UCO's The Vista, April 2, 2024

UCOSA and Faculty Senate partner to pass separate legislation

University of Central Oklahoma Faculty Senate passed legislation which proposes the placement of an Overdose Prevention Vending Machine in the Max Chambers Library after 7.1% of students reported having ever used non-medical prescription opioids.

Alongside the legislation seeking to get Narcan vending machines on campus, the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) passed legislation which seeks to pressure administration to release a statement regarding DEI and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Executive Order 2023-31.

Directed towards the office of the president of UCO, Todd Lamb, the Faculty Senate legislation states, “We propose the University administration proceed with the placement of an Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) provided Overdose Prevention Vending Machine in the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Chambers Library building.”

“We just want to be comprehensive in the way that we approach these issues, and understanding that these don’t occur in isolation,” said Alyssa Provencio, president of Faculty Senate and professor of political science at UCO, when discussing why Faculty Senate chose to approach the issue of getting an Overdose Prevention Vending Machine on campus.

“We believe that having access to overdose prevention

108-year-old Guthrie

On New Year’s Day 1916, World War I raged on and the British Royal Army had successfully carried out the first ever blood transfusion, using blood previously stored and cooled. On the same day nearly 5,000 miles away, a baby girl was born in Uncas, Oklahoma.

Today, 108-year-old Vangie Clendenin lives at the Golden Age Nursing Facility in Guthrie. Nicknamed “Vange” by her caretakers in the nursing home, Clendenin spends her days relaxing in her big chair, eating prepared food and visiting her son Robert Clendenin. She remains sharp and retold her life story, but also said, “I believe everyone has incredible stories.”

Some time after Vangie Clendenin (previously Keele) was born, a flood struck Uncas. Then, the government replaced Uncas with Kaw Lake in 1972. The small town was demolished in order to prevent future floods

medications is a public health, and public safety concern,” said Provencio.

Alongside the legislation passed by Faculty Senate, the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) has been authoring their own legislation in order to seek getting Narcan vending machines on campus.

When discussing the partnership with the Faculty Senate, and why they share similar goals, UCOSA Chair of Congress Izzi

Barry said, “This is actually something that I think is incredibly important to the democratic process of our university’s bodies of government, and representation among the student body, faculty and staff.”

“It’s an opportunity to work together and collaborate, and it’s also a united front,” said Barry.

As stated in the legislation authored by members of the Faculty Senate, UCO participated in a National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey in 2021 and 2023.

A total of 654 students responded in 2021. 6.3% reported having ever used prescription opioids for non-medical use. 1.8% of the 654 who participated reported having used prescription opioids for non-medical use within the last three months.

Comparatively, in 2023, 552 students responded to the survey, with 7.1% reporting the use of non-medical prescription opioids, and 2.2% reporting the use of opioids within three months.

resident recounts her time as a UCO student in the 1930s

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railroad. Vangie recalled her mother Hattie being a great cook and her childhood favorites were fried okra and butter beans, which are like lima beans. Her two brothers would put butter on

bread and sugar, quite a dessert for kids living during the Great Depression. From the floods that reshaped Uncas to the frequent relocation of her family, Vangie’s early years demonstrated adaptability and resilience.

Growing up in Perry in the 1920s, Vangie and her sister Lorraine, who was two years older, stumbled upon two kittens and took care of them, named “Bebe” and “Bobby.” The sisters would dress the kittens in baby clothes and stroll them around town in a wicker carriage. One day though, the cats grew tired of this and jumped out of the buggy while dressed up and ran away, never to be seen again.

Once Jess became a railway manager, the Keele family moved to cities all over the state, like Chickasha, Noble and eventually Red Rock. After graduating from Red Rock high school, Vangie attended the Oklahoma Normal School in the 1930s, known today as the University of Central Oklahoma.

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Glamazon event serves up fierce drag on campus

Kelly Clayton Contributing Writer

Glamazon, an annual drag show hosted by the UCO Student Programming Board, paraded through one of the Nigh Center Ballrooms March 28 as part of UCO’s I Heart Central week. The celebration featured large “GLAMAZON” marquee letters for photo ops, a mocktail bar offering nonalcoholic spirits, and of course, a dazzling group of drag performers looking to exhibit their art.

“We have 10 local queens to represent 10 years that Glamazon has been alive,” said executive director for the student programming board and show coordinator, Riley Hall, referring to this year’s celebration being the 10th anniversary of the event. “Each and every one of them are unique and bring something different to the table. We’re

so lucky to have such a diverse cast of performers,” said Hall, explaining the gala’s assemblage of executants.

Gizele Monáe, who has been flaunting the glamourous skills of drag for 14 years, was one of the queens looking to thrill those in attendance by singing a Beyoncé medley and closing with a Céline Dion number, distinguishing amongst the other performers as being the only live singer of the evening’s ensemble.

“Glamazon is the time for us to show liberation to students on the campus. It’s hard to get in on campuses, and being able to showcase amongst students is a blessing itself,” Moná said about the uniqueness of UCO to provide amenities to facilitate the event.

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

the nearby Arkansas River.

in the early 1920s, her parents Jess and Hattie Keele moved the family to Perry, Oklahoma because Jess Keele began working for the Santa Fe

Jake Ramsey Managing Editor

Vangie Clendenin in her nursing home. (SAM KOZLOWSKI/THE VISTA)

President Lamb’s office located in Old North. (JAKE RAMSEY/THE VISTA)

Weekly Horoscope

ARIES

March 21-April 19

This week is All About You, Aries! Mercury retrogrades in your sign, Venus enters Aries, and of course, we have the eclipse. Big things will come up this week, expect sudden epiphanies and a reinvention of self! Your song is “Dark Side of the Moon” by Chris Staples.

