Oct. 4, 2018

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News Engagement Week | Page 2 Blue & Gold Service Day | Page 3

JMSN’s ‘Velvet’ Album Page 6

Reaching New Heights

Alumnus returns to break two climbing world records

A&M-Commerce alumnus Andrew Dahir unofficially set two Guinness World Records in indoor climbing Sept. 21.

He started at 9 a.m., and less than two hours later Dahir set the record for greatest distance climbed on a climbing wall in one hour, climbing 928 meters in 51:56. This potential new mark surpassed the previous record by 128 meters.

Dahir also set a new mark for the fastest vertical mile climbed on a climbing wall by a male with a time of 1:57:37.

Heat and exhaustion caused Dahir to scratch his attempt at the fastest time to climb the height of Mount Everest on an indoor climbing wall, the main record he had set out to break. The pace he had set toward this goal enabled him to break the other two records.

Dahir was climbing the 40-foot wall at a pace of about 40 seconds a climb and the

SEE RECORDS, PAGE 3

RECORDS BROKEN Greatest distance climbed on a climbing wall in one hour

928

meters

| todd kleiboer

MRC Climbing Wall Height: 12 meters (40 feet)

infographic

Joseph Miller Opinion Editor

Old record: 800 meters

Fastest vertical mile climbed on a climbing wall by a male Dahir’s time

1:51:37

Old record: 2:16:05

(Postponed) Fastest time to climb Everest’s height on a climbing wall Current record

9:26:15

Football has ups, downs Page 8

New telescope allows in-depth exploration

east texan photo

| todd kleiboer

The new telescope is 700 millimeters, four times more powerful than the one below it.

Todd Kleiboer Co-Editor A new, more powerful telescope was installed over the summer at the A&MCommerce observatory, a project that had been years in the making for the astronomy department that will further student and faculty research.

“Dr. [Matt] Wood, myself, and Dr. [Kurtis] Williams wrote a NSF [National Science Foundation] grant asking for money for a telescope, and they gave us the money,” Dr. Kent Montgomery, interim department head for Physics and Astronomy and coprincipal investigator, said.

“That was last year, and so we spent this year installing and putting it together.”

Since the construction of the observatory in 2008, the professors have filed a total of five NSF grants, the earliest ones having less

success than the later ones because Montgomery had been the only astronomer at the university. This particular grant totaled $330,000.

“I had tried a grant way back in 2010, and it wasn’t successful,” Dr. Montgomery said. “Then we got two more [astronomers].

We got Dr. Wood and Dr. Williams, and we thought we had a better chance now because I’m not the lone astronomer.”

Dr. Wood, current Vice Provost for Research and former department head, was the principal investigator (PI) while Montgomery and Williams were the co-PIs. Since Wood has taken his new position as vice provost, Montgomery has taken over the project.

This new telescope is four times more powerful than the observatory’s best mechanical one, and it can

SEE TELESCOPE, PAGE 3

Voter registration event held on-campus Brianna Patt Web Editor To raise student awareness about local midterm elections and register them to vote, the Student Government Association (SGA) and Leadership Engagement and Development (LEAD) held a voter registration event in the Rayburn Student Center Atrium. Oct. 2 and 4.

“There’s two ends of the spectrum,” Grace Slayter, SGA historian and senator, said. “There’s some that are into it [politics] and some that aren’t into it at all because they feel like it’s safe that way.”

This event included a table with deputy voter registrars, who will help students to vote, along with a computer setup so that students who are unsure of

their registration status can find out if they are registered or not.

It also featured a fake voting booth with ballots with different incendiary topics like immigration or climate change, and then participants will go through with a fake voting process.

There were two stands set up for the College Democrats and College Republicans, who had information about the candidates of these parties running in the local district.

Applications for absentee voters to vote in their home county were also provided.

“I really wanted to get people to vote and registered to vote,” Slayter said. “Not to influence or sway them, but I want them to be registered and make a decision.”

SEE VOTER, PAGE 4

PAGE 2

Campus Comment “How important is News?”

OPINION

OCT. 4, 2018

Journalism matters Jim Zachary From National Week

Newspaper

Beyond the noise of the Beltway and the daily vilification of national media outlets, are community newspapers serving cities, counties and regions throughout the U.S. Your local newspaper is far from being The Fake News.

Your newspaper is most definitely not The Enemy of the People.

In fact, the paper is the eyes, ears and voice of the people.

The people who work down at the paper are your friends, neighbors or maybe even your relatives.

They are dedicated men and women who work hard every day to inform, educate and entertain you.

Perhaps presidents and political figures have always railed against the media when they feel as if they are under attack.

But not like this.

President Donald J. Trump’s all-out assault on journalists is beyond the pale.

When he calls the media the enemy of the people and says the news they report is fake, he has gone way too far.

If he feels the need to push back against certain reports because he believes those specific stories contain false information, that is fair game.

But to malign journalism itself and to paint all journalists with one broad stroke is irresponsible and even dangerous to an open and free society.

The media must play an important role as the Fourth Estate, hold government in check and shine the light on all the actions of our governors.

That is the very intention of the First Amendment.

The president does not seem to understand, or care, that all journalists everywhere — even here in your hometown — feel

they are under constant attack.

That includes the reporter sitting next to you at the county commission meeting, the editorialist questioning a property tax increase by local government and the photographer taking pictures at your child’s school play.

Each of these local journalists is someone’s son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister or cousin. They are not your enemies or the purveyors of fake news.

They have no desire to spread falsehoods.

They are decent people with tons of integrity. Many of them are young people just getting started in their careers, full of idealism and hope that in their own small way they can help make their own little corner of the world a better place.

Just imagine how it must make them feel every time someone parrots the loose words of the president and calls them The Fake News and The

Enemy of the People.

Actually, they see themselves as truth tellers whose only desire is to serve their community.

They do so by going to city council meetings, covering high school football games, telling the stories of your neighbors, sharing information about things to do, and, yes, by holding local government accountable when necessary.

