Issue 8, Volume 118 -- October 26, 2022

In Ukraine, Putin enacts martial law

Vladimir Putin imposed martial law in the illegally captured Ukraine regions Oct. 19. Putin assured Russian citizens that it was just a technicality, but many Russians fear he will declare martial law in parts of Russia. There are already eight regions of Russia bordering Ukraine where the government can impose curfews, restrict movement, apply censorship and order the temporary resettlement of its citizens.

U.K Prime Minister

Liz Truss resigns Liz Truss, Britain’s Prime Minister, announced her resignation Oct. 20. She is the fourth prime minister to resign since the Brexit vote of 2016 and is expected to be the shortest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. Former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak of the ruling conservative party will become the new prime minister. Sunak, 42, will be the youngest prime minister in over 200 years.

Charges led against alleged Chinese spies

Attorney General Merrick Garland announced charges against 13 alleged Chinese spies in a press conference Oct. 24. Garland said three cases detail the alleged spies’ attempts to “unlawfully exert infuence in the United States.” FBI director Christopher A. Wray stated that since he last checked, the FBI opens a new counterintelligence investigation against the People’s Republic of China every 12 hours.

STATE

Gubernatorial candidates debate

The gubernatorial debate between Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Democrat Chris Jones and Liberatarian Ricky Dale Harrington Jr. was held Oct. 21 at Reynolds Performance Hall. During the debate, Sanders said she would’ve signed into law the bill that bans gender affrming care for transgender children. Both Jones and Harrington said they would have vetoed the measure. The full debate can be viewed on the Arkansas PBS YouTube channel.

UCA’s Challenge Week covers the mental health crisis.

Life:

Sports:

Women’s Soccer: Bears beat Lions 3-1 on Senior Night.

Secretary of state candidates debate

Arkansas secretary of state candidates addressed election safety, the state’s low voter turnout and the importance of remaining nonpartisan in the elected position at the Arkansas PBS 2022 debates Oct. 18 at the University of Central Arkansas.

Republican incumbent Rep. John Thurston and Democratic candidate Anna Beth Gorman arrived at a middle ground for the majority of the debate.

Thurston of East End was elected as secretary of state in 2018. Before his election, he served as the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands for eight years.

Gorman of North Little Rock has been the executive director of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas since 2016. Gov. Asa Hutchinson also appointed Gorman as commissioner for Arkansas’ Computer Science and Cybersecurity Task Force in 2019.

The candidates disagreed on the validity of the 2020 election, but agreed that election safety is a priority for them.

Gorman said the 2020 election was “fair and sound,” while Thurston had doubts if the 2020 election was fair because of the different procedures and rules in each state — for example, some states have voter identifcation laws and others do not. Thurston, however, guaranteed that all the right procedures were carried out in Arkansas to where the results were accurate.

“We do want it to be easy for people to vote, obviously, but also hard to cheat, and accuracy is more important than convenience,” Thurston said.

According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas had the lowest voter turnout and registration during the 2020 election.

Gorman said these statistics prove that Arkansas has “made it extremely hard to access your fundamental right as an American to participate in the American election process.”

If elected, Gorman plans to remedy this problem by working with the general assembly to bring online voter registration to Arkansas.

Thurston agreed that online voter registration would be a good thing for Arkansas, but “is a legislative issue completely.”

Along with certifying elections, the secretary of state also serves as a bridge for business owners to legitimize their businesses. Businesses have to be registered through the Secretary of State’s website.

Since elected in 2018, Thurston said there have been 50,000 new businesses, corporations, nonprofts, etc. start up.

Gorman critiqued the current Secretary of State’s website and said it was too diffcult for potential business owners to navigate the website.

The current “new businesses” tab on the Secretary of State website said, “Due to staffng shortages, all corporation/LLC flings are delayed.”

Gorman said, “Nothing about that or our website currently makes this an easy place to do business in Arkansas. We’ve got to improve it.”

With the issue of voter registration and the current website, Gorman said, “You can see where we’re not delivering on this offce.”

Thurston agreed that the website, along with other divisions headed by the secretary of state, need improvement. However, Thurston said the most important thing to improve is

Entertainment:

‘Black Adam:’ visually pleasing, but plot is too ambitious.

Anti-trans policies cause protest

Attorney general candidates talk abortion, marijuana legalization

In the ffth debate of Arkansas PBS’ weeklong series, Republican incumbent Tim Griffn and Democratic candidate Jesse Gibson offered up their views, opinions and plans for the position of Arkansas attorney general, a position that earns roughly $72,408 annually.

Held in UCA’s Reynolds Performance Hall, the debate was at 10 a.m. Oct. 19. The position of attorney general is currently held by Leslie Rutledge, who is now campaigning for the role of lieutenant governor.

Griffn, 54, has served as Arkansas’ lieutenant governor since 2015. He ran for election in the race for Arkansas governor, but his name did not appear on the ballot come May 24, 2022. Gibson, 48, is an attorney based out of Little Rock with Gibson Law Firm, PLLC. Gibson said he has 23 years of experience in the position.

Griffn campaigns for the role with an emphasis on being closer to legislation and says his motivation for wanting the title comes from being a resident of Arkansas.

Gibson has focused instead on frst targeting the advertisements coming from the attorney general’s offce, wanting them to be nonpartisan and separated from politics. He said his drive for attorney general comes from his experience with local-level court cases.

“There’s no other offce that touches more lives than the attorney general’s offce,” Gibson said. “There’s no offce that impacts more people on a day-to-day basis.”

Key questions of the debate focused on abortion rights, the legalization of recreational marijuana and the future of same-sex marriage following Roe v. Wade’s overturn.

Regarding abortion rights, Gibson referred to Arkansas’ trigger ban as “archaic.”

“[People] are angry that they are going to have government-mandated, forced pregnancy in cases of incest, in cases of rape,” Gibson said. “There’s not even an exception for the health of the mother, it’s the life of the mother, which leads to all kinds of impossible situations, some of which have been reported.”

Young women get a “kick” out of self-defense class

UCA’s Women of Excellence brought UCAPD Offcer Nicole Sumner into the Ronnie Williams Student Center on Oct. 17 to teach young women how to defend themselves against an attack.

Student bikes 800 laps around fountain for suicide awareness

Sophomore Nathan Taylor, with the help of the Schedler Honors College Council, held the Laps for Life event on Oct. 17, where Taylor biked around the Harding Centennial Plaza fountain 125 times to represent each life lost to suicide every day, adding a lap for each dollar raised.

Students, professors and Conway residents passed by the event and donated to the cause, as well as biked alongside

Taylor.

“I lost my father to suicide back in 2008, so doing this event is a way to fght back against suicide, which plagues the world. Additionally, I wanted people to know that they aren’t alone,” Taylor said.

Taylor rode his father’s bike for the entire four-hour event.

The idea came to Taylor while riding around in a circle outside of Farris.

He told his roommate, sophomore Caleb Jenkins, about this idea, and the

Women of Excellence senior President Tajaiydah Perkins said that the group planned this self-defense class on the week leading up to Homecoming to prepare students who will be going to parties and other Homecoming events with safety tips in case they wind up in uncomfortable situations.

“90% of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim,” Sumner said.

Sumner discussed the defnition of rape and sexual assault and the importance of consent in those situations. Although consent may seem like an easy topic to understand, Sumner pointed out that many people believe that saying yes once means consent for the rest of the time.

“Ladies, you have a right to change your mind at any given point, any given time … If alcohol or drugs causes the person to be unable to consent to sexual intercourse, having sex with that person is rape. No is no, regardless if there was a prior consent,” Sumner said.

After discussing the details of rape, Sumner provided the women with tips for keeping themselves safe at parties, at home or when walking alone.

“I know there’s a lot of girls that walk from the library or the student center to the cars or dorms by themselves, so it’s just a program to help them be able to defend themselves,” senior Vice President Shuntia Hunter said.

With walking alone at night being such a common act for women on college campuses, Sumner provided tips for what to do if one sees a possible predator. She discussed being confdent and acknowledging the attacker because they will more than likely abandon the attack if it is drawing attention to themselves. More than anything, Sumner said to never stop fghting.

“Don’t ever give up until you can’t fght no more, and when you can’t fght no more, you’re not here no more. You never stop fghting,” Sumner said.

Sumner provided specifc techniques for fghting back and allowed the group to practice on both dummies and herself.

Junior I’Leeyah Smith said that these techniques were the most important lessons she learned in the class.

“It’s a way to save yourself, because a lot of things happen, especially going on

Police Beat

Loud music ends Bear Village party

Around 3 a.m. Oct. 16, UCAPD responded to a noise complaint from Bear Village. Sergeant Shad Foley arrived on the scene and could hear music while still in the parking lot. He knocked on the door to apartment 305, but had to knock multiple times to get someone’s attention. When the door was opened, Foley saw a female run to the kitchen and attempt to hide bottles of alcohol. He immediately demanded that she return to the living room. Six UCA students and four Central Baptist College students were found in the apartment. UCA student Allison Holloway, age 20, claimed that all the alcohol was hers. UCAPD identified Holloway as the only intoxicated individual in the mostly underage group. UCAPD confiscated Holloway’s alcohol and issued an alcohol violation.

