THE FORUM: January/February 2024

THE FORUM

OBI Breakthrough: Donors’ Plasma Fuels Innovation for Cancer Therapies

Since Feb. 15, 2024, Our Blood Institute (OBI) has successfully developed a new serum that has incredible life-saving potential for cancer patients with the use of donor-volunteer plasma. OBI has been researching for two years to develop this first-of-its-kind serum for the use in lifesaving cancer therapies. Not to be confused with a cancer cure treatment.

The researchers at OBI have already distributed the first bottle of a reagent that utilizes donor plasma as part of a stimulus needed for the expansion of manipulated white blood cells programmed

Story: Gabriela Ramirez

to fight specific cancers.

OBI is proud to say only plasma volunteered from donors was given to OBI’s research team for the development of the serum. This groundbreaking reagent is not restricted by plasma retrieved from a particular blood either. At OBI, researchers are able to use plasma from donors of all blood types.

OBI wants to emphasize that blood donors are truly saving lives. Everyone at OBI is tremendously excited by the potential of this serum, and anticipates that every blood donor in America

will be able to join this disease-curing effort soon.

OBI is the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation. OBI is the nonprofit blood provider for patients at more than 240 hospitals, medical facilities and air ambulances across all three states.

They have 16 donor centers all over Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Places in Arkansas in Russellville, Hot Springs, Fort Smith, Little Rock and North Little Rock. Donating blood will provide health and healing for local patients in need.

OBI has also proudly partnered with Doable, a peerto-peer app where one can

get paid for recruiting blood donors to OBI locations. OBI always has a variety of events and promotions throughout the year to provide an extra incentive to donors to make a lifesaving donation. Anyone who is healthy and 16 years old or older can give blood. Donation typically takes about an hour, and one donation can save up to three lives. For more information visit OBI’s website at ourbloodinstitute. org. Appointments to donate can be made online or by calling 877-340-877, and walk-ins are welcomed.

Jacobb Nichol

Commemorating Academic Excellence and Real Estate

On Feb. 14, amidst the romantic fervor of Valentine’s Day, the Finance and Economics Association (FEA) orchestrated an event that celebrated a different kind of love – the love for knowledge and academic achievement.

This memorable gathering not only delved into the intricacies of real estate appraisal, but also paid homage to the illustrious career of retired Professor Andy Terry, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees.

The event commenced with an enlightening presentation by Marcus Hill, a distinguished appraiser renowned for his expertise in real estate valuation. Against the backdrop of Valentine’s Day, Hill captivated the audience with insights into the complexities of property

Story: Sathi Gulledge

appraisal. From market analyses to zoning regulations, Hill’s discourse illuminated various facets of the intricate appraisal process, empowering students with practical insights and critical thinking skills.

Moreover, Hill’s incorporation of real-world examples and case studies bridged the gap between theory and practice, fostering a deeper understanding of real estate valuation.

As students absorbed the nuances of appraisal methodologies, they were inspired to navigate the dynamic real estate landscape with confidence and acumen.

Amidst discussions on real estate appraisal, the event also served as a poignant tribute to Terry, whose distinguished career in academia transformed the university community.

ANNUAL POSTERS @ THE CAPITOL

The presentation of an award in recognition of Terry’s service was a heartfelt gesture, underscoring the university’s deep appreciation for his unwavering dedication and mentorship.

Terry’s legacy extended far beyond the confines of the classroom. As a mentor, he instilled in students a sense of curiosity, critical thinking and academic rigor, shaping their intellectual growth and professional trajectories. His commitment to academic excellence and service to UA Little Rock set a high standard for future generations to follow.

As the FEA event provided a platform to honor Terry, it also gave students an opportunity to reflect on his profound influence on their academic and personal development. Testimonials and anecdotes shared during

the event highlighted Terry’s transformative impact, inspiring students to carry forward his legacy of excellence and mentorship.

In commemorating academic excellence and real estate appraisal on Feb. 14, the FEA event exemplified the convergence of passion, knowledge and tribute. As students absorbed insights from industry experts like Marcus Hill and paid homage to Terry’s legacy, they emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration.

Armed with knowledge, guidance and mentorship, they are poised to navigate the complexities of finance, economics and real estate appraisal with confidence and grace, sure to leave an indelible mark on the future of their respective fields.

