The Advocate - Issue 11 - December 6, 2019

Volume 54, Issue 11 December 6, 2019 advocate-online.net

FOR THE STUDENTS BY THE STUDENTS

Editorial: Delay the vote to cut PAGE 2

Hong Kong: What's going on PAGE 3

The truth about Santa Claus PAGE 8

SAINTS ATHLETES GAIN RECOGNITION

PAGE 2

Holiday events to make the season bright PAGE 4

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EDITORIAL | NEWS

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

MHCC’S BOARD SCHEDULED TO VOTE ON CUTS

M

but, should they postpone the decision?

t. Hood Community College’s “academic revitalization” is off to a rough start.

The initial plan by the college’s administration was to stick to a tight schedule and put the matter of – specifically, deciding to phase out seven current programs on campus, to start the process – to a final vote by the MHCC District Board of Education on Dec. 18. Despite the vigorous public (and school faculty) backlash evident at the board meeting on Nov. 20, Mt. Hood President Lisa Skari said in a Nov. 25 interview with The Advocate that it was unlikely for board members to postpone that decision.

However, following the board work session on Wednesday, Dec. 4, it seems more likely that the MHCC board will decide to postpone the vote, for now.

For the good of the school and the community, we at The Advocate believe they should put off this crucial decision until better dialogue between the college and the commu-

nity can truly assess all other options.

This process has been a trying time for all parties involved. Staff and faculty are concerned for the security of their jobs and the health of the students and institution to which they have dedicated so much time and care.

Students themselves are trying to understand the recommended program cuts, the reasoning, and how this change will impact their educational future at MHCC. The administration is trying to make this announcement less painful and to compensate for how poorly the news was delivered to the faculty and community members.

This process was marketed to the public, the students, and the staff as “transparent” and “student driven.” However, it would have been wise for the administration to be more honest about the true driving force behind this proposal. The bottom line here is that the school is facing a gaping budget hole next year that will amount to roughly $3 million dollars. Almost everyone could see that the budget deficit was

the primary factor behind this proposal, yet, most administrators insisted that the money had very little to do with these decisions.

That is, for lack of better phrase, just insulting.

However, top administrators seem to have realized their mistake in the last couple of weeks and have opened to having a more honest dialogue with everyone. We appreciate the board and administration deciding to put more time into researching specifics of the recommended program cuts. Because the data used to analyze these programs has been pointed out as being incorrect, in many instances, and the transparency (i.e., lack of) of the initial process, the Nov. 8 announcement of proposed cuts itself rubbed many in the college community the wrong way.

This situation has been truly divisive to this campus. To push the vote forward without giving Saints the chance to brainstorm and pitch ideas would be a mistake. We have faculty members that have been here for 20

or more years who know the history of this school and have a good understanding of its highs and lows. We have new generations of brilliant and passionate students who have been taught how to problem solve and think critically by the amazing instructors of this school.

Cutting these seven programs would not even come close to solving the budget crisis.

We would still have a deficit that presents a tremendous challenge for at least another couple years. Give us a chance to come together. If we still can’t figure something out, then at least we will know that we did the best we could, as a community and as an institution, to solve the problem.

As students, this affects us more than the administration seems to believe. And among Mt. Hood staff, this is harder than a “rough patch”; this their livelihood at stake. In the words of longtime political science instructor Janet Campbell, imploring board members, “Let us help you.”

SAINTS ATHLETES BRING HOME PRESIDENTS CUP

Chris Barney

The Presidents Cup over the years:

Graphic to accompany this article: The Presidents Cup over the years:

The Advocate

MHCC Saints athletes have the honor of being bestowed with the NWAC Presidents Cup in the large school (Frank Bosone) division, for the third time in six years.

The Presidents Cup is an award based upon academic excellence, determined on a points system.

Points are awarded for studentathletes who complete 36 or 72 credits, or complete a certificate or degree. The student-athletes’ GPA is used to discern how may points should be awarded.

