North Texas Daily 5/17/2018

UNT program resolved more than 15,000 missing persons cases NEWS: PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

VOL. 113 No. 1

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UNT holds funeral for veteran, custodian

By Devin Rardin @DevinRardin

SEE FOUND ON PAGE 3

Native America Student Association members (from left to right) Ruth Thunderhawk, Emilia Gaston, Inti Huaman, Naomi Niyah, Jared Sandal and Casey Reed. Will Baldwin

Reconnecting native disconnect

Native American Student Association revives pride

By Amy Roh @rohmyboat On Tuesday nights, members of the Native American Student Association trickle into a small, dingy classroom in the language building. Only six people with their own unique experiences and backgrounds have gathered to revive the Native American Student Association both for the UNT community and for themselves.

Emilia Gaston is the president of the Native American Student Association, one of the main members who has been pushing to bring back the organization that naturally became stagnant after a year. Native American Student Association was founded in 2016 and was active for a full calendar year, but Gaston said when the seniors graduated, the group dissipated.

“We’re getting back up and running now, and it has

“

One of my main issues was lack of representation because it felt like for a while I didn’t know anyone else who [belonged to] my culture.

“

Two family members of a deceased graduate student and custodian were found after a nearly yearlong search by UNT officials, the UNT police department and UNT facilities, according to UNT spokesperson Leigh Anne Gullett.

UNT held a public funeral at the Dallas Fort Worth Margaret King National Cemetery on Wednesday for Margaret King who died at age 67 last year.

King’s niece flew in from Atlanta to attend the funeral and her half-sister flew in from California but did not make it in time for the service.

“I am really proud of the university for doing right by her and making sure she had a proper burial,” Gullett said. “[The university] went the extra mile in trying to find her family and find people to be [at the funeral].”

King, a Haltom City resident, was found unconscious at Lot 26 near Bain Hall on Sept. 14, 2017.

She was taken to Texas Health Resources Denton where she was pronounced dead, according to initial reports from the North Texas Daily.

Medical examiners told the Denton Record-Chronicle King died of natural causes. UNT officials hoped sharing her name would notify friends or family of her passing.

The police contacted the facilities custodial manager and King’s former supervisor, David Barkenhagan, and found she had no emergency contacts. Her body went to the Fort Worth medical examiner, and coroners could not find any next of kin.

Barkenhagan talked to other employees where she worked at the Physical Education Building.

Everyone said she was a friendly

- Native American Student Association member Ruth Thunderhawk

taken us a full year even to get people to come to the meetings,” Gaston said. “It’s about people finding us and people knowing that we’re here because that’s how it was for me in the greater Dallas community.”

The members come from different experiences and are descendants of various tribes, like the Comanche, Northern Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux and Navajo tribes.

Many of them said they grew up learning about the culture and having some experience with the reservation but did not have direct and consistent contact.

“I grew up knowing that I was Native American but, not having any connection to that culture like many other predominantly non-Native people, our heritage is a few generations removed,” Gaston said. “I grew up going to powwows and observing culture but not having a direct connection to that community.”

SEE HERITAGE ON PAGE 4

UNT proclaimed a Purple Heart school

By Devin Rardin @DevinRardin The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) proclaimed UNT a Purple Heart University for its support of the combat wounded and veterans during a ceremony May 3 in the University Union.

“This is a good university, and it has been really good to the veteran population here,” Director of Student Veteran’s Services James Davenport said.

“I am proud of what we do here.”

The MOPH is a veteran’s organization comprised of individuals who have received the Purple Heart, awarded to those who are wounded or killed in service. The Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the organization recognized UNT for its service to veterans.

“The Purple Heart is not something someone goes into the military wanting to get, but they end up earning it because they have made the commitment to serve,” said William Dwiggins, veteran’s educational coordinator for the North Texas district of the Texas Veterans Commission.

The process for becoming a Purple Heart institution is based

on the number of Purple Heart recipients in the faculty and staff, student and alumni populations.

UNT will join other Purple Heart organizations such as UNT Dallas, UNT Health Science Center, Texas A&M University and Liberty University.

Davenport said that between 2,400 and 3,400 veterans attend UNT every semester, and UNT brings in employers to help them when they graduate and holds a separate graduation ceremony to honor veterans.

Davenport also personally gives veterans tours of the university.

“It’s a big honor because evidently, in [MOPH] research, this university does some very impressive things with the veteran population,” Davenport said.

Hazlewood helps Texas veterans at many universities, but Davenport said UNT does not put a cap on the number of veterans or dependents that can use the

SEE VETERANS ON PAGE 3

Jamie Adams measures one of the costumes he designed for the show, Hands on a Hardbody. Rachel Linch

Behind the scenes of technical theatre

By Rachel Linch @rachel_linch

Military pins on display at the Student Veterans Office. They represent a service member’s achievements through their military career. File

North Texas Daily @ntdaily @ntdaily

NEWS

Behind every costume designed, light hung and set piece created for a theatre production is a passionate person. Technical theatre is the other world of theatre that is essential when it comes to creating a full theatrical experience.

“We are the visual storytellers that help support the actors and give a full environment for the play to take place,” scenic design lecturer Donna Marquet said.

For the UNT Department of Dance and Theatre

IN THIS ISSUE

UNT moves the Mayborn into College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences pg 2 UNT provost Jennifer Cowley announced last week that the Mayborn School of Journalism would be moving and is going to begin sharing curriculum with the Media Arts department.

final production for the spring semester, “Hands on a Hardbody,” there were six different technical theatre departments. The musical production is set in East Texas and focuses on a competition that awards a truck to whoever can keep their hands on it the longest.

Within each of the six departments, there are many different layers of people all dedicated to creating a smooth, perfect technical experience that the audience is so invested in they don’t even realize it’s there.

Each person behind every backstage aspect of the

SEE THEATRE ON PAGE 5

ARTS & LIFE

OPINION

Spiritual awakenings leads some to answers pg 4 Beautiful Incarnations, a local New Age astrological shop, looks to help others discover themselves through zodiac and astrology.

In defense of liberal arts majors pg 8 Liberal arts majors get a lot of flack for picking “easy” majors, but their passion and the valuable skills they learn will project them to greater heights than just fast food jobs.

NEWS Page 2

North Texas Daily Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Alec Spicer @spicer_alec AlecSpicer@my.unt.edu News Editor Parker Ward @parkerdfw ParkerWard@my.unt.edu Arts & Life Editor Kaitlin Pennell @k_itlinn KaitlinPennell@my.unt.edu Opinion Editor Rachel Herzer @coolrachdoritos RachelHerzer@my.unt.edu Visuals Editor Kelsey Shoemaker @kelesmis KelseyShoemaker@my.unt.edu

Production Team Design Editor Kelly Fox @kellythefox1 KellyFox2@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Kiera Geils @KieraGeils KieraGeils@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Parisa Nasiripour @risanasiri ParisaNasiripour@my.unt.edu Senior Staff Illustrator Austin Banzon @Austinbanzon99 austintroybanzon@my.unt.edu

Business Director Adam Reese 940-565-4265 Adam.Reese@unt.edu

Faculty Adviser Gary Ghioto 940-891-6722 Gary.Ghioto@unt.edu

To pitch a story or contact the Editor-in-Chief, please email northtexasdaily@gmail.com

Trending on Twitter #Laurel

People are debating whether an audio recording that went viral sounds like “Laurel” or “yanny.” Linguists have also joined the conversation to explain why this phenomenon is happening.

Ponder

According to the Denton RecordChronicle, several people died Wednesday after a shooting at a home in Ponder, Texas.

#Red4Ed

Teachers rally for better wages and support of public education across the nation on Wednesday, wearing red shirts. On Twitter, people shared anecdotes about favorite teachers.

