Muleskinner Vol. 116 Issue 5

MLK’s Legacy

Marching for Social Change Celebrating

The University of Central Missouri celebrated the life, work and memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. from Jan. 11 to Jan. 20. UCM’s theme for this year’s MLK Celebration was “Living the Dream and Still Marching.”

“It was important for us to highlight the fact that this was the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington this year,” Lover Chancler, Director of the Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity said. “To see the parallels from what he talked about in 1965 in that speech that are still things that the African American community, the black community is fighting with and for today.”

According to Chancler, one of the biggest changes that King made is relevant to today, which is the effectiveness of the peaceful protest.

“There are several different ways people can deal with oppression, but the most effective way to deal with oppression is to make the oppressor look as if they are doing something wrong, not the oppressed,” Chancler said. “So, that was the movement that created the change, when society as a whole realized that these people, we were really just asking for equality and that in that we were faced with violence.”

For students at UCM today, Chancler says it is important to be involved and to draw the community together.

One event where students got involved was the MLK Day of Service in the Union on Jan. 19. The day featured a number of different tables that offered students a variety of ways to give back to the community through encouraging letters, inspiring art or making t-shirt bags for UCM’s Campus Cupboard.

“Just thinking about his [King’s] purpose, giving back, how we get to do this right now,” Kiance Brock, junior in Kinesiology and an executive member of UCM Underdogs, a mentoring organization for freshman and transfer students, said. “I look at it as an acknowledgement day. He is the reason for a lot of stuff we have going on right now, the fact that I’m even here at this university.”

At the service day and a variety of other events throughout the MLK celebration, students had the opportunity to reflect on King’s legacy.

“It’s something that helps other people realize how important it is,” Freshman Pre-Medical major Kaelin Valdez said. “Because of human rights. We’re in the 21st century, we should know more about human rights.”

While considering the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, many students also looked to the future.

“We’re celebrating the man who changed the future for a lot of people,” Freshman Marketing major Lincoln Kelly said. “I would also like to look back on the past and see that we have room to grow and more to do.”

“It’s something that helps other people realize how important it is,” Freshman Pre-Medical major Kaelin Valdez said. “Because of human rights. We’re in the 21st century, we should know more about human rights.”

Students Lead Grassroots March

RACHEL BECKER Editor-in-Chief

University of Central Missouri’s student leaders organized a local Women’s March on Jan. 22. A crowd of about 60 people, filled with UCM students, faculty and staff and Warrensburg residents, gathered to march from the UCM Amphitheater to the Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Warrensburg.

“History has not always proven kind to women, but we are not asking for kindness, we are demanding what is just,” Sydney Alexander, a member of the Student Government Association, said to the crowd.

The mission of the Women’s March was to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to empower social change. Jan. 22 would have marked the 50th anniversary of Roe versus Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states. However, seven months ago the decision was overturned by the Supreme Court. To recognize the anniversary of Roe, and to protest the abortion ban in the United States and in Missouri.

Jessica Miller, a student at UCM, helped organize the event within only about a week. Miller said she and Darlene Budd, Professor of Political Science and International Studies, heard about the Women’s March in Kansas City and wanted to get involved.

Kansas City was planning a march in collaboration with Women’s March Inc, a national left-wing advocacy organization behind the Jan. 21, 2017 “Women’s March on Washington”.

Miller said they planned to take a group of students to KC to participate in the march, but decided to hold it in Warrensburg instead.

“We knew it was possible since we have done it before,” Miller said, referring to the local demonstration for the overturning of Roe last year. “People showed up and showed out. A lot of people came, that were UCM students and local community leaders. Plus it is really good to get local communities, like Warrensburg, to get involved in something like this.

- Jessica Miller, UCM Student

There was an emphasis at the march about it being a local and grassroots movement.

Glenda Carmack, an Office Professional from the School of Natural Sciences, spoke at the march noting, “We have to do this in Warrensburg, this grassroot commitment to issues must be everywhere.”

“We cannot let cities be the only place where our voices are heard,” Carmack said. “This county has to know that we have a right to make medical decisions about our own body.”

“We knew it was possible since we have done it before. People showed up and showed out.”

