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		<title>Opinion: Sundance, cinema is for students</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-sundance-cinema-is-for-students/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Malory Rau]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:04:27 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sundance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2025 film fest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[importance of student reporting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malory Rau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[statesman opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student reporting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sundance 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sundance Film Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sundance moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sundance relocation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22133671</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>On the second-to-last day of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 31, four of us from The Utah Statesman&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-sundance-cinema-is-for-students/">Opinion: Sundance, cinema is for students</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span class="s1">O</span><span class="s1">n the second-to-last day of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 31, four of us from The Utah Statesman stood in the awards press line as a 20, 21, 22 and 23-year-old surrounded by seasoned reporters, film directors and PR managers alike. It was in the hustle and bustle that it immediately became apparent we were the youngest team in the line that weekend by at least a decade. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">As we arrived in the line, we were quickly swept up in the go-go-go energy of finding our place, getting out cameras, setting up mics and preparing for interviews. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">We were given a spot at the end of the press line to do interviews and accepted anyone who would stop to talk to us. The film directors and producers who did were happy to, despite our limited knowledge and generic questions. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">The four of us ran into zero other student reporters the whole weekend we were at the festival and often discussed how lucky we were to be there on press passes. We concluded student reporters were a rare breed to be seen at Sundance. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">There was a more diverse age range in the audiences of the films we saw, but much of the press had left the festival by then. We, as students and first-time attenders of Sundance, were happy to get into any film we could. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Our group often discussed the limitations we felt by only being able to go for those two days. We were challenged by coordinating schedules with school and other jobs, a barrier other publications may not have had. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">We made the most of the two days we were there by seeing six projects in total: two documentaries, two dramas, one supernatural horror and an episodic series. We were left to our own devices to plan coverage as the availability of films rolled in. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For the four of us, this was one of — if not the — first real industry experience we had. It was intimidating, exhausting and borderline embarrassing at times. No one wants to feel like a young kid who doesn’t know what they’re doing, but we all have to start somewhere. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">All of us were wide-eyed throughout the entire experience. It was truly amazing to look up and down the press line and see the names of different publications we had the opportunity to stand next to. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">With the potential for Sundance to leave Utah in the coming years, this could be one of the last times the Statesman will have Sundance coverage. I felt it important to acknowledge the impact attending Sundance has on student journalists such as myself and vice versa. The Sundance Institute has the rare opportunity to learn from students as journalistic coverage advances in the ever-evolving industry. </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">If the festival does move and new universities apply to send their students, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, and I implore the Sundance Institute to take that into account. To those who may feel student coverage at Sundance is unnecessary or unimportant, I would like to remind them the institute could be the first impression of the film and press industry on future generations, so I pray you do not let it be a bad one. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-sundance-cinema-is-for-students/">Opinion: Sundance, cinema is for students</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Anora</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/anora/</link>
					<comments>https://usustatesman.com/anora/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Malory Rau]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:43:14 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22133514</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“It’s not Anora, it’s Ani,” claims the head-strong lead, who shines as bright as her red hair tinsel in the&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/anora/">Anora</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s not Anora, it’s Ani,” claims the head-strong lead, who shines as bright as her red hair tinsel in the role of Sean Baker’s “Anora.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 97 Academy Awards, commonly referred to as the Oscars are set to take place March 2. This year’s Best Picture contenders tell stories from post-war time Europe, Mexico — with a musical twist — and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn where the one and only Ani calls home. “Anora,” set in modern times, follows the story of exotic nightclub dancer Ani who gets her chance at a “Cinderella story” by marrying the son of a Russian oligarch Vanya, whom she meets through the club. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When news of Vanya and Ani’s nuptials makes it way back to his parents, viewers follow Ani, Vanya and a group of Russian henchmen as they navigate a chaotic 48 hours of fight</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ing, running, searching and screaming, all in hopes of achieving a happy ending.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The heart of this film most definitely lies within Ani herself. Played by actress Mikey Madison, who received an Academy Award nomination for this role, Ani’s Brooklyn boldness and attitude are qualities so unseen it transports the viewer right into Brighton Beach. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her tenacity and big dreams are what connect her with all the young Gen-Z women navigating the lost feeling that comes with their early 20s. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Her romantic counterpart Vanya also embodies a different part of early adulthood: the classic “Peter Pan Syndrome.” Vanya, played by Mark Eydelshteyn, is a 21-year-old on vacation from Russia who is running, both literally and metaphorically, from a perfectly laid-out path to adulthood via working for his father. The chosen </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">ignorance and indifference Vanya displays throughout the film goes to show his fear of losing out on life despite seeming to have wealth and power.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The two act as foils for each other’s dreams as Vanya is seeking the freedom that Ani seems to have in America, where in turn, Ani is searching for a fuller lifestyle, more than her life at the nightclub. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The editing of this film creates a rollercoaster-like feeling as viewers experience the loud highs of partying and chaotic fighting, followed by sudden silent lows as the characters become disoriented with themselves and those around them. It is also a peak into the reality behind working the nightlife crowds anywhere and humanizes from “Anora,” 2024 those who profit off the party scene. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cinematography of Brighton Beach is understated as it propels the story forward. The use of lighting to portray Ani’s experience is simple and clean as it lets the larger-than-life personalities of its characters take center stage. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The one fault of this film is the soundtrack tends to fail to flow from scene to scene. The movie is chaotic as can be, thus this could be a stylistic choice that is harder to pick up on. With nightclub music especially, it is difficult to find variation in that while still enhancing the story. In contrast, the writing, paired with exceptional acting, brightens and adds all the personality to this extremely unique film like neon club lights. </span></p>
