The O'Colly, Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

The media’s mirror: reflecting on the portrayal of men’s mental health

so on, but it is an integral aspect in why people continue to suffer in silence. They have developed an unrealistic bubble of sorts surrounding their mental health; they would rather suffer in silence than speak on their issues.

Across television and social media feeds, the perpetuated depiction of the emotionless man dominates, a storyline that can cloud the complex landscape of men’s mental health and can warp societal expectations.

The media is not the core reason people develop mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and

OSU launches internship to honor former vice president

Oklahoma State University

Division of Student Affairs has chosen the first recipient.

OSU has launched the Ronald S. Beer Internship in student affairs to pay tribute to the former vice president’s legacy. The internship has been implemented recently after years of planning by the university. Its goal is to give a scholarship and interactive learning opportunity for one graduate or doctoral level student every year.

The internship aims to provide the upper level student real world experience working in the OSU Division of Student Affairs with the aspirations of recruiting and retaining future leaders in the affairs department.

“The internship really has two main objectives,” said Doug Hallenbeck, OSU vice president for student affairs. “One, we want to honor the impact Dr. Ron Beer has had on countless students at OSU; and two, we want to provide an opportunity for graduate students to see the potential of a career in student affairs and the impact they could have in the lives of college students.”

See Intern on page 5

The media, a nonstop presence in our lives, is a powerful tool as it can shape public opinion and individual self-perception. However, the portrayal of mental health, particularly men’s mental health, is often clouded with stereotypes, stigmatization and misinformation. This misrepresentation can have drastic effects on public and personal perception thus making those with mental health conditions life more difficult.

See Mirror on page 7

Football season is creeping up, and the Big 12 welcomes four new teams. The O’Colly will rank position groups in the conference each week. Previously, quarterbacks and running backs were ranked.

The conference lost a lot of production at wide receiver to the draft and graduation, but there’s still big-time players at wideout.

No. 1: Texas Texas fields two of the best

receivers in the Big 12 for 2023.

Xavier Worthy’s freshman season was better than his sophomore season, but nonetheless, he’s the best receiver in the conference. Worthy caught 60 receptions for 760 yards and nine touchdowns last season. The Longhorns brought in one of the best transfers in Adonai Mitchell from Georgia. Mitchell dealt with injuries last season, but still was able to score a touchdown in both CFP games.

Texas also has depth with Jordan Whittington, who caught for more than 600 yards, and Isaiah Neyor, who was injured last season, but caught for more than 800 yards and 12 touchdowns with Wyoming in 2021. No. 2: Texas Tech If Texas didn’t get Mitchell in the portal, Texas Tech would have a stronger case for No. 1. The Red Raiders return their top five receivers from 2022 and add a 1,000-plus

yard receiver from the portal. Jerand Bradley, Myles Price, Xavier White, Loic Fouonji and Nehemiah Martinez

I make up for 68% of receiving yards for the Red Raiders in 2022 and return for the fall. Bradley was an All-Big 12 honorable mention and finished fourth in the conference in yards per game last season. Drae McCray joins the Red Raiders after two years at Austin Peay, where McCray had more than 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns.

No. 3: BYU

BYU lost its top receiver but returns three guys who had more than 300 yards last season. Chase Roberts, Keanu Hill and Kody Epps all return for the Cougars. The trio collectively had more than 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

No. 4: Kansas

See Big 12 on page 3

Chase Davis

Between the return of star wideout Xavier Worthy and addition of Georgia transfer Adonai Mitchell, Texas has one of the top wide receiver groups in the Big 12.

Courtesy of OSU OSU has launched the Ronald S. Beer Internship in student affairs to pay tribute to the former vice president’s legacy.

Tanner Kenyon Staff Reporter

Mallory Pool Staff Reporter

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

Sweet Caroline: OSU adds Caroline Hudson via the transfer portal

with one remaining year of eligibility.

Gajewski went out and found her.

