Oct. 9, 2014

the

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The Sunflower’s guide to weekend entertainment • thesunflower.com

Thursday, October 9, 2014 Volume 119, Issue 32

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‘Tunnel vision’: Oppression, violence Open eyes at WSU 5

MUSIC: New tunes from Neutral Milk Hotel p. 2 | MOVIES: Cage cannot save ‘Left Behind’ p. 3

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MUSIC

OCTOBER 9, 2014

THESUNFLOWER.COM

Perfect Playlist

Tips for different types of dates

A single YouTube user, perhaps in an attempt to display his undoubtedly tremendous musical knowledge, commented the following on a Neutral Milk Hotel video: “Is it time to stop pretending these guys are good?”

I’m not nearly as educated on the subject, yet find myself unable to refute his argument precisely because I’ve never “pretended” to like the group.

Though they have drawn a considerable amount of criticism for appealing merely to hipster and indie crowds, I find true brilliance at the core of Neutral Milk Hotel’s music, and their album “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” is a prime example of their talent.

Though I’d heard of them quite a few times before I actually took the time to sit down and check out their material, there was nothing about them that seemed particularly exciting or interesting.

I mean, what’s so special about an indie folk/rock band with only a couple of albums under their belt?

Where’s the pizzaz?

The first time I ever heard “The King of Carrot Flowers” comes to mind. While the three-part song remains my favorite, I have to admit I simply don’t understand it.

I’m serious — the lyrics go way over my head. In the past, I’ve had the ability to describe how a specific tune makes me feel and the variety of scenes within my memory which

The weekend is upon you. Your significant other expects a date night.

Even though some doubt Wichita’s ability to entertain its citizens, one should know that it’s not difficult to have fun in town with their better half, even if it’s on a budget.

Therefore, one must consider three different scenarios for varying moods.

Cheap Date (“Hey, let’s order pizza and watch ‘Parks and Rec’ on Netflix”).

While some might prefer to leave the apartment and learn what our city’s has to offer, others find comfort in staying at home.

Nevertheless, should you go down the inexpensive road, getting Pizza Hut or Papa John delivered to the house would be a bit more than driving a couple miles to the closest branch.

Besides, if you truly want to save money, Little Caesar’s has that covered with their $5 pizzas.

As long as all parties involved agree that it’s a TV show, fast-food kind of night, there shouldn’t be a problem with this approach, unless someone expected the other person to fancy it up a bit.

Average Date (“Babe, wanna go to the IMAX tonight? And dinner afterward, yes”).

Paulo Lazo’s

In the Aeroplane Under The Sea: Ambiguous, albeit engaging

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it unlocks. As far as that song (and the album as a whole) goes, however, I was lost, and I loved every second of it. I wanted to decipher the enigma.

But I didn’t, for every single time I hear it, it tells me something else. I often interpret it as a declaration of young, forbidden love that faces the backlash of a religious family.

Then again, others might think of it as the true adventures of a king of carrot flowers, whose mother (according to the lyrics) stabs his father, who then drops garbage all over the floor. See what I mean?

Puzzling beyond belief.

Having heard the album numerous times, I still cannot point my finger on what it triggers within me.

It doesn’t bore me, as it manages to keep my attention throughout its entire length.

Lead singer Jeff Magnum’s haunting, conversational singing remains within my thoughts for hours after listening to it. It’s not even that it gets stuck in my head and I end up singing it on my way to school akin to the latest catchy pop ballad — I just cannot stop attempting to figure it out.

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While the Wichita community certainly lacks a substantial interest in the seventh art, the IMAX at the Warren Theater illuminates the west side of town with its grandiose presence.

Even if your date prefers to go out to dinner instead of a movie, convincing them otherwise should not prove a difficult task once the Warren on 21st Street is brought into the conversation.

After the movie, however, you must resolve the food situation.

In order to close a perfect night on an average budget, Granite City would be an appropriate solution.

Get drinks, dessert and don’t forget to pay for dinner.

Nice Date (“I shall accompany thee to the masked ball beneath the moonlight”).

Fine, maybe you won’t have to take your date to the masquerade — though perhaps reading this article might give he or she an idea or two. Should you encounter the possibility to dress up with elegance, it is encouraged to do so, as you will have to buy tickets to the Wichita Grand Opera.

That’s right, you wanted to go the extra mile, and now you’re about to do it.

If by any chance your better half is likely to doze off during the show, you might want to consider other options. As it turns out, one could struggle to find a particularly pricey restaurant in town, yet Scotch and Sirloin on East Kellogg might do the trick.

