UCO's The Vista, Sept. 20, 2022

University faces racial discrimination lawsuit

Director of Procure ment Service and former President of the UCO Afri can-American Faculty and Staff Association David Young filed a lawsuit against the Univer sity of Central Oklahoma on Aug.18 for unlawful discrim ination and the creation of a hostile work environment.

After serving in the military and working for the federal government, Young was hired as Director of Procure ment Services on Oct. 20, 2014.

(Equal Employment Oppor tunities Commision) Formal Complaint Form with the UCO Office of People and Culture,” the lawsuit said. “Mr. Young presented evidence of discrim inatory incidents that occured from 2015 to 2021 that he expe rienced at UCO.”

UCO assigned the complaint to EEO Investigator Mary Deter-Billings, Director of Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition and Develop ment. On Aug. 20, 2021 Young received a “closure letter” detailing the conclusion of the investigation.

Mayor David Holt attends White House Summit on political unity

Mayor David Holt of Okla homa City visited the White House Sept. 15 to participate in the Unit ed We Stand summit.

Holt, who was first elected mayor in 2018, has promoted “One OKC,” a message of unity and progress for the city’s people. He is the trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

“I think the folks at the White House know that I’m pretty passionate about these issues,” Holt said when asked if he was invited by the White House or sent by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He mentioned the similarities between speaking at this summit and the annual statement he makes on the anniversary of the Alfred P. Mur rah Federal Buildling bombing.

His immediate super visor was Drew Duke, assistant vice president of Administra tive Affairs.

According to the lawsuit, Young warned Duke many times of incidents of bias and discrimination based on national origin, color, and gen der, but neither Duke nor the university made any attempts to rectify the situation.

“Therefore on May 27. 2021 Mr. Young filed an EEOC

“While there is evidence of a pattern of circumventing your involvement, input, and authority as Director of Pro curement,” the letter began.

“The evidence does not support that these behaviors are occurring on the basis of race, color, and/or sex.”

Less than a week later, Young sent a written response to UCO

Continued on Pg. 4

Under Holt’s mayorship, the City of Oklahoma City has em barked on a program called Met ropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) 4, which is a public improvement project funded by a penny sales tax in Oklahoma City. There are 16 specific projects being undertak en by MAPS 4, with the top four funded being youth centers, parks, Paycom Center and transit.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is a non-partisan organi zation for the mayors of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 14 cities in Oklahoma that meet the criteria, with OKC being the largest. Four mayors from this organization held a panel at the United We Stand Summit.

“When you see your fellow human beings as Republicans or Democrats, not as fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, then you have begun the process of dehumaniza tion,” Holt said on April 19, 2022, during the 27th Annual Remem brance Ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

In addition to Holt, panel ists included John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, Todd Gloria of San Diego, California, and Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge, Louisi ana. The panel was moderated by former Atlanta mayor and current presidential advisor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Holt also presented a compact signed by 150 mayors

Continued on Pg. 4

UCO ranks than before on News best colleges list

“Positive

ences. are

U.S. News uses three steps in their ranking process. First, the sorts the schools into their proper categories. Then, they gather data on 17 different measure ments to determine universities’ academic

Continued on

David Young filed a lawsuit against UCO. (Provided)

Quinn Daugherty Reporter

Matilda Harvey Reporter

David Holt attends a panel with other mayors to discuss non-partisan values. (Provided)

The plaintiff claims Drew Duke (above) ignored signs of discrimination. (Provided)

(The Vista/ Logan Gassett)

Allison Miller Contributing Writer

State University–Bakersfield, Rocky Moun and Western Colorado Uni

Weekly Horoscope

AQUARIUS January 21-February 18 PISCES February 19-March 20 March 21-April 19

Thursday’s fall equinox may bring a sense of harmony to your day – connecting to your inner sense of peace may be easier at this time. When the Moon and Mercu ry shift into Virgo on Friday, expect a couple of days full of attention to detail. Saturday’s Venus-Neptune opposition could have everyone seeing through rose-colored glass es, possibly to a detriment. Sunday’s New Moon is a lovely time to walk in nature or otherwise polish the self care.

As the equinox shines equal hours of light and shad ow upon the Earth, the sun slips into the sign of balance: Libra. The Leo moon mid week may have you feeling inspired. It’s a lovely time to create art. When your sister sign Virgo hits the sky on Friday, you may find that you have increased mental energy. This weekend will be an excellent time for as signments or putting on the finishing touches. If you like to celebrate the New Moon, meditation is one possibility.

The waning Leo Moon brightens up your world and adds just a touch of dramatic flair through Thursday. The sun in your sister sign Libra brings a time of alignment for you even as Mercury ret rograde grinds along. Thurs day’s conjunction encourag es you to look carefully over any major decisions before pulling the trigger. Friday’s Virgo sky is excellent for progress on work. The new moon may affect you and Libra more than others, pro viding a reset and a look at emotions through new eyes.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 GEMINI May 21-June 20

A Leo Moon midweek will be excellent for presenting, socializing, and encourag ing confidence. Libra season is here, ruled by Venus the same as you. The fall equi nox offers an opportunity to ask yourself how you can increase feelings of harmony and balance in your own life. The weekend may take a turn for the work-oriented with the Virgo sky, but you can also divert this energy into crafts or hobbies.

