THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
VOLUME 122 ISSUE 14 NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | FOR THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE
Rick Steves and Marijuana
How other countries handle recreational marijuana, Steves thinks the U.S. should too
PHOEBE ELLIS | THE SPECTRUM
Steves addresses NDSU.
Phoebe Ellis
Head News Editor
Rick Steves, a prominent PBS travel host and a board member for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, spoke to the North Dakota State community on Friday, Oct. 5. Steves, who has spent 20 years in Europe focusing on drug policy and was a spokesperson for drug reform in Washington state in 2012, advocates primarily for treating the conversation surrounding the legalization of recreational marijuana to be looked at through the lens of education, not criminal activity. “You can’t legislate morality,” Steves said, expanding to say that people are going to smoke marijuana whether or not it’s legal. The question is, how do we as a democracy deal with that? Steves advocates for what he called “pragmatic harm reduction,” using
the example of clean needles for an extremely low cost available in other countries to prevent the spread of intravenous diseases like HIV/AIDS between intravenous drug users. He also said that while people believe legalization will increase marijuana use, historically it has not in any country or state. “Anyone who wants to smoke pot does,” Steves said, noting that people who choose to use marijuana will whether or not it is legal, no matter the repercussions. In fact, Steves told the audience people use more marijuana in the United States than in Europe despite European countries having decriminalized and in some places legalized the drug. He noted the concept of legalizing recreational marijuana is not new or groundbreaking, and the best way to lose control of marijuana use in the community is to keep it illegal. In contrast,
legalizing it would allow the state to control and regulate the substance. To highlight some of the ways other countries approach marijuana, Steves cited a few examples he had found in his travel days. According to Steves, the Dutch use the coffee shop system, where shops intended for marijuana usage are scattered around the country and people can go in and get something to take the edge off. However, there is a caveat: the shops cannot advertise to the public. The shops cannot even have menus of what is available in plain view. Steves shared that in one of the shops he visited, patrons had to press a button to make the menu illuminate, and nobody could press the button for you. This forced people to choose to engage in the behavior of using marijuana, entirely coercion-free.
In Spain, the selling of cannabis is strictly prohibited, but it can be grown. Steves said because nobody wants to grow their own plant only to dry it and smoke it, people join cannabis clubs. People pay fees to join these clubs, and as a result they get to use the product the club grows for free. Steves said the laws in the Netherlands and Portugal surrounding marijuana emerged in both countries from an opioid problem the countries were facing. The governments essentially decided they had bigger problems than marijuana, so they decriminalized it and focused on the problem — opioids. From there, the countries took a compassionate approach to drug addiction, treating those addicted as sick people, not criminals. Another motivator for Steves is the institutionalized racism that is sewn into drug laws, leading to
the targeting of people of color. In the U.S. alone, Black and Latinix populations account for 57 percent of the prison population despite accounting for only about 32 percent of the general population, according to the U.S. Census. Steves said that through his experience and research, he has seen the legalization of marijuana result in better civil liberties for all and increased tax revenue. In his talk, he told listeners that if they are only talking to people who already agree with them, then they will not see the progress they pursue. His message to young voters is for them to understand that they “will inherit the world,” stating they should vote in the upcoming midterms to ensure the world they want is the one they get. He also stated that if citizens do not vote, they cannot complain about the outcome.
Snap the Stigma Students at NDSU work toward better mental health Phoebe Ellis
Head News Editor
As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, a group of North Dakota State students have created a platform of their own to address mental health problems. Ethan Johnson, a senior at NDSU and a Snap the Stigma intern, said that the platform was created originally from a research project in the pharmacy department, but has grown into something bigger than that. The research project was focused on understanding the mental health of college students to understand what goes on at NDSU. Johnson’s communications class
INSIDE
was then asked to come up with a campaign for the project. The current project, Snap the Stigma, works to engage students to talk about mental health through a website where students can anonymously share their mental health stories and struggles and read those of other students. This stems from an effort to humanize mental illness, according to Johnson. Johnson expressed his investment in the project being the fact that he’s seen mental illness firsthand through some of his friends. “You see the effects of (mental illness),” Johnson said. The project has involved not only Johnson and those who make up the Snap the Stigma group,
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but also the help of Healthy Herd Champions and the Counseling Center. Additionally, Snap the Stigma recently partnered with Take Back the Night to encourage positive mental health practices.
the stigma surrounding mental illness. “It makes me sad to see people afraid,” Johnson said. He continued to say that he hopes this project shows students struggling with
“It makes me sad to see people afraid.” - Ethan Johnson The name was chosen because it was catchy and because of its meaning. “Snap” refers to taking a picture, as the stories shared on the website are accompanied by photos, but it also means to break
Fargodome Authority reverses approval of alcohol sales at Bison football games
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their mental health that they’re not alone and that resources are available to help them. In a perfect world, the group would like their movement to become national. Right now,
Inner city music: Profiles of downtown street performers
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however, they’re tackling the TriCollege university system in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Snap the Stigma organized a week of events including a “Talk Saves Lives” event intended to help people understand the warning signs of suicide, mental health first aid and an open house at the Counseling Center. Sharing a story is as easy as going to the website, snapthestigma.com, and posting a photo with a story accompanying it. Johnson reminded students to go take a look at the website and share their own stories. “That’s the core,” Johnson said.
NDSU women’s soccer team looks toward the Summit League Tournament
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News
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Kavanagh Strikes Divide in Campus Politics Politically involved students give their two cents on the highly contested confirmation Ryan Nix
Co-News Editor
The fight over Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation is over, and he will be the next Supreme Court Justice on the bench. The process has been closely watched and hotly contested due to Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations of sexual assault dating back to Kavanaugh’s high school years. North Dakotans have stood idly by, and the result of Kavanaugh’s appointment has impacted many, both in the state and on the North Dakota State campus. Jenika Rufer, a graduate student at NDSU, was not only impacted by the recent events but she also actively perused a no vote on the confirmation through her work with Planned Parenthood and the People for the American Way. Rufer works for the Washington D.C. based company and was involved in “getting people around here to call (Sen. Heidi Heitkamp), let her know that we want her to vote no on Kavanaugh and just do everything we could to keep him out of office.” Heitkamp did end up
voting no, but the outcome is still disappointing, according to Rufer. “We pretty much knew how it was going to go,” Rufer said. “But I guess we were kind of hoping for a surprise.” Rufer said the ongoing support for Kavanaugh is disheartening because it sets a bad example for how women should be
“I guess we were kind of hoping for a surprise.” - Jenika Rufer treated. The confirmation makes the work she does tougher but also shows how important activism is, according to Rufer. Rufer said people underestimate how big of an impact a majority Republican Supreme Court will be. “There are 12 abortion cases up for the Supreme Court to hear,” Rufer said. The Republican majority is “pretty terrifying” when it comes to these cases and women’s reproductive health in general. K a v a n a u g h ’ s confirmation should not have been a divisive issue
In A Nutshell Phoebe Ellis
Head News Editor
Taylor Swift angers the right
In a lengthy Instagram post, musician Taylor Swift came out in support of two Democratic candidates in this year’s midterms elections. According to the website 4chan and the Washington Post, Swift’s comments have had a great impact on the political right. The singer, who previously had little to no public involvement in politics, left 4chan users feeling as if she “sold out” to the left. Swift’s public support of Senate candidate Phil Bredesen and U.S. House of Representatives candidate Jim Cooper comes as a shock to far-right conservative groups, as Swift, who grew up in a rural area and began her career through country music, was assumed to be a closeted “Make America Great Again” supporter, despite her speaking out on issues typically associated with liberal politics like sexual assault and advocating for gun control.
