9/10/17 Issue

Henderson State University - Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Volume 113, Issue 3

cyber security p.3

Author Adam Levin gives tips on how to keep your information safe.

salon & atlas games p.6

The new His & Hers salon and a new gaming Store have recently opened in Arkadelphia.

You’ll float too p.9

: d e n e p p a h t a h w r e I wond u t a o t l l a f s the reddie

oracle@hsu.edu

HSU Oracle

@hsuoracle

A review of new hit horror film “It.”

hsu vs. tech p.12

A recap of last Saturday’s football game against Arkansas Tech University.

2

Reddie news Suicide awareness month Story by Rylee Maxwell, Student Reporter Picture by Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief

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 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 Scott McKinnon, Contributing Photographer

Sept. 10 is the day that nationally recognizes more than 800,000 suicidal deaths. World Suicide Prevention Day informs many individuals about horrible tragedy that happens within our society.

More than 25 times that number try to commit suicide every year. Each one of these individuals have family, friends, and colleagues that don’t even know about how vulnerable they are. The moto is “Take a minute, change a life.” If we as a community took the responsibility to actually talk to those who are in need, and check in with the people we love, all the difference could be made.

The surviving individuals who share their stories give inspirational insight on their lives. Many of them recount how they reached a point in time that they wanted to take their own life.

They say that if one person would have taken just a minute, the path that they were on could’ve been interrupted immediately. If we keep raising awareness, people can learn about this problem within our society. We can essentially fix the problem ourselves. We just need to come together and work through the problems that we face.

Taking a moment to reach out to a complete stranger can make a big difference in someone’s life. People need to know that there will always be someone that cares for you.

The people who have lived through suicidal attempts have much to teach us about what they have gone through.

The more that we can learn about this epidemic the more we can help to create

a solution for everyone to live happily. Often, those who attempt suicide think that they have reached the point in life where they could see no other alternative but to end it. They also describe that they did not want to die, but instead they just wanted someone to come to their rescue and intervene in the situation at hand. They actively sought out someone who they wanted to notice their despair.

Our community of people are often unwilling and hesitant to help someone in need. It is not that they do not want to help it is that they are scared to help.

People often are frightened to say the wrong thing to someone. When all that is really needed is compassion and empathy. Just to tell them that someone cares for them can change their whole world.

It can definitely help when someone is depressed and thinking of suicide. There is no way that a person can make the situation worse. The topic of suicide is very hard to approach but it will always be good in the long run if you could just save one person’s life.

September 12, 2017

Spring Fling

3

Swiped: how to stay safe with tech Story by Ashley Smith, News Editor Graphic by Jacob Glasgow, Graphic Designer

Nobody is safe and it’s only a matter of time before it happens to you. Are we talking about murder or disease? Neither. Cyber security. Your identity being stolen or even your computer being hacked is inevitable. The hackers and keyboard thieves just haven’t gotten to you yet.

In his warning call to the world, Adam Levin, author of “Swiped,” writes about the risks and what you can do to protect yourself online. Levin was former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, co-founder of Credit.com, and co-founder and chairman of CyberScout. Thus, he probably knows what he’s talking about.

“I felt that people weren’t getting the message as loud and clear as they should.” Levin said in a phone call. “When it comes to any of us, to a hacker we are Kim Kardashian. They want our data.”

Though you may not know it, pieces of your information are a treasure map leading to the ultimate treasure: your social security number. “Your social security number is the skeleton key to your life.”

By posting when your birthday is, where you live, your full name or other identifying factors, an identity thief can piece them together and become you. It has gone way beyond just stealing credit card information. With your social security number and other personal information, thieves can open accounts in your name and you’re the one who suffers for it.

“Everything you do online is a breadcrumb trail that gets back to you,” Levin said. “Every piece of information is a mosaic that can be pulled together.”

Luckily, Levin had a few tips in his book to minimize your risk of exposure and how to manage when it happens to you.

Think about when you post online, and think about it thoroughly. Once it’s up, it’s up. Yes, it can be deleted, but the data is still there. But anybody

who sees it before it is deleted can still make use of it. Using the same password for everything (or even a few of the same ones) can be an effective way to get hacked. Two factor authentications can minimize your risk as well.

