April 25, 2018 | Issue 25

ORACLE

P.3- Stradiota’s passion

VOLUME 113 ISSUE 25

P.6- BoxyCharm P.9- Monster Hunter: World

P.12- New Blood

HSUORACLE.COM

APRIL 25

Tank dropped bombs on campus last week.

Check him out on page 7. oracle@hsu.edu

HSU Oracle

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REDDIE NEWS

Editor in Chief — Pete Tubbs Editor in training — Ashley Smith Graphics/ Ads designer — Jacob Glasgow Online editor — Aaron O’Quin Copy editor — Jade Wolfe Sports editor — Jordan Williams Photo Editor — Joshua Bradley Opinions editor — Jae-Kur Lockhart Jr. Photo Editor — Paris Dugan Photo chief— Larry Massey LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Write us at ORACLE@HSU.EDU if you have any questions, comments, or if you just want to rant about something. Hell, if it doesn’t suck, we might publish it in next week’s issue. Just do us a favor and keep it between 400-600 words. Just like your Tumblr, we ignore anonymous submissions.

One thing that students definitely always need is advice on writing, and that’s what they got last week when John McMans came to campus. Story by Tiara Burgess.

Write or wrong?

Revising your paper for organization

Story by Tiara Burgess Student Reporter

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COVER

Tank showed off both his vocal talents and his body at last week’s concert. Photo by Jae-Kur Lockhart, opinions editor.

Last Thursday, the Writing Center in McBrien hosted another workshop. The workshop was over “Revising your Paper for Organization”.

John McManus, senior English major, was the speaker for this presentation. McManus went over Revision and talked about what it means to revise one’s paper.

He used the A.R.M.S. as a way to explain to everyone what revision actually meant. A.R.M.S. stands for Add, Remove, Move, and Substitute because when revising a paper

there are always certain words that are going to have to be added or removed.

Sometimes it helps to move the words around, but other times the words have to be substituted for a completely different word. “If your paper isn’t organized well, it’s not readable.” McManus said.

He also went into more depth with his topic by getting the audience to participate in a little activity. McManus showed three paragraphs that were out of order and the audience had to tell which one they thought came first, second, and third.

“When I started out writing, I was not very good at revising at all,” McManus said, “and when I finally sat down and took steps to do it, it made my writing 100 percent better and it’s something that I think a lot of people have issues with so I wanted to kind of help with that.”

The people that work with the writing center can assist anyone that needs help so don’t be shy because they are here to help and I’m sure they would love to see more students coming to them with any problems that they may have with their writing.

April 25, 2018

Stradiota and art therapy

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Zoe Stradiota couldn’t live without art

Story by Rae Dinger Student Reporter

Everyone has appreciated art in one form or another, whether it be a painting, a sculpture, a musical album, or digital art. Art can help express the deepest parts of ourselves, as well as have meaning that maybe we never intended, but that another person can relate to. To freshman innovative media major Zoë Stradiota, art is an important part of her everyday life.

“I’m passionate about art; all forms of it are beautiful to me,” Stradiota said, “It’s always been an important part of my life, and I believe it has the ability to help people channel their feelings into a physical form.

Not just making art, but observing it as well, has always been a form of therapy for me personally. My two favorite

forms of art are abstract paintings and music.”

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy, which encourages the act of self-expression through physical media such as painting, drawing, etcetera. Even something as simple as doodling within the margins of your papers during class can help calm someone down or help them focus.

When asked how she got into art, Stradiota replied, “I’ve always been in therapy for as long as I can remember, and I got into art that way because I thought it could be a healthy coping mechanism.”

“Art has definitely influenced my life,” Stradiota continued, “My major is a type of art, and that’s shaping my entire life at the moment. It’s determine what I’m doing for a career, and I get to

be a part of creating art for the rest of my life, as well as get paid for it. Once I reach that goal, I’ll really be able to think ‘man, I’ve made it.’”

It’s a common dream to be able to do what you love as a career and have people support you for it, and for Zoë Stradiota, she’ll be able to do just that. The people in her life support her passion for art because they know how good it’s been for her and how it’s helped her.

“Anyone can get into art,” said Stradiota, “There’s such a wide selection of forms to get into. I guess you just have to find something you’re already interested in like music, drawing, or crafting, and turn it into something even more special for yourself. Something you’re proud of. And if you’re not actually into making art, you can always just observe and tune into other’s.”