Gracelyn Johnson

NEW TUTORING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE LIBRARY

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PLACE COOL DURING THE SUMMER

Story: Daneisha Whitaker

It’s no secret that Arkansas gets heated in the summer months. While spring can be mild and easier to manage, summers can be brutal. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2021 was the world’s 6th warmest year on record!

Here are some things to keep your dorm room cooler or how to cool down your home.

1. Fans. Although if you’re not strategic, fans can just move around the warm air. You can crack open a

window and place a fan in front of to either bring cooler air in or work as an exhaust to pull the warmer air out.

2. Try cooling bedding. Cooling gel pillows, sheets and lighter fabrics. Linen and cotton can be good to help you feel cooler at night.

3. Close your blinds during the hot parts of the day. Midafternoon to around 3pm or whenever the sun is facing your windows. Also using lighter colored curtains can reflect heat out.

4. Check your ceiling fans.

Double check to make sure they are spinning in the right direction. Counterclockwise during the warmer months creates the coolest breeze.

5. Add weatherstriping and insulation. This one is more for if you are in a house or apartment. However, adding a weather strip to doors and windows can help seal leaking air. There are also programs from Entergy and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality to help all income-eligible Arkansans become more energy efficient. More information

can be found at adeq.state.ar

There are also things you can do to help keep yourself cool during the warmer months like taking a cool shower, placing ice in a bag and using it to cool off, using ice packs, drinking plenty of water and wearing light clothing.

Gracelyn Johnson

TAG NEWSLETTER

Story: Yvonne Rodriguez

FASFA updates

The account creation issues for non SSN contributors should be resolved by the end of February.

The Department of Education also has stated the specific issues with completing the application once you do have an account, should be resolved by the first half of March.

For students who have imminent deadlines that means early March, FASFA

has released information about how you should go about completing a FASFA and it outlines steps needed to complete if you are a student who has a parent or spouse contributor who does not have a Social Security number who is facing a financial aid deadline from your school or state in the next couple of weeks.

https://financialaidtoolkit. ed.gov/tk/learn/fafsa/ updates.jsp#news

ActualizacionesdeFASFA

Los problemas de creación de cuentas para los que no son contribuyentes del SSN deberían resolverse a finales de febrero.

El Departamento de Educación también ha indicado los problemas específicos con completar la solicitud una vez que tenga una cuenta, van a resolverse la primera quincena de marzo.

Para los estudiantes que tienen fechas límite inminentes,

es decir, a principios de marzo, FASFA ha publicado información sobre cómo debe completar una FASFA y describe los pasos necesarios para completar si usted es un estudiante que tiene un padre o cónyuge contribuyente que no tiene un número de Seguro Social que se enfrenta a una fecha límite de ayuda financiera de su escuela o estado en las próximas dos semanas.

CRIME BEAT

Story: Rian Newman

Vehicular Burglary

On January 27, 2024, Officer Timothy Smith was dispatched to Lot 13 for a vehicle that was broken into. Officer Smith arrived at the scene and made contact with the victim.

The victim then said that they parked their car in Lot 13 at 2:55 pm for a basketball game. At 6:07 pm when they came back from the game, they noticed their front windows were busted and items were missing.

The victim said that she left her purse under her seat and that it was missing along with several debit and credit cards and prescription medicine. Officer Smith took pictures of the damage and provided the victim with an incident number.

Possible Theft from ATM

On February 1, 2024, Officer Tiffany Robinson was dispatched to the Student Services Center in room 219N regarding a possible theft.

When the officer arrived, they contacted the victim and received an account of what happened. The victim believed that someone stole money from their Arkansas Federal Credit Union account. The money was believed to be taken from

the Arkansas Federal Credit Union A.T.M. on campus on January 30, 2024. The time of the possible theft is unknown.

The victim also mentioned to officers they may have taken the money out of the A.T.M. themselves, but they do not remember doing so. They would like for DPS to check cameras to be sure.

Remember to always be careful when using ATMs. Make sure you are using ATMs in secure and safe locations and be careful of people behind you when entering your card information.

Repeat Criminal Trespasser at University Village

Later that week on February 5, 2024, Officer Marilyn Thompson was dispatched to the back end of the University Village regarding a black male wearing a camouflage coat, dark pants, and riding a bicycle.

The person who called DPS said that the suspect was looking into vehicles.

When Officer Thompson arrived at the scene, she made contact with the individual who fit the description given and identified him.

According to Officer

Thompson’s narrative, during this incident, the suspect became agitated, lifted his bike, and slammed it on the ground.

