09/19/17 issue

Henderson State University - Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Volume 113, Issue 4

dr. john corvino p.3

Famed philosopher previously dubbed “The Gay Moralist” will visit on Oct. 4.

grammar candy p.6

The band played at Vino’s over the weekend along with Sabine Valley.

Aronofsky’s mother! p.9 A review of the new controversial thriller “mother!”

: h s u r c Girl

hsu vs. nwosu p.12

u s h e d a m n i l r e m n e t s i kr y’s concert a d s r u h t t s a swoon @ l oracle@hsu.edu

HSU Oracle

@hsuoracle

The Reddies took on the Rangers over the weekend.

2

Reddie news Theft awareness Story by Rylee Maxwell, Student Reporter

Graphic by Jacob Glasgow, Graphic Designer

Editor in Chief — Pete Tubbs News editor — Ashley Smith Graphics/ Ads designer — Jacob Glasgow page layout designer — Aaron O’Quin Photo Editor — Joshua Bradley Copy Editor/ Photographer —Emily Bell Opinions/ Online editor — Dax Guilliams Business Manager — Kansas Tye Sports editor — Jordan Williams Arts & Music Editor — Abbie Beaver LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write us at ORACLE@HSU.EDU if you have any questions, comments, or if you just want to rant about something. Hell, if it doesn’t suck, we might publish it in next week’s issue.

Just do us a favor and keep it between 400600 words. Just like your Tumblr, we ignore anonymous submissions.

ORACLE ONLINE

Our online format has bonus content like exclusive galleries of the eclipse viewing and a video from Rec Fest.

ADS

Email us at kt194294@reddies.hsu.edu to get in touch with our ads manager.

COVER

Photo by Emily Bell, Staff Photographer

Every year millions of college students travel to campuses to live on their own. For the newer students theft is not on their mind. Few college students insure their possessions, even though many valuable items with them. Phones are a costly aspect of life, and many students have broken, lost, or had them stolen.

The recent Google Consumer Survey from Protect Your Bubble polled 500 college students and found out that nearly one third of them have experienced this. This means that theft is happening in college campuses today. College students should be more careful with their valuable items.

Your personal property should never be left unattended. Common objects that are stolen are usually small items that can easily fit in a pocket.

If possible, lock up all items that can be taken.

Usually college dorms have locks on closet doors.

It would be smart to place jewelry and other things in them while out.

If something is stolen from your possession, or from your safe, call campus police. The police can always help in time of need. It is best to have them file a report and help search for the missing object such as your bike. Campus police can keep a look out for the bike and resolve the issue easier.

Using a car for storage can be super helpful, but it also can be a target for theft. When using a car for storage always put items out of view. Do not leave items in the seat or floor. If a thief looks in the window, there is nothing stopping them from taking what they want. It is also smart to lock items in the trunk of your vehicle. The trunk is harder to access and will keep your items safe.

Not only can items be stolen from your possession but even your identity. College students face a high risk of having their identity stolen. Social security numbers should never be shared. Try to make sure that you hide your number just in

case of fraud. People should also be careful about typing in ATM codes and computer passwords.

Never carry your driver’s license and social security card together. Identity thieves can use your personal information to send out random credit card offers that use your information to make them. This means that they can use credit cards with your name on them. This can cause high amounts of debt.

Social media can help thieves. Many students are comfortable showing their lives on social media, they give too much information away to the public. Oversharing is one of the biggest mistakes a student can make.

Thieves can look at social media and know exactly when you’re not home. They know that you’ll be away for a while and therefore know they can raid your house. Social media also shares information that can be used to gain access to websites. With all of this information, fraudsters can get past account security questions on many websites.

In short, it always pays to be careful. Something that only takes you a couple of seconds of forethought can save you a lot of trouble.

September 19, 2017

3

Spring Fling

HSU Philosophy Club presents: Dr. John Corvino Story by Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief Flyer courtesy of HSU Philosophy Club

We live in turbulent times these days. With the sitting president causing controversy daily and waves and waves of social change hitting America just as often, the times certainly are a changin’.

Not all of that change is bad, however. Dr. John Corvino, an openly gay author, philosopher and speaker, is one of the leaders in the fight for gay rights.