Finally, I asked Stradiota how she would sell others on her passion for art.

“I feel like art sells itself. I think just informing people on the benefits of using art for therapy or just for fun would help people get into it and start experimenting,” she said.

Whether you view it in a museum, a show, or on your computer, art is all around you. It’s the buildings you walk in, the music you hear on the radio, the clothes you wear on your back. Art is one of the many activities shared across all cultures, and is something that transcends language barriers.

There are art pieces that are centuries old and have withstood the test of time, whose meanings are still being debated to this day. It’s easy to see why some people, such as Zoë Stradiota, are so passionate about it.

Get Reddie to Serve on Saturday Story by Tiara Burgess Student Reporter

Due to the torrential downpours and inclement weather, Reddie to Serve has been rescheduled for April 28. It has been raining hard which has caused rushing water all over campus.

Don’t forget to wear rain boots and to bring an umbrella. “Good thing I’m always carrying my umbrella because you never know how this Arkansas weather will act,” says Ricardo Ramirez, freshman accounting major.

Anyone that wanted to be apart of Reddie to Serve has already been signed up, but if anyone would like to try it out for the first time, it would be great to see some new faces at the next one.

The torrential downpour of late has caused Reddie to Serve to be rescheduled for Friday. Photo by Tiara Burgess, student reporter.

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Volleyball, but in the dark

Last week, HSU held a special night of glow in the dark volleyball for HSU and OBU students to enjoy. Photo by Cassidy Witherspoon, student reporter.

Story by Cassidy Witherspoon Student Reporter

The flyer was a bit vague, but it sounded interesting.

At the bottom was a note that mentioned OBU and HSU students were invited to the event.

To the average person who might have happened upon the flyer, they

might think that this could be a friendly, Battle of the Ravine, type event.

Wrong.

I showed up expecting at least one other Henderson student.

I was disappointed.

The volleyball tournament was held on a little sand court behind OBU’s basketball gym.

We began by paying our two dollar admission fee and signing that we would not sue OBU if we happened to die in the tournament.

We warmed up as the sun set and the sand shifted beneath our sandals.

The sun went down and then the court lit up. The net was outfitted with white lights and the court was outlined in glow sticks.

The ball lit up too and it glowed as it sailed over the net, Back and forth.

My team played one game, and then we had a bye and we were accelerated directly into the championship.

The championship was a long game.

We fought hard.

We lost.

The loss was not fun, but the event was.

With two schools across the ravine from each other, it makes sense that they would collaborate.

We have classes offered to one another and a shared library.

More events that involve both schools would be interesting to see in the future.

April 25, 2018

DELPH & BEYOND

Annual Crawfest to be held May 4&5 Event Summary by Pete Tubbs Editor in Chief

Those that think that Arkadelphia is a boring place will be proven wrong on May 4 and 5.

The annual Downtown Arkadelphia Crawfest will start it’s festivities on May 4.

The much anticipated festival begins it’s activities with a mechanical bull, a children’s playzone, a crawfish boil, Kiwanis of Clark County face painting, friends of the library book sale, a performance from the Zac Dunlap Band, a crawfish eating contest, and a baggo tournament.

The baggo tournament begins at 7 p.m. and the winning team gets $100 credit to Southwest Sport-

ing Goods and championship tee shirts. Second place gets tee shirts as well.

The fun doesn’t stop there, however. The following day, May 5, features it’s own events.

The book sale continues all day. There will also be a 5/10k crawfish crawl that begins on clinton street.

The crawfest didn’t leave the kids out of the fun, tough. May 5 will also feature a kids run sponsored

by Southern Bancorp that begins on 601 Main Street.

So whether you like crawfish, beer, fun, or running, you can’t be at a better place on the weekend of May 4 than the Downtown Arkadelphia Crawfest.

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BoxyCharm has an assortment of beauty products to choose from. Photo courtesy of BoxyCharm.

Charming colors

BoxyCharm strives to bring the makeup hobbyists dreams come true

Story byTierra McCraney Student Reporter

Collecting makeup, like any other hobby can be expensive, especially when you want to try out new products.