“OSU competes at the highest level... I love how it’s a small-town feel, and everyone gets behind softball,” Hudson said. “My mom and I were in Stillwater for the Super Regional vs. Oregon this year and loved it.”

eligibility concluding after this season, catcher was a definite question mark heading into next season, but it seems like Hudson is a viable option to be a Day 1 starter behind the plate.

Ashton Slaughter Staff Reporter

Kenny Gajewski is staying true to his word this offseason. Minutes after the Cowgirls were eliminated in the Women’s College World Series in May, OSU head coach Gajewski said he was planning on hitting the portal hard and that if you were out there, he was going to find you.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that Caroline Hudson, a two-time Atlantic Sun Player of the Year from Liberty, will be a Cowgirl next season

Hudson is the third player to find a new home at OSU via the transfer portal, joining McNeese transfer Jil Poullard and Mississippi State transfer Macy Graf.

Hudson’s name is a frequent flier in the Liberty softball record books. She’s sixth in career homers (35), seventh in career RBI (135) and eighth in total bases (326), just to name a few.

Hudson also sat atop the Atlantic Sun statistically. In 2023, she led the conference with 15 home runs, 17 doubles and 51 RBI, all while batting .318.

Hudson will be serving OSU as catcher, a position that has been locked down primarily by Taylor Tuck for the last two seasons. With Tuck’s

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Last offseason, additions like Rachel Becker and Lexi Kilfoyl through the transfer portal played a crucial role in the Cowgirls’ success; even additions Miranda Elish and Morgan Day in summer 2021 paid off. With this new group of players coming in — which more than likely will continue to grow before the season — Gajewski is looking to strike gold again with the portal and wants to add veterans to a talented, young team.

Hudson is another step in that direction.

“Caroline is going to give us real experience behind home plate along with a power bat that will help our team,” Gajewski said. “More importantly, she is an amazing person, an amazing teammate we believe she’ll fit right into the Cowgirl Way.”

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Liberty catcher Caroline Hudson, a two-time Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, announced her transfer to OSU on Tuesday.

Big 12...

Continued from page 1

The Jayhawks return the firepower of their offense in 2023. Kansas’ top three receivers return, alongside quarterback Jalon Daniels and running back Devin Neal. Quentin Skinner hauled in five touchdowns, Lawrence Arnold led the team in yards with 716 and Luke Grimm caught a team-high 52 receptions.

No. 5: Oklahoma State

OSU lost Bryson Green, John Paul Richardson and Stephon Johnson Jr. to the transfer portal, but still fields a well-rounded wide receiver room. Brennan Presley returns as one of the best receivers in the conference, with more than 800 yards from last season. Jaden Bray dealt with an injury last season, but in his freshman season he had 250 yards and two scores. The Cowboys biggest question is the transfer portal additions. They added De’Zhaun Stribling from Washington State, Arland Bruce IV from Iowa and Leon Johnson III from George Fox. Stribling is projected to have the biggest impact amongst the transfers, he had more than 600 yards and five touchdowns last season.

No. 6: UCF

Javon Baker has the chance to be one of the top receivers in the Big

12. Baker caught 56 passes for 796 yards and five touchdowns. The former Alabama receiver was named second team All-AAC last season. Baker also has Kobe Hudson, who had more than 600 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The duo will have an advantage by having John Rhys Plumlee as their quarterback again in 2023.

No. 7: Kansas State

Malik Knowles and Kade Warner went to the NFL, but Kansas State still has talent at receiver for Will Howard. Phillip Brooks returns after 45 receptions with 587 yards and four touchdowns last year. RJ Garcia II and Jadon Jackson add depth to the position while the Wildcats brought in Keagan Johnson from Iowa, a former four-star prospect.

No. 8: Oklahoma

The Sooners will be without Marvin Mims Jr., but have a player to take his production. Jalil Farooq is expected to be OU’s No. 1 option after 37 receptions with 466 yards and five touchdowns last season. Drake Stoops, Gavin Freeman and Michigan transfer Andrel Anthony will have a chance to see more targets from Dillion Gabriel this fall.

