THE
ORACLE
Henderson
State
University
Issue 6
Wednesday November 17, 2021
Vol. 119
Lance Brownfield Community Edition Editor-in-Chief According to the Clery Center, the Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety. Henderson recently released its 2021 Clery Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, detailing all crime and fire-related incidents that occurred within the university’s crime reporting geography in 2020. The report also includes past incidents from 2018 and 2019, revealing changes in crime statistics over the past few years. The 2021 Clery Report revealed a total of 78 (Continued on Pg. 3)
HSU Clery Report published Courtesy of Henderson State University
Hendersons clery report informs those of HSU and Arkadelphia the reported crimes and fire incidents within the university.
Veteran’s Day in Arkadelphia
Ragsdale understands Emily Henderson Contributing Reporter the holidays are special, but
“Adapt and Overcome,” is the Marine Corps’ motto and something Gunnery Sgt. Charles Ragsdale lives by. Ragsdale comes from a family where service runs deep. At a young age, he knew there was no question what he wanted to do: follow in their footsteps and serve our country. According to Ragsdale, to understand Veterans Day, one has to know what being a veteran means. To him, a veteran is not just a title and a discount at Starbucks, it means a person takes the oath and signs a “check” to the United States with the payable amount of their life. At any moment they could be called for the service of this nation. They possess a willingness to leave behind their whole life and comfort zone and “that’s what makes them special.” Veteran’s Day is to honor the ones that were and are brave enough to put on the uniform and serve in whatever capacity they asked of them. There are no unimportant roles, it is a team effort and without everyone involved it would not persevere. This is why he believes Veteran’s Day is for all those in service, past and present. “It does matter if you were a door kicker, trigger puller, infantry, or drove trucks,” said Ragsdale. “It’s all hands that take to make the military go forward and support this country.”
there is not a day that goes by that he does not wake up and think about the brothers and sisters that were lost. While he honors those who serve, he does not forget about his family. Leaving a wife and kids at home was hard, but he said he had the easy part. “My wife took care of herself and three kids for eight months and I couldn’t even take care of them for 45 minutes while she went to the grocery store,” he said. Ragsdale never forgets to make sure his family knows how much they mean to him and how strong they are. He honors them as well as all the other families in the same situation. After 20 years of being a part of the Marine Corps, he retired and currently works for Veterans Upward Bound. Ragsdale is excited to be helping those who served. He is home with his family and does not regret anything, no matter how difficult it was at times. His hope is that those willing to go into service in the future enjoy it and not rush it because “life moves quickly.” Those 20 years he spent in the service flew by and did not hit him until the last week of his service. His wish for everyone on Veterans Day is to take 10-30 seconds of their day to think about everyone who has or is still serving, and think about all they have given so that we can be free.
Coping with the cold: How to stay ahead of seasonal depression
Emberlynn Pendergraft Staff Reporter
attending an event on campus, or forming a study group could keep you from feeling too isolated or alone. Another method is talking with a counselor. Most individuals diagnosed with SAD are recommended to partake in counseling or talk therapy by a health professional. Luckily for students, Henderson offers confidential counseling to its students at no cost. Students can fill out a counseling form online on HSU’s Student Health and Wellness page and then schedule an appointment, or visit the Health and Wellness Center on the first floor of Mooney Hall. Sticking to a schedule, journaling, and spending time outside can also help curb SAD. Something people often experience with depression is a feeling of emptiness or lack of control, and giving yourself structure and goals can help alleviate those feelings. The best way to cope with seasonal depression is to keep a solid mindset. Seasonal affective disorder, just like all other types of depression, can not be “fixed” by just trying to keep positive and avoid the problem.However, by understanding what you are experiencing and remaining
steady in that understanding living with SAD can become much easier. It is important to understand that winter will not last forever, and that you are fully capable of coping with seasonal depression, even when things begin to feel overwhelming. While depression may cause you to lose hope or motivation, keep in mind that sadness is not synonymous to worthlessness, and that it is still important to prioritize your health and safety even when it feels pointless. Finally, make sure to give yourself time and space to cope, and be patient with yourself when you can. The holiday season can get incredibly stressful, and with symptoms of depression it can easily become overwhelming. By taking time to sit back and take a small break from the hustle and bustle of winter, you can keep yourself from becoming too overburdened. If you are struggling with mental health, consider seeking counseling at the Student Health and Wellness Center by calling 870-230-5102. For more information, visit www. hsu.edu. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or call 911 immediately.