“When you set up security protocols, lie like a superhero,” Levin said. “Clark Kent lied to everyone except Lois Lane. You don’t have to give the real answer. Just don’t be so creative that you forget.”

Operating on a secure network is important.

Using public WIFI can lead a hacker to your information while you’re on the network and after.

Posting your location on social media poses another threat.

Remember those peace signs we used to do in pictures in middle school? Once zoomed into a photo, an identity thief can steal and use your fingerprint while your hand is facing outward. Your thumbprint can be used for accessing your phone and be a fake identifier.

Your social media accounts can provide a ton of information. Pictures can give clues to your location. The background of your picture can indicate where you live or spend a lot of time at. They can give them points of interest. Your information such as where you work, where you’re from, and your email are all common information that can be found on your page that can help a hacker create a new you.

Videos and pages that are liked can be a reason for an identity thief to contact you. Once they see your interests, a person can message you with a video involving your like. After clicking on the link to the video, you’re trapped.

Remember, there are ways to be smart about your online presence. With these recommendations from Adam Levin, and the amount of information about cyber security in “Swiped,” can help you protect yourself online.

Yes, there are billions of people’s information posted in the cyber space world, but yours is still unsafe.

4

Pep Rally raises Reddie Spirits Story by Joseph Gately, Staff Reporter

From the corner of Garrison you can hear the deep thump of hip-hop Bass. When you reach the edge of McBrien, you begin to hear the jumbled chattering of a large, and growing, group of students.

If you look closer, you can see that all varieties of people are in attendance. From Supporters sporting their well-groomed pups, to the scattered ROTC members looking spick and span in their clean uniforms, all the way to, of course, the football team.

From the Adult faculty members, down the younger siblings of HSU students, Dr. Eric Flowers down the little McKenzie and Gabriel Colbert the crowd was full.

As one can expect, they’re all huddled up at the bottom of the steps to Arkansas Hall. Her voice booming across the South Lawn, Dr. Givan calls the group to silence: We’re ready to begin.

After she announced the game time and opponent, she handed the mic off to a few different speakers, most notably of which is Quarter Back and Senior, Evan Lassiter. He pumped up the crowd, talked down the Wonder boys and left us with a request, “Don’t be leaving the game early – No matter how bad we’re beating Arkansas Tech.”

From there, the crowd was taken over by multiple renditions of the HSU chant. Ending with our esteemed president, Dr. Glen Jones. Over the first few times, the crowd got excited, so when Dr. Jones’ booming voice exclaimed, “ H-S-H-S.” It was answered with a powerful, collective “U!” With a familiar procession of notes, the band started into Seven Nation Army, eliciting a head-bobbing, foot-stomping response from the crowd. In front of the crowd, the Dance team and the cheerleaders started their routines.

They cycled through a few popular songs, and the mic was once again taken by Dr. Givan. She hoisted the famed Spirit Stick above her head and announced the Greek Life

Dance off. Alpha Phi Alpha started it all off. Each one that followed exhibited the same organized, well Choreographed dancing expected from a dance team, not a fraternity or sorority. After the first few groups, the sound system cut out.

As it went down, the Reddie Spirit did what it does best, it rose among the students. Greek Life eventually finished their dancing, leading the band to start up again with a well-loved Henderson Classic: The Fight Song. The crowd clapped along. Dance and cheered started their boogying again. Unfortunately, it was all cut short by the failure of the sound system.

The students were dismissed, but that doesn’t mean they were any less pumped for Saturday’s game. The Reddie Spirit was clinging to every one of our players. With the Spirit that strong, it’s no wonder our team is so strong.

President Jones amps up the students at the pep rally.

Keambra Roberts, senior, cheers her heart out for the crowd.

September 12, 2017

5

The delph & beyond

Brick City Pizza, retro and tasty Review and Photos by Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief

If I were to list my top five favorite foods, pizza probably would not make the cut. It tastes fine, but it just wouldn’t be my first choice for a meal.

That’s why I was so surprised with Arkadelphia’s recent pizza joint addition, Brick City Pizza. With a menu that includes chicken wings, burgers, pasta and subs, Brick City Pizza is much more than just a one trick pony.

