The Student Newspaper of MSU Denver
mymetmedia.com
VOL. 41 NO. 31
@themetonline
JUNE 26, 2019
themetropolitan
Do ask, and please tell
The out and proud take over Denver
Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu
Denver drag queen, Yvie Oddly, performs at Denver PrideFest at Civic Center Park on June 16. Oddly was presented the Denver Pride Icon Award after the performance. By Heather Davis
the world to fight for equality for the
hdavis16@msudenver.edu
LGBTQ+ community and to celebrate the
85% of their donation goal of $70,000.
successes they have had in their battles. On June 16, floats wrapped in
In Denver, PrideFest was a two-day-long
The festival also included a parade on Sunday morning, work from local artists and three stages where guests
the 1,138 rights and responsibilities of marriage written on its stand. “I was interested because of the equal rights in marriage issue,” Hanzon said.
brightly-colored decorations rolled down
festival that kicked off with a 5K race. The
saw acts like Yvie Oddly, Todrick
the streets of Denver playing music.
race commenced at the Colorado State
Hall and Lluvia Vega perform.
Accompanying them were people decked
Capitol building, where people saw the
out in fetish clothes and rainbows marching
rainbow-colored Pride flag hanging to show
creating artwork for Denver PrideFest
LGBTQ+ civil rights — the Stonewall riots,
alongside the floats or dancing on them;
the state’s support in the fight for equality.
for the past five years. Hanzon said
titled Stonewall 50: Progress and Reflection.
there were a few people who chose to
The 5K organizers said racers could, “Run,
when The Center on Colfax asked
join the parade topless this year.
walk, roll, or sashay” to the finish line.
him to create art for the festival, he
According to The Center on Colfax, the
agreed and for his first arrangement,
run had 1,600 racers this year and got
he made a 23-foot wedding cake with
Throughout the month of June, people come together from all over
INSIDE
NEWS
| pg. 3
OPINION
Local artist Lonnie Hanzon has been
| pg. 4
FEATURES
He has made art for the festival every year since 2015. This year he made a piece
| pg. 6
dedicated to the landmark moment in
| Continued on pg. 2
SPORTS
| pg. 8
Former Mexico president Vicente
Embroiled in controversy, YouTube
Raconteurs disappoint on first
The top 10 NFL quarterbacks
Fox swings by MSU Denver
must promote free speech
album in 11 years
entering training camp
NEWS
2
JUNE 26, 2019
Stonewall 50 and the Battle for Equality continued from cover Half a century later and nerly Even though his inspiration for
1,800 miles across the country
this year’s display was Stonewall,
Coloradans gathered to attend
the artwork showed important
PrideFest. The festival and the
moments in the history of the
parade saw over 500,000 visitors
movement in a timeline, dating back
this year. Attendees included adults,
to the 1800s. It showed setbacks and
children and even some pets.
progress on 83 different panels. Hanzon said that his favorite part
Elizabeth Smith from Arvada said she has been attending the
of the event was that thousands
parade for the last six years to show
of people could come to the park
her support for her community.
wearing anything they wanted. “The freedom of everybody
“My favorite part is Dykes on Bikes and the gentleman
being able to wear their bright
that has been in the parade
colors and their fetishes and flags
since 1965,” Smith said.
that was all made possible by the sacrifices that came before us and was made possible by
The gentleman she referred to was Donaciano Martinez. According to The Denver Post,
the blood, tears and deaths of
Donaciano Martinez has been
other people,” Hanzon said.
marching in the Denver PrideFest
This year marks the 50th
Parade since 1976. He marched
anniversary of the Stonewall riots
again in 2019, proudly holding up
sparked in 1969 with a police raid
his handmade sign that read, “I have
of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in
marched for justice since 1965.”
Greenwich Village in New York City. At the time, authorities
Arvada, said her favorite part of
commonly raided gay bars and
the festival was the parade and
The Stonewall was no different.
agreed that her favorite part of
Police dragged patrons from the
the parade was Dykes on Bikes
bar. The treatment enraged not only
and Donaciano Martinez.
the bargoers but the people from
Photos by Kaileigh Lyons | klyon9@msudenver.edu
Elizabeth Garlandios, also from
Robbie Craddock enjoys a music and dance performance at Denver PrideFest at Civic Center Park on June 16. Thousands gathered during the weekend long festival. “I just love how inclusive the event is,” she said.
“It will be a sad day when he isn’t
The Center on Colfax is
the neighboring buildings too.
there anymore,” Garlandios said.
a community center that
The riots lasted for several
Garlandios said she has been
offers a wide range of of
and younger can find resoures
said.“ Not just your particular
through the Center’s Rainbow Alley
genre not just your particular
but there is also programming
uniqueness but everybody, that
available for older people as well.
all people are created equal.”
“It’s both, that we have made
days and eventually became a
attending the festival since she
programming and resources
progress and it’s also that we
rallying cry for the gay liberation
was 15 years old, and that this
to the LGBTQ+ community.
have to continue to work towards
and later LGBTQ+ movements.
year is her 19th visit to PrideFest.
People who are 21 years old
everybody’s equality,” Hanzon
Pride in Pictures
Coors Light Denver Pride Parade attendee, Dylan Bizier, cheers on the parade as it passes by on Colfax Avenue on June 16.
Auraria Campus LGBTQ Student Resource Center marches in the Coors Light Denver Pride Parade on Colfax Avenue on June 16.
JUNE 26, 2019
NEWS
3
MSU Partners with Fox and the CRISMA Clinic By Jeff Ritchie jritchi3@msudenver.edu apply for the study abroad program.
300 children every day and also
President Janine Davidson
On June 13, MSU Denver
The study abroad program takes
boosts a leadership program.
hosted former Mexican President
place January 3 through 18, 2020.
Vicente Fox and his wife, Marta Sahagún.
Sahagún created her first nonprofit foundation in 2002 during
Fox relayed his message to the thousands of children in the program.
