Volume 73, Issue 11

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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE

VOL. 73 ISSUE 11

For the week of Tuesday 7, JANUARY 7 2025

est. 1954

R’Perspective: Make 2025 a year for change

Red light or green light, majority rules!

Makayla Rose and Savannah Tucker Trade Buckets as Highlanders lose 63-48

By: Cecile Diroll, Opinions Editor

By: Maribel Gamez Reyes, Radar Editor

By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor

New Year’s resolutions for 2025 don’t need to be impossible.

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hether it’s reducing phone usage, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or committing to stop chronic procrastination, New Year’s resolutions are a “fresh start” at the beginning of each year — motivating us to consider and change in ways that make our lives better. According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly half of adults between the ages of 19 to 28 say they made “one resolution” for the start of 2025 — this cohort is by far the largest age group to participate in the yearly ritual.

Read more on page 7, Opinions

’Squid Game’ season two ups the stakes with new twists

UCR and Long Beach State both looked to stay undefeated in conference play.

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Read more on page 15, Radar

Read more on page 17, Sports

rapping up the final days of 2024, Netflix released the highly anticipated season two of “Squid Game.” Ever since its unprecedented first season , the show has created an unwavering impression, breaking records as Netflix’s mostwatched show to date. Now, with season two’s recent release the show debuted at #1 in all 93 countries where the streaming service is available.

n Thursday, Jan. 2, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team hosted California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). These two teams last met during the 2024 Big West Playoffs.

Despite entering that game as the no. 7 seed, CSULB knocked off a very strong no. 3 seed Highlanders team that featured All-Big West First Team guard Jordan Webster and Second Team forward Matehyha Bryant in overtime.

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News

NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

3

53 years later: The fall of Bashir al-Assad Syria looks to rebuild after rebel forces overthrow Assad regime.

SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief

On Dec. 13, 2024, oppositional forces declared Syria free from the regime of Bashir al-Assad – ending more than 60 years of Ba’ath Party rule in Syria.

The almost 53 years of Assad family rule was overthrown by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist militant group.

Currently, Assad and his family are seeking political asylum in Russia.

The Assad family gained control of Syria in 1971, after Hafez al-Assad became president. His son, Bashar al Assad, succeeded him following his death in 2000.

Many mark the conflict’s beginning during the 2011 Arab Spring, a series of anti-government protests and uprising across Arab countries. This was followed by the arrest of 15 teenage boys who spraypainted anti-government graffiti, in Daraa, Syria. Protests erupted and Assad governmental forces responded to these protests with extreme violence, killing and jailing demonstrators. These demonstrations spread nationwide, escalating into calls for Assad to resign, beginning the 13-year-long Syrian civil war.

Throughout his reign, Assad was responsible for the murder of over 600,000 Syrians, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The civil war has caused Syrians to be the largest displaced group, with an estimated 14 million civilians expelled from their home, as well as Syrian infrastructure, hospitals, schools and private and public property have been substantially damaged or destroyed.

As Assad’s regime crumbled, Syrian rebels freed tens of thousands of their people from Sednaya prison. Built in 1987, on a hill north of Damascus, Sendnaya was a military prison housing political prisoners.

According to the New York Times, Sednaya was known for its widespread torture and abuse. During the Syrian COURTESY OF BBC

civil war it “became a site of depravity and violence, used to commit some of the worst atrocities of Bashar alAssad’s rule.”

During the civil war, as anti-governmental protests spread, the Assad regime “began imprisoning thousands of protesters, activists, journalists, doctors, aid workers, students and other Syrians. Many were sent to Sednaya.”

Amnesty International reported that the prison was the final destination for “both peaceful opponents of the authorities as well as military personnel suspected of opposing the regime.”

Reports by Amnesty International revealed that “Syrian authorities had deliberately exterminated detainees at Sednaya after torturing and housing them in appalling conditions.” The United Nations (UN) found in their investigation of Sednaya that these acts conducted by the Assad regime “could amount to crimes against humanity.”

An investigation by the New York Times showed that detainees “were sexually assaulted, beaten on the genitals and forced to beat, rape or even kill one another.” Loved ones often did not know the fate of those housed in the prison. Released prisoners described “detainees left to die of untreated wounds and illnesses in filthy, overcrowded cells.

Prisoners were given just seconds to use [bathrooms], so were often forced to relieve themselves in the cells, which lacked toilets. Meals usually consisted of a few mouthfuls of spoiled food.

Many people developed serious infections, diseases and mental illnesses.”

According to the Amnesty report, each morning guards would collect the bodies of those that died in the night and record their deaths as “cases of heart or respiratory failure” before throwing them into mass graves outside Damascus.

Following the fall of Assad, thou-

COURTESY OF CNN

sands of hopeful families gathered outside the detention center in desperate search of loved ones who were jailed or forcibly disappeared — many are still hopeful that their loved ones will be found alive.

sights such as Aleppo, causing massive fires and explosions in the area. Israeli troops advancing into Syria have seized the Al-Wahda Dam on the Yarmouk River Basin, resulting in Israeli control of 30% of Syria’s water supply.

According to The Guardian, one woman hoping for the release of her son who was seized in 2012 at the age of 18 shared, “All these families here have a lot of fear in their hearts that their sons are dead … some of them have a small hope, a window of hope, that their children will be alive.”

Footage of Israeli blasts in Syria’s Tartus port area spread across social media where a massive explosion can be seen erupting across the Syrian skyline. London-based war monitoring group, The Syrian Observatory for Human rights, described the imagery emerging from Syria as “the most violent Israeli strikes on military sites in the eastern Tartus area.”

The fall of Assad’s regime presents an era of joy and new hope for millions who have longed for a dream of returning to Syria after years of refugeedom.

As Syria looks to build its new government, Mohammed al-Bashir, head of the Syrian Salvation Government, with the support of the former rebels, was appointed as caretaker prime minister.

As Syria looks to rebuild, Israel has announced plans to double its population in the occupied Golan Heights.

According to the UN, before the Israeli occupation of Golan in 1967, it was home to over 14,000 Syrians, most of whom were “driven out of their homeland” into Displaced Persons (IDPs) status.

Israel refuses to implement the 1967 UN Security Council Resolution 242, which calls for “the complete withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, including the Occupied Syrian Golan,” as well as 1981 Security Council Resolution 479, confirming the illegality of Israel’s annexation of Golan.

Since the fall of Assad, Israel has begun a bombing campaign to destroy Syrian army infrastructure and research centers — targeting military

As Israel continues to intensively bomb Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement following Israel’s unanimous vote approving their expansion plan into the Golan Heights, explained, “Strengthening the Golan means strengthening the State of Israel, and this is especially important at this time.”

Israel’s actions in Syria have resulted in international backlash — Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned what they described as “a new stage in Israel’s goal of expanding its borders through occupation.”

The Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry released a statement relaying their concerns, “We strongly condemn Israel’s decision to expand illegal settlements in the Golan Heights … Israel’s ongoing actions seriously undermine the efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria and further increase tensions in the region.”

This was following a move by UN chief António Guterres, who called on Israel to halt its attacks and advances on Syrian territory.■H

4 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

NEWS

highlandernews.org/category/news

UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead in New York

Luigi Mangione was arrested for allegedly murdering CEO, now facing first degree murder and terrorism charges.