GEMINI

May 21-June 20

Friends, networks, and connections to loved ones undergo a major shift this week. You could move soon or have something new revealed to you. You’ve learned so much and now it’s all integrating! Surprises are likely this week. Your song is “Don’t Look Back Into The Sun” by The Libertines.

LEO

July 23-August 22

You, like Gemini, are also integrating larger-than-lifelessons. It’s the end of an 18 year cycle (more info in lunar eclipse article). Congratulations on your new perspectives and welcome to a new chapter! Your song is “Tiger in the Sun” by The Cult.

LIBR A

September 23-October 2 2

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

A complete subconscious transformation is coming up this week. A blast from the past is more significant than it seems. Spending time outside will aid this process. Something inside your mind clicks into place like never before. Your song is “Dark Star” by The Flaming Lips.

CANCER

June 21-July 22

Your career is about to zoom forward! This is an extremely powerful time to harness your power on social media. Be brave, introduce yourself to strangers, and you may be surprised at the outcome! Your song is “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan.

VIR GO

August 23- September 22

The focus is on your eighth house! The depths of your mind, intimacy, debts, contracts, and shared responsibilities are all areas that undergo a shift now. This shift brings an end to a cycle and a whole new version of you to life! Your song is “Umbilical Moonset” by Lotus.

SCORPIO

October 23-November 21

Long-term relationships and friendships come to the forefront now. People you meet at this time are very significant! You’re integrating the work you’ve done to have healthier relationships. Patterns that don’t work are shaken off now. Your song is “Watch the Sun” by Comet Blue. Health and wellness come into play now. You’re completing an 18-year cycle, the contents of which have a significant impact on the current change. Follow any calls to clean, reorganize, or plan, but be open to surprises. Your song is “Moonshadow” by Yusuf / Cat Stevens. A burst of life comes through in your fifth house. You are able to experience joy and balance responsibility like never before! You’re able to shed the last vestiges of some unhelpful patterns now. Your song is “Staring at the Sun” by TV On The Radio. Your home is starting a new chapter in your life. A recent or soon-to-be move is significant. You could be settling into your current housing and family situation comfortably for the first time. This has big future implications. Your song is “Sunshine” by Matisyahu.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22-December 21

CAPRICORN

December 21-January 20

AQUARIUS

January 21-February 18

You are upgrading your ability to communicate clearly. This eclipse has implications for relationships, but also public speaking, journalism, content creation, plane tickets, political speech, and intellect. Your song is “When There Is No Sun” by Uffe.

PISCES

February 19-March 20

Your finances, but also your conceptions of self-love, worth, and value all come into play now. An exciting shift is just around the corner when you explore these corners of your mind and take proactive steps to create a working budget. Your song is “Moon Eclipsed the Sun” by Evolfo.v

UCOSA and Faculty Senate pursue legislation about Narcan and DEI

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The rise in prescription opioid use for non-medical purposes has been seen across Oklahoma, and with that there has been an increase in drug-related overdoses. The number having increased 12-fold from 2019 to 2022.

“The opioid and overdose crisis is real,” said Provencio, “And we recognize that as a public university we have a role to play in the prevention of overdoses.”

“The reason it has come to the senate is because we have faculty that are concerned about it and we have students that are concerned about it, which is why we partnered with UCOSA,” said Provencio.

“It’s important because it is coordinated in a way that shows administration that it’s something we all deeply care about,” said Barry, “And it’s something that we will continue to bring up.”

Alongside the passing of the legislation for Narcan vending machines within Faculty Senate, as well as the not-yet-finished authoring of the legislation for Narcan vending machines

within UCOSA, a joint-legislation covering DEI had its first-reading in Faculty Senate, and passed within UCOSA.

The legislation reads, “An act regarding the current state of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education in the wake of Governor Stitt’s Executive Order 2023-31; taking an official stance supporting and reiterating the importance of DEI; calling on University administration to make a public statement in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion; to be distributed to President Lamb, the President’s Cabinet, and the Presidents of the Faculty and Staff Senates.”

The legislation passed unanimously within UCOSA.

Authored by Barry and

UCOSA President Lauren Harmen, the legislation aims to get President Lamb and members of UCO administration to respond to the EO passed by Gov. Stitt in December of 2023.

“DEI issues do not just affect one part of our university,” said Barry, “They affect students, they affect faculty, they affect staff, they affect every single person on our campus.”

“At the end of the day, we just want students, faculty, staff and community members to know that we care about diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Harmen.

Backing the sentiments on UCOSA, Faculty Senate had a first-reading of legislation at their meeting on March 14, which sought to support UCOSA’s DEI

legislation.

The legislation reads, “Be it resolved that the UCO Faculty Senate joins the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) in affirming the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and in affirming the request for public statement in support of DEI.”

Faculty Senate has not yet passed the legislation, but it will be re-read at the April meeting.

While neither UCO, nor President Lamb have officially released a statement, Lamb did talk to The Vista in December of 2023, saying, “The faculty and the staff will navigate this executive order.”

However, with a lack of new information coming from administration, many faculty and staff members

have been left fearing for what comes next; this being the reason why UCOSA has passed legislation.

In December, while discussing funding allocations across campus after the passing of Executive Order 2023-31, Lamb said, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, and not just in real time, but as we approach that bridge to extrapolate that metaphor, we’ll have some vision to understand really what these requirements are, and how the requirements and/ or prohibitions, whatever word you want to use, how that directly impacts funding.”