There have been several incidents of this person trespassing on campus in which he was told multiple times to not come back on campus. The last incident with this individual was on December 21, 2023, when he was at the University Village in the front lawn area.

The suspect was given a Pulaski County Citation for Criminal Trespass and was escorted off campus again.

Harassment of UALR Staff Member

On February 12, 2024, Officer Tiffany Robinson was notified by Officer TJ Smith that a worker at the Diamond Cafe complained she was being harassed.

After Officer Robinson arrived at the Diamond Cafe, the victim described that there was a student who frequently showed up at the Cafe to get her attention. The victim was unsure of the suspect’s last name. The victim would tell him that they were busy working. A witness stated that they saw him standing at the window staring at the victim.

Officer Robinson told the victim to call DPS immediately if the suspect showed up again.

Suspicious Person Report

On February 15, 2024, Officer Christian Ewell and Desiree Williams were dispatched to Hogan Field due to a suspicious persons report. According to the officers’ narrative, when they arrived at the field, they made contact with a worker who was staying the night at the field.

He told the officers he saw two individuals walking inside the baseball field. The main gate was locked when the officers arrived and they looked inside the field but did not find anyone inside.

However, the batting cage back gate that leads to the woods was wide open and unlocked. Officers Ewell and Williams locked and secured the gate and notified the worker.

As always, if you ever feel unsafe on campus, call DPS. Remember to report any suspicious activity to DPS. Their phone number is (501) 569-3400. Stay pretty and stay safe Trojans.

ENTERTAINMENT LITTLE ROCK LEGENDS

Honoring the Legacy of the Little Rock Nine

Story: Stanley Sike

February is not only historical for African American, but a celebration month that evokes the remembrance of important African American figures, such as the legendary African American students commonly referred to as The Little Rock Nine, a group of nine Black teenagers whose bravery brought worldwide attention to their quest for equal education opportunity.

These nine students battled with segregation and were relegated to all manner of oppressive treatments throughout their studies at Central High School in Little Rock, Ark., in 1957.

Their struggles were a major event in the Civil Right Movement. The Little Rock Nine is often celebrated throughout the month of February as important figures in African American academic progress.

Over time, they have received several awards for their impeccable courage against injustice. President Barack Obama honored them during his presidential inauguration in 2009, following the congressional gold medal award by President Bill Clinton in 1999.

Without their bravery and the sacrifices they made, African American may never have had an equal education opportunity in America.

Little Rock Nine members Charlotte Walls and Thomas Jeffery returned back to Central High School to continue their education after the temporary shutdown of the school between 1957 and ”58, when the governor of Arkansas closed all public schools rather than allowing integration. The U.S. now looks at a new Central High School, which has become a historical site for tourism and research works.

Little Rock Central

High School cuts across multicultural facets and presently integrates students from different nationalities and ethnicities, accommodating all races from every part of the globe, including African American, Asian, Latinx and European students.

The principal of Central High School, Mrs. Nancy Rousseau says “the main thing is that we are totally integrated and very diverse. Fifty percent of our students are African Americans, and fifty percent are others, okay!

I have students in the school currently whose families speak thirty-seven different languages and come from forty-eight birth countries.”

The school holds a significant place not only for Black history, but also in American history.

The school has received acclaimed recognition internationally and is rated one of the best in academic excellence. Mrs. Nancy Rousseau is a pioneering force

to the growth of the school who advocates for African American students’ interest.

“We do not have racial tension for students or teachers…we teach all of our students and treat them all the same,” says Mrs. Nancy Rousseau.

According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, “65% of African Americans in the United States graced the remarkable effort of the Little Rock Nine in achieving educational pursuit and advancement for Black people despite the increased national attention in racial inequality in the U.S. While 44% remained repellent to unequal education rights for Black people.”

The latter aligns with the struggle of the Little Rock Nine. Perhaps, we can tell the story of the Black History from this perspective and how African American have endured afflictions and triumph in many obstacles.

7

Photos via UALR Center for Arkansas History and Culture

EXPLORING THE MAAS-IVERSE

Story: Camryn Jacobs

Sarah J. Maas is a very well known romance-fantasy author. She is best known for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series (aka. ACOTAR), Throne of Glass series and her latest series Crescent City

Her stories mostly consist of fantasy characters that are “fae” or “faerie”. However, you can pronounce it fairy, although they do not look like Tinkerbell. They are human sized with pointed ears and powers. I would consider them to look like the elves from Lord of the Rings . (If you are a fantasy lover and haven’t seen those movies, please watch them asap!)