As the sun slips into fellow air sign Libra like a long evening dress, you may find yourself considering both sides of many conversations. With Mercury still in ret rograde, an aspect Thurs day encourages us to read any fine print carefully. You might feel right at home with the increased mental energy Friday when the Moon and your ruling planet Mercu ry shift into Mercury-ruled Virgo.

CANCER June 21-July 22

The Leo Moon could have you craving some you-time. Making time for self care is crucial to success. When the sun makes its move into Li bra on Thursday’s fall equi nox, equalizing energy can help you identify where you feel most balanced. Friday’s Virgo sky might have you thinking about what you nurture: projects, art, and those things that are dear to your heart.

LEO July 23-August 22

The moon shines in your sign Wednesday and Thurs day, meaning that you will feel even more like yourself during this time. Congrats! As the sun in Libra comes to town, the fall equinox bathes the Earth in equal day and night. You can make it as magical as you are. Two ce lestial bodies in Virgo swing in Friday, lighting up the way we think and speak. Prepare for some interesting conver sations!

VIR GO August

The Fall equinox may bring a peaceful energy with it as the sun slips into Libra. With Mercury back in your sign on Friday, it may be wise to begin cultivating your care ful sense of optimism. Rose colored glasses can be a good tool for mental health if you’re considering the facts too. The coming Monday contains a lucky aspect that may cause just the luck you need.

LIBR A September 23-October 2 2

Happy early birthday, Li bra suns! The sun moves into your sign Thursday and brings a Sun conjunct Mer cury in Libra, which encour ages you to weigh major de cisions carefully. Friday, the Moon and Mercury switch to Virgo which can cause a surge in perfectionism. Tem per it with self-compassion. Sunday’s New Moon in your sign may feel like breathing fresh air. What will you man ifest?

SCORPIO October 23-November 21

The fall equinox on Sept. 22 shines a light onto some thoughts that may typical ly be hidden in shadow on Thursday. Weigh decisions mindfully and press on. Wednesday and Thursday are under the Leo moon, which may increase consid erations of where you are diverting your inner power. On Friday Virgo fills the sky, increasing your curiosity and mental energy. You’re already a natural detective; it’s up to you what to do.

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21 CAPRICORN December 21-January 20

Wednesday and Thursday are ruled by fire energy, ex pect an exciting and smooth couple of days. Thursday also brings you the sun in sweet Libra. It kind of acts like but ter on bread to friendships and love. Friday the Moon and Mercury both shift into Virgo, which may increase your natural curiosity in much the same way it will Scorpio’s. Where will it take you? Sunday’s lucky New Li bra Moon and Pluto-Venus trine add extra glitter to your charm.

The Leo moon is an excel lent time for connecting with your inner power through Thursday as the sun shifts signs too. The Moon and Mercury’s shift into logical Virgo may shift the way you approach projects. Analytical perfection-seeking thoughts help you make your vision a reality, but compassion and rest keep you healthy. The Libra sun and New Moon Sunday will help you find the balance. A Pluto-Venus trine Sunday also increases your charm.

Sunday’s

31 movies for the best Halloween countdown ever

Sam Royka Managing Editor

1. “Coraline” (2009) PG

This claymation dark fantasy favorite centers around Coraline, a girl who is drawn into a par allel world that contains a dire secret.

2. “Frankenweenie”

ral and unique Addams Family.

4. “IT” (2017) R

Evil supernatural clown Pennywise is the villain in this horror film that takes viewers on a wild ride.

5. “The Craft” (1996) R

When four teens at a Catholic prep school prac tice witchcraft for person al gain everything takes a dark turn.

6. “Pet Sematary” (1989) R

A cat’s accidental death sparks a disturbing chain of events that end with someone else buried in the pet cemetery.

7. “Hocus Pocus” (1993) PG

The Sanderson Sisters are three evil witches that come back to life in this enchantingly scary film that follows three kids that must save the world.

8. “Practical Magic” (1998) PG-13

Two good witches, Sally and Gilly, face a closed-minded town that opens up when they must come together for a banishing. Stevie Nicks features prominently in this timeless soundtrack.

9. “Halloweentown” (1998) NR

(2012) PG

In this stop-motion ani mated film, a boy named Victor brings his dead bull terrier back to life with electricity but things go wrong when others learn the trick.

3. “Addams Family” (1991) PG-13

A classic halloween movie, this film centers around the supernatu

This Disney Channel orig inal follows a family that discovers its own witchy history when they follow Grandma to Halloween town.

10. “Casper” (1995) PG

Sweet ghost Casper haunts a mansion that draws the interest of a ghost communicator and his daughter Kat, with whom Casper falls in love.

11. “The Conjuring”

Top 10 Halloween Costume Ideas from silly to truly terrifying

Sam Royka Managing Editor

1. Patrick Starfish in Boots

Green shorts with purple flow ers, wide fishnet tights, and black heeled boots will have you reliving “The SpongeBob SquarePants Mov ie” (2004).

Pink face and body paint not required, but points for the extra effort. A pink bodysuit would have the same effect and keep you warm. The finish ing touch would be a pink cone-shaped hat - construction paper and tape would do nicely.

2. Cereal Killer

This is one pun

Ainsley Martinez Editor-in-Chief

(2013) R

Set in 1971, this movie follows paranormal in vestigators that move into a rural house in Rhode Island and the spirits they find.

12. “It Comes At Night” (2017) R

At the end of the world, two families must come together to stay alive. However, a dangerous secret lurks within.