Dr. Corvino is the author of books such as “What’s Wrong with Homosexuality?,” “Debating Same-Sex Marriage” and “Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination.” Suffice it to say, Corvino is known for what he has to say about sexuality and the issues that go along with every side of the equation.

Corvino, who was born in 1969, hasn’t had it easy his whole life. As a man growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, it was much harder to be in the LGBT crowd.

“Yes, of course [it was hard],” Corvino said.

“I came out of the closet in 1988 at the height of the AIDS crisis, which at the time added to the stigma.”

However, as we now know, Corvino persevered and came to be John Corvino, PhD in philosophy.

He earned his doctorate at the University of Texas at Austin in 1998. Before then, he graduated from St. John’s in New York with a bachelor of arts de-

gree.

Dr. Corvino said of his studies, “I knew I wanted to be a teacher of some sort, but it wasn’t until I was inspired by some of my own philosophy professors at St. John’s that I decided on philosophy as a disciple.”

Corvino has been dubbed “the Gay Moralist” because of the column he wrote for LGBT newspaper “Between the Lines,” and later on 365gay. com. He is currently the chair of the Department of Philosophy at Wayne State University in Detroit.

He frequently travels the country and gives lectures on topics concerning marriage, homosexuality and everything in between. “I started lecturing on the topic extensively in the early 1990’s.”

On Oct. 4 in the Garrison Lecture hall, Corvino will stop by and give one of his famous lectures.

“I think what I would say to people on all sides of controversial contemporary topics is that it’s important to slow down and listen,” Dr. Corvino said. “That’s the key to the theme of my lecture at Henderson.”

A school with a heart and some talent Story by Kara Amato, Student Reporter

A small slice of Hollywood came to campus this week. The Student Activities Board (SAB) decided to bring some healthy competition in the form of “Henderson’s Got Talent.”

This spin off of Hollywood’s “America’s Got Talent” was put together to show what this school’s variety of students have to offer, and to promote healthy competition and camaraderie.

Student’s efforts won’t go unrewarded however.

First place will be awarded $1000, second place will get $500, and third place will receive $250.

The auditions for the event took place Tuesday, Sept. 12 and Wednesday Sept. 13 at the Garrison Lecture Hall from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.. Judged by five people the students took the stage and gave

it their best to impress. Two of the judges included Jeremy Smith, a graduate of the 1997 class, and Forest Hankins, a business administration graduate.

Contestants finished their acts with words of encouragement from the judges and plenty of applause. Multiple contestants chose to show off their singing talent on Tuesday.

Students came out in force this week and showed the SAB they had some serious talent to present. Clark Jarrett, sophomore finance major, performed Tuesday night.

“I’d love to perform for everyone,” Jarrett said.

“I’ve been playing guitar for about a year now and I’ve been singing all my life so I just want to

get up there and do what I love to do and if I win the prize money that would be great!” Jarrett performed an acoustic version of Lil’ Wayne’s “How to Love” that brought an abundance of energy and charisma.

The grand finale for the talent show will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28. Students and faculty are encouraged to come out during the event, so be sure to keep a look out for announcements regarding the finale’s location.

The competition is certainly fierce and there’s plenty on the line for these young entertainers.

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Hear me so I can hear you Story by Parker Hutson, Staff Reporter

Footsteps on a sidewalk, birds chirping, and hearing someone yell from afar to get your attention: these are all things that people with hearing take for granted.

What would school and life be like without hearing or while having a hearing disability? I spoke with my best friend Leigh Ann Cowan, a senior English major, about her experiences with hearing impairment.

“I was born with it (hard of hearing), but I wasn’t diagnosed until I was five years old,” Cowan said. She has hearing aids which amplify

“Everything, like PSA announcements and fire alarms, is made for and by hearing people.”

the sounds they receive, but they don’t help her to understand them. They simply help her hear sounds she can already pick up to make it easier for her to listen and understand.

“This world is a hearing world. Everything, like PSA announcements and fire alarms, is made for and by hearing people. This means that I have to ask for accommodations all the time, and usually they don’t have accommodations,” she said.

“This school is a majority of hearing people, so there’s not really anything for deaf people to do.

Like, there’s a lot of concerts, which is great, but for people who can’t hear those kind of things it’s just kind of…Eh,” she pointed out.

Recently, there have been more interpreters raising awareness to the importance of the experiences they help to provide to those with hearing disabilities.

