VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 1

UL issues mask mandate, UPC’s plans for encourages vaccinations Lena Foster upcoming NEWS EDITOR

The University of Louisiana at semester Lafayette reinstated a mask mandate for students, faculty and visitors, and Kaytlyn Williams established the Don’t Wait. Vaccinate! NEWS WRITER incentives program to encourage student vaccinations. Fall semester at the University Due to the Centers for Disease of Louisiana at Lafayette is quickly Control and Prevention’s announcement approaching, which means student about the Delta variant’s increased life will be back in full force. After a infection rate and Louisiana’s rising case majority of the school year was virtual, numbers, Gov. John Bel Edwards issued many are hoping to dive right back into a temporary indoor mask directive on activities and pick up exactly where they Aug. 2, for all individuals aged five years left off. or older. The University Program Council is According to Joey Pons, UL Lafayette’s planning to give students an event- director of risk management, the packed school year. With numerous university followed the governor’s events in store, there will be plenty of executive order and the guidelines from chances for all students to have fun. CDC and the Louisiana Department of Before coming on campus, a lot of Health in order to draft the updated face Graphic by Allan Skinner students were confused about what UPC covering regulations. established the program to motivate the fall semester of 2021 and complete actually was. Recently, Mikayla Worthy, “Our interim mask policy is now, per students to get vaccinated. an entry form on the Don’t Wait. a junior majoring in Kinesiology who the governor’s orders, requiring us to Although the Delta variant can be Vaccinate! Incentives Program page. currently serves as traditions director, wear masks indoors at this time,” Pons transferred from vaccinated individuals, Out-of-state and international answered a few questions about the said. CDC confirmed that unvaccinated students must submit their proof of upcoming year. Although periodically edited, the people have the greatest risk of vaccination on the Student Health “UPC is a premiere organization that mask mandate was last revised on Aug. contraction and transmission. The CDC Services patient portal. plans events for the students, by the 10 in order to include Bourgeois Hall as also reports that vaccinated people stay From there, the student’s name students. We traditionally plan events a mask-required vicinity. infectious for a shorter time. will be entered into the drawing for such as Lagniappe Day, Yell Like Hell, However, according to Dr. Margarita According to Perez, the program prizes including free parking, an Apple Drive In Movie, and Dear World,” Perez, Dean of Students, mask coverings has two objectives: to reward those Watch Series 6, $300 worth of declining Worthy said. are not required outdoors, but are who had already been vaccinated balance, Oculus Quests, iPhone 12s and According to Worthy, UPC is recommended if people are in groups. and to encourage students who were Macbook Airs. completely focused on organizing The indoor mask covering policy also considering getting vaccinated. The program is funded by the events that students actually want to included some exceptions. “What we know from CDC and the Wellness Center Fund at the University see. “Being paid attention to by your “Your mask should be on unless you’re Louisiana Department of Health is that of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation university makes the college experience in a private room,” Perez said. “You can vaccination is a part of ending COVID. according to the Don’t Wait. Vaccinate! so much better. Fun events equal remove your face covering when you are It’s the best action we can each take Incentives Program website. meeting new people, a little bit of stress actively eating or drinking.” to ensure that we’re safe and that our According to Perez, the university being taken away because of classes, and The university will take disciplinary community is safe,” Perez said. coordinated the drawing days for also allows you to network. action on all students and faculty who During the spring semester of students who aren’t vaccinated to have “Students can expect to have events fail to abide by the mask covering 2021, college students were allowed to enough time to get the shots needed to designed for them and what they instructions after mask informing receive the vaccination, however, due fulfill the requirements. actually want to see. They can also efforts. to final campus events and exams, it’s With the help of Amy Windsor, UL expect a level of understanding they “Our goal is to try to educate. This is possible some students weren’t able Lafayette’s social media strategist, the usually don’t get to see from faculty,” what we do. So we will try to encourage to get vaccinated. Because of this, the university was able to advertise the Worthy said. our students to follow the policy, but university wanted to remind students of program. There has been an increase of As students return to campus, Worthy if they refuse, they will be referred the opportunity as well as offer prizes. vaccinated students. said that the most important events to the Office of Student Rights and “It gives us the best chance that we can “We are finding it to be very usually happen during Homecoming, Responsibility,” Pons said. “Likewise to have a healthy and safe community. successful. We’ve watched our numbers which falls on the week of Oct. 24 to for our employees. If compliance is an It also gives us the best chance to have a increase every week based on students Oct. 30. issue after an attempt to encourage and pre-pandemic, normal semester,” Perez being able to get those shots,” Perez said. Worthy said, “I am most excited reeducate from their supervisors, then said. “We do know that people that are Over 3,600 students have entered about our jam-packed events during they can be referred to HR.” vaccinated can still get COVID and can into the drawing and two winners were this important time such as the Walk In order to promote more student still be a spreader, but it reduces the determined so far from the Aug. 10 and faculty safety, the university created of Flame Fashion show, etc.” UPC is chance that you’re going to have a severe drawing. the Don’t Wait. Vaccinate! Incentives not just only known for Homecoming case of COVID.” “What offering an incentive program Program. events. A plethora of events that The program was launched in July and does is this: it makes a student stop and Administration and student happen on campus all come from includes five drawing dates ranging from consider getting the vaccination,” Perez organization leaders determined the behind the scenes work of students. For Aug. 10 to Oct. 5. To qualify, students need for advocacy for the importance of must be fully vaccinated, registered for COVID-19 CHANGES UPC EVENTS COVID-19 vaccinations and therefore continued on page 2 continued on page 2