SANJANA THATTE News Editor

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder triggered a manhunt resulting in the arrest of suspect Luigi Mangione. The aftermath saw a nationwide uproar surrounding the American healthcare system.

On Nov. 24, 2024, the gunman arrived on a Greyhound bus, beginning his journey in Atlanta, Georgia before arriving at New York City.

The shooting occurred on Dec. 4. beginning with the perpetrator leaving a hostel at 5:34 a.m. and riding an e-bike to midtown Manhattan.

Around 6:15 a.m. the assailant made his way to the “north side of West 54th Street across from the New York Hilton Midtown” before fatally shooting Thompson in front of the north entrance of the Hilton. While shooting Thompson, Mangione’s gun malfunctioned, but he cleared the jammed gun and continued to fire. He then fled on the e-bike through Central Park, and after escaping by bus, spent several days roaming around the Pennsylvania area.

COURTESY OF AP NEWS

of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree.” Additional charges include stalking as well as several charges in Pennsylvania regarding a lack of a firearm license as well as forgery of a gun.

He went on claiming that the United States (U.S.) has “the most expensive healthcare system in the world, but ranks No. 42 in life expectancy.” Mangione explained that UnitedHealthcare “has grown and grown, but as our life expectancy? No the reality is, these (indecipherable) have simply gotten too powerful, and they continue to The gun Mangione used is known as a “ghost abuse our country for immense profit.” gun,” having been created on a 3D printer. The words “delay”, “deny” and “depose” were found The public reaction to the murder has generwritten on the bullet casings found at the scene. ated a bipartisan fervor surrounding the AmeriThe words are reminiscent of common phrases can healthcare system with people reacting to used to criticise the insurance industry that often articles of the shooting with laughing emojis and denies claims in the effort to save money. responses like, “Prior authorization is required for thoughts and prayers, you know?” And there Mangione came from a wealthy Maryland was another person that wrote, “Does he have a family and was reportedly top of his class at his history of shootings? Denied coverage.” private high school. He attended an Ivy League university and according to friends “had everyNew Yorker Reporter Jia Tolentino provided thing going for him” as he pursued a bachelor’s some insight into this, explaining that Uniteddegree and master’s degree in computer science Healthcare as a corporation is the eighth largat the University of Pennsylvania. Working as est in the world and has accumulated incredible a data engineer for TrueCar, Mangione split his profits almost entirely due to the fact that the company denies massive amounts of care to its clientele. UnitedHealthcare’s denial rate is twice the industry average at 32-33% denial for all care requested by a doctor, which to Tolentino, explains the public vitriol and vindication felt at Thompson’s death.

Tolentino highlights, The glee that people are expressing at this cold-blooded murder is illuminating the fact that many people think of the private health care system in the US - and specifically UnitedHealthcare - as a company that itself has achieved these billions and billions and billions of dollars of profits in not provisioning health care but indirectly provisioning death through a kind of severe and immoral and unjust violence on its own.”

Mangione’s trial began on Dec. 23, with the defendant pleading not guilty on all 11 charges.

Mangione arrived flanked by many guards and surveyed by many prominent figures such as New York Mayor Eric Adams. Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Agnifilo, spoke out against what she saw as an unfair trial for her client: “They are literally treating him like he is some sort of political fodder, like some sort of spectacle,”

On Dec. 8, authorities spoke with suspect Luigi Mangione’s mother who confirmed filing a missing person’s report, corroborating photographic evidence with security footage found at the various locations the perpetrator visited.

Mangione was taken into custody on Dec. 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania after being spotted in a McDonald’s. He was found with a gun, bullets, several, fake IDs and cash.

The Manhattan District attorney announced charges against Mangione of “first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.” Furthermore, in New York, he has been charged with, “two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is charged as killing as an act of terrorism; two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; one count

time between California and Hawaii in a co-living surfing community called Surfbreak. He left due to a back injury which has worsened from his activities. Friends of Mangione explained that he had surgery on his back, with the background of Mangione’s supposed X account showing an Xray of a spine with “hardware” in it.

When caught, Mangione had “several handwritten pages on him” that expressed a “disdain for corporate America” that according to New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Detective Joe Kenny implied that he was “frustrated with the healthcare system in the United States.” The writings addressed to the “Feds” explained that he did want to “apologize for any strife of traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.”

Agnifilo said in court. “He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest stage perp walk I’ve ever seen in my career, it was absolutely unnecessary. He’s been cooperative with law enforcement...There was no reason for the NYPD and everybody to have these big assault rifles. It was perfectly choreographed, and what was the New York City Mayor doing at this press conference, your honor? That just made it utterly political” While the verdict of the trial has yet to be determined, his next court appearance will be Feb. 21, 2025. However, if found guilty, Mangione will face prison and under federal charges, potentially the death penalty.■H

highlandernews.org/category/news

NEWS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

5

Six hours of emergency martial law South Korean President declares emergency martial law on December 3, 2024.

DINARA GODAGE Assistant News Editor

On Dec. 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law at 10:27 p.m. According to South Korea’s Martial Law Act,the purpose of emergency martial law is for “military necessity” or to maintain “public security and order when there are belligerency or serious disturbances of social order” which impede functions of the state in times of war or “other equivalent national emergency.” Within the hours of the announcement and its retraction at 4:26 a.m. through the morning of Dec. 4, the president was met with crowds of lawmakers and armed civilians and soldiers all interested in reversing the motion.

The decision led to thousands of South Korean citizens calling for President Yoon to be impeached. To oppose the declaration in the National Assembly, Members of Parliament climbed fences and overcame barricades. Representative Lee Seong Yoon shared his experience of having to climb an almost five-foot fence because police refused to let him enter even after providing identification of his position as a lawmaker.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AP NEWS

President Yoon expressed his reasoning for imposing the martial law edict was to remove anti-state rebellions siding with North Korea that were supposedly on the rise. Yoon’s lead up to presidency came with multiple scandals and low approval rates from the general public. Prior to the declaration, Yoon’s administration had their projected budget fail to pass and some members of his cabinet were in the process of being impeached due to a previous financial scandal first lady Kim Keon Hee was involved in.

To impeach the president, the National Assembly must obtain a two-thirds majority vote. The opposition Democratic Party had 192 of the 300 seats, so it needed eight more votes from Yoon’s party, the People Power Party (PPP). The first attempt to impeach President Yoon failed due to his supporters in the PPP boycotting the vote.

However, the second attempt on Dec. 14, passed with 12 PPP members voting in favor of the impeachment.

With this, Yoon has been suspended and has a no-fly ban against him and the Constitutional Court has six months to finalize the impeachment with a trial. If it is judged that he is no longer fit to serve as president, there must be an election for the new president within the 60 days after the announcement.

On Dec. 27, South Korean authorities attempted to arrest Yoon at his residence, but were unable to make the arrest after almost five hours since arriving at the residence. Along with personal security layered within the home, Yoon’s support-

In 1961, the first coup occurred and ers also created a human barrier outside as another form of blockade. Some waved placed Army Gen. Park Chung Hee in American flags to signify the alliance power, and he, just as the dictators did, South Korea has with the United States. declared martial law on more than one occasion to punish those who opposed him.

