A Wrap on Summer: The Signpost 7/30/2024

CELEBRATING ‘SUMMERWEEN’: A TASTE OF FALL IN SUMMER

By ANNA KUGLAR Editor

Amid scorching hot summer days, some are eagerly awaiting the cooldown of autumn and everything that comes with the approaching fall season.

‘Summerween’ has become one such way for those perhaps wanting the fun seasonal festivities to come early while still stuck in the hot summer months.

Created from the popular animated Disney show, “Gravity Falls,” Summerween began as a holiday meant to celebrate the love and eagerness of the autumn holiday and has since seemed to gain traction on various social media sources as a way to combine the two seasons.

The unique hybrid holiday incorporates a summer twist to Halloween traditions, such as carved watermelons instead of the classic jack-o-lanterns, summer slasher movie marathons, Halloween-themed pool parties and campfires.

With stores hopping on board with the ‘Summerween’ trend and releasing colorful, summer-themed Halloween decorations and so many ways to celebrate, there is a variety of ways to get your friends and family together and create a fun new tradition before the summer season comes to an end and the real Halloween begins.

By BRAYSON BROWN Reporter

USA MEN’S BASKETBALL SHOOTS FOR GOLD IN PARIS

The United States aims to achieve gold in the Olympics for the fifth consecutive time. Led by the likes of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant, this team is deemed the greatest team the United States has assembled, even better than the 1992 “Dream Team’’ that featured Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson. Over the last few years, there has been talk that the world has caught up to the USA in basketball. Five of the previous six NBA MVPs have been players from foreign countries. It begs the question, has the United States lost its ability to produce the best player every year?

The U.S. had five games to prepare for the Paris Olympics. This was their chance to prove that the United States is still atop the mountain of basketball giants. Game one was against star-studded Canada, whom many think have a shot at the gold medal. It was a close game in the first half, but the United States’ firepower was unmatched. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 13 points as the U.S. won 86–72.

Game two took place against Australia, which had no answer through three quarters and was down as many as 23 points. The USA then began to give what seemed less effort and let the Aussies bring the game back as the US squeaked by with a 98–92 victory. It was a close call for a match viewed as over in the third quarter.

Game three was against current MVP Nikola Jokiv and Serbia. Curry took the reins and guided the United States to a 105–79 victory while scoring 24 points.

Game four was against South Sudan, which

favored the U.S. by 41.5 points. They barely made it out by the skin of their teeth, winning 101–100. Game five was against Germany, where the US won 92–88, with James leading the way with 20 points.

The alarm bells were ringing in these friendly Olympic games. A point must be proven: show the world wrong and bring home the gold, or fail and be labeled as the team that should’ve.

This team is led by 39-year-old LeBron James, who was nominated as the flag bear-

Money

er for the United States. This team will have to rally behind him to reach the goal of five Gold Medals in a row and close the doubters’ mouths shut.

The United States kicked off its gold medal defense with a victory, triumphing over Serbia 110–84 in their group-stage opener.

Durant and James spearheaded the effort for the U.S., contributing 21 and 23 points, respectively. Durant stood out, making his Paris debut with the team after missing exhibition matches due to a calf injury. He made 8 of 9

shots, missing only once.

Serbia’s three-time NBA MVP Jokić tallied 20 points, eight assists, and five rebounds, but the U.S.’s NBA-caliber talent proved too much to handle. Serbia started strong with a 10–2 run, leading to a competitive first quarter. However, once the U.S. took the lead late in the first period, they maintained control for the rest of the game.

Next, the United States will play against South Sudan on Wednesday, while Serbia will compete against Puerto Rico on the same day.

EL EQUIPO MASCULINO DE LA EE.UU. ASPIRA AL ORO EN PARIS

POR NATHANAEL STOUT

Traductor

By BRAYSON BROWN Reporter

Los Estados Unidos aspiran a ganar el oro en las Olimpiadas por quinta vez consecutiva. Dirigido por Stephen Curry, LeBron James, y Kevin Durant, este equipo se considera como el mejor que ha sido ensamblado por los EE.UU., aún mejor que el “Dream Team” (equipo de los sueños) de 1992 que tenía Michael Jordan, Larry Bird y Magic Johnson. Durante los últimos años, había argumentos que el mundo ha alcanzado a los EE.UU. en baloncesto. Cinco de los últimos seis jugadores más valiosos de la NBA han sido de países extranjeros. Trae la pregunta, ¿han perdido los Estados Unidos su habilidad para producir el mejor jugador cada año?