13. “Get Out” (2017) R

On a meet-the-parents trip, Chris misreads the family’s strange behavior as a weird reaction to the interracial relationship, but the truth turns out to be much worse.

14. “A Quiet Place” (2018) PG-13

A family tries to raise their kids entirely in silence to protect them from the dangerous crea tures that live outside.

15.“Annabelle” (2014) R

When John gifts his partner Mia a vintage doll, a scary story begins to un fold when a cultist group drips blood on the doll.

16. “The Shining” (1980)

R Stanley Kubrick’s master piece stars Jack Nicholson as a writer who needed a getaway to cure the writer’s block. Spiral into darkness with this creepy thriller.

17. “Halloween” (1978) R

Masked killer Michael Myers escapes from prison while being trans ferred, ready for a murder spree.

18. “Night of the Living Dead” (1968) NR George Romero’s 1968 classic horror film brings

zombies to the silver screen in original black and white.

19. “The Amityville Hor ror” (2005) R

The reason for a beautiful New York house’s cheap price tag turns out to be a ghastly history that screams for help.

20. “Rocky Horror Pic ture Show” (1975) R This raunchy musical horror has memorable scenes, well-known songs, and a bizarre plot that will knock your socks off.

21. “It’s The Great Pump kin Charlie Brown” (1966) NR Linus waits in the pump kin patch with friends for the elusive Great Pump kin.

22. “The Witches” (1990) PG

At a witch convention, the Grand High Witch reveals a secret plan that protago nist Luke must stop – as a mouse!

23. “The Curse of La Llo rona” (2019) R

Set in 70s Los Angeles, this creepy film follows a family haunted by the spirit of La Llorona and her world.

24. “Coco” (2017) PG

When Miguel wants to hone his musical talents against his family’s wishes, he stumbles into the col orful and exciting Land of The Dead where he learns more about his family’s history.

25. “The Village” (2004) PG-13

An old community has a truce with the creatures that live in the woods, but everything is threatened when someone has to

make a lifesaving choice.

26. “The Sixth Sense” (1999) PG-13

When a child sees ghosts, the only person he will tell is a child psychologist. As the doctor tries to learn more about the phenom enon, the story takes an unexpected turn.

27. “What Lies Beneath” (2000) PG-13

Life seems perfect until Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) starts hearing voices that her husband (played by Harrison Ford) dismisses. Claire, however, doesn’t give up on finding the sinister truth.

28. “In The Tall Grass” (2019) NR

Based on a novella by Stephen King and Joe Hill, this film follows people lured into the tall grass that soon realize they are trapped inside with some thing evil.

29. “Donnie Darko” (2001) R

Set in 1988, the film fol lows a teen who narrowly avoids a tragic accident but may be experiencing visions of a parallel uni verse.

30. “Hereditary” (2018) R

This psychological horror flick takes a look at the Graham family’s ancestry and uncovers a web of dark secrets.

31. “The Haunted Man sion” (2003) PG A realtor (Eddie Murphy) and his family begin to notice strange secrets and happenings when they stop at the mansion he has been asked to sell.

costume to die for. Start with a white outfit doused generously in fake blood, then add mini cereal boxes attached with hot glue or safety pins and stab plas tic butterknives through the boxes. Ta-da!

3. A 19th Century Aristocrat

This historical

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costume can be ex ecuted in a variety of ways. A flowing poet shirt and to phat can lend itself to a vampiric edge, while a prom dress with a wide hem featuring a hoop skirt and corset can call back to Edgar Allen Poe’s short story The Masque of The Red Death. Masquerade masks optional.

4. Cher Horowitz from “Clueless” (1995)

All you really need for this “total ly buggin’” look is a yellow plaid skirt, white collared shirt, yellow sweat er or blazer, and white socks. Extra points if you can find heeled mary janes to complete the look.

5. Morticia Add ams from “The Addams Family” (1991)

An easy, clas sic costume that

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Dionne Davenport, Cher Horowitz, and Tai pose in this promotional image for “Clueless.”

Michael Myers stalks his next vic tim in this still from “Halloween.”

OKC mayor goes to White House

Continued from Pg. 1

to combat hate and extremism across the country. This compact was a joint action by the US Conference of Mayors and the An ti-Defamation League.

“You’re not going to change the world with one summit.” Mayor Holt said. “But I think we all, as Americans, just got to keep pushing this message of unity.”

The panel Holt spoke on featured two Re publican mayors and two Democrat mayors, further emphasizing the importance of bipar tisan unity.

“Unity doesn’t mean that you don’t have poli cy disagreements, but we’ve got to get back to

where we can have those disagreements, let our process work through them, and move on together.”

The United We Stand summit was held to uplift “Uniters,” according to the organization’s website. These Uniters include the One America Movement, the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, and the Matthew Shep ard Foundation, among others. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m in the East Room of the White House. It was moderated by political commentator Ana Navarro. Vice President Kamala Harris gave the welcoming remarks at the beginning, while President Joe Biden closed the event with a national ad dress.

Faculty files racial discrimination case against UCO

Continued from Pg. 1

President Patti Neuhold-Ra vikumar.

“I just received your message.

I will respond soon,” President Neuhold-Ravikumar responded on Aug. 23, 2021.

Three days later the original “clo sure letter” was revised.

“Actions have been issued in or der to remedy the effects of dis crimnation and/or harassment determined to have occurred,” an excerpt from the original “closure letter” read.

The revised excerpt makes no mention of discrimination, race, or harrassment.