Summer COVID-19 cases put university total at 993 for upcoming fall semester Morri Sampey According to the dashboard as of Confirmed positive tests include dean of students themselves, according EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Monday, the university has confirmed tests taken by Student Health Services to the dashboard. that 223 students and 195 faculty and UL Lafayette Athletics, as well As of Monday, the dashboard There were five new COVID-19 and staff members contracted the as tests submitted to the university’s displays total positive tests since Jan. cases among students, faculty and virus, and 575 students have told the human resources department by 4, 2020. staff at the University of Louisiana university they’ve tested positive. This faculty, staff and student workers. This is an ongoing story. Stay with at Lafayette during the week of Aug. means there have been a total of 993 Self-reported tests were taken by off- the Vermilion for more updates. 15, according to the university’s cases among students, faculty and staff campus health care providers. Students COVID-19 dashboard on Aug. 16. at UL Lafayette. in this category sent their results to the

Sports Allons Allons Allons RECORD-SETTING FUNDRAISER EVERYTHING IS (NOT) FINE I BELIEVE IN YOU FIELD GOALS FOR FAITH

We have the inside look on how the University The world is falling apart, and Bo Burnham The game Earthbound is “one of the most In this satire piece, Our Lady of the Lourdes is planning on spending the $15 million is happy to sing about it in his newest Netflix beautiful pieces of art,” according to Design sends their best nuns to compete in the holiest donated by Our Lady of Lourdes. special “Inside.” Manager Cole Broussard. football scrimmage yet. PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6 2 AUGUST 18, 2021 | THE VERMILION

COVID-19 CHANGES UPC EVENTS continued from page 1 continued from page 1 Police Reports Compiled by Morri Sampey said. example, the Miss UL pageant has been From there, the student’s name popular with all types of people. Many will be entered into the drawing for contestants from different backgrounds Aug. 14 prizes including free parking, an Apple l Watch Series 6, $300 worth of declining all competed for a chance at glory this At 6:00 p.m., a blue 2007 Honda Accord hit a blue 2012 Ford Escape at the balance, Oculus Quests, iPhone 12s, and past year. The winner, Josie Stephens, a intersection of St. Mary and Hebrard Street. Macbook Airs. chemical engineering major, snagged The program is funded by the the crown in a close race. Wellness Center Fund at the University As COVID-19 cases rise, many are Aug. 10 wondering how safety protocols on of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation l At 7:03 p.m., a black 2016 Toyota Corolla received damage to its front bumper according to the Don’t Wait. Vaccinate! campus will be followed. With the mask Incentives Program website. mandate back in action, many in-person in the Cajun Village parking lot. According to Perez, the university events were given the green light. coordinated the drawing days for “UPC will strictly enforce wearing Aug. 6 students who aren’t vaccinated to have a mask at all times and maintaining distance between one another. We will l enough time to get the shots needed to At 5:44 p.m., an officer discovered a person sleeping on a bench at Sorority also provide sanitation throughout all of fulfill the requirements. Row. The subject was identified and found to have an active National Crime With the help of Amy Windsor, UL our events,” Worthy said. Lafayette’s social media strategist, the As usual, this organization is open Information Center HIT for simple burglary charges in Jefferson Davis Parish. university was able to advertise the to all students on campus. The main The subject was transported to ULPD and interviewed by detectives before program. There has been an increase of requirement you must follow to be a being released. vaccinated students. member is being in attendance at two “We are finding it to be very meetings. It is also encouraged to join successful. We’ve watched our numbers their street team and volunteer to make Aug. 5 the events run smoothly. From there, increase every week based on students l being able to get those shots,” Perez said. any student will be able to go and have At 12:05 p.m., a red backpack with a University of Louisiana at Lafayette Over 3,600 students have entered fun in any committee they choose. Orientation logo and a silver laptop with a black laptop case were stolen. into the drawing and two winners were In addition to UPC being extremely l At 6:40 p.m., an attempted theft of a ninth-generation Apple Macbook important on campus, Worthy said that determined so far from the Aug. 10 occurred at Martin Hall. drawing. if she could choose one word to describe “What offering an incentive program them, it would be “inclusive”. Be on the does is this: it makes a student stop and lookout for upcoming events. Aug. 4 consider getting the vaccination,” Perez Follow The Vermilion on Twitter l said. @TheVermilion for more updates At 10:18 p.m., a wallet and a dashboard GPS were stolen from a 2015 bronze Ford along Coliseum Road. Aug. 3 l At 12:58 p.m., a major traffic crash occurred at the intersection of Johnston Street and East Saint Mary Boulevard. Along with a ULPD officer, an Acadian ambulance and the fire department were on the scene for injuries. The incident involved a red Ford Focus and a white Chevrolet Express.

