Collegian T he Cameron University
NyAsia Jones www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, February 20, 2017
Volume 96 Issue 4
Miss Black CU 2017
A crowning achievement for a Cameron freshman Vicky Smith Staff Writer
Aggies, friends and family cheered as freshman NyAsia Jones, wearing a smile and crown, earned the title of Miss Black CU 2017 at the 38th Annual Dr. Valree Wynn Miss Black CU Pageant at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 in the University Theatre. An allied health science major, Jones and three other freshmen vied for the crown and a $1,500 academic scholarship. The other contestants were Tiara Patterson, Nichelle Lehman and Brianna Mallory. As the winner, Jones will remain involved on campus, as well as educate the community about her platform “Suicide Prevention.” The pageant included five segments: fitness wear, talent, ambassadorial wear, evening gown and on-stage question. After Jones danced to the opening number “Black Girl Magic,” she took center stage in her fitness wear. “I was a football player,” she said. “and I spray-painted my football and put little rhinestones on it to make it look cute.” After scoring applause from the crowd, Jones transitioned into the talent segment, singing “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5. “I always admire that song,” she said. “I dedicated it to my friend Rebecca because she is always like ‘No one is going to love me,’ and I’m just like, ‘No. No.’” The song, Jones said, complimented her platform, “Suicide Prevention.” “I want to raise awareness on the warning signs [of suicide],” she said. “One of my good friends – he had fell victim to suicide the day after Christmas of 2016.” Jones said her friend’s passing hit her hard because she never perceived him as
having suicidal tendencies. “He was always such a happy person,” she said. “You would never think that he would do something like this.” According to Jones, she had decided upon her platform long before his passing. “I’ve always had a concern for people who were possibly suicidal,” she said. “44,000 people a year end up committing suicide. “A lot of people think that that’s the only solution when it’s not. It’s really sad.” After uplifting the audience with “She Will Be Loved,” Jones switched roles for the ambassadorial wear, in which she portrayed the first African-American woman first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Jones said during the evening wear segment, she had the opportunity to showcase her unique sense of fashion. “Everyone flipped out over my dress,” she said. “When I put my hands in my pockets, everyone was like, ‘It has pockets.’ They were so excited.” Jones revealed even more of her personality
when answering the judges’ question, “What was one of the lessons you’ve learned in preparing for the pageant?” “I just said, ‘No matter how much you may think that you can’t do something, go ahead and do it anyway,’” she said. “‘You will end up
surprising yourself and everyone around you who may have doubted you.’” Jones said she was nervous to participate in the pageant because of her shyness. “My friends were like, ‘You should really do the pageant,’ and I was like, ‘Me? Nah,’” she said. “I really surprised myself.
Literally, when they called my name, my face dropped.” Jones hopes her participation in the pageant can be an encouragement to others who are nervous to try a new task or hesitant to remain true to themselves. “Because of my piercings, I thought that I wouldn’t have won,” Jones said. “My director actually told me … ‘They saw your piercings. That’s so cool. That’s so different.’ “I’m like, ‘Cool – different won.’” Some people, Jones said, suggested that she remove her piercings prior to the pageant, but she declined. “I’m going to still be myself,” she said. “I’m still going to be Nyasia at the end of the day.” She said her experience in the pageant has given her the
confidence necessary to serve as a role model for others, beginning with her five-yearold cousin Sonalee. “My aunt was like, ‘Sonalee really needed that [your win] because she kept saying, ‘Mommy, I can’t be a princess because I’m not white.’ “I told her, ‘You can be a princess because NyNy is a princess.’” Jones said Ja’lyn Yarbrough, the pageant director and Miss Black Oklahoma USA 2017, motivated her to compete in the Miss Oklahoma Pageant. “I know she wants me to start practicing now,” Jones said. “She wants me to compete in 2018, so I have a lot of time to prepare.” For more about Jones’ life on camera but off stage, visit her YouTube channel “NySheSings.”
Pageant photos courtesy of Gerardo Bello and the Lawton Constitution; Standup photo by Vicky Smith; Graphic by Joel Frambes
What’s inside Darwin Day explores Madagascar Page 3
Lego building success with newest movie
Aggie Nine muzzles Bulldogs
Page 5
Page 6
2
Student Life
Photos by Christopher Reif
A storyboard homecoming: Cameron students, faculty and staff enjoyed an array of events to celebrate the comic-themed Homecoming 2017. Activities included a magician, a comedian, free pizza and a dance.