Not only did the Saints earn the award this time, they’ve earned it two other times since it was first given out in the 2012-13 school

2012-13: Walla Walla 2013-14: Mt. Hood 2012-13: Walla Walla 2014-15: Clackamas 2015-16: Mt.Mt. Hood 2013-14: Hood 2016-17: Walla Walla 2017-18: Skagit Valley 2014-15: Clackamas 2018-19: Mt. Hood

2015-16: Mt. Hood year. The Saints also won the award in 2013-14 and 2015-16. The Presidents Cup has been awarded seven times now, and MHCC has won it three of those times.

The Northwest Athletic

Conference is the organization that oversees community college athletics in the Northwest, or more specifically in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. NWAC’s large school division is for schools that have

for the students by the students

eight or more sports.

The Saints accepted this award, consisting of a cup and a banner on Tuesday, Dec. 3 on behalf of MHCC. Congratulations, and Go Saints!

@mhccadvocate

Editor-in-Chief Chloe Collins

Sports Editor [Position Open]

Broadcast team Gage Linhares

Ad Manager Parrish Chang

Outreach Manager Melanie Roberts

Associate Editor Omar Saradi

Opinion Editors Sadie Klein Omar Saradi

Graphic Design Team Leydi Perez Carrasco

Staff Writers Brad Le Daniella Young Kel Buell Laura Clement Omar Carrillo Carson Koch

Social Media Manager [Position Open]

News Editor Chris Barney Arts & Entertainment Editors Kurt Larson Eli Rankin

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Graphic Design Editor Eli Rankin Broadcast Editor Naethaniel Lile

Photo Editor Maysee Thao Photo Team Bethy Fallgren Landon Spady

Copy Editor Corwin Benedict

Distribution Specialist Julia MacDonald Advisers Dan Ernst Howard Buck

2016-17: Walla Walla 2017-18: Skagit Valley 2018-19: Mt. Hood

@theadvocateonline

@mhccadvocate

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NEWS

DECEMBER 6, 2019

TURMOIL IN HONG KONG Kurt Larson

The Advocate The Hong Kong pro-democracy protests: They’re still going on.

With the modern news media machine being what it is, you’ll undoubtedly have heard the name “Hong Kong” a million times by now. And at this point, it’s probably just another bit of white noise to filter out, a concern you can’t be bothered to reflect on anymore, but the story is ever-evolving.

The protests that have been occurring since March of this year have maintained a steady escalation in both violence and media coverage.

Protesters continue to clash in fierce standoffs with the police, yet no real movement toward amicable resolution has been offered by China, despite pro-democracy leaders winning a massive majority in Hong Kong’s

district council in recent elections.

The latter still have little authority to dictate their own future without the cooperation of leaders in mainland China and the chief executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam. However, with President Trump somewhat reluctantly signing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act after it passed nearly unanimously in both the U.S. House and Senate, a certain level of global pressure has now been applied to China that might officially begin a slow turn toward appeasement for the weary protesters.

The Act aims to institute a yearly review of the United States’ special trade agreement with the region, in accordance with their maintenance of human rights. It also prevents the export of nonlethal riot equipment, such as tear gas, tasers, and rubber

bullets, from the U.S. to China.

But things are never so simple and perhaps it’s just wishful thinking, especially in light of the recent retorts from the Chinese foreign ministry.

“We urge the U.S. To grasp the situation, stop its wrongdoing before it’s too late, prevent this Act from becoming law and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs,” a ministry spokesman is reported to have said. “If the U.S. continues to make the wrong moves, China will be taking strong countermeasures for sure.”

True to their word, as of Dec. 2, China has declared that U.S. warships and military aircraft will no longer be allowed to make stops in Hong Kong due to so called “bullying behavior” by America. As tensions rise between the United States and China, it’s likely to

Web Graphic

prevent further mutually beneficial interactions from taking place for the foreseeable future, such as Trump’s proposed trade deal, which now finds itself in jeopardy.

That’s where the current state of affairs finds itself, and so it seems the protests are destined to continue. With any luck, there won’t be any further escalation of violence as police continue to exchange Molotovs (flaming cocktails) and tear gas with protesters, especially

with rumors of police brutality already weighing over the whole situation.