This is the second visit by Fox
Fox’s presidency. The foundation
who, along with his wife, has started
focuses on health, education and
to be a loser. You are not born to be
a partnership with the university.
community development from
an immigrant. You are not born to
non-governmental organizations.
be poor. You are born to do great
Fox spoke about the challenge
things in your life,” he said. “First
“The main partnership is with the CRISMA Clinic but there are some
“We tell them, you are not born
points of engagement with Centro
of life after his presidency and
rule, you stay in school until you
Fox which is the presidential library
searching for purpose. At the
get to the university level. You will
and leadership program that they
time, he and Sahagún decided
do much better doing that than
have in a different part of Mexico,”
to honor their religious and
migrating somewhere else.”
said Jennifer Capps, Dean at the
educational upbringing.
School of Professional Studies. “So
The CRISMA Clinic is the
Sahagún acknowledged that it
and a father with a child in their
when students go to participate
continue what life is all about —
developed. According to Sahagún,
was through charitable contributions
arms, they are looking for hope,
in the study abroad experience
being for others,” Fox said.
the clinic was in bad shape when
and donations, many from the
they are looking for someone to
they adopted the project. The
U.S., that the CRISMA Clinic has
help them,” Sahagún said. “And
and work in the clinic they are also
“We decided to go and
Their first venture after the
third nonprofit Fox and Sahagún
Photo courtesy of MSU Denver Former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, speaks about a partnership with MSU Denver on campus on June 13.
going to probably spend a day or
presidency was Centro Fox, a
CRISMA Clinic tended to only 22
not only been able to stay afloat
also they smile, and they don’t
two over at Centro Fox learning
presidential library in San Cristóbal,
patients even though they had a
but is now expanding to be able to
have any reason to smile so they
about that program as well.”
Mexico. The library has a music
capacity of 200. The decision to take
accommodate a capacity of 500.
are here giving us a very deep
program which teaches up to
on the project was an emotional one.
All students are welcome to
“When you see a lady, a mother
lesson of hope and faith.”
student organizations need an advertisement?
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OPINIONS
4 staff Editor-in-Chief
JUNE 26, 2019
YouTube should protect free speech
James Burky jburky@msudenver.edu
free speech and monetization once again. Free speech and YouTube are very closely
Managing Editor Megan Webber mwebber6@msudenver.edu Photo Editor Kaileigh Lyons klyons9@msudenver.edu Design Editor
the opposite. Advertisers will promote on the platform in which the most viewers are watching,
intertwined. YouTube was founded on the
most of the time regardless of the content. The
principle of free speech and creators being
backlash advertisers face is minimal until a
allowed to create their own type of content
call to action is placed against those they are
without the limits and restrictions of other
supporting, hence the call to action by Maza
platforms like broadcast television and radio.
and Vox. YouTube’s guidelines protect the style
Steven Crowder, a right wing YouTube
of content that Crowder was creating. Much
Zhen Tang ztang@msudenver.edu
comedian and show host, referred to Maza in
like many other late night talk show hosts, the
News Editor
a potentially derogatory way while criticizing
slightly offensive humor is very popular.
Heather Davis hdavis16@msudenver.edu
Maza’s political ideology. Maza claimed that
Features Editor DJ Lincks dlincks@msudenver.edu
Jeff Ritchie jritchi3@msudenver.edu
speech and should be punished by YouTube.
platform. By protecting these creators,
temporarily suspending his monetization due
YouTube can set a precedent for all future content creators and advertisers.
By Brady Pieper
to other account violations. But the damage
bpieper3@msudenver.edu
was yet to be seen. YouTube began to ban,
they do not allow the encouraging of
demonetize and suspend thousands of accounts
violence against individuals or groups.
across the platform for violations of its hate
YouTube does not allow threats of any kind or inciting violence against others.
Sports Editor Will Satler wsatler@msudenver.edu
humor and allow for it to thrive on its
YouTube cracked down on Crowder by
Assitant Features Editor
YouTube should embrace the offensive
Crowder crossed the line and was using hate
Early 2017, the Women’s March on Washington
YouTube’s hate speech policy says
Assistant Sports Editor
had occurred just a few months back, the New
speech policy. This move by YouTube displaced
Taylor Mead
England Patriots defied all odds coming back
hundreds of thousands of viewers and thousands
tmead1@msudenver.edu
from a 28-3 deficit in the Super Bowl, and one
of creators, causing the fourth Adpocalypse.
Spanish Editor
controversial advertisement featuring Kendall
Sarah Lease
Jenner was placed on YouTube, sparking
opinions and communities that aren’t aligned with
precedents being followed. The VoxAdpocalypse
sarah.lease@cudenver.edu
the first-ever YouTube Adpocalypse.
one’s ideology. Instead of YouTube condemning
could’ve been shut down before it started by
its most controversial communities and channels,
supporting Crowder due to his adherence to
Copy Editor
Advertisers on one of the internet’s biggest
The internet is not a safe space. There are
The major problem with YouTube that keeps allowing for adpocalypses to keep occuring is the lack of strong decision making and
Daniel Sutton
websites began to pull ads. Digital fires broke
YouTube should embrace its ideological
the preset YouTube guidelines. The stability of
dsutton3@msudenver.edu
out across the YouTube landscape. Thousands of
diversity because advertisers will follow.
YouTube is not in question. YouTube will not fail
Director of Met Media
creators lost their monetization and faced losing
Steve Haigh shaigh@msudenver.edu
their livelihood because YouTube decided to
VoxAdpocalypse, shows that YouTube has
dangerous double standard. Create the content
monetize only family-friendly content. Two years
learned nothing over the past two years. YouTube
you want, but be aware that you can be banned
later, a simple call to action by Carlos Maza at Vox
believes advertisers hate controversy and
for simple violations and mob-based justice.
began to threaten the fragile fabric of YouTube
support hate speech, when the truth is quite
Assistant Director of Met Media Ronan O’Shea roshea3@msudenver.edu
The most recent adpocalypse, titled the
anytime in the near future, but its creators face a
Production Manager of Met Media Kathleen Jewby kjewby@msudenver.edu Office Manager Elizabeth Norberg enorbert@msudenver.edu
Gatorade, I’m confused by the shape of you
Sales and Marketing sales@mymetmedia.com marketing@mymetmedia.com
and carbs. This evil cousin of my beloved
What we do
a couple of ‘90s teenagers to knock ten
for over ten years, patiently waiting to slip in
years off their lives, then surely advertising
after a workout when I’m tired and vulnerable.
has made some progress since.