Yoon’s lawyers refused to allow the ar- After leading South Korea for 20 years, rest, expressing that the warrant was il- the second coup occurred in December of legal. They explained that the Corruption 1979. With a troupe of tanks, Maj. Gen. Investigation Office for High-ranking Of- Chun Doo Hwan took over Seoul and the ficials, although one of the groups pursu- rest of the country. ing Yoon, does not have jurisdiction over The following year he assembled a milithe police to request a warrant. Due to the refusal from his lawyers and a large tary attack against a pro-democracy civilamount of pressure from civilian block- ian uprising in the southern city Gwangju, killing over 200 people. In 1987, there ades, the police retreated forces. was a protest to change the government Prior to the Dec. 3 to 4 martial law, to be one of elections rather than dictatorSouth Korea has had a history of military ship, and since then there were no declaauthority over the country. Dictators rose rations of martial law until this account. from the separation and war with North BBC expresses that analysts expect Korea in the early 1950s. These dictators regularly enforced martial law to keep ci- judges to reach a verdict from the Convilians from engaging in anti-state gather- stitutional Court by February on whether or not President Yoon will be impeached.■ ings or agendas.

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OPINIONS

6 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

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Opinions The power of celebrity activism PARIS HILTON’S ADVOCACY FOR YOUTH TREATMENT REFORM HIGHLIGHTS BOTH THE POTENTIAL AND PITFALLS OF CELEBRITY INFLUENCE IN POLICYMAKING.

COURTESY OF FREEPIK

SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor

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n Dec. 23 2024, S.B. 1351, the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA), officially went into effect. This legislation requires the Department of Health and Human Services to collaborate with the National Academy of Sciences to develop recommendations for youth residential programs.

The bill gained significant attention due to Paris Hilton, a well-known socialite and granddaughter of Connor Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels.

While SICAA was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley, Hilton emerged as the face of this bill. Drawing from her personal experiences in institutional treatment centers — where she was restrained and physically abused — Hilton spoke before Congress, recounting how these facilities manipulated her and her family.

Hilton’s advocacy extended beyond Capitol Hill. After the bill was passed

by Congress on Dec. 18, Hilton shared her victory on Instagram, crediting Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Merkley and Sen. John Cornyn for their support.

“I did this for the younger version of myself and the youth who were senselessly taken from us by the Troubled Teen Industry,” she wrote, highlighting her personal motivations behind the legislation.

Hilton’s advocacy shows the impact celebrities can have on policy. Leveraging her personal narrative and understanding of treatment centers, she was a key player in paving the way for SICAA. While Hilton’s advocacy on this issue is commendable, her involvement also exemplified the strategic nature of celebrity activism. Just two days after the bill was approved, Hilton launched merchandise with the slogan “Legislation is Hot,” with proceeds benefiting her nonprofit, 11:11 Media.

It is vital to recognize both the potential and the downfalls of celebritydriven policy initiatives. While Hilton’s work undeniably spotlighted an urgent issue, not all celebrity-supported legislation aligns with public interest. Being informed on the realities of certain legislation requires independent research beyond celebrity endorsements.

The influence of celebrities on policymaking has grown in the age of social media, with figures like Hilton highlighting this trend. Other celebrities, such as global superstar Taylor Swift, have also taken to their platforms in the past. Swift’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris led nearly 340,000 people to visit a voter registration site. Furthermore, figures like Barbra Streisand have used social media to advocate for policies like clean energy in California.

These cases highlight the dual nature of celebrity influence. On one hand, celebrities like Hilton bring attention to underreported issues, amplifying unheard voices. On the other, their involvement risks transforming policy discussions into celebrity-driven movements. The prevalence of social media furthers this risk, as platforms like TikTok and Instagram often serve as news sources where misinformation can spread quickly.

In addition to Hilton’s efforts for SICAA, she also championed California’s Senate Bill 1043, the Accountability in Children’s Treatment Act, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

This law requires transparency regarding the use of restraints and seclusion in state-licensed residential treatment centers for youth. Hilton’s involvement, given her national platform and personal connection to the issue, has the potential to amplify awareness and drive compliance with S.B. 1043, much like her role in garnering public and legislative support for SICAA. Hilton’s advocacy aligns with California’s ongoing efforts to address systemic issues in youth treatment centers and foster care. In 2021, after reports of rampant abuse, the state passed legislation prohibiting the practice of sending foster youth to out-of-state, for-profit treatment centers. Two years later,

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a measure funding crisis residential treatment facilities for children on Medi-Cal, aiming to provide more transparent care.

These local reforms, along with Hilton’s advocacy, show how both state policies and individual efforts can work together to create change.

Legislation like SICAA and S.B. 1043 represents significant progress in safeguarding vulnerable populations.

However, they also expose systemic shortcomings, including society’s reliance on celebrity endorsements to achieve basic human rights and protections. Hilton’s unwavering dedication to the cause raises questions about whose voices are easily elevated in politics. Not every celebrity will possess Hilton’s authenticity, which is why it’s critical to remain vigilant against supporting causes based solely on star power.

In an ideal democracy, systemic change would stem from grassroots advocacy and informed public discussion rather than being at the hands of wealthy and influential public figures.

Until then, the public must balance appreciation for celebrity successes with a watchful eye toward their motivations. Paris Hilton’s story serves as a reminder of both the possibilities and limitations of celebrity activism. ■H

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OPINIONS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

7

Make 2025 a year for change NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2025 DON’T NEED TO BE IMPOSSIBLE. CECILLE DIROLL Opinions Editor

Whether it’s reducing phone usage, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule or committing to stop chronic procrastination, New Year’s resolutions are a “fresh start” at the beginning of each year — motivating us to consider and change in ways that make our lives better. According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly half of adults between the ages of 19 to 28 say they made “one resolution” for the start of 2025 — this cohort is by far the largest age group to participate in the yearly ritual.

However, studies show that only 25% of people actually stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days and less than 10% accomplish their goals. While resolutions may be easy to maintain in January, people often fall trap to obstacles, including setting unrealistic goals, lacking a system of accountability and the prospect of failure — making it difficult to follow through on these yearly goals. Change is hard, but not impossible, and following through on your 2025 New Year’s resolutions can create lasting change.

First, set small and specific goals with realistic timelines. Let’s be honest, you aren’t going to become fluent in Spanish by April and you aren’t going to workout seven days a week at the gym. I’ve fallen victim to the “sweeping change” phenomenon where you set drastic goals with impossibly short deadlines. One year, for example, I decided that I wanted to go vegan to eat more healthily. Researching vegan recipes online and spending hours in the kitchen, my goal was quickly squashed when I realized I couldn’t have Noah’s Bagels with cream cheese every morning.

This isn’t to say that going vegan, learning a new language or exercising more is unrealistic or unachievable, but rather, you need to start with small incremental steps to accomplish these long-term goals. Instead of eliminating foods that I like to eat from my diet, for instance, I can add more vegetables and reduce my meat intake.

Rather than setting an unrealistic goal of becoming fluent in Spanish by April, you can download Duolingo and have that green owl send you notifications every day to maintain your five-minute “daily streak.” There are many steps that you can take that will lead to greater change in your life, but you need to start small.