As cold weather approaches, many students are starting to experience one of winter’s worst side effects: seasonal depression. With finals right around the corner and the threat of holiday blues emerging, the last thing anyone needs is to feel melancholy during one of the most stressful times of the year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), seasonal depression is actually another name for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression characterized by mood and behavior changes at the beginning of certain times of the year. Symptoms like losing interest in certain activities, having trouble concentrating, sleeping problems, change in appetite, and seclusion, all of which cause serious problems for students as finals approach. However, hope is not lost for those experiencing seasonal affective disorder. There are a few ways to keep your head above water as the weather begins to change that could help you to stay in control of seasonal depression. One option to combat SAD is to prioritize social interaction. One of the biggest symptoms of seasonal depression is social isolation, which leads to feelings of emptiness or loneliness. By making sure you take time out of your week to socialize. Something as simple as grabbing Photo by Emily Henderson something to eat with your Photo by Emberlynn Pendergraft Veterans Upward Bound provides services such as tutoring, financial counseling, friends, volunteering to walk Seasonal depression is beginning to take hold of Henderson FAFSA assistance and much more.students as winter approaches. dogs at the Humane Society, students as winter approaches.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Emily Henderson Contributing Reporter Miley Cyrus’ “Party In The U.S.A” echoed through the quad as students gathered around four in the afternoon. Once all signed in through the Corq app, the first 100 students that arrived received a free t-shirt to dye. “We really hope a lot of people come, especially those that want to show their Reddie spirit in a fun way,” said one of the Student Activity Board (SAB) members. In order to prepare for the Battle of the Ravine, students had the opportunity to use their creative minds with dye. In return they would have something to wear to the game that weekend. What’s better than a personalized tie-dye shirt made with friends? Maybe listening to music and watching the sunset while doing it. Laughter and excitement filled the area while students geared up
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Dyeing to be a Reddie
Photo by Keyuna Thrower
Students of HSU tie-dyeing spirit shirts ahead of the famous Battle of the ravine football game.
with gloves, rubberbands, bright red dye, and a plain white t-shirt. The shirts, dye, rubber bands, gloves, and bags to carry the finished product
Big money bingo
required to RSVP, check Phoebe Darley Contributing Reporter in with the school CORQ
It’s that time of the semester that every Henderson State University student loves, Big Money Bingo. It is a beloved event that the Students Activities Board has put on for the past years. This year SAB partnered with Alpha Kappa Alpha and Zeta Phi Beta to put on this event. Students who participate have a chance to win some big money prizes if they get bingo. This year the games were to be held in the Garrison Student Center Lecture Hall but there were way more students than the Student Activities Board had intended. It was then moved to the Ballroom to accommodate the number of students while still following COVID-19 guidelines set out by the school. Students were
FEATURES
app, and wear their masks properly if they wanted to play. Big Money Bingo is played just like every other game of bingo the same rules apply, five in a row diagonally, vertically, or horizontally win bingo and a big money prize. Henderson State student Payton Barefield tied for bingo with another student. “We had to roll dice to break the tie, whoever won had the highest number won. I won the tiebreaker and a tailgating kit that had different games in it. It was perfect for our Battle of the Ravine tailgate we had on Saturday.” Barefield also played last year and won a queen-size air mattress. Students had chances to win televisions, soundbars, car emergency kits, and other fun prizes.