For now, unless you want to fly to Hong Kong and participate in the protests yourself, arguably the best way to show support for the pro- democracy movement is to vote for American candidates who support Hong Kong, in both local and national elections.

history but soon decided to switch Around that time, Asperger’s was with Reynolds High School, in the to the outdoor education program. just beginning to be a more widely special education department.

Post-retirement, Allison and his This program led him to Canada for understood syndrome. So, he spent kayaking trips and other excursions 15 years as a learning specialist lovely wife, Susan, find other ways to work with the community. to gain field experience.

This is where the Santa Allison enjoyed his time costume comes in. Each year in Canada so much he ended the Sandy Community Center up moving there. He first hosts a “Breakfast with Santa” moved to Vancouver Island event to raise money for the in the 1970s, which was, in Sandy and Boring Mealshis opinion, a good decade, on-Wheels program. People but after moving again he was attending the event can get living a remote lifestyle for a plate, a coffee or juice, and most of the decade, residing for the donation of a dollar in a small fishing village in – a photo with Santa – aka mainland Canada.

Allison.

His service to the The toughest part about community around him also being Santa is growing his began at this time in life. In beard out for the role, Allison Canada, he taught school Chloe Collins | Jim Allison, 72, on the job at said. It seems like he must children for just over a decade Foxtrot Vintage in Gresham.

The Advocate start earlier and earlier each before returning to Oregon.

year. This year, he began growing it out on Oct. 1, and it still wasn’t the length he needed it to be. He said he believes he may have to start the beard growing process as early as mid-summer next year!

As you can tell, being Santa is not just a great volunteer opportunity; it’s a lifestyle. Just ask the mass of people, like Allison, who attend Santa con every year in Portland.

When he isn’t getting stung by the bees he keeps (which only happens roughly 20 times per year, apparently), the non-bearded Allison spends his time visiting his favorite baristas at the local Starbucks or indulging in some friendly sales competition with his coworkers/friends at Foxtrot vintage.

LOCAL MAN GROWS HIS BEARD - FOR THE CHILDREN

Chloe Collins The Advocate

If you ask the average citizen how they like to give back to their community, they might tell you they volunteer at a nursing home, help clean the city, or work in a soup kitchen.

If you ask Jim Allison, he will tell you that he likes to dress up like Santa for the city of Sandy every year.

Allison, 72, is a Portland native. Although he grew up in the Parkrose area, he seemed to find himself drawn to the countryside throughout his life.

After high school, Allison decided to further his education at Portland State University. Initially, he planned to get his degree in

GET TO KNOW THE ADVOCATE

Cover by: Maysee Thao On the cover: MHCC Saints athletic teams recognized for their 2018-19 Presidents Cup.

Contact us!

E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net Mt. Hood Community College Room 1369 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham OR 97030

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication.

All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested. Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC.

Zarah Escutia Staff Writer Zarah Escutia is a Mt. Hood Community College student currently in her last year in the Mental Health, Social Service, and Addiction Counseling program. She hopes to have a career in working with children and plans to continue her education by transferring to a university. She enjoys nature, going on adventures, and trying new foods.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HOLIDAY EVENTS THIS SEASON Oregon Zoo - ZooLights

The Oregon Zoo hosts ZooLights every year and it is a very popular community event as you can walk around to check out all of the lights, drink some hot chocolate, grab an elephant ear, and with an additional cost you can ride the train to see even more lights.

ZooLights is open 5 to 9 p.m. each night.

The event officially opened to the public on Nov. 29 and will continue to run through Sunday, Jan. 5.

Value Nights will be on Dec. 9-12, which means the Zoo Lights prices will be cheaper than usual.

Value Night hours are from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information: oregonzoo.org/visit/zoolights

Portland International Raceway - Winter Wonderland Winter Wonderland is similar to ZooLights in a sense of there being lots of lights! But instead of walking out in the freezing cold, you can stay in your warm and toasty car, bring warm refreshments, listen to Christmas songs, and drive right through the holiday lights.

As described on the website, it is “The largest light show in the Northwest, spanning the track at Portland International Raceway.”