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

NTDAILY.COM

Missing no longer

How a program helped solve more than 15,000 missing persons cases in 10 years

By Devin Rardin @DevinRardin The UNT Center for Human Identifications at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth (UNTHSC) has managed the National Missing and Unidentified persons system (NamUS) for seven years. The program resolved 14,828 missing person cases and 3,293 unidentified descendant cases since it started in 2007.

“We are really good at what we do now,” said Todd Matthews, director of case management and communications at NamUs. “We look at every possible way of identifying people and getting them back to where they belong.”

NamUS, a national information clearinghouse and resource center for unidentified person cases, was created and funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The database provides a platform for agencies and families to enter and store case information.

Any family member can log a missing persons case into the database which has to be vetted by law enforcement before it is viewable to the public.

Attributes such as eye color, hair color, clothing, jewelry, scars, marks and tattoos can be entered into the system. This helps families find their missing loved ones or coroners identify remains.

NamUs also provides forensic services such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting and forensic dentistry.

Every NamUS service is offered at no cost.

The program is currently tracking over 14,000 active missing persons cases and 11,963 unidentified descendent cases.

“It’s everything an agency would need to resolve a missing or unidentified person case under one roof,” said BJ Spamer, NamUS director of forensics and analytical services.

NamUs also holds annual missing persons days across the country. This provides an opportunity for families with missing family members to gather and network.

Originally, the medical examiner and coroner communities who are tasked with finding unidentified persons did not have the necessary tools to do so. In 2007, the first NamUS database went live and offered an unidentified deceased database.

A missing persons database was added in 2008. The program offered a competitive grant in 2010 by the NIJ, and the UNTHSC won. They took over the day-to-day operations in 2011.

UNTHSC was already funded by the NIJ to provide DNA analysis for missing persond cases across the country. The additional services of NamUS, such as fingerprinting and the database, brought everything together in one place.

“It was really the most sensible home for NamUS,” Spamer said.

Matthews said having a family member go missing can sometimes feel worse than death because families are unable to properly grieve.

“We are programmed to deal with death,” Matthews said. “It’s the unknown that we can’t deal with.”

He has seen NamUS provide resolution to families and resources to law enforcement. The regional program specialist assigned to Texas, Mike Mance, said there have been several cases where family members have found their loved ones through the database.

He also said the program helped find bodies of those who died migrating to the U.S. Mance said the program helps families find answers and resolution.

He said when someone goes missing, there are a number of possibilities.

They might have wanted to escape their family, or they might have met a tragic death.

“It’s got a tremendous positive impact for families suffering from ambiguous loss,” Mance said.

Matthews said Tennessee passed a law that if someone is missing and unidentified for three days then they go into the NamUS system. He hopes Texas will pass similar legislation.

Anyone with a missing persons case can go to NamUS.gov or call the number 1-855-626-7600 for support.

Infographic by Devin Rardin

Mayborn moves to new college despite pushback

By Zaira Perez @zairalperez The Mayborn School of Journalism will join the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as a “stand-alone entity” within the college, UNT Provost Jennifer Cowley said.

This and other changes coming to the Mayborn were announced at a meeting with faculty and staff May 10. The Mayborn was previously a part of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences until 2009.

“I truly believe these changes are in the best interest of the students we serve and will allow the school to build off its strengths, modernize facilities and create the best learning environment possible for our students,” Cowley said in an email.

The Mayborn “will retain a significant degree of autonomy,” according to an email sent to Mayborn faculty and staff from Cowley.

Journalism professor Dr. Tracy Everbach said there have been faculty meetings since January about the future of the Mayborn.

In a recent meeting, a majority of Mayborn faculty voted in favor of remaining a separate school. Everbach said faculty not present at the meeting were able to vote electronically.

Everbach said there are advantages and disadvantages to joining the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She said “the biggest negative” is that the Mayborn will be less independent.

“Moving into the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, we still will be a school of journalism and we still will have the Mayborn name, we’ll just be part of a larger bureaucracy,” Everbach said. “As a smaller unit, sometimes it was difficult for us to get our voices heard because [the Mayborn is a small school], but being independent meant that we could set our curriculum how we wanted it to be.”

Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Michael McPherson will serve as acting dean for the Mayborn starting Aug. 1. Dean Dorothy Bland announced in January that she would not seek renewal of her position and was not available for further comment.

McPherson also said he will work with making the transition into the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences smooth.

“I am very excited to take on this challenge,” McPherson said. “The Mayborn is a fantastic unit. The faculty are world class, and [we have] the best students in the university. I am really looking forward to working with all of them.”

The Mayborn School of Journalism is located on the second floor of Sycamore Hall. File Cowley said UNT will have a national search for a new dean beginning in the fall. She said she will hire a firm and form a search committee to find a new dean.

“Dr. McPherson brings significant strength, respect and a leadership style that will allow the school to move forward during this time of transition,” Cowley said.

In the email, Cowley also said the two colleges will begin creating an integrated broadcast curriculum between the Department of Media Arts and Mayborn’s broadcast department to “[provide] a robust and next-generation education in a rapidly evolving news landscape.”

The two colleges will also share media production facilities. Plans are being made “to create an additional studio to support the success of our students and faculty.”

These changes are set to happen over the next year.

NEWS AROUND THE US

By Devin Rardin and Parker Ward

North Korean summit with US may be canceled

CIA leak suspect identified

Senate votes to stop net neutrality

A meeting planned for June 12 in Singapore, between Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump may be canceled, according to the New York Times. Kim Jong-un threatened to withdraw after demands from Washington for to abandon their nuclear arsenal. White House representatives said they are hopeful the summit can take place, but Trump is fine if it did not.

Last year, WikiLeaks released CIA hacking documents and the prime suspect has been identified as a 29-year-old former CIA software engineer Joshua Schulte, according to the New York Times.

Schulte’s jobs was to design malware to break into computers. The Times reported the leak, named Vault 7, was the CIA’s largest loss of classified information.

The Senate voted 52-47 Wednesday to keep in place the net neutrality rules enacted by the FCC in 2015 that prohibit Internet Service Providers from blocking or slowing user’s access to specific websites and charging more for some content. The FCC voted in December 3-2 to repeal those rules.

The vote must now pass through the House and be signed by President Trump.

Fox News pays $10 million to settle suits

Fox News has 18 lawsuits from former employees due to gender and racial bias. Fox News’ parent company 21st Century Fox paid $10 million to settle these lawsuits, according to NPR. Along with these lawsuits, sexual harassment scandals put former chairman Roger Ailes and TV hosts such as Bill O’Reilly under fire and led to their resignations.

Senate Intelligence Committee said Russia favored Trump

The Senate Intelligence Committee resolved that Russia did meddle in the 2016 U.S. election to help Donald Trump win, according to The Washington Post.

Its determination is based on findings by House Republicans last year. The Post stated this development will set up a clash within the GOP over the accuracy of the findings.

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THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Family present for graduate student funeral after nearly year long search FOUND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 but private individual. They said she never mentioned her personal life.

“She was a good employee,” Barkenhagan said. “She was friendly. She got along well with the staff.”

Barkenhagan received her cremated remains from the medical examiner and waited for any family members to be found. When he thought nobody was found, he planned the funeral.

Gullet worked with media outlets all across the country to find her relatives. She said a woman emailed her saying King was her grandmother’s half-sister.

The Denton Record-Chronicle reported that King was born in Brooklyn, New York even though her Facebook page lists hometown as San Antonio. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1974, according to employment records.

King worked as a UNT custodian beginning June 2016 and was pursuing a master’s degree for interdisciplinary studies at the time of her death. She previously earned a master’s degree in information science and another master’s degree in computer education from UNT. She also received two associate degrees for accounting and information technology and business from Tidewater Community College, a bachelor’s degree in business from Saint Leo University and a master’s degree for gerontology from Norfolk State University.

Barkenhagan said he expected Air Force Honor Guard, North Texas Patriot Guard, UNT ROTC members and her UNT family to be at the funeral.

Gullett said there was a large number of people at the funeral because they saw King’s story from different news organizations.