No. 9: Houston

Nathaniel Dell, who had 1.398 receiving yards for the Cougars last year, is still in Houston. But now he’s playing for the Texans. KeSean Carter exhausted his eligibility, taking with him more than 600 receiving yards.

Samuel Brown, Matthew Golden and Joseph Manjack IV are the top returning pass catchers, who combined

for more than 1,200 yards. Houston’s most notable pick-up at receiver from the portal was former OSU wideout Stephon Johnson Jr., who had nearly 300 yards as a freshman.

No. 10: Iowa State

The Cyclones will be without their top receiver from a year ago, Xavier Hutchinson, who accounted for 1,171 yards (more than 37% of the team’s receiving yards) and a teamhigh six touchdowns. The good news is that ISU returns its top two receivers other than Hutchinson. Jaylin Noel and Dimitri Stanley combined for just shy of 1,000 yards last season and had the two longest receptions of the season for the Cyclones. The addition of 6-foot-4 receiver Jayden Higgins, who had 87 receptions and 1,151 yards with 13 TDs last year at Eastern Kentucky, will help patch up the core.

No. 11: Baylor

Baylor had a decent group of receivers last season – most return for 2023. The passing attack for the Bears is played out best by sharing the football. Monterey Bradley, Hal Presley and Josh Cameron all return for Baylor after similar numbers in 2022. Bradley had 33 receptions for more than 500 yards, Presley with 32 receptions for more than 350 yards with Cameron having 28 receptions for 386 yards.

No. 12: TCU TCU lost a lot to the draft. Quentin Johnson, Taye Barber and Derius Davis went to the NFL and left the receiver group reeling. Savion Williams is the lone 100-plus yard

receiver still on the team from last year. TCU brought in former OSU receiver John Paul Richardson to fill the void, he caught 49 passes for 503 yards and four touchdowns. The Horned Frogs also brought in Alabama receiver JoJo Earle and Ole Miss transfer Jaylon Robinson to strengthen the depth of the decimated position.

No. 13: West Virginia

The Mountaineers lost the bulk of their receiving core. Sam James and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are now in the NFL, and Kaden Prather transferred to Michigan. Cortez Brahm has the most experience of returning Mountaineers, with 147 receiving yards. WVU added two noteworthy portal receivers in Devin Carter (NC State) and Ja’Shaun Poke (Kent State). Both are experienced – Carter is in his sixth season and Poke is in his fifth – but neither have had a season surpassing 600 yards.

No. 14: Cincinnati

Cincinnati lost a lot in one offseason. It lost its head coach, quarterback and its top three wideouts. The Bearcats brought in a bevy of receivers to make up for the loss. The biggest additions are Donovan Ollie from Washington State, Dee Wiggins from Louisville and Xzavier Henderson from Florida. The three combined for more than 900 yards and five touchdowns last season.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Abby Cage

OSU wide receiver Brennan Presley had more than 800 receiving yards in 2022.

Last year, The O’Colly looked back and added up the potential earnings of a bettor who correctly bet $100 on the moneyline, spread and over/ under of all OSU football games in 2021.

So, how about the 2022 season?

On the season total payout, keep in mind that the Cowboys played one less game than in 2021 after missing the Big 12 title game.

Correct picks of OSU vs Central Michigan (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: OSU -2000

Spread: CMU +20.5 (-110)

Over/under: o58 (-110)

Total Payout: $486.82

Correct picks of OSU vs Arizona State (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: OSU -480

Spread: OSU -11.5 (-110)

Over/under: u58 (-110)

Total Payout: $502.65

Correct picks of OSU vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff (per Action Network):

Moneyline: OSU -100000

Spread: OSU -55 (-108)

Over/under: o64.5 (-110)

Total Payout: $483.60

Correct picks of OSU vs Baylor (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: OSU +118

Spread: OSU +2.5 (-110)

Over/under: o56(-110)

Total Payout: $599.82

Correct picks of OSU vs Texas Tech (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: OSU -420

Spread: TTU +11 (-110)

Over/under: o65.5 (-110)

