Volume 68 Issue 12

THE HIGHLANDER

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

FOR THE WEEK OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2020

VOL. 68, ISSUE 12

est. 1954

HAPPY

New Year

2020!

Chancellor Wilcox announces that 2020 commencement will remain on-campus

AMANI MAHMOUD Senior Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Chancellor Kim A. Wilcox sent a campus-wide email announcing that the 2020 commencement ceremonies will remain on campus. The full list of dates and times will be posted on the UCR Commencement website before the end of this month.

In his email, Wilcox stated that the Commencement Working Group reviewed substantial survey data and logistical information and engaged in robust and spirited discussion.

COURTESY OF UCR REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

► SEE COMMENCEMENT PAGE 5

Read more!

Radar: ‘The Mandalorian’ review, Pg. 13 Sports: Top UCR sports moments, Pg. 18-19 Opinions: UK elections, Pg. 8

f UCR Highlander Newspaper @UCRHighlander HighlanderTV NEWS 4

OPINIONS 7

FEATURES 11

RADAR 13

SPORTS 20

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

HUMANS OF UCR

UPCOMING EVENTS: WEEK 1

GEORGE PADILLA | PHYSICS | FOURTH-YEAR COMPILED BY MARTIN LOPEZ

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Tuesday

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Provost Search Open Forum 11:00am to 12:00pm HUB (Highlander Union Building), 260

Resume Writing 1:00pm to 2:30pm HUB 355

Set Your Intention 12:00pm to 1:30pm UCR Bell Tower, The Rock @ SRC

Using the MESC: Org Info Session 5:00pm to 6:00pm HUB (Highlander Union Building), 367

Wednesday

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Thursday

“Something that gives me, us, meaning can be seen in something of meaning itself. As humans we are curious creatures bound by our creativity and thirst for knowledge and truth. I, for one, have been given meaning from my lack of meaning. Depression and negative thoughts, those which

Pot - A - Plant Women’s Basketball vs UC, Davis 1:00pm to 2:30pm 7:00pm to 9:00pm HUB (Highlander Union Building), 269 Student Recreation Center (SRC), Arena

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Women’s March Poster Making 3:00pm to 5:00pm HUB 355

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Men’s Basketball vs Cal State Fullerton 5:00pm to 7:00pm Student Recreation Center (SRC), Arena

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UCR Botanic Gardens Rose Pruning Demonstration 1:00pm to 3:00pm UCR Botanic Gardens Rose Garden

Friday

seldom drown me in darkness of my own mind, aid in my pursuit for meaning, albeit seeming counterproductive. It might come in many shapes and forms, but for me, ‘meaning’ comes as a reminder to keep trying to better myself, my friends and my family. I wouldn’t be afraid of this so called darkness as light shines most profound in its own absence. There is no reason to fear it; allow

Saturday

it to motivate you to strive for meaning.“

Sunday

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Entomology ENTM250 Seminar Adam Dolezal 4:00pm to 4:50pm Genomics Building, 1102A Genomics Auditorium

Monday

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UCR Theatre Auditions for Winter Film Shoot: “The Box” 5:00pm to 9:00pm Arts Building, Conference Room, ARTS 215 (on the 2nd floor)

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

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NEWS IN BRIEF: $20 max cumulative fine goes into effect at the UCR Library

LAURA ANAYA-MORGA Senior Staff Writer

Effective Monday, Jan. 6, the UCR Library adopted a new maximum $20 cumulative fine for all reserve and recall fines.

Previously, the maximum fine was $100, and all library privileges, interlibrary loans and course reserves would be suspended until the owed amount was paid in full and the hold was lifted from the account.

According to the UCR Library’s fines and fees policy, fines are placed on an account after 21 days of any library material being overdue. The same goes for interlibrary loans and recalled material. In an email sent to

students, the UCR Library wrote that the decision to change the maximum fine amount was in an effort to make it “easier for patrons to clear their accounts and reinstate borrowing privileges quickly by keeping the balance lower.”

Anyone who previously had library fines ranging from $20 to $99 had until Jan. 6 to pay their dues before any holds were placed on their account. However, holds can still be cleared after the fines are paid.

Students can check their account online to find out if they owe any amount and can either pay their fees online or appeal their bill if they H believe they were charged in error. ■

ARCHIVE / HIGHLANDER

Parking Structure 1, set to begin construction in late January, will result in the loss of 487 parking spaces

COURTESY OF UC RIVERSIDE

LAURA ANAYA-MORGA Senior Staff Writer

The first two phases of construction for the new parking structure located in Lot 13, also known as Parking Structures 1 (PS1), is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 20. This will commence Phase A and Phase B of the year-long project schedule, which will close down the eastern half of Lot 13 and thus result in the loss of 487 blue pass parking spaces.

Transportation and Parking Services

(TAPS) is aware of the inconvenience this may pose to blue Lot 13 permit holders and according to their website, they began making changes in July to prepare for the closure of the approximate 500 spaces.

These changes included a marketing push for alternative commuter options such as carpool, bussing and walking. TAPS also increased utilization of all permitted parking spaces including on-campus residential parking.

The loss of spaces will increase the

demand for parking during peak hours and TAPS urges those who are coming to campus at those times to consider alternate parking or transportation options such as the Hunter Park Metrolink station. TAPS is also currently contacting and relocating Lot 13 permit holders who will be affected “based on existing waitlists and parking lot utilization.”TAPS advised permit holders to avoid going off-campus for lunch or local meetings on their website.

The mission for the entire PS1 project is to add 800 new parking spaces by next year.

According to their website, TAPS hopes to create an “open concept parking structure that will achieve energy conservation and incorporate enhanced parking space features by integrating modern technology” including parking permit dispensers, a tire inflation station, Wi-Fi interior and exterior, solar ready roof and a parking space counting system. TAPS hopes to design a structure

that “promotes a safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle friendly environment with the inclusion of bicycle racks, security cameras, and open views.”

The structure will reflect TAPS’ mission to provide sustainable building operations by delivering the project with a minimum ParkSmart rating of ‘Bronze’ by the Green Business Certification, Inc. (GBCI) as well as meet Cal-Green building codes and provide 104 Level-I electric vehicle charging spaces where electric vehicle owners can recharge vehicles at lower costs.

Phase B of construction is set to conclude on Friday, May 15, which will open up 93 of the blue spaces that had previously been closed down and more spaces will be gradually opening up after late fall quarter 2020. The project is set to conclude during winter quarter of 2021.

TAPS representatives did not respond to H The Highlander’s requests for comment. ■

Commencement Working Group holds meeting to discuss 2020 ceremony

ANTONIO VELAOCHAGA Contributing Writer

On Monday, Dec. 2, the Commencement Working Group held their second meeting to determine the best location for UCR’s 2020 graduation ceremonies. The Commencement Working Group was created to collaborate and brainstorm a course of action to present to Chancellor Wilcox regarding the 2020 commencement ceremony. The meeting was moderated by the co-chairs of the committee, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Brian Haynes and CNAS Dean Kathryn Uhrich.

The committee was made up of 20 faculty, staff and students.

Some of the committee members include: CHASS Associate Dean Alicia Arrizon, CHASS Event Services coordinator Julie Salgado, ASUCR President Julian Gonzalez and GSA representative Jessica Moronez.

The Commencement Working Group gave their recommendation to Wilcox following the meeting. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Wilcox emailed the UCR campus

community and said, “I have accepted the working group’s recommendation to keep the 2020 commencement ceremonies on campus.”

They determined that the best course of action would be to maintain the status quo of previous graduation ceremonies for the upcoming 2020 commencement.

Therefore, there will be seven ceremonies that will be held on campus (Pierce Lawn, HUB, Rivera), each student will be provided at least four guest tickets, there will be no keynote speakers and students can submit three-minute speeches for commencement.

The shortage of tickets for each graduating student was another cause for concern since UCR’s campus has a smaller size capacity in relation to the number of students and the families that would attend the commencement ceremonies. During the meeting, members expressed concern that some of the ceremonies may be understaffed if held on campus. Input from students and consistent communication with students regarding the process of designing the new

MARTIN LOPEZ /HIGHLANDER

commencement ceremonies was another important matter that was frequently raised during the meeting. A primary factor in the committee’s recommendation to Wilcox was the desire to allow enough time for students, families, faculty and staff to prepare for commencement.