“Interpreters are good for people who know sign language, but I don’t know sign langue, although I’m trying to learn,” Cowan said. “My parents raised me to lip read, which basically means I have to guess what people are saying all the time.”

Many people with hearing disabilities learn to read lips either intentionally or over time and experience naturally. However, it can pose a challenge in the classroom.

“A lot of teachers tend to walk around when they talk, talk to the board while they’re writing, read off their PowerPoint slides, or talk behind the computer. So, that’s always difficult,” Cowan explained.

“We also usually have class discussions, which means my head is going everywhere and I can’t see people on the other side of the room or behind me, so I never know what they’re saying and I’m always missing out on something.”

How can teachers help remedy this issue for students with hearing impairments? One professor helped cater to Cowan’s needs by moving the class to a conference room.

“We could sit around the table and I can see everyone to read their lips. That was really cool,” Cowan recalled. “But if you have a big classroom, you can’t really do that, so another professor of mine has us get in small groups a lot, and that works too.”

Sadly, outside of the classroom, Cowan notes that it’s very difficult to make changes on campus.

“It’s very difficult to make changes on campus.”

“The campus is a majority hearing, so they kind of have to budget for that I guess. A lot of the stuff they do costs money, so they try to get

the majority of people to come to it (functions/ events) to make up for what they spend,” Cowan pointed out.

Since Cowan is among a minority on campus, she notes that it would be awkward to hold a major event for such a small group. “But I guess one thing they could do is to have a class for learning sign language or a sign language club to kind of get hearing people involved in the deaf culture,” she suggested.

Still, until that day comes, Cowan and her

“Deafness is an invisible disability.

It would be nice if people could be more patient and try to include us more...”

peers are feel entirely left out.

“I feel, and my friend who is also hard of hearing here on campus feel excluded a lot of times by people. And it’s not because they are doing it on purpose, but because they don’t understand what we need because it’s easy to forget,” she said.

“Deafness is an invisible disability. It would be nice if people could be more patient and try to include us more by speaking directly to us or stop making tightly clustered groups that make it hard to read lips and things of that sort.”

We sometimes forget how lucky we are to hear footsteps on a sidewalk, birds chirping, and to hear someone yell from afar to get your attention.

As trivial and common as these things may seem, we forget that some people can’t hear those things at all.

September 19, 2017

The delph & beyond

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A little bit of pizza in our lives Story by Easton Cowart, Student Reporter Logo from littlecaesars.com

Little Caesars is coming to town. On your way into school you may notice the line of stores with Dunkin Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, and Little Caesars on Pine Street. However, upon closer inspection, you will find that the latter of the chains has yet to open.

“I am hoping to open within thirty days,” said franchise owner, Eric McDuffie. “We’re a little behind so I would like to get going.”

The Little Caesars pizza chain is most known for cheap pizzas, so needless to say this is big news for college students. “I mean, its five dollars for a pizza, you can’t beat that value for a college student,” said McDuffie.

Although McDuffie says that he is not target-

ing any demographic in particular, it is obvious that the franchise pairs well with the college town. McDuffie feels that what will make his pizza restaurant competitive with the other pizza places in town is the low price and its sister businesses.

“We really feel that the pricing will lend itself to the community,” he said.

The service at Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins was good, and the place was immaculate. There are several plazas like this one in Arkansas including one in Hot Springs, and this one did not differ in style.

Not only does this mean cheap pizza alternatives for Reddie students, but it also offers job

opportunities. McDuffie estimates that the entire operation will provide jobs for 55 residents of Arkadelphia, and many of them will be college students. “We will start hiring prior to opening,” said McDuffie.

Anyone seeking a job at “Little Caesars” is encouraged to go in and apply.

Although McDuffie seems confident, the most asked question remains: will this restaurant survive in spite of steep competition with other affordable pizza restaurants?

Only time will tell, but in the meantime, we can bide our time by eating some delicious pizza.

Excelsior: Comic con hits Little Rock Story by Zachary Acker, Student Reporter Logo from arkansascomiccon.com

Sept. 9 and 10 of last week were the official dates for a branch off the famous Comic-Con held in central Arkansas. This Comic-Con event was held in Little Rock at the Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on both days.

Naturally, Comic-Con patrons from all over the area joined in on the celebration of comic culture. There were many famous spokespeople present at the event as well, such as Ernie Hudson, Austin St. John, Walter Jones, David Della Rocco, Ernie Reyes Jr., and many more.

