Month: September 2023

“A Haunting in Venice” Review (Spoiler Free)

Arts & Entertainment

Steven Hoang, Staff

On Saturday Sept. 23, I got to see “A Haunting in Venice.” It is the third Agatha Christie murder mystery adaptation where Kenneth Branagh portrays the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and serves as the film’s director. The film is loosely based on Christie’s 1969 novel “Hallowe’en Party.” I I have watched the previous two movies Branagh has directed  (“Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile”), so I was quite excited with a third movie coming out.  

Though I was excited for this movie since murder mysteries happen to be one of my favorite genres, I was also at the same time quite skeptical because I did not enjoy “Death on the Nile” as much as I thought I would. However, this film definitely did not disappoint.

A strong point of this film was its cinematography. There were a variety of different camera angles such as dutch angles and close shots used to help convey the ethereal and creepy atmosphere of a palazzo in Venice where the movie takes place. Also, I enjoyed the shots outside of the palazzo, as it helped to showcase the beauty of Venice and even got the viewer to see what was going on outside the palazzo while Poirot investigates the crime. The visuals were beautiful and one of the things that kept me engaged as the film progressed.

The story is a “whodunnit” within a haunted house setting. Something to keep in mind is that the movie was spooky, not scary. In my opinion, you will get the shivers. The movie does incorporate horror such as the use of supernatural elements. Additionally, it has some subtle comedy, which helps give the viewer some moments of brevity. The story to me overall did not feel rushed and I appreciated that. I do recommend watching the previous two movies as there are some small references from them, but it is optional as the movie is its own separate story.

The characters to me were all interesting in their own ways. I loved getting to know each of them and their own respective connections to each other and to the overall story itself. Once again, Branagh does a great job of portraying Poirot. With that being said, the rest of the cast did just as great. For instance, Tina Fey’s performance as Ariadne Oliver (Poirot’s friend and crime novelist) surprised me. I thought that I would be distracted because of her past works she has been in like “Mean Girls,” but I enjoyed her interactions with Branagh in the movie.

Out of the three films that Branagh has directed, I can say without a doubt that “A Haunting in Venice” is the best one. I came into the theater excited and left it feeling very satisfied. I recommend this film to any fellow murder mystery fan.

He was 87, She was (19)89

Arts & Entertainment

Emily Allgair, Editor

Taylor Swift made headlines yet again this weekend, but in a much different arena: the Arrowhead Stadium, to be exact. 

Up until the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears, swifties were only circulating rumors about Kelce and Swift’s love affair. In July, Travis admitted to his brother, Jason Kelce, on their podcast New Heights that he was disappointed he was not able to give Swift a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it after attending one of her Eras Tour concerts. Rumors started picking up around mid-September, although Travis claimed the interest to be one-sided. This is, of course, until Sunday’s game, where Swift was seen seated next to Donna Kelce, Travis’ mom, in a private box wearing Chiefs’ merch.  

Earlier this month, Jason Kelce was asked whether or not he believed the rumors to be true on the DeCamara & Richie on Audacy’s SportsRadio 94 WIP. Kelce said that while he does not know all of Travis’ business for sure, he believed the rumors to be “100 percent true.”

After being seen leaving the stadium together, a TikTok account claimed that Swift paid for the customers’ meals as a means of clearing out a restaurant for herself, Kelce, his family and his team. Entertainment Tonight, however, reported that it was actually Kelce who bought out the restaurant. The same TikTok account continued their claims by stating that she saw Taylor and Travis making out on the dance floor of a club that was also rented out for the exclusive crowd. 

While we still do not know exactly what is happening between the supposed love-birds, excitement can be seen throughout Taylor Swift TikTok and even the NFL. The NFL’s TikTok page even changed its bio to honor her attendance. In a post-game interview, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes was asked his thoughts on if Travis and Taylor are an item, to which he responded by saying that if they were together, maybe he would get to meet her.