I was first stcuk by just how homy the place is.

As you walk in, you’re struck with a killer classic rock soundtrack.

The staff is incredibly hospitable as well. I didn’t even make it to the counter before the woman behind the register greeted me and asked how my day was.

I had to say, at this point it was going a lot better than before. After I saw that an all you can eat buffet and a free drink was offered for a little over nine dollars, I felt even better.

Speaking of the free drink, it was one of the highlites of the dining experience. Brick City Pizza has a selection of their own brand soft drinks in lieu of the traditional Coke or Pepsi selection.

BCP has lots of things to keep you busy, including Ms. Pac-Man.

The inside of Brick City Pizza as seen from one of the tables in the back.

I got the vanilla cream soda, and even though it may cause early onset diabetes, I cherished every sip. Seriously, I must’ve refilled my drink three or four times.

I had one supreme slice of pizza, and one slice of barbeque. The supreme was definitely the better choice as I only got through about half of the barbeque before I got distracted by something else.

That “something else” was the incredible salad bar. I’m not exaggerating, this salad bar was the stuff.

It’s comprised of two different types of lettuce, an already made up caesar salad, banana peppers, onions, mushrooms, like 15 different types of dressing, shredded parmesian cheese, a plate of brownies at the end and a lot more awesome things that I can’t mention because I don’t have enough room. Needless to say, I made three trips to the salad bar during my visit.

After I had my meal and a brownie, it was brought to my attention that the restaurant also

had a coldstone ice cream selection. I sampled the mint chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, and they were all delectable.

The stand out ice cream, at least of the three that I tried, would have to be the mint chocolate chip. It was incredible, and that’s considering I don’t even like mint chocolate the vast majority of the time.

All in all, my experience at Brick City Pizza was definitely much better than I thought it was going to be. From the friendly staff to the good tunes, craft sodas, retro games, the ice cream and that dang salad bar: Brick City Pizza’s definitely got some staying power.

The atmosphere is like a much smaller The Cue: Poolhall and Eatery. It feels like a place that TV characters go hang out, the vibe’s definitely more chill than most places.

So the next time you and your friends are arguing about where to go eat, head over to Brick City Pizza. Be warned, however, you may fall into a food coma shortly after you leave.

6

Spring Fling

His, hers and ours Story by Easton Cowart, Student Reporter

At first, upon entering “His and Hers Classic Cuts” salon, it seems like any normal hair shop.

However, after leaving, it was very clear what set this business apart from others.

Generally, when one goes to a hairdresser, they expect one of two possibilities; either a men’s barber shop, or a women’s salon. Now, Sarah Byrd and Ricardo Smith have created a fusion of the two.

The new salon opened in Arkadelphia on Wednesday, and it is not just for women. Sarah Byrd and her business partner/boyfriend have conjured a hybrid men and women’s salon.

Through one entrance, you are greeted by Smith, a charming friendly hair stylist. There’s a table with sports memorabilia for sale, and the vibe is that of a classic men’s barber shop.

Step through the hall, or walk in the other en-

trance and you will be graced by the presence of Byrd and her salon complete with hair and nail care.

Neither of the two entities are skimped out on, rather both businesses are fully fleshed out as if they are independent of each other. “There are a lot of businesses that target one or the other, but we focus on both” says Byrd.

The main selling point or gimmick of His and Hers is its convenience; an entire family can get their hair cut and styled in the same building, and no one will be left out or made uncomfortable.

Byrd explained that the idea sprung at a family gathering when a relative suggested they call themselves His and Hers. “The name just stuck.”

profession from working in other nearby salons for a several years. They pride themselves in being the first local business to do anything like this.

The overall feeling is a very family friendly business that focuses on quality: “We have quality where a lot of other businesses don’t,” Byrd said.

The staff is extremely friendly and will do their best to service any of your hair, nail, and beauty needs. If you find yourself in need of anything from a fade to a perm to full nails, check out His and Hers Classic Cuts.

The salon is located at 1624 Pine Street just a couple miles from the school, and their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.

Both Smith and Byrd have a background in the

New nerds on the block: Atlas Games opens Story and Photos by Emily Bell, Copy Editor and Photographer

Choose from a colorful array of dice to play with in store.