Products for sale at the many booths ranged from handmade artwork and posters to legendary and rare Pokemon cards to famous action figures.

There was even a handmade, drivable Delorean, the same model vehicle used in the “Back To The Future” series.

One thing Comic-Con is famous for is the cosplay. Cosplay is when a person dresses up as a famous character from either a comic, show, film, or video game. Some of the best cosplays witnessed during the event was a seemingly lifelike Iron Man, a gruff Batman, a squadron of

rebels from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” and the entire crew of The Enterprise from “Star Trek.”

It was obvious everybody was in high spirits and had an incredible time. Every person encountered had wide smiles, and laughter bellowed from every corner of the Convention Center.

“This weekend has been incredible,” Alexandria Poole said. “I got to meet many voice actors I look up to, and I was able to feed my unhealthy addiction of purchasing cute plushies.”

The typical Comic-Con experience consists of interacting with a welcoming, like-minded nerd community, listening to famous panelists and experts discuss their work experiences, and partaking in or observing cosplay contests.

However, this year’s Comic-Con event in Little Rock was focused on commercial gain, rather than raw enjoyment and memorable entertainment. Most Comic-Con events tend to prioritize panelists over vendors. Even the admission ticket prices were higher than years before.

Another Comic-Con event, “Comiconway,” will be held Nov. 3 in Conway at the Faulkner County Library.

In the past, Comiconway is a larger scale convention than the one held in Little Rock. Ratings are shown to be higher than the Little Rock event as well.

Comiconway is best known for its patrons’ sense of community, and brings the focus back to cosplay contests and consumer involvement through nearly every registered vendor.

Past Comconways were prone to hosting more famous panelists, and have done more than sell autographs and selfies for high prices. The panelists usually get personal and involved with the consumers who attend, especially those who are geared up in a well made cosplay outfit.

So even though you may have missed your chance to fan-out in Little Rock, Comconway’s certainly got a paradise for people of the con persuasion. Perhaps the influx of events like these signals a tide change for Arkansas... it’s finally gattempting to get something for everyone.

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Spring Fling

New H&M to open in LR Mall Story by Kayla Goshen, Student Reporter

Park Plaza Mall is getting a new store. Its global fashion retailer H&M. H&M is described as “one of the world’s largest fashion retailers famous for offering fashion-forward apparel at affordable low prices.” H&M is set to occupy about 29,000 feet and is coming this Fall.

Eleven store spaces in the mall are being reconfigured to make room for the H&M store. The store will be on two floors of Park Plaza according to a news release.

As a result of this, some stores on Park Plaza’s second and third floors will relocate, while others will have to shut down. It is not clear yet which stores will be forced to close down.

While walking around the Park Plaza Mall on Saturday, I could not help but notice all the “H&M Coming This Fall” signs.

There was at least one on every corner. While chatting with an employee in Forever 21 about the future new edition to the mall, she seemed genuinely happy about it. However, the employees and fashion forward consumers are not the only people happy about it; apparently H&M is thrilled to

be coming to Little Rock.

“H&M is especially excited to expand its reach in Arkansas, a growing market for the retailer, and add to the other popular location currently open in the state at the Mall at Turtle Creek Jonesboro,” the release stated.

The buzz about the new H&M coming to Park Plaza must have caused quite a stir because just a month after learning that the store would be coming to the mall – news dropped that H&M would soon occupy a second location in Little Rock at the Outlets of Little Rock which are located at 11201 Bass Pro Parkway.

The exact date of when the second location of H&M will be opening has not been made clear yet, but it is expected to open towards the end of this year.

Students on campus are excited about H&M coming to Little Rock. However, some are a little skeptical about driving from Arkadelphia to Little Rock just to visit the store.

Marissa Gaspard, a sociology major here at Henderson State University, who is from Little Rock

said “I’m excited about it, I wouldn’t drive back up there just to go to the store alone. However, since I live there I’ll definitely go see it when I’m home.

Cassidy Witherspoon, a mass media major, said “H&M is coming to Little Rock, that’s cool. Hell, I probably won’t ever be able to go though because, you know, gas money.”

As described on its website, “H&M offers a broad and varied range that allows customers to find their own personal style. The collections are created with H&M’s broad clientele in mind and the aim is to satisfy many different tastes and requirements.

