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• Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Mule Rider Community Supports World Record Attempt
EMMA FISCHER
Mule Riders Victoria Happy and Holly Hagood lead the world record-attempt during the homecoming parade. In order to qualify, the attempt had to be recorded. Photo by Emma Fischer
Reporter
50 mule riders gathered in the parking lot of the old fraternity complex at 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 23 to attempt to set a world record during the University of Central Missouri’s homecoming parade. UCM celebrated its 150th anniversary by attempting to set a world record for the most ridden mules in a parade — not the typical homecoming celebration for a university. Tiffany Cochran, senior director of events and alumni engagement, was on the committee that brainstormed events to celebrate the anniversary, and in fall 2020, she had the idea of trying to break a world record involving mules. “We really wanted to come up with something that appealed to many different demographics — to students, to faculty and staff, to alumni,” Cochran said. The first time the university applied to break the world record, they were denied. “I think a big part of it was that we were trying to set a record that didn’t exist,” Jackie Jackson, associate vice president for alumni engagement, said. “And so they didn’t have an established record.” Because UCM was preparing to do something that had never been done before, they had to go through a process and submit documentation of everything they would do to set the record before Guinness would give them their certification. The second time UCM applied, they applied to set the world record for the largest number of ridden mules in a parade, rather than break a record that didn’t exist. In February 2021, the university heard from Guinness World Records that they were welcome to attempt to set the world record. However, finding mules and riders
proved to be difficult. Since mules cannot reproduce, they are more rare than horses. Around late August, Cochran said she was losing sleep because she was unable to find mule riders. Many people they reached out to were mule drivers, who own multiple mules, but there were not enough people to ride each mule individually. Another struggle was that because mules are the combination of a horse and a donkey, a lot of mule owners did not have Coggins reports, or proof of lineage, on hand. Additionally, mules are specifically the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. If the riders had a hinny — the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey — then the animal was technically not a mule and could not participate in the world record attempt. Many of the mule riders who showed up for the parade had learned about the event from Facebook, but several of them were also contacted by their friends. “The farming community and the agriculture community is a big family,” director of University Farms Travis Hume said. “They were picking the phone up and calling anybody they knew that owned a mule and giving them my number. They were invested in helping us, and then their friend was invested in helping them.” Dennis Clarke, who registered the morning of the parade at the old fraternity complex parking lot, said he and his wife came because they like mules and wanted to be a part of the parade. “We’re going to meet a lot of friends here today, I suspect,” Clarke said. “Mule riders are a pretty close bunch, and if they’re not friends, they’re going to be friends.”
Though some of the mule riders were alumni or had a connection to the university prior to the homecoming parade, many of them were alike in their reason for joining the parade — they wanted to ride their mules. Patti Dollarhide, a native of Kansas, stopped by the parade on her way home from Shawnee National Forest. “We’re just here to have some fun with some fellow mule riders and to support this,” Dollarhide said. “We love it that the mule is their mascot.” The age of riders ranged from six to
AND IF THEY’RE
THEY’RE GOING TO BE FRIENDS.”
Riders Tumbling T and KC Kid rode together on their mules Anabel and Eliot. Tumbling T’s dog got lots of attention that day. Photo by Emma Fischer
Rider Mattie Springer has also traveled around the country on her mule, Banjo. “I just saddled at 11,300 feet one day and rode up at the top of a mountain,” Springer said. “You know there’s a God when you stand in the clouds like that, and she’s took me places like that, that I would’ve never went.”
“MULE RIDERS ARE A PRETTY CLOSE BUNCH,
NOT FRIENDS,
“People think they have a reputation of being stubborn, but it’s not really stubbornness, it’s intelligence … if they don’t think it’s safe, then they’re not going to let you do it,” Deselich said. “That’s where the stubbornness comes in.” The weekend before the parade, Deselich and her mule were competing in endurance riding, which was a twoday competition where she rode her mule for five to six hours per day while navigating obstacles, and her mule was the only mule in attendance. The rest of the competition was horses. KC Kid, another mule rider, regularly takes his mule out into the wilderness, like Yellowstone, Cloud Peak and the Big Horn mountains of Wyoming. “Once a year, we pick a spot,” KC Kid said. “We go in, and we disappear. We bring everything needed — food, tents, everything. We pack … in oversized saddle bags.”