“Actions have been issued in order to remedy the effects of the lack of boundaries and protocol in communications as deter mined to have occurred,” the revised excerpt reads.

In addition to the closure letter, the EEOC sent two letters to Drew Duke and another one of Young’s superiors, respectively.

The letters detailed “recom mendations” to remedy Young’s complaints.

“As of June 9, 2022, nearly an entire year later after UCO is sued the “closure letter” and then issued the “revised letter,” nearly all of the purported “recommen dations” designed to be cura tive still had not occurred,” the lawsuit said.

Young and his legal team say this and other university com munications are evidence that the university and the Regional University System of Oklahoma failed to address discrimination, harassment, and a hostile work environment.

According to the lawsuit, Young has suffered damages ranging from lost income and damage to his professional reputation to loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish and depres sion. He and his legal team have demanded a jury trial and are seeking in excess of $75,000 for damages he suffered. Vista

OKC state fair continues through the month

Hayden Smith Contributing Writer

The annual Oklahoma State Fair opened Thursday at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, and includes a plethora of new food items this year.

Among the new food items include ghost pepper tater tots from Project Krave for those who love spicy food, and deepfried cookie dough from Cook ie Dough Monsters. For more adventurous eaters, there is the alligator corn dog.

“It’s alligator meat formed into a sausage and fried with sauce on top,” said fairgoer and Edmond resident Travis Riddles. “It’s actually really good, there’s no reason to be afraid of alligator meat.”

These new items are available in addition to the foods that the fair is known for, such as funnel cakes and fried Oreos. Oklahomans travel from all over the state to indulge in fair food during fall.

“I love when the fair is in town and it’s also around my birthday, so I’ve made it a tradi tion to try and go every year,” said UCO student Anna Wilkinson.

The carnival opens at 1 p.m. during the week, and 11 a.m. on the weekends. Vendors will be open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The fair continues through Sept. 25.

Superintendent candidate stresses support for teachers

Continued from Pg. 1

quality. Finally, the mea surements are added up to the total score, which determines where the school will be ranked in their category, said Robert Morse and Eric Brooks in their article, “Best Colleges Definition Ranking.”

It was not a single effort that caused UCO to rise in rank ing, but a culmination of efforts. These include an increased re tention of first-year students and national recognition in several areas over the years.

The national recognition can improve the peer evaluation part of the ranking, said Adri enne Nobles, the Vice President for Communications and Public

Affairs at UCO.

“[UCO’s] strengths were that other schools in their region rated them as strong academ ically, their entering students had good grades and standard ized tests scores, and they had a sizable share of instructors who were employed as full-time fac ulty and were well compensated,” said Eric Brooks, principal data analyst for U.S. News.

The measurements that positively impacted UCO’s rank ing are most likely expert opin ion, faculty salaries, standardized test, first year retention rates, high school class standing, and proportion of faculty who are full time.

“We are confident in the data submitted by the UCO

team and proud of the efforts our faculty and staff put forth each day to empower UCO students through transformative learning experiences,” said Nobles.

Columbia Universi ty dropped in ranking on the Best Colleges list after Matthew Thaddeus, a math professor at the university, accused the school of reporting incorrect data to U.S. News. Thaddeus also accused other schools in the Top 10 of bending the rules when reporting their student-faculty ratios.

“It does not have to be this way. Columbia is a great university and, based on its legitimate merits, should attract students comparable to the best anywhere. By obsessively puru

ring a ranking, however, it de means itself,” said Thaddeus.

Beloit College, North land College, Western Illinois University, Villanova University, SUNY-Morrisville and Whit man College gave inaccurate data to U.S. News last year, said Morse in the article titled “U.S. News Ranking Update.” Beloit College, Northland College, Western Illinois University, and Whitman College all reported incorrect data about their 2020 graduates’ federal debt amount. Villanova University submitted an incorrect amount for their 2021 average need-based grant, and SUNY-Morrisville submitted incorrect data for their six-year graduation rate for the 2014 co hort, said Morris.

Mayor David Holt inside the White House. (Provided)

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Abortion billboard going up in Oklahoma

Jocelyn Schifferdecker Contributing Writer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he will place a abortion access billboard in seven of the most “anti-abortion” states, including Oklahoma.

In a statement, Newsom said that these billboards will provide information on how women can “access care — no matter where they live.”

This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which occurred this past summer.

After the Supreme Court decision, Newsom took to social media to make it clear that abortion was and will continue to be legal in Cali fornia, and that he wanted to help provide care for people from other states as well.

“I just signed a bill that makes our state a safe haven for women across the nation. We will not cooperate with any states that attempt to prosecute women or doctors for receiving or providing reproduc tive care,” Newsom said in a tweet.

Busy intersection closed near campus

Emma Nickles Contributing Writer

As of Sept. 19, the intersection of Blackwelder Av enue and Ayers Street is closed due to work on the Danforth Water Line project.

UCO students are encouraged to take Second Street during the road closure. The project is expected to take approximately two weeks to install, test, connect the pipes, and replace the paving, depending on the weather, according to a press release from the City of Edmond.

“We are very confident that the project will be com pleted on that timeline,” said Courtney Bradford, the marketing and public relations assistant for the City of Edmond.

The $9.2 million Danforth Water Line project will enlarge the water line running along Danforth Road from the existing Danforth Water tower and soccer fields to the UCO campus.. A civil utility construction contractor, 4M Trenching, will begin to tie the new 24inch Danforth Water Line to the existing water tower located at Ayers Street and Bauman Avenue. The water pipes under the intersection will also be upgraded.

