Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, January 30, 2017
Volume 96 Issue 1
Maryum Ali
Photo by Stacie Larsen
Education, social justice and activism Stacie Larsen
Center, capping off the day’s events. The panel discussion also featured Lawton Police Department’s Sergeant Timothy Jenkins, CU’s instructor of social sciences Rick Lowe, and Saint Paul School of Theology’s Dr. Stan Basler. Under the moderation of Dr. Willie Smith, they addressed such topics as communication between the police and the public and social reform. Jenkins explained one way to heal the rift between the police and the public: “Raise your children to support
authority,” he said. “it’s tough seeing what’s going on [out] Copy Editor there these days, but it starts @SLarsenWriting at home.” Ali followed up Jenkin’s Activist and author statements with lessons she Maryum Ali headlined learned from her father, the festivities for Cameron the late boxer and activist University’s 33rd Dr. Martin Muhammad Ali. Luther King, Jr. Celebration “Whatever you learn in on Jan. 16. this house impacts the globe,” The day started with CU she said. students volunteering all She emphasized the need morning as part of the MLK to approach the activism Day of Service. of her father and King in In the afternoon, Ali led different ways. a panel discussion at 2:30 “We want kids to learn p.m. before speaking at the the history they should,” evening banquet at 6:30 Maryum said, “but we have p.m. in the Aggie Recreation to apply history to them.” She said parents should teach their children how to interact with the police. Maryum demonstrated the nuances of communicating with law enforcement through role play with Jenkins. “All officers are not the same,” she said. “Don’t jump off with an attitude. Say, ‘Yes sir, no sir.’ You need to behave and respect authority.” Basler said there is no rule book on understanding at the nature of justice. “It’s a condition where everyone’s basic needs are met and there is justice and peace on the earth,” he said. “You may not be Christian. You may not be Muslim. But [we can] come together about an understanding of things that are for the Photo by Jacob Jardel common good.” After the panel Mediation: Dr. Willie Smith mediated the panel discussion, guests lined discussion, helping to focus the Q&A around Maryum up outside the ballroom Ali’s background in social work and public service.
What’s inside
Cameron’s rising star Page 3
for a signing session with Ali. She interacted with the audience and answered questions informally. The banquet wrapped up the line of events. Ali addressed attendees about her career and her activism. She said her job in social work, gang prevention and youth development was a family affair. “My father loved the fact that I was doing that work,” Ali said. “He would come down and talk with the kids.” These talks would help her discover the roots at many of her clients’ issues and the distance between them and the history she learned. “I hear why they’re so disconnected from a legacy that is so brilliant and beautiful,” she said. “We’ve made so much progress. Kids really don’t realize the freedom they have to walk where they need to walk and go where they need to go. They are disconnected. “Back in MLK’s era, the need was desegregation and equality. The need was [blacks] being seen as a human being by non-blacks. We need to speak to the
needs of these kids right now.” Maryum also spoke about her experience as an undercover inmate with the show “60 Days.” “For fifteen years, I’ve tried to prevent youth from going to jail,” she said. “I thought this would be a good opportunity to see what jail was like and see if it was rehabilitative.” She said her experiences have been useful educational tools. “I put a module in the curriculum on how to explain the criminal justice system to young people who are at risk with regards to the traps,” she said. “We [speak] to them on their level about these traps and how significant it is to their lives and how easy it is to get caught up.” She ended her time by answering questions from attendees. Her closing note addressed the best ways to iterate social movements into policy change. “You’re not going to get policy without people being engaged or voting,” Ali said.
“You’re not going to get policy without people being engaged or voting.” -Maryum Ali
Afterward, Rev. Phil Jones introduced the winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Essay contest. Cameron students Gary Reddin and Simone Lockhart both won awards for their submissions, with Lawton High School’s Kahlia Patton receiving the other prize. The awards segment of the banquet concluded with the presentation of the Humanitarian Service Award to Bishop John Dunaway. Dunaway is the founder and bishop of Abundant Life Christian Church, president of the Lawton-Fort Sill InterDenominational Ministerial Alliance, and a member of the gang task force and The Next Step program. Award Committee Chair Natalie Fitch acknowledged him for the way he exemplifies King’s teachings. “[Dunaway] promotes community among women and men from different social economic, ethnic and geographical areas,” Fitch said, “[and] is committed to humanity service and to [the] practice of non-violence.” The evening concluded with Kortney Smith’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice” and a benediction from Bishop James G. Nunn.