Harasser kicked o UCA campus

Sergeant Keith Robinson of UCAPD responded to a call about a man wearing an orange vest that was harassing a female Aramark employee on the morning of Oct. 14.

UCAPD found the man in a parking lot. The man refused to cooperate when Robinson asked for his identifcation. The report states that the man was extremely rude. During his conversation with Robinson, the man dropped his license on the ground and told Robinson to pick it up. Robison identifed the man as Charles Allen Stacks. When asked why he was on school property, Stacks said he was just there waiting on a ride from a friend. When asked about the harassment incident, Stacks admitted to approaching the female Aramark employee. Robinson banned Stacks from UCA’s campus.

Student reports his search history

Student Colbourn Clark fled a report with UCAPD Oct. 12. Clark said he found disturbing videos in his YouTube search history that he did not look up. His search history contained sexually suggestive videos and a video of how to make a 3D-printed Glock. Clark said he left his phone unattended in class and in the Stanley Russ news room for a few minutes. Clark said it was possible someone got into his phone at that time. Clark also said he noticed an old man watching him in the parking lot. Clark claimed he left a water bottle on top of his car while he went to go speak to a nearby UCAPD offcer. When Clark came back, he found a hole made by a syringe punched into the bottle. UCAPD advised Clark to keep his phone in his possession. Clark has not reported any further incidents.

Secretary: Early voting open until Nov. 7

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Capitol security.

The candidates agreed that the constitutional offce of the secretary of state should be short of bipartisanship.

“The role of secretary of state should be a nonpartisan arbiter of how we get things on the ballot,” Gorman said. “I’m going to do my job, and I’m not going to let my personal feelings on an issue, one or the other,

shade or infuence the role that I have.”

However, they said there are times to be a bully pulpit.

With the 2020 election coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, Thurston released a statement that said Arkansas’ absentee process was adequate to accommodate any Arkansas voters.

Thurston said, “There are

Election:

Griffn said, though he is pro-life, he would support an exception being made in cases of rape and incest.

“I was 100% pro-life in Congress, 100% pro-life as lieutenant governor. I have always supported exceptions for rape and incest,” Griffn said.

Furthermore, Griffn said that Roe v. Wade was not properly decided in 1973. As to whether the overturn infringes on women’s rights, Griffn said, “Just because you think something should exist, doesn’t mean it’s in the Constitution. There are a lot of things that you may want, but that doesn’t mean they’re in the Constitution. You can’t just make stuff up.”

On the topic of recreational marijuana, Gibson said he supported its legalization mostly because 30 out of 50 states already had some form of medical marijuana legalization — Arkansas is one of those states.

Safety:

UCA alum Wilson named Obama Foundation Scholar

UCA alumnus, DeKevious Wilson, is making history and taking leadership as an Obama Foundation Scholar.

Wilson is one of 30 scholars chosen from around the world by the Obama Foundation Scholars program to further their education and take their current skills to the next level. Wilson and the scholars will spend the academic year doing hands-on studying, leadership development, networking and mentoring at either Columbia University or the University of Chicago.

“It’s truly an honor to have been selected to be a part of this program. With that, I get a robust experience with my cohort members,” Wilson said.

Through all the learning and experience Wilson will receive as an Obama Foundation Scholar, he says his biggest goal is to leave the program with a better understanding of what life looks like from others’ perspectives.

Wilson attended UCA as an undergraduate and learned how to be a successful student and make the most of his time in college.

“My time at UCA was my training camp for learning balance. I’m still a work in progress. I didn’t know it then, but as I look in retrospect, learning time management was the name of the game. College is fun and offers so much, but there is a time and place. You’re a student frst,” Wilson said.

He now works in Chicago at the south side of Chicago’s Youth Guidance program: Becoming A Man, where he serves as the regional manager. The program encourages academic achievement and aims to reduce violence in boys and young men of color.

because you cannot fnd any similar program in the state of Arkansas,” Kithinji said.

times to speak out. But you do have to be mindful of when that time is.”

Thurston declined to participate in the news conference that followed the debates.

Early voting began Oct. 24 and will end Nov. 7. Voting sites are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both support exceptions for rape and incest

“This is the way the country is going. This is the way the country is moving,” Gibson said.

Gibson said legalizing marijuana would also free up resources for law enforcement and allow offcers to focus on crimes aside from nonviolent marijuana offenses.

Griffn said he fully opposed the legalization.

“This is ridiculous,” Griffn said. “To say we’re going to get more money for police, that’s like saying ‘I’m going to build more hospitals so I can make more people sick.’ You’re going to create more crime.”

For the state of same-sex marriage, Gibson encouraged Arkansans not to return to a time when both same-sex marriage and interracial marriage were nonexistent.

Griffn said he believed there would be no threat to either as it is “settled law.”

“The idea that this is somehow about to be revisited is not true,” Griffn said. “I supported, like President Clinton and President Obama and so many, the idea that marriage was between a man and a woman. But this is settled law.”

Griffn said the future of interracial marriage had “nothing to do with this at all.”

In the following news conference, Gibson said he thought the debate went well.

“I thought we were able to draw some clear contrasts,” Gibson said. “I think we were able to give the voters separate and competing visions about how we want the attorney general’s offce to perform.”

Griffn declined to participate in the news conference.

Early voting began Oct. 24 and will end Nov. 7, the day before General Election.

“I hope to get a better understanding from my fellow cohort members of what the world looks like from their point of view. I am blessed to be around so many individuals who are using their life’s struggles and interests to help create a better community for themselves and others,” Wilson said.

Wilson graduated from UCA with a bachelor’s degree in African/African American studies in 2011. He earned a master’s degree in college student personnel from Arkansas Tech University and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in public policy at the University of Chicago.

Despite his scholarly success, Wilson hasn’t forgotten his roots. Originally from West Helena, Arkansas.

“Through my work, I have co-created space for young men to learn, internalize, practice their social cognitive skills and expose them to life after high school through both workforce and postsecondary development. I get to oversee planning, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of all program activities, staff and the outcomes of program participants,” Wilson said.

The director of the African/ African American studies program at UCA, Michael Kithinji, never met Wilson; however, he shared that the program congratulates Wilson for his success and hopes that the positive refection of the quality of education offered will inspire current and future students to experience the AAAS program.

“Our alumni, like Wilson, have gone to do great things in different careers like in government, higher education, the corporate world and so on. Current and future students at UCA should know that the program offers unique learning opportunities that prepare them

Fundraiser:

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two began to devise a plan.

“I think it’s just really nice to bring up this sort of stuff [suicide prevention]. There’s a lot of people who suffer from it, especially on a college level,” Jenkins said. “Any sort of money that we can raise, no matter how big or small, is great. If we can help in any way, I think it’s a great idea.”

Taylor fnds that events such as this help give those struggling a voice.

After deciding he wanted to do the event, Taylor brought the idea to the Schedler Honors College Council.

Senior Council President Hannah Malone said, “The

Likewise, Wilson said his biggest piece of advice for current students is to lean into fear by joining clubs, taking classes that seem scary or by stepping into leadership positions.

“Honestly, leaning into fear was one of my greatest gifts while being at UCA. It got me out of my comfort zone. Being one of the charter members of the UCA Chapter of NAACP, I was able to co-create programming that helped raise the student voice on campus. Planning ‘classroom walkouts,’ marches, meetings and conferences didn’t come without its struggles and fear. The only way I overcame that was by going through it. Each time, I grew stronger and wiser as a student and a leader,” Wilson said.

Wilson is part of the Obama Foundation Scholars’ ffth cohort of students. The program began in 2018 and seeks emerging leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their feld and possess the ability to positively impact their communities and beyond.

Biking event raises $1,055 total

Schedler Honors College has different principles that it was founded on and one of those is civil engagement. We like to be actively involved in the community and give back. When he reached out to us, we knew that we had the resources to be able to collect money online. We have access to a Square website where we were able to get funds easier, and we have a platform that was able to help elevate Nathan’s cause.”

Jenkins said they would like to do something like this again, but on a bigger scale, whether that be bike rides around campus, a race or even a 5k.

ALLOCATION

Malone said, “We often work with places like Lucie’s Place, which is for transgender people who are also sometimes struggling with suicide. We’re also volunteering with companies that will help with transgender suicide by helping house people who may have been kicked out of their homes and may not have a place to go after not being accepted.”

By the end of the event, Taylor had biked 800 laps and raised $1,055, hoping to continue in the future.

All of the proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

SGA votes to table Miss UCA funding discussion

The Student Government Association voted to table a discussion on whether or not to allocate $6,325 to the Miss UCA competition in a meeting Oct. 24. The vote passed 32-10 in favor of tabling the discussion.

movement of empowering young women everywhere to dream big, to insist that their voices be heard, and to inspire change in the world around them.”

really good positive thing,” Goss said.

Senator Alex Clark voted for tabling the discussion to next week’s meeting.

Self-defense

techniques posted on Instagram 4 Continued from page 1

around the world right now. You need to know how to be careful,” Smith said.

Junior Public Relations Chairman Tamia Farmer said that videos of the selfdefense techniques presented

in the class will be posted on the group’s Instagram page, @uca_womenofexcellence, for those who were unable to attend the event.

Women of Excellence’s

next event will cover mental health and ways to improve mental health using yoga. It will take place on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Ronnie Williams Student Center Room 205A/B.