Wesley Wells brought his family and three mules. His six-year-old son, Wyatt, rode the parade’s smallest mule, Gizmo. Photo by Emma Fischer
77. They were from different parts of the nation and from different backgrounds in life. Some earned a living by training people to ride mules, while others hadn’t had a mule until a few years ago. Another rider, Melissa Patterson, only came because after her truck broke down. Well-known rider Jesse Aldrich offered her a lift and a mule to ride. Aldrich attested to the accepting nature of the mule community, saying that no matter how you’re dressed, mule people will treat you well. He came to the parade because his friends called and informed him. One friend who called Aldrich, Rianna Deselich, came to the parade to show off her mule.
Mattie Springer rides her mule Banjo. “Mules are tough and will go the distance,” Springer said. Photo by Emma Fischer
While UCM waits to hear if they’ve set the record, muleriders continue with their lives — training others how to ride, participating in events, competing on endurance or driving or travelling across the country.
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Cafe Blackadder to Reopen with New Owner
DILLON SECKINGTON Reporter
Cafe Blackadder is a very popular restaurant among UCM students and members of the Warrensburg community. When news broke that the cafe would be closing its doors for good on Nov. 12, the community was shocked and disheartened. Located at 121 North Holden Street, Cafe Blackadder is a vital aspect of the downtown Warrensburg experience and the community. “Just like a small, hometown, locally owned place that is more about sourcing stuff from the community and giving it back to the community,” UCM English graduate student Lydia Noland said. “It’s just super involved in the Warrensburg area — supporting businesses that are already here through its own services.” Many considered Blackadder to be a must-try restaurant in the Warrensburg area. It’s different from many other dining options in town. “I think it’s going to be really detrimental because it’s such a cool place,” Noland said. “It’s not like most of the places downtown like a bar. This is the one place that feels like still a social place to go that doesn’t involve drinking. You can just go have coffee, you can go have tea. It’s gonna miss some of that homey atmosphere.”
Because of the welcoming environment, Blackadder is a favorite spot for many students. “I was very sad when I found out it was closing,” UCM senior Noah Sweney said. “It was my favorite restaurant in Warrensburg.” The environment isn’t the only aspect that makes the cafe stand out. Their food choices have featured homemade, fresh, locally-grown and made to order dishes. “Cafe Blackadder offers food that you can’t really have anywhere else because it is locally- grown,” Sweney said. “It’s very unique to Warrensburg. You can’t go somewhere else and have the same types of foods.” Although Café Blackadder’s future was looking somewhat bleak, a new owner offered a glimmer of hope. Lifelong Warrensburg resident Mallory Pomerville purchased the café on its last day of business, saving the day for fans of the café. “I was very excited to hear that it was re-opening because it’s my last year here in Warrensburg,” Sweney said, “It’s good to know that when I come back to visit, I can still go to my favorite restaurant in Warrensburg.” Pomerville purchased the Blackadder building with plans of reopening the
restaurant before Christmas. “We’ve always loved Blackadder Cafe, and it just felt right to buy it,” Pomerville said. She explained her husband is a chef who is about to retire, and they’ve always dreamed of owning a restaurant together. While they plan on adding some new elements to Blackadder II, she said it’s going to feel very similar. Most of the staff is carrying over, including the current
chef, so there will still be familiar faces and dishes. Behind the scenes, the building itself is getting some remodeling to bring services up to speed. However, under new ownership, Pommerville Blackadder II will still feature local, farm-fresh dishes, the work of local artisans and a few new surprises yet to be announced. “We’re looking forward to serving the community,” Pommerville said.
Top: November 12 was set to be the last day Cafe Blackadder would be open. UCM student Moira Clifton, Camyrn Cummings and their friend Aubriana Guliford went to enjoy the local resturant on last time before it was set to close. Middle: Cafe Blackadder employees were very busy on Nov. 12, with many customers waiting to be seated and the resturant full of people dining in. Bottom: Sign outside Cafe Blackadder on Nov. 12. Photos by Derek Walsh
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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. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material or refuse to print such material. 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.
News
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Model UN Team to Compete Representing Uzbekistan ANNA FURNEY Reporter
Over the weekend before Thanksgiving, the University of Central Missouri’s Model United Nations team will be traveling to the American Model United Nations annual conference at the University of Chicago where the team will participate in a full simulation of United Nations committees. Darlene Budd, professor of political science and international studies, is the faculty adviser for UCM’s Model UN team. Budd said that participating in Model UN is a great learning experience for students. “It teaches students about the United Nations, the organizational structure, the processes, the procedures that delegates follow when they come together to grapple with global issues and determine solutions,” Budd said. “For the students, it allows them to practice their research, writing, speaking skills, persuasive speaking and also negotiation skills because they’re doing a lot of interacting with other countries … to discuss and come up with a solution for various global issues.” Budd said that the team has been attending the AMUN conference for 15 years, during which the team experiences in-depth collaboration with teams from 60 to 70 other universities, which includes approximately 1,500 students.