February 20, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
February 20, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
3
Student Life
CU conserves Darwin Day event in a smaller space.” He began by explaining the geography and geologic history of the island, going as far back as Pangaea when Madagascar belonged to Gondwanaland, an ancient supercontinent containing what is now South America, Africa, India, Antarctica and Oceania. After the continents separated, Madagascar drifted away from India 88 million years ago to where it is now, no closer than 260 Photo by Joel Frambes miles from its home Evolving discussion: Sophomore biology major Kenzi Henderson (right) discussed the implications a continent. Wood said it is this separation rapidly changing landscape has on the diversity of bird populations in Madagascar with Dr. Doug Wood (left) of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, comparing threatened birds-of-paradise in the tropics. that interested him in the diversity of concluded with themed refreshments and Malagasy species and brought him to the Joel Frambes island. light mingling. Managing Editor “When the opportunity to go Madagascar Wood’s talk, titled “Madagascar – @JoelPole12 came up, I had to take it,” he said. Evolution and the Eighth Continent,” At 5 p.m. on Feb. 14 in the CETES highlighted the uniqueness of the flora and As a self-described birdwatcher, Wood Conference Center, the Department of documented the species he encountered fauna of the island. He said this variation Agriculture and Biological Sciences shared through his photography, using them as was perfect to examine on the anniversary of its love for evolution with its celebration of examples to demonstrate the natural variety Charles Darwin’s birth. Darwin Day. of birds on the island. “To pull in elements of natural selection The evening’s events featured Southeastern and evolution in an isolated island like that His primary example was vangas, a Oklahoma State University professor of where it’s a lot like a microcosm of evolution,” family of birds endemic to Madagascar that Biological Sciences Dr. Doug Wood and Wood said, “you can really study it [evolution] have evolved similarly to Darwin’s finches.
Sophomore biology major Kenzi Henderson said she noticed the similarities between the birds and the scientists. “Madagascar is very much like the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador as far as how much different every single species is,” she said. “He [Wood] basically went on a very similar expedition to what Darwin did.” Alongside the avian examples, Wood referred to lemurs for another example of evolution since they are a family of primates exclusive to Madagascar. While Wood always drew attention to the natural beauty of Madagascar, he also warned of the threats humans have placed on the environment by clearing rainforest for farmland. “I think the conversion to agriculture is the biggest thing [threat] because you get direct habitat loss,” he said. “Once it converts to agriculture, it doesn’t come back, so you know you’re seeing less than what was there prior to a couple hundred years ago. “Seeing things like people logging right up against the national parks – they’re probably going to go in there and taking trees out of there that they shouldn’t, which can alter the environment.” Wood reminded the audience that with habitat loss comes loss of many of the species he photographed, some of which were already vulnerable. Henderson said this message resonated with her since it has such important implications on the future of biology and the planet. “I think there’s a good chance that unless proper conservation is achieved,” she said, “a lot more species are going to go extinct.”
Random Acts of Kindness: Spreading love on campus Haley Berry
participants to take pictures and share their story on social media Staff Writer using the hashtag #sharekindness Cameron University Diversity after completing the kindness dares. Diplomats held a week full of Students also had the option to positive influences during Random sign a butcher paper board located Acts of Kindness Week from Feb. at the RAK tables to share how they 13-17. carried out their kindness dares. Students, faculty and staff had While also an advisor for the the chance to stop by the McMahon CU Diversity Diplomats, Inclusion Centennial Complex, Nance Boyer and Student Success Coordinator and the Shepler buildings to draw of Student Development Olivia “kindness dares” out of a jar to carry Polynice said the organization out during the week. wanted to promote a positive Students received kindness dares message using the goodness of on pieces of paper promoting a people’s hearts. positive act for a person to complete “This week is so important for a recipient. to us,” Polynice said. “With the These small gestures were divisive things we see in politics and as simple as opening a door different negative events we see in for someone, having a calm our world, we really wanted to do conversation with someone who something that enticed people to be does not agree with your beliefs or thinking about others.” getting to know someone new in a The event took place during the class. bustle of Cameron’s Homecoming The Office of Student week. However, Polynice said Development encouraged getting people involved with
Random Acts of Kindness Week did not seem to be a problem. “We know people get caught up in Homecoming events,” she said, “so we wanted to do something passive, something that people can just pick up and go on about their day. It still plants a seed in people’s minds to do something for someone else along their way.” Junior animal science major Jancy Jeffus said being active in Random Acts of Kindness Week during Homecoming week gave participants a little more motivation to make someone feel special. “[Homecoming is] a time where the whole campus can gather and have fun,” she said. “And around Valentine’s Day – a holiday of love – I feel this is the perfect time to be thinking about not only those on campus but [also] those in our surrounding communities.” Random Acts of Kindness Week was a national event, going beyond the campus level of activity
To become a person that strives to carry out random acts of kindness daily, known as a “RAKtivist,” go to randomactsofkindness.org to
sign up and see other kind acts happening in other areas. Kindness is encouraged to be carried out every day, and not just limited to one week.