<div id="attachment_22133541" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22133541" class="wp-image-22133541 size-medium" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1-600x248.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="248" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1-600x248.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1-1000x414.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1-300x124.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1-335x139.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/anora-1-1200x497-1-1024x424-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><p id="caption-attachment-22133541" class="wp-caption-text">Anora (2024)</p></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to Vanya and Ani, the complex characters, especially that of the Russian henchman Igor, are the perfect salt on the rim throughout the film. Igor, played by Yuriy Borisov serves as almost a reflection of Ani. Shots of her point of view often have him in the background watching and experiencing with her. He acts as the only person who respects her as someone fighting for their happiness and the only one who sees her beyond the girl Vanya married. When he offers her the red scarf because she is cold, it shows how he is the only one who sees her as human. Igor’s empathy for Ani is a highlight of this film that gives it rank among the other Oscar contenders. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As young adults, we are often trying our best to survive this </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">new world of responsibility — Igor’s empathy feels foreign because it’s kindness we rarely give ourselves, let alone others. He watches as Ani runs from her mysterious past to a future of uncertainty — one that has her refusing to answer to Anora, a name of Russian heritage meaning honor — the same Anora who only knows two things: to love and to fight, and she fights like hell. So much so viewers may find themselves agreeing with Igor, whose </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">name means great warrior, at the end of the film when he </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">says, “I like Anora better.”</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/anora/">Anora</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: Utah State vs. Boise State: Keys to the game</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-utah-state-vs-boise-state-keys-to-the-game/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Greenwood]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:03:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#USUFootball]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boise Idaho]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boise St.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boise state athletics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faison]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[head coach nate dreiling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nate dreiling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USU Football]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22130692</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Utah State football will resume their season on Saturday against conference foe Boise State after a bye week last week.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-utah-state-vs-boise-state-keys-to-the-game/">Opinion: Utah State vs. Boise State: Keys to the game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State football will resume their season on Saturday against conference foe Boise State after a bye week last week. The Aggies take on the Broncos, looking to get back into the win column after a 1-3 start to the season. After winning their opener against Robert Morris, USU has dropped games against USC, Utah and Temple.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Boise State welcomes Utah State to town as their homecoming game, looking to improve to 4-1 on the year with wins over Georgia Southern, Portland State and Washington State. The lone loss for the Broncos came from Oregon, who won on a field goal as time expired. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State and Boise State have plenty of recent success to draw upon, as the two programs are responsible for two of the last three Mountain West Championships. Utah State took home the title in 2021, and current defending champions Boise State won in 2023. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For the Aggies, this is already their third ranked matchup of the season after previous losses to No. 13 USC and No. 12 Utah. USU is looking for their first win over a ranked opponent since the 2021 Mountain West Championship when they defeated No. 19 San Diego State. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State has a tall task ahead of them in the nationally ranked Broncos, not only to get back into the win column, but also to get their season back on track. Prior to their road loss at Temple, head coach Nate Dreiling described the game as “our Super Bowl,” saying it was a “must win game for this team”. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">After falling to the Owls, the Aggies need to figure things out in a hurry if they are to become bowl eligible for the fourth straight season. For USU, there’s no better way to get things right than by coming home to Logan with a top 25 conference win in hand. With that goal in mind for the Aggies, here are their keys to victory for this week’s matchup. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1)" data-font="Times New Roman" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1)&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Control the running game</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">If Utah State is to come out triumphant against Boise, they will need to do something that no other BSU opponent has been able to do thus far: control Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty has rushed for 845 yards and 13 touchdowns this season in just four games. He is averaging over 10 yards per carry and has rushed for at least 100 yards in each game this season. In their most recent competition against Washington State, Jeanty ran for an incredible 259 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">&#8220;He’s the number one [running] back in the country right now it looks like, so he’s going to have our full attention, and we know we have got to contain him,” said Dreiling. Jeanty is at the top of Heisman Trophy conversations around the county and has been at the forefront of Boise State’s offensive gameplan. If the Aggies are to have any hope of winning on Saturday, they must hold him to under 150 yards rushing.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Even with Jeanty’s playmaking ability, controlling the running game for Utah State goes far beyond the defensive side of the ball. Aggie running back Rahsul Faison is quietly putting up impressive numbers for his squad as well. Faison has 395 yards on the season and has notched back-to-back 100-yard games for the Aggies in losses to Utah and Temple. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State needs to keep Jeanty in check, but Faison will need to contribute significantly on the offensive side of the ball as well. “Being able to get [Faison] rolling is going to be a huge part of this thing,” Dreiling said. “Everyone talks about the Boise State tailback, like they should … but we love ours here too and we need him to have a big game for us.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">If the Aggies can defensively hold Jeanty to under 150 yards and get Faison over 100 yards offensively, they will essentially even the running game and will put themselves in a position to win the game in other ways. For USU, this game probably cannot be won on the ground but can very easily be lost on the ground. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1)" data-font="Times New Roman" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1)&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Finish offensive possessions with touchdowns</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ol>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Despite their 1-3 start to the season, Utah State could very easily be entering this weekend 3-1 if not for their inability to finish good offensive drives with touchdowns. Missed field goals and untimely turnovers deep in opponent territory proved the difference maker against both Utah and Temple, turning winnable games into lopsided losses. The Aggies led each game at halftime before second half falters led to their demise in both matchups. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“We can move the ball really well. When things are good, things are really good,” said USU quarterback Spencer Petras. “But we have lacked the consistency through four games to achieve the results that we want.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As noted by Petras, the Aggies have not struggled moving the ball in their games this season. Utah State’s offense is averaging 425 total yards per game, which ends up being very comparable to their 2021 and 2023 offensive output. Not including their loss on the road against top-ranked USC, USU is averaging over 500 yards per game in the three other games. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The problem for the Aggies has been capitalizing on their offensive yardage and scoring touchdowns when they get into opponent territory. Utah State in each game against both Utah and Temple had three possessions inside the opposing 35-yard line where they came away with zero points. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In a crucial game on the road against a ranked opponent with a stingy defense, these opportunities will come at a premium. Utah State cannot afford to leave points on the board if they are to win, and finishing long drives with touchdowns will be demoralizing for their opponent. The Aggies have proved that they can get into these scoring opportunities, but to win they will need to prove that they can capitalize on those opportunities. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State is continuing a tough start to the season, likely playing four top 25 teams in their first six games, with currently ranked UNLV on the docket for next weekend. Utah State desperately needs a win in one of the next two games to at the least preserve team moral and at the most keep their bowl game hopes alive. If the Aggies can control the running game on both sides of the ball and finish offensive possessions with touchdowns, they will put themselves in a position to disappoint a sold-out Albertsons Stadium and buck the Broncos in their first conference game of the season. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-utah-state-vs-boise-state-keys-to-the-game/">Opinion: Utah State vs. Boise State: Keys to the game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: PAC 12 poaching changes little for Utah State; college football landscape</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-pac-12-poaching-changes-little-for-utah-state-college-football-landscape/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Greenwood]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:28:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22130098</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When news broke late Wednesday night that Mountain West programs San Diego State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Boise State&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-pac-12-poaching-changes-little-for-utah-state-college-football-landscape/">Opinion: PAC 12 poaching changes little for Utah State; college football landscape</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When news broke late Wednesday night that Mountain West programs San Diego State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and Boise State would be leaving for the now-back-from-the-dead PAC 12 conference, the overwhelming sentiment through Aggieville was ‘Oh no, not this again.’ </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those hearing the news for the first time, the above-mentioned teams are leaving the Mountain West to join the PAC 12 before the 2026-2027 academic year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Utah State has a rich history of being excluded from big conference re-alignments, leaving them alone and without a partner to dance with at the ball. In 1962, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) was formed, dissolving the Mountain States Conference that USU previously belonged to. With that move, other Mountain States teams, such as Utah and BYU, left for the WAC while the Aggies were left out, sending them into a decades-long period of relative athletic obsoleteness. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even when the Aggies were eventually let into the WAC, it was with a bitter taste in the mouth as it was only in response to in-state rivals jumping to the newly formed Mountain West Conference, which had just passed over USU upon forming. Just a few years later, the same happened, as Utah State was now invited to join the Mountain West after BYU left to become independent, and Utah took off to join the then-power five PAC 12.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With Wednesday’s news, the general fear and anxiety felt across Logan largely stems from these unpleasant run-ins with conference realignments. Could this be happening yet again? The Utah State Aggies were getting passed over </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">again,</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and with all the disrespect from being told you’re not pretty enough to dance. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After all, why should the Aggies get left out after their recent run of a Mountain West Championship in football, back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in basketball, three straight MW Championships in volleyball, and a Conference Championship from their now top ten soccer team? Had they not proven they were just as capable, if not more, to compete for championships than all the teams now leaving?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Last year’s conference musical chairs left most Mountain West schools feeling, for the most part, indifferent. Teams planning a move to the PAC 12, such as San Diego State, now decided they were just fine here in the Mountain West. If anything, it provided an upside to the Mountain West as they could potentially add Oregon State and Washington State and now have one less power conference above them. Well, it turns out that San Diego State and others have changed their mind and decided they were not just fine not being excluded from the “cooler” PAC 12, even with its current makeup. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s what all this boils down to, after all. Who gets an invite to the Cool Kids Club and gets the perks (mostly money) and bragging rights accompanying it? That’s what last summer’s money grab was about, and this most recent move was about. The problem is that someone forgot to tell these previously chair-less teams that this resurrected PAC 12 hype is no more than a high school theater set: it looks decent for the cheap seats, but it’s not much more than hollow frames and props once you get up close and is certainly not all that they are now wanting it to be. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the goal with this move was to get themselves into a seat at the high roller’s table, then they have sorely misplayed their hand because the college football world remains unmoved regarding who the “big boy” conferences are. As Dan Woken wrote for USA Today, “…in reality, all they’ve done is leave a conference that was competing with the American to be the fifth-best conference and … join a league that will be competing with the American to be the fifth-best conference.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This newly reimagined PAC 12 conference, whether it has six, eight, or twelve teams, needs a lot more than just poached Mountain West and American Athletic Conference (AAC) programs to restore it to the “Conference of Champions” it once touted itself to be. The revived PAC 12 conference has no different CFB Playoff rights or implications than the Mountain West. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whatever TV deal they now negotiate will most likely look very similar to a Mountain West TV deal; non-conference scheduling will undoubtedly be very comparable. At the end of the day, they are still considered a group of five conferences in the eyes of the world, despite the ego that drove them to make this decision in the first place. The biggest thing this new conference gets to do is pay the Mountain West $110 million in fees for leaving. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sure, these programs have bigger athletic budgets than most of the Mountain West, and, for the four ex-Mountain West teams, they rid themselves of the perennial bottom feeders of the conference that they contend has made the conference less competitive for them. However, the reality is that this new PAC 12 will soon find perennial freeloaders who contribute little to the competition level and yet get the same share of revenue from the conference, leaving them in the same position they were before.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For Aggie fans who have felt their blood pressure rise today on the news of being left out again, you can rest easy. This latest demonstration of the money and ego-driven world of college football will have little long-term effect on Utah State athletics. Utah State has consistently demonstrated to do more with less than any other team on the West Coast, and they will continue to do so. Utah State had less than half the athletic revenue of San Diego State from 2023 and yet has as many combined football and basketball championships in the last decade as the Aztecs. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Mountain West will also come out alright through all the conference turbulence. They will assuredly take their newfound 110-million-dollar war chest and go after a few AAC teams or possibly look to pull up competitive teams from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). After Idaho State’s win over Wyoming in Laramie this year and North Dakota State’s close loss to Colorado in Denver, we’ve certainly seen enough to know that there are FCS teams that can compete at a higher level, especially if given a bigger budget.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The take-home message for the Aggie faithful is that Utah State will be just fine. The Mountain West Conference will also be just fine. Both can now buy themselves a new dress so that next time they will be asked to dance because, at the end of the day, this is just one step closer to the next conference blow-up that will come in a few years when everyone once again decides they’re too cool for their conference. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-pac-12-poaching-changes-little-for-utah-state-college-football-landscape/">Opinion: PAC 12 poaching changes little for Utah State; college football landscape</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: Aggie’s path to Ute upset in the Battle of the Brothers</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/sports-opinion-column-aggies-path-to-ute-upset-in-the-battle-of-the-brothers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Greenwood]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:30:58 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22130093</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Utah State football last welcomed the University of Utah to Maverik Stadium on Sep. 7, 2012. The Utes received a&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/sports-opinion-column-aggies-path-to-ute-upset-in-the-battle-of-the-brothers/">Opinion: Aggie’s path to Ute upset in the Battle of the Brothers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Utah State football last welcomed the University of Utah to Maverik Stadium on Sep. 7, 2012. The Utes received a warm welcome and a harsh goodbye as the Aggies defeated their in-state foe 27-20 in overtime. Looking back at that 2012 Aggie team, it was loaded with talent, with the likes of Aggie legends Chuckie Keeton, Kerwynn Williams, Will Davis, Chuck Jacobs, and others. In all, Utah State sent eight players to the NFL from that 2012 team. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This year’s squad may not have quite the same level of stars (although the jury is still out), but they would nonetheless love to send the Utes away sulking on Saturday at the Mav. Beating this talented Utah team will be no easy task and the Aggies must play their best football to do so. With this Saturday’s matchup bearing down, here are three keys that will give the Aggies a path to victory if executed.</span><b></b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><b>Dominate the defensive line of scrimmage and dial up the pressure</b></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In last weekend’s matchup against the USC Trojans, Utah State allowed 174 rush yards on an 8.7 yards per carry average in the first half alone. USC ran the ball at will for big chunks of yards throughout the game, tiring the Aggie defense and keeping the Aggie offense on the sideline. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similarly, in last week’s competition against Baylor, Utah running back Micah Bernard ran for over 100 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Under head coach Kyle Whittingham, Utah has found success as a defensive power with an offensive ground-and-pound approach. Utah will undoubtedly look to establish the run game early and often against USU on Saturday and for the Aggies to have a chance at a favorable outcome they must dominate the line of scrimmage on defense from the first snap. If Utah is consistently in short-yardage situations on second and third down the Aggies will find it difficult to get off the field and keep their opponent off the scoreboard. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to controlling the run game defensively, Utah State needs to bring consistent pressure to force the Utah quarterback into uncomfortable situations and find sacks. Utah’s starting quarterback Cam Rising left last week’s game late in the second quarter after a collision out-of-bounds that injured his right hand, leaving true freshman Isaac Wilson to replace him for the rest of the game. As of Wednesday, a decision had not been made on the status of Rising for Saturday’s game. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether it is Rising or Wilson on the field on Saturday does not change the fact that USU cannot allow either Utah QB time to get to a second or third read and dissect the Aggie secondary. Against USC last week the Aggies rolled out a 5-3-3 defensive scheme with the hope of preventing the long passing plays from the USC offense. While the strategy proved effective at reigning in the long ball, the Trojans passed the ball consistently for eight to ten yards while quarterback Miller Moss threw comfortably from a clean pocket. The Aggies mustered just one QB hurry, two tackles for loss, and no sacks against USC last week. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Utah State needs to be much more aggressive in their approach this week. In their week one win against Robert Morris the Aggies were much more assertive, frequently loading the box with seven or eight defenders on each play. On Ike Larsen’s week one interception, it was a five-man rush that forced a bad throw into coverage allowing Larsen to come up with the takeaway. Even if the Aggies don’t bring pressure after a five-three front, having more defenders in the middle of the field will force Rising or Wilson to look wide toward the sidelines which will in turn allow USU’s skilled secondary to make plays. Controlling the line of scrimmage and making the Ute backfield uncomfortable will prove vital in the Aggie’s upset hopes. </span><b></b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><b>Sustain long scoring drives that shorten the game.</b></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just as Utah has built a name as a ground-and-pound offense, Utah State in recent years has developed a go-hard-go-fast mentality that has paid dividends. As seen in last week’s loss, Utah State cannot go blow for blow with teams such as USC and Utah and hope to be successful. If Utah State is going to pull off the win on Saturday, they will need to sustain long offensive scoring drives that eat a lot of clock and end in seven points. Each additional possession that Utah is given decreases USU’s chance of winning. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the loss to USC, the Utah State offense averaged just over 4.5 plays per possession and went three and out in four of 11 drives. On the other side, USC had five drives that went for over three and a half minutes and nine plus plays, resulting in 27 points for the Trojans. Not only will long scoring drives keep the Utah offense off the field and off the board, but they will rest and energize a relentless Aggie defensive unit.</span><b></b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><b>Win the turnover battle by 2+ turnovers. </b></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Utah over the last three years is averaging just over one giveaway per game. Utah State’s defense has also averaged just over one forced turnover per game in that stretch. Both these trends, at least for this week, will need to be broken to keep the Aggie’s hopes alive. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turnovers are one of football’s most powerful momentum changers. A timely turnover in a critical junction or scoring points on a turnover can flip a game on its head in an instant. Utah State needs to harness this power and force two or more turnovers against Utah to win. If it’s the young Wilson at quarterback this may prove easier for the Aggies than the ultra-experienced Rising, but against either, forcing a few takeaways to flip field position or rip points out of the hands of the Utes is critical. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just as forcing turnovers will be big for the USU defense, not giving the ball away offensively will be just as critical. In their first two games, Utah State has turned the ball over a total of four times. Against Robert Morris, the turnovers proved costly and took points off the board. Against USC, a turnover not only gave away possession but also the only real momentum the Aggies had all night, and ultimately led to seven more points for the Trojans. Playing turnover-free football and forcing two or more turnovers is a crucial stepping stone should the Aggies make it down Upset Lane. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Utah State has a tough task ahead of them in playing their second top-ranked opponent in as many weeks. With that being the case the road to triumph this week is a narrow one, but it is there. If the Aggies can control the line of scrimmage on defense, sustain long scoring drives throughout the game, and win the turnover margin by at least two, they put themselves in a legitimate position to pull off their biggest upset in recent memory. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/sports-opinion-column-aggies-path-to-ute-upset-in-the-battle-of-the-brothers/">Opinion: Aggie’s path to Ute upset in the Battle of the Brothers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: First down debut: Takes from the Aggies&#8217; first game</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/22130005-2/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Greenwood]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:28:07 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Football]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[bryson barnes]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Ike Larsen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kyrese white]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[takeaways]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22130005</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Utah State Football kicked off their season Saturday night with a 36-14 victory over Football Championship Subdivision opponent Robert Morris.