As of now, there has been no official plan released by UCO administration on how the University plans to navigate the EO, which states, “Executive state agencies shall become fully compliant with this Executive Order as soon as practicable, but in no event later than May 31, 2024.”

“We are asking for there to be an address for the EO,” said Barry, “But it also is encompassing the potential for DEI related bills that may target our university life.”

Vangie Clendenin recounts her life as a UCO student during World War II

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It was established in 1890 and is one of the oldest universities in the state. The Normal School was renamed to Central State Teachers College in 1939. Decades after Vangie graduated, the school was renamed again to Central State University in 1971. Finally, it was named UCO in 1990. Before becoming one of the first girls to get a dorm in the newly built Murdaugh Hall, she would travel from Perry to Edmond by train since her father worked for the railroad and she could ride for free.

“I’m pleased to brag that I’m from the OKC area,” Clendenin said.

As a college student, Keele took a wide array of classes. Typing class was easy for her, she already had years of experience using her father’s typewriter. Jess Keele was ahead of his time in the sense that he knew how important teaching his children how to type would become. He also taught her how to use a telegraph. In class, she learned shorthand, which is no longer taught at universities or schools in general anymore. This is largely due to technology and the ease of recording and transcribing words, although it is used frequently in the restaurant industry and can assist journalists to this day. Vangie enjoyed math and teaching all people.

It was during her time at UCO, she crossed paths with a young man pursuing his masters degree in agricultural economics named John Clendenin. He graduated from Oklahoma State University as a member of the farmhouse fraternity.

After graduation, she moved up to the Mid North of the state with her sister, above Oklahoma City and about 45 miles south of the Kansas border. She taught at a grade school South of Ponca City. To make money on the side, Clendenin typed notes for professors at OSU.

John received his masters degree and the couple moved to Fort Worth, then Boston. World War II was underway, America just entered the conflict and Vangie Clendenin continued teaching all subjects, including typing. John volunteered after thinking he was going to be drafted. He became a Major paymaster while fighting for his country in the Pacific Islands. Back in Oklahoma, Vangie moved home with her parents.

After the Axis Powers surrendered and the war

was officially over, John returned home. The young John and Vangie Clendenin had a daughter, however Sue Ellen passed away at 19 months. John remained as an officer, however he mainly worked a federal job at the stockyards in Nashville first, before deciding to stay in Kansas City, on the border between Kansas and Missouri.

Finally settled down, the lovers met with a builder and designed their dream home. The two-story red brick home had a green yard with large trees and textured brick and dirt pathways.

John and Vangie had two children Connie, 82, and Robert, 76. Robert went on to medical school and is a successful doctor in Northern Oklahoma today.

The couple stayed in Kansas City and lived in

the house for over 30 years. Over the years, the couple traveled the world, but Vangie’s favorite countries were Denmark and the Panama Islands.

Clendenin was a member of the Shawnee Mission and Roeland Park Methodist Church for over 50 years. The pair stayed in Kansas City, until John’s death in 2005.

With over a century of historical and life experiences, Vangie Clendenin said, “I’m just thankful that everyone made my life a happy one.”

Vangie Clendenin currently lives at the Golden Age Nursing Facility and loves her roommate, Joyce Comely.

“I love my roommate [Joyce], she’s just great to be around. Her and Rob feel like they brought me back home,” Clendenin said.

Glamazon brings colorful celebration, clashing with anti-drag bill from last year

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While UCO was welcoming of the jamboree, this year’s installment was met with adverse legislation. Last year’s House Bill 2186, which passed out of committee, created a bit of a stumbling block for this and similar functions around the state. If the bill becomes law, events like Glamazon or any drag or exotic performance will be banned in public settings where minors are present.

STAFF

For

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While the intentions are to protect children, there has been pushback from the opposition arguing that First Amendment rights would be violated.

In order to avoid legal complications and ensure Glamazon remains in good standing with the university moving forward, the Student Programming Board took measures prohibiting any and all recording devices from the function and a strict age verification for

all guests. Those under 18 were not allowed to attend.

Organizer Riley Hall explained that Caleb Cash, a previous employee of UCO, created Glamazon in 2014, “to better represent the community of LGBTQIA, queer, and all others who are affiliated with drag. He worked very hard to make

Glamazon happen and our organization has made extreme efforts to continue to do it every single year.”

Even though the obstacles set forth by legislation was a bit of a drag for some, so to speak, Hall remained very excited and passionate about this year’s arrangement.

The Library will be the location for the Narcan Vending Machines. (JAKE RAMSEY/THE VISTA)

‘Quiet on Set’ tells a harrowing but unsurprising tale of unchecked power

Jared Bashaw Opinion Columnist

Content Warning: this story refers to sexual abuse of minors.

If you grew up religiously watching Nickelodeon shows as I did, then the ”Quiet on Set” docuseries released on Max last week was undoubtedly upsetting and hard to watch. I brought it up to my parents last weekend over coffee, asking if they had seen it. Obviously, neither of them had watched the Nickelodeon shows, but they knew that my siblings and I enjoyed them as kids, so they were invested in hearing about it. When I told my dad about the documentary, he made a comment that has stayed in my mind since. I likened the main perpetrator Dan Schneider to Harvey Weinstein in the scale of his exploitation. After hearing about just how many predators worked on the production of these shows, my dad responded, “You know, that makes sense, because I would not be interested in a job where I am famous and working closely with a bunch of kids who look up to me all the time, but it does sound like a position that a predator would be thrilled at.”

were a chronically online teen as I was, and you listened to the now massive artist Joji when he went by Pink Guy. In his edgy song ”Nickelodeon Girls” (disclaimer: it didn’t age well), he calls out Dan Schneider for

In the most shocking part of the documentary, Drake Bell gives an interview and publicly details how he was sexually assaulted by Nickelodeon producer Brian Peck, something he has never talked about

being creepy toward kids. Or perhaps you just went back and rewatched your childhood shows as an adult and found yourself uncomfortable at some of the scenes in which these young teens were forced to act.