Gatorade G2 has the subtle, creepy charm of the The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. There is a 500-word limit for letters to the editor. The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by email to themetonline@gmail.com. The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State University of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Wednesday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of MSU Denver or Met Media’s advertisers.
Want to voice your thoughts on a
Bowl and was Gatorade’s biggest product launch.
and makes a move on you at the water fountain.
The roll-out of this crock-a-dinkle tinkle featured no difference between the bottles’ shapes. Not
guilty for unleashing this alligator piss on the
only should the label be different — skull and
public. It is their right, and if consumers were not
crossbones come to mind — but also the bottle
buying it, would it still be on the shelf? Well, it is
should be shaped differently, so no one will suffer
on the shelf, right next to the regular Gatorade.
the mistake I made… Three. Separate. Times.
And therein lies the problem. When I grabbed this bottle of “Lemon-
jritchi3@msudenver.edu
G2 was introduced during the 2008 Super
person who sits in the back row of yoga class The good folks at Gatorade should not feel
By Jeff Ritchie
If labels were confusing enough to cause
“gym-brah in a bottle” has been lurking around
Beyond G2, PepsiCo decided to release the G Series Fit line which does have different
lye,” I also grabbed my girlfriend’s Artic-
shaped bottles based on their function. This is
Blue, which was one shelf down. Her
a step forward but also confuses the consumer
bottle was the original, mine was not.
with too many products. Per Natalie Zmuda of
Pepsi-Co may not have total say-so over
Advertising Age, “G Series Fit, like G Series and
shelving but they do over labeling. If cigarette
G Series Pro, includes 01 Prime, 02 Perform,
The University of Florida designed the
manufacturers must state that their product
03 Recover products. The G Fit 01 product is a
product for athletes. This hasn’t stopped the
will kill you, then I believe Gatorade drinkers
180-calorie ‘energy bite,’ while the 02 product
overlooked demographic that comedian and
should be warned that if they purchase
is a 10-calorie per 8 oz. beverage billed as an
Gatorade enthusiast Mitch Hedberg once referred
G2, they will suffer a consequence worse
‘electrolyte replacement drink.’ The 03 product
to as “a thirsty dude” from buying it. Maybe to
than death. For at least death is final and
is a 110-calorie ‘restorative smoothie.’” Got it?
some drinking a Gatorade and not exercising
the experience is not to be re-lived.
is the equivalent of “fab-leisure” and most
This poor labeling has been happening a long
Let’s dismiss this piss, clear the shelves, and be done with it.
people just don’t want to go there. To many,
time. When I was 13, my friend stole a carton of
however, it is no different than any other drink.
cigarettes. We went behind my parents’ shed to
#DismissthePiss! If your rice has been defiled
light up, and realized they were Camel non-filters.
by low-sodium Kikkoman’s, #DismissThePiss!
The exceptional taste of Lemon-lime Gatorade
current event or subject that has
became all the more apparent to me when,
been covered in the paper?
during the course of my workout, I turned up
when people smoked without filters.
action on Earth, as you exhale your final breath
Send your pieces to Managing Editor
that bottle of sweet electrolytes only to find
Although the length was different, it had
of Camel Ultra-light, #DismissThePiss!
Megan Webber
that I had purchased the G2 Lemon-lime and
a passing resemblance to the original. I
mwebber6@msudenver.edu
nearly regurgitated all of my potassium.
remember thinking, “I will never smoke
G2 is like Gatorade but with half the calories
I was unaware that there was a time
If you’ve ever bought Corona Light,
again and damn, old people are tough!”
And if you reach for a cigarette as your last
JUNE 26, 2019
FEATURES
5
Denver hosts barbecue festival on Father’s Day weekend By Jeff Ritchie
miles an hour in the last two
jritchi3@msudenver.edu
years. We have seven or eight incredible places in Denver right
On Saturday June 15, under
now that I would put up against
the shadow of Mile High Stadium,
anywhere else in the country.”
smoke filled the air. Spread out
As attendees entered the gates,
over prime Broncos’ tailgate real
they received passports to the event.
estate, 11 pitmasters from across
Maps of the festival laid out a Candy
the country showcased their skills
Land-style atmosphere dedicated
and brought diverse barbecue
to the “Q.” Vendors handed out
flavors to the Mile High City.
free barbecue sauce to enthusiasts
Vendors spanned from here in
who had to make such grueling
Colorado to as far as Manhattan.
decisions as to whether they wanted
Pitmaster Jason Ganahl owns
pork ribs, lamb ribs or fried ribs.
GQUE BBQ. Although originally
One of those facing the delicious
from St. Louis, he decided
Sophie’s Choice was Andre Owens.
to settle here in Denver.
He returned to his wife, Marvie, after she sent him to bring back
“We have seven or eight incredible places in Denver right now that I would put up against anywhere else in the country.” – Jason Ganahl,
fried ribs from Nashville’s Peg Leg Porker. They ate while they waited in Salt Lick’s line for brisket. The couple attended the Denver BBQ Fest last year and traveled from Las Vegas specifically for the event. Owens knows barbecue. He has been cooking it for fifteen
Ganahl went from judging
years. The Owens’ catering
barbecue competitions to
business back home, BJO,
competing in them. Now he
has been an outlet for him to
serves barbecue in two locations,
showcase his specialty — ribs.
Lone Tree and Westminster. Ganahl and GQUE represeneted
Photo by James Burky | jburky@msudenver.edu
Owens’ love of barbecue brings him back every year.
Markus Lemma carves meat for GQUE BBQ at their Westminister location on June 22. GQUE BBQ was the only Colorado vendor at the Denver BBQ Festival.
the state as the only Colorado
“And it’s Father’s Day
vendor for the second straight
weekend,” Marvie chimed in.
year. Although Denver is
They considered going to another
not known for barbecue, the
barbecue festival in Memphis
favorite city for barbecue was
city’s appetite is bigger than
but they thought the Denver
Kansas City. Their favorite KC
ever, according to Ganahl.