Stephen Shook and Susan Setzler represented the competition at the meeting.

Shook is the director for student leadership and Setzler has been a volunteer for the Miss UCA competition for 26 years.

“The thing I want you to know more than anything is that the [Miss UCA competition] is more than a beauty pageant and it’s more than a title,” Setzler said. “This organization is a

Setzler and Shook passed out an itemized list of 17 different expenses for the competition that added up to $10,025. However, Setzler said that $3,700 has already been privately funded.

Senator Makenna Goss voted against tabling the discussion to next week’s meeting.

“I think this is something that is really important on campus. I know Nia Kelley [Miss UCA], and every event that I was at for SGA, she was also there. Like they said, she’s made over 100 appearances for UCA and for the university. I think [the Miss UCA competition] is just a

“Looking through some of the line items on this request, $2,325 go towards what I would call administrative waste. They’ve got a line item that says ‘Miss UCA salute page in Miss Arkansas Program Book.’ I think that’s us purchasing an ad in the Miss Arkansas program. [Another item says] ‘gifts for MC, auditors and judges.’ I don’t understand why that falls on us,” Clark said.

Vice President of fnance J’Lun Herron said that the fnance committee would meet sometime before Monday, Oct. 31, to discuss the request.

Around Campus:

UCA’S First Generation Scholars Society meeting

From 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the First Generation Scholars Society will host a meeting tailored to the student body in an attempt to get more people involved and target students’ needs in the Ronnie Williams Student Center Room 225.

Fall Fest

From 12-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the Student Activities Board will host Fall Fest with food, rides and carnival games in honor of Homecoming Week in the parking lot east of the HPER Center.

Science Wednesday: The Science of Sports

From 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, Hughes Hall will host a panel with experts from the Conway community where conversation will focus on sports and the impact of athletics on personal lives and communities at Kings Live Music.

Octubafest II

From 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, the music department will host its second Octubafest in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

Queer Health is Your Health Too

During x-period on Thursday, Oct. 27, Baridon Hall and BearX will explore how LGBTQ people routinely face separation and marginalization that can impact well-being, and what actions students entering health professions can take to ensure every person is respected in the Baridon Hall lobby.

Labyrinth Walk

From 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, the College of Education and BearX will host a walk at the UCA Labyrinth where attendees will learn about its history and explore how it can be used for self-care.

Movie Showing: Top Gun: Maverick

From 7-9:15 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, the Students Activities Board will show the movie “Top Gun: Maverick” in the Ida Waldran Auditorium.

Health Screenings

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov.1, UCA’s Health Science Club, health coaching program and health sciences department will offer free biometric health screenings to students by appointment only in Doyne Room 315. For further information, or to make an appointment, email mperritt1@ cub.uca.edu.

Students, faculty celebrate School of Communication

UCA communication students, faculty and alumni spent a week celebrating their skills that are anything but weak.

Throughout the week of Oct. 10-14, the UCA School of Communication celebrated Communication Week with several events, guest speakers, competitions and more. The School of Communication consists of majors in communication, journalism, public relations, and writing, rhetoric and information design. Each of these programs was represented and celebrated throughout the week.

The celebrations kicked off with a coffee and community event in Thompson Hall, the home of the School of Communication. The event, held Monday, allowed students and faculty to spend

the morning getting to know others within the program while enjoying refreshments.

Senior communication major Annalisa Newton said she attended one of the week’s events, a game of Jeopardy, in order to get to know more students within the School of Communication.

“I’m here to meet other people also in the School of Communication in order to build connections,” Newton said.

On Tuesday, the School of Communication hosted an alumni panel for students to hear from UCA graduates who are working in their respective fields with their degrees from the School of Communication. The alumni were Brittany Wells representing writing, rhetoric and information design, Nick Stovall representing public relations, Cassidy Kendall representing journalism and Daniel Bollen representing communication. Each of

these alumni representatives provided advice for current students whose shoes they were in not long ago. The panel shared what tools helped them further their education and land their current jobs. Another event students participated in was the School of Communication Jeopardy game. On Thursday, two students from each of the four majors competed for a $50 Amazon gift card and a trophy. Students tested their knowledge of several topics related to the School of Communication, including facts about courses, professors, program history and more. The game of Jeopardy ended in a tie between the journalism students and the writing, rhetoric and information design students.

The Hilliard Speech Showcase was another event held during communication week. On Tuesday night, writing students competed

in a speaking competition in Stanley Russ hall.

Students also had the opportunity to listen to guest speaker Ellen Kreth from the Madison County Record, a newspaper based in Huntsville, Arkansas, that recently won the Taylor Family Award for Fairness in Journalism from the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard.

Kreth spoke to students from various journalism and communication classes in Stanley Russ on Tuesday afternoon about her experience as the publisher of a small-town newspaper that uncovered a major Title IX story dealing with sexual abuse within a sports team at the local junior high being covered up by the school and it’s board members. Kreth talked to the attending students about how important their field of study is and encouraged them to never give up.

She explained what tools

helped her and her colleagues win such a prestigious award while also answering students’ questions.

Christopher Roland, assistant professor of communication, was the leader of several events throughout the week. He said that one of the main purposes of celebrating communication week was to appreciate both the similarities and differences among each major within the program and what all they entail.

“We’re trying to share what we all have that’s unique in the School of Communication, but also what we have in common, what we can celebrate about our discipline and about our school,” Roland said.

He also thanked all of the faculty involved that made Communication Week happen, and said he hopes to get more students involved in the future as well.

Arkansas Poet Laureate shares poetry in Slant visiting poet reading

Through the delivery of her melodic poetry, Arkansas Poet Laureate Suzanne Underwood Rhodes translated her experiences into inspiration.

On Oct. 11, Rhodes commenced the inaugural Slant visiting poet reading in the McCastlain Hall Fireplace Room, delving into several poems from her six books of poetry, the most recent of which was titled “Flying Yellow.”

Ty Hawkins, chair of the department of English at UCA, said the reading was the start of the new series jointly sponsored by the department of English and Slant, the department’s journal of contemporary poetry.

Rhodes began with

seasonal poems, the first being the titular poem from which her recent book got its name.

“People ask me, ‘What is ‘Flying Yellow’?’” Rhodes said. “It’s kind of mysterious to me. It’s the idea that there are these glimpses that we occasionally get of something transcendent, something glittering and beautiful that comes to us unexpectedly at times when life might feel very stale and flat, or at times of loss or grief.”

“These bright glimpses and glances that we get don’t last. They can’t be grasped by logic, but the body knows. The body understands and has its own way of knowing,” Rhodes said.

Michael Blanchard, the newly appointed editor of Slant, said the upcoming publication will include three poems from Rhodes.

Blanchard said Rhodes was the perfect visiting poet for a student audience, not only because of her new position but because she loves teaching poetry as much as she loves writing it.

Rhodes’ first project as Arkansas Poet Laureate, called “Yum’s the word,” was a poetry contest for home-schooled students. Next, she plans to bring poetry to children in public schools.

“Poetry, for me, was a way of finding another world,” Rhodes said. “So, that’s my heart when I think about reaching children and young people to be able to expose them to the playfulness of language. It’s just so much fun.”

Rhodes said, “I’m passionate about reaching the youth, especially with such a loss of language in our culture.

Language is such an important part of our humanity. It is both rational and relational.”

Freshman Gracelyn Blankenship said, “It was very inspiring. I want to go home now and read her books.”

Blankenship was not alone in this feeling, as many audience members lined up to purchase signed copies of Rhodes’ published poetry at the end of the event.

Junior Faith Mott said, “Poetry means a connection between the world and emotion. It is the most concise and also vague way that people can convey emotion.”

Mott said that from hearing Rhodes’ poems, it was clear that she was well-lived.

“She’s experienced a lot of things, and I thought it was cool how she was able to translate that into her poetry,” Mott said.

Following her reading, Rhodes held a Q&A, where audience members asked a multitude of questions, including a question on her response to those who dislike poetry.

“Well, that’s their bad,” Rhodes said among laughs from her audience, “I think it is because they don’t understand poetry or how to approach it.”

“The real pleasure of poetry is revision. There you are, searching for perfection, and you won’t settle for less. But, it’s also both private and lonely, it’s communal.” Rhodes said.

“You want to be able to scatter the coins and have others skip them, and hopefully, wake up something deep in a person — a desire and curiosity about the world. I think

Mike Durkin creates community through food

Students and professors joined together to draw and share stories of recipes dear to them at artist-inresidence Mike Durkin’s workshop.

On the surface, it might not portray any deeper meaning than just enjoying time talking with others about something you love, but Durkin’s artistry in social practice performance art allowed him to share a different view.

“I like to say if we can agree upon mac and cheese, maybe we can agree upon other things. Food has the potential to bring people together that would have never gotten together before and learn new things about each other,” Durkin said.

“If we can focus on the things that build bridges we can have deeper conversations. Literally breaking bread with one another.”

Durkin noted the importance of sharing traditions or dishes that others may not be familiar with to help foster culture through events like this.

“This is an opportunity to

be silly, vulnerable, heartfelt and creative with people you don’t know, or don’t know as well, to potentially build connections with in the future,” Durkin said.