Winter Wonderland started on Nov. 29 and will run through Saturday, Jan. 4.

With exception of special events, hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday-Saturday.

For more information: winterwonderlandportland.com

Portland’s Christmas Street - Peacock Lane The Peacock Lane neighborhood in southeast Portland has the prettiest Christmas lights in the town. The best part about this event is that it is FREE. Peacock Lane opens on Dec. 145 and runs through Dec. 31, from 6 to 11 p.m. each night.

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Pedestrian-only nights are on Dec. 15-17. Otherwise, from Dec. 18 through the 31st, visitors can drive through the Peacock Lane neighborhood (warning: it gets very crowded) or still choose to walk instead.

The best way to get to Peacock Lane is by TriMet Bus, as the #15 and #75 will drop you less than a block away.

For more information: facebook.com/peacockln

Christmas Ships Parade The Christmas Ships parades have been going on since 1954, starting with one sailboat. Now the annual event has close to 60 sailboats (using their small engines) with different Christmas lights on each.

The parade is a highlight for family, friends, and the community to go on the sailboat and enjoy the ride as passengers, but the views from shore are great. Depending on the schedule, the parade runs on either the Willamette River or Columbia River each night.

The Christmas Ships parade opened this year on Dec. 5 and continue most every night through Dec. 22.

For more information: christmasships.org

McMenamins Edgefield - New Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration For all of you age 21 and older in the Gresham community… Do you want to go out on New Year’s Eve and have a grand old time at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale?

McMenamins is hosting a “New Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration” party on Dec. 31-Jan. 1, running 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

It costs $15 to attend with an advance ticket, $20 if purchased on Dec. 31.

For more information: mcmenamins.com/events/2104582020-new-years-eve-celebration

-Melanie Roberts

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

HOLLY-DAYS W

a few anecdot Creeping down the stairs at 5:30 a.m. to see our

beautiful tree on Christmas was a yearly routine for my brother and I. The other seven children would follow shortly. New bicycles or a train set, and presents galore, and the tree decked out with beautiful lights, ornaments and tinsel, was a sight to behold.

We’d race back upstairs to wake up the others, then our parents, who would get up with smiles. They had stayed up all night wrapping our gifts and arranging perfection.

After breakfast, we’d dress up and go to church to behold the magnificent creche outside. Inside were the stained glass, angelic statues, and flowers. We sang in the choir, in the rear balcony. One year, my brother sang solo in front, on the altar. Later, he told us, “At first, no words would come out.” Then, all of a sudden, he sang like an angel!

“Oh, Holy Night”!!!

-Laura

J Clement

Chr and the holi of my favorite ti

I love it because of the trad especially, and I usually see fam November and December.

In our house, we usually buy and make mashed potatoes and som casserole for Christmas dinner.

We usually open gifts on Christm open one present on Christmas Eve the excitement of Christmas Day. I love Christmas, and I think it’s my favorite one – it’s really nice to don’t talk to as often, and to share I also really enjoy picking out p The thrill and excitement of sha probably the best part about C I also love the holiday decorations in stores an and events.

-Da

Christmas is absolutely one of my favorite times of year.

I love most things about the season, be it snow, Christmas lights and decorations, or even presents.

When it comes to decorations, my philosophy is to go big. It’s great fun trying to use all the items I have in the fabled bin of Christmas fun.

Besides all of that, being with family is great and who doesn’t love a break from school or work?

One of my most cherished traditions would have to be attending my church’s Christmas Eve service. While I love most things Christmas, celebrating the true reason for the season is the best.

-Chris Barney

I don’t know about you love the holiday season.

Proudly, I was brought home on early in the morning on Dec. 23. I hospital placed me inside years ago.

Growing up, it kind of sucked to but it never really bothered me muc Thankfully, Christmas has mos friends, sometimes by traveling to v country. I’ve been lucky enough to visiting loved ones.

When I’m home, though, my bo hit up Mike’s Drive-In in Milwaukie the Christmas Ships cruising on the to watch.