Cover Photo by Kevin Brown

Corrections This space is normally reserved for corrections.

MOVIES

OCTOBER 9, 2014

THESUNFLOWER.COM

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Leave behind ‘Left Behind’ Regardless of your personal beliefs, the biblical rapture is a COLUMN BY potentially ALEX PERRY excellent premise for a movie.

The most devout followers of God are ripped from their earthly bodies while everyone else is left to deal with a demonic apocalypse? Count me in.

Unfortunately, even with Nicolas Cage (who is our greatest living actor), “Left Behind” fails at every conceivable level. It’s obviously targeted at Christians, which is fine, but that audience deserves something with at least a little bit of craft.

For the uninitiated, “Left Behind” is actually the second film adaptation of an exceedingly popular novel series about the Christian version of the apocalypse.

Cage plays an airline pilot who is flying across the Atlantic when the bad business starts, while Cassi Thomson plays his daughter who is stuck in New York City.

It’s clear from the start that this is a shoddy production in every way.

The cinematography is heavily reliant on awkward angles and zooms, while characters don’t converse so much as they awkwardly recite lines into each other’s faces.

Courtesy Photo

It absolutely reeks of poor direction from Vic Armstrong, a former stuntman whose last directorial credit was in 1993.

It’s a bummer because there’s something to the idea of a low-budget apocalypse movie that isn’t just a big effects showpiece like “2012.”

It would be fascinating to see the deterioration of society as all the sinners and heathens realize they’re essentially doomed to hell on earth.

Sadly, “Left Behind” doesn’t

even try to hit that angle.

Possibly in order to gain a secular audience, it doesn’t wear its evangelical message on its sleeve.

In fact, the whole rapture thing is mostly forgotten in the third act of the film, which is mostly a junky thriller about trying to land an airplane.

The entire world is falling apart, but the audience is treated to the exciting story of a bunch of people on a plane spouting horrific dialogue at each other.

SEE IT SKIP IT

‘Dracula Untold’ SKIP IT

Someone apparently felt Dracula’s story hasn’t been told on film enough times yet, so they put a gritty “Game of Thrones” fantasy filter over it and called it a day.

Couldn’t look more boring.

When some people on the flight suddenly vanish, one character even blames the lone Muslim onboard.

There’s definitely nothing awful or gross about that.

Left-leaning Hollywood doesn’t do much to appease the audience of films like “Left Behind,” so these types of films tend to be fairly profitable regardless of quality. However, it just feels like someone identified an unserved audience and decided to barf out something

for money, with little thought given to making a decent movie.

For that reason, “Left Behind” feels exploitative of its audience, and it’s difficult to recommend to anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

It barely acknowledges its Christian roots and does absolutely nothing well as a piece of apocalypse fiction.

‘The Judge’ SEE IT

A legal drama with Robert Downey, Jr., Robert Duvall and Billy Bob Thornton is probably worth seeing based on its cast alone, even if early reviews are split down the middle.

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your Wichita Symphony experience begins october 11/12 Wichita Symphony presents

HOMETOWN FAVORITES Saturday, Oct. 11 @ 8PM; Sunday, Oct. 12 @ 3PM Century II Concert Hall

Featuring Wichita State University Faculty Mark Foley, Double Bass; Gerald Scholl, timpani As a Shocker fan, we know you don’t have to look hard to find stellar talent in our fine city. It’s as easy as making a trip from Koch Arena on Campus to Century II Concert Hall in Downtown to find another great Wichita team - The Wichita Symphony. This weekend we proudly feature WSU Faculty Mark Foley and Gerald Scholl as soloists in front of 70 of their teammates, and just like your Shockers, we plan on nailing every shot - er - note. Student tickets are just $10 with your student ID when you arrive at the concert. We’ll see you at gametime - er - downbeat.

Prepare yourself at wso.org $10 tickets with student ID Classics Concerts only, one ticket per ID Wichita Symphony • Century II Concert Hall • 316.267.7658

GET CRAFTY AT WICHITA’S BEER EVENT of the YEAR MORE craft beers then ever before!

2014 Midwest BeerFest October 18 • Century II Expo Hall Tickets on sale NOW! Century II Ticket Office A benefit for the American Institute of Wine & Food Scholarship Fund. Silent auction to benefit MAKE A WISH Foundation.

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Shamrock Lounge 1724 W. Douglas • 316-267-3100 • Open 2:00pm-2:00am

Bell, Book and Candle

by John Van Druten Produced with Special Arrangements with Dramatist Play Service, Inc.