The team conducts a mini-simulation in the newly remodeled classroom for the Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, and Model UN teams. “We’re very grateful to the foundation and the donors for the remodel because it looks great and we’re really having fun having class in there,” Darlene Budd said. Photo by Anna Furney
Although the conference is large, Budd said that UCM’s Model UN team has had a history of success at the AMUN conference. “We’ve actually had and received various awards — usually their Best Delegate Award,” Budd said. “So what that means is that a student that’s representing the country at a conference will be chosen by their peers as the, quote, ‘best delegate’ on that committee, which is a very prestigious award because the committees range in size from anywhere from 40 to 60 delegations.” Budd also said that UCM’s teams
have included international students from the country the team represents, which can enhance resident students’ experience with learning more about the country’s culture, government and global policies. Gulnaz Jadigerova is this year’s international student on the Model UN team, and she is from Uzbekistan. Jadigerova said that although she’s not majoring in a related field, she is interested in learning about global strategies for sustainable development and international cooperation. Jadigerova is excited that the team is representing her home country.
“I was so excited and proud the team chose Uzbekistan, as I am a representative from Uzbekistan,” Jadigerova said. “I was actually so proud, and my classmates were interested in Uzbekistan, to know more about it, their policy, economy, culture. And I was so happy and glad to share what I know.” Jadigerova said she is looking forward to attending the AMUN conference, but she is also nervous. “I’m so excited and a bit nervous because sometimes I feel like I’m a foreigner here, and I don’t understand some political terms … I want to be attentive and careful there,” Jadigerova said. Elise Palmer, junior political science major, is another member of the team who is excited to be a part of this experience. “Model UN and how it works and interacts with each other is the perfect thing for students who want to get into more world politics, that really want to understand how the world works outside the U.S.,” Palmer said. Palmer also said that she thinks the AMUN conference will be highly beneficial for her and other students on the Model UN team. “I’m actually really looking forward to see other students there and see how they debate,” Palmer said. “I think that’s going to be the best experience for us.”
Features
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Pixie Pumpkin Patch Launches into Fall with Cannon LIBBY EAST Reporter
An annual trip to the pumpkin patch is essential for any fall-loving individual. Pixie Pumpkin Patch, hidden in Knob Noster’s rolling hills, is a true treasure trove when it comes to fall fun. The patch offers a wide variety of activities and sights to see while choosing the perfect gourd. Antique wagons, fire engines and tractors are scattered throughout the patch, perfect for any aesthetically pleasing fall photo shoot. The main event of this patch is the pumpkin cannon. Capable of reaching 105 psi, the cannon launches pumpkins hundreds of feet in the air, over the hills and into the creek beyond the property. UCM alumnus Teddy Anderson is the main man behind this operation and has been running the patch since 2010, when it was originally only open to friends and family. Now, 11 years later, the patch sees hundreds of people daily and sells roughly 1,000 pumpkins a day, especially in the days leading up to Halloween. Anderson describes the patch as more of a community service project than a business, as the prices are relatively low. The patch also serves as a gathering place for local church groups. “We needed something for the whole community,” Anderson said. “So, we
have some activities for the kids and schools, just for some fall fun.” The patch features plenty of activities for children and their families, including a bounce pad, a zipline, a petting zoo, a playground, frequent hay rides, paddle cars and an array of different games. Horse rides are also offered here, however unlike the rest of the activities, these are not included in the cost of admission. The patch partners with the local Amish communities and offers an assortment of homemade treats, both sweet and savory, as well as a variety of different fruit butters. Anderson, his kids, and their significant others run the patch. Anderson’s son in law, LJ Lightburne, works there and his main job is gathering the patch-goers and initiating the pumpkin cannon. Needless to say, Lightburne loves his job. The pumpkin cannon fires twice an hour and there is a very precise process that leads up to the exciting finale. “We do it in accordance with the tractor,” Lightburne said. “Whenever that tractor is coming back, everyone starts lighting up.” When the tractor arrives at the patch, Lightburne sounds a siren, getting the attention of the guests from all corners of the patch. Then, with his booming megaphone, he begins to build anticipation by getting everyone
LJ Lightburne loads the pumpkin cannon while the guests watch excitedly. The cannon, being powered by air pressure and capable of reaching 105 psi, launches pumpkins hundreds of feet in the air. Photo by Libby East
excited for the launch. At the end of the countdown, the pumpkin is fired hundreds of feet into the air at a rapid speed. If visitors blink, they miss it! Katy Lightburne, Anderson’s daughter, runs most of the behindthe-scenes marketing. Most of the time, she can be found at the front of the patch, selling food, flowers and finalizing all pumpkin purchases. “We’re the heart of it all,” Katy Lightburne said. “Everyone comes through me. I do all the pumpkins, the mums, the baked goods, everything.” A visit to the patch makes for long lasting, fun fall memories for families everywhere. This patch is simply the epitome of small town friendliness.