ABRAM TABOR

News Editor

University of Central Missouri students, faculty, staff and community members joined to march from UCM’s Amphitheater to the Johnson County Courthouse on Jan. 22. The group of about 60 people walked to empower social change. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

Social Work major Evelyn Neal at the University of Central Missouri performed by drawing to Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech at the Freedom Scholarship Fundraiser event to honor MLK’s legacy on Jan 17. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

Campus and Community Mourn Athletic Director Jerry Hughes

RACHEL BECKER Editor-in-Chief

Jerry Hughes, University of Central Missouri’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, died on Jan. 21, according to the UCM’s Integrated Marketing and Communications.

“All faculty, staff and students who knew Jerry are saddened by this loss,” Jeff Murphy, Director of University Communications and Media Relations said. “He cared about his community, team and students. He will be missed throughout the MIAA, NCAA, on campus and in intercollegiate sports in Missouri and beyond.”

Hughes’ tenure lasted four decades and he accepted numerous awards for his impact on collegiate sports. Hughes was scheduled to receive the Award of Merit in the Division 2 Conference Commissioners Association on May 18 at the organization’s annual convention in Asheville, North Carolina. UCM’s Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Kathy Anderson, will be taking on the role of Interim Athletic Director of athletics. Hughes funeral arrangements have not been announced at the time of press.

Students believe whether they knew Hughes personally or not, he will be missed.

“He’s obviously been a big part of all the athletics here so hopefully they find ways to do stuff for him,” Junior Physical Education major Brett Rowland said. “I hope they [UCM] do celebrate all the time he’s been here and all he’s done. My sister plays softball here and she told me about it. She was pretty upset. It’s sad to hear for sure.”

Many students believe there are several ways to celebrate Hughes legacy.

“It would be awesome to see a scholarship or something like that for people involved with athletics,” Junior Special Education major Katelyn Lees said.

Hughes was not only serving as Vice President for Intercollegiate Activities, but was a 1971 UCM alum. Hughes joined the university as staff in 1979, as a business placement director and became assistant athletics director in 1981. He was named athletics director in January 1983, by UCM’s 11th president James Horner.

“40 years is a long time he committed to this University, and he will be missed,” Murphy said.

Standing in the Gap

UCM Campus Cupboard helps people find food

MURITALA AYINLA

Distribution Coordinator

Students at the University of Central Missouri continue to commend the University’s Campus Cupboard as a place that stands in the gaps of their needs.

Sanni Olatunde, a Graduate Student in the Department of Industrial Management, said the UCM Campus Cupboard as a great initiative for students that require supplementary food while enrolled in a program at the university. Olatunde said that most international students found the initiative very helpful due to their limited funds for groceries.

“The UCM Campus Cupboard is a great initiative and has an enormous impact on students, especially International students like me that are only working part-time and have less amount of money for grocery shopping,” Olatunde said. “The initiative is worth every bit of it because the number of students taking food from the Campus Cupboard increases each academic semester. For me, the current operations are fantastic and I don’t see any need for improvement.”

According to Feeding America, food insecurity has the potential to harm college students’ ability to achieve their educational and professional goals. As students struggle to make grades, they can also struggle to have enough food. Food banks have responded to the need on college campuses with a brick-and-mortar food pantry, as UCM’s Campus Cupboard.

The Campus Cupboard is a food pantry for the university students, faculty, staff and affiliates to address and reduce food insecurity among the campus community, students said the initiative has greatly impacted their lives on campus.

According to many students, nothing could be more impactful and helpful than

203 East Clark St. Wood Room 312

the initiative which helps them to manage their usual inadequate budget for food and other items. They hailed the Campus Cupboard for striving to decrease food insecurity on campus by supplying free, nutritional food to any student, employee, or faculty member.

The Cupboard offers a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, nonperishables, and hygiene items. The non-perishable food is from a local harvester from the Kansas City area, Walmart, ALDI, and some Warrensburg residents. The Campus Cupboard is mostly used by the students and some faculty.

Meanwhile, one of the social workers at the Campus Cupboard, Kaylee Bohle, confirmed that the turnout has been impressive lately, saying that workers are always eager to attend to the student’s needs at the Cupboard. Bohle said they are also passionate about ensuring that some of the needs of the students are met through the Campus Cupboard.

Also speaking on her experience, Graduate Student Santoshini Arkatala said, “It is an excellent endeavor by the UCM. We are all grateful to the university as well as the Departments of Communication Disorders and Social Work, Nutrition and Kinesiology, and Kinesiology. The Campus Cupboard because it helps a lot. Whenever I don’t have much to go to Walmart for groceries, the campus cupboard comes to the rescue.”