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/22130005-2/">Opinion: First down debut: Takes from the Aggies&#8217; first game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">Utah State Football kicked off their season Saturday night with a 36-14 victory over Football Championship Subdivision opponent Robert Morris. The Aggies have now won 15 of their last 16 season openers after their victory over the Colonials. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“</span><span data-contrast="none">That game, in a way, summed up our last 60 days,” said head coach Nate Dreiling after the game. “We took some blows, adversity hit, and it finished with a group rolling their sleeves up, being tough </span><span data-contrast="auto">… and that’s what we want this program to be about.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">With USU off to a 1-0 start in the Dreiling era, here are the top takeaways from Saturday’s win and keys to success for the Aggies moving forward.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><b><span data-contrast="auto">Top Takeaways</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><b>#1: Utah State still has plenty of playmakers and offensive firepower. </b> </em></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Last weekend proved that Utah State’s underlying theme from the last several years has not changed through all the off-season turbulence and overall concerns. The Aggies have survived the last few seasons by relying on a high-octane offense that could strike from any distance and leaning on a critical group of playmakers to do so. Since 2021, USU has seen some of the most prolific seasons in school history at the wide receiver position and has been ranked in the top 25 in the country each year as an offense. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Coming into the season, the offensive potential is something that Dreiling was excited about. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“</span><span data-contrast="none">Offensively, I feel like if we can protect the football, we will be very challenging to stop</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none">” Dreiling said after the final scrimmage of fall camp on August 17. “They are so talented; they move so fast</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> and there is not a weakness.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The Aggies showed some of the talent and speed </span><span data-contrast="auto">against RMU</span><span data-contrast="none">, breaking off four plays for over 50 yards. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">After over 1,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023, familiar star Jalen Royals was back on the board for the Aggies</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> hauling in five catches for 77 yards</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> including a 21-yard touchdown strike early in the fourth quarter. In addition to Royals, graduate senior Kyrese White shone in his first time in the Aggie starting lineup</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> pulling down three passes </span><span data-contrast="auto">for</span><span data-contrast="none"> 131 yards and two touchdowns. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Even USU’s backup quarterback Bryson Barnes had a standout performance in the season opener, throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns while breaking free for a 63-yard touchdown run. In a beautiful blend of familiar faces and new names, Utah </span><span data-contrast="auto">State</span><span data-contrast="none"> reaffirmed its offensive prowess in</span><span data-contrast="auto"> that</span><span data-contrast="none"> win. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559731&quot;:720}"> </span></p>
<p><em><b>#2: USU defense is still in question, but there is cause for optimism.</b> </em></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">In recent years, Utah State has relied upon its overpowering offense to win games and compensate for its underwhelming defense. The Aggie defense has finished near the bottom in most Football Bowl Subdivision categories and </span><span data-contrast="auto">has </span><span data-contrast="none">been a stumbling block</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> especially </span><span data-contrast="auto">in </span><span data-contrast="none">the last two seasons. Coach Dreiling was hired in January as the new defensive coordinator and tasked with re-hauling that struggling defense. The jury is still out on whether that defense has successfully been re-hauled, but cautious optimism is </span><span data-contrast="auto">undoubtedly</span><span data-contrast="none"> warranted</span><span data-contrast="auto"> after the first game&#8217;s win</span><span data-contrast="none">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">RMU was </span><span data-contrast="none">a tale of two halves on both sides. The Aggie defense in the first half allowed 247 total yards and two touchdowns, both coming on 30+ yard scoring plays. Robert Morris ran the ball prolifically throughout the first half, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. In the second half, the Colonials were shut out, managed only 115 yards of total offense, and were held to a measly 1.9 yards per carry. Aggie defensive star Ike Larsen also came up with USU’s lone forced turnover, an interception on the USU 29-yard line early in the fourth quarter. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">There</span><span data-contrast="none"> might be more to work out for Utah State’s defense, but after a rough first half</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> t they managed to righten the ship somewhat and give Aggie fans hope that the defensive struggles could finally be a thing of the past. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><b><span data-contrast="none">Keys to Future Success</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><b>#1: Clean Offensive Play</b> </em></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Like</span><span data-contrast="none"> the defense, Utah State’s offense stalled in the first half before figuring it out in the second half and surging to victory. The Aggies managed just </span><span data-contrast="auto">ten</span> <span data-contrast="auto">first-half</span><span data-contrast="none"> points despite posting 270 total yards and moving the ball well. The Aggies were derailed by three </span><span data-contrast="auto">first-half</span><span data-contrast="none"> interceptions and a plethora of penalties. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559731&quot;:0}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Utah State smoothed out the turnover ratio in the second half, but penalties </span><span data-contrast="auto">plagued</span><span data-contrast="none"> the Aggies all night. All in all, Utah State was flagged for 11 penalties, nine of which were accepted for a total of 90 yards. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559731&quot;:0}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">“Players wanted self-discipline and team discipline,” Dreiling said after </span><span data-contrast="auto">the </span><span data-contrast="none">win. “We learned our lesson today. We’ll handle that in practice, and we can’t allow it if we want to beat good teams.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">To be successful throughout the season, Utah State must clean it up on offense. Giving away possessions and field position through turnovers and penalties is not a characteristic of winning teams. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><b>#2: Establish a Consistent Run Attack</b> </em></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The “Aggie Air-Raid&#8221; of recent memory is clearly </span><span data-contrast="auto">battle-tested</span><span data-contrast="none"> and an effective tool </span><span data-contrast="auto">for winning</span><span data-contrast="none"> football games. What has seemingly lacked at times is the ability to be multi-dimensional and run the ball when needed to open up passing lanes. That said, in Saturday’s season opener</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> the Aggies ran for 303 yards, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">For Utah State to be truly dangerous this fall</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> they must establish and maintain the ability to hand the ball off for three or four yards per attempt. With the </span><span data-contrast="auto">season-ending</span><span data-contrast="none"> injury to Robert Briggs Jr., this equation has gotten slightly trickier, but they still have plenty of guys </span><span data-contrast="auto">who</span><span data-contrast="none"> can make a difference out of the backfield. The </span><span data-contrast="auto">Aggies</span><span data-contrast="none"> have plenty of playmakers out wide that they can lean on, but if they become a </span><span data-contrast="auto">one-trick</span><span data-contrast="none"> act down the stretch, they will have difficulty putting together big drives at critical junctions to win games. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><em><b>#3: Develop and Demonstrate a Legitimate Deep Threat</b> </em></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Part of what has made Utah State so lethal offensively in past seasons is the ability to create big scoring plays in the blink of an eye. In 2023</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> Utah State led the nation with 14 plays of 50-plus yards. Although the Aggies had four plays of over 50 yards in Saturday’s contest, none came on a true deep ball. Two of those plays were run plays, and the Aggies only completed two passes for over 20 yards</span><span data-contrast="auto">,</span><span data-contrast="none"> not accounting for yards after catch. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The </span><span data-contrast="auto">deep</span><span data-contrast="none"> threat didn’t feel very</span><span data-contrast="auto"> threatening</span><span data-contrast="none"> all night, with the few </span><span data-contrast="auto">serious</span><span data-contrast="none"> attempts usually being either overthrown or into double coverage and on a few occasions, intercepted. The Aggies don’t need to look for 75-yard touchdown passes every possession to win games, but they will need to </span><span data-contrast="auto">instill</span><span data-contrast="none"> in the </span><span data-contrast="auto">defender the idea</span><span data-contrast="none"> that a long touchdown pass is never out of the question. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/22130005-2/">Opinion: First down debut: Takes from the Aggies&#8217; first game</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Our View: The importance of competitive elections</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/our-view-the-importance-of-competitive-elections/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Statesman Editor]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:00:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Our View]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USU/SA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2024 USUSA Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ususa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Utah State]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22127887</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>With USUSA elections coming up, we felt it necessary as an editorial board to highlight the importance of competitive elections&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/our-view-the-importance-of-competitive-elections/">Our View: The importance of competitive elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-contrast="auto">With USUSA elections coming up, we felt it necessary as an editorial board to highlight the importance of competitive elections within our university community and society at large. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Right before his death in 1950, Harvard professor Joseph Schumpeter said representative democracy is “institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The political climate at USU is lacking a “competitive struggle.” As an editorial board, we encourage you to declare your candidacy in the 2024 USUSA elections and to take this democratic practice seriously.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As of the publishing of this column, 15 of the 28 elected positions are running unopposed, and five positions have no candidate. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Uncontested elections have consequences that reach far beyond checking the sole name on a ballot when casting your vote on election day. It actually decreases voter turnout as constituents believe their vote doesn’t matter — the candidate will take office whether or not they participate. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Unopposed candidates on a ballot call into question the legitimacy of representative democracy. The decisions made and actions taken by your leaders represent Utah State University. They represent you. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Visit </span><a href="http://usu.edu/involvement/elections/"><span data-contrast="none">usu.edu/involvement/elections/</span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> for information on how to declare candidacy and to keep informed on election policies and regulations. The deadline to declare candidacy is Jan. 29 at 7 a.m. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In collaboration with Bluelight Media and Aggie Radio, The Utah Statesman will be holding formal debates for candidates in the TSC Hub on Feb. 28 and March 4. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">USU Student Media aims to be the voice of the campus and tell stories about this community. Our ears and our inbox are open at </span><span data-contrast="none">editor@usustatesman.com</span><span data-contrast="auto"> or </span><a href="mailto:opinion@usustatesman.com"><span data-contrast="none">opinion@usustatesman.com</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:420,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Letter to the Editor guidelines can be found </span><a href="https://usustatesman.com/letters-to-the-editor/"><span data-contrast="none">here</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:420,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p>-The Utah Statesman Editorial Board</p>
<p><em>Correction: The previous column stated that the first formal debate will be held on Feb. 26. It will be held on Feb. 28. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/our-view-the-importance-of-competitive-elections/">Our View: The importance of competitive elections</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: Going up? Rating elevators at USU</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-going-up-rating-elevators-at-usu/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ashley Dorius]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:35:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[campus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[campus elevator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elevatorphobia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elevators]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Geology building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[library]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TCS]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22127043</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When I first realized I wanted to go to Utah State University, I did an Instagram deep dive and  followed&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-going-up-rating-elevators-at-usu/">Opinion: Going up? Rating elevators at USU</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I first realized I wanted to go to Utah State University, I did an Instagram deep dive and<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>followed every USU page, official or otherwise. While on my Big Blue-style rampage, I stumbled upon an account called usuelevators claiming to cure “elevatorphobia, one elevator at a time,” in its bio. Curiosity led me to become one of its 529 followers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>I watched their reels rating elevators and laughed, but I thought, “They’re all elevators; how different can they be?” But since becoming an Aggie, I’ve found they can actually be quite different, and students have lots of opinions on how we get from floor to floor.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>One area that causes a lot of contention is the Aggie Terrace parking garage elevators. I’ve slammed the call button several times when running late before sighing exasperatedly and sprinting down the stairs. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I think Elevator A in the parking garage is the worst one. It takes forever, and it’s very sketchy,” said Tori Daughetee, a pre-nursing first-year student.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Kim Mangelson, a first-year student studying communicative disorders and deaf education, agreed. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I also think that Elevator A in the LLC sucks,” Mangelson said. “I’m not even kidding: I press the button on the elevator for it to open, I walked all the way to the other fetching elevator, and it still wasn’t open. When you’re in it, it makes creepy noises; there’s turbulence in it.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>It’s not just Elevator A that causes problems, though. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I’m going to say the worst is Elevator B in the LLC parking garage because it’s really slow, sketchy and the buttons don’t always work,” said Aubrey Sowards, a first-year exploratory student.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Used most often by Living Learning Community residents, these elevators are infamous for slowness and a tendency to get stuck. Just across the sidewalk, the TSC also has an elevator some students don’t love. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“It takes forever, and the light-up thing that shows what floor you’re on doesn’t work, and it shakes. It’s so sketchy,” said Emmaline Bowler, a sophomore studying plant science research. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>I always notice that the sliding doors squeal every time I ride the TSC elevator, and others agree.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“The TSC isn’t terrible, but the doors are loud and creaky. It’s also kind of small. It feels like a spooky hotel elevator with red carpet,” Mangelson said. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Eduardo Prisbrey, an exploratory first-year student, had other opinions about which elevator on campus is worst. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“It’s probably a tie between the education building and the geology building,” Prisbrey said. “The geology one is super slow. Going up the stairs takes the same amount of time as riding the elevator. The education building one makes me feel like I’m going to die on it — like it’s just going to give out.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>However, not all hope is lost. While they might not be the best bet to get between floors in some buildings, there’s one building with glowing reviews for its elevators: the library. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I like the library one, fast and easy,” Bowler said.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Camrie McCombs, a first-year studying social work, agreed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“The ones at the library have some punch to them,” McCombs said. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Punch is definitely the word to use, as the library elevator speeds are admirable. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“The library is pretty solid, pretty quick, pretty smooth,” Prisbrey said. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>My hack when using the elevators in the library is to use the bigger ones to the left of the main elevators. Those are bigger and not too busy, plus they’re mirrored, so they make for some great selfies. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Though the reviews weren’t sparkling for many elevators on campus, they get the job done and really help students who need them for any reason. They allow people with disabilities to make it to their classes. They are a necessary feature in every building, and on a real note, I’m grateful for them and those who maintain them. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Sometimes, I’m so tired from a late-night study session that I’ll fall if I take another step, which makes elevators the perfect way to get to class on the third floor. In those cases, I might appreciate a short nap during the slow ride. However, when it comes to some buildings, it might be worth taking the stairs.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-going-up-rating-elevators-at-usu/">Opinion: Going up? Rating elevators at USU</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: What if I told you she’s a “Mastermind?”</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-what-if-i-told-you-shes-a-mastermind/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Cameron Carnes]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[1989 album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cameron]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carnes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fan base]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Glitch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mastermind]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pop album]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pop culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recording]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Say Don't Go]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[song writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[swifties]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taylor Swift]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22127051</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Taylor Swift has finally re-released 1989, bringing the songs and the era that are near and dear to her heart&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-what-if-i-told-you-shes-a-mastermind/">Opinion: What if I told you she’s a “Mastermind?”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Taylor Swift has finally re-released 1989, bringing the songs and the era that are near and dear to her heart out of the vault. Not only did the release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) bring about an excitement for the highly anticipated vault songs, but it also laid out many different Easter eggs for possible future endeavors in her career. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Filled with college students and passionate Swifties, Utah State University has a lot to say about the album. Discussions include the re-recordings, Swiftie theories and Swift’s impact on the world and the music industry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Maycee Barrett is a senior majoring in political science and journalism. She is a big fan of 1989 and was very excited for the re-release.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I love 1989 T.V.. The original album is very nostalgic to me,” Barrett said. “I remember jumping on my bed to the song ‘Welcome to New York.’ I was so excited to kind of relive that part of my life again.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Since 2006, Swift has crossed over genres ranging from country, pop and indie. Since then, Swift has been working hard to find “A Place in this World” by releasing hits like “Tim Mcgraw” and “Teardrops On My Guitar.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Swift’s first three albums were country music: her self-titled debut, “Fearless” and “Speak Now.” Later, in her album “Red,” Swift gave the world a glimpse of her potential in pop with songs like “Starlight,” “Babe,” “State of Grace,” “Treacherous” and more.</p>
<p>On Oct. 27, 2014, Swift released her first pop album, which completely transitioned her music career. For some of the people at USU, 1989 was groundbreaking, nostalgic, dreamlike and a diary that felt like their own.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Becca Gaines is an exploratory major who has been a fan of Swift since her debut album.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I remember when 1989 came out in 2014 like it was yesterday,” Gaines said.<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>“I got the CD for my birthday and listened to it non-stop. There was something different about this album. Not only did 1989 get me into Taylor Swift’s discography, but it also got me into music in general. I felt like each lyric was a part of me. There were even some songs on there that made me feel even more seen.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>While each of Swift’s re-records are the same songs, there are several changes that some students have been able to spot.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Elsa Cole is an art major who is deep into the Swift universe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I love the 1989 re-recording,” Cole said. “This is one of my favorite albums, and I know it really well. I noticed that a lot of the backing music was changed. I have seen a lot of people complain about the changes, but I love that Taylor is able to re-imagine her music.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Swift made some changes to the backing tracks in some of the songs. Some students have suggested that the pen click in “Blank Space” has been adjusted. Others have also noticed that Taylor’s voice is clearer in a lot of the songs.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lauren Lind, a speech pathology major, sharedt some of her favorite changes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“I’ve seen a lot of people complain about some of the changes that were made, but I like the album even more than the stolen version,” Lind said. “I think that her voice is 10 times more clear. My favorite re-record song is “I Know Places.” Her voice is so much more clear, and there are many different backing vocals that Taylor added in. She also added a certain growl in the song that is so much more clear.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Just like each re-recording Swift has done, 1989 came with some highly anticipated vault tracks. When Swift originally released the album, she had said she wrote over 200 songs and narrowed it down to the 16 tracks the world has known. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>During the time of the original release, Swift was taking risks left and right while crossing over music genres, making bold statements about allyship and womanhood. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Swift is now at a point in her career where she is able to release some of her more “risky” songs without the fear of judgment. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“The song ‘Say Don’t Go’ is now one of my top songs of all time,” Cole said. “I do think that if she had released this song at the time, the impact of the album would have been completely different.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>One of the most anticipated songs that came from the vault was “Slut!” Before 1989 was released, Swift publicly dated two people in one year, and the backlash she received for that fueled the fire for “Blank Space.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Swift most recently stated that at the time of the original release, she had debated releasing “Slut!” in place of “Blank Space.” Many students have wondered how that would have turned out if it had been the case.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“The song ‘Slut!’ is one of the most gut- wrenching songs I have listened to, and a big reason for that is the fact that I know what Taylor was going through during that time,” Gaines said. “‘Blank Space’ was a song filled with irony and hidden statements about shaming a woman for her dating life. I remember when that song first came out vividly. Some people thought she was owning up to her ‘serial dater ways’ and some people saw the hidden message in between the lyrics.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Maile is a bioveterinary science major at Utah State.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>“This song is so relatable for me as a woman,” Maile said. “I think that it really shows how in-tune Swift has always been with society. To me, this song is one of the most vulnerable, heartbreaking and true songs about falling in love as a woman.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>The re-release of 1989 has only led to more anticipation for Swift’s next plans. Will she release Reputation T.V. on New Year’s Day? Will there be a “Glitch” with another album drop?</p>