Gone and forgotten
When people die, where do they go? Some are buried in a funeral plot, some are cremated and put on the mantel in the home of a loved one and some are cremated and forgotten. West Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota has experienced the latter for many years, according to the Forum. Some of the urns full of ashes of someone’s loved one have been on the property for over 50 years. The owner said that though the funeral home has the right to bury the ashes, there is fear that family members will come looking
for the Senate, according to Rufer. She said the Senate should have looked at who he was as a person, as a judge and his qualifications and not the political factions at play. After Ford testified, Rufer said the Republicans took the allegations as a liberal vendetta against white men,
for their loved one shortly after.
It’s a bomb! No, it’s NASA
A white package with a red parachute caused fear in South Brunswick, New Jersey when in reality it turned out to be an experiment by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). When the package landed, it had a message written on it that included the words “NOT A BOMB!,” according to NBC News. Despite the inscription on the Styrofoam package, the bomb squad was still called in to investigate. The playful note also included, “If this lands near the President, we at NASA wish him a great round of golf,” thus leading to the Secret Service to conduct an investigation as well.
Get your goat
A neighborhood in Boise, Idaho awoke to the sight of nearly 100 goats consuming their lawns and flowerbeds. The company that is responsible for said goats spent their morning wrangling the goats back into their possession, while people from the neighborhood and reporters alike gathered around the spectacle. The company, “We Rent Goats,” provides the livestock to people with large swaths of grass they need to be mowed. The goats are then returned to the company after they have done their duty. Despite the inconvenience throughout the neighborhood, NBC News reported that the people living there seemed to enjoy the spectacle, with many bringing their children to see the animals.
and the Democrats focused more on his qualifications. Locally, the hearings impacted Heitkamp, who said she voted with her conscience and not in the best interest of her politics. In her work with People for the American Way, Rufer said she informed Heitkamp that Kavanaugh was “bad for the issues she stands for like pre-existing conditions, women’s reproductive health (and) indigenous people.” Rufer said they let Heitkamp know that if she voted no, they would work to get her re-elected in November. Cale Dunwoody, president of the NDSU
College Republicans, said having another Republican on the Supreme Court means the Constitution will be followed to the letter. “I think it’s very vital for Republicans that we follow the Constitution as it was written,” Dunwoody said. “I don’t believe it’s a live document.” Dunwoody said there are ways to change the Constitution, but that judicial review should not be one of those ways. Dunwoody said Kavanaugh is a judge who “really does his homework.” According to Dunwoody, Kavanaugh is reading articles and writing explanations of why he voted the way he did. Politically, the confirmation of Kavanaugh, along with the new NAFTA trade deal and tax cuts, will boost President Trump and the Republicans, according to Dunwoody. The confirmation of Kavanaugh will show that the Democrats are “really against the Republicans,” Dunwoody said. Dunwoody said Rep. Kevin Cramer stands to benefit from this confirmation in the midterms. “60 percent of
North Dakotans wanted Kavanaugh confirmed,” Dunwoody said. The no vote from Heitkamp might show voters that she is not on the side of North Dakotans. “If 60 percent of North Dakota is approving Brett Kavanaugh, then her vote should have been yes; her thumb should have been up.” One of the main issues many took with the now Justice Kavanaugh were his opening remarks where he blamed a Democratic conspiracy for Ford coming forward with a sexual assault
Despite this slant, Dunwoody said we have to accept his confirmation. Dunwoody also said Kavanaugh is “not going to let politics affect his decisions on the Court.” According to Dunwoody, an example from Kavanaugh’s past is when he sided with a terrorist against the United States; many Republicans would not have made that decision. When it comes to the handling of Ford’s allegations, Dunwoody said, “Diane Feinstein should
“It’s pretty common now for judges to take a side indirectly” - Cale Dunwoody allegation. Dunwoody said no judge is completely impartial. “It’s pretty common now for judges to take a side indirectly,” he said. This specific outburst was out of frustration with the process, according to Dunwoody. “(Kavanaugh’s) upset with the Democratic Party with the way they have treated him,” Dunwoody said.
have talked to her fellow senators a little more. There also should have been way more communication between parties as information surfaced.” The committee should have had more control over the proceedings, as there were many outbursts that dragged the proceeding out for far too long, according to Dunwoody.
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Features
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Furry Friends Adopting Eugene & Dijon Le a r n m o r e ab o u t t wo o f H o m ewa r d A n i m a l S h e l t e r ’ s f i n e s t p e t s Miranda Stambler Features Editor
Adopting a furry friend can be work, but after meeting these two it may be worth the cost and time. When you welcome a pet into your life, it benefits not only the animal, but you as well.
Eugene
HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER | PHOTO COURTESY
Eugene is a sophisticated old man, but still finds time to let his puppy show.
Eugene is a shepherd mix, 8-year-old, neutered male. He arrived at Homeward Animal Shelter on Sept. 12 and continues to hope for an adoption. No matter his size, he’s a cuddlier. Don’t let his older demeanor fool you; he protects others and keeps those around him safe. This is no crabby old man. He’s a sweetheart that enjoys other dogs (unless they push too far into his personal space), and every person who meets him loves him. Not to mention, he’s
already house trained too.
Dijon
Dijon is a 1-and-ahalf-year-old, neutered male. He has been at Homeward Animal Shelter for five months and currently resides in foster care. When Dijon started at Homeward, he was terrified of people and was not the domesticated type. Through the foster care that he has received, he has been able to become playful and adjust to being domesticated, rather than semi-feral. Meeting the animals in person can have more of an affect than seeing a picture, so go meet your future pet pal. To adopt either Dijon or Eugene, visit homewardonline.org for more information.
HOMEWARD ANIMAL SHELTER | PHOTO COURTESY
Dijon has become playful through a loving home; now be his forever future.
RedBall Project Visits Fargo Artist Kurt Perschke brightened up downtown by squeezing in the RedBall structure
The RedBall’s first time in Fargo, in between pillars of Great Northern Bicycle Co.