On his part, Siddarth Tripathi said that the Campus Cupboard has impacted positively the lives of students who are living on a strict budget. “It is a great idea and an excellent initiative by the University. Indeed, it impacts the students’ lives. While pursuing your studies, you are living on a strict budget and the campus cupboard helps to maintain that. It is a

Guthikonda

Ben Avery

good idea; however, more healthy food items should be available for the students.”

He added that such initiative must be sustained with improvement always to make life better for students. “The university is trying its best to conduct different events and encourage participation in various events. We are thankful to the university for providing us with such a great experience in our college life,” he said.

Junior Aviation major, Heyeonje Sung, described the Campus Cupboard as “a good wealth” for students, especially during the financial crisis. Sung’s

homeland is South Korea. He said, “The UCM Campus Cupboard is a really good asset for students. I went for food because I’m a little broke and want to save my budget on eating if possible. And it was quite nice to have meals for a few days for free. Everything is so gorgeous that there is nothing to complain about except I need to have a can opener to open a can.”

The Muleskinner is a student-led news lab in the Communication Department at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program.

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Letters to the editor are encouraged from students, faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters can be submitted by email at muleskinner@ucmo.edu or can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at 203 East Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which is in Wood building, room 312. Include your legal name and phone number for verification. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner prints once a month.

Student workers help support the campus by working at the Campus Cupboard. The Campus Cupboard helps other others who do not have the money for food. The Campus Cupboard, located on the lower level in the Student Rec and Wellness Center, is open for all students regardless of economic standing. Photo by Muritala Alynla

Jerry Hughes worked for the University for over 40 years, during that time he also held multiple leadership positions for committees in Division II athletics. Submitted photo by UCM Intergrated Marketing and Communication

Back from Break and Battling Burnout

Working Students Fight Too Much To Do and Not Enough Rest

ANNELIA NIXON Staff Reporter

Abram Tabor and

Muritala

Ayinla contributed to this story.

Senior and Biology major Halena Procopio Ross believes her time is winding down as graduation is right around the corner, but her grit and determination is stronger than ever. She is taking 15 credit hours, holds an on-campus job, volunteers at Powell Gardens for three hours every week, is a member of the University of Central Missouri’s Horticulture Club and has recently joined UCM’s Ping Pong League. Ross strives to have a work and life balance throughout her semester.

“Because of how stressful students’ lives are, the best thing you can do for yourself is take at least one element out of your life and destress it,” Ross said.

With the end of the UCM’s Winter Break and the beginning of the 2023 Spring semester, many students like Ross face the challenges of a busy schedule and resisting burnout.

Similarly, Sophomore Secondary English Education major Logen Myers also believes the semester start up has been a challenge. Myers is taking 15 credit hours this semester.

“I’m not too drowned in work, in general,” Myers said. “I never get too stressed, but I never have nothing to do.”

Myers says that making time for self-care is often as simple as a quick break between classes. “You can always just take a break for a second,” Myers said. “If you’re overwhelmed with other activities or commitments, it doesn’t hurt to take five minutes. Relax, decompress, do something you enjoy a little bit so you’re not completely focused on school 24/7.”

In the same way, Sophomore Kinesiology major Tiyah Gipson feels the push to fight burnout in the early days of the semester.

“I’m adjusting well this semester,” Gipson said. “I work weekends back home, so my biggest goal was just to try and get all of my schoolwork done before the weekend.”

Gipson also says she makes sure to take time each day for self-care.

“I do struggle with anxiety and I think it’s huge for me,” Gipson said. “Even if it’s not something in the class syllabus, I say work at your pace and don’t push yourself too hard.”

Just as Myers and Gipson, Ross strives to enjoy her college experience, while working hard.

After attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Ross came to UCM as a post baccalaureate student looking for the experiences she didn’t get at UMKC.

“I commuted to UMKC and I didn’t really get a good community experience because I commuted,” Ross said. “I really wanted to get a do-over in a sense. There weren’t many opportunities for me to get involved at UMKC. I felt that was what I was really lacking so when I came to UCM, I immediately went to the [UCM] Involvement Fair and tried to find something that fit my interests.”

Wanting the full college experience, Ross immersed herself in her studies and the different clubs she was introduced to at the Involvement Fair. Her goal is to officially become a Missouri National Naturalist by the time she graduates, which is why she volunteers at Powell Gardens.