The Commencement Working Group

will continue discussing the direction that UCR’s graduation ceremonies can head during this spring quarter as they plan for the 2021 commencement and beyond. Tickets, dates, times and other information regarding the 2020 graduation commencement is provided on the UCR commencement website.

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NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

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Chancellor Wilcox announces that 2020 commencement will remain on-campus

► FROM COMMENCEMENT

The group’s consensus was that the campus should maintain the same format in 2020 that was in place in 2019, while recognizing that graduates may receive a limited number of guest tickets and that the current venue conditions are less than ideal. “Although there may be creative ways to improve the current format, the group determined there isn’t sufficient time to fully prepare alternatives for the 2020 commencement ceremonies,” stated Wilcox.

Wilcox added, “I have accepted the working group’s recommendation to keep the 2020 commencement ceremonies on campus ... I am very grateful to the hundreds of students, alumni, staff, and faculty that have provided input thus far.” He also stated that the broad engagement of campus stakeholders has yielded a positive and open dialogue and he looks forward to everyone’s recommendations and participation in future commencement ceremonies.

“I am hopeful that our collective

efforts will help us identify and implement a set of high-quality commencement ceremonies that celebrate our campus and distinctive student body. In closing, I wish to acknowledge the time and contributions of the working group members (listed below), as they continue to deliberate upon options for the future,” wrote Wilcox. Members of the working group included Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Brian Haynes, who served as co-chair of the working group, along with Dean of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Kathryn Uhrich.

ASUCR President Julian Gonzalez also served on the working group. In October of 2019, Gonzalez created a petition on change.org to keep the traditional location and ceremony for the 2020 UCR Commencement. The petition received 32,624 signatures. Gonzalez did not respond to The Highlander’s requests for comment regarding Wilcox’s decision to keep commencement on campus.

MARTIN LOPEZ/ HIGHLANDER

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Gonzalez announced on the change.org that the petition was a victory. He wrote, “UC Riverside, (sic) will have Commencement 2020 on campus and students names will be read. Furthermore, students will

now be involved in the decision making process for future ceremonies! Thank you to everyone for the support. To the UC Riverside student body, thank you for the fight you all contributed to having your voices be heard.”

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ASUCR

Members of ASUCR express concern with rescheduled meeting and debate over eligibility requirements for directors

MARTIN LOPEZ/ HIGHLANDER

AMANI MAHMOUD Senior Staff Writer

On Sunday, Dec. 2, ASUCR held their last meeting of the fall quarter.

The meeting was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Dec. 4 but was rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 for unknown reasons.

During the Approval of Agenda, President Pro Tempore Preeti Juturu pointed out that the Legislative Review Committee meets on Mondays to approve legislation. Juturu stated that according to Chapter 13, Section G of the ASUCR bylaws, the Legislative Review Committee must submit all new and updated legislation to the senate 48 hours prior to its vote. Since the ASUCR meeting was rescheduled for Monday, the legislation was not submitted to the senate 48 hours in advance of their meeting.

Juturu then questioned if the senate was still permitted to vote on the legislation.

Executive Vice President (EVP) Abigail Cortes stated that if the senate wished to vote on the legislation regardless, they could. The senate then voted to approve the agenda 7-5-1.

The meeting then moved on to Committee Reports.

SB-F19-018: Amendment to Chapter XXXI: Revising Executive Cabinet Eligibility was discussed and debated in length by the senate. This bill intended to clarify what

positions are intended to be considered a part of the executive cabinet versus the extended executive cabinet. The bill intended to clarify the one-year experience requirement for directors.

The bill would clarify that directors do not need one-year of ASUCR experience.

Juturu stated that the bylaws do not discuss and break down the requirements for directors. She stated that there are discrepancies within the bylaws since directors are non-voting members.

BCOE Senator Maurice Armstrong stated that he did not agree with eliminating the required one year of experience for directors. He stated that he disagreed with the thought that the undergraduate sustainability director, personnel director and marketing and promotions director should not be required to have one year of experience.

Juturu responded by saying that, “My only concern with this is the lack of specifics of who should have one year of experience and who shouldn’t.” She went on to state that applicants should be considered based on prior work experience, even if their experience was not within ASUCR. “It makes more sense for some positions to have a year experience because of the complicated committee functions,” stated Juturu.

The bill was initially passed 12-01, however, the senate then decided to amend their vote and discussed whether

the marketing and promotions director should be required to have one year of experience. They also discussed whether or not the personnel director and undergraduate sustainability director should have one-year of experience. After discussion, the vote to require that these positions must have at least one year of ASUCR experience was approved with a vote of 9-3-0 according to the ASUCR meeting minutes.

Transfer/Non-Traditional Director Eric Calderon approached the podium during Public Comment. Calderson stated, “I know that this meeting was rescheduled for today. I just wanted to see if it was within our rights to do so ... times are set for meetings so that we remain transparent and ensuring that people are aware of what is going on ... I just wanted to point out that it is important that we give proper notices in the case of emergencies like these that may occur.”

Calderon went on to state that they need to make a stronger effort to ensure that students know when we are going to be here. “I think that giving short notice for things like these is always problematic,” said Calderon, “We have to work harder to ensure that the word gets out there.”

Calderon added that ASUCR should try to maximize the time of their meetings.

He stated, “This is the only time we can all meet, deliberate and discuss. I think it is important that we utilize this time

wisely. We should try to change our mentality and be excited to be here.”

After Calderon’s comment, Juturu also expressed her concern with the rescheduling of the meeting and questioned why the meeting was rescheduled. EVP Cortes stated that there was a conflict that did not allow them to hold the meeting on Wednesday, but did not specify as to what that conflict was.

During Senator Reports, CNAS Senator Natalie Hernandez, CHASS Senator Angel Cuevas, BCOE Senator Leo Ngo, CHASS Senator Isaiah Kim, CNAS Senator Matthew Nguyen, CNAS Senator Jaime Perez, CHASS Senator Ky Nguyen, CHASS Senator Nelson Huerta and CHASS Senator Angelica Garcia did not have anything to report.

The meeting then moved on to Roundtable and Announcements. GSOE Senator Evelyn Castaneda expressed her concern with decisions such as the rescheduling of the ASUCR meeting and previous closed ballot votes. Castaneda stated, “I want to reiterate that it is important that we receive 48 hours notice about the rescheduling of meetings. I also want to be aware of the reasoning behind small decisions being made such as the decision to partake in closed ballot votes without any reasoning.”

EVP Cortes expressed her concern with the lack of senator reports. Cortes stated, “That is pretty much the fourth week in a row that you haven’t given a report if you did not give one today.”

She noted that the week prior they did not have a meeting, the week before that was the State of the Association meeting (where senators were not required to give a report) and the week before was when senators began to lack reports. She stated, “That is four weeks in a row that you have not gotten any work done. Keep in mind you are in this role and expected to create work. You should not be doing the bare minimum. You should be at least trying a little bit to have something to say at every single senate meeting. It is really disappointing to hear that so many of you do not have a senator report.”

The next ASUCR meeting will take place in the ASUCR Senate Chambers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6:45 p.m.

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Opinions

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

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HIGHLANDER EDITORIAL

A message to celebrities who are ‘Fonda’ political activism: please don’t distract from your cause photo here (:

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wo-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda spent part of her 82nd birthday in a Washington, D.C. jail this past December.

This wouldn’t be the first time the celebrity has been cuffed and detained, though not for the reasons celebrities usually are. This will be Fonda’s fifth arrest since she began protesting climate change through displays of civil disobedience back in October of 2019. Inspired by youth climate activist Greta Thunberg, the star has devoted herself to going out every Friday and getting arrested for protesting in front of the Capitol Building in an effort to raise awareness of the world’s current climate crisis. The protests are set to continue until she resumes shooting the seventh season of “Grace and Frankie” in early January 2020, and though her intentions seem honest, some have suggested that the protests are little more than an extended publicity stunt. Regardless of whether or not this is true in Fonda’s case, her recent demonstrations have prompted discussion on what “celebrity activism” should look like.