SPOT THE PUMPKIN MIDAIR!
The cannon, mere seconds after being fired. Photo by Libby East
Muleskinner 5
Features
• Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Landkamer Shares Bug Snacks and Expertise ABRAM TABOR Reporter
Insects are not usually something people think of as a delicious treat. Paul Landkamer, a UCM alumnus and wild edibles enthusiast, disagrees with that idea. Landkamer is an entomophagist, an expert in the world of cooking and eating insects. He showcases his hobby at events hosted by libraries and nature reserves, sharing his unique dishes and love for the natural world. Landkamer has always had a love for the outdoors, yet his passion for insects started one day while he was working with the public library. “A woman came in and asked a research librarian if she could help her find a source for fried grasshoppers,” Landkamer said. “She didn’t really know where to start with that, but she knew I was into outdoorsy stuff. I thought, ‘that sounds like a neat thing to dive into.’” From there, Landkamer was able to find a number of online resources, communities and cookbooks. One of the first dishes he made was a hornworm, cricket and grasshopper stir fry with sweet pickled jalapenos and onions, inspired by the “Eat A Bug Cookbook” by David Gordon. Landkamer then went back to share a grasshopper with the librarian. “She was all nervous, and she shivered a little bit when she saw it,” Landkamer said. “She slowly ate it, and it was almost like her face melted. She wanted more and more, but she wasn’t quite bold enough to have a hornworm. That kind of started me on it; I found that sharing it was quite fun.” Landkamer is currently retired, but he still shares many of his snacks at events with libraries and nature reserves “He’s very knowledgeable, and this is an interest that he’s had for years,” Carol Nolte, manager of the library’s Warrensburg branch, said. “He’s good at what he does and making it fun for people too.” At the last event Landkamer did with the library, volunteers tried Japanese beetles and mealworm rice krispies treats. “A lot of it is mind over matter,” Nolte said. “I’ll be darned if they didn’t taste just like rice krispies treats, and I was eating worms.” While there are some examples of bugs that can be purchased — mealworms can be purchased as bird food — Landkamer forages most of his himself.
“Grasshoppers are easy to collect,” Landkamer said. “Especially late summer into the fall at night. When the nights start getting cool, you can go out with a flashlight, and it’s almost like picking berries.” After collecting, Landkamer will kill the bugs by putting them in the freezer, boil them and then dehydrate them. Sometimes before dehydrating the insects, he will marinate them in a sauce. Then he might roast them, bake them into cookies or just eat them directly. “I think there’s a little bit of ‘ew, eating bugs?’ but there’s always somebody willing to try it,” Sarah Elder, manager at the Remington Nature Center in St. Joseph, said. “I kind of drew the line at the bugs with wings.” Landkamer has brought a variety of samples to the center’s Insect-o-rama event in years before COVID-19. “He’s always so willing to share his knowledge on bugs and their benefits,” Elder said. “They can be a source of food in nature. Now, obviously you’re not going to find a ranch flavored bug in the wild, but it doesn’t have to be flavored. If you have to, you can eat them.” Besides going to events like Insecto-rama, beginners to the world of bug eating have many more resources available than even ten or fifteen years ago. “You could pick from virtually any type of food that is considered to be absolutely normal and familiar and try a bug version of it,” popular entomophagist Daniella Martin said. “I mean, if you type ‘edible insect’ into Google, you have a lot of shopping options.” The biggest hurdle people face before eating bugs is their own mind. “I have seen hundreds of people go from ‘absolutely not’ to ‘I think I’d like to try that again,’” Martin said. “It’s definitely not a taste thing. It’s in your brain, not your taste buds — that’s where the block is.” Martin commended Landkamer for sharing his treats and knowledge with others. “He sent me my first batch of candied japanese beetles or stink bugs,” Martin said. “I feel like he’s one of the first that spread the idea of using those particular species that we in the midwest tend to find as pests. I think that Paul is to be celebrated for his continued contributions to this field, despite not being in the business of bugs in the way that some of the more commercial companies are.”