Happy Holidays!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 6, 2019

WITH THE ADVOCATE Web Photo

tes to get you into the spirit

istmas idays are one imes of the year.

ditions and Christmas music mily and friends more often in

y rolls, bake a turkey in the oven, metimes, macaroni and cheese or a

mas morning. In past years, I would e, but now I usually enjoy waiting for

s a really special holiday. It’s probably o speak to friends that sometimes I the spirit of the holidays. presents for my family and friends. aring this special day with them is Christmas. ys because of the amazing nd the beautiful festivals

I have two special Christmas traditions: I always decorate the Christmas tree and make sugar cookies.

Since I was 5 and my parents divorced, I’ve actually grown up decorating not one, but two, Christmas trees. They symbolize so much, and are so different.

My dad has a green tree. His house has a lighter tone, so his tree and colorful lights and garland make it feel very Christmas-y, warm, and inviting. My mom’s tree is white, as her house is a little bit darker. With some white lights on it, the tree just glistens beautifully.

My mom and I make the cookies together, using handmade dough with cookie cutters of Santa, a snowman, Christmas trees, and lots more, with lots of different colors.

Christmas brings me so much closer to my family than usual because of my busy schedule – something I feel is so important.

Happy Holidays, everyone! See you in 2020!

For me, the holidays mean a lot of things, but if I had

to pick one defining aspect of every Christmas, it would probably be the decorating.

In our household, we spend about a week each year picking out our tree, putting lights on our house, taking down the previous season’s decorations, and putting up boxes and boxes of Christmas ornaments all over our home.

It’s usually a little frustrating, but when all is said and done, the atmosphere of every nostalgic Christmas movie emanates throughout the house and fills me with that warm, cozy feeling that you always get around the holidays.

-Kurt Larson

-Melanie Roberts

aniella Young

u, but I’ve always been one to

Christmas Day, two days after I was born I still have the big, red stocking that the . o have a birthday so close to the holidays, ch. st often been spent with family and or visit family spread everywhere around the spend Christmas in four different states

oyfriend and I have a great tradition: We e for some great burgers, then check out e Willamette River. It’s really spectacular

- Bethy Fallgren

The Christmas season is absolutely my favorite time of year!

It’s the one season when my house is filled with yule-time scents, relaxing music, and chocolate/peppermint candies galore.

My mom makes sure that the first decorations to make their way out of the Christmas boxes are her nativity collection, and my dad loves playing his CDs of homey, acoustic versions of lesser-known Christmas songs throughout the house. My two favorite traditions are decorating the Christmas tree to Bing Crosby and eating at a German/ Bavarian restaurant after going to one of the concerts performed at The Grotto in Portland.

For Christmas Day, we get up at the crack of dawn to open presents and eat a satisfying breakfast of egg-and-sausage bake afterwards.

Growing up, I remember the rest of many Christmas days being spent building the LEGO sets and playing the video games that our grandparents spoiled us with.

For me, Christmas is a time of warmth, family, good tidings, cheesy music, and relaxation.

Christmas is always a special time for me, as it is for most everyone else. Maybe more so, even.

My birthday is the day after Christmas, my sister’s birthday is Dec. 30; and my little brother’s birthday is Dec. 17. That means we all get the pleasure of celebrating our birthdays on the same day... not the most fun thing for a kid growing up, but Christmas time was always a time of celebration.

I’m glad that I’ve actually learned that Christmas isn’t about the presents, but about the people you spend it with.

I love my family, whether it is the family I have at home, or the family that I have here at The Advocate. I can’t wait to celebrate it again with you all next year!

-Corwin Benedict

-Eli Rankin

Illustrations by Eli Rankin | The Advocate

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | OPINION

GAME REVIEW

BE WHOEVER YOU WANT IN A GALAXY Jared Tornow The Advocate

The Outer Worlds: a solar system, out in space, controlled by companies. “The Outer Worlds” role-playing game made

by Obsidian Entertainment came out on Oct. 25, and has a lot to offer as an open-world game.

You start out on a ship that you learn has been out in space for over 70 years, and that it is a 10-year trip to the colonies.

The person who wakes you up is this somewhat crazy looking scientist named Phineas Welles.