Photo by Haley Berry
Dare to care: Students randomly picked kindness dares from Diversity Diplomats to do during Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Taking a study break with Sujana Rupakheti Alexsis Page
activities. Currently, Rupakheti is Staff Writer the President of Tri Beta In the Cameron Library, Biology Honor Society, toward the back of the President of Biology Club, building and past the Vice President of Honor bathrooms, students will Student Society and Vice find the Honor Society President of Phi Kappa Phi Lounge. Inside, senior National Honor Society. biology major Sujana On top of being an officer, Rupakheti is deep in her she is also an avid member studies. of many other organizations Rupakheti’s focus and on campus such as the determination make this International Club. specific study time easy Rupakheti said she gets work. However, she’s not one bothered when her schedule to shy away from challenges is not filled with things to provided by extracurricular do outside of regular school
work. “I just like to stay busy all the time,” she said. “I think getting involved in different organizations on campus really helps to like keep me busy and learn lots of new things with lots of people.” Four years ago, Rupakheti said she wouldn’t have believed her life now since she was still living in Nepal, her home country. While still in Nepal, she attended a seminar led by Cameron’s Coordinator of International Admissions Marcella Gustafson who
informed her about the benefits of moving to the states and furthering her education at Cameron. Rupakheti said the seminar was so powerful that it rerouted her plans, and she decided to attend Cameron. However, her perception of America shattered when she stepped off the plane. “At first it was totally different,” she said. “Being a citizen of Nepal, we used to watch movies, Hollywood movies, then see all the tall buildings, crowded streets [and] lots of traffic, so when I first came here I had the mindset of how the United States would be.” Rupakheti said the transition from the life she always knew to her new life was a lot to take in all at once. “It was like literally so hard for me,” Rupakheti said. “The first night I cried the whole night.” Over time, she said she began to figure out how to get things done, from discovering Walmart for Photo by Alexsis Page food to joining the Nepalese Study buddy: Sujana Rupakheti spends most of her time outside of class in the Association to find other honors student lounge studying to pursue biomedical science in graduate school. students with similar
backgrounds, but the main contributor to making the U.S. feel like home came after she decided to attend as many campus events as possible. “Even though I am a science major,” Rupakheti said, “I used to go to English Club meetings [and] business meetings. I really wanted to get involved and know more people.” Before long, Rupakheti’s presence became a standard for many campus events which she said eventually led to her stepping into officer positions in select organizations. Coordinator of International Admissions Clara Arent said Rupakheti is a great asset to have on campus from her volunteer work to being a welcoming face for new international students. “She’s just a wonderful person to have on campus,” Arent said. “If I ever need help with anything, I know that I’m able to reach out to her and if she’s available, she’ll be more than happy to help.” Overall, Rupakheti said
she is glad she took the leap to come to Cameron four years ago. She praised how the small university makes an effort to make sure every student is taken care of. “I like how Cameron has small classes,” Rupakheti said, “and your instructor is directly interacting with every student. “During my first semester, my professor would come talk to me about my grades and sometimes even ask about how my families are doing back home. I feel like they are taking care of me.” Rupakheti said she plans to continue her education by going for her master’s degree in the hopes of going into biomedical science. For now, she is taking full advantage of the opportunities that Cameron has to offer. Most recently, she was nominated for Homecoming Queen 2017. Win or lose, she’ll always keep her academics as her main focus. Until her time is up at Cameron, Rupakheti said she plans to continue to stay involved on campus as her busy schedule permits.