<p>Some students have wondered if Swift will end her Era’s Tour by exiting into her 11th era. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Cole has been able to see the lore behind the systematic re-releases on Swift’s part. For example, she has been able to see that all Swift has left to own is her name and her reputation. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“In my mind, this makes each re-release more special. Taylor isn’t just gaining rights of her songs back, she’s also getting the era back in the way she deserved all those years ago,” Cole said.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Whatever happens in the future, many students are confident Swift will still continue to be a huge part of the music industry. In fact, some students believe she will dominate the music industry forevermore. </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">“Swift is a musical and lyrical powerhouse who has dominated the music industry because of her relatable and well produced music,” Barrett said. “I have no doubt that she will only progress into a ‘Suburban Legend.’” </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-what-if-i-told-you-shes-a-mastermind/">Opinion: What if I told you she’s a “Mastermind?”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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		<title>Opinion: It’s time to stop fueling climate change</title>
		<link>https://usustatesman.com/opinion-its-time-to-stop-fueling-climate-change/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Asher Schroader]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:15:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[All]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air quality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alternative energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climate change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fossil fuels]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fuel pumps]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inversion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Walmart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walmart fuel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[world health organization]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://usustatesman.com/?p=22125763</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>USU’s unofficial theme of the year seems to be construction. The housing department is hard at work revitalizing South Campus.&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-its-time-to-stop-fueling-climate-change/">Opinion: It’s time to stop fueling climate change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>USU’s unofficial theme of the year seems to be construction. The housing department is hard at work revitalizing South Campus. A new LDS Institute building is under construction, and the Biology and Natural Resources building is getting renovations.</p>
<p>New sites are popping up off-campus as well. But while most students are probably thinking about the Raising Cane’s on the corner of Cache Valley Boulevard and Main Street, other developments are also underway, with a far greater impact on our community.</p>
<p>Two new Walmart Fuel Centers are being built in Logan, one for each location in the valley. And naturally, with these will come more gasoline, more emissions and more dependency on fossil fuels, all things the city of Logan should be veering away from.</p>
<p>We have reached the point where climate change is no longer considered a hoax or a possibility. It is real, it is worsening and it is affecting us.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>This has been known for decades, and instead of taking action to safeguard both the environment and the people, the city of Logan deems it appropriate to further the issue by approving these projects.</p>
<p>This has the potential to wreak havoc on our local environment. The southern Walmart is located directly next to part of Cache Valley’s wetlands, meaning runoff, erosion or a spill could contaminate the area, causing an untold amount of harm not only in Logan, but beyond the valley as well.</p>
<div id="attachment_22125768" style="width: 610px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">			<div class="media-credit-container aligncenter"  style="max-width: 610px">
			<img decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22125768" class="size-medium wp-image-22125768" src="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-600x400.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" srcset="https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-600x400.jpg 600w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-335x223.jpg 335w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2-1050x700.jpg 1050w, https://usustatesman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10032023-2.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /><span class="media-credit">JACK LEWIS BURTON</span>		</div>
	<p id="caption-attachment-22125768" class="wp-caption-text">Construction continues on the Walmart fueling station on Main Street on Oct. 3.</p></div>
<p>The wetlands end in Cutler Reservoir, and if gasoline entered the water supply, it could poison the residents of Box Elder County.</p>
<p>The fuel centers will unavoidably have a long-term negative effect on Logan’s air quality, as the fuel will be burnt in cars, adding to the pollution in the air.</p>
<p>With winter approaching, Logan and its surrounding communities will once again be subject to temperature inversions.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Under normal conditions, air cools as it rises, allowing it to disperse into the atmosphere. During an inversion, this blanket of warm air is pushed upwards by a cold front, trapping both natural and manmade particles closer to the ground as the warmer air above prevents them from rising.</p>
<p>Cache Valley is particularly susceptible to inversions because the slopes of the surrounding mountains lock in smog, preventing it from escaping. Vulnerable groups such as children, older adults and those with conditions like asthma can suffer acute respiratory issues.</p>
<p>Even healthy adults can fall ill from pollution. As the lungs take in a lifetime’s worth of air, the amount of particulate matter they must filter accumulates over time, which can cause serious illness and even death.</p>
<p>Data from a 2021 report written by the World Health Organization estimated that air pollution was responsible for 7 million deaths worldwide in 2015. 7 million people dead in a single year.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>How many of those deaths were preventable? And more importantly, how many can be prevented in the future?</p>
<p>Instead of prioritizing high-emission car infrastructure, I think the city could subsidize chargers for electric or hybrid vehicles. Many models are within the range of affordability, and, according to the U.S. BLS and EIA, charging an EV is nearly three times cheaper than paying for gas.</p>
<p>We can also advocate for other forms of transportation, such as protected bike lanes or improved CVTD service. Both are cleaner than driving and have added benefits like improved health and lower fatality rates.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>Even walking, which is the first, cleanest and longest-standing form of transportation, is often cast aside. Many roads simply lack any form of paved walkway along them, causing pedestrians to suffer an uncomfortable commute or risk walking in the street.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>
<p>This is an issue even on campus, with the northern portions of 1200 East directly adjacent to both the Student Living Center and Aggie Village, being notably bare.</p>
<p>The addition of two new gas stations in Logan is unnecessary. Not only do we already have 18 to choose from, but it is far beyond time for both our municipal government and the corporations in our city to move beyond the era of gasoline, and on to something brighter.</p>
<p>Maybe then, we’d all breathe a little easier.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://usustatesman.com/opinion-its-time-to-stop-fueling-climate-change/">Opinion: It’s time to stop fueling climate change</a> appeared first on <a href="https://usustatesman.com">The Utah Statesman</a>.</p>
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