THE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS Volume: 62 Issue: 15
FEBRUARY 6, 2019
unodriftwood.com
Gov. John Bel Edwards visits UNO, discusses his progress in Israel
Photos by Donna Matherne, Face to Face Photography On Monday, Jan. 28, the governor visited UNO to speak about his 2018 trip to Israel, a trip sponsored by AIPAC, “America’s Pro-Israel Lobby.”
BY HOPE BRUSSTAR Editor-in-Chief
Students entering the University Center on Monday, Jan. 28 may have noticed the sudden uptick in security guards posted at nearly every corner and doorway of the building. That evening, Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards paid a visit to the University Center ballroom to speak about his Oct. 26 Nov. 2 2018 trip to Israel and his related plans for Louisiana. Before Edwards spoke at about 6:30 p.m., some members of his ad-
ministration held a panel discussion about their participation in the trip, including commissioner of administration Jay Dardenne and Port of New Orleans vice president Robert Landry. They discussed in detail the projects that Edwards fostered between Louisiana and Israel during his trip. “We were able to accomplish a great many things during our trip,” said Edwards. While in Israel, he made arrangements to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he said has visited Louisiana in the past. “Compared to his job, I’ve got it
made, because he is in a bad neighborhood,” said Edwards. “He’s a lot smarter than I am,” he said later on, smiling, and eliciting smiles from the audience. During the trip, Edwards attended 22 meetings in five days. He and his team discussed a myriad of topics with various officials, including trade deals, water management, and cyber security. According to Edwards, Israel has launched 143 cyber security startup firms in the last 3 years and provides for 43% of the world’s cyber security needs. Likewise, “It’s my goal for Louisiana to be a national
and international leader in cyber security,” said Edwards. “We will soon have another major capital investment in Louisiana,” he went on, citing the opening of DXC Technologies in New Orleans, a technology firm expected to bring 2000 new jobs to the area. While in Israel, the army veteran took a tour of the Iron Dome, Israel’s missile defense system. He and his wife also had the opportunity to remember the lives lost during the Holocaust. Said Edwards, “Donna and I had the solemn privilege of laying the wreath at the World Holocaust Museum.” In 2020, the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience will open in the New Orleans art district. Most chairs in the ballroom were full, with over 100 people in atten-
dance. If any UNO students were in attendance, it was not obvious, and no prior public communication about the event was made to the campus community. Said student government Sen. Nicky Cao at the following SGA meeting on Thursday in University Center room 208, “There was a mass increase of NOPD. ... UNO did not inform students in advance … it was reckless.” Meanwhile, during the question-and-answer session, a group of Tulane students were present in the audience to ask Edwards a brief question. Edwards’ last public visit to the University was made on Dec. 14, 2018, when he was the principal speaker at the fall graduation ceremony.
PARTYING DESPITE IT ALL
DAT DOG’S ANTI-LIE BOWL PARTY More original photos by Brennan Probst on pages 6-7
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
NEWS
Privateer pantry offers free food to students in need BY DEMI GUILLORY Reporter Last Wednesday and Thursday, UNO opened the Privateer Pantry to those seeking assistance. The pantry is relatively new to campus—this is only the third semester the service is being offered to currently enrolled students. After hearing concerning conversations amongst students, manager of student affairs operations Reagan Laiche and director of student involvement and leadership LeeAnne Sipe were inspired to create a service that would lessen a student’s burden. In a video released last fall during the pantry’s fundraiser, Sipe recalls the inspiration she had for the pantry after she and her colleagues were “just sitting around chatting about experiences we had with students that centered around food insecurity.” Laiche and Sipe conducted a student survey, and the results revealed what they already suspected to be true. “Food insecurity on campus is real,” Laiche said. This prompted their plan into action, and the Privateer Pantry was born and has been flourishing every since. In its first semester of operation, the pantry served 35 students. That number would grow the following fall semester, to a total of 41 students, which Laiche sees as “an in-
crease, for sure!” The numbers are especially impressive for a service that has mostly operated in a “popup” format, open only during select times with no set operating schedule “to provide food items when on-campus dining serves were limited.” Laiche uses spring break as an example. Beginning this week, however, the pantry is expected to begin operating on a consistent basis. It will open every Monday and Thursday between the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students with a valid UNO ID can access the pantry in the Office of Student Affairs, located in room 248 of the University Center. While there is no set limit to how many items one student is allowed, graduate assistant Adele Marrs, who helps operate the pantry, says that each student is usually given a week’s worth of food. Some of the foods available include pasta, rice, canned soups, canned vegetables, cereal and toiletry items. Students also have the convenient option of filling out a form and checking off the items they need. The pantry staff will pull the requested items so that all the student has to do is pick their items up from the pantry. Should a student choose this option, the pantry asks that students give at least a day’s notice. Marrs encourages those interested in donating to visit the pantry’s Amazon Wish List, which can be
-Photo by Demi Guillory The Privateer Pantry is now open weekly on Mondays and Thursdays in UC 248, offering a selection of food items for students needing assistance.
