June 06, 2018

The

Minnesota State University Mankato

www.msureporter.com

WEDNESDAY JUNE 6, 2018

Fardousa Jama launches campaign Long-time Mankato resident runs for Mankato City Council

MADISON DIEMERT NEWS EDITOR Fardousa Jama, a Mankato resident and immigrant has just recently launched her campaign to represent Ward 3 on the Mankato City Council. Jama is a SomaliAmerican woman who has lived in Mankato since 1997 and helped positively impact the community in a large number of ways.

According to Jama’s website, Jama founded a non-profit called Somali Community Baarwaqo Organization in Mankato, she has volunteered for many community programs such as Meals on Wheels and Bundle

Me Warm, and she has also organized events such as Breaking the Fast with Your Somali Neighbor. Jama said that with working on programs such as those, she has “had the opportunity to work with Mankato’s business community, neighborhood associations and public safety.

And in my work with Meals on Wheels, Bundle Me Warm and other programs through the Salvation Army, I’ve also been able to work with some of Mankato’s marginalized families.”

Jama, with working so closely with the Mankato community, is a great candidate for representing Ward 3. She is a leader and a great contributor to the community around her. Along with the organizations she helped build and contribute to, she was also named Salvation Army’s volunteer of the year, was honored by the

YCWA as a Young Woman of Distinction, and presented a TEDx talk on Knowing Your Self-worth, according to her website.

“I am running for City Council because I’m passionate about our community and I can help our city continue to thrive and prosper by bringing unique experiences and a fresh perspective to the table of city leadership,” reads Jama’s website. With such an open mind and a knack for leadership, Jama is more than qualified for Mankato’s city Council.

For more information about Fardousa and the election, you can visit her website, fardousa.com, or her Facebook page. And remember, exercise your right to vote when the time comes, and consider Jama to represent Ward 3 on the Mankato City Council.

Photo courtesy of fardousa.com

Rap, hip hop, r&b on the rise and hitting the charts Opinion

AARON YOUNG STAFF WRITER Music has been around since the beginning of time, from the natives clapping on drums and dancing around the campfire to the Beatles all the way to Jackson’s hit, “Thriller”. Soul reigned in the 50s and 60s. Disco had its time in the 70s. Rock was dominant in the 90s and early 2000s along with Pop. However, one genre has taken over America in recent years.

I’m talking about rap, hip

TODAY’S FEATURED STORIES

David Bassey | MSU Reporter

hop, and r&b. Originally hailing from Harlem, rap made its way onto the scene and is thriving more than ever today. Looking at the latest

billboard charts, out of 100 songs, a whopping 52 are rap songs by respective artists, and additional seven feature hip hop artists. That is almost

60 songs, meaning 3 out of 5 songs trending today are rap songs.

Silly rap names aside, (Bhad Bhabie, Lil Baby, Lil

Understanding Islam through Ramadan

Adam Thielen cracks the NFL top 100 list

Book Review: Talking as fast as I can

Page 3

Page 7

Page 10

Dickey, Rich the Kid), the music industry is booming right now and rap songs are “hip” (pun intended).

For every Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, rap counters with Cardi B, Drake, Post Malone, Childish Gambino, and Kendrick Lamar. Heck, even J. Cole found success recently with his latest album KOD. Just look at what the listed artists above have accomplished.

Cardi B became the first female rap artist to notch a #1 hit solo with “Bodak Yellow”. She also became the third artist in billboard history to have her first three singles all in the top 10. Drake, who holds the record for most weeks

CHARTS PAGE 5

Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

News Editor Madison Diemert madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Evacuations near Guatemala volcano set off panic E S C U I N T L A , Guatemala — Frightened

people living near the Volcano of Fire fled with their children and few possessions when fresh flows of super-heated debris were announced, taking no chances after authorities gave them little time to evacuate before a deadly eruption over the weekend.

Traffic came to a standstill on choked roads Tuesday and those without vehicles walked, even in central Escuintla, which was not under an evacuation order.

Businesses shuttered as owners fled, memories still fresh of Sunday’s blast, which left at least 75 people dead and 192 missing, and reduced a once verdant area to a moonscape of ash.

Mirna Priz, who sells tamales and chiles rellenos, wept as she sat on a rock at a crossroads, with a suitcase in front of her and her 11-yearold son, Allen, and their terrier mix Cara Sucia by her side.

“You feel powerless,” she said. “I don’t know where I’m going to go. To leave my things, everything I have.”

But after seeing what happened Sunday, she was afraid to stay.

A column of smoke rose from the mountain Tuesday afternoon and hot volcanic material began descending its south side, prompting new evacuation orders for a half dozen communities and the

Busch, Busch Light or Rolling Rock

closure of a national highway.

The country’s seismology and vulcanology institute said the smoke billowing from the volcano’s top could produce a “curtain” of ash that could reach 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) above sea level, posing a danger to air traffic.

Rescuers using heavy machinery and shovels found the bodies of more victims of an eruption at Guatemala’s Volcano of Fire. Crews also pulled 10 people still alive from the ash drifts and mud flows. (June 4) Rescuers, police and journalists hurried to leave the area as a siren wailed and loudspeakers blared, “Evacuate!”