You soon learn that the board wants to catch Phineas, so that’s why he wakes you up.

That is the beginning of the story to Outer Worlds, and I won’t spoil much more of it.

There are a lot of great things that make the game amazing.

First is how the graphics are in the game: They are so well done. The best place to see how colorful the producers made the game is on a planet called Monarch. The sound effects are really good, as well. It felt like I was on a different planet.

The story the game has is good, in its own way. Every choice you make has a consequence and if you know how Obsidian ends

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its games, it is one of the best endings to an open-world game you can have. It takes all your companion quests, faction quests, and a side quest, and adds an afterstory for what you did with them when you beat the game. So, it makes you actually feel like you impacted the world.

With this nice feature it adds a good amount of replay value, just so you can see what would happen if you chose a different option.

One of the best parts about the game is how many dialogue options players get in the game.

For instance, when you have a companion on your ship, you can choose to kick them off, if you want. I never did that in my play through, so I don’t know what happens.

As for gameplay, it was good.

You need a pretty good computer to run on the best settings. But it was still good for me, although I did not understand how the “sneaking” works when you steal items, and why you can add so many “buffs” into the healing mechanic. I just never got into that.

4.5 out of 5 stars

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

BIDDING FAREWELL TO A DECADE

Ash Espinoza The Advocate

It’s almost the new year and most of us are excited to finally be done not only with this year itself, but also with this decade.

I know for a fact that I am not only excited to see the year 2020 but to see what this “new time and age” has to bring to us as a society and to myself as a person.

But there is one single question that keeps popping up on a constant loop: “What do you feel you will miss about your ‘childhood years’ and what would you change if you had the chance to?”

If you think about it, that question is truly hard to answer for a lot of individuals, myself included, because how do you take that list that’s a mile long and narrow it down into something not only reasonable in length but also will not bore those listening to tears?

I mean, for a lot of us, this was

the decade we called home for so long. This is the decade that has and will make history for those who will follow after us. Beyond that, so much has happened in the last 19 years – the 2000s – memories that will make us laugh, make us cry or anger us, some that will leave us sighing wistfully thinking of what we could have changed or done better knowing what’s done is done, as the saying goes.

Remember the year 2001?

For many of us, that will be a memory we lived through and for the generations after us it will simply be a piece of information that gets passed down to them either through us, personally, or through books (most likely the internet, let’s be honest!).

I was asked recently by an old friend what I would miss most about the last 19 years and my first thought, instantly, was the music! I love music and I feel this decade and even the time before now was the golden age for it all.

My second thought was my childhood, because it was an age of freedom and innocence before adulthood rounded the corner.

As children we all could just relax and enjoy the breeze before we had to grow up and put the toys away and replace them with relationships, school, jobs, and everything one gets saddled with

when they leave their childhood behind.

On Instagram there was a post that caught my eye. Someone had asked, “If you had one chance to go back in time when that clock hits midnight on New Year’s Eve and change anything, what would you change, and why?”

I thought about it and said, Yes, I would change so much – do things better, or put more effort into things I feel I should have.

Maybe I would have turned out a different person but, I wouldn’t have any regrets like I do now.

I would go back and time and tell young me that it’s okay to be different and it’s okay to be yourself because the world is so full of “normal” that being abnormal would be a shining light in a dark tunnel, and everything that will happen to you – the good and the bad – will only make you stronger and prepare you for the world. One day you will look back and you won’t regret a thing.

So, my questions to you the reader are simple: If you could change anything anything at all in your life, even something so small as to giving that one person a smile, or something large, like facing your biggest fear, what would it be?

And, lastly, if you feel you will miss anything at all about the last 19 or so years, what would it be?

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 6, 2019

Web Photo

‘MIDWAY’ A FIERY LETDOWN Brendan Woolridge The Advocate

With a movie based on the historical World War II events that happened June 4-7, 1942, it’s not hard to say I expected a lot going into this movie. But that’s the problem with movies today: You can’t go in with high expectations, because those hopes will get thrown to the wolves.