located under the name UNO Privateer Pantry. The pantry also accepts drop-off donations. Marrs emphasizes that items donated should be non-expired and non-perishable. Faculty and staff looking to contribute have the option of payroll deducting through the UNO Foundation: Privateer Pantry. “The ability to lighten a student’s
load” is the most rewarding part of the operating the service, according to Laiche. “There’s so much to worry about between school, work and family obligations that being able to provide just a few food basics to ease the burden is very uplifting,” said Laiche. While the pantry will continue
to remain open as long as the need exists, Laiche hopes that eventually there will be no need for it. But in the meantime, she hopes that they can one day “provide fresh ingredients like vegetables and fruits.” On Thursday, Feb. 7, the pantry will be opened again between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at UC 248.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
Recycling at UNO and how students can easily get involved
-Photo by Terry Shields UNO is committed to the practice of recycling, with reminders to do so all around campus, and an event held last week highlighted the importance of recycling.
BY DEMI GUILLORY Reporter On Friday, Feb. 1, the UNO Service Coalition partnered with the Student Government Association (SGA) to host an event open to all students in an effort to encourage them to become a “Champion of Sustainability.” The event —complete with a free lunch and the opportunity to win some monetary
prizes — was a way to get students committed to recycling. At UNO alone, there are more than 5,000,000 pounds of recyclable waste that need to be reduced, according to the invite sent to every student’s email. The school is asking for every one of its 8,000-plus students’ participation to make that happen. The Service Coalition and the SGA work collaboratively every
semester to ensure on-campus recycling is an continuous effort. While the Service Coalition works to recruit student volunteers to manage indoor recycling bins, the SGA provides the funding necessary to cover the costs of the monthly recycling dumpster pick-up dates per a UNO webpage dedicated to student recycling. The efforts are entirely student-run, and both organizations in charge of on-campus recycling
are constantly seeking new, environmentally conscious volunteers and support. Perhaps it goes without saying, but recycling doesn’t just have positive effects solely on the UNO campus. Recycling has global effects that help reduce pollution caused by waste, which in turn helps reduce the need for raw materials, preserving rainforests. UNO’s specific goal in its recycling efforts,
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also stated in the invite, is to reduce its “very large carbon footprint” — every little bit students can do “helps lessen our impact.” Last Friday’s event was one of many ways UNO tries to encourage students to become habitual recyclers. Many of the school’s commitments to a greener planet are in plain sight. For example, this semester, the Galley replaced styrofoam boxes with paper boxes. Students who frequent the library often may notice the blue recycling bins in the computer lab. Even here at the Driftwood, we are committed to recycling—at the bottom of every newspaper kiosk, there is a recycling compartment, where students can drop newspapers they’ve finished reading. Bins are also accessible, but not limited to: the science building, the geology and psychology building, Liberal Arts Building, Kirschman Hall, Milneburg Hall, and the University Center. Dumpsters are located at three locations: Pontchartrain Hall, Milneburg Hall and the Science Building. Those unable to commit to overseeing a recycling bin are encouraged to still get involved by using these dumpsters to drop off paper and plastic items. “If we are a campus that CARES, then we need to be a student body that MOVES,” as the email invite to all students passionately pleaded.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
FEATURE
Student spotlight: Jolie Bryant
BY JACK WAGUESPACK Editor-in-Chief First-year freshman Jolie Bryant is making a name for herself with her vibrant pieces and precise line work. Jolie is from Sunset, Louisiana and chose UNO because it offered opportunities in art and animation that her hometown did not. Majoring in studio art with a concentration in digital media and animation and minoring in computer science, Jolie is constantly practicing her craft and expressing herself through her art. When she isn’t drawing, Jolie is leading a
tour as an orientation leader for UNO or attending a basketball game on campus. Jolie tells us some of her biggest inspirations, talks about her passion for art, and reveals what she has planned next. JW: Jack Waguespack J: Jolie Bryant JW: When did you first realize your passion for art? JB: Throughout my life, I always loved every form of art, but I never felt like visual arts was more than a hobby until I