Among those fleeing was retiree Pantaleon Garcia,

“Traffic came to a standstill on choked roads Tuesday and those without vehicles walked, even in central Escuintla, which was not under an evacuation order.” who was able to load his grandchildren into the back of a pickup with a jug of water and some food. They were heading to the homes of relatives in another town.

“You have to be prepared, for the children,” he said.

When the panic set off by the new evacuations became clear, disaster officials called

That's 60 beers for $25.99

2 for $25.99

Natural Light or Natural Ice 24 Pack • 12 oz. Cans

$9.99

that once it reaches 72 hours after the eruption, there will be little chance of finding anyone alive.

At a roadblock, Joel Gonzalez complained that police wouldn’t let him through to see his family’s house in the village of San Juan Alotenango, where his 76-year-old father lay buried

Jimmy John’s to add new items to menu MADISON DIEMERT NEWS EDITOR Just recently Jimmy John’s has launched an exciting new ad campaign. Jimmy John’s is better and freakier than ever with their “freaking fast” sandwich-making and their commitment to keeping their sandwiches fresh and healthy.

Jimmy John’s never uses bread for their sandwiches that is over 4 hours old; now that’s freaky fresh! Their bread is constantly made fresh to maintain the amazing flavor of the world famous sandwiches. They also only use meats that have no added hormones, artificial ingredients, or preservatives of any kind. Jimmy John’s veggies are also fresh every day and sliced to perfection.

In fact, their lettuce is cut into exactly 3/32 of an inch.

Their chips are also pretty

healthy, containing only three ingredients: potatoes, peanut oil, and salt. This keeps them low in fat and still tasty.

And if all this information still doesn’t please you, listen to this: Jimmy John’s is releasing three new items on their menu. This includes a new Kickin’ Ranch sauce, which is made in-store by hand with buttermilk and pureed hot cherry peppers, a sixteen-inch giant sandwich, and if you loved Jimmy John’s famous pickles, you can now add them to any sandwich you want- for free.

Still not satisfied? Well, did you know that Jimmy John’s employees take 6 hours to prepare everything, just so you can have a sandwich in about thirty seconds? Now that’s what I call freaky fast.

With all this new stuff happening, it’s hard to resist stopping by at Jimmy John’s to grab a freaky fast, meal.

Busch Light $13.99

$13.99

30 Pack • 12 oz. Cans

in many places for rescue crews to search for bodies or — increasingly unlikely with each passing day — survivors.

Lilian Hernandez wept as she spoke the names of aunts, uncles, cousins, her grandmother and two greatgrandchildren — 36 family members in all — missing and presumed dead in the

volcano’s explosion.

“My cousins Ingrid, Yomira, Paola, Jennifer, Michael, Andrea and Silvia, who was just 2 years old,” the woman said — a litany that brought into sharp relief the scope of a disaster for which the final death toll is far from clear.

A spokesman for Guatemala’s firefighters, said

24 Pack • 12 oz. Bottles

24 Pack • 12 oz. Cans

Hamm's & Red Dog

for calm.

In the community of Magnolia, which was under the new evacuation order, residents fled carrying bundles, bags of clothing and even small dogs in their arms.

Many walked along the side of the highway because vehicular traffic had stalled on the only road out.

By Tuesday the images of Sunday’s destruction were familiar to everyone. What was once a collection of green canyons, hillsides and farms was reduced to grey devastation by fast-moving avalanches of super-heated muck that roared into the tightly knit villages on the mountain’s flanks.

Two days after the eruption, the terrain was still too hot

Keystone Light

24 Pack • 12 oz. Cans That's 60 beers for $25.99

2 for $25.99

Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy $22.99 24 Pack 12 oz.

Bottles

LIBRARY SERVICES

SUMMER HOURS May 21st - July 27th Monday - Thursday ................. 7:30am - 7:00pm Friday ......................................... 7:30am - 4:30pm Saturday ................................. 10:00am - 5:00pm CLOSED SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS (May 26th, 28th & July 4th)

Offer valid until 6/9/18

http://lib.mnsu.edu

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Understanding Islam through a Ramadan experience Opinion ASAKA SHIMIZU STAFF WRITER What do you imagine if you hear about Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim year. In the Islamic calendar, they use the calendar which is based on the cycles of the moon.

During Ramadan, Muslim people must fast, (no drinks and no food), restrict from having pleasures, and pray in order to get closer to God, which is Allah, from sunrise to sunset. Furthermore, they must refrain from smoking, consuming medications, having sexual activities, gossiping, fighting and lying.

It is considered as the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture. This is also the time for families or friends to stay and celebrate together.

There are five pillars in Islam and fasting during Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Based on these pillars, Muslims practice their religion. There are five Pillars of Islam: 1) Shahada: Faith in the

Islam religion 2) Salat: Pray five times every day, facing the direction of Mecca 3) Zakat: Give support to the needy 4) Sawm: Fast during Ramadan 5) Haji: Visit Mecca at least once during one’s life One of my friends, who is from Saudi Arabia, told me that Ramadan is not only about food or drink, but also it is for us to feel for people who suffer from hunger. By fasting for a certain time, we are able to be aware of poor people who cannot eat and drink as easily as we do. This fact made me to want to try Ramadan, even though I am not Muslim.