Westbound Ayers Street travel will be allowed to travel north on Blackwelder Avenue to access Northern Hills Elementary School.

In Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt applauded the Supreme Court deci sion, saying in a statement that he was “very excited that the Supreme Court made this courageous decision.”

Following the decision, Stitt signed trigger laws to ban abortion in Oklahoma. Weeks before that, he signed legislation that stated life began at fertilization, making it the nation’s strictest abortion law. He has said multiple times that he will sign every pro-life piece of legisla tion.

Newsom is putting up the billboards to spread awareness of his new website abortion.ca.gov. It shares information on how someone can get access to abortion care no matter what state they’re in. Every billboard includes this link.

“I want people to know all around the rest of the country and many parts of the globe that I hope we’re your antidote to your fear, your anxiety,” Newsom said.

The website also assists people in finding providers and educates them on their rights.

The other states that will receive billboards are Texas, Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Mississippi.

UCO adopts new policy on pronouns

Olivia Miller Contributing Writer

UCO adopted a new chosen name and pro noun policy that allows students and staff to be referred to by their chosen name and pronouns in UCO databases such as D2L or emails.

A chosen name is a name that a person wishes to go by and be addressed as, whereas their legal name is what is on their government documents. This can be useful to a variety of people includ ing those with nicknames and trans people.

The new policy only addresses first names. To get their last name changed, the student or staff member will have to provide legal docu mentation, according to the Chosen Name and Pronouns Policy website.

to help get this policy from an idea to an actual change on their screens.

“It’s going to be in phases. Not everything will be changed at once,” said Sloane.

The first phase will change the person’s name in Banner, Central Alert, Centralities, Email, IT Service Desk, Microsoft Office365, Paycom, and the UCO Bookstore, according to the poli cy website. It will take approximately 48 hours for the name change to appear.

(Provided)

“This whole process started, I wanna say, six or more years ago,” said Merrick Sloane, a stu dent researcher at the BGLTQ+ Center. Sloane has been working with other students and staff

Currently, the only way to access the name change form is through a link on uco.team dynamics.com. Another student researcher that works at the center is planning on putting together a workshop for students and show ing them how to go through the name change process. This policy has been a collaborative effort from the UCO Committee on Diversity, the Office of Information Technology, and the Women’s Research and BGLTQ+ Center.

(Provided)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he will place a abortion access billboard in seven of the most “anti-abortion” states, including Oklahoma. (Provided)

Disney unveils new offerings at D23 convention

Logan Wood Contributing Writer

Disney’s biennial convention, D23, took place Sept. 9. Over the course of the weekend, the company showcased many of its upcoming films and television shows both for theatrical release and stream ing on Disney+ from every studio under Disney including Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Lucasfilm and Marvel Studios.

Disney and Pixar

The sequel to the cult classic Disney Channel original movie “Hocus Pocus 2” will release ex clusively on Disney+ on Sept. 30.

The first trailer for “Disen chanted,” a sequel to the 2007 Amy Adams film “Enchanted,” was released. The film will debut exclusively on Disney+ on Nov. 24.

A prequel to 2019’s pho to-realistic Lion King film was announced. The film is titled “Mufasa: The Lion King” and is set to be released in theaters sometime in 2024.

The first teaser trailer for the new live-action “The Little Mer maid” was released. The film releases in theaters on May 26, 2023.

Pete Docter, director of the Pixar films “Up” and “Inside Out” brought Amy Poehler on stage to announce “Inside Out 2.” The film is said to take place during Riley’s teenage years and will introduce new emo tions. The film releases in theaters on June 14, 2024.

name. The series will begin stream ing on Disney+ on Nov. 30.

Then Lucasfilm revealed the first trailer for Season 3 of “The Man dalorian.” The trailer features Din Djarin on a quest for redemption

stallment of the Indiana Jones series. Harrison Ford made it clear that this installment would be his final outing as the legendary archeologist. “This is it! I will not fall down for you again!” Ford said.

theaters on May 3, 2024.

Feige then announced the cast of the upcoming film “The Thun derbolts.” This film has been called Marvel’s answer to “The Suicide Squad.” It features a team of villains

Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm debuted a brand-new trailer for “Willow,” a sequel series to the original 1988 film of the same

and promises lots of action. Season 3 is set to be released in early 2023.

“Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” premiered its first trailer. The new animated series consists of a total of 6 shorts that follow fan favorite characters Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. All 6 shorts are set to stream on Disney+ on Oct. 26.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen

The new Indiana Jones film, which still doesn’t have an official title, is set to be released in theaters on June 30, 2023.

Marvel Studios Marvel Studios finally an nounced a project that has been rumored to be in development for a long time now. “Werewolf by Night” will be Marvel Studio’s first-ev er holiday special. The special is directed by popular film composer Michael Giacchino who composed music for films such as “Up,” “Star Trek (2009),” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Doctor Strange,” “Spi der-Man: Homecoming” and “The Batman.” The special will stream on Disney+ on Oct. 7.

The first trailer for “Secret Invasion” was released. The series is being led by Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury and is essentially Marvel’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” The series is set to be released in early 2023.

and anti-heroes who’ve all appeared in previous Marvel Cinematic Uni verse films.