“There is a lot of support for the funeral,” Barkenhagan said. “I’m really pleased that she will be well represented and well honored.”

Many peope went to the funeral to remember Margaret King. She was a UNT graduate student and custodian working toward her third master’s degree from UNT. Courtesy UNT Facilites

City council holds appreciation dinner for outgoing members

By Devin Rardin @DevinRardin More than 50 city officials and citizens attended an appreciation reception for outgoing council members Dalton Gregory and Sara Bagheri at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday at city hall.

“Sara was a new voice on the council,” 10 year Denton resident Janie Cindric said. “I thought she had a voice of reason and brought that. There were many things Dalton Gregory did that were for the good for the community. I think they have both given to the community and strengthened it.”

Paul Meltzer, who lost the election last year, won the Place 6 spot, replacing Bagheri. Aaron “Fuzzy” Newquist and Deb Armintor are going to a runoff election on June 16 to replace Gregory for at-large Place 5.

Bagheri’s last council meeting was May 8, and she did not attend the reception on Tuesday. Gregory will serve six more weeks due to the runoff.

Citizens and city officials shared their experiences with Gregory and Bagheri

on the council and their impact on the city.

Also in attendence was Mayor Chris Watts beat Neil Durrance, a local lawyer who said Watts lacked transparency, with more than 70 percent of the vote on the May 5 election. This will be Watt’s final term as mayor.

Watts praised Bagheri’s questions during council meetings saying she brought ideas that needed to be considered. Bagheri was on council for two years.

“I always enjoyed Sara’s passion,” Watts said. “We have not always seen eye to eye on things, but I trust her deliberation. I trust her passion to speak the truth.”

Gregory was on council for nine years and was previously an elementary school principal. Watts said the historical context he brought to discussions was helpful.

Councilwoman Keely Briggs said Gregory was instrumental in environmental efforts and creating bike lanes. Briggs also said Bagheri was a big reason an effective tax rate passed.

Gregory reflected on his time as a council member and is proud of the bike lane improvements and ordinances to stop predatory lenders and towing organizations.

“Anytime that we can make a decision that really does good for people — that is a very satisfying experience,” Gregory said.

Attendees also talked about Gregory’s humor and shared stories of his time as a principal at Ryan Elementary School and Lee Elementary School. John Baines, a local accountant, sang a song in honor of the two outgoing council members.

Citizens and city officials also discussed the future of the council, many mentioning they want the city to continue growing in transparency.

Cindric cited the Denton Energy Center gas plant as an example, saying it was not openly discussed.

“I’m hoping that they listen more to the constituents,” Cindric said. “I hope they hear people’s voices. All citizens have the right to know all the decisions of the council.”

Meltzer, who ran on the slogan “Make

Sara Bagheri File

Dalton Gregory File

Denton better, not bigger,” was sworn in at the event.

“I’m here to stand for all of you and all of Denton,” Meltzer said. “I’m here to equally represent those who voted for us and those who voted against us.”

Watts said Meltzer is involved in the city and is knowledgeable about

issues they are going to face. Gregory’s replacement will be decided on the June 16 runoff between Armintor and Newquist.

“I trust that whoever wins the runoff will have the same goal that we have, which is to do the best for this city and its citizens,” Watts said.

Denton Event Radar May 17, 2018

Glitterbomb: Throwback Thursday (a queer variety show 18+) Where: Andy’s Bar 122 N Locust St. $5 before 8 p.m., $7 after 8 p.m.

May 19, 2018

Denton Community Market Where: Denton County Historical Park 317 W Mulberry St. When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May 20, 2018

Mental Health Awareness Celebration Where: Denton Square 110 W Hickory St. Free

May 21, 2018

Live Jazz at the GreenHouse Where: Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar 600 N Locust St. When: 10 p.m.

Free

May 23, 2018

Drawing Class Where: A Creative Art STUDIO 227 W Oak St. When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

May 25, 2018

Unlimited Golf Where: North Lakes Driving Range 2009 W Windsor Dr. When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $15

May 27, 2018

Summer Dive-In Movies: Finding Nemo Where: Embassy Suites by Hilton When: 7:30 p.m.

Free for hotel guests

May 30, 2018

Hip Hop Karaoke Hosted by Leo J Where: Backyard on Bell 410 N Bell Ave. When: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Free

The Student Veteran Services office is located in the GAB. File

UNT earns honor for veteran services VETERANS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 or dependents that can use the program. He said this costs UNT millions of dollars because they are not reimbursed by the state.

“It’s painful financially, but we are proud that we do it,” Davenport said. “When you give that much money to veterans, it is hard to say you are not veteran friendly.”

Bright Akwarandu is an emergency management and disaster planning student who also served in the army.

He said the Student Veteran Office, located on the bottom floor of the General Academic Building, is a place veterans can go if they need help with anything from classes to family issues.

“The veterans office is like a safe haven from every other thing out there,” Akwarandu said.

The ceremony took place during President Neal Smatresk’s staff sack lunch. Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart attended the lunch to present the award to Davenport. Military Times named UNT the 42nd best college in the country for its veterans and military service in its 2018 list.

Victory Media also ranked UNT No. 8 for the top 10 military friendly tier-one research institutions.

Dwiggins said the Purple Heart recognition is a huge compliment to the UNT community.

“The purple heart organization has recognized that the community and this university has treated all veterans and the military connected community extremely well,” Dwiggins said. “[This shows] how well the university has treated people and how they have made the environment welcoming and inclusive for those who have served in uniform.”

ARTS & LIFE Page 4

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Pete Miller became interested in astrology when he began guessing the ages of his customers fairly accurately during his time as a cashier at a grocery store. Miller now owns a New Age store in Denton called Beautiful Incarnations. TJ Webb

The beauty behind Beautiful Incarnations: New Age shop aims to help others find answers

By Raquelle Dunbar @DunbarRaquelle With every meditated step, astrological interpreter Peter Miller intently exercises his angled positioning of glistening quartz and crystals f lat on a blank white table, all in alignment with the orbital matters in the sky.

Miller, the 34-year-old owner of Beautiful Incarnations, claims he was not born as an astrology enthusiast.

“Astrology didn’t come in [my life] until I was 23 years old,” Miller said. “I am an empath, I feel all these different emotions around me.

[For example], my mom called me while my head was pounding and she said, ‘I hit my head earlier,’ and suddenly it all made sense.”

Miller soon found it was the small moments that revealed his potential and ultimately the sole purpose of his soon-to-be organization. Beautiful Incarnations started with a mission to help people through astrology readings.

“I really don’t go looking for people,” Miller said. “People who need me find me.”

Miller said his path to astrology and his love for what’s in the sky wasn’t always so smooth. He attended UNT from 2011 to 2016, eventually completing his bachelor’s degree in science and diversity training.

“I really worked my way through school with a class or two here and there,” Miller said. “Then I’d work a little more. I have gone through a lot of spiritual journeys. At one point all I bought were

NTDAILY.COM books on astrology and the connection with Mars and the day and time [people are] born.”

Miller, whose home town falls in close proximity to Denton, recalls times when he actively f led from his family’s home due to estranged occult activity within the family. This heightened his drive to dig deeper into others, which revealed to him a few characteristics every human shares.

“We are all born with all these abilities at first,” Miller said. “It’s just about growing and channeling in on the ones that resonate with us the most. Every person is unique, every [astrological] map is different. No two readings are alike.”

While the address associated with his organization is not his preferred place of meeting, Miller makes himself available to his clients’ needs, setting appointments when and where a client best sees fit. Among supporters who sought Miller’s services are also strong skeptics.

Quetah Wade and her daughter Suzen Wade are Liberian and strong believers of the Christian faith. As part of their culture, Quetah and Suzen have been exposed to nearly all forms of “juju,” also known as black magic.

“Where I come from, people steal your blessings simply from a handshake,” Suzen said. “Or they will take the life of a thief and hide it under their big toe with the intention of killing them later very slowly, all the while wiping their fabricated tears and adjusting their dry face at the funeral of the deceased.”