Photo by Phoebe Darley
Students wait for Big Money Bingo to begin.
were all ready for those who wished to take on the adventure of tie-dying. The SAB members greeted those in attendance with friendly faces, and a warm welcome
THE ORACLE
Photo by Keyuna Thrower
Brandon Bennett sporting his newly dyed BOTR shirt
was given by the president. a hot cocoa and s’mores This night’s tie-dyeing fun night, and an AGC cookout was just the beginning of the on the quad. SAB’s plans to get ready for the big game. Other events included a Just Dance battle,
Campus landmark defense spaces from the would-be of KKΨ armed with a radio Blanton Matthews Contributing Reporter vandals at the opposite side walkie-talkie, spoke to The A week ago, students did not know that the Reddies would face an embarrassing Battle of the Ravine loss to that school across the street for a fifth year in a row, but even if they did, it would not matter as students such as those of Kappa Kappa Psi had important structures to defend on the campus of Henderson State. Yes, it was that time of year again when half of the campus--if not half of the city of Arkadelphia itself-is at once encased under the dark plasticine shine of garbage bags as the rival schools protect sacred
of the ravine. The night of Thursday, November 10 was a brief moment of celebration and fellowship as KKΨ and the Student Activities Board offered s’mores and hot cocoa next to the iconic Centurium on the south lawn. Unfortunately, the hot water for the cocoa mix was not the only water around that night, as rain began to fall and the event came to a sudden end quite early in the night. Still, despite the rain a group of KKΨ got in a quick “stroll”, a dancelike walk set to music, before grabbing their things and leaving. Scott Holbrook, a senior
Photo by Blanton Matthews
Centurion covered in protective plastic to prevent vandalism.
Oracle on Thursday night at the event and again on Saturday at the game. “I didn’t get much sleep this week,” he said as he described guarding different parts of campus throughout the week leading up to the heartbreaking game. “I’ve been all over the place, [such as at] the stadium, the fountain. I was surprised [students at that other school] didn’t hit the bridge [over 12th street]”. In the past, the kitties have dumped poorly-mixed Kool-Aid which cleaned up easily. While Henderson’s landmarks were protected, the same cannot be said for residential parking lots, which were faced with mundane litter such as gel beads and silly string to more serious material like nails. William Martin of Housing and Community Standards sent an email to on-campus residents on Friday warning them of nails in at least one parking lot. At time of writing, no other areas are known to have been affected nor has anyone in particular been found in connection with the incident.
Dancing to the Ravine
Jose Santana Garrison Ballroom on moving to the right Contributing Reporter Tuesday night. Prizes, rhythm will get you
It was Battle of the Ravine week here at Henderson, and there was no better way of celebrating than having a fun Just Dance competition. Henderson students were invited by the Digital Media Committee for a friendly competition of Just Dance in the Photo by Jose Santana
Students competing on Just Dance at the Garrison Ballroom.
drinks, and snacks were provided to students who participated. Each winner of a dance won a ten dollar gift card with the possibility of winning multiple times. Just Dance Now is an online, movement game with more than 500 hit songs, and with an unlimited number of players. Dancing and
to the top three of the scoreboard. Songs that were danced on Tuesday night were Old Town Road by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus, Maneater and Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado, Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira, and many more. Be sure to watch out for the next friendly competition of Just Dance in the future.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021
FEATURES
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THE ORACLE
Groups and organizations to join at HSU
Reddie Ambassadors, and Student Athlete Advisory Kappa Alpha Psi, Kappa Honorary Organizations Jose Santana Student Sigma, Omega Psi Phi, Phi at Henderson are Alpha Contributing Reporter the Rotaract Club would be Committee, Learning in the classroom is just the same as learning through student organizations at Henderson State University. You will learn countless skills that even some classrooms and textbooks don’t offer. Henderson offers a variety of great organizations to join, from Department groups to Social Fraternities and Sororities. Depending on your interests and what you would like to be involved in, Henderson offers the best organizations that fit for every student. If you would like to get involved with the community then Community Service and Social Awareness organizations such as Alpha Pi Omega, Diamond Dolls, Heart and Key,
right for you. If you want an organization that is in your department, check out American Society for Engineering Education, Biology Club, Chemistry Club, Comics Art Club, Family and Consumer Sciences Club, Geography and Global Studies Club, Health-Physical-Education and Recreation Club, HSU Trumpet Guild, Henderson TV for KSWH, History Club, KSWH-FM 102.5, Masquers, Math Club, National Association for Music Education Collegiate, Oracle Newspaper, Philosophy Club, Pre-Med Club, Reddie Media Group, Reddie Robotics, Reddie Rockets, Society of Physics Students, STAR Yearbook, Student Arkansas Education Association,
Nursing Association, and United States Institute for Theatre Technology. If you want to be involved in student life, go a Governing Councils groups like, All Greek Council (AGC), Interfraternity Council (IFC), National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), Panhellenic Council (NPC), Student Activities Board, and Student Government Association. Religious and spiritual organizations you can join are Angelic Voices of Christ, Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship, Sigma Phi Lambda (Christian Sorority), and the Wesley Foundation. If you’d like to rush a National Social Fraternity, there are Alpha Phi Alpha,
Beta Sigma, Phi Lambda Chi, and Sigma Tau Gamma. For National Social Sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Alpha Sigma Tau, Alpha Xi Delta, and Zeta Phi Beta. Special Interest and Recreational Sports Organizations are Black Student Association, Fishing Team, E-Sports, Growth Acknowledgement Intelligence Tolderance/ Queer-Straight Alliance, Henderson International Students Association, Just a Pinch of Politics, Ladies League, League of Latinos, Legion of Nerds, Reddie Gaming, Student Led Investment Club, Secular Student Alliance, Young Democrats, and the Women’s History Organization.