Meeting important goals and making big changes is challenging. While you may find

that your resolution of waking up at 7 a.m. and going to pilates every day is easy for a few weeks, this goal will become tougher as the quarter becomes more busy with assignments, exams and papers. Having a structure of accountability, particularly for goals that push you out of your comfort zone, is essential if you are someone like me who needs a good pep talk or the occasional social pressure to push you.

Frankly, you are more likely to go to the gym in the morning or study at the library if your friend goes with you. For better or worse, social pressure from family and friends — who care about and believe in you — has the unique ability to hold us accountable and encourage us to change.

Small incremental steps are especially important because failure is a part of making significant changes. There will be times when you pull an all-nighter to study for a midterm the next day or embarrass yourself as you nervously chatter when you meet someone new. When I decided to run every day during the pandemic — despite being a water-sport athlete my entire life — I experienced burnout after

the first monthand-a-half.

The point is to know that failing is part of change and you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself.

In my case, I “bedrotted” for a week and chose alternate forms of exercise that I enjoy do-

ing during the week. Adapt and be flexible as you react to your “mistakes” or when facing challenges.

Although New Year’s resolutions provide an incentive to change your not-so-great habits, it’s important to remember that you can make changes in your life at any point during the year and whenever you want. You don’t have to wait until Jan. 1, 2026 if you already “failed” your 2025 resolutions. The process of change is not linear and when you eventually “fail,” you can try again.

If you want to reduce your TikTok usage in July, download an app to limit your time on social media — something I tried out last year. If you want to make new friends, try attending a club meeting at the beginning of this quarter. And if you convince yourself that you’re too busy this winter and don’t go to any club meetings, then you can always try again in the spring quarter.

Change is hard, but if you start with small and specific goals, you can achieve meaningful growth. ■ H

EMILY

DER

HLAN

E HIG

/ TH MATA

OPINIONS

8 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

highlandernews.org/category/opinions

From spectator to “main character” REFLECTING ON MY 2024 JOURNEY.

2024...

MATA ELANGOVAN Managing Editor

This was the year that made me question my existence. It all started when I decided to always say “yes” to every opportunity that came my way so that I never miss out on a possible character development arc in my life. I try to live life with no regrets, and I certainly do not regret any of the decisions I made this year, but they brought me a lot of trouble with my perception of self.

I’ve seen a lot over the course of the last 12 months. I’ve spoken to people I normally would not speak to, did things I would not even consider doing and said “yes” to everything people have asked me to do. The side quests I’ve embarked on have left me with many stories and lessons to tell, and have made me known to be someone who will happily take part as a supporting character in anyone’s story. While I have made an impact on others’ lives, those around me have shaped my own life in numerous manners.

I am but the culmination of those around me. In 2024, I went out of my way to talk to people I normally would not. I encountered people

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from all walks of life, from young parents, administrative officials to small children, all in an effort to find out what makes people want to live, not just survive. And boy did I find the multifaceted complexity of being human to be interesting.

I’ve never truly hated another person before and I want to continue that sentiment well into my life.

With every conversation held with another person, more is revealed about their mannerisms and reasonings, adding another piece to the puzzle of who they are. For every vice or red flag we carry, there is a flip side that balances it out. Though the puzzle may never fully be completed, it reminds me that I will never truly understand someone as I do not know everything that has led to who they are today.

While the opportunity to poke into people’s brains is compelling as a student journalist, it also takes a toll on my own mental health.

Last year was my venture into understanding what it means to view others as humans rather than as non-player characters (NPCs). This

is my year to better understand how I play into this conception and take an active role in my own life rather than lay subject to the spectator role I often play.

A lot of what caused that mentality last year was due to my role as the former News Editor at the Highlander. I was often plagued with the idea of being involved in a major event and then needing to cover it myself. Which, if it were to happen, would be a conflict of interest. This mindset led to me repressing any and all opinions and desire to take part in action, only viewing what unfolded on campus and talking with other people to better understand their own ordeals and reasons for doing the things that they do.

This year, I choose to be “selfish” — at least in my eyes. I choose to speak out against the things that bother me and to be unequivocally bold in my actions. I choose to take a stand when things go wrong and have no regrets about the decisions I make. I started employing this mindset late last year and I certainly started having a lot more drama in

my life, but I realized that I was also being unapologetically myself.

For the first time in my life, I was seeing a side of me that I was not only happy with but proud of. With the help of a college education, I was able to articulate what I thought and felt clearly, pulling from my experiences at the newspaper and in my classes; it’s with this energy I leap into the new year.

So to continue this journey of better understanding myself, I’m going to keep saying “yes.” I’ll jump into opportunities without a second thought, opening up paths I would have never taken originally.

The vices which I picked up on last year will be shed and this year will be clean of any temptation. While I have played witness to drama unfolding in the lives of others last year and avoided it in my own life, this time around I’ll embrace it with open arms and take the chance for a character development arc to unfold. ■H

highlandernews.org/category/features

FEATURES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

9

Features

Scotty-Scopes: Your winter quarter

WHAT THE NEXT TEN WEEKS OF YOUR LIFE WILL LOOK LIKE. NATALIE DAHL Features Editor

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22): Three of Swords

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21): King of Pentacles

Be open to forgiveness for yourself and others. Take time to work through your personal pain but remain positive and stay kind to yourself.

Abundance comes from discipline, Scorpio. Your endeavors won’t feel fruitful if you don’t put in the work and time that is necessary to secure them.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21): Queen of Wands This quarter, Sagittarius, have the confidence to reach out and create new connections. Have courage in your sense of self as you forge your path.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19): Ten of Wands

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18): Wheel of Fortune

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20): Page of Wands

You’re going to have to work hard this quarter, Capricorn. The burden will be on your shoulders, but make sure to delegate what you can.

This quarter will be a turning point in your college life, so don’t be resistant to change. Whether it’s good or bad, it’s coming.

You’ve got limitless potential coming into this quarter if you can direct your energy right. Lean into new inspiration and ideas, Pisces.

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Page of Pentacles This quarter will allow you to develop new skills and learn from your past mistakes. Avoid procrastination, and manifest opportunities for yourself.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Knight of Wands Your actions will be inspired in your academic life. Passion projects can be great, but focus on what needs to get done for your degree first.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): The Empress Your friends will really rely on your nurturing energy in the next ten weeks. While you can be a great support for them, do not give from an empty cup.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22): Queen of Cups Prioritize self-care and love this quarter, Leo. This will allow for emotional stability within your relationships, and allow you to be in tune with your inner feelings.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Ace of Wands New opportunities await you this quarter, Gemini. Don’t let distraction get in your way and stifle your potential and inspiration.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22): Ten of Swords A new quarter means a fresh start, so don’t waste the opportunity. Whether this applies to your love life or study plan, don’t let yourself fall back into old ■H patterns.

LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

FEATURES

10 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

highlandernews.org/category/features

NORM’S NOOK SPOTLIGHT Norm T. Navel GABRIELA GALVAN Assistant Features Editor

The start of a new quarter calls for a brief history lesson, and there is no subject better than the little fella that inspired the theme of this weekly spread: Norm T. Navel. Recognized as the unofficial official mascot on campus, this punch of vitamin C isn’t just famed for his cuteness, but rather the obscurity that follows him. Norm zests himself into the lives of students throughout the school year, making guest appearances at random campus events, an eventful experience for those who are lucky enough to catch him. His adorable a-peel credits him an innocent existence, however, this silly idea could only warrant a “trust no one” from those who recognize the truth of the matter. Webbed in a history of fabricated origin stories, Norm’s real story is finally told better late than navel. According to J.D. Warren’s article, “In search of UC Riverside’s missing not-mascot,” an exposé piece detailing Norms lore, Norm was the physical assumption of newfound success. After creating what was the perfect navel orange in 1973, this success warranted campus to create a mascot that recognized their contributions to the citrus world. However, UCR’s now retired Associate Vice Chancellor of Auxiliary Services, Andy Plumley, fabricated the entire story for the sake of having an inspiring story. Norm is actually closer in age to Nelly Furtado’s hit 2006 song “Promiscuous” than he is to the decade-

(Easy)

COURTESY OF UCR NEWS

defining bell bottom pants. Norm was created by Plumley and other faculty in 2006 as a representative of the Residence Hall Association. This deceit was made all in good faith, and while many might not be the same individuals they juiced to be after learning the truth, H Norm’s mysterious nature makes him that much cooler!■

STUDENT POLL QUESTION: What New Year’s resolution are you determined to achieve?

Answer our weekly question on the Highlander Instagram for the opportunity to get featured in the next issue!

Run a 5k race every month

Naia P.

Get on the honor roll

Iris A.

Go to writers meetings and to get more involved with the Highlander

Jackie A.

Journal everyday

Krystal C.

Being more present

Bianca H.

Determined to save money

Giselle R. ■ H

GRAPHICS BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

FEATURES

highlandernews.org/category/features

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

11

■H

CHALAMETS

COURTESY OF FREEPIK

By Natalie Dahl Features Editor

ANSWERS

(DON’T PEEK!) MAIN ST Across 1. Pressure unit: Abbr.

4. Can be chronic 8. Bautiful Things by Bnson ____ 12. Nautical loading site 13. Shamu, for one 14. CHP scanner 16. Cleanse 17. Black cat, to some 18. Get out of bed 19. “A Chorus Line” number 20. 1- or 2-___ toilet paper 21. Like a wallflower 23. Bother frequently 24. Chocolatier Timothée 26. Reduce, re___, recycle 28. Wishing someone ___

30. Beehive State native 32. Type of carpet or haircut 36. Frolic 39. “Piece of cake!”

41. Duke Timothée 42. Stars and Stripes land 43. Slack-jawed 45. To and ___ 46. Italian Timothée 48. Bug-eyed 49. Knife wound 50. Without help 51. Before, poetically 52. Understood 54. That ship 56. Musician Timothée 60. “Much ___ About Nothing”

63. Self addressed envelope: Abbr.

65. Hospital unit 67. Ginger ___ 68. Addition symbol 70. Mentor 72. Hummus holder 73. Good versus evil, redemption, coming of age, etc. in literature 74. Winston Churchill’s “___ Country:” 2 wds.

75. Horse’s jog 76. Frown: Var. 77. Extinct bird 78. Nincompoop Down 1. Baby grand, e.g.

2. What letter is nine scared of?

3. Intense anger 4. Billiards relative 5. ___ brat 6. Rocks, to a bartender 7. Nicknames for moms’ moms 8. Donkey sounds 9. Rowing crew tool 10. Thor’s father 11. Astronaut’s insignia 12. Farm equipment 15. Gas station choice abbr.

20. Buddy 22. Color tone 25. ___-up, or a rising handspring

ORANGE ST

27. Sports Channel, without the “N” 29. Shepherd’s grassland 30. Grammarian’s concern 31. Cotton On off-shoot 33. Knife or sword handle 34. Distinctive atmosphere 35. Mashed potato or whipped cream amount 36. Regrets 37. Nobel Peace Prize city 38. “You’ve Got ____” 40. Biology lab supply 44. Bird-to-be 47. “___ Baby Baby” (Linda Ronstadt hit) 49. Hog’s home 51. Taylor Swift term 53. Quirky

55. Fragrant compound 57. Villanious hideouts 58. Choir voices often repsonsible for harmonies 59. Not on the rocks 60. Do film work 61. Willy Wonka’s creator 62. Creme-filled cookie 64. “Heavens to Betsy!”

65. Actor Pitt 66. Prefix with centric or star 69. Cousin of an ostrich 71. ET’s ride H 72. Student-focused org. ■

12 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

FEATURES

highlandernews.org/category/features

Stop being broke

THIS NEW YEARS, GET CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES. SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief

H

appy new year, Highlanders! I know all of y’all are broke like me, so this year let’s get that bank account into the quadruple digits. Look at your bank account and reflect; screw your Spotify wrapped, show me your Chase wrapped. In the spirit of the new year, it is truly time to make a change to yourself. Here are a few finance tips to aid you on your quest to afford life when inflation is keeping you down.

Make a budget … and stick to it If you do not have any idea how much money you are spending and making, then you don’t have a shot to get your finances together. Take a look at your 2024 finances in review.

Calculate your monthly income, yearly income, and how much you are spending.

Now that you know your base financial state, it is easier to tell where to make cuts. If 70% of your income is spent on eating out, it’s time to cut back. A good rule of thumb is to budget out your money, set all of the cash you need for essential living expenses to the side, save 50% of your remaining income and leave the rest

as disposable income.

Stop being tied down by consumerism. Stop purchasing everything in your sight, putting moola in the pockets of the rich and powerful.

This year take control of your finances and, and in-turn, gain control of yourself. Break out the system that controls you.

Open a savings account and leave the money there Instead of switching $20 in and out of your savings account every time you make a purchase, let your money marinate a bit. If all you do is take the money out, you really are never going to save anything, and you will spend the rest of your life penniless.

Enough with the doordashing when your fridge is fully stocked and stop falling for the targeted advertisements on your Instagram feed — the cost of living is already exorbitant.

Let’s not add to our brokenness with unnecessary financial stress. Open that savings account and actually start saving your money. You only have a short time left before you being a “broke college student” turns into you being a “broke adult.”

Figure out how long it’s going to take you to pay off your student loans I see you, and you’re thinking, “She can not be talking about me. I have years to deal with those.” Well guess what, I am talking about you!

You do not have years to deal with this — you have today or a lifetime of death spent paying a $1,000 monthly minimum payment that will haunt you till you die. Open your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) account and see your balance. Whip out that handy calculator and do some math cause I do not want you to be stuck selling your soul to your loan provider. If you are a senior, you have to start paying those loans off one year from now, so get yourself together.

Stop buying unnecessary crap You do not need another pair of pants. You do not need three different shampoos. You do not need that stuff you saw on tiktok that you are never going to use again. If you have groceries, eat at home. If you have a meal plan, use it. Stop spending money you do not have and live within your means.■ H

GRAPHIC BY LAYNA LAPIKAS / THE HIGHLANDER

highlandernews.org/category/radar

RADAR

TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

13

Radar “A Complete Unknown” is not the typical music-biopic.