Between the mother-daughter duo, both said Quetah fears the implications of juju more.

“We are not afraid of juju, we are just not trying to open doors that should not be knocked on in the first place,” Quetah said. “To Hollywood and people [from cultures different] to ours, this is all make-believe and doesn’t really exist. In reality, where do you think they come up with these ideas? You think they just wake up with it? Any man that claims he holds answer from beyond future or past is dealing with an ancient magic — black magic — and no answer is free.”

Suzen explained that she was the one who searched and located Miller, thanks to the internet. However, she said she had her doubts even then.

“I gave [my mom] his name and the address and even called to make an appointment,” Suzen said. “My mom almost caved in, but she won’t do it. The fear of messing with him is almost worse than her need to see him.”

Miller said this fear is what stops people from making appointments with him.

“People are afraid of astrology because they think it is evil,” Miller said. “They have this impressionable mentality that it’s composed of only negative news and negative possibilities, but future is often based off of things from the past. If you gain a better idea of what has occurred and what is occurring, then what is to come [can be identified].”

Astrologers offer many different services ranging from pointers on how to take control of one’s life to where to live based on one’s zodiac sign. But Miller’s offers extend far beyond the satisfaction of his readings, constructing a lasting veil between himself and the client, leaving no question unprobed. Miller’s services provide clients with the chance to find answers to unanswered questions.

That’s when Beautiful Incarnations comes to life: when everyday people begin to inquire about ordinary things in an extraordinary way.

Native American Student Association aims to create visibility Gaston said it took her until she was 21 years old to find a Native American community in the Dallas area to connect better with the culture she had only vaguely known.

“Through that [Dallas] community, I’ve been able to connect with my culture because I grew up not knowing what that meant,” Gaston said. “Basically knowing [my Native American heritage] was there but how do you express it? How do you connect to it if there’s nothing visually you can feel or sense?”

In 2016, Native Americans comprised about 2 percent of the entire U.S. population. Even growing up in diverse circles, members said it was rare to find anyone who shared the same culture.

“The only Native Americans I knew of were me, my sister and my brother,” member Naomi Niyah said. “We were pretty much the only ones, and it was interesting because I grew up in a community that was pretty diverse — a lot of Hispanics, a lot of blacks, a lot of Asians, but it was different being the less than 1 percent of the population.”

As for the following generation, students said

they still grew up seeing the issues that arise within the community caused by lack of visibility and opportunity for Native Americans.

“I’ve grown up pretty much my whole life in suburban and rural area, and I only occasionally

“

[There are] people not leaving the reservation ... and then there people not returning back and losing that connection with culture. It’s sort of a two-way problem.

“

HERITAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

go back to visit my family on the [reservation], so I think that left some issues on both sides,” Niyah said. “[There are] people not leaving the reservation and not getting all the opportunities they could, and then there are people not returning back and losing that connection with culture. It’s sort of a two-way problem.”

The small population has also correlated to a direct lack of visibility of Native Americans in local areas. Member Ruther Thunderhawk said she did not come in contact with the culture until her family traveled to a reservation.

“One of my main issues was lack of representation because it felt like for a while I didn’t know anyone else who was my culture, so I didn’t really know much about [it],” Thunderhawk said. “It wasn’t until my parents, when I was about 8, took us up north to South Dakota and Montana and we actually visited a reservation.”

For members, the Native American Student Association group is a way to bring that culture to UNT and Denton.

“For me, my experience is different from theirs and each person in the group’s experiences are

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different, and that’s why its important to have a group like this,” Gaston said. “It is so that people can get connected who are displaced or just had never had that opportunity.”

As the fall semester approaches and Native American Heritage month rolls around, Native American Student Association students are planning to create official events to create that representation.

Guest speakers, presentations and film screenings are just a few events Native American Student Association members are hoping to finalize.

“A lot of the problems we have, like difficulties between races, is due to a lack of education and a lack of dialogue,” Niyah said. “I think by finding a good system combining that we can start having healthy relationships.”

Although she has only recently been connected to her culture, Gaston said this is simply a part of her lifelong appreciation and respect for it.

“I didn’t grow up traditionally,” Gaston said. “But as an adult, I live like it now in a way where I respect it and practice the culture from what I’ve been taught and what people have shared with me. Hopefully for my kids it’s different.”

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Technical theatre shines under its own spotlight THEATRE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 production has a reason they do what they do, and these are the stories of three technical students who are a part of “Hands on a Hardbody” and have found their true passion behind-the-scenes.

Turning vision into reality Sitting down in the university’s theatre chairs, 22-year-old Justus Herrera prepared to watch the final dress rehearsal of “The Crucible.” It was Nov. 8, 2017, the day before the opening night of the production he had been working tirelessly on behind-the-scenes as technical director.

Watching through the rims of his glasses, every ounce of stress he had been under for the past four months melted away when he realized his hard work was done and he had helped create a great set for a real theatre production.

“It was euphoric almost, and I remember that moment I realized, ‘Oh, it’s done,’” Herrera said. “Four months of the most extreme stress of my life literally gone in an instant ­— it was a pretty great moment.”

Now, he is working as the assistant technical director for “Hands on a Hardbody.” As one of the two assistant technical directors, Herrera helps turn the scenic designer’s vision for the set into reality on the stage.

“As the assistant technical director, I do all of the ‘un-fun’ grunt work,” Herrera said. “I’m doing almost all the drafting, budget spreadsheets and stuff like that.”

Being on the technical side of theatre is his life now but it wasn’t always like this. It took his high school director seeing potential in him years ago to switch him from being a football player who needed an art credit to a passionate technical theatre student.

He remembers the moment his director at Houston Tomball Memorial High School asked him and his friend in the tech theatre class to help with a show.

“He was like, ‘Hey, do you guys want to be stagehands for this black box show?’” Herrera said. “He had the tech shirts already and I was like, ‘You already bought the shirt so OK, I’ll do it.’”

The rest is history. He is now in his senior year as a theatre major with a concentration in design tech. Herrera is certain being a technical director is what he is supposed to do with his life. His days are mostly spent working in the scene shop with his technical design peers.

Through Herrera’s job of turning someone else’s vision into a real, usable set design, he gets that same feeling he had when he got into theatre tech during his high school years.

“When you execute set changes like that you get that rush and most theatre people who are genuine in theatre get that same kind of feeling,” Herrera said. “It’s the only thing I want to do.”

The long hours spent working as a technical team are not always easy but looking at the final set during the last few moments before opening night makes every difficult moment worthwhile.

“For me, at the end of the day, that month and a half of being miserable was worth it for that one moment of relief,” Herrera said.

“Seeing this artistic envisioning of all these people coming together into one cohesive piece, that makes it all worth it.”

Sewing characters together one costume at a time Scanning the computer screen as he dealt with paperwork, 22-year-old costume designer Jamie Adams listened to the sound of fabric being cut and the show tunes that filled the costume shop.

Glancing up for a moment, he saw it: one of the shirts he had designed for “Hands on a Hardbody.”

“I had seen it in my head but to look up and see something that was tangible created from my brain [and] on a mannequin dress form right in front of me, it just felt good,” Adams said.

It was a moment that reminded him of the costume design work he got to do in the middle of the paperwork and other duties he had to do.

As the head costume designer for “Hands on a Hardbody,” the process of analyzing characters and seeing costumes go from his

Justus Herrera talks to the scenic designer, Jacob Rodriguez, to make sure the measurements for the set pieces are correct. Rachel Linch mind to a mannequin is something Adams gets to do every day.

“I feel like my job has been done when the minute the character walks on stage and you know who they are,” Adams said. “I can do everything that I can so that in two and half hours, you get a fully formed idea of this person.”

He began the process of analyzing the characters and researching for the costumes for “Hands on a Hardbody” toward the end of February. Then in March he started to design and pull the costumes together.