It would be erroneous and meanspirited to argue that celebrities, as a rule, cannot be trusted to be proper activists simply because of their star status. History has not only shown such a line of reasoning to be untrue, but that celebrity star power can, in fact, have a substantial impact on contemporary issues. Beloved actor and former

COURTESY OF TED EYTAN VIA FLICKR

NFL star Terry Crews’ decision to speak out about his own experience with sexual assault has helped bolster the #MeToo movement by demonstrating that sexual assault is a serious issue that affects people regardless of gender or status.

Even celebrities who aren’t typically pegged as the activist type have been known to champion meaningful causes.

Notably, Kim Kardashian West advocated for prison reform and, more specifically, the commutation of Alice Marie Johnson’s prison sentence. Johnson was originally sentenced in 1996 for her participation in drug trafficking, as she was alleged to have let those involved in said drug trafficking make use of her telephone.

Compelled by Johnson’s story, Kardashian West went so far as to meet with Donald Trump in an attempt to convince the U.S. president to commute Johnson’s sentence — an attempt that would have been impossible without her celebrity status. Trump pardoned Johnson soon after, and Kardashian West has since continued pushing for prison reform.

In spite of the recent criticism, Fonda herself appears to be making a commendable effort in her fight to raise awareness about climate change. Whether one agrees that her particular method of protest is effective or not, it isn’t hard to see the reasoning behind her mass-arrest tactics. Fatigued by the Trump administration’s refusal to acknowledge the dangers of climate change, Fonda has spent

the last three months organizing protests from a hotel near the Capitol Building.

And this isn’t the first time Fonda has championed a cause.

The actress has an extensive history of activism, dating as far back as the 1970s when she opposed the war in Vietnam. She has put her celebrity weight behind a host of other causes since then, from civil rights to women’s rights. Looking back at her activist track record, it would seem that Fonda’s heart is in the right place.

That being said, while Fonda may have her mind set on achieving substantial change, some celebrity “activists” appear to have greater concerns. Before showering celebrities with effusive praise for supporting a cause, one should always ask themselves who is benefiting from this activism. A grassroots event can quickly turn into a photoshoot. Brand promotion is a chief concern for most celebrities, but lazy activism for the sake of building one’s platform can be incredibly damaging to a cause.

Intentions be damned, it is all too easy for a celebrity’s “star power” to overshadow the work countless other activists put into the cause. This is something that Fonda is acutely aware of, as is evident in her hesitance to join organizations like Greenpeace for fear of stealing attention away from young activists. But other celebrities, like the musician Bono, who was awarded “Woman of the Year” by Glamour in 2016 for his support of causes like Poverty

is Sexist, appear less concerned with their potential for diverting attention away from the very thing they are advocating for. It seems as though every celebrity has their own cause celebre these days, but a lackadaisical approach to activism should suggest to viewers that the celebrity’s intentions may not be as noble as they would have one believe.

To further highlight the perils of celebrity activism, as time goes on, Fonda’s own demonstrations may be losing steam. An article in the New York Times describes Fonda’s decision to abstain from a recent protest so as to avoid 30 days jail time, which has led some to doubt the sincerity of her dedication to the cause. Furthermore, law enforcement’s response to the protests has been tepid at best, with police more amused with the protestors than anything else.

Another article explains that, during one protest, a shorter bus was used to transport arrestees so that the aging Fonda might have an easier time boarding it. Media coverage is now all too concerned with superficial details like these, diverting attention away from the original impetus for the protests: climate change.

A celebrity receiving a slap on the wrist does not carry with it the kind of weight needed to get people to care about these issues, and the last thing protestors want is for Fonda’s days of civil disobedience to turn into the publicity stunt so many have accused it of being — in the headlines today and then

swept into obscurity with next week’s news rush.

As is the case with all forms of activism, the cause should always come first. The attention a celebrity brings to an issue is undeniable, but the celebrity themselves should never attempt to become the central focus of the news coverage. Of course, this is a two-way street, and just as celebrities should be careful not to smother the movements they support, the media must be careful to direct the spotlight towards said movements. To be sure, it’s great to see Jane Fonda, Ted Dansen and other celebrities show interest in issues that impact the world on a global scale, but they shouldn’t always be in the headlines.

Celebrities have been partaking in activism for decades. Climate change will not end because Jane Fonda, or any other celebrity for that matter, said it should, but society shouldn’t discourage celebrities from being outspoken on these issues. Star power can be a useful tool for gathering support as long as the main message isn’t obscured. At the end of the day, if somebody’s love for Fonda’s “Grace and Frankie” ultimately results in them educating themselves on the looming threat of climate change, it’s going to be hard to complain.

■H Highlander editorials reflect the majority view of the Highlander Editorial Board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Associated Students of UCR or the University of California system.

8 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/opinions

OPINION POLL Compiled by Martin Lopez Senior Staff Photographer

“What are your New Years resolutions?”

Colin Carney Political Science Third-year

Samuel Harrison Psychology Fourth-Year

Preeti Juturu Public Policy Second-Year

Cody Davis Business Fourth-Year

Silvia Ferrer Political Science Fourth-Year

“My resolution is to think of a resolution for 2021.”

“This year I’m going to try to stick to my reading goals. I hope to have 25 novels read by 2021.”

“Take care of myself because no one is going to do that for me, only me.”

“My goal is to write an article at some point in this quarter but chill if it doesn’t happen.”

“I hope to prioritize myself and stop procrastinating in the New Year.”

Jordan Hom Media and Cultural Studies Fourth-year

“I would like to have a 4.0 quarter and create as many positive memories as I can before I graduate.”

The UK election results are the best of a bad situation

COLIN CARNEY Senior Staff Writer

On Thursday, Dec. 12, the British people voted to keep Boris Johnson as their prime minister. His Conservative Party won an overwhelming majority in Parliament while their main opponents, the Labour Party, suffered a massive defeat. Despite failing to finalize Brexit with a slim majority in the past, the Conservative victory this past December may actually be the best case scenario given the situation the UK finds itself in.

Going into the election, the Conservative Party controlled the government but lacked an absolute majority. In order to form a government and get legislation passed, then Prime Minister Theresa May made an alliance with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). This alliance made getting a withdrawal agreement negotiated and passed extremely difficult as concerns over the Irish border plagued negotiations. This coupled with strong opposition from the Labour Party forced Theresa May to step down and compelled her successor Boris Johnson to call for another election.

On the opposite side of the aisle was the Labour Party. Like Johnson, the Labour Party’s leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has proven to be divisive; however, many of his critics come from within his own party as well as from without. Labour has been dealing with widespread accusations of antiSemitism, and Corbyn’s handling of the situation has also been criticized heavily. Furthermore, Corbyn’s Brexit plan has done little to rally Labour voters who voted to leave in 2016. The Labour party’s plan was to negotiate a new withdrawal agreement with the EU and then have the people vote on their deal or remain, during which Corbyn would remain neutral and not take a side. This indecisiveness from Corbyn coupled with his controversial leadership as of late has made him a less than ideal candidate to go up against Johnson.

Going into the election, neither party seemed ideal. The conservatives were divisive and had failed to deliver on Brexit in the past. On the other hand, Labour was riddled with scandal and

COURTESY OF CHATMAN HOUSE VIA FLICKR

division, much of which surrounded its leader, Corbyn. These lackluster options leaves much to be desired especially during a crucial point in British politics, however, given the immense desire to finally see Brexit done with, the Conservative Party’s victory is likely the best option.

Regardless of what one’s opinions are regarding Brexit, the British people voted to leave the European Union (EU) in 2016 and as damaging as it may be to leave it, it is more damaging to continue living in a constant state of uncertainty. This uncertainty has made it nearly impossible for British companies to adequately prepare for the UK’s withdrawal causing them to waste resources in vain attempts to prepare themselves. Brexit needs to be finalized and the Conservative Party was the only electable party that offered a definitive plan to get it done. Johnson has a withdrawal

agreement negotiated with the EU and only needs a majority to pass it.

Corbyn’s plan offered no definitive answers and would’ve likely resulted in another prolonged Brexit process.

Additionally, the fact that Johnson won a clear majority means that he can get his deal passed without having to worry about severe in-fighting and appeasing the DUP. Another hung parliament would’ve doomed the UK to another endless Brexit process.

Additionally, the Conservatives also won several seats historically held by the Labour Party. This means that the Conservative base has become far more diverse as they now represent several working class constituencies that Johnson will now be held accountable to.