The range includes everything from modern basics to high fashion reflecting the very latest international trends. The collections are supplemented by matching accessories, nightwear, underwear and cosmetics.”

The new H&M store will offer clothing for the whole family, including children from newborns to 14-year-olds. The H&M opening at the Park Plaza location will create about 20 jobs.

Grammar Candy and Sabine Valley perform at Vino’s Story and Photos by Emily Bell, Copy Editor and Photographer

Reddie student-founded band, Grammar Candy performed at Vino’s pub and pizza joint Friday night. The funky electric rock group opened for hard rock band Sabine Valley, whose energy drew in an active crowd.

Grammar Candy recently played at Joinstock in Little Rock at The Joint coffee house.

They publicly debuted at Shuffield’s Music in

downtown Arkadelphia over the summer.

Frontman and senior music major, Freshawn Womack, is also a member of Arkansas’s fairly notorious band Big Dam Horns.

Grammar Candy has been performing for most of the year, and has written enough original work for an album, which is under discussion as they evaluate their recordings.

However, the band is already in a major shift as members break from the group to pursue other creatve projects.

Bass player and senior music major, Zac Walthal performed for the last time with Grammar Candy Friday night. He made sure to go out with high energy, and to abover

all, “have fun.” Walthall has already begun writing songs with junior music major Jake Wyatt, who arranges music for and performs in NuFusion.

The two recently submitted and original song to a songwriting competition, and are awaiting news from the judges.

The drummer, Christian Forbush, is also arranging a band and seeking collaboration with graduated composition major, Dustin Lagaly.

Although it’s in a transition, Grammar Candy shows promise to adapt and improve throughout this time. This doesn’t seem like the band’s last call by far.

September 19, 2017

A voice for us all

ARts & MUSIC

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Story by Parker Hutson, Staff Reporter Pictures by Emily Bell, Photographer & Copy Editor

On Thursday night, previous “The Voice” contestant, Kristen Merlin, performed at Arkansas Hall auditorium. Merlin was in season six of “The Voice” and made it to the top five. Growing up in Massachusetts and getting her BA in Music at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, she always knew that she wanted to be on stage and record songs.

She is a country singer, but when choosing between judges Adam and Shakira, she chose Shakira. “I just walked off stage and thought, ‘what did I just do?’” It turned out to be a great match, however. In another interview she had while on “The Voice,” she said “She [Shakira] pushed me to do songs I wasn’t sure about but ended up loving.”

After The Voice, Merlin went on the show’s tour for two months and then moved to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Along with her team she created her EP “Boomerang” that has a lot of love songs, both happy and sad.

At the campus performance Merlin played some of her newer songs that might be making a debut on her new album. She also did covers and requests by the audience like “Say You Won’t Let Go” and “A Thousand Years.” During her breaks, she talked to the audience and got them involved.

Once she found out that some of the audience members could sing and play instruments, she

got them up on stage to sing.

One student asked if he could sing a song and Merlin handed over her guitar to hear what he could do.

Cecil Nicholson, a freshman majoring in vocal performance, has original songs, but wanted to sing “Help Me” by YouTuber “findingconnor.”

“I guess it just resonates with me because I came from a place where being myself wasn’t exactly what people thought was the right thing,” Nicholson said. “As I kept growing up and becoming more confident with myself, it’s just kind of been me trying to express in the right words as to who I am.”

Merlin was surprised by the talent that our school had to offer, and the audience was in awe of Merlin’s voice.

After the show, Merlin took photos with people and signed autographs and seemed to pack up her equipment. However, just before her interview, she got out her guitar once more and played “Jolene” for three students who stayed behind.

She shows how much she loves her audience and getting them involved.

After she encouraged me to jam with her, my interview began.

Oracle: What is your favorite song to perform?

Merlin: Currently, one of my favorites of my own would be Storm Chaser, which is coming up on the next album.

O: What is your favorite original song?

M: “Sweetest Goodbye. It hasn’t been released anywhere yet, but it’s one that I still hold dear to my heart. It’s a pretty cool love song where people end up going their separate ways in this relationship, but it’s a mutual feeling thing. It’s just one of my favorites.

O: What is one of your favorite songs right now?

