THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
VOLUME 121 ISSUE 28 NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | FOR THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE
Finals are ruff, take a break BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
THE DEAD WEEK ISSUE INSIDE
4
Finals week is stressful, put it at ease with these study tips
9
Take a study break, play these word searches and sudoku puzzles
11
All-MVFC first team long snapper James Fisher may see the field on Sundays next year
Finals: We’re All Screwed The most stressful week for college students is upon us Miranda Stambler Features Editor
The cold, brisk Monday morning comes too quickly and hits me like a ton of bricks. It is that time again where the sky has become gloomy and the sadness and stress is noticeable on every college students face. I’ve been drowning in papers and textbooks, reading the grading on the syllabus and calculating what I need to pass the class. Which class am I studying at this point? They are all overlapping. My brain is fried, completely short circuited and now thinking of dogs to try and ease my mind away from the stresses of finals. Well, I studied for about 18 hours now I need time to sleep, screw this constant stress. Whatever happens, happens, it’s out of my control at this point, not like I was ever in control in the first place. I got this, you got this, go. Panic starts to set in once they begin to hand out the exam. Do I bolt for the door? Do I have a mental breakdown? No, too late, I have the exam now. Question one, I don’t know who that is… Do not panic just move onto question two. Question two, what is that? Did we even talk about that? Just keep going, move onto the next. Question three, f***. One final failed, four more to go. Back to studying, getting distracted by my phone, Netflix and anything not having to do with the stress of finals. Should I get food? Should I just keep study-
GRAPHIC BY BRENNA MUELLER | THE SPECTRUM
ing until I cannot breathe? When should I take a break? Should I take a break? Breaks are for the weak, all-nighters are for the ones who strive to hide their
weakness. 1 a.m. I should sleep, 2 a.m. I need to study, 3 a.m. I want to drop out. 4 a.m. why do they call it a driveway if we park in it? 5 a.m. what if
the whole world is a lie and this college degree is pointless? S*** I fell asleep. Run, run, run, getting to my final right when it’s being distrib-
uted. Time to fail this one now. This college thing is exhausting, I need a nap. S*** I still have three more finals to go.
Good luck to everyone and to all a curve in your favor.
2 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
News
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
A Collection of Cringeworthy Laughs A little something-something to distract you from finals Spectrum News Staff Staff Writers
The Spectrum News Staff scoured the farthest corners of the internet and put together an, arguably, award-winning worthy list of jokes to help get through the hell that is dead weak. Cashier: Would you like your milk in the bag? Dad: No just leave it in the carton. Why did the Clydesdale give the pony a glass of water? Because he was a little horse. How do you make Kleenex dance? Put a little boogie in it. I used to have a job at a calendar factory, but I got fired because I took a couple days off. I had a dream I was a muffler last night. I woke up exhausted. 5/4 of people admit they are bad with fractions. Kid: Dad, are you alright? Dad: No, I’m half left. Mom: How do I look?
Dad: With your eyes. Did you hear about the circus fire? It was in tents. What do you call a cow with two legs? Lean Beef. What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground Beef. I only know 25 letters in the English language. I don’t know, why. A furniture store keeps calling me, but all I wanted was one night stand. Did you hear about the guy who invented the knock-knock joke? Yeah, rumor has it he won the ‘NoBell’ Prize. Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl go to the bathroom? Because the ‘p’ is silent. What kind of food do your toes eat? Doritos. What do you call someone who vapes in a galaxy far, far away? Darth Vaper. I ate three bowls of alphabet soup for lunch yesterday. This morning I had the biggest vowel movement.
What do sea monsters eat? Fish and Ships. What do you call a magic owl? Hoodini. What do you call a bear with out any ears? B. What is a trees favorite dating app? Timber. I would make a vampire joke, but those suck. What do vegan dogs eat? Bark. Did you hear about the restaurant Elon Musk opened on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere. Why is your nose in the middle of your face? Because it’s the scenter. I know these jokes are cheesy, but they make me feel grate. Why do chicken coops only have two doors? Because if they had four, they would be chicken sedans! I bought shoes from my drug dealer. They must have been laced with something because I’ve been tripping
all day.
Anything on sale.
What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa Claus when she looked up in the sky? Looks like rain, dear!
“Daddy Long Legs” Scientist #1: Let’s name this spider Long Legs, for its long legs. Scientist #2: Hmm, not kinky enough.
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side. Me: Dad, can you make me a sandwich? Dad: Shazam, you’re a sandwich! How do you tell the difference between a frog and a horny toad? A frog says, ‘Ribbit, ribbit’ and a horny toad says, ‘Rub it, rub it.’ What’s Forrest Gump’s password? 1forrest1 You’re American when you go into the bathroom, and you’re American when you come out, but do you know what you are while you’re in there? European. Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece. Want to hear a joke about a piece of paper? Never mind … it’s tearable. Describe
your
style.
Rick Astley will let you borrow any movie from his Pixar collection, except one. He’s never gonna give you “Up.” Knock, knock. Who’s there? Scold. Scold who? Scold enough out here to go ice skating. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Noah. Noah who? Noah good place we can get something to eat? Knock, knock. Who’s there? Robin. Robin who? Robin the piggy bank again. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Needle. Needle who? Needle little money for the movies. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Cows go. Cows go who? Cows don’t go who, they go moo! Will you remember me in 2 minutes? Yes. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hey, you didn’t remember me!
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Justin. Justin who? Just in the neighborhood, thought I would drop by. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Luke. Luke who? Luke through the the peep hole and find out. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Ya. Ya who? Wow. You sure are excited to see me! Knock, knock. Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Lettuce in, it’s cold out here! Knock, knock. Who’s there? Harry. Harry who? Harry up, it’s cold out here! Knock, knock. Who’s there? Dozen. Dozen who? Dozen anybody want to let me in? Knock, knock. Who’s there? Iva. Iva who? I’ve a sore hand from knocking! Knock, knock. Who’s there? Nana. Nana who? Nana your business. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Canoe. Canoe who? Canoe help me with my homework?
SAMUEL CASPERS | THE SPECTRUM
LAURA ELLEN BRANDJORD | THE SPECTRUM
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
Now enrolling for spring semester. minnesota.edu/visit
A member of the Minnesota State system
Learn more. Earn more. minnesota.edu 877.450.3322 | info@minnesota.edu | minnesota.edu/help
3
THE SPECTRUM | NEWS | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Questions to Distract You Take a study break with some friends to refresh and refocus
1. If you replace every part of a boat, every board of wood and every nail, is it still the same boat? 2. If you could change your genes, would you? If you did, would you be fundamentally the same person? 3. What is the one thing society lacks? 4. Does marriage still mean the same thing it did 10 years ago? 5. Can a civilized society be maintained without laws? 6. Has social media been a positive or negative addition to society? 7. Would you rather fight off one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses? 8. Will we ever attain world peace? 9. Is war always bad? Is it ever good? 10. Only two of the following can be true, which two do you choose? 1) God is all good. 2) God is all powerful. 3) Evil is real.
PAIGE JOHNSON | THE SPECTRUM
Leisure Laundry Welcome Back Students! 801 N University Dr. Fargo
Phone: 701-293-6900
Recently Expanded & Remodeled (Now Better Than Ever) 2 - 60 lb. washers Mon - Sat 7:30am - 10pm 3 - 40 lb. washers Sunday 9am - 10pm 2 - 35 lb. washers 8 - 18 lb. washers Large
Hours
40 Top Load Washers
38 Maytag Dryers Dry Cleaning Available
Capacity Washers Good For Comforters, Sleeping Bags, other Large Items or Bulk Laundry!