As of Monday night, the NFL was still playing clips of Swift’s appearance, as well as her songs in between plays. With this being the case, it is likely to assume that the buzz surrounding this couple will not subside in the near future. With swifties and now football fans alike tuning into these headlines, we are all interested in seeing the next steps of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce (hopefully together).

I HAD THE CHANCE TO ASK JOSHUA RADIN A FEW QUESTIONS

Arts & Entertainment

 Jeriann Tripodi, A&E Editor Emeritus

Joshua Radin is a singer-songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. The folk artist has a distinctive style of soft and relaxing vocals with authentic and meaningful lyrics. In 2004, he found overnight success when his original song “Winter” debuted during a monumental scene in the NBC television series “Scrubs.” Radin then went on to have a successful career as a songwriter, as his music has appeared in over 200 television shows, films and commercials. Notable television shows that have featured his music are Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill, House, American Idol, and Shameless. First Ladies Michelle Obama and Jill Biden have chosen Radin’s original song, “Brand New Day,” as the soundtrack to a commercial supporting US troops. The singer-songwriter has also performed his music on television. Several talk shows that Radin appeared on are Ellen (where he has been a musical guest numerous times), Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, Conan, and the Today Show. Adding to his long list of accomplishments, Radin has performed to sold out crowds across the world and has shared the stage with many notable artists such as Ed Sheeran, Sara Bareilles, Sheryl Crow and Tori Amos. Radin’s music has over one billion streams and he has sold more than one million albums worldwide. His single “I’d Rather Be With You” has received a gold certification.

Joshua Radin at The Fonda Theatre via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Joshua_Radin_03_07_2015_-4_(16568790428).jpg

Radin has recently released “Though the World Will Tell Me So, part 2.” The first volume, “Though the World Will Tell Me So, part 1,” was released in January 2023. Additionally, the singer and songwriter is currently on his North American fall tour, which kicked off this September. Radin took the time off from his busy schedule to answer a few questions.  

Q (JERIANN): Which song off your “Though the World Will Tell Me So” album collection holds the most personal meaning for you?

A (JOSHUA RADIN): Either “My Father’s Eyes” or “Over the City” but it’s very difficult to choose. All my songs are very personal.

Q (JERIANN): What can the audience expect when they see you live in concert?

A (JOSHUA RADIN): They can expect to know me a lot better when the show is done.

Q (JERIANN): You have been a musical guest on Ellen numerous times; are there any favorite televised performances or moments that you could tell us about?

A (JOSHUA RADIN): The first time playing on Ellen was crazy because during soundcheck she started crying and asked if the song I was playing was something I’d consider playing while she got married to Portia. So that memory definitely sticks out.

Q (JERIANN): Growing up, which artists did you listen to that inspired you musically?

A (JOSHUA RADIN): Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Joni Mitchell, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, to name just a few.

Q (JERIANN): What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians?

A (JOSHUA RADIN): Don’t think about success in terms of money or fame or audience size or any of that. Every time I’ve ever thought about those kinds of things, the songs I write aren’t ones I want to play for the rest of my life.

Joshua Radin recently performed live in concert in Sellersville, PA. The singer-songwriter will appear at other US venues until Oct. 14, 2023. Check out the official Joshua Radin website for merchandise and more information.

I HAD THE CHANCE TO ASK KATELYN TARVER A FEW QUESTIONS

Arts & Entertainment

 Jeriann Tripodi, A&E Editor Emeritus

Katelyn Tarver at the Bootleg Bar via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Katelyn_Tarver_08_06_2017_-29_(36602960473).jpg

Katelyn Tarver is an American singer, songwriter and actress who originated from Glennville, Georgia. As an actress, Tarver is best known for her recurring roles in the television shows “Big Time Rush,” “No Ordinary Family,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Ballers.” She has also starred in the films “Dead on Campus” and “Babysitter’s Nightmare.” As a musical artist, Tarver is known for her indie-pop style with distinctively smooth and emotional vocals and meaningful lyrics of self-awareness and reflection. Tarver started her music career in 2003 when she was a contestant on the reality television show “American Juniors” where she made the top 10. She has great experience with live performances, as she has gone on to support many worldwide famous artists such as Michelle Branch, James Bay, Nina Nesbitt, and Johnnyswim. Adding to her long list of accomplishments, Tarver has co-written “Crazy Stupid Love” for Cheryl, which peaked at the top spot on the UK Singles Chart in 2014.