What he’s actually getting at is a complex question related to power, and why we see this kind of pattern in Hollywood production over and over again. Are we surprised at the kind of people who are attracted to Hollywood jobs where you hold a position of power over multiple children? A quote from the documentary about Schneider states, “The power dynamic between adults and children is already extreme, then on top of that it’s an employment situation where he holds economic power over these kids. A lot of these children have parents who are economically dependent on them.”

Sadly, ”Quiet on Set” isn’t particularly surprising, it just made us aware of the extent of the abuse that many already knew was occurring. I mean, we’ve all at least heard of “iCarly” star Jennette McCurdy’s book ”I’m Glad My Mom Died,” which details how she was exploited by both her mother and Hollywood as a child. It also details how the so-called “responsible adults” in her vicinity forced her into compromising situations and constantly preyed upon desperate and powerless children.

Maybe way back in 2017, you

If you watch the documentary, you can see how often these weird scenes come up in shows like “iCarly,” where kids are literally stripping down on set and putting their bare feet up to the camera. As a kid, I didn’t have the context to picture a grown adult man on the other side of the camera directing the underage girls to do things that made them constantly feel uncomfortable and distressed, but seeing it recontextualized through the documentary is shocking. How did they get away with it for so long? Why did no one look into this sooner?

publicly before. His father also gave testimony of red flags he noticed, that Bell’s attacker would often touch him around his waist or arms, but the studio had a rule that parents were not allowed on the set (which is an extremely sketchy rule to have for a show that stars kids). They prevented Drake’s father from

watching over him, and later, no one seemed to think it odd that young Drake would often go alone to this man’s house and stay the night there. Brian Peck got sentenced to 16 months for assaulting Drake Bell, and then he went on to work on multiple movies involving kids for years after that: ”Bedtime Stories,” another from my childhood, and even coming close to being on ”The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

At UCO, you might have

seen the “Stop Child Abuse” signs and blue ribbons in front of the daycare. It has cutouts of kids holding signs with statistics about abuse and details on how to help. One of them offers a solution via Public Health Policies, training, and child advocates. These are all approaches that require us to prioritize the health and wellbeing of children and require that we care. How do we structure power in a way that attracts the right people? There are plenty of morally upstanding people who would make great leaders and directors, but there’s a problem: They aren’t interested. It’s an unfortunate design flaw in the human psyche that the people who are most likely to abuse power, are usually the ones who seek power the hardest. We should obviously always scrutinize people who seek power, but how much more important is it when it involves power over those who have less of a voice, like power over children? I would say that most normal people would be able to make a TV show about teenagers and also not sexually assault any of the actors, but of course, the person who sought out that position did so with ill intentions, and they went unchecked.

When we let those in charge do whatever they want without anyone even bothering to check their conduct, we should expect to see corruption go unpunished. The “public health approach” that this sign advocates for requires us to scrutinize our positions of power and search for accountability. The reasons for Schneider getting away with his behavior for decades are that the adults were not aware of what was happening — or worse, some of the parents would stay silent so that they could benefit from the exploitation. Only now that the victims have grown up and made that brave decision to speak out do we see progress.

Moving forward, we shouldn’t assume that people’s intentions are innocent, and we need to hold those in power to a higher standard. This documentary was a case study that shows how corrupt people are allowed to abuse their power. We should watch powerful people’s actions more closely, and pay attention to stories like this even though it’s uncomfortable. The series isn’t finished yet and I will be watching as the rest comes out.

This sign brings four possible ways to prevent child abuse, including data collection and improved training. (JARED BASHAW/THE VISTA)

Gingerbread-man-style figures line the walk outside of the Nigh University Center. (JARED BASHAW/THE VISTA)

Myriad Gardens hosts solar eclipse watch party in downtown Oklahoma City

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass right over Oklahoma. The totality of the shadow will be most visible in southeastern towns like Broken Bow and Idabel. If hotel prices are too high or it’s too soon to plan a trip, the Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City is another way to experience the eclipse. NASA will also be livestreaming the eclipse at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/ future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/live/. This map from NASA shows the path of the eclipse.

The Gardens will have a free event from noon to 2 p.m. on the Devon Lawn. According to Leslie Spears, director of marketing and public relations for the Myriad Gardens, “Attendees will have the opportunity to witness a remarkable 93.9% solar eclipse coverage at 1:45pm, promising a truly awe-inspiring sight. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the Dean McGee Eye Institute will generously provide free solar glasses to the first 500 attendees.”

If you arrive later than the five-hundredth guest, you can also make an eclipse viewer to look at

the astronomical event safely. To make this you need:

• a small box like a shoebox

• aluminum foil

• tape

• paper

• pin to poke viewing hole

• box cutter or small knife

The viewing device can be made by first cutting a small hole in one end of the box, adhering the aluminum foil to it, and poking a tiny hole with the pin. Then, on the adjacent side, cut a two-inch viewing hole. For a complete tutorial with images, see this article from livescience.