“Initially as costume designer, in general, you are designing costumes,” Adams said. “When you’re working on a period show, you are working on completely designing the garment and thinking about how it’s constructed.”

For Adams, the process of piecing together each costume is an important part of the character-building process.

“My work is all about creating a character, and that’s kind of the same thing the actors are doing,” Adams said. “You have to think about who that person is in order to think about why they wear the things they wear.”

Adams has always been a part of the theatre world. At 5 years old, he got involved in the community theatre where he grew up in Bryan, Texas. He acted in multiple plays but was introduced to costume design in high school by his middle school theatre teacher who also worked with costumes at the community theatre.

Although he has gotten a taste of being in the spotlight as an actor, there is something about working behind-the-scenes to create an important part of the characters that Adams loves.

“The visual aspects of theatre make sense to me,” Adams said.

“Costume design is something I feel like I can do, it makes sense to me and I think I’m good at it ­— I hope I am.”

Being in the costume shop making his creative visions come to life by cutting and sewing fabric is all Adams wants to spend his time doing. When he thinks about the fact he will get to design costumes for the rest of his life, he said he gets chills thinking just about it.

“I just really enjoy this work,” Adams said.“I wish I could live in a world where everyone could find something they are that passionate about.”

Telling a bigger story through lights Watching the lights shimmer off the gold, stringy curtain Beks Milligan felt the exhilaration of controlling the lights during the Mr. Colt Pageant at their high school in Arlington. Moving their fingers across the light board they had labeled with tape, it was their first venture into the world of lights.

That night years ago in their high school auditorium was the

Folklorico club comes back together

By Nikki Johnson-Bolden @nikkinikxo The title slide of a PowerPoint that reads “Folklorico de North Texas” is projected onto the screen as Mariachi music lightly plays in Room 104 of the General Academic Building. This is the start to a meeting for a new student organization aiming to teach traditional Mexican dances and share Latino culture.

Folklorico de North Texas is hitting the ground running and wants to establish itself on campus as soon as possible, starting with dance rehearsals this summer.

The idea for Folklorico de North Texas was conceived when Spanish and international studies junior Allen Dominguez Anzo and anthropology junior Andrea Lopez Garza saw a girl on campus dressed in folklorico costume — but not correctly. The two were inspired to correctly represent the culture with the help of Dr. Roberto Calderon, a Mexican-American studies professor.

“We literally applied two days before the application closed,” Anzo said. “If it wasn’t because Jasmine knew Professor Calderon, we would not be here right now.”

Political science senior Jasmine Romero, the organization’s event coordinator, hopes the organization will be a way for Latinos at UNT to connect with one another. The fact that Romero didn’t become acquainted with anyone of Latino culture until her sophomore year fueled her interest in being part of Folklorico de North Texas.

“One of the reasons why we made this organization is that we feel the Latino/Mexican culture doesn’t have that much of a presence on campus, and this is one way to put it out there for the people who are Latino to learn more about it,” Romero said. “A lot of people nowadays were never raised with that stuff, so they themselves are learning. They say we’re a Latino-serving institute, but then you look around and it’s like, ‘Well, where are the Latinos?’”

Romero is included in that group of Latinos who did not grow up immersed in culture and is excited to be exposed to more of it through the club next semester.

Romero said she is looking forward to the process of learning the dances along with the other members.

“One of the reasons why I wanted to be part of this group is because when I was little, I was only taught a little bit of [my family’s] dances,” Romero said. “I was never brought up with a lot of culture. A lot of what I know and what I do is from self-learning. I think that’s

one of the thing I’m looking most looking forward to: being able to learn and teach that dance and then being able to pass it on to my kids.”

Throughout the meeting, the executive members emphasize their desires for other ethnicities to join Folklorico, even at one point reassuring a non-Latino attendant she is not appropriating by joining the club.

“It’s good to know other people’s cultures,” Romero said. “If you learn how to dance something and you start listening to the music, you’re going to start wondering other things, and you’re going to start researching the culture.”

Biology sophomore Nardos Kiros is an example of someone outside of Latino culture who is involved in the organization. Kiros, vice resident of the club, was recruited by Garza to offer an outside, non-Latino perspective.

“Right now I’m studying Spanish, so I just wanted to learn more about the culture and also practice my Spanish,” Kiros said. “This is my first time learning this, so I’m going to be learning with everyone else.”

Garza is the member with the most dance experience, having danced folklorico as a child and again for three years in high school.

“I grew up in Mexico, so over there it’s very much an institution,” Garza said. “You go through school and you do the folklorico for the community.”

A frequent sentiment in Folklorico de North Texas’ presentation is its mission to bring a sense of progression to the traditional aspects of folklorico concerning gender roles. Garza and Anzo bonded over the frustration of not being allowed to dance the traditionally male parts as children.

“Growing up, I was quite the tomboy,” Garza said.

“I was the stereotype: wore shorts, climbed trees, you name it. There’s this dance called ‘De Los Machetes’ where they dance with machetes. It’s really cool, but it’s for men. I wanted to participate in it but I was told you can’t because you’re a girl.”

They view Folklorico de North Texas as an opportunity for them and other members to freely explore every aspect of folklorico regardless of gender.

“It shouldn’t matter if I’m a girl, or if you’re a guy and you want to do the female part — go for it,” Garza said.

“If you think about Mexican culture in general, there’s quite a [machismo element] — it’s a very dominant thing. We talk about holding onto traditions, but I feel like as members of a culture we should have the ability to challenge it at the same time.”

beginning of understanding how colors mixed and which lighting instruments made the performance look a certain way. It was also the beginning of their passion.

“It was kind of the freedom of getting to make my own decisions in how the show would look and playing such a big role that a lot of the audience didn’t really understand,” Milligan said. “It was really freeing to be such a big part of the show.”

Fast forward to today, Milligan is now the electric shop lead in the UNT theatre department. Working with lights is a process he said just clicked for them, and now they can’t get enough.

“Lighting makes sense in my brain,” Milligan said. “It’s something that I get excited about — all of the technology and the way that things work.”

As the electric shop lead Milligan works on all theatre productions, including “Hands on a Hardbody.” They have spent hours in the electric shop and the theatre getting the lights ready for the show.

“Getting to see the show in every aspect from start to finish whenever you go to see the show on the final night, it’s really gratifying and it’s really fun for me,” Milligan said.

Being involved in the backstage atmosphere of the musical production is exactly where Milligan wants to be. Although their light skills are done backstage, the community of theatre technicians who notice the work Milligan is doing makes them feel the most gratified.

“Whenever you know that you’ve done a job well done and people tell you that things looked good, a unique feeling I haven’t really found anywhere else,” Milligan said.

As an entertainer on the other side of the stage, it’s always about the audience and their experience but when it comes to Milligan it’s about the people behind the work.

“At the end of the day, I know the audience is our main goal but the audience isn’t why I do theatre,” Milligan said. “It’s the people I work behind the stage with that makes the real connections.”

Ever since the first moment Milligan felt the freedom controlling lights behind-the-scenes during their high school pageant, they haven’t stopped wanting to experience that feeling alongside the technical theatre community.

It’s ultimately what every technical theatre designer is passionate about: giving everything they have to make the operations behindthe-scenes perfect so they can create something bigger than themselves.

“The whole teamwork is really the big reason I do theatre,” Milligan said. “Being a part of something bigger than you is honestly the most gratifying feeling.”

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Queen Esther’s Cupcakes gives back to community

By Sadia Saeed @sadiasaeed97 From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Esther Oppong works at her day job as an academic advisor at UNT, aiding students from scheduling issues to future plans. As the clock strikes 5 p.m., Oppong closes the door at her day job and opens the door to Queen Esther’s Cupcakes.

Her tag-line, “Eat like royalty,” is certainly on showcase from start to finish as Oppong works throughout the day to make both her students and clients feel important and special.

“I want it to feel like an experience,” Oppong said.