You may support President Trump and his policies, but please do not join the president in his vitriol toward the press and vilification of the fine, hard-working men and women who are out covering meetings and events in the community each day.

It might even be nice during National Newspaper Week, when you see a reporter at a community event, your club or organization, at your child’s school or covering a public meeting to go up to them and simply thank them for what they do.

Li’kayla Turner

I think the news is kinda important, I don’t think I’m the kind of person who just watches or reads the news for fun, but I think it’s important to know what’s going on in different states and worldwide, and the news is a good way to keep you updated.

Jala Howard

News is pretty important to me, but I don’t always pay attention to it. It’s nice to know what’s going on though.

JUUL Is Not The Issue

Olivia Warren Staff Reporter

Kendal Hill

I think that news is extremely important because it is the way that we get our information and the way we exchange information. Without it we have no idea what’s going on, and I think news is that medium that allows everyone to be in the know. A lot of historical events and movements would not be captured without news.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given JUUL sixty days starting Sept.

12th to prove they can keep their devices away from minors otherwise they will be removed from stores altogether.

JUUL is a smoking device similar to an e-cigarette that has taken off in as short as a year. The product is intended for adult users to cut down on smoking cigarettes with this small and accessible alternative.

The issue is that children who have never smoked cigarettes before are purchasing JUUL products illegally and becoming addicted to nicotine.

The FDA stated, “…since

The East Texan, official student newspaper of Texas A&M University-Commerce, is published 4 times per semester during the Fall and Spring by students in reporting and editing classes. Content is solely the responsibility of the student editors and writers. The comments and views expressed in The East Texan do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of other students, staff, faculty, administration, or the Board of Trustees. The East Texan is located inside the Journalism building on the east side of campus in room 113. Single copies are available in Journalism 113 for an additional 25 cents.

Letters to the editor are welcome and should be limited to 250 words. They will not be edited for spelling, grammar and libelous or malicious statements. We reserve the right to refuse publication. Letters should be typed or e-mailed and must include a signature, legal name, classification (grade level) and telephone number. Mailing address is The East Texan, P.O. Box 4104 Commerce, Texas 75428.

the beginning of March, FDA compliance checks have uncovered 40 violations of illegal sales of JUUL products to youth”.

Though this may be the case, it is not entirely the company’s fault for the purchase and usage of JUUL products by minors but rather the vendors’ for allowing sales to children.

Children have been accessing and using e-cigarettes and ‘vapes’ long before JUUL came around, and I believe they will continue to purchase and utilize them long after JUUL is removed.

To remove JUUL products from stores completely would only spark a rise in the purchase and sales of cigarettes which would not necessarily aid the problem.

The East Tex an Established 1915

TODD KLEIBOER | CHRISTIAN ALEMAN

CO-EDITORS JOSEPH MILLER CRISTHIAN HERRERA OPINION EDITOR NEWS EDITOR TYLER MCDONOUGH SENIOR SPORTS REPORTER

BRIANNA PATT WEB EDITOR

Or in another case, similar to Prohibition, taking away JUUL products would only make them more enticing to children which would create more online sales than before.

Emma Sams-Tye, a junior at A&M-Commerce, said, “Taking JUUL off of the market would only heighten my interest in cigarettes that contain harmful chemicals for the body and have proven to cause cancer in multiple cases.”

Another junior at TAMUC, Valerie Hartweg, has come to the same realization, stating, “I am worried about smoking cigarettes in the instance JUUL is taken off the market.”

JUUL users are threatened by this influx in minors purchasing the product because the FDA would be

taking it away from the adults it was intended to be used by.

As a JUUL user myself, I propose that taking away the brand from stores completely is not the answer but rather cracking down on online vendors and regulating checking identification in gas stations and smoke shops where the merchandise is sold.

Parental control should be another factor in cutting down on JUUL usage by children.

Parents should be monitoring their children’s online orders and whereabouts rather than suing a company for their child’s sudden nicotine addiction.

This is more of a regulation problem than an issue with the JUUL Company and brand itself.

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FRED STEWART FACULTY ADVISER

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OCT. 4, 2018

PAGE 3

NEWS

Diversity committee renewed Records continued from page

photo courtesy

Brianna Patt Web Editor “To provide, to work toward the strategic plan to make sure diversity/inclusion issues are actually apart of the strategic plan.”

According to Humphreys, the diversity committee never went away, but it simply merged with the chief HR position, which is now held

by Dr. Romero, chief diversity officer. This was done after Humphreys received word that the committee may have not been as diverse as it should have been.

Dr. Rudin and Humphreys are also planning on doing strategic planning for the diversity committee later this year, according to Humphreys. Much of the plans for this committee are still in the process given Rudin’s new position, but there are attempts being made to improve the diversity committee.

“Diversity in of itself is certainly impactful to students,” Humphreys said.

“Because we want to have a faculty that is representative of our student body.”

According to Humphreys, a lack of diversity is a lack of diverse thought. He isn’t seeking to hire someone simply because they create more racial diversity, he wants to hire the best person for the job. To Humphreys, the best way to still ensure diversity but pick the best person possible is to have a diverse pool of applicants to pick from. He also believes that picking people from diverse backgrounds is key, rather than picking those who are only racially diverse. He also states that piecing together a diverse staff is harder than putting together a diverse faculty because of the pool being lessened with the staff.

“Faculty, we hire the best we can get around the globe right, this is a national

| pexels

search/international search,” Humphreys said. “With staff, you’re a little more limited because your hiring people who live in the local area.”

Humphreys states that more attention needs to be paid to the hiring of staff due to how much more difficulty exists with finding a worker on the local level. He also pointed out the difficulty of finding someone for quantitative departments (math, computer science) that are local as well.

As far as his plans for the diversity committee, he hopes to make diversity something that’s woven in rather than forced.

“The primary goal initially is going to be to make sure that diversity and inclusion is woven through our strategic planning process,” Humphreys said. “And when I say woven through I mean that intentionally, not just a dot in the plan that we want to have a diverse faculty, staff, and students.”

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heat at the top combined with the physical exertion slowed his pace enough that he decided to postpone his attempt to break the Everest record for another day.

Dahir started climbing almost ten years ago when he was a TAMUC freshman.

Dahir said that he prefers his hobbies to be goal-oriented.

“With rock climbing, you work on a route or a problem, and there is an end goal or something to work towards,” Dahir said.

Dahir is primarily an indoor rock climber and has been thinking of breaking the records for around five years.

Dahir was a member of the TAMUC Climbing Society team that set two Guinness

Telescope continued from page

1

be operated remotely from anywhere to take measurements in real time.

Montgomery has been finetuning the telescope, but its robotic feature has yet to be fully implemented.

“It’s where you even don’t have be there running it,” Dr. Montgomery said. “It’s going to be smart enough to do it all itself, and you’ll come in the next day and have all this data.

It works mostly, but it still has a few glitches.”

Student and faculty research is the main purpose for this telescope, and it is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The telescope’s

World Records in 2013 for greatest distance climbed in six hours by a team and the fastest time to climb Everest on an indoor climbing wall for a team, which still stand today.

Dahir moved to Colorado for graduate school to work on his studies in aerospace engineering but continued to train and think about setting world records.

Dahir trained for this specific attempt for the last year and a half, incorporating endurance training, running Spartan obstacle course races and CrossFit training.

“It’s like training for a marathon, you never just go out and run a marathon every weekend, you build up to it.

Not climbing has been my training,” Dahir said.

Dahir crediting the logistics of climbing as the reason for his and the 2013

team’s success. Setting up a route specific to him and approaching the task logically is Dahir’s strength, and he said aerospace engineering aids his success in climbing.

“I approach it like a satellite. From a systems perspective, how do all these pieces fit together in an optimal way,” Dahir said.

Thinking about the next move or foot and hand placement is what Dahir loves about the sport.

“My favorite thing about climbing is the technicality behind it. This is what appeals to me because not only is it a physical workout, it is a mental workout as well,” Dahir said.

Dahir said that family, friends and university support is what made him travel from Colorado to his alma mater to set these records.

“It’s like family here,” Dahir said.

high power and precision also means that much fainter objects can now be studied in more detail.

“Students can get that research experience before they even move to grad school which gives them a better chance to get into grad school,” Dr. Montgomery said.

“Most schools don’t allow undergraduates to do research.

You have to be a graduate student.”

Because the university actually owns the telescope, observations can be done at whatever time as long as conditions permit, and according to Dr. Montgomery, waiting to use a high-powered telescope takes most of an astronomer’s time.

“We had access to [more powerful] telescopes through

the SARA [Southeastern Association for Research] Consortium, but it’s limited,” Dr. Montgomery said. “You only get about 10 to 12 nights every six months.”

According to Dr. Montgomery, he and Dr. Williams “are very excited” about this new telescope because they and their student researchers will be the main ones using it. However, Montgomery said that it is almost inevitable that they will eventually want an even more powerful telescope.

“We’re astronomers,” Dr. Montgomery said. “After a few years of this one, we’ll be wanting a bigger one. No matter how big you get, you always want a bigger one. It’s kind of the way it is.”

Operation Blue & Gold 2018

Operation Blue & Gold is a day where students, faculty, and staff of Texas A&M UniversityCommerce gives back to the community. The goal is to venture outside the campus and express gratitude to the community of Commerce through service-oriented activities. Whether it is painting, highway pickups, or raking leaves, it is a chance for students, staff, and departments to unite as part of a collaboration initiative to beautify the City of Commerce. photo courtesy

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PAGE 4

C’mon and SLAM Ashlee Haze shares personal experiences through poetry, haiku from her latest book Jennifer Bussey Staff Reporter Spoken word poet Ashlee Haze performed at a poetry slam hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) on Sept. 9.

Haze has been writing poetry since she was ten and is a two-time “Woman of the World Poetry Slam” finalist.

She is known as “Big 30” for her consistent perfect scores at contests and is currently on her second 100-city tour.

During the event, Haze entertained the audience with stories about her encounters with celebrities such as Missy Elliot, and shared the inspiration of her poetry.

One poem titled “Hexes for my Exes” caused many students in the audience to clap instead of snap due to the relevancy of the piece.

Another that wasn’t named but was about the struggles of having natural curly and/ or kinky hair had an audience member laughing with tears in her eyes.

Her poem entitled “Ode to F#@%boys” had to have permission in order to be recited for the title and the content.

Half-way through the show, Haze recited some poems from her new book “The Land of the Living,” which was available for sale after the show.

She got the crowd involved by asking questions such as people’s areas of study and whether or not people were in relationships. She recited haikus by chanting “575,” then having the crowd chant back at her “575,” followed by the poem.

Haze showcased her feminist views with poems like “Hymn,” pronounced “him,” that talked about the glory of women, and “SelfReclamation in Three Parts” that focused on the beauty of women’s bodies.

Toward the end of the show

two male students recited their own poetry about their life struggles.

For more information about Ashlee Haze and her new book, visit www.ashleehaze. com.

east texan photo| jennifer bussey

photo courtesy

| ashlee haze.com

Hispanic organizations show off culture in annual celebration

OCT. 4, 2018

Environmental group looks to increase sustainabiliy Phil Boulware Staff Reporter

At A&M Commerce, Eco Reps are present to educate students about the university’s sustainability awareness program. With the community’s assistance and student participation, they have expanded to bigger projects due to increasing turnouts that have exceeded expectations. ‘’We’re here to help our environment and educate others on ways that they help as well,” Larissa Rubio said, Hall Operations Lead Student Worker. Eco Reps, themselves, are undergraduate students who reside on campus to inform their peers on the importance on environmental safety and maintenance, as well as, providing support and guidance to residents.

One of their biggest projects is an ongoing operation that helps engage students to recycle in their respective residential halls. In some cases, they have offered incentives for which hall could recycle the most. ‘’This program is unique because it’s not limited to tenure,” Facilities Coordinator Ashley McLaurin said. ‘’We have students from various studies that have left and came back just because they are very

Voter

continued from page

1

Slayter was inspired to be apart of this event after interning during the summer for Kendall Scudder, a Texas Senate candidate for District 2.

She was excited about him as a candidate because she felt that his opponent Bob Hall had a poor impact on this school as well as the state.

enthusiastic about helping out. We seek passion and progression.’’

Their first project of the school year was recycling aluminum cans at the football tailgates.

Monthly, they conduct a least two events: a family event and a campus wide event, in addition to preparing for upcoming events such as projects for Earth Day and a festival for Halloween.

On, Sept. 28, they hosted a sustainability event with Environmental and Agriculture Society in the a mph it he ater.

The Residential Living and Learning Sustainability Carnival was put on in hopes of promoting awareness about the topic around campus.

“We are hands on and want to make things as sustainable as possible, beautiful, and green environment to encourage learning,” Eco Lion Intern Connor Postell said.

They’ve previously partnered with several organizations such as Commerce Care, ECO Lives, University Police Department, and other organizations. ‘’We’ve even had the Commerce mayor, Wyman Williams, attend and support one of our events.’’ Kathy

McGrath, Associate Director said.

Students that are interested in becoming an Eco Rep or Eco Lion intern, which both offer compensation, can visit their office in the Halladay Student Services.

She feels that the topic of politics was something that college students tend to avoid because of how polarized things have been since the presidential election. To her, this is an important time to get involved in elections and politics.

“I think it’s definitely something that people tend to avoid,” Slayter said. “But I think it’s very important to just make people aware.”

She believes that as college

students, the votes they put in for this county can make substantial changes.

For instance, according to Slayer, Commerce is considered more of a retirement community, and this results in few things for students. To Slayer, voting could change this.

“If we want a say in what the government does,” Slayter said. “With climate change, abortion, jobs, education, we have to vote now to make a difference.”

2018 Election Dates Last day to register to vote east texan photo | acacia munoz Two students show off the masks they made at the Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff.

Charla Nalls Staff Reporter Students across campus are celebrating diversity through Hispanic Heritage Month.

The month highlighting Latin American culture kicked off on campus Sept. 13, although the official month starts on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.

The month-long celebration is meant to highlight the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from places of Hispanic background, like Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

“Because we are in Texas, we do tend to have more students who are Mexican, but it’s important to understand that Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t only for those who come from Mexico, there’s a lot more to it than that,” Graduate Assistant for S.E.E.D.S, Karina Tamez, explained.

Tamez said that she feels that it’s very important for students to be able to come together and develop a support system through these events.

“Within these times, I know

some students whose parents are not supportive of them coming to college, but they’ve found the financial ability through whatever means and they are here, but they are alone,” she said. “Celebrating these types of things help them know that there are people and organizations on campus who will support them.”

Students have expressed that the month of celebration is important to them, because they are given the opportunity to show the culture that they are proud of.

“It’s a time for us to showcase our culture more often than we normally do,” Christian Aleman, member of Phi Iota Alpha said.

Many student organizations such as The Hispanic Student Organization and The Latino American Mentorship Program, as well as Greek organizations such as Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority and Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity have come together to make a month full of events.

Upcoming events for the rest of the month include the Kappa Delta Chi’s Corn in a Cup Sale on Oct. 3 from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. at Campus Crossroads, Salsa Night on Oct. 10 starting at 6 P.M. in Conference Rooms A and B of the Sam Rayburn Student Center, and Latino Music Trivia Night on Oct. 11, starting at 5 P.M. in The Club.

Oct. 9

First day of early voting

Oct. 22

Last day to apply for ballot by mail

Oct. 26

Last day of early voting

Nov. 2

Last day to receive ballot by mail

Nov. 6

Election day east texan photo

| acacia munoz

President Mark Rudin and Fred Fuentes talk with a member of Kappa Delta Chi.

Nov. 6

OCT. 4, 2018

FEATURES

PAGE 5

Proposal calls for demolition of president’s home Suggests that agricultural complex be built on land located off U.S. highway 24 Cristhian Herrera News Editor Located off Highway 24 is a twostory French provincial house built in 1968 at a cost of $55,000 that served as the university president’s home from 1968 until 2016. Various additions and renovations occurred in 1972 and 1999, totaling about $210,000.

Today however, the home is vacant and is scheduled for demolition.

After A&M - Commerce President Mark Rudin made the decision to live in the Heritage House, just as former President Ray Keck before him, proposals determining the future of 50-year-old house started developing.

“Our plan is to build the new agricultural complex behind the existing home,” Alicia Currin, vice president for business and administration and CFO, said.

“We have submitted this project as a capital item request for the 86th legislative session but will not know until next year if it is approved for funding. Additionally, we have had discussions with The Northeast Texas Children’s Museum about possibly relocating within that general area.”

A similar proposition was submitted and approved to build the nursing building for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. It was approved for funding in 2015 after the state legislative session ended and is expected to be operational in 2019.

Dean of Agricultural Sciences Randy Harp believes the complex will bring growth for TAMUC students and jumpstart “economic development” in east Texas. In addition to state approved funding, Harp said they will look to thirdparty sponsors to fund construction.

“We are looking towards the state to help us with building… but if a corporate partner or individual investor funds, we’ll start tomorrow,” Harp said. “We’ll [even] name it after them.”

The agricultural department has seen a 19 percent increase in enrollment, when compared to the 2017 fall semester, and according to Harp, completing the current proposed complex (three further expansions are expected) would bring the department “more cutting edge [programs] and research.”

The complex, if approved, would be constructed within a four to five year period. Harp believes this “agricultural multi-purpose education training center” would benefit the university and surrounding regions by hosting events such as a national equine and livestock show and

high school and adult educational programs. According to Harp, the complex would be “transformational” for Commerce, the county, and any

regional northeast Texas stakeholders.

“We want it to be the go-to place in northeast Texas,” Harp said.

east texan photo

| cristhian herrera

The former president’s house has been empty since the middle of 2016.

Rainy Bois D’arc Bash doesn’t ruin it for some Rain poured during the Bois D’arc Bash Sept. 22, but it still chugged on with the theme “Bash to the Future.” With ponchos, people darted from tent to tent or walked openly in the rain, seemingly not caring about it. The kids certainly didn’t as they dashed across the stone and concrete of the square, splashing in puddles. Even animals got a premature bath as their owners walked them during the Bash. Live music, a long tradition during the Bash, still played as the performers risked rusting their instruments in the steady rain. One even turned creative and shielded his saxophone with his poncho, all the while belting out jazzy tunes.

east texan photos

| joseph miller

PAGE 6

JMSM’s ‘Velvet’ a blast of nostalgia

ENTERTAINMENT

OCT. 4, 2018

‘The Predator’ is a laughing matter

Juan Carlos Ferrer Staff Reporter

R&B and soul is back in full force with JMSN’s (pronounced Jameson) latest album “Velvet.”

“Velvet” is the fifth project from JMSN, and he has managed to create a unique 1980s sound in the album that can make the listener dance, snap their fingers, or tap their foot to the beat.

JMSN’s music has changed in almost every album/EP that he has released. His first project “Priscilla” is a completely different JMSN than “Velvet.”

JMSN was being compared to The Weeknd, before The Weeknd went mainstream, when he released “Priscilla” in 2012. Today, JMSN is bringing back the iconic sounds from an unforgettable era.

“Velvet” does sound modern as well. There are moments throughout the album when the listener can tell what sounds like today and what does not.

Of course, JMSN manages to mix both the nostalgia of the 1980s and the current sounds of today in a melodious way.

Each track is its own journey. There are moments when the lyrics speak loudly and compliment the instrumentals. Even the images that JMSN “painted” in this album can be pictured and felt in the listener’s mind.

“And when the sun goes down I just stare at the wall / And my thoughts get deep I just pace around,” JMSN sings in “Mind Playing Tricks.”

“Mind Playing Tricks” is definitely one of the defining tracks of “Velvet.” The song begins slow, and sounds pretty modern for an 80s sounding album. The moment the song gets to the beat change, the listener is suddenly taken back to 1985. The classic synth sound that defined an era is dominant in “Mind Playing Tricks.”

“Inferno,” “Got 2 Be Erotic,” and “Talk is Cheap” are the other defining songs in “Velvet.” The production of those songs is well done.

The 14 songs that make up “Velvet” are all different from each other. Even with the 80s sound, no song sounds alike.

“Velvet” is a great album for people that would like to try something different. It’s beautifully crafted. Nothing lacks from it.

People that grew up listening to 80s music will most likely enjoy “Velvet” as well because the nostalgia is strong with it.

photo courtesy

| 20th century fox

via youtube

A frame from the trailer of ‘The Predator’. The movie has grossed $103 million at box offices worldwide as of Sept. 28 according to Box Office Mojo.

Phil Boulware Staff Reporter This fourth installment in The Predator film series shows the audience a film about a decorated Army sniper and officer, played by Boyd Holbrook (Logan, Narcos), who lands himself into a world of trouble. He is the first to witness the return arrival of The Predator, a technologically advanced form of extraterrestrial life, that gains its name from its desire to stalk and hunt its prey.

In addition to Holbrook’s character, the film features

Olivia Munn (X-Men Apocalypse, Ride Along 2), as a biologist that government agent and antagonist, Sterling Brown (This Is Us, Black Panther) recruits, only to leave her for dead.

Holbrook’s autistic son receives a package sent from his dad, which is later to be what The Predator is in search of on Earth. This leads to the events that send the creature on the hunt for his property, stopping anyone that gets in his way. Holbrook and Munn’s characters enlist the help of a five former military

soldiers who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder.

This movie has an array of conflicts that will leave you convinced that the synopsis is false advertisement. In what is promoted as an action sci-fi and horror film, it falls flat on all those aspects, but doesn’t fail at providing arguably the most laughs of any feature film this year. Most of the comedic relief is provided by crew members such as Baxley, played by Thomas Jane (Hung, The Punisher) and comedy veteran, KeeganMichael Key (Key & Peele, Keanu).

The plot gets even more

unrealistic with several twists such as a fire drill scene where the teacher leaves a child behind, alone in the class to get bullied. While Brown plays a convincing antagonist, he’s not the primary one, and one would guess incorrectly if they assumed that The Predator is the villain as well.

The film delivers much of the blood and graphic violence that is expected from the franchise, and some will view as unbearable while some will find it cliche and meaningless.

The direction takes so many turns that it loses your interest halfway through, making it even more difficult to care for.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there.

This time around, The Predator is now genetically modified with Human DNA. The laughs provided by the film’s characters were intentionally overloaded to take focus away from an inconsistent plot with several useless characters simply there for body count purposes.

Misguided direction, horrible graphics, and poor story writing cap off this laughfest of a film which is suppose to scare its viewers.

Instead of providing thrills, the audience leaves questioning what they saw and why it was ever made.

‘White Boy Rick’ a gritty biopic of figure Phil Boulware Staff Reporter “White Boy Rick” is based on Richard Wershe Jr.’s teenage years as an FBIinformant-turned- drug-dealer in the mid-1980s of an inner city neighborhood of Detroit, MI. The story details his life from 14 years of age up until his incarceration.

The story follows Richard Wershe Jr., played by Richie Merritt, willing to do anything it takes to help his low income family. His father, portrayed

by Academy Award winner, Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyer’s Club, Wolf of Wall Street) is a registered firearms dealer who works independently. Wershe Sr., makes transactions to various clients including high-profile drug organizations, which lands him on the bureau’s radar as they have an ongoing investigation on some of his clients.

As the bureau closes in on the father, the son voluntarily becomes an informant for

the FBI. The federal agents, portrayed by Jennifer Jason Leigh (Hateful Eight, Fast Times at Ridgemont High), Rory Cochrane (Argo, Black Mass), and Brian Tyree Henry (Hotel Artemis, Atlanta), give great performances as manipulative officers that coerce the teen into infiltrating a prominent drug organization with ties to the city’s mayor.

Wershe Jr., who gains the trust of the organization led by actor Johnny Curry (Hostiles), befriends several of his members including his younger brother, Bu, which is played by RJ Cyler (Power Rangers; Me, Earl, and The Dying Girl). The officers betray the teen’s trust when they go against what was promised when they make drug busts. Soon after the bureau conducts their raids, the teen decides to make the transition to becoming a drug dealer which introduces more problems for him.

The film provides its viewers with much insight into the life of Wershe while also providing

photo courtesy

| scott garfield of sony pictures

Richie Merritt (White Boy Rick, left) and Matthew McConaughey (Richard Wershe Sr.) star in Columbia Pictures’ and Studio 8’s ‘White Boy Rick’.

solid performances by the entire cast led by newcomer Meritt in his acting debut as well as the veteran actor McConaughey. The story didn’t try to make any of its characters out to be saints, but you certainly develop a great

deal of empathy.

The story shows Rick often in vulnerable positions where he is betrayed by almost everyone as his life slowly unravels. Viewers get to see a gritty look into Detroit’s poverty, drug problems and

corruption in the 1980s With gripping performances by its cast along with great screenwriting, the film allows its audience to see how White Boy Rick gained prominence and earned his reputation.

‘AHS: Apocalyse’ brings back the old feel Kylah Roach Staff Reporter

photo courtesy

A promo picture from AHS’s Twitter page.

| @ahsfx via twitter

Words cannot express the excitement I get when a new season of “American Horror Story” begins. The thrill and gore of it all keep me coming back every season, but I must say I haven’t been this excited for a season in a while.

I’m not going to lie, as much as I love a good story from “American Horror Story,” the last two seasons didn’t hold my attention and keep me intrigued like season three, “Coven,” or

season one, “Murder House,” but I think the latest season, “Apocalypse,” is going to bring all that back and then some.

So, as we know, this season is called “Apocalypse,” meaning that the world has been destroyed, and that’s exactly what happens in the first episode (sorry for the small spoiler).

However, there’s a twist that happens at the beginning of the episode where characters from different backgrounds find a way to survive in a somewhat questionably weird, tortuous

way. I won’t give too much of the first episode, but when you watch it, you’ll know what I mean.

This season brings back two actresses that embody the meaning of American Horror Story: Kathy Bates and Sarah Paulson.

These two help, and I use that very loosely, other characters survive, but in a cruel, manipulative manner.

And with that being said, I can’t wait to see what the next episodes have in store.

The first episode doesn’t give

a lot of horror just yet, but it certainly gets viewers interested enough to come back for the twist and turns only “American Horror Story” has. Whether it’s a shocking cliffhanger or returning actor from previous stories, this episode makes viewers want to come back for it all.

Overall, I can honestly say we’ve got a really good story this season that I think we will find a pretty tough time predicting what will transpire next, which makes AHS the thrill it’s fans fawn over.

PAGE 7

OCT. 4, 2018

finalscore

hotshot

The A&M-Commerce Lions trounced the Lock Haven Bald Eagles in this game as the Lions scored 9 touchdowns in an offensive explosion.

Number of goals scored by West Texas A&M’s Khaline Jacob over 9 games, giving her an average of 1 per game.

68-6

Former star West Texas player lands professional contract

West Texas’ Evans signs with Croatian basketball team From gobuffsgo.com

From gobuffsgo.com

Former West Texas A&M basketball star David Chavlovich has become the latest Buffalo to join the professional ranks signing a professional contract with Croatian side KK Bosco.

KK Bosco, located in Zagreb, Croatia, competes in the Premijer Liga and opens their 2018-19 season on October 9 against Zadar.

"David is the all-time leading scorer at WT," head coach Tom Brown said. "He is also the all-time leading scorer for the Lone Star Conference.

Those two accomplishments are amazing with all of the talented players who have played not only here at WT but also in the LSC." ""He would be the first to tell you that he wasn't about the points," Brown added.

"He wanted to win and was someone we could always count on to make the right pass or knock down the clutch shot. He wanted that role and excelled in it. He was unselfish and was a competitor. He is someone that has been a winner from start to finish.

He started out 17-12 during his first year where he was named the LSC Freshman of the Year. When he was a senior, he took his team to the NCAA Final Four with a program-best record of 32-4."

"With all of the being said, we will miss David the most in practice as he always came ready to play," Brown continued. "He had a great sense of humor and picked up on what the coaches were teaching very quickly. He will be missed by the staff,

9

fans and community but I am guessing the coaches in the LSC are glad he is gone."

Chavlovich, a 5-foot11 guard from Arlington, Texas, put together one of the greatest careers in program and Lone Star Conference history as he finished as the all-time leading scorer in league history with 2,490 career points as he helped WT to its second Elite Eight in 20 years. He played in a school-record 127 games with a record 96-35, while leading breaking school records in field goals mad, field goals attempted, three-pointers made, three-point attempts and is fourth in career scoring average at 19.6 points.

He was a four-time AllAmerican and finalist for this past season's Bevo Francis award given to the top men's basketball player who competes in Division II, Division II and NAIA. During his senior season, he was named a First Team All-American by Basketball Times and Honorable Mention honors by Division II Conference Commissioners' Association (D2CCA) and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

Former West Texas A&M men's basketball player Jordan Evans has signed a professional contract with Tralee Warriors of the Irish Super League. Evans is the second player from the Buffs' 201718 squad to sign a pro contract to play overseas, joining David Chavlovich, who will play for KK Bosco in Croatia.

Last season, Tralee won the Champions Trophy for the second consecutive season. Tralee, which competes in the Irish Super League, opens the 2018-19 season on Sept. 29 against KCYMS. "Jordan is arguably the best shooter I have ever coached," said WT head coach Tom Brown. "There was never a shot that he didn't like and there was never a shot I didn't want him to shoot. He has so many individual accomplishments from the last few years.

He was a three-time All-LSC

performer as well as being named the Player of the Week multiple times. He is someone that I never had to ask to hurry up or make sure you are on time. He simply took care of business on and off the court. He also graduated with a business degree!"

"Jordan worked closely with Coach Henderson to improve on his defense," Brown added. "He actually became a very good defensive player for us. He was asked to play multiple positions on defense. In securing the LSC Championship at Tarleton, he was forced to guard their post player as Ryan Quaid had fouled out.

I believe he had a steal and a charge in the last few minutes of the game to seal the win.

Jordan did whatever it took to win. He was a winner in his four years here at WT!" "I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach Jordan Evans," Brown continued. "You really don't

know much a player means to a team until they are not around. You cannot replace a player like him but hopefully some of our younger players have learned from him. Jordan was a great leader by example."

Evans, a 6-foot-5 guard from Houston, Texas, finished his four-year career with 1,455 points, which is the third-most in program history while leading the Buffs to a record of 96-35. As a senior in 2017-18, he played a key role on a Buff squad that notched a programrecord 32 wins and reached the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time in 20 years. For the year, he averaged 15.7 points per game hitting 42.5 percent of his shots from the field and 41.3 percent from 3-point range. In the NCAA Tournament, he scored 26 points in a victory over UT Permian Basin in the South Central Region Final.

Lone Star Conference signs partnership with Under Armour Joins A&M-Commerce, Texas Tech and other universities with latest agreeement From lonestarconference.org The Lone Star Conference has announced a new partnership agreement with Under Armour, Inc. beginning this fall. The Baltimore-based global leader in performance footwear, apparel and equipment will become the official outfitter of the LSC and serve as an official sponsor of all LSC championship events.

As part of a five-year agreement, the company will provide the LSC Office with access to footwear, apparel and equipment.

Athletic

Supply Inc. and Cardinal’s Sports Center will serve as the exclusive dealers of all Under Armour products to the LSC and assist with the startup of a new online league store.

“We’re excited to join the Under Armour family and align the LSC brand with the global leader in athletic apparel,” said LSC Commissioner Jay Poerner.

“Further, partnering with Athletic Supply and Cardinal’s Sport makes this agreement a win-win for the Conference.”

The Lone Star Conference joins an Under Armour roster of NCAA partners

that includes LSC members Angelo State, Texas A&MCommerce, West Texas A&M, and Western New Mexico in addition to the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of California, Berkeley, University of Wisconsin, University of Notre Dame, Naval Academy Athletic Association, University of Maryland, Texas Tech University, Northwestern University, University of Cincinnati, Boston College, University of Utah, University of South Carolina, Auburn University and Yale University.

Finalists to be announced Oct. 31 by the National Football Foundation Football

Standings Soccer

Volleyball

Women’s Tennis

Schedules Football October 6

Angelo State @ Western New Mexico UT Permian Basin @ West Texas A&M Western Oregon @ Texas A&M-Kingsville Texas A&M-Commerce @ Midwestern State Eastern New Mexico @ Tarleton State

October 13

West Texas A&M @ Angelo State Tarleton State @ Texas A&M-Commerce Humboldt State @ UT Permian Basin Western New Mexico @ Eastern New Mexico Midwestern State @ Texas A&M-Kingsville

October 20

Texas A&M-Commerce @ Western New Mexico Angelo State @ UT Permian Basin Eastern New Mexico @ West Texas A&M Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Tarleton State

Volleyball October 5

Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Cameron West Texas A&M @ Texas A&M-Commerce UT Permian Basin @ Tarleton State Eastern New Mexico @ Texas Woman’s Western New Mexico @ Angelo State

October 6

West Texas A&M @ Texas Woman’s Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Midwestern State Eastern New Mexico @ Texas A&M-Commerce UT Permian Basin @ Angelo State Western New Mexico @ Tarleton State

October 9

Texas A&M-Commerce @ Midwestern State Texas Woman’s @ Cameron UT Permian Basin @ Lubbock Christian Angelo State @ Texas A&M-Kingsville West Texas A&M @ Western New Mexico

October 12

Cameron @ Eastern New Mexico Midwestern State @ West Texas A&M Texas A&M-Kingsville @ UT Permian Basin Tarleton State @ Texas A&M-Commerce Angelo State @ Texas Woman’s

October 13

Midwestern State @ Eastern New Mexico Angelo State @ Texas A&M-Commerce Tarleton State @ Texas Woman’s Cameron @ West Texas A&M Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Western New Mexico

October 16

Texas A&M-Commerce @ Texas Woman’s Eastern New Mexico @ West Texas A&M

October 17

Tarleton State @ Angelo State

October 19

Western New Mexico @ Midwestern State UT Permian Basin @ Cameron Eastern New Mexico @ Tarleton State West Texas A&M @ Angelo State Texas A&M-Commerce @ Texas A&M-Kingsville

For all sports sechedules visit lonestarconference.org

SPORTS

PAGE 8 Football

OCT. 4, 2018

Lions fall to No. 9 with loss, bounce back Tyler McDonough Senior Sports Reporter The No. 9 A&M-Commerce Lions returned home to Ernest Haskins Stadium after defeating Eastern New Mexico University to take on Colorado State Pueblo and Lock Haven University.

The Lions took care of business on Sep. 15 as they traveled to Portales, NM to take on ENMU. The Lion defense defended the Greyhounds triple option offense superbly winning a defensive shootout 21-11, only allowing 215 total yards to the Greyhounds.

One week later on Sep. 22 the formerly No. 1 ranked Lions saw their 13-game winning streak come to an end as the Lions fell to No. 22 Colorado State-Pueblo 23-13.

Both teams struggled to throw the ball in the rainy conditions as the Lions only completed 11 passes for 139 yards, while CSU-Pueblo completed 11 passes for only 84 yards.

The Lions did have some success in the run game as the total yardage reached 92 yards, but it was no match for the CSU-Pueblo rushing attack as the Thunderwolves ran for 233 yards.

One-week later on Sep. 29 the newly ranked No. 9 Lions bounced back as they defeated the Lock Haven University (Pennsylvania) Bald Eagles in cruising fashion 68-6.

Kane Wilson made his first career start for the Lions and

had himself a game. The Junior transfer went 20-31 for 373 yards and accumulated for five total touchdowns (four passing, one rush).

Wilson was not the only one for the Lions dishing out touchdown passes.

Quarterbacks Preston Wheeler and Chase Pemberton relieved Wilson in the fourth and combined for an efficient 78 yards with a touchdown.

Wide Receiver Matt Childers even got in on the action as the wideout threw a 40-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

The Lions took and early lead never looked back leading wire to wire as Wilson hit Ryan Stokes on a 44-yard pass on the opening drive. Wilson’s 44-yard pass capped off a 97yard drive on eight plays. After a couple of Lock Haven punts the Lions were able to set up another drive that ended in six after Wilson scored on a 3-yard rush in the first quarter.

The ever-so reliable Kristov Martinez knocked in a 37-yard field goal early in the second quarter to make the score 170. After another Bald Eagle drive stalled, the reigning LSC Special Teams player of the week Dominique Ramsey returned a punt 71 yards to the Lock Haven 6-yard line.

Carandal Hale punched it in on the next play to make the score 24-0.

Marquis Wimberly and Ryan Stokes scored the final two touchdowns of the half for the Lions to extend the lead

38-0 at halftime.

Wimberly had a stellar performance leading the Lions with nine catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Stokes had a fine game as well hauling in four catches for 107 yards and three touchdowns.

With a big lead going into the second half the Lions looked just as impressive as the first half. The offense scored thirty more points in the half, while the defense only allowed 6 points to cap off a 68-6 win.

The Lions return to Conference play as they travel to Wichita Falls Oct. 6 to take on the No. 5 Midwestern State Mustangs. Oct. 13 the Lions will return to Memorial Stadium to host the Tarleton State Texans.

Soccer

Offense still uncertain for Lions Jordan Ader Sports Reporter Texas A&M Commerce women’s soccer is 1-2 over their last three matches, sandwiching a 2-0 win over the UT-Permian Basin Falcons Sept. 28 in-between losses against West Texas A&M Sept. 23 and Angelo State Sept. 30.

The Lions only had three shots on goal in their 0-3 loss against the West Texas A&M Buffalos at The Pitch in Canyon, Texas. The Buffalos controlled the ball for most of the match, finishing with 11 shots on goal and 11 corner kicks.

After a foul in the 28th minute, West Texas A&M scored their first goal on the resulting free kick. The second half saw two more Buffalo goals, a 70th minute goal scored from a rebound after a double-save by Lions goalkeeper Caitlyn Duty, who had eight saves, and a penalty

kick only six minutes later.

In the first half against UT-Permian Basin, A&MCommerce was assertive, taking three shots and shutting down Falcon possessions quickly. Despite the Lions’ aggressive play, both teams were scoreless at halftime.

In the second half, Lion midfielder Michelle Kotlik scored two goals, a 54thminute header off a cross from defender Myca Crum and a close shot set up by fellow midfielder Lindsey McDonald in the 72nd minute.

A&M-Commerce earned 11 corners and outshot the Falcons seven to four in shots on goal and 15-7 overall. Due to inclement weather, the match was moved from Cain Sporting Complex at A&MCommerce to Kyle Field in Rockwall.

In their first game at home since Sept. 12, A&MCommerce started strong on attack against the Angelo State University Rams, but

the Rams found their rhythm as the half went on. Still, at halftime the score was tied at zero.

In the second half, the Lions started with a firm grip on the Rams’ attack, but Angelo State found an opening and capitalized, scoring a header in the 62nd minute to open the scoring.

In the 80th minute, the Lions took a shot off a corner kick, which then bounced off the crossbar to midfielder Cora Welch, who tucked it into the goal from close range.

However, just two minutes later, Angelo State scored the game-winning-goal when Rams forward Trenadey Scott tapped in a goal off a cross from the left.

The Lions will hope to bounce back as they head out on the road again, taking on Texas Woman’s University at Pioneer Soccer Park in Denton Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. and MSUTexas in Wichita Falls Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.

east texan photo

Sabrina Munguia fights through tough defense from Angelo State’s Megan Allen.

| joseph miller

east texan photo

| drew ivery

Top: Lion players kneel in prayer before the home game against Lock Haven Sept. 29.

Bottom: Vincent Hobbes (15) leaps to deftly nab a catch before a Thunderwolves defensive back can do so.

east texan photo

| ashley tuppen

Volleyball

Home win streak continues Compiled from reports

The Lions have won their six last games, including a close 3-2 match against UT-Permian Basin, and maintained a fivegame win streak at home this season.

Scores were 3-0 over A&MKingsville, 3-1 over Dallas Baptist, 3-0 over Cameron, 3-0 over MSU-Texas, 3-2 over UT-Permian Basin, and 3-1 over Western New Mexico.

In the A&M-Kingsville match, the Lions rolled over the Javelinas in an hot offensive match where the Lions hit a .277 percentage and held Kingsville to a .011 hitting percentage.

In the Dallas Baptist match, four Lions managed to have double-digit number in kills.

In their fifth sweep of the season, the Lions barrelled past Cameron as the defense held Cameron to a minus .027 hitting percentage.

Against MSU-Texas at home, the Lions extend their home win streak from last year to 18 games, five of which came from this year.

In a hard-fought away match that went to five sets against UT-Permian Basin, the Lions had five players claim double digit figures in kills and had 72 total kills.

In their last away match before returing home against Western New Mexico, the Lions scored 50 kills to WNMU’s 40.

The next game is at home against West Texas A&M, then Eastern New Mexico Oct. 6 at home, MSU-Texas away Oct. 9, Tarleton at home Oct. 12, Angelo State at home Oct. 13, Texas Woman’s University away Oct. 16, A&M-Kingsville away Oct. 19, and Cameron away Oct. 23.

east texan photo

| ashley tuppen

Bina Njikam leaps to kill the ball over two A&M-Kingsville defenders. She would total 8 kills in this winning match.