Her hectic schedule starts at 6 a.m. most mornings and does not end until 7 p.m. most evenings. She spends hours in classes and in the labs. She has had to cut one day of work from her schedule to accommodate all of her obligations.

However, Ross has found ways to balance her school, social and home life so she does not risk feeling burnt out. She said meal prepping and a healthy diet is the best place for her to start as she enjoys cooking and sees the benefits.

“I want to make sure I have at least a semi-healthy meal on deck so I don’t have to worry about that. I can’t tell you how many times people come to my biology and genetics labs and they’re like I didn’t eat breakfast and they’re like zombies,” Ross said. “And the best thing a student can do is make sure they eat breakfast and make sure they’re full for the day and stay hydrated.”

Ross also said she takes twentyminute breaks after doing homework to do things she enjoys like watching her favorite shows. She also tries not to start

assignments in advance. Ross said she takes mental health days when she needs to, especially if her class is online and she can access the notes at any time. She said staying organized also helps. She uses Google Calendar to make a list of everything she needs to get done.

“Don’t wait ‘til the last minute,” Ross said. “You may think it’ll give you some inspirational mumbo jumbo to get it all done, but it is a bad idea because then you’re going to stay up until 2 a.m. to get it done. Then, the next day, you are just not there cognitively when it comes to lectures.”

ISO Hosts Ultimate Food Fight

Annual Competition Cooks Up a Flavor Fest

MURITALA AYINLA

Distribution Coordinator

The University of Central Missouri’s International Student Organization hosted the 2022 edition of the International Food Show. Sauces of different varieties were used as seasonings in continental food while some roasting, frying, and baking were also done with drinks to the satisfaction of the guests who thronged the Elliot Union Building Ballroom.

Many students are still speaking about the significance of the event. Govind Tatiyal, Vice President of ISO, said that this shows the diversity of culture and tradition as it relates to foods around the world. He said the event which marks the ISO’s signature event of the fall semester.

The colorful event was held in conjunction with the campus

food service. According to Sodexo, it had over 20 dishes prepared by student representatives from different

shows to be organized by the UCM Chapter of the ISO. Many believe the group is where every student from

- Govind Tatiyal, Vice President of ISO

and Mediterranean foods in the arrays of dishes on display were also served.

Tatiyal explained that the event was specifically organized for the students to learn about other countries’ cultures and foods. “They get to know others’ culture, food and different kind of ingredients they use in preparing the foods. They have the privilege to have a taste of all the foods from different countries.”

countries. Different delicious and spicy dishes from across the globe were tasted.

For many students who participated in the food competition either as cooks or guests, the event will remain one of the most fascinating

different parts of the globe showcased their cooking talent on different delicacies.

The event was indeed a festival of foods, and cultures with delicacies found in European countries. Indian and Chinese cuisines as well as French

Also Stephanie Umunna, said she cooked okro with spinach to participate in the show. She described okro soup as a delicious southern Nigerian food with a pleasant taste. She commended the organizers for bringing all the international students together despite their diversity.

“They get to know others’ culture, food and different kinds of ingredients they use in preparing the foods.”

Fresh of Breath Air in Downtown Warrensburg

DILLON SECKINGTON

Features and Opinions Editor

Downtown Warrensburg was host to the band Fresh of Breath Air on Jan. 16 at Bodie’s Flip City. Fresh of Breath Air is an independant rock band from the Kansas City area consisting of Shelby Schulz, the lead singer who plays a wide variety of instruments such as violin, guitar and keyboard, Amanda Ard on bass guitar, Shawn Shoemaker on drums, and Coleman Arnold on guitar and backing vocals.

Three of the four members, Schulz, Shoemaker, and Arnold are University of Central Missouri graduates, so the band was appreciative to have the chance to come back and play their music in a place filled with memories. To Shoemaker, the show was a milestone, saying, “it’s super surreal to be back here.”

Fresh of Breath Air played from 9 p.m. to midnight. Their set included some classic covers such as Tom Petty’s “American Girl” and “House Of The Rising Sun” by the Animals as well as their own original pieces like “moon” and “feather”. When asked about their style of music and influences, Arnold mentioned Japanese

math rock and the band American Football as major influences. However, the group’s music goes in many directions.