4
Voices
February 20, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Toxicity in modern nerd culture
lead to them putting down women in ways that inflated entitlement to their niche domains and further fueled the self-fulfilling prophecies of getting no dates. In short, the typical gatekeeper learned incorrect and toxic belief systems that instilled in them a sense of fragile victimhood for being a nerd – and a male one at that. This assertion acts in great juxtaposition to the concept of precarious manhood, a psychological concept that illuminates masculinity as a lofty goal that, if jeopardized, shatters selfimage. If someone questioned a man’s sense of manhood, defenses like aggression and overcompensation work as a counterattack to even perceived threat. Sounds familiar, correct? Admittedly, gatekeeping is not exclusively male in the nerd community. Many nerds even do such things subconsciously and automatically. But the conscious Photos courtesy of Tribune News Service persistence of exclusion and derision has many downfalls, For all audiences: A group of comic book fans make their way to the entrance of San Diego Convention Center for ComicCon in July something Carpenter pointed 2016. The crowd is varied not only in their intersts but also in their demographic makeup, with a variety of fans spending time and money to hear more about their favorite fandoms. While many fans now enjoy their experiences, there are still instances of gatekeeping that divide fans out. “Acting as though you’re and potentially scare away newcomers with toxic sectionalism, hurting the fandom and repeating a viscious cycle most fans want to avoid. the superior fan because people like Kaitlyn Booth For a long time, the typical they weren’t often depicted the almost insurmountable of seniority or knowledge Jacob Jardel of Bleeding Cool said brings depiction of a nerd was a diversely or fairly. hurdles many women face is detrimental to the Managing Editor pause to the identity of white guy who spent more So now modern fans and involving toxic gatekeepers. community,” she said. “It’s @JJardel_Writing fandom. time on historically accurate creators are clamoring for “A girl may have read likely driving away any new “We were once the model making, comic book and producing more inclusive ‘The Lord of the Rings’ five For a long time, comic fans, making the fandom books have been at the center persecuted minority, [and] analysis or binge gaming content, doing everything times,” she said, “but if she itself look bad.” of the conversation when it now we judge those who than socializing. Other from creating new diverse can’t speak Elvish, then she is There is more to the misconceptions stigmatized characters to reproducing obviously an imposter in the comes to defining nerdiness. once judged us,” she said. toxicity in some nerd Superheroes, science fiction “We are better than this; we them as outcasts with mental canonical representations eyes of the guy interrogating circles and to the similar are better than the bullying delays (a problematic concept of main characters with her.” and fantasy have been harmfulness involved in mainstays in nerd culture and the infighting and the in itself). They were receivers different racial, gender She did recognize how precarious manhood, but that thanks to the influence of gatekeeping.” of the aforementioned and sexual identities. This this phenomenon happens to act of exclusion is the exact comics and the prose authors Yet, it still happens across bullying for loving what they movement runs counter to new male fans, too. But she opposite of why so many who inspired comic creators. fandoms, with longtime fans loved. the traditional mindset of added that there are glaring people enjoy being part of a With a theme like attempting to be the hero With nerdy things many comic book fans. differences between the fandom: the familial aspect “Cameron Comics” for they feel their franchise needs becoming more mainstream The movement against it reactions. of bonding with someone or deserves. So they quiz and inclusive, though, the expresses itself in reactions “It is not nearly as likely this year’s Homecoming, over a shared interest. It also we can celebrate not only newbies on trivia so obscure perception of a nerd has like the Gamergate scandal that a man wearing a Batman further fuels misconceptions our university but also all that many only diehards changed to anybody who that hit its peak in 2014 shirt will be stopped in the that threaten the landscape of things nerdy because of the have the potential to know loves comics, games and and 2015, acting under the middle of his walk to class to being a nerd. mainstream acceptance of the answer – perhaps for media of the ilk. It broadens guise of instilling ethics in answer a question about his It’s something that needs situations like these. the audience more – which gaming journalism. However, opinion on the most obscure to stop. comics. Two or three decades It’s something Alyson means that there are more many of the proponents issue of the comic,” Spears Fandom needs to be ago, though, nerdiness was Carpenter of She Attack eyes on the media to notice its of Gamergate proliferated said. “There is no danger inclusive. It needs to have something comic readers and points out, as if these grillings drawbacks. hate speech and embodied in having interests that are diversity. It needs to be a similar individuals had to were part of the civic duty of Early comics catered a persona that was against simply casual rather than all- welcome platform for anyone nerds to weed out the people to the nerd demographic, anything non-traditional (in consuming if you are a man.” – marginalized or not – to hide out of fear of bullying. Now, they can wear their who only join in to be cool. so protagonists were this case, non-white or nonShe described the express their love for the pride more loudly with “A lot of us put years into predominantly white males male). archetype of malicious things in pop culture we fanworks, merchandise and our love of nerdy things,” portrayed as everymen who But it always seemed to male gatekeepers: men enjoy so much. other fandom paraphernalia. she said, “carefully crafting rose above obscurity or as boil over the most when who, as boys, learned and Most of all, it needs to be a small and intricate fandoms empowered heroes. Women it involved the addition of self-imposed the beliefs But to some, with great safe haven of happiness away expressed nerdiness comes and communities. Suddenly were predominantly damsels women, whether on page or that girls would not be into from the doldrums of the great perceived responsibility. everyone’s going to Comicin distress. When individuals in discourse. Katie Spears of them because of their nerdy world – not another way to Within nerd culture – con because of some reality of color were in comics, Odyssey Online wrote about tendencies. This idea would bully innocent fans. and fandom culture as a show. Naturally, we’re [going whole – many diehard fans to] be a bit territorial.” participate in a process called Booth made similar points “gatekeeping.” Those who in her piece, adding that hail themselves as true fans welcoming new fans into question newer enthusiasts to the land of nerdiness could assess their level of belonging appear to be an encroachment into the fandom. Sometimes, upon sacred ground. it can be a good-natured “We are so prone to feeling way to introduce a neophyte attacked that we perceive to some nuances or niches ‘change’ as an attack,” she within the franchise. said. “We perceive evolution Other times, it excludes as a personal attack.” individuals in ways similar But one of the most to the bullying many older notable changes in the nerds experienced in their nerdy landscape involves school-aged days. It is an act intersectional inclusion. About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.