Different types of chili were a subject of talk within the group of four attendees plus Durkin.

The groups talked about how different cultures have different versions with different ingredients.

“Texas chili doesn’t have beans, which really surprised me,” sophomore dietetics and nutrition major Shiori Enomoto said.

Enomoto said she attended the recipe and story-sharing circle due to food playing a major role in her degree, but did not expect to learn so much about culture and different recipes.

Durkin said, “My favorite part

of hosting events like this is meeting new people, learning about different regional and local recipes, dishes and traditions.”

“Finding new ways to build connections and share food with one another.”

Durkin’s next event is a community meal, art pop-up and recipe slam which will be held at Metro Square in Conway on Nov. 10 from 6-8 p.m.

“I’m excited to continue to have deeper conversations with one another, and learn about regional and local traditions centering around the holidays and the seasons,” Durkin said.

Durkin encouraged students to participate as he sees it as beneficial.

“It’s a great way for students to connect in a different way than just classmates or friends, but as community members, sharing knowledge with one another, sharing skills and collaborating,” Durkin said.

“The Art of Food” exhibit by Mike Durkin will be on display in the McCastlain Hallway Gallery from Nov. 14 through Nov. 30.

Green Bear Coalition spreads seeds of sustainability

The Green Bear Coalition hosted a seed collection event at the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve on Oct. 17 to display responsible seed harvesting and sustainability. Lecturer Coleman Little led the event.

“I’m yielding some expertise to the Green Bear Coalition. What we are aiming to do is teach how to collect native seeds so that they can be propagated elsewhere,” Little said.

The Green Bear Coalition was created to advance sustainability at UCA. Grant Williams, a third-year graduate student in Biology, aided in the creation of the organization.

Williams stated that over the past decade there have been environmentalist groups similar to the Green Bear Coalition, but none lasted long term, so he worked with the Student Government Association to pitch the idea of the organization to the president.

“I say I am like the founder and the organizer. I pitched the concept, but really there have been so many Green Bears before there was a title for it,” Williams said.

The Green Bears host events like seed

harvesting to get students engaged and involved in sustainability.

“The reason we pick stuff like this is because it’s easy, engaging and educational,” Williams said. “As far as impact, today four people learned about proper seed collection.”

Little said that it is important to know how to properly harvest seeds in order to keep the natural habitats intact.

“By removing too many seeds, you are altering the genetic composition of the seeds that will be there in the future and if you get very irresponsible with it, you could outright remove the population from the area,” Little said.

Little further explained that it is important to be aware of others who collect and be cautious of overharvesting because of the importance of native plants.

“We’ve lost a lot of native habitats and with that goes your native plants,” Little said. “If it’s just lawn grasses, maybe that could support 10 or 20 species but this prairie, as small as it is, has thousands of species that exist in there.”

While explaining the benefits of

responsible seed harvesting, Little also pointed out some of the distinct plants within the prairie.

“This is one of my favorite plants in Arkansas, called a compass plant. What is really neat about it is it will position its leaves in a North-South orientation,” Little said.

Little studies native bees and insects, and with that has developed a knack for plants and propagating.

“This is a way to help promote our struggling natives, and a lot of those are insects,” Little said. “Particularly bees benefit a lot, and birds do very very well by promoting native plants. Just about anything native will benefit.”

Little said the effects of climate change are also evident in the prairie.

“Climate change is even causing a lot of this to shift and change as well,” Little said. “We have had these extremely dry periods. So, we are getting a ton of rain all at once, and it’s just drying out. You can see it in the plants.”

More information about the Green Bear Coalition can be found on their Instagram @greenbearcoalition.

Cig Harvey educates students on photography tips

Photographer Cig Harvey visited UCA Oct. 11 to engage with students that are planning to go into the field of art. She hosted a workshop that focused on helping students hone their voices as an artist.

Harvey went around the room, introducing herself and writing down the names of those she met. Attendees didn’t have to be a photographer to get something from her workshop.

Harvey learned what art forms the students obsessed over and enjoyed expressing themselves through. Many of the students’ faces lit up as they talked, and Harvey fed that delight with words of encouragement.

Harvey then gave the students a free writing exercise. Participants wrote nonstop for twenty minutes, and at the end, she had them study what they had written. They were told to take the most potent part and boil it

down to one word. Then they must find the opposite of that word and write both down on a piece of paper.

Students were asked to make connections to their words. In the end, students were to have a spider web of words that all tie back to the middle, where their main word was placed.

Later that day, Harvey hosted an exhibition in Baum Gallery. The exhibition in Baum Gallery included 45 of Harvey’s pieces that range from 2002-2022.

These pieces are

Harvey’s favorites taken from her five different books. Her most recent book is titled “Blue Violet”.

Harvey’s work is featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s permanent collection and has been shown in galleries worldwide.

Harvey spoke to students about the themes of her art.

“My central theme for [my art] is this idea around fragility, the senses and what it is to feel: When we feel our most vulnerable when we feel our most loved and when we feel the most. When I’m out

with my camera it’s almost like I’m searching for something rare in the world and then it makes me gasp — that’s the moment that I want to take a photograph,” Harvey said.

She encouraged students at the exhibition to pursue art whether they intend to make a career out of it or not.

“Art is this vessel, this bucket that you pour in all of the things you’re concerned about, that you’re scared about, that you love, that you fear, that you want to reveal, and then you can come out with this 2D piece of paper, this photograph, that somehow mirrors how you feel inside,” Harvey said.

Freshman Olivia Smith attended the event and was in awe of Harvey’s photographs.

“Everything is so beautiful. There is so much meaning behind each individual picture. It’s all, for me, a very individualistic experience.” Smith said.

Harvey took questions from students and faculty for a little over an hour as everyone wanted to hear what life secrets the successful artist had to share.

People of UCA: Lauren Turnage

Freshman Lauren Turnage works hard caring for ER patients despite having medical hardships of her own.

Working as a Patient Care Tech at Conway Regional Medical Center in the emergency department, she balances working as well as being a full-time student.

“I took a year off school when I graduated so that I could work my way up to a full-time position at that job, which I did,” Turnage said. “And then, I decided I wanted to come back to school. It’s my life right now.”

Turnage is a nursing major and started her job the same month that she graduated high school. She works three days a week from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., all while going to school.

“I don’t have very much free time,” Turnage said.

Turnage said she wants to become either a pediatric intensive care unit nurse or a labor and delivery nurse.

“My grandma was a nurse,” Turnage said. “My mom was a nurse and I actually

work in the same emergency department she did when she was a tech, graduated and then became a nurse in the same ER.”

Turnage said that she had previously considered other forms of health care.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field,” Turnage said. “I used to want to be a surgeon, but then I decided that having a family was a little bit more important than that, so that’s why I kind of switched to nursing.”

In the emergency room, Turnage works with everything that can possibly walk through the door. She also works to care for the people who are waiting to be assisted by other staff.

“I draw blood to do EKG, transport patients, I’m also there if you need a blanket or water, I got it for you,” Turnage said. “I do COVID swabs, strep swabs, things like that. But the main part is that I draw their blood and I’m kind of there if they need something.”

Turnage said she has a lot of tasks similar to other staff members of the hospital.

“I can do a lot of things nurses can besides giving IVs, putting IVs and giving

meds, things that only nurses can do,” Turnage said.

Turnage suffers from a syndrome called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly known as POTS, where she can easily pass out.

“Basically, I stand up or I stand for too long, or I walk for too long, I get super nauseous,” Turnage said.

Turnage also has a heart arrhythmia, called supraventricular tachycardia.

These conditions have given Turnage a new challenge to juggle all while managing her lifestyle.

“I just so happened to get it from COVID in February, so I got it this year,” Turnage said. “I’ve been kind of dealing with that. I’ve had to skip school because I had to go to cardiologist appointments or [when I] had a procedure done a couple of weeks ago. I’ve had to skip a week of class and so it’s kind of hard, but it’s OK.”

Even through the constant grind of work that Turnage encounters, she still remains optimistic about her future with her degree and progress toward her dream.

“It’ll be [all] worth it when I graduate,” Turnage said.

Jackson senior Morgan Tazelaar senior

“Cats. I do not want to see another whisker-painted face. Be more creative; don’t be afraid to be yourself.”

“The Purge. It’s the same look every year, there is nothing new about it. The movie came out years ago, move on.”

Baker sophomore

Emma Henry senior

“Witches. I don’t think you can get more basic than that. Everyone goes as one as if it hasn’t been seen before.”

“Animal costumes. They’re just rebound costumes when original ideas don’t work out; there is nothing exciting about them.”

Gia Berklund senior

“Harley Quinn from the first Suicide Squad. It’s overused, hypersexualized and gives me the ick.”

Quineyia Griswold senior

“Angels, devils and nurses. You already know you’re gonna see one of those. They’re basic and nothing is original about them.”

What is the most overrated Halloween costume?

Soccer bears celebrate senior night triumph

Five Bears took their final bows in the women’s soccer team’s last home game against the North Alabama Lions, who were crushed underfoot in a 3-1 victory Oct. 16.

The Bears made quick work of the Lions, scoring two goals in the first to North Alabama’s one. Senior forward Taylor Lassiter grabbed the Bear’s first goal of the game off an assist from senior midfielder Abby Gibson.