Ruby Redekopp Contributing Writer
A giant red ball greeted visitors wandering over from the Red River Market on Saturday, Oct. 6. The inflatable ball was squished between the two front pillars of Great Northern Bicycle Co. on 425 Broadway N. Created by artist Kurt Perschke, the RedBall Project is a colorful, entertaining art installment that has traveled to more than 30 cities around the world, including Chicago, Sydney, Paris, Abu Dhabi and many more. Considered “the world’s longest-running street art work,” the RedBall has been squeezed, squished and suspended on bridges, sculptures, cathedrals, movie theaters, castles, museums and more. The RedBall arrived in Fargo Oct. 4 and stayed in the area through Oct. 10. The ball was positioned in creative locations throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area, including the Plains Art Museum, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Great Northern Bicycle Co., Lindenwood and Gooseberry parks’ pedestrian bridge, the Depot, the Rourke Art Gallery + Museum and the Fargo Theatre. “I think it’s a very elegant design,” Pam Block said, who stopped to see the RedBall on Saturday with her friends during the FargoMoorhead Visual Artists’ Studio Crawl. “It’s soothing and pleasing to look at.” Block said she’s inspired by the fact that the ball travels around the world. She thought the RedBall Project was a fun piece of art for both kids and adults to enjoy. “It seems pretty successful,” she said, gesturing to the crowd lined up to have their pictures taken with the ball, which weighs
250 pounds and is about 15 feet in diameter. The RedBall’s intriguing shape, large size and eye-popping color causes people to flock to the ball wherever it goes. The ball brings people together across differing cultures, languages, places and ages. “That invitation to engage, to collectively imagine, is the true essence of the RedBall Project,” Perschke wrote on his website, RedBallProject.com. Perschke created the ball 17 years ago while working on a project for the St. Louis Arts in Transit program. Its bright red color symbolizes play, energy and love. He explains the story behind the ball’s inception on his website. When continuously passing by an overpass consisting of a gravel layered ground, he thought of how ugly the area was. Perschke noticed and was “drawn to the way the concrete bridge merged into the earth and the space it created,” he explained online. After thinking about how to make a creative piece out of this, he had many failure pieces, which led to drawing a giant red circle. This was the moment that sparked the RedBall Project for Perschke. At the beginning of the RedBall Project’s worldwide travels, some installations were illegally placed. Now, however, Perschke works with local partners to find permissible places for the ball to be featured. The RedBall was organized by the Fargo Arts and Culture Commission, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau, Insights to Action and Fargo Parks District. To find out where the RedBall is headed next and see photos of its world travels, visit RedBallProject.com.
RUBY REDEKOPP | THE SPECTRUM
RUBY REDEKOPP | THE SPECTRUM
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THE SPECTRUM | FEATURES | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
Adventures of Camping in Argentina Stormy weather, heat and learning of tribes outside of North Dakota Paige Hall
Contributing Writer
A weekend escape from the city is the best medicine. One of the most amazing experiences so far during my study abroad was going camping in Los Esteros de Iberá, otherwise known as the wetlands. Kayaking, tenting, bonfires, an off chance of getting attacked by a snake and sleeping (or not) through the worst thunderstorm of your life with the possibility of everything in your tent becoming soaking wet, what can be better than that? Having the right companions with you makes the experience even better. You realize you endured some not so fun events together and can laugh about it all later. Keeping a positive attitude is what makes the adventure one of the best memories of your travels, plus you have a story to tell when you get home to
your friends and family. Los Esteros are not a heavily populated area. They are located in the province of Corrientes in the north of Argentina, expanding throughout 30 percent of the province. It is not a very touristic part of the country, either, creating a better chance of encountering the culture of this area in Argentina. The indigenous Guaraní people inhabited Corrientes before the colonization of the Spaniards, and the Guaraní language is still spoken by 60 percent of the population. To get from village to village, canoes and other rowboats are towed by horses that wade through the water. While on the voyage, don’t forget to take pictures of the alligators and capybaras. There may be even more exotic wildlife as well, so keep your eyes open. Winters are cold without snow, and summers are dying hot. Just being there at the very beginning of their spring,
it reached 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunscreen and bug spray are very important to carry. You’ll start scratching at your legs and ankles a day later not even knowing the mosquitos had been biting you. And if the locals tell you to buy shoes, las alpagatas, that are a size smaller than your normal shoe size because they will expand in the water and mud, that’s a lie because they shrink instead. The stars are clearly visible and the Southern Cross constellation (equivalent to the North Star) shines bright through the night. The star, Lucero, is the first to appear at dusk and last to disappear at dawn. If it fills with water, the light will dim until it is completely gone. It is truly a phenomenon to watch. Telling scary ghost stories and legends of the Guaraní tribe around the campfire at that time while watching the storm roll in from far away, the moment was peaceful and perfect. Sunset while walking through wetlands to campsite.
PAIGE HALL | THE SPECTRUM
FARGO FOODIE The Ultimate Tater Tot Hotdish
Take this classic Midwestern comfort food to the next level with a few simple additions Laura Ellen Brandjord Spectrum Staff
With the cooling temperatures, the urge for warm drinks, cozy blankets and, of course, comfort food increases. Arguably the region’s most iconic comfort food is the tater tot hotdish. Most households have a family recipe for the comfort food staple that has been passed down, each with its own twist. Some add additional vegetables, use a cup of milk to thin the soup concentrate or swear by a specific shredded cheese. These variations occurred either by happy accident or experimentation by our family members in the past and stuck. Through a little experimenting of my own with the classic hotdish, I discovered subtle tweaks that lead to a new version my family enjoys more than the original. In my recipe, I discovered the simple change of soup used could drastically increase the flavor of the hotdish, which was reinforced by the use of onion tater tots and French’s crispy fried onions. Coming from a house where fries and tater tots are preferred crispy, I struggled with feeling the tater tots in the hotdish were undercooked when baked in the hotdish from frozen. To combat this, I fully cook the tots separately prior to placing them on top of the hotdish. This doesn’t really
add any prep time to the recipe with the added benefit of the oven being thoroughly warm by the time the entire hotdish is ready to bake.
Ingredients
1 bag Ore-Ida onion tater tots 2 cans french cut green beans 1 can Campbell’s cream of mushroom with roasted garlic soup 1 can cream of onion soup 1 1/2 pounds ground beef French’s crispy fried onions, or similar Shredded cheese of choice Garlic salt to taste
Directions
1. Bake tater tots according to package instructions. 2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Season with garlic salt to taste, drain and set aside to cool. 3. Drain green beans, and in a medium mixing bowl, mix together with soups and cooled ground beef. 4. Pour mixture into a greased or nonstick 9-inch by 13-inch hotdish pan. 5. Liberally sprinkle shredded cheese over top, using as much as you like. 6. Once tater tots are done, top them with the hotdish mixture. 7. Sprinkle French’s crispy fried onions on top. 8. Place back in oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes. 9. Serve and enjoy.
LAURA ELLEN BRANDJORD | THE SPECTRUM
The great thing about hotdish is its versatility, and it is because of this that we are able to make the recipe uniquely our own.
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Arts & Entertainment T S
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Who the Heck Was Jim Falck? Exemplifying the Work of Jim Falck
In its most recent exhibition, ‘Exemplar: Jim Falck,’ the Memorial Union Gallery examines and celebrates Jim Falck and the students impacted by his endowment.