Using solar glasses or a viewing device is important because looking at the sun unprotected can seriously and permanently damage your eyesight. However, the good news is that solar protection is easy to buy or make. If you would like to order your own glasses, the American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar glasses that will prevent any eye damage.

Solar eclipses are a phenomenon made possible by some particular math. The moon is around 400 times smaller than the sun while also being about 400 times closer to Earth. Therefore, they are about equal size when we look up at the

sky. When they line up just right, it means the moon will block out the sun, turning a brightly lit day to a reddish, moody night.

It will be another two decades until the next solar eclipse visible like this in the U.S. in 2044. This is a much longer gap than last time, with 2017 being the last time a solar eclipse was visible in Oklahoma.

The Gardens’ event will also include three food trucks, including Wondervan Pops and Wicked Hangry. “And we’ll be playing really fun music, you know, ‘Black Hole Sun.’ You know, of course, the Bonnie Tyler song,” Spears said.

Across state lines in Austin, TX, Vampire Weekend will also be performing their new album when totality occurs. The new album is called “Only God Was Above Us” with two songs out now, “Capricorn” and “Gen-X Cops.” The album title is perhaps incomplete, as the eclipse will also be above them at that time. The show is sold out.

Multiple sources on TikTok warn to stay off the roads on eclipse day if at all possible. Citing the 2017 eclipse as an example, one creator said that each highway on-ramp had long lines of cars and that their average speed was around 5 miles per hour. Alternate routes, she said, were no better, so plan accordingly!

Do not sleep on lunar eclipse when exploring celestial movements

Sam Royka Editor-in-Chief

With so much focus on the April 8 solar eclipse, not as much is said about its shadowy sibling, the lunar eclipse. Solar and lunar eclipses always come in pairs. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow covers the moon. The darkest part of this shadow is called the ‘umbra.’

Just like with the sun, lunar eclipses can be partial or total, depending on the alignment of the astronomy. As the moon orbits the Earth, it moves into the penumbra, showing a partial eclipse. It is not until it reaches the darkest part of the shadow that the eclipse becomes total. This state, called ‘totality,’ lasts a number of minutes as the moon moves through.

“If the sun were hollow, you could put over a million Earths inside of it,” said Astrophysicist Fred Espenak at a Feb. 8 discussion at Indiana’s Vincennes University.

Lunar eclipses are also called ‘blood moons’ because of the shadow’s characteristic red tint. This color exists because of its place on the light spectrum! Since Earth’s atmosphere partially blocks the sunlight, blue light scatters, leaving only the red left behind.

Here in another graphic, the visible light spectrum is only a part of the energy we can see. The color of light changes by how fast it vibrates, which is the same thing as how long the energy wave is – in other words, its wavelength.

They always occur when the moon is full, so the contrast is most visible between the bright full moon then eclipsed in total shadow. The next partial lunar eclipse will be September 18, 2024, and this is

notable because it is the end of an 18-year eclipse cycle.

The Saros Cycle, pronounced SAE-rohs, is the official name for the period of an eclipse cycle. One Saros is approximately 18 years, 11 days, 8 hours long according to Espenak. It may vary by a few days depending on the number of leap years. This partial eclipse is the last one of Saros Cycle 118.

According to NASA, the next time to get a full-totality lunar eclipse visible in the Americas will be March 3, 2026. NASA keeps track of all total lunar eclipses at its official eclipse website, at https:// eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/LEdecade/ LEdecade2021.html which provides information on lunar eclipses until 2030.

This chart is not to scale. In real life, the sun’s diameter is 109 times the diameter of the Earth, and the moon is about one-quarter the size of the Earth, Espenak said.

A crowd gathers to watch the eclipse using many different viewing devices on the top of the Empire State Building in this 1932 file photo. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

This map shows the path of the solar eclipse. (OFFICIAL/NASA)

This photo edits together the different phases of an eclipse (ASSOCIATED PRESS/ RICHARD VOGEL)

BRONCHO SCOREBOARD BASEBALL

March 26

UCO - 9

Northeastern State - 2

The Broncho’s rode a 7-run 7th inning to a dominant win against the in-state rival Riverhawks. This moves the team to 24-7 on the year.

March 28-30

Emporia State - 6

UCO - 7

Emporia State - 7

UCO - 11

Emporia State - 6

UCO - 9

Now on a 4-game win streak, the Bronchos go into the last month of the regular season on a high not following their weekend sweep of ESU. Now 27-7, the Bronchos are set to make moves in April.

MEN’S GOLF

March 18

Oak Tree Invitational1st Place

March 25

Skip Wagnon Invitational - 1st Place

After placing first place overall as a team in their last two tournaments, the Bronchos look to wrap up an outstanding regular season this week at the Showdown at Shangri-La this week.

Final Four is set as March Madness comes to a rousing close

Bradie Gray Sports Editor

March Madness has lived up to its namesake this year. With the Final Four now set, we will see everything from redemption arcs to Cinderella stories as the 2024 crescendos into its curtain call.

In the East region of the big dance, it is safe to say the one-seed UConn ran away with it this year. The Huskies were head and shoulders above the competition. In the first round, they made easy work of No. 16 Stetson University, 91-52, and fared likewise against No. 9 Northwestern, 75-58. In the Sweet Sixteen, the No. 5 San Diego State Aztecs were a presumed “good matchup” against UConn and many thought it would be a tight contest, but the 82-52 final score said otherwise. Finally, in the Elite Eight, No. 3 Illinois was on the wrong end of a 77-52 beat down as the reigning national champions punched their ticket back to the Final Four and took the East region crown. The West region had much more fanfare. The four-seed Alabama Crimson Tide were able to clinch their school’s first ever Final Four appearance in electric fashion. In their first game, No. 13 University of Charleston took them to the brink, only coming just short, 109-96. In the next game, Alabama handled

a scorching hot No. 12 Grand Canyon University, 72-61. Things got tight in the Sweet Sixteen as they took on the one-seed North Carolina Tar Heels. In an instant classic, the Tide were able to barely roll past their blue chip opponents, 89-87. Then in the regional championship, in a matchup that we would normally see on the football field, Alabama was able to take down the 6-seed Clemson Tigers and capture the West region title.