M: It would have to be “Tin Man” by Miranda Lambert. There’s something so cool about that song because it was stripped down and so heart-

felt. It was just really well written.

O: Who is an artist who you look to and aspire to be?

M: Oh, Pink. Pink would definitely have to be it. Her energy and her ability to go super power-house and then to stripped down and very raw is something I really admire.

O: How did you like the audience, and would you ever come back to Henderson again?

M: [The audience had] a lot of energy and it was fun. I liked the interaction and it just kept the show going. I played longer than I was supposed to just because it was way too much fun to stop. I would absolutely come back here again.

It is great to have an artist come to campus and be able to have that interaction with them, and Kristen Merlin definitely brought that to Henderson. Merlin is currently working with Carrie Underwood’s producer on a new album that will be out in the next year.

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Michelle Gibson Dance Story and Photos by Emily Bell, Phtographer & Copy Editor

International Choreographer Michelle Gibson came to the dance department this last week to promote cultural interpretation in dance.

With her family from New Orleans, and having experienced the rich culture of the old city, Gibson injects that unique sense in her dances.

Additionally, she draws inspiration from African elements, and creates this full-bodied combination.

She focused on teaching the students how to open up and free their bodies. Her goals were to get them to bend their rigidity in their technical roots, and build from their foundations to fluidly represent culture itself as a physical art.

An early, intimate showing of the dance occurred in the Arkansas Hall studio for members of the theatre and dance departments Friday afternoon. Some students struggled a bit with the

shift in form, but Gibson knew they were getting it, feeling it, and embodying it as she hoped they would.

She noted and appreciated how the students opened up to her choreography. She witnessed their ideas of cultural dance transform into something tangible and more familiar.

“They were stiff at first, caught up in their training and form, but over time they’ve loosened up,” she said in an interview with HTV. “The point of this is to inspire the audience as well and get them moving with the dancers and the music.”

The official showcase of Gibson’s choreography will open next semester to students and the community.

Gibson wants to encourage viewers to feel the cultural influences projected from the dancers, and to move with them.

Look out for the dance company’s schedule release for next semester, and don’t miss this unique performance.

Gibson discusses her choreography before the performance begins.

Students go through one last rehearsal with Gibson before showcasing their performance privately for the theatre and dance departments.

September 19, 2017

9

Holy “mother!” of god Review by Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief

Darren Aronofsky’s new film “mother!” is the most recent wide theatrical release to earn an F from Cinemascore. That means that out of everyone that Cinemascore polled, most of the people hated this film, and I can completely understand why.

2017’s “mother!” stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, and Michelle Pfeiffer. It is Aronofsky’s first film since 2014’s “Noah,” which failed to impress me.

Although “mother!” is definitely a disturbing film, it’s not Aronofsky’s most disturbing. The horrors that “Requiem for a Dream” and “Black Swan” hold are more pure and affecting than anything in “mother!.”

Don’t get me wrong, some of the imagery in “mother!” is as brutal and intense as anything you’ve ever seen, but most of it is more overwrought than especially chilling. Although I will say this, “mother!” is the first film I’ve seen this year where I saw people walk out of the theatre.

It may be hard to believe, but in the midst of all of the controversy over the film’s insane and offensive sequences, there’s still a compelling analogy hidden under “mother!.”

Without spoiling any of the story, I will say that “mother!” is an analogy for the bible. If you go into it knowing that, then it’s possible to glean a bit of coherence from the otherwise absolutely scattershot and bonkers film.

I’ll say it, I did enjoy the movie. However, it is not an easy watch and I don’t see myself revisiting it anytime soon.

The hour-and-a-half leading up to the movie’s slam bang final act is definitely a slow burn. I got a bit restless a couple of times, but I’m glad I didn’t leave, because the final thirty minutes of the movie are like a bad fever dream that you just can’t take your eyes off of.

At the beginning of the film, a couple (Lawrence and Bardem) are introduced. They’re obviously in love and would do anything for eac

hother.

In fact, one of the highlights of the movie is Lawrence and Bardem’s chemistry. They’re always conceivable as a couple, and you don’t want anything bad to happen to them.

Their ideal life is interrupted when a man (Ed Harris) shows up at the front door and is welcomed into the home by Bardem. Throughout the film, more members of his family show up and acting super sketchy.