BBQ Fest lineup looked better.
barbecue restaurant there, Joe’s
Joe’s Kansas City, pitmaster Jeff
Kansas City, is known as one
Stehney sliced steaming hot pork
different game. An Operation-
“It is booming right now, it
“Every city we go to, we look up
The Owens agreed that their
one of the barbecue vendors
a bearded man eliminated after
on this year’s Pit Row.
only getting one cheek down in
At the front of the line for
time before the music stopped. Another booth featured a
is off the charts right now. It has
barbecue in that city if that’s what
of the most famous barbecue
belly strips. Stehny had his crew
style challenge found attendees
gone from zero to a hundred
they are known for,” Marvie said.
restaurants in the world. It was
cut the pork belly into strips, then
using grill prongs to “surgically”
seasoned and smoked for two
remove wooden pork chop,
hours, braised for two more hours
spare rib, pork loin, ham and
and finally dropped into the fryer
bacon pieces from a large table-
for two minutes. Complimenting
board with a giant pig painted
the dish was a side of pork rinds.
on it. If the participants touched
“This is a new item we actually created for this festival scene. And what we did is we wanted
The game was intended to raise money for a disaster relief
we could have fresh food all day,”
organization called Operation
Stehny said. “That’s one of the
BBQ Relief. The non-profit has
problems with barbecue is your
been around since 2011. After
cooking pork butts for sixteen hours,
tornadoes devastated the town
so you got one drop a day basically.”
of Joplin, Missouri, competition
On the main stage, Colorado’s
barbecue teams assembled from
Chris Daniels and the Kings
eight different states to feed those
played a blend of funk, blues,
affected by the natural disaster. Since then Operation BBQ
barbecue fanatics dancing on the
Relief has served almost three
grass or resting in lawn chairs.
million meals. They have been able
After the set, the emcee hosted
Denver band, The Rick Lewis Project, performs at the Denver BBQ Festival on June 15 at Mile High Stadium. The festival had food, music and activities through the weekend.
alarm would buzz and light up.
something you could cook fast so
rock and swing to families and
Photo by Kaileigh Lyons | klyons9@msudenver.edu
the metal sides with prongs, an
to bring heart to the competitive
a game of “musical coolers”
barbecue circuit and to remind
featuring coolers from Grizzly. A
everyone involved in the scene that
heavy-set middle-aged man was
although the focus on barbecue
robbed of victory to by young
may revolve around sauces, smoke
boy, inviting jeers from the crowd.
and grilling techniques, the true
One round was questionably
meaning of barbecue is family.
declared a tie and the next saw
REVIEWS
6
JUNE 26, 2019
Raconteurs regress on ‘Help Us Stranger’ By James Burky
solo output, 2018’s “Boarding House
and it yields mixed results. Where
jburky@msudenver.edu
Reach.” The album was a breath
“Now That You’re Gone” is lively
of electronic and experimental
and soulful, the next track, “Live
fresh air that was a peek into
a Lie,” is a flaccid, generic blues
what can be genre’s future.
rock tune and the raw production
In a time where mainstream rock is sorely in need for innovation, Jack White and his band The
As a follow up to one of the
is too drastic of a shift from the
Raconteurs limit themselves on their
decade’s most innovative rock
previous song to be a coherent
third album, “Help us Stranger.”
albums, “Help Us Stranger”
progression on the album.
The latest record headlined
regresses into the confines of to-
Ultimately, these sins would
by a usually cutting-edge White
the-point blues rock. What makes it
be forgivable if White delivered an
is out of touch and, worst of all,
more disappointing is the obvious
emotional vocal performance, but
boring as hell. We’ve seen this
wasted potential on the record.
he doesn’t. On “Consolers of the
formula from White before and
The album’s ninth track, “Now
it’s been done so much better.
Lonely,” White delivered some of
That You’re Gone” is everything
his most exciting vocal cuts yet on
the album could have been —
tracks like “Salute Your Solution”
“Broken Boy Soldiers,” was rather
perfect production, soulful singing
and “Caroline Drama.” But here,
cookie cutter with some excellent
and interesting instrumentation.
he phones-in performances
singles, but their follow up,
White croons for lost love in
each more vapid than the last.
The band’s 2006 debut,
2008’s “Consolers of the Lonely,”
Obtained from Wikimedia commons
was exciting and used the other members to their strengths, albeit it was rather bloated. That was
The Raconteurs’ third studio album, “Help Us Stranger,” was released on June 21 through Third Man Records.
over a decade ago, though. The Raconteurs consist of more
front of excellent production and
Only two songs on the record
mixing of reverberated bass guitar,
stand out as steps forward for the
layered percussion and a sassy
group, the aforementioned “Now
guitar riff. It’s reminiscent of the
That You’re Gone” and the album
best qualities from, “Boarding
closer “Thoughts and Prayers.”
singer, but he’s under utilized on
Rock isn’t the mainstream giant
House Reach” by finding the
players than just White, but the
the album. Jack Lawrence’s bass
it was when he last heard from The
balance of tried-and-true blues
each of these three categories:
White Stripes-alumni is, and always
is delectible when the mixing
Raconteurs. Commercial interest
rock structure and experimental
safe but fun, safe and boring,
has been, the variable that pushes
allows him take center stage
has waned, but White persisted with
electronic soundscapes.
and downright drab. Throw the
the band to excellence. Brendan
and Patrick Keeler’s drumming
the tried-and-true formula before
Benson is an strong guitarist and
is solid, but unspectacular.
turning it upside down on his third
The Raconteurs took the
The rest of the songs fall into
album under that third category.
producer duties on this album
Northside envokes laughter and discussion By DJ Lincks dlincks@msudenver.edu
“Northside” exposes issues within wealth distribution and how that directly affects a community
MSU Denver alumnus Bobby
which has been there for decades.