had just turned 16. After a traumatic event in my life, I completely fell into art and spent nearly every spare moment I had creating it. I’ve taken art classes since I was 14, and showed a natural talent for it ... prior to that, but I never created it with the real attention to detail, originality and passion that I paid to my art after 2016. I got my first personal sketchbook and began to discover my style, along with my intense need to create, and live through visual arts. Once I dove in, however, I could never go back — explaining why I’m where I am today with art. JW:Who are some of your biggest inspirations? JB: I’m incredibly inspired by music and poetry in my art. My first detailed drawings on my own were of album covers, singers, instruments and visual representations of poems I had read and listened to. My biggest inspiration in painting is an artist named Alphonse Mucha. However, my personal style falls on the more graphic side, leaving me heavily inspired by Pablo Picasso, and many modern artists like Henn Kim and Ambivalent-
ly Yours. I find inspiration from various artists on social media as well as traditional tattoo artists. JW: What are your favorite mediums of art? JB: I couldn’t fully back the first medium that pops into my head, because the second I do, I immediately start to remember why I like another medium. I am definitely best at drawing and painting, and love it dearly, but I am quite fond of collage as well. As of right now, I hold the most passion for digital art. Creating graphics and digital illustrations has proven to be incredibly fulfilling to me. JW: Do you plan on pursuing art as a career? JB: I do. I am majoring in studio art here at UNO, concentrating in digital media and animation. Before l was completely into art, I bounced around dozens of film-related career aspirations — cinematography and set design being two big ones for me. Once I realized that I needed to be doing art as a career to feed my passion for it, I quickly came to the conclusion that animation
would be a perfect career for me. I can create worlds and characters of all kinds with nearly no boundaries. The possibilities are endless and exciting. I gush over the idea of working for huge production companies like Pixar, Dreamworks or Illumination, but I also believe that working for educational sources like PBS Animation, Thought Cafe or Kurzgesagt would be super fulfilling for me as well. JW: What are some of your favorite pieces that you have done? JB: The first two I think of when I think about favorite pieces of my own are titled “Muddy Magnolias” and “The Wall,” which are both Prismacolor drawings. Behind them is an acrylic painting of mine titled “Metamorphosis.” My most recently completed favorites would be a collage of mine titled “Inside,” created from paper made of denim fabric, and an acrylic painting of mine titled “Metal,” which also includes some collaging.
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
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Diversity dialogue: America as a foreign culture NICOLE GUILLEN Managing Editor “What is culture?” Long-time professor Ann Kos Edwards of UNO’s anthropology department asked a provocative question to a handful of students at the Diversity Engagement Center. Those who attended the discussion looked nervously at each other. Edwards used their apprehensiveness as an opportunity to make the discussion more intimate. She approached each student with a curious smile and asked more specifically, “What does culture mean to you?” Edwards got a range of responses, from the predictable academic answer of “a set of beliefs” all the way down to what one wears. With these brainstormed definitions, she clarified that culture is everything. A definition she uses to describe culture comes from the father of anthropology himself, Edward B. Tylor. In Tylor’s famous 1871 book Primitive Culture, he claims that culture is “the complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.”
Edwards stressed that culture is all around without us knowing it. Culture lives in how one greets others. Culture thrives in the steam rising from a homemade meal. Culture is embedded in each thread that is sewn together to produce a unique piece of clothing. Culture even comes down to the everyday things we use, like paper. Edwards grabbed a simple white piece of paper and explained, “Hunter-gatherers didn’t have this. It was invented. All of what is invented is a part of material culture.” Simple things that are used to supplement daily life contribute to the culture that represents our society as a whole. Similar to the ever-changing status of trends, cultures change as a result of technology. Aside from culture in general, the conversation focused on American culture. Edwards based the discussion on a class she taught previously that was of the same name. The class was designed to get international students well-acquainted with American culture while giving domestic students the chance to evaluate their culture from an objective standpoint. American culture is commonly associated with individualism, freedom and diversity. The forefathers who wrote the Constitution this country was founded upon bled the
-Photo by Nicole Guillen On Jan. 31, 2019, The Diversity Engagement Center hosted a diversity dialogue that focused on America and its culture from an anthropological perspective. The discussion was led by Anthropology professor, Ann Kos Edwards.
concept of freedom. American culture once captured the ideal of the four-and-a-half family household with a hard-working husband and loving stay-at-home wife. Now, America has been influenced by the millennial generation and its money-conscious mindset. Edwards notes that now more than ever, “houses are getting bigger while families are getting smaller.”