UCA Sophomore midfielder Kelly Van Gundy grabbed the second, assisted by senior Taylor Webb and sophomore defender Gabby Thies.

The Lions hit back with their only goal, scored by junior Defender Malin Andersson, bringing the score to 2-1.

In the second half, senior midfielder Sydney Brough scored the final goal of the match, assisted by sophomore Amanda Walsh and Van Gundy.

The Bears took a total of 12 shots to North Alabama’s 15. UCA managed six saves to the Lion’s two. North Alabama incurred 12 fouls to UCA’s seven.

The game marks the Bear’s highest number of points earned, 11, goals grabbed, 3, and assists performed, 5, in their 2022 season.

The 3-1 win clinched the team a spot in the ASUN championships.

Before the game, Senior Day festivities were held, honoring all the graduating members of the team.

Two fifth-year seniors — Gracie Hair and Taylor Webb — had the unique marker of winning championship titles in two separate conferences; the ASUN West title in 2021 and the Southland regular season title in 2018.

Hair, a defender from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was named First-Team All ASUN in 2021 and United Soccer Coaches AllSouth Second Team in 2021 for her contribution to the team’s defense — including seven shutouts in the 2021 season.

Hair is one of few players in school history who have scored in five different seasons; one every year of her career.

She has a career total of 10 goals and 12 assists and is a steadfast player in defense with 33 shutouts.

Hair said her favorite memories as a Bear were winning the Southland Conference title in her freshman year and the ASUN title in her senior year.

“Winning freshman year was fun because the team was full of personality and everyone was so close … and winning as a senior, despite being so full of ups and downs, it was electric once the team got to ASUN play,” Hair said.

Hair said she plans to pursue a career in medical sales after graduation and is “excited about where that career might take her.”

Webb, another fifth-year defender, has made over 81 appearances and 66 starts in her career at UCA.

Webb is one of five players in school history to log over 6,000 minutes and is fifth-all-time with 6,277 minutes on the pitch.

Webb, like Hair, is one of few players to score in five different seasons with eight goals total.

Webb said her favorite memory with the team was their trip to France in 2019. She said seeing a new country with her best friends was a highlight, as

well as winning two rings and contributing to the team’s two conference titles.

After graduation, Webb plans to pursue a professional soccer career in Norway.

She said to her younger teammates, “As cliché as it is, do not take any moment for granted. Have all the experiences you can, laugh as much as possible and work as hard as you can on and off the field. Even though records, soccer and school are all super important – remember that the people next to you are what matters most.”

Senior Midfielder Laurel Landry was honored for her time as a Bear.

Landry suffered a seasonending injury before 2022, taking her off the field for the current season.

In her career, Landry has made 45 appearances with 37 starts. She has a total of seven goals and four assists.

Her favorite memory on the team was its shutout win against North Florida last season that secured the team’s ASUN West title.

Landry plans to become a personal trainer after graduation. She said that even though her career did not end the way she wanted it to, she wanted to thank her family and teammates for supporting her.

Gibson was honored as well, having started 65 of the 67 matches she played — Gibson was a reliable player in the midfield. She marked over 5,000 minutes of playtime during her career, with nine goals and four gamewinners.

Gibson plans on continuing her education with a graduate degree in speech-language pathology.

Gibson thanked her family for supporting her through school and soccer and “always being there for anything and everything.”

Lassiter has made her mark on the team as a forward since

transferring from Georgia State for the 2021 season.

She appeared in 42 games for the Bears and leads the 2022 season with four goals, including a game-winner against Kennesaw State.

Lassiter’s favorite memory with the team was feeling the love and support from her teammates after scoring the opening goal against ASUN conference newcomer Queen’s University.

Lassiter plans to return to Dallas, Texas, after graduation to pursue a master’s degree or start her career in business marketing.

Coach Jeremy Bishop thanked the players for their contributions to the team and applauded their skills.

“We’ve got a great group of seniors, they’re a fantastic group,” Bishop said. “They’ve been everything for our program for a long time — especially those two fifth years. All of them have been phenomenal. They’re hard workers, great teammates and really great players. We’re going to miss them a lot.”

RECORD BREAKERS

Cross country dominates ahead of ASUN championships

The men’s and women’s cross country teams crossed the finish line with eight personal records and a new record for the men’s 8k on Oct. 15 at Texas A&M.

The teams competed in the Arturo Barrios Invitational where the women’s team took on their first 6k of the season against 326 runners.

“I am very pleased with how the first year has gone,” Coach Josey Weaver said. “I’ve been able to evaluate, and get to know the team that I’ve inherited.”

This season is the first at UCA for Weaver.

The men’s team ran their second 8k of the season with 360 runners in the race.

The men’s team finished eighth out of the 40 teams.

Graduate student Julian Haessner

crossed the finish line in eighth, with his brother, graduate student Philipp Haessner finishing in 19th.

Julian set a personal best of 23:59.2 with Philipp setting a record of 24:12.7.

Senior Jared Touart finished in 49th with a record of 24:49.2. Junior Parker Jackson followed up in 101st, setting a personal best of 25:18.3. Sophomore Bresner Austin finished in 205th with a record of 26:27.1.

On top of their new personal records, Julian and Philipp also passed the school record for the men’s 8k. Julian now holds the school record just over 13 seconds ahead of Philipp.

“I am super proud that I was able to break the school record. Also, I was able to get a top 10 position in a very competitive race,” Julian said.

Julian and Philipp have set new records at nearly every meet this season, the brothers sharing the glory.

Philipp said, “Pushing through a

race together is a big mental support but also a challenge. In a cross-country race with around 400 runners, it’s often very difficult to find each other from the start. However, we see each other as competitors as well. In the past, Julian finished mostly a few seconds in front of me. I work really hard every race and hope to beat him soon.”

The women’s team finished their first 6k in 23rd out of the 38 teams.

With 326 runners in the race, junior Sara Steimel led the team in 54th with a time of 21:51.6.

Steimel was followed by junior Anna Bommes in 126th with a personal record of 22:46.3.

Sophomore Ali Nachtigal placed 166th with a new personal record of 23:22.0

This is Nachtigal’s second personal record this season.

“I have been very happy with my performance this season. My times are

constantly dropping each race and I am feeling better than ever,” Nachtigal said.

Sophomore Jewel Baer had the final new record among the women’s team, placing 222nd with 24:12.8.

Weaver said, “I thought our men’s team had a very good showing. It’s always a special day when you can leave with school records being broken. The fact that we had two individuals break the school record really shows the talent we have. Our women’s performance is tough to judge, with it being our first 6K race of the year. I did see progression within the group. As a distance runner or coach, you’re never truly satisfied. I believe our women are set for a big day at the conference championship.”

Both teams have three more races remaining this season, as they continue to push forward and improve.

Both teams’ next race will be the ASUN Conference championship in Huntsville, Alabama, Oct. 29.

Upcoming Games

Volleyball

6 p.m., Oct. 26 at North Alabama Women’s soccer 3 p.m., Oct. 27 at Lipscomb Football

4 p.m., Oct. 29 vs. North Alabama Men’s soccer 11 a.m., Oct. 29 vs. Jacksonville University Cross Country Oct. 29 ASUN Conference championship at Huntsville, Alabama

There’s no time better to reminisce on the past than during Homecoming week. That being said, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the past of our trusty, good-hearted football team. Let’s go back, say, two weeks. Oct. 8, game day. Nine minutes and 47 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Lindenwood’s Logan Seibert made a 36-yard field goal and topped up the team’s points at 52. UCA sat at 49.

The ball was back in UCA’s paws and the team had plenty of time for a quick touchdown, no two-point conversion necessary to take home a win.

Right about then is when the Lindenwood Lions decided their defensive line shouldn’t have more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese. The Bears couldn’t breach it and the ball returned to the Lions.

In an ideal world, Lindenwood would’ve failed their four chances to break 10 yards. Instead, the team opted for a few quarterback kneels to kill the clock.

Conveniently called a “victory formation,” this play preserves the win for a leading team when the time is dwindling. It’s smart, but only if you don’t mind sacrificing any and all excitement the game had prior.

The loss wasn’t a conference match, which helps numb the pain. Regardless, as a good citizen, I can’t ignore the blatant robbery that occurred on those bits of gray and purple turf.

You could argue that kneeling is valid, especially in the case of Stephen F. Austin State’s Sept. 24 game against the Warner University Royals. Stephen F. Austin racked up 98 points to the opposing team’s 0. The leading team opted to kneel for the remaining plays of the game, choosing not to break 100 points against a team that was already suffering enough.

However, blowing out a team to the extent of nearly scoring triple digits is beyond rare.

Lindenwood’s desire to clutch three measly points so closely is embarrassing at the least, cowardly at the most.

A matchup like Oct. 8 deserved a finale with the same amount of gusto seen in the prior three quarters. Instead, the cowardly Lions chose to follow the yellow brick road all the way home, tails tucked between their legs.

UCA goes into their Homecoming game against a few more lions — this time from the University of North Alabama. The team is riding rather uncomfortably on a five-loss streak. Claws crossed that the Bears make easy work of these big cats, hopefully avoiding another bout of kneels.