“Midway”: What can I say? With a budget of $59.5 million and an all-star cast that includes Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Luke Evans, and Nick Jonas, to name a few, and a run time of 2 hours and 18 minutes, I ended up thoroughly let down.

Since its release date Nov. 8, Midway has grossed $50.9 million in the United States and Canada, and $67.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $118.2 million as of Dec. 3. To say the least, that isn’t bad – the movie made most of its initial cost back just from U.S. and Canada alone, then doubled that with viewing in the rest of the world.

But don’t let the money and stats trick you.

Most action/wars movies do relatively well in the box office, but with that $59.5 million budget, this group missed the mark, by a long shot – with botched story telling, terrible cinematic shots that looked like they were rendered through a 2005 Macintosh, to subpar battles that ultimately felt lackluster.

I went into the movie thinking, “Man those commercials

looked so good; so many A-listers (in the cast); it has to be a good movie.”

I left feeling like I had wasted my time and money. And I

I WENT INTO THE MOVIE THINKING, “MAN THOSE COMMERCIALS LOOKED SO GOOD; SO MANY A-LISTERS (IN THE CAST); IT HAS TO BE A GOOD MOVIE.” 2 out of 5 stars

wasn’t the only one, Ian Freer a critic from Empireonline.com, said in a quote, “The final battle is a melange of repetitive dive

bombing, dogfights, and submarine shenanigans that feels overlong.” I couldn’t have put it better myself any other way.

Throughout the movie you feel confused on what you need to pay attention to, what to remember, who is the actual main character, and who you should have a sense of loss for when they inevitably get shot down or die, in the end.

We get a good look at this within 15 minutes of the film, when we see the inevitable demise of Lt. Roy Pearce’s character (played by Alexander Ludwig) on a U.S. vessel that was destroyed in the Pearl Harbor attacks. We only see him for about 10 minutes of screen time, if that, and we don’t have any connection with the character since we were just introduced to the larger cast, and not even the whole cast, at this point.

We’re sort of forced to try and at least feel some compassion for the characters we’ve barely seen because Pearce and Lt. Richard “Dick” Best (Ed Skrein) are best friends and were in the same flight school. We then see the entire platoon remembering Roy, and only Roy, even though so many more soldiers were lost at Pearl Harbor.

Overall, Midway was a letdown. If you are thinking about seeing it, wait for a Sunday or Tuesday where movies are cheaper at Regal Cinemas. Or wait for it to be on digital platforms, and rent it. It will save you money and you won’t have to leave the comfort of your home if you want to go do something else when you realize how anticlimactic this movie is.

All in all, I give Midway a 2 out of 5.

‘ANNA AND THE APOCALYPSE’:

A CHRISTMAS ZOMBIE MUSICAL Kel Buell

The Advocate I have seen many a movie during my 20 years of life, yet I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a “Christmas zombie musical.” Yet this is what I found over the last weekend while browsing Hulu.

“Anna and the Apocalypse” is a movie about a group of teens who are just trying to survive high school when the apocalypse strikes – this one featuring zombies.

In the beginning, Anna has a lot to deal with: a father who doesn’t want her to follow her dreams, a best friend who’s in love with her, a

terror of a vice principal (fittingly named Mr. Savage). The turmoils of high school slowly give way to something more sinister, however, as the viewer slowly notices that, despite several well-sung and choreographed songs, things are slowly going downhill.

If I said any more, I would

be giving too much away. But rest assured, if you’re looking for something to laugh at, sing along with, or make you feel better about how life is going, then give this movie a watch. It has simultaneously managed to cover several different genres, with horror, musical numbers,

and comedy, all mixed rather masterfully together to make a shockingly unique and original film.

If you need something to do, or if you’re floundering to find a good date idea, try giving this movie a try. It’s not like it’ll kill you.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Brad Le

A D V O C AT E - O N L I N E . N E T

SANTA CLAUS: MAN, NOT A MYTH

The Advocate There is a common myth that fairy tale figures like the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and The Sandman are fictional characters in folklore and have no relevance in real life.