Madison Hilber Head Copy Editor head.copy@ndsuspectrum.com Zachary Liu Co-Copy Editor co.copy@ndsuspectrum.com Larisa Khanarina Photo Editor photo@ndsuspectrum.com Brittany Hofmann Design Editor design@ndsuspectrum.com Sarvani Dasari Web Editor webmaster@ndsuspectrum.com Brenna Mueller Graphic Designer graphics@ndsuspectrum.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Spectrum accepts letters to the editor by email editor@ndsuspectrum.com and by mail. Please limit letters to 500 words and submit them in a word document. Letters will be edited only for clarity. They should include the writer’s name, telephone number, major and year in school or title.
www.ndsuspectrum.com Main Office: 231-8929 Editor in Chief: 231-8629
Pauline Dunn Office Manager office.manager@ndsuspectrum.com Jonah Wagenius Business Manager business.manager@ndsuspectrum.com Addisen Long Advertising Manager ad.manager@ndsuspectrum.com Thomas Evanella Advertising Executive ad.exec@ndsuspectrum.com Preston Gilmore Marketing Executive marketing@ndsuspectrum.com Connor Dunn Circulation Manager circulation@ndsuspectrum.com
BUSINESS STAFF
EDITORIAL STAFF
254 Memorial Union North Dakota State University Fargo, ND 58105 Jack Hastings Editor in Chief editor@ndsuspectrum.com Phoebe Ellis Head News Editor head.news@ndsuspectrum.com Samuel Caspers Co-News Editor co.news@ndsuspectrum.com Miranda Stambler Features Editor features@ndsuspectrum.com Paige Johnson A&E Editor ae@ndsuspectrum.com Erik Jonasson Opinion Editor opinion@ndsuspectrum.com Taylor Schloemer Sports Editor sports@ndsuspectrum.com
BRENNA MUELLER | THE SPECTRUM
The Spectrum is a student-run publication at North Dakota State University in print since 1896. New issues are published Mondays and Thursdays during the academic year, except during holidays, vacations and exam periods. Each enrolled student is entitled to one copy. Additional copies are available for $1 by prior arrangement with the Business Manager.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff, university administration or Spectrum management. The Spectrum is printed at Forum Communications Printing at 1030 15th Ave. SE, Detroit Lakes, MN 56502.
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED: FARGO TO FARGO BIZ MARKETING & PROMOTION OFFICE AND MARKETING STAFF POSITIONS. HOURLY + BONUSES. DAYS OR EVES. GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN BUSINESS MARKETING AND PROMOTION. WEST FARGO OFFICE LOCATION. CALL CAYDE (701) 282-8333 or (701) 210-0666 FARGODOME is Hiring for their Events Team! Come work in a premier sports, music and entertainment facility while having fun and earning $$$! FARGODOME is hiring part time ushers, ticket takers and event staff. Welcoming those with a strong desire to provide excellent customer service to our guests! • Fun work
environment • Flexible Hours (days, evening and weekend shifts available) • You set your schedule… work when You want! • Must be 18 yrs to apply • Background verification required • Go to fargodome. com/employment for more information and a downloadable application FOR RENT: Unique 2 BD* Lofted Den* 16’ Vaulted Ceilings* Heat Paid, newly remodeled w/ oak kitchen cabinets, wood floors, cats ok. Volleyball, basketball & playground areas. By Cashwise/ Applebees. Call 701235-3166 or email windwood@hegenes. com. APARTMENTS FOR RENT. Eff, 1, 2 and 3 Bdrm apartments available, Small dog in
select units. Single or double garage included. Heat paid, updated building, wood floors, ceramic tile, built-in microwave, walk-in closets. Cats ok. Call Shawna today at (701) 297-9500 or email evansassist@hegenes. com. Northwood Commons Apartments located close to NDSU! 2 Bedroom apartments available with rent ranging from $690 to $790. Also features an indoor pool. Call George at 701-2802369. Eff, 1 & 2 BR INDOOR POOL, Wood floors, heat paid, Exercise center, builtin microwave, close to malls & restaurants. Cats OK. 701-2826357 Dakotaview@ hegenes.com.
4 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Features
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
How to Survive the Endless Studying Finals week is stressful put it at ease with these tips Miranda Stambler Features Editor
With finals coming up, students are starting to realize how hard it is to stay focused. You may have noticed before, but now it’s frustrating because finals are stressful and are your last chance to get your grade where you want it. Pinterest not only gives ideas on how to study better, but how to maintain your productivity. Here are a couple of ways to keep focused while studying for stressful finals.
1. Use a timer
First, set a timer for the time you want to study. Do not make this shorter than 20 minutes and no longer than an hour. This not only forces you to stay focused during that time, but it also allows for a break afterward. Put the timer out of sight, so you do not watch the clock and wait for it to end. Set the timer on your phone (make sure it is on a loud alarm setting) and put it in another room. This takes your phone out of the equation and gives you nothing to distract you from studying.
2. Stay away from friend study groups
Many want to study in groups, which can work for some, but when it is your
three best friends studying different topics all at once nothing gets accomplished. Eventually someone will break and start talking and distracting, then the next thing you know it is three hours later and you are still looking at the first sentence of your textbook.
3. Music is your friend
Instead of studying with friends, music is now your friend. Turn on your music, put in your headphones and lose yourself in the subject you are studying. This also has boundaries: do not listen to that one song that always gets you to sing along or lose yourself. You want a playlist that will keep you focused and not distract you even more. Look for a playlist that is instrumental, so you are not forced to sing along to your favorites.
4. Naps are allowed
This is shocking. Naps being considered during finals and during college at all? Normally this is a joke and ends with you waking up wondering what year it is. Naps are allowed because studying when you are tired is pointless. You do not absorb any of the information and are constantly thinking about how much you want to sleep. This has guidelines, do not take a nap more than
an hour long. For a nap, 20 minutes is ideal. Set multiple alarms to get yourself to wake up from the nap, because the longer it is the harder it is to wake up from.
5. Gum and mints
When studying, common distractions are hunger and thirst. Most of the time you aren’t even hungry, you just want a distraction away from the constant studying, frustration and stress of finals. By having gum or mints nearby, you can have a constant distraction without taking anything away from the studying. It gives you something to do while focusing on the same subject for what feels like forever.
6. Reward yourself
This is possibly the most important part of studying. College is tiring with constant studying, so sometimes you need to take a break and allow yourself to indulge. Whatever you consider a reward, whether it is ice cream, chocolate, exercise, partying, a movie, etc., take Make studying for finals less stressful with these tips. something that you would Studying is not a “go big of studying before a break. normally say no to, and say or go home” type of task, This means not waiting until yes. Give yourself this yes even though we all see it the night before to do it all. and reward all your lengthy as that. This task takes time I’ll admit, finals are a time studying. Although after and needs attention to detail. known for all-nighters, but only 20 minutes of study- By keeping the time short try to keep those to a miniing don’t think you deserve and the tasks small it allows mum by achieving small everything; do it to the point for more to be accomplished tasks leading to the result where you have had enough and less distractions. of gaining the knowledge of and then reward yourself. “Keep it small” means the subject. not exceeding the hour limit 7. Keep it small
study BREAK
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS | PHOTO COURTESY
8. Move around and study upside down
Finally, if you are reading a textbook or notes, walk around since you have been studying for a while and you need to keep moving. Study upside down if you want; the blood to your brain will help.