Tarver’s forthcoming sophomore album is set to arrive in early 2024. She has recently released several new songs from this album, such as “Starting to Scare Me,” “Cinematic” and “Parallel Universe.” She is currently on her first headlining North American tour. Musicians Rosie Darling and Jack Gray will support on select dates. Katelyn Tarver took the time off from her busy schedule to answer a few questions. Let’s get to know her a little better. I hope you enjoy our Q&A session:

Q (JERIANN): Could you share any exclusive details about your forthcoming album, including what you are most excited to share with listeners? 

A (KATELYN TARVER): I’m so excited to share this new chapter with people. I feel like it’s my most authentic work yet, and I’m anxious to share it in its entirety!

Q (JERIANN): What can the audience expect when they see you live in concert?

A (KATELYN TARVER): They can expect a mix of some of my older stuff and new, unreleased music, me saying “thank you for coming” too much, and multiple attempts at trying to be funny.

Q (JERIANN): Growing up, which artists did you listen to that inspired you musically?

A (KATELYN TARVER): My mom was always listening to 70’s music and Christian music. My dad would always be playing the guitar and learning some James Taylor or Eric Clapton. I listened to a mix of female country artists and pop artists like Shania Twain and then N’sync, Jessica Simpson and Britney… it was all over the place! I think all of those different genres have influenced me at different times along the way.

Q (JERIANN): What advice would you give to young aspiring musicians?

A (KATELYN TARVER): I would say to not be too worried about your path looking a certain way for it to equal success. Focus on getting to know yourself, making music that you love, and not putting too much pressure on yourself! Get comfortable with being vulnerable and experiencing a lot of highs and lows. Fall in love with the process, not the outcome.Katelyn Tarver appeared live in concert in Philadelphia on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Milkboy. The singer-songwriter will appear at other US venues until Oct. 6, 2023. On the Katelyn Tarver official website, you can find upcoming tour dates, shop for merchandise, and learn more information.

The Writers Strike Is Finally Over 

Arts & Entertainment

Emily Allgair, Editor

After 148 days, the Writers Guild Strike is finally over. Having ended on Wednesday Sept. 27 at 12:01 am PT, this strike is the second longest in the Writers Guild of America’s history, only to follow a 1988 labor action. Now that leadership has voted to return some 11,500 members back to work, tasks such as pitching, selling scripts, taking notes and taking meetings can all be resumed. 

Although the end of the strike has been agreed upon, Union members still need to ratify the contract. This will take place within the next few weeks, specifically between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9. Informal meetings that will be held in Los Angeles, New York, and even some on Zoom are taking place within the next few days to help those in leadership positions sell the deal to Union members. 

via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Writers_striking.jpg

The union and studios announced a tentative agreement about a new three-year contract on Sept. 24 after a weekend full of figuring out the deal. While there was about a month that discussion was at a standstill, the two sides went back to the table around Sept. 20. In attendance were major industry names, including Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley and Warner Bros. Discovery’s David Zaslav. While many topics were covered in these discussions, one that showed to be a difficult one was the issue of artificial intelligence. Eventually a compromise was established, a compromise that the WGA called “exceptional.”

Although the exact language has yet to be released, the memorandum of agreement included increases to minimum wage and compensation, increased health fund rates and pension, improvements to the terms of size of writing teams and length of employment and better residuals, especially in terms of streaming. As for artificial intelligence, productions and writers are still allowed to use AI, only as long as the use of the software does not eliminate completely or diminish the writers and their pay.

Despite the end of this strike, only half of the historic entertainment labor standoff has come to an end. SAG-AFTRA still remains out on strike, and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, while they bargained with WAG, has not set any date for discussion with SAG-AFTRA. The issues being fought for here are mainly focused on general wage increases, streaming revenue, and, again, artificial intelligence.