Lindenwood puts the ‘cowardly’ in cowardly lions

The

Staff

Halloween drug candy is not real

A Drug Enforcement Administration media release from August warned of “brightly colored fentanyl used to target young Americans,” and some news outlets have since run with the idea of dealers lacing kids’ Halloween candy.

Most drug dealers sell drugs to make money, and for some reason, children are not the main market for expensive synthetic opioids.

Supposedly, a suspect tried to get through LAX’s airport security with 12,000 fentanyl pills in candy and toy packages.

The suspect fled airport security, but authorities said they identified him. No arrest has been made.

While uncritically reporting quotes from DEA administrators and sheriff departments, some outlets, like Los Angeles’ ABC7 Eyewitness News describe the bust as “every parent’s worst nightmare.”

The DEA said the bright colors are a “deliberate effort” to drive addiction in kids, but dealers have always used bright dyes in pills to differentiate their products from others on the street.

It’s not just drug agencies spreading misinformation, though.Reporting like this does nothing but detract attention from the actual problems caused by drugs.

More than 100,000 Americans overdose on drugs every year, and these stories are devastating and real. Meanwhile, stories about children overdosing on Halloween candy are nonexistent.

Instead of reporting on the lack of health care and public services available to addicts, it’s easier for news outlets to report exactly what authorities tell them.

For example, there are plenty of unconfirmed stories of law enforcement officers overdosing after touching or breathing in fentanyl, but to do so is toxicologically impossible.

A Kansas City TV 5 article from June reported that a KCPD officer had to be resuscitated with five rounds of Naloxone, or Narcan, after he touched pills with fentanyl while on the job in January.

The article has police body camera footage of the officer on the ground, supposedly overdosing five minutes after a colleague warned him that the pills he

His terrified colleagues yell his name and rush to revive him, but the entire situation could have been avoided with proper training. These media reports perpetuate the false belief that first responders can overdose from simply touching or breathing in the drug. This belief could prevent people from stepping in to reverse an

Multiple studies from journals like the Journal of Medical Toxicology confirm that opioids cannot be absorbed through the skin the way these media reports or officers describe. Some academic articles also report their symptoms seldom match the symptoms of an opioid overdose.

This discrepancy doesn’t necessarily point to officers feigning the symptoms, but it could point to them having panic attacks due to the prevalent misinformation about the drug. Other studies, like “Can touch this” from the journal Health Justice traced the misinformation back to sources like the DEA, CDC and National Police Foundation.

Better police training would always be nice, but I think the antidote to this made-up problem is common sense.

If the drug were that dangerous to handle or to be around, then it wouldn’t be one of America’s most popular synthetic opioids to abuse.If it were absorbed through the skin, drug users wouldn’t waste time crushing it up, snorting it or injecting it.

Podcasts promote focus and peace

When you are driving to school what do you listen to in the car? Is it music from a hot new artist? Or is it a podcast? Maybe you go in silence.

I love to listen to a podcast in the mornings. My favorite podcast is “Whoa That’s Good” by Sadie Robertson Huff.

She likes to have inspirational people as guests, and then she will ask them what the best advice they have ever heard is.

This opens up a conversation that gives life advice and inspiration. When I listen to this podcast it feels like I always have a friend with me.

Listening to music is excellent, it can boost your mood and make time pass by faster, but a podcast in the morning is better because it makes your brain work.

Instead of listening to music that you have probably heard a thousand times, you could be learning something new every day.

Listening to a podcast has changed my mornings. Any time I listen to music in the morning, the songs get stuck in my head and distract me from learning in class.

Having a song stuck in your head can be one of the most annoying things because the music is on a constant loop.

With a brain like mine, having a song stuck in my head and the random thoughts and “squirrel”

moments makes it hard to focus or have a normal conversation with someone. It feels like 30 bouncy balls loose in my brain, and I can’t stay on task because I find something else to do.

This is why listening to a podcast is better. It calms the brain and I can focus on the conversation I’m listening to. A podcast, for me, provides a moment of calm in the midst of my chaotic mind.

Listening to a podcast is a great way to calmly prepare your mind for the day

As college students, we are trying to become fully functional adults, and that means not always having someone to talk to. I love to talk. Most of the time my family has to tell me to chill out because I’m a bit of a motor mouth, but listening to a podcast is almost like having a friend in the car with you when you are alone. With this “friend” you are also in charge. If you don’t like the topic all you have to do is skip that episode, or find a completely new podcast to listen to.

With podcasts, the options are endless. The genres range from sermons to murder mysteries; there is a topic for everyone to enjoy.

Podcasts can also be beneficial because they keep you updated on current events.

Some people do not have the time or means to watch the news, so listening to a podcast provides information on the latest news.

The Voice

Take advantage of homecoming to bond, network

It’s Homecoming week, Bears — a spirited week that calls on UCA alumni from every corner of the na tion to join current students in a host of pride-inducing activities and fun.

After the pandemic’s disappoint ing influence over the past few years, UCA has focused this year on a theme of reliving university traditions and making new memories.

This year’s homecoming calls for student pep rallies, the revival of the traditional homecoming parade, the Student Activities Board Fall Festival, the annual Greek step show and the long-awaited tailgate and football game.

If you aren’t taking advantage of all that this week has to offer, you’re missing out on an opportunity to meet new people, network with alumni and make memories. Plus, you’re already paying for it. You might as well get your money’s worth.

Maybe we’re biased, but UCA just does homecoming better. The uni versity makes a solid effort to pack the week full of activities for current students, alumni and families. It’s the perfect environment for an alliance among the groups, all in the name of school spirit. There will never be a better opportunity for students to meet and network with alumni in their desired field of study.

Networking is essential for any major, and the fact that UCA’s alumni make the trip back to the university for every homecoming week is a good sign that it works.

These connections could lead to mentorships and letters of recom mendation, internships and even job opportunities after graduation.

Alumni are the production of everything the university has to offer. Take advantage of the information and experiences they have learned ahead of the process you are new to, in order to set yourself up for success.

Alumni networks are the best way for students to get their foot in the door, and homecoming week provides the perfect opportunity for this con nection.

It also provides an opportunity for cultivating friendships on campus. There are events for everyone, no matter your interests or classifica tion, that will bring you closer to your peers.

Of course, the football game and the tailgate are the main events that the week builds up to, but there are plenty of other activities planned throughout this week that appeal to everyone.

UCA is a diverse campus, full of a variety of students from different backgrounds. Homecoming gives you the opportunity to connect with dif ferent people in support of the school you both love.

Focusing on coursework and your education is important, but social life is arguably just as crucial to a wellbalanced college experience. That means putting yourself out there and attending activities that will allow you to meet new people.

College is more enjoyable when you feel a sense of pride and belong ing to your campus and the people around you.

It is so much more than meeting deadlines and studying for exams. It has the capacity to be the best time of your life, depending on how you spend it and who you spend it with.

So, go to the Greek show and cheer on your favorite step show champi ons, cast your vote for homecoming Queen and King, eat good food and play games at Fall Fest, connect with the alumni through Alumni arts and crafts night, and cheer on the Bears at the big football game.

Most importantly, enjoy the time you have in college. Soon enough, you’ll be an alumnus anticipating any opportunity you can get to reconnect with the friends you made in college.

New

Movies

Oct. 28

— Prey for the Devil (PG-13), directed by Daniel Stamm, starring Jacqueline Byers, Virginia Madsen and Colin Salmon

Oct. 28 —

A Chance Encounter (NR), directed by Alexander Jeffrey, starring Paul Petersen, Andrea von Kampen and Jason Edwards

The Lair (NR) directed by Neil Marshall, starring Jonathan Howard, Charlotte Kirk and Jamie Bamber

Call Jane (R), directed by Phyllis Nagy, starring Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver and Chris Messina

Music

28 — Marvelous — Yung Gravy Oct. 28 — Sentimental Fool — Lee Fields

28 — The Hunna — The Hunna Oct. 28 — Changes King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

28 — Waiting to Spill — The Backseat Lovers

Masterful Murphy retells Broaddus’ tale in iconic style

When the Broaddus family moved into their dream home at 657 Boulevard in New Jersey, they were not aware that someone was watching. That is until they began receiving the letters.

It’s likely that the Broaddus family would also be surprised to know that years later, Netflix would release a curation of their experience by the masterful Ryan Murphy.

Though sinister in its own right, this seven-episode series based on the true story of the Broaddus family feels like a quirky stretch of the truth.

“The Watcher,” released Oct. 13, is an offbeat mystery that encapsulates Murphy’s version of what occurred at 657 Boulevard. Though the majority of the plot is dramatized for entertainment purposes, the main point of concern is true — and it is terrifying.

When the Broaddus family moved into their new home in 2014, they began receiving letters from someone who called themselves “The Watcher.”

Brannocks, as the family is called in the series.

Coolidge did what she does best — provide comedic relief. So much, in fact, that at times the series was hard to take seriously. Coolidge typically shines her light in comedies, so in a mystery like this, she shined even brighter.

All of Murphy’s work has an underlying air of silliness, but at times, “The Watcher” was so ridiculously goofy that it felt necessary to verify the true story did not include such absurdities.