For more on the panel discussion with Maryum Ali See Page 2
Netflix: An “Unfortunate” Review
Helvey leaves Cameron
Page 5
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News
January 30, 2017
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CU grads earn award nomination Cheyenne Cole
the people around us and our families,” he said. “It’s cool A&E Editor to get involved in so many @cheyenneccole different organizations.” The U.S. Small Business Katrina said the she and Administration (SBA) has her husband work together nominated two Cameron to find solutions at Affinitee graduates for the Young Graphics. Entrepreneur of the Year “We lean into each other,” Award for their local she said, “and in an area that business. I may not be as confident in Graphic designers Matt or as good at, he excels at and and Katrina Thompson vice versa.” began their screen-printing Matt said he uses an and embroidering business important business strategy he Affinitee Graphics at their learned in his communication home in 2012. and public relations classes To be eligible for the at Cameron to accomplish award, nominees had to be difficult tasks. under 30 years old and their “When we approach these business had to demonstrate daunting tasks,” he said, a pattern of growth in several “we formulate it out. We’ve different areas, including got hundreds of lists, goals, financial growth and number objectives, strategies and of employees. tactics. It’s the thing that Katrina said she feels like connects a vision, a dream, an she’s living her dream, and idea into action.” Photos courtesy of Great Plains Technology Center the nomination gave her an Matt and Katrina are Business booming: Cameron graduates Matt (left) and Katrina Thompson recently received a nomination for always looking for ways to opportunity to think about the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Association. The couple started Affinitee improve their business, setting Affinitee Graphic’s journey Graphics in 2012 as they were finishing their time as Aggie students, building it from the ground up. from the beginning. goals each year. “You realize how far things have come and have a lot of financial and future life benefits. pushed me to be more than what I am and to Recently, Affinitee Graphics added a how different it is now,” she said. “It’s exciting That’s what we were striving for.” be able to have opportunities to grow and do new feature which allows individual users to see how much this hard work has paid off Since opening the business, Matt and more. I love to learn. This business has given to create, design and buy their own custom and to have these different doors open and Katrina have expanded Affinitee Graphics me the opportunity to do that.” t-shirt on oakshirt.com, a division of the these different opportunities come to us and to locations in both Apache and Lawton and Affinitee Graphics’ most popular products business. the different connections we’ve made with established an online presence. are custom shirts that unify different groups Matt’s advice for anyone who has a vision people.” Katrina started Affinitee Graphics to fulfill in the community such as sports teams, for a business is to act on it. Matt said he feels honored to be nominated her internship requirement for the graphic schools and fundraisers. “If you have a dream,” he said, “go for it. for the award and that Affinitee Graphics design major at Cameron. Matt said Affinitee Graphics’ goal is to Whatever you want to accomplish, don’t wait reached these milestones organically. She felt that in the long run, starting a leave a positive impact on the world by helping until it’s all perfect. Do it when it’s not.” “We weren’t doing this to win an award,” business would benefit her more than working the community and bringing those groups Visit affiniteegraphics.com or go to he said. “We were doing this to grow our at an internship. together. Affinitee Graphics’ Facebook for more business. There are a lot of awards that come “I love the challenge,” she said. “I love “We have the opportunity to do a lot of information about the products and services along with that, but they’re not formal. You being able to work towards something, and it things that benefit us and the community and they offer.
Discussing the intersections of service and justice Jacob Jardel
emphasizing the impetus to change the pattern. “We as a country have to figure out how to make [the rehabilitation process] a public thing,” Jenkins said. “We have to figure out a way to help these people in prison so that, when they get out of prison, they can contribute to society.” For all the panelists, finding a common ground among the public was one of the biggest keys for moving forward with equality. Lowe elaborated that establishing similarity is one of the most important steps. “The more common experiences we can share, the more common ground we have to learn,” he said. “We’ve got to find a way to pass on the heritage and what we learn … It is very important to recognize where each side is coming from.” According to Jenkins and Ali, this process starts at home.