Furthermore, the liberal Scottish National Party (SNP) won overwhelmingly in Scotland as they ran on a staunchly pro-EU and pro-

independence platform. Though they don’t hold nearly as many seats as the Conservatives or Labour, their majority in Scotland ensures that the SNP will use every legal means at their disposal to hold Johnson accountable and maybe even get another independence referendum.

All in all, the future of the UK and its role in Europe and the world is still uncertain. Boris Johnson’s win is by no means a guarantee that Brexit will be done in a way that isn’t damaging. Serious concerns over the Irish border, future trade agreements and the possibility of a fractured United Kingdom still loom ominously overhead. All that can be said is that the Conservatives were the only party that offered a clear message on Brexit that resonated with enough voters to get them a majority capable of passing meaningful legislation.

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

Plant-based diets: how a dietary shift can yield healthier results

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MADISON RHEINS Contributing Writer

Moving into the new decade, there have been an abundant amount of alternatives to combat unhealthy eating habits in order to promote a cleaner lifestyle. The widespread internet shaming of the vegan way of life has actually given a lot of insight into the true nature of plant-based diets. After many new plant-based food joints started opening up across the country, and a vegan-centered Netflix original was released, people are starting to notice that vegans may be onto something.

For decades, trusted fitness professionals and health gurus have praised the traditional diet consisting of lean meats like chicken and fish in order to lead a clean lifestyle. While vegetables were still considered important, they were seen as playing more of a supporting role to white meats. People were pushed to look for results in their overall well-being after sticking to said diet and adding exercise.

However, although people were led on to believe they were doing the right thing, their bodies weren’t necessarily getting healthier. Their health, such as cholesterol levels still weren’t changing. People were getting restless and began looking for answers which lead to the immense rise in the relevance of the plant-based diet.

What people don’t realize is that the plant-based diet has been around for a very long time. Although many believe it stemmed from the growing concern for animal treatment, the reality is that its popularity has grown due to marketing strategies. Companies began to rebrand their products from being “vegan” to “plant based.” Foods that were plant based seemed more glamorous than meals that were just vegetarian. As soon as more

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people began transitioning to a plant-based diet, a great debate began. People had to decide which was healthier: the vegetarian diet or the completely vegan diet.

Plant-based diets have been proven to benefit the body more than diets that include white meat. Studies have compared the cholesterol levels of those who ingest white meat and those who ingest plant-based protein. The results show that participants who were assigned the vegan diet had better cholesterol levels than the participants who were allowed to eat white meat. It has been found that both white and red meat raise blood cholesterol and may contribute to heart disease. In fact, by increasing plant protein intake and decreasing meat intake, the chances of heart disease lowers and a longer life is more likely.

It’s time people start recognizing the scientific facts and give up on the chicken breasts and steaks. Most any beloved meat

product on the market today has a healthier alternative that tastes the same, looks the same and has the same texture. Beyond Meat products, which are being used in burgers at big fast food chains, are just a few of many meat alternatives that people can try in order to live a cleaner, healthier life. With innovative plant-based products becoming more prevalent today there is no real need or benefit in consuming meat.

Another added bonus in participating in the plant-based diet is that it provides a solution to an ethical problem. The slaying of animals would decrease exponentially. With more media attention on the cruel treatment of animals for our consumption such as dairy cows, people are looking to make a change starting with the things they eat.

Organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are reaching out to younger generations on social media platforms such as Twitter in order to spread their message on the negative welfare of

dairy cows. These instances help urge more people to switch to plant-based diets, not just for themselves, but for other living things on Earth.

The emergence of different milk substitutes has proven that cows don’t need to be the sole supplier for nutrients. Soy milk lowers bad cholesterol in the body and decreases the risk of heart disease. In regards to calcium, poppy, sesame and chia seeds have proven to contain high amounts of calcium along with other nutrients as a substitute for dairy products. Even with chicken, tofu or gardein has proven to provide the same look, texture and taste in favorite dishes like chicken nuggets and tenders.

The plant-based wave has been advancing and introducing tasty alternatives into homes, so that people don’t have to feel like they are making a huge sacrifice giving up meat. With new recipes only getting better with time, people can finally start to feel healthy.

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The real life ‘1984’: using facial recognition in public housing

VICTORIA DAVY Contributing Writer

Facial recognition and biometric technology has become a part of life. It is used for phones, laptops and even to clock into work, and very recently, property owners have expressed an interest in adding facial recognition and other biometric technology to public housing for added security. Tenants have responded with public outcry, and rightfully so, as using facial recognition and other biometric technology in the public housing sector is an invasion of privacy.

The use of facial recognition and biometric technology in public housing is so new that there are few regulations on what information can be collected. Because public housing is run by the government this biometric data could be used against anyone who applies for housing, including folks who are undocumented or who have prior criminal convictions. It’s like running a background check any time a person wants to come home. It is not something they can voluntarily turn off at any time.

The facial recognition and biometric technology would pose a safety risk because these personal identifiers would make it easier for a crime to be committed against a resident. Their personal

information could be taken and used by anyone with the know-how to hack into the system. The last couple of months have seen multiple news stories regarding home security systems being compromised. If something as simple as a personal home security can be compromised, so can a facial recognition system.

Though the implementation of facial recognition software brings with it a host of privacy issues, the technology may increase protection by preventing unauthorized people from entering the housing unit. Everyone coming into the housing complex would have a biometric marker on file.

However, the facial recognition software is not perfect. The software misidentifies the faces of people of color and women. The whole reason for having facial recognition is to identify who is coming in and out of the housing complex.

The facial recognition system can not keep unauthorized people out of the residence if it cannot even determine who is a resident.

Although facial recognition and biometric technology may be helpful in some instances, the decision to opt in for it should always be at the tenant’s discretion.

If the housing authorities wanted to use biometric technology in the public housing sector it should come with laws that protect H the privacy of those who have to use it. ■

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F EAT U R E F I CT I O N

Working for Friends By: Mark Bertumen, Senior Staff Writer

Beneath the solar panel shades of a Coffee Bean table sat Herm, finishing as much homework as a student could an hour before the deadline. Wind chilling his fingers, Habit fries to his left, Coffee Bean cup to his right, and his senses all over the place, Herm scrounged to make anything respectable for his writing class.

In the middle of his frantic pace, he wondered how much of this was self-inflicted. Perhaps he could have forgone hanging out with friends yesterday, “But now’s not the time to worry about that,” Herm told himself, “It’s important to socialize, right?” This was not his first time cutting it close, and he couldn’t stop himself from wondering why. He thought back to yesterday. Was it his friends? Was it just him?

“Whatever, let’s look at the prompt,” he said. The professor’s online assignment read as follows: “What is friendship to you?” Herm rolled his eyes. If the gods of fate ever wanted to poke fun at a mortal’s social life, this must have been it.

Before he could figure out an answer, an excited voice piped up. “Herm, is that you?!” Herm looked up and saw a familiar face: Terry, a high school friend holding a stained to-go bag from The Habit.

Herm rebounded the same excitement. “Terry? I haven’t seen you in two years!”

Terry took a seat across as she responded. “Yeah, I just transferred over from my old college! I forgot that you came here.”

As she ruffled her bag for her burger, Terry surveyed Herm’s disheveled surroundings. “Still working your butt off on classes? You really haven’t changed since high school.”

Nonchalantly, Herm relayed the reality: “As opposed to finishing this a week before it’s due, I’ve got an hour.”

“Are you serious? The professor’s got to be a jerk then,” Terry guessed. “Should I come back later? I can give you my new phone number,” she asked.

“No, no, you’re fine,” Herm said, a little giddy on the inside. He didn’t want such an old friend to just take off.

“It’s not the first time I’ve done this,” he explained. After three seconds of undisturbed keyboard clacking, Herm noticed Terry masticating a fair chunk of burger, gesturing “hold on” with her finger.

“Still as rude as ever, Ex-Terror,” he joked, but also blurted. The nickname started out with a middle-school “relationship” that lasted three days. It might have also grown from how Terry was an “ex-terror,” since she broke up with several guys back then. Herm knew that this made her cry back in high school and hoped that he didn’t bring up bad memories.