GRAPHIC BY BRENNA MUELLER | THE SPECTRUM
5
THE SPECTRUM | FEATURES | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
FARGO FOODIE F i n a l s We e k T r e a t Monster Cookies give you a break to bake and a snack Katherine Kessel Contributing Writer
What better way to relax and relieve the tension of finals, while getting into the holiday spirit, than by baking? Everyone deserves a sweet reward for those dedicated hours of studying. This time of the semester marks the long-dreaded weeks of dead week and finals week: the time to do little more than study and wait in anticipation for the exams to come. As finals inevitably bring a great deal of stress for college students, study breaks are often a beneficial way to increase productivity. Though not a traditional holiday cookie, peanut butter monster cookies contain so many elements of a delicious cookie. Peanut butter, oats and chocolate combine for a flavorful and chewy bite. Cookie batter is made easily with a stand mixer, however, if you do not have this tool, a hand mixer will serve a similar purpose. As noted in the title, monster cookies are traditionally made as large sized cookies. However for more practical purposes, cookies made from about two tablespoons of batter will be easier to handle. Additionally, smaller diameter cookies tend to bake more evenly and faster. However, any size cookie you prefer will be equally delicious, just keep in mind that the larger the cookie, the longer the baking time. There really is no set time for baking the cookies, especially as individual ovens and degree of cooking preference varies. As cookies tend to set up after being removed from the oven, each cookie should be slightly browned on the outer edges; even if the middle is still slightly soft, this makes
the ideal chewy yet crispy cookie. As the semester comes to a close, it is important to remember to allow time for breaks and treating oneself. Taking this time may be one way to help propel you through finals and into winter break.
Peanut Butter Monster Cookies Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar 1 cup softened butter 1 1/2 cups peanut butter 3 eggs 3/4 teaspoon white corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/8 cup flour 4 1/2 cups oatmeal 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolate candies
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease cookie sheets with cooking spray. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a bowl with a hand mixer, combine the sugars, butter and peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time until thoroughly combined before adding the corn syrup and vanilla. Mix in the soda and the flour. Finally, stir in as much of the oatmeal as possible, using a wooden spoon if the batter becomes too thick for the mixer to handle. With a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips and chocolate candy until they are KATHERINE KESSEL | THE SPECTRUM evenly distributed throughout the batter. On prepared baking sheets, drop the bat- Monster cookies are the ideal way to take a break from the stress of finals. ter by spoonfuls so that they are at least an Bake the cookies, checking after eight ther a wire baking rack or wax paper, then inch apart. The size of cookies can vary depending on preference; however, this may minutes and remove when the edges are lay out on the counter. Continue baking the lightly browned, but still soft in the middle. cookies in batches until all batter is used. affect the baking time. Let cool on the pan before removing to ei-
GET NEED EXTRA CASH?
Novum, a leading U.S. clinical research company in the
testing of generic medications, has an opportunity for you to EARN UP TO $350 by participating in one of our Skin Studies!
You may be eligible to participate if you’re: • Light to fair skin complexion • At least 18 years of age • In general good health • Non-smoking (for the past 30 days) • Drug free
No Blood Draws Call our recruiting department today!
www.GoNovum.com • 1.877.58.NOVUM 4801 AMBER VALLEY PARKWAY • FARGO
TM
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
6 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Arts & Entertainment T S
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
he pectrum
Things to Do Over the Holiday Break From theatre to ballet, art to music, Fargo-Moorhead offers plenty this holiday break Paige Johnson Staff Writer
While the semester may be ending, those staying in Fargo-Moorhead over the holiday season and break will still have plenty to do in theatre, music, art and more.
Theatre:
show. Thriftworks will also be supported by Dakota Faye, ChuckWayne and The Human Element. WHERE: The Aquarium WHEN: Dec. 22 at 8 p.m. MORE INFO: aquariumfargo.com *Concerts are 21+.
Music:
Based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, alternative band The Spill Canvas, with guests WILD and Super Whatevr, will play at The Aquarium Dec. 16. The concert is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of their most popular album, “No Really, I’m Fine” (2007). Featuring favorites like “All Over You,” “Saved” and “Lullaby,” fans and non-fans alike will have fun reliving their 2007 album. WHERE: The Aquarium WHEN: Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. MORE INFO: aquariumfargo.com Thriftworks Live* Pre-Christmas, the Aquarium will feature electronic artist Thriftworks in a party lasting from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. in his first Fargo
TICKET INFO TICKET INFO
8:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 N
The Aquarium
W
S
in advance or $$15 $17 at the door N
‘Latent Affect’ The Memorial Union Gallery’s “Latent Affect” features newly created works from NDSU photography students. The exhibition will feature a variety of works from students and showcases the work they created throughout the semester. WHERE: Memorial Union
renovated Loudon Building. WHERE: Ecce Gallery WHEN: Dec. 2 – 31 MORE INFO: eccegallery. com
W
‘The Classic Nutcracker’ In their stellar annual holiday production, the
Art:
Gallery WHEN: Dec. 14 – Jan. 25, M – F 9 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MORE INFO: MU Gallery Facebook page APT Holiday Art Market Featuring local artists, unique gifts, food, music and more, the first annual APT Holiday Art Market is not only an opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind handmade gifts, but also to see what local artists are making on the day-to-day. WHERE: APT, a Creative Incubator WHEN: Nov. 25 – Jan. 6, times vary MORE INFO: aptartmarket.com Bob Crowe’s ‘New Works’ In his seventh solo exhibition, regional artist Bob Crowe will be displaying “New Works” at Ecce Gallery in downtown Fargo. The exhibit will be displayed in two separate gallery spaces and a monthlong show will follow his Ecce exhibition in the newly
S
Ballet:
Fargo-Moorhead Ballet will be performing their production of “The Classic Nutcracker.” Featuring music from Tchaikovsky’s original score and the beautiful grace of ballet, with the storyline of Alexandre Dumas’ story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” F-M Ballet’s production is a staple for the holiday season. WHERE: NDSU Festival Concert Hall WHEN: Dec. 15 – 17, times vary MORE INFO: fmballet.org
$
‘I Will Not Go Gently’ Theatre B’s 15th season continues with Jennifer Childs’s hilarious onewoman show, “I Will Not Go Gently.” The show follows rock star Sierra Mist and her spectacular comeback. Sierra herself is ready to return to the stage, taking over her mantle of Rock Queen — but are her fans? “I Will Not Go Gently” will leave audiences rolling with laughter and is also a deeper look into what kind of legacy we leave. WHERE: Theatre B WHEN: Dec. 14 – 30, times
vary MORE INFO: theatreb.org ‘The 1940’s Radio Hour’ Heavy with nostalgia and full of big band music, the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre’s holiday show, “The 1940’s Radio Hour,” is perfect for the holiday season. The show takes place in 1942, during World War II, at the WOV radio station in New York. Featuring singing, dancing, quirky little bits, old-timey “applause” and “on-air” signs and live, on-stage music from the F-M Kicks Jazz Band, “The 1940’s Radio Hour” will be a wholly entertaining holiday production. WHERE: Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre WHEN: Dec. 8 – 17, times vary MORE INFO: fmct.org
aquariumfargo. com
Interview: Revelsound Group composed of UND and NDSU grads overlook college rivalry to form alternative/hard rock band in Grand Forks
(L to R) Dylan Meyer, Nick Thompson, Hunter Meyer and Cody Montgomery comprise Grand Forks rock band Revelsound.