Eta Rho (International Aviation Fraternity), Alpha Kappa Psi (Business), Alpha Mu Gamma (Foreign Language), Arete Society (Honors College), Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling), Eta Zeta Theta (Swim Team), Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi (Education), Kappa Kappa Psi (Band), Kappa Pi International (International Art Fraternity), Phi Mu Alpha (Music), Psi Chi (Psychology) Sigma Alpha Iota (Choir), Sigma Tau Delta (English), and Theta Alpha Phi (Theatre). Each organization offered at Henderson is Unique in their own way, getting involved will teach you life long skills, and will make you life long friends. Choose an organization that is right for you.
Comic by Blanton Matthews
HSU Clery Report published (cont.)
offenses on its main campus in 2020, documenting 8 more offenses than what occurred in 2019 when a total of only 70 offenses. In contrast, the 2018 Clery Report revealed a total of 74 offenses. Henderson reported one case of Arson in 2020, something that has not been recorded since 2017 when two cases occurred. It was also reported that the campus saw a total of 12 more occasions of Liquor Law Violations Referred for Disciplinary Action, and 10 more
occasions of Drug Law Violations Referred for Disciplinary Action than in 2019. The report also documents sexual assault and domestic abuse cases on and off campus. These include one case of stalking, two cases of dating violence, one case of domestic violence, and one case of rape. According to Chief of University Police & Director of Emergency Management, Johnny Campbell, Henderson’s historically low enrollment
has created a problem for campus safety. “Higher enrollment would mean a requirement for more officers, but because our enrollment is so low at the moment, we only have a few officers,” said Campbell. “If we could get our enrollment back up, maybe get our staff back up, we might have more resources to work with,” That’s not the only reason Henderson is low on officers though. “This isn’t just Henderson,” Campbell
said. “We’re experiencing a statewide shortage of officers, too. We’re recruiting right now, but all across Arkansas officers are being recruited and then moving on to different organizations shortly after.” Henderson also saw one case of burglary and two cases of motor vehicle theft, which has statistically remained about the same the past three years. “There’s definitely a learning curve in students after they commit an
offense,” Campbell said, “There’s a process they go through in order to hopefully keep them from committing more offenses that helps us from seeing repeat offenders here on campus.” For more information on campus safety, visit https:// www.hsu.edu/pages/campussafety/. If you are placed in an emergency situation, call 911, and for non-emergencies call the Campus Police Department at 870-2305098 or visit them at their office in the Meeks house.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021
SPORTS
THE ORACLE
Battle of the ravine: A brief history of the clash between Henderson and Ouachita William Matthews Contributing Reporter
The annual Arkadelphia showdown approached once again on November 13, 2021 marking the 94th Battle of the Ravine game for the Henderson and Ouachita football teams. It’s an event that puts a special spotlight on the schools and the town with people coming from all around. Cars line highway 67 on both sides with the stands overflowing with red and purple every year, but how did this all start? The first Battle of the Ravine, named after the ravine that runs
through both campuses, was first held in 1895 on Thanksgiving day with Ouachita beating Henderson (named Arkadelphia Methodist College at the time) 8-0. However, despite the loss, Thanksgiving was still a great day to bring the local community together. A parade and several parties would be thrown to celebrate the game and the holidays. Remnants of it can still be seen today in the tailgates that take place all across the ravine. In its history, this sporting event was suspended two major times. Once due to the start of
World War II, and another between 1951 and 1963. The week leading up to the game was usually filled with banter and pranks from both schools. However, the excessive vandalism of school property forced both schools to halt the game until things were better under control. Now, signs are covered in bags, stadium lights are left on at night, and students patrol their respective campuses watching for suspicious activity. The Battle of the Ravine is now held on Saturdays like most scheduled conference games, and pranks are still anticipated by each side. The
Photo by Clover Wagner
Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist face head to head for the 94th Battle of the Ravine
pranks might cause trouble for the schools and students for a time, but it all comes together on game day. In the end however, Ouachita
gained another win against Henderson by three points concluding the 94th Battle of the Ravine.