I have had different thoughts toward the Muslim religion and Ramadan before I heard this. I started fasting with my friends on May 17th.

Before I started fasting, I was very nervous and I didn’t know whether or not I could resist the temptation to eat or drink. On the first day, we started to eat around midnight and around 3 a.m. so that we will not be hungry during daytime. I just stayed home and spent time like

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

normal days. I thought I was going to feel hunger or thirst, however, it was not as hard as I expected. But I am sure that I would have been thirsty if I had had to work or do sports during the daytime.

Since that day, when the sun was gone, we broke fasting and we started eating and drinking. We were allowed to eat and drink, (even to smoke), from that time until

around 3:30 a.m. The specific time changes every single day due to the sunset and sunrise.

As I mentioned before, people stay and celebrate together and my neighborhood has been cooking and celebrating with his friends together, and he sometimes shares his food with me. I also heard that during Ramadan, Mosque

provides free food for anyone who needs it and suffers from hunger.

It has been more than 2 weeks since I started fasting, but I think it is not that hard.

And I am sure that I am going to be able to continue this until May 15th. I believe that it is a good opportunity to experience a new thing even though you are not involved in the religion.

SUMMER PARKING PARK FREE IN:

GREEN PERMIT STALLS:

Lot 1, Lot 2 Green Stalls, and Lot 16 Green Stalls (Performing Arts) * Lot 16 Green Permit Stalls (400 spaces) except when new student & transfer orientation events are held which take up 250 stalls. When unrestricted spaces are full, "free parkers" are directed to Lot 20 to park)

PURPLE & ORANGE PERMIT AREAS & FREE LOT 23

SUMMER GOLD PERMITS: On sale for $64 in the following lots: Lot 2 Gold, Ellis Ave. Curbside, Lot 7, South & West Roads Curbside (aka Rugby Gold), and McElroy Curbside Gold.

Approval needed, email: david.cowan@mnsu.edu

ENFORCED STALLS: Gold permit areas, handicap stalls, meters, facilities management, vendor stalls & delivery stalls.

GOLD PERMIT STALLS ENFORCED WHEN CLASSES ARE IN SESSION Gold permit holders have limited restrictions and can park in any Gold Permit area with more than 50 stalls, including: Lot 4a Gold, Lot 7, Lot 11, Lot 11a, Lot 16 Gold, Lot 17 Gold and Lot 2 Gold.

Gold permit holders should NOT use the Visitor's Paylot unless their regular Gold Lot is full.

OVERNIGHT PARKING IS NOT ALLOWED IN: THE FREE LOT (LOT 23), ORANGE PERMIT LOTS, PURPLE, GOLD, ON-STREET PARKING AND THE VISITORS' PAYLOT

4 • MSU Reporter

Wednesday, June 6, 2018 EMAIL THE EDITOR IN CHIEF:

Summer jobs cure boredom and make you feel productive Why a summer job is actually a blessing in disguise for college students

Opinion

DAVID BASSEY

david.bassey@mnsu.edu OR AT reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

SUMMER FALL 2015 2018 EDITOR IN IN CHIEF: CHIEF: EDITOR David Bassey .......................389-5454 Rae Frame ............................389-5454

MADISON DIEMERT NEWS EDITOR Summer jobs. They’re a pain in our butts but also a blessing in disguise. A really really good disguise.

Summer jobs do take away from the relaxation and restoration that all of us college students need, but what would we do without our summer jobs?

Currently I work at a dying Herberger’s in Mankato and most of the time, I hate going into work. I dread it the entire day before and the few hours before I head in. Sometimes I even contemplate faking sick and calling in just so I don’t have to get dressed because pajamas are so much better than pants.

But then I sit and think- if I wasn’t standing around in Herberger’s waiting for the few customers to come yell at me or leaving my post to sit in the back shoe stock with my coworkers, what would I really be doing? I know exactly what I’d be doing. I’d be sitting in my boyfriend’s bed listening to him play guitar and re-watching Parks and Rec for the hundredth

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

time because I solely love Ron Swanson. And while that usually isn’t such a bad way to spend a day or two, I could never spend a whole summer like that.

I think as human-beings we need to have at least a

I’m supposed to because my managers couldn’t care less.

And that’s another thing.

Even though these jobs may suck most of the time, we get paid, and God knows college students need money. This money can fund

“Summer is a lot more fun when you have money to spend and actually get out of your bed to do something.”

little productivity in our life, otherwise we go crazy. At least, I know I do. And hey, at least I’m getting paid ten dollars an hour to waste my life away in the Men’s Department and taking longer breaks than

Pulse

our education, pay for our gas, our coffee addiction, and when we just want Chipotle twice in one week.