In short, the writers are back. So even though the WGA strike has ended, without performers, production will be difficult. Hopefully the agreement made between the AMPTP and WAG foreshadows an agreement with SAG-AFTRA, meaning better conditions for everyone in the entertainment industry.

Bear with me, eat more animal fats 

Commentary

Joseph Battista, Editor

Bears. Bears eat salmon. Lots of salmon, but not always the whole fish. They most prefer the skin and other fatty parts, sometimes discarding the rest of the fish, per NPS.gov. Why? Bears eat fattier foods to consume calories that are nutrient dense for preservation.

Humans eat salmon. Lots of salmon, but not always the whole fish. Many eat salmon filets, but discard the skin. Why? People eat less fatty foods to avoid excess calories, purposefully or incidentally missing out on nutrient-dense foods.

There may be a few things to learn from bears. Most importantly, if you have errands to run after you make porridge and tidy your bed, you should lock your door… Still, there are more notes to take, specifically, eating animal fats and not being scared of doing so! 

Sure, bears hibernate. They sleep for half of the year and need that extra fat, and yes, I think we all may be a little jealous. However, a surplus of animal-based fats when opportunity strikes may be a good idea. Plus, who is going to turn down extra bacon?

Fats are macronutrients that contain nine calories of energy per gram; proteins and carbohydrates contain four calories per gram. They store energy in the body, absorb nutrients and create hormones, according to the British Heart Foundation. There are three relevant types of fat: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. Animal fats come in polyunsaturated and saturated forms.

Polyunsaturated fats are commonly referred to as “good” fats due to their ability to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats have a less stellar reputation, commonly attributed to heart disease from overconsumption, according to MedlinePlus. Despite reputation, both fats come in many forms, housing dense variations of nutrients. Some nutrients found in animal fats are vitamins A, D3 and B12. These nutrients, like many others, play roles in maintaining the body’s health.

So, fats contain energy and play a role in bodily health. Yet, in excess they can be unhealthy. Why would anyone then consume excess fats? It is for the same reason those bears hibernate, except less extreme. Consuming animal fats in place of excess calories from other sources provides extra energy for later use and is a rich source of nutrients that the body can either use or store. 

Everyone misses a meal once in a while. It is understandable in this busy world. The decrease in energy that comes with it may not be as forgiving. Next time you are faced with eating animal fats, act as a bear would, and eat some extra. You will get nutrients for maintaining health, and maybe the next missed lunch may not be so brutal with that extra energy from last dinner.

A summer at Wissahickon Valley Park

Commentary

Sean Bradley, Staff

Over summer vacation, I worked as an educator at the Wissahickon Environmental Center in Wissahickon Valley Park. One of my favorite experiences from the job was participating in a week-long Ecology Camp in August. Founded by Tony Croasdale and Susan Haidar, my supervisors,, this educational camp is for children ages 11-14. We visited and learned about a different type of ecosystem found in the Delaware Valley each day. For this article, I will share my memories from this fun week.

On day one, we visited Dixon Meadow Preserve in Lafayette Hill, PA. There, we took a tour led by wildlife photographer Troy Bynum. On the tour, we saw some cool things including a European hornet, a Carolina mantis egg capsule and a beautiful, male blue grosbeak. Bynum informed us that a pair of blue grosbeaks bred here over the summer. Additionally, we saw two bobolinks fly over before leaving. 

European Hornet, via Sean Bradley

On day two, we visited Whitesbog Village, a cranberry farm in the Pine Barrens of NJ. This place is historically significant because in 1916, agricultural specialist, Elizabeth White, developed the world’s first cultivated blueberry. Today, many of her testing fields remain. There, we went on a guided tour of the farm and testing fields. Additionally, we saw plants and wildlife, including Virginia meadow beauties, a Fowler’s toad, an eastern musk turtle and a Tersa sphinx moth caterpillar.

Virginia Meadow Beauty, via Sean Bradley

On day three, we visited The Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, NJ to learn about the wildlife in the bay and in the surrounding marsh. There, with guided assistance, we got to go in the bay wearing waders to catch marine invertebrates using a seine net. Some invertebrates that were caught and released included Atlantic blue crabs and glass shrimps. Afterwards, we went on a guided walk through the marsh. Along the way, we saw laughing gulls and fiddler crabs. Lastly, before leaving, we explored the aquarium in the nature center.

Laughing Gull, Via Sean Bradley

On day four, we visited Tannersville Cranberry Bog in Tannersville, PA, which is unique for being the southernmost boreal bog east of the Mississippi. The bog formed from retreating glaciers about 13,000 years ago. Its unique distinction allows it to be home to many boreal plants like tamarack and black spruce, as well as cool plants like the carnivorous purple pitcher plant. Additionally, we saw an amazing diversity of fungi on the hike to and from the bog. While leaving, we saw a broad-winged hawk land on a telephone wire.

Tamarack and Black Spruce growing in the bog, Via Sean Bradley

Finally, on day five, we visited John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, which is the largest remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. There, we explored the woods and wetlands and saw cool things like swamp rose mallow. Afterwards, we headed back and thus concluded Ecology Camp.

Swamp Rose Mallow, via Sean Bradley

It has been a pleasure sharing this article with you, and I hope you enjoyed reading it.

Fall nature on campus

Features

Sean Bradley, Staff

As the growing season winds down, there are several native flowers that bloom to take advantage of the last warm days as well as to support pollinators. There are various native, early fall flowers found on campus.

The first flower on campus is Black-eyed Susan. Native to eastern and central North America and a member of the aster family, this iconic annual gets its name from its flower head that consists of a black, dome-shaped cone consisting of tiny disc florets surrounded by bright, yellow ray florets. Its stems and alternate, oval-shaped leaves are both covered with bristly hairs. The flower’s showy blossoms have made it a popular landscape choice. Here on campus, it can be found growing in large colonies in the Woodland Garden on the quad near College Hall. Not only is it used aesthetically, but Black-eyed Susans are also used for traditional medicines by Native Americans. One known, traditional, medical use of the plant was to take its dried roots and boil them in water to make a tea that boosts immunity,fights colds and aids digestion. Additionally, Black-eyed Susans attract pollinating insects. The seeds from the flower heads also feed seed-eating songbirds. Lastly, it is the state flower of Maryland.

  

Via Sean Bradley

The next flower here at La Salle is the Blue Mistflower. Like Black-eyed Susan, it is also in the aster family and is native to eastern and central North America. This perennial can be identified by its flat-topped clusters of lavender flower heads, which can have about 40-50 disc florets, as well as its opposite, triangular, toothed leaves. Here on campus,Blue Mistflowers tend to grow in isolated clumps, especially in partly shady areas with moist soil, in the Woodland Garden on the quad. However, with less competition, it can spread quickly and colonize an area. Additionally, it attracts bees and butterflies.

  

via Sean Bradley

Finally the Late Boneset is native to the eastern United States and a member of the aster family. This perennial can grow from 3 to 6 feet tall and consists of clusters of tiny white flower heads with 9-15 disc florets. Unlike the previous two flowers which are found on the quad, Late Boneset is found growing behind the Communication Center. It tends to grow in disturbed areas, where it forms dense colonies and out-competes other plant species. But despite its weedy nature, Late Boneset is a pollinator magnet and attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, wasps, flies, moths, and butterflies.

 

Via Sean Bradley

Pennsylvania looks into prison reforms following Danelo Cavalcante’s escape

Politics, state politics

Maya Martin, Editor

The story of Danelo Cavalcante’s escape and 13-day run from police has made quite an impression on Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. From an impressive escape, a lengthy police chase, and being spotted in an Eagles sweatshirt, Cavalcante received lots of media attention. However, not all onlookers of this event were looking at it as a mere slip-up on the prison’s part.

La Salle University junior, Kashish Patel said, “The prison itself is to blame because they literally did nothing to prevent his escape considering someone else escaped in the exact same way prior.” The event that Patel recalls happened just this year in May, so many Pennsylvania residents are asking with the frequency of these escapes: Where is the change?