Paige Johnson
Contributing Writer
Through Oct. 11, the NDSU Memorial Union Gallery celebrates the life and legacy of Jim Falck in their “Exemplar” exhibition. Falck graduated from North Dakota State in 1953 with a degree in architecture. But his passion was always in the arts. He started painting, creating an extensive collection of artwork over decades. In 1991, post-retirement, Falck returned to NDSU and received his degree in art. When Falck died in 2013, he left $3.6 million as part of an endowment for the NDSU visual arts department. This endowment created multiple opportunities for NDSU visual arts students over the following years:
welcoming visiting artists to enhance student learning of the professional field, offering the opportunity for students to travel to Italy, expanding program development including funding for a digital fabrication lab, offering scholarships for visual arts students, establishing an extensive library for student research and much more. “His endowment has been really effective in changing the scope of what visual arts can do,” Anthony Faris, the Memorial Union Gallery curator and coordinator, said. Faris went on to explain that, when he first came to NDSU as curator, the first exhibition he experienced was centered on Falck. When planning this year, Faris wanted to examine how Falck’s impact has expanded, grown or changed
in the five years since his original gift. “We wanted it to be sort of a retrospective of what’s been happening the
growing and changing.” The exhibition is in two parts: one half of the exhibit is a sampling of Falck’s work over his lifetime; the other
“Part of an endowment is to not only grow and adapt and change, but keep the value systems of what that endowment was established for. Which is basically creating opportunities for students to be successful, both in school and outside of school.” - Anthony Faris, MU Gallery curator and coordinator last couple of years,” Faris explained. “And I think we should probably do this every couple of years to show how things have been
half is examining his impact, including pieces from some of the students who have received scholarships as part of the Jim Falck Scholarship
for the Arts or who were in some way impacted by what opportunities his endowment has created for the university. One of these students is Taylor Manoles, who graduated with a degree from NDSU in 2017. Manoles received the Jim Falck Scholarship for the Arts, writing for the exhibition, “Receiving this scholarship helped to defray a portion of my college expenses and allowed me to focus more time and energy into my art, as opposed to a part-time job.” “Part of an endowment is to not only grow and adapt and change, but keep the value systems of what that endowment was established for,” Faris said. “Which is basically creating opportunities for students to be successful, both in school and outside of school.”
ANTHONY FARIS | PHOTO COURTESY
Another example of Falck’s incredible impact is that his endowment funded the creation of a new digital fabrication lab in the visual arts department. Students can now create and experiment with concept design, allowing them to create portfolios leading to professional opportunities and development. Alaki Ajang, a Memorial Union Gallery assistant and civil engineering and art student, said, “I would say that (the connection between Falck’s work and the student’s work is) they have an integrity about them. There’s a stylization that they have that you know it’s their work when you see it.” “Exemplar: Jim Falck” will be on display through today, Oct. 11.
Believe ‘The Hype’ Twenty One Pilots tell a story in new album ‘Trench’ Brittany Hofmann Contributing Writer
On Oct. 5, alternative hip-hop duo Twenty One Pilots released their fifth studio album, “Trench,” the first since their hit record “Blurryface” in 2015. This album heads toward the mainstream in the introductory song, “Jumpsuit,” with a more raw instrumental sound, which pleasantly surprised me. The guitar was something that the duo hasn’t really incorporated in their songs before. The whole album tells a story based in the city of Dema ruled by nine “bishops,” which is explained in the song, “Nico and the Niners.” This one reminded me of “Message Man” from “Blurryface” with its reggae beat. Nico was revealed to be Blurryface. The entire concept of telling a story across multiple albums is completely brilliant. Going along with their other albums is the theme of suicide and mental health. This theme is especially prevalent in “Neon Gravestones,” which attacks the glorification of suicide in the media and actually praises those who choose to live through life instead of deciding on an early gravestone as an option. If you missed hearing the
piano and the iconic ukulele that you have come to know and love from Twenty One Pilots, you won’t be disappointed. The piano shines through in the ballad of the album, “Bandito,” as well as “Neon Gravestones,” which gives off haunted “Piano Sonata No. 14” vibes. The ukulele makes its first appearance toward the middle of the album in “The Hype.” Unlike their other albums, “Trench” feels like it’s moving toward something, but ultimately leaves you hanging and makes you feel like there should be more with “Leave the City.” This goes along with the theme of mental illness and suicide in which someone who is suffering may never feel complete. This record is one that you need to listen to from beginning to end several times for it to fully sink in. When I first listened to the album, I watched the music videos, which helped to better understand the story that Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun wanted their fans to grasp. With their rise to popularity and ever-growing cult following, I almost turned away from Twenty One Pilots, but this album brought me back. Their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics have always been something that drew me to this band, but the story being told in “Trench” Twenty One Pilots released their fifth album on Oct. 5. made me a fan for life.
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
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THE SPECTRUM | A&E | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
‘Considering Matthew Shepard’:
A Journey From Darkness to Light Conspirare present moving choral work Oct. 12 Laura Ellen Brandjord A&E Editor
In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the brutal murder of Wyoming college student Matthew Shepard, Grammy Award-winning Conspirare are set to perform “Considering Matthew Shepard” Friday, Oct. 12. It is important to note who Matthew Shepard was and how he became an enduring symbol after his death. Shepard was a gay student at the University of Wyoming in 1998 when he was kidnapped by a pair of local men who lured him by pretending to be gay. After enduring brutal torture, he was left tied to a fence post in the middle of nowhere to die alone. There he hung like a scarecrow for 18 hours before being found alive and taken to a local hospital where he sadly died five days later. Such a violent and tangible expression of hate against the LGBTQIA+ community left a scar on the nation and turned the slain 21-year-old into a
symbol. “Considering Matthew Shepard” is a moving choral work by Craig Hella Johnson. Student outreach director Danica McDonald described the piece as “a powerful performance that not only tells
hope will move the audience to deeper understanding, empathy and acceptance of people for who they are.” As part of the event, booths from multiple area and campus Pride organizations will be set up in the atrium outside
“It’s a profound piece that we hope will move the audience to deeper understanding, empathy and acceptance of people for who they are.” - Jo Ann Miller, NDSU Choir Director
the story of Matthew, a college student just like we are, but also has themes of acceptance, mercy and human connection.” McDonald added the work blends music from multiple genres including jazz, pop and blues. NDSU choir director Jo Ann Miller said she felt honored that the college is able to be part of the important conversation, stating, “It’s a profound piece that we
of the Festival Concert Hall to discuss LGBTQIA+ issues with concertgoers. If you go When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 Where: Festival Concert Hall Tickets: Go to Reineke Fine Arts Center, Music Education Room 107 or call (701) 2317969 MARLEE CRAWFORD/OLE MISS COMMUNICATIONS | PHOTO COURTESY Price: Free for NDSU Grammy Award-winning Conspirare will perform the moving choral work Oct. 12 at the Students with ID Festival Concert Hall.