Terry swallowed and retaliated, “Still as lonely as ever, Hermit,” with a smirk on her face. With nothing but the air to Herm’s side, this childhood moniker was selfexplanatory. But it was ironic how Terry, well-known throughout middle and high school, came to be friends with Herm as he was.

Where others would feel offended, Herm laughed at the roast. “You’ve just proven my point. But for your information, I am at least 30% more social than I was back in high school,” he argued.

Still turning up the heat, Terry continued, “you can’t have 0.3 more friends.”

Knowing he was futilely fighting a professional burnmeister, Herm conceded. “Alright, that’s fair. But really, I’ve been hanging out with some new friends for a while now. Went out yesterday, even.” Terry’s eyes widened.

“Oooh, you made friennnnds on your own? Nice! What are they like? Anyone from back in high school?”

Rather than be prideful about his supposed progress, Herm pondered his response. “Well, uh, they really like partying. Like, a lot. Might have overslept today because of it.”

Terry raised her eyebrows. “You never seemed like the partying type. Are these friends or just people you know from class?”

Where others would feel offended, Herm spilled his guts. “Honestly, I think you’re spot on,” he said with a sigh. “I met these guys like a month ago because one of them was in my writing class, and we were working out here one day, and his friends passed by, and they invited me to a party, and I said yes …” he trailed off, gazing into the ground and feeling the exhaustion from his escapades.

After breathing in, Herm made himself clear: “I’m not social, we know that. I’m still not, but when you walk down this campus and see everyone else laughing it up with their friends, you start to wonder, ‘Man, I ain’t ever gonna know that.’ I think this past month is just me compensating, but in hindsight it isn’t helping. It’s also why I’m stressing like hell over this essay.”

Terry empathized. “Yeah, it isn’t a good idea. I think I was in your shoes, but more relationship-related.” Herm countered, “Well, yeah, but you had all those guys back in middle school, I don’t think it counted.” Terry’s mouth scrunched before she explained herself further. “No, I’m talking about high school. It was with Dave.” Herm was perplexed. “Dave? But you guys got along so well back then!”

Terry thought and experienced otherwise. “That was back in the freshman and sophomore year. It started out well, when he said something like ‘I’m not going to treat

you like they did. We’re older and we know what we’re doing.’ Like hell we did, but love makes you stupid.”

Herm snickered before he could stop himself. “Sorry, sorry, but what happened then?” he asked. “When it was our third year my parents divorced, but neither of them wanted me because of how much time I spent with Dave over them. Then Dave took me in, because he was living off inheritance, but it was then that he got more demanding. He asked me to clean the place, cook for him and all that because it was his house, and he never did anything himself. He said that he loved everything I did for him, but it just made me tired and honestly? I didn’t feel appreciated at all. Eventually I left him, and now he’s got an actual maid. I was lucky that an old friend took me in, and they’re a lot nicer.”

Herm was bewildered at what he just heard. Terry was the nicest person Herm ever met and to think she had gone through hell and back was insane to hear.

“Damn. Damn,” was all he could say. “Don’t worry, what happens happens,” Terry reassured. “My parents weren’t exactly doting to start with, and the divorce sort of sums up what it was like living with them.” She pondered what both her and her parents’ relationships felt like with a blank face.

“Everything just felt like work,” she finished. This was the person Herm had shared good times with back in high school? He couldn’t believe that. “But then there was you,” Terry said. Herm perked up at the line. “Honestly, you were one of my best friends back then. You were reading a book in class, I asked what it was, and you said ‘It’s about a big brother looking at everyone while they eat, sleep and shower.’ I laughed because it was so weird to hear, but it was funny anyway, and we sat down together and the rest is history. It sucks you haven’t found anyone that weird yet!”

Herm found it heartwarming to think that she remembered such an old memory. “So you liked me back then because I was weird?” Terry shook her head. “Maybe a bit, but I think unique is better. You’ve said the funniest things and somehow still gave the best advice. You’re quiet, but out of your shell you’re great to talk to! And none of it felt like work, right? It just happened, and it was fun. You’re my best friend!”

“Even after two years?” Herm thought. Out loud he said, “Same to you,” with a warm smile on his face.

“Two years? Who gives a damn?!” Terry laughed, and the two friends continued to catch up with each other, one eating a burger and another finishing up his work.

Somehow, Herm’s essay on friendship didn’t feel like work anymore.

■H

What is friendship?

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

EVENTS THIS WEEK 01/10

Film Premiere: “1917”

01/16

ASPB Presents: Free Film Premiere: “Bad Boys” 10:00 PM UV Theater

01/22

ASPB Presents: Rollercade 6:00 PM SRC

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a a i li a i i a al ia a a i a a i

BY: COLIN CARNEY, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Since “Star Wars: Return of the Jediâ€? wrapped up the original trilogy in 1983, the Star Wars ďŹ lms have drastically varied in quality. While both the prequel and sequel trilogy divided fans and critics alike, a different storytelling medium has managed to consistently captivate Star Wars fans: television. On the small screen, Star Wars has entertained fans with the widely beloved series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.â€? Even its successor “Star Wars: Rebelsâ€? has garnered fans appreciation, albeit not as much. However, Star Wars has yet to create a live-action television series, that is, until the Disney+ exclusive series, “The Mandalorian.â€? “The Mandalorianâ€? takes place shortly after the events of “Return of the Jediâ€? in the aftermath of the Empire’s defeat.

The titular Mandalorian (a creed of elite warriors) is a bounty hunter trying to make a living in the lawless outer rim until one bounty changes everything.

Rather than deliver an alien infant to an Imperial remnant warlord, the Mandalorian instead chooses to turn against his guild and defend the child at all costs. His decision forces him to live on the run from ruthless bounty hunters hell bent on acquiring the quarry and eliminating the Mandalorian. Along the way, he and the infant encounter a wide array of colorful characters and engage in a series of fascinating adventures in hopes of avoiding the crosshairs of any nearby hunter.

The overarching plot of this series is rather straightforward but beautifully executed. When the Mandalorian chooses to protect a helpless child rather than turn it over to an Imperial client he must spend each episode trying to stay alive and keep the child safe. The show starts off strong but strays a bit in the middle of the season. Despite always being present, largely due to the child’s adorable presence, some episodes start to lose sight of the main narrative and begin to feel like ďŹ ller missions of the week. Though by no means does that mean they become uninteresting or dull, but it does distract viewers from the main story and can make episodes seem pointless. However, by the ďŹ nal two episodes the show picks up its pace to deliver some of the best Star Wars content in years that brings the focus back to the overarching story.

Each episode is well paced and

feels like a western set in the Star Wars universe. The worlds the Mandolorian visits feel lawless and are ďŹ lled with a wide variety of scum and villainy. The nascent New Republic hasn’t yet managed to completely eliminate Imperial holdouts as warlords struggle over territory. From the ďŹ rst episode the world feels authentic and lived in, urging viewers to continue watching to experience it in full. This is a testament to the brilliant writing and showrunning of series creator Jon Favreau (director of “Iron Manâ€? and “Jungle Bookâ€?) and the all star lineup of directors he and series co-writer and producer Dave Filoni cultivated. Through their creative leadership, Favreau and Filoni ensured that each episode ďŹ ts within the

i

Star Wars universe and their love for the franchise is evident in every frame of the show. Careful writing and expert directing build a fascinating world to explore but is made all the more real with the gorgeous practical effects utilized throughout.

The series is beautifully shot as every scene of the show is lovingly reminiscent of the original trilogy. Unlike recent entries into the franchise, “The Mandalorian� does not rely heavily on special effects but instead utilizes carefully crafted practical effects that makes every environment in the show feel far more authentic and personal. Rather than over relying on computer generated characters, the majority of aliens on-screen are produced through remarkable prosthetics and make

up. Furthermore, the scenery is largely practical as well and even the Razor Crest, the Mandalorian’s ship, is often ďŹ lmed using a miniature. The use of practical effects adds to the overall rustic feel of a galaxy trying to maintain order after the empire’s defeat and respectfully harkens back to the way in which the original ďŹ lms were made. “The Mandalorian’’ is ďŹ lled with a remarkable cast but is held together

by Pedro Pascal’s titular Mandalorian bounty hunter. Playing a man without a name who refuses to remove his own helmet, Pascal’s Mandalorian is a man of few words that lets his skills with a blaster speak for him. Despite being hidden beneath a mask and limited in dialogue, Pascal still manages to captivate audiences with expert body language that perfectly conveys emotion and intention.