ATTENTION! The following sections are looking for writers:

News Sports Allons

Apply online at thevermilion.com

THE VERMILION EDITORIAL STAFF SUBMISSIONS

A weekly student publication of the University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Morri Sampey SPORTS EDITOR Madelyn Myer All letters to the editor and guest editorials must of Louisiana at Lafayette. The paper is MANAGING EDITOR Amelia Jennings ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Zachary Nagy include the author’s full name and phone number and be no longer than 400 words in length. Submissions distributed on Wednesdays except on holidays NEWS EDITOR Lena Foster PHOTO COORDINATOR Malik Jones are edited for libel and vulgarity only. Editorial and and semester breaks.The Vermilion is supported DESIGN MANAGER Cole Broussard BUSINESS MANAGER Madelyn Myer columns reflect the author’s opinion and not those of in part by student-assessed fees. Views The Vermilion staff. expressed in The Vermilion do not necessarily All advertisements must be submitted by the Friday reflect those of UL Lafayette administrators, EMAIL [email protected] BUSINESS 482-6110 FAX 482-6959 MAIL P.O. Box 43721 before publication at [email protected]. faculty, staff or other students. Lafayette, LA 70504-4813 101 BOUCHER DRIVE LAFAYETTE, LA © 2021 Communications Committee of UL Lafayette. LOCATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE VERMILION | AUGUST 18, 2021 3 Sports Thanks to Our Lady of Lourdes, Louisiana Athletics Set a Fundraising Record This Year Madelyn Myer fundraising efforts last year. SPORTS EDITOR “I joke all the time, it’s a bad time to be a fundraiser right now, but we’re trying Ragin’ Cajuns athletics and the Ragin’ to make lemonade out of lemons and Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF), continue to build authentic relationships which supports fundraising efforts for where people understand what we’re all sports, recently announced its best trying to accomplish and they want to fundraising year in department history. support it,” De Leon said. “We haven’t The department’s increase from last year been able to get in front of our donors saw a 468% growth. as much as we’d like and see them face In the previous year, the department to face, whether that’s at games or at raised $6,286,746. Before this year’s events—you know all those have been growth, the previous record raised was canceled.” $12,470,493 in 2018. The department That all changed this year in June. raised a whopping $29,887,782.62 for Lafayette’s local medical center, Our this fundraising year. Lady of Lourdes, committed $15 “This record-setting achievement is million to Louisiana in order to secure a reflection of the continued success the naming rights for Cajun Field. The of Louisiana Athletics,” Vice President medical center gave the department its for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan most significant philanthropic gift in Graphic by Cole Broussard Maggard said. “We are very grateful for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics history with this the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, to get better tickets or better parking, the transformational support shown by commitment. but also for Our Lady of Lourdes. In you give to the RCAF, and you become our investors and the community. This Cajun field will undergo $15 million addition to owning the naming rights, a member, because you want to make accomplishment is the culmination of in renovations. Renovations will include their donation is tax-deductible. “We’re an impact on our student-athletes and the tremendous work and dedication improvements to the 50-year-old a non-profit organization just like help them succeed on and off the field of numerous individuals, including stadium, such as suites, a club level with American Red Cross or Boys and Girls of play,” De Leon said. The impact on our RCAF staff, the Board of Directors, outdoor seating, loge boxes and a press Club or Big Brothers Big Sisters. When student-athletes proved evident as and our departmental and campus box. Other program enhancements that people join the RCAF, and they make a increased support has also contributed leadership.” have significantly improved the gameday donation, it’s tax-deductible because it’s to the rise of academic and competitive Now how is this all possible in the experience for donors and fans include supporting a non-profit, and it’s going to excellence for Ragin’ Cajuns student- height of a pandemic? As Executive the new videoboard at Lamson Park and a good cause,” De Leon said. athletes. In addition to the record-setting Director of the RCAF, Lee De Leon facility upgrades in and around Russo “We just have to continue to remind fundraising, the Ragin’ Cajuns had a spoke to The Vermilion regarding Park. people, you don’t just give to the RCAF record-setting academic year. This renovation is not only good for Harlem Globetrotters shine bright in Cajun Country for fans young and old Zachary Nagy In Sunday’s game, the Globetrotters SPORTS WRITER displayed their skills for all in attendance. It was a family-type atmosphere, and On Aug. 8, Lafayette hosted the the crowd was significantly involved. notorious Harlem Globetrotters in the Performing tricks, high-flying dunks and Cajundome where the world-famous ankle-breaking moves had the crowd in a performers defeated the Generals 85-68. frenzy all afternoon. The Globetrotters are an exhibition Throughout the game, they even had a basketball team who have played over dunk contest in which the courtside fans 26,000 games in over 124 countries and had the chance to rank them 1-10 where territories. The rich history this team the Globetrotters came out on top over brings to each city is as prominent as they the Generals, of course. The constant come, showcasing their talent in over 450 “oohs” and “aahs” had families making events each year. memories they’ll never forget. The Globetrotters are a class act. The Globetrotters are particularly Every few minutes they constantly would known for breaking out one of the first break out of their game and get the kids four-point lines in basketball history. Photo by Andre Broussard / The Vermilion Significantly further back than your involved all throughout the arena, giving The Harlem Globetrotters played in the Cajundome Sunday, August 8, 2021. families memories they simply will never average NBA three-point line, the forget. Prior to tipoff, they held their Globetrotters broke out a rule of their over the country, and their family-like dunks, killer crossovers and unbelievable infamous “Magic Pass” event, where own. atmosphere is as exciting as it gets. Their blocks on the defensive end left the crowd families had the chance to meet a few The four-point shots they put on desire to keep the fans happy and leave with memories they’ll never forget. members of the team, get autographs and display were mesmerizing. Along with them wanting more is what has their As the Globetrotters continue their even shoot around with the players. the Generals, both teams were seamlessly supporters leaving with a smile on their world tour, they’ll travel to packed It’s easy to see why they are so well- nailing shots from near half court all day. face without failure. crowds in Budapest, Hungary and all known around the world as their sheer The work they put in to perfect their craft In Sunday’s showcase in the over Mexico, bringing families sheer joy importance in keeping the crowd on their is extremely evident as they are more Cajundome, fans got the experience in their unorthodox ways. The tour will toes is worth it all. As the team has a mic than just a show, they are legit basketball of a lifetime; getting to see this team is run through the middle of 2022 where all on the entire game, they simply have the players. much more than an entertainment piece. will have the chance to see why they are fans feel as though they are on the floor Currently on a world tour, it’s easy Closing out the game on an incredible such a prominent figure in the basketball with them at all times. to see why they pack-in crowds all run full of four-point shots, high-flying world. This season in Ragin’ Cajuns football Caleb Williams as they are the second out-of-conference SPORTS WRITER team. Ohio State, who came in third in the MAC East, won their last game The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have an against Louisiana, but both defense, exciting season ahead of them as they offense and coaching staff have made come off their record-breaking 2020 upgrades since the last matchup. It season. Having shared the conference should be noted that in comparison, title with Coastal Carolina (due to the Louisiana stands as the underdog. championship game being cancelled The next three games are against because of Chanticleer’s COVID SBC teams with the first being South outbreaks) and becoming ranked in the Alabama followed by Arkansas State and first time of program history, the Cajuns then Georgia State. Despite the games remain a talking point. Coming in at No. appearing as wins, showing dominance 23 in the Coaches Poll Preseason, both in the Sun Belt is crucial as it plays a role the players and viewers remain waiting in our conference standings and the road to see if Louisiana can repeat the success. to the conference championship. Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion Despite the potential success waiting Fast forwarding to week nine shows Senior Trey Ragas runs into the defense while moving the ball down the field as the Ragin’ throughout the season, the first challenge another big game as the opponent is Cajuns take on Texas Southern on Sept. 14, 2019. begins in week one as Louisiana plays Appalachian State. The Mountaineers against the soon-to-be SEC team, the have historically been a great matchup which also play crucial roles in our teams are crucial as they could lead to Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns came as both teams have met in the SBC conference standing. The games in order our championship game. Being that in at No. 19 in the same poll and are championship game twice. The include Texas State, Troy, and ULM. Louisiana has never won an official undoubtedly their biggest opponent. The Mountaineers won both times, but last With Louisiana looking to keep conference championship game, this game is held on Sept. 4 at DKR Texas season’s game was won by Louisiana 24- the spotlight that the previous season season looks to be the one as the Memorial Stadium. When previewing 21. Both teams’ quarterbacks (Louisiana’s gave, the first challenge is the Texas majority of our defense and offense this game, defense is key on Louisiana’s being Levi Lewis and App State’s being Longhorns. Winning this game solidifies returns. The biggest step is seeing how part. Winning this game is essential to Zac Thomas) are returning for their fifth that Louisiana is a contender with “big Louisiana’s run game changes without our standings as well as keeping focus on year and have both been named to the teams” being the win over Iowa State last Elijah Mitchel and Trey Ragas. Other the smaller school, Louisiana. Manning Award watch list during their season (a Big 12 school) and the Texas than that, Louisiana looks to be in good Week-two games against the Ohio 2019-2020 season. Longhorns (Big 12 soon to be SEC). standings against all competitors this State Bobcats is another big game played The next three games Louisiana Along with the win over out-of- season. finishes out with conference games, conference teams, wins over SBC 4 AUGUST 18, 2021 | THE VERMILION Allons Bo Burnham’s ‘Inside’: It’s about time Adhamm Safford COLUMNIST