Sarah J. Maas doesn’t just write stories; she creates worlds. If you are newer to fantasy, I would recommend starting with ACOTAR. These books are easy to read and the world building is minimal. You grow in knowledge of the world at a good pace and the characters feel like your

friends. There are twists and turns around every corner that keeps you on your toes.

In other words, good luck trying to guess the plot, because the ending of every book will shock you. I personally love the second book in the ACOTAR series, A Court of Mist and Fury , but every single book has suspense, action, and romance that make them all exciting.

I would then recommend reading The Crescent City series. The third book just came out in January and trust me, this is not a series you want to be spoiled. The twist at the end of the second Crescent City book will knock your socks off and leave you in a daze.

The Crescent City books are urban fantasy. This means that these mythical creatures live in a modern world. They have cell phones, they go to college, they watch TV, etc. This is unusual for fantasy books, as most of them have a medieval

vibe. However, Maas made it to where we could almost relate to the characters of Crescent Cityin modern terms. Crescent City has a complex plot and there is a lot going on at once.

Going into the books, I would recommend caricanread’s youtube channel. She has plot summaries for the first two books in the Crescent City series, so if you get lost in the sauce, you can watch those videos to make sure you understand what’s going on.

I have yet to read Throne of Glass , but I have only heard great things. Throne of

Glass is the only completed series by Maas, with future installations being released for ACOTAR and Crescent City. Additionally, this is your friendly reminder to check trigger warnings for every book you read. The characters in these books go through a lot of hard topics. All these books are adult rated, so also keep that in mind when picking them up. These books have a special place in my heart and I hope you enjoy them.

Via Pexels

A WEB OF REGRET:

THE FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE OF MADAME WEB

Story: Emily Wells

“MADAME WEB” JUST MIGHT BE THE WORST MOVIE OF THE YEAR. It may not be the worst movie I’ve ever seen, but it is the worst movie I’ve had the misfortune of watching in theaters.

“Madame Web” follows Cassie (Dakota Johnson), a young paramedic who gains the power to see into the future after an accident. She begrudgingly becomes the protector of three teenage girls, who are being hunted by a man that has dreams that they will kill him in the future.

I should preface this review by saying that I didn’t watch it because I thought it would be good. My hopes for this film were pretty low. It

was written by the same writers that wrote Morbius, which famously flopped. I watched it because I thought it might be bad in a fun way. Well…I was right about one thing.

I don’t even know where to start. The thing that has stuck with me the most since watching it is the outrageous use of ADR. For those unfamiliar with this phrase, ADR is automated dialogue replacement, where an actor’s lines will be re-recorded postproduction. I have often seen this used for voiceover work when the actor is off-camera.

In “Madame Web,” ADR is used for pretty much every line that the villain says. This makes it feel like that character was

badly dubbed, which is funny the first couple of times, but quickly becomes infuriating.

Let’s talk more about the villain, Ezekiel Simms. Besides the obvious issue with the overuse of ADR, he is very underwhelming as a villain. His entire motivation throughout the film is to kill the three teenage girls, but every time he has the opportunity to do so, he takes the time to beat up an innocent bystander so that the girls have time to get away. Even when the girls are within arm’s reach, he will go out of his way to beat up some random person.

Ezekiel isn’t the only unrealized character. Every interaction feels like a first-read, and Dakota Johnson performs

like she’s being held hostage.

The editing is very experimental, to put it mildly. The amount of cuts in each scene gave me motion sickness. Several times, the screenwriters tried to start a new plot line, only to spend a few minutes on it and then move on. This adds to the feeling that the film is torturously long, despite being a very standard length for a feature film. At the end, they set it up for future installations, but I don’t see that happening. I could keep going, but I’ll just end with this tidbit from thethings.com – Dakota Johnson left WME, her former talent agency, right after the release of the first trailer.

Bagel Bliss at The Bagel Shop in SOMA

Story: Emily Wells

A trendy new spot in Little Rock is the Bagel Shop in SOMA. The Bagel Shop first opened their brick and mortar shop in August of last year. Prior to that, they gained popularity selling their products at popup shops and farmers markets. Their menu boasts of New York-style bagels, various pastries, soup, tots and beverages like coffee, tea and lemonade. Their bagels can be served sweet or savory, as breakfast or lunch sandwiches or sold by the half-dozen.