The Midwest region was just as exciting, as the oneseed Purdue Boilermakers were able to avenge their embarrassing exit against a 16-seed from last season, and claim a spot in the national spotlight. Round one was no issue as they took care of No. 16 Grambling

State, 78-50, and round two was no different against number 8 Utah State, 10667. The Sweet Sixteen saw number 5 Gonzaga put up a fight but ultimately fall, 80-68. The Elite Eight was where it got dicey for the favorites. No. 2 Tennessee led Purdue by double digits for a huge part of the game, but behind 40 points from star big man Zach Edey, Purdue was able to come back and win, 72-66.

Finally, the South Region was easily the most interesting this year, as 11seed North Carolina State punched their ticket to the final four as this year’s unexpected Cinderella. Coming off of an out of nowhere ACC Tournament Championship, the Wolfpack made light work of the 6-seed Texas Tech Red Raiders,

80-67. In round two, a hot 14-seeded Oakland University fresh off of an upset victory over number 3 Kentucky gave NC State a run for their money, but ran out of magic, falling 7973. In the Sweet Sixteen, NC State took down No. 2 Marquette 67-58, and in the Elite Eight, in a rematch against number 4 Duke University, the Wolfpack rode a huge second half to get the comeback victory, 76-64, locking in their spot in the Final Four.

Both Final Four matchups are set for Saturday April 6. Purdue is set to play against NC State at 6 p.m. and UConn will take on Alabama at 9 p.m. as we will final crown a king of the Madness for 2024.

Giddey racks up astounding numbers against the Rockets despite loss

Nicholas Borghini

Contributing Writer

Josh Giddey’s 31-point game with the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Houston Rockets on March 27 was the cherry on top of the best month of his career.

The Australian shooting guard tied his career-high, making 60% of attempted field goals. With five offensive rebounds and 20 field goal attempts, Giddey made all but one of his field goals in the paint.

Despite falling to the Rockets in overtime, Giddey’s performance marked his third consecutive game as a top-two scorer for the Thunder.

With an average effective field goal percentage of 62.7 in March, Giddey’s shooting was 14.1% more effective than all previous months this season.

OKC Thunder assistant coach Chip Engelland,

who was brought onto the team last offseason, is one of the reasons for Giddey’s improved shooting. Engelland is considered one of the league’s greatest shooting coaches, teaching Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, and Richard Jefferson during his 17 years with the San Antonio Spurs.

Brought onto the team to develop the Thunder’s young talent, Engelland has helped improve the shooting skills of the roster.

“Early I was hesitant, I was wide open, I was like, ‘Do I want to shoot it every time?’ Giddey said in the post-Rockets game interview, “Now I’ve started getting into a bit of a rhythm.”

After a slow start this season Giddey’s minutes dropped from a 27.6 average in October to 22.9 in December. His recent improvements have earned him more minutes played, averaging 25.5 in March.

Giddey said that he is being more decisive on the court, not letting previous shots impact future ones.

Verstappen retired early by brake failure; Sainz wins Australian Grand Prix

coming in fourth place, and Pérez in fifth.

The past three Formula 1 races have all included historic moments, with drivers Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen being at the center of attention going into the 2024 season. Sainz, who will not have a seat at Ferrari next year after being replaced by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, continues his record of being the Verstappen streak breaker during the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz won the first-place podium followed by teammate Charles Leclerc in second, and McLaren driver Lando Norris finishing in third-place.

Due to mechanical failure in his right rear brake, Verstappen was forced to retire early for the Australian race, leaving his teammate Sergio Pérez by himself on the grid, facing two determined Ferrari drivers and two stand-out McLaren drivers. All of which finished in the top five, with Sainz, Leclerc and Norris in top three respectively, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri

With Pérez finishing in fifth place, Red Bull still holds first place in the Constructor’s Standings, but the team and Verstappen still have plenty of competition going into the next race, with Leclerc currently in second place on the Driver’s Standings at 47 points, and Verstappen still holding first on the Driver’s Standings with 51 points.

While Verstappen still holds dominance, Sainz has been the only driver to beat him for the past year, putting him on the radar to replace Pérez going into the 2025 season.

“You’ve had a very fast unemployed driver win the race, so the market is reasonably fluid with certain drivers,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner in reference to Carlos Sainz taking Pérez’s seat in the 2025 season.

Sainz continues to prove that even while being absent from the second race of the season due to appendicitis, he is a force to be reckoned with on the track. An eighth of the way into the Formula 1 season, and with big changes

coming to three major teams in 2025, speculation is already underway for what will come next.

Verstappen remains the reigning world champ, Sainz has been a standout going into the 2024 season, Leclerc holds a tight race in second place with Verstappen, and the McLaren drivers, Norris and Piastri, continue to move up in the standings as well.

Currently, the top five on the drivers standings are:

- Max Verstappen - Red Bull - 51

- Charles Leclerc - Ferrari - 47

- Sergio Pérez - Red Bull - 46

-Carlos Sainz - Ferrari - 40

- Oscar Piastri - McLaren - 28

With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton barely making top ten, and holding tenth place with 8 points.

March Madness finishes for 2024. (TIM BOOTH/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Carlos Sainz celebrates his win at the Australian Grand Prix. (SCOTT BARBOUR/ ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Beyonce digs in her heels for country with ‘Cowboy Carter’

Shanice Hopkins Contributing Writer

Beyonce has established that this is indeed a country album. What does “going country” mean for a well-known pop artist? For Beyonce, it means exploring musical freedom and dismantling genre rules. It means being able to test your limits and abilities as an artist. “Cowboy Carter” is Beyonce’s eighth studio album with an extensive 27-track listing that runs 80 minutes long. It is officially marked as Act II in her three-act trilogy, with “Renaissance” being Act I. While the album tests the limits of what country music can be, one thing is clear: Beyonce is as free as a cowboy on this album.

As mentioned by Black country legend Linda Martell in “Spaghetti,” “[Genres] In theory, they have a simple definition that’s easy to understand/ But in practice, well, some may feel confined.” For many artists, genres restrict creativity. “Cowboy Carter” challenges music barriers not only from the artist’s standpoint, but the things we believe should be part of establishing categories. While this album features songs that don’t have a country feel to it, it is still an artistically positioned album about country music.

The album starts off strong with the first track, “American Requiem.”

“Used to say I spoke ‘too country’/ And then the rejection came, said I wasn’t country enough,” Beyonce sings on “Requiem,” setting the tone and theme for “Cowboy Carter.” This album is the perfect response to Beyonce’s unwelcoming experience at the 2016 Country Music Awards. Being booed and belittled sparked the fire Beyonce needed.

“This album has been over five years in the making,” she wrote. “It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of country music and studied our rich musical archive.”

Through this album, fans learn “Cowboy Carter” was a way to not only prove herself to the country audience but also teach that African Americans should not be exclud-

ed from the culture the same way she was. “Cowboy Carter” is a true homage to her Southern roots including tracks “Oh Louisiana” and “Texas Hold Em” that reinforces her connection to her culture.

Featuring a number of cameos from country legends such as Dolly Parton, Martell, and Willie Nelson, along with surprise features from Miley Cyrus and Post Malone, these not only cosign that country feel, but can also serve as a bridge between different audiences. Beyonce, known for doing extensive research before dropping an album, paid homage to many classics throughout “Cowboy Carter.” But not only did she pay homage, she also “Beyoncified” them.

She covers Parton’s “Jolene” while adding her “Lemonade”-esque flair to it. Her cover

of The Beatles “Blackbird,” written by Paul McCartney after the Beatle was inspired by the 1960s Civil Rights movement, proves her song choices are ultimately strategic and intentional.

Fans on social media speculate that Beyonce could potentially dive into rock for her third act, which would also reinforce African American’s right to be in the genre. It is obvious that following the release of “Lemonade,” Beyonce has proved that she is not afraid to experiment and that she isn’t a one trick pony. “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter” are celebrations of cultural diversity and artistic freedom. Beyonce will continue to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, whether or not country fans believe she has the right.

X-Men 97 ignites excitement for fans in 2024 Disney reboot

Britton Summers Reporter

Fans of the X-Men are thrilled to have the original animated show come back in style. We see many of the original voice actors return such as Cal Dodd, Alison Sealy-Smith, Lenore Zann, and George Buza, while getting some new actors like Ray Chase, Jennifer Hale, J. P. Karliak, and more for other roles.

“X-Men 97” could have easily gone the safe route and created some fun adventures to cater to the nostalgic fans, but fortunately we didn’t just get that. “X-Men 97” isn’t afraid of taking risks, seeming to go out of its way to torpedo everyone’s expectations and forcing

our main characters to make tough decisions that will last throughout the rest of the series. We’re only three episodes in and we’ve gotten reveals and twists that could fill a whole season of television.

On the one hand, the animation looks great. Unlike the occasionally wonky animation from the original 90s show, the animation in this is fluid and all the characters have distinct designs that make them unique from each other. There are the occasional callbacks to the original show’s animation style, but it’s clear that the animators are taking advantage of the advancements that 2024 has provided.

The revival series has come back with a real slick look. The voice acting is also excep-

tional, with the new cast members complimenting the returning members well. Fear not, the chemistry remains strong with our team.

Ultimately, “X-Men 97” captures what made the titular team so great to begin with. The allegory of how mutants are treated is not a particularly subtle reflection of our time and “X-Men 97” isn’t afraid to lean into that.

While the X-Men have been in a state of stagnation for the past few years, “X-Men 97” shows that there are still great stories to be told with our favorite mutant superhero team.

So, when are we getting “Spectacular Spider-Man” back?

Beyonce’s new album cover for “Cowboy Carter” (Album Cover)

After releasing his 10th album last month, a junior at the University of Central Oklahoma is finding his rhythm and thriving.

Logan Hobart’s stimulating, 11-song “Some Guy & His Computer: Random Music, Vol. 3,” has been his most successful album yet. Released Feb. 24, it reached 100 listens faster than any of his prior releases.

The two-sided album surges with raw emotion and memories of the past with inspiration from the rock band, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. It starts on the “Madvilliany”-inspired Side A, addressing Hobart’s negative feelings and anger at the world. The second half of the album’s vibe completely transforms, inspired by 100 Gecs. Side B focuses on acceptance, reconciliation and some pettiness.

With 10 albums in five years, Hobart said, “In terms of how I mixed every song, I feel like this is my best album, so far.”