“It depends on the album,” said Arnold. “I think it’s just a combination of everything. It’s complicated. It sounds probably pretty poppy but I assure you we’re struggling. We have to engage our brains when we’re playing those songs.”

UCM Drumline was also mentioned as an influence, as the three members of the band who attended UCM, Arnold, Schulz and Shoemaker were on the drumline at the same time.

“We had a lot of experience with the percussion teacher up there, Alex Smith,” said Shoemaker. “[He is a] big influence on my drumming especially.”

Fresh of Breath Air’s show at Bodie’s brought out UCM students, as well as Warrensburg locals. The band immediately got the crowd on their feet and dancing with their tasteful covers and original pieces. As the Spring 2023 semester begins, Schulz and Shoemaker said that their message to UCM students would be to “Just Keep Going,” and to “Enjoy It.”

Fresh of Breath Air plays “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Aside from classic covers, the band also showcased some of their own original music during the show. Photo by Dillon Seckington

UCM and Community Walk to Empower Social Change

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Carmack said, “Throughout my whole reproductive life, I had a right to choice. Now my daughters, and my granddaughters don’t, and that’s not acceptable.”

Miller worked to get Atsuki Mori, a member of the Warrensburg Diversity and Inclusion Commission, involved in the event and said she was surprised by the support she got from UCM and other community leaders.

Over the week of planning, Miller said she was extremely stressed trying to prepare for the march and get the word out.

“It was a lot of staying up all night sending emails, reaching out to all the student organizations, reaching out to community leaders and asking them to spread the word,” Miller said.

Sydney Alexander, a student at UCM, said, “We are here today not only to commemorate the first Roe decision, but also to support a women’s right to choose.”

“Student participation is monumental in making change,” Alexander said. “Students and young voters engage in what matters to them.”

She urged students to remain engaged, both with their voices and with their vote on issues that they care about. Alexander said that Women’s rights are not a gendered issue, but a human rights issue.

Henry Wambuii, a Professor of Politcal Science at UCM, spoke as an ally to the movement. His speech focused on the importance of democracy in the issue of reproductive rights.

“I am here as a father that has a daughter, I am also a brother to many sisters, an uncle to many, I am a teacher to hundreds of young women,” Wambuii said. “I am afraid for many women whose health and rights mean the world to me.”

He said that in the United States, there is an emphasis on democracy and the right to voice concerns.

“A woman’s health, not just her health, her wellbeing, and her ability to live happily in a democracy is that much important today,” Wambuii said. “That’s why we are joining here today.”

He urged the community to let their voices be heard, and to listen.

Jessica Piper, Democratic candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives, shared her own personal experience at the march.

“I am 47 years old, I have three grandkids, Roe was decided before I was born, it has been a decision my entire life,” Piper said.

She cited how Missouri was the first state to ban abortions post-Roe, as a trigger law took effect as soon as the Supreme Court overturned Roe.

Piper said the ban on abortions in Missouri could be dangerous for pregnant people trying to seek medical care, and that 3 million people in Missouri have now lost those protections.

She called out the young people, Piper said that young people have the power to vote and elect representatives who share these values.

“Sometimes when you get in gatherings like this, it doesn’t feel like much,” She said to the crowd. “But you all are so powerful in coming together, creating change and talking about change.”

“The only thing you can do is come together in groups like this and consolidate your power, and take that power to Jeff. City,” Piper said. “Nothing changes until every single one of you stands up and does something about it.”

Glenda Carmack, University of Central Missouri School of Natural Sciences Office Professional, spoke during the beginning of the march to inspire students to keep learning and urged students be politically engaged by voting. She personally produced and designed free buttons and stickers for the march participants.

Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

Marchers gathered in front of the Johnston County Courthouse in downtown Warrensburg after the Women’s March on Jan. 22. The group walked to the courthouse after listening to speakers and open mic opportunities at the UCM Amphitheatre. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

University of Central Missouri Chemistry major Lillian Tate walks down Holden Street and shares her voice at the Women’s March on Jan. 22. She was one of the approximately 60 people that marched from the UCM Amphitheater to the Johnston County Courthouse. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

Jessica Miller holds a homemade sign during the march on Jan. 22. Miller helped spearheaded the event along with other students and local leaders.

Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

2022 Music Year in Review OPINIONS

Old Hits and New Stars

DILLON SECKINGTON Features and Opinions Editor

2022 saw both the resurgence of music and artists that were popular years ago, as well as a number of new faces that are sure to stick around in the music industry. It truly seemed as though there were hit albums coming out every single week. From Björk to Kendrick Lamar, 2022 was filled with albums that offered an amount of creative and aesthetic variety that is very rarely seen in the music world.

Thanks to pop culture, especially the popular social media platform TikTok, 2022 was a year in which hit songs like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” came back into the mainstream. Other artists that got this treatment included Fleetwood Mac, Bill Withers, The Cramps and others. Another interesting aspect of music in 2022 is all of the bands that returned to releasing music. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Spoon, Mitski, Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys all released albums in 2022, and Metallica began teasing their new album “Lux Æterna”. Older music was also apparent in the world of physical music. Vinyl sales were through the roof, CDs made a slight comeback and the average teenager now knows exactly what a cassette tape is.

In rap and hip-hop music, some of the biggest names put out records. Some were highly anticipated and acclaimed, such as Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,” and others, like Drake and 21 Savage’s, “Her Loss” seemed to fall a bit short of the expectations. Drake also dipped his toes into EDM on “Honestly, Nevermind”, an album filled with experimentation from one of hip-hop’s biggest stars. Other artists like Earl Sweatshirt (“SICK!”), JID (“The Never Story”), Saba (“Few Good Things”) and Vince Staples (“Ramona Park Broke My Heart”) put out albums which helped maintain rap and hip-hop music’s hold on mainstream music culture.

Although 2022 was a huge year for rap music, there were moments that felt like the music industry might be heading in a different direction, or at least broadening its focus. For example, there were a number of records released by rock and alternative artists that seemed to enjoy a great amount of success. “Blue Rev” from Toronto’s Alvvays, “Ants From Up There” from Black Country, New Road, “Gemini Rights” by Steve Lacy and “Skinty Fia” by Fontaines D.C. all offered the casual listener a bit more melody while streaming music. Other notable albums include Beach House’s “Once Twice Melody”, “A Light For Attracting Attention” from Radiohead members Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood as The Smile, “Reeling” from the Mysterines and yet another fascinating record from Jack White in “Fear of the Dawn.”

2022 also saw the birth of a massive country music star. Zach Bryan released “American Heartbreak” on May 20 and has since taken his place at the top of country music. Maren Morris, Tyler Childers, Willie Nelson, Jon Pardi and Billy Strings also put out solid records during 2022.

Some massive stars put out albums in 2022. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Charli XCX and The 1975 all released highly acclaimed albums that led the way for popular music in a year filled with incredible material.

Looking forward to 2023, fans have just as much to look forward to. With releases planned from Paramore, Metallica, Mac Demarco, Måneskin and Gorillaz just to name a few. If everything goes to plan, fans have much to look forward to in the new year, which is shaping up to be just as spectacular as its predecessor.

Megan At The Movies: “The Menu”

Satire in Mike Mylod’s Newest Film

MEGAN WEAVER Staff Reporter

The end of 2022 was truly filled with critically acclaimed films. In the last few months of the year movies like “Avatar: Way of Water” (2022), “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022), and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022) received major success. One of these movies was “The Menu”. I was excited to watch this thriller/comedy and it did not disappoint. As a forewarning, this review will contain spoilers, so I recommend watching “The Menu” before reading this article.

“The Menu” follows Margot, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, as she is drug along by foodie Tyler, played by Nicholas Hoult, to this very prestigious restaurant opening by the famous chef, Chef Slowik. The other people dining at this restaurant are all very “elite.” One woman is a famous food critic, another a famous actor, and the others are also very rich and pretentious. As the meals progress the Chef reveals that everyone will be dying that night, including himself and the rest of the cooks. Margot, who is not a part of this “elite,” attempts to escape from the island.

“The Menu” attempts to demonstrate this commentary on the rich and pretentious lifestyle, and I think it turned out pretty successful. In the thriller sense it works because this is a terrifying situation to be in, especially because Chef had planned this all out and exactly who was going to be there so he could kill them. What makes it extra terrifying is that the reasons Chef gives for each person’s death are often unfair or out of their control. He’s killing the food critic because her reviews have led to the closing of several restaurants, he’s killing the actor because he was in a movie that Chef hated and he’s killing another woman because she went to Brown University with no student loans. The only person not accounted for is Margot, she was a replacement for the woman Tyler was supposed to bring. Instead, it is revealed that Margot is an escort hired by Tyler and does not care for the pretentious nature of the people around her. Unfortunately, I wanted a little more commentary, the whole movie was about how all these people are so gross and pretentious but I feel that they could’ve done more to point that out.