Insect Stir Fry - Cicadas, Crickets, Grasshoppers, June bugs, Tomato Worms, Meal Worms, Stink Bugs and More Courtesty of Paul Landkamer 1. Catch insects and kill by freezing 2. Before cooking, break off large legs and wings (as desired) 3. While thawing the insects, toss them gently in soy sauce and let them soak 4. Heat up a small amount of oil, and into the hot oil, dump the insects. 5. Stir nearly constantly while cooking. When you think they’re done (browned, or distinct color change), stir in finely chopped sweet pickled jalapenos, thinsliced ripe bell peppers and sliced white onions. 6. Stir fry all until slightly browned Illustrations by Sarah Sedgewick
Right: Landkamer is an expert and enthusiast on wild edibles, especially when it comes to insects. Top Left: Landkamer makes all kinds of delicious bug treats, including honey roasted june bugs, mealworm rice krispies treats, jalapeno cricket bites and more. Middle Left: Landkamer often mixes bugs into his baking. These are his Japanese beetle cookies with black licorice. The beetles add a texture and flavor like poppy seeds. Bottom Left: One of Landkamer’s most popular bug snacks are his mealworm and Japanese Beetle Rice Krispies treats. The mealworm treats have a taste very similar to peanut butter.
Opinions
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
‘Elf:The Musical’ was Sparklejollytwinklejingley!
LIBBY EAST Reporter It’s that time of year again. As people smash their pumpkins, shoo away the spiders and get rid of the ghouls, that familiar jolly spirit starts to resonate in the hearts of people around the world. The University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance program debuted their winter musical, “Elf: The Musical,” at the Highlander Theater on Nov. 12. The show was met with outstanding applause. The musical takes a beloved Christmas classic and only furthers the joy and hilarity that the original movie offers. When Buddy the Elf learns he’s human, he embarks on a journey to New York to find his father, who just so happens to be on the naughty list. Junior theatre major Jace Nielsen started this masterpiece of a performance with a jarring entrance as he appeared in the audience and — in Buddy the Elf fashion — was singing. He raced down the aisles, took his place on stage and this was when the show took off. Throughout the entire two and a half hour performance, Nielsen never once broke character. His face was always adorned with a bright, rosy cheeked smile and, even when not in the spotlight, he caught the eye of the audience with his excellent character work. When center stage, however, he was absolutely captivating. Nielsen and his co-star, Jovie, played by senior music and theatre major Charlotte Sipple, dazzled the audience. During Jovie’s main song, “Never Fall In Love (With An Elf),” Sipple was
Top: The entire cast is seen here, dancing and singing, during the final scene of the musical. Bottom Left: A disheartened Buddy the Elf, played by Jace Nielsen, sings with the ensemble of washed-up mall Santas in the musical number, “Nobody Cares About Santa Claus.” Bottom Right: Jovie, played by senior music and theatre major Charlotte Sipple, delivers a powerful performance during her song, “Never Fall In Love (With An Elf).” Photos by Libby East
alone on stage, yet was able to command the entirety of it. With bold vocals and an impressive stage presence, Sipple was simply a powerhouse of an actress. The most heartwarming scenes of this performance came from the interactions between Michael Hobbs, played by Mirranda Muenz, and Emily Hobbs, played by Alyce Wilson. There were two songs in which Muenz and Wilson shared a duet and both were beautiful. In one, Michael and Emily were wishing for a day with Walter Hobbs, the patriarch of the family
and Buddy’s dad, played by Hayden Etter. The harmonies the two created and the touching message behind the song were enough to cause goosebumps. The second duet was just as touching. As the two render pure childlike wonder upon seeing Santa Claus’s sleigh, audience members couldn’t help but smile at this heartwarming display of joy. Throughout the show, Walter’s secretary, Deb, played by junior speech and education major Kierra Kellum, was a delight to watch as she pranced around
the stage, never letting her energy falter. The same can be said about Mr. Greenway, played by junior theatre performance major Thomas Clark. His character was much more of a foreboding presence than that of Deb’s. His boisterous voice and superb character-work made for an incredibly realistic portrayal of this grouchy scrooge of a businessman. ‘Elf: The Musical’ was a perfect start to this holiday season. It is just the thing those who are still clinging to fall need in order to get into the Christmas spirit.