The Kick Heard ‘Round Clark County
for a touchdown. On the came up with its biggest Heaton brothers, the ball season for Henderson. This Kolby Reck Contributing Reporter first play of the next drive, stop of the season and was in the air and on its also might be the first time
Henderson State University’s Football team was on the road facing conference opponent Oklahoma Baptist University on Saturday, November 6th. Going into the game, Henderson had eight wins and only one loss. They were down 34-33 with only one second left on the clock. The Reddies turned to their Senior kicker, David Heaton. The game was a back and forth battle between the two teams who both have top offenses in the conference. Defense was the story in the first half to keep the game to a low score through the first 30 minutes of play. Oklahoma Baptist had the lead at the half 14-9. They extended their lead 21-12 with a touchdown at the 2:42 mark in the third quarter. The reddies answered with a huge play from L’liott Curry who took a slant route 66 yards
OKBU’s pass was tipped and picked off by HSU’s Cameron Thomas. Seconds later, the Reddies scored again courtesy of Curry who made a diving catch in the end zone to put Henderson in front 26-21. After a stop by its defense, the Reddies marched back down field with an 11-play, 87 yard drive with a 17-yard run from Fredrick O’Donald for another touchdown to lead 33-21 with 9:13 remaining. OKBU gained momentum from an 11-play, 58-yard scoring drive to cut the deficit down to 33-28 with 5:54 to go. Henderson proceeded to go three-andout and OKBU struck back with a 46-yard touchdown run on a quarterback draw to take the lead 34-33 with 3:37 left on the clock. After throwing an interception and having it marched down to the Henderson 9-yard line, it looked like hope was lost for HSU. Henderson’s defense
forced an OKBU turnover on downs at the 1-yard line with 2:14 on the clock. The Reddies had no timeouts and were on their own 1-yard line. Adam Morse had two big scrambles for HSU and also connected with Curry for 17 yards to move the ball into OKBU territory. Morse found Curry for one last 6-yard completion to the OKBU 26-yard line. Curry stepped out of bounds with one second left on the clock. The Reddies brought on David Heaton who had previously connected on a 38-yard field goal. “In clutch moments or any large moment, my world goes completely silent. As soon as I stepped on the field, I could not hear a single person or see anyone except for my brother, who is the holder. Surprisingly it felt like any other kick in practice with just me and my brother,” said Heaton. With a perfect hold and perfect connection from the
way. “The ball in the air felt like it was in slow motion and everyone else saw that it was going in and they started celebrating early. With a strong wind against me, I could not celebrate until I saw it go in. At that moment, I fell to my knees full of emotion because everything leading to that moment was worth it,” stated Heaton. Drilling the field goal gave Henderson the win 36-34. This kick was a career-best 43-yard field goal for Heaton and the longest kick of the
in NCAA history where one brother was the holder and one brother was the kicker for a game winning field-goal. The Reddies will now look to earn a share of the GAC title when they walk across the street to face rival Ouachita Baptist University, who is 8-2, for the 94th Battle of the Ravine. “My hope moving forward is the massive game against OBU. We can only focus on one game at a time and not worry about the playoffs for now,” said Heaton.