‘Venom’ Infects Audiences Despite Critics Poisoned Against It Venom’ is a fun and action filled super Max Borman
Contributing Writer
The Sony Spider-Man villain cinematic universe is not off to a great start, but that is if you believe the word of film critics. Released last Friday, Oct. 5, “Venom” stars Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock/Venom, and Michelle Williams as Anne Weying. The acting talents of both stars do not go to waste. Hardy plays a very inquisitive and talkative Eddie Brock. When faced with the Venom symbiote, he begins to freak out, and it is hilarious to watch as he struggles with the voice in his head. It would probably be good to clarify what exactly is meant by the word symbiote. For those who do not know, the comic book character Venom came from a comet, and his species needs to infect living creatures to stay alive, like a disease, but the person must be right for that specific symbiote. Eddie Brock was just the right fit for Venom. “Venom” is Sony Pictures’ first attempt at a solo Spider-Man villain universe while Marvel Studios gets to play with Spider-Man for a few more
movies. This movie is separate from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and does its best to set up a new cinematic universe with impressive potential. The only other time that we have seen Venom in action was in the 2007 film “Spider-Man 3,” and that was not the best portrayal. “Venom” is a far better portrayal of the comic book character and a much more fun one at that. To be warned, this is not your typical PG-13 Marvel movie with jokes and fun light-hearted action. There are jokes, but there are also some very grotesque scenes, and if you do not like seeing those kinds of things, then this movie was not made for you. If you prefer a darker comic book movie that also does not take itself too seriously, then this is perfect. The movie takes a little while to actually start “Venom-ing,” with the first half of it focusing on who Eddie Brock is and why he is so accepting of the symbiote. This does not detract from the quality of the film, as those parts are also intriguing, even if there is not much action, as they allow Hardy to shine. Once he is introduced to the symbiote, the movie
is almost nonstop fun with great action scenes and hilarious moments. You get to experience Venom in all his glory. Williams plays his love interest and sidekick Anne Weying. While she does not get much screen time compared to Tom Hardy, she shines in the parts she is in. The villain (technically Venom is a villain as well) Carlton Drake, played by Riz Ahmed, is your standard rich CEO who wants to improve the world. While it does not detract from the main focus of the film too heavily, it would have been nice to see a much stronger villain to match up to Hardy’s amazing performance. Following Drake are your typical nameless goons that are in every action movie. None of them are very memorable or threatening once you see the abilities that Venom has at his disposal. Near the end of the film, however, the final action sequence is hard to follow with it being set at night and a lot of stuff happening. It is not a satisfying last battle, but the rest of the movie makes up for it. Many critics said the movie was full of plot holes and a computer-generated
SONY PICTURES | PHOTO COURTESY
‘Venom’ is a movie created for fans, not critics, and is successful to that end. imagery (CGI) mess. Well, others, but it can be justified Hopefully the critics do not that is far from the truth. after some thinking and scare potential viewers off, and the fans can be heard. This film was not created for analyzing. The CGI use is heavy Don’t forget that if you critics, but for the moviegoer. The Rotten Tomatoes score in the movie, and it does decide to go, there are two shows this with the critic’s not become a problem until after credit scenes to look score sitting at 31 percent the final fight scene when it forward to. Each one is “fresh” compared to the 89 becomes hard to focus. The worth the wait. CGI is strong, and the hard Go check out “Venom” percent audience score. and decide for yourself if it The plot holes that the work put into it shows. “Venom” is a strong start really is as strong a movie critics talk about were hard to discover. There was only to the Sony Spider-Man as I believe it is. This is just one that was more vivid than villain cinematic universe. one man’s opinion after all.
8 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
Opinion
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
Fargo, This Place Sucks Why the city of Fargo is a lesser city
Don’t let your eyes fool you, it’s not this nice.
Jacob Elwell Opinion Editor
Do you ever just walk down the street with the wind blowing 80 miles per hour at your face and think, “Why do I go to school here?” If the answer is yes, then you’ll be able to relate to this article. Don’t get me wrong; some people probably love Fargo. It’s really nice when the weather is hot because you can always count on an above average breeze to cool you off. On a sunny day, there are often no clouds in the sky, and it can look quite beautiful. It can get really hot in the summer, but not too hot. Fargo is north enough to where extremely hot temperatures never really reach it. When winter comes, however, this place turns into a treacherous wasteland. For all the Minnesota kids that go to school here, you will understand when I say this
is like a Minnesota winter but 10 times worse. The cold temperature is roughly the same as Minnesota winters, but the wind chill is what draws the line. Try walking to class when the wind chill is negative 40 and the wind is blowing
WIKI COMMONS | THE SPECTRUM
I’m also not wasting $180 for a parking pass when my apartment is within walking distance. It’s probably worth it, but it wouldn’t make sense to purchase one at this point given we’re already almost two months into the school year.
When I say Fargo stinks, I mean it metaphorically and literally. directly at your face. You’ll have all winter to try this. It will not be fun. You’ll actually start considering a transfer and questioning your existence. Maybe it’s not that bad, but it’s not good by any means. You’ll be more grateful for your warm dorm, apartment or house once you experience a winter in Fargo. You might be thinking, “Just drive at that point.” Believe me, I want to. But
The city of Fargo should seriously consider planting some trees or something. Nothing stops this wind due to the flatness of this state. Minnesota winters are cold, but they’re manageable because there aren’t 20-plus mile an hour winds blowing every single day. When I say Fargo stinks, I mean it metaphorically and literally. You could just be walking, minding your own business, and then all of the
sudden you get a whiff of a farm. Not cool. I don’t want that putrid scent crawling up my nose. Nobody does. There was a cow that got loose on campus last year outside of Minard, so it’s understandable why you would smell that. Anything outside a 20-mile radius of this city is straight farmland. There’s nothing that can be done about that, but it’s just an extra negative effect of going to school at North Dakota State. I guess it depends where you come from as well. If you grew up on a farm in North Dakota, you’re probably more content than others about the weather and smell. Kids from Minnesota aren’t used to this, and if you’re one of those transfer students from the south, well, good luck to you. Not only is the weather ridiculously cold, but it’s also inconsistent. You’ll have days where it could be entirely blue skies and sunny like Philadelphia. (Get that
pun?) Then, the very next day, it could be raining like you’re in India. There could even be a few inches of snowfall like it’s nothing. It will just have you thinking, “Where is this coming from?” There is no answer to that question. Perhaps the only answer is that you’re in Fargo, so expect anything. I think it’s also safe to say it’s not fun driving around
I come from. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like people in Fargo are terrible drivers. I have almost gotten in a crash more times in my slightly over a year of going to school here than my whole driving career in Minnesota. I suggest you watch out for drivers because they won’t watch out for you. I know it could be simpler, but Fargo
I am not a fan of this city. this city. There are so many one-ways, it’s a joke. When coming to a turn, I make sure there isn’t a one-way sign so I know I can turn there. I also just don’t see the point in one-ways. Why do you have to make it more confusing for drivers? Why can’t this place just have simple roads that don’t have so many rules? You don’t see this kind of stuff where
just makes everything a lot more difficult than need be. While I love the school and campus, I am not a fan of this city. I hope to find work when I graduate somewhere in Minnesota so I don’t have to resort to staying up here. The town is nice and all, but the weather, smell and roads are too much for me sometimes.
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THE SPECTRUM | OPINION | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
Choose Apple Cinnamon for America Pumpkin spice is for traitors
This festive fall drink definitely tastes like freedom.
SATIRE
Zachary Liu
Spectrum Staff
We’re almost two full years into making America great again, and yet the pumpkin spice trend is still going strong. This is a slap to the face to the one true fall flavor — apple cinnamon. In all my years on God’s green earth, I cannot for the life of me think of anything more disrespectful to the U.S. of A than this obvious affront to patriotism. The saying isn’t “As American as pumpkin pie.” It’s apple pie, you treasonous ne’er-do-wells. In the Garden of Eden, the fruit of knowledge of good and evil that Eve ate wasn’t a pumpkin; it was clearly an apple. And while some people may say our president looks like a pumpkin, we all know he prefers apple cinnamon flavored things. (I have no way to prove this,
PIXABAY | PHOTO COURTESY
but I just know it in my bones.) So when and where did God’s one true seasonally festive flavor fall from grace, thus leading to the collapse of American society? Seattle, Washington, of course. The month and year was January 2003, and Ashton Kutcher’s “The Butterfly Effect” ruled the movie box office. But more importantly, Starbucks started to develop the “Pumpkin Spice Latte” after the success of wintery favorites “Peppermint Mocha” and “Eggnog Latte.” As Little Timmy and Susie slept, little did the country know what kind of effect the Pumpkin Spice Latte would have on the seasonal beverage industry and, ultimately, the integrity of American life. Fast forward 15 years, and the Pumpkin Spice Latte, as well as pumpkin spice everything, is figuratively everywhere, although it feels literal at times. I can’t
walk through campus without seeing some consumerist sheep carrying the slightly orange tinged caffeinated beverage. It’s even more distracting when I’m sitting in a class that I paid for
This is all beside the point. The truth of the matter is apple cinnamon is the far superior flavor. It’s sweet, tart and a little bit spicy. Not like “These Cool Ranch Doritos are spicy,” but more
And while some people may say our president looks like a pumpkin, we all know he prefers apple cinnamon flavored things. (well, actually my parents pay for my tuition) and have to turn away my attention from the professor to see some mindless Starbucks junkie slurping on a PSL. Yes, you read that right. PSL. Like all things bad, the Pumpkin Spice Latte has its own cute acronym. Think about it: HIV, CNN, UND. All bad.