As time goes on, Lawrence’s character starts to become suspicious of the man and his strange family, and also of her own husband. The first half of the movie is fantastic at building tension. You’re constantly guessing at what the hell is going on and wondering when the stuff ’s gonna hit the fan.

As I’ve already mentioned, Lawrence, Bardem and Pfeiffer are incredible. But my favorite actor in the film was Ed Harris.

Sometimes we take veteran actors for granted, but seeing Harris in “mother!” you’re reminded of how good an actor he’s always been.

It was also awesome to see Pfeiffer in a movie. She plays Harris’ unhinged wife, and she’s fantastic. “mother!” is always intriguing, but its biggest flaw is that in the end it all means nothing. I get that the entire film is an analogy for the story of the bible, but I wanted something more.

Aronofsky is an undeniably talented man. He’s rightfully made himself a near-legend for his disorienting masterpieces. I must say, though, that “mother!” isn’t a masterpiece.

The shocking violence and good acting simply isnt enough for me to recommend it to anyone.

What could’ve been a searingly important film is just a collection of beautifully disconcerting images surrounded by clouds of mystery.

If you’re into experimental films that don’t make a lot of since without some substantial research, then “mother!” won’t disappoint. I liked it, but it’s definitely not one of my favorites of the year. If I were you, I’d just go see “It” again.

10

OPINIONS

Fighting To Find Interest Opinion by Dax Guilliams, Opinions Editor

Man, what happened to fighting games? I used to be so excited for every major fighting game title, but now that a lot of them are out and I’ve played them, I don’t know what to think anymore.

The best fighting game out right now is “Tekken 7,” but even that has a few problems. The online for the PS4 version still has some connection issues and the story mode was awful. Plus, the game is still missing some classic characters like Lei, Anna and Julia.

One of the worst things about “Tekken 7” is that they released Tekken Bowling, but it has no online. Why would I pay money for a bowling mini-game in a fighting game that I can’t even play online?

Someone needs to email Harada. At least

Geese Howard from “King of Fighters” is being added as a guest character. He’s my favorite fighting game character so having him in the game will be amazing.

Then there’s “King of Fighters XIV,” which is a great game with a lot of content, but because the characters don’t look very good, a lot of people avoided it and now the online isn’t as active.

I’m just so unimpressed with every other mainstream fighting game title.

“Injustice 2” looked pretty great at first, but after a few weeks of playing it, I realized just how poorly made it was. Most characters are just so uninteresting to play and there are horrible balance issues to this day.

Characters like Black Adam and Deadshot are still being favored by the balance patches and playing as or against those characters just saps away all the fun I’m having. Maybe when Raiden is released I’ll have fun trolling people online with him since so many people complained about his inclusion.

Capcom has become the king of releasing fighting games that are just so against everything that fighting game players love which is such a shame since they helped create the genre we love so much.

Every time I play “Street Fighter V,” I am immediately overwhelmed by just how much Capcom has failed me. Going from playing “Ultra Street Fighter IV” to “Street Fighter V” is the biggest shock one can experience. It’s so hard to believe that the same company made both of those games.

Playing “Street Fighter V” is like taking two pieces of cardboard and slamming them together. It really just seems that Capcom phoned this game in and only a couple of people on the development team are taking it seriously.

That being said, I still love the new character, Menat, who actually got me to pick the game up

for a little bit. She’s one of the best characters in the history of the franchise and while she’s really hard to learn, she’s still really fun. It’s just a shame her debut was in a game I’d rather avoid than play.

Also, how are they gonna treat Juri so bad?

She’s the queen, but she’s so unplayable that it hurts.

Then there’s “Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite” which isn’t even out yet but is already a total mess of a game. While the gameplay is fast and some characters look like they play well, everything else just screams to me that I should avoid it.

The character roster is almost exactly the same as the last game in the series except for a couple of new characters and the removal of each “X-Men” character.

I still can’t believe that Marvel and Disney care more about not letting Sony have any “X-Men” money than giving fans a fun fighting game with their favorite characters. Characters like Wolverine and Magneto were in each game in the series and they just took them away because Marvel and Disney are too busy throwing a tantrum over Sony having some rights to the “X-Men.” Some people who have gotten early copies of the game have shown that DLC characters are in the story mode. Characters that you have to spend money on are already in the game and that is the worst thing a company can do to a fighting game.