LeFebre presents a raw, satirical,
The minimal props evoke a DIY
yet all too familiar portrayal of how
tone, which help perpetuate
gentrification in north Denver has
the themes it discusses.
affected generations. In his play,
The standout element
“Northside” LeFebre accomplishes
incorporated into this play was the
a comedic, yet visceral show. It
use of mixed media. A projector
feels as if the emotional resonation
screened several different
felt by the audience were an
areas in north Denver, from
inevitability, no matter where one
neighborhoods to new apartment
grew up but especially for those
developments and more behind
who have witnessed the rapidly
the actors. These scenes are
changing environment and stripping
instantly recognizable to anyone
of culture in north Denver.
vaguely familiar with Denver.
“Northside” is, plainly, an
The play follows three separate,
important play that everyone should
but interconnected stories. The
see and discuss. Gentrification
first details a young Chicano couple
is often used as a buzzword in
looking to purchase their first
modern day politics, and its
home in the neighborhood they
connotation relies on who is using
both grew up in, both victims of
it and in what context. For some,
overpriced housing in Denver.
it can be defined as opportunity.
Ben Martinez, Andrea Renteria, Gia Valverde, Molly Gallegos star in the play “Northside” presented at Su Teatro in Denver on May 29. tumultuous to the directional flow.
overlooked in wealth distribution
By those, it is a chance to “clean
couple of Caucasion descent, of
I found myself unsure of how to
and discrimination. Through
up bad neighborhoods,” by
a stereotypically upper class.
react as these shifts were abrupt. In
“Northside,” we are forced to
feeling angry and aware, which I
one scene, I found myself laughing
confront an uncomfortable truth,
believe to be LeFebre’s primary
with the rest of the audience
one that we all play a role in.
goal. Every day, we as citizens
relinquishing gang violence with
The second, another young
Photo by Steven Abeyta | Courtesy of Su Teatro
The third, of an older couple,
the building of a Whole Foods,
who are forced to sell their beloved
yoga studios and craft breweries.
home which was purchased
But for those who have remained in the neighborhoods for decades and are forced to
Though the characters
The Santa Fe Art District
closer, and for good reason. Overall, “Northside” left me
make choices, and these choices
in the sixties for $15,000, now
themselves seemed at times to
has a rich history in Chicano
are, primarily, in favor of ourselves
being sold for $750,000.
be too obviously tied to their
culture, more specifically, its art,
and our immediate circles, but
stereotype, it often felt necessary
and the host theatre Su Teatro
we often fail to consider how
The play shifts through each
evict themselves due to the
of these plotlines underscored by
as it satirized the absurd political
epitomizes and embodies this
these choices can and will affect
unforgivable surge in prices of
expressions of protest from an
climate of today. It points,
notion perfectly. “Northside” is Su
those who are overlooked.
housing it is defined as a tragedy,
unnamed Chicano leader. At times,
very plainly, at the flaws which
Teatro’s mainstage production and
and an extermination of culture.
this combination feels emotionally
have been and continue to be
is the 2018-2019 theatrical season
JUNE 26, 2019
FEATURES
7
Pop Con offers inclusion to an evolving scene By Kieran Purce
asking a group of young men,
kpurce@msudenver.edu
“You guys like Marvel or
The Colorado Convention
social commentary.” Brooks says. When he is not telling his
DC?” to which one replied,
own story, Brooks advances
“Everything.” Video games and
the stories of his peers via
Center was abuzz May 31 to June
virtual reality are changing the
his podcast, Motherf--ker in a
2 as the Pop Culture Convention,
nature of media. And the content
Cape. His platform embraces
formerly known as “Comic Con,”
is becoming more diverse.
marginalized groups within the
burst into downtown Denver.
The heroics of the invincible
comic book community. Native
For the average passerby, it may
Superman are gone and now
Americans, people with disabilities
have appeared like an invasion.
people want to see themselves
and sex workers are just some
There were soldiers, jedi, witches,
represented in their heroes.
of the shows recent guests.
heroes, heroines, robots, aliens,
If there is a theme to Pop
“I want to show the humanity
evil scientists, and a man with
Culture Con it is inclusion. There
of all these different people
a television for a head.
is a serious attempt from vendors,
through all these different
producers, comic book creators,
venues,” Brooks says about
Denver Pop Culture Convention.
and writers to be more inclusive
his podcasts and books.
In an effort to include more
in their storytelling. If the steady
fandoms and content the festival
lines at the dozen or so ATM
Brooks as well. The writer will
is leaving the Comic-Con title
cash machines tell anything, it
teach a creative writing course at
behind. Fans of manga, anime,
is that inclusion sells. The new
Regis University this summer.
comics, film, fantasy, animation
age of pop culture is upon us.
The scene is this year’s
and video games took over the
R. Alan Brooks is seizing the
The times are embracing
It makes sense for the wave of inclusion to occur within
convention center with the fervor
moment. Originally from Atlanta,
this community. Walking
of diehard sports fanatics.
Brooks uses his skills to tackle
around the masses of people
social issues like police brutality.
at the convention you’ll hear
thing’s nerd. The days of old
Providing a fresh perspective
statements of affirmation like,
white men arguing about Marvel
on an overlooked topic the
“Cool costume!” and “I love
versus DC are extinct. Now the
graphic novelist uses comics
that!” and you’ll see people
faces in the crowd are young
to reach his audience. Brooks
constantly stopping one
and diverse zealots. The one
is busy promoting his book,
another to take a photo in their
million square foot convention
“The Burning Metronome.”
elaborate or clever cosplay.
There is a new guard for all
center housed over 100,000 visitors over the weekend. A vendor could be overheard
Photo by Lizzie Stowe | lalberts@msudenver.edu Faelyn Hartman dressed up for Pop Culture Con wanders from booth to booth on May 31 at the Convention Center.