“Thunderbolts” stars Florence Pugh as Yalana Belova, Sabastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov, Olga Kurylen ko as Antonia Masters, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.

The announcement of the cast was also followed by a piece of artwork by Marvel Studios concept artist Andy Park showing all the characters together. The film releases in theaters on July 26, 2024.

In other announcements, Tim Allen returns to the role of Santa in the new series, “The Santa Clauses.” A trailer for the show was released and the series is set to start stream ing on Disney+ on Nov. 16.

Kennedy ended the presentation by bringing out director James Man gold and actor Harrison Ford to talk about the highly anticipated fifth in

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced that Tim Blake Nelson would be reprising his role as Samuel Sterns from the “Incredible Hulk” in “Captain America: New World Order,” which releases in

A short teaser for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” was released. This new series is a reboot and not related to the two Logan Lerman films. The series is expected to re lease in 2024 on Disney+.

This week in history: Remembering Dr. Seuss

John Drake Contributing Writer

Sept. 20 2011 – The U.S. military ends its 17-year policy of “Don’t ask, don’t tell” 60 days after the repeal was approved by Congress. For the first time, non-heterosexual people were allowed to serve openly in the American armed forces. Approximately 13,650 military personnel were discharged between 1994 and 2011 under this policy. Army Maj. Gen. Tammy Smith became the highest-ranking openly gay officer in 2012, and Eric Fanning became the first openly gay Secretary of the Army in 2016.

Sept. 21 1981 – Belize gained its independence from the United Kingdom. Previously known as British Honduras, the area had been a British colony since 1783. Belize was granted self-government in 1964, and eventually was granted full independence in 1981, electing Manuel Esquivel as the first prime minister of the newly independent state.

Sept. 22 189 – Chinese general and regent He Jin was assassinated by the Ten At tendants in Luoyang, China. His death caused a power vacuum as regional warlords sought to take custody of the child Emperor Shao, with general

Dong Zhuo seizing control and replac ing him with his brother, Emperor Xian. The situation devolved into a widespread civil war be tween the var ious warlords, culminating in the Three Kingdoms era. China was not unified again until the rise of the Jin dynasty in 266.

Sept. 23 63 B.C. –Gaius Octavius, better known as Augustus, was born in Rome. Augustus became the first Roman emperor in 27 B.C., ending nearly 500 years of the Roman Republic. The great-nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar, he ruled for 41 years, expanding Roman borders, developing infrastruc ture and establishing femergency response services, including police and firefighting, in Rome. After his death, his name was adopted as a title for Roman emperors, and that use continued until the death of Constantine XI Palaiologos in 1453.

Sept. 24 1991 – Author and cartoonist Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel died in San Diego. Most known as the creator of numerous children’s books, such as “Horton Hears a Who” and “The Lorax,” Dr. Seuss also published many political cartoons and worked as a propagandist for the U.S. government during World War II.

The Lorax “speaks for the trees” in Dr. Seuss’ children’s book orginialy published in 1971 (Provided).

The flag of Belize was decided via competition after independence was won in 1981 (Provided).

“Willow” debuted in 1988, now Disney plans to revamp the classic on Disney+ for a streaming series this fall (Provided).

Florence Pugh will star in “Thunderbolts” for Disney. (Provided/Warner Bros.)

Lane spikes the team spirit on Volleyball

Eden Jones Sports Reporter

Imagine being the only person in your grade on an athletic team, having to juggle nursing school and college athletics, all while also being the engine of your team. For volleyball senior Courtney Lane, that imagination is a reality.

The Denver, Colorado native started playing vol leyball in fourth grade.

“It’s actually funny, because I sat at my kitchen table bawling my eyes out as my mom was telling me that she signed me up for a volleyball team. I hated it when I first started, but I was good at passing, so I got invited to play on a club team,” Lane said.

Although it wasn’t a lov ing relationship at the start, she said volleyball started to become something she truly enjoyed.

“As cliché as it sounds, I ended up choosing to pursue volleyball because it was truly my passion,” said Lane. “It was one of those things that naturally clicked and I just kept getting better and better.”

Lane said no one in her immediate family played a sport in college, so the recruiting process was a bit of a taboo for her.

“I honestly didn’t think I was good enough to play, either. Thankfully, I played for a club that was highly focused on college and the recruiting process.

After becoming more exposed to what playing in college looked like, I really started to believe that I

could do it and started to look around,” Lane said.

She went on various college visits, but only one truly stood out to her. Lane, a nursing major, said she loved UCO due to its hometown feel and flexibil ity with its athletes and the

anyone else! We now know that we are a strong team, and we can use that con fidence to roll over other teams. Starting strong is great, but how we contin ue to play in conference is what really matters,” she said.

With the competitive ness of the MIAA confer ence, Lane said, no one knows who is going to beat who, which has pushed them to work harder. Play ers on the UCO team and the team itself are being recognized at the regional and national levels for their performances. Lane said they always feel like they have a target on their back, even despite this year’s recognitions and perfect start.

degree they so choose.

“When I came on my visit to UCO, I had been told in the past that I could not pursue a degree in nursing based off the time commit ment both college athletics and nursing school were going to require. I was not going to change my career choice, and Edgar was a coach who welcomed me and a nursing degree imme diately,” Lane said.

UCO volleyball is cur rently having one of its most historic seasons. The team currently has a 12-0 record and are just getting started.