If I had to describe this movie in one word, instead of 475 I would just say “pretentious.” I used the word a lot in this review because it really is the best word to describe this movie, and of course, I call it pretentious in a kind way because I understand that’s the movie’s central theme. I highly recommend this movie, it is available to watch on HBO Max. I would rate this movie 9 out of 10 stars.

Jennies Aim High

Working through a Historic Season

Meah Copeland contributed to this story

The University of Central Missouri’s No. 5-ranked Jennies basketball team ended its 16-game winning streak on Jan. 21, to the Missouri Western Griffons, 66-63, at the MWSU Fieldhouse.

The Jennies believe they are ready to take on more of the season.

The team is 16-1, and 12-1 in the MIAA Intercollegiate Conference, at the time of press. The team is ranked No. 1 in the MIAA conference and No. 5 in the NCAA Division II Conference after the Jennies suffered their first loss at hands of the Griffons. Brooke Littrell scored 12 points, five rebounds and one assist.

In the same way, hard work continued as it got off to a fast start against Rogers State on Jan. 14. With 81 points, it was easy to credit the offense, but it was a balanced affair with the Jennies played well on both ends of the floor. The defense forced a number of turnovers that led to easy baskets. After this win, the Jennies were undefeated. The Jennies had not been undefeated since the 1995-1996 season.

Jennies guard Lauren Frost said “I think we’re doing really well as a whole team.”

Frost recorded a game-high six assists and four steals in the game. The Jennies were 48% from the field, finding success on 31 of 65 baskets. Kind of cold on 3 pointers though, only 6 for 17, which is 35%. UCM beat the Hillcats in rebounds 41-36.

Jennies Guard Ashley Tull believes her teammates’ hard work, preparation and vision has helped their season excel.

“I’m very excited to see our chemistry get even better than it’s been and get those defensive stops that we need to keep going to the next level,” Tull said.

Tull tied her career best with 15 points. Graycen Holden and Littrell both scored double figures. Litterell was the MIAA Athlete of the Week for the fourth consecutive week. Her performance over the season has helped her receive the awards. Over the season, Littrell has scored 327 points, 41 assists and 19 points per game. She believes her positive performance came from her teammates’ support.

Mules Complete Upset in OT

Meah Copeland contributed to this story.

The Rogers State Hillcats brought their 9-8 record to the University of Central Missouri on Jan. 14. Mules forward Ben Fritz started the scoring for the Mules. Though they struggled to score early, a high-energy crowd cheered them on. Contributions from Fritz, Jordan Heyes and Garrett Luinstra helped the Mules enter halftime with a six-point lead.

However, at the end of regulation, the score was tied at 56. During overtime

Kobe Campbell hit an instrumental three-pointer, helping UCM pull off the upset winning 78-77.

Mules guard Trey Sides had a big night, scoring 20 points in the game. Fritz and Campbell were both in double figures. Jack Chapman had six rebounds and five assists. Luinstra added four points, four steals, three rebounds and three assists. Hayes contributed a pair of points to go along with his six rebounds.

Gaven Pinkley said, “Any win in this conference is a good win, so I’m glad we could do it.”

- Gaven Pinkley, UCM Student-Athlete

“Any win in this conference is a good win, so I’m glad we could do it.”

BEN AVERY Staff Reporter

BEN AVERY Staff Reporter

Above: Graycen Holden evades a block from a Rogers State University player on Jan 14. Holden is a freshman from Edmond, Oklahoma with an average of 7.9 points. Photos by Addison Hammons

Right: Brooke Littrell rebounds for the ball during the game against Rogers State University on Jan 14. Littrell is a sophomore who holds the guard/forward position and who started in all 30 games of the 2021-2022 season.

Right: On Jan 14 the Jennies basketball team won against Rogers State University 81-58. Guard Olivia Nelson works around the Hillcats defender. Nelson scored six points and had two assists.

Mules played against Upper Iowa loosing 75-70 on Nov. 12. Guard Mikel Henderson passes the ball to Trey Sides. Sides had 87.1% of free-throws made and shot 42.7% comparing to the 2021-2022 season. Photo by Gopinath Guthikonda