“A combination of The Twilight
Pop culture is growing and
and varying backgrounds. Social
to see pop culture’s emerging
Zone meets The Usual Suspects, a
evolving rapidly as it includes
media is enabling this movement.
dominance. Get ready for 2020.
supernatural murder mystery with
more and more people of different,
With this combination it is easy
What music are you listening to
all here on MET Radio at:
MyMetMedia.com/Listen
JUNE 26, 2019
SPORTS
8
Burky and Brady’s Top Ten QBs in The NFL Burky: Luck is a prime MVP candidate
Pieper: 42 year old Brady drops in rankings
By James Burky
By Brady Pieper
jburky@msudenver.edu
bpieper3@msudenver.edu
1 2
Tom Brady, Patriots - While Brady may not be on a par with young gunners like Mahomes, he deserves the top spot until he proves otherwise. He won’t drop 50 touchdowns anymore, but he’s still lethally efficient and is coming off another Super Bowl season.
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs - Mahomes was the piece Andy Reid’s puzzle for a winner had been missing all along. The Chiefs can coast by on a running back committee. Now with a reigning MVP under
1 2
center, the Chiefs should set the league on fire.
3
Andrew Luck, Colts - Pop quiz, which quarterback got more out of Eric Ebron: Luck or Matthew Stafford? The former. Luck transformed a draft bust into a Pro Bowler thanks to pinpoint accuracy, astounding awareness and stellar strength. Don’t be
4 5 6
touchdown passes last year were a career high. Losing Doug Baldwin hurts, but he makes the most out of the pieces around him and that’s the sign of a once-in-a-decade type of quarterback.
is the best QB going into next season. No offensive pieces have really moved from the end of last season and Mahomes is primed for a good 2019-20 season.
Drew Brees, Saints - Brees is going into 201920 as the league’s all-time passing leader. With the support from his offensive fire power in the Big Easy and outstanding coaching, Brees is poised for a 5000-yard season once again.
3
surprised if Luck makes a run at the MVP award. Russell Wilson, Seahawks - Wilson’s 35
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs - Coming off an MVP performance last season there is no doubt that Mahomes
Russell Wilson, Seahawks - Losing retired wide-out Doug Baldwin is tough. However, he was aging and the potential heir is already on the roster. DK Metcalf has the looks to be the next Calvin Johnson if everything pans out. Russell Wilson with Calvin Johnson is deadly.
4
Andrew Luck, Colts - A few years back, there were thoughts floating around about Andrew Luck being done after his shoulder injury. Today, he is an elite quarterback contending for an MVP. If Luck can find a way to connect with TY Hilton and Eric Ebron consistently, there will be nothing stopping him from being a top 5 QB.
Drew Brees, Saints - Brees will continue to embrace Mike Thomas, the best receiver he’s ever had, but the future hall-of-famer’s numbers dipped late last season. He had three touchdowns and three picks in the last four games.
5
Gordon should attract enough attention from defenses for the 37-year-old to have one last hurrah. Rivers dropped 32 scores a season ago. If Mike Williams continues to grow and Hunter Henry comes back healthy, that total will only increase.
an already powerful offense. Pairing two LSU products in Beckham and Jarvis Landry with an athletic tight end in David Njoku and a dynamic running game makes this offense scary. Baker
Philip Rivers, Chargers - It’s now or never for Rivers. Keenan Allen is in his prime and Melvin
Baker Mayfield, Browns - The addition of Odell Beckham Jr. adds a top five receiver to
6
Mayfield at the helm makes them dangerous. Deshaun Watson, Texans - Watson was the catalyst of an extremely powerful offense last year with arguably the best wide-out in the league across the hashes in DeAndre Hopkins. Although, the Texans’ first-round pick Tytus Howard was a little bit of a reach. There is
7
Matt Ryan, Falcons - Matty Ice has descended from the public eye since Kyle Shanahan coached away the 2017 Super Bowl. But in 2018, he passed for nearly-5,000 yards. He has Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mohammed Sanu and Austin Hooper to throw to. There’s no reason for him to not be successful this season.
7
nothing wrong with protecting your quarterback. Tom Brady, Patriots -Tom Brady has a great power running game and a good offensive line that rival any other team in the league. The loss of Rob Gronkowski to the rocking retirement village takes away his safety blanket and makes Brady’s ceiling a little bit lower.
8 9
Jared Goff, Rams - The lasting flavor from the former top pick was an outmatched Super Bowl showing. He completed just half of his passes and was exposed as relying too much on Todd Gurley and Sean McVay. But, he still outdueled the MVP Mahomes and the Chiefs in primetime and had some of the year’s
8
Aaron Rodgers, Packers - Judging Rodgers on a down season last year can be a delusional opinion. Although the team had an abysmal 6-9-1 record last year, Rodgers had a decent year totaling almost 4500 yards. A revamped offense and a good
best throws. With one of the best receiving trios in
receiver in DeVante Adams gives Rodgers a good
the NFL, Goff has a great chance to break out.
chance to carry his team to a wildcard birth.
Aaron Rodgers, Packers - Rodgers’ 25 touchdowns to a pair of picks in 2018 is otherworldly, but he posted his lowest completion percentage in three years, a result of being asked to do too much. He’s still a living
9
Matt Ryan, Falcons - Julio Jones is one of the best receivers in the league, undisputed. Matt Ryan is only two years from his MVP season and he still has a high ceiling for the performance he can put out.
legend and plays like it. He could shoot up to the top
10
spot if Matt LaFleur rejuvenates the offensive scheme. Baker Mayfield, Browns - Mayfield has a playstyle just as flashy as his persona. He’s a gunslinger in an era lacking one and made some excellent throws down the stretch. Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis
10
Mitchell Trubisky, Bears - I am riding the Trubiscuit bandwagon going into 2019. Trubisky is going into his third year and he has increased his stats from his rookie to his sophomore season by nearly 1000 yards,
sHiggins round out arguably the most complete
17 touchdowns, and a 7 percent increase in completion
set of targets for any signal caller in the NFL.
percentage. He is primed for a season with 4000 yards 33 touchdowns and a 65% completion percentage.
SPORTS
9
JUNE 26, 2019
Sutton’s development relies on Flacco’s right arm A breakout season could be on the rise for Broncos’ wide-out a laureate with contested catches.