Total Payout: $505.63

Correct picks of OSU vs TCU (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: TCU -220

Spread: OSU +5 (-110)

Over/under: o70 (-110)

Total Payout: $527.27

Correct picks of OSU vs Texas (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: OSU +205

Spread: OSU +6.5 (-110)

Over/under: o58.5 (-110)

Total Payout: $686.82

Correct picks of OSU vs Kansas State (per Caesars Sportsbook):

Moneyline: KSU -135

Spread: KSU -2.5 (-110)

Over/under: u57.5 (-110)

Total Payout: $555.89

Correct picks of OSU vs Kansas (per Caesars Sportsbook): Moneyline: KU -165 Spread: KU -2.5 (-110)

Over/under: u59 (-110)

Payout: $542.43 Correct picks of OSU vs Iowa

Intern...

Continued from page 1

Beer was the vice president for student affairs at OSU from 1980-2000. He was known to be an engaging and friendly vice president during his time at OSU by always supporting initiatives and programs that build the student experience.

Kent Sampson worked closely with Beer during Sampson’s experience serving as a leader in residential and campus life and was vital in creating the internship program honoring Beer.

“Ron is so deserving, and it would be a regret to not honor him in this way,” Sampson said.

The program solidifies to faculty and administration the merit of contributing to future jobs in student affairs, while also providing a useful experience to the students selected for the internship, Sampson said.

Vincent Rivera is the first recipient of the Ronald S. Beer Internship in Student Affairs. Rivera is a doctoral student working to obtain his degree in higher education administration and is a nontraditional student who began pursuing his undergrad degree after serving in the military. Rivera has grown passionate about student affairs during his time

working with the OSU Department of Transfer and Student Veteran Success and hopes to get interactive experience in the area of student affairs with this internship.

Rivera’s project for the internship is to construct a blueprint for future students to apply and participate in the internship.

Hallenbeck and Rivera will work together closely to produce a handson and close-up approach to the internship that gives value and benefit to both the student in the internship and the Division of Student Affairs. They also want to cultivate longevity and flexibility for the program. “As someone who avoided college because I was scared of it, the fact that I’m in a Ph.D. program is mind-blowing sometimes,” Rivera said. “Being the first student selected for this internship, and being charged with developing a program that our future leaders are going to be going through is scary, but also so exciting. It’s very humbling and I’m honored.”

For more information about the internship, visit studentaffairs. okstate.edu and if interested in giving to the Ronald S. Beer Internship in Student Affairs fund, contact jferrell@osugiving. com or awells@ osugiving.com with the OSU Foundation.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU

Venture capital firm invests in OSU startup

An OSU affiliated startup is gaining traction in the medical world. Titan Intake Inc., a Tulsa-based software company, received an investment from venture capital firm 46VC. Titan Intake developed a unique platform designed to automate the process of patient intake and referrals that simplifies the traditional faxing method of sending referrals.

Titan allows

capture of incoming referrals, extraction of critical information and integration of key data into the electronic medical record, providing a user-friendly platform to bridge the gap between providers and patients and improving the workflow for clinicians.

“We have known the Titan founders for some time, having worked with them on early investments sourced through Oklahoma State University’s Riata PreSeed Fund, and we are now very excited to see their progress and be in a position to help

with more substantial capital,” said 46VC managing partner Tracy Poole.

Titan Intake stemmed from the supportive environment OSU is known for.

“The OSU Research Foundation and its for-profit accelerator and venture capital arm, Cowboy Technologies, has and will continue to build resources to support the burgeoning technologybased, startup ecosystem at OSU and in the state that develops investible high-growth startups here in Oklahoma,” said Elizabeth Pollard, executive director of

the OSU Research Foundation.

“We are proud to see Titan on a great trajectory and attracting early-stage venture capital support from 46VC here in the state.”

This contribution is possible in part through 46VC’s special partnership with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and leverages OCAST’s recent investment of U.S. Treasury SSBCI funds in 46VC’s Kinetic Fund.