Bo Burnham’s latest special “Inside” is great. It’s got clever skits and songs that are almost too catchy. If that was all there was to it, I’d still say it’s worth watching, but there’s more to it. An unmistakable dread underpins every punchline and verse. It’s closer to existential horror than comedy; it’s essentially about a man locked inside of a room while the outside world is falling apart. Burnham is no stranger to social critique. His previous specials “What.” and “Make Happy” made fun of topics like social media, religion and modern music trends. Ironically, in the shift from the big stage to a single room, the themes he tackles have become grander: climate change, capitalism, the oversaturation of the Internet, and getting older. But one theme permeates throughout the entirety of the special: time. Instead of being a recording of a single performance on a single day like his other specials, “Inside” was filmed over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, the passing of time evident in Burnham’s growing hair and beard and increasingly haggard appearance. There’s a rather intimate moment where Burnham sits alone in a dark room, talking about how he wanted to finish filming before he turned 30, just as the clock ticks to midnight on his 30th birthday. The song following is like a mid-life crisis in music form, and Photo illustration by Adhamm Safford understandably so. Aging is perhaps air in early fall.” Though, the problems takes a nihilistic view on the issues runtime: “You say the whole world’s one of the most universally horrifying he sees threatening the world don’t stop plaguing us, that the average person can’t ending, honey, it already did. You’re concepts. Every passing year and every there. In another track, he introduces a really do anything when these issues are not gonna slow it, Heaven knows you new wrinkle is a reminder that we have a Marxist sock puppet that sings its take on caused by all-powerful corporations and tried. Got it? Good, now get inside.” This limited amount of time to do the things capitalism and the cycle of exploitation the upper class. A report by the Carbon encapsulates what I think is the ultimate we want to. People don’t really notice the that it perpetuates. Further in, there’s a Disclosure Project shows that only 100 message of “Inside.” We’re all running clock is always ticking until it’s getting too song about the overwhelming nature of companies are responsible for over 70% out of time, but there’s nothing we can do late. the Internet in its never-ending feed of of industrial greenhouse gas emissions. about it. You might as well take each day Unfortunately, just like us, our world news, content and information being fed Knowing that, switching to metal straws as it comes, try not to worry too much, has a limited amount of time left, due to us every hour of every day. I could go probably isn’t going to be what saves us. and enjoy what time we have left before in large part to the existential threat of on about the issues Burnham tackles, but Definitely keep doing that if it helps you old age, late-stage capitalism or a rapidly climate change. Burnham brings this my word count would run out. sleep at night though. heating planet gets us. up throughout the special, singing that Throughout “Inside,” Burnham brings But really, a lot of this stuff is out of You could also try tweeting at Jeff Bezos “the world is changing, the planet’s up a lot of problems that we’re forced to our hands. The special’s penultimate song and attempt to convince him to use his heating up” in just the second song, and face. But really, he only has one solution: features perhaps the most depressing money to save the world instead of trying making a reference later on to the rising laugh and try to enjoy yourself. “Inside” lyrics of the almost one-and-a-half-hour to escape it. oceans and the “unapparent summer

Disney+ Marvel shows pack a punch: Which one lands the heaviest blow? Madelyn Myer SPORTS EDITOR

Marvel has released three live- action TV shows on Disney+ thus far: “WandaVision,” “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Loki.” There are more to come, but taking a look at these three series, as an avid superhero fan, I wanted to rank them solely based on their first episodes. The first of the shows released was “WandaVision.” Though the first episode does not reveal a lot about what is truly going on, it was fun to witness a black- and-white 1950s style show. The scenes are corny-funny as Wanda and Vision try to hide their powers from their dinner guests. As the episode ending comes around, you realize someone is watching “WandaVision” on TV as if it’s a sitcom and you are left with more questions than you came in with. Now the series does become better as the episodes progress and more is revealed, but based on just this first episode, it could use some work. And maybe it’s just me wanting a fast- paced kind of show, but out of all three Marvel shows on Disney + I would rank “WandaVision” last. Graphic by Cole Broussard The next show that premiered on Marvel movies would be, only six months Loki is one of the most iconic Marvel the TVA catch a rogue timeline destroyer. Disney+ was “The Falcon and the Winter after the blip. characters in pop culture. In true Loki fashion, there are a lot of Soldier.” Now I previously mentioned “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” The first episode kicks off with Loki tricks and jokes within the first episode liking fast-paced shows, and this show is is the best Marvel series based on its first being arrested by the Time Variance and even though it’s slower-paced than the definition of that. episode. Though I think “WandaVision” is Authority (TVA) after he escapes the “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” it’s Within the first episode, Falcon better overall after watching all episodes, Avengers with the Tesseract in 2012, thus still a good episode. stops a terrorist group, Bucky attends “Loki” is just getting started. creating a new timeline. Already again, I would rank “Loki’s” first episode therapy trying to atone for his sins as an that sense of familiarity is there as the higher than “WandaVision,” but lower assassin and a new Captain America is “Already again, that sense of timeline coincides with the first Avengers than “the Falcon and the Winter Soldier.” announced. In addition, a new group of movie. As there will be more Marvel Disney+ terrorists is revealed to have superhuman familiarity is there as the The TVA resets the timeline and Loki shows to come in the future, I plan to strength similar to Captain America’s. timeline coincides with the stands trial in front of a judge where he watch them all and continue trying to This show has action right out the first Avengers movie.” blames the Avengers rather than himself. figure out which of them is my favorite. gate, a storyline with little confusion and One of the TVA agents takes Loki in his Follow The Vermilion on Twitter familiarity of characters. I also like the hands and shows him a video of his future fact that it is in the same timeline as the “Loki” was the third Marvel Disney+ @TheVermilion for more content series to premiere. Love him or hate him, events, which makes Loki agree to help THE VERMILION | AUGUST 18, 2021 5 Earthbound: Overcoming the horrors of adulthood with childish optimism Cole Broussard DESIGN MANAGER

In the summer of 1995, Nintendo released an unusual game for the SNES. Aimed at kids, the game featured many staples that were common in gaming at the time — turn-based combat, colorful design and a captivating soundtrack to name a few. However, instead of allowing players to explore high-fantasy kingdoms or the far reaches of outer space, the game is set in a parody of the United States. It’s about a boy with a baseball bat and a few of his friends taking on a world not entirely different from our own, defeating monsters both familiar and exotic along the way. The game is called Earthbound, and it’s honestly one of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve ever experienced. It’s not often that I describe video games as true works of art. While all games involve a great amount of artistry, it’s rare when the right combination of experience, gameplay and narrative Graphic by Cole Broussard coalesces into something greater than the sum of its parts. Made almost 30 the most precious experiences of my it’s comprised of people with good who’s blindly optimistic. Throughout it years ago, “Earthbound” has withstood life. And that makes sense. At its core, intentions — people who think they’re all, you, your friends, your parents and the test of time thanks to a dedicated Earthbound is a game about life. On doing the right thing. It might seem the people you meet express nothing fanbase and the extraordinary impact the surface, it’s a silly and oftentimes like a far-fetched fantasy to a child, but optimism that things will get better. it’s had on video games as a whole. Most humorous story about the battle but it’s different when you’re playing Good’s triumph over evil isn’t taken for would recognize the game and its main between good and evil as experienced as an adult. The world of Earthbound granted, but it is absolutely believed in character Ness from the Super Smash through the eyes of a child. is our world, and the horrors you’re a way that I can only describe as faith. Bros. series. You might even be aware experiencing are real. You never give up, and you never let that the Earthbound series was a major “It came to me at an For me, playing this game reminded the world corrupt you the same way it’s inspiration for the super-popular games uncertain time in my life, and me of the horrors in my own life — corrupted others. Undertale and OMORI. the evils of loss and grief, the pain of It’s precisely this reason that All of this to say that Earthbound while it doesn’t hold all of goodbyes. At times I found myself Earthbound was so impactful for me, is incredible, amazing, spectacular, the answers, the game will asking my friend if Earthbound was and why I believe it can impact others seminal, whatever, whatever. There’s always serve as a source of really a game that was meant to be — especially adults. It came to me at an nothing I hate more than being guilted played by children because it resonates uncertain time in my life, and while it into consuming a piece of media that energy and determination in this deep, dark place that I’m only just doesn’t hold all of the answers, the game other people have deemed essential for me when I need it.” beginning to understand in my young will always serve as a source of energy to their understanding of pop culture. adulthood. Growing up is hard, and and determination for me when I need I only started playing Earthbound If you look deeper, though, you start things don’t always work out in ways it. My experience with Earthbound is because a friend who’s made it his entire to see how intensely dark the world you’d expect. In Earthbound though, something I’ll treasure forever, and it’s a personality (love you John) talked me can be. You fight gangsters, policemen, something is different in a surprising game I’d recommend to anyone looking into playing it with him. corrupt capitalists and even your own and maybe even nauseating way. There’s for that same sense of determination. It’s precisely this reason that inner demons. optimism. Earthbound isn’t merely the greatest The evil in the world isn’t a simple One of the songs in the game is called video game I’ve ever played, but one of matter of black and white. More often, “Pollyanna,” which is slang for a person The Suicide Squad is simply to die for Madelyn Myer SPORTS EDITOR

Written and directed by “Guardians of the Galaxy” alumnus James Gunn, “The Suicide Squad” is one of the best movies out this year. The film not only had a great director, but also a great cast with the likes of Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, John Cena and Viola Davis. I watched the movie as soon as it came out on HBO Max on Aug. 5. Unlike many DC Comics fans, I enjoyed the first “Suicide Squad” movie and figured this one would be just as good, if not better. It proved to be better. One of the pluses of this movie is that with an almost entirely new team, it could stand alone on its own rather than be seen as a typical sequel. It was also nice to see the movie mainly focus on the actual suicide squad instead of outside characters like the Joker and Batman. The film also seemed to have two villains much like the first film. From reading a few Justice League comics back in the day, I was familiar with the villain Starro; a giant alien starfish that could mind control its hosts was a big upgrade from the previous film’s main villain. Then of course there was Amanda Waller. Graphic by Allan Skinner If you thought Amanda Waller There are also heartfelt moments in Aside from my disdain for a few big splash at the box office. I would give couldn’t get any sicker, think again. the movie. The character King Shark just characters, this film had all the right it an overall 8.5/10 and even if you’re In this movie, she threatened to send wanted to have friends and by the end elements to make it a hit. If it weren’t for not a fan of superhero movies, I highly Bloodsport’s daughter to jail if he didn’t of the film, he finds one in the likes of the pandemic, I could see it making a recommend checking this one out. cooperate and join Task Force X. She Ratcatcher 2, who is another character also created two separate teams in this that melted my heart. Ratcatcher 2 movie, one of which taking on the explains her back story in the film and sole purpose of dying and creating a the loss of her father that led to her diversion for the other. Thankfully, her attachment to rats. own team recognized her craziness and Polka-Dot Man also tells his knocked her out before she could do any backstory, which is similarly just as more damage. sad. He is one of the remaining squad In addition to the action of battling members toward the end of the film but such villains, there was of course the is ultimately killed by Starro. comic relief. My one grievance was that Then of course there was Peacemaker. there is not enough Harley Quinn, but I love John Cena, but the character he I guess it’s alright after getting so much played in this film was an absolute jerk. I of her in “Birds of Prey.” Some people mean anyone who says, “I cherish peace don’t like Robbie’s portrayal at all, but with all my heart. I don’t care how many that will never be me as she has been my men, women and children I need to kill favorite character since the first movie. to get it,” has major issues. He betrayed I think she just gets better and better the team to protect government secrets in each film. From proving to be an and killed Rick Flag, yet he’s getting a independent woman who doesn’t need whole HBO Max TV series next year. help to just being crazy funny, Harley is an icon. 6 AUGUST 18, 2021 | THE VERMILION SATIRE UL announces ‘nun scrimmage’ after Our Lady of Lourdes holy investment Cole Broussard has the most faithful field goal kick. tickets to the game, according to Additionally, no one is quite sure DESIGN MANAGER At the Lourdes sisters’ request, the university officials. what kind of shoes nuns wear under referee—that is, an ordained minister— “It’s nice that this event is helping those robes. Sure, they could be wearing SATIRE — In a 43-second press will flip one of those communion wafers some students discover or rediscover cleats or some kind of dancing shoe, conference on Monday, university in lieu of a coin. A lucky spectator will their passion for Christ, but most but what if they’re wearing wooden officials announced that Lafayette’s nuns receive the Eucharist on the jumbotron people just want to see nuns tackle each clogs? Some would argue that’s just plain will finally duke it out in an all-out battle after the wafer decides the winner. other,” Assistant Director of Faith-Based silly. It’s hard enough to play football in for football glory. This announcement Additionally, all yellow penalty flags Programming Patrick Francis said. “I “Despicable Me” Minion slippers like comes after Our Lady of Lourdes’ $15 will be replaced by penalty rosaries. think it’s just part of human nature.” the brave quarterbacks in the NFL do, million acquisition of the naming Instead of taking a five-yard penalty, Other members of the clergy fandom and they’re professionals. As of writing, rights for Cajun Field, the University of the offending team will pray while the have voiced their concerns with safety in university officials have yet to address Louisiana at Lafayette’s spiciest sports other team also prays. Everyone will be the days following the announcement. this major safety concern. arena. praying. Instead of heavy protective padding and In terms of strategy, both teams look This is epic for two reasons, the first The scrimmage will take place in helmets, the nuns will be wearing their to be understandably secretive in their of which being that nuns are just plain the fall semester, sometime before regular habits during the scrimmage, approaches. By analyzing previous cool. They live such awesome lives, and Thanksgiving, which is the least according to a source who’s confused as games, however, it’s clear that these it’s about time that the glass ceiling is holy holiday. Admission will be to why nun’s clothes are called habits. nuns mean business. Coaches from shattered to allow such women of virtue free for all UL Lafayette students, “One small trip on a tunic could regular local football teams have called to enter the realm of college football. The regardless of membership in faith- have serious consequences. These nuns the tactics brutal, but it’s because they second and most important reason: the based organizations, according to the could really get hurt, and who’s going to simply aren’t as hardcore as the sisters in scrimmage will pit rival convents against university. pay for that?” concerned student Mary question. each other, and perhaps settle the long- UL Lafayette’s athletics department Joseph said. “I pay a lot of fees to this Follow The Vermilion on Twitter raging debate over which Lafayette sister has already started receiving calls from university, but I draw the line at nun @TheVermilion for more updates eager students looking to preorder healthcare.”

Using music and podcasts to fight academic stress, ease anxieties Evan Hale COLUMNIST

Music or podcasts will help you get through your first day back at school. School can be very stressful at times, especially in college because you never want to fall behind in a class. When you get your syllabus it can be overwhelming too. You just see everything you have to get done, how much certain assignments are worth and the books you have to get for the class. It can be a lot for certain people but if you got the music you like or a podcast you like your stress will be reduced according to the University of Nevada, Reno. You get out of class feeling a little stressed and you put on “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. You’re going to feel that beat just a little bit. Obviously listen to whatever song makes you feel good; I was just using that one as an example. Everyone has a playlist of music with their favorite songs to listen to and enjoy. Use it to your advantage, help yourself relax with the sounds of your favorite songs and get ready to have a great semester. Podcasts help as well if you are more of a podcast person. There are so many to choose from you just have to find one that fits your personality and what you like to listen to. Graphic by Cole Broussard I listen to “The Halftimers Podcast” which is a funny podcast produced by environment. It will help you get your podcasts can help you through those buddy in class with you that you can people right here in Lafayette. mind off the stresses from your day, really tough days throughout the listen to the podcasts and study to pass Other people might like something allowing you to complete every project semester. the class with. different though and there are so many with a clear, stress-free head. You will Going back to school gives us students We have all been stressed at some podcasts out there. There are sports increase your performance on these many opportunities, like making new point in our college career. We know podcasts, medical podcasts and even projects, which results in better grades friends. There’s no better ice breaker how dark it gets and how awful stress is podcasts about conspiracy theories. Any and even less stress. If you’ve got an A than sharing a common music or for our mental health. Taking a break to category or topic you can think of has a in the class you’re only worried about podcast interest. Say you are talking listen to music or a podcast can and will podcast. completing the next project as opposed to someone in class with you and you help your stress and anxiety from the Podcasts can make you laugh, think to being behind and panicking to make find out you both like the same sports first day to the last. or even learn something in a stress free up time. podcast. “You listen to The Halftimers Follow The Vermilion on Twitter Even past the first day, music and podcast too?” Then you have a study @TheVermilion for more updates