September 1, 2016

The

Minnesota State University, Mankato

www.msureporter.com

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2016

MNSU’s guide to a better school year Improve your semester with some of these simple habits.

ELLYN GIBBS Staff Writer Similar to New Years’ Eve, a new semester births a zoo of new resolutions. If you’re like me, it’s a time to swear off bad habits and gather supplies for at least nine new hobbies. I usually follow this pattern with a new haircut and an exercise routine.

However, this flood of selfimprovement lasts about a week before stress and French fries take over.

This semester, I’m striving for quality of life over quantity of activity. Here are my five goals for this semester at MSU. Eat beyond the sandwich.

Food is one of the richest parts of life, and college students tend to miss out on good food since we are always rushing to classes, activities and social events.

Last semester I got pretty good at packing lunch for myself every day, to avoid draining my bank account at the campus Chick-fil-A.

This year I want to be more creative with lunches.

Seasoned tilapia, strawberry spinach salads, and baked potatoes are all on my idea list.

Get to know more international students and attend more cultural events.

I find it humorous how higher education worships diversity, yet while walking through campus I see only “cultural clumps,” with very few groups of mixed race enjoying each other’s company. MSU hosts students from over 90 nations, and I want to use this year to learn more about other cultures and form world connections with my peers. That’s what college should be for, right?

Try at least one new activity every month.

No matter what my place in life, I easily settle into a routine that allows little time to explore the world around me. However, college opens up more opportunities than are usually found in “normal” adult life. Last year, which was my first year at MSU, I got to try countless new things.

Some of those are hobbies I will continue, like mountain biking – others are most likely one-time experiences, like dog-sledding, Zumba, and

(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by tfloersch Quidditch. This month, I’m already off to a good start, as I just tried yoga for the first time!

Write something every day.

This may not be a goal you can identify with directly.

However, writing is a craft I want to continue learning and perfecting for the rest of my life, and I’ve learned I can’t depend on my classes to do that for me. I need

to remember to learn and improve for myself, not a passing grade.

Take a friend to coffee at least once a month.

I’m usually so wrapped up in activities, homework, and social events that I hardly ever do the asking when it comes to quality time with friends. Parties with acquaintances are great, but nothing beats a good heartto-heart chat. One-on-one

time is important. This year I want to be more proactive with forming friendships that will last and really get to know people on a deeper level. Fillin’ Station, anyone?

After reading this list, I hope you can gain some ideas for personal semester goals. We’d love it if you shared them with us on social media, hashtag #msugoals.

Maverick Profile: Meet Orientation Peer Assistant Desiree Frederick This Psychology major helps international students transition to MNSU life.

MARJAN HUSSEIN Staff Writer “Orientation is one of the most vital college experiences a student will

TODAY’S FEATURED STORIES

ever have as it initializes the connection between the university and the student for the next four years,” the wise words of Orientation Peer Assistant, Desiree Frederick.

Orientation Peer Assistants facilitate the orientation sessions for new and transferring students and aid with the registration process for international students during their orientation.

The Department of New

Student and Family Programs usually organizes a two-day orientation program in the summer designed to teach students about university resources, complete course advertisement and registration while allowing the students to socialize and break the ice amongst themselves.

Frederick, a senior majoring in Psychology, was more than excited to be an

OPA a second time around.

“The first time I was a bit anxious, but this being my second year I felt more calm and relaxed, plus I had my colleagues, the OPA family as we call it, behind me every step of the way,” said Frederick.

Frederick’s curiosity in the job and interest that grew from conversing with individuals that were already OPA’s led her to a last minute

Seize the day, seize the semester

Redemption: a Frank Ocean story

No. 7 Mavs travel to Minot State

Page 4

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application just in the nick of time and luckily she got the job. She applied for the job because she enjoys working with other students and wanted to ease the transition for students from high school to college.

“As OPA’s we work solely

PROFILE page 2

Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

News Editor Nicole Schmidt nicole.schmidt-3@mnsu.edu

2 • MSU Reporter

MAVERICK PROFILE

News

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Continued from page 1

“Her exuberant personality and amazing charm are truly spectacular, bound to lighten up one’s day in less than a minute.” with local students that have been accepted to Minnesota State Mankato, promoting a positive image of the campus while create lasting connections between and with the new entering students,” Frederick goes on to say.

Her exuberant personality and amazing charm are truly spectacular, bound to lighten up one’s day in less than a minute. Frederick already had a job as a tour guide for the school; therefore, she already a good understanding of the University.

“I believe I bring a strong sense of leadership along with being outgoing and positive to the OPA team,” Frederick said.

Communication is key when trying to convey messages to groups of people, and even though Frederick has a very powerful voice, she has learnt the importance of the effect that words can have on an individual. Being an OPA has made her more conscious of the tone she uses and the manner in which she conveys messages.

“It is a lot of pressure knowing that you are in control of shaping future Mavericks opinions and attitudes towards the campus through the orientation sessions,” Frederick says.

“My co-workers and I want

to help create a sense of belonging and comfort for the students during their brief time on campus before they actually begin their fouryear journey.”

Some of the benefits and perks Frederick mentions about being an OPA is that one is able to work in a positive, loving and motivating environment. She also says that the connection between her coworkers turns into a special friendship, and the relationships one creates with the new entering students is something that can last throughout their entire college experience.

Frederick remembers a student that she orientated in her first year and he was so amazed by the magnificent job the OPA’s were doing.

The student joined the OPA family this year, inspiring Frederick as she felt that she acted as a role model for the student.

The OPA job can be challenging at times since always being in a cheerful mood can be difficult and dealing with people tends to be overwhelming sometimes.

Frederick relies on exercise to keep her nerves calm, her favorite form being yoga.

Frederick also instructs a yoga class that meets on Mondays and Wednesdays on campus.