like cinnamon is a spice and thus apple cinnamon is spicy. Maybe put down your phone and pick up a dictionary every so often. “But if apple cinnamon is better, then why hasn’t Starbucks released the ‘Apple Cinnamon Latte,’ aka the ACL?” you so rudely ask, interrupting me. First, no one asked you. Second, I’m not
a miracle worker, nor am I a food scientist. But if Starbucks found a way to put unicorns and mermaids into a specialty beverage, then I’m certain they could figure out an apple cinnamon latte, especially considering apples and cinnamon actually exist, you know, unlike unicorns and mermaids. Third, they do have such a thing, and it’s called the “Caramel Apple Spice.” At the end of the day, if you want the terrorists to win, then I suppose you can continue to indulge yourself with a Pumpkin Spice Latte while you eat a pumpkin spice donut and wipe your mouth with a pumpkin spice napkin. Know that if you truly loved America, then you’d denounce all that and wash down your apple cinnamon baked good with a nice warm apple cinnamon beverage, just as the Founding Fathers intended.
An Impassioned Defense of the Pumpkin Spice Latte It’s not just a drink, it’s an obsession Xanthe Dick
Contributing Writer
As you can probably tell by the subtly shorter days and marginally more depressing weather, summer is over and autumn fast approaches. This could mean a variety of things, but two of them are certain. We have entered the time of year when the campus will experience a great and terrible divide, and that divide is caused by Pumpkin Spice. This kitschy autumn treat has become a cultural icon and symbol of all things Millennial and Basic just as quickly as its fellow coffee shop staple, Avocado Toast, and is hated just as virulently for really no reason at all, other than the fact that it’s cool to hate joy now. However, with this oddly passionate 750-word manifesto, I hope to change your views on Pumpkin Spice forever. The way I look at it, there are three distinct attitudes a person can have toward Pumpkin Spice and all associated Fall Things. The first can be seen from a mile away and has already been wearing a Love Your Melon Hat, rustic orange and brown plaid flannel and thick wool socks for a month now. This, of course, is the Pumpkin Spice Enthusiast,
who must be protected at all costs. And while you may already be gearing up to call them basic, I am going to stop you right there and tell you to shut your boring mouth. Think about it. This is the person who has found at least one stupid thing to be happy about, one sweet and spicy sip of happiness in this harsh and unforgiving void of a state that will only get colder as the months wear on. If I see you even try to tarnish this one bright spot in the approaching eternity of darkness that is North Dakota winter, you’re dead, kid. The second attitude can be heard from a mile away, probably browsing their phone in class to laugh annoyingly at a Reddit meme about how basic Pumpkin Spice lovers are. This person is the Thief of Joy. He or she cannot be happy and thus looks on with scorn at the gentle Pumpkin Spice Enthusiast delighting in the coziest of rituals. The Thief of Joy considers themselves smart and cool for preferring either Mountain Dew Code Red or black coffee to such a basic drink, depending on which type of Joy Thief they are, but really this person is a fool. Why? Because, after years of engaging in this type of smug behavior myself, I can tell you that
passionately throwing my entire being into seasonal decorations and gimmicky coffee drinks was the best decision I ever made. For nine months out of the year, we live in this dark and oppressive pit of a state with no warmth or sunshine; why would you force yourself to drink black coffee on top of that? Why would you forgo a Halloween costume in favor of a “This is My Costume” T-shirt when you could have put together something really special, watched a Tim Burton movie marathon on Freeform and distracted yourself from the existential dread for a solid four hours? To live in this autumnal spicy stupor is like a dream, and baby, I never wanna wake up. This brings me to the third attitude I’ve observed, The Veteran Joy Thief. This title belongs to people like myself who have previously tried to fill the void in their souls with snark and Pumpkin Spice Hatred only to come full circle and find themselves typing away in Starbucks, about to publish a think piece on the unadulterated beauty of Pumpkin Spice. I have seen the light and now understand that perhaps my grandmother does not crochet seasonal accessories
Just let people enjoy their seasonal coffee drinks this year. for me every year because she loves it, but because some arcane energy within her said that this is what she must do to distract herself from the void. Oct. 1? It’s Spooky Time, buddy. And don’t even get me started on Christmas time. That Peppermint Mocha is the
only thing keeping me going in the battle against a mountain of unwashed laundry and untouched homework. If anyone dares turn the dial knob away from the Christmas music station, I will literally just fall apart right there. Conclusively, Pumpkin
FLICKR | PHOTO COURTESY
Spice and other autumnal staples are one of the last things our generation has to look forward to in life, and the only things keeping most of us from complete insanity. So please, for the love of all that is Holy, just let people enjoy their seasonal coffee drinks this year.
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Sports
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
The Spectrum
Bison Head Outdoors to Western Illinois The No. 1 team face first game against the weather
Quarterback Easton Stick (12) and the Bison ground game will be key.
David Hoffman
Contributing Writer
The North Dakota State Bison will be looking to keep their undefeated streak alive as they head east to face off against the 2-3 Western Illinois Leatherbacks Saturday, Oct. 13. The game will take place at Hanson Field in Macomb, Illinois. Hanson Field could pose a struggle for the dome dwelling Bison team. The temperature is supposed to drop down to a cool 55 degrees along with some light showers. This will be the first outdoor game for NDSU after playing a stretch of home games in the Fargodome and Northern Iowa’s UNI-Dome. This lack
of outdoor play could give the Leatherbacks a major advantage. WIU haven’t lost in Macomb this season against two quality opponents. A 31-27 win against then No. 15 Montana in the home opener was followed by a 45-38 victory against Youngstown State. When the Bison and Leathernecks faced off last season, the then undefeated Bison won 24-12. Code Green held WIU’s ground game to a total of 31 yards. The Leatherbacks’ returning rusher, Steve McShane, has only averaged 54 rushing yards a game this season. Don’t expect to see much from Western Illinois’ run game this Saturday. On the other side of the ball, NDSU is averaging nearly 300
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
rushing yards a game. With Bruce Anderson coming off a hot game where he rushed 172 yards against Northern Iowa, fans could see a big game from the senior running back. However, like last year’s game, much of Saturday’s big plays might take place in the air. Going into the seventh game of the season, NDSU is averaging 175 passing yards a game while allowing 178. But Bison quarterback Easton Stick has not been called on to throw the ball much with the dominance of the Bison ground game. In the meantime, WIU is averaging over 250 passing yards a game from returning quarterback Sean McGuire. With three players at over 50 yards receiving a game,
McGuire has plenty of weapons down the field. This will force some of NDSU’s secondary to step up to make sure to shut down his options. The Bison secondary has given up some big plays the last two weeks, but has come up with timely turnovers to stem the tide. The key for NDSU to beat WIU this weekend will be to shut down McGuire. Greg Menard and Cole Kracz lead the busy Bison defensive front with 4.5 tackles for loss each. Jabril Cox’s hope to play on the Bison offense has been stymied by two games without a pick-six. The Bison linebacker still leads the team with a pair of interceptions. The largest question mark falls
on the Leathernecks’ defensive front. NDSU features the nation’s eighth best rushing attack. Balance is key for the Bison and their stable of backs. Anderson and Lance Dunn are the one-two punch. Anderson has averaged 98.4 yards rushing per game, and Dunn adds another 63.4. Add on the quarterback run game that was kept in the back pocket last week until the fourth quarter, and NDSU can rack up yards on the ground. If conditions take a turn for the worse, it will be up to the Leatherneck defense to hold the Bison ground game in check. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday.