Adults under 35 tend to value their careers and the prospects of increased income more than starting a family. Those who are hesitant to start a family are aware of the financial consequences of offspring and prefer to spend money on a good home now. Like cultures from other countries, America is unique in style and behavior patterns. It changes from
year to year, but it’s important to look for the constant attributes of one’s culture from time to time. The Diversity Engagement Center encourages further analysis on how our culture and other cultures are perceived. These discussions aim to evaluate our current culture and how it can serve as a safe bridge for cultures of different countries due to our “melting pot” association.
The Ongoing Story: Part II BY JACK WAGUESPACK News Editor Here’s the second installment of our fiction series, featuring a different writer every week! Follow along to see
“Inside” Collage by Jolie Bryant
where the story takes us... “Welcome back” echoes in the room, vibrating the bare walls. I look to my left and see the slightest glimpse of a fleeting light. I can’t make out where it’s coming from, but it gives me shivers all over my cold, sweaty body. I remember this place, but only from my dreams. I remember the feelings of eyes constantly watching me and the faint smell of metal wafting through the air. But I always woke up right when I entered the room; I was never allowed past that point, as if my brain was trying to protect me. I walk closer to the light and hope it allows me to see what, or who, is in this room with me. I blindly reach my hand into the light and a piercing burn comes with it. Ash covers my whole arm, and I quickly try to brush it off with the back of my pant leg. The ash covers both of my legs and it continues to cover my whole body. I start to panic, flailing and hoping to hold onto something in the room. My hand catches onto something but it feels too warm to be a table or chair; it’s a hand. Whoever it is, pulls me into the light and suddenly all the ash is gone and my body is ridden of any imperfections. I look to the hand holding onto me and find the face of its owner, my father. He tells me “Welcome back,” but he never opens his mouth. I try to open my mouth to ask him where we are, but words never come out. He
looks at me as though he knows what I’m thinking and bursts out into laughter, still with his mouth shut. It’s then that I realize why I can’t make any words leave my mouth: we’re speaking through our thoughts. He tells me we’re in middle land of reality and dreams, where nothing can hurt you unless you let it. I begin to panic even more and start pinching myself, hoping it’ll wake me up from whatever kind of sleep I am in. He warns me to not try to leave or show that I’m scared or else my nightmares will appear. Before I can question what he says, he disappears along with the only light that was in the room. I scramble to find a lightswitch or some kind of door, all the while trying to follow my dads advice. I have no clue why he is here or what exactly this place is, but my only concern is finding a way out. I trace my fingers along the wall for what feels like forever until I finally find a switch. Hesitant to flip it, I take a deep breathe and hope for the best. I flip the switch and the dark room is filled with freezing cold air. After about 5 seconds, the lights start to turn on one by one. It takes my eyes a second to adjust but I can finally see what the room is filled with, hundreds and hundreds of mirrors. I’m taken aback by the small, feeble body looking back at me in the reflection. It doesn’t even resemble me in the slightest, yet I feel such a strong connection with the image in front of me. Its as if I’m looking at myself in the future and that’s the scariest part. What is to come?
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
DAT DOG’S LIE
-Photos by Brennan Probst Crowds of Saints fans gathered on the 3300 block of Magazine Street for the Anti-Lie Bowl Party. In addition to food, music, and dancing, party-goers could participate in fundraising activities such as “Dunk the Referee” and “Pin the Blindfold on the Official.” The event culminated in a jazz funeral for “the stolen hopes and dreams of the Who Dat Nation.”
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
E-BOWL PARTY
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
ENTERTAINMENT
“Alita: Battle Angel” a landmark achievement in filmmaking
-Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox. James Cameron’s latest production is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to be connected to the Marvel or DC Universe to enthrall fans looking for the next superhero.