HANG OUT WITH BOB DYLAN DURING HIS EARLY YEARS IN NEW YORK AAKIF IQBAL Contributing Writer

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ames Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” is a music biopic starring Timothée Chalamet as 60s icon Bob Dylan in the early stages of his career. It meets Dylan right as he arrives in New York and follows his progression into becoming a superstar.

Mangold is best known for directing “Walk the Line,” the Johnny Cash biopic. Unlike “Walk the Line,” the film “A Complete Unknown” avoids a lot of the same trappings that make music biopics generic— starting from a character’s birth, ending at their death (which in this case wouldn’t be possible because Dylan is still alive), getting addicted to drugs and more.

The film employs a common progression seen in biopics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Rocketman,” leading to audience familiarity with the genre. This film focuses on the first few years of Bob Dylan’s career, which makes it more about the emerging folk scene in New York’s

Greenwich Village in the early 1960s rather than Dylan’s life story.

The supporting cast includes Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. Elle Fanning also plays a major character in the film named Sylvie Russo, based on an ex-girlfriend of Dylan’s.

By focusing less on the major achievements of the character, and focusing more on his rise to fame, the first half of the movie feels more like a hang out movie, as Dylan couch surfs and floats between relationships. It seems like the kind of movie Richard Linklater would make because it’s in the vein of “Dazed and Confused” or “Everybody Wants Some.”

The film is beholden not only to the music of Dylan but the music of Baez and Seeger as well. With Chalamet and Norton playing their instruments live to camera, it doesn’t even feel like acting anymore. It feels like Bob Dylan is there live figuring out his lyrics to “Girl from North Country,” or out in Newport

singing “It Ain’t Me Babe” with Joan Baez.

Everybody views Dylan as a genius and makes a lot of concessions for the awkwardness or blunt quality in his behavior, but the film does not shy away from the reality of who he was. Those familiar with his work are not surprised to see that he lacks any kind of faithfulness to the people in his life.

Dylan proves this time and time again, whether it be in his relationships with women, or with Seeger who took him in when he got to New York. It gets at what made Bob Dylan such a cool and fascinating artist to the public – he was puzzling and cryptic and aloof and a jerk, but an incredible songwriter all the same.

Where the film switches gears is where it starts to lose what made the first half so captivating. When Bob Dylan gets back from tour — donning a leather jacket and some shades — he seems even more distant than before. His general affection towards the people around him becomes less personal which makes

it almost hard to watch.

The film quickly rushes towards its end, and in the last half hour viewers might feel unsatisfied with the direction it takes. When it ends, it plays the same title cards about where the characters ended up in real life, a commonly added touch in every biopic. However, this does not detract from the rest of the film.

Between the cozy sweaters and atmosphere, the beautiful anamorphic cinematography and the incredible performances, the film delivers exactly what is expected from a big studio biopic. It transcends being a story solely about Bob Dylan and becomes about what it means to be compelled to create and share art with the world.

VERDICT: The film is definitely worth watching, even in spite of two hours of folk music. ■H

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14 TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025

RADAR

highlandernews.org/category/radar

‘Nosferatu’ is the horror film audiences have been waiting for.

SUCCUMB TO THE DARKNESS IN THIS NEWEST RENDITION OF THE DRACULA MYTH AAKIF IQBAL Contributing Writer

“Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, is a horror masterpiece.

Based off of the 1922 German silent film of the same name, “Nosferatu” follows a real estate agent, Thomas Hutter, who is sent to Transylvania to secure a deal with a Count named Orlok.

Although it is not based on his personal life, the original silent film is very personal to Eggers’s own career as a filmmaker. When he created a black and white stage adaptation of it in high school, it inspired him to become a director.

Best known for “The VVitch” and “The Lighthouse,” Eggers’s take on “Nosferatu” is a faithful adaptation. It pulls from the original German film, “Nosferatu the Vampyre” (1979) and Brahm Stoker’s “Dracula,” while including some of Eggers’s own interests as well.

While the 1979 version of Nosferatu focused on the vampire himself,played by Klaus Kinski, opposite Isabelle Adjani as Ellen Hutter, Eggers chooses to center his new adaptation of the tale around Ellen.

Played by Lily Rose-Depp in this new film, Ellen Hutter is a woman entrapped in her own melancholia.

She has paranoia about her new husband, Thomas, leaving her side.

The dynamic between him, played

by Nicholas Hoult, and Ellen sit at the forefront of the film.

Though it explores themes of repression and desire, its main focus is on the idea of good versus evil.

At the center of Ellen’s inner and

external conflict is the question of whether or not evil is inherent to human nature and if it is a characteristic that can be controlled.

This exploration of Jungian philosophy is not new to Eggers. In every one of his films from “The VVitch” to “The Northman,” he is exploring these universal concepts and philosophical ideas.

Though his films have been criticized as being dense and boring, the reality is that he makes chamber pieces. The majority of the scenes in this film, like most of his films, take place in a few locations. His camera is always observing the characters as they enter states of hysteria.

Ellen’s hysteria, as she becomes more possessed and connected to the vampire, pulls heavy inspiration in performance from another one of Isabelle Adjani’s cult-classic horror film i “Possession.” She does an absolutely incredible job. Her eyes roll to the back of her head as she cannot resist the control of her “shadow.” However, she is just one of many great actors in this film.

The central couple, as well as Bill Skarsgård as Count Orlok, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin as the Harding family, do phenomenal jobs in anchoring the story. When Willem Dafoe’s character Professor Van Franz enters the film, his eccentricities are what carry the film’s latter half.

Unlike the previous Nosferatu films, the first half of Eggers’ tale focuses more on setting up the dynamics between all of the charac-

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ters. Eggers explores the dynamics between the Hutter and Harding families, the nature of their Known for its strict attention to detail and remaining historically accurate, Eggers’ adaptation of “Nosferatu” is no different from its predecessors. Set in Germany in 1838, the story depicts Transylvanian vampiric folklore. Its post-En-

lightenment philosophy immerses viewers right into the time frame.

Von Franz explores a world after skepticism, with great use of theatrics, he contends with the concept of a world in which God is dead and the supernatural occurrences which follow.

VERDICT: “Nosferatu” is dark and atmospheric in the way all great horror films are. It draws from the horror directors like Stanley Kubrick and William Friedkin– yet paves a path all of its own. Succumb to the darkness. The film will not disappoint. ■ H

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THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/radar

RADAR

TUESDAY 7, JANUARY 2025

15

Red light or green light, majority rules! ’Squid Game’ season two ups the stakes with new twists By: Maribel Gamez Reyes, Radar Editor

W

rapping up the final days of 2024, Netflix released the highly anticipated season two of “Squid Game.” Ever since its unprecedented first season , the show has created an unwavering impression, breaking records as Netflix’s mostwatched show to date. Now, with season two’s recent release the show debuted at #1 in all 93 countries where the streaming service is available.

Gaining traction over the course of season one, the showrunner’s slow but inevitable success in reception has only peaked since then, as it’s remained viral and relevant for over three years since the first season’s release on Sept.17, 2021.