Managing Editors - Joel Frambes and Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Cheyenne Cole Student Life Editor - Christopher Reif Copy Editors - Stacie Larsen and Joel Frambes Assistant Editors - Stacie Larsen and Payton Williams Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Robert King, Justin Reff, Vicky Smith Markel Turrell, Jonathan Vann, Payton Williams Photographer - Christopher Reif Advertising Manager - Jacob Jardel Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
Newsroom Staff
Letters Policy
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
5
A&E
February 20, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
A guide to must-see television Cheyenne Cole
characters. The show consistently A&E Editor casts A-list actors as main @cheyenneccole characters and some lesserknown but equally good During this golden age of television, when viewers have actors in other roles. Season one saw an ongoing so many shows to choose feud between insurance from and more and more salesman Lester Nygaard networks are producing (Martin Freeman) and original content, it’s difficult traveling lone-wolf Lorne to decide which shows are worth watching. Here are five Malvo (Billy Bob Thornton) highly-anticipated TV series, after a miscommunication. The real treat was both new and returning, to watching Deputy Molly look for this spring. Solverson (Allison Tolman) The Americans and police officer Gus Grimly (Colin Hanks) “The Americans” stars form a relationship as they real-life couple Keri Russell attempt to solve the crime and Matthew Rhys as that Nygaard and Malvo are undercover Soviet Russian involved in. spies, Elizabeth and Phillip Season two follows a Jennings, who lead seemingly young Lou Solverson (Patrick normal lives as a married Wilson), Molly’s father, couple with two children in investigating a complicated America during the 1980s. crime in 1979. An intriguing Elizabeth and Phillip’s relationship is strained. They alien mystery involving Solverson’s father-in-law are resentful of each other, Sheriff Hank Larsson (Ted especially in the beginning, but they decide to embark on Danson) is also in the mix. Bokeem Woodbine gives a real romantic relationship. One of the most enjoyable the performance of a lifetime parts of the show is watching as the villain in season 2, and their relationship progress as Kirsten Dunst steals the show as a housewife who makes a they grow to know and love terrible mistake. each other. What makes “Fargo” a There’s an ironic twist: the Russian spies’ neighbor, Stan, great show is its focus on how one bad decision can change is an FBI agent. the course of a person’s life Over the seasons, it’s and its exploration of what become increasingly difficult for the couple to conceal their normal people are capable of identities from their daughter, when they feel they have no Stan and the rest of the world. other choice. Although the viewer Phillip’s loyalty to can watch a season without Russia begins to falter as he having seen the rest of questions the missions they send him on, while Elizabeth the show, the seasons are remains as devoted as ever to connected, and the show makes callbacks to past their home country. “The Americans” is worth characters or elements of the show. watching for the superb When “Fargo” returns acting, memorable music to FX in the spring, Ewan moments and the depth of McGregor, will play the role the characters. of twins. The series scored an Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Emmy nomination for Best Winstead, Scoot McNairy Drama Series in 2016, and Russell and Rhys both earned and Jim Gaffigan will also star in the series. Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for their roles on Twin Peaks the show. In 2014, Showtime Recently, TV critics, such as Alan Sepinwall, have announced that “Twin Peaks,” hailed the show as one of the beloved ABC drama series of the 1990s, would return as a best on television. limited series event comprised Viewers can catch up of nine episodes. on the first four seasons on Co-creator of the series, Amazon Prime. David Lynch, is known for “The Americans” returns at 9 p.m., on March 7, on FX directing bizarre films such as “Eraserhead,” “Mulholland for its fifth season. Drive” and “Blue Velvet,” and Fargo “Twin Peaks” is no exception This critically-acclaimed to that rule. anthology crime series is The series follows eccentric inspired by Joel and Ethan FBI Special Agent Dale Coen’s 1996 Oscar-winning Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) film, “Fargo.” during his investigation of Each season takes place the murder of homecoming during different moments in queen Laura Palmer in the separate towns in Minnesota small town of Twin Peaks, with a new plot and cast of Washington.