All D&Ders welcome to play out their campaigns, and stock up for new ones.

Just a few among the selection of games to purchase and play.

The newest addition to downtown Arkadelphia opened its doors on Saturday, next door to Java Primo.

Atlas Games is a privately owned business founded by Reddie alumnus, Coley Henson. The

shelves are stocked with tabletop games, Magic the Gathering cards, and more. There are plenty of tables open for matches, and a massive table in the back of the building for larger tabletops like War Hammer.

Students are encouraged to stop by to play and hang out, and Henson will be hosting tournaments and official matches.

September 12, 2017

7

The bear turns to the rabbit and asks...

Story and Photos by Emily Bell, Editor in Chief

Last Wednesday, professor of art, Aaron Calvert started back at our university after his sabbatical in the spring. To highlight the work he crafted during his sabbatical, Calvert kicked off this semester’s worth of galleries with his own.

“The Bear Turns to the Rabbit and Asks…” is familiarly bizarre. Once in the gallery, you are confronted with towering figures resembling

Dept. head Kathy Strauss takes in “Spectre Bear,” the pit fire mosaic piece.

bears and rabbits, little ducks and fish, and at the back wall resides the most eery inhabitant.

Fairly titled “Spectre Bear,” this pit fired, mosaic tile piece stands apart from the other figures.

However, over the others, yet clearly ties the whole show together.

These wild animal figures’ odd forms originated in a studio exercise Calvert did some time ago.

He gave himself 20 minutes to create heads from animals that he was personally connected with in some way.

“I enjoy stories and have some pertaining to all I think viewers can connect to the work because the animals represented,” Calvert said regarding they might see recognizable images, but the total the figures. He recalled seeing a black bear tied to or collective of the images is mine alone.” an engine block at the local dump when he would Overall, Calvert was thankful to have the time go there with his father. Another time, Calvert to truly focus on these works during his sabbatiand his friend assumed they had picked up a cal. Although he sets high standards for his work, dead raccoon from the road, only to discover it he felt overall satisfied with his show and still coming to life between his feet in the passenger feels excited about the art he creates. seat.

“Some of the stories are funny, sad, or even tragic. Additionally, I was searching for this idea of an object having richness and soul. Kind of like the feeling I have when viewing ancient relics,” he said.

Although a sabbatical seems like plenty of time to create enough relative pieces for a show, Calvert’s massive ceramic works had him in a bit of a rush.

“Clay objects take forever to make dry, fire, glaze, so I began making “Da Rabbit” and “Southern Facing Bear” as soon as I was notified my application for sabbatical had been approved.”

Calvert, greatly experienced in galleries and having been a part of nearly 100 different shows, usually isn’t so stressed before an opening. “I’m always making work and have two or three complete shows to shop around.” This time, however, he challenged himself to show work created solely during his sabbatical.

Both Strauss and professor Kasten Searles discuss Naturally, anyone who knows Calvert also “Southern Facing Bear.” knows he is already thinking ahead to the next gallery. “I have a silly goal of showing in all 50 “I’m always telling my students that no one states, so maybe I can knock a few off my list,” he works in ideal situations. Artists make the best said. work they can under their own personal cirCalvert hopes that future shows with these cumstances,” he noted. “If you do that then you works will be even more involved regarding the always feel as though you’ve done your best.” figures’ painted symbols. He has plans to paint Calvert’s show will continue to be open to the pedestals and walls with similar designs and students and the community in exhibition room symbols, and hope the entire set works together in RFA throughout the week. Step inside and see like camouflage. Within the animals’ painted chunk of Calvert’s world you might not expect to skins, “There are references to science, other cul- experience. tures, fishing, family, nature, my job, and so on.

8

Joint Stock music festival rocks the Rock Story and Photos by Emily Bell, Phtographer & Copy Editor

Jointstock, held at The Joint coffee house in North Little Rock, held an energetic, 12 hour mini music fest last Saturday. The bands and comedians were all Arkansas-based, and joined together to raise donations for multiple sclerosis research.

Dam Horns, was actually the primary creator and organizer of the mini festival.

“It was a wild ride, I was lucky to be a part of it,” Womack said. “And it was for a really good cause.”