I tried one of their most popular sandwiches, the turkey caesar, on a cheddar bagel. The sandwich comes with turkey, romaine lettuce, pickled red onions, caesar mayo and a three cheese blend. I was a little hesitant about the pickled red onions, but I decided to try it anyway and I was not disappointed. The bagel itself was soft and fluffy, with just

the right amount of chewy on the outside. It tasted so fresh and the cheddar on the bagel complimented the toppings of the sandwich perfectly. The turkey, lettuce and caesar mayo was a perfect combination, with the pickled red onions providing a wonderful tanginess that really elevated the sandwich. Despite not looking very big, it was incredibly filling.

With the sandwich, there is the option to make it a combo with tots, a hashbrown, soup or chips. I chose to add a hashbrown. The hashbrown was a little on the salty side for me, but it was fried perfectly.

The inside of the store has a very cozy, welcoming atmosphere and the staff is very friendly and helpful. The Bagel Shop is open 7:30 am to 2 pm Tue-Fri and 8 am to 2 pm Sat-Sun. They sell out of items very quickly, so get there early for more choices.

Emily Wells

Bryce Colvert

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY: The Campus Garden Sows Seeds For A Good Year

As the summer sun sits just behind the horizon, students and faculty are hard at work in the Campus Garden, preparing soil and planting some of their first crops of the season in hopes of a bountiful year.

At first glance, the unassuming rows of budding pea and onion plants might not seem like much, but in actuality, they’re one small part of a diverse ecosystem that produces thousands of pounds of food each year.

Thanks to years of hard work from dedicated staff and students, UA Little Rock is living proof that even a small garden can have a giant impact on the community.

The Campus Garden was founded in 2013 by the Anthropology Club with the humble goal of attracting pollinator insects, but in the last decade, its function has dramatically expanded.

“We are a service garden,” stated Dr. Stephen Grace, director of the Campus Garden. “We not only provide opportunities for students and members of the UALR community to engage in public and community service, but we also donate a fairly large amount of food to various

Story: Bryce Colvert

local organizations. Food pantries, farmers’ markets and other small-scale producers.”

Beyond the garden’s vital function of providing food to the community, it also creates unique opportunities for students to gain handson experience with planting, something students and staff say they simply wouldn’t get anywhere else.

“I have been a frustrated gardener for years,” said Bonnie Bennet, a staff member and former student. “I’ve been living in apartments, and so this is a fantastic opportunity to garden on a wider scale and to learn from some really experienced people.”

Bennet wasn’t the only volunteer to mention the expertise of garden staff either.

“There’s so much you learn here just by doing,” shared Stevie Neilson, student leader of the Garden.

“You learn so much hanging out here with Dr. Grace, and you get some fresh veggies if you volunteer!” Neilson and Bennet both began their work years ago with the Garden when they were still students, and to this day, they come out and volunteer regularly.

“I just love having a place to get out in the

garden,” Neilson said.

“I don’t really have that at home. So it’s nice to have a way to spend some time in nature.”

According to Dr. Grace, the unique chance for students and staff to gain hands-on gardening experience is not just an added benefit but a goal. “We’re also a teaching garden,” he explained.

“We want to help people learn to become gardeners so that they can become more self-sufficient in their own food production.”

For all students, staff and community members who don’t mind the idea of getting their hands dirty, the Campus Garden is always eager for volunteers.

“I would encourage students to get involved in this garden,” said Dr. Grace.

“It is a volunteer garden, so everything that we do depends on the help of our volunteers. Not only do they assist us, but they’ll also learn some things.”

The Campus Garden is a fantastic opportunity for any volunteer who wants to make a difference in the community, nourish their green thumb or just play around in the dirt. To volunteer with the Garden or find more information, they can be found at ualr.edu/garden/.

Dungans

Irish Pub is

a Pint-Sized Piece of Ireland in Arkansas

Story: Daneisha Whitaker

Deep in the River Market, on 401 East 3rd Street, you can find Dugan’s Pub. It’s owned by Don Dugan, who has a love for the Irish community.

The establishment offers traditional pub food ranging from shepard’s pie, bangers and mash, BLTs and chicken tenders. Although, a must-try for an appetizer is their beerbattered mozzarella sticks.

The pub also offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm to 7pm where you can drink beer, wine, and some of their signature cocktails.