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Frederick says that it is a privileged to be an OPA and usher in new Mavericks into the college system. She highly recommends the job to anyone as you get to learn essential skills like leadership, time management and effective communication skills.

“The OPA job may have long hours but it is one of the most rewarding jobs I have had so far,” Frederick said.

Frederick is a remarkable individual who not only sees the best in individuals but also tends to bring it out; she is without a doubt an exceptional example of the Maverick spirit. mnsu.edu

Thursday, September 1, 2016

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Maverick TBT: Gun control remains a disputed topic

Photo by Jasmine Vorasane

MNSU student Tylar Larson holds an MSU Reporter edition from April 7, 1981. Two headlines read “Effective gun control will require cooperation,” and “Shootings spark interest in self-protection.”

The articles were published as a result of the assassination attempt on the president at that time, Ronald Reagan. These articles were particularity interesting to read considering the debates being had today regarding the same issue.

As students about 35 years later, we can continue to voice our opinions regarding gun control on and off campus!

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4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, September 1, 2016 EMAIL THE EMAIL THE EDITOR CHIEF: EDITOR IN IN CHIEF:

Seize the day, seize the semester One moment of courage may impact years to come.

RAE MATTHEW FRAME EBERLINE alyssa.frame

matthew.eberline @mnsu.edu @mnsu.edu OR AT reporter-editor OR AT @mnsu.edu reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

FALL 2016 2015 EDITOR IN IN CHIEF: CHIEF: EDITOR Matthew Eberline..................389-5454 Rae Frame.............................389-5454

MARJAN HUSSEIN Staff Writer College is one of the most confusing, inspiring, anxious, happy and frustrating four years of any student’s life.

The pressure one feels having to figure out what to do for the rest of your life in just four years is the heaviest burden one can carry. There is so much expected of you in college, performance and good grades being the top of the list.

However, some college students if not most, feel a great sense of regret after graduating with their degrees in various fields. The worry of what if sets in and they are stuck with it for the rest of their life.

Regret is one of the worst feelings a person can have, it always haunts you and surprises you at the most unexpected of times. A saying that my father always used to encourage me with when I was younger was; if you never try then you are bound to fail.

Being young this was a tool for motivation but as I grew older, I began to understand that opportunities are endless but it is people’s fear that always leads them

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(CC BY 2.0) by JefferyTurner away. College is filled with so many opportunities that will teach an individual life long lessons, yet fear still controls most of us.

Some students wait until their senior years to begin exploring the different activities on campus, but they had the opportunity to do so since freshman year.

Majority of students end up changing their majors during the course of the college journey, not because things seem hard but interests change. People feel that they would excel more if they did something different. This is the best thing about college, students are open to change.

Pulse GRACE DOYLE MASS MEDIA AND GWS

ALY DEBAKER MASS MEDIA

To be more involved and social in high school and particularly in college, building connections and relationships.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, because most of the small stuff you worry about never happens.”

They are ready and willing to try new things.

This same mentality would do wonders if it were applied to daily life.

For example, perhaps there is an audition for a position somewhere being advertised and even though you may not have the proper qualifications for it, you feel that you could give it a try and see how it goes. At the last minute you back out and decide not to get your feet wet. You may end up regretting just that single moment that you backed out for a long time.

Ironically, it just takes that one moment of courage to

decide whether to face your fear or live in regret, just that one moment.

Another example is tryouts for a sports team or a play that you may want to be in. You become engulfed by academics and start to make excuses to get out of trying, constantly repeating them to yourself to make you feel better.

Life is not a script where everything is jotted down on pen and paper. Sometimes

MOTIVATE page 7

“What is one tip you would give to your younger self?”

OMOLESO OGUNNOWO PHILOSOPHY “In all situations put reason ahead of emotions.

POLICIES & INFO • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would or would likelike to point to point outout an an error error made made in the in the Reporter, Reporter, callcall Editor Editor in Chief in Chief Matthew Rae Eberline Frame atat 507-389-5454.

507-389-5454.

The The Reporter Reporter will will correct correct any any errors errors of fact of fact or misspelled or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776.

Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Compiled by Jasmine Vorasane

KATRINA CREEL UNDECIDED

KATHRYN MACY GEOGRAPHY

“Don’t be afraid to join clubs, get out of your comfort zone, enjoy your time and have the best time while in college.

“Don’t follow the crowd.”

Thursday, September 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 5

News

Maverick Adventures program receives graduate assistant Development, pilot programs and raising awareness on the semester radar.

ELLYN GIBBS Staff Writer Even though the classroom is the most common learning atmosphere, it’s not the only place learning can happen.

The great outdoors is an alternative setting and an active teacher itself that provides lasting experience, as well as mental and physical health.

THE FIRST STEP Maverick Adventures, a new program idea that plans to make the outdoors more accessible for learning experiences, recently gained one graduate assistant (GA)

mnsu.edu

Equipment Rental, Trip and Travel, and Certifications and Clinics. Equipment rental will allow students, faculty

“Maverick Adventures [is] a new program idea that plans to make the outdoors more accessible for learning experiences...” for further investigation into program implication.

Maverick Adventures is the brainchild of Samuel Steiger, the Adventure Education Program (AEP) Coordinator at MNSU. It has three facets:

and the public opportunity to rent items such as kayaks, tents, bikes, and countless other necessities for outdoor adventure. Trip and travel programming is geared toward those looking to

connect academic credit with outdoor exploration.

“Imagine going on a backpacking trip, and getting credit for it!” said Steiger. Certifications and clinics would allow students to learn new skills and gain real qualifications, in areas like CPR, water sports, and more.

A SEMESTER UPDATE A team of students and faculty presented Maverick Adventures to the MSSA (Minnesota State Student Association) last spring. It was after this meeting that the MSSA granted them funding for one GA. David Childers, one highly involved in the AEP program, has been chosen to fill this GA

opening. He is currently formulating a presentation to give to various classes around MSU to raise awareness for Maverick Adventures. He plans to include a survey that will gather student opinions about tuition fee increases and overall impressions of the new program. He is also looking for grants outside of the university that will help jumpstart Maverick Adventures.

Steiger is happy to have a GA who can help him look into the logistics of the new program. Although MSSA did not allocate any funds for Maverick Adventures, he said, “I think we can be thrifty and lead some low cost and high reach programs.” He

suggested snowshoe hikes in Rasmussen and clinics in outdoor cooking as examples to give students a taste of what Maverick Adventures is all about.

GOALS Steiger and Childers have three main goals for this semester’s progress.

The first one is development. They plan to do more homework on the practical aspects of the program, such as linking trips with credit, physical space needed on campus, and other items.

The second is awareness.

They want to continue to raise awareness among students and staff. They plan to do this through their pilot programs and outreach through class presentations.

The final goal is budget development. They are searching for creative ways to find money outside the university, as currently, “There’s not any money for a poster or tape to hang the poster,” said Steiger, laughing.

Although funds are low, interest is high and morale is skyrocketing.

Students searching for more information or ways to support the cause can like the Facebook page, “Maverick Adventures – Outdoor Program.”

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6 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Africa’s elephants rapidly declining as poaching thrives HONOLULU (AP) — The number of savanna elephants in Africa is rapidly declining and the animals are in danger of being wiped out as international and domestic ivory trades drive poaching across the continent, according to a study released Wednesday.

Africa’s savanna elephant population plummeted by about 30 percent from 2007 to 2014 and is declining at about 8 percent a year, said a survey funded by Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen.

“If we can’t save the African elephant, what is the hope of conserving the rest of Africa’s wildlife?” elephant ecologist Mike Chase, the lead researcher, said in a statement. “I am hopeful that, with the right tools, research, conservation efforts and political will, we can help conserve elephants for decades to come.”

The aerial survey covered 18 countries using dozens of airplanes to fly the equivalent of going to the moon and partway back. The study, known as the Great Elephant Census and involving 90 scientists, estimated a population of 352,271 savanna elephants.

Overall, researchers spotted about 12 carcasses for every 100 live elephants, indicating poaching at a high enough level to cause population decline. But the rates were much higher than that in some countries.

Angola, Mozambique and Tanzania experienced greater population declines than previously known, and elephants face local extinction in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Zambia, the study said. It also says numbers of elephants in South Africa, Uganda and parts of Malawi and Kenya were stable or partly increasing.

Results of the study were announced ahead of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress in Honolulu.

Allen, who provided $7 million for the effort, said he decided to launch the census after hearing three years ago that there had not been a comprehensive count of African elephants in decades.

“I took my first trip to Africa in 2006 and have been fascinated by elephants ever since,” he said. “They are intelligent, expressive and dignified — but not to be underestimated. So, as this

latest poaching crisis began escalating, I felt compelled to do something about it.”

The research team used the limited existing data as a baseline for the study.

But this survey is more comprehensive and will serve as a more reliable baseline for future observations, the team said.

Its methodology involves manually counting animals while maintaining a specific altitude and following calibrated strips of land below the plane. The method is widely used for surveying animals on large plots of land and was the most accurate method of three tested on a known population in Africa, Chase said. The team also used video surveillance when counting big herds.

Ivor y trading that threatens elephants is banned internationally. But the domestic trade of ivory within countries is legal nearly everywhere.

A motion being considered at the Hawaii conference seeks to change that by gaining international consensus to close all domestic ivory markets, noting that illegal killing of elephants for their tusks threatens national security, hinders economic development and endangers those tasked with protecting the animals.

U.S. President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press In this June 2, 2016 file photo, a Zimbabwe National Parks official inspects the stock during a tour of the country’s ivory stockpile at the Zimbabwe National Parks Headquarters in Harare.

The results of a new survey show a rapid decline in Africa’s savanna elephants as international and domestic ivory trades continue to drive poaching across the continent. announced their commitment last year to combatting wildlife trafficking. The leaders promised to work toward a nearly complete ban on ivory imports and exports and an end to the domestic ivory trade.

The decline in savanna elephants, like the dwindling numbers of African forest elephants, is directly tied to criminal poaching activities, some with ties to terrorist groups, according

to Washington’s nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency.

POACHING page 7

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 7

News

Historic commercial flight from US to Cuba set to take off FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The first commercial flight between the United States and Cuba in more than a half century flew out of Fort Lauderdale for the central city of Santa Clara on Wednesday morning, re-establishing regular air service severed at the height of the Cold War. JetBlue Flight 387 took off a few minutes late for its 72-minute journey. It opens a new era of U.S.-Cuba travel, with about 300 flights a week connecting the U.S. with an island cut off from most Americans by the 55-year-old trade embargo on Cuba and formal ban on U.S. citizens engaging in tourism on the island.

“Seeing the American airlines landing routinely around the island will drive a sense of openness, integration

and normality. That has a huge psychological impact,” said Richard Feinberg, author of the new book “Open for Business: Building the New Cuban Economy.”

The restart of commercial travel between the two countries is one of the most important steps in President Barack Obama’s two-year-old policy of normalizing relations with the island. Historians disagree on the exact date of the last commercial flight but it appears to have been after Cuba banned incoming flights during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Secretary of State John Kerry said on Twitter that the last commercial flight was in 1961.

U.S. Transpor tation Secretary Anthony Foxx, JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes and a specially selected

five-member crew of CubanAmericans were slated to be on board the 150-seat Airbus A320.

“It’s a positive step and a concrete contribution to the process of improving relations between the two countries,” Cuba’s vice minister of transportation Eduardo Rodriguez told journalists Monday.

Neta Rodriguez, a 62-yearold Havana-born South Florida homemaker, checked in Wednesday morning with her daughter, son-in-law and three grandsons for a visit to family in Santa Clara and Havana.

More than the historic nature of the flight, she said she appreciated the $200 price and the ability to book online instead of visiting a charter office U.S. travel to Cuba is on

POACHING

Continued from page 6 “Trade in ivory has been a driver of destabilization wherever it occurs in Africa,” agency President Allan Thornton said.

Thornton said one-time auctions of stockpiled ivory to China and Japan in 2008 resulted in a spike in illegal poaching, and the rate of decline among Africa’s elephants has been accelerating since.

In areas with a high rate of population decline, the savanna turns into an overgrown thicket devoid

of grasslands that sustain other wildlife and becomes overrun by diseasecarrying tsetse flies, said James Deutsch, director of Allen’s Vulcan Inc. Wildlife Conservation.

Fur thermore, that land becomes useless for tourism when the elephants are removed, he said.

“Once you remove elephants from parks, it becomes very hard to gain the political will to maintain those parks,” Deutsch said.

U.N. Environment

deputy head Ibrahim Thiaw said African nations are realizing that wildlife is worth saving because it brings in tourist dollars to fund education, health care and infrastructure.

“As depressing as these numbers are, I hope they act as a further spark for action and change,” Thiaw said in a statement. “The Great Elephant Census tells us we must act, and now.”

track to triple this year to more than 300,000 visitors in the wake of the 2014 declaration of detente.

Cuba’s cash-starved centrally planned economy has been bolstered by the boom in U.S. visitors, along with hundreds of thousands of travelers from other nations hoping to see Cuba before more Americans arrive.

Wednesday ’s fir s t commercial flight “will be a positive step and a concrete contribution to the process of improving Commercial flights are expected to significantly increase the number of American visitors, although it’s not clear by how much.

Many of the air routes are currently used by expensive charter flights that are largely expected to go out of business with the advent of regularly scheduled service from the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of Cuban-born Americans fly to the island each year with the chaotic, understaffed charter companies, which require four-hour check-in waits and charge high rates for any luggage in excess of restrictive baggage allowances.

Americans without ties to Cuba have found it hard to negotiate

the charters, most of which don’t accept online bookings or help travelers navigate the federal affidavit still required for U.S. travelers to Cuba.

Cuban officials insist the continuing U.S. ban on tourism will limit the impact of commercial flights to Cuba, but some experts believe the drastic reduction in the difficulty of flying to Cuba could turn the surge in U.S. visitors into a tidal wave. Americans are allowed to visit the island on “peopleto-people” cultural and educational visits, among other reasons.

Americans who fit one of 12 categories will now be able to fill out a federal affidavit by clicking a box on an online form and, in many cases, buy their Cuban tourist visa near the check-in counters of U.S. airports. Within weeks, Americans will be able to fly direct from cities including Chicago, Philadelphia and Minneapolis, Miami and Fort Lauderdale to eight Cuban cities and two beach resorts.

The final announcement of routes to Havana, which could be announced Wednesday and start before December, is slated to include flights from Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Houston, among others.

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MOTIVATE

Continued from page 4 doing s omet hing extraordinary or just participating in anything you find interesting may lead you somewhere you never imagined you would be. All it takes is that one instance of insane courage and bravery to get you through the door.

Education is very vital and can open a number of doors that lead you to great things. Nevertheless, living to your full potential is and should be the most

important thing in any individual’s life. Planning for the future is great, but living in the moment ought to be one of your top priorities. The present is a gift each and every day just as its name dictates.

Some very motivating and deep words that came from a conversation over the weekend; college is just four years out of your entire lifetime, make it count.

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8 • MSU Reporter

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Minnesota State University, Mankato

A&E

MSU Reporter • 9 Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

A&E Editor Gabe Hewitt

gabriel.hewitt@mnsu.edu

Redemption: a Frank Ocean story Much anticipated album from R&B artist lives up to the hype.

GABE HEWITT A&E Editor I’ve needed a little over a week to recover from Frank Ocean’s surprise Aug. 20 Blonde album release, an album which may go down as the most anticipated album of all time.

Four years after his previous masterpiece project, channel ORANGE, it seemed like the world was at a standstill waiting for something new from Mr. Ocean. There had been rumors of a new album release days before Aug. 20 and we were all collectively let down when it wasn’t. This letdown was followed with a series of memes and Twitter posts from Frank Ocean fans alike because that’s how the Internet expresses their feelings over everything pop culture.

CC BY 2.0 by david_hwang Ocean has been teasing the album for some time now with several ambiguous posts on his Tumblr and other social media. We were all in “Frank’s Madhouse” and couldn’t escape the torment from all the teasing and uncertainty. How he managed

to avoid all media during this album drought is something I’ll never understand. There were even some fan theories that he was abducted by the government because he was a national treasure.

So why all this hype for a new album? As I mentioned

before, Ocean’s previous album channel ORANGE was a masterpiece. It featured a number of late night jams that I’ve definitely replayed over and over again on car rides home. The album took your hand with it on a magical and psychedelic journey.

Ocean showed that he is truly a Renaissance Man of our music generation.

Aug. 20 may go down as a landmark date in music history. People will be asking you years from now: “Where were you when Blonde dropped?”

I was laying in bed scrolling down my Facebook timeline when I saw someone had posted an article about Frank Ocean releasing his new album. At first I thought it was too good to be true.

Was I dreaming? Was the exit to Frank’s Madhouse now open? Then I saw that the album was being streamed exclusively on Apple Music and I instantly started my free trial with absolutely no intent of renewing it.

Blonde picks up exactly where channel ORANGE left but takes you even further. Ocean took four years to make sure he didn’t take a step back. In fact, it’s apparent his talents have only

OCEAN page 10

Gamescom showcases new video games New Battlefield, Gears of War and Halo entries shown at German gaming expo.

MATTHEW EBERLINE Editor in Chief Anyone who follows the video game industry or news related to gaming will have heard about an event called Gamescom at some point and all the trailers and information that comes out of that.

For those unfamiliar with the event, Gamescom is pretty much Europe’s equivalent to the North American Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Each year, Cologne, Germany plays host to hundreds of developers, journalists and gaming enthusiasts all look-

CC BY 2.0 by Sergey Galyonkin ing to get a peek at some of the most exciting games to come out in the next year.

This year’s event was a lit-

tle lighter than previous incarnations, with Sony, Microsoft, and Electronic Arts (EA) all opting out of their traditional

press conferences this year.

That didn’t stop the industry titans from showing off some of their most anticipated ti-

tles, though, with both Microsoft and EA offering plenty of hands-on time with their games instead. Sony, on the other hand, had very little to offer on the show floor, deciding instead to host a media event in New York on Sept. 7. While the conference schedule was certainly smaller this year, there was still plenty of material for eager gamers to sink their teeth into. Here’s a rundown of the biggest trailers and demos to come out of this year’s Gamescom event.

While Microsoft decided not to host their usual press conference this year, they did provide attendees with a few

GAMESCOM page 12

10 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Dubai opens massive Marvel-branded indoor theme park Park will also feature Cartoon Network characters and brands.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — As summer temperatures soared outside, the world’s largest indoor theme park, featuring popular Marvel and Cartoon Network-branded rides, opened its doors to the public on Wednesday in the Middle East’s tourist hub of Dubai — the latest in a myriad of new attractions here.

The first visitors at the 1.5 million square-foot (140,000 square meters) park reflected the diverse crowds that visit and live in Dubai, home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Middle East’s largest mall and a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree that is dotted with luxury hotels.

Saudi women dressed in abayas, the traditional loose black robes, and full faceveils, rode alongside tanktop wearing British tourists and Indian families on the park’s roller coasters and at-

OCEAN

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press tractions.

Several families with young children complained that some of the rides stalled.

Others said they were thrilled by the adventure park’s in-

door boulevard, which leads visitors through Marvel and Cartoon Network zones, a “Haunted Hotel” and a Lost Valley Dinosaur zone.

The IMG Worlds of Ad-

Continued from page 9

improved. Before I go any further, I’m going to tell you to drop everything you’re doing right now and go listen to Blonde. I’ll see you when you get back.

You can really feel Ocean’s heart and soul on this album. At some parts of the album, we hear Ocean’s commentary on what’s happened in the four years since his last project. In the album’s opening track “Nikes”, Ocean writes “R.I.P. Trayvon, that nigga look like me.” This reference to Trayvon Martin is only a taste of the social injustice remarks in the album’s lyrics.

Other themes across the album include mortality and living life to its fullest as well as nostalgia.

More tracks on the album recount Ocean’s personal experiences. In “White Ferrari”, Ocean describes memories from one of his favorite cars. These memories include being on drugs.

He writes, “We got so familiar, spending each day of the year, white Ferrari.

Good times. Good times.”

Fittingly enough, the slow paced, almost gospel, tone of the track goes well with a late night car ride. “Seigfried” describes a past relationship that Ocean seems to take the blame over ending. One of the more emotional tracks on the album, “Seigfried” is a perfect example of how Ocean can

lay a variety of sounds over his lyrics to make it sound really magical. We hear strings and sounds reminiscent of a retro video game, a common genre of sounds we heard on channel ORANGE. This track ends with Ocean repeating “I’d do anything for you,” which is most likely directed at that former lover spoken of throughout.

Much like channel ORANGE, Blonde is meant to be played in its entire track order. Each song seems to connect to each other seamlessly. Filler tracks like “Be Yourself” and “Facebook Story” are simple audio recordings but still tell a great story.

One of my favorite tracks from the album is “Self Control”. It’s an acoustic, easygoing four minutes that tells a story of someone trying to exhibit self-control when a stranger woos them. Ocean’s vocals really shine here and give a melancholy tone to the track.

He sings,” I came to visit you cause you see me like a UFO. That’s like never cause I made you use your self control and you made me lose my self control.”

Is this borderline creepy?

Maybe. Or is it a story of a grade school playground infatuation?

Another favorite of mine is “Solo.” Like “White Ferrari”, “Solo” has a gospel

feel to it and it works so well. This is a euphoric track about disaster and terror in the world. In times like this, Ocean suggests smoking marijuana to bring you heaven while there’s “hell on Earth.”

Blonde is a redemption story. Ocean has let down and disappointed fans, including myself, since first teasing a new album years ago. The Internet had almost given up on by him making his actions a recurring meme, that’d we get so-and-so before Frank Ocean dropped a new album. Fear not, music listeners and enthusiasts. Ocean has outdone himself with this one. At points, Blonde will make your hairs raise. At other points, it’ll make your heart ache or just make you simply smile. Blonde is Frank Ocean’s diary and he’s letting you read it.

In what may be the most hyped and anticipated album of all time, Blonde manages to keep cool under the pressure and deliver the goods to our ears.

It’s full of Ocean’s very personal lyrics, chilling vocals and amazing production efforts. We waited for this for a while. It was worth it.

See you again in another four years, Frank.

Reporter Rating

5 5

venture park recorded about 3,000 visitors on Wednesday as temperatures rose to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 C) outside.

Ali al-Subai, a visitor from Saudi Arabia, said he was happy the Gulf region has a place like this to visit during

the summer. The 26-year-old said he visits Dubai at least four times a year and hopes his country too can one day open similar theme parks.

“It’s very, very nice. Better than I imagined,” he said.

“We wish for this in Saudi Arabia — the rides, the cinemas.”

Dubai ruler and United Arab Emirates Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured the more than $1 billion park earlier on Wednesday.

The adventure park is one of two major theme parks opening this year in Dubai, part of an effort to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2020, when the emirate is to host the World Expo. Last year, some 14 million people visited Dubai, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

The highest share of visitors came from neighboring Gulf countries, with Saudi Arabia topping the list.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 11

A&E

Chris Brown faces legal trouble after police standoff Musician allegedly pointed gun at model Baylee Curran in home.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — It seems Chris Brown can’t avoid trouble.

Following a bizarre, hourslong standoff with police, the “Deuces” and “Look At Me Now” singer was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after a woman called police for help during a gathering at his Los Angeles home.

Model Baylee Curran later told the Los Angeles Times that Brown pointed a gun at her face after he and another man became angry with her when she admired the man’s diamond necklace.

It was the latest run-in with the law for the Grammy-winning Brown, who has been in repeated legal trouble since his felony conviction in the 2009 assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, ahead of the Grammys. He completed his probation last year in that case.

In the Tuesday incident, Brown was released from jail after posting $250,000 bail.

His arraignment was tentatively set for Sept. 20.

The singer was arrested outside the view of news helicopters that swirled overhead and throngs of camera crews gathered at the bottom of his hilltop estate. It marked the conclusion of a nearly 14-hour standoff and investigation.

Police Lt. Chris Ramirez said officers first responded to Brown’s property around 3 a.m. Ramirez did not identify the woman who called, elaborate on the assistance she needed or know if she was

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press injured.

Curran told the Times that she and her friend ran from the house and hid under an SUV as one of Brown’s associates gave chase.

The model, who hasn’t responded to requests for comment from The Associated Press, told TMZ that she’s visited Brown’s home in the past and never encountered any trouble.

A New York Police Department spokeswoman said Curran was wanted for a grand larceny that took place inside the posh Plaza Hotel in October 2013. Authorities had no other details.

Brown stayed inside his house while police waited for a search warrant, posting rambling messages on social media proclaiming his innocence and denying he barricaded himself in his “palace.”

“Y’all gonna stop playing

with me like I’m the villain out here, like I’m going crazy,” he said in one Instagram video, waving a cigarette and looking at the camera. “When you get the warrant or whatever you need to do, you’re going to walk right up in here and you’re going to see nothing. You idiots.”

Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos, arrived before police served the warrant and stayed on the property until Brown was transported for booking.

“Thanks to everyone for their support and well wishes. Chris is out and well. The allegations against him are demonstrably false,” Geragos posted on Twitter after the singer posted bail.

The standoff and media attention it received produced a chaotic scene in a typically quiet neighborhood as police

closed off streets and rerouted traffic.

Throughout the afternoon, several of Brown’s associates descended on the street below the singer’s estate. They declined to identify themselves or answer questions from the media. In some instances, the men were belligerent, flashing obscene

hand gestures and grabbing recording equipment.

Besides the assault case involving Rihanna, Brown was charged with misdemeanor assault for striking a man outside a Washington, D.C., hotel in 2013. The singer was ordered into rehab then dismissed from the facility for violating its rules.

Brown spent 2½ months in custody, with U.S. marshals shuttling him between Los Angeles and the nation’s capital for court hearings.

The entertainer also was accused of throwing a brick at his mother’s car following a counseling session. It came after Brown completed court-ordered anger management classes.

Brown’s first single “Run It!” topped the charts in 2005. Since then, the singer and rapper has had a number of hit songs, including “Loyal” and “Kiss Kiss.” He has also been a featured performer on several hits, such as Jordin Sparks’ “No Air.”

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12 • MSU Reporter

GAMESCOM opportunities to get some hands-on time with some of their most anticipated upcoming titles. Among these titles were ReCore, Dead Rising 4, Gears of War 4, Forza Horizon 3, and Halo Wars 2. The software giant also touted a gameplay demo of Rare’s upcoming Sea of Thieves, a pirate-themed co-operative multiplayer game that lets players control their very own pirate ship as they conquer the high-seas with their friends.

EA also had plenty to offer attendees on the show floor, with trailers and hands-on demos of Titanfall 2, FIFA 17, and the highly anticipated Battlefield 1.

One of the only first-person shooters to be set during World War I, Battlefield 1 lets players experience multiple aspects of that conflict, such as trench warfare, aerial combat with biplanes, the world’s first tank battles, and even combat from horseback, something very few FPSs have ever offered. Battlefield 1 looks to be a lot of fun and seems to be a fresh take on a genre

A&E

Continued from page 9 that’s become somewhat stale in the past few years.

Publishing giant Activision was also present at the event, with three new games and a downloadable content (DLC) pack for gamers to mull over.

Attendees were able to get their hands on demos of Skylanders Imaginators, Zombies in Spaceland, and Destiny: Rise of Iron. The latest entry in the extremely popular Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, was also present, but not in playable form.

Instead, Activision showed off a non-playable demo of the game, this time set on a mining asteroid that is spinning out of control.

This particular setting introduces a whole new environmental danger to the already fast-paced gameplay with a reduced day/night cycle that spans about a minute and creates lethal situations when players are exposed to the day side of the asteroid.

The other publishing giant, Ubisoft, had arguably the largest presence at Gamescom of the major

producers present, offering playable versions of Steep (an upcoming ski and snowboarding game) and South Park: The Fractured But Whole. Other Ubisoft titles present included the medieval combat game, For Honor, Watch Dogs 2, Star Trek Bridge Crew, and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands, an open-world third-person shooter that pits players against members of a ruthless drug cartel.

Of course, plenty of other publishers and development studios were present at the event with games of their own to show off including Civilization VI, Dishonored 2, Final Fantasy XV, God of War, Mafia III, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and The Last Guardian, among others. With the recent releases of No Man’s Sky and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, 2016 is turning out to be a decent year for gaming. I, for one, am quite excited to see how the rest of the year pans out once more of these titles hit their release dates in the coming months.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Chicago lawmaker proposes cracking down on Pokemon Go sites SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Invasive weeds have long threatened to erode dunes on a portion of the Chicago lakefront, but the area recently had to contend with a virtual invasion: “Pokemon Go” characters.

The game sends players into the real world in search of digital monsters that appear on smartphone screens to be caught, and hundreds of people have been flocking to the Loyola Dunes restoration area to find the hardto-get “Lapras.” But in their quest to find the rare creature, players have been walking over native grassland critical to protecting the dunes from erosion.

The heavy foot-traffic became so worrisome to environmentalists that proposed legislation seeks to get certain sites removed from the game so players are only disturbing the virtual Pokemon characters and not ecologically sensitive areas in their quest to catch them.

“It should not be trampled and stampeded in that way,” said state Rep. Kelly Cassidy,

a Chicago Democrat who is sponsoring the bill.

Cassidy’s bill would require app developers to remove locations in augmented reality games within two days of receiving a request to do so or face a daily fine of $100.

“We just want to make sure that the imaginary animals can co-exist with the real wildlife in our parks and natural areas,” said Jack Darin, director of the Sierra Club’s Illinois chapter.

The proposal is one of the first of its kind in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In New York, lawmakers are considering legislation to restrict sex offenders’ use of augmented reality games.

Chicago’s case is not the first time in-game locations, known as “Pokestops,” have disrupted the real world.

Pokestops at the atomic bomb memorial park in Hiroshima, Japan, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington are among the sites that have been removed from the game after complaints.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 13 Have a story idea or a comment?

Minnesota State University, Mankato

EMAIL

Sports Editor Tommy Wiita

thomas.wiita@mnsu.edu

No. 7 Mavs travel to Minot State COLT JOHNSON Staff Writer The Minnesota State Mavericks will hope to make quick work of a Minot State football team that saw little to almost no success last season.

The previous season ended on a sour note for the Mavericks, as they lost their first playoff game after going 10-1 in the regular season.

Luckily for Minnesota State University, it is the start of a new season. Coming into 2016, there will be some new faces and a lot of expectations for a young, yet hungry, group of Mavs.

“We have to be in a position to develop young men.”

Head Coach Todd Hoffner said.

Entering their first game of the 2016 season, Hoffner will have an opportunity to develop a young Mavericks football team that will have a lot to prove. The Mavericks will be heading up to North Dakota to play the Minot State University Beavers. Last season, Minot State went 1-10 in the Northern Sun Intercolle-

giate Conference (NSIC).

This should be a good first game for the Mavericks so they can start figuring out the identity of both their offense and defense. Last season, Minot State gave up an average of 219 yards per game on the ground and 182 yards per game through the air.

MSU Players like Virgil Hammond, Ty Dennis and Brett Esser will play big roles in an opening game where each team will be looking to establish themselves. Finding their identity will be important for Hoffner, as he will need to see key items of importance from his offense during their first game of the season.

“We’re trying to be efficient, and I’m looking for positive plays,” Hoffner said.

The big questions will be centered around how well the offensive line can perform after losing four starters from the past season. The Mavericks offensive line will need to be able to pick up and recognize their assignments

MSU FOOTBALL PAGE 15

Photo from Reporter Archives The Mavericks football team will be looking to continue their success on the gridiron in 2016 after a quick one-game playoff exit the year before.

Rise of the Social Justice Athlete COREY YUMAN Staff Writer What started off as a silent protest has evolved into anything but silent. Colin Kaepernick is the most recent athlete to cause a stir in the news cycle for speaking out on civil rights issues. It seems like every fan and outsider of sports has chimed in with an opinion, coming out as either for or against Kaepernick. He may be the sports star that has dominated headlines the past few days, but he’s not the first of 2016.

July will go down as the month where things shifted in the sports world. In reaction

to the news of the shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, the NBA’s Carmelo Anthony got the ball rolling with an Instagram post. The social media post pushed the people to demand a change to the justice system, while also looking for unity in light of the grim news.

“Look I’ll even lead the charge,” Anthony stated on the post, and lead the charge he did.

Not long after, the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx joined the fight when they wore shirts to warm ups that said “Change starts with us. Justice & Accountability” on the front.

The back of the shirts had Sterling and Castile’s names along with an emblem for the Dallas Police Department and “Black Lives Matter” across the bottom.

“This is a human issue, and we need to speak out for

change together,” Lynx player Maya Moore said in a press conference that was later reported on CNN. In response to their actions, four off-duty police officers that were working as security for that Lynx game walked off the job after taking offense to the shirts.

At the ESPY’s, ESPN’s award show for athletes, the NBA’s LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, and Anthony kicked off the special standing front and center under low lights.

“We stand here tonight, accepting our role in uniting communities, to be the change we need to see,” Paul said that night.

A lot has happened in our Nation since the last time

SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 14

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is the latest to speak his thoughts on the issues happening for minorities in America.

His statement has created a whirl-wind of opinions across the nation.

14 • MSU Reporter

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Sports

Thursday, September 1, 2016

CONTINUED FROM 13

“‘It is important for athletes to take a stand for what they believe in because they reach an audience that may not normally expose themselves to all current events. Not every person that picks up a sports page or heads to espn.com is going to explore other sections of the news,’ Hoffner said.”

America had football on the television screen. Reflecting that was Colin Kaepernick, who would no longer be standing during the National Anthem.

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way,” Kaepernick said after the game, according to nfl.com.

Athletes speaking out on social issues to controversy is no new ordeal. The late Muhammad Ali was notorious for his outspoken nature on the issues of his era. As recently as 2014, multiple professional teams or athletes wore shirts that said “I Can’t Breathe” in response to Eric Garner’s death. In the same year when members of the NFL’s then St. Louis Rams walked onto the field with hand’s in the air to signify “hands up, don’t shoot” due to Michael Brown’s death.

With the presidential election coming up, social issues are an even hotter topic than usual. It is not likely athletes speaking their minds about the issues is going to slow

down any of the talk. What is important to keep in mind is when these things hit it is not what the athletes are doing, but why are they doing it.

A message is an easy thing to get lost in the shuffle, so next time a team wears a controversial t-shirt to practice or forming a silent protest- look into what events were the catalyst for these things and ask if what these athletes are doing are violating anyone’s rights.

It is important for athletes to take a stand for what they believe in because they reach an audience that may not normally expose themselves to all current events. Not every person that picks up a sports page or heads to espn.com is going to explore other sections of the news.

Athletes stepping into the forefront of controversial topics is going to bring both love and criticism, but the most important thing it brings is more conversation.

A fan doesn’t always have to agree with what is being said or done, but more exposure of important issues and getting people to talk is the goal every time an athlete opens their mouths.

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Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press Basketball star Carmelo Anthony is one of the front-leaders in recognizing the problems within our society, starting a recent movement of athletes speaking out.

Minnesota State University, Mank ato Office of Campus Recreation

Fall 2016 upcoming Intr amur al Sports registr ation deadlines ACTIVITY REGISTRATION DATES ENTRY FEES BEGIN PLAY MANAGER'S MEETING OFFICIAL'S TRAINING *NCAA Football Pick'em (O) Each Friday before 5pm No Charge September 6 -- -2-Person Golf Scramble (M, W, C) August 22-September 6 Green Fees September 9 @ 2pm -- -4-Person Sand Volleyball Tourney (O) August 22-September 6 $30 / team September 11 September 8 -Flag Football (M, W, C) August 22-September 6 $70 / team September 12 September 8 September 6-8 Softball (M, W, C) August 22-September 6 $70 / team September 12 September 8 September 6-8 Team Bowling-Monday nights (O) August 22-September 6 $30/team + Lane Fees September 12 -- -Golf Singles (M, W) August 22-September 6 Green Fees Week of Sept 12 -- -Tennis Singles (M, W) August 22-September 6 No Charge Week of Sept 12 -- -Volleyball (M, W, C) August 22-September 13 $70 / team September 19 September 15 September 13-15 Outdoor 7v7 Soccer (M, W, C) August 22-September 13 $70 / team September 19 September 15 September 13-15 3-on-3 Basketball (M, W, C) September 19-October 4 $40 / team October 10 October 6 -Dodgeball Tourney (O) September 19-October 4 $40 / team October 11 October 6 -Racquetball Singles (M, W) September 19-October 4 No Charge Week of Oct 10 -- -Racquetball Doubles (O) September 19-October 4 No Charge Week of Oct 10 -- -Table Tennis Singles (M, W) September 19-October 4 No Charge Week of Oct 10 -- -9-Ball Pool Singles (O) September 19-October 4 Table Fee Week of Oct 10 -- -501 Dart Singles (O) September 19-October 4 Board Fee Week of Oct 10 -- -Wallyball (O) October 3-October 25 $40 / team October 31 October 27 -CoRec 5-on-5 Basketball (C) October 3-October 25 $70 / team October 31 October 27 October 25-27 *NCAA Football Bowl Pick'em (O) November 28-December 9 No Charge December 12 -- -M = Men's W = Women's C = CoRec O = Open EOS = No advanced entry required, enter on site * = Esprit de Corp Event for All-U

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

MSU FOOTBALL

MSU Reporter • 15

Sports

CONTINUED FROM 13

“Hoffner kept it simple with what he wants to see from his defense on Thursday: ‘Creating turnovers, stopping the run and keeping points off the board is crucial.’”

Photo from Reporter Archives Senior running back Virgil Hammond carries the ball in an earilier contest last season. Hammond will be one of the running backs looking to continue a strong rushing offense for MSU.

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By September 1, 2016 • State of Minnesota law requires sexual assault training for students at all Minnesota colleges and universities.

• At MSU, Mankato, each student is now enrolled in the online Consent & Respect course.

• Each student must complete Consent & Respect

by September 1.

To get started, login to the student portal using your StarID and password at the following link: https://my.mnsu.edu/titleix-sso/.

The training includes education on consent, bystander empowerment, sexual violence, reporting, healthy relationships, and survivors, along with local and national laws and resources.

Questions? Contact: eotitleix@mnsu.edu

if Hammond and the running back core plan to put up big numbers like the 219 yards let up per game by the Beavers last season.

On the opposite side of the ball for the Mavericks is a stingy defense that only allowed an average of 16 points per game last season. The Mavericks will get to work on their coverages and blitz schemes as they play a Minot State team that struggled offensively at times last season.

Hoffner kept it simple with what he wants to see from his defense on Thursday.

“Creating turnovers, stopping the run and keeping points off the board is crucial.” Hoffner said.

Once the defense is able to show Hoffner what he would like to see, continuing their success from last season should not be a problem for the defense. The Minot State offense only threw for 167 yards per game last season; however they did rush for 100 yards per game so stopping the run will have to be a focal point for the defense. If the defense can stop the run and create turnovers at the

same rate as 2015, then keeping the points off the board should not be an issue for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks and Beavers will be facing off September 1st, with Minot State playing as hosts. No. 7 ranked MSU will hope to move up in the rankings after their first matchup. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

16 • MSU Reporter

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Thursday, September 1, 2016