While Jenkins emphasized the importance of respecting authority and properly reporting their indiscretions, Ali Managing Editor passed on a lesson she learned from her father, the late boxer @JJardel_Writing and activist Muhammad Ali. During the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day “Whatever you learn in this house impacts the globe,” she Celebration on Jan. 16., in the MCC Ballroom, Maryum said. “The basics of how you’re communicating and dealing Ali highlighted topics such as service, social justice and with each other in your own house is a good place to start community connection. before you can be a social activist and teach someone else.” While on campus, she led a panel discussion about the Maryum talked more about her father’s influence to the importance of these topics and the places were they intersect. press after the panel discussion. According to her, one of The panel also consisted of Lawton Police Sergeant Tim Muhammad’s greatest traits was the selflessness he exhibited, Jenkins, Instructor of Social Sciences Rick Lowe and St. even after attaining a great level of celebrity. Paul School of Theology’s Dr. Stan Basler. The four panelists “He could have just been this rich boxer [who said], ‘I do answered questions from the crowd and from moderator Dr. not have to fight for my people, justice or inequalities,’ and he Willie Smith, chair of the MLK Day Committee. didn’t do that,” she said. “I think that is Most of the questions addressed the social really what people love about him, whether unrest involving marginalized communities, in you like his stance or not.” particular the rift between black communities and She added that his influence helped her police forces. All panelists agreed that the topic develop a calling to help people in whatever was too multifaceted for simple answers. But Ali way she could, mentioning some of the mentioned that many of the problems start with biggest lessons he taught her while growing flaws in the system that provide blocks to justice up. for all. “Be a person of service. Be a woman of “Our Constitution is supposed to give us faith and good values. Love your family equal rights,” she said, “regardless of race, [and] people,” Maryum said. “Know that culture, gender [or] religion. But there are a lot of you are equal and everyone’s equal to you. blockades to that.” Be who you are. Stand up for who you are. Basler added that the root of this problem Don’t be apologetic about who you are.” could be in our cultural approach. She concluded her time with the press “There is talk about working for the common elaborating on the intersections of her good,” he said. “I think that’s not a focus for our father’s selflessness, King’s activism and culture. It’s just sort of a battle for who gets what. their shared want for justice – particularly The nature of the system is divisive, as is so much as it applies to students in a small city. of what takes place in our culture.” “It was about service for Martin Luther All the panelists reiterated this point when King – and ongoing service,” Maryum it came to the nature of the prison system, Photo by Jacob Jardel said. “As students are learning their field, particularly in regard to privatized prisons. maybe use what they’re learning to go out Connecting with the community: Lawton Police Sergeant Tim Jenkins Ali mentioned that one of the biggest flaws of responds to a question during the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day discussion panel. He and volunteer in their target areas. American corrections involves its inability to “A university can be a wealth of and the other panelists addressed social justice and emphasized the need for proper properly rehabilitate inmates. knowledge, volunteerism and service for a commmunication between law enforcement and their communities Jenkins agreed with this sentiment, small town.”
Student Life
January 30, 2017
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Photos by Christopher Reif
Grocery Bingo Christopher Reif Student Life Editor
Programming Activities Council (PAC) held their first Grocery Bingo event of the semester at 7 p.m., Sept. 14, inside the MCC Ballroom. A total of 171 students gathered as PAC officers explained how to win one of several prizes. Students could win a variety of groceries and a grand prize of a brand new Visio TV. At the end of the event, PAC gave out a total of
55 grocery bags and CU Sophmore Brittany Lawson won the grand prize. PAC President and psychology graduate student Jacob Jardel said Grocery Bingo is one of his favorite recurring events. “It brings people together to have fun and hopefully win some food poor college kids need,” he said. “It’s always a fun event to plan and work whenever we do it.” For more information about PAC call (580) 581-2217 or email at pac@ cameron.edu.
Student celebrity in the making Jonathan Vann Staff Writer
Over the last four years, Lawton native and freshman journalism major Dannie Carson has been making a name for herself in the local music scene. After a breakthrough year in 2016, her journey culminated in an audition for the popular television show “The Voice.” She said that this audition had been in the works since the beginning. “A lot of people throughout the entire four years of singing said I should go on ‘The Voice,’” Carson said. “But, it was a lot of work to take off school just to go to Nashville and audition, so I just put it behind me.” Instead, she focused on building her career from the ground-up. Four years ago, she started singing in her church choir. A few months after that, she learned how to play the guitar. According to her, after consistent practice and dedication, her skills progressed tremendously. She then began to perform in smaller local music events. Carson attributes her recent success to performing in local music events and growing her following from there. “You start small,” Carson said. “I am huge supporter of local music, especially live music. A person that puts in the amount of work that they have to playing live music, playing in small places that you get barely get anything for. “You slowly work your way up to building a foundation and fan base.” For her, though, the time she puts into her craft is all part of the fun. “When I get up on stage, it is an exhilarating experience for me to do what I do,” said Carson. “I do not have to work laborlessly.”
Much of her musical inspiration comes from an openness she hoped could be cathartic to her listeners. “I sing about my demons,” she said, “so people can forget about theirs. I think that is one of my biggest inspirations – to change the world one song at a time.” She added that she wants her audience to forget whatever negativity is going on within their lives and to focus on something positive. After establishing herself in the Lawton area, Carson’s fan base blossomed significantly after touring in locations within Oklahoma. She also branched out to shows in Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. By 2016, she was Photos courtesy of Dannie Carson performing up to four shows “You Will Fly”: (Left) Lawton native and freshman three days a week. journalism major Dannie Carson performs live at Cameron In time, she received University. (Right) Carson began singing in church choir, the United States Gospel and she recently auditioned in Nashville for “The Voice.” Entertainers and Musicians Video of Year Award for best Nashville, audition, and promote,” Carson said. “If I am original song, titled “You Will Fly.” getting paid to do this, I would not mind auditioning.” It is now the theme song for the Carson said that when she got to Nashville to audition, she organization. realized how intense the competition was for an elite show Soon, her goal of making “The such as “The Voice.” But she was not deterred. Music by Richard Rodgers By Sophocles Voice” was within “Even though there was a lot of Lyrics by Oscar reach. competition, they still promoted Feb. 16-18, 2017 @ 7:30 p.m. “They encouraged Carson said local Hammerstein II a positive environment,” she said. Feb. 19, 2016 @ 2 p.m. radio station Magic 95 people to not give up if “They encouraged people to not became cognizant of April 20-22, 2017 @ 7:30 p.m. you did not get selected, give up if you did not get selected, This classic Greek tragedy is a story her recent popularity. April 23, 2017 @ 2 p.m. they pushed [them] to be happy, of betrayal, murder and revenge. they pushed [them] to They offered to encouraged one another to succeed.” “Electra” portrays the story of sponsor her trip to This Pulitzer Prize Winner is set Carson said it was there that be happy, encouraged vengeance as Electra and Orestes seek Nashville if she agreed on a Pacific Island paradise during one another to succeed.” she learned an important lesson: to right their father Agamemmon’s to audition for “The World War II. South Pacific tells not if you want to change the world, it murder by their mother, Clytemnestra, Dannie Carson Voice.” only one but two stories in which love is important to have help from not and step father, Aegisthus. Freshman In addition, she must overcome prejudice. only people you are singing to, but promoted the radio also the people you are singing with. Journalism Major station and other Even though she did not make businesses within the the final cut for “The Voice,” she “One thing that I love the most about every Lawton area. said she still had an incredible experience. Carson added that play is seeing the passion in each and every For Carson, it was a simple way she does not mind if she never reaches the fame of Carrie student althrought the proccess.” to take her career to a new level. Underwood and Keith Urban because she is doing what she Dr. Deidre Onishi “All I had to do was go to loves for eight hours a week.
Tales of heartbreak, comedy and adventure Electra
South Pacific
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Voices
January 30, 2017
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The importance of being humble Payton Williams Assistant Editor
@youresovanya At President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration Friday morning, evangelists appeared throughout the speaking roster, all essentially giving the same sermon one might expect – hopeful messages for their ideal Christian nation. Generally speaking, many of these sermons felt somewhat hackneyed, rehashing the same ineffectual rhetoric that political discourse is often criticized for. However, one of these sermons distinguished itself in my memory. The Rev. Dr. Samuel Rodriguez delivered the second sermon of the day. As the first Hispanic evangelist ever to give an inaugural prayer, he read a Bible verse dealing with humility and mutual respect. Rodriguez read from the Sermon on the Mount. Particularly interesting was his use of the following passage: “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” The inclusion of this verse in particular interests me because, in many ways, it can’t be ignored how it applies as a word of advice to President Trump. In the last several months, as well as in his lifetime spent in the public eye, Trump has proved to be a vacuum where humility goes to die. From his open mockery of anyone who criticizes him to his perceptible smug self-assuredness, Trump has proven himself to be an anomaly among past presidents in one respect: He seems entirely uninterested in appearing humble. This character trait is something troubling in ways many Trump supporters – and even perhaps his detractors – have not considered. Former President Harry S. Truman best defined the importance of humility regarding the leader of the United States: “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit,” he said. There is a place, of course, for being self-assured – especially when holding the highest office in the nation, but there is also a place for humility. There is something to be said of the capability to accept fallibility, or to defer to someone else’s judgement. There is something frightening in Trump’s callousness. Perhaps even more frightening is the fact that this very selfassuredness is a huge reason Donald Trump won this election. Many Americans seem uninterested in gravitas, in the dignified consideration of a problem from all sides. The American people want simple answers, and Trump, lacking any sense of Stoicism, provides them. He is brash and crude, and this has made him popular with
Tribune News Service
people for fairly understandable reasons. The people, feeling a palpable lack of humanity in politics, want real candor, real openness. But what Trump is offering is not candor. It is something that is often confused with candor, something that imitates candor: ignorance. Ignorance is when a person chooses to answer a question from a disabled reporter by mocking that reporter. Ignorance is when a person calls on an audience to enact violence against protestors, regardless of what the protestors are saying. Ignorance is when a person sexually objectifies women who disagree with him, and then allows the media to normalize such comments as “locker room talk.” Candor is something else entirely. President Abraham Lincoln exhibited candor in his famous address at Lyceum in 1838, where he likened the continuation of slavery to a national suicide – at the height of slavery in America.
Candor is what former President George W. Bush had when he acknowledged that he had made mistakes in choosing to go into Iraq on intelligence that, as he said himself, “turned out to be wrong.” Candor is openness. Candor is frankness. Candor is the humility to be able to see one’s mistakes while still trusting in their own intuition – even in the face of adversity. What Donald Trump is doing is pandering. He is willing to provide a simple answer, any simple answer, when the people want it. His convictions are not his own, but can only align with the rabble he is so adept at rousing. His crass nature is the death to any hope of Presidential humility. Now is a time when honest, thoughtful leaders are increasingly necessary. I can only hope Trump takes the words the Rev. Dr. Samuel Rodriguez quoted in earnest to heart. Otherwise, the soul of the presidency, and with it, the soul of the nation, is in jeopardy.
Posters from the edge: Fisher, Leia and the march Photos by Mary Davis
Jacob Jardel
Managing Editor
@JJardel_Writing “She’s become an icon.” These words come from Mississippi-based designer Hayley Gilmore in an interview with Vanity Fair’s Joanna Robinson. With the Women’s March impending, she created an image and put it online on Jan. 18 for a few friends to print out. She didn’t think it would go far. As it turns out, the graphic went to a galaxy far, far away from her expectations. Gilmore’s design was simple: in the background, a
faded red image of Princess Leia from “Star Wars” armed with a blaster. In the foreground was one sentence of text: “A woman’s place is in the resistance.” In this simplicity, Gilmore channeled the spirit of a character – and, just as importantly, the one in a million actress who brought her to life. Carrie Fisher amassed a following the size of a small moon from her role as Leia, the strong heroine who held her own amid the smugglers and reluctant heroes of “Star Wars.” Her steadfastness in the face of strife still serves as inspiration for many
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individuals to fight for their respective causes. “Leia and the Rebels were ready to give it all to fight the Empire,” Oklahoma City marcher Sarah Powers said. “We can learn from their dedication.” A deeper look into Fisher’s life will also show a more complex but equally strong human off the camera. She addressed her ups and downs in life with a candor rarely associated with fame, a quality Powers admired in the face of the march. “[Fisher] was a fierce advocate,” she said. “She understood that we have to fight to be heard and have to struggle.” Her honesty was one reason people like Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters donned Leia’s garb and channeled Fisher’s persona in their most desperate hour. “When I was a little girl, I wanted to be Princess Leia,” Matronic said to Vanity Fair. “When I grew up, I wanted to be Carrie Fisher. “She’s a symbol now.” Robinson’s piece in Vanity Fair addressed Fisher’s emergence as what she calls “the surprising face of the
rebellion against Trump.” Until her death, Fisher stood staunchly for what she believed and openly opposed many of the now-President’s policies and mindsets. Mere weeks after her passing in late 2016, she is alive once again through the power of protest. But none of it should be surprising. Millions of individuals gathered everywhere from Washington, D.C., to Buenos Aires, from the biggest cities to the smallest. And Leia’s face was omnipresent. It’s something Carrie’s brother Todd saw as a continuation of her legacy. “They didn’t choose Joan of Arc – with the sword and the horse and the big stuff,” he said in a phone interview with Vanity Fair. “They chose a flawed human to be their champion.” These flaws helped Fisher formulate an empathy, a force that extends far beyond women’s issues. As a whole, she strove for a unity and equality that separated denotations of difference from connotations of competition. In short, she championed
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Editorial Staff
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.
Managing Editors - Joel Frambes and Jacob Jardel A&E Editor - Cheyenne Cole Student Life Editor - Christopher Reif Copy Editors - Stacie Larsen and Joel Frambes Assistant Editors - Stacie Larsen and Payton Williams Aggie Central Editor- Jeff Larson
Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Robert King, Justin Reff, Vicky Smith Markel Turrell, Jonathan Vann, Payton Williams Photographer - Christopher Reif Advertising Manager - Jacob Jardel Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
Newsroom Staff
the foundational causes of the Women’s March. There are many misconceptions about the Women’s March. That it’s all reactionary to Hillary Clinton losing the election. That women already have rights and just want more. That it’s all about American women. That it’s about women just not wanting to stay in their lanes. But these reasons fail to encompass the purpose these protests started in the first place. The Women’s March shares a power core with so many other movements in the past: an overarching sense of equality, regardless of name. Historically, feminists
called not for female superiority, but for equality no matter the sex or gender. The trailblazers of Civil Rights movement didn’t want black superiority – they wanted equality no matter the race. The leaders of the LGBT rights movement didn’t want superiority – just equality no matter the identity. Similarly, the Women’s Marchers didn’t want to fight for what some people perceived was “extra.” They wanted equality among sexes, genders, identities and myriad other causes. Basically, they wanted those things that Carrie Fisher so vocally advocated for.
Letters Policy
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
A&E
January 30, 2017
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Netflix crafts successful “Series” Cheyenne Cole
Snicket (Patrick Warburton) serves as the narrator for the books, which follow the three Baudelaire orphans – Violet, A&E Editor Klaus and Sunny – as they make their way through the @cheyenneccole treacherous world without their recently-deceased parents Netflix released its highly anticipated adaptation of who died in a fire. Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” on Jan. 13. The driving force of the story is their struggle against The show is a rendition of Daniel Handler’s 13-book series the evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris), an enthusiastic that originally released in the late ‘90s and continued through herpetologist and a paranoid widow who is constantly out to the mid 2000s. steal the orphans’ fortune. Since most of the children who read the books in The flaw in Olaf ’s plan, however, is that the Baudelaires are their original run are now adults, Netflix seized a perfect not average orphans. Each one has a unique skill they use to opportunity to capitalize on the “nostalgia-marketing” that outwit the Count and his minions at every turn. supposedly works so well with millennials. Violet, the eldest, solves problems by making inventions Spoilers ahead for those who have not read or seen “Series.” out of scratch. Klaus, the middle child, retains every book he
reads. Sunny, the baby, can chew through anything with her sharp teeth. Season one covers the first four novels with eight episodes, two dedicated for each book. It features the Baudelaire orphans bouncing between three guardians, including Olaf. There’s also an intriguing mystery within the show involving a secret society that the Baudelaire’s parents, Olaf and every guardian the children are sent to were once a part of. Meanwhile, a man named Mr. Poe is in charge of the Baudelaire children and their fortune. He sends them to their designated guardians but is almost hilariously detached and never realizes the orphans are in trouble until they are in immediate danger. But no matter where the Baudelaires go, Olaf follows them, often in ridiculous disguises that fool everyone except the children. Throughout the season, the audience sees a subplot about two parents trying to make it back to their children. There is an air of presumption that they are the Baudelaires’ parents, having never died in that fire. The Netflix series mostly stays true to the books. The biggest problem with the show, though, is Harris’ comical portrayal of Olaf, who should be dauntingly terrifying. While Harris has proven his acting abilities in other roles, such as the lovable Barney on “How I Met Your Mother,” his lighter approach to the Count does not work. There are certain times when it does pan out, like when Olaf is disguised as Stephano in “The Reptile Room.” Overall, though, Harris cannot quite hit the mark. His presence makes the atmosphere less tense, and he makes it difficult to ever really feel scared for the Baudelaires. It is possible that Harris is not at fault, falling victim to the director’s decisions. Still, it seems that with the right actor, the show could have excelled. In contrast, the show did nail the narration. Patrick Warburton’s deep, morose voice brings life to Snicket’s voiceovers, persistently warning the audience to stop watching. The way he pops up at any point to add to the story with amusing quips is a plus. The show’s saving grace is its guest stars. Of note are Joan Cusack as the sweet Justice Strauss in “The Bad Beginning” and Alfre Woodard, playing Aunt Josephine in “The Wide Window.” The wonderful set and production design is one more reason to watch the show. Netflix renewed the series for a ten-episode second season, which will adapt books five through nine. Handler, who is closely involved with the making of the Tribune News Service series, hopes that Netflix will also quickly renew the series Netflix’s newest “Series”: Count Olaf plots to steal the Baudelaire fortune. Neil Patrick Harris portrays for a third season “given how quickly young actors age and the evil count in Netflix’s new adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events.” change.”
Moore: a lasting legacy of TV greatness Cheyenne Cole A&E Editor
@cheyenneccole
Comedienne Mary Tyler Moore died on Jan. 25 at 80 years old. Long considered a trailblazer for women in television, Moore got her first big break on the CBS sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” Her signature capri pants sparked controversy. While the studio thought that women should wear only full-skirt dresses, Moore insisted that housewives didn’t wear dresses to do everyday chores like vacuuming.
But Moore revolutionized television beyond her attire. She inspired a generation of women and normalized realistic depictions of women on-screen. After Moore’s success on Van Dyke’s show, she created “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which followed her character’s life as an independent workingwoman. The show broached subjects that the general public considered taboo during the 1970s, such as homosexuality, divorce and equal pay for women. Yet again, Moore transformed television and
revolutionized what a comedy series could be and, more importantly, women’s roles in those series. In 2007, Time Magazine recognized “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” as one of the shows that changed television, stating that it “liberated TV for adults – of both sexes.” Moore’s characters set the stage for lead female characters in shows that would come later, such as “30 Rock” and “Girls.” Over the course of Moore’s television career, she won six Emmys. In 1980, Moore earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in
the Best Picture Winner film “Ordinary People.” She also received two Tony Awards as an actor and a producer. Many people also remember Moore for her altruistic ways. She worked tirelessly for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raise awareness about diabetes after her own Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Moore also advocated for animal rights and supported charities like the ASPCA and Farm Sanctuary. She is preceded in death by her son Richard and is survived by her husband of over three decades Dr. Robert Levine.