With these circumstances in mind, expectations and anticipation have been building up since Netflix announced season two in June 2022 and the end of filming in 2023. The “Squid Game” phenomenon extends beyond the show’s success as entertainment; the show earned welldeserved appraisal through its awards and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to the Golden Globes.

The show’s influence further delivers strategic, immersive marketing that delves into fashion, food and brand collaborations, which play into the show’s themes of strategy and capitalism.

In its continuation, the complete storyline of season two is tactically split, with seven episodes released collectively and the other half expected to be released sometime in the summer of 2025. Picking up where the finale of season one ends, the pilot episode follows Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), winner and player 456, plagued by the trauma of being the sole survivor in the midst of a

significant decision. He can either Fly out to the United States to reunite with his daughter or stay back to find the organization that hosted the games to shut it down.

pointing for audiences expecting more chaos in the game’s arena. However, it’s refreshing to see more personalized scenes of past characters and to have the necessary background for The teaser trailer foreshad- new characters, creating owed what he would end the emotional attachment up choosing, promising that will keep audiences to extend the story and invested in the long run. take viewers back into the familiarity of the arena with Everyone has the option new games and competitors to green light or red light in the balance. The first season two. Even with the two-and-a-half episodes added rule of competitors are used to set up a thrilling voting after every game— way of getting Gi-hun back despite some depressing in the games. odds—the majority rules to play. Racking up 68 million Set three years after his views in its premiere week, decision to stay back, the show proves that season the show focuses on the three has the potential to aftermath of the tragic events continue breaking records. in season one, answering fans’ long-held questions. Verdict: Viewers can Even further, season two expect the continuation of explores the backstory of “Squid Game” to enrich iconic characters like The the qualities that have made Recruiter (played by Gong it successful. With added Yoo) and former police twists in the arena and detective Hwang Jun-ho beyond, the series' slow (played by Wi Ha-joon). pace in exploring personal stories effectively creates The series remains loyal emotional connections. The to exploring the relation- new season will invite bingship between debt, labor ing-watching and raise more and the human body under eagerness for the arrival of capitalism by continuing season three. this theme outside of the arena. The series still sticks to its iconic elements, revamping The Recruiter’s ddakji game approach by following him outside of the subway platform and revealing more about his character. This scene, referred to as the “bread or lottery” proposition, is layered in its interpretative meaning. The scene reveals his specific philosophy about the people he approaches, using the bread and lottery as a metaphor for the choice he believes they were predestined to make. The majority picked the lottery ticket instead of satisfying their immediate need to eat.

Having these detailed scenes that don’t necessarily push the story forward can be somewhat disap-

Courtesy of Netflix

16 TUSEDAY 7, JANUARY 2025

RADAR

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/radar

Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ enters theaters like a whisper.

With a stacked lineup of new releases, it’s likely this one was missed Bobbi Monae Mandour, Assistant Radar Editor

QUEER

A

t the end of 2024, the movie theater release lineups felt pretty unconventional. In December, a whirlwind of films like Robet Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” and Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” were all released in local theaters on Christmas Day. To read an article about “Nosferatu,” check out “‘Nosferatu’ is the horror film audiences have been waiting for,” by Aakif Iqbal on page 14.

So the year ended with poetic retellings of Bob Dylan’s personal and musical life, retellings of centuries-old horror stories, and what seems to be a retelling of human desires reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” It feels like 2024 ends with much to reflect on, much to consider and reconsider, and getting to the truth of things. In the midst of all these releases, though, one enigmatically stands apart – and that is Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer.”

In the recent past, film fanatics and casual viewers alike probably saw Guadagnino’s adaptation of Andre Aciman’s novel “Call Me By Your Name” in 2017 and “Challengers” this past summer. Both of these films work to establish a body of cinematic works by Guadagnino that explore the intricacies and difficulties of human desire, and namely,

Courtesy of A24 queer explorations of desire. Guadagnino’s growing cinematic canon reflects an energetic build up towards “Queer,” which encompasses all of the pent-up yearning, desire and climatic forces. These attributes may have only been hinted at, or touched ever so briefly, in his past films.

If the language being used hasn’t hinted at it yet, it should be stated bluntly that “Queer” is very much not a film that will appeal to everyone. This film is absolutely spilling with visual depictions of human desires at their most primal, instinctual state, which can toe the line between erotic and pleasurable, yet perhaps off-putting and abject.

“QUEER” ROMANCE/DRAMA A 2024 FILM RATED R 2HR 17MIN

vivid scenes with natural sunlight, shadows and surrealistic hues that make watching the entire movie feel like looking at a pile of film photos found discarded at some thrift store; it’s a time capsule of someone’s memories lost to time.

“Queer” focuses solely on its male main characters, as well as their relationships with other men–in other words, Guadagnino creates an idealized homosexual haven out of Burrough’s memoiristic depiction of 1950s Mexico City.

The film runs about two-and-a-half hours long, which might demand serious commitment for something that doesn’t necessarily have the However, “Queer” is also a film that most compelling plotline. The simply seeks to reflect on what it’s film follows the perspective of like for human beings to experience middle-aged William Lee, exceppain, love, curiosity, passion and the tionally portrayed by Daniel Craig, longing for connection with another who is a bohemian layabout artist human being – a universal feeling. of sorts. He seeks the company of younger men, initially under Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” is an the intention of using them as adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ inspiration for his artistic practice. novel of the same name, which Like many artists of the time, Lee is set and originally written in has many insatiable desires for the 1950s. The tale follows the life’s vices, like booze, heroin and central characters, William Lee and questionable sexual encounters.

Eugene Allerton, two expat-Americans living in a dreamlike, warm When he meets Eugene Allerton, and sensuous Mexico City. In the Lee is immediately enamored by the film, Guadagnino calls to a Wes young, ex-soldier played by up-andAnderson-esque color scheme of coming actor Drew Starkey. Lee’s

yearning comes to a head when he convinces Eugene to accompany him on an impulsive trip to South America, with the intentions of finding a shaman to administer the psychedelic medicine ayahuasca to the men. The journey is, in part, an effort by Lee to see if he and Eugene can “speak to each other without words.” Much of the film is marked by this sense of desperation and desire that Lee has, both to heal things within himself, but also to connect to the mysterious Eugene beyond the physical level.

Overall, this film is surreal, captivating, emotional, slightly disturbing and fully undeniably beautiful. To be honest, though, the viewers that will get the most out of this film are those that resonate with, or are at least fond of, the thematic explorations of queer desire, pain and storytelling. “Queer” is a film that lingers in the doorway of your mind like a lover with something to say that threatens to remain unsaid, bidding a look of subtle acknowledgement.

SPORTS

TUESDAY 7, JANUARY 2025

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/Sports

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Makayla Rose and Savannah Tucker Trade Buckets as Highlanders lose 63-48 UCR and Long Beach State both looked to stay undefeated in conference play.

By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor

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the Beach would take this one 63-48 behind Tucker’s 22 and Richards’s 14 points.

n Thursday, Jan. 2, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) women’s basketball team hosted California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). These two teams last met during the 2024 Big West Playoffs.

After falling flat in the fourth quarter, the Highlanders responded in a big way against the defending Big West champions on Saturday. Defeating the University of California, Irvine 59-54 and improving to 3-1 in the Big West.