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Titan Intake Inc., a Tulsa-based software company, received an investment from venture capital firm 46VC.

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

of

LGBTQ+ representation in the media

Jaycee Hampton

News & Lifestyle Editor

Heteronormative storylines have always been highlighted throughout the media and the entertainment industry.

Over the course of a few years, there has been a significant rise in diverse LGBTQ+ representation, which is necessary for equality and acceptance.

As time progressed, pop culture icons such as Rosie O’Donnell, RuPaul and Ellen DeGeneres, began to normalize queer people in the media by becoming major TV personalities. Thankfully, public opinion on LGBTQ+ in the media started to shift in the late 90s/early 2000s, and TV and film gained the inclusiveness of the community.

The first recurring LGBTQ+ character on TV was Peter Panama (portrayed by Vincent Schiavelli). The recurring role was showcased on the ABC sitcom, “The Corner Bar,” which ran from 1972-73. In film, Brock Peters played one of the first expressly gay characters in “The Pawnbroker” (1964). These were huge steps for their time, and the bravery illustrated by those involved with their productions paved the way for future inclusivity in the industry.

A little forward in time, one of the first TV shows to show LGBTQ+

main characters just doing normal, everyday things was “Will & Grace” (1998-2020). In this timeless sitcom classic, best friends Will, a gay lawyer, and Grace, a straight interior designer, share a New York City apartment together. As they navigate life alongside friends, Jack and Karen, this Emmywinning comedy talks about sex, dating, divorce and everything you would see on TV with heteronormative plot lines. Comic Sean Hayes (Jack) strikes gold and continues to be an LGBTQ+ household name.

As tasteful as “Will & Grace’’ is, LGBTQ+ representation isn’t always positive. There are different ways representation can become negative quickly, or not exist at all. Negative stereotypes are not shy from the industry; however, these different forms of representation (good or bad) can initiate and achieve different outcomes.

Retroactive representation, queer-baiting, queer people being portrayed as evil, and just overall a lack of representation can make it tough for LGBTQ+ members to break through stereotypes and receive the same level of equality and acceptance from audiences heterosexual characters receive.

First aired in 2009, “Modern Family” made conspicuous efforts to portray a loving, nurturing household between two gay men, their daughter and the rest of their family. The pair, named Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson),

softened hearts everywhere. As specific characters in “Modern Family” learn, grow and come to terms with allyship, the world was watching along, creating a positive connotation for the community. “Modern Family” finished their final season in 2020.

The 2003 Bravo show “Queer Eye” essentially did the same for viewers who would tune in to watch the ‘Fab 5’ makeover straight men and give them a new sense of confidence. Netflix produced a reboot in 2018 and it currently has seven seasons. The allyship between the men and their guests on the original and reboot has always been heartwarming and a fun watch. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves regardless of their identity and “Queer Eye” has been able to properly administer that since the early 2000s.

Asexuality is overlooked in the media most of the time. In the Netflix original, “BoJack Horseman,” one of the main characters (Todd Chavez) comes to terms with his sexuality throughout the show’s six seasons. Voiced by Aaron Paul, Chavez tackles negative stereotypes and real-world struggles asexual people have to deal and come to terms with. His goofball, stoner persona is the perfect comedic relief for how heavy topics can be within the show. The writers did a fantastic job giving Todd a positive and welcoming embrace into the community.

The first openly transgender

person to receive a nomination from the Television Academy was Laverne Cox in 2014. Cox’s character (Sophia Burset) is serving time in Litchfield Penitentiary, alongside a plethora of women in “Orange Is the New Black.” Although the first transgender person was featured in a film in the 70s, Cox and other trans women have normalized the way for a better understanding of what it means to be transgender and why they should be protected. “Orange Is the New Black” is not an easy watch; it is a hard look into what the prison systems are like and the countless struggles those in the community unfortunately face. It feels like a giant reality check during certain points of the seven-season series.

Representation really doesn’t mean anything if it’s not actually shown. It is complex to have representation in the media, human emotions and experiences come with their own baggage and realistic themes. It’s important to translate these discussions in entertainment, and generally in everyday life.

