Speech & Debate Takes 3A State Title

RAVEN SPEECH & DEBATERS celebrate their wins …

PHOTOS BY KENDALL CLARY Published biweekly by and for the Upper School students of Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, OK APRILAPRIL 19,3, 2015 2018 THE COMMONS Tensions flare after Russian spy poisoned Headed to stillwater By James