If you’ve opened your phone or walked outside at all during the past few weeks, you know already that COVID-19 is a worldwide issue. It’s been spreading since the very end of 2019, according to The New England Journal of Medicine. In the span of a few short months, the virus has exploded around the world, resulting in large gatherings being banned all over the globe, a worldwide shortage of sanitation products and, as of March 10, more than 4,000 deaths, reported CNN. Along with these precautions, the stock market has seen its worst day since the 2008 recession, and schools have shut down and begun to rely on online courses in order to combat the rapid spread.
Read MoreBillionaires’ unlimited use of personal funds for political campaigns threatens democracy
Michael Bloomberg is a lot of things; ex-New York City mayor, a friend of the elite and, the newest feather in his cap, current candidate for the Democratic ticket in the 2020 presidential election. His political record is dicey, between his championing of racist policies such as “stop and frisk” during his time as mayor, off-hand transphobia—he was recently quoted calling a trans woman “a man in a dress” by The New York Post—and muddied history with minority groups across the United States.
Read MoreNFL’s choice of advertisements reflects political views, contradicts neutral reputation
Millions of people, myself included, watch the Super Bowl every year. In 2015, more than 110 million Americans—a Super Bowl record—tuned in to watch the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks square off, according to Forbes. Such high numbers, especially when it concerns television viewership, results in a huge American classic: consumerism. In the case of the modern-day Super Bowl, when consumerism meets the NFL, only hypocrisy can follow.
Read MoreOscar award nominations fail to recognize talented individuals from diverse backgrounds
Oscar nominations were released on Jan. 13, inviting film fanatics across the globe to scoff and turn their nose up while retreating to the internet to argue about their favorites. Some specific nominations have garnered press, such as first-time nominee Scarlett Johansson gaining not one but two nominations this year, an honor that has not occurred in more than a decade. The real kicker this year, however, is the Academy’s stubborn refusal to nominate women in directing categories or people of Asian descent in acting categories.
Read MoreInadequacy of major electric company causes frequent blackouts in California
California has had a rough few years. Between social unrest, rising rent in major cities, homelessness, earthquakes and, most devastatingly, uncontrollable forest fires, the state has had its fair share of crises to deal with.
Read MorePublic disdain for U.S. President at sporting event causes Republican uproar
This week, as with most weeks in his presidency, has been a wild one for Donald Trump. Between his lawyer butt-dialing a reporter and leaving a cryptic voicemail and his role in the killing of the leader of the Islamic State, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the week has been full of highs and lows for the Commander in Chief.
Read MoreCelebrations in communist China hide realities of violence and oppression
This month, China celebrates 70 years of Communist party rule. They marked the occasion in Beijing with painstakingly choreographed military parades and displays of new weapons, such as hypersonic drones and intercontinental ballistic missiles. But in Hong Kong, long-suffering protests turned violent and worked directly against China’s power show of unity and strength.
Read MoreArts Opinion: Formulaic approach of producer may strip Star Wars of originality
There’s a reason that Marvel movies are successful. Besides its ties to properties that have by and large been popular for several decades, Marvel has developed a formula that audiences know, expect and love. In more recent years, this formula has become a point of contention for many viewers and critics alike. Now, Marvel’s formula may be jumping studios.
Read MoreDecrease of libraries should cause societal panic, especially in impoverished communities
Since 2000, there has been nearly a 20 percent decrease in libraries across the nation, according to the School Library Journal. Libraries are dying. On the other hand, student population has risen by almost 10 percent—while the minority student population has risen as much as 50 percent since 2000.
Read MoreAlternatives to plastic bags are not as eco-friendly as perceived
On Earth Day 2019, Governor Cuomo banned the use of plastic bags, signing it into law that will take effect in March 2020. It’s estimated that New Yorkers use 23 billion plastic bags each year. Obviously, that’s a lot of bags. It’s worse when you learn that about 50 percent of single-use plastic bags end up as litter. The banning of single-use plastic bags was seen as a good first step in the fight against pollution, but is it really a step in the right direction?
Read MoreCaribbean Student Association throws colorful J’ouvert celebration at Geneseo
The Geneseo Caribbean Student Association threw the club’s biggest event of the year, J’ouvert, on Saturday Sept. 14. J’ouvert originated with street parties that coincide with the anniversary of the Caribbean’s emancipation from slavery in 1838. Celebrations of this freedom have grown and morphed into several different types of parties and other large-scale events all over the world. From New York City and Trinidad to Geneseo, J’ouvert is represented across the globe.
Read MoreGeneseo’s failure to investigate a sexual assault allegation is unjustifiable
Pang, having been arrested on Aug. 21, was charged with a first-degree criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse, according to Fox Rochester. Pang is facing charges nearly five years after the assault; the victim’s prompt and official report of her assault resulted in no immediate action from the college.
Read MoreRotary Club prepares to throw authentic Oktoberfest fundraiser on Center Street
Oktoberfest is no longer exclusive to Munich where it began, nor Berlin or any other German city. Now an international phenomenon, Oktoberfest has stretched as far as South Korea and Australia and more than 500,000 people attended an Oktoberfest in Cincinnati where it was affectionately named Oktoberfest Zinnzinati. In Munich, the location of the first traditional Oktoberfest that began back in the 1800s, more than 7 million people attend each year and more than 7 million liters of beer are consumed every festival.
Read MoreTrump’s authorization of a military branch in space is necessary, yet untimely
On Aug. 29 President Donald Trump authorized an 11th combatant command of the military, known as Space Command, to be instated, according to The New York Times. This will be followed by the creation of a sixth military branch, known as Space Force.
Read More2018 alum Troy Keith passes, their impact remains prominent
An inspiring and caring member of the Geneseo alumni community, Troy Keith, passed away on Aug. 10.
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