“Some Guy & His Computer” begins with the “Nachos” introduction on Side A. The song symbolizes the stickiness of nacho cheese and the fact that he as an artist is here to stay.

The second song, “Noose” is a metaphor about Hobart’s constant perfectionist pressure, never satisfied with his work. “I’m not suicidal, but having built up frustration feels like a noose, suffocating me,” he said.

Hobart had the most fun on Side A with the

track “Uh huh.” The premise of “Uh huh” is sarcasm, like saying “yeah right,” and directly references MF Doom, sampling his “Shadows of Tomorrow” track.

“Ripples” is the next song and was recorded just before Hobart got a new microphone, halfway through the album’s completion.

“Ripples is about how even when I’m ready to move on from my feelings, they come back,” Hobart said.

The futuristic whimsy of “Bitch Didn’t Even Try,” Side A’s final song, delves into how it feels to be ghosted or left on read. “I’m always going to be me no matter what,” Hobart said regarding the track. “Transition…” shifts the vibes of the album on Side B, followed by the first track of the side, “Seener (TV Dinners).” Hobart got inspiration for the song after watching an Instagram Reel skit about TV dinners. Hobart referenced Nickelodeon’s “Victorious,” one of his favorite childhood shows, as he was rewatching it while producing the song. The song also has a remix of the tune “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”.

Reminiscent of sci-fi classic “Tron,” “Hands in the Shape of a V” has nods to Batman and Pokemon with a sample of Pikachu’s cry. “This is one of my favorite songs because the bass goes crazy in the car,” Hobart said.

“Black Sweater” is the second-to-last song in the album and was co-produced with Hobart’s friend, fantompower. “One of my black sweaters gives me confidence, so I wrote about it. I think

it’s funny how the most random things can give you the best inspiration, especially when you’re not looking for it,” Hobart said in regards to “Seener (TV Dinners)” and “Black Sweater.”

Lastly, his self-titled outro track, “Some Guy & His Computer” finishes off about how Hobart is not trying to become a big personality, but makes music for the love of it. “With music, I will always be here.”

Having completed the album, Hobart is feeling bittersweet now that he is now longer working on music. Now, he is recording new music for his band FAJOR. He also plans to release more solo albums alongside FAJOR.

Sisteria delivers revelatory performance at Tower

Callie Turley

Contributing Writer

Psychedelic rock band Sisteria performed its first show of the year March 30 at Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City while opening for the band Queensrÿche. Sisteria consists of lead singer Katie Williams, drummer Steve Boaz, guitarist Richie Tarver, guitarist Nathan Lofties, bassist Matthew Jewel, and pianist Matthew Knudson. The sound of Sisteria consists of mystical vocals mixed with psychedelic rock instrumentals.

Sisteria’s set started at 8 p.m. with the enchanting “Om/Yes” that feels like a siren song. Williams walked on stage with a crown and a black veil. Midway through the song, Williams took off her ensemble and, with shock from the audience, revealed her pregnancy. She later said they will be welcoming the seventh member of Sisteria in June.

After the announcement, they

FOR

Neko Case, April 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

Tallah, April 3, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Randy Rainbow, April 4, Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

Tyler Fischer, April 4, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Justin Willman, April 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

The Bright Light Social Hour, April 5, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Adele Givens, April 5-6, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, April 5, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Luke Bulla, April 5, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc. com

Movements, April 5, Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S. Eastern, dcfconcerts. com

Carson Jeffrey, April 5, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

The Big News, April 6, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, April 6, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Joel Melton and Leeann Atherton, April 6, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Mae, April 7, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Max Gomez, April 9, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc. com

Jonah Kagen, April 10, Ponyboy, 423 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Fly By Midnight, April 10, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead. com

Pierre Bensusan, April 10, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Austin Snell, April 11, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

John Caparulo, April 11-13, Bricktown Comedy Club, 409 E. California, bricktowncomedy.com

played the powerful “Wade My Way” which begins slowly and speeds up to a roar of sound. Following that was “Reaper” with instrumentals similar to classic rock music featuring a guitar solo from Richie Tarver.

Next was the mystical “Pale in the Darkness” where Williams’ powerful stage presence shined. Williams had this magical energy like Stevie Nicks combined with the vocals of Florence Welch. She had this confidence and energy on stage that commands the crowd.

Sisteria finished their set with the energetic “Hunger” which has an incredible buildup amplified by Boaz on the drums. Then the song explodes into a whirlwind of guitar and vocals. Lofties uses the bow of a violin to play his guitar during “Hunger.” This song is where the band is at its best. You can hear every member and feel the energy. They come together to create a powerful effect.

Daniel, Me Estás Matando, April 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Dr. Pants and Andy Adams, April 12, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Slow Hollows, April 12, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Frankie Quiñones, April 12, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com

Luke Rountree, April 12, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead. com

Haus Lab, April 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com

James McMurtry, April 13, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com

Nate Jackson, April 13, Criterion, 500 E. Sheridan, criterionokc.com

Douglas, April 13, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, resonanthead.com

Joel Rafael, Nick Justice and Terry Buffalo Ware, April 13, The Blue Door, 2805 N. McKinley, bluedoorokc.com

Hannah Wicklund performs March 20 at Beer City Music Hall. (EBRU YILDIZ/ANTIRECORDS)

Sam Kozlowski Digital Editor

Logan Hobart recently released his new album, “Some Guy & His Computer: Random Music, Vol. 3.” (LOGAN HOBART/PROVIDED)

Katie Williams performs with Sisteria at Tower Theatre. (CALLIE TURLEY/THE VISTA)