Tribune News Service
Must-see TV: (Top) Keri Russell (left) and Matthew Rhys at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards. Both scored acting nominations for their roles as undercover Soviet spies in FX’s “The Americans.” The show is one of the network’s flagship series, making it a must-see for television fans. (Right) Twede’s Cafe served as the original location for the diner in the cult classic show “Twin Peaks.” The eatery will act as the setting for the show in its reprisal, premiering May 21 on Showtime and featuring many members of the original cast. Until the limited series run hits screens, fans and newcomers can stream the show on various services. Cooper begins with no leads on Palmer’s murder and uses only her diary information, her friends, her family and the local police force to solve the mystery. He discovers a disturbing truth: Palmer was leading a double life with major drug addiction. After declining ratings, ABC insisted the killer’s identity be revealed. Lynch gave in and revealed the answer to the question everyone wanted to know: “Who killed Laura Palmer?” Ratings continued to decline, and ABC cancelled the show. But even after almost two decades, “Twin Peaks” has maintained a cult following. In 1992, a film, both a prequel and a sequel to the show, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” followed the last seven days of Palmer’s life and revealed Cooper’s fate in the series finale. Although the plot of the limited series is unknown, it is known that it will be a continuation of the events that took place in the original series 25 years ago. Many actors from the original cast, including MacLachlan, Sherilynn Fenn, Mädchen Amick and Sheryl Lee, are reprising their roles. Subscribers can watch the
first two seasons of “Twin Peaks” on Netflix, Showtime, Hulu and Amazon Prime before the miniseries premieres on May 21 on Showtime.
Her obligation as a Handmaid is to bear the children of The Commander, who is a high-ranking official in the regime, and give the children to him and his wife. She must lie on her back Handmaid’s Tale once a month and pray that The Commander makes her “The Handmaid’s Tale” pregnant because in an age is a new 10-episode series based on a novel by Margaret of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are Atwood. valued only if their ovaries are The show is set in a viable. dystopian future in New He is supposed to only England after a theocratic have contact with Offred military dictatorship during “the ritual” but begins overthrew the United States an illegal relationship with government. An extreme far-right movement, the “Sons her, seeing her outside of the of Jacob,” proposed to restore ritual and offering her what is considered contraband for order to the country. Under this new regime, the women. Offred can leave The Republic of Gilead, women are strictly controlled and not Commander’s home once allowed to have jobs or money a day to go to the market, where the signs are now and are assigned to various pictures because women aren’t classes: the chaste, childless allowed to read. “Wives,” the housekeeping Alexis Bledel, Yvonne “Marthas,” and the Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes reproductive “Handmaids,” who turn their offspring over and Samira Wiley also star in the show. to the “morally fit” Wives. “The Handmaid’s Tale” The story is told from premieres on Hulu on April the point-of-view of Offred 26. (Elisabeth Moss), a woman who is forced to live as a Feud Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. “Feud” is the latest Offred recounts her past anthology series from Ryan life with her husband and Murphy, creator of “Glee,” daughter and explains how “American Crime Story” and the unfair society emerged. “American Horror Story.”
After major critical and popular success with Murphy’s other anthology series, FX ordered eight episodes of “Feud.” The first season is titled “Feud: Bette and Joan,” which chronicles the ultimate Hollywood feud between classic movie actresses Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) during the production of the 1962 film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Crawford and Davis’ feud is one of the most well-known in Hollywood history. The legend is that their rivalry arose from their jealousy for each other and their love for the same man, actor Franchot Tone. Davis reportedly fell in love with Tone in 1935 on the set of “Dangerous.” At that time, Crawford, MGM’s most important actress, became engaged to Tone. Both Davis and Crawford harbored ill feelings for each other, and the feud escalated on the set of “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” “Feud: Bette and Joan” will explore Murphy’s often embellished take on the two women’s dispute. “Feud” features Sarah Paulson and Kathy Bates. “Feud” premieres on March 5 on FX.
Lego builds on movie franchise with Batman spinoff Jacob Jardel
Managing Editor @JJardel_Writing
Three years after the “Lego Movie” taught viewers how everything was awesome, the franchise’s second movie brought a new take on the world-renowned
building toys. “The Lego Batman Movie” released worldwide on Feb. 10, and many critics are lauding it for its continuation of the series’ tried and true combination of family-friendly comedy and brick-based mayhem. Will Arnett reprised his role as the titular character, bringing to
Tribune News Service
the role a comic charicature of the Dark Knight rarely seen in other adaptations. The Lego version of the Caped Crusader makes constant arrogant reference to his orphan status and his subsequent rise to fame, often leaving others out of the equation – despite the fact that his trusted butler Alfred (Ralph Fiennes) accompanies him like a surrogate father. This parodical portrayal is clear to audiences from the opening scene, a fourth wall-breaking monologue from the title character about great movies starting on a black screen. Action soon shifts to a chaotic scheme from the Joker (Zach Galifianakis) and Gotham’s greatest villains holding the city at bombpoint. As always, Batman is there to save the day – but not before letting Joker know just how little the Dark
Knight thinks about his canonically greatest nemesis. The scene plays out almost like a cliche breakup scene, filled with swelling music and a distraught Joker. The Clown Prince makes it his point throughout the movie to make Batman notice him in efforts oddly similar to the plight of a lover trying to win back a former flame. Meanwhile, Batman tries to come to grips with working as part of a team, especially after adopting a Dick Grayson (Michael Cera) and teaming up with new police commisioner Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson). Throughout the movie, he tries to distance himself from them to avoid a loss akin to his parents’ death. These efforts often fail, with the little family bonding after much tribulation. Overall, the movie is similar to the “Lego Movie” in the best
of ways, with congruent comedic and dramatic moments. While not as well-writen as it’s predecessor, it does have a slightly tighter plot progression and vastly more cameos and Easter eggs. The real stars of “The Lego Batman Movie” were Arnett and Dawson. Arnett played his role perfectly, making Batman selfcentered without making him out to be a complete jerk. In contrast, Dawson’s Gordon was a perfect foil, rebutting with logic and hilariouslytimed exasperation. But the part of the movie that shined most was the faux romance between Batman and the Joker. The villain’s plight to make the Dark Knight care about their rivalry was the movie’s most hilarious aspect. As a whole, “Lego Batman” is a definite watch for fans of the first film. – 9 out of 10 Batmobiles
6
Sports
February 20, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Aggies sweep SWOSU at home Markel Turrell
pitcher started his motion and got balls that I could handle,” he said. Staff Writer Field added to the cause with a two-hit Cameron baseball continued their hot start effort, and Dejesus added a pair of hits with a on the year with a sweep against Southwestern home run and four runs scored. Oklahoma State in a doubleheader on Feb. 11 Game 2 at McCord Field. The Aggies mounted a six-run comeback The Aggies carried their momentum into winning 10-8 in Game 1. Then Cameron Game 2, starting off quick in the first inning punished SWOSU in a 13-3 run-rule rout in with a Cody Knight base hit that scored Game 2. Dejesus to give CU the first run of the game. SWOSU took a 2-1 lead in the second Game 1 inning with a run-scoring triple to right Cameron started off slow, falling behind in center field and a base-hit up the middle. But the top of the second inning when SWOSU the Bulldogs’ lead did not last for long with scored six runs. In the bottom of the inning, Cameron tying the game in the bottom half Cameron got their first runs of the game on a with a Leno Ramirez base hit that scored two-run homer by second baseman Bronson catcher Cole Williams. Pulgados. The home run also scored catcher After two scoreless innings, the Aggies Jorden Fields. broke open the game in the bottom of the The Bulldogs would add another run in the fifth, scoring six runs in the frame. next inning to go up 7-2. Micah Kaaukai started the six-run The Aggies started their comeback in the outburst with a single, scoring Dejesus. Cody fourth inning with Victor Dejesus’ grand slam Bower singled up the middle to drive home to right field, scoring Pulgados, Ryan Banwart Kaaukai. Pulgados continued to punish and Leno Ramirez. The home run cut the SWOSU pitching with a two-run double to deficit to one run. left before Tom McGarry added a two-run SWOSU padded their lead with another double of his own bringing home Ramirez and run in the fifth inning, but a Pulgados grand Pulgados for the 8-2 lead. slam gave the Aggies a 10-8 lead, one that SWOSU scored a run in the top of the would hold the rest of the game. sixth to cut the lead to five, but the Aggies Matt Glasmann pitched 2.2 innings with continued to score with a Cole Williams RBI four strikeouts for the Cameron Nine. Gaige single that brought home Kaaukai for the 9-3 