BY JEFF BOUDREAUX Contributer “Alita: Battle Angel,” the longtime pet project of producer James Cameron and director Robert Rodriguez, makes its screen debut as a visually stunning dystopian epic that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. Make no mistake, we’ve all been hit over the head with abundant uses of CGI animation, both good and bad. What sets “Alita” apart is the painstaking detail put into the effects, and a title character who is exquisitely rendered from state-of-the-art motion-capture technology employed on actress Rosa Salazar. Based on a popular Manga character by Yukito Kishiro, “Alita” continues Cameron’s proclivity for building films around strong, groundbreaking female characters throughout his 40-year film career. Our film takes place in the 23rd century after “The Fall.” Iron City physician Dr. Ido (Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz), coming off the devastating loss of his daughter, finds the head and upper torso of an android
in a scrapyard, discarded from the advanced civilization above his head, the sky city of Zalem. He wastes no time in attaching his daughter’s cyborg body and name onto the newly christened Alita (Rosa Salazar), who awakens to find a remarkable new world filled with delicious oranges…and chocolate…and murderous cyborgs employed by the leader of Iron City, the villainous Vector (Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali)! Like an amnesiac, Alita has no memory of who she was, only knowing that she originated on Zalem. Yet it doesn’t take long for Alita to figure out what skills she possesses. During a harmless street version of Motorball, the city’s high-stakes sports/ entertainment spectacle, it becomes apparent that Alita was an elite fighter, a notion which is solidified when she defeats a group of cybernetic killers sent by Vector. Alita soon joins the ranks of Hunter-Warriors, the protectors of Iron City, and begins to piece more details together concerning her previous life. She becomes a threat to Vector’s stronghold on the populace and an android-of-interest to his as-
sistant, Dr. Chiren (Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly), who is also the mother of Alita’s namesake. As Alita undergoes the metamorphosis from castoff to warrior to Motorball star (!), one thing remains consistent — she must wage a continual fight against the myriad of forces that are set to destroy her and discover the truths about the symbiotic relationship between Zalem and Iron City. The film co-stars Ed Skrein (“Deadpool”) as Alita’s jealous fellow Hunter-Warrior Zapan and Jackie Earle Haley as her main physical adversary — the hulking Grewishka. The strong supporting cast, boasting no less than three Oscar-winners, is only somewhat weakened by an ever-so-slightly green performance by newcomer Keean Johnson in the pivotal character of Hugo — Alita’s friend and love interest, who also happens to deal in stolen, or “chopped”, cyborg body parts. “Alita: Battle Angel” springs to life onscreen as a viable alternative to the ever-popular American comic book film continuum and makes the point that you don’t have to be con-
cast from HBO in 1973 was the Pennsylvania Polka Festival. Some 8,000 subscribers tuned in, and by 1975, HBO had 100,000 subscribers. HBO continued to be the only television channel that continuously delivered their signal via satellite, one of their landmark broadcasts being the “Thrilla in Manilla” fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. The network grew to prominence, only broadcasting nine hours each day and creating original content such as “Fraggle Rock” and many other shows. HBO truly gained a big following around the late 1980s and early 1990s, creating shows such as “The
Larry Sanders Show,” which is widely considered to be one of the best shows ever created. Around 1997, HBO forever changed television and turned it into an art form. “Oz,” a prison-style drama that took on an hour-long block, became one of the first longform television shows. It paved the way for most highly praised shows in modern television. HBO didn’t stop there. In 1999, with writer David Chase, the network created the most important television show in history, “The Sopranos.” With James Gandolfini playing anxiety-ridden mob boss Tony Soprano, and Lorraine Bracco playing his therapist, “The Sopra-
nected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or DC Extended Universe to enthrall fans who are looking for the next superhero. The film also manages to seamlessly bridge the gap between live action and animation by presenting their animation as indistinguishable from the actors. I can honestly say that this is the first and only instance I practically forgot that I was watching a CG character, as Alita’s facial movement is that natural. It’s clear why James Cameron is so respected. As with “The Terminator,” “Titanic,” “Aliens,” and “Avatar,” nearly everything the man creates achieves greatness. Because of this, director Robert Rodriguez may unfortunately be overshadowed. This is to be expected when working under an auteur like James Cameron. However, Rodriguez was hand-picked by Cameron to aid him in his vision, and his unmistakable stamp upon this film is present from beginning to end. Here, Iron City is a seedy world where Hunter-Warriors stalk cyborgs throughout the streets, culminating in at least one murder that wouldn’t be out of place in a 1970s Giallo — except for the cyborg! Fans will note this
isn’t the first time that Rodriguez has successfully brought a comic book to life. His twofilm “Sin City” series, based on adult-oriented graphic novels by Frank Miller, allowed Rodriguez free rein to recreate that dark and violent world for fans. In this film, the director is forced to work within a PG-13 rating, but in no way does it confine his craft. I viewed this state-of-the-art motion picture in Dolby Vision 3D, and I would recommend that all viewers do likewise, as this is the format the filmmakers intended. As we happen to be moviegoers in the days of abundant theater subscription programs, it is undoubtedly cheaper or more cost-effective than ever before to do so. A film such as “Alita: Battle Angel” perhaps won’t be as impressive on a 2D screen, due to the plethora of miniscule details and creative design that has gone into a project nearly 20 years in the making. Nevertheless, the resulting collaboration between two of the most stylish directors in the business takes its place as a landmark achievement in both science fiction filmmaking and comic book adaptations.