Laura Ellen Brandjord A&E Editor
At this year’s KNDS Block Party I had the good fortune to sit down with alternative/hard rock band Revelsound to talk about the band’s formation, local ties, and most importantly, music. Formed in Grand Forks in 2015 and composed of University of North Dakota alumni Hunter Meyer on drums, brother Dylan Meyer playing the Bass Guitar, Cody Montgomery on electric guitar and backup vocals and NDSU alumus Nick “Timbucky Jones” Thompson singing lead vocals and playing electric guitar, Revelsound was originally performed under the moniker of Thin Ice. However, that was until they discovered the band name wasn’t as original as they once thought. Hunter explained it wasn’t until they played one of their first real shows that they were made aware of the issue. “It was at the New Direction in Fargo (rest in peace) and this dude shows up in a Thin Ice shirt. We were like ‘Oh my god’ just freaking out and thinking this is too much; we don’t
even know this guy. He obviously looked at our page and listened to our music and became such a fan he made his own Thin Ice shirt.” After their set, however, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment. Hunter continued, “He came up to us after our set and was like, ‘You guys are not the Thin Ice I thought you were.’” Apparently the fan came to the show hoping to catch the Texas hardcore band of the same moniker. Once they looked further, the bandmates found a hefty list of bands from a vast array of genres with the same name. Dylan had his own humorous finding, when searching the name on Spotify, “There was like an indie, reggae, surfer band that I found on Spotify named Thin Ice.” How did they settle on Revelsound? Hunter explains he liked the word revel because of it meaning “to have a good time and drink, and from that I came up with Revellion.” After Nick made a Star Wars joke about it however, it was clear it was back to the drawing board. “I don’t know why it took us an hour to think of ending it with sound when we are a band,” Dylan laughed.
Whatever the process involved in creating a new name, Revelsound stuck and the band is still performing successfully under the title today. Laura Ellen Brandjord (LEB): You’ve formed fairly recently as far as bands go. How did you get together? Dylan Meyer (DM): I was talking to a buddy of mine in Pelican Rapids (Minnesota) and I was like, “Hey if you know anyone who sings and plays guitar you know we’re always looking for someone a little more talented. Let me know.” And he was like, “Nope don’t know anyone.” So I was like, “Sounds good, buddy.” And then, like three weeks later we were just b********ing and I asked him again, and he said, “I actually know this Nick guy,” and then never gave me a last name. Ever. So I creeped through his facebook and found Nick. It was his only friend named Nick, and his profile picture was him and like six guitars … Timbucky Jones* (TJ): Seven. DM: Seven guitars, and I was like this is probably the guy, and I randomly Facebook messaged him and
said, “Hey want to be in a band?” And he messaged back, “Sure.” Hunter Meyer (HM): From what I heard, it was before you had even set your phone down from sending that message. TJ: Yeah, it was pretty instantaneous. The band I was in had just broken up, so I needed that rebound band … DM: It turned into something a little more serious, though. TJ: It sure did; it really took off. The worst part is that his coworker is a family friend of mine. We’ve known each other forever, and I don’t know why he didn’t just know who I was. “I don’t know his last name.” Crazy. LEB: In your bio you say you “blend classic and modern rock sensibilities.” What were your influences from both classic rock and more modern alternative rock? HM: I think that the only major influences that we all actually share would be, like Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. Other than that, it’s like we all have our own specialties. TJ: We all have our own styles. We all listen to different things. I mean,
LAURA ELLEN BRANDJORD | THE SPECTRUM
there’s other bands besides than Led Zeppelin that we will all jam to but … DM: We all overlap somewhere, but I also hate some of all their music. HM: We are all influenced by different music, and inspired by different artists. Like Nick (TJ) is a big hair metal guy and I’m a grunge kid so, like, that can clash sometimes. DM: I’m into pop punk. Cody Montgomery (CM): And I’m more of the Blues guitar guy, like Jimmy Page. LEB: Your Bandcamp mentions new music hopefully out this summer. What can you tell us what to expect? HM: Basically the songs you just heard, but recorded. DM: We have a couple we are working on that fall more towards a little more rock pop. TJ: We are starting to write together too, and I think you can hear that in some of our new songs. LEB: What is one piece of gear you think every musician of your particular instrument should own? TJ: A tuner. DM: (laughter) That is very fair. I would say an acoustic bass guitar, so you can practice and not piss off
your neighbors. HM: A pair of Shira Kashi oak drumsticks because they never break. CM: A wah pedal, for the sole fact that you will have so much fun with one. You know, just playing around with it. It doesn’t have to sound good right away, it’s just fun as you play it more and more. LEB: Who is one musician you would bring back if you could? TJ: Randy Rhoads. Man, I wanted to take lessons from that guy. CM: I’m going to say David Bowie because I think he would have a heyday. He released that album right before he died, and I liked it, and he could just go on writing forever. He can just do whatever he wants when he wants, and with modern music there is so much room to expand and grow and throw it all together on a track and if anyone could do it, Bowie could. HM: I would say John Lennon just to see Paul and Ringo’s reaction. Like, “S***, he’s back.” *By request Nick is referred to as “Timbucky Jones” in the transcript
7
THE SPECTRUM | A&E | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
KPOP Study Playlist A mix of recent and old tracks for fellow K-pop listeners or anyone with an interest Janet Tumaini
Contributing Writer
Studying for finals and powering through those last assignments can be challenging at times when there is nothing keeping you in the zone. If you are like me when it comes to being productive, a great playlist is key. To me, music is music no matter the language, which is why Korean music (Kmusic) is regularly mixed in to my daily music. We all have differing tastes in music and when it comes to studying especially, what might motivate one might not for someone else. I bring to you fellow listeners and anyone interested in discovering K-music a mix of my go-to albums and tracks fit for academic productivity. I have selected various urban and underground tracks from trending artists and hidden talents. The mix is composed of relaxing and chill underground R&B, rap, indie tunes, acoustic, modern mixes, downtempo, ballads jazz, original sound tracks and more. I hope you find some tracks and albums in this
playlist to your taste as you study for finals. Best wishes to you in completing the semester on a positive note.