Vines stepped in and dominated Bulldog lead. hitters, pitching 4.1 innings with one earned The Aggies put the game away in the run and five strikeouts to pick up his first bottom of the seventh. Victor Dejesus made career win. it a 10-3 game with an RBI single that scored Pulgados led the Aggies in the first game, Ramirez before Bower hit a two-run double going 3-for-3 at the plate with two homers and to left driving in Kaaulai and Dejesus to bring six RBI. He credited his success to seeing the CU’s lead to 12-3. ball well from the start. First baseman Anthony Acevedo finished “I just relaxed and slowed down as the off the game with a double to right center, scoring Bower for the run that clinched the run-rule victory. After starter Adam Bosch pitched a pair of strong innings, Andrew Garza pitched five scoreless innings, striking out four in a performance that shut down the Bulldog offense for his second win on the season. Dejesus led Cameron with a perfect 4-for-4 effort. Kaauaki and Bower contributed three hits each, while Williams and Acevedo added two hits apiece. Pulgados drove in two runs to bring his total RBI
Photos by Markel Turrell
Eye on the ball: (Top) Infielder Leno Ramirez gets ready for the ball during a home game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The Aggies swept SWOSU in two games on Feb. 11 at McCord Field to bring their record to 7-1 on the season. count to eight between both games of the doubleheader. The pair of wins puts the Aggies at 7-1 on the season, while SWOSU falls to 4-3. Pulgados said that, with time, this year’s team could be better than last year’s team which started off 10-0. “All we have to do is trust each other and trust our pitching,” he said. “[And] if we clean up our defense, we will be straight.” He added that he and the team feel confident heading into a trio of Homecoming
week games against William Jewell on Feb. 17 and 18 at McCord Field. “If we have a good week at practice, we will handle business easily,” Pulgados said. “Our pitchers [and] all of our players will be rested and ready to go. “We will all continue working this week at practice and will be ready to come out and dominate.” After the Homecoming weekend, Cameron will play again in a three-game series against Oklahoma Christian on Feb. 24 in Edmond and Feb. 25 at McCord Field.
Column: key storylines for 2017 Boston Red Sox Jacob Jardel
outfield. Mookie Betts put together a season that almost netted him an MVP Award. Jackie Bradley, Jr., strung Managing Editor together a lengthy hitting streak to go along with solid @JJardel_Writing defense. Newcomer Andrew Benintendi also impressed in his As players begin their Spring Training warmups in Florida, first few months as a major leaguer. All three players are under 28 and ready to repeat. If they can match or improve upon one of the teams to look out for in the 2017 Major League their 2016 campaigns, the Red Sox will be a force in the East. Baseball season is the Boston Red Sox. The team finished atop a packed American League East Division, four games ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays. However, How dominant can the rotation be? they fell to the Cleveland Indians in the AL Division Series in The offseason acquisition Chris Sale added yet another a three-game sweep, ending the Sox’ hopes of winning a final potentially powerful arm to an already stacked rotation. title for now-retired slugger David Ortiz. Former Cy Young winners David Price and Rick Porcello After an active offseason, the Red Sox are on pace to take head up the slate, while Steven Wright returns after his first the AL East crown once again with a bolstered pitching staff All-Star season. Add onto that the young talent of Eduardo and almost identical fielding and batting lineups. But the team Rodriguez and the solid arms of bullpen stalwarts like Craig still has a few questions to answer. Kimbrell, and the BoSox have one of the deepest rotations Can the young talent keep it up? in the game. The only The infield talent that backed veterans like Dustin Pedroia question mark is how long and Hanley Ramirez was one of the bright spots of an already it will take for them to get shining lineup, especially with All-Star shortstop Xander there, especially since Price Bogaerts. But the young starts shone just as brightly in the had a lackluster 2016.
Tribune News Service
Aces wild: All-Star pitcher Chris Sale is one of the biggest new additions to the Red Sox’ lineup in 2017. He joins a rotation of Cy Young winners and other AllStars to aid Boston’s run at a fourth World Series since 2004.
How will Boston play without Papi? Of all the offseason transactions, Ortiz’ retirement was probably the biggest. Papi is a future Hall of Famer who supercharged the lineup and the spirit of Boston as a whole. His presence in the cleanup spot will be hard to fill, so figuring the next big bat will be a tall order for the Red Sox.
Will Pablo Sandoval break through? Sandoval arrived in Boston two years ago hoping to propel Boston to the promised land. Instead, he provided a subpar season in 2015 and a bad year of health in 2016. He has slimmed down heading into Spring Training, but the question remains as to his durability and consistency. His play at third base will be vital if he wants to stay in the lineup.