Photo by Kristen Taylor
Player number 48 David Heaton kicking the ball for the winning point.
Reddies and Lady Reddies Back on the Hardwood in 2021-22
started hot in the first have a 26-24 lead at the end a deep hole in the first half, took on Christian Brothers, Donovan Lee Contributing Reporter quarter putting up 24 of the first quarter, but it falling behind 51-33. The while the Reddies hosted
The Battle of the Ravine had many eyes that day on Henderson State Football. On the other side of the street, however, both Reddie basketball squads have begun their seasons. The women’s team took on Missouri Southern Friday afternoon in Joplin, Missouri. The Lady Reddies
points. In the fourth, Henderson again got hot and dropped 26 points en route to a season opening, 81-74 victory over the Lions in the Great American Conference/Mid-America Intercollegiate Challenge. It was a different story the next day, though. The Lady Hornets of Emporia State came to play, and it showed. Henderson would
all fell apart unfortunately. A 28-point fourth quarter would lift Emporia State over the Lady Reddies 8466. As for the men’s team, it was a similar weekend as they split games in the Central Region Challenge. The Reddies faced Winona State in the first matchup Saturday afternoon. Henderson dug themselves
Photo courtesy of David Salley (HSU Sports)
Senior Quawn Marshall looks for an open player during an exhibition game.
hole was just too deep to climb out of in the second half, as the Reddies fell 7962. The Reddies, though, would come back to Arkadelphia with a win, as HSU would take down Missouri Western in an overtime thriller, 81-77. Last night, both teams were again in action in “The Duke.” The Lady Reddies
Texas College in nonconference matchups. For more info on those games, head to hsusports.com. This up-coming weekend, the Lady Reddies head to Tyler, Texas for another non-conference matchup with UT-Tyler, while the Reddies take a trip to Fort Smith for their non-conference matchup with Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Photo courtesy of Courtlin Hagarth (HSU Sports)
The Lady Reddies huddle during a foul.
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021
FEATURES
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THE ORACLE
HSU Theatre presents Men on Boats
in the 1800s. But the Joe Santana Contributing Reporter challenges are what make Men on Boats is an upcoming play by the Henderson Theatre production with five scheduled shows this November. When one thinks of a play about Men on Boats, they would imagine a simple play about heterosexual men pirating the ocean. But that is not the case for this production of Men on Boats directed by Lacy Klinger and produced by Henderson Theatre. According to Jessica Smith who is one of the cast members of the upcoming play, the men will be played by an all women and non-binary cast. The play is going to be very different, even for the non-men cast to take the challenge to learn how to play twenty to thirty years old, cisgendered, heterosexual white men
the play so enjoyable, because it is not every day a woman or an non-binary cast member gets to play a such role. The play, written by Jaclyn Backhaus, is scheduled for five performances this season at Henderson’s Arkansas Hall. “One of the best shows that Henderson State has ever put on,” said Smith. “Anyone would enjoy the show, it is a show for all ages. It is definitely one of my favorite plays I have already performed here at Henderson.” She also assured that the audience will be amazed and should be prepared for many surprises. This will be the second play by Henderson Theatre that will be performed without masks since the COVID outbreak. Smith said she is excited to finally show emotion through facial expressions
Photo courtesy of HSU Theatre
Men on Boats is an upcoming play by the Henderson Theatre production with five scheduled shows this November.
and that it is long awaited to perform maskless. The show will also be nearly 2 hours long, and is set for Nov. 18, 19, 20, and 22 at 7:30 pm and also a second show for Nov. 20 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are
sold through Henderson’s Theatre Box Office. “Theatre is one the most important things someone can familiarize themselves with, it has a rich history that is rooted in pleasure, art, and self-
expression,” said Smith. “I would like the theatre to grow at Henderson, to be bigger than it’s ever been, and I hope more people get more interested and enjoy the theatre at Henderson State University.”