HBO: The greatest channel to grace television BY DYLAN MININGER Entertainment Editor Home Box Office, a landmark in cable TV, has been around for nearly 46 years. When most people think about HBO, they think about the hits: “The Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones” and “OZ,” but it’s so much more than just amazing television shows. The network has been and still is a total wrench in the system of television and movies. Originally titled “The Green Channel,” HBO had humble beginnings, using microwave antennas to broadcast movies and sporting events. The first special live broad-
nos” left a mark on history. It was one of the first cable network shows to win best drama series at the Emmys. During its first season, it took home 16 nominations altogether. HBO went on to create other landmark television shows, most notably, “The Wire” and “Six Feet Under.” Both shows gathered massive amounts of awards and are regarded as some of the best television shows of all time. The network has only picked up speed with its original content, acquiring some of the most talented writers, directors and actors in the industry. Their most popular show in recent years is “Game of Thrones,” which has a massive fan base and many suc-
cessful seasons. It will soon to be wrapping up with its final season. The network’s incredible content has not stopped, thanks to shows such as “True Detective,” “Big Little Lies” and a sleeper hit, “Crashing.” HBO’s creative endeavors have paved the way for every television show being broadcast today and will continue to be a model for streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. These platforms try to create their own original content in the same vein and using the same techniques as HBO, but the truth is evident: no one does it as well as Home Box Office.
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
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Lady Privateers steal a win from Cardinals
-Photo by UNO Athletics UNO defeats the Incarnate Word Cardinals by three points in a nail-biter.
BY STEFEN MURO Reporter On Saturday, the UNO women’s basketball team returned to the Lakefront Arena looking to improve their conference record. The Lady Privateers hosted the Incarnate Word Cardinals, who were (2-
18) overall and (2-7) in conference play. On paper, it seemed like an easy win for the Privateers, but the game played out in quite an unexpected way. The first quarter was uneventful on the stat sheet, but was a defensive display by both teams. Incarnate had the advantage with nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks
to UNO’s seven rebounds, two steals to one block. The Cardinals won that quarter with a 13-11 score. Three quick steals in the first two minutes fueled the Privateers’ 23-point second quarter, along with three fast-break three-pointers by freshman guard Traya Bruce. Sophomore guard Jada Duncantell scored seven of the bench’s 13
“To be the best version of Beyonce” Sheniyah Halliburton junior, psychology
“TO GET THIS BREAD!” Jailyn Hoskins freshman, biology
points that contributed to UNO’s dominant second quarter. Privateers reached halftime with a seven-point lead. The Privateers came out strong in the third quarter with good defense, providing easy offense. Three more team steals provided senior center Shaina Woods an eight-point quarter and a thirteen-point lead. The
Cardinals’ freshman forward Starr Omozee lead a late third-quarter charge that tied the game, going into the fourth quarter with a 44-44 score. Much like the first quarter, the fourth was highlighted by high-level defense. Nine lead changes and 11 ties throughout the last period of play were truly the climax of the game. With 29.9 seconds left on the clock, Bruce made a free throw that gave the Privateers a three-point lead. In the final possession of the game, the Cardinals attempted to set three-pointer that would’ve sent the game into overtime, but junior guard Rehema Franklin was one step ahead. Before the ball could reach the shooter, Franklin made the game-winning steal as the final few seconds expired. The Privateers “stole” this one, with a final score of 55-58. The headline stat to note is an impressive 14 total team steals to the Cardinals’ 6. The extra possessions from these steals propelled three 10+ point games from Bruce, Woods and Ducantell. Woods lead the team, with 14 point and 10 rebound double-double in the victory. The Lady Privateers improved to a (7-12) overall and (3-7) record in conference play and are now on a two-win streak. They resume conference play home at the Lakefront Arena on Wednesday against Northwestern State.
“I’m trying to make at least all B’s this semester.” Jare’ Rhodes freshman, civil engineering
“What are your biggest goals this semester?” QUESTION OF THE WEEK WITH STEFAN MURO
““My goals are to try my best to be more social and to get better grades. God knows we need some love to spread around this campus!” C.J. Smith freshman, computer science
“I have high expectations to get through my courses. My goal is not to fall behind and get all of my work in on time.”
“I want to finish this semester with a 4.0 GPA like last semester. I hope to do that by mastering time management.”
Mason Edler sophomore, interdisciplinary studies
Raegan Rozas freshman, film “I hope to determine if my current major is what I would like to keep doing.” Emma O’Grady freshman, naval architecture
“My goal is to maintain a 4.0 GPA and find a second job.” Alexis Chivatero freshman, art and accounting
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
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OPINION
-Photo via Wikipedia. As Maduro and Guaido compete for power over the nation, political order — or what was left of it — is waning.
COLUMN
The ongoing crisis in Venezuela is not as complicated as the news would make you believe. It’s a power struggle that now has other foreign powers involved, and at the end of the day, it seems like the Venezuelan people will still suffer just as they have before. There are two key players to note in this crisis: Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido. Maduro is the socialist president of Venezuela, who was elected by an incredibly small margin following the death of previous president Hugo Chavez. Maduro has been president for six years, his last reelection drawing some suspicions as to the legality and validity of the reelection itself. Venezuela has been under this type of authoritative rule for nearly 20 years by Maduro and his predecessors. Juan Guaido, currently fighting for the role of interim president as chosen by lawmakers, is essentially a compromise candidate. A fairly unknown politician in Venezuela now has the full backing of the U.S. and our allies, while nations like Russia and China are backing Maduro. The current conflict is that the national assembly had claimed the recent election was not fair — familiar, no? — and that the presidency is vacant. Enter Guaido. Guaido and Maduro are fighting for control over the military, which holds true power over the population.
Currently, the military has supported Maduro due to his increase in pay raises and has even incited rebellion in favor of his presidency. The people of Venezuela are clamoring for the installation of some leader who will actually take care of the citizens. Venezuela suffers from serious problems, inflation being one of the biggest. Prices of items were doubling nearly every 19 days, resulting in mass amounts of people unable to afford items needed for survival. Alongside inflation, Venezuela’s GDP is failing, food is in short supply, malaria is on the rise, and their oil output is reaching a new low. Oh man, did I forget to mention that Venezuela is one of the largest crude oil producers in the world, with the United States receiving nearly 42 percent of their oil from Venezuela? When you hear news of the Venezuelan crisis shooting to the top of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy list, it becomes incredibly suspicious, given that most of our recent foreign history has been a warmongering effort for oil control. Our president has vowed his strong support for interim president, Juan Guaido. The U.S. president has imposed sanctions on the state-run oil company, stating that this will help Venezuelan citizens retain the resources for themselves. Call me crazy, call me a conspiracy theorist, but all of this sounds incredibly fishy. I have and always will deeply support
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DRIFTWOOD Staff
Crisis in Venezuela: an unimportant opinion from an unimportant American BY DYLAN MININGER Entertainment Editor
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2019
the assistance and aid of foreign people who are suffering due to political power struggles, or any struggles, but I don’t think our president cares about helping. Trump believes in America first. He’s a businessman, and he’s taking a page out of the George W. Bush handbook for starting an oil war and winning a re-election. Our involvement seems to be nothing more than a ploy to gain control of oil and hold sway over Guaido, as well as possibly placing the U.S. in some sort of “emergency manager” situation. It’s not that I disagree with us intervening in foreign affairs. I would fully support our involvement if it was honest and morally righteous. I like the idea of using our power for good, but I have serious doubts that our government is actually helping people rather than profiting off this “assistance” and installing some sort of “democracy.” There is absolutely no more room for an installed government. Our history reveals that we have helped stage many coups, which have ended poorly by almost every account. “We shall listen, not lecture; learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others and showing respect for them. In short, our foreign policy will rest on the traditional American values of restraint and empathy, not on military might.” - Theodore C. Sorensen, American lawyer, writer, and presidential adviser
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