Los EE.UU. tiene cinco partidos en preparación para las olimpiadas de ParÍs. Fue su oportunidad de probar que todavía están a la cima de la montaña de gigantes de baloncesto. El primer partido fue contra el equipo estelar de Canadá, el cual es considerado por muchos un candidato a la medalla dorada. Fue un partido disputado durante la primera mitad, pero la potencia de los Estados Unidos fue sin rival. Anthony Edwards obtuvo la cantidad de puntos más grande, con trece, mientras que las EE.UU. ganó 86–72.

El segundo partido fue contra Australia, el cual no tuvo respuesta durante tres cuartos y se atrasó hasta 23 puntos. Entonces los EE.UU. parecieron a dar menos esfuerzo y dejo que los australianos casi los alcanzaran antes de ganar por un pelo con 98–92. Fue altamente disputado por un partido considerado terminado durante el tercer cuarto.

El tercer partido fue contra Serbia y su jugador más valioso Nikola Jokić. Curry dirigió el partido y guió a los EE.UU. a una victoria de 105–79 al marcar 24 puntos.

El cuarto partido fue contra Sudán del Sur.

Aunque el emparejamiento fue a favor de los EE.UU. por 41,5 puntos, apenas ganaron el partido 101–100. El quinto fue contra Alemania, en que los EE.UU. ganaron 92–88, con la guía de James con su 20 puntos.

Una señal aparecía durante estos partidos olímpicos amistosos que declaraba que los EE.UU. demostrarían lo contrario al mundo y ganarían el oro, o fallarían y serían nombrados como el equipo que deberían haber ganado.

Este equipo es dirigido por LeBron James que, a la edad de 39, fue nominado como el abanderado por los Estados Unidos. El equipo tendrá que juntarse detrás de él para alcanzar la meta de cinco medallas doradas consecutivas y cerrar las bocas de los incrédulos.

Los Estados Unidos empezó su defensa de la medalla dorada con una victoria, triunfando contra Serbia 110–84 en su partido inaugural de la fase grupal.

Durant y James encabezan el esfuerzo por los EE.UU., contribuyendo 21 y 23 puntos respectivamente. Durant se destacó durante su debut con el equipo después de perderse los partidos de exhibición debido a una herida de los gemelos. Marcó ocho de nueve tiros, fallando solo una vez.

Jokić, tres veces jugador más valioso de la NBA de Serbia, marcó 20 puntos, ocho asistencias y cinco rebotes, pero el talento de calibre NBA de los EE.UU. fue demasiado para superar. Serbia empezó fuertemente con una secuencia de 10–2, causando un primer cuarto competitivo. Sin embargo, después de que los EE.UU. se adelantaron tarde en el primer periodo, mantuvieron el control durante el resto del partido.

A continuación, los Estados Unidos jugarán contra Sudán del Sur el miércoles, mientras que Serbia competirá contra Puerto Rico el mismo día.

LAS

NEVADA - JULY 10: LeBron James

of the United States drives against Dillon Brooks

of Canada in the second half of their exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72.

Bottom: LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Anthony Edwards #5 of the United States drives against Nickeil Alexander-Walker #1 of Canada in the second half of their exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Canada 86-72.

STELLAR COFFEE AT KAFFÉ MERCANTILE

By TENAYA HYDE Reporter

I always leave Kaffé Mercantile on 26th Street feeling a bit more at home in Ogden and filled with wholesome happiness. Don’t be surprised if you run into Weber State University staff and students at this delicious shop. I often do.

The sound of coffee beans grinding like crunching gravel beneath my feet, combined with a barista

verse, aromatic milieu. I highly recommend this offering to anyone who enjoys an eye-opening, shameless cold coffee. My partner raved about the mocha chiller, a caffeine powerhouse with its four espresso shots in the 24 oz size. The barista was prescient enough to double-check if the shot count was too high. My partner needed a kick in the butt, so he happily stuck with the full four. The exquisite coffee taste was delightfully present, unlike some other coffee shops that hide the headlining flavor behind a mountain of sickly-sweet sugar. For a treat, I recommend their lemon bar. The crust is firm but yielding enough to present and bear the lasting textures of the whole bar without for a second

overpowering the experience. The lemony topping has sweet and sour notes in perfect balance to any summer’s day palate. The coffee cake put me right back in Grandma’s kitchen. The cake was moist and flavorful, leaving me soothed and satisfied. The surprisingly delicate texture builds on your palate, culminating in a crumbled topping with sugar and cinnamon goodness. I may have licked my plate. The setting in Kaffé Mercantile provides a unique glimpse of local art and craftsmanship, and the flare and character of Ogden is ever-present within the store. Merchandise comes at a fair price, but the gifts, people and coffee are why I am there. Kaffé Mercantile has myriad items for sale that offer a taste of Og-