Working together Queen Esther’s Cupcakes has made great strides since Oppong started out. It was initially a way to make extra money on the side, but Oppong soon found herself surrounded by family and friends who supported her.

From there, her clientele grew.

One of Oppong’s earliest clients was Katie Lira, a Grand Homes sales consultant who met Oppong in college.

“Esther and I first met when we had a Spanish class together at UNT in 2008,” Lira said. “We stayed in touch over the last 10 years initially because she was a big supporter of my home business, but that grew into a friendship. My kids adore her, so I think she’s stuck with us for life now.”

It is this type of support that

elevated Oppong to grow her business, but Oppong wanted to make an impact. That is when supporting the community became important to her.

As a black woman, Oppong knew it was her duty to represent black-owned businesses. Rather than looking at other business as her competition, she partnered with them so that they could all elevate each other.

“I’ve been local to Denton most of my life, so I’ve definitely seen what people in the community can do,” Oppong said. “As a young, single black woman who’s also working full time, it’s important to showcase the support. You can support them, champion them and encourage them to grow.”

Oppong partners with other black-owned businesses — such as Sweet Rolls and Venetta Petties’s Pop & Go Weddings — time and time again.

“If I’m planning a party, [I’ll] bring in Venetta and bring Sweet Rolls in,” Oppong said. “Why can’t we use our resources and succeed?”

Oppong doesn’t see them as rivals but as friends that support one another and expand together. One close partner and friend is Venetta Petties, who she has worked with since the day they met. “[Esther] was just getting started with her business, so we would bounce ideas off each other as if we’ve known each other for years,” Petties said. “I refer a lot of my clients to her.

Queen Esther’s Cupcakes is a new small business in Denton. Its owner Esther Oppong also works at UNT as an academic advisor. Garen Powers For instance, I had a wedding at a restaurant here in Denton, and the owner was so impressed with her cake that he asked for her number and reached out to make cakes for his restaurant menu.”

Oppong’s community activism has allowed her to make an impact to the place she grew up in. Along with supporting blackowned businesses, Oppong has

Esther Oppong opened Queen Esther’s Cupcakes as a way to explore her passions and promote local black businesses in Denton. Garen Powers

been partnered with Refuge for Women North Texas, a nonprofit organization that provides care for women who have been sexually abused or have escaped human trafficking.

A portion of the profits from Queen Esther’s Cupcakes goes directly to the organization.

Having been a part of this organization since the beginning, Oppong believes it is a great way to support women who are hoping to gain a fresh start.

Abby Germer, the city director of Refuge for Women North Texas, couldn’t agree more.

“Queen Esther is such a blessing to us,” Germer said.

“She always has the most beautiful smile and goes out of her way to come to all of our events. Back when we were first establishing ourselves in Denton, she was there. She partners with us by donating a portion of her proceeds to the organization.

She has donated some her amazing goodies to residents and various fundraising activities and also has highlighted some of our graduates in her business by acknowledging them with various awards.”

A sweet incentive

Not only has Queen Esther’s Cupcakes impacted the Denton community, but it also has shown Oppong’s support to her students she works with at UNT. One student in particular, communications student Quinn Gary, precisely remembers how Oppong aided him in a time of need.

Gary first met Oppong during First Flight Week, but it wasn’t until he was paired with Oppong for advising that he got to speak with her.

“Oppong actually cared about me,” Gary said. “A lot of times teachers and advisors help students to the extent of the curriculum. Oppong actually wanted to see growth in me.

She’ll ask me how my classes are going and life in general, and every time I see her she remembers, so it’s evident she cares about her students.”

A freshman during that time, Gary was struggling with math and had just failed a class.

Feeling discouraged, he went to visit Oppong who spoke about her own struggles with math and encouraged Gary to try again.

“Quinn is brilliant at so many things, but that math class got him down, so we had a

conversation,” Oppong said. “We decided that of all things that could take you down, this would not be one of them.”

Using her cupcakes to egg Gary on, they struck up a deal.

“She gave me an incentive: if I passed [Survey of Mathematics with Applications] with a C or higher, she would give me a box of her delicious cupcakes for free,” Gary said. “The next time I took the class, I got a high B. Being a woman of integrity, Oppong offered me a small box of whatever flavor of cupcakes I wanted. The box was gone in nearly two days.”

Those types of moments are what Queen Esther’s Cupcakes thrives on. Oppong wants each of her customers to feel special.

Whether it be a birthday or a wedding, it’s an investment they are making in her and one that Oppong wants to make sure is worthwhile.

“She is a vibrant light, and you can just tell her heart and soul goes into each cupcake,” Lira said. “She is an absolutely gem. Sure, you can get cupcakes elsewhere — but you can’t get cupcakes made by Esther anywhere else.”

Residence hall employees make students part of their family

By Nikki Johnson-Bolden @nikkinikxo In most cases when someone takes on a new job, they have a fairly clear idea of what they’ll be doing and what time they clock in and out for every shift. The employee develops a routine pretty quickly, following the same schedule every day. For resident assistants (RAs), routine is more of an abstract idea than it is a reality.

RAs live where they work, which means their jobs are linked to the equally unpredictable lives of the residents that live in their hall.

Having to be so closely involved with other students while also being a student themselves sometimes requires a high degree of balance. There is the responsibility of being a reliable resource, friend and authority figure all at the same time.

Megan Hartweck, a senior majoring in speech pathology, is an RA at West Hall. Her experience at Kerr Hall during her freshman year on campus inspired her to take on the job.

“I thought it was really fun, and I wanted to help freshman grow like my RA did,” Hartweck said.

West is one of the more lively residence halls. Music plays in the lobby while residents talk and play games, and people frequently enter and exit the hall. Behind the front desk, RAs engage with people who come up to to the desk every so often.

Hartweck enjoys the tight-knit community the hall has and tries to be a support system to her residents.

“Some residents need me more than others,” Hartweck said. “Some adjust really well and they have their own friend groups and their own organization, and then some do rely on me more for friendships and social stuff.”

Dennis Marshall, a sophomore majoring in drawing and painting, spends quite a bit of time with West’s RAs while working as a desk clerk. Although he is not tasked with guiding a group of residents, he still acts as a resource to them.

“A typical day [is] just sitting with everyone around and talking while doing your job at the same time [as] residents come to get help and get stuff from you,” Marshall said.

While he does enjoy the camaraderie with his coworkers, being a desk clerk can deviate from the laid back mood at times. Residents ask questions he isn’t always easily able to answer, leaving him to turn to the employee guide book for guidance.

“It’s not always fun,” Marshall said. “It’s stressful in certain situations — you really [have to] know what you’re doing and get the stuff down.”

Sophomore Avery Deen works as a part-time desk clerk in Crumley Hall. While Crumley is more subdued and quiet, the environment is equally as warm and inviting.

“We tend to be a very friendly front desk, and our residence tend to enjoy kind of just chatting,” Deen said. “I know a lot of residents — I probably know more residents here than I do in my own residence hall because I spend a lot of my time here.”

Because she is often the first person someone will see when entering Crumley — which is also home to the housing and dining services office — Deen often directs new students to dining halls and

A student worker helps another student at the front desk of Bruce Hall. Student workers man the front desk of all residence halls. File answers questions about meal plans.

“My favorite thing is probably getting to interact with so many people,” Deen said. “I really like helping people solve their problems.”

Deens’ job differs from that of an RA because she has a defined schedule.

“I’m a work-study student, so I have a maximum of 20 hours a week,” Deen said. “I tend to work in four to eight hour shifts and a lot of nights and weekends, which is pretty nice because it can get kind of quiet sometimes.”

At Traditions Hall where many of the rooms are single occupancy, it is so quiet that the lobby could be mistaken for a doctor’s office waiting room. It is the opposite of the rowdy image of a college dorm many people have.

Bryanna Gonsalves, a design management senior, finds a sense of fulfillment in her job as an RA at Traditions.