Call of Duty: Vanguard Claims Victory Brett Thompson Contributing Reporter
Call of Duty is back and fully loaded with the release of Call of Duty: Vanguard. The alternate reality WWII shooter from Sledgehammer Games released on November 5, and has already shown that it is worthy of the franchise title. It has smashed all skepticism that was hanging over it in the months leading up to its debut, including all the negative impressions that followed after its early access beta that came in September. Before I get into the review, I will only be covering the multiplayer aspect of the game, seeing as how it is what I have the most experience with. Multiplayer was also the only gamemode featured in the beta, and I will compare the two to see how the game has improved since. Starting with just how the game feels, it is as smooth as Call of Duty gets. This game is heavily based off of the engine that was featured in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare from 2019, which already featured
some of the best gameplay in the franchise. Vanguard takes that engine and improves upon it by just making everything feel quicker and tighter in everything from gunplay to movement in general. In all honesty, it might just be my favorite game in that regard. The map selection is also something that sets this game apart. Vanguard released with a total of 20 maps at launch, which is one the biggest default map selections in Call of Duty history. This includes remakes of “Dome” and “Castle” from Call of Duty: World at War. In every game in the franchise, there are always maps that are just not fun to play, but I have not noticed that in this game. Every map has its own playstyle, with none of them feeling too slow or too crammed. Obviously, some maps are better than others, but none of them are down right bad. Operators have been a thing in Call of Duty for a few years now, but Vanguard makes this gameplayaspectfeelfresh.There are 12 operators on release, and each one has their own leveling system, so the completionists
J. T. Dickens Contributing Reporter
Photo courtesy of callofduty.com
have another goal to chase aside from gun camos. They were even generous enough to include skins for the operators that aren’t hidden behind a monetary value like the previous games. Each operator also has a specific weapon, and when they are used together, the player is granted extra xp. The biggest compliment that I can give to this game, is that it does not feel like Call of Duty: WWII. This was the last game that Sledgehammer Games released in the franchise,
and many fans were scared that this would just be a copy. I did not think about WWII a single time while playing this game, due to the gameplay and overall experience being completely different, and I loved the previous game. The beta was great, but this game definitely needed more time to cook. The gameplay felt identical to Modern Warfare, so it felt like this game was going to be a pointless instalment to the franchise. The map selection featured in the beta didn’t
show off enough of the variety found in the full game. Both of these aspects obviously are a completely different story now. Overall this game might just become my favorite Call of Duty. The gameplay is everything that I could personally ask for in a first person shooter. If I had to give it a rating, it would be 10/10 in its current state. Obviously more content will be added throughout the year, and gameplay aspects will be changed, so we will see how it holds up over time.
Reddie Radar
An Evening With Silk Sonic - Silk Sonic After the pandemic cancelled their tour together, Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak are back with a soulful tinge on this collaboration, and it’s absolutely incredible. While most of the lyrics are the typical R&B and soul you would expect from the genre, it also has bits of comedy such as the single “Smokin Out The Window.” Of course, the project’s instrumentals are great too, with a classic 70s/80s R&B, disco, soul sound that can be heard throughout the entire project. One of the more powerful tracks, “Put On A Smile,” has a beautiful and well-earned key change along with some interesting callbacks in the instrumentals, specifically in the drums, as the duo talk about having to pretend to be happy after a breakup. Overall, if you’re a big fan of old school R&B and soul or just want to see what Mars and Paak got up to during the pandemic, definitely check this one out.
Absolutely - Dijon After releasing two EPs and a plethora of singles in the past four years, Dijon has finally put out his debut album. Something most will find interesting, if this is the first thing you’ve ever heard from Dijon, is the sound. The sound of this album feels like it’s in a live setting, almost like a jam session, and a fair amount of his stuff sounds like this. Some vocals and drums will feel like they’re just in a regular room in a house, while some strings will feel like they were recorded in a studio. The ambient noises and voices add further to the “jam session” vibe that this album gives off like on the opening track “Big Mike’s,” which really showcases this feature off. Now don’t let this quality fool you because there are some things that seem like they were recorded in the studio, but they still retain some of that ambience of people talking or even someone sneezing in the background like on the track “End of Record.” The lyrics on this album also go into themes of heartbreak like on the track “Rodeo Clown,” which has Dijon singing like these words are very hard for him to say, as he ultimately breaks down crying after the last chorus right before the outro. If you’re looking for an interesting take on R&B with mixes of folk and bedroom pop, this is definitely one to listen to.