K-Pop
Tracks: BTS — “Coffee,” “Converse High,” “I Like It” iKON — “#WYD,” “My Type” Seventeen — “Healing”
K-Indie/Alternative/ Soft Rock
Albums: Busker Busker — “Busker Busker 1st Album,” “Busker Busker 2nd Album” (literal titles) Standing Egg — “Young” Sam Kim – “I AM SAM” The Black Skirts — “Team Baby” NELL — “Healing Process,” “Newton’s Apple,” “Separation Anxiety,” “Slip Away” Hyukoh — “20,” “22” 10cm — “3.0,” “4.0” Eddy Kim — “The Manual” Kim Feel — “From Feel,” “Feel Free” Roy Kim — “Home” 20 Years of Age — “The Glitter of the Moment” Tracks: Standing Egg — “In My Dream” Fromm with Giriboy — “Pieces of You and Me”
The Black Skirts — “Hollywood” Day6 — “Goodbye Winter,” “You Were Beautiful,” “Colors” Sandeul — “Stay As You Are” Kim Feel — “Bye December” Saltnpaper — “Perfect,” “Choices,” “Goodnight” Cokejazz & Hoody — “Blue Horizon” Park Won & Suzy — “Don’t Wait For Your Love” Soyou & Kwon Jeong Yeol of 10cm — “Lean on Me”
K-Hip-Hop/R&B
Albums: Beenzino — “24:26,” “Up All Night” Epic High — “Shoebox” Code Kunst — “Muggles’ Mansion” Tracks: Beenzino — “Dali, Van, Picasso” BTS — “Where Did You Come From?,” “Tomorrow,” “Whalien 52” ZICO — “Well Done,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Anti” Simon Dominic feat. Zion. T — “Stay Cool” Mad Clown feat. Jooyoung — “Hide and Seek” Taeyang feat. G-Dragon — “Stay With Me” Sam Kim & Loco — “Think
About’ Chu” Gaeko feat. Zion.T — “No Make Up” Block B — “A Few Years Later”
K-R&B/ Soul
Albums: Shin Hyesung of Shinhwa — “Delight” Jonghyun — “Story Op.2” Zion. T — “Red Light,” “OO” KREAM — “Talking to the Moon” Tracks: Ailee — “Reminiscing” Jaehyun of NCT 127 — “Try Again” BTS — “House of Cards,” “Love is Not Over” SunnyHill — “Crossroads” Dean feat. Crush & Jeff Bernat — “what2do” Dean — “Half Moon” Taeil of Block B — “Inspiring” Kwon Jin Ah — “Fly Away,” “The End” Taeyoon — “No Name” and “I Always” Verbal Jint feat. Eddy Kim — “I Smell Autumn” Kassy — “Dream” and “Rain” Crush — “Sometimes” “Just,” “Don’t Forget” Hoody feat. Jay Park — “Your Eyes” Gain & Jeff Bernat — “Pray”
MBLAQ — “Mirror” Seo In Young feat. Zion. T – “Thinking of You” Heize — “You, Clouds, and Rain,” “In the Time Spent with You,” “Don’t Know You” Junggigo — “27/7,” “Across the Universe’ Highlight (formally known as BEAST) — “It’s Still Beautiful,” “Not Anymore”
K-Jazz/Blues
Albums: Primary — “Primary and the Messengers,” “Lucky You!,” “2” IU — “Modern Times” Park Won — “OM” Yoon Hyun Sang — “Pianoforte,” “Blue:Wave,” “Attitude” Baek Yerin — “FRANK,” “Bye Bye My Blue”
K-Ballad
Albums: IU — “Palette” Park Hyo Shin — “I am A Dreamer” Jung Seung Hwan — “His Voice” Davichi — “50 X HALF,” “Mystic Ballad,” “Davichi Hug” Tracks: Buzz — “Tree” Han Dong Geun — “Amazing You” Huhgak — “Memory of Your Scent”
Taeyeon — “Set Me Free,” “Rain,” “Secret” Joo Hyo & HA:TFELT — “There Must Be”
Original Sound Track (OST)
Full Drama OST: “Cheese in the Trap OST” “Chicago Typewriter OST” “Because It’s the First Time OST” Tracks: SE O (Jellycookie) — “Sunflower” from “Doctors OST” Suran — “Step Step” from “Jealousy Incarnate OST” Lyn — “With You” from “Descendants of the Sun OST” Kassy — “Good Morning” from “Fight My Way OST” Taeil — “A Doll’s Dream” from “Woman with a Suitcase OST” Kim E-Z — “Closer” from “Woman with a Suitcase OST” 10cm — “If You Come” from “Woman with a Suitcase OST” NELL — “Breath” from “The Good Wife OST” Find these tracks on YouTube, SoundCloud, iTunes, Google Play and more.
Come Meet Your New Neighbor Dynamic Pixels and tinyBuild release thrilling new stealth horror ‘Hello Neighbor’ Nathan Wetrosky Staff Writer
The lyrics to the opening song of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” end, “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” Just as great as Mr. Rogers was (God bless that man), the neighbor in the game “Hello Neighbor” by Dynamic Pixels and tinyBuild (being released for personal computers and Xbox One Dec. 8) is pretty much the opposite of our dear PBS Kids host. Not only is this neighbor a shut-in who doesn’t even want to welcome you into the neighborhood after you just moved in, you have a sneaking suspicion that some demonic activity resides alongside the creepy individual across the street. Like any new individual who moves into a new place,
you go and break into your neighbor’s house to snoop around. Almost every single game nowadays has an artificial intelligence (AI) working against or for you at some point during the experience. The big difference that the AI of “Hello Neighbor” has compared to many others is that it is procedural, meaning it learns how the player plays and what tricks they like to use. The AI then creates traps and obstacles based on what the player does. In essence, the AI gets smarter and harder the longer you play. I can imagine that this would force a player to continually be creating different ways to enter the neighbor’s house. I did mention that your new neighbor is creepy, didn’t I? “Hello Neighbor” is classified as a stealth-horror game according to the home page on its website. I can say that this game is precisely what Dynamic Pixels and tinyBuild says it is. I have also watched a few Youtubers play the game. By seeing them recoil in surprise and fear as their locations are discovered and the neighbor runs toward, or mechanical
sharks jump at them, I agree with the classification. Another feature that the game holds is the graphical and artistic styles implemented. The game has the look and feel of a Pixar animation movie. The closest Pixar character I could compare the neighbor to is Bob Parr aka Mr. Incredible of “The Incredibles.” The only differences being that the neighbor has less muscle, a more prominent head and can apparently grow to be as big as a house. This game looks like it is entertaining to play and will have an intense gameplay experience. Will you be an excellent nosy neighbor and discover the dark secrets hidden inside your neighbor’s house? To once more reference the opening song to “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day. Since we’re together, we might as well say: Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won’t you be my neighbor?”
KNDS Rocks the Union at Annual Block Party NDSU’s college radio station hosts local, regional bands for a music-filled night Paige Johnson
Contributing Writer
On Saturday, Dec. 2, KNDS, NDSU’s college radio station, hosted the KNDS Block Party in the Great Plains Ballroom of the Memorial Union. Featuring local bands Free Truman and Revelsound, Rochester-based band Under the Pavilion and Michigan band Rounding Third, the event was a loud, unabashedly rowdy event. Here are a few photos of the event. To listen to KNDS Radio, tune in to 96.3 FM.
TYREL IRON EYES| THE SPECTRUM
Garage rock band Under the Pavilion was one of four bands that performed at the KNDS Block Party.
8
Opinion
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
Local Freshman Just Realized Dead Week is before Finals Week Last seen drinking on Tuesday at older friend’s house “It took me some time, but I found where my professors put their syllabus. Have you guys heard of the website Blackboard? It is so useful.” SATIRE
Erik Jonasson II Opinion Editor
Local freshman Peter Nollen last Tuesday was surprised by the realization that dead week is followed by a week that contains something called finals week. Nollen, who is majoring in business, was out Tuesday night drinking at an older friend’s apartment. After consuming several Jell0-O shots and drinking seven Keystone Lights, the freshman was startled by a conversation his friend was having. “I heard him talking about his final for his engineering class on Wednesday, or the 13th, and I was amazed because I thought dead week was the last week.” Nollen told me that he thought that dead week was
a college student’s term for finals week. He thought that his lack of any end of year exams was, in his words, “pretty rad.” He told me that since he didn’t think there were any exams that he hasn’t taken notes in his classes for weeks. Nollen, to avoid embarrassment, told me that he did not in fact vocalize his realization. He did however trudge his way through the snow back to his dorm and started consulting syllabuses as soon as he could. “It took me some time, but I found where my professors put their syllabus. Have you guys heard of the
website Blackboard? It is so useful.” Nollen told me that this Blackboard website was very useful and supported this being made available for students. Nollen, who seemingly doesn’t know what the term GPA stands for, told me that over dead week his assignments have gotten very hard. “Last Monday, I had to ERIK JONASSON II | THE SPECTRUM shotgun three beers because my best friend triple dog Peter Nollen sat down with me to discuss his sudden realization that dead week isn’t the last week dared me.” of the semester. This doesn’t mean that Nollen is done working week he didn’t know was of my finals are, I think.” Nollen’s bravery during hard. He told me he plans dedicated to finals. Nollen told me that he plans this crazy time of the on working hard through the “I know where some on at least having several semester is truly inspiring to celebratory shots after his reporters and upperclassmen final test. alike. When asked whether “I am not sure where he plans on continuing this “I heard him talking about his final for his engineering class on Wednesday, or when my finals will be, on to graduation, Nollen told but don’t worry, I will have me simply, or the thirteenth and I was amazed, because I thought dead week was the my flask with me. So take “Turn up or transfer.” them whether or not, I will last week.” - Peter Nollen, freshman in business celebrate.”