Sutton is a young pony with the potential to be a prized thoroughbred, but Keenum
ceiling than the similarly sized and skilled
While this is more or less speculation before
and now Flacco are far from the cream-of-
wide-out Alshon Jeffrey. They’re both
training camp, it’s a legitimate cause for
the-crop for going long. Sutton’s ceiling
big deep threats, but Sutton can grow
concern. The Broncos have a receiver who
draws comparisons to Jeffrey and even
a boost of youth juice, and the guy with
into an unquestioned game changer.
can develop into a generational talent,
to a poor man’s Julio Jones. But if Flacco
the best chance of providing it isn’t the
Ideal development isn’t up to the receiver
but he needs to go deep to be used to
continues to regress and rookie Drew
phenom running back Philip Lindsay,
— it’s up to the pieces around him.
his fullest extent. Sutton averaged just
Lock is thrust in before he is ready, the
three yards after the catch last season,
Broncos run the risk of turning Sutton
when throwing to Sutton, causing the
according to numbers obtained from NFL.
into another Kenny Britt — a big, raw
indispensable, but whether or not he
then-rookie to adjust his body or face traffic
com. Sending him slants and five-yard outs
receiver who was cursed with mediocre
lives up to the potential comes down to
head-on attempting to salvage the play.
wouldn’t just be ineffective, but tone deaf.
quarterbacks throughout his career.
34-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco.
While that made for viral moments, it’s
jburky@msudenver.edu The Denver Broncos’ offense needs
but wide receiver Courtland Sutton. Sutton’s size and upside make him
Sutton, a Southern Methodist University-
Sutton potentially boosts a higher
Sanders doesn’t bounce back from his torn Achilles tendon he suffered last season.
By James Burkey
Keenum would often misplace balls
not a sustainable approach to winning a
product, bears a 6-foot-4-inch, 215-pound
football game. The hope is that the trade for
frame and flashed his ability to use it as
Joe Flacco in February will allow Sutton to
the Broncos’ second receiving option
be used more frequently and effectively.
in 2018. He posted 42 catches and 703
Flacco has built a reputation of
yards as a rookie, both of which were
being skilled in stretching the field.
second on the team only to perennial
His arm strength and 6-foot-6-inch
pro bowler Emmanuel Sanders. Sutton’s
stature helped propel him to become
16.8 yards per reception were eighth in
one of the best postseason passers
the NFL and are even more impressive
in NFL history. Flacco’s arm has been
considering who was throwing to him.
his crutch in recent years, however.
All but one of those catches came
Johnny Kinsley, of the football analytics
from Case Keenum under center. Keenum
website brickwallblitz.com, assessed
averaged 10.7 yards per completion
2018 quarterbacks on how effective they
and 6.6 yards per attempt last season,
were throwing deep — Flacco was in the
putting him at 26th and 31st in the NFL
bottom four in the NFL. The former playoff
in those categories. A relatively weak-
hero was just 9-of-35 when throwing
armed slinger who’s more of a game
beyond 20 yards last season. Flacco
manager than a game changer is hardly
has regressed as a deep passer and will
a compliment for a big-bodied wideout
likely continue to do so at his age.
who embraces physical corners and is
Sutton may be thrust into the top spot if
Photo by Keith Allison | Obtained from flickr
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton elevates for a catch against Washington Redskin cornerback Josh Norman in a preseason game at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland on Aug. 24, 2018. Sutton is a second-year receiver primed for a breakout season.
Looking back: Celtics/Nets trade six years later By Will Satler wsatler@msudenver.edu
After finishing 44-38 under head coach Jason Kidd, the Nets failed to get past LeBron James and the Miami Heat in the
In July 2013, current NBA household
nine players traded who ended up swapping
an important part in Boston’s back-to-back
cities that made this trade so historic.
appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Nets sent four first-round picks to
In that same draft, Boston sent its
2014 NBA playoffs. Brooklyn’s front office
Boston starting with the 2014 selection all
names like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and
made a decision that would change the very
the way till the 2018 selection. When the dust
as a part of this trade in which the Nets
Colin Sexton were an afterthought to teams
landscape of their franchise for years to come.
settled, it looked like Brooklyn was in prime
later used the player who was selected,
throughout the association. A trade between
During the 2014 offseason, they traded
position to compete for an NBA championship.
Kyle Kuzma, to trade for another key
But who could blame the basketball world
own first-round selection to Brooklyn
the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics would
five players to Boston for two of their core
go on to help these players find their current
pieces in their championship run, Kevin
for thinking otherwise? Most of the prospects
homes and alter basketball history for years.
Garnett and Paul Pierce. It wasn’t any of the
from the 2018 NBA Draft in which Boston
of the Celtics’ acquisition of Kyrie Irving
would hold Brooklyn’s first-round pick were
as they traded what later became the
only 14 years old at the time of the trade.
8th overall pick and Collin Sexton, who
The first pick the Celtics drafted in 2014 was shooting guard James Young,
made 2nd team All-Rookie this year. After breaking the trade down, it would make sense to say Boston
Young at 17th overall, the Celtics passed
won the deal, but did they?
Nikola Jokic, who went 24 picks later.
In the last six NBA seasons since, Brooklyn has made the playoffs three
The next year, Brooklyn kept their pick
times, advancing past the 1st round only
and chose Chris McCullough 29th overall.
once, in 2014. The Celtics have made the
Brooklyn was able to flip him in a trade
playoffs all but one year since, but haven’t
with the Washington Wizards in 2017 that
been able to get past the Conference
included a first-round pick that the Nets
Finals despite the assets they acquired.
used to pick Jarrett Allen, a key piece of
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown drives to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the third quarter at TD Garden
The final pick remaining was a key part
who is out of the NBA. While taking up on current 1st team all-NBA center
Photo by David Butler II | Obtained from USA Today
piece of their team, D’Angelo Russell.