Comic by Garnett Williams
Opinions
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Music on Repeat DILLON SECKINGTON Reporter
7.2/10
6.7/10
7.8/10
9.4/10 “Sympathy for Life” Parquet Courts (2021)
“I Don’t Live Here Anymore” The War on Drugs (2021)
“The Ballad of Dood and Juanita” Sturgill Simpson (2021)
“Untourable Album” Men I Trust (2021)
The four-piece Brooklyn indie rock group, Parquet Courts, released their seventh full-length album on Oct. 22, 2021. Titled “Sympathy for Life,” the record expands the band’s sound tremendously. While Parquet Courts is known for their noisy punk rock sound, “Sympathy for Life” is most certainly an expansion to a more melodic sound. While the album definitely fits into the band’s discography, it also stands out as a project filled with fruitful experimentation. However, “Sympathy for Life” showcases a wide variety of sounds. From the band’s trademark jam-band sound to its more groovy dance sections, the record covers a lot of ground in its 45-minute run time. Parquet Courts was definitely looking to expand the parameters of their sound on “Sympathy for Life,” and although diehard indie fans might not appreciate their latest record, they did so quite successfully.
“I Don’t Live Here Anymore” is The War on Drugs’ fifth full-length album. The record sounds like a polaroid picture, so far away yet so familiar and intimate. Lead singer Adam Granduciel’s delivery is subtle, and he does not take center stage as he has on the band’s four previous records. Instead, he allows his lyrics to follow the album’s impressive production. These lyrics are filled with introspection. For example, take a look at the lyrics on the third cut titled “Change:” “Maybe I was born too late, for this lonely freedom fight.” These rather somber lyrics are brightened by the simple, yet effective, and full instrumentation that drives the record to heights the band has not yet reached. At the end of the day, The War on Drugs delivered a pleasant night-drive album that is hard not to appreciate.
Sturgill Simpson has done his fair share of experimentation within the confines of the country-rock genre. This go around, the Kentucky native tried his hand at the illustrious concept album. The record refreshes not only the genre of country music or Simpson’s discography, but the theme of frontier life as a whole. Simpson’s backing band on “The Ballad of Dood and Juanita” is star studded. Featuring Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien and even Willie Nelson, the record is, at its simplest, a celebration of Simpson’s roots, inspirations and influences. Simpson’s record tells the story of a couple in love on the frontier. Juanita is captured by an outlaw and Dood must rely on the assistance of Cherokee Native Americans to find her. The album sounds like a western movie with its vivid storytelling and retro composition.
Montreal pop unit Men I Trust was certainly feeling the effects of the pandemic while recording their latest record, “Untourable Album.” While this title might seem like a contradiction, perhaps it stems from the lack of obligation the band was feeling at the time. Nevertheless, Men I Trust has delivered yet another record filled with songs that are incredibly easy to listen to. While the wavering bass lines from Jessy Caron add a jazzy punch to the record, the ambient synthesizers and paper-thin vocals float smoothly across every track. Per usual, reverb plays a big part on this record. While “Untourable Album” might not be pushing Men I Trust’s sound further into new territory, it does solidify the fact that the band is capable of consistently putting out great music. Overall, “Untourable Album” is a collection of immersing songs that deserve listeners’ full attention.
Highlights: “Walking at a Downtown Pace,” “Black Widow Spider,” “Sympathy for Life”
Highlights: “Living Proof,” “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”
Highlights: “Ol’ Dood, Pt. 1,” “One In the Saddle, One On the Ground,” “Sam”
Highlights: “Organon,” “Tree Among Shrubs,” “Serenade Of Water”
BLAIR MILLER
Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, eat dinner and relax. One way to relax is to watch holiday specials. Here are five Thanksgiving episodes to watch this holiday.