In truth, Pascal’s Mandalorian is the only constant in the series as he and an infant alien creature are the only two characters to appear in every episode. That said, the Mandalorian comes into contact with several fun and interesting characters throughout the season’s run. Some standouts include the administrative leader of the bounty hunter’s guild Greef Karga (Carl Weathers),the powerful former rebel shocktrooper Cara Dune (Gina Carano), and the straightforward ugnaught vapor farmer and mechanic Kuiil (Nick Nolte).

These are but a few of the stellar cast of supporting characters that litter the series eight episodes. Though not every character lands with audiences, the vast majority manage to steal a few scenes and add to the expert worldbuilding in the series.

Star Wars’ ďŹ rst ever live-action series is a huge success. A top notch creative team in collaboration with great performances, an exceptional eye for detail and a clear love for the source material makes for an amazing addition to the franchise. Despite occasionally venturing a little too far from the show’s central narrative, each episode provides viewers with a fun excursion into the Star Wars universe that won’t disappoint fans or newcomers alike.

Never did the show feel too complicated or entrenched in the Star Wars lore to be inaccessible to casual fans. However, plenty of references and call backs to past Star Wars properties are there for the die hard fans to enjoy. â– H

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Star Wars’ first live-action series, “The Mandalorian,� is a huge success that offers plenty for lifelong fans and newcomers to the series to find and enjoy. Visually beautiful and expertly made, “The Mandalorian� shows that the future of Star Wars is bright on television.

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HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/arts

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ is a striking, star-studded adaptation of the 19th century novel By: Silvia Ferrer, Senior Staff Writer “Little Women” was a highly anticipated release, and rightfully so — it is the seventh adaptation of the 19th century novel of the same name. Featuring a star-studded cast, it’s the second film under Greta Gerwig’s direction following the critically acclaimed “Lady Bird.”

Aside from ensuring that every shot was aesthetically pleasing, Gerwig does a fantastic job at adapting the coming-ofage novel into a screenplay. She leads a discussion about the complexity of gender roles in the Civil War era while successfully highlighting the distinct personalities of the four March sisters.

Gerwig isn’t the only one who pulls her weight: the actresses that portray the “little women” all light up the screen and play off the talented supporting cast, which includes Meryl Streep and Laura Dern. The gifted cast and the director’s spin on the novel make the latest adaptation of “Little Women” an instant, touching classic.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, “Little Women” is a joy to watch.

Each shot, whether it is from the humble insides of the March household, the vibrant environment of a party or simply an overview of the landscape, is striking.

The beautiful cinematography doesn’t feel overdone; the camera always lingers just

enough for the audience to appreciate the scene before moving back to the action.

The film is a tad grainy, which adds to the film’s period aspect, but doesn’t distract. If Gerwig’s intent is for each shot of the film to be artful, she definitely accomplished that.

Although it is set during and after the Civil War, Gerwig manages to bring a progressive view to her version that is only complemented by the warm, ambitious sisters. Hollywood veteran Saorise Ronan joins Florence Pugh (who had a breakthrough role in 2019’s “Midsommar”), “Sharp Objects”’s Eliza Scanlen and seasoned actress Emma Watson. Gerwig intertwines the bond the March sisters share and the oppressive gender roles of the era in order to showcase each character and present her own spin on their relationships. For example, while earlier adaptations have casted the smart, headstrong Jo (Ronan) in opposition to the strategic, beautiful Amy (Pugh), Gerwig does not position Amy in a villainous light against the heroine.

Instead, the sisters are humanized; their personalities shine through and make their reactions to society’s demands to marry understandable. While Jo rages against the limitations women face in the 19th century,

Meg subverts them subtly and Amy acknowledges them and plans strategically to ensure that her marriage (which she describes as an economic transaction) will be a practical decision.

One of the main draws of the film for many fans was the reunion between “Lady Bird” co-stars Ronan and Timothee Chalamet, who plays the wealthy, sentimental Laurie. The promise of a potential love affair between their characters only exacerbated fan excitement. There is no shortage of scenes in which Laurie and Jo bounce off each other’s energy. Chalamet’s lovestruck, lively Laurie supplements Jo’s fiery disposition well. As the film alternates between past and present, the dynamic between the two characters becomes increasingly more complicated and less playful. Regardless, Ronan and Chalamet are able to convey the complexity of their characters’ dynamic well.

Ronan, in particular, truly steals the show. Her interpretation of the character is incredible — Ronan’s Jo is heartbreakingly honest, temperamental, but loyal and loving. Although Jo’s bold declarations against marriage create tensions in her relationship with her childhood best friend, she stays true to her values and her dream

of becoming a writer throughout the entire film. It’s unbelievably moving to watch the scenes in which Jo expresses her passion for writing.

Jo’s dream and her connection with Laurie place significant strain on her relationship to Amy, who is arguably one of the best and most important characters of the film. The interactions between the sisters establish an intricate but warm tone that is most visible in the interactions between the polar opposites. Flipping between the past and present creates a stark contrast in the ever evolving relationships within the March family, but the transition feels natural. The cast play this dynamic perfectly — it is obvious that the four sisters love each other unconditionally, but they are able to bring forth intense arguments and tragic scenes nonetheless.

The film loses directions toward the end and makes for quite a jarring ending.

Unlikely couples are made and the future of some characters are left to audience interpretation. The lack of certainty may have been Gerwig’s compromise in order to remain faithful to the source material, and unfortunately, it does lessen what could have possibly been a more powerful ending. By the end though, Jo is triumphant, which ends the film on a strong note.

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COURTESY OF SONY PICTURES RELEASING

Verdict: Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” manages to hit nearly every nail on the head; the period piece is a touching view of the compromises four sisters make in their love and professional lives. The star-studded cast manages to breathe life into the characters, making for an engrossing watch.

HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/arts

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REPLAY The “Titanfall’’ series, developed by Respawn Entertainment, was warmly received by the public upon its announcement in 2013 at E3. Genuine hype and excitement built to a fever pitch as the release date approached and players would soon get to experience what seems like a sci fi Call of Duty with mechs. In the aftermath though, the player base would largely move onto brighter and greener pastures due to the fact that the game was light on content and only offered multiplayer. In hindsight, the first entry point felt more like a proof of concept or polished tech demo that just helped lay the groundwork for its sequel.

In “Titanfall 2,” Respawn would release the game they truly wanted to make from the outset. Small tweaks and refinements in multiplayer led to core gameplay loops that offered more tactical and intimate engagements. The true star of the package is the addition of a campaign mode, which helped flesh out the universe. What makes “Titanfall 2” so special is that it is a clever iteration on shooter games but offers an interesting take on what a first person shooter could be like in an otherwise stale ecosystem.

In the game you are a pilot, the dominant force in the battlefields of the frontier. Your abilities help turn the terrain into your best friend, with sheer walls becoming flanking routes and blasted high rise buildings turning into opportunities. But most of all, separating you from the average grunts and machines of war is the link to your titan.

Titans are colossal mechs that, despite a towering frame, are just as nimble and efficient as you. You play as Jack Cooper, a grunt rifleman for the rebellious Frontier Militia fighting against the callous Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation (IMC) to prevent them from looting and exploiting the planets you call home. Fortunately, a real pilot for the

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

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Radar Replay allows the Radar writers to celebrate a certain piece of media for its impactfulness or importance.

It’s here where we get the chance to discuss the significance of our favorite pop culture pieces and the value they carry today.

‘Titanfall 2’ – Regenerating a stagnant NICHOLAS VU, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Militia sees potential in you and becomes your mentor, training you off the books.

While “Titanfall 2” may seem to have a derivative narrative arc reminiscent of Star Wars, Respawn plays around with these tried-and-true story tropes. The stormtroopers you end up massacring the entire campaign are instead hired mercenaries rather than the typical fascist soldiers. The overall entity you are fighting is more emblematic of indifferent capitalistic structures versus the overt evil of specific ideologies. And instead of a main bad guy to fight and kill, the villains that you get to interact with are a rogues’ gallery of memorable, if two dimensional, elite mercenaries. But the real emotional crux of “Titanfall 2”’s story is BT-7274, a Vanguard Titan your mentor entrusted to you with his dying breath.