Today, Brooklyn looks primed to
their team today. 2015 was when the effects
pick up at least one max-level contract
of the trade really hit the two franchises.
player this offseason and sports a strong
Boston was awarded the 3rd overall pick
young core. Boston, on the other hand,
and selected Jaylen Brown, a rising NBA
is reeling after an early exit in this year’s
player. The Celtics passed up on Malcolm
playoffs, and potentially the loss of their
Brogdon, the 2017 Rookie of the Year.
star, Irving, who may ditch town for
When you thought things couldn’t get more one-sided, the Celtics received the 1st-overall
none other than the Nets themselves. To think a simple trade five years
selection from Brooklyn in a draft loaded
ago changed the entire current
with talent. The Celtics would trade back in
state of the NBA as we know it.
that draft to select Jayson Tatum, who was
10
BREAK
JUNE 26, 2019
Overheard
Horoscopes
“It doesn’t count if you reconsider it too late.” “Sometimes people just can’t not be stupid.”
Capricorn
Cancer
Your love and work lives are going to clash this month. Try not to pull a muscle while dejectedly swiping through Tinder.
Just stay inside, Cancer. Trust us.
Aquarius
Leo
You’re burnt out from a month on edge, but fun is coming. You’ll want to binge Netflix, but you’ll be dragged out whether you want or not.
Old relationships will return this month. Good or ill, the possibilities are truly endless.
Pisces
Virgo
People will seek your advice soon. Try not to overwhelm them; you’re a bit of a walking Ted Talk.
This month signals progress in your career. So congrats, your boss didn’t notice you’ve been ten minutes late every day since you started!
Aries
Libra
It’s the season of friendship, and being warm isn’t your forte. So be careful about bemoaning the barista’s mess up too much.
Finally a chance for fresh experiences. But remember: lots of tags and never two pictures with sepia in a row. It’s just tacky.
Taurus
Scorpio
Cash is coming your way Taurus. While a new Apple Watch might seem important, be mindful of your real needs.
You’ll be feeling raw, chaotic, Scorpio energy flowing this month. So when you’re randomly fighting with strangers on the street just remember to tone it down.
Gemini
Sagittarius
Procrastination plagues your work life this cycle. Be mindful of deadlines sideswiping you out of nowhere.
It’s your time; drop truth-bombs, get ink, take a break, and blame the bad decisions on the no-good horoscope writers!
“It’s not ageism; it’s the law.” “If I’m here, I’ pretty much willing to do a shot.” “I’m scared. Don’t click on me.”
Top 5
20th century jazz musicians 1. John Coltrane 2. Miles Davis 3. Herbie Hancock 4. Charlie Parker 5. Sun Ra
Photo of the Month Tyrone Siu’s picture of “Shield Girl,” one of the faces of the recent Hong Kong protests against a proposed extradition bill which would have allowed mainland Chinese courts to hear cases from Hong Kong more easily, combines excellent compisition with a clean, symetrical framing that gives the woman’s upturned face striking impact. While some of the protests devolved into violence, many of the 2 million people who took part shared in the calm, civil disobediance that the subject epitomizes. Like the best works of photojournalism, Siu’s work captures both the immediate moment, and the greater spirit of that moment brilliantly.
Easy
Medium
Photo by Tyrone Siu | Obtained from Reuters News Agency
A woman sits in front of a police shield wall, June 12 ”Shield Girl” became on of the faces of the Hong Kong extradition bill protests.
Hard
Answers:
Do you have a funny quote you overheard on campus or an interesting photo you just have to share? Submit to Managing Editor Megan Webber at mwebber6@msudenver.edu`
EVENTS
JUNE 26, 2019
JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS
Denver - Independence Eve 2019 Date Location
July 3 Civic Center Park
11
LOCAL EVENTS
Aurora - 4th of July Spectacular Date Location
July 4 Aurora Municple Center
Rocky Mnt. Regional Gay Rodeo Date Location
Colorado Irish Festival
July 5-7 Jeffco Fair Grounds
Date Location
July 12-14 Robert F. Clement Park
Price
Free
Price
Free
Price
$12
Price
$15
Time
4 - 9:30 p.m.
Time
6 - 10 p.m.
Time
9 a.m.
Time
varies
Boulder - Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast Date Location
July 4 Folsom Field
Golden - 4th of July Celebrations Date Location
July 4 Lions Park
5k Panda Run Date Location
Denver County Fair
July 13 Great Lawn Park
Date Location
July 19-21 National Western Complex
Price
Free
Price
Free
Price
$30
Price
$5-10
Time
8 p.m. - late
Time
noon – late
Time
8 a.m.
Time
varies
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
Rockies at Giants Date Location
June 27 San Fransisco
Rockies vs. Dodgers Date Location
June 28-30 Denver
Rockies vs. Astros (Fireworks Game) Date Location
Rapids vs Revolution
July 2 - 3 Denver
Date Location
July 4 Denver
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Time
1:45 p.m.
Time
Varies
Time
Varies
Time
4 p.m.
Rockies at Diamondbacks Date Location
July 5-7 Denver
Nuggets vs. Golden State Date
July 10
Rapids vs NYC FC
Rapids at Earthquakes
Date
July 20
Date
Denver
Location
Location
Vegas
Location
July 27 San Jose
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Price
Varies
Time
varies
Time
9:30 p.m.
Time
7 p.m.
Time
8 p.m.
CONCERTS
Carly Rae Jepsen Date Location
July 3 Ogden Theatre
Bad Religion Date Location
July 9 Ogden Theatre
Ariana Grande Date Location
July 11 Pepsi Center
Khalid Date Location
July 12 Pepsi Center
Price
$35/45
Price
$35-40
Price
varies
Price
$40-80
Time
7:30 p.m.
Time
8 p.m.
Time
7 p.m.
Time
7 p.m.
Patcole/Joe Anderies Collaboration Project Date
July 16
Location Dazzel
Diana Ross Date Location
Tenacious D July 22 Red Rocks Amphitheare
Date Location
July 25 Red Rocks Amphitheare
Price
$10/$20
Price
varies
Price
varies
Time
7 p.m.
Time
7:30 p.m.
Time
8 p.m.
5280 Listening Club, MSU Denver ’s weekly album review podcast, features a new artist every Friday. Catch the crew dissecting lyrics and instrumental every week at mymetmedia.com
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