den, from mugs to landscape watercolor paintings to stained glass window pieces. Set aside a few extra bucks when visiting Kaffé Mercantile so you can pick up a piece of unique character from your locally owned coffee shop. These local artists offer fair-priced items that won’t leave you disappointed. Some of the artists featured here include Ashley Bottley, Erika Lyon, Kathy Stobaugh, Stephanie Bossenberger, Dennis Golden, Matt Posey and Shakai Designs. Kaffé Mercantile is located at 1221 26th St. in Ogden. For more information about Café Mercantile, visit their website.

Find free academic resources: weber.edu/studentlife

street parking leaves a bit to be desired, but there are several outside options to sit down and relax while you have your cup of joe. They even have community blankets outside in case it’s chilly out.

The coffee is exquisite. I enjoyed a cold brew with some oat milk and a shot of Irish cream. The brew was bold and had a lasting, rich coffee flavor that I love. There was just enough oat milk and flavoring to break up the full-bodied coffee taste and accentuate its flavor in a di-

By TENAYA HYDE

Reportero

POR NELLY HERNANDEZ TEJADA

Traductor

Cada vez que me voy de Kaffé Mercantile en 26th Street me siento más a hogar en Ogden y llena de felicidad. No te sorprendas si ves a algunos empleados o estudiantes de la universidad de Weber State en esta tienda deliciosa. Frecuentemente yo los veo.

El sonido de los granos de café moliendo como mis pies pisando gravilla, además con un barista apisonando un trago de espresso me siento en casa. Por supuesto, puedo ser un poco parcial siendo una barista antigua.

Kaffé Mercantile, los dueños son Nick Morris y Lance Smith, hacen unos de los mejores cafés en Utah. Mercantil obtiene sus granos de café de otro de los mejores en Utah: Cafe Ibis, un negocio adueñado por

CAFÉ IMPRESIONANTE EN KAFFÉ MERCANTILE

una mujer en Logan. Presumen de los granos de café como el Moab Trail Bled y Logan Canyon Blend, destacados el sabor único, los sabores orgánicos de nuestra propia tierra. Kaffé Mercantile ofrece bastantes granos de café y mezclas de los granos. Oliendo algunos sabores y vas a encontrar algo que te atrae.

Además de granos de café, Kaffé Mercantile tiene un ambiente agradable para disfrutar de su café, a cualquier hora del día. El estacionamiento deja un poco de desear, pero hay varias opciones al aire libre para sentarse y relajarse mientras toma su taza de café. Incluso ofrecen unas frazadas comunitarias si hace frío.

El café es exquisito. Disfruté de una infusión fría con leche de avena y un toque de crema irlandesa. La infusión era fuerte y tenía un intenso y largo sabor a café que me encanta. Había suficiente leche de avena y aromas para romper el sabor del café y acentuar su sabor en un ambi-

ente diverso y aromático. Recomiendo este café a cualquier persona que disfrute de un café frío intenso y desvergonzado. Mi pareja habló maravillas del café frío de moca, una poderosa bebida de cafeína con sus cuatro tragos de espresso en un tamaño de 24 onzas. El barista estuvo atento y verificó dos veces si era demasiado. Mi pareja necesitaba un empujón, así que se quedó con los cuatro. El exquisito sabor del café era delicioso, a diferencia de otras cafeterías que disimulan el gusto principal detrás de un montón de dulce.

Recomiendo su barra de limón. La base es firme pero lo suficientemente flexible para mantener las texturas de toda la barra sin sobrecargar la experiencia ni un instante. El toque de limón tiene notas dulces y ácidas en perfecto equilibrio con los sabores de verano. La torta de café volvió a la cocina de mi abuela. El pastel estaba húmedo y sabroso, dejándome calmada y

satisfecha. La textura sorprendentemente delicada construye un sabor agradable, culminando en una capa desmenuzada con azúcar y canela. Es posible que haya lamido mi plato El ambiente de Kaffé Mercantile ofrece una visión única de arte y la artesanía local, y el carácter de Ogden siempre está presente en la tienda. Los productos tienen un precio justo, pero los regalos, la gente y el café son la razón por la que yo estoy allí. Kaffé Mercantile vende muchos productos que reflejan la esencia de Ogden, desde tazas hasta pinturas de paisajes en acuarela o vidrieras. Reserva un poco

de dinero extra cuando visites Kaffé Mercantile para que puedas llevarte un pedazo de tu café local con personalidad única. Los artistas locales ofrecen piezas a precios justos que no te decepcionará. Algunos de los artistas que aparecen aquí son Ashley Bottley, Erika Lyon, Kathy Stobaugh, Stephanie Bossenberger, Dennis Golden, Matt Posey y Shakai Designs. Kaffé Mercantile está ubicado en 1221 26th St. en Ogden. Para más información sobre Kaffé Mercantile, visite su página web.