The criticism that the Pennsylvania prison and police forces are receiving is calling on lawmakers to craft necessary changes. According to USA Today and NBC News, Chester County jail facilities, where Cavalcante was located, are dedicating up to $3.5 million to security reforms in response to his escape.

The eight exercise yards with walls and a roof are planned to be fully enclosed. In addition to this, other security proposals made were “Installations of 50 to 75 security cameras, hiring more staff members to monitor the cameras and plans to change inmate uniforms to easily spot escape attempts,” USA Today reported. However, these are only proposals and not official measures that will be taken yet.

Prison reforms have been a hot topic for years now, but to create change is slow. Only time will tell how effective these reforms will be. Enclosing the exercise yards alone will take up to nine months.

Time is ticking just as another escaped felon was captured close to where Cavalcante was found. Mario Che-Tiul, a child sex assault suspect from Missouri, was on the run since June and was only recently captured on Sept. 21 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

With pressure from feared citizens and additional prison escapes, “A group of Republican state lawmakers are pushing five separate bills dealing with funding for prison security, the recruitment and retention of guards, and penalties for escaped inmates,” according to 6ABC News.

There is an abundance of other safety issues throughout the surrounding areas of Philadelphia, so this is yet another concern Pennsylvanians are increasingly confronting. Cavalcante’s escape has proved it clearer that prison escapes are a problem that needs to be solved from the core by lawmakers, not just police forces.

As of now, no broad immediate change has occurred, so Pennsylvanians will have to continue to hold their breath for reforms. “I typically wouldn’t have been as concerned, but since it was so close to home and my school, it was a bit more worrying,” La Salle University sophomore, Sam Foster, said. “I was glad to hear that he got caught.”

US Senate Confirms top military leaders despite pro-life Tuberville’s blockade 

Politics

Cole Welsh, Staff

After a months-long blockade by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, the US Senate has confirmed the nomination of Air Force General C.Q. Brown to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

To proceed with the vote and circumvent the hold, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer decided to have three essential military promotions voted on individually, rather than as a group. In addition to General Brown’s confirmation to succeed outgoing chairman Mark Milley, the Senate also voted to confirm General Randy George to be the chief of staff of the Army and General Eric Smith to be the commandment of the Marine Corps.

Senator Tuberville, a Republican who previously was a well-known college football coach before entering politics, commenced this freeze as a way to protest the Pentagon’s abortion policy. Specifically, Tuberville objects to the Department of Defense policy that provides leave and travel reimbursements for military members seeking non-covered abortion services, which includes travel to states where abortion is still legal following the US Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade last year.

For those currently serving in leadership positions at the Pentagon, some have been critical of Tuberville’s actions. In an interview with CNN, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro accused Tuberville of, “Playing Russian Roulette with the very lives of our service members by denying them the opportunity to actually have the most experienced combat leaders in those positions to lead them in times of peace and in times of combat.”

However, in the Senate, the sentiment has been mixed. While Democrats such as Mark Kelly of Arizona have argued that the hold is “having an impact on our national security,” Republicans such as Mike Rounds of South Dakota are hopeful that both sides may be able to find “some middle ground.”

Regardless, Schumer’s eventual decision to allow for these three individual votes, which has long been suggested by Tuberville, does little to actually resolve the deadlock caused by the blockade. With Tuberville seemingly unwilling to alter his stance, the Senate remains unable to approve the remaining promotions, which are typically uncontroversial and agreed upon together by unanimous consent, in a singular vote. As approximately 300 military promotions still require Senate approval, the chamber would need to spend roughly 700 hours of floor time to individually process and vote on each military officer’s promotion. This being said, while these individual votes remain an option, they could take months to complete and could potentially delay other legislation in the chamber.

Despite this, Tuberville has warned that the blockade will continue “as long as the Pentagon’s illegal abortion policy remains in place.” At the same time, Schumer has not revealed any interest in holding individual votes. Thus, until either side budges, it appears that the procedural chaos in the Senate will continue.