The Highlanders have since lost both Webster and Bryant.

However, UCR returned core players like senior forward Esther Matarranz and junior guard Makayla Rose, who scored a career-high 25 points in that game. Add in a pair of transfers from Northern Colorado, junior guard Shelley Duchemin and graduate guard Seneca Hackley. Head coach Brad Langston has another very talented group this season.

The team’s talent delivered during the Big West Bold Week as the Highlanders picked up wins against California State University, Northridge and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Without Webster, it was expected that the team’s offense would take a step back, but UCR has disproved that so far. Rose and Duchemin have been especially hot offensively as both junior guards put up

double digits in both games. Matched up with Mykelle Richards, Duchemin looked Like the Highlanders, the to use her speed to blow Beach have also started Big by the freshman forward.

West play strong. Earning Duchemin found success wins against CSUF and going to the rim and pulling Hawaii thanks to the efforts up a mid-range jumper. of the Big West Player of the Week for those games, Credit to Richards, she senior guard Savannah fought back in the second Tucker. quarter after a rough start to the game. Giving UCR a In Thursday’s contest, taste of their own medicine, Tucker kept the momentum Richards attacked the rim rolling with six of CSULB’s in the half-court and on 10 first-quarter points. the fast break as the Beach The Highlanders looked to took a 27-24 lead going into get sharpshooter Hannah halftime.

Wickstrom going early.

Good ball movement from The Beach started quickly UCR got the freshman guard in the second half. A corner open looks from behind triple by Richards followed the arc, but Wickstrom’s by a Tucker runner and a attempts kept bouncing off bankshot from sophomore the back rim. forward Jada Crenshaw extended the lead to double Meanwhile, Duchemin digits. looked to attack the basket when she had the ball. Down by 10 points,

This week, the Highlanders make the long road trip to take on the University of Hawaii on Thursday. Last year, the two teams split the season series. Led by senior guards Lily Wahinekapu and Daejah Phillips, the Rainbow Wahine will prove to be another tough test for Courtesy of Makayla Rosa UCR.

Langston looked to raise the intensity by employing a full-court press. This clearly lit a fire under Rose. She made a couple of layups before drilling a corner 3-pointer to snatch the momentum back in favor of the Highlanders. Later in the third quarter, Rose showed off the shooter’s touch as her elbow jumper bounced in and cut the lead to just one point.

GAME ON!

Despite entering that game as the no. 7 seed, CSULB knocked off a very strong no. 3 seed Highlanders team that featured All-Big West First Team guard Jordan Webster and Second Team forward Matehyha Bryant in overtime. It was a crushing loss for a UCR team that had aspirations of winning the Big West Championship.

With CSULB on the back foot, Tucker stepped up in the fourth quarter. She scored six straight points as CSULB’s suffocating defense stifled the Highlanders. Rose finally ended the drought with an acrobatic layup with just four minutes left in the game.

Outscoring the Highlanders 15-6 in the fourth quarter,

18 TUSEDAY 7, JANUARY 2025

SPORTS

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/radar

Josua Mendoza and Collete Lowengrub sprint toward their ultimate ambitions Mendoza and Lowengrub reflect on their cross country careers and look forward to their futures after UCR. By: Nikolas Kittilson, Contributing Writer

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he University of California, Riverside (UCR) is home to some of the best athletes in Division 1. Joshua Mendoza and Collette Lowengrub are among these athletes.

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Off the line in their final race, both Mendoza and Lowengrub entered with remarkable academic achievements and outstanding collegiate athletic careers that exemplify what it means to be a great student athlete on and off of the track.

Now, in the final push, they’re looking past the finish line.

S P O E T TLIG LE H T A

“It feels great knowing the hard work and dedication of always shooting for high goals and facing some failure and challenges, feels good knowing I have been through these challenges,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza, a graduate student in the School of Public Policy with an undergraduate degree in political science, is a member of the Big West Commissioner’s honor roll and holds the third fastest time in UCR history at the 8k Bill Dellinger Invitational. Most recently, Mendoza recorded a fifth place finish at the Big West Championship as well as leading the team to their best finish at the NCAA Regionals in a decade.

Looking to the future, Mendoza aspires to become a professor of political science after his time at UCR.

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“There is so much hard work and dedication that goes into it, the past 4 years all my time and dedication has gone to the sport,” shared Lowengrub. “To come in 10th at my last conference is really special to me. Especially at our home course.”

S P O E T T E LI G L H T A

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Senior Collette Lowengrub, a Big West All-academic scholar, won the inaugural Hueston M. and Margaret W. Harper Award. The award is given to a UCR Intercollegiate athlete with outstanding academic and athletic achievements, and serves as a testament to her dedication. On the track, she finished top 10 at the Big West Championship and led the women’s team to a 20th place finish at the NCAA West Regional.

Featured in image Collete Lowengrub

Outside of the collegiate sphere, Lowengrub has achieved national and international recognition. Before the Olympics, she was invited to train in the Triathlon with a select number of other collegiate athletes at Team USA’s home base in Colorado. She currently is continuing that training to one day compete for Team USA. “It was so eye opening to see the dedication and hard work that goes into the sport,” noted Lowengrub. “It is all technical, and learning all the techniques was something that was super interesting to me.”

Mendoza and Lowengrub, leaders on their respective teams, will both compete in the upcoming indoor track season in the winter and outdoor track in the Spring.

It is an exciting time to be a Highlander, and their legacies continue to inspire others and shape the upcoming aspirations of UCR cross country and track and field.

Featured in image Josua Mendoza

Images Courtesy of Collete and Josua

THE HIGHLANDER // highlandernews.org/sports

SPORTS

TUESDAY 7, JANUARY 2025 19

Men’s Basketball - 12/29/2024 St. Thomas vs. UCR 81-79, W UCR Team Leaders: Points: Barrington Hargress (24) Rebounds: Joel Armotrading (11) Assists: Nate Pickens (4) Blocks: Joel Armotrading (2) Steals: Barrington Hargress (2)

Women’s Basketball - 1/2/2025 Long Beach St vs. UCR 63-48, L UCR Team Leaders: Points: Makayla Rose (19) Rebounds: Gemma Cutler (6) Assists: Tillery, Marshall and Duchemin (3) Blocks: Gemma Cutler (1) Steals: Makayla Rose (3)

Men’s Basketball - 1/2/2025 UCR vs. Long Beach St 76-60, W UCR Team Leaders: Points: Isaiah Moses (22) Rebounds: Nate Pickens (10) Assists: Barrington Hargress (4) Blocks: Jack Whitbourn and Joel Armotrading (1) Steals: Nate Pickens (2)

Women’s Basketball - 1/4/2025 UCI vs. UCR 59-54, W UCR Team Leaders: Points: Shelley Duchemin (14) Rebounds: Esther Matarranz (9) Assists: Makayla Rose and Zoe Tillery (5) Blocks: Esther Matarranz (2) Steals: Shelley Duchemin (3) Men’s Basketball - 1/4/2024 UCR vs. UCI 81-57, L UCR Team Leaders: Points: Barrington Hargress (20) Rebounds: Niyi Olabode (10) Assists: Nate Pickens (3) Steals: Moses, Pickens, Armotrading, and Hargress (1)

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