“Sex Education” (2019-present), “Glee” (2009-2015), “The Fosters” (2013-2018) are another few forms of media LGBTQ+ characters are portrayed in. Each of these show a plethora of queer storylines that don’t rely on cliches and harsh stereotypes, which is a step in the right direction.

Courtesy

Netflix

Todd (voiced by Aaron Paul), left, and BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett) in Netflix’s “BoJack Horseman,” created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. (Netflix/TNS)

Assistant

Continued from page 1

The media’s narrative surrounding mental health is often reducing and quick to stigmatize. When instances of violence occur, there is a tendency to label that person as “crazy,” sometimes implicitly linking mental illness with criminality, which is a damaging stereotype to establish.

Do not get me wrong, there are instances where that shoe fits but it seems we are really quick to throw the “crazy” card out. These portrayals of people in the media often focus on the individual and would often never speak on the societal and mental implications that could have led to the event to occur. The way mental health is depicted through the media can lead to victim-blaming and potential oversimplicifations of complex health conditions.

The media portrayals often overgeneralize the mental health illnesses. Each individual’s experience with a mental illness can vary significantly, yet the media often presents a one-sizefits-all depiction of the scenario.

The media, whether it be the intention or not, has established an “ideal” form of masculinity which can lead to self-deprecating comparisons to others. The media often sets unrealistic standards and expectations that can negatively affect men’s mental health. Men across all forms of media are typically portrayed as stoic, physically fit, successful and emotionally resilient, standards that are difficult to meet and consistently maintain. It is common for men in today’s day and age to feel inadequate whenever they fail to live up to these standards. We need to challenge these depictions and advocate for more diverse and realistic representations of men and mental health to foster a more supporting and accepting environment not only for men, but for everyone. These facts are even more prevalent among the younger adults. In fact, teens and young

adults often suffer from what they call FoMO, or “fear of missing out,” which is an inherent trait of anxiety. FoMO was a concept prior to the media. However, the media has served as an amplifier to the situation making people scared of missing out on an experience even more. For instance, if someone sees a party on social media they weren’t invited to, it could make them feel negatively about themselves. This could be strengthened by the fact that social interaction is crucial to development at a young age, as it helps you learn to communicate.

If one were to miss out on this developmental stage of their life, it could lead to a negative selfperception.

Young adults who spend time on social media are three times more likely to suffer from depression, according to an article published by the Health University of Utah. The article goes onto state that in the United States suicide rates have declined since 2019. However, women and girls through the ages of 15-24 experienced an 87% increase in depression rates while men and boys through the same ages had an increase of 20% over a 20-year time period.

Despite these challenges, the media has a chance to be a powerful ally in turning the tides in a more positive manner. For instance, the media is able to initiate public debate, publicize positive stories surrounding mental health and educate the world about these conditions. Mental health professionals and advocates need to strategically use the media to reshape the narrative surrounding men’s mental health.

The portrayal of men’s mental health in the media is complex, with significant implications for not only individuals but society as a whole. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can work toward creating a more compassionate and accurate reality surrounding mental health. This would ultimately create a culture that supports and values the importance of mental health in everyone all over the world.

Sasha Freemind/Unsplash

The portrayal of men’s mental health in the media is complex, with significant implications for not only individuals but society as a whole.

LGBTQ+ books to read

Stephanie Landaverde News & Lifestyle Editor

Every year during Pride Month, movies, TV and music by or featuring LGBTQ+ people trend on streaming platforms. One essential and powerful media component is often left out of the discussion: books. So, here are books featuring LGBTQ+ characters recommended by students.

Josie Bryant, an OSU music education junior, recommended two books: “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera and “Gracefully Grayson” by Ami Polonsky.

“They Both Die at the End” follows two teenage boys who spend their last day together, after receiving a phone call that they will die. “Gracefully Grayson” features a sixth grader who doesn’t feel the same inward as they present outward. Bryant said the novel avoids using gendered pronouns as Grayson navigates confusing feelings and realizes they’ve been experiencing a desire to be a girl.