THE SIGNPOST REVIEWS: “LONGLEGS”

By COOPER HATSIS Assistant Editor

There is an argument to be made that the “scariest movie in decades” label that many horror films receive during their marketing campaign does more harm than good. When it comes to Osgood Perkins’ latest horror-thriller “Longlegs,” the marketing has been a critical point of discourse around this film.

Neon, the film’s production company, started advertising “Longlegs” in January with a few cryptic 30-second teasers that showcased the uncomfortable feeling that makes up most of the film. Over the next few months, Neon continued its polarizing advertisements, generating hype for this new horror film.

Nicolas Cage plays the serial killer Longlegs, but the advertising strategically avoids showing him, leading to speculation about what tricks Perkins will play upon Cage’s first appearance. In another advertisement for the film, actress Maika Monroe’s heart rate jumped up to 170 bpm

the first time she saw Cage in his Longlegs getup. All of this eventually led to “Longlegs” being labeled as the scariest film in decades and the best serial-killer film since “Silence of the Lambs.” This inevitably leads to an unfair debate about the effectiveness of this indie horror film and its relation to one of the most essential Best Picture winners of all time. Is “Longlegs” the next “Silence of the Lambs?” No, it is not; the film is a victim of its own hype. That being said, “Longlegs” still has a lot going for it.

The film follows the story of FBI Agent Lee Harker, a quiet and introverted figure who taps into the same energy as Jodie Foster in “Silence of the Lambs.” Harker has been working day-in and day-out to catch the mysterious serial killer, Longlegs. The first half of this thriller works well at building tension through the use of camera movement and editing. We follow Harker as she works to solve this troubling puzzle, where it seems like danger could be

around any corner. Though the film sets up many promising plot points, the second half of this film is where the audience’s expectations begin to fall through.

The film delves into the mythology and workings of Longlegs, and it is here that the story starts to drift away from an unnerving true-crime thriller to a more traditional occult horror. Regardless of whether this tonal shift works, the filmmaking and storytelling simply become a bit lazier in the second half, with exposition dumps that go on for a bit too long.

Not helping to aid this second-act shift, Longlegs is an uncanny character who looks doll-like with his botched plastic surgery and white wig. Cage’s performance is extremely over-the-top and viewers may vary on whether or not this performance works, as it often teeters on being comedic. Regardless, it is hard to keep your eyes off Cage and not appreciate how much he commits to this bizarre performance.

Maika Monroe’s performance as Harker is what truly carries the film. Monroe might best be remembered for her leading performance in “It Follows” a decade ago, but the performance given here might be her best yet. For most of the film, she gives a stoic and collected performance that breathes life into Lee Harker. Harker and Cage do a great job giving performances that are near opposites of each other, creating an interesting dynamic between the protagonist and antagonist. Even though the solution to the mystery behind this film might be obvious once it’s revealed, the tension in the film still remains high. While many story aspects of “Longlegs” might remind viewers of arguably better films, Perkins’ impressive filmmaking style and sense of dread are worth marveling at.

THE SIGNPOST TEAM

Editor-in-Chief

Brisa Odenthal brisaodenthal@mail.weber.edu

Managing Editor Emilie Hart emiliehart@mail.weber.edu

Design & Graphics Editor Star Neil starneil@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Design & Graphics Editor

Alyssa Nelson alyssanelson2@mail.weber.edu

Photo Editor Anna Kuglar briannakuglar@mail.weber.edu

Chief Copy Editor

Justin Steed justinsteed@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Copy Chief Mindy Brown mindybrown1@mail.weber.edu

News Editor Gracie Stephenson graciestephenson@mail.weber.edu

Sports Editor Collyn Cowles collyncowles@mail.weber.edu

Culture Editor Megan Swann meganswann@mail.weber.edu

Asst. Culture Editor Cooper Hatsis cooperhatsis@mail.weber.edu

Translation Editor Nathanael Stout nathanaelstout@mail.weber.edu

Translation Editor Nelly Hernandez Tejada nhernandeztejada@mail.weber.edu

Adviser

Deann Carver deanncarver@weber.edu

Business Manager Rob Steedley robertsteedley@weber.edu