Celebrating our 69th Season of live theater in Wichita!

Thursday-Sunday, October 9 - 26, 2014 Thursday-Saturday 8PM, Sunday 7PM

Wichita Community Theatre 258 N. Fountain Wichita, KS 67208

VISIT US ONLINE! www.wichitact.org facebook.com/wichitact

FOR TICKETS CALL 686-1282 $14 Adults, $12 Students/Seniors/Military

COMING SOON!

THE GAME’S AFOOT! Or Holmes for the Holidays

@WichitaCT

by Ken Ludwig November 28 - December 21, 2014 Reserve your tickets today!

We love the Kentucky Gentlemen (if you've heard 'em, you do too!). We're pleased as can be that they're coming back to see us at The Shamrock on Fri, Oct 10. It will be a party (a crowded party, so plan to get here early)! Music starts at 9pm, and the cover is just $5.

ECOFEST “IT’S EASY BEING GREEN!” You’re invited to a celebration of environmental stewardship!

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JAZZ UP YOUR WARDROBE: ALTERNATIVE USED & RECYCLED CLOTHING ENERGY DISPLAYS “Green” Art FREE ADMISSION - Lunch served from 11:00am ‘til 2:00pm

VENDORS & EDUCATIONAL BOOTHS • MUSIC • BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS • ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

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6 CAMPUS LIFE

OCTOBER 9, 2014

THESUNFLOWER.COM

‘Tunnel’ vision affects Shockers

By Kevin Brown STAFF REPORTER @krbrownjr

While walking through the sprawling campus sidewalks, it is easy to be blinded by the views around you, masking details that make up life at Wichita State.

Sometimes, those details are not all that pretty — the problems that your neighbor may be facing may not be all that clear.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is hosting the Tunnel of Oppression today, an event that highlights some modern day issues of oppression and issues that WSU students may be facing in their own lives.

Participants of the Tunnel of Oppression are led through of where WSU students and staff act out examples of oppression and hate that have been trending, such as bullying, school violence, suicide and domestic abuse in homosexual relationships.

Starting with an ice-breaker, students are invited to write a few derogatory words or phrases on the “hate wall” that they have heard or hear on a regular basis.

At the end of the “tunnel,” participants are given the

the

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Thinking Abortion?

opportunity to meet with a counselor from the WSU Counseling and Testing Center to debrief and talk about what they had just experienced.

Events such as the Tunnel of Oppression can trigger repressed emotions and experiences in some individuals. Vicarious trauma can also be experienced, with viewers taking on some of the same emotions that are expressed by the presenters.

“The ODI officers asked us to have a few counselors here to debrief this experience in case it did hit home with someone,” Meladee Garst said.

Garst, a psychologist with the Counseling and Testing center, said the Tunnel of Oppression gives students an opportunity to learn an important lesson — the benefit of being aware of their surroundings and acting upon what they see.

“The biggest thing with this event is the conscious awareness,” she said. “That is the biggest part I want people to walk away with.”

Originally starting out at Western Illinois University in 1993, the Tunnel of Oppression has made appearances as a grassroots program in diversity at colleges and universities

around the country. Providing a hands-on opportunity to see results of oppression, abuse, violence and discrimination in the lives around them, some WSU students saw immediate parallels to their own lives.

“The crying, yelling, the restraint — I see it every day,” WSU student Kevin Cullors said.

“It just made it more real — it made [the violence] more every day,” WSU student Amy Norton said.

“I think the whole thing is pretty beneficial, especially the first room where you hear all of those derogatory terms that you hear every day,” WSU student Tanarah Brady said.

Even if students were unable to see a parallel with their own lives, the Tunnel of Oppression did highlight one issue: awareness.

Stressed with each exhibit was the need for awareness on the behalf of each individual. Not only that, but the exhibits showed the results of not speaking up when one notices abuse.

“You need to start speaking up about those kind of things, because they are never going to go away if you don’t,” Brady

Sunday, October 19 at 2 P.M. in the Heskett Center Gym

THINK PINK with S.W.A.T.

Alternatives: Free Testing 202-3709

Create a team of 5-7 people. Entry fee is $10 per person, with a free t-shirt.

More Classifieds online at www.thesunflower.com/classifieds

Registration forms are available online at www.wichita.edu/shs and due October 17 by 5 P.M. at Student Health in 209 Ahlberg Hall. Questions? Call (316) 978-3620.

NOTE TO READERS: The Sunflower will not

knowingly publish advertising that is false or misleading. If you have a question about an ad or a classified, call the Wichita Better Business Bureau at 263-3146.