Study Tips From Me to You The tips I have gathered through three and a half years of learning how to study As dead week is upon us and finals are around the corner I would like to share this list with you in hopes that it helps you as much as it has helped me.
Cierra Steffensen Staff Writer
In high school, I was one of those students that were lucky enough to get good grades without having to study. This was great at the time; I just got my homework done and showed up for the test and never really had to worry. But then I got to college and realized this was no longer my reality. After three and a half years here, taking exams and trying to keep my GPA up, I have curated a list of study tips and habits that help the most.
Studying isn’t something that comes naturally to a lot of people, so I asked for tips, I attended study sessions and I paid attention to what my friends did when they had an exam approaching. As dead week is upon us and finals are around the corner, I would like to share this list with you in hopes that it helps you as much as it has helped me.
Do not study everything the night before
It is exhausting and stressful to attempt to memorize everything you need to know for a test the night before you have to take it. Instead, try studying for a
short chunk of time over the span of a week. This will help you to better retain the information you are studying.
Do not memorize words, understand them
Knowing and understanding concepts is important. If you have a stronger grasp on the term, you will recognize it no matter how it is worded on your exam.
Do not highlight
Highlighting passages in a textbook may be satisfying because it looks like you have done a large amount of studying, but it requires
no actual comprehension. Instead, make notes in the margin and write out concepts in your own words to better understand what you want to highlight.
Do not write your notes word for word
By phrasing your notes in your own words you are comprehending what you are writing down instead of simply copying what is up on the slides. It is also highly likely that your professor will provide you with the class notes if you ask, so there is no point in copying them down word for word. This can also help when rewriting your notes. Instead of simply typing them again, grab a pen and paper and write them down when you remember and follow up to fill in the blanks.
Change up your study location
Everybody has that little spot that they feel most comfortable, but this can create an environment in which you are not productive. Go to the library or a coffee shop where other people will motivate your productivity with their own.
Organize your study schedule
It is important to know which classes will require the most studying on your part, so organize your time accordingly. If you know and understand more information in one class, spend less time on that content and focus more on something you have a lesser understanding of.
Sleep
Many college students chose to binge study and just skip sleep for that night (I’ve been there.) However, sleep is important for proper brain function. Make sure
you are getting enough sleep the night before the exam so you don’t zone out during the test.
Listen to instrumental music
Having soft, organized background music can help to keep you focused. Choose something that keeps you calm and focused instead of listening to the chatter and noises around you. I recommend “Freedom Blade” by This Will Destroy You. Everybody has different needs when it comes to studying. The most important tip I can give you is to find what works best for yourself and stick with it. Studying isn’t easy, but if you manage your time properly it can be much less stressful.
You Can Probably Judge a Book by Its Cover It’s there for a reason, right?
Grant Gloe Staff Writer
In recent years, society has been pushing this idea that you can’t judge a book by its cover. It’s been in every teen movie where the loner is really cool and misunderstood. It’s been the go-to phrase for people who
don’t look smart and are, in fact, not smart. It’s the cheesy one-liner in every action movie. This idea comes up over and over again, and I think somebody finally needs to point out the obvious — you totally can judge a book by its cover. This saying came from a time when a good cover meant there weren’t a ton of nicks in the leather. They were all exactly the same and what was on them didn’t reflect the book at all. To say “oh boy this one’s a darker tan, it’s gotta be good!” is absolutely ridiculous. Just propaganda pushed on us by the leather industry. These days, there are all kinds of covers and we have some amazing artists to make them. It’s actually disrespectful to just write off all their hard work because all the cool
kids are doing it. It may be catchy to say otherwise, but you can tell a lot from the cover. Is there a lone pair of dusty shoes, probably with a single light source over it?
It’s the cheesy one liner in every action movie. Yeah, that book is a sad person who can’t do what they love until they figure out how to do what they love. Is there a house on a cover? Yeah, that one’s about a family going through hard times, but in the end, they
remember they’ve got each other. Can you almost see where they airbrushed out the “stock image” watermark? Well, that’s a textbook and it has nothing to do with that stock image. If it’s for a younger grade, there will be a child in it. Preferably, staring at something that is not nearly as interesting as they’re making it out to be. If it’s very monotone except for a teenage girl and/or some strange logo, congrats on stumbling into teenage dystopian fiction. The first one is good, but the rest are pretty meh. We’ve got art on our covers now. We’ve got sleeves that go over those old, bland covers. We have people who have gone to college to figure out how to design this cover. Get your head out of the sand sheeple.
THE SPECTRUM | OPINION | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
9
study BREAK BY BRENNA MUELLER
MEDIUM
HARD
EASY
HARD
WE WANT YOU ON OUR TEAM! THE YMCA IS NOW HIRING: Youth & Adult Program Staff Ages 16+ | $9.50+/hr
Swim Lessons Instructors Ages 16+ | $11+/hr
Group Fitness Instructors Ages 18+ | $10.50+/hr
Classroom Assistants Ages 18+ | $9.50+/hr
School Age Assistants Ages 16+ | $9.50+/hr
For more details and to apply, visit ymcacassclay.org/jobs
10
Sports
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
Terrible Fantasy Advice | Playoff Special The 2017 season draws to a close Taylor Schloemer Sports Editor
Here we are, the last issue of The Spectrum of 2017, which coincides with the more important ending, the final Terrible Fantasy Advice of the year. The playoffs are truly upon us, and since I can’t spew nonsense each week anymore, it all gets wrapped up into one mega playoff special. So, while everyone else dreams about winning their fantasy league, I will dream that this actually helps you. If it does, I’m claiming the mental assist. Hey, I need any win I can get since I’m out of the playoffs.
Quarterbacks
Last week, I held out hope that Alex Smith was going to preform against the Jets. He did just that, tossing four touchdowns and 366 yards. With the rest of the Chiefs doing their darnedest to lose the AFC West, the rest of the season may rest on Smith’s arm. A nice
remaining schedule makes Smith a good quarterback to make a championship push with. Perhaps the biggest shock by fantasy quarterbacks this year has been Josh McCown. Currently, McCown sits as QB7 on the season, higher than Matt Ryan, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford. His road is a bit tougher for the rest of the season than Smith, with the Broncos, Saints, Chargers and Patriots remaining. When it comes to Dak Prescott, he sits as a mixed bag. The next two weeks are good matchups, with the Giants and Raiders who both rank in the lower third of the league, but Dak will still be without Ezekiel Elliot. When Zeke does come back, the Cowboys get to face the Seahawks and Eagles. At this point, there may be better options out there.
Running backs
It has been a rough couple of weeks for Jordan Howard. The second-year back has less than 50 yards in the last
two weeks combined, which was really disappointing against the 49ers last week. If your league does not play in Week 17, Howard is still a start worthy running back. However, the Bears run into the Vikings in the final week. For those playing in Week 17 and need a counter punch for Howard, look West. Marshawn Lynch has hardly been heard from this season, except for the last two weeks. In two-week championships, Lynch has a hard pull in Week 16 against the Eagles, but there is a softer matchup against the Chargers in Week 17. It is a safe road to the playoffs for him too, with the Chiefs and Cowboys the next two weeks.
took over under center. But, there is an undeniable connection between Nelson and Rodgers, so if there is a comeback, it will be for both. The mid-season recovery by Cam Newton has spurred very good production from Devin Funchess. The top receiver in Carolina has seen triple-digit fantasy performances in his last three games. Green Bay, Tampa Bay and Atlanta close out the season, but he will likely be on the ‘Rhodes often closed’ against the Vikings this week.