So you’d have to say having a summer job is pretty okay. Especially if you get to

choose your availability and work as much as you want or don’t want. You get paid for doing minimal work and not feeling like you’re wasting your life away on the couch while watching the Office for the third time.

Plus, if you work, you’ll usually get out of bed before noon and your sleeping schedule won’t be a total mess. Unless you still don’t go to bed early, then in that case you’re probably me.

Summer is a lot more fun when you have money to spend and actually get out of your bed to do something.

Even if it is to check out a total of four people in a sixhour shift because your store is failing or sitting around during a night shift at a gas station just waiting for it to be morning.

“Do you have a summer job?”

NEWS EDITOR: EDITOR: NEWS Madison Diemert ..................389-5450 Nicole Schmidt ......................389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: SPORTS EDITOR: Kevin Korbel .......................................

Luke Lonien ...........................389-5227 A&E EDITOR: Lucas Torborg .....................................

VARIETY EDITOR: Matthew Eberline .................. 389-5157 ADVERTISING SALES: Travis Meyer ........................389-5097 ADVERTISING SALES: Kaylene Kruse.......................389-5097 ...................... 389-6765 Mac Boehmer Brandon Poliszuk ...................389-5453 BUSINESS MANAGER: Josh Crew .............................389-5451 Jane Tastad ..........................

389-1926 Jacob Wyffels ....................... 389-6765 AD. DESIGN/PRODUCTION BUSINESS MANAGER: MGR.: Jane 389-1926 DanaTastad Clark........................... .......................... 389-2793 AD. DESIGN/PROD. MGR.: Dana Clark ........................... 389-2793

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 David Rae Bassey Frame at at507-389-5454.

507-389-5454.The TheReporter Reporterwill 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 David Bassey

FATOUMATTA NIJE, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

MANSOOR AHMAD, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ALIMATOU BAH, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

SAMUEL OLUWADOROMI, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

OLUWASEYITAN PRAISE, COMPUTER ENGINEERING

“Yes, I have one”

“Yessir!”

“I wish I had one, but sadly no”

“Yes.”

“Nope, But I would love to have one ASAP”

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

News

CHARTS

Continued from page 1 consecutively on the charts with 431 (8 years), set a new one. He is the only artist to replace himself with backto-back debuting singles.

The first was “God’s Plan” which reigned for 10 weeks before “Nice for What” was released.

Kendrick Lamar and Post Malone are rappers on the rise and thriving in the spotlight. Lamar has 12 Grammys and his came away with the 2018 album of the year, DAMN! Malone’s “Rockstar” shattered the record for most weeks at #1 on Spotify as it was streaming on top for 17 weeks. J. Cole even returned with a bang, debuting four singles in the top 10, again something that no one has ever done before.

Lastly, Childish Gambino literally shot his way up the ranks with his eye-opening song and video, “This is America.” All the memes and public manipulation aside, Gambino’s video highlighted important issues happening in America today: police brutality, gun violence, and racial profiling. Never has an artist, let alone comedian, put on a political display and had such a huge impact. His hit debuted at #1 and has stayed in the top 5 since.

With how dominant the genre has been, it’s difficult to see it’s reign coming to an

• 1 & 2 BR Apartments starting at $645 • 4 & 5 BR Townhomes starting at $425/room • Within walking distance of campus

end anytime soon. Popular music will always have its place on the charts, that’s a given. Country never goes away completely either, as it has the diehards and loyal fans. Latin music has been in the spotlight recently also, with “Despacito” and “Mi Gente” being a few hits.

In particular Justin Beiber’s remix of the former ties the all-time record for most weeks at #1 with 16 weeks, sharing that coveted spot with artists Mariah Carey and Boyz to Men’s “One Sweet Day”. But rock continues to fade into oblivion as only one song exists on the hot 100.

Time will tell where, when, and who the next group, song, or genre comes from underneath to take its spot.

Maybe the KPOP band, BTS, can make some magic happen, although it’s highly doubtful. Although, their hit “Fake Love” debuted at #10, making them the first KPOP band to hit the top 10 in Billboard history. Just keep your eyes and ears open for what’s hot in the next few months or years. My friend tells me rock will make its comeback, though, so I guess that means you’ll be rocking out in no time soon.

• Quiet neighborhood • On-site management and maintenance • Pet Friendly - dogs and cats welcome • Free Cable & Internet

MSU Reporter • 5

Arrogance in face of desperation at DFL convention Opinion

BILL HAMM STAFF WRITER Erin Murphy wins the kiss of death at the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor convention, leading us down the road to defeat with her rabid anti-gun Lieutenant Governor choice. Otto, with her anti-mining and pro RVC (ranked choice voting), stance was soundly defeated and sent home. Walz bows out and takes his bid to the people’s court, the primary while Lori Swanson joins Congressman Rick Nolan to make it a three-way race. But what does it all mean for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party?

What it means for the DFL is a struggle to make any gains in this off-year election.

They have desperately revived draconian rules from the age of machine politics, demanding that all delegates and county central committee members must back the endorsed candidates. This

sparked the resignation of over twenty county leaders by the end of the convention, a mass exodus that clearly shows the desperation of the anti-gun and anti-mining efforts to maintain control.