“Being undefeated is a huge momentum booster for the start of the season and I am as anxious to see how we use the momentum as

“This definitely brings pressure, but our team is handling it great. We con tinue to play as one and lean on each other when things don’t go as great. We are all super excited head ing into the conference and cannot wait to see what our team can do,” Lane said.

Lane is one of the loudest ones in the room at UCO volleyball games, constantly communicating and cheer ing on her teammates. That is what she says is so special about this team. She said their path to success has not come easy, but is largely due to the team camarade rie.

“This year, our team is so special, because we are all here for a common goal. We have created a culture of compliments, support, and hard work. We all know what we want to accomplish

together, so individually we are bought in and fully committed to the team. We gel so well off the court, and this is definitely seen on the court,” she said.

Lane is the only senior on the team and is using that position to lead her team to success, all while maintain ing friendships.

“I am proud to be the old est on the team. I truly feel like I have the knowledge and experience to help the younger girls succeed on the court and off the court at UCO. I would not change the position I am in for any thing. It gives me a platform to pour into the other girls

and offer them a person that they can count on to be there for them.” Lane said her ultimate goal for this year is winning a conference championship. “We have the skills to do it and our ca maraderie this year is unlike anything I’ve experienced in all my time at UCO. I know we can do it, and my goal is to help my team get there. I hope that when my time is done at UCO, I have left a legacy that someone will remember…whatever that may be.”

UCO volleyball contin ues its season when it hosts Washburn and Emporia State Sept. 22 and 23.

UCO ‘Overwatch’ esports team preps for release of new game

Benjamin Anderson Contributing Writer

The UCO esports “Overwatch” team is preparing for the upcoming tournament season ahead of the Oct. 4 release of the game’s sequel.

“Overwatch 2,” the highly anticipated sequel to the original “Overwatch” MMO shooter from 2016, is finally releasing after several delays, due in part to the pandemic. The game will look familiar to fans of the original game, with most of the hero roster returning along with the same game modes like PVP and full team match ups. According to Blizzard, the game’s developer, “Overwatch 2” will feature three new characters and new maps, along with revamps to returning characters, changing weapons and super moves.

To prepare for the upcoming season, the team practices up to three times a week in scrimmag es, where they play as the hero and role in which they are most proficient. Together, the team formulates strategies that work best with the combination of the player’s “main” heroes.

“We want our players to be confident in the heroes that they choose, so we can piece togeth er strategies around those strengths,” said Devon Wright, the team’s coach.

With the new game not releasing until Octo ber, the varsity esports team is having to prep for the pre-season matches by playing the original, without a full understanding of the new char acters and changes to the old ones. However, Wright is confident the team will have an easy transition.

“While the nuances of the sequel should be addressed, the fundamentals of the first game will carry over,” Wright said. “Every other

competitive team is in the same position as us, where no one has had a real chance to play the new game, so everyone will be learning at the same time.”

Wright is also confident in the team’s abilities this year following tryouts.

“The talent that came in was really presti gious, so we have a very strong team this year,” he said.

The team will be competing in the Blizzard Collegiate Championship Series, with the pre-season starting on Oct. 13.

The team will also be competing in local tournaments, which Wright points out is “sim ply a great way to show support to the team by showing up, as it energizes the room.” The first tournament is being hosted by the UCO COOP on Oct. 24. For more information, follow @ UCOEsports on Twitter.

Bronchos athletics get a workout this week

Brinlee Lenochan Sports Editor

Broncho athletics has a busy week ahead. Starting of the week both men’s and women’s golf are traveling on September 20th for tourna ments. The women will be taking a trip down south to Denton, TX for the Dallas Baptist University Classic as the men make their way to Muskogee for the NSU classic.

Women’s volleyball will be back home this week as they take on Washburn University Thursday, September 22nd at 6 p.m.

Friday will be a full day as both the women’s tennis and volleyball teams will be hosting at home. Volleyball goes head to head with the Emporia State Hornets at 3:30 p.m.

Tennis will be kicking off the ITA regional championships that will take place right here in Edmond and will end Sunday the 25th.

Also on Friday, the ladies of Broncho soccer will be traveling to Warrensburg, Missouri as they take on #6 Central Missouri.

Broncho football is back home this Saturday after a tough loss on the road last week. They will battle it out with Northwest Missouri at 2 p.m. in Chad Richison Stadium for a chance to advance their record to 2-2.

Follow UCO athletics @ucoathletics, to stay updated on all things UCO athletics.

UCO ‘Overwatch’ esports team preps for release of new game

Courtney Lane (Provided/UCO athletics)

Courtney Lane (provided/UCO athletics)

OCTOBER

Koe Wetzel, Oct. 1, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.

com

Josh Sallee, Oct. 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, tow ertheatreokc.com

Eyehategod, Oct. 1, 89th Street OKC, 8911 N. Western, 89thstree tokc.com

Samantha Crain, Oct. 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towerthe atreokc.com

Clutch, Oct. 1, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts.

com

Jeffery Smith, Oct. 1, UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth, Edmond, ucojaz zlab.com

A Day to Remember, Oct. 4, Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th, dcfconcerts.com

The Chicks, Oct. 5, Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th, dcfconcerts.

com

Conan Gray, Oct. 5, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.

com

Alice Howe, Oct. 5, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Madison Cunningham, Oct. 6, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, towertheatreokc.com

Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, Oct. 5, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Whitney, Oct. 7, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejones assembly.com

Tequila Songbirds, Oct. 7, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, ponyboyokc. com