Dugan’s offers a patio for outdoor seating when the weather is right, a private area for meetings or parties, a stage for live music or trivia nights and a cozy fireplace during the winter months.

Mar. 7 and Mar. 14 you can join them for trivia night. If you’re looking for something to do for St. Patrick’s Day, look no further because

Dugan’s and Lucky Lou’s are hosting a weekend celebration Mar. 16 and Mar. 17.

On Saturday, you can enjoy the parade starting in North Little Rock at 1pm, followed by an Irish Dance on the block by Dugan’s. Also enjoy live performances from The Karla Case Band and Dead Celt Society, while browsing local vendors and drink specials. Sunday includes live performances and swag giveaways. This event is pet and family friendly for all.

You can find more information about Dugan’s and their events at their Facebook, Instagram, and Website.

Little Rock’s Rhythmic Rendezvous for Black History

Story: Stanley Sike

Many exciting events are often staged in February to celebrate Black History Month. The month explores African American people’s determination to resist the ongoing oppression that extends from earliest American slavery days into the 21st century.

On the night of Feb. 3, an indoor live band was organized by young African American singers in Downtown Little Rock to celebrate African American heritage and their contribution in entertainment.

That night curated

many aesthetic oldies songs by music legends, such as Outkast, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye. Several African American visitors remarked that it was a wonderful night out.

On Feb. 17, there was a dramatic cultural dance in African attire to exhort African American rich tradition, in remembrance of their journey to America as slaves.

These groups of African Americans in grand celebration were primarily African aborigines Their meeting is held every third Sunday of the month on Geyer Springs in

Little Rock, but this Sunday was declared specially to mark Black History Month.

This month is to remember the oppression that African Americans faced, and still face, and to celebrate the leaders of change. One fearless African American woman, Rosa Parks, refused to give up her seat to a white man on a crowded bus in Montgomery, AL on Dec. 1, 1955.

Her arrest triggered African American resistance to oppression for her rebellion. According to Library of Congress Collections, the Montgomery bus was

boycotted by angry black citizens, which created a historic event. This was the first major event in the Civil Rights Movement, which eventually abolished Jim Crow laws. Rosa Parks became an icon of Black history and often celebrated for her courage in confronting oppression and inequality.

Daneisha Whitaker

MOMENTS FROM THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS MEETING

Angel

Hovis

AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO...

a recap of 2024’s musical triumphs

Story: Joe Santana

The biggest night in music collected 16.9 million viewers on Feb. 4 during its broadcasting of surprise performances and appearances.

The 66th annual Grammy Award ceremony aired on CBS with comedic host Trevor Noah.

The event had

performances by Miley Cyrus, SZA, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott and more.

The first performance of the night was Dua Lipa with her mesmerizing hits. Lipa opened the ceremony with a preview of her new single “Training Season,” which

was released later on Feb. 15.

She then mashed up her hit for ‘Barbie’ with “Dance the Night” and ended with her newest lead single “Houdini.”

The pop star gave her electric performance in a black leather fit accompanied by her dancers in similar attire. This is Lipa’s first performance since her 2022 Future Nostalgia Tour. The “Levitating” singer tells Rolling Stone her upcoming album will have a “psychedelic, pop tribute to British rave culture.”

Another pop star with an upcoming album who made Grammys history is none other than Taylor Swift.

Swift won her 13th Grammy for “Best Pop Vocal Album” with “Midnights.” She accepted her lucky numbered award by announcing an upcoming album “The Tortured Poets Department” out April 19.

The album is speculated to be based on her heartbreaking breakup with Joe Alwyn. The world superstar made Grammys history after winning her 14th award by becoming the only artist to win Album of the Year four times. “Fearless,” “1989,” “Folklore” and now “Midnights” have all won this achievement.

Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at the show wearing a cowboy hat. The following week the

“Halo” singer announced “Act II: Renaissance.”

This act is an anticipated country album set to release on March 29 with lead singles already out.

“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”

and “16 CARRIAGES” released after her Verizon commercial at the 58th Super Bowl.

Kacey Musgraves also made Grammys history by winning all four country awards at the ceremony.

Victoria Monét won Best New Artist at 34, and Miley Cyrus won her first Grammy ever for “Flowers.” Cyrus also performed “Flowers” and called out the audience exclaiming, “Why are you acting like you don’t know this song?”