Many of us, this writer included, have desperately been trying to back these radicals down so we can lead with the issues we all agree on, but to no avail. Even though Minnesota is statistically the second safest state in the nation when it comes to gun violence because of our use of local law enforcement to authorize conceal and carry, many in the DFL continue to attack law abiding gun owners and sportspersons.

And even though we have been mining sulfate ores in Northern Minnesota for over 100 years with zero negative affects to the environment, this group will not allow the PCA to even hear the case for jobs so desperately needed by our citizens.

What this means is that we will not unite on healthcare, nor will we unite on quality education and affordable tuition, nor will we cooperate on eldercare and abuse. We will not work together to end the racist abuse of cannabis laws and support legalization, we have refused to recognize

Minnesota’s place as the second most racist state in the Nation, and we have again failed to recognize racism in Minnesota by including the words racism or police violence anywhere in our platform. This, while poverty and racism, kill many times more people in Minnesota than gun violence or pollution from mining combined.

While contemplating whether I will commit open acts of defiance against this party, or weather I will simply resign from the effort until after the primary, this battle for hearts and minds will go desperately on. While sorely failing the needs of so many of our working class and poor neighbors who have nowhere else to turn, the party elite demand compliance in true neo-liberal fashion undermining hope of unity.

But just so this article can end on a positive note, the clicker system that the MSSA and LEAD students at MNSU have been using to vote the last couple years was the shinning case for party unity at this year’s DFL state convention. It is going to be a long summer folks, try to stay cool and enjoy the show.

RENTALS AVAILABLE!

FIND US ON FACEBOOK! facebook.com/huntingtonhillsapartments/

744 James Avenue • Mankato, MN 56001

(507) 387-3771 Email: huntington@nationwidehsg.com

Need to scrap your vehicle?

(2) 4 BEDROOMS

$$ CALL US $$ H Used parts, cars, trucks H Purchasing all

grades of metal H Now Accepting Appliances H Top Dollar Paid H Online Parts Search

River Center Properties 507-345-8800 RiverCenterProperties@yahoo.com

6 • MSU Reporter

News

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Feature Photos: 2018 raw FUSION fashion show & PULSE concert

TOP (L &R) - Models hit the runway with costumes highlighting candy theme and local businesses, May 11 BOTTOM (L) - Hillsong Young & Free singer performs at Pulse Twin Cities at US Bank Stadium, May 18 BOTTOM (R) - MNSU Alumnus , Jovi poses with Jabbawockeez, May 18

David Bassey | MSU Reporter

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

MSU Reporter • 7 Have a story idea or a comment?

Minnesota State University, Mankato

EMAIL

Sports Editor Kevin Korbel

kevin.korbel@mnsu.edu

Adam Thielen cracks the NFL Top 100 List Former MSU wide receiver makes the list after having a standout season for the Minnesota Vikings

KEVIN KORBEL SPORTS EDITOR If you followed the Minnesota Vikings this season, you may have already heard the same narrative more than once before. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, a former MSU Maverick football star, and who also became the Vikings’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2009 this past season, made his NFL Network Top 100 debut at #36 this season.

We’ve all heard the Adam Thielen story a bunch of times, but it still never gets old. Signing following a tryout with the Vikings after going undrafted, Thielen slowly worked his way up the ladder with the purple. Starting out on the practice squad, he clawed his way up to a role on special teams, and eventually into a role in the offense.

After coming up just short

MSU Reporter Archives

of the 1,000-yard mark in 2016, Thielen made sure he got past it this season. He had 1,276 yards on 91 catches with five touchdowns on

the season, becoming the first Viking since Sidney Rice to eclipse that plateau.

As the Vikings head into the 2018 season, Thielen is without question now is an

important focal point on an offense that’s loaded with talent. The combination of him and Diggs will be an important part of the team’s success heading into next season,

especially with a new quarterback at the helm again for the men in purple.

Thielen is the sixth member of the Vikings to make this year’s list, joining the following teammates: Harrison Smith (#46), Case Keenum (#51), Xavier Rhodes (#55), Stefon Diggs (#65), and Linval Joseph (#83).

The Vikings’ new quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who played for the Washington Redskins earlier this season, also made the Top 100 list at #94.

It’s still unknown how many more members of the Vikings are going to make this year’s list, but it’s expected that the team will have a couple more players appear on this list before the list is done.

With six players on the team appearing on the list already, the Vikings currently lead the league in most people on the list.

With Thielen finally carving a role into the offensive scheme this season, Thielen will be motivated more than ever to help win this team future ballgames.

Congratulations to Adam Thielen on being, at least to this point, the highest-rated member of the Vikings on this year’s NFL Network Top 100!

8 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

LeBron James, gate-keeper to next off-season With the season almost drawing to a close, LeBron and the Cavs will have a lot to talk about this summer

AARON YOUNG STAFF WRITER In the NBA, some things never change. However, this year, for the first time in major pro sports history, the same two teams will meet in the fourth consecutive finals. The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers face off in chapter four of their finals saga.