Jukebox The Ghost, Oct. 7, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Sec ond, towertheatreokc.com

Steve Vai, Oct. 7, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Carter Sampson, Oct. 7, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Shortt Dogg, Oct. 7, UCO Jazz Lab, 100 E. Fifth, Edmond, ucojaz zlab.com

Paramore, Oct. 8, The Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc. com

Behind the Hit: Early samples in hip-hop

Payton Scott Contributing Writer

A “sample” in music is when someone uses a part of an existing song — whether that’s beats, lyrics or speeches — to create new music. Pro ducers use those elements in different ways: they loop and chop it or they can edit and manipulate it. The sample has been a staple in hip-hop since the birth of the genre in New York City in the 1970s. DJ Kool Herc is most known for being dubbed the “origina tor of hip-hop.” Herc would play the “break” or the “get down” section of a song, which would present most of the percussion in raw form.

These “breaks” weren’t long, so doubles of the record were needed with two turntables. This is sampling in its early setting, in which Herc would host block parties where local “MCs” would rap live over Herc’s breakbeats. This would birth the start of what we know as “rapping.”

The two most debated songs to get the claim as the first rap songs in histo ry are Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s De light” and The Fatback Gang’s “King Tim III (Personality Jock).” Sugarhill Gang has the most known song and

most influential song of the two, being that it was hip-hop’s first song to break into the Billboard Top 40 singles chart 43 years ago on Sept. 16, 1979. The single was written by Grandmaster Caz of the The Cold Crush Brothers and is credited with bringing the genre to popular culture and to a mainstream audience.

“Rapper’s Delight” contains sam

ples of three songs: Chic’s 1979 hit “Good Times,” Love De-Luxe with Hawkshaw’s Discophonia’s 1979 song “Here Comes That Sound Again,” and from the 1973 movie “Five on the Black Hand Side”. The Chic sample appears at 0:18 of the Sugarhill Gang song and plays throughout the song. You can hear the sampled part in the “Good Times” at 3:12. You hear the

sampling of the “Here Comes That Sound Again” at the very beginning of “Rapper’s Delight”. The sampling of the movie “Five on the Black Hand Side” is at 5:28 the first two lines of Big Bank Hank’s sixth verse on the song. Big Bank Hank is known for stealing bars from other MC’s at the time like Grandmaster Caz; for example, when he spells out “Casanova Fly” in the second verse of the song. Hank raps “Check it out, I’m the C-A-S-A-N, the O-V-A and the rest is F-L-Y.”

The driving force behind this song is Sylvia Robinson,the brainchild behind the hit who is responsible for more hits in the early years of the genre. Rob inson is credited on songs like Sugar hill Gang’s 1981 classic “Apache,” Grandmaster Flash’s 1982 classic “The Message” and Funky 4 +1’s 1980 song “That’s the Joint.”

The Sugarhill Gang made the genre of hip hop palatable for mainstream au diences and set the way for the musical industry powerhouse known as hip-hop and rap music. The Sugarhill Gang also brought sampling mainstream without knowing it with “Rapper’s Delight,” since it was the first time people outside of the New York City area had heard a style of music like this on the radio.

Get creepy and creative with Halloween costumes

Continued from Pg. 3

only need a long black dress and a YouTube search for Morticia makeup – long black press-ons optional. You could also procure a cheap bouquet that you snip the heads of roses off of all night.

6. Nancy Downs from “The Craft” (1996)

With chunky black platforms, an all black outfit, a goth choker, and just the right attitude you’ll be ready to tell them: “We are the weirdos, mister.” There’s

also group costume potential here.

7. Dead Riding Hood

Perhaps in this version, you weren’t rescued from the big bad wolf after all. A red outfit with a cape, fake blood, and maybe an axe prop are sure to scare up some fun. Realism with latex wounds can make this costume scarier.

8. Carrie

In the 1976 movie interpretation of Stephen King’s classic novel, a shy girl played by Sissy Spacek gets her revenge after she

has pig’s blood dumped all over her at prom. You’ll need a prom-style dress of your choosing and LOTS of fake blood!

9. Evil Clown

Anyone with a fear of clowns will freak at this costume. Paint gaunt clown makeup on with grease paint and perfect your creepy clown voice. You can even add liquid latex flesh wounds for extra effect! Fake blood, red nose, and fake chainsaw prop optional. Any carnival-related attire will work, but clowns seem

to have a fondness for dia mond-print in particular.

10. Dread Scarecrow

Arguably, the scariest costumes come with masks – not seeing someone’s face adds a level of creep when you can’t check for a friend ly smile. The execution of this costume will be careful and crucial to deserve the scariest title. You’ll need a burlap mask (you can add shadowy makeup under neath to fake a no-eye look) and twine that covers the openings for your eyes and mouth. A red flannel and

layers of burlap with a hole cut for your head are a great start. Adding straw with hot glue to the edges of the flannel, mask, and burlap makes it seem like you are, in fact, stuffed with straw. The closer you can get to an all-burlap color palette the more somber the effect will be. Platform heels and a tall hat would help you tower over others. The real trick to this costume will be the acting – plenty of tutori als online for screeches, speaking in vocal fry, and of course the evil laugh.

The Sugarhill Gang (Provided/Sugarhill Records)

Paramore (Provided/Atlantic Records)

UCO Hispanic-American Student Association executive board. (Provided)

The Black Student Association will have upcoming events this week. (Provided)