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THE AFRICAN STUDENT UNION (ASU) and other student organizations share their clubs with the OU student body at Winter GrizzFest.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Getting back on track during the winter semester
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
As a new semester begins, the Academic Success Center (ASC) hosted the virtual workshop, Back on Track, to help students navigate academic challenges and maintain good academic standing.
On Jan. 8, Academic Support Coordinator Amy Ward highlighted organizational strategies for managing time, maintaining focus and improving learning to enhance studying during the winter semester.
“In college, 25% of the learning that you do is in class,” Ward said. “So, 75% of the learning that you do in college is independent. But how do I handle that 75% of learning something that I don’t know on my own?”
Ward kicked off the presentation by outlining intentional learning strategies based on Bloom’s Taxonomy — a framework developed to create learning and assessment methods. The pyramid diagram starts with remembering and understanding, moving up to applying and analyzing to finalize with evaluating and creating.
“We want to take learning to the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy through active learning,” Ward said. “You may have heard before that if you can teach something to somebody, then you will understand it better and that really is true.”
Thus, explaining content to others is the first learning strategy for enhancing study time. After reviewing content from a textbook or from notes, Ward advises teaching it to a pet, a friend or just explaining it out loud during a commute.
“Mind maps are another way to get out of your retrieval in your head and onto the paper,” Ward said. “You want to be present in every class. Remember, we talked about that engagement and that presence.”
As a visual explanation of content, mind maps draw connections between examples, concepts and processes that take memorizing to the next level.
“You definitely want to plan your time,” Ward said. “Students, when they come to college, at first, they take a look at their lecture schedule, and I feel like they have so much time — this is only 25% of what you’re learning.”
Two to three hours of study per credit hour per week is a rule of thumb at the ASC, where a three-credit class translates into six to nine hours of studying outside of class. To accomplish this, Ward advised creating flexible schedules with set chunks of study time in what is known as the Pomodoro technique.
“There was a graduate student who had a little tomato timeline,” Ward said. “He set it for 25
minutes, and during that 25 minutes, he focused just on the thing he had to do.”
Increasing focus time using the Pomodoro technique will come with practice and dedication. However, taking advantage of the break time to integrate healthy habits like going outside, doing exercise and eating balanced meals will multiply the benefits, Ward explained.
“At the end of the day, please consider change,” Ward said. “Trying some different study strategies, thinking even time management a little bit differently, and addressing other challenges is essential.”
The speaker highlighted that time management, procrastination and mental health are some of the major challenges preventing college students from getting the grades they strive for. Extending an invitation to visit the ASC, Ward advised students to recognize that mistakes and challenges are normal.
“Sometimes students are apprehensive to come in for tutoring or the supplemental instruction or the Academic Support appointments,” Ward said. “Please know that we are here for you; would love to meet with you; would love to be your cheerleader; would love to hear more about what your experience has been in school and pull out some of those bags of tricks that I have and talk about things that might work for you.”
Collaboration and identity at Winter GrizzFest
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
The winter celebration of GrizzFest welcomed students back to Oakland University during the first week of the year, anticipating more collaborations between new and returning student organizations.
Hosted in the Oakland Center’s Ballrooms on Jan. 9, the student organization and local business fair included dozens of tables for clubs to connect with students and celebrate campus engagement.
“I think there’s a lot less people, just because everyone’s stressed out with the new semester starting, they’re not quite as excited,” Sophia Vecchi, Gaming Guild secretary, said. “It’s still nice to see so much enthusiasm, especially for a club like ours, which is much more focused on relaxation after a hard week.”
Much like the Gaming Guild, and as diverse as one can find, clubs at OU have collaboration and inclusion as part of their winter plans.
“This semester we’re sticking to tradition,” Vecchi said. “Just having fun playing board games, but collaborating with other student organizations to sort of bring the joy of gaming to everyone on campus, rather than just our little niche.”
While the Gaming Guild plans on collaborating with SPB to teach students to play traditional card games like poker and blackjack, the Medical Imaging Science Society (MISS) has a combined
event in line with the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Society.
“We’re a club that likes to unite all the students who are in medical imaging, which is not a wellknown major it’s not a well-known profession,” Alex Buraconak, MISS president said. “We’re some of the most important people that work in the hospital and we just like to bring people together to celebrate our profession.”
No matter how small the community, there is something for every aspect of a person, even X-ray, CT and MRI info nights, Buraconak explained.
“There’s something for just about anybody if you’re looking for a specific major, or if there’s something about your personality that you know you can connect with other people about — it’s really awesome,” Buraconak said.
The African Student Union (ASU) embodies this enthusiasm toward creating spaces where people of different backgrounds can connect and enjoy their time at OU.
“I know a lot of people think (ASU) is only for African students, but it’s not. It’s actually a club to show African culture at OU’s campus,” Michele Sende, ASU president, said. “We welcome everyone so they can come and see what being African looks like.”
With winter collaborations and events being part of a rebranding process, Sende explained that the club wants to create a visible staple at OU.
“When people think about the fashion show, we want them to think, ‘Oh, we know it’s the African Student Union doing it with Student Congress,’” Sende said. “ When they hear a taste of Africa, they know, ‘Oh, that’s the African Student Union.’”
Pointing to SPB as a role model of staple events that are now a tradition on campus, Sende explained that ASU wants to foster a greater presence and larger community within the student body — a vision shared by The BRATz.
“BRATz is really about just expressing that individuality and communication through campus,” Kamryn Humphrey, The BRATz’s vice president said. “ When people don’t necessarily have the confidence to do that initial outreach, it’s already there for you to connect. You do not have to do this alone, and that’s something that we really want to focus on.”
A new club, The BRATz aims to form a space that creates friendships, identity and community on campus, Bambie Johnson, The BRATz’s president explained. At the same time, the group aims to create an identity for the club that is recognizable and transcends in the years to come.
“Once we actually got everything together, our community is really great,” Johnson said. “We’re really supportive of one another and we want to encourage more people to come and hang out and be friends.”