“To be able to work in a freshman residence hall is really awesome because I’m able to say, ‘Hey, let’s set up the tone for your college career and let you get the best help possible so you know exactly what

you’re doing,’” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves feels that the relaxed mood of the hall allows the resident assistants to be closer to the residence.

“People love to stop by and say ‘hey,’” Gonsalves said. “[You] get to know the residents rather than everybody being super loud or the RAs super strict,” Gonsalves said.

For Gonsalves, building relationships with some of her residents and maintaining the friendships she has formed with some of her past residents is the most rewarding part of the job.

“I still have that bond with them,”Gonsalves said. “It’s crazy because you see them and they’re so excited to see you, and I didn’t realize I made that much of an impact.”

Working in a residence hall on campus requires both desk clerks and RAs to immerse themselves into the lives of other students. They don’t approach their positions as doing a job, but as participating in a community and as a way to form connections with people.

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‘Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino’ brings Arctic Monkeys into new era

By Kiera Geils @KieraGeils The Arctic Monkeys released their divisive sixth album “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” last Friday nearly five years after releasing “AM,” the album that brought them onto the U.S. music charts.

“Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino”’s loungey feel brings a new, fresh depth to the Arctic Monkeys’ style. While it is completely different from the guitar-heavy albums of the past, fans familiar with The Last Shadow Puppets, lead-singer Alex Turner’s band with English musician Miles Kane, should not be surprised by the focus on Turner’s vocals and more complex and mature sounds.

This new concept album takes place in a hotel piano bar on the moon and showcases the Arctic Monkeys’ — or Turner’s, as “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” was practically a solo album for the lead singer — creativity, growth

and ability to create a complete piece of work instead of the more commercial alternative rock of the “AM” era.

The album as a whole is stellar, and the songs stand best together, which could be why the band chose not to release any as singles before the album as compared to the four released with “AM.” The album starts off strong with “Star Treatment,” which is vastly different from the opening songs from the rest of the Arctic Monkey’s discography. It was not the exciting start many would have expected, but it perfectly sets the mood and scene for the rest of the songs.

The album follows with “One Point Perspective” and “American Sports.”

Even though “American Sports” is the shortest track on the record, it is by far the best of Turner’s vocals and the most important to the concept of the album, from the sci-fi sounds to introducing Turner’s social commentary.

“Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,” the song the album takes its title from, is one of the most disappointing songs the first time listening, but it continues to get better every time only if looking past Turner’s lackluster vocals in the first half of the song.

The album peaks with the David Bowie-esque “Four Out of Five” — which is about a rooftop taqueria — perfectly blending the old and new Arctic Monkey’s sounds. This song

also has the first music video from the album, which seems to take influence from Stanley Kubrick and hints that it’s time to say goodbye to the old Arctic Monkeys.

One of the last tracks on the album, “She Looks Like Fun,” has less of a focus on piano, and it feels like Turner’s compromise with “Humbug” fans that would be turned off by the new direction of the band.

The Arctic Monkeys close the album with “The Ultracheese.” While it is a fine song and a nice resolve to the slightly darker tone of the album, it could have easily been left off the album and not missed. Many of the “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” songs feel nostalgic and like a nod to retrofuturism, and this song completely departs from the rest of the concept album with the exception of lyrics alluding to space.

While this album is not as upbeat as the first five, its tranquil tone makes it a nice change from many of the drum and guitar-lead songs that took the stage in all of their albums of the last 12 years. It may not be many fans’ favorite album, but it is still sprinkled with the same moodiness and Alex Turner wit. “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” is one of the most interesting and compelling Arctic Monkeys albums to listen to all the way through, and it is by far their best album this decade.

My rating: 4/5

Courtesy Arctic Monkeys Instagram

Matt & Kim have had better days, almost everyday

By Alec Spicer @Spicer_Alec Remember back in 2008 when everyone suddenly discovered the premade beats provided on GarageBand? Matt & Kim seem to be catching on to that about 10 years late, making almost an entire album out of it.

This throwback trend of manufactured beats is prevalent almost immediately on their latest album,“Almost

Everyday,” with the first track “Intro” serving as an accurate representation of what is to be expected throughout the album.

Following the piano-heavy, almost ominous introduction is “Forever,” the first single from the album. The duo isn’t reinventing their wheel here, though. In fact, “Forever” is not far off from the classic Matt & Kim sound we have come to know. However, it lacks the same infectious sound as the real-life couple’s earlier albums’ lead singles, such as “Let’s Go” and “Daylight.”

Unfortunately, the next track and official second single “Like I Used to Be” follows that same path, even being slightly more lackluster than its predecessor.

Fortunately, the album finds its high point on the fourth track, “I’d Rather.” Anchored by Kim Schifino’s ability to find the right

balance of a hip-hop meets indie pop drum beat, the optimistic anthem is the closest thing you’ll find to the magic of Matt & Kim’s earlier discography.

My own optimism was quickly shot down after hearing the next track, however.

“Happy If You’re Happy” is without question my least favorite song on “Almost Everyday.” As it dragged through its mid-tempo beat, I couldn’t help but ignore the song’s outof-place tone. Though I will say, with references to New York, the lyrics (in the most literal sense) act as a sort of love letter for the Brooklyn-based duo. This was especially fulfilling, because if you’ve ever been to a Matt & Kim show or even just watched one of their videos on social media, their warm dynamic is undeniable and often effortlessly translates to their music.

The second half of the album, although better than “Happy If You’re Happy” didn’t do much for me either. “On My Own,” “Glad I Tried,” and “All In My Head” are all comfortably mediocre and manage to get lost in the album’s slim 10-track listing.

All things considered, with a runtime of under half an hour, “Almost Everyday” is far from Matt & Kim’s best work and closer to feeling like they were given a deadline to produce an album they scraped together.

I’ve been a fan of Matt & Kim’s unique sound since the first time I stumbled upon “Grand” 10 years ago. Maybe I’m just being nostalgic, but with a discography I’ve been decently pleased with since making “Daylight” the soundtrack of so many of my mornings, “Almost Everyday” doesn’t do Matt & Kim any favors. And dare I say, “Almost

Everyday” is possibly even their worst album.

My rating: 2.75/5

Courtesy Matt & Kim’s Facebook

Foreign independent film review: ‘101’ pays homage to one of the greatest European filmmakers, score wildly impresses

By Zack Helms @NTDailyZack I have a special appreciation for films that exist to pay tribute to earlier works and creators. Films like these often have the benefits of an evolved and modern film industry and all its refinements at their disposal, and seeing how they adapt modern expectations to a genre of film that’s been long dead never fails to be a risky move requiring adept understanding of its inspirations.

Director of “101”Josef Roman Luszpinski is one such creator who commands these understandings.

His film, based on Director Abel Gance’ 1919 silent film “J’accuse,” is indeed a harrowing reflection at a dark time in history and a reverent celebration of an expired era of film.

“101” is set during World War I and covers much of the conflicts between Russian and German forces. Its characters, whose names are far too confusing for me to remember, are the generals of these armies, and much of the conflict regards their respective forces, where they have been deployed and what oppositions they must face.

As I said before, as a film whose existence is based upon pre-existing material from almost a century ago, its presentation is the biggest draw. Without any spoken words and shot in nearly all black and white, “101” mimics the visual style of “J’accuse” to a tee. The film uses just about every type of camera trick used in the 1919 classic. This includes circularly framed

sequences, a strikingly powerful use of orchestra, embellished intertitles (where the audience reads the characters’ speech) and even a scene reenacted from “J’accuse” itself.

This mimicry is not a bad thing, however, as Luszpinski constructs an original film under these techniques with deeper purpose. These techniques are used to highlight the style of filmmaking that was once very popular, and it truly is a piece that looks and watches exactly like its inspiration. It is so refreshing to watch a film of today in the style of the early 20th century because it shows you the nuances of both today and then.

A questionable choice made during filming was to rely a bit too heavily on modern techniques in terms of the placement of the camera, though.