‘Black Adam:’ aesthetically pleasing but over ambitious

by Will mCdonAld Assistant News Editor

This DC comic-book movie about the anti-hero Black Adam tries to tell an origin story, introduce four new superheroes, build a villain and create real stakes during long, CGI-packed action sequences — emphasis on “tries.” If the movie focused more on one of these goals instead of trying to do it all, then I wouldn’t wonder why half of the characters were even in the movie.

A whole lot is crammed, forced even, into the movie’s two-hour and four-minute run time. I understand that origin movies can present the difficult challenge of introducing a new character that has never been onscreen before, but there are ways to do that without loading up the plot with other new heroes. That challenge becomes even more impossible when you have a cinematic universe that has a small roster of developed heroes to pull from.

Dwayne Johnson plays himself in the movie. Oh, I mean, Dwayne Johnson plays Black Adam in the movie, and it’s pretty much the single-flavored performance you’d expect from The Rock. The script actually adds to his performance in that he doesn’t have many lines, but before I get into the script let me address some things in the movie that were cool.

The CGI was crisp during the fight scenes, and there were a couple of well-timed and delivered jokes. The music composed by Lorne Balfe — composer for movies such as “Megamind,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Mission

Impossible: Fallout” — was truly epic. That’s about all I can say.

Yes, the score is superhero worthy. However, it was definitely overplayed throughout the film. And because of the way the film is edited, the epic music shoves some important dialogue into the background.

The script gives Johnson very few lines. In my opinion, this is a good thing that adds to the characterization of Black Adam as a cold, no-nonsense character. The fewer lines given to Johnson means fewer places for the audience to spot that he’s playing himself again.

The script forces relationships between certain characters after very little screen time, and the relationships feel even more forced due to the lack of chemistry between the actors.

Some of the “twists” are actually just the vague script leading viewers to believe one thing and then dro in a completely new idea out of left field. One can imagine that when writing, the writers came back and said, “We never fully explained that piece of exposition did we? We didn’t?

Great! Then we can change it now and it’ll be a big twist!”

In a movie so action-packed, it is crucial that some of the fights feel tough or consequential for the main character. However, Black Adam is so overpowered that the movie literally has to sideline him for half of the third act so that the ending has stakes … and, yes, the movie followed the stereotypical threeact formula like so many other comic-book movies.

Black Adam is so overpowered that the big fights don’t even seem like fights — they are more of a relentless beatdown. City blocks are leveled and nobody reacts. The fights are emotionless and onesided.

In conclusion, the whole movie feels inconsequential, and I would only recommend watching it in theaters if you want to see some superherolevel destruction. If not, just wait until you can stream it. If you are hoping for something different or new from “Black Adam,” don’t get your hopes up.

“Black Adam” is available for viewing in theaters.

Oct. 28

— Wendell & Wild directed by Henry Selick, starring Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele (Netflix)

— All Quiet on the Western Front, directed by Edward Berger, starring Daniel Brühl, Albrecht Schuch and Sebastian Hülk (Netflix)

In total, the family received four letters, each addressing the family in a sinister way, recounting personal information about the family and referring to their young children as “youngblood.”

Apparently, the family who lived in the house before them also received the letters.

Anyone familiar with Murphy’s previous work will recognize his influence immediately.

Murphy — known for his quirky and iconic style of creation through shows like “Glee,” “American Horror Story,” and more recently, “Dahmer” — adds a certain flair to every project. “The Watcher” was no exception to this.

That being said, it’s impossible to look away from. The variety of personalities, all of which you are made to believe could be guilty of writing the letters, are addicting. The characters are so odd, so convincing, that you never know who to believe. Is it one of the neighbors? Is it all of the neighbors? In Murphy’s rendition, these are both viable possibilities, and this drives the Brannocks crazy.

Now, anyone who knows the story of the Broadduses knows that The Watcher was never found, so the possibilities to approach this ending seemed endless for Murphy.

The “All American” and “All American: Homecoming” cast delivered a spectacular season premiere performance. “All American” had its season five premiere, while “All American Homecoming” had its season two premiere.

The show writers created two crossover episodes.

“All American” premiered first, with an episode titled, “Ludacrismas.” The episode picks up where season four ended in terms of drama. The characters are dealing with relationship issues, business ordeals and an investigation into the Golden Angels University football program.

The episode is set during Christmas break, while the “All American: Homecoming” characters — Simone, Keisha and Cam — are home for the holiday from their school, Bringston University, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Oct. 28 — Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues, directed by Sacha Jenkins, starring Louis Armstrong (archive footage), voiced by Steve Allen and Ernie Anderson (Apple TV+)

Top 5 psychological thrillers to wrap up

your October

Casting played a large role in this flair. Without knowing the real Broaddus family, it’s impossible to tell how accurate Murphy’s choices were to the real thing, but for the story, he was creating, the casting was perfect.

The most unexpected, but enjoyable familiar face was Jennifer Coolidge as Karen Calhoun, the real estate agent who sold the house to the

1. ‘Parasite’

There’s a reason why Bong Joon-Ho’s “Parasite” (2019) is considered one of the greatest films of all time. It is a visually compelling masterpiece that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats from the opening scene to the bizarre, jaw-dropping climax. The movie follows the impoverished Kim family as they latch onto the wealthy Park family like a literal parasite, cleverly taking advantage of the aloof upper-class family.

It’s a breathtaking black comedy thriller that offers an original social commentary on class conflict in South Korea. Joon-Ho is a master of his craft; he knows precisely how to make a movie simultaneously intelligent and hilarious, disturbing and enlightening.

Though the ending may have been a bit open-ended and confusing, it is true to the real story. Murphy focused more on the impact this experience had on the family, and less on the actual watcher.

No one knows who really wrote those letters, but Murphy’s explanation tells the story of a cycle created through the trauma of receiving them.

This is an interesting watch, one that promises to be unlike any you’ve seen before.

“The Watcher” is streaming now on Netflix.

2. ‘Se7en’

David Fincher’s “Se7en” (1995) embodies everything that makes the psychological thriller genre so alluring. This neo-noir crime thriller film stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as detectives on the hunt for a serial killer who bases his murders on the seven deadly sins. The movie is certainly not for the squeamish — the visuals and cinematography are nauseatingly surreal. However, underneath the film’s gore and melancholy, is a powerful message of fighting for what’s right in a disturbing world. Pitt and Freeman deliver some of the most heartwrenching performances of their careers.

Amid all the drama, Spencer plans a “Christmas Eve Eve” party for their friends.

This crossover episode brought the characters together to celebrate the holiday.

In the previous season of the original series, we only saw the characters from the spinoff in one episode and it was brief. However, in this episode, we were able to see them have longer scenes. The episode ended with Simone and Keisha leaving Los Angeles and heading back to Atlanta, which is where the “Homecoming” episode starts.

3. ‘Prisoners’

Denis Villeneuve explores how far a father is willing to go to find the truth about his missing daughter in the emotional crime thriller “Prisoners” (2013). The star-studded cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal as a detective, Hugh Jackman as the father and Paul Dano as the suspected kidnapper. The film’s portrayal of a dad trying to find the line between vengeance and justice is brilliant and never over the top. The raw acting combined with Villeneuve’s keen eye for suspense makes this one of the most emotionally devastating movies of all time. It may run pretty long, but ‘Prisoners’ is well worth it.

The “Homecoming” episode picks up with the same drama as their season one left off. Simone is working on her tennis skills so that she can remain on the team. Thea (played by Camille Hyde) is recovering from a tennis injury. Damon (played by Peyton Alex Smith) is dealing with family issues. Coach Marus (played by Corey Hardwick) manages his mental health issues, while Amara (played by Kelly Jenrette) becomes the new president of Bringston University.

Spencer and Jordan, from the original series, are in Atlanta visiting for a football game. In the “Homecoming” episode, we see the characters celebrate New Years together and get acclimated with the new spring semester.

4.

as well because it was nice to see the characters from the original show featured in the spinoff. The show writers did an amazing job at combining the two shows. I like how the writers seamlessly blended the premieres so that the episodes felt unified — despite being two different shows with different characters and story lines.

Without any spoilers, I also enjoyed the drama in “Homecoming.” The drama throughout the episode kept viewers on their toes. I look forward to watching the rest of the series as it airs to see where things go for each of the characters.

I enjoyed “Homecoming”

‘Burning’

“Burning” (2018), directed by Lee Chang-dong, is an exceptional South Korean thriller based on the short story “Barn Burning” by acclaimed Japanese author Haruki Murakami. The movie depicts a delivery man rekindling a relationship with his childhood friend, who introduces him to the mysterious Ben (played by Steven Yeun). He grows suspicious of Ben, which quickly turns obsessive. The film expertly tackles themes of distrust, yearning and rage. It’s layered with tiny details and metaphors that will make your skin crawl. Chang-dong’s awardwinning film takes the worst parts of humankind and transforms them into an intoxicating experience. It burns as slow and harsh as a fire.

“All American” and “All American: Homecoming” premiere on Monday nights on The CW Network. They are available to watch the next day for free on the CW app.

5. ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” (2017) is a haunting and absurd movie that outlines the downfall of a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who becomes tormented by a teenager with a dark connection to his past. The surgeon must do everything he can to stop the wicked teenager before losing everything he loves. The story itself draws inspiration from the Greek tragedy “Iphigenia in Aulis” by Euripides. Every corner of the film is woven with poignant moments and unbearable decisions. It’ll make your stomach churn and head spin; it is absolutely a one-of-akind film.