Thanksgiving Special Episodes to Watch this Season Reporter
‘The Turkey Who Came to Dinner’
‘Happy Hank’s Giving’
‘Turkey Can’
‘Arnold’s Thanksgiving’
“Rugrats” is one of the most popular classic Nickelodeon cartoons. In the episode, “The Turkey that Came to Dinner,” the babies are celebrating their first Thanksgiving. The adults are trying to find a turkey to cook and the dads are trying to watch the football game. The episode gets more complicated when a live turkey is delivered. This episode is cute and funny. It conveys a good message to be grateful for what you have.
In this episode of “King of the Hill”, Hank and his family and friends deal with the commotion of the holiday season — specifically airplane travel. The Hills are trying to visit Peggy’s side of the family for Thanksgiving, which becomes a pickle in itself. To make matters worse, a blizzard strands the cast at the airport. The message from this holiday episode is that everything is not always going to go as originally planned and that sometimes people have to make the best of the situation.
“Bob’s Burgers” has multiple Thanksgiving episodes, but one to definitely watch is “Turkey Can.” Bob is trying to make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, but someone keeps putting his turkey in the toilet every day. Meanwhile, his oldest daughter Tina is trying to convince everyone to sit at the adults’ table. The episode shows the crazy family dynamic and has a sweet conclusion.
“Hey Arnold” is another one of those classic Nickelodeon shows, and Arnold’s Thanksgiving shows one of the reasons why. Arnold and Helga’s Thanksgivings are not the best. Arnold’s grandmother thinks it’s the Fourth of July and they celebrate Independence Day. Helga’s family mostly ignores her and praises her older sister. Both of them escape and try to go to Mr. Simmons’ house, which shows life is not always greener on the other side. The episode’s message is being thankful for your family. It’s a nice message that while sometimes people think life would be better elsewhere, that might not be true. Illustrations by Sarah Sedgewick
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 4 • Nov. 29, 2021
Soccer Club is a Hidden Gem of Rich Diversity and Passion BRYAN O’BARR
MEAH COPELAND
Reporter The rich history and large international foundation of the soccer club has made it a hidden gem within the clubs around campus, and for those who play, it is far greater than just a game. The University of Central Missouri soccer club was created 16 years ago. The group originally played on what is now the Warrensburg Soccer Complex until moving to the bare fields next to Crane Stadium along King Street. The team was composed of mostly international students. “It was just a blast, there was no lines, just a really pot-marked field,” Justin Pero, 2013 alumnus and current president of the soccer club, said. “We played on that sometimes five times a week for just hours.” Pero has
International student Diekola Akanni in 2011. Photo by Justin Pero
International student, Diekola Akanni from Nigeria on the “King Street” field in 2011. Photo by Justin Pero.
Reserving Practice Space Frustrates Multiple Teams Sports Editor
The athletic teams at the University of
Central Missouri use eight different fields
and gyms, yet it is hard for some teams to get a reserved space to practice because they do not have a dedicated facility.
A group from the UCM soccer club poses after winning the indoor league in Kansas City in 2011. “We would pile 12 guys into two cars and make trips all over the midwest,” Justin Pero said. Photo submitted by Justin Pero
been playing in the club since he was 18. As he was pursuing his master’s in history at UCM, he followed his passion for soccer. “I just really enjoyed watching European soccer because they are so much more passionate about it and it is more like a lifestyle than just a sport,” Pero said. The soccer club was a club sport for a few years. They won a game and even an indoor league title, but the constant change of the team made it a challenge to keep momentum. “Since the bulk of our team was international students, it was tough to keep the same roster because they would come for sometimes only six months, sometimes for a year,” Pero said. With a number of tough, large school opponents and a constantly changing roster, the soccer club does not compete as a club sport anymore. Instead it has developed into a place where soccer
enthusiasts can come together. Now, the soccer club meets on the turf fields at Ellis from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The potholes are gone and the field markings have finally appeared. People from all over the area come to play. Alumni from Kansas City, airmen from Whiteman Air Force Base, online students and even the soccer coach from Warrensburg High School have shown up to play a few games on the turf. “It doesn’t matter to any of us, you know, any of those demographics,” senior kinesiology major Dawson Davis said, “We all go out there and play for fun.” Many of the players who participate have a passion and respect for the sport as well. “I love watching it, following it,” sports management major Joshua Pagel said. “I love how intricate the passes are and how creative you can be with the ball at your feet. [I love] everything about it.”
Guest Speaker Stands against Native American Stereotypes in Sports MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor Rhonda LeValdo gave a virtual lecture on
Native American stereotypes in mass media and sports on Nov. 15 commenting on mascot choices and offensive terms.
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