While there are shots that look similar to how they would look nearly a century ago, there are a few too many shots taking advantage of modern technology that feel slightly out of place for a movie that leans heavily into older methods. While it didn’t bother me too much, it did feel odd seeing the use of an aerial shot that panned across a battlefield so gracefully — something not seen commonly in cinemas until the latter half of the century.

Most impressive here is the score, which rouses gracefully during battles, tenses up during arguments and unsettles during the many flashforwards in history within the film. It is beautifully composed, and I loved every second of it because it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

With a silent film, music is the most important piece. With no external sound, the score must carry the emotion within every scene to convey the drama that so often captivated audiences early on in film.

Here, it does not disappoint, having already won best original score at the 2018 London International Filmmakers Festival.

The fast forward scene to modern day are the biggest head scratchers for me, however. They are odd to say the least, and I could not find a relevant connection to the war presented in the film.

“J’accuse” was a piece of art designed to ridicule the idea and futility of war. Here, Gance accused men and their agendas of being harmful to the world — they perpetuated more war. I think Luszpinski was attempting to harken back to this while refitting it to apply to conflict today in “101.” He begins the film accusing Aleppo and Lesbos but does not seem to make any other statements within the film, and so his point feels a little bit lost in the wind.

“J’accuse” is a moving tale that was timely and is still sacred to European film culture. While “101” never reaches near the heights of it, it never really was the intent. It is, however, a wonderfully done homage to an artist who wanted to use his talent to show the lives of thousands and their time spent in a war that he did not believe in.

My rating: 3/5

OPINION

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018

Page 8

NTDAILY.COM

In the defense of liberal arts majors

By Kelly Fox @kellythefox1 Be an engineer, they said. Be a CEO. A chemist. An accountant.

Don’t, by any means, go to college and major in philosophy, history or English — aka the liberal arts.

A lot of people assume liberal arts majors won’t be able to find a job after graduation, and if they do, they won’t be making a lot of money. I’ve heard it all before.

We need to stop criticizing liberal arts majors.

I am an English major, which just so happens to fall into the humanities category of the liberal arts, and even includes social sciences and creative arts.

It’s exhausting to deal with people who don’t view English as a legitimate major even though I am studying a subject that I love.

According to a 2014 report from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, at peak earnings ages, 56 to 60, workers who majored in the humanities or social sciences as undergraduates earn on average each year about $2,000 more than professional or pre-professional majors.

Recent college graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) majors may earn more than other degree holders, but according to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, college graduates in all fields see their salaries increase significantly over time.

I have yet to meet a fellow classmate, majoring in journalism or English, who is going to college for a liberal arts degree for the money — but that doesn’t mean we’ll be working at McDonald’s.

Students pursue liberal arts degrees to study subjects we are passionate about. I’ve taken classes on how to write short stories and digital rhetoric, and while what I learn in those classes may not directly apply to the professional world, the liberal arts are teaching me valuable skills.

Those skills are called “soft skills,” meaning they cannot be easily replicated by a machine. For example, leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills are skills I am using in the classroom and will translate directly to the workforce.

Illustration by Austin Banzon Employers are looking for those skills. A National Association of Colleges and Employers survey found around 80 percent of employers seek leadership on a resume and about 79 percent seek the ability to work in a team.

In my English classes we debate social issues, work in teams and practice effective written and verbal communication all while studying ancient rhetoric.

There’s also value in the broad knowledge liberal arts students receive.

For example, I took a class called “introduction to literary studies,” and I walked away from the class knowing more information than ever about Chicano studies and the environment.

That broad knowledge shows liberal arts majors care about more than just the subject they are studying, they care about people and issues.

The days of shaming college students for the major they choose are over.

College is for all types of students, no matter what major you choose. If art is your thing, go for it. If sociology, psychology or geography is, that’s OK too.

We’re not in it for the money, and we’ll be just fine. There are jobs out there, and no, not at your local fast food joint.

Why are we inclined to disbelieve women?

By Rachel Herzer @coolrachdoritos A few weeks ago, screenshots between two women blew up in the Denton area. In the texts, one issued a warning that bartenders on Fry Street may be putting roofies in women’s drinks and shared an experience her friend had.

In true Twitter fashion, all the replies to the tweet were detracting her, declaring that “everyone loves those guys, they would never do that,” and calling for the men in question to actually sue her for libel.

Let me be clear: that is the wrong way to react to this situation.

First of all, the women did not accuse any specific individuals, let alone insinuate she was going to take legal action or report it to the police. The texts made references to “bartenders at Fry Street Tavern and Public House” who are “frat guys.” As if “frat guy” was an extremely distinguishing identifier in a college bar and we knew exactly who she meant. Who exactly should be suing these women, then?

This woman was looking out for others and shared this rumor in an effort to potentially prevent this from happening to someone else. There was no specific identifying information for the woman who sent the text or the

men accused. There was no mention of taking action beyond this simple warning. So why was this instantly met with skepticism, malice and threats?

Because some people will always go out of their way to undermine women and their experiences. Some people care more about an ambiguous, unspecific group of men’s reputations than the fact that a woman said she was drugged.

“Those guys would never do anything like that, I know them so well,” is classic victim blaming rhetoric, and I can’t believe how quickly it was employed in this context.

The haste with which our society will automatically react with disbelief and defensiveness against stories of abuse, for even a faceless group of men, is quite honestly one of the reasons so many victims do not come forward.

People you know and love can still commit crimes. Just because someone is loved or trusted by the community does not give them divine exemption

from being terrible when no one’s looking. In fact, in the case of sexual violence, most victims know their attacker. Destroy your notions that only crazy people in dark alleys can commit sexual assault and realize the prevalence of violence among regular, everyday people.

I’m not saying the roofies situation didn’t happen, and I’m not saying it did.

But the whole matter is a glimmering testament to how far we have yet to come regarding believing and uplifting women’s voices when they say they have been mistreated.

False sexual assault allegations are rare — the National Sexual Violence Resource Center says false reporting is between 2 and 10 percent. False claims for this crime are no higher than any other yet, astonishingly, accusers of this crime are scrutinized, dismissed and doubted more than any other.

Why do you think that is?

Illustration by Austin Banzon

Catch up or get ahead.

Enroll for summer term.

Summer I begins June 5 Summer II begins July 10

Illustration by Austin Banzon

They’re not always SPOT-on

By Brianna Adams @bribriixo My favorite time during the semester is when SPOT evaluations open up.

This is not only because I cherish the opportunity to call out certain professors on their downfalls, but also because they deserve to know what they were doing right.

RateMyProfessors.com is the perfect website for students to use before signing up for a course because it allows them the opportunity to see what other students have to say about a class or professor. Sometimes you’re tipped off that the textbook isn’t necessary or that the professor has poor communication skills.

RateMyProfessors.com has saved me at least 20 times already for 2018 summer and fall registration. If we, the students, have this sort of tell-all guide about professors, why can’t they receive as much information for themselves?

Our professors should not have to offer

extra credit for an 80 percent SPOT response rate — every student should complete the survey, regardless of extra credit bribes. It is important for professors to know what is and isn’t working with their methods of teaching.

Maybe they talk too fast, or move too slow.

Maybe the assignments are not useful tools for practicing the material.

Professors are pretty intelligent, but they are not mind readers. If you care about helping out the students who come after you, you should express your opinions to the professors through the SPOT evaluations.

At the end of the day, our professors are only human. Some of them are not even professors — they’re teaching fellows on their journey to “professorhood.”

They need encouragement, just like the rest of us. My English professor has taught me more over the last two semesters than I was ever willing to learn in my entire life. She and professors like her deserve to hear about the impact they have with their students.

A lot of times the only students motivated enough to respond are those with an axe to grind, which can skew the overall interpretation of a professor.

It’s important to respond to these SPOT evaluations because it gives a voice to every student. This is the only truly open forum in which we can say whatever we wish without fear of persecution. Every comment we make will be read by that professor and will be taken into account for their future courses — the good, bad and downright truthful.