Overall it was a big night for women – especially after the nominees mostly carried women candidates. The 2023 cinema hit “Barbie” also had two songs nominated in “Song of the Year.” Billie Eilish won for “What was I made for?”

2024 is going to be a great year in music with anticipated albums from Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Lipa, Selena Gomez, Camila Cabello, Normani and more. The 2025 Grammys are sure to be more exciting.

Gracelyn Johnson

WEEKEND WATCH LIST

Story: Avianna Kagler

If you find yourself this weekend with some leisure time between study breaks. Here is a quick review of a few films currently streaming on major platforms.

1. Suncoast

This coming-of-age dramedy runs for a showtime of 109 minutes, and stars Laura Linney, Nico Parker and veteran actor Woody Harrelson. The semi-auto biographical film is a depiction of writer and director Laura Chinn’s adolescent years in the early 2000’s.

The film premiered at Sundance Film Festival Jan. 21, 2024, followed by a limited release at select movie theaters in the United States and finally being released on streaming platform Hulu on Feb. 9, by distributor Searchlight Pictures.

Suncoasttugs at your heart strings, showcasing the perils of teen angst. The story is centered around Doris (Nico Parker), who is being raised by her overbearing mother, Kristine (Laura Linney). Did I forget to mention that Doris has a brother who is critically ill and is in need of 24 hour supervision?

Needless to say this isn’t your typical teen movie. It tackles guilt, grief and the harsh reality of being a caregiver. However, the film does have a sense of lightheartedness in moments and hits right on the mark for Y2K nostalgia.

So, if you’re looking for a good movie this weekend and don’t mind dealing with the heaviness of death (spoiler alert) this is the film for you.

Next up on my weekend watchlist, is a film that is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This film is a classic rom-com in every shape, form, and fashion. It was very reminiscent of the cult classic The Devil Wears Prada to me so if you’re a fan of that film in particular, do watch.

2. Upgraded

Released Feb. 9, 2024, this film stars Camila Mendes,

Archie Renaux, Thomas Kretschmann and Lena Olin. This flirty film runs for 104 minutes of showtime.

The story is centered around Camila Mendes’ character, Ana. Ana is a recent college graduate with a major in Art History. Hit by the harsh reality of trying to navigate life post-graduation, Ana finds herself sleeping on her newly engaged sister’s couch and working her way up the corporate ladder as an intern at a renowned art house.

As the ambitious intern she is, Ana calls out a typo for an artwork up for auction. In return, her intimidating boss, Claire (Marisa Tomel), invites her on a work trip to London.

While on the trip, Ana is bumped up to first class

and meets a charming young man named William (Archie Renaux). That’s where this story begins the whirlwind romance of Ana and William, all while Ana juggles her demanding workload and her new-found social life with William, who is from an affluent family, but wants to leave his own mark in the world.

Upgraded is a feel-good movie, but it is somewhat predictable. It has some stereotypical tropes in the film as well, but, overall it’s a decent watch and it has great fashion.

Lastly, on my weekend watchlist, I have a recently added Netflix Comedy Special released Feb. 27, 2024; from Veteran Comedian, Donnell Rawlings. You may know Rawlings from his alter-

ego “Ashy Larry”, from his Chappelle Show days.

3. Chappelle’s Home Team Presents: Donnell Rawlings – A New Day

Donnell Rawlings gives us 40 minutes of standup comedy, which is part of Chappelle’s Home Team Series. Rawlings delves into various topics such as aging, coparenting and his opinionated view on who makes the best potato salad.

The comedian also expresses his experience on the rise of fame, going from “Ashy to Classy” as he now has moisturized skin, a fresh blue suit and red socks to match.

I found this series pretty comical and relatable (minus the fame part). The special was executive produced by none other than Dave Chappelle.

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OPINION

Jo Koy’s Golden Globes Blunder :

When Comedy Takes a Nose Dive into Sexism and Awkwardness

The Golden Globes, a pinnacle of glitz and glamor in Hollywood, is typically a night of star-studded spectacle and uproarious laughter. However, Jo Koy managed to transform this anticipated event into a cringe-worthy display of poorly crafted jokes and tone-deaf sexism.

As tradition dictates, the host of the Golden Globes kicks off the evening with a monologue, setting the tone for the festivities ahead with a mix of wit and humor.

In a year hailed as one of cinema’s finest despite the challenges of the pandemic, there was no shortage of material for Koy to mine for laughs.