Despite being an A.I. (and a 40-ton robot) BT isn’t just battle hardware, it is your partner in combat and, more importantly, your companion. Dialogue options help to flesh out the dynamic of your bond where cheeky interactions have BT frequently misconstrue your sarcastic statements by responding with a wry (and often humorous) matterof-fact seriousness. These types of interactions go a long way to endear us to BT. This relationship with BT stands in contrast with typical FPS genre fare where players are constantly meeting “red-shirt” NPCs, being told they are important, lamenting the melodrama of their inevitable deaths, all the while being ferried from one scenic action set-piece to the next.

This is to say that the narrative aspects of the campaign work in concert with its gameplay as well. How “Titanfall 2” plays emphasizes mobility and ferocity. It separates itself from the “find cover” and “bullet whack-a-mole”

gameplay established by “Call of Duty” to encourage more aggressive gameplay. A jump kit introduces more options in your approach to combat. Now you are able to easily rush down or flank multiple enemies when moments ago they outnumbered and surprised you. Interestingly, developers introduce levels with mechanical curveballs that leave the players wanting more rather than grumbling at a bloated mess.

It is a shame then that “Titanfall 2” launched to poor sales. Mired by a tepid first impression of its predecessor and poor release schedule, the sequel would fly under the radar compared to other big-budget FPS releasing that year.

The legacy of “Titanfall 2” is probably best remembered in the public consciousness as a sci fi “Call of Duty,” but that’s an oversimplified reduction of what it is. A real beating heart exists within “Titanfall 2” that’s lacking in many a “Call of Duty” or “Battlefield,” and it was put there by developers that love the shooter genre and wanted to do something different with it. Revisiting “Titanfall 2” shouldn’t simply be done because it’s underappreciated (although it is). The game should be revisited because it stands on its own, it stands tall, and it is one of the best shooters of the past decade. On paper “Titanfall 2” shouldn’t have worked because it is a mix of well known design tropes and story beats. The real genius is how Respawn were able to recontextualize the things expected in a first person shooter and still make something touching and immensely fun to play. Although the derivative narrative structure and conventional shooter design principles are never outright subverted, the reconfiguring of tropes lends “Titanfall 2” toward a degree of earnestness that is free of pretension that deserves a replay.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

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HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/arts

KUCR Presents

OFF

Record the

Album of the year:

A retrospective look at Beach House’s ‘Bloom’ and its impact on the decade MARC A. ARTEAGA Contributing Writer

Even those that don’t listen to Beach House have at least heard of this Baltimore duo or know a song from their fourth studio album. Beach House is the product of vocalist and keyboardist Victoria Legrand and guitarist Alex Scally, most famous for creating very distorted, atmospheric sounding songs. This particular album, “Bloom,” definitely lives up to this image. This album stands out from previous releases in the amount of production that went into the tracks. Their previous releases had already established them as a band capable of releasing very likable music. For this reason, like many other bands that prove themselves worthy, they were able to access resources that could enhance the sound of their music. The attention to detail put into the production of “Bloom” makes this “dream pop” album not only a standout among Beach House’s previous releases, but also among any other album within this genre.

Dream pop is an important type of music that has an important role in the modern music industry. It centers around layers of guitar and keyboards, often with the use of effects. The term “wall of sound” is commonly associated with this genre and is very relevant in the state of music today. This word accurately describes the soundscape of “Bloom.” The opening song off the record, titled “Myth,” immediately hooks the listener with an echoing guitar riff that fills the spaces between a couple seconds of a straightforward drum pattern. Legrand’s unique voice allows the listener to easily become lost in its almost comforting quality. The track then smoothly transitions with a soft volume buzz that increases until the listener can detect the

rough texture of the synth introducing the next track, “Wild.” rise in dream pop to become enjoyed by a more mainstream Just about every song on this album has an outstandingly clean crowd. It is for this reason that this is recognized as the transition from one track to the other. It is obvious that the artists most important release of the 2010s.

■H paid tremendously close attention to detail when producing “Bloom.”

It would be necessary for anyone composing an album to carefully design how the details of each song flows into the other. This is especially true for tracks which deviate from the general mood, such as the ninth song, “On the Sea.” Although it still has a calm, nostalgic mood like almost every other song on this album, it is quite minimalist. It features a simple piano Arctic Monkeys (Domino Recording Company) accompanied by a heartbeat-sounding rhythm. Aside from a lead “AM” guitar line and a keyboard riff later on in the song, there seems Mac DeMarco (Captured Tracks) to be a lack of the wall of sound quality found everywhere else.

“Salad Days” The closing track, “Irene,” wraps up the whole album so well; Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (Bad Seeds Ltd.) this also happens to be my personal favorite. There are plenty of “Skeleton Tree” unique elements layered on top of each other that can be found Grimes (4AD) by listening to the album closely. This includes everything from “Visions” the piercing guitar voice to the very dreamy drum fills that blend The Growlers (Everloving Records) all parts of the song into a general soundscape. This gives it “Chinese Fountain” a psychedelic experience, which more commonly resembles Kendrick Lamar (Top Dawg Entertainment) contemporary dream pop.

“To Pimp a Butterfly” While the release of “Bloom” by no means reinvented Alice Phoebe Lou (Self-Released) music, it did redefine an entire genre to an extent. When one “Paper Castles” does a comparison of contemporary versus prototype dream Frank Ocean (Def Jam Recordings) pop, it almost sounds like current artists in this category try to “channel ORANGE” overproduce their music. I use the word “overproduce” with Vampire Weekend (XL Recordings) a neutral connotation. Everything I described in this article “Contra” can almost be said about many popular bands that consider themselves dream pop. If this album did not directly inspire art of similar sound, it undoubtedly set the stage for a new

Honorable Mentions: Mentions:

Genres of music should not organize, they should describe MARC A. ARTEAGA Contributing Writer

We might have heard someone claim “I mainly listen to rock” or “I only play rap music” when describing their music preferences. It’s apparent that we think of genres of music as clearly defined categories that artists fall into when producing music.

It assumes that the artists make a conscious decision to write songs that follow an exclusive set of rules for a certain genre. While this belief system is simple to understand, it is ineffective in describing your music preferences.

I do acknowledge that it can be helpful for people to think of music genres as categorical compositions of artists with common sound.

Unfortunately, this impractical means of communicating fails to acknowledge that no two artists have the same influences, upbringing or sound for that matter. The truth is that the world of music is seemingly infinite, as every artist has a unique identity. With this logic, it makes less

sense to have a set amount of groups that a song, let alone an artist, can fit into.

Even if we were to all agree to prefer simple groupings for songs to

MARTIN LOPEZ / HIGHLANDER

fall into, music tends to evolve over time as performers experiment with new ideas in songwriting. This gives rise to the concept of subgenres.

This allows people to more precisely

describe what it is they hear. The problem with this, however, is that if one holds to the idea that music is to be exclusively labeled, wouldn’t that give rise to millions of subgenres if you want to accurately portray something you hear in a track?

Keeping track of every little small genre of music could work fine if you don’t mind being that person that goes around saying “I like to listen to experimental-hyperpop-jazz-fusionwave.”

Rather than separate music into independent categories from each other, one should perhaps use the concept of genres as an adjective.

Like physical objects, music can be described using an endless amount of words. This makes it clear that music has such a subjective nature to it based on the listener. Like so many other forms of art, music is not to be kept in such a neat predictable order.

More listeners should recognize that certain pieces of music can feel different depending on who is listening.

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Be together.

Do you have an interest in writing, photography, design or marketing?

The Highlander can help you polish your skills. Come to our weekly meetings every Monday at 5:15 p.m. in HUB 101 to learn more.

HIGHLANDER

MARTIN LOPEZ /HIGHLANDER

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HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

Top UCR sports m Feb. 15, 2019 Senior Kyle McCann becomes the all-time wins leader in men’s tennis program history.

In his four-year tenure at UC Riverside, McCann accumulated a total of 64 wins in the singles category, including a career-high 20 victories in 2018 and 16 victories in 2019.

McCann also holds the UCR record for most doubles wins with 62.