While I don’t think the fighting game genre is in danger, it still deserves better and so do the fans. Thankfully, games like “Fighting Layer EX” and “Dragon Ball FighterZ” look incredible.

I always knew that characters like Skullomania and Android 18 would spark more interest in the fighting game scene and now that prophecy is coming true. If Yamcha ends up being top tier in “Dragon Ball FighterZ” I will be so happy that all of my complaints will be null and void.

12

SPORTS

Last weekend’s football game wasn’t exactly R&R Story by Jordan Williams, Sports Editor Photo by Scott McKinnon, Contributing Photographer

After a startling loss at their first home game last week, the Reddies came into this game wanting to erase their poor performance at home from everyone’s minds. Wanting to make a statement win they took the field against North Western Oklahoma Rangers Saturday night.

The first quarter would be absent of scoring from either team who would hold each other in deadlock. The Reddies, with freshman Cobra Jones now in the starting lineup, had new-found success on the offensive having 94 yards in the first quarter compared to last week’s 60 in the first quarter.

Our rushing game saw far more success as well. They were able to string together several successful rushes during our 1st quarter campaign and seemed prepared to take advantage of a consistent defense. On defense the Reddies held strong allowing only 46 yards in Northwesters first offensive possession.

More importantly showing that they can lock in and force a team to play out of their comfort zone, which forced an offense predicated on passing to run the ball. The first quarter came to an end with the score tied at 0-0, and the Reddies had possession of the ball.

Coming into the second the Reddies attempted a 22 yard field goal, but missed the attempt.

They quickly made up for their missed opportunity to end the score draught and made a stand at the defensive end.

The strong defensive presence held with a holding penalty that saw North Western lose 10 yards and forced the Rangers to give up the ball 5 plays in to their first offensive possession of the second half.

The Reddies offensive unit took the field and caught fire as we rushed up the field and scored their first touchdown. The QB snuck up the middle by junior Andrew Black. After a failed 2 point conversion the Rangers took the field ready

to respond and quickly marched up the field scoring and then converted on a field goal to take the lead.

The Reddies took possession and blazed up the field to snatch the short lived Ranger lead right back and scored a touchdown. After a seven yard rush up the middle by freshman Cecil Langston and an impressive gain of 65 yards in only 4 plays, a converted field goal saw the Reddies in the lead once again.

The Rangers offense would take the field once again late in the 2nd but would turnover possession after an intercepted deep pass by junior Malcom Scott. The second quarter would come to a close with Henderson State Reddies leading 13-7.

After halftime North Western took the field as a team possessed. After dropping their last two previous games, they came out of halftime break determined to put a notch in the win column.

The Rangers would quickly found themselves in the home team’s red zone and scoring a quick two yard pass to take the lead in what was quickly becoming a seesaw affair.

The Reddies took offensive possession of the ball and saw their offensive game became focused on the outstanding rushing that QB Andrew Black displayed for the remainder of the game. aBlack scored on yet another dominant Henderson possession.

The Rangers responded with the excellent play from their QB as well as they would find themselves scoring after a 17 yard pass after an arduous 12 possessions. As the clock ran down at the end of the third Northwestern found themselves in the lead 21-20, but with a quarter to go it was still anyone’s game.

The fourth quarter became a gruesome affair as both teams were determined to leave with the victory. Andrew Black was nothing short of heroic. He continued to find tremendous success

rushing the ball as he rushed for two touchdowns in the quarter.

Though his efforts were heroic they were all but matched by the play the Rangers who were able to find themselves coming out on top in this one the final score being Northwestern 36 Henderson State 30.

The downfall this quarter seemed to be just sheer exhaustion on both the offensive and defensive ends. After duking it out for three quarters, the team just didn’t have enough steam to stop the Rangers. This rang true for both teams though as neither would show stellar play on the defensive side of the ball, save for an interception

by Northwestern.

It came down to offensive execution. Though our rushing game was great the Rangers were able to have success both passing and rushing the ball, which lead to our second straight loss at home.

Though we may have lost this contest I would

“I would like to commend Andrew Black for a flat out amazing performance...” like to commend Andrew Black for a flat out amazing performance. Black would contribute 302 of the Reddies’ 413 total offensive yards which is more than enough to wipe away last weekend’s showing. I would also like to say that Cobra Jones got the starting nod for this game and is showing tremendous promise at the Running Back position.