Among the standout films of the year was “Barbie,” a box office hit lauded for its blend of whimsy and social commentary on the struggles faced by women in a male-dominated world.

However, Koy’s attempt at humor fell flat when he reduced the film to a crude “boob” joke, drawing

Story: Adison Cummings

groans and disapproving looks from the audience.

His ‘joke’ compared the popular term ‘Barbenheimer,’ by comparing the two, “... Oppenheimer is based on a 721page Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the Manhattan Project, and Barbie is on a plastic doll with big boobies.”

His subsequent jab at character actors only exacerbated the situation, earning him scorn from both viewers and industry insiders alike.

Then to dig his hole deeper, he decided to keep going despite an audience full of people hoping and praying it would end. Koy went on to say “...the key moment in Barbie is when she goes from perfect beauty to bad breath, cellulite and flat feet. Or what casting directors call character actors!”

This joke was again met with groans, moans and overall disgust at such a sexist remark.

The cringe-inducing moments didn’t stop there.

In an ill-advised off-script remark, Koy lashed out at the audience for their tepid response, a move that only served to dig himself deeper into a hole of controversy.

Coming off the heels of a recent writers’ strike, his comments struck a particularly sour note, drawing accusations of tone-deafness and insensitivity. He went on to blame his writers for the audience’s poor reaction to his jokes, saying “...yo, I got the gig 10 days ago, you want a perfect monologue?” he said, in an off-script moment.

“Yo, shut up. You’re kidding me, right. Slow down. I wrote some of these, and they’re the ones you’re laughing at.”

Undeterred by the lukewarm reception to his initial jokes, Koy then set his sights on Taylor Swift, capitalizing on the singer’s high-profile relationship with football player Travis Kelce.

Koy remarked that “The big difference between the Golden Globes and the NFL?

At the Golden Globes, we have fewer camera shots of Taylor Swift. I swear.”

However, his attempt to poke fun at the NFL’s marketing tactics backfired when Swift’s face showed no amusement, prompting Koy to offer a hasty apology.

Overall, Jo Koy’s performance at the Golden Globes served as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of comedy on a grand stage.

While his intentions may have been to entertain, his execution left much to be desired, leaving audiences squirming in their seats and critics shaking their heads in disbelief.

As the curtain fell on yet another awards ceremony, one thing was clear: sometimes, the best punchline is knowing when to keep quiet.

Taylor Swift vs. the Brads, Dads, and Chads: A Gridiron Grudge Match

Story: Adison Cummings

The worlds of music and football are two that often aren’t seen in the same sentence. However, the relationship between Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has caused this to be a popular topic in the media.

The budding romance between the two was speculated for a few months until she was spotted cheering Kelce on at one of his NFL games. Then, Kelce was spotted at one of Swift’s concerts during her worldwide phenomenon, The Eras Tour.

With these two worlds colliding, the NFL has seen a serious uptick in viewership of Chiefs games for Swifties either looking to see Swift, or gaining an interest in one of the nation’s favorite pastimes.

The NFL has definitely taken advantage of this by showing her in his box, cheering him on and using quirky little statements on TV, such as when Kelce pops up, putting up a banner that says “Taylor’s Boyfriend.”

With this combination, there has also been a significant uproar of those whom Swift has branded the .”...Brads, Dads and Chads.”

These are the original football fans who argue Swift is shown way too often, and the focus is being taken away from the actual football game. Swift and Kelce have not let this sway them from showing their love for one another.

With both of their busy schedules, you can’t help but marvel at their relationship. Kelce is traveling to her concerts while she is abroad and Swift is traveling from performing for over 3 hours 3 times a week to wherever his games are to support him. They are both making time for each other and supporting each other.

With the recent Super Bowl win by the Chiefs,

there was no lack of affection between the two, with Kelce embracing her after she flew from Tokyo to Vegas to cheer him on, with him graciously thanking her for coming.

They were later shown out partying together and having a good time, no matter what anyone had to say (and trust me the ‘Brads’ were definitely upset for her being shown on the screen at the superbowl).

Instead of people being upset with the NFL, Kelce, and Swift, they should be glad that the NFL is more popular than ever, a new fanbase is coming together to give football a chance and it’s bringing some families with very different hobbies together to share in something that once separated them.

It is a love story so commonly represented in movies where two different worlds come together and people should support it in a world of negativity. Whether you support it or not, you can’t deny, both of them are a winning team in every single way.

Via Wynn Las Vegas

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