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March 13, 2019

The UCR women’s basketball team advances to the Big West semifinals after defeating Long Beach State University (LBSU) in a hard fought battle. The Highlanders, led by junior forward Marina Ewodo, defeated LBSU by a final score of 67-50. Ewodo scored a team-high 17 points and collected four rebounds. The Highlanders finished the 2019 season with 17 wins.

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April 15-16, 2019

Senior Andrew Spilman of the men’s golf team places first at the UCSB Intercollegiate Tournament. Spilman finished the tournament with a total score of 213 as he defeated the second place Ben Hallam, the California Baptist University senior, by two strokes.

In the three rounds, Spilman shot a 70, 71 and 72.

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May 10-11, 2019 John Ober III and Quinn Williams become Big West Champions. Ober III, the freshman from Riverside County, won the javelin throwing event. He threw the javelin 61.64 meters as he defeated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo junior Adam Gockel, who finished with a second place throw of 60.98 meters. Williams, a sophomore from Aliso Viejo, captured the Big West Title with a first place finish in the men’s 400 hurdles event.

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HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

19

moments of 2019 By: Jordan HoM, Senior Staff Writer

Aug. 26, 2019 Women’s basketball defeats Anorthosis, a professional team based in Cyprus. In the summer of 2019, the UCR women’s basketball team traveled to Cyprus to face off against a professional team, whom they defeated in dominant fashion. The final score was 93-16. Junior guard Aiyanna Baynes led the Highlanders with a game-high 14 points and senior forward Jannon Otto added 13 points.

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Sep. 6, 2019 Men’s soccer secure the victory against Riverside rival Cal Baptist University. With the score tied at one apiece, senior midfielder Ronaldo Lomeli scored the game-winning goal with 20 seconds left on the clock in the overtime period. The goal was assisted by junior forward Roberto Garcia-Vargas, who found Lomeli in the right position to score. The victory would give the Highlanders a 3-0 edge all-time against the Lancers in their three head-tohead matchups.

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Nov. 5, 2019 Junior guard George Willborn III ties the UCR program record for most defensive rebounds in a game with 14. In their season opener, the Highlanders defeated the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 66-47. Led by Willborn III, the Highlanders displayed a relentless attack on the glass as they outrebounded the Cornhuskers by 20. UCR finished with 49 rebounds while Nebraska grabbed only 29 as a team.

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Nov. 26, 2019 Men’s basketball earns the win in the annual Homecoming game against the University of Denver. In a packed stadium of cheering Highlanders, the home team bested the Pioneers by a score of 73-49. Sophomore center Callum McRae from New Zealand led the way for the Highlanders with a near double-double. McRae finished the game with 18 points and nine rebounds. UCR’s bench had a strong night as well. They combined for 36 of the 73 total points. Freshman guard Zyon Pullin notched a career-high 15 points along with six rebounds and four assists.

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Sports 20 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2020

HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

Women’s basketball snaps losing streak in nail-biter victory over CSU Bakersfield CALLIE LAWSON-FREEMAN Contributing Writer

The UC Riverside women’s basketball team (4-10) ended their non-conference play with a 53-52 win over CSU Bakersfield (8-5) on Thursday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m at the SRC Arena. This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Highlanders and is the fourth straight game UCR has won against CSU Bakersfield.

The Highlanders broke the recent trend of being outscored in the first quarter as they had during the previous three games they had lost and went into the second quarter with a three-point lead. UCR battled the Roadrunners for the entirety of the game, forcing seven lead changes but they were unable to hold the lead for long.

At the end of the second half, senior forward Marina Ewodo scored a clutch basket in the paint on an assist from sophomore forward Daphne Gnago, tying the game at 51 apiece.

It wasn’t until the final 18 seconds when Daphne Gnago scored the game-winning layup. With the score tied and the shot clock dwindling, Gnago drove to the basket from the top of the key and scored over the Roadrunners defense to give the Highlanders the lead.

Still hungry for the win, CSU Bakersfield

center Vanessa Austin missed on a drive to the basket with no timeouts remaining.

Austin snagged the offensive rebound and made it to the line after a foul from UCR sophomore guard Lauryn Pointer. Austin connected on her first free throw attempt but fell short on the second. Sophomore forward Jayden Eggleston grabbed the rebound for the Roadrunners and missed a layup attempt as the clock ran down with the Highlanders still ahead.

The Highlanders finished the game with a 41% field goal percentage overall, going 22-for-53 from the field. They also struggled with three-pointers, making only 1-of-12 attempts the whole game.

UCR senior guard Jannon Otto led the game in scoring with 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. This was Otto’s third doubledouble and fifth double-digit scoring game this season.

The game was also won by big contributions from junior guard Keilani Cooper and senior forward Marina Ewodo, who scored 12 and 10 points, respectively. Cooper also scored the Highlanders only three-pointer of the game from just two attempts.

Next, the Highlanders will tip off Big West Conference play and the first game of the decade against UC Davis on Thursday, Jan. ■H 9 at 7 p.m at the SRC Arena.

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UCR loses to Air Force Academy on New Year’s Eve but defeats San Diego Christian University

JORDAN HOM Senior Staff Writer

On Tuesday, Dec. 31, the UCR men’s basketball team (10-6) battled against the United States Air Force Academy (77) in what was the last game of 2019.

The Highlanders struggled all game both offensively and defensively as they fell to the Falcons 105-56.

From the start of the game the Highlanders were seemingly outmatched as the Falcons put up 16 points in the first five minutes alone compared to only five points in that same span from the Highlanders. Air Force senior center Ryan Swan had five early points as he connected on a three and a midrange jumper.

By the 12-minute mark of the first half, the Highlanders cut the lead to five points on a string of triples from freshman guard Zyon Pullin and junior guard George Willborn III. However, just as the momentum was starting to swing toward UCR’s side, the Falcons took charge once again.

At the end of the first half, Air Force Academy had a substantial lead over UCR. The Falcons converted on eight of their 13 three-point attempts and were a perfect 12for-12 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Highlanders only managed to connect on nine of their 26 shot attempts, totaling 35% from the field.

The second half was much of the same for the Highlanders as they were unable to contain the scorching offense barrage of the Falcons. Air Force Academy knocked down seven triples in the second half and UCR’s defense simply did not have an answer. They outscored UCR 53-27 on 66% shooting from the field.

This game marked the first time this season that no Highlander reached double figures. The leading scorers in the game for Riverside were Willborn III and sophomore

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center Angus McWilliams. They each scored eight points apiece. Willborn also grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot during his time on the floor. Callum McRae, a sophomore center from New Zealand, totaled seven points and five rebounds on 50% shooting from the field.

Air Force senior center Ryan Swan was the leading scorer for the Falcons. Swan finished with a game-high 25 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field. Swan also converted on all nine of his attempts from the free throw line. Senior guard Caleb Morris added 22 points and five rebounds, going 7-for-8 from the field.

While the benches of both teams each scored 34 points, the Falcons held the edge in most of the other significant categories.

The Falcons knocked down 15 threes while the Highlanders only converted on 12 triples. Air Force Academy also nearly

doubled the field goal percentage of UCR as they connected on 60% of their field goals compared to Riverside, which only converted on 32%. In addition, the Falcons also outrebounded the Highlanders 33 to 28. No player from either team grabbed more than five rebounds.

On Saturday, Jan. 4, UC Riverside battled against San Diego Christian University (04) at the SRC arena. In a dominating fashion, the Highlanders defeated the Hawks by a 30-point margin, with the final score of 8951. The final outcome of the game was a Riverside victory, marking the first win of the new year for the Highlanders.

In the first half, the game was relatively close, with the Highlanders only holding a seven-point halftime lead. However, UCR ramped up the offensive and defensive intensity in the second period of the game.

With a stifling defensive scheme, the

Highlanders held the Hawks scoreless for over six minutes of the second half. At one point in the second half, the Highlanders were able to stretch the lead to a 40-point margin. The Hawks were unable to make one last push and suffered their fourth defeat.

The Highlanders were led by McWilliams who posted a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Junior forward Arinze Chidom also accumulated a double-double.

Chidom scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Graduate student guard Khyber Kabellis contributed 14 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Up next, the Highlanders will travel north to battle against another UC. The game will take place on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7:00 pm in Davis, California where the Highlanders will face off against UC Davis (5-10) at The Pavilion.

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