Terrible Fantasy Advice | Week 6 S t o p Philip Atneosen Staff Writer
Kickers, what are they good for? According to me, and probably many others, absolutely nothing. This week, Robbie Gould missed his lone field goal attempt, and Mason Crosby missed four of five field goal attempts. Both Gould and Crosby are usually dependable kickers, which shows that there’s no dependable way to guess how a kicker is going to do in any particular game. Starting one of those guys makes you wonder: why do we even draft them in the first place? They’re typically not drafted until the last two rounds in the draft, and they’re unpredictable, so they essentially just add another factor of luck into a luckdriven game. If I were creating a new league, I would consider kicking the position out. I will never tell you which kicker to start,
k i c k i n g but I will take a stab at the other positions.
Quarterback - Jameis Winston
In this week’s edition of “Who Plays Atlanta’s Defense?” we have the Buccaneers, who will start Jameis Winston for the first time this season. In the past, “Crab Legs” Winston hasn’t been the most dependable quarterback, but he’s shown flashes of excellence, and he has an arsenal of passcatching talent on his roster to work with this season. Winston is available in most leagues, and he has the upside this week to be one of the top finishers at his position. Another QB you might find available is Andy Dalton, who faces the Steelers in what should be a pass-heavy game script.
Running Back - T.J. Yeldon
With Leonard Fournette and Corey Grant in the nurse’s office, T.J. Yeldon is going to be Jacksonville’s lead back again
y o u r s e l f
in Week 6. With that role, I’m comfortable starting him as a RB1, given his guaranteed volume and his presence in the passing attack. The Jaguars play in Dallas this week, but Yeldon’s floor is high enough that he should be started as long as he maintains his current position. Another safe start this week is Nyheim Hines, who is emerging as the Colts’ workhorse back. The Colts play in New York against the Jets this week.
Wide Receiver - Keke Coutee
Since Coutee took Bruce Ellington’s spot in the slot in Week 5, he’s been targeted by Deshaun Watson 22 times. I expect the Texans to continue Coutee’s heavy usage moving forward, considering that DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller are both downfield targets and Coutee is a short-range target. On a related note, now might be the right time to trade Fuller. The Texans play against the Bills in Week 6, so I expect the Texans to
utilize their short-range offense as the game goes on. Taylor Gabriel of the Chicago Bears is also worth a look this week, as the Bears take on the Dolphins in Miami.
Tight End - Cameron Brate
Last season, Brate was a TE1 and solidified himself as one of Winston’s favorite targets in Tampa. Given the matchup against Atlanta this week, I expect the Buccaneers to pass frequently. O.J. Howard will miss Week 6, which makes Brate the clear pass-catching tight end on the offense. There are only a handful of players I would start over Brate this week. If Brate is taken in your league, stick with this matchup and pick up Austin Hooper. Even if Hooper is the Falcons’ fourth or fifth best offensive option, he’s catching passes from Matt Ryan in Atlanta, which makes him a worthy streaming option.
NDSUSPECTRUM.COM
11
THE SPECTRUM | SPORTS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
Streaking Bison Sending Message to FCS Through five, NDSU looks unbeatable Thomas Evanella Staff Writer
It wasn’t how they drew it up — and it certainly deviated from the usual modus operandi — but at 4:20 p.m. this past Saturday, the game clock struck zero and North Dakota State was victorious again. The outcome on Saturday has been the same as in the previous four games the Bison have played. No matter how the game transpires, there is a commonality in each contest for the now 5-0 Bison. As steady as a metronome, the football is kicked off and three hours later the Bison toast another victory. NDSU has won convincingly, as they did in non-conference play, narrowly, against South Dakota State, and against Northern Iowa, in impressive comeback fashion. Be it mundane, nail-biting or come-frombehind, it has been a mixed bag for the Bison. On every occasion, the Herd has answered the bell. Perched atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference with a 2-0 record in league play, the Bison are in the driver’s seat. While it’s still early, NDSU controls its own destiny. With Illinois State the only top-25 team currently left on the schedule, that destiny is looking more and more like another Valley crown. Conjure whatever cliché
you will about the difficulty of Valley play, but the fact of the matter is the Bison are on top of their game and are playing like a runaway freight train. It would be impossible not to favor the Bison in each of their remaining matchups. Even in the potential trap game against the Redbirds, NDSU holds home-field advantage. Only once has ISU won in Fargo. Of course, the aforementioned clichés would not exist if they didn’t hold at least a grain of truth. Time and time again, the team that strives to go 1-0 each week slips up in Valley play. This season though, it has become more and more difficult to envision such a slip-up. One loss, and this becomes nothing more than midseason bluster, but the Bison look downright unstoppable. NDSU can blow opponents out of the water offensively or handcuff any offense with their lockdown defense. They’ve made it clear to the rest of the subdivision that they won’t be beaten. Looking further, it has become apparent midway through the season that this NDSU squad has the chance to be special. For a program that has won six of the past seven FCS championships, the bar for special is high. The ultimate ceiling for immortality in Fargo is the 2013 edition of the Bison. As if beating Kansas State in
The Bison defensive front has caused opponents headaches this season. the first game of the season find themselves in the same to 56 points after NDSU fell wasn’t enough, NDSU stratosphere. behind 14-0. The seasoned picked up three top-15 wins Quarterback Easton signal-caller earned in that regular season and Stick has done his best Valley offensive player of walloped Towson in the impersonation of Jensen this the week honors for his national title game to top off season, all the while chasing exploits. Running back a 15-0 campaign. his records. With 69 passing Bruce Anderson rumbled The roster that year touchdowns, the senior is for 275 all-purpose yards, was littered with program three shy of Jensen. Stick as the Bison exploded for legends such as Brock is also well within Jensen’s 523 yards. The offensive Jensen, John Crockett, Billy marks in touchdowns tour de force was proof that Turner and Marcus Williams. accounted for and yards of their non-conference scoring Come the first weekend of total offense. outbursts were no mirage. January, it’s foreseeable Against the Panthers, The Bison have proven this year’s starters could Stick captained the offense that they can keep pace with
The Money Making Moment for UFC
BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
any offense or pump the brakes and win with their defense, as they did against the Jacks. Matched up with one of the nation’s top offenses, the Bison limited SDSU to only 17 points. No matter how the game unfolds, NDSU continues to prove it’s capable of winning regardless of the circumstances. This Saturday, Western Illinois looms as the Bison hope to keep the metronome ticking.