The most famous perpetual example of this is Santa Claus, also often considered a fictional character. However, the truth remains that Santa Claus portrayed as a myth and not a real person with magical powers is an incredibly false and incorrect statement about the immortal humanitarian who breaks into each kid’s home via chimney (even if they don’t have one), eats the family’s milk and cookies regardless of their financial ability to afford them, and hands out presents that are relevant to the kid’s interests despite never meeting them.

The truth is that Santa is a real person and whoever continues to claim that Santa Claus is false should be sued by Mr. Claus for libel and/or slander.

The biggest excuse that skeptics use to falsely claim that Santa is not real is that Santa cannot deliver enough presents fast enough to all the kids in the globe. However,

in this statement lies a big fallacy that must be addressed: There are requirements that kids must meet to receive a present from Santa in the first place.

The first of the requirements that skeptics forget is that you have to be on Santa’s Nice List. The Nice List is subjective, as the concept of “nice” is not universal everywhere.

For example, a few countries do not have a negative view of plagiarism while in the United States, plagiarism is heavily frowned upon.

Because the concept of being nice is an inherently subjective term, this means Mr. Claus is selectively choosing which children are on his “Nice” list by using his own moral code and, likely, the moral compass of the period of time. As a result, Santa only chooses the nicest kids to put on his list, so that he is not over encumbered with his list of children to give presents to.

In contrast, it is also important to observe what it takes to be on Santa’s “Naughty” list. Aside from the obvious moral wrongdoings like murder or theft, it is important to consider the morally ambiguous

scenarios. For example, if a kid punches their bully instead of reporting the bully to their principal, as children are normally instructed, while the community would say that the child’s actions are

morally good overall, Santa may see it as a disregard for authority and use his own moral compass to put the child on his “Naughty” list.

Lastly, to be on any of Santa’s lists, a child will have to believe in Santa Claus in the first place.

In an observation done by CNN, only about 25% of 8-yearold children believe in Santa Claus. However, this survey was done only in the United States. There is also likely a loose correlation in the belief of Santa Claus in relation to atheism, which is shown by the controversy on whether

or not children of atheist parents should “lie” (or tell the truth, rather) that Santa Clause is real.

This suggests that there is a loose correlation between lack of religion and belief in Santa Claus. Going forward, according to an article written by The Big Think, there is a rise in atheism with the current population, being 38% in 2017 compared to 23% in 2005.

Overall, the load of presents that Santa Claus actually has to give is unaccounted for, and it is not to be understated that Santa Claus does not actually have as many presents to deliver as skeptics would argue.

It is also important to consider the logistics of Mr. Claus and how he manages to deliver presents promptly.

When it comes to speed, Santa rides in his sleigh, pulled by his reindeer, in the air where gravity starts to get weaker at higher altitudes. Santa Claus has nine reindeer, and reindeer on the ground can pull about 300 pounds and can sprint about 50 miles per hour. Take into consideration that Claus’s reindeer are flying in the air where gravity is not weighting them down as much, this enables

Santa’s sleigh to go unimaginably faster.

In addition, all of Santa’s reindeer are heavily implied to be extraordinary, aside from their ability to fly. Rudolph most famously has a red nose, which can shine throughout the night, so it is important to acknowledge Santa’s other reindeer are also exceptionally talented. Lastly, because Santa Claus also lives in the North Pole, he can go downward in any direction he needs fairly quickly.

All-in-all, because Santa has the advantage of flying at high altitudes, exceptional reindeer and a convenient starting location, it makes the logistics of delivering presents to kids – albeit, still a difficult one, still – manageable.

The belief that Santa Claus is a fictional character is understandable, as the sheer quantity of kids and the logistics of delivering presents to kids is a concept beyond the minds of ordinary people. However, Santa is far beyond an “ordinary” person.

No person on Earth aside from him can achieve the level daring, drive, and talent it takes to zip across the globe with flying reindeer to deliver presents while figuring out which kids not only behaved throughout the year, but also believe in him.

The honest truth is that Santa Claus is a real person. Luckily, he will continue to go out into the world to bring joy during the jolly season shouting “Ho! Ho! Ho!” the entire night through.

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