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artists, this sort of genre-hopping would seem like an exercise in showing off. But here, the changes never sound forced, never staged. The changes come completely naturally to Solange, who never seems uncomfortable or out of place while she jumps fearlessly head first into each experiment. The confidence on this album is absolutely palpable. Solange, long a spokesperson for proud black womanhood in the face of adversity, shows a new clarity in her politics with this album, especially on the many interludes scattered throughout. The interludes are a powerful touch, consisting of music underscoring spoken word recordings of Solange’s parents, Tina Lawson and Mathew Knowles. Their stories are heartfelt descriptions of their lives, always underscored by race relations in America and always with life-affirming pride and hope gleaming in the foreground. These interludes tie the album together exceedingly well, creating an atmospheric context of current events. The politics are an appropriate addition to the album, never cliché or insincere. Solange does an admirable job of keeping things real and immediate, giving the album a significance that makes it feel like something of a historical placeholder, a hopeful document of spirit from a year punctuated by aggression and fear. This is the album’s real power. It shifts musically, delves into politics and all the while never loses soul or its clarity. It is a deeply human work of art with a message as important now as it has ever been in history. It is a living testament to confidence and pride in the face of adversity, and more than that, it is an incredibly entertaining, never dull, reminder of the power of music.
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The many facets of Solange’s “Seat at the Table” Payton Williams Assistant Editor @youresovanya
2016 was a year full of musical surprises. Some were heartbreaking, like the sudden deaths of David Bowie, Prince and so many other artists of near unfathomable impact. Others were absolutely astounding, such as the ever unpredictable Frank Ocean’s triumphant return with “Blonde.” But of all these surprises, perhaps none is more glorious or deservedly exalted than Solange’s heartfelt political powerhouse of an album “A Seat at the Table.” The album taps into something that feels nearly timeless. It flows desperately through the speakers, making its 52-minute length feel almost unbelievably brisk. Never has Solange sounded more in command of her style and form, creating a record that changes shape and travels through its complicated, jazzy compositions effortlessly. The opening track “Rise” is a short one. It is less than three minutes long, yet it instantly establishes the themes of the album lyrically in a single refrain dealing with destruction and rebirth. This is not only a lyrical theme but also a description for the music. In the past, Solange’s music has been heavily electronic and light, almost not quite real. From the very beginning of this album, however, the instrumentals are earthy, heavy and unpredictable. The album is alive in a way Solange’s music has never really been before. There is a real wealth of musical styles on the album, from Soul to R&B to Hip Hop to Jazz. The really striking thing about this album is how organic it feels. In the hands of many
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Sports
January 30, 2017
www.aggiecentral.com
Tennis icon Helvey steps down a little bit different direction as a career,” Helvey said, “but it also presented as a chance for me to get back near my home where I grew up. My family is there and my parents, who I want to be able to help take care of. “The timing is not the best for the tennis program, because I would never want to abandon my team. It just presented itself to be a good move for me, and I needed to do it. It was time.” Also, Helvey expressed that though he may be retiring as head coach, he isn’t cutting ties with Cameron Tennis. “I still have hopes and dreams to win a national title here,” he said, “and if I can’t be the one coaching it, I want to be the one cheering for it. I’ll never give up that dream.” Helvey also said his Photo by Krista Pylant support for Cameron mostly shows itself through Courting Success: Head Tennis Coach James Helvey high-fives two of his players during a break in their his coaching and molding match. Helvey announced his resignation after spending more than two decades with Cameron. of players into successful students and well-adjusted advancing to the NCAA times, LSC Coach of the Helvey gave thanks for Joel Frambes adults. National Tournament where Year five times; won Four everyone’s support. Managing Editor “At first inclination, a lot the Aggie men made it as far Lone Star Conference He explained his @JoelPole12 as the Elite Eight in 2015. Championships; coached reasoning for taking a job as of coaches would say, ‘I won On Jan.11, head tennis As the women’s head eight All-Americans, 36 Head Tennis Professional at this title, I won that title,’” coach James Helvey officially coach, Helvey recorded academic All-Americans, the Arlington Tennis Center he said, “but my biggest accomplishment I feel like announced his resignation, 13 visits to the NCAA multiple All-LSC and leaving Cameron so is I’ve got great kids. I’ve got ending his 24-year career at postseason, winning the performers, four LSC suddenly. kids graduating. I’ve got kids Cameron University. Regional Title in 2011, 2012 Players of the Year, eight “The opportunity who have moved on – they’ve Helvey started his and 2016. In his last season LSC Freshmen of the presented to myself to go in coaching legacy at Cameron with CU Tennis, the Aggie Year, four LSC Academic in 1993 as the head of the women advanced to the Players of the Year, two men’s tennis program. In Elite Eight in the NCAA LSC Sportsmanship Players 1999, he took the reins of National Tournament, of the Year, three LSC the women’s tennis program where he claimed his 800th Newcomers of the Year; and following the resignation of career win. recorded an overall personal former women’s tennis head A press release from record of 802-393.” coach Joe Jones. Cameron University In recognition of Helvey’s Over those two-and-aAthletics listed the many accomplishments, the CU half decades, Helvey has accolades Helvey has Athletic Department held a ended each season with achieved over his years reception from 3-5 p.m. Jan. winning record for both the at Cameron: “named the 12. men’s and women’s teams. Intercollegiate Association During the reception, As the men’s head coach, (ITA) National chair for close friends of Helvey, Helvey’s team has appeared Division II men’s tennis in students, faculty, President in the NCAA South Central 2007-present, ITA National John McArthur and Dr. Regional Championships Coach of the Year in 2008, Karla Oty joined Aggie 21 times, winning the South Central Regional tennis supporters to bid the title in 2008 and 2013-16, Coach of the Year Eight long-time coach goodbye.