This venue provided Grammar Candy’s second official public debut, and drew in quite a nice crowd for the start of Jointstock. Their first show was an intimate gathering at Shuffield’s Music store in downtown back in June.

Grammar Candy formed early this year, and has shifted in sound and members since then.

With their set comprised of original songs, this band is already working on recording their first album.

The talent doesn’t quite stop there. Forbush is in the process of creating another band with Henderson students and alumni, as well as Walthall.

“We’re a two-man band that plays mostly jazz and experimental, and we’re doing original music and covers,” Walthall said, who is collaborating with junior music major, Jake Wyatt.

Wyatt is a force in the music department, and took a lead role in organizing and arranging music for NuFusion last year. He already has plans in mind for the next NuFusion this spring.

“I’m mostly here for NuFusion, it’s what brought me to this school in the first place,” Wyatt said.

Look out Reddies; Henderson and Jointstock helped birth a new world of music coming your way.

Grammar Candy is ready to make their third appearance on Sept. 15 at Vino’s in Little Rock.

They will be on stage at 7:30 p.m., and will be sharing the night with Sabine Valley.

The members of HSU based “Grammar Candy.”

The opener was Grammar Candy, a band founded by music senior, Freshawn Womack.

Senior music major Zac Walthall and former student Daniel Renfro were also part of the band that performed on Saturday, along with drummer, Christian Forbush.

Many other performers from all over the state played throughout the day and night, including The Curvy Sopranos, Becoming Elephants, and the infamous Big Dam Horns, with whom Womack plays saxophone.

Clayton Aronowitz, guitarist and singer of Big

Local metal-electric band, Becoming Elephants, took the stage that evening.

September 12, 2017

opinions

9

I insist, I see the ghost Opinion by Pete Tubbs, Editor in Chief Graphic by Jacob Glasgow, Graphic Designer

Though the opinion has become more widespread recently, I believe that Stephen King’s 1986 novel “It” is one of the best novels written in the last half of the twentieth century. From the characters to the atmosphere to the horror, nearly everything is perfect.

It’s not hard to see that, when it comes to adapting a novel of such high regard; success is rare.

Take for example, the 1990 adaptation of “It.” I’ll be the first to say, it was not perfect. The performances (save for an always masterful Tim Curry) were lacking, and the horror just couldn’t possibly translate from page to screen with the restrictions that early nineties TV had.

Fast forward to this year. It has been a year full of misfires and downright disasters, but I’m proud to say, director Andy Muschietti’s film “It” is on the other end of the scale.

This adaptation has been in development for several years. Cary Fukunaga of “True Detective” fame wrote his version of the script years ago, and was set to direct.

Fukunaga parted from the project for creative differences. Word is that his script involved the darkest parts of King’s novel. Take my word for it, there were some scenes I wouldn’t necessarily want to see on screen.

Andy Muschietti was then hired on as director, and that’s when I lost my faith in the project. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Muschietti’s 2013 horror film “Mama,” so I thought that the death knell had sounded for “It.” In March of 2017, however, I changed lanes real fast. The release of the first trailer for the 2017 King adaptation absolutely floored me, and I’ve been on board ever since.

Though I had renewed faith in the film’s overall quality, I still had worries that the source material would be altered significantly.

Considering that King’s original novel was over 1100 pages, it would be hard to fit all of the characters and events into two films. After seeing “It”

last Friday night, all of my concerns were put to rest.

Muschietti and company have done a fantastic job of consolidating the exact feelings and character motivations from the “loser’s club” half of the novel into a two hour and fifteen minute horror masterpiece. I fell in love with the characters and the atmosphere of “It” and genuinely didn’t want it to end.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the film is the actors. It would take a soulless person to not fall in love with the kids in Muschietti’s film.

The “loser’s club” is perfectly cast. Jaeden Lieberher, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Wyatt Oleff, Chosen Jacobs and Jack Dylan Grazer form the group.

The kids’ interactions are no doubt the highlight of the film, and they’re what you’ll be talking about for long after it’s over. You’d be surprised just how funny “It” actually is.

All of the kids are great, but Lieberher, Grazer, Wolfhard and Lillis are the heart of the entire movie. No spoilers, but there’s a scene at the end with Lieberher that nearly made me sob.

That’s another thing that one might not expect from a “killer clown” movie, but “It” is a very emotional film. By putting the audience in the character’s shoes, Muschietti has made a film that makes you nostalgic of your own childhood, and that’s what makes the movie so engaging.

What most people are wanting from the 2017 adaptation, however, are the scares. And man oh man, this movie’s got them. I haven’t jumped this much in my seat since “The Conjuring.”

The leader of the scare department, of course, is Pennywise the Dancing Clown. This time around he’s played by relative newcomer Bill Skarsgård.

Before I saw the film, I watched an interview with Skarsgård on Jimmy Kimmel. This guy is a twenty-something pretty boy with blonde hair.

I mean at first glance, he’s about as scary as Mr. Rogers.

But I promise you, Skarsgård’s performance is the stuff of nightmares. His sketchy movements and delightfully loony voice will keep your eyes glued to the screen every time he’s on it.

Yeah, the clown was definitely pretty damn scary, but I was surprised at just how scary Pennywise’s other incarnations were. The way he scares children is to appear as their utmost fears, and these kids have some pretty screwed up fears.

I’ve been struggling to rank “It” in the lexicon of King adaptations. I don’t think it’s quite the best, but it’s definitely near the top.

One of my friends asked me if “It” is the scariest of King’s adaptations, and to be honest, I don’t think so. But I keep telling people that “It” is about a lot more than just the scares.

“It” is about the traumas and the joys of childhood. It’s about the bonds that we make as children that meant so much to us at that age, but that slowly dissolve as we get older.

If you didn’t know, the story of “It” takes place in two different times. One half covers the events of the loser’s club and their battle against the eternal demon Pennywise when they’re all about twelve.

The second half deals with the return of Pennywise 27 years later which causes the club to reunite and fight evil once again.

Muschietti’s film is about the most perfect first half of the story as I can imagine. In fact, the worst thing about “It” is that we don’t get to see the second half for another couple of years.

One legitimate criticism that I would wager against the movie is that “It” may not be as satisfying to people that aren’t avid King fans. If you’ve read the book, however, you should find more than enough here to sink your teeth into.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if the Oscars were fair, I could see “It” being nominated for several different categories. Alas, this isn’t a fair world that we live in. But trust me, “It” is worth more than the price of admission.

10

OPINIONS

Samsung Is Still Noteworthy Opinion by Dax Guilliams, Opinions Editor Graphic by Jacob Glasgow, Graphics Designer

There’s a reason Samsung is one of the best when it comes to smartphones. While there are no perfect smartphones, Samsung’s Galaxy Note lineup get pretty close, except for that incident with the Note 7, but I’m going to ignore that.

While the Note 8 isn’t available everywhere, some people that pre-ordered the phone have gotten theirs early.

The Note 8 is exactly what it set out to be, an upgrade of the Galaxy S8 and Samsung’s final flagship phone of the year. The S8 was one of the best phones of the year, but the Note 8 renders it obsolete.

It’s not because the Note 8 has a slightly bigger screen with better resolution. The Note 8 is an upgrade in all regards.

While Samsung phones aren’t associated with audio, the Note 8’s speakers are better than the S8’s and audio sounds a lot better when using headphones. It’s not the best audio around, but it’s the best Samsung has ever had.

Packaged with the phone are a pair of AKG earbuds that are absolutely amazing for a pair of included earbuds.

They’re actually better than most earbuds I’ve owned and it was really great that Samsung included such a nice pair with their phone.

The Note 8’s most unique feature comes from the S Pen. While many people may think a stylus isn’t a feature worth talking about, the S Pen is really handy. I don’t use it all the time, but it’s fun to play with or just use while browsing the web.

Another reason the Note 8 eclipses the S8 is that the Note 8 is Samsung’s first flagship to have dual cameras. I’ve said it many times before in previous phone reviews I’ve done that cameras on smartphones are the last feature I care about.

With that being said, I understand good cameras when I see them and the Note 8 has some good cameras. If you care a lot about your phone’s cameras, the Note 8 won’t disappoint.

A lot of people are criticizing Samsung for putting the fingerprint sensor in the same spot they put it on the S8. I agree that having the scanner next to the camera is bad, but you do get used to it after awhile. Plus, there are plenty of other ways to unlock your phone, such as the iris scanner which will unlock your phone once you look directly at it.

Now, the Note 8 has one major problem. It is very expensive. Most retail prices for the Note 8 have it being a bit over nine hundred dollars.

That’s pretty ridiculous for a phone, even one with a lot of features and a large, beautiful screen.

Thankfully, if you order off of Samsung’s website and trade in a recent phone, you can get the Note 8 for a lot cheaper.

Also, if you had the Note 7, Samsung has made it to where you get even more off the price of the Note 8, but that offer is ending some time later this month. Some stores and service providers are also doing their own deals to make the Note 8 more affordable.

Even with its high price tag, the Note 8 is one of the best phones of the year and one of the best phones Samsung has ever made. If you can afford it and you know you’ll get a good use from its features, the Note 8 is definitely worth it.

I think when it comes to the flagship phones of this year, the Note 8 and LG V30 will be the top two phones.

The LG V30 is set to come out soon, so you may want to wait just a few more days to see which one you’ll want more.

Samsung has been and possibly always will be one of the best smartphone manufactures in the world. The Note 8 is the best of their Note lineup and is easily one of the best products they’ve ever created.

While it is expensive, it still offers a ton of features which are all so useful. Plus, it’s hard to say no to that large, beautiful screen.

12

SPORTS

Wonderboys take down the Spirit Story by Jordan Williams, Sports Editor Photo by Scott McKinnon, Contributing Photographer

The Henderson State Reddies stormed the field Saturday afternoon for the first time in their still fresh season campaign. After a tightly fought season opener against Harding University the Reddies came into their first home game against Arkansas Tech hoping.

The first quarter was an absolute deadlock in terms of the strong defense being displayed by both teams. Reddies Byron Miller would hold a major defensive role throughout the entire defensive campaign of this quarter he had a hand in some impressive stops in Arkansas Tech’s initial drive, though our defense would hold strong, it was be Tech that would make their mark on this quarter. Ty Reasnor, starting quarter back for Arkansas Tech, would lead the Wonder Boy’s

offense on several decisive drives.

After an impressive rush by the QB himself, it would be the visitors finding themselves on the boards first. After a missed kicked for an extra point the Reddies took the field hoping to make a statement of their own and take a lead going into the second quarter. Those aspirations were met with the ironclad determination of the Wonder Boy’s defense that would make Henderson settle for a field goal late into the first quarter.

The second quarter started off with lackluster display by the Reddie offense, and found themselves forfeiting their possession with no answers to overcome the staggering defense they were continually met with, drives were quickly ended.

Any attempts to gain ground through passing

Running back Blake Faulk avoids two ATU defense players

ball were quickly shut down. Tech found themselves continuing their offensive trend into the second scoring the only touchdown by either team. They continued to hold the Reddies scoreless throughout the remainder of the first half as the Reddies struggled to show any signs of the life on offense and failed to keep up with the dynamic play of Techs offense.

The first half ended with the Reddies trailing Arkansas Tech 13-3 with multiple interceptions by the Techs defense.

As the second half began, the third quarter would open up with more of the same. Arkansas Tech quickly found themselves in the Reddies redzone and though they settled for a field goal attempt to add onto to their lead, their defense continued to hold it.

The Reddies offense would take the field on multiple occasions, but their efforts were held ineffective as Tech’s defense prevented them from gaining any momentum. Tech found themselves scoring again on yet another dominant offensive possession. As the quarter came to a close Tech found itself holding a commanding 23- 3 lead.

The Reddies would started to show signs of life in the fourth quarter. Though Tech would score yet again on another successful field goal attempt, the Reddies started to piece some decent drives with the help of freshman Cobra Jones. However it proved too little too late as Arkansas Tech would find themselves coming out on top, the final score being 26 – 3.

The downfall of the Reddies was the lackluster performance from our Quarterback position.

Neither our starting nor back up could seem to string together any sort of success on the offensive end, throwing a total of four interceptions, our defense could do little to nothing to stop any part of Tech’s offense.