The greatest team in the NBA’s modern era versus the greatest player on the earth, LeBron James, in what might be LeBron’s best work as a player taking a team to the finals. While LeBron has done this, the Cavs have had their struggles as they find themselves having to overcome tumultuous odds as they face the Warriors tonight trailing 2-0 in the series.

For LeBron, he could have the power to alter the NBA landscape again. After leaving for South Beach eight years ago to capture gold, it is heavily rumored that the best player in the NBA today will decide to test the market this summer.

Personally, I think he will stay in Cleveland. It’s his hometown and what better way to walk off into the sunset than where you began?

Also, maybe his mindset for capturing gold has changed after this year, and he might want to stay put where he is,

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

safe and sound.

Who am I kidding, of course he is going to have his eyes on the prize, right? After all, at the age of 33, the man has given everything to Cleveland, including the cities first championship in over 30 years. With that being said, what exactly did the Cavaliers do for him in return?

Maybe it is time for the man to move onto greener pastures. He has been outspoken about where he is looking at: Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers among the favorites.

Jalen Rose said on the Dan Patrick Show that Lebron James should seek out Houston, where he would join Chris Paul and James Harden: “…

Knowing his friendship with Chris Paul – they’re godfathers to each other’s kids and what not – I would think that would probably be the place I would go if all things being equal. If I was leaving Cleveland.” Just the thought of him being with his fellow banana boat buddy and the potential MVP makes me shiver.

Or maybe James wants to go to Philly and be a mentor to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Lebron stays in the Eastern Conference, which is the safest bet if you ask me, and continues to dominate the league. Then there is the LA Lakers, where he resides in, and could team with upand-coming star Lonzo Ball.

Maybe another superstar could join them too.

Paul George, member of the OKC Thunder, has been blunt in his wishes to move to LA After an early exit against Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz, George could be flying his way to LA for good.

His situation isn’t as shaky as Kawhi Leonard’s though, who didn’t play the whole season after getting injured by Zaza Pachulia in last years playoffs.

First, he doesn’t want to be with them, then he tells his teammates he wants to stay.

Who knows what will happen there, although rumors have surfaced of a possible trade with our very own Timberwolves.

The trade would more than likely have to involve Andrew Wiggins, upon others, in order to discuss trading Kawhi.

The Timberwolves ended their playoff drought with the talent of Butler, Towns, and Wiggins.

However, rumors have it that the internal state of the organization is shaken up, but the Wolves have made one thing clear, they aren’t trading KAT. Which is a relief because the man is bound for stardom.

After a bizarre firing on Dwayne Casey, who was voted the NBPA Coach of the year, this offseason could prove wilder than last years, which was a roller coaster no doubt. Stay on your toes people, because the NBA could be getting a makeover real soon, as if LBJ has something to say about it.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Sports

MSU Reporter • 9

Talk about political football

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s cancellation of the Philadelphia Eagles’ visit to the White House (all times local): 5:30 p.m.

Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins says NFL players who have been speaking out politically are fighting for racial and social equality, not disparaging the national anthem.

Jenkins issued a lengthy statement on Twitter on Tuesday after the White House disinvited the Eagles from an event originally intended to honor the Super Bowl champions. President Donald Trump has framed the decision around the national anthem and his repeated arguments that NFL players should be required to stand on the field when the song is played before games.

Jenkins says the White House made a decision “to lie, and paint the picture that these players are anti-America, anti-flag and anti-military.”

He says he will “continue to fight for impacted citizens and give a voice to those who never had one.”

3:20 p.m.

President Donald Trump has held a “patriotism” event at the White House in lieu of a Super Bowl celebration for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles that he canceled.

The president said Tuesday on the South Lawn that

Photo courtesy of Associated Press

it’s time to “explain why young Americans stand for our national anthem.”

Trump sang along to “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” during a brief ceremony that included the U.S. Marine Band and the U.S. Army chorus.

Trump did not mention the Eagles. He accused players of abandoning their fans because many had said they wouldn’t show up. Late Monday, he canceled the event because of the anticipated low turnout.

The president says that the nation needs to remember the “fallen heroes” and that the country stands together

“for freedom, we stand together for patriotism.”

2:55 p.m.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says it was the Philadelphia Eagles, not President Donald Trump, “who changed their commitment at the last minute” to a White House Super Bowl celebration. Trump had been prepared to host the Eagles Tuesday, but announced Monday he was canceling the event.

Earlier, the White House said that the team notified the White House last week that 81 people, including players, coaches and managers would be attending. But

late Friday, the team tried to reschedule, proposing a time when Trump would be overseas.

In the end, Sanders says the Eagles offered to send “only a tiny handful of representatives” to the event, “while making clear that the great majority of players would not attend.”

She says, “if this wasn’t a political stunt by the Eagles franchise, then they wouldn’t have planned to attend the event and then backed out at the last minute.”

12:10 p.m.

The White House is blaming the Philadelphia Eagles for President Donald Trump’s

decision to cancel a planned White House event celebrating the team’s Super Bowl championship.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the team last Thursday notified the White House that 81 individuals, including players, coaches and managers would be attending.

In the end, she says the Eagles offered to send “only a tiny handful of representatives” to the event, “while making clear that the great majority of players would not attend.”

She says, “In other words, the vast majority of the Eagles team decided to aban-

RESERVE YOUR APARTMENT TODAY!!

Rent as low as $340 per person!

• Fast, FREE application processing • Located on the MSU bus route • FREE wireless internet and cable TV HURRY! Sign for a 5 bedroom within 24 hours and each tenant will receive a $300 check in your name.

Checks distributed in September.

Find us online at: www.collegestationmankato.com Set up a tour and find out how you can earn a $300 CHECK!!!

CALL TODAY: 507-345-3342 • HOURS: M-F, 10am-5pm

WALK-INS ALSO WELCOME ANYTIME! 1341 Pohl Road, Mankato Email: collegestation@temillerdevelopment.com

10 • MSU Reporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

A&E

Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

A&E Editor Lucas Torborg

lucas.torborg@mnsu.edu

Star Wars ‘Solo’ - a fun, but unnecessary prequel Disney tells the origin story of the iconic Han Solo

LUCAS TORBORG A&E EDITOR

Disney once again released another Star Wars film. Solo is now the 10th theatrical film to be released in the Star Wars universe. However, this story has nothing to do about the force or the traditional story between the light side and the dark side. Instead it focusses on the baddest scoundrel of all the galaxy, Han Solo.

The newest Star Wars film “Solo” has been getting a large amount of negative publicity from the production of the film that was plagued by nu-

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

merous problems to its disappointing box office weekend.

However; despite all

these problems is Solo still a good movie?

“Solo” was technically directed by three people.

The original directors, duo Chris Miller and Phil Lord were fired halfway through production due to creative

differences.

Acclaimed director Ron Howard took over directorial duties and is the credited director of the film.The story consists of a young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) who lives on the industrious planet Corellia. The planet is made up of slums and orphaned children who will do anything to survive.

Han and his girlfriend Qi’ra (Emilia Clark) finally make plans to illegally leave the planet in search of a better life. Han sneaks onto a ship leaving the planet, but Qi’ra is captured by gang member who were chasing both Han and Qi. Three years later Han

SOLO PAGE 11

Book Review: Talking as Fast as I Can Lauren Graham reveals authenticity in her hew autobiography

RACHEAL JAEGER STAFF WRITER

If you enjoyed the witty and charming Lorelei Gilmore from the show Gilmore Girls, you will appreciate becoming more acquainted with her in her—that is, Lauren Graham’s— autobiography, Talking as Fast as I Can. I also highly recommend checking out the audiobook version versus the book version since you can really hear her personality come through, especially as she rambles about her experiences in climbing the ladder to achieving the stars as an actress and most recently, a writer.

At the beginning of her introduction, Graham mentions being born in Japan and later her parents who divorced several years later. She called

her dad and asked about the reason why they lived in houseboat for a while which adds to the humor while you’re listening to her. She zoned out her dad like she would Emily (Kelly Bishop) who played her mom in Gilmore Girls.

Like father, like daughter, both have a way of talking so fast that they don’t realize they have gone on rabbit trails of stories until he gave her the response to her original question.

College is when Graham first got into acting and she admits her studies usually fell behind when she was involved with theatrical plays. But that wasn’t her only obstacle she encountered. She also shared her embarrassing experience of auditioning for The Barn and the summer season. Graham focused her energy in

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

impressing the audience that when they expressed amusement, she believed they loved what she was doing, so she enhanced her dramatic performance and ended on a high note.

When she finished, the music director brought to her attention that while she had a good voice,

the song was not about a fish but had more serious subject matter. The equity company that put on the auditions still gave Graham a chance, and Graham learned from that experience to pay more attention to content foremost.

Graham also shared

about learning her comfort level in showing her skin— literally. In another lesson of the acting life, she had to show her bare butt to the director of a show which called for nudity.

GRAHAM PAGE 11

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

A&E

MSU Reporter • 11

GRAHAM Continued from page 10 Afterwards she learned as she reflected on that experience, to listen to her instincts and to be choosy about what movies or plays she wanted to be a part of but knew that they didn’t fit for how she wanted to portray herself.

In short, she learned that every person who acts has a place and a role in certain forms of entertainment and not to be afraid to speak up. Confidence carries a person far and can be applied to any part of life as they seek to discover their place and learn when or how to say no.

In the middle of Graham’s busyness in getting into acting, heads turned the older she became because she was not dating

anybody or hadn’t found a family like other celebrities. She commented on the awkwardness she felt when media would ask her about her love-life and ultimately, she would say she was just dating but would never mention anyone specific. It reminded me of the time in Gilmore Girls when Lorelei broke up with her daughter Rory’s teacher, Max Medina.

There are so many parallels between Graham and Lorelei that what I realized what attracts me to her is her authenticity and she doesn’t change who she is with her character and that is why her acting is so natural.