Fortunately, there is a $21 beauty subscription box called BoxyCharm that includes five full-sized products valued at over $100.

Being someone who enjoys wearing makeup, when I first read about BoxyCharm, I was excited to give it a try.

These are the five items I received from April’s Box: Tarte – Tartiest Pro Glow: Liquid Highlighter (valued at $29.00) – When I first tried out this product I was impressed. The gold highlight was pigmented and blended nicely with my foundation. According to the BoxyCharm website, the highlighter can also be mixed with foundation for a more dewy look.

Colourpop – Golden State of Mind

Eyeshadow Palette (valued at $26.00) – another product I would rate five stars.

There were five possible palette options for this month’s BoxycCarm. I received the more sunset-based colors, golds, maroons, and lights browns. What surprised me about this palette was that each color was a shimmer. When I tried the colors on, it seemed much more like a highlighter than an eyeshadow.

But the more I used the eyeshadows, I noticed how pigmented and high-quality they are.

Dr. Brandt – Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner (valued at $47.00) – I would rate this product four out of five stars.

The product has a gel consistency and feels good on the skin. According to the BoxyCharm website, the mask is to “unclog and tighten the look of pores, and reduce excess oil from the skin’s surface.” And although I do feel like the product does work well, this mask was made in China and is not cruelty-free like the rest of the products from Boxy-

Charm.

The BrowGal – The Instant Tinted Eyebrow Gel (valued at $22.00) – I would give this product zero stars because I was not able to use this product.

At the beginning of the sign-up process, there was a beauty test that allows you put your skin tone and hair color. I was very disappointed when I found out the brow gel was a reddish-brown and included fiber hairs.

Adesse – Hi Definition Liquid Lipstick (valued at $24.00) – Being someone who loves lip products, this was the product I looked forward to the most. I saw pictures of this product on the BoxyCharm Instagram page and noticed that the product was a light brown shade, but I had no idea it would be light in person. Considering I filled out a beauty test and put my skin tone specifically, I would rate this product one star.

The total cost of April’s box is $148.

If you are even slightly interested, you

should give BoxyCharm a try, but of course, like everything in life, there are pros and cons.

Pros: the overall value of the box is over $100, BoxyCharm includes wellknown brands that are not drugstore, and it is a great way to try new products without spending too much money.

Cons: Boxycharm does not cater to individuals of deeper skin complexions and the products are all luck of the draw so you have no idea you will the like the products until the $21 has already been drawn out of your bank account.

Although there were more hits than misses with this month’s Boxcharm, I did cancel my subscription. One of the main reasons the limited range of products for those of deep skin tones.

My second reason was unsubscribing, was that receiving five products each month can be overwhelming, especially if you already have a large collection.

April 25, 2018

ARTS & MUSIC

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SAB spring concert Tanks Tank performed last week on campus Story by Zac Walthall Student Reporter

Every year, the Student Activities Board at Henderson State University brings in a musical guest during the spring semester to host the SAB Spring Concert.

This year, it was none other than R&B singer Tank, whose exploits have earned him multiple Grammy nominations.

He is most known for his Album Sex, Love & Pain a track from the same album entitled “Please Don’t Go.” Though he has garnered moderate success as a singer and performer, Tank has many writing and production credits, working with big names such as Beyonce,’ Jamie Foxx, and Kelly Rowland.

Tank pulled his signature shirtless stage move. Photo by Jae-Kur Lockhart, opinions editor.

The campus could barely contain its excitement, gathering in the Duke Wells center well before the doors opened at 6:00 p.m.. By the time the show started at 7:30 p.m., the energy was so dense that it could have been cut with a knife.

This, however, compounded once Tank took the stage. The entire crowd screamed in unison, with a great deal of the female voices raising in dynamics as soon as the singer removed his shirt.

The entire night was saturated in mellow beats and even calmer keyboard tones; a good time was certainly had by all.

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Mentis Dolum The Senior Exhibition of Brandon Rimmer

Ph fro

April 25, 2018

OPINIONS

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“Monster Hunter: World” is one of the most critically acclaimed games in the series. Photo courtesy of Capcom.