Tight ends
Just as the playoffs roll around, the No. 1 tight end will be unavailable this week. Rob Gronkowski is suspended after his WWE tryout last week. This brings up many possibilities. Gronk owners should target Cameron Brate, Austin Seferian-Jenkins or Charles Clay. Everyone else should WIKICOMMONS | PHOTO COURTESY at least see if the situation would set the Gronk owners If Aaron Rodgers returns, then Jordy Nelson may be the difference to perhaps make a deal. in fantasy playoffs.
Wide receivers
Jordy Nelson does not belong on any playoff roster. That said, Aaron Rodgers may come back in Week 15. In which case, Jordy Nelson belongs on a playoff roster. Nelson has not recorded more than 35 yards in a game since Brett Hundley
Sports Editor’s 2018 Bold Predictions Like Babe Ruth in ’32, calling my shot Taylor Schloemer Sports Editor
Although 2017 offered some quite memorable moments, but like all good things, it must come to an end. That means it is time for some bold predictions about what will happen in 2018.
The Dukes reign is short in the FCS
One of the two predictions I got right last year was that the Bison were not going to win the championship. I had them in Frisco, but losing to Eastern Washington. This year, it is James Madison’s turn to fall short. The difference is that I am predicting this year the defending champions won’t see Frisco. I will thank South Dakota State for that, which means the Jacks finally kick the curse of losing to the Bison in Texas.
The Patriots win the Super Bowl, again
The other prediction I got right last year,
or at least half right. I had Tom Brady retiring after the game. But after the Patriots beat an unnamed NFC team (I refuse to talk about the purple guys in the Super Bowl, it is just like Fight Club), Brady will not walk away this time. Instead, he steals talent of other young AFC East quarterbacks. That must be what happened to Nathan Peterman.
Argentina wins the World Cup
But Lionel Messi does not score in the final. Instead, Sergio Romero puts on a dramatic goalkeeping display to limit Brazil to one goal. A dramatic final five minutes sees Javier Mascherano score off a corner before super-sub Sergio Aguero scores with the final kick of the game, as he did to secure Manchester City the Premier League title in 2012.
The United States fails to advance from their group in the World Cup NIT
Paired with Italy, Wales and Ghana, the Americans finish bottom of the group. After a 2-1 win over the Welsh and a 3-0 defeat
to the Italians, the U.S. need a single point against Ghana. Christian Pulisic scores a hattrick, but the rest of the team takes a nap and proceed to lose 4-3. Afterward, the USMNT gain the services of LeBron James, Carson Wentz and Mike Trout to rebuild the team.
Los Angeles champion
celebrates
a
A World Series Championship to be exact. The World Series MVP will be Giancarlo Stanton, who the Dodgers acquire in the offseason. The Dodgers cruise through the NL West and sweep Houston in the World Series to claim their first championship in 30 years.
With the first pick of the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns select…
They don’t. Instead, Cleveland trades down and selects Baker Mayfield later. Mayfield’s personality fits the bill of a Cleveland quarterback, and he quickly finds out that the NFL is another beast, especially in Cleveland. In the third round, the Browns also select Lamar Jackson, whose skills fail to
study BREAK
translate to the NFL. This forces the Browns to land the quarterback of their dreams in A.J. McCarron at the trade deadline.
The Warriors don’t make the finals
And the Cavaliers won’t represent the East either. Instead, the Thunder go up against the Celtics. Russell Westbrook defeats the “cupcake” Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving shows up LeBron James. After the Thunder win their first title in franchise history, Durant returns to OKC and James heads east to team up again with Irving.
Men’s hockey in the Olympics is terrible
With the lack of NHL players, the hockey tournament was likely to be less memorable than in Sochi. The Russian KHL players set the bar and skate away with an easy gold. Now, with Russians unable to compete under their flag due to doping allegations against the Federation, this becomes a mess. The women’s hockey gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada gets better ratings in the States than any other hockey game in the event.
CAN YOU FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH THE MAZE OF LIFE?
FINISH
START
GDJ | PHOTO COURTESY
11
THE SPECTRUM | SPORTS | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Snap Judgment: Fisher Guiding Special Teams Senior long snapper is the man who starts it all Thomas Evanella Staff Writer
Before every extra point, field goal or punt, someone is tasked with ensuring the ball actually reaches the kicker. And while it is the punter who can pin the opponent on their own goal line or the kicker who connects on a game-winning field goal in overtime, before the ball sails downfield, the long snapper is there to get the ball to his teammate. For the North Dakota State Bison, this role is filled by James Fisher. Fisher, a native of Bloomington, Minnesota and graduate from Jefferson High School, is cognizant of the fact that no one remembers the man who gets the ball where it needs to be. Still, he takes solace in knowing that without a pinpoint snap, the field goal never can split the uprights. “I think the importance of the position is really overlooked,” Fisher says. “People kind of assume that the snap is going to be there, and really the big thing to look for is the punt.” Fans may still think that all long snapping comes down to is hurling the football through your legs and watching your kicker or punter do the rest. However, much more goes into the task. “People don’t think about what it takes to get there and the fact that if you want to do it at a high level, the ball is coming back there pretty fast,” Fisher explains. “Doing lifts and exercises and making sure technique is right to actually send a ball with a good speed to be on point 15 yards back between your legs is actually more complicated than most people think.” The role of the long snapper to any football team is indispensable and irreplaceable. Fisher is the only long snapper on NDSU’s roster, and if he were to miss time due to injury, a less competent replacement would have to fill in or learn the position in a hurry. Despite their crucial role on special teams, the life of a long snapper is still anonymous, which makes it stand out to be recognized as one of the nation’s best, as Fisher is. The senior was twice named to the All-Missouri Valley second team, and this year he was selected to the first team. Additionally, he was chosen as a STATS FCS second team All-America in 2016 and before the season got
underway, a first team AllAmerican. To Fisher, these honors hold a great deal of meaning. “It feels great,” he remarked. “Snapping doesn’t get too much of the attention. So when you can get attention as a long snapper — and it’s not for a messed up snap or something that you’ve done wrong — it’s a really big honor. It feels great to be noticed for something like that.” Reaching the pinnacle of long snapping requires an endless amount of snaps, as Fisher explains. “Long snapping is a big repetition thing, so getting a lot of snaps in and critiquing the technique and making sure the spiral is tight with the football (are key),” he notes. Above all, the art of the long snap boils down to consistency. “You can never be completely perfect at anything, so being more consistent is the biggest thing being a long snapper,” Fisher remarked. In steadying the Bison’s special teams, Fisher has drawn the attention of NFL scouts. Head coach Chris Klieman alluded to Fisher’s draft prospects after the Herd defeated Illinois State,
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
While not having the most glamorous job, All-MVFC first team long snapper James Fisher may see the field on Sundays next year. overlooked. Fisher’s path to NDSU began when the Jefferson
“I think the importance of the position is really overlooked. People kind of assume that the snap is going to be there and really the big thing to look for is the punt.” - Senior Long Snapper James Fisher asserting, “James Fisher is a great long snapper, and he’s going to get an opportunity at the next level to snap.” NDSU’s victory over the Redbirds was one of Fisher’s best performances of the season, snapping for eight punts and three extra points. While one extra point was blocked, four of Jackson Koonce’s punts were downed inside the 20yard line and one went 52 yards. Koonce’s 43 punts this season have gone an average of 39.9 yards and 14 have been within the 20-yard line. Kicker Cam Pedersen has made 9 of 13 field goals, two of which were blocked, and 60 of 63 extra points, making him the Bison’s highest scorer on the season. Fisher is not the only reason for NDSU’s special teams prowess, but his veteran presence in the center of it all should not be
High quarterback and linebacker came to the realization that he needed something more to jump off the page. “I don’t think I was big or strong or fast enough to play quarterback or linebacker here,” Fisher said. “But the fact that I was able to figure out how to long snap kind of set me apart. Long snapping is not the most common thing that people practice, so getting that figured out and becoming one of the better ones kind of just stood out.” Fisher sought the help of two local long snapping gurus: Josh Rosenthal and Kyle Stelter. Rosenthal was a fellow graduate of Jefferson High and long snapper for Concordia University in St. Paul who presently coaches for St. Thomas. Stelter founded a company called Special Teams University, and Fisher was one of his
first Division I clients. It was almost fate that Fisher found himself a signee for the Green and Gold. “It couldn’t have worked out any more perfectly. The former punt coach, A.J. Cooper, who played here, he was actually roommates while playing football at NDSU with one of my assistant coaches in high school.” After submitting two DVDs, one of game film and one of a gym workout, Scott Fuchs, then the offensive line coach, contacted Fisher and became a member of the Herd. The Bison’s long snapper takes pride in his narrow role, relishing the opportunity to contribute to a team of North Dakota State’s caliber. “Being here is just a really humbling experience for everyone. I think you’d get a lot of the answers that people just care more about the wins,” Fisher commented. “I know my position doesn’t get the spotlight by any means, but just being a part of what this is and being able to say I have some help in most of the game situations, on fourth down and everything, is just awesome.” Beyond the gridiron, Fisher is pursuing his Master of Business Administration and completed his bachelor’s degree in management. He
is currently interning with Bobcat in West Fargo, taking advantage of the extra time he does not need to devote to position meetings. The next time Koonce sticks an opponent deep
in their own territory or Pedersen nails a long field goal, remember the man who started it all. Remember James Fisher.