got families, they’ve got careers.” Because he focuses on growing his players as people, Helvey said the reputation of Cameron Tennis is respectable, and he hopes the next coach maintains the teams’ integrity. “Cameron Tennis is very well known around the country in the tennis community,” he said. “That’s one thing I’m really proud of. I could drive down to Vernon, TX, and they don’t know Cameron Tennis, but in the tennis world, Cameron’s got a really good name, and I want that to continue.” Helvey had one final message for his studentathletes, reiterating a lesson he teaches to them from the very start of their time in the tennis program. “Every kid I have I tell them in the first meeting, ‘This is temporary. Fortyeight months from now, it’s over. What you do now is going to impact what you do the rest of your life, so get ready for it. You don’t have time to waste,’” Helvey said. “But at the same time, we’re going to compete, we’re going to train hard, and we’re going to have fun along the way.” Photo by Joel Frambes
Aggies basketball splits set against Tartleton State CU Sports Information
Right after a TexAnn turnover delivered the ball to Bonnarens who would get the Cameron’s basketball teams squared off layup and draw the foul to bring the Aggies against Lone Star Conference (LSC) foe their first lead (34-32) since CU’s 1-0 lead to Tartleton State University on Jan. 26 in the start the game. Aggie Gym. After a couple of lead changes and never The teams traded wins, with the CU dropping back more than two possessions, the women prevailing 81-72 before the men fell to Aggies let loose from downtown making seven No. 14 TSU 80-74. in a row in the second half and nine total. Another aspect of CU’s success was Women’s Game keeping TSU quiet from the free throw line, Four Aggies recorded double digits with just 4-for-6, while shooting 14-for-17 from the Jamie Bonnarens leading at 18 points, missing line themselves. just two attempts from the field. Cameron advances to 7-10 overall and 5-6 Savanna James was behind her with in LSC play. 16 points, Natalie Halbleib 13 points and Men’s Game Brittany Hill 12 points. The Aggies experienced a cold start to the Trey Hall led Cameron with 22 points, first half, falling back by as much as 11 points making four deep balls and having a 6-for-6 to the TexAnns and remaining down 32-28 at effort at the charity stripe in addition to two the half buzzer. blocks. However, James would set the Aggies’ JV Long earned a double-double after agenda to open the second half by making a scoring 14 points coupled with ten rebounds three-pointer in the first seven seconds. and was two assists shy of a triple-double. Photo by Joel Frambes
Tyus Momoh rounded out the Ags in double digits with 19 points. The Texans took advantage of the Aggies’ cold start to extend their lead to 18 points. At the half buzzer, Cameron trailed 38-27 after shooting 36 percent on the floor while the Texans shot 67 percent. The second half saw improvement from CU’s side as they advanced to a 48 percent effort on the floor while knocking TSU back to 41 percent. Cameron’s luck reversed beyond the arc as the Ags made 50 percent of their own this time making eight in the second half while
keeping TSU to just one made from out deep. However, costly fouls would help the Texans to shoot 23-for-28 from the foul line despite being kept to just one attempt and miss in the first frame. The Aggies were able to chip TSU’s lead down to their closest of four points since the game’s start. But they did not leave enough time on the clock as the 19 seconds remaining dwindled to bring the Texans the 80-74 victory. Cameron drops to 13-7 overall and 6-4 in the LSC. Both teams travel to Angelo State on Feb. 2.