There’s a monster in all of us

Jerry on ‘Monster Hunter: World’

Opinion by Jerry Crowe Student Reporter

Pioneer to a new continent with your group of dedicated researchers and monster hunters alike to explore uncharted terrain in “Monster Hunter World,” one of 2018’s most ambitious role-playing video games. After a brush with an elder dragon larger than life, the player gets tossed into the action of an ancient forest facing a tyrannosaurus looking monster called the Anjanath.

From there the player must regroup with their squad and start their quest as a monster hunter. Monster Hunters do as the name implies, which is to hunt, kill, and or capture monsters for research and their parts.

Not to mention when alone or with one other person each gamer has a Palico hunting buddy or a customizable big cat that can talk, which is by far one

of the biggest pulls for me.

Capcom is a Japanese company that started from arcade games but boomed into console gaming early on with classics from “Street Fighter” to “Mega Man” plus their hits such as “Resident Evil” and the “Monster Hunter” Series.

In, Capcom’s, “Monster Hunter World” you hunt monsters from small to largest being Zorah Magdaros, which marooned your hunter on the island.

Although before going into battle against these creatures make sure to choose the right weapon. Pick from fourteen weapon types that range from bows to melee weapons that shift forms or even weapons that make music.

The player, their Palico, and the right weapon are the only things that stand between the monster and the monster hunter. Play online with friends or random gamers to even the odds against some of the most creative and destructive monsters that, at any moment, can

get into a fight with other monsters.

Random turf wars between monsters make for an interesting fight and much more to collect as pieces of these beasts will fall off.

Collecting materials in any openworld RPG is time-consuming and can be a hassle, especially with monsters, but at the end of the day, new armor and weapon upgrades are always satisfying to have. There will be times when some players might want to give up because of a tuff fight not turning out the way he or she wanted it to, yet I urge them to continue and even call upon help online.

At the end of each fight the victory is sweet and the spoils further the plot as well as the armor. Jump around the battlefield with the Insect Glaive or hold back furious blasts of magma with the Charge Blade and give that monster every ounce of pain back. Monster Hunter World is full of possibilities of

how one fights and no way is wrong.

The lesson I came out with while playing around with friends was that every player has their own way of doing things.

I saved the best for last with Monster Hunter World, because of how dedicated Capcom is to keeping this game fun and interesting with new monsters, challenges, and landmasses in store.

The “Monster Hunter” series is a special blast of fun that inspired hits such as “Dark Souls,” so in light of this masterpiece that knocked me down only to pull me in harder, I give “Monster Hunter World” a 5 out of 5.

Every Hunt is a new beginning with new challenges and learning opportunities. World is a beautiful new addition to the series and the first on console, so give the game a shot, there is a monster hunter in all of us. Go find it.

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Can there only be one?

Who is the current queen of rap?

Opinion by Jae-Kur Lockhart Opinions Editor

While many may exist, can only ONE Queen of Rap reign supreme?

If you’re wondering what I’m referring to, I’m talking about Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. While one artist has had an unparalleled pathway to stardom that could rival that of some of the greatest male rappers to ever do it – the other has had quite a sizzling recent 12 months that could very well lay a solid foundation for the months to come.

Nicki Minaj, who has been buzzing since 2008, has had a frenzy of ferocious features and venomous verses on just about every song that she’s been on.

She’s been supported by big names such as Kanye West, Drake, Jay Z, Beyoncè, hell even Madonna, herself – and that was just in the first few years of her career. She’s kept a consistency

that helped to maintain her dominant position and to unanimously be called “The Queen of Rap.” She’s withstood battles with fellow rapstress Remy Ma, the legendary Mariah Carey, and even slight backlash from Malcom X’s daughter. I’m not sure about you all but I’d like to think that it takes guts to manage that.

With 3 consecutive multi-platinum albums, Nicki Minaj’s reign seems to only be able to be mulled by herself fore it appears that this young lady is holding her own.

So who could be her competition?

Over the years, Ms. Minaj has been pit against any female rapper that hits the scene. From Dej Loaf, Iggy Azalea, Young M.A., and even Remy Ma after her stay in prison.

“Nicki [Minaj] won’t be around for long after [insert female rapper’s name

here] comes along.”

Well I’m guessing the rapper of the hour never came along while it appears that Nicki Minaj is still basking in her 15 minutes of fame well into her 10 years of her career.

Who’s the next MC to be compared to Nicki Minaj? Well look no further than to the “Bodak Yellow” rapper, Cardi B. Her hit song went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts – something no female rapper has done in a long time, Nicki Minaj included.

While she doesn’t have as many features under her belt as Minaj did, she’s still gaining more and more accolades.

As such, she’s the first female rapper to have to album sell 500,000 copies in its first day of release, automatically giving it a Gold certification from the RIAA. While it’s imperative to note that her sales were calculated with streams from

Bodak Yellow included – a battle that conveniently enough, Nicki Minaj won for rap artists and other artists everywhere.

The one thing that could slow Cardi’s ascension is that she’s recently announced her pregnancy. While that is a beautiful thing, she’s no Beyoncè. Can she hold her own while holding a baby, too? I’d like to think that it is a little different for rappers to manage this task.

As of today Cardi’s debut album reached #1, while Nicki’s two most recent singles impacted Billboard Hot 100 – one of which extended her lead in most top 10 hits for a female rapper.

While I have my opinions, who would you say is the best female rapper to this date: the seasoned Nicki Minaj or the fresh face, Cardi B? Or do you believe that both feemcees can share the spotlight?

GAMES

April 25, 2018

Crossword

Last week’s answers

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SudokU

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SPORTS

New blood, old order Jordan on the new basketball recruits Story by Jordan Williams Sports Editor

As the basketball season has come to a close and plans for next season have started being made, several old faces are taking on new roles. Old roles will be filled by new faces next season as the men’s basketball team has three new players that signed on to be Reddies next season.

All three of these show promise and should help bolster up a roster already so full of talent.

The first commit announced was Graham Chenault. Chenault has been a mainstay of the Bauxite Miners for the last two seasons and won All-State and All-Conference selections.

While leading the Miners to a 4A

South regional title, he also had a second straight-berth in the quarterfinals of the 4A state tournament. Averaging 16.3 points, five rebounds and 1.5 assists per game as a senior, Chenault was also awarded Tri Lake player of the year as a senior.

While playing at Bauxite, Chenault found himself most of the time as shooting guard position but wanted to make the transition to playing college ball. He may find himself playing the point guard position. As a guard, he has all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level.

Chenault has a great handle of the ball, ability to shoot the ball consistently from long range (converting at a rate of 37.7% from 3 in high school) and the ability to attack the defense off the

dribble by finishing around the rim and through contact. It has been noted that Chenault has “amazing court vision,” proving this through his ability to get other players involved.

The next recruit is Grayson Nix, from Red Oak, Oklahoma. Nix helped lead the Red Oak Eagles to a stunning record of 29-5 his senior year. He ended that same season dropping 26 points and winning the Class B State Championship over the top-seeded Earlsboro.

This performance also saw him in the game-winning bucket in the final seconds.

Listed as a combo guard, Nix has the inherent knack for scoring where you’d ideally want a shooting guard. He can get his shot whenever he wants.

His post-game and set jumper as-

Graham Chenault is one of the new recriuits for HSU Basketball. Photo courtesy of Facebook.

pects are two you love to see in a young guard, and he never seems to be stuck or in a position where he can’t score the ball or move the ball so that his teammates can score. Nix also has a sense of a pace for the offense and where his teammates are along with the size and speed to be a great wing defender.

Lastly coming to Henderson as a transfer from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is 6’5 forward Jeremiah Toney. A member of the Arkansas Fab 40, the All-Metro Team and Arkansas Alumni Classic All-Star Team, Toney is an outstanding player and leader. Averaging 11.5 points and 8.5 rebound per game in high school, he played more of a forward then.

I wouldn’t be too shocked to see him spend time at either of the wing possession next season. He has a versatile skill set and high motor with great length, making him a talented rebounder and slasher.

He displays potential as a defender and even has a consistent enough 3 point stroke. This potential allows him to be a constant threat to pull up from deep when defenses sag off of him. Coming into the program as a sophomore, Toney will be coming into the Reddies program expected to contribute sooner rather than later.

The men’s basketball team has already made some improvements to its roster to make a run at the GAC playoffs next year. Hoping to improve what a lot of fans thought was going to be a good season, only time will tell if these players become contributors.

Hopes are high, and though we may have lost some of our best offensive minded guards, we have certainly gained back that offensive force in spades in these recruits.