Volunteer opportunities around campus for Winter 2025
NOAH FRANCIS Features Editor
As everyone starts to settle into the 2025 winter semester, welcome the new year by giving back to the community. From donating clothing and food, to volunteering around OU, there are several opportunities for community service, whether it’s for volunteer hours or just for fun.
For a head start on giving back to the community in 2025, check out these volunteer opportunities happening around the Oakland University community.
Meadow Brook Hall
For those interested in the Meadow Brook Estate, Meadow Brook Haall offers several volunteer opportunities such as giving tours, hosting events, catering, gardening and more. The estate welcomes volunteers who are interested in the history and architecture of the building, and those who are unfamiliar with the estate. To apply, fill out their volunteer application form online. meadowbrookhall.org.
OUCARES
The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services, also known as OUCARES, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving
the lives of people living with Autism. OUCARES offers programs involving holiday events, sports, employable skills and social skills, and the volunteers help make these programs possible. To apply, go through a national background check, and fill out their online form. oakland.edu.
Golden Grizzlies Pantry
Oakland University has its own free food and clothing pantry for all members of the Oakland University community. Volunteers can help with sorting, cleaning, inventory and other duties needed at the pantry. Looking to donate instead? Golden Grizzlies Pantry accepts non-perishable food items, refrigerated perishables, hygiene products, OU spirit-wear and business casual clothing. To apply, submit the volunteer agreement form. To donate, make an appointment by emailing oupantry@ oakland.edu, or calling 248-370-2731. oakland.edu.
Alternative Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a non-profit student led organization that works on community service projects around the country during spring break. This year, OU will be going to Kissimmee, Florida, to volunteer at Give Kids the World Village — a village where children with terminal illnesses can experience a special week away from the
hospital visits and medical procedures. To apply, check out ASB’s GrizzOrgs page and fill out the ASB trip interest form. gktw.org.
Over the course of the winter semester, the Office for Student Involvement (OSI) will be hosting several volunteering events on and off campus. Jean Ann Miller, the senior director for the OSI, explains her reason why it’s a good idea to volunteer during this upcoming winter semester.
“It’s a new year, so it could be a new year’s resolution to give back to the community, locally or globally,” Miller said. “It makes you feel good and we’re doing good for others that are in need of assistance.”
For students who want to volunteer and none of the above events work with your schedule, the OSI can set up projects to count towards volunteer hours.
“If students are looking for something, and they have an hour or two to spend in our office, the OSI can set up projects,” Miller said. “We have projects that are readily available if you need a couple hours to submit to your classes.”
For more on other volunteer opportunities coming in the Winter 2025 semester, visit the OSI GrizzOrgs page for more information.
Students predict the up and coming trends of 2025
DANIELA CESARIO Features Reporter
As we step into 2025, a wave of exciting new trends is sweeping across music, fashion and style, shaping the way we express ourselves in an increasingly digital world. From nostalgic revivals to futuristic innovations, the year promises to be a vibrant blend of past, present and future.
“I am excited for 2025. We get to see music evolve into something that blurs the lines between human creativity and artificial intelligence,” freshman Allie Michewicz said. “It’s a collaborative process that results in sounds we never imagined, and probably new music as well.”
The music so far in 2025 is dominated by genremelding sounds, with artists blending everything from hyperpop to lo-fi jazz in a variety of new ways. Leading this movement are independent creators who have gained traction through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, giving rise to unique subcultures. One of the standout trends is the return of acoustic-driven melodies layered with electronic beats — a nod to both classic songwriting and modern production techniques.
“I am super excited for all the artists going on tour this year,” Michewicz said. “It is only January, and a lot of artists have dropped an album, which normally means a tour is going to be announced soon.”
In fashion, hyper-individualism reigns supreme.
Personal expression is prioritized over adhering to a single mainstream style, resulting in a fascinating mix of aesthetics. Y2K-inspired fashion is still holding strong, but it’s being reimagined with a futuristic twist — think metallic fabrics, neon accents and oversized accessories.
“Fashion today is all about mixing old-school vibes with futuristic elements,” freshman Kiera McKee said. “It’s a way for people to show who they are without following rigid rules.”
Sustainability remains a key focus, with many brands turning to upcycled and biodegradable materials. DIY fashion has seen a surge in popularity as well, with consumers embracing thrift flips and handmade designs. Social media challenges, such as the “7-day capsule wardrobe,” encourage people to experiment with minimalist fashion, while promoting sustainability.
“I have been seeing new trends of not just thrifting, but making your own clothes,” McKee said. “It is more sustainable than buying new ones and is better for the environment.”
Style in 2025 transcends the physical realm, as digital fashion becomes more prominent. Virtual outfits for avatars in the metaverse are not only a trend but a booming industry. Digital influencers and content creators are experimenting with augmented reality (AR) filters that allow them to wear intricate designs that might be impossible to create in real life.
“I think that staying mindful with your living
habits will continue to influence lifestyle choices,” McKee said. “Wellness apps with AI are becoming much more popular and are helping maintain a balanced lifestyle amid the fast-paced digital era.”
In 2025, the world feels more connected than ever, yet there’s a clear desire for individuality and balance. Whether it’s through music, fashion or mindful living, people are finding new ways to express themselves while navigating a tech-saturated world. These trends not only reflect our evolving tastes but also hint at the direction we are heading, a future where creativity knows no bounds.
OU Alum Battling Brain Tumor: Self-advocacy in the face of uncertainty
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
Campus Editor
Megan Semeraz, Oakland University alum, reporter and digital marketing specialist explores local coffee shops and parks with George — a Labrador-great Dane mix and her best coworker — in a routine she has maintained in preparation for brain surgery.
She recalls never expecting a doctor’s visit and a dermatologist appointment in 2018 to end up in a craniopharyngioma diagnosis — a tumor on the pituitary stalk.
“It has been about a year and eight months since finding out about the tumor,” Semeraz says “Initially, surgery sounded like the scariest thing on earth. It is still really scary, but I’ve sat with this since around last spring and knew for sure since August that surgery was going to be the best route.”
After going on and off birth control for a couple of years prior as instructed by her obstetrician-gynecologist, something changed but the doctor couldn’t say for sure what — Semeraz was asymptomatic.
“My OB/GYN just said it looked like I had PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome,” Semeraz says, recalling the beginning of a time of uncertainty. “I just didn’t feel like I had the symptoms of PCOS. Finally, in the spring of 2023 at my annual OB/ GYN appointment, I asked my doctor for a referral for an endocrinologist.”
Referrals are a few of the first issues the OU alum encountered in the healthcare system.
“In general, getting doctors to do further testing and refer you to another specialist is still a challenge,” Semeraz said. “You have to be your own advocate. In my current situation with surgery, I am finding the biggest challenge is there is no one to help fully navigate/steer me in directions because I don’t have a cancer diagnosis.”
With 10 years of experience in the industry working for McLaren Health Care marketing, Semeraz expected the small growth in her pituitary gland shown in the MRI.
“It was a Monday in early May [2023], I was outside with my dog after work and I decided to check my MRI results in my Beaumont chart online,” Semeraz says. “This is where I saw that I had a much larger growth and that I was to be referred to neurologic oncology.”
A second point of tension, Semeraz explains that the uncertainty created between technical diagnoses in an isolated screen and patients unfamiliar with uncommon medical disorders puts too much distress on patients.
“I know many doctors hate the fact that major test results are pushed to the patient portal before they can go over results with a patient,” Semeraz says, attesting to the two weeks of heightened anxiety before making sense of her new reality. “Our society is too used to having immediate results and this is an example of how harmful that can be.”
The neurosurgeon confirmed the tumor was benign, not cancerous. Uncertainty still looms over the diagnosis as it will be biopsied during the surgery scheduled for Jan. 29 at the University of Michigan. Until the biopsy, recovery and treatment procedures are still tentative.
“I’ll be five days in the hospital, assuming it goes smoothly,” Semeraz says with a positive prognosis and the surgeons’ optimism. “I have taken work off eight weeks, I’m hoping it will take four to six weeks. I want to go back to normal.”
Semeraz’s best friend will be taking care of George for a few days while she will be tended by her mom and sister — all taking time off work. Thus, Semeraz set up a GoFundMe to cover medical costs and living expenses.
After spending more time with friends and family, Semeraz meditates and stays home in preparation for the surgery, with renewed spirits as years of uncertainty come closer to an end. Remembering her advocacy stories for Karmanos Cancer Institute, Semeraz concludes her story with a note on advocacy — a life-saving action.
“I wouldn’t have ever gotten an MRI unless I asked my doctor for a referral. Even knowing I had a tumor, I got a few different opinions,” Semeraz says. “When in doubt, get a second, third, fourth opinion. It’s stressful and time-consuming, but you absolutely have to do your research — no one is going to do that for you. That is absolutely your biggest power as a patient.”
Story by Daniela Cesario
Design by Megan Judy
Photos Courtesy of inkl, The Detroit News, and Hictoric Pictoric
The 2024-2025 NFL season has been nothing short of remarkable for the Detroit Lions. After years of rebuilding, the Lions have surged to the top of the NFC North, clinching first place in the division and securing the coveted number one seed in the conference. This historic achievement marks a turning point for the franchise, as they look poised to make a deep playoff run.
“It is pretty incredible to see and witness everything that has been happening,” freshman Blake Jahn said. “The team itself has chemistry unlike any other, which is why they play so well together. It makes you proud to live in Detroit, and proud to be a Lions fan. I have been super grateful and lucky to have gone to a few games, and the atmosphere is insane.”
The Lions’ potent offense doesn’t stop at their infamous quarterback Jared Goff. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to shine as one of the league’s premier pass catchers. Rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs has also made an immediate impact, tallying 1,929 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns so far this season. Gibbs’s ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver has added a new dimension to the Lions’ offense.
“In addition to their offense, Detroit’s defense has been a revelation,” Jahn said. “Despite losing defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to injury earlier in the season, our defense ranks in the top 10 in the league in both total yards allowed and points per game. Hutchinson’s absence was compensated by his teammates who took his place and are doing incredibly well.”
Before he was injured in tearing his ACL and missing the rest of the season, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez had also played a crucial role, leading the team with 27 tackles and providing solid run defense. The Lions’ defensive unit has excelled in creating turnovers, often giving the offense favorable field position.
“One of the key factors behind Detroit’s success has been head coach Dan Campbell,” freshman Peter Schoenherr said. “His leadership and motivational style have galvanized the team. Campbell’s ability to
inspire his players and foster a culture of resilience has been evident throughout the season, especially in close games where the Lions have consistently found ways to win.”
The Lions finished the regular season with a record of 15-2, including a perfect away record of 8-0. They outscored their opponents by an average margin of 10 points per game, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball. Their first-place finish in the NFC North is the franchise’s first since 1993, and their number one seed in the conference ensures home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
“As the playoffs approach, excitement is building among Lions fans, who have waited decades for a team like this to finally get the
CENTERED IN COMMUNITY
Oakland University is powered by remarkable people. People who are woven into the fabric of Southeast Michigan, living and working in the community they’ve helped shape. They are our neighbors, professors, colleagues and kin, all working toward a collective goal of togetherness in the place we call home. cen27618/11.24
To support her forensic nursing students, KELLY BERISHAJ creates opportunities to work alongside local health care providers.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OU’S COMMUNITY WORK.
KELLY BERISHAJ Associate Professor of Forensic Nursing
2025’s most anticipated films are truly ‘Wicked’
MORGAN WARNEKE Content Editor
2025 is proving itself to be an exciting year for film lovers. Looking at what’s to come, viewers can predict an influx of reboots, animated adventures and sequels. Going in order by release date, here are some of the most anticipated film releases of 2025 and what you can expect from them.
“Snow White”
Following the 1937 animation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” this live-action Disney adaptation of “Snow White” will be released on March 21. The film has a star-studded cast, and with Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the evil queen, fans can expect a modernized version of the classic tale. Excitement has been surrounding “Snow White” after it was confirmed that that screenplay was written by Greta Gerwig, who is responsible for a number of successful films, including “Barbie” (2023) and “Little Women” (2019).
“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning”
On May 23, fans can rush to theaters to witness Tom Cruise step into the shoes of Ethan Hunt one last time, after portraying the character for over 30 years. Unfortunately, this is the concluding film to the “Mission: Impossible” series, but the final film doesn’t intend to stray away from its jaw-dropping stunts and high stakes action sequences. Viewers
can also expect to witness a more emotional side of Hunt as he attempts to save humanity from a powerful A.I. “Entity” that has the potential to destroy the world.
“Superman”
In this reboot of the “Superman” film series, David Corenswet will be starring as the titular character, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Releasing on July 11, the first film in the DC Universe (DCU) will focus on Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human family. Directed by James Gunn, the synopsis teases a classic DC blend of action, humor and heart. If you like this one, you may want to also check out Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World,” which hits theaters on Feb. 14.
“Wicked: For Good”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo return as Glinda and Elphaba in what will be the second installment of the “Wicked” film series. This longawaited part two will hit theaters on Nov. 21. After the extreme success that “Wicked: Part I” has had, fans are anticipating — and holding space — for what’s going to happen next. It’s confirmed that viewers can expect new songs written for the sequel by Stephen Schwartz, as well as more insight on Glinda the Good’s transformation.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s 2”
Freddy Fazbear is seeking vengeance in “Five
Nights at Freddy’s 2,” which will release in theaters on Dec. 5. Based on the viral video game horror series, Josh Hutcherson will return as Mike, with appearances from Matthew Lillard and Elizabeth Lail. This will be an exciting year for horror franchises — you can also expect “M3GAN 2.0” on Jun. 27, “The Conjuring: Last Rites” on Sep. 5 and “Saw XI” on Sep. 26.
No matter your preferred genre, 2025 promises something for everyone. Even if you’re not a big fan of going to the movies, chances are you’ll find yourself at the theater at least once to catch one of these highly anticipated releases.
Stop! I have seen
this show before!: The cultural impact of Squ id Game 2
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
The year is 2021, the first season of “Squid Game” — a South Korean action-thriller show — had been released in the fall to much fanfare. The show — other than being a sharp critique of economic disparity and predatory capitalism — was a gold mine for internet culture and memes.
The children’s game featured at the beginning of the first season, “Red Light, Green Light,” along with many other twists that the show had to offer, became a template for many TikTok trends and edits more than three and a half years ago.
The creator of “Squid Game”, Hwang Donghyuk, originally intended for the first season of “Squid Game” to be the only season. However, due to increasing pressure from fans, the media and Netflix, Hwang eventually wrote, directed and produced a second season that was released the day after Christmas on Dec. 26, 2024.
The second season of “Squid Game,” aptly titled “Squid Game 2,” splashed onto the internet’s culture radar immediately upon release. There were new characters, old characters, new twists, surprises and most importantly… new games.
“Six Legs” and “Mingle” were new games added to the season — and quickly became TikTok viral. This, along with a popular knock-off Roblox game titled, “Shrimp Game,” cemented the second season
of “Squid Game” as a global cultural-juggernaut.
With the third season slated for release later this year, “Squid Game” seems like an unstoppable force. Both being critically and culturally acclaimed, “Squid Game” quite literally has no reason not to pump out a third and final season and finish the story.
Will Hwang deliver all that is promised for the last season? Will all the plot lines be tied up nicely?
Will Gi-hun exact revenge on the Front Man? How will this all end, exactly?
I do not have any theories or hunches that are not just borderline speculation, at this point. Rather than do that, I will briefly talk about what made the
season special and what disappointed. Personally, I absolutely adored the first season of “Squid Game,” I thought it was a super tight and succinct criticism of capitalism’s predatory nature towards the poor, and how we choose to divide ourselves, rather than directly confront our oppressors. It was paced beautifully, the drama was there to push the characters to unspeakable places and overall was a really smart pick-up by Netflix to give Hwang a chance to further his artistic vision.
The second season, while having an interesting first two episodes, really starts to fall behind and stagnate. The same plot and story beats are hit, and in the last episode (no spoilers) it turns into all action, no plot. The pacing was lost and so was the story’s message.
While the culture that is coming out of “Squid Game 2” is exquisite — the memes, trends, games, edits, etc., are all excellent — the story suffered from a rushed production and high expectations. Like Gi-Hun says in the show, “I’ve played these games before!” A very precise description of my feelings while watching — and even talking about — “Squid Game 2.”
The final, highly-anticipated piece of the puzzle is coming, and in my opinion season three should have a lot to offer to fans of the show. Besides enjoying the memes, trends and cultural moments coming from the South Korean series, we can only wait.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX
Mixed messages flood Ethel Cain’s newest EP ‘Perverts’
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
Hayden Anhedönia, a.k.a. Ethel Cain, has had a brush with fame and virality over the past few years. One of her first debut singles, “Crush,” off of her 2021 EP “Inbred,” is a triumphant yet sentimental psychedelic dream pop track. It details her life growing up in Florida and one of her first real crushes — an older guy she “dated.”
The single has over 50 million listens on Spotify and was a signifier for things to come for Cain.
Her “Preacher’s Daughter” album has many songs on it that went TikTok viral, including “American Teenager,” “Strangers” and lastly — but most importantly — “Ptolemaea.”
“Ptolemaea” is a track that confused me, and many others, at first. It’s a slower, ambient track that mixes post-metal, industrial and doomgaze near its finale in order to bring about a sense of overwhelming dread and reckoning for its audience. Cain screams bloody murder when the song finally peaks.
“Make it stop, I’ve had enough/Stop, stop, stop, stop/ Stop, stop, stop/STOP,” Cain sings on “Ptolemaea.”
Ethel Cain’s fourth EP, “Perverts” is a hurried departure from her 2022 debut record, “Preacher’s Daughter.” While there are songs similar to the best
on “Preacher’s Daughter,” the majority of the EP consists of a darker, more ambient soundscape. The ideas from “Ptolemaea” are viscerally present on this EP through the instrumentation, foreboding lyrics and the overall darker tone of the project.
The length of this “extended play” is also something that perplexes me — it is 89 minutes long.
So why did Cain do this? Why make a dreary, desolate-sounding and frankly hard-to-listen-to project, as a departure from her ethereal-gothic pop sound?
“I just really like drone music and wanted to make some,” Cain said in a Tumblr post.
While it may be true Cain really appreciates the complexity and subtlety of drone music and simply wanted to make some of it herself, I — and the rest of the music community — have a hunch she is trying to purposely alienate herself from her new TikTok audience.
The lyrics — in typical Cain fashion — are religious in nature. Lots of talk about Heaven, Hell, committing sin and rebuking it. However, there is also another edge to the lyrics which I want to talk about: self-gratification through pleasure. Masturbation.
There are tons of direct and indirect nods to it in this EP. The purpose of these references is to both comment on the anti-hedonist views of most
Christian denominations and to plainly gross out those eager enough to go on Cain’s genius page to check out the verified lyrics — like I do.
“Heaven has forsaken the masturbator…” Cain sings on the title track, “Perverts.”
Even besides the title track and its odd subject, Cain brings up her sex life in several other tracks including the EP’s only single, “Punish,” and “Onanist.”
“Whatever’s wrong with me/I will take to bed/I give in so easy/Nature chews on me/Little death like lead,” Cain sings on “Punish.”
All of it — the drone, the sexual lyrics, the length, the dark undertones, the brooding, etc. — lends itself to a more textured sound, not a monotone, spoken word record. I get what Cain was aiming for, however, not much of the EP— if any of it — lands cleanly on two feet here.
Where “Ptolemaea” shined, “Perverts” fell flat. There is no epic crescendo, the tracks each meander along at their own ill-defined pace. Sure, some get louder and louder, but none come to the logical conclusion that made “Ptolemaea” so appealing.
I hope that this is a brief departure for Cain, as I think that her pop songs are held together better. But if this is the sound she is going to be going with for a while, I think she will need to tighten her instrumental and lyrical focus in order to please both lanes of her audience.
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On Jan. 3, U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA) was officially elected to serve as Speaker of the House. Johnson was first elected on Oct. 25, 2023, after Kevin McCarthy was ousted from the position.
McCarthy received serious backlash from Matt Gaetz, who publicly disagreed with McCarthy over spending bills. The feud between Gaetz and McCarthy is infamous as an example of intra-party divide within the right. McCarthy has noted ethical complaints about Gaetz, specifically the Justice Department’s sex trafficking investigation of Gaetz.
“Look, everybody has different people in their party. Unfortunately, Matt happens to be here. I think at the end of the day, he probably shouldn’t be on the streets,” McCarthy said.
Johnson was elected on the first ballot, however, the margin was narrow. Johnson received 218 votes and Representative Hakeem S. Jeffries (D-NY) received 215. All 215 Democrats in the House voted for Jeffries. Although Republicans hold a majority in the House, the margin is slim, so partisan
Mike Johnson elected as Speaker of the House in close vote Republican factionalism: H-1B visas and immigration
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
The Republican Party in the United States is split on an essential issue that concerns visas, labor and immigration. The technology industry and business interests of the Republican Party are currently pitted against populist MAGA Republicans.
The ideological differences between the MAGA types and the tech types have played out in a public controversy over H-1B visas — a pathway to bring non-immigrant aliens to the United States to work specialized jobs (often in the tech industry).
The visa has provisions that specify that the employer must prove that no eligible American citizen is willing to fill the role and that the nonimmigrant worker is paid a typical wage. However, critics point out that this system rarely upholds these provisions, with H-1B workers often underpaid.
This visa system has received backlash from MAGA Republicans and others, who claim that it is only a method for businesses to import cheap specialized labor at the expense of American workers who are capable of the same work for better wages. This online criticism sparked tech industrysympathetic Republicans like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to defend H-1B visas.
agreement is essential for the future of the right.
Originally, three conservatives voted to block Johnson from re-election as speaker. However, Trump made multiple phone calls to urge them to support Johnson. Ralph Norman (R-S) and Keith Self (R-TX) eventually switched their votes to support Johnson.
“It’s an incredible honor to continue serving our great country as Speaker of the House. Now, let’s get to work,” Johnson said in a post on X.
Johnson has also faced several challenges and backlash since assuming the position in 2023. In April of 2024, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green (R-GA) filed a motion to vacate the chair against Johnson. Green has harshly criticized Johnson for his strategy to pass $95 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.
Johnson is now challenged with helping Presidentelect Donald Trump’s bill to pass. Provisions of the bill include border security, energy and manufacturing. Trump’s multitrillion-dollar bill will not easily be passed in a slim Republican majority of 219 Republicans to 215 Democrats. Republicans now officially control both chambers of Congress, allowing for the executive branch’s
agenda to flow more easily. However, with growing factionalism within the Republican Party, the cooperation seems even more difficult.
Trump and Johnson work as a close pair. Johnson joined Trump at a UFC fight in November 2024 and even joined Elon and RFK Jr. on Trump’s airplane. Johnson referred to himself as the quarterback and Trump as the coach.
“You all heard me say over the last year we were developing — using my football metaphors — we were developing a playbook. We have very well-designed plays. Now we are working out the sequence of those plays, working with a new head coach, in that metaphor, President Trump,” Johnson said.
Trump will take the oath of office on Jan. 20, and Republicans are settling on a game plan for the first 100 days of the administration to maximize Republican accomplishments. The first 100 days of a presidential term have a symbolic significance, as is commonly used as a benchmark for measuring success. Although not in office yet, Trump has already begun to take on roles on a global stage, including visiting Notre Dame for its reopening ceremony.
“The reason I’m in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H-1B … I will go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend,” Musk said in a post on X.
Among those who challenged the H-1B visas was Steve Bannon, a popular right-wing podcaster and an architect of modern-day MAGA ideology. Bannon and other MAGA Republicans lashed out at the current Republican leadership and called for radical change to the current visa system.
“I got a very simple visa solution ... Eliminate the program 100% right now … deport immediately all the H-1B holders … Hire, immediately, to all those spaces, Americans at the same training or above … These are the types of fights ahead of us … I guess that’s what Elon’s talking about when he said he’ll fight us to the death on any change,” Bannon said.
Much to the ire of MAGA Republicans, Presidentelect Trump sided with Musk, Vivek and the tech industry by voicing his support for H-1B visas.
“We need smart people coming into our country, we need a lot of people coming in,” Trump said.
Trump claimed that he has always been a supporter of H-1B though some have challenged this by pointing out past comments that he has made about the system. Critics say that Trump’s tone on the subject has changed dramatically.
“We believe jobs must be offered to American workers first. Does that make sense? ... H-1B visas are awarded in a totally random lottery and that’s wrong. Instead, they should be given to the most skilled and highest-paid applicants, and they should never ever be used to replace Americans,” Trump said in 2017.
Trump supporters will say Trump has always favored the concept of H-1B visas, merely calling for reform, which doesn’t necessarily contradict his recent statements. It is worth noting, however, that some of those in Trump’s close circle have contradicted themselves.
“Here’s the next question about the H-1B system. Why the heck do we do it on the basis of a lottery? ... So, there’s a lot that’s broken about the administrative state … my general approach when something is broken in government you can’t really fix it when it’s lasted that long — you need to shut it down,” Ramaswamy said.
The Republican Party and the new Trump administration have the chaos of a coalition party with different ideals and interests now vying for the executive office’s approval and power. The internal conflicts, debates and discussions occurring in this new right wing will continue to define Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump Jr. visits Greenland
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On Jan. 7, Donald Trump Jr. landed in Greenland on behalf of his father, President-elect Donald Trump. During his first presidency in 2019, Trump expressed a strong desire to purchase Greenland, and his desire for this land acquisition is being echoed in his second term.
“Don Jr. and my Reps are landing in Greenland. The reception has been great. They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!” President-elect Trump wrote.
Greenland’s government announced in a statement that Trump Jr.’s visit was not an official visit, instead, it was his acting as a private individual. Trump Jr. did not meet with official Greenlandic representatives during his visit. Despite a nonofficial reception, speculation looms large over the purpose of the visit.
“Greenland loves America and Trump!!! Incredible people with an equally awesome reception. They just want to be able to utilize some of the incredible resources that they have and allow themselves, their country, and their kids to flourish,” Trump Jr. wrote in a post on X.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory, meaning it has its own elected government, yet is still a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Situated
in proximity to the U.S., Russia and Europe, Trump has claimed that Greenland has a strategic defense purpose due to its geography.
Besides for reasons of U.S. security, Greenland also has plentiful natural resources. Oil, natural gas and minerals are highly sought after in the nation.
At a press conference held on the same day of his son’s visit, Trump was asked whether he would rule out military or economic coercion to gain Greenland.
“No, I can’t assure you on either of those two. But I can say this, we need them for economic security,” Trump said.
Following this statement, opposition voiced concerns over Trump’s actions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) challenged Trump and his “obsession” over Greenland.
“What about the November presidential election had anything to do with invading Greenland or seizing it by force? I’m confused by the obsession around these comments,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries emphasized the challenges of working-class Americans and the obscurity of fixating on Greenland.
“For far too long, the size of the middle class in this country has gone down, but the cost of living has gone up. That’s a problem. The problem is not Greenland … It’s making sure that the American Dream is brought to life for everyone in this nation,” Jeffries said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also expressed concerns over Trump’s interest in Greenland.
“There is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either,” Frederiksen said.
Although Trump has not officially taken office yet, political plays are in the works as illustrated through Greenland. Come Jan. 20, Trump will mark his first day as president, backed by a majority of Republicans in both the House and the Senate. It’s unclear how the situation of Greenland will develop, yet with a recent visit of his son, the situation has taken the spotlight.
Manifest Destiny: Trump’s territorial ambitions
NICHOLAS
KABLAK Political Reporter
In recent weeks, Donald Trump has floated ideas of using the United States’ powerful economic and military leverage to gain new territories. If all goes well, and these plans succeed, what would this expanded America look like?
While some of these aspirations are unlikely — and probably a rhetorical negotiation tactic of some sort — why not entertain the idea of an American behemoth?
The reclamation of the Panama Canal, the purchasing of Greenland and the annexation of Canada would extend the borders of the United States to heights never before seen.
These acquisitions would make the U.S. roughly 8.2 million square miles — or the 4th largest empire in history just behind the Russian Empire (8.8 million square miles) and ahead of China’s Qing Dynasty (5.68 million square miles).
First is the prospect of Canada joining the Union as the 51st state. The political logistics are far more complicated than adding a state like any old territory — there is an entire Canadian government that would need to be assimilated — not to mention all the local ordinances that would need to align with the current U.S. Constitution.
“Canada and the United States. That would really be something. You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for National Security,” Trump said.
In all likelihood, Canada would have to join the U.S. as some sort of super-state, meaning it would keep special privileges and autonomy within the current U.S. government.
However, if Canada does join the U.S., America would go from 27.72 trillion dollars in GDP to 29.86 trillion dollars. The U.S. would more than double in size from 3.8 million square miles to more than 7.6 million square miles, as well as gain 40 million new citizens. The U.S. would also likely have direct access to Canada’s abundant natural resources, with far more spending power to develop these assets than the current Canadian government.
Next is the concept of purchasing Greenland from Denmark. While the Danish Government has been clear that they do not desire this deal, a territorial purchase of this sort does have historic precedence.
“People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it [Greenland] but if they do, they should give it up,” Trump said.
If the U.S. manages to use its significant economic and military leverage over Denmark to force some sort of deal, then Greenland could very well be flying the Star-Spangled Banner as America’s newest territory. However, this process is further complicated by Greenland’s prospects for independence from Denmark and its current government’s disillusionment with the idea of joining the U.S.
The purchase of Greenland would add 55,000 people to the U.S. as well as 836,000 square miles of land and 3.24 billion dollars in GDP and would prove
to be a major acquisition of natural resources — much like Canada.
Trump also has not ruled out using military force to retake control of the Panama Canal. While the whole ordeal is far more complicated than simply walking in and taking the canal, the prospects of America taking back the canal are interesting.
Although the canal is under the administrative authority of Panama, a Hong Kong-based company operates two ports at the entrance, which gives China a significant degree of control over the Panama Canal’s trade routes (a real security risk for the U.S.).
“The Panama Canal is vital to our country — it’s being operated by China,” Trump said.
If the U.S. reasserted direct control over the Panama Canal militarily, the U.S. could begin to seriously profit from the Canal, and it would gain significant control over trade routes at the expense of China. Although, this is at the cost of likely receiving global condemnation for unprovoked military action.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PEOPLE
Oakland earns much-needed convincing win over Northern Kentucky on the road
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
On Saturday, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball team secured an impressive 68-53 road win over the Northern Kentucky Norse at Truist Arena.
The win improves Oakland’s record to 6-12 on the season and 3-4 in conference play. Additionally, the win positions Oakland much better in the Horizon League, as they now have some separation from the teams at the bottom of the standings.
DQ Cole and Buru Naivalurua came up big in the win, with Cole scoring 16 points and Naivalurua contributing 15 points of his own. Isaiah Jones joined Cole and Naivalurua in the double-figures club, scoring 10 points, while Allen Mukeba came up just shy of a triple-double, scoring eight points while snatching a team-high 12 rebounds.
For the Norse, Josh Dilling led the way with 11 points while dishing out a team-high three assists. Randall Pettus II was the only other Norse to reach double-figures with ten points.
Oakland wasted no time getting the game started. Naivalurua got on the board first with a layup on the Golden Grizzlies’ first possession, ushering in a 12-3 Oakland run. Notably, during the run, Jack Hoth scored his first points in an Oakland uniform with a long-range three.
“He’s just worked his tail off, and he wants to play. We don’t win tonight without Jack,” Oakland head coach Greg Kampe said in an interview with Neal Ruhl on the Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball X account.
Following Oakland’s run and after the first media timeout, the Norse started to close the gap. Trey Robinson converted a layup before Hubertas Pivorius knocked in a three, bringing Northern Kentucky one possession away from Oakland.
Despite the pushback from Northern Kentucky, the Golden Grizzlies got back to business, responding with a 10-3 run, highlighted by a Naivalurua three as the shot clock expired. By the end of their run, Oakland comfortably led the Norse 25-15 halfway through the first.
As the first continued, the Golden Grizzlies expanded their lead to 17 points with four minutes to go before halftime. However, Northern Kentucky closed out the first with momentum, holding the
Golden Grizzlies scoreless in the last three minutes as the Norse went into the break trailing Oakland 41-32. At the start of the second half, the Norse’s momentum carried over as the Golden Grizzlies either missed or turned the ball over on their first four possessions. Oakland’s first bucket of the second came from Naivalurua, who collected Cole’s miss before banking in a hook shot.
With the Norse hanging around, the Golden Grizzlies kept their composure. After Jaylen Jones converted an athletic layup, his brother, Isaiah Jones, took a trip to the charity stripe, cashing in on both of his attempts, fortifying a 12-point Oakland lead.
Nearing the final five minutes of the game, the Golden Grizzlies began to wear out the Norse on both sides of the court. After holding the Norse scoreless for over three minutes, Naivalurua scored on back-toback possessions, further expanding the Oakland lead.
Following an Oakland timeout, Allen Mukeba buried both of his attempts at the free-throw line to put the Golden Grizzlies up 20 over the Norse. With a huge deficit to make up, Northern Kentucky had no chance of making a comeback, giving Oakland a convincing win.
Next, the Golden Grizzlies will host the IU Indy Jaguars on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the OU Credit Union O’Rena. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., and a win over the Jaguars could serve as a springboard for the Golden Grizzlies to climb further up the Horizon League standings.
Oakland men’s basketball splits season series with Wright State
EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter
Last Thursday, Jan. 9, the Oakland men’s basketball team took to the road to face the Wright State (WSU) Raiders in Fairborn, Ohio. The Golden Grizzlies were looking to get back in the win column after a disappointing home loss to Robert Morris on Jan. 4. Unfortunately, despite a large first-half lead, OU couldn’t pull out the road win, losing 66-62.
After defeating the Raiders in their first meeting back on Dec. 5, the game plan remained largely the same. It starts with limiting good looks for Wright State’s best players, Brandon Noel and Alex Huibregtse. OU did a fantastic job containing Noel (18.6 points per game) in their first meeting, as he only scored 6 points on 2-11 shooting. He was also largely ineffective in the second matchup last Thursday, only going for eight points in the game with three turnovers.
It was a different story in the first game against Huibregtse. The knockdown shooter went 4-8 from three and had 12 points. Oakland did a better job with him in the second game, holding him to 11 points with only two made threes. Wright State as a team shot tremendously better in the first game (16-31 on threes) compared to 7-23 in the second game.
Thursday’s game opened fast with two Isaiah Jones buckets, one a jumper and the other a tip-in. After some bucket trading, Oakland manufactured a 10-0 run behind two baskets from Buru Naivalarua.
Sophomore point guard Jaylen Jones hit two free throws to bring the game to a 19-7 Oakland lead.
The Raiders’ offense started to get rolling behind their all-conference big man, Noel. He got to the free throw line for two points and scored a layup, jumpstarting Wright State’s scoring. WSU’s Jack Doumbia started to get hot, hitting a jumper and finding his way to the rim. Despite their efforts, Oakland maintained a 10-point lead with less than four minutes to go in the first half.
Andrea Holden of the Raiders scored two baskets quickly, followed by a Huibregtse layup that pulled Wright State within five at the half, down 28-23. Oakland would have to find greater success from the three-point line in the second half if they were going to pull out the win.
Right on cue, Malcolm Christie opened the half with a much-needed three. Unfortunately for the Golden Grizzlies, the Raiders started to find some gaps in their zone defense, drilling a trio of threes within the first six minutes of the second half. Thanks to two Naivalurua layups and a DQ Cole three, Oakland extended their lead to 40-34.
Holden again stepped up big for Wright State, scoring seven points in about three minutes. If it weren’t for an Isaiah Jones three, Oakland would’ve been down instead of tied at 43 apiece at the under-12 media timeout.
The Golden Grizzlies earned some minor breathing room after a Cooper Craggs layup and three-pointer.
Jayson Woodrich hit his own shot to give OU a slight cushion. Sharpshooter Keaton Norris of WSU got loose for a three before Jack Doumbia again got to the rim for a layup, tying the game at 50 with 7:30 left.
Both teams traded buckets down the stretch, with neither team gaining a lead larger than three points. A critical foul by Jaylen Jones sent Huibregtse to the line with 1:30 left, where he calmly drained all three shots to go up 61-58. Oakland tied the game with a Naivalarua and-one basket before Doumbia reclaimed the lead with a jump shot.
With half a minute left to tie or win the game, OU ran a play to senior Allen Mukeba, who missed a layup. Naivalarua was there for the putback but was fouled and got sent to the line to shoot two. He missed the first and hit the second, forcing Oakland to send Noel to the line to shoot.
Noel split his attempts, giving the Golden Grizzlies six seconds to draw up a play and win the game. Down 64-62 and coming out of a timeout, OU’s Woodrich turned the ball over, leading to two free throws for Norris that iced the game.
There were some concerning statistics in the game, as well. Oakland managed only five assists; teams that struggle with offense generally have very low assist numbers because the ball isn’t flying around for highquality shots. They also let up 11 offensive rebounds to Wright State and committed 14 turnovers.
Oakland will next face the IU Indy Jaguars on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the OU Credit Union O’Rena.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OU ATHLETICS
Skorupski shines, but Oakland falls short to IU Indy Jaguars
KURT SZYMANSKI Sports Editor
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Oakland Golden Grizzlies women’s basketball team dropped a tough match against the IU Indy Jaguars at the OU Credit Union O’Rena, 79-73, in their second conference loss of the season.
Maddy Skorupski had a standout performance for the Golden Grizzlies, leading all scorers with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists. Alongside Skorupski was Macy Smith, who poured in 23 points and tallied four assists of her own.
Defensively, Lianna Baxter disrupted the Jaguars all game, finishing with a season-high four blocks and four steals.
For IU Indy, Katie Davidson spearheaded the attack, scoring a team-high 23 points and seven boards. Davidson was one of four Jaguars to score in double figures, with Nevaeh Foster contributing 17 points in a balanced showing.
The Golden Grizzlies came out firing in the first quarter, as crisp ball movement and consistent trips to the free-throw line helped Oakland build an early lead. Defensively, Oakland stood tall, holding IU Indy to just five points in the first eight minutes of play.
Oakland ended the first by scoring six consecutive points in the final minute. The efficient quarter was best summed up by Madison Royal-Davis’ and-one to close out the quarter, which put Oakland ahead 21-9.
In the second quarter, IU Indy started to find consistent offense and began to chip away at Oakland’s lead. By the media timeout, the Jaguars trailed the Golden Grizzlies by just six points as Foster and Alexa Hocevar started to heat up.
Following the media timeout, both teams traded baskets the rest of the way. However, as the buzzer sounded to signal halftime, Smith knocked down a jump shot to give Oakland a 42-35 lead heading into the break.
At the start of the second half, Smith and Skorupski had back-to-back buckets for the Golden Grizzlies. However, a trip to the line for IU Indy’s Faith Stinson kickstarted a 12-0 run for the Jaguars that lasted nearly three minutes, giving IU Indy its first lead of the game.
Royal-Davis responded to the run with a layup, but it wasn’t enough as the Jaguars continued to build momentum. By the end of the quarter, a once seven-point Oakland lead had flipped to a sevenpoint Jaguar lead.
With IU Indy now in the driver’s seat, Oakland hung around with the Jaguars at the beginning of the fourth quarter. A couple of Skorupski mid-range jumpers and a layup from Baxter kept the game within reach.
However, as the fourth started to wind down, the Jaguars began to pull further away from the Golden Grizzlies. A layup from Hocevar bolstered the IU Indy lead to 74-62, the Jaguars’ largest lead of the night.
In the waning moments of the fourth, Oakland narrowed the Jaguar’s lead after IU Indy missed some crucial free throws, but the clock wasn’t on
Oakland’s side, as the Jaguars held on for the 7973 victory.
Overall, the Jaguars’ ability to clean up their defense in the second half was a game-changer. IU Indy committed far fewer shooting fouls while forcing the Golden Grizzlies to take more contested shots, disrupting their offensive flow.
Additionally, IU Indy played more physically on offense in the second half. The Jaguars’ physicality led to more chances from the free-throw line, putting Baxter into foul trouble, which led to Oakland’s defensive anchor missing some crucial minutes down the stretch.
Up next, the Golden Grizzlies will look to bounce back as they travel to Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Panthers on Thursday, Jan. 16, and the Green Bay Phoenix on Saturday, Jan. 18.