UCA falls to Eagles ahead of ASUN quarter nals

In its final regular season game, the UCA’s women’s soccer team fell to Florida Gulf Coast University, placing them in sixth seed for the upcoming ASUN Conference quarterfinals.

The match took place in Fort Myers, Florida, on Saturday, Oct. 22.

The win secured a hosting spot for the FGCU Eagles for the quarterfinals. It was also their senior night.

FGCU Coach Jim Blankenship said the win was important to his team in a postgame interview with Eagles Athletics.

“Tonight was typical of us with great pressure and relentless in the attack. It’s a big win, knowing that we had to win to host. I felt that the players were very committed to that and scored a couple of great goals,” Blankenship said on fgcuathletics.com.

The win also marks the team’s 15th season with double-digit wins, moving them up to 10-5-1 on year and 8-1-1 in ASUN Conference.

The loss dropped the Bears to 6-8-3 on year and 4-4-2 in ASUN Conference.

The Bears made more shots in the first with six shots but could not match up to the Eagles’ 13.

The first shot of the match came just a minute in by FGCU junior forward Louise Lilliback and was quickly followed by two more shots from her teammate, freshman forward Erika Zschuppe. All were off goal.

UCA’s sophomore forward Amanda Walsh broke the team’s shot stalemate in the 9th minute.

Goalkeeper Kayla Perez grabbed her first save of the night off a promising shot from FGCU sophomore forward Katelyn Kauffman.

The Bears attempted to advance toward a goal with a shot by sophomore forward Anna Kerr and another just a minute later by senior midfielder Abby Gibson.

The Eagles added some fresh feet on the field with a round of substitutions and tried once more to advance the score with another shot from Lilliback, off goal.

Not to be deterred, UCA’s senior forward Taylor Lassiter took her first shot of the match in the 21st minute.

The first goal of the game came moments later off a shot from Eagle freshman midfielder Marla Gaudlitz, assisted by teammate freshman forward Kate Russell.

Eagles Zschuppe and Lilliback continued ringing off shots for the remainder of the first, but none on goal.

The Bears’ final shots were taken by freshman forward Nina Mazolla and redshirt freshman midfielder Maria Vanegas. The half ended 1-0, Bears down.

The second was marked by an aggressive march forward from FGCU who managed 16 shots to the Bear’s two.

UCA’s Walsh recorded the team’s first shot of the second, off goal.

The Eagles kept the Bears locked in around their goal, only able to push forward occasionally but with no luck on shots.

The Eagles’ second goal of the match came in the 79th minute off a shot by Zschuppe, assisted by Gaudlitz and Kauffman.

Not to be deterred, the Bears took

one final shot, their most promising of the night and their only shot on goal.

UCA freshman Emma Rehm rang out the Bears’ final cry of the night, saved by Eagle graduate student goalkeeper

Katie Sullivan. The shot was Rehm’s third on-goal of the season.

The Eagles continued making shots until the buzzer rang out, ending the game 2-0, Bears down.

UCA will play third seed Lipscomb University (11-5-2, 8-1-1 ASUN) on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. The match will take place in Fort Myers, Florida — hosted by the Eagles.

Short-Tempered: Cards y in UCA’s rst conference draw

UCA’s men’s soccer team (6-4-3, 5-1-1 ASUN) had a high-voltage match that ended in an anticlimactic draw against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (6-2-4, 2-1-3 ASUN) on Oct. 16.

The final score was 2-2, UCA outshooting FGCU 13-12.

The match was delayed from Oct. 15 due to the weekend’s thunderstorm. The following day, players stepped onto a soggy field to take care of business.

However, mud wasn’t the only dirty aspect of Sunday night’s game. A total of nine penalty cards would be issued by the end of the night: one red and eight yellow — seven of which were ordained in the second half.

The Eagles’ offense dominated the beginning of the first half, leading to a goal in the 21st minute off a penalty kick. Eleven seconds later, UCA’s senior forward Sebastian Andreassen was fouled by FGCU’s senior defender Shandel Senior, who picked up the night’s first and only red card.

Tempers flared as members from both teams centered around the night’s head referee, who stood beside the injured Andreassen.

UCA senior forward Mathias Bendiksen said “It looked like he was just ran over, ran through, it looked brutal, he landed on his face as well. It looked like a tough one, but he’s a warrior.”

After this, UCA’s offense became more aggressive. In the 33rd minute, UCA graduate student midfielder Bernard Assibey-Rhule scored UCA’s first goal of the night, which was followed by a heartfelt celebration by Rhule with members of UCA’s spectating sideline.

Try as they might, neither team was able to

score again before the end of the first half. The scoreboard read 1-1 at the end of the 45th minute.

Both teams started the second half in a similar style to the first. FGCU came out strong, making three shots on UCA junior goalkeeper Zach Schawl,

none going in.

But UCA took the initiative first this time. In the 72nd minute, Andreassen, who was leveled to the ground earlier in the match, took his revenge by putting one in FGCU’s net with an assist from

Bear’s football gains second ASUN win

The Bears’ football team ruffled feathers in a 51-24 win over the Kennesaw State Owls Saturday, Oct. 15. The victory inside Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, brings the Bears to 2-0 in ASUN Conference play.

UCA made conference history when junior wide receiver Christian Richmond set a new ASUN reception record with 12 catches, equaling 156 yards and two touchdowns, in a single game.

The game brought season highs to UCA in points (51) and total offensive yards (543).

Sophomore running back Darius Hale ran for 170 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry with 23 carries. Hale scored two touchdowns, including the final one of the game.

“It was a good feeling to finish off with a long rushing touchdown to put the nail in the coffin,” Hale said.

Preparation after a 52-49 defeat against the Lindenwood Lions on Oct. 8 helped the team go even further against the Owls.

“We had a really good week of practice,” Hale said. “This was the key to our win this week. The loss last week was definitely a tough one but I do definitely think it’s what pushed us to getting

a win.”

Coach Nathan Brown had similar thoughts about the week leading up to the win.

“We had a great week of preparation,” Brown said. “I think our guys stayed consistent through adversity and trusted the plan. We knew it was a big week for us and we prepared and played well.”

Junior quarterback Will McElvain had 292 yards passing and threw for two touchdowns.

The Bears took an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter before ending the quarter

with a 7-7 tie after the Bears unsuccessfully forced a punt on Kennesaw’s first possession. The ball was muffed and fell on by Kennesaw State sophomore running back Gabriel Benyard at the UCA 45-yard line.

In the second quarter, senior kicker Hayden Ray kicked a 48-yard field goal and a 43-yard field goal which gave the Bears a 27-10 advantage before halftime.

Hale said he believes Ray’s 43-yard field goal was the highlight of the game.

“Hayden making that 43-yard field goal was a big confidence booster for him and the team,” Hale said.

In the third quarter, both teams made seven points.

UCA sophomore running back Kylin James scored a 2-yard rushing touchdown on a 2:03 touchdown drive. Hale went over the 100-yard mark for the third time this season with 17 carries for 107 yards through the first three quarters.

Beginning the fourth quarter, UCA led KSU with a score of 34-17.

Ray made his third field goal in the fourth quarter which extended the lead by 10 points.

Hale scored UCA’s final touchdown to set the score at 51-24.

Brown complimented the Bears on a great victory.

“Christian Richmond on offense played great. I was also very pleased with Darius Hale and the way he ran the football,” Brown said. “On defense, Tamaurian Wilson and Cameron Godfrey had a huge game from the secondary as well as David Walker on the defensive line. Hayden Ray kicked the ball well.”

The Bears will take the stripes Saturday, Oct. 29, against the North Alabama Lions in their fourth ASUN match on Homecoming. The game will start at 4 p.m. at Estes Stadium.

Bendiksen. This was Andreassen’s fourth goal of the year and Bendiksen’s third assist of the season.

UCA could not keep the lead. Off a free kick in the 81st minute, FGCU scored the final goal of the game. The minutes following included aggressive attempts by both teams to take the lead, but neither team could capitalize.

Head Coach Frank Kohlenstein made his first reappearance from the one-game suspension that he received from officials at the Lipscomb match, and shared his opinion on the night’s outcome.

“Florida Gulf Coast is a good team. I think the team did well against a good opponent … When you tie, it makes for a tough experience,” Kohlenstein said.

Bendiksen also expressed his thoughts on the game. Although he was frustrated at their unsportsmanship earlier in the game, he couldn’t deny the opposing team’s skill.

“FGCU did a hell of a job managing the game, and they played down a man almost the whole game … We just couldn’t seem to find that winning goal at the end, but we had a good game. We just couldn’t produce in front of the goal,” Bendiksen said.

And so was the result of Sunday night’s match, giving both teams their first conference tie of the season.

The Bears next game on Oct. 21 resulted in a 2-1 win against Liberty University (3-5-5, 1-3-2 ASUN).

The match brought UCA to 6-4-3 in the year and 5-1-1 in the ASUN conference.

The team will hit the road for a 6 p.m. nonconference matchup against the Kansas City Roo’s (5-4-3) Oct. 25, then return home for their Senior Day matchup against Jacksonville University (3-73, 0-4-2 ASUN) at 11 a.m., Oct. 29.