In short, I love how Lauren Graham appears

to be no one other than herself in Talking as Fast as I Can, and it is how she encourages confidence in an individual to know who they are and in their bodies as a person attempts to diet. Her snarky attitude expands when she notes how every diet book is practically the same, except the content of what the book tells you what you should eat. Her personal observations in her career in the way she narrates connect with you as a listener and you believe she is a good friend -and who knows, maybe someday she will be.

Reporter Rating

5 5

Book Excerpt: Covenant Wealth by David Oyedepo ...That is the windows of heaven. It brings rain, and that rain is the spirit of wisdom and power. It will help you to be productive all the days of your life...

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10 Let me explain what these windows stand for.

The first reference to “windows of heaven” in the Bible is recorded in Genesis 7:11. When the windows

of heaven were opened, it rained and flooded the whole earth in the days of Noah.

When the windows of heaven opens, rain pours out. The windows don’t drop vehicles or houses; they are outlets for rain.

God said, “Prove me now herewith, if I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out rain.”

What then is the significance of rain?

Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Zechariah 10:1 In Joel 2:23-26, the Bible

entertaining layered portrayal of Han Solo.

The cast is the main component that keeps this film together. Everyone has great chemistry together especially Ehrenreich and Glover.

The style of the film I thought was also a standout. It was very refreshing to see a movie in the Star Wars universe that doesn’t feel like the traditional

Star Wars film. In its core Solo is a light-hearted heist movie.

The best thing I can say about the film is that although it is rather forgettable I had a lot of fun while I was watching. I recommend seeing this one, but not in the theatre.

SOLO Continued from page 10 is serving the empire as a soldier. During one particular battle Han meets a gang of robbers disguised as soldiers. Han joins the robbers in a dangerous heist mission that will give him enough money to get a ship and to rescue Qi. Along this journey Han meets his future best friend Chewbacca as well as his friend/ enemy Lando Calrissian (Donald

Glover).

Solo overall is a mixed bag. Some parts are great and wildly entertaining while other parts feel slow and dragged on. However; the biggest downside of the movie is that it just feels unnecessary, making it seem as if the only purpose for this movie was to make money.

Looking back at the movie it is honestly for-

51646 US Hwy. 169 North Mankato, MN 507-388-2953

gettable, there is no particular scene or line that is memorable. This ultimately could be due to the fact that there are no stakes to the film since it is prequel.

Although the movie is nothing special there are some highlights. Alden Ehrenreich’s performance as Han Solo at first was a little irritating, but after a while grew on me quite a bit and overall was a very

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Breakfast Served Any Time Banquet/Meeting Room

Happy Chef Family Restaurant

25% OFF BILL with MavCard Text HCHEF to 51660 for exclusive deals!

Reporter Rating

3 5

The Maverick fun starts here

PURPLE & GOLD SUMMER

VIP COUPON REUSABLE COUPON

10% OFF All Your Favorite Liquors & Wines WITH COUPON

EXPIRES 8/18/18

625-KEGS

340 STADIUM ROAD, SUITE 200• MANKATO, MN

12 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

OMG, I LOVE THIS MOVIE! “Steel Magnolias” Highland Summer Theatre shows no sign of slowing down with 1980s classic DENA SCHEDIVY STAFF WRITER

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels closed in the Ted Paul Theatre on June 2, but Highland Summer Theatre does not slow down.

Steel Magnolias will open in the Andreas Theatre on Wednesday, June 13.

Based on the 1989 movie starring Dolly Parton, Steel Magnolias takes place in a beauty salon in rural Louisiana where we meet the characters and watch them experience their endeavors.

Steel Magnolias will be directed by Benji Inniger, who had much to say when asked what he was most excited for.

“For me personally, directing a summer show in this crazy, accelerated schedule is very exciting” he said. “I’ve directed plays before, but never so fast that you close the show less than two weeks

Photo courtesy of the MSU Theatre Department

after first rehearsal. It’s exhilarating! I also feel as though I have a tremendously strong cast. I haven’t been able to work with any of them in this capacity before, so I’m looking forward to getting to know them and seeing the amazing stuff they will bring to the table.”

Although the interview was conducted during the

pre-rehearsal process, Inniger had a few comments about working with a cast that is so small.

“I certainly like [working with a small cast].” He said.

“It gives us a small chance to get to know one another and to hopefully get to know the personalities of the actor and the character a little better. Communication is also a little easier

with a more concentrated group of people.”

There is a lot that goes into putting a show together. Although audiences only see the product on the stage, Inniger talked about what goes on behind the scenes.

“Working with the design team had been sort of different from the past because I’m also the set

and sound designer. That’s good in a way because I spend less time arguing with myself but obviously, there is the potential to have a less collaborative product.

However, I’ve worked with the lighting designer, Steve Smith, several times and I think he is always brilliant. The costume designer, Scott Anderson, the technical director, Dalen O’Connell, and the management team are all new to me, but so far everyone has had great ideas and has been wonderfully supportive.”

Luckily, Inniger has a good team to work with but in such small-time frames, stress cannot be avoided.

When questioned about stress management for this show, he had more to add.

ARTICLE CONTINUED ONLINE AT msureporter. com