Proceeds will go to Victory in the Valley and Early Detection Works to help promote breast cancer awareness.

Photo by Kevin Brown

Tanarah Brady writes a deragatory phrase on the ‘Hate Wall’ in RSC 214 as a part of the Tunnel of Oppression, an interactive presentation from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion on social issues WSU students face including racism, sexism and domestic violence.

said.

The Tunnel of Oppression will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, with each tour lasting around 25 minutes. Tours start in RSC 214 and lead through the Office of Diversity and Inclu-

sion, ending with a debriefing.

For more information about the Tunnel of Oppression, call the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 978-3034. The office will be closed for normal activities during the tours today.

CALENDAR

OCTOBER 9, 2014

THESUNFLOWER.COM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TODAY

Tunnel of Oppression

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. RSC 214 Participants will be guided through a series of scenes that aim to educate and challenge them to think more deeply about issues of oppression. For more information, call 978-3034.

WSU A Cappella Choir and Concert Chorale

FRI

SAT

National Coming Out Certification AFAA Day Primary Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. RSC North Exercise Instructor Patio Certification Show support for LGBT equality with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, call 978-3034.

Guest Artist: Russell Haight, Jazz Saxophone

7:30 - 9 p.m. Wiedemann The A Cappella Choir will present a concert. Tickets are $7, with discounts available. For more information, call 978-3233.

7:30 - 9 p.m. Miller Hall Guest artist Russell Haight will play a concert with the jazz saxophone. Tickets are $7. For more information, call 978-3233.

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Heskett Center Join us for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Primary Group Exercise Certification.

Shocktoberfest: Hunger Games 2 - 4 p.m. RSC Collect as many canned and boxed goods as you can with your district and build a cornucopia.

Power tennis statues blend in on campus

By Paulo Lazo STAFF REPORTER @Paulo_JLazo

On the winding road by Eck Stadium that leads into the main campus, one might notice long, pale figures standing by the softball field.

Akin to shadows, the shapes stand vigilant — and frozen in eternal prudence, their posture hints at their nature.

William King’s 1977 sculpture “Power Tennis: En Garde and Forehand” depicts differing defensive poses in the sport which two players strike as they await a serve.

Communication student Emily Harris confessed that, while the sculpture initially puzzled her given its location

and features, she has never had trouble spotting it.

“I thought they were playing baseball,” she said. “It’s crazy that nobody even notices it.”

On the other hand, Harris’ classmate Jay Lauer stated his discomfort with the sculpture’s attenuated figure and consequently expressed his belief that people may fail to spot it due to its properties.

“They’re so thin, almost to the point you can’t see them,” he said. “Most people aren’t even looking at them when they’re driving, because people are looking at that weird turn.”

The figures, which consist of flat aluminum sheets, were once described by their own artist as satirical. Neverthe-

less, senior AJ Kirby disputes this notion, as he believes a deeper meaning lies within the metal plates that comprise the sculpture.

“It looks intriguing, kind of abstract, but it just flows well,” he said.

While there are conflicting statements regarding the aforementioned piece, its basis remains enigmatic, thus the question remains: is it cartoonish, stern or both?

While its purpose is up for debate, King’s motives to design the sculpture in the first place stay unknown. As such, it endures time and different seasons on campus, expecting students to notice it on their drive to class, forever awaiting that incoming serve.

7

NEXT WEEK Tuesday: Workshop: Finding Data Online

1 - 2 p.m. Ablah Library 125 Learn how to quickly locate data and statistical sources using freely available resources and library tools. For more information, call 978-5077.

Wednesday: Conscious Clay Ceramic Workshop: Jennifer Hansen Gard 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Henrion

Hall Artist Jennifer Hansen Gard will demonstrate her ceramic process in this one-day workshop. For more information, call 978-3664. Free and open to the public.

Writing Papers and Citations in APA

6 - 7 p.m. Ablah Library 217 This workshop includes an introduction to important aspects of using APA style to write and format papers and citation lists. For more information, call 978-5084.

Photo by Krisi Metzen

The “Power Tennis: En Garde and Forehand” statue shows different defensive poses in tennis, which two players strike as they await a serve. It was unveiled in 1977.

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WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15:

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•9-11 a.m. Speed SATURDAY, •11 a.m.-2 p.m. Empty Bowls Chili Cook-Off networking (RSC Ballroom) OCT. 18: (Henrion Hall) •11 a.m.-1 p.m. ESC 25th birthday party (1st floor of Elliott Hall) •5:30-7:30 p.m. Wrap party (RSC basement)