February 14, 2020

Sports

(TNS) Houston Astros’ manager Dusty Baker (left) and owner Jim Crane (right) held a press conference as the team reported to Spring Training.

Astros’ half-hearted apology for scandal was laughable DYLAN HERNANDEZ Los Angeles Times TNS Jim Crane was like an emperor without clothes.

His billions couldn’t protect him, not as he was seated behind a microphone at the Houston Astros’ spring training complex in front of reporters demanding answers.

“Our opinion is that this didn’t impact the game,” Crane said of the sign-stealing scheme that helped his team take down the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series.

Less than a minute later, Crane was asked what he meant by that.

“I didn’t say it didn’t impact the game,” he said.

Los Angeles had Donald Sterling and Frank McCourt.

Houston has Jim Crane.

Like Sterling and McCourt before him, Crane came across as an out-of-touch plutocrat used to people telling him they agree with whatever nonsense comes out of his mouth.

Speaking to an audience that wasn’t financially beholden to him, Crane looked small and sounded lost.

Many details of the Astros’ electronically powered cheating system

remain a mystery, as the baseball industry views the commissioner’s report on the subject as incomplete, if not fictitious. While the mea culpa news conference Thursday didn’t reveal the extent of the Astros’ fraud, it completely exposed Crane.

Crane’s demeanor was that of a person used to getting what he wants, and what the owner wanted in this case was to not take any responsibility for his team’s cheating and to protect its only championship.

“Clearly, the report states I didn’t know about it,” he said. “No, I don’t think I should be held accountable.”

Crane made multiple references to the commissioner’s report, even though the commissioner works for the owners and the report reads like something Crane may have co-authored.

He made the laughable argument that he went “above and beyond” by firing general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch after they were suspended for a year by the league over the scandal.

“I also agree that our players should not be punished for these actions,” Crane said. “These are a

great group of guys who did not receive proper guidance from their leaders.”

But the reason the players were unpunished had nothing to do with a lack of culpability. They were granted immunity in exchange for talking to investigators. If they had been suspended, there would have been pushback from the union.

“I’ll refer to the commissioner’s report,” Crane said. “He’s taken a position, and I agree with it, the players weren’t going to be held accountable. The leaders were held accountable.”

Reminded there were logistical considerations for that, Crane replied, “I think I’ve done just about everything I can.”

He mentioned Luhnow and Hinch again.

“The commissioner has dealt with the players and I stand by his decision,” Crane said. “I’m not trying to hide behind the decision.”

Except he was.

Crane’s clumsy double talk reached a point where it became unclear why the Astros were holding a news conference.

Crane said he was sorry, only he didn’t sound sorry.

Asked if his team cheated, Crane replied, “We broke the rules. You

can phrase that any way you want.”

Doesn’t the fact the Astros used the sign-stealing system as much as they did indicate they believed it worked?

“I stated where the commissioner stands on this,” he said. “I stated where I stand on this. To determine the effect and the cause is, in my opinion, almost impossible.”

So why was he apologizing?

“We’re apologizing because we broke the rules,” he said.

Whatever that means.

In the immediate aftermath of the news conference, the Astros opened their clubhouse to the media and made their players answer for what they did.

Crane almost certainly retreated to the bubble of ignorance in which he resides, his lackeys convincing him the news conference wasn’t a train wreck or the media was to blame for the negative reaction to what he said. This is both the gift and the curse of wealth.

In other news, Major League Baseball announced rules changes Wednesday for the 2020 season, including a three-batter minimum for relief pitchers and active roster limits increasing from 25 to 26 through Aug. 31.

The three-batter minimum for

relievers will be in place for spring training.

Other pitching changes include clubs carrying a maximum of 13 pitchers during the regular season through Aug. 31 and again in the postseason. Teams can have 14 pitchers from Sept. 1 through the end of the regular season when rosters expand to 28 instead of 40.

Also, position players can pitch in a game only after the ninth inning unless their team is losing or winning by more than six runs.

The changes were agreed upon

by MLB and the players association in March.

In other rules changes: – In an effort to speed up games, managers will be given 20 seconds, instead of 30, to declare if they will challenge a play.

– Rosters can be expanded to 27 players for doubleheaders, including a 14th pitcher.

– Pitchers placed on the injured list can be recalled after 15 days instead of 10.

– Two-way designations will exist for players who have pitched at least 20 innings and started 20 games as a position player or designated hitter with at least three plate appearances in the previous season (or two, only this year)