MISSOURI VALLEY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE Bison Player of the Week
The UFC is going down the WWE road Taylor Schloemer Sports Editor
I have never understood UFC and combat sports in general. Two guys beating the snot out of each other doesn’t really appeal to me. That said, last Saturday’s UFC 229 piqued my interest. The main event of the evening featured the notorious Conor McGregor returning to the octagon against the undefeated Khabib Nurmagomedov. In short, Nurmagomedov chocked out McGregor in the fourth round to retain his UFC lightweight belt. And then it quickly fell apart. Nurmagomedov and a member of McGregor’s corner exchanged words after the bell. Something snapped in the Russian, and he leaped out the octagon and jumped into the McGregor corner. Fists flew, and mayhem ensued. The still recovering McGregor tried to escape the cage, but met with a member of Nurmagomedov’s corner at the top of the cage. The Irishman appeared to take a swing and came back down into the ring. More members of Nurmagomedov’s team entered the octagon and took shots at McGregor. After the dust settled, three members of Nurmagomedov’s team were arrested, Nurmagomedov claimed his title, but never received his belt in the ring and both fighters have been suspended at least 10 days, pending a full hearing by the Nevada Athletic Commission. This still might not be the ugliest thing that has happened in this budding rivalry. Back in April, McGregor attacked a bus that was carrying Nurmagomedov at UFC 223. Other fighters that were on the bus suffered cuts from broken windows. McGregor was arrested and later reached a plea deal that wiped out three counts of felony assault and one count of criminal
mischief with just one count of disorderly conduct. UFC president Dana White has condemned what took place after the bout and the bus attack, but let’s be honest. These two will fight again, and it will rake in a lot of cash. And that is the whole point. The fight promotion featured bits of the bus attack. In the lead-up to the fight, McGregor and his team threw some jabs at Nurmagomedov’s family and religion, and that is what is reported to have been what set him off after the fight. And with this, it seems like White is taking a page from another big name in entertainment, Vince McMahon. In other words, the UFC is turning into a WWE show, or at least this storyline is. The WWE and its scripted fights mean that rivalries can run for fight after fight after fight. How else can you get some combination of Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar to have six main event fights in the last two years? And still, large venues are sold out to watch the storylines unfold. That is the situation UFC has in front of it. A large potential of profits has fallen at the feet of White, and who could blame him for taking it? McGregor has already contacted White about a rematch. Common sense would say Nurmagomedov would want another payday, especially if his check from the last fight is withheld, which it currently still is. At this point, what happens to the two fighters is up in the air. But there will be a rematch, and it will make plenty of money. I might have to shell out some money to watch that fight. Oh wait, I’m a college student, never mind.
Bruce Anderson Ruskin, Fla. Senior Running Back
Bruce Anderson had his best game of the season this past Saturday against Northern Iowa. The senior running back rushed for 170 yards out of the backfield on 23 carries. His biggest impact against the Panthers came on a 75-yard touchdown reception. The score gave the Bison a lead they would not relinquish, as NDSU advanced to win 56-31. GRAPHIC AND PHOTO BY BRITTANY HOFMANN | THE SPECTRUM
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THE SPECTRUM | NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2018
NFL Hot Takes After Five Weeks
Bold, dramatic and Adam Thielen Ian Longtin Staff Writer
As the first third of the 2018-19 NFL season comes to a close, let’s take a look at some of the hottest takes surrounding the league.
Patrick Mahomes is a top 3 quarterback already
Through his first six starts of his NFL career, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has been brilliant. Mahomes and his Chiefs squad have gotten off to a blistering 5-0 start. The Texas Tech product has done it all for Kansas City. His ability to take a top off a defense with his bazooka of a right arm has forced defenses to play on their heels. This allows easy completions underneath, which lets the Chiefs march down the field. Mahomes and Andy Reid are telling defenses to pick their poison. It’s not just Mahomes’ natural ability, but also his poise when his team needs him most. In front of a national audience on Monday Night Football, Mahomes and the
Chiefs entered the fourth quarter down 10 to the rival Broncos. Mahomes calmly led the Chiefs on two methodical touchdown drives en route to a come from behind victory, and thus “Showtime Mahomes” was born. Perhaps it is too early to put Mahomes in the class of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. However, if he keeps up his play, Mahomes may be in a class all by himself.
Khalil Mack is the NFL MVP thus far
In a league that is quarterback driven, it is a defensive player that has stepped into the spotlight. The former Raider turned Bear, Khalil Mack has been a wrecking ball for NFL offenses to start the season. Let’s take a look at the outside linebacker’s numbers: five sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and one touchdown. These numbers match totals of entire teams. Opposing offenses are forced to account for Mack every play. Whether it’s a double team or quick passes, offenses must scheme to avoid Mack’s disruptiveness.
This takes pressure off the rest of the Bears defense and makes the team better as a whole. Mack has been the best player on a Bears team that sits alone atop the NFC North. There have been only two defensive players to ever win the MVP award (Hall of Famers Alan Page and Lawrence Taylor), and Mack is the best bet to be the third.
The New York Giants goofed the No. 2 pick
With the second pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the Giants selected running back Saquon Barkley from Penn State. Barkley was a consensus top-five pick and had been called the best RB prospect to come out since future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson. Barkley has been the focal point of the Giants’ offense so far, racking up 582 total yards and five touchdowns. However, it’s becoming clear that the Giants will live to regret their pick. An NFL team is nothing without competent QB play, which is something the Giants simply have not gotten from Eli Manning. The 37-year-old appears to have
lost the arm talent that twice led the Giants to Super Bowl titles. With the second overall pick, the Giants had their pick of top QB prospects. Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen were all there for the taking. The Giants still went with Barkley. Now five weeks in, all three of those quarterbacks have shown they have what it takes to be a cornerstone of an NFL team. Eli’s lack of mobility and arm strength is hindering the Giants, who are staring at a second straight top-five pick dead in the face after a 1-4 start. Franchise quarterbacks are hard to find, and although Barkley appears to be the real deal, the Giants may be second-guessing that pick for years.
Adam Thielen is the best receiver in the NFC
Adam Thielen’s journey to the NFL has been well documented. A kid who grew up in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, went to a Division II football program, signed to the Vikings practice squad, made a name for himself on special teams and was finally given an
opportunity to start at receiver in 2016. Thielen turned that opportunity into a Pro Bowl appearance in 2017 and an NFL record to start the 2018 season. Thielen became the first player since the NFL merger in 1970 to record five straight games with 100 yards receiving. Thielen’s elite route running and trustworthy set of hands have allowed him to slice through defenses. When looking at the scope of NFC receivers, he still has competition. Perennial All-Pros Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr. make plays week in and week out. Saints receiver Michael Thomas is on pace to set the NFL record for catches in a year. Even fellow teammate Stefon Diggs has shown his ability to score from anywhere on the field. However, not one player has shown the consistent excellence Thielen has through the first five weeks. Theilen has finally started garnering some national recognition, but it’s time to start talking about him as one of the best in the NFL.
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