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
James Fisher (51) takes the field during NDSU’s recent playoff victory over San Diego.
Biggest Sports Stories of 2017 A quick look down memory lane Cody Tusler Staff Writer
A lot has happened in 2017 in the world of sports. With only a little less than a month left in the year, let us take a trip down memory lane and look at the top sports stories and memories of the year.
Houston Astros win World Series
The Houston Astros won their first World Series after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. I think it is safe to say that, unless you were a Dodgers fan, you were rooting for Houston. I have liked Houston, a small market team that develops their players and builds their team as long as I can remember. This year, there was a special meaning with the Astros doing as well as they did and getting the whole all of MLB behind them. As we all know, Houston suffered major city damage after being hit by Hurricane
Harvey in late August. The Astros gave the city of Houston a distraction from the devastation and gave them something to rally around and come together and enjoy as a city.
J.J. Watt
Staying in Houston, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt made a huge contribution to the city of Houston when he was able to raise $37 million in Hurricane Harvey relief funds. Watt says that $30.15 million will go to AmeriCares, Feeding America, SBP and Save the Children to be distributed over the next 18 to 24 months. The remaining $7 million will be set aside for distribution in 2018 after assessing and analyzing future relief efforts. Watt suffered a season ending tibial plateau fracture in Week 5 and was not able to help the city heal with his play on the field. Both Watt and Jose Altuve, of the Astros, received the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Bridgewater is back on the field
Guess who’s back, back again. Teddy’s back, tell a friend. Yes, I used an Eminem parody, what are you going to do about it? Anyway, back to the story. On Nov. 8, Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was removed from the injured reserve and was cleared to return to live action. He was originally cleared to return to practice on Oct. 16. Bridgewater missed the whole 2016 season after he dislocated his knee and tore his ACL on a non-contact play. He very possibly could have lost his leg if it wasn’t for the team doctors and trainers responding as quickly as they did. Even though he hasn’t stepped on the field during game time, it is still great to see him suit up, and just knowing he could play brings joy to any sports fan.
Super Bowl LI
Atlanta, you cost me a case of root beer on this one. (Editor’s Note: Thank you very much, it was very good). The Atlanta Falcons were up 28-3 with 6:03 left in the third and the New England Patriots would come back and win in overtime 34-28. Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP as he would win his fifth Super Bowl of his career. Seriously Atlanta, run the ball! Didn’t you learn from Seattle? Even though the situation was different, the answer was still the same. Run the ball, run out the clock and take home the ring.
Honorable mention
The United States Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the World Cup. In an nation of 321 million people, the United States could not make the World Cup. Iceland qualified, and they have a population of 334,000. That is the same size as Santa Anna, California.
12
THE SPECTRUM | NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017
Thanks!
The winter 2017
graduating class recognizes the following faculty and staff for their efforts in creating an outstanding NDSU experience. Congratulations graduates and thank you faculty and staff for inspiring our students.
STUDENT FOCUSED LAND GRANT RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Timothy Alvarez Amelia Asperin Abraham Ayebo Riaz Aziz Amber Bach-Gorman Somnath Banerjee Stephenson Beck Bradley Benton Eric Berg Sara Berger Teresa Bergholz Eugene Berry Elizabeth Birmingham Jody Bohn Baldock Sarah Boonstoppel Otto Borchert Mari Borr Jeff Boyer Ann Braaten Kevin Brooks Ardith Brunt Igathinathane Cannayen Jeff Chen James Clifton Elizabeth Crawford Carol Cwiak Brenda Deckard Ed Deckard Luis del Rio Mendoza Jeff Dertinger Elias Elias Anne Eliason Nancy Emerson Dan Ewert Erienne Fawcett Kristen Fellows Gordon Fraser Sivapalan Gajan Enrique Garcia Adam Gladen Jacob Glower Abby Gold Na Gong Sherman Goplan Gary Goreham Roger Green Kendra Greenlee Kristi Groberg Tom Gustad Karla Haug Thomas Hall Christina Hargiss Harlene Hatterman-Valenti Karla Haug
Loretta Heuer Verlin Hinsz Angela Hodgson Jeanette Hoffman Yongtao Hong Kay Hopkins Torre Hovick Kirk Howatt Leah Irish Denley Jacobson Mark Jensen Long Jiang Don Johnson Jill Johnson Jess Jung Alan Kallmeyer Eunice Kapplinger Kent Kapplinger Rajesh Kavasseri Gina Kelly Mary Jo Kenyon Cassie Keogh Dmitri Kilin Catherine Kingsley Westerman Bonnie Klamm Jun Kong Pratap Kotala Keshia Kotula Joan Krush Michael Krush Maxx Kureczko Danielle Kvanvig-Bohnsack Kelli Layman Jin Li Wei Lin Zhibin Lin Zhulu Lin Jill Lodde Greives Simone Ludwig Danny Luecke Rhonda Magel Linda Manikowske Frank Manthey Bruce Maylath Phil McClean Robert Mejia Jo Ann Miller Charlette Moe Kari Motis Kjersten Nelson Sharon Nelson Jack Norland Peter Oduor Juan Osorno
Kimberly Overton Kwangsoo Park Matt Patnode Tim Peterson Lieutenant Colonel Ted Preister Birgit Pruess Alex Radermacher Ann Ragan Brandy Randall Joel Ransom Chris Ray Tammie Reger Fred Riggins Janet Riggins Tayt Rinehardt Jessie Rock Gregory Sanders Kelly Sassi Matthew Slocomb Angela Smith Mary Smith Herb Snyder Andrew Stark Matthew Stone Bradford Strand Trish Strom Shelly Swandal Kendall Swanson Joseph Szmerekovsky Adam Taylor Verena Theile Shila Thompson Rodney Traub Chad Ulven Abigail Vetter Melissa Vosen Callens Justin Walden Jinhui Wang David Wells Ann Werlinger David Westerman Emily Wicktor John Wilkinson Bill Wilson Rebecca Woods Xiangfa Wu Cheryl Wynn Dena Wyum Ravi Yellavajjala Michael Yellow Bird Bismarck Nursing Instructors Nursing Faculty Veterinary Technology