“While incredibly different, both books were so refreshing and authentic in the way that they expressed queer joy,” Bryant said. “Nothing about these books felt as though they were written to please a straight or cis audience.”

Bryant said that while well written, “They Both Die at the End” saddens her because it is another queer story wrapped in tragedy. Many stories featuring LGBTQ characters, particularly gay men, involve death, grief or illness, and it is rare to see a happy ending, Bryant said.

Adie Webb, a sophomore majoring in history and museum studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, recommended five books: “On a Sunbeam” by Tillie Walden, “House of Hollow”

by Krystal Sutherland, “All

Our Hidden Gifts” by Caroline O’Donoghue, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins

Reid and “Plain Bad Heroines” by Emily M. Danforth.

“On a Sunbeam” is a webcomic and graphic novel set in a science fiction universe following Mia, who just joined a repair ship. The story jumps between a period of five years, where Mia fell in love with a classmate to the present as Mia makes her way back to the woman she loves.

“These books all have incredible stories that you can fall into and spend hours reading,” Webb said. “Aside from these books being super cool and unique stories, I love reading stories that I can relate to as a lesbian. Reading books with LGBT characters that reflect my life and feelings is something that brings me great joy, and I think is important for everyone to get to see themselves in stories.”

While “House of Hollow” doesn’t have much romance, Webb said these books do a really good job of showing how even when the story is not about being gay, it is still part of who the character is and cannot be separated from them.

Audrey White, a psychology junior at the University of North Texas, recommended “The Girl from the Sea” by Molly Knox Ostertag, “One Last Stop” by Casey Mcquiston and “Last night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo.

The Girl from the Sea” is a graphic novel featuring a 15-yearold girl with a chaotic family life and a secret: she likes girls. One night, she is saved by a beautiful girl in the ocean named Keltie who has some secrets of her own. White said this book is only 247 pages long, making it a quick and easy read.

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (06/28/23). Share support with friends to grow this year. Explorations yield treasure with disciplined efforts. Your home overflows with love this autumn, before the winter team changes. Shifting springtime domestic circumstances require adaptation, motivating career blastoff to another level next summer. Together, you can handle anything.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate with shared finances. Take care of business and home affairs. Add to your holdings. Find clever ways to reuse and repurpose things.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Find creative ways to collaborate for common cause and community benefit. Brainstorm and feed ideas to each other. Invent and share inspiring possibilities.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Prioritize your work and health. Practice for growing strength and endurance. Nurture yourself with good food, exercise and rest. Connect with trees, birds and animals.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Order up some romance and fun. Build harmony with intention and self-discipline. Focus on love and beauty to see it everywhere. Context is decisive.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Get inventive. Small domestic changes can make a big difference. Rearrange the furniture. Positive results energize your efforts. Cook up something fun with family.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Express your passion in creative ways. You’re especially brilliant. Discover inspiration everywhere, especially around friends. Don’t take it for granted. Listen and observe.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Keep providing excellent services. Take advantage of great professional conditions. Expand your talents and raise your rates. Abundance is available. Stash the surplus.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Push the pedal to the metal. A personal opportunity requires quick action. Exploration is required. Talk about dreams and visions, wishes and desires.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 6 — Private introspection suits your mood. Avoid noise, crowds or distractions. Organize, sort and plan. Put old things away and prepare for what’s ahead.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Connect with team and community efforts. Strengthen networks with participation. Share your experiences and individual views for a wider picture. Friendship can lead to partnership.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Balance your work and health. Put your heart into both to grow. Reinforce basic structures. Get expert support to go faster. Professional fortune follows initiative.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Adventure beckons. Plan your itinerary to take advantage of a lucky break. Open your heart to romantic possibilities. Enjoy educational opportunities, stories or films.

1 Update a cartographer’s work

6 With 8-Down, “The Simpsons” character in a rhinestone suit

14 The first “A” in CAT scan 15

Jodi Davenport & Barbara Lin

Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk