The Bison Newspaper - Vol. 97, No. 4

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to help ‘I want to beNever able Facebook’s network goesremember down Never forget forget Presidential search the company to regulate update r urges Congress Whistle-blowe and tell their stories’

calls for further regulation of the industry and underscored the importance of the company’s research into difficult issues.

Zuckerberg said the outage on Monday was On Monday, Oct. 4, Facebook’s apps the worst the company has had in years.

— which include Facebook, Instagram, “We’ve spent the past 24 hours debriefing Messenger, WhatsApp and Oculus — how we can strengthen our systems against disappeared from the internet for nearly this kind of failure,” Zuckerberg said. six hours. Users began reporting error “This was also a reminder of how much messages being displayed on the family of our work matters to people. The deeper apps around 10:40 a.m. central time. The concern with an outage like this isn’t outage took out a vital communications how many people switch to competitive platform used by billions of people services or how much money we lose, but worldwide and demonstrated how essential what it means for the people who rely on the services have become to daily life. our services to communicate with loved Facebook said there was not a hack ones, run their businesses or support their — the network crash was a self-inflicted communities.” problem. In an update on Monday night, Following the congressional hearing the company said configuration changes Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, on routers that coordinate network traffic a Democrat from Connecticut, and U.S. blocked the ability to communicate, setting Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from off a cascade of failures.

Tennessee, praised Haugen as a witness.

Facebook has been under fire in recent “I have rarely, if ever, seen or heard weeks as lawmakers and regulators have as credible or compelling a witness on scrutinized the networking’s far-reaching an issue so difficult or challenging,” ability to polarize society and shape Photo by MADISON MEYER Blumenthal said. “Francis Haugen wants Photo by MADISON MEYER opinions.

In mid-September, the Wall to fix Facebook, not burn it to the ground.”

Dr.Jack Jack Shock, Shock, distinguished distinguished professor professor of of communication, communication, and Dr. and Dr. Dr. Ginger Ginger Blackstone, Blackstone, associate associate professor professor of of Street Journal published an expose that Emmie Mercer, assistant professor communication, share their firsthand experiences in media from Sept.

11, 2001, with honors communication communication, share their firsthand experiences in media from Sept. 11, 2001, with honors communication Photos

by MADISON MEYER students.

Students and facultyhad visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9. revealed Facebook’s internal research of information systems at Harding, said Photos

by MADISON MEYER students. Students and faculty visited the 9/11 memorial in Downtown Manhattan on Thursday, Sept. 9. concluded the attention-seeking algorithms she thinks Facebook, and entities like Junior Emily Stinnett was a student onit, “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY Junior Emily Stinnett was a student on “My job was to bring the story out,” Blackstone worked as a producer for CNN Photo

by JEFF MONTGOMERY EVERETT KIRKMAN had helped to foster political dissent and have the means to better regulate their Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential president the board Lindy aIngram, member of the tripand and created video documentary of Atlanta in Septemberof2001.

She andof hertrustees; Shock said.search committee; Dr. RobertinWalker, EVERETT KIRKMAN Charles Ganus, head of the Harding presidential search committee; Dr. Robert Walker, president of the board of trustees; and Lindy Ingram, member of the trip and created a video documentary of in Atlanta in September 2001.

She and her Shock said.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN content. She said she hopes the outage editor-in-chief ultimately contributed to mental health the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building on Sept.

10. it.

A shorter version of her work, specifically team have since received an Emmy Award Even national news correspondents editor-in-chief the board of trustees, leave the American Heritage building Sept. 10. team have since received an Emmy Award it. A shorter version of her work, specifically Even national newsoncorrespondents and emotional problems among teenagers, Haugen said whenever there was aand conflict “Every dayaour teams have to course balance and whistleblower will leadofto students, necessary for their reporting work over the of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC Eleven honors communication students University focused on theofreflection chair the Lipscomb Board of number good things president.

This marked theCNN first for““There’s their reporting work of over the course of Solomon, from outlets like NBC, ABC and CNN Eleven honors communication focused on theofreflection of students, EVERETT KIRKMAN students University chair theon Lipscomb Board president.

This marked the firstas protecting There’s a right number of good things KIRKMAN specifically girls. the public good and what benefited the of billions of people changes to social media sites.

But, Mercer was shown in chapel Friday, Sept.

10.of the weeks following the attacks, as America had restricted access at ground zero, and fiveEVERETT communication department facultybetween Trustees, said in a statement at the time happening here at Harding right now,” time an outside executive search firm was editor-in-chief the weeks following the attacks,right as America hadan restricted access at search groundfirm zero, as happening and five communication department faculty time was shown in in chapel on Friday, Sept.

10.

Trustees, said asee statement at the time here at Harding now,” outside executive was editor-in-chief Her project documented the visit to the learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National Guard patrolled what was an traveled to New York City fromthe Inmembers the 60 Minutes report, “The Facebook company, Facebook would choose its to express themselves openly with the need said she does not reform happening ofHer theproject announcement.

Ganus said.

“I’m looking forward to the hired by the University for thiswhat process. learned about the terrorists’ motives and the the National Guard patrolled was an members traveled to New York City from hired documented the visit to the of theunless announcement.

Ganus said.

“I’m looking forward to the soon by the University for this would process. memorial, as governmental wella as visitsalso toregulations St. Paul’s U.S. government’s response in realpositive time. investigation.

Journalists often to Sept.

8-12 Charles tothat observe the 20th anniversary Whistleblower” aired Oct. 3 on CBS, ownongoing interests. keep our platform a safethe and York College, school continuing “We are conductingJournalists a nationwide search Alumnus Ganus, board member U.S.president government’s response in mission real time.of ongoing investigation. would often new Sept.

8-12 Charles to observe the 20th memorial, as well visitsalso to affiliated St. Paul’s York College, a as school affiliated new president continuing the mission of are “We to are conducting a nationwide search Alumnus Ganus, boardanniversary member chapel, Trinity Church and the Engine 54, For Blackstone, Sept.

11, 2001, was her speak Shock as a liason, who would then of the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Frances Haugen revealed herself as the Haugen has filed at least eight complaints place,” Pietsch said.

“We continue to make imposed. with theTrinity Churches of Christ, announced Harding — continuing for 2001, it to be the for a president that will who lead would Harding and chairman of 2001, the presidential search For Blackstone, Sept.

11, was her speak to Shock as a liason, then of the Sept.

11, terrorist attacks on chapel, Church and the Engine 54, with the Churches of Christ, announced Harding —improvements continuing for itplane to be the Ladder for a president that area will to lead Harding andthe chairman of the presidential search 4, Battalion 9 firehouse on 8th Ave. day off.

Unaware of the initial crash, enter the Red Cross find someone World Trade Center in New York data scientist who anonymously filed with U.S. security regulators, alleging that significant to tackle the “I teach future data analysts and data the appointment of a 9new president on June special place it hasof been.

I look forward University in its Cross vision area as a Christ-centered committee, saidTrade while Center the process isNew ongoing, day off.

Unaware the initial plane crash, enter the Red to find someone the World in York Ladder 4, Battalion firehouse on 8th Ave. theMidtown appointment of a new president on June University inviolated its vision as a Christ-centered specialthe place it has been.

I and look forward committee, said while the ongoing, in Manhattan.

Fifteen firefighters second plane hit the second tower, 12, willing toof share their story.

Each student on process the tripisfulfilled anFacebook complaints with law enforcement that the law by withholding of misinformation there come a time 2020. Dr.and Samuel A. may Smith, an alumnus towhen the next president onharmful that.” theCity. presidential search committee’s rolean institution higher education,” Walker said spread when the second planebuilding hit the second tower, scientists, willinghas toofshare their story.

Each student on the trip fulfilled in Midtown Manhattan.

Fifteen firefighters to the next president building on that.” institution higher education,” Walker said theCity. presidential search committee’s role 12, 2020.

Dr.encounter Samuel A. Smith, an alumnus from Engine Co. 54 went to the World her two cell phones, landline and BlackBerry “At that moment, that firefighter became honors contract on a topic related to 9/11, Facebook’s own research shows how it information about the risks posed by its content.

To suggest we encourage bad when they a similar conflict the college, as president since Other colleges affiliated with the offrom in February.

“We are searching for a mature is now over.

He said he andrelated other to board two cell phones,also landline and BlackBerry “At that“We moment, that firefighter became her contract on ahe topic 9/11, in Enginehas Co.served 54 went to the World colleges also affiliated with the of is honors now over.

He said and other February. aresaid. searching for a to mature of interest the Center college, has served as2001, president since Trade on Sept. and allOther began to ring at the same time.

After my client,” Shock “It was up the events surrounding it the and theboard effects magnifies hate and misinformation.

IfofFacebook asserts Haugen stole content and do nothing is just not true.” where they11, must decide the July 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 none years Churches of Christ have recently gone member the church of“It Christ who isme ledto members were grateful for time and network. all began to ring at the same time.

After my client,” Shock said. was up to me to the events surrounding it and the effects Trade Center on Sept.

11, 2001, and none Churches of Christ have recently gone member of the church of Christ who is led members were grateful for the time and July 6, 2020, after spending nearly 20 years returnedimplications — the most men lost from a single of Chief the events, she was advised to ethical ensure heinformation had a safe from experience that did learning feltinternal worldwide.

The documents Haugen shared confidential the company, Facebook Executive Officer Mark of the algorithms a variety Lipscomb. transitions. the word of God the Holythat Spirit, effort every committee member put into byensure learningpresidential of the events, she was advised to inreturned he had a safeand experience did through felt worldwide.

—of theroles mostatmen lost fromSmith’s a single through presidential transitions. bynot theexploit word of God and Holy Spirit, effort every committee into they in Lipscomb. stay home and his restfirst up for thecomments work that tengine him, that didthe not put him in a Zuckerbeg The group visited themember Sept.

11put Memorial have spurred more criticism both take legal action against her. made h eayvariety ’recompany b u iof lwill droles i nthat g, ”atday.

M eThe rc e rfirefighters s a Smith’s id. “If take place today.

Onhome Aug. 5, Lipscomb in inauguration narrowing the search forSept. thefrom University’s committed tohim, the spread the gospel of a stay and rest up public forUniversity the work that notcould exploit that didof not put him in The group visited the 11 Memorial engine company that day.

The firefighters there shared their personal stories the would ensue in Lipscomb days and weeks to come.in an zone thattestified would unhealthy him, and and Museum at ground zero on Thursday, On Aug. 5, University committed to thebe spread of of thefor gospel of narrowing the the search for the University’s inauguration will take place today. regulators and general public.

The Haugen front Congress theTennessee, public in a Facebook algorithm causes harm towith society “Smith proven himself to bethe a Nashville, the Christ andwould focused on strengthening next wouldtoensue in daysdebate andannounced weeks to come. zone that bein unhealthy for him,the and related andpresident.

Museum at ground zero on Thursday, there sharedhas their personal stories with students and faculty and shared memories “All of the Turner networks, all of also to accompany him to and through the Sept.

9.

While there, Dr. Jack Shock, Nashville, Tennessee, announced the Christ and focused on strengthening the next president.

“Smith has proven himself to be documents, other indicated Capitol Hill onpursuit Tuesday, Oct. 5. U.S. on Tuesday, resharing a memo sentof thoughtful because optimized to spreadmemories hate anda listener with a shared visionary spirit,” appointment the university ’s 18th in its excellence in post On Oct. 30, 2020, thethings, retirement of Dr. onUniversity “All of theofTurner networks, all also to accompany him toofand through the Sept.

9.among While there, Dr. Jack Shock, studentsit’s and faculty and of colleagueslistener that had lost. violence, them — even like TBS — they were misinformation, interview.” distinguished professor of communication, appointment of TNT, the university ’swrote 18th in its pursuit of excellence On 30, 2020, the Instagram retirement of Dr. University thoughtful a visionary spirit,” that theOct. company was Amyeducation.”

Klobuchar of Minnesota askedin to Facebook employees. orwith itbeen enables R. Wayne White, chairman of the York president Dr.like Candice McQueen, former higher Bruce McLarty as knew University president was Sen. them —— even TNT,Zuckerberg TBS — they were Dr. interview.” distinguished professor of communication, of Stinnett colleagues been lost. saidthat onehad of chairman the most memorable all simulcasting CNN, including CNN Shock described the many interviews president wasMcLarty interviewed by multiple news outlets — Dr. Candice McQueen, former higher education.”

Bruce as University president was Dr. R. Wayne White, of the York worsening teenagers’ image issues, whether Facebook dedicated that waited to address employees and College addictions andof discontentment, but it Board Trustees, said.

“After Two weeks after this Tennessee commissioner ofincluding educationCNN announced to the Harding community via Haugen all he simulcasting CNN,said.

Shock described the announcement, many interviews was interviewed bybody multiple news Stinnett ofto theher most memorable moments ofsaid theone trip was reading International,” Blackstone “The thinking heweeks took part in, where he stood directly Tennessee about histo experiences at ground zerooutlets invia the that Two after this announcement, commissioner of education and announced the Harding community College Board of Trustees, said.

“After despite company executives publicly trying enough resources to removing coronavirus the public until after the two recent brings astronomical profits, what will interviewing several great candidates, it former dean of the university’s department Harding constituents received an email anabout email from Board of Trustees Chairman International,” Blackstone “The thinking he took part in, and where stood directly his experiences atattacks. ground Shock zero in was the that moments trip topeople her was reading names of of the the 2,977 that diedit was, there’s point in ussaid. clamoring over the behind the camera theheinterviewer, as former weeks following the dean no of the university’s department Harding constituents received an email email from Board of Trustees Chairman interviewing several greatexperiences candidates, toan minimize the downsides of of the falsehoods, following YouTube’s pledge to as congressional hearings. they choose?” was apparent that Smith’s in ofwas, education.

McQueen was the first female Dr. Robert Walker on behalf theapp. entire from thethe presidential search committee, there’s no point in us clamoring over behind camera and the interviewer, weeks following the attacks.

Shock was the names of the 2,977 people that died on 9/11, seeingthat their faces in photos and resources rightMcQueen now, we just need to centralize a presence of familiarity. called to Walker New York by a former student, of education. was the first female Dr. Robert on behalf of the entire from the presidential search committee, was apparent Smith’s experiences in higher education were the best match for president hired in the Church of Christ board.

On Feb. 10, Walker announced the requesting input for future presidential “No one at Facebook is malevolent,” ban all anti-vaccine misinformation from Zuckerberg acknowledged the difficulty resources right now, we just need to centralize learning a presence of familiarity. called toIrby, Newnational York bymarketing a former officer student, on 9/11,more seeing theirtheir faces in photos and about individual lives. the message.”

“I couldinput stop the interview if I saw him president Darren of requesting hired in the Church of Christ for future presidential board.

On Feb. 10, Walker announced the higher education were the best match for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” school’s 130-year history. candidates. includedifquestions formation ofduring a presidential search committee Haugen said interview.

“ButRed how children use social the message.”

“I couldThe stopsurvey interview I with saw him Darren Irby, national marketing officer oftheir learning more about their individual lives.

“Ichallenges think it’s easy to define those ahead.” people Blackstone said the media, channelreiterated stopped the in platform. distress, and Ithe made that clear the inschool’s the American Red the Cross, to assist with candidates.

The survey included questions history. formation of a presidential search committee and opportunities Candidates foreasy the role of Harding president “IBlackstone am130-year confident that her vision, deep regarding characteristics and qualities inthe a campus-wide email.

The committee said the channel stopped in distress, and I made that clear with the American Red Cross, to assist with Red “I think it’s to define those people death,” Stinnett said.

“I mean it breaks for two full weeks. reporter,”characteristics Shock said. “The number one running Cross media relations.

“I amcommercial confident that her vision, deep by their and qualities in a campus-wide email.

Thethree committee Candidates for the role Harding president interview with the of University boardit students, alumni, faculty staff considered expertise, passion forbreaks faith-based education included seven board members, Harding regarding running commercial for twoBlackstone full weeks. will reporter,” Shock said.and “The number one Cross media relations. by their death,” Stinnett said.

“I mean was a huge event, and it was a huge attack “You just had to go on feeling,” issue here is the safety and wellbeing of Seated in the same spot in the New York expertise, passion for faith-based education included seven board members, three Harding students, alumni, faculty and staff considered will interview with the University board trustees, willand then votefull finalists. most important forsafety a president and time. whatof“ and love for Lipscomb lead us boldly of faculty members three alumni. just hadno torulebook go onwill feeling,” Blackstone issue here isespecially the wellbeing Seated in theand same spotHarding in the was a huge event, ittheir was aon huge attack — but theywho deserve for stories to said.“You “There was for this.

Nothing the subject, at and this brutal Marriott Marquis where he metNew withYork the most and love for Lipscomb will lead us boldly important for a president and what faculty members and three Harding alumni. of trustees, who will then vote on finalists.

The board not publicly announced a newhad season greatness, exemplified theespecially president should be prepared Upon the announcement of met theSeptember search said.athis “There was noof rulebook forLike, this. when Nothing theDr. subject, at this brutal time. “ into Marriott Marquis where he with the challenges —remembered but theyhas deserve for their fulltostories to be and told.

I want be able like ever happened. is rest of his team each morning in Ginger Blackstone, associate professor challenges the president should be prepared into athis newhad season of greatness, exemplified Upon the announcement of in theSeptember search The board hasthey not publicly announced a date on which expect to announce a by excellence, diversity and immersion in to address. committee, Walker also announced the like ever happened.

Like, when is Dr. Ginger Blackstone, associate professor rest of his team each morning be remembered and told.

I want to be able to help remember andexpect tell their stories.” a it okay to run diversity a commercial again? When communication, was beside Shock in by 2001, Shock told the students of histhe two toofaddress. excellence, and immersion in committee, Walker also announced date on which they to announce regarding and the new hiring. community together again? we work to decision appointment oftold anzero executive search firm, Incommunication, the meantime, Ganus hethe felt blessedin our it it okay to run a as commercial When wassaid beside Shock 2001, the students of his two of to help remember tell their stories.” the seating area, sharing with is appropriate?” weeksShock at ground with the Red Cross. our we work to decision regarding the new hiring. appointment of to anzero executive search In the meantime, Ganus said hethe feltstudents. blessed transform the livesasoftogether our students,” David Dr. David Burks’ interim CarterBaldwin, aid the search for afirm, new bythe is itcommunity appropriate?” weeks at ground with the Red Cross. seating area, sharing withpresidency. students. transform the lives of our students,” David CarterBaldwin, to aid the search for a new by Dr. David Burks’ interim presidency.

EVERETT KIRKMAN editor-in-chief

the incentives are misaligned, right?

Like, Facebook makes more money when you consume more content. People enjoy engaging with things that elicit an emotional reaction. And the more anger that they get exposed to, the more they interact and the more they consume.”

“I do not believe Facebook, as currently structured, has the capability to stop vaccine misinformation,” Haugen said.

Lena Pietsch, Facebook’s director of policy communications, responded to 60 Minutes’ report

Students participate in Lectureship, Robertson plans for more student engagement in the future Students respond respond to to Students Possible vaccine vaccine mandates mandates to affect private companies, Possible to affect private companies, Supreme Court’s ruling on Supreme Court’s ruling on universities universities Texas abortion ban Texas abortion ban

“I talked to some missionaries, I inter viewed some missionaries and I started building this case for viewing Daniel as a missionar y and then in Eight students delivered lectures turn what can we learn about missions d u r i n g L e c t u re s h i p l a s t we e k , a n d through life of Daniel,” said.

Brands the Association wrote a Stout letter to the GABRIEL HUFF Dr. Jesse Robertson, member of the “And that was what I talked about.”

Brands Association wrote a letter to the GABRIEL president requesting clarification, asking asst. copy HUFF editor problems instead of attacking the woman L e c t u r e s h i p asst. lGABRIEL e a dcopy ersh i HUFF p team, said Robertson saidas,of the primary goal of president requesting clarification, asking editor problems instead attacking the woman questions such “Must an employee who’s already in a tough situation, I think GABRIEL HUFF asst.have copy more editor student Lquestions he isI nlooking to ectureship is to inform, encourage such “Must anand employee already inas, atotough situation, think a n e f f oasst. r t tcopy o c ueditor r b COV I D - 1 9 bewho’s vaccinated to work?”

“What wefully wouldn’t have ban abortions toI make engagement Lectureships. and inspire students to participate in I n Ina na 5-4 ePresident fin f ovote, rfuture t tthe o cSupreme u r bBiden COV I D 1 9 be fully vaccinated to work?” and “What we wouldn’t have to ban abortions to make numbers, Joe said on are the consequences of falsifying one’s Court of the abortions a rare thing.”

Robertson, who is also the assistant God’s mission, offering them a chance numbers, President JoetoBiden saidU.S. the consequences of falsifying one’s In9a 5-4 vote, therequesting Supreme Court ofon the are abortions a or rare thing.”

Sept. that hedeclined is the vaccination testing status and does the United States block Texas’ new Freshman Skyler Marcellus, secretary dean for9church connections, said Bible view people what Harding Sept. that isSept. requesting the U.S. or practicing testing status and does the United States declined block Texas’ new Skyler Marcellus, secretary Depar tment of Labor require all tovaccination responsibility restfor with the individual abortion lawhe on 1.to to forFreshman HU Students Life, said he agreed faculty are asked toSept. nominate potential Others who attend Lectureship Depar tment ofmore Labor to100 require all preaches. responsibility with the abortion law on 1. the HU Students Life, said he agreed companies with than employees orfor employer?”

The Texas law, coined Texas Heartbeat with the Texasrest lawfor because itindividual aligns with student speakers for Lectureship every asKlein, well, Robertson added. orwith employer?” companies with more than 100 employees The Texas law, coined the Texas Heartbeat the Texasvalues. law because it aligns L ori assistant professor of toAct, mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or benefit seeks to prevent abortions when a fetal his Christian Furthermore, he with said year with the goal of selecting those “Our purpose is to serve students,” to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or L ori Klein, assistant professor of Act, seeks to a fetal his values.

Furthermore, he said political said Harding weekly testing. heartbeat orprevent cardiac abortions activity iswhen detected in history the Christian lawand holds peoplescience, more accountable for history and political science, said Harding weekly testing. who have demonstrated good speaking Robertson said. “ We also wound up heartbeat orwhich cardiac activity is80detected in University the holds people accountable for would alsomore be subject to these The mandate will affectbegins million the womb, typically around theirlaw actions and saves lives.

University would also be subject The abilities, and a much larger set of ifthese we the their and saves lives. em p weeks lwomb, o mandate yshown e einto swhich , wlearning hwill i ctypically h affect i s abilities, a l begins m80 o specifically, smillion t around t w o - serving mandates if that they become effective — six pregnancy.

More “I actions believe we need topeople fix thetosystems ethirds m p weeks l oact yofepermitted ethe sin , w h i cindividuals h isector s More a l or mto omission ssue t tanyone w o - domandates ifbecause theywe become effective — six into pregnancy. specifically, “Iitthe believe that need toemployees fix the systems participated internships that well we open our private workforce, since hasgovernment more than the that is100 trying to doors fix with thirds of the private sector workforce, since it has more than 100 employees — the act permitted individuals to sue anyone that the government is trying to fix with trips.

Once students receive an invitation for them to come and participate also.” who performs or assists abortions.

The of law unless abortion,” Marcellus said. “So I believe it applies for religious exemption. according to AP News.

The task who performs or assists abortions.

The law abortion,” Marcellus said.

“So I believe to AP News.

The task of unless it applies for religious exemption. viaaccording email, they only need to complete Robertson said he wants to feature allows citizens to producewill lawsuits we need to in and wean need to fix the shegosaid such exemption issuing the mandates fallinstead uponof However, allows citizens to produce lawsuits instead ofLectureship’s we need to gosaid inbecause, and wean toasfixto the the mandates will upon However, she exemption necessitating public officials tofall enforce the foster system.

Isuch believe we need go anissuing application and accept. purpose more inneed subsequent may becare difficult as far she the Occupational Safety and Health necessitating public officials enforce theyears system.

I believe wesystems need go may becare difficult as far as to she the Safety and Health law. plaintiffs win a case, they can obtain inaware, and we need tobecause, fix all that Administration (OSHA), atoregulatory isfoster the Church of these Christ does not “It ’sOccupational aIfbit of an honor to be selected and increase student engagement law.

If plaintiffs win adepartment. case, they canBiden obtain in systems aware, of Christ (OSHA), adamages regulatory a minimum $10,000 in alongbyis the isqfix like, you agency theoflabor have of toAdministration make aof presentation because the a sand kagovernment iprecedent nwe gthe tneed h Church re eto urejecting eall s t‘If ithese on svaccinations ojust fdoes ehave venot rthat yan awith minimum $10,000 in an damages alonglecture is like, ‘Ifwill you have an attorneys’ fees. department. abortion, other stuff bejust taken care agency ofnominating the labor Biden have agovernment precedent of rejecting vaccinations also said he of would sign executive asthe a group, though individuals can apply faculty are people for those andthis session: Is this something withsaid attorneys’ fees. abortion, other stuff will beto taken care Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed ofawill ’exemptions. because they areindividuals notstudents, trying fixapply those as group, though can also he would an executive order to mandate allsign federal employees for roles,” Robertson said. “ They are, in a that bethis helpful to is this Texas Governor Greg Abbott of ’exemptions. because they are not trying torid fix of those act into law inall May, allowing it signed to takea for systems; they’re just trying to the order to mandate federal employees tothe get vaccinated, exempting them from “You have to have a basis,” Klein said. sense, our all-stars.” speaker who will connect toget students, the into 1. law inexempting May, allowing itthe to take systems; they’re just to get rid of effect Sept.

Some have criticized newand problem that’s those systems.”

“You have tooverloading have aobject basis,” Klein said. to getact vaccinated, from weekly testing options.

Furthermore, “You can’t just say, ‘Itrying religiously.’

Senior Emma Howell said shethem received will the topic address the needs ofthe effect Sept.

1.

Some have criticized the problem overloading those systems.” law, saying sixlast weeks is not enough time forthe weekly testing options.

Furthermore, “You can’tthat’s say, ‘Itoobject religiously.’ beginning Oct. 1,fall. immigrants will be You have tojust be able say why.

We don’t her invitation She chose tonew students? law, saying six weeks is not time for You someone to seek abortion.

There are also beginning Oct. 1,animmigrants will be have, of,be history the required to receive vaccinations as well talk about unity under the enough title “How Fo have r sort H ato rd i nagable ’s 9to 9 tsay hinLwhy. e c tChurches uWe re sdon’t hip seek an vaccinations abortion.

Thereasaccuracy are alsoinhave, controversies regarding the medical required to receive well sort of, a history in the the Churches of2022, Christ saying we said don’t do theme that.” is tosomeone become residents. the Body oftopermanent Christ Unites Together Robertson of a term used in and the the bill: fetal heartbeat. controversies regarding medical accuracy of Christ saying don’t doChrist that.” become residents.

Klein and also saidwe the mandate would The announcements supplement the “Culture intoTimes of permanent Trials the Power of the Crucified in Some professionals have said a heart does1st of a term used in the bill: fetal heartbeat. notand apply toCorinthians.” students.

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Captivity.”

Photo by MADISON MEYER

by MADISON MEYER Flowers are propped up beneath an American flag at Photo the Engine 54, Ladder Flowers are9propped upon beneath aninAmerican at the Engine 54, Ladder 4, Battalion firehouse 8th Ave., Midtown flag Manhattan commemorating 4, Battalion 9 firehouse Ave., Midtown Manhattan commemorating the firefighters who diedon on8th Sept.

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Photo by MADISON MEYER

Photo byCOVID-19 MADISON MEYER Second year pharmacy student Claudia Sifford administers vaccination at the student vaccine Claudia clinic held in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27.

Second yearshots pharmacy Sifford administers COVID-19 vaccination shots at the vaccine clinic held in the Liberty Room on Aug. 27.

“Very important,” Kelley said. “Because delivered by law rather than an executive delivered by law rather than an executive we “Very said.

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Senior Haley Douglas delivers her Lectureship speech in the McInteer Bible

and World Missions Center on Sept. 29.

2A

NEWS

Friday, October 8, 2021

Enrollment in college declining nationwide, increasing at Harding SAM JACKSON guest writer CAROLINE BIRDWELL copy editor

the past year … [Their] intentionality and dedication has resulted in a good year for our university.”

Steve Lake, vice president of enrollment services, said the University’s graduate programs helped with the enrollment increase.

Over the past year, college enrollment nationwide has declined dramatically.

However, Harding University has had an increase in enrollment by 7.6%, as of Sept. 7, 2021.

They worked hard and were According to a recent Harding news very intentional in their release, overall enrollment is now 4,970 approach and personal compared to 4,620 last fall. New undergraduate touch they devoted to each enrollment has increased by 3.8% with 866 prospective student during students, and graduate enrollment increased the past year...it feels good by 22.8% with 1,282 students. to know all of us, working David Hall, assistant vice president together, have been able to of enrollment services for Harding, said reverse the trend and increase the increase in enrollment was hard work enrollment by 7.6%. that cannot be attributed to one person or – David Hall, department. Hall gave credit to students, assistant vice president of enrollment faculty and staff for being warm and services welcoming to visitors.

“I also want to give credit to a really great admissions team,” Hall said. “They “A solid percentage of our overall growth worked hard and were very intentional in was at the grad school level, and we could their approach and personal touch they have never achieved this growth without devoted to each prospective student during their help,” Lake said.

In contrast, a Forbes article f rom June 10 said, “Updated figures from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) show that overall college enrollment fell to 16.9 million students this spring, down more than 600,000 students from a year ago. That one-year decline of 3.5% is the largest spring semester enrollment decrease since 2011, according to the final spring report by the NSCRC released today.”

The reasoning for this dramatic decline is due to an array of factors impacting modern life. D ue to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of families all over the world have suffered hardship due to job recession. Community colleges have shown the greatest decreases overall in enrollment, causing setbacks for the students still in attendance due to the lack of funding. Firstgeneration applicants, as well as applicants eligible for fee waivers, were down 16%, according to Inside Higher Ed. However, online school applications have increased

since the beginning of the pandemic, leading to an increase of non-traditional students pursuing degrees due to the flexibility that online classes provide, a March 26 CNBC article said.

Hall said the University is of great value for its students and is worth the financial investment that can be a setback for some. Hall said he is especially excited when people who have never considered Harding before make the choice to spend the next four years of their life on campus.

“I am elated because I firmly believe it was the right decision,” Hall said. “So it feels good to know all of us, working together, have been able to reverse the trend and increase enrollment by 7.6%.”

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Pianist Dan Tepfer has won multiple musical honors and will be featured Photo courtesy of Josh Goleman at Java and Jazz Saturday.

Java and Jazz to be held tomorrow EMMA JONES digital content editor

Photo courtesy of Nooma

Nooma provides connection and confidence sponsored ad Nooma Studio is an environment where how you feel is valued more than how you look. It’s a place where you don’t sweat appearances, but you can expect to sweat mindfully and abundantly. More than a physical studio space, Nooma is a transformative and healing approach to movement with roots in yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, barre and dance.

Nooma is for all ages, with a large following from college students. There are multiple group class options to provide a unique experience for each person. At Nooma, you’ll find intentional classes that provide encouragement and connection.

Group workout classes provide many benefits. Group classes provide structured content to achieve your personal goals — whatever they may be. In each variety

of class offered, instructors will help with proper form while motivating you throughout the entire class.

Most importantly, group classes activate a healthy lifestyle. Nooma’s heated classes allow you to sweat out your worries and toxins, while pushing your body to achieve great things. When you surround yourself with other people in a workout class, it allows you to have more accountability.

These people will motivate and encourage you to hold poses longer or finish out the last sequence of movements. Not only will group classes provide accountability, but group classes give you a sense of community. You can meet new people, younger and older, and gain new mentors.

Nooma connects members of all ages and provides a sense of confidence and opportunity for growth through group fitness classes.

Harding’s Arts and Life and Searcy Beats and Eats have partnered up to present Java and Jazz, happening tomorrow night, Oct. 9. Admission will be free for everyone.

Java and Jazz will feature pianist Dan Tepfer, along with guitarist Ted Ludwig, bassist Brad Birge and the Harding University Jazz Band. There will be several vendors from across the Searcy community with different dessert and coffee options. Vendors include Midnight Oil Coffeehouse, Mr. Postman Expresso, Rise & Grind Coffee Co., Imago Dei, Nova Joe’s, Wild Sweet William’s Bakery, WildFlour Bakery, Sassy Sweets and Nikki’s Cookie Co. Coffee and beverage sampler cards will be available for $5 at the event, and the dessert options will be available separately for purchase.

Senior Mak Oviedo-Rodriguez, an intern with Think Idea Studio in Searcy, has been helping promote the event through the Searcy.com website and social media platforms. She said she’s excited for this event to hopefully better connect Harding to the Searcy community.

Jazz and Java Information Oct. 9, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Next to Midnight Oil Featuring Dan Tepfer, Ted Ludwig, Brad Birge, and the Harding Univesity Jazz Bandnd “This event is a combination of Harding’s Arts and Life music concert series and Beats and Eats coming together and kind of bridging the two communities,” OviedoRodriguez said. “Hopefully we can bridge that gap between Harding and Searcy, finding a way to get involved in both.

These organizations working together is

so good, and I look forward to hopefully more events where they work together in the future.”

Tepfer, who will be the featured performer at Java and Jazz, is an internationally recognized jazz pianist and composer. He has performed around the world and released 10 albums. Sophomore Jackson Price, who plays saxophone for the Harding University Jazz Band, said he is excited to perform with such a respected musician. The Jazz Band has not had a performance yet this semester, and Price said they are looking forward to their first concert.

“It’s going to be a great experience to get to play with a musician of his caliber — I get giddy thinking about it,” Price said. “It’s a different experience to get to perform as a college student with someone who is just a prodigy in his own sense. Most college students won’t have the opportunity to perform with someone who’s as talented as Dan is.”

Java and Jazz will be held next to Midnight Oil Coffeehouse. Annesly Pruitt, manager and barista at Midnight Oil, said when the idea was proposed to her it seemed like a natural place to host the event, with the outdoor lawn space and Nita Cochran Stage available. Pruitt also said Midnight Oil will be debuting a special drink that day that will be jazz-themed.

“Honestly, the whole idea of the event is amazing to me — having renowned musicians and wide selections of local coffee vendors seems like a great way to involve our community in what Searcy has to offer and the outside musical talent we can bring to our community,” Pruitt said.

“It’s going to be classy, fun and unlike anything Searcy has ever had before.”

OPINIONS 3A

TheLink.Harding.edu

Afghanistan: Mission failure

Ellis Rampy Guest Writer

I

n September, the world witnessed the worst American foreign policy disaster since the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Not only did the United States abandon our allies and interpreters it promised to protect, it left American citizens in the hands of the Taliban. President Joe Biden’s incompetent and ultimately nonexistent leadership cost not only the U.S.’s credibility on the world stage, but also the lives and prosperity of women, religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. The Taliban murdering women and Christians and taking young girls as sex slaves is only the beginning of their oppressive reign. It is a representation of what will continue to occur to those who do not submit to the radical Islamic government now in place.

Many people, including Presidents Biden and Donald Trump, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, have touted the slogan, “Ending the forever war.”

While this is a catchy political slogan, that is all it is. A slogan. We were told that we were not in Afghanistan to nation build and the crumble of the Afghani government and military was solely their fault. However, it is important to remember the U.S. has troops in countries like Germany, Japan and South Korea. They all have one thing in common: The U.S. has fought a war

A more perfect union Eric Johnson

there and continues to maintain a military presence. If we are ending “forever wars,” would it not make sense to remove our troops from the rest of the world? It is also important to note that the war in Afghanistan was winding down. According to The Wall Street Journal, prior to the loss of the 13 brave service members, there had not been a casualty since February 2020.

The simple fact is the mission of the U.S. was succeeding. Elections were being held, and, by many accounts, democracy was taking hold. Peace and prosperity were beginning to flow. Even young girls were being allowed to attend school and learn.

These were massive accomplishments in such an oppressive country. Yet, at the most inopportune time, the U.S. left.

Since the withdrawal, we have witnessed the horrible atrocities committed by the new Taliban regime. According to the New York Post and Associated Press, they have reinstated public executions, beheadings, dismemberments, beatings and Sharia Law. The Taliban force their oppressive extremism on women, religious and ethnic minorities, homosexuals and anyone who does not comply with their law. Freedom of anything contrary to their will simply does not exist. It is the antithesis of liberty.

We cannot fully comprehend the oppressive regime’s violence and extremism.

Opinions Editor

The uncomfortable truth is Biden and his administration have failed miserably. They have forgotten what America represents to the rest of the world. To the rest of the globe, we are a beacon of hope, prosperity, freedom and liberty. The world looks to the U.S. to safeguard democracy across the globe.

This new wave of American isolationism represents a dangerous time in our political ideology. The hasty, poorly planned and executed exit sends a signal to the rest of the world that we will bail on our commitment to our allies and quit when we get tired. It tells our enemies that we will back down from a fight and negotiate with those who wish to do us harm. Our adversaries look at this failure and see it as an opportunity to change the world stage.

Ultimately, we must decide what we want to represent to the world. Will we be the torchbearers of freedom, or will we cower back into isolationism? We must be the America epitomized in the pictures of Marines carrying children to safety and putting their lives on the line for others. If this administration continues on its current disastrous course, people will continue to suffer, and the consequences of Afghanistan will be only the beginning.

ELLIS RAMPY is a guest writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at wrampy@harding.edu.

What’s your opinion?

To have an opinion published in The Bison, contact Eric Johnson, at ejohnson7@harding.edu.

“Rubber Soul:” Open the door

Carson Hayes Guest Writer

Y

ou know what a door is, right?

Something you walk through to get from one area of space to another. That’s a pretty simple definition, but I’m here to tell you that doors are much more than that.

Doors are an oxymoron; they can be a barrier and a passageway at the same time. Why is this an important part of the definition of a door? Because it highlights the transitional aspect of doors, and transitions are important.

You come to college and it’s all about a “new chapter” in life, and it’s the most exciting thing ever — at least for a period of time. But really, change is good. We all enjoy change to some degree because it keeps our life from being a stagnant boneyard of boringness all of the time, and it is important — not only for our wellbeing — but also our mental health. Now, why am I talking about change when I am supposed to be giving my opinion on a Beatles album? Well, wait no longer.

“Rubber Soul,” the sixth album of the Beatles’ periodical discography — falling right after “Help!” and right before “Revolver” — is the best album by the Beatles. When you think of the Beatles, you most likely think of the “Fab Four” teenaged girl raving band from the early ‘60s or of the psychedelic and carefree band of the mid to late ‘60s.

The “Fab Four” mainly wore suits and had uniform mop tops on their heads when performing, and a lot of their songs were

staffEverett Kirkman

editor-in-chief Sara McClaran features editor Ben Lane news editor Tiane Davis sports editor Sophie Rossitto community editor Erin Booher Maddy Hall

“silly love songs” that could attract a listener’s ear in a second. Hits like “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” or “She Loves You” were the basis of their music in this era. As for the psychedelic age of the Beatles, this scene was much different: backward guitar solos on songs like “Tomorrow Never Knows,” crazy lyrics that people would misconstrue the meanings of like in “I Am the Walrus” and even a whole orchestra playing from the lowest note to the highest note in one single push like in “A Day in the Life.”

Clearly something changed, but what was it?

As for the moment of change for the Beatles, it could have been the influence from other ‘60s artists like Bob Dylan or The Byrds, or it simply could have been that they wanted something new — something that wasn’t the same-old-same-old. But when exactly was that turning point? Rather, what was the door that they had to open? Well, I firmly believe that that door was none other than the album, “Rubber Soul.” This was the first album of the Beatles to include instruments, such as the sitar like in “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” and psychedelic lyrics such as in the song “Nowhere Man,” but it also included loving music similar to their “Fab Four” era such as songs like “In My Life” and “I’m Looking Through You.” Through this wonderful dynamic of music and the ears listening, “Rubber Soul” provides Eric Johnson opinions editor Ryan Gallagher lifestyle editor Emma Jones digital content editor Caroline Birdwell head copy editor

a beautiful blend of the two iconic eras of the most iconic band.

There are a lot of recognizable songs such as, “In My Life” and “Nowhere Man” in “Rubber Soul,” but personally some of my favorite songs that showcase the opening of this door are “Wait” and “What Goes On” (the Ringo song of the album) because of their awesome percussion and usage of instruments like the maracas and tambourine. Inspiration for this kind of folk-like music for a pop-rock band emerged from bands like The Byrds, who very much utilized folk instruments in songs like “Mr. Tambourine Man” (originally by Bob Dylan). Therefore, Rubber Soul not only was a passageway for the future of music, but it was also a contemporary and partner to the music of its day, and it even went on to be the influencer for bands like the Beach Boys for their greatest album, “Pet Sounds.” The influence of “Rubber Soul” is another great reason why it is the best Beatles album, and I believe if Goldilocks were to choose a Beatles album, it would be “Rubber Soul” because it is “just right.”

I encourage you — if you want to open a door to move from your current daily mix of music to a new and fantastic one — to open the door of “Rubber Soul.”

C A R S O N H AY E S i s a g u e s t writer for The Bison. He may be contacted at jhayes5@harding.edu.

Gabriel Huff asst. copy editor Cianna Jay editorial asst.

Madison Meyer head photographer Caroline Palmer asst. photographer

T

America will be

he story of America has always been a story of struggle. At its best, America has sought to create and maintain a society that offers freedom and equality for all its citizens. At its worst, America has restricted those privileges to select classes of people and withheld them from others for baseless reasons. Much of our national history then can be seen as a constant struggle that spans across the generations: a struggle to expand our definition of who gets to be an American.

I see this struggle as both tragic and inspiring. It is tragic in that it is necessary.

How much greater our nation would be — and how much death, pain and suffering could’ve been avoided — had our ancestors chosen to see and treat each other as equals.

Yet, such social conflict is the story of human history; we are no exception.

Nonetheless, it is inspiring when we continue to push forward and better our democracy — leaving behind prejudices of the past and widening our capacity to recognize human dignity. It is inspiring when we lean on the better angels of our nature and choose empathy and love over exploitation and hatred. It is inspiring that we continue to struggle.

As we reflect on these developments, I feel that it is good to remind ourselves of the truth behind our nation’s advancements.

We ought not become too prideful or self-righteous when we extol the story of American progress. We should remember that the Americans truly responsible for confronting and redressing our national sins have historically been few in number and notably disregarded and punished for being too radical for their time. While we all enjoy the benefits today of having a more inclusive democracy than generations past, it would be rather rash for us to take credit for this social progress. In fact, if we are being honest, many of us would’ve likely opposed the very movements we celebrate today had we been placed in the particular historical-cultural context of our ancestors.

Too often is our history portrayed as a straight line of progress that was inevitably meant to be so, thanks to American exceptionalism. It is interesting to note that this view is rarely espoused by the people who actually make progress happen in this county. It truly is incredible that America has overcome all that it has over the years.

But these advancements have always been achieved by nonconformists who faced massive resistance and retaliation. When we see the storyline of American social progress as a straight line, ever-facing forward, we are only looking at half of the picture. The truth is that for the few bold Americans who used their lives to protest and confront social injustices, many more sat around and complained (at best) or even sought to directly oppose the tides of progress.

When we properly contextualize our history in this way, I believe it should humble us. It should humble us as we admire the incredible bravery and spirit of American heroes who put their lives on the line to make America confront its hypocrisies and better itself. It should also humble us as we realize that this struggle is by no means over. As long as we live in a broken world, there will always be more work to be done. We can learn from the wisdom and courage of those who came before us to confront the injustices of our day and do what we can to leave behind a better society for the next generation.

ERIC JOHNSON is the opinions editor for The Bison. He may be contacted at ejohnson7@harding.edu.

Jillian Jarvis asst. photographer Theo Westbrook video/social media Hunter Woodall pr/social media Cooper Turman graphic designer

Blue Billingsly illustrator Eden Henderson beat reporter Michael Claxton narrative columnist April Fatula faculty adviser

guest contributors Carson Hayes Sam Jackson

Ellis Rampy Jada Robison

Hayley Kate Webb

4A

OPINIONS

Friday, October 8, 2021

Work in progress Everett Kirkman

Editor-in-Chief

School picture day

I

t is a relatively new thing for me to believe that I am inherently deserving of respect, simply for existing. Not because of what I look like, not because of anything I have done or plan to do one day, not because of who I know. But, as a human walking this earth, I am deserving of respect.

I have a love/hate relationship with seeing old pictures of myself. Pictures remind me of past versions of myself, and past experiences.

Sometimes, those are fun, happy, simpler versions—often, they are the opposite. Being reminded by social media of what I was doing on a certain day however many years ago, has the power to revert me to the mood or mindset I was experiencing during that time.

I have three pictures hanging in a row on the wall of my office: my school pictures from fifth grade, seventh grade, and ninth grade.

They make me laugh almost every time I look at them. But, even more than that, they remind me of how far I have come. During each of those seasons of my life, I went through hardships that I did not think I would ever see the other side of. (Mainly, I was in middle school and junior high, which are major hardships in and of themselves.) And yet, each of those experiences formed me into who I am now. Many of them hurt terribly in the moment, but slowly faded over time, teaching me more about myself, and what I value most in myself and others.

When I look at the three photos, I don’t remember all of the day to day heartaches I went through, but more formative, overarching memories of those times come to mind. For the past several years though, I have had the unique pleasure of receiving notifcations on my phone reminding me of what I had specifically been doing on that day in years past. If a picture is worth a thousand words, Snapchat memories must be worth at least two thousand.

The omnipresent nature of technology and social media in culture today create a new level of memory. Rather than only remembering the school picture days, and the memories of the year as a whole, I am presented the opportunity to revisit all of the days in between.

Remembering funny inside jokes, or a meal I shared with friends is encouraging and lifegiving. Remembering specific days from darker seasons of my life is jolting.

And yet, being reminded of painful memories can also remind me of the progress I have made.

The person I am today is a compilation of every experience I have had, good and bad. While I prefer to focus on the positives, the painful ones have probably stretched me the most. Some negative experiences in my life have taught me what I do not believe in, others have shown me ways that I never want to treat others.

I am working on feeling negative emotions enough to process them, but not so long as to mope in them. It is a delicate balance, and a line I have yet to learn to walk well. But, I do know that I am better at walking it than I was a year ago. I know that I am more confident in where I am, and who I am, than I was two years ago. And, I would love to tell my freshman year self that I am not the burden on the people around me that I thought I was.

So love deeply, make connections with the people around you, go after the things that set your soul on fire, and, try to take pictures of yourself along the way—your future self will thank you.

EVERETT KIRKMAN is the editorin-chief for The Bison. She may be contacted at ekirkman@harding.edu.

“Dear Evan Hansen” is OK Cianna Jay

I

Editorial Asst.

f you’re looking for an inspiring movie, “Dear Evan Hansen” isn’t it.

Depending on who you ask, it’s either a meme or an offensive failure. How did a film based on a musical with six Tony awards fall so far?

Well, despite the musical’s success, much of the blame for the movie’s failure lies with the original show’s plot. Both the musical and movie follow Evan Hansen, a lonely 17-year-old boy with social anxiety disorder.

After fellow student Connor Murphy takes his life, a misunderstanding leads Connor’s family to believe Evan was his close friend.

Rather than correct them, Evan fabricates a web of lies and integrates into the family, becoming like a replacement son and leveraging the situation to grow closer to his longtime crush, Connor’s sister.

The plot sounds less like a moving portrayal of teen mental health struggles and more like the beginning of a psychological thriller. Which is

the problem — the uncomfortable overarching story often drowns out meaningful content.

Outside of the story, the movie suffers from issues like jarringly incorporated singing, cringy editing choices and caked-on makeup that ages Ben Platt, who plays Evan and is already 10 years too old for the part.

Speaking of Platt’s age, this is the reason for the movie’s meme status. Though Platt is close in age to many of his castmates, he looks much older than them. Due to this, Evan appears less like a naïve kid the audience can sympathize with and more like a grown man who should know better. However, I didn’t find Platt’s appearance disruptive, so much as his overly theatrical performance compared to the toned-down acting around him.

Despite all these flaws, I don’t hate this movie.The song “Sincerely, Me” is fun, creatively filmed and permanently stuck in my head.

Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Connor’s sister Zoe is honest and full of emotional depth.

New elements of the story fix problems from the original musical, such as making Zoe and Evan’s relationship less creepy or Evan taking

action to get to know what Connor was like before he died. The movie also addresses important topics like the value of opening up about struggles and destigmatizing taking medications for anxiety and depression.

Still, though “Dear Evan Hansen” has its powerful moments, overall, it feels hollow. The movie’s emotional core is the song “You Will Be Found,” where Evan, speaking at a memorial for Connor, describes how he broke his arm falling out of a tree. He lies, saying Connor found him at that moment, and uses this madeup anecdote to inspire those who feel lonely, saying they too “will be found.” But no one found Connor in his struggles. No one found Evan when he broke his arm. What should be an inspiring song becomes depressing.

With anxiety and depression heightened across the nation due to the pandemic, audiences need stories that see them in their hurt and offer hope. Unfortunately, though it tries to be, “Dear Evan Hansen” is not that story.

C I A N N A J AY i s t h e e d i t o r i a l asst. for The Bison. She may be contacted at cjay@harding.edu.

No spitting One of my favorite movies from the ‘80s is “Arthur,” which stars Dudley Moore as a ne’er-do-well New York City millionaire who refuses to marry the heiress his family has picked out for him. Instead, he falls in love with a waitress in Queens. When he and Liza Minelli are discussing how they’ll adjust to poverty once he’s cut off from the family fortune, Arthur gets excited about riding the subway for the first time.

“How much is the subway?” he asks.

“60 cents,” she tells him. “But if you spit, it’s a $500 fine.”

“Then,” Arthur announces with a dramatic pause, “I won’t spit!”

Only one thing ever bothered me about that scene. Expensive fines are usually imposed when something is a widespread problem.

What was this epidemic of spitting on the subway in the ‘80s? Were too many people waiting until they were underground to salivate?

I can just imagine a man and his wife walking in Central Park, talking about this: “Honey, do you need to spit while we’re near the bushes?”

“No, dear . . . I’ll just wait till we get on the Broadway Line.”

Anyway, I thought about the scene from “Arthur” this past summer when my mother had a tooth pulled, and the dentist handed her a list of instructions for the days following the extraction. We were both struck by the line that said: “No using straws or spitting for 20 days.”

Mother and I looked at each other and said in unison, “Then . . . I won’t spit!”

Fortunately, my mother’s lifestyle was not radically affected by this prohibition,

Michael Claxton

Narrative Columnist

though I can imagine it would impose quite a hardship on certain sailors, baseball players and cowboys, for whom spitting may be a professional obligation.

I can just see a new sheriff in town in the Wild West, cracking down on cattle rustlers and horse thieves and posting “No spitting” signs in front of the saloon.

You may not know this, but an entire industry once existed to deal with public spitting. Ever since the 19th Century, the spittoon has been a common receptacle in public places like barber shops, courthouses, hotels and railway cars.The ones made of brass shined up nicely and had a distinctive ring whenever some man — or occasionally some woman — hocked a humdinger into the pot.

A common street sign in days past read, “If you expect to rate as a gentleman, do not expectorate on the floor.” For a time, the Boy Scouts had a campaign to stop people from using the sidewalk for that purpose.

Tommy Lasorda would never have put up with a spitting ban in Major League Baseball, yet the dentist gets away with outlawing this natural human impulse. And get this, when my mother asked what she was supposed to do after brushing her teeth, he had the nerve to say, “Just lean over the sink, open your mouth and let it all fall out.”

Now if Andy Griffith had said that, we would have smiled at his homespun wisdom and heard it as a metaphor on how to deal with whatever life gives you to chew on. But coming from the dentist and realizing how hard it is to dispose of a mouthful of Crest foam without the use of force, it sounds like he is putting way too much faith in gravity.

There was a time, of course, when dentists not only encouraged spitting, but designed equipment expressly for that purpose. Older readers will recall the days when a miniature toilet bowl was attached to the dentist chair.

As the dentist worked on your teeth, he or she frequently gave the order to spit. Fortunately, since the bowl was continually running during the visit, there was no awkward need to flush.

Eventually, those disappeared from the dentist’s office, to be replaced by a hygienist sticking a vacuum into your mouth to suck up the spittle. Since I don’t really care to have my cheeks swabbed with an Electrolux, I look back on the mini-bowl with fondness.

I don’t know why they went away. Maybe the company that made tiny plungers for the bowls went out of business or something.

Anyway, Mom carried on bravely for three weeks. If it had been me, I would have celebrated the end of the moratorium with a perfect riot of spitting, but her return to normal was more genteel. I only heard the slightest “ding” in the spittoon.

MICHAEL CLAXTON is a narrative columnist for The Bison. He can be contacted at mclaxto1@harding.edu.

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THE

A H A R D I N G U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N

Vol. 96, No. 05

Online at TheLink.Harding.edu

October 8, 2021

Searcy, Ark., 72149

Photo by MADISON MEYER

Senior running back Taylor Bissell runs the ball across the field. The Bison football team defeat Ouachita Baptist University 38–21 on Sept. 25 at First Security Stadium.

Bison football defeats nationally-ranked team

RYAN GALLAGHER lifestyle editor On Sept. 25, the Harding University Bison football team took on number eight ranked Ouachita Baptist on Harding’s family weekend, beating them 38-21. This game broke Ouachita’s 11-game road win streak and 30 game conference win streak, which started after their loss to the Harding Bisons on Oct. 7, 2017.

In the 14-point victory, Harding put down five touchdowns and a field goal. Harding had rushed for a total of 409 yards during the game, which is the first time in 62 meetings that Harding has rushed for over

400 yards against Ouachita. In the victory, senior quarterback Preston Paden had scored three rushing touchdowns, accounting for nearly half of the points scored. As for junior running back Omar Sinclair, he rushed for a career-high 182 yards and put away one touchdown.

“Going into the game, I don’t think there was any doubt that in the whole team that we were going to beat Ouachita,” junior wide receiver Jake Madding said. “We felt more prepared than we’ve ever felt against them.”

After the opening drive, the Bisons scored on four consecutive drives, ending the first half 24–7. The second half started in a similar fashion with Ouachita scoring the first touchdown of the second half, but

after even trades in touchdowns, the Bisons were victorious with a 38–21 score.

“It kind of started off shaky,” sophomore defensive line Jay Marshall said. “They scored the first drive, and it was like, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ The defense kicked it up, and we knew their game plan. We knew what they wanted to do, and once we stopped it, it was pretty much game over then.”

Harding began the game as leaders of Division II in time of possession at over 37 minutes per game. For that game alone, they held onto the ball for 40:14. Harding held Ouachita to only 40 offensive plays, which is the fourth fewest by an opponent in Harding history. Harding also continued two more records.

“For me, it has been since my redshirt year since we beat [Ouachita],” junior defensive line Cade Pugh said. “As the clock was winding down, you can just tell the emotions from the coaches and from the guys, especially those who had been there a while. It was like we finally got it.”

This past week, the now ranked 23rd Harding Bisons travelled to Oklahoma Baptist in Shawnee, Oklahoma, winning the game 31-7. The Bisons currently stand at 4-1 for the regular season and are on a three-game win streak. The Bisons return to action tomorrow at the First Security Stadium when they take on Southern Nazarene at 2 p.m.

Meet the Harding fishing team SARA MCCLARAN features editor While the Harding fishing club may not be the most well recognized sporting club at Harding, its members still represent the University regularly every semester.

Club sponsor Dr. David Collins, the University’s executive vice president, said the Harding fishing club competes in collegiate Major League Fishing tournaments, along with the other teams in the southern conference, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

“We’ll be fishing against University of Arkansas, Ouachita, sometimes community colleges will have teams; we’ll be up against [Louisiana State University], University of Texas and University of Oklahoma — so it’s every college of any size from all of those states,” Collins said.

While Harding is currently only fielding one team, they have sent up to six students — three teams — to competitions at a time.

The difficulty lies in equipment.

“To participate in tournaments, it requires a bass boat, which [is] typically outfitted at a certain standard — so the guys who fish, at least one of the two people [on] that particular team would have to provide their own bass boat,” Collins said.

The current team members, sophomore Braden Smith and freshman Tanner Ham,

each have their own boat — so Harding may soon be sending more students to compete.

“We’re thinking about making two teams — me and [Ham] splitting up and taking two others,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of guys that [are] options.”

Smith also said it was difficult to be on the team because of the amount of time it took from academics.

“You have to be gone from school for almost an entire week three times a semester, and [it’s] just as hard doing that as ... playing football or any other sport, as far as the academic part,” Smith said.

Collins, Smith and Ham said they believe their sport is just as difficult as the others on campus.

“You have to figure out what the fish are doing basically every day, and when you start to catch them you feel accomplished,” Ham said. “Competing is one of my favorite things to do.”

Additionally, Ham said fishing is not necessarily about physical traits.

“It doesn’t matter [your] size or anything like that, but it’s about who wants to put the most time on the water and understand [the] bass better,” Ham said.

“There’s also a sport to it — it’s not easy sometimes on larger lakes, which is where these tournaments will take place,” Collins said. “[It is] a challenge to figure out exactly how [those] fish can be caught at that

particular time or [in] certain places.You have to find patterns.”

The team has yet to win a tournament, but they are optimistic about the future.

“As far as the tournament results overall,

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

we have finished pretty much in the middle of the pack in every tournament — but [we are] still learning,” Smith said. “We’re going to try to beat more and be better this year.”

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

2B

COMMUNITY

Friday, October 8, 2021 Businesses to visit in Searcy

Searcy 1-cent tax election to take place Nov. 9 CAROLINE BIRDWELL head copy editor

Searcy residents have created a campaign to support the renewal of the 1-cent sales tax, aiming to show others its importance and encourage eligible citizens to register to vote for the Nov. 9 election. The last day to register to vote is tomorrow, Oct. 9.

The campaign — called “Moving Searcy Forward” — is led by a group of Searcy residents who saw the long-term benefit of the 1-cent sales tax. Bear Davidson is a member of this group and has been organizing door-to-door and phone banking events to make Searcy residents aware of the election.

“This election has a major impact on Searcy, specifically on our police and fire departments, sanitation service, parks and infrastructure,” Davidson said. “Sales taxes are one of a handful of revenue sources that cities use to fund day-to-day operations and projects … It’s important to know that the City of Searcy has about $800 per year, per citizen, to provide all the services it provides to its citizens.”

Davidson said if the 1-cent sales tax expires, then Searcy’s revenue will reduce to around $575 per year, per citizen.

“How can we expect our leaders to continue to provide quality services to our citizens if we don’t allow them funding for our police, fire, sanitation, parks and infrastructure?” Davidson said.

Registering voters for this election is an important tactic for the Moving Searcy Forward campaign. The Daily Citizen quoted the campaign’s letter, written by

Will Moore, to the Searcy City Council in a Sept. 22 article.

“As we move closer to the Nov. 9 election, our group will raise private funds to help educate voters on why we feel the passage of the 1-cent renewal is the best option for Searcy,” the letter said.

Part of educating voters includes high school students who are eligible to vote.

Betsy Bailey, school/community coordinator for Searcy Public Schools, said educating young voters is imperative.

“Young people must take ownership of their community and work toward bettering it not only for themselves, but also for their neighbors and those who are considering making Searcy their home,” Bailey said. “Educating young voters is imperative because our young people are the voice of the future.”

Moore is the spokesperson for Moving S earc y For ward. On Oct. 5, Moore w rote a post on the Moving Searcy Forward Facebook page explaining why he and his family are voting in favor of the 1-cent tax renewal.

“Even with the 1-cent, Searcy’s sales tax rate is below average, and our property taxes are nearly the lowest in

the entire state,” Moore said. “Without revenues from the 1-cent, Searcy will lose approximately 27% of its operating revenue … We want to see Searcy thrive, not fall behind because of inadequate funding for these core municipal functions.”

Davidson said the committee for Moving Searcy Forward is a diverse group of people who all came to the conclusion that the 1-cent tax is beneficial to the City of Searcy.

“Our consensus is that extending the 1-cent sales tax is the only logical way to ensure our community remains the amazing place that it is,” Davidson said.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

High school teams compete in fall sports SOPHIE ROSSITTO community editor Two local high schools held homecoming football games on Friday, Oct. 1, in the midst of a busy couple of weeks for fall sports in Searcy.

Harding Academy won its homecoming matchup against Mountain View by a score of 38-0, according to the school’s athletics Twitter account.

Searcy High School (SHS) hosted West Memphis and won by a margin of 44-7, the team’s Twitter account said.

Riverview High School’s football team was also in action last Friday. The Raiders traveled to Newport and were shut out, 41-0, according to the team’s Facebook account.

Before homecoming night at Harding Academy, the school’s head football coach Neil Evans said one of his goals for the team was to see them improve on offensive skills, such as catching and throwing.

“[I] just want to continue to see our guys make strides in execution,” Evans said.

The Wildcats’ athletic director Shane Fullerton said the football team was poised to make another playoff run after capturing the state championship last season.

He added that Harding Academy is coming off of one of the most successful years in its athletic history. During the 2020-21 school year, the Wildcats won state titles in five different sports: football, baseball, men’s basketball, women’s soccer and women’s track.

“This year is an exciting follow-up to that year, with teams getting started on the right foot,” Fullerton said.

The Harding Academy golf teams competed in the 3A state tournaments in the past two weeks, Fullerton said. He said the Wildcat tennis, volleyball and cross-country teams were also in action.

Leading up to the game at SHS last weekend, homecoming queen Mary Frances

Oxner said the atmosphere among students was very positive.

“Everyone’s been really uplifting and supportive towards the [homecoming] court,” Oxner said.

She added that for the first time ever, the game ball would be flown in on a helicopter that would land on the field.

The SHS website said the volleyball and tennis teams also competed over the past two weeks, and the boy’s golf team participated in the 5A state tournament on Oct. 4-5.

The Lion football team will travel to Marion for a game tonight, Oct. 8, with kickoff starting at 7 p.m., the SHS website said.

Harding Academy will travel to Riverview High School for a conference football matchup tonight at 7 p.m., the Wildcats’ website said.

Riverview’s athletic director could not be reached for comment.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

Eden Henderson beat reporter

El Nopal Tapatío El Nopal Tapatío is a new restaurant in town – it opened Dec. 14 – but Edgar Castorena Reyna and his family are not new to the Searcy community.

Edgar and his family moved to Searcy f rom Mexico about 21 years ago, and according to Edgar, the move was primarily for him and his two sisters. Their mother desired to “give them a better life.” Edgar and his sisters went through Searcy public schools and now have either graduated from college or are currently in college. As for Edgar, he is a senior in college studying pre-law while simultaneously running his family’s business.

“It is the wildest thing that I’ve ever done in my life,” Edgar said. “My main goal was to get this place established for my family and have it as an asset for myself in the future, but I guess my goal isn’t really to make this a career.”

Edgar hopes to pursue law as his primary passion, while also having the restaurant as a way to bring his family closer together.

Edgar’s family is extremely united. In 2015, his family endured a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of his older sister.

This was devastating for the Reyna family, but they were able to move out of the devastation stronger and work toward their dream of opening a restaurant, in which their mission is to “have more than just food and an experience.”

Edgar explained that when people walk into the restaurant, his mother is the first person that most people see.

“She just has the characteristics of a sweet lady that you just want to go see,” Edgar said.

The walls are decorated with the art of Edgar’s older sister and traditional Mexican decor. The restaurant is full of things that represent where Edgar is from.

“We’re just wanting to show a representation of our culture, but also being able to blend in our Americanized side that has happened throughout the years,” Edgar said.

Edgar recognizes that his family has changed since they have moved from Mexico to Searcy, and one of his favorite things about running his restaurant is getting to combine and represent both cultures.

“It’s hard work, but it gets easy when you have your family there,” Edgar said.

Because Edgar and his family have grown up in Searcy, they are well known in the community, but the most difficult part about running a business as a minority are the assumptions that are made, which often undermine both Edgar’s abilities and his success. El Nopal Tapatío has a desire to serve and invest in the community, which is more difficult when there are assumptions made about who they are.

Edgar emphasized that their goal is to not do anyone wrong, but rather just share their passion.

“We want to continue to give out as much as we are receiving back in,” Edgar said.

Edgar shared his interest in becoming more involved in the Searcy community, having recently joined the Beats and Eats committee. His desire is for Searcy to keep growing so that more people can be successful. Edgar explained what it feels like to be a part of the Beats and Eats committee. Edgar’s role has been to try and bring in the minority community and ideas of how to involve different groups.

Edgar also talked about what it is like to now be a part of the business world in Searcy after living here for most of his life.

“It all comes full circle,” Edgar said.

“I have grown up, started a business and now I am interacting with the people that have been around and doing this, and now I’m more of an involvement, and it just feels good.”

The restaurant ’s hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. With a unique menu and a familial atmosphere, El Nopal Tapatío is a restaurant that is worth checking out.

EDEN HENDERSON is a beat reporter for The Bison. She may be contacted at ehenderson@harding. edu.

FEATURES 3B

TheLink.Harding.edu

Photo by JILLIAN JARVIS

The Carpenter triplets practice tennis on the Harding tennis courts on Oct. 5. The sisters have led the Lady Bisons Tennis team to three individual titles.

Student spotlight: the Carpenter sisters HALEY KATE WEBB guest writer

Seniors Allison, Lindy and Emily Carpenter led the Harding women’s tennis team to three individual titles at the Great American Conference Fall Individual Championships in Russellville, Arkansas, on Sept. 25. At the tournament, the triplets won the flight one doubles title, the flight three singles title and the flight six singles title.

The Carpenter triplets attribute their athletic success to the years spent competing against each other on the court.

The sisters have been challenging each other on the tennis courts for over 13 years. Emily Carpenter said the backyard

competition has helped them push each other to succeed both on and off the court.

Allison Carpenter said she and her sisters saw the competition as an opportunity to have fun and grow closer together.

“Being together all our lives has made us extremely close,” Allison Carpenter said. “We were always very supportive of each other. If one of us won a match or tournament, we were always proud of our sister’s accomplishments and were never jealous of each other. We have always been close to each other and are best friends and that has translated over to tennis.”

The Carpenter triplets said it was never their plan to all play tennis collegiately at the same university. The sisters each individually visited various universities.

“Surprisingly, our focus in selecting a college was academics rather than tennis,” Emily Carpenter said.

The Carpenter sisters figured if they did end up at the same school, it would be because they had a genuine interest in going there rather than for the sole reason of being together. “ W hen we visited and learned more about Harding, we all separately decided that we wanted to come here,” Lindy Carpenter said. “My sisters and I mentioned this to each other later, and we were relieved and excited to know we were going to spend four more years together.”

Since arriving at Harding, the Carpenter sisters have experienced athletic success.

Each sister has a career winning record.

about serving and love meeting new people. It’s been awesome to be able to get to know people I had never noticed or knew existed.”

Moore said she and a group of usually between five and 15 students used to deliver every two weeks with Aramark, Harding’s previous food vendor, and now they deliver once a month with Chartwells. Regardless of fewer delivery days during the semester, she said she is still thankful that Chartwells is willing to work with the students to serve the community. Moore said the next delivery day will be Oct. 14 at 5 p.m.

Swipes for Searcy not only helps those in need, but also unifies the Harding and Searcy communities by showing families in town that they are cared for. Junior David Martinez said the Swipes for Searcy project is more than just delivering meals to people once a month.

“It is about building a relationship with the greater Searcy community,” Martinez said. “Bringing families food sends a

message that they are being thought about and sought out.”

Some of the students that help with delivering and packing food said they have noticed how compassionate and hard-working Moore is.

Senior Elly John started helping with Swipes for Searcy around the same

time Moore started.

“Caily is one of the most selfless people that I have ever met,” John said. “She is always looking for opportunities to pour into other people and give to other people with the resources that she has, and she also gets a lot of joy out of seeing people getting their needs met.”

While Swipes for Searcy is not necessarily a major program at Harding, Moore said,

BEN LANE news editor

continents and countries throughout the world. Spitzer views monster fish as a concept; they have distinguishing features from other members of their species or other types of fish, Spitzer said.

“I believe there are monster fish … I think they are all natural monsters,” Spitzer said. “They aren’t there to kill us; they aren’t there to hurt us; they’re there because they’re on this planet just like us.”

Spitzer’s books also focus on the environmental problems of river ecosystems and the fish that live in them.

“When I study these fish, what I find is that their environmental problems are very similar to our environmental problems,” Spitzer said.

Fish are often presented by similar problems humans face, Spitzer went on to explain. Whether it be big picture problems like global warming or mass extinction, to the more individual details of fishery problems like what catfish need in Arkansas to survive. The reading of the chapter was free to the public and took place in the administration auditorium. “[The creative writing series] reaches out to the community and helps promote

The triplets have accumulated awards such as Academic All-American and Great American Conference Elite Scholar Athlete, as well as earning All-Great American Conference first and second team honors. The Carpenter triplets said their experience as members of the Lady Bison tennis team has been incredible.

Allison Carpenter said they are grateful for the opportunity to work and succeed together.

“Watching my sisters succeed at Harding has been amazing,” Lindy Carpenter said.

“Every time they are recognized for their accomplishments, I always think,‘That’s my sister!’ I really am their biggest fan.”

Swipes for Searcy gives back TIANE DAVIS sports editor Students with meal plans at Harding often finish the semester with leftover cafeteria swipes. Swipes for Searcy is a service project that has been happening since 2018, and the leader of the project, senior Caily Moore, has been involved with it since her freshman year.

Students are able to give to the community through Swipes for Searcy by donating their swipes to anyone in town that might need an extra meal that month.

Spreadsheets are sent to clubs and dorms for students to fill out, and the donated swipes are used for meals prepared by the cafeteria. Volunteers help load up the packaged meals and deliver them to people in Searcy neighborhoods.

“Having the opportunity to be involved with Swipes for Searcy has been an incredible learning experience for me,” Moore said. “I’ve always been passionate

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

it is something that is so simple yet so meaningful to each person and family they encounter.

“It just reminds me how much we take for granted,” Moore said. “Not only the abundance of food we have, but also the choices of food we have whenever these people are so happy to receive anything.”

Writer Mark Spitzer speaks at Harding

Photo courtesy of MARK SPITZER

Mark Spitzer poses with a fish on the cover of his book “In Search of Monster Fish: Angling for a More Sustainable Planet.”

Author and associate professor of creative writing at the University of Central Arkansas Mark Spitzer visited Harding Oct. 7 as part of the visiting writing series to meet with the creative nonfiction class and perform a public reading of his forthcoming book, “Monster Fishing the World and Back.”

Spitzer’s speciality is writing investigative journalism books that focus on monster fish, and the chapter read from his book entertains the possibility of an Arkansas folklore creature named the “White river monster” while telling the freaky events he experienced fishing in Searcy County on the White River, Spitzer said.

He began to write investigative journalism after he first published his books on gar fish and finished translating French poetry, but Spitzer said he has always been intrigued by the “biggest, ugliest, fiercist and weirdest creatures” since he began fishing at 5 years old. His investigations into monster fish have caused him to travel to various

writing not only as a good major, but as a valuable tool for talking about culture and experience.” Dr. Terry Engel, professor of English, said.

Engel, who recently published his book “Natchez at Sunset,” invited Spitzer to be a part of the English Department writing series because of his success, wide appeal and creative writing knowledge.

Currently, Engel is teaching the class “Writing Nonfiction,” which is a creative approach to writing nonfiction, he said.

While Spitzer’s focus is investigative journalism, Spritzer wrote a textbook on creative writing and speaking to the writing nonfiction class was a learning and networking opportunity, Engel said.

“It’s always exciting [to] hear a new voice in your classes and have a visitor,” senior Maddy Hall said. “But I think also somebody who has been published very widely and who is well established in his craft taking the time to speak to people who are trying to figure out what they want to do next… it’ll be a new experience.”

4B

LIFESTYLE

Friday, October 8, 2021

Photo by JILL JARVIS

Students search through stacks of Pokemon cards for their personal deck within the 501 Games store on Sept 29. The store offers a selection of cards from Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon and more.

Local card store becomes hub for students

MADDY HALL guest writer

A game store in Searcy called 501 Games is located between Dirt Cheap and Unity Health. A veteran and ex-oil-field-worker named Kanen Skinner owns the shop and builds his business off of connections with his customers.The store sells Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic: The Gathering cards to Harding students and Searcy locals, as well as video games, tabletop miniatures and board games.

Junior Karli Fisher stated that she first visited the store to create a Pokemon deck with friends.

“It has a very laid back atmosphere,” Fisher said. “The shop owner has a clear love of the

MADISON MEYER head photographer Sept. 22 marked the first day of fall. The falling leaves and changing weather inspired many students to enjoy the changes of the season.

“One thing that I love about fall is how pretty it is outside,” freshman Gracie Eaves said. “I love the outdoors, and sometimes it is way too hot and other times it is way too cold, but in fall, it is the perfect temperature to throw on a sweatshirt and enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty.”

As the weather begins to cool from the hot summer heat, many people take the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in a variety of fall-themed activities.

games there, and everyone who comes in, both employee and shopper, are incredibly nice and helpful. It’s a community.”

Skinner said COVID-19 has negatively impacted his business, citing difficulties with finding vendors and products, as well as competition with online sellers like Amazon. However, he thinks that the nature of physical card games and personal interactions are enough to preserve businesses like his own.

“I offer a better rate for buying and selling, and I also cut deals whenever I feel like it,” Skinner said. “People have been sitting around and playing cards since Jesus.”

Sophomore McKenzie Wilson said she goes to 501 Games with her boyfriend at

least twice a week. The first time she went, Wilson said she spent two hours looking through at least 5,000 cards.

“The atmosphere there is very encouraging for someone who is just getting into a card or video game,” Wilson said.

Skinner said he intends to expand the store starting at the beginning of November.

He plans to occupy the location next to his current space, eventually removing the wall between the two and creating a larger space for new products and more table space for customers to play games in the store.

“We want to get a good board game community going whenever I have the space,” Skinner said. “It’d be nice to kind of have the city announce us or back us in ways that we

Fall traditions return “One of the activities I look forward to during the fall season is going around gathering a lot of crunchy leaves, putting them in one big pile and either jumping into the pile or hiding in the pile for someone else to come along and scare them as they pass by,” junior Tony Hernandez said.

Fall is a time of celebration with several fun holidays that bring friends and family together.

“I love Thanksgiving because I love food, and it’s one of the few times a year my whole family can be together,” senior Erin Watson said.

Others take the falling leaves as a sign to start picking out costumes and stocking up on candy in preparation for Halloween.

“My church does a Trunk-or-Treat every year at Halloween, and it is so much fun,” junior Ashley Carlton said. “We dress up in costumes, decorate trunks, hand out candy, celebrate the best trunk and have a hayride.

Halloween is always so full of fun and laughter, and I love getting to share it with my friends and family at church.”

As one way of enjoying time indoors with friends and family, many people have taken to binge-watching their favorite fallthemed movies.

“My favorite fall-themed movie is ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown because Charlie Brown gets a rock for Halloween, and it reminds me of the time I got Zaxby’s ranch dressing when I was trick-or-treating,”

can do community board game events and just make this place grow.”

But the end goal isn’t to make a lot of money, Skinner said.

“I’m not really in it for the profit, it’s more of a fun thing,” Skinner said. “I’ve been working the oil field for years, and I just got tired and wanted to do something else.”

With the store expansion, customers can expect more card games (such as Digimon), anime products, Pokemon products, plushies and a larger video game selection. The store currently has an area of tables at which customers can play games, and the larger store will add to this area as well.

Graphic by COOPER TURMAN

senior Danielle Ayers said.

Fall also brings about many tasty, fallthemed foods.

“My favorite fall-themed food is cinnamon rolls,” senior John Lu said. “That’s the only food with cinnamon that I can stand because, in China, we never use cinnamon in food.

I like it because it brings comfort to me.”

The season has many aspects to enjoy, but it is also symbolic of change for the better.

“I just love the idea of changing leaves and falling leaves, because number one, it’s absolutely beautiful, and secondly, it’s just a reminder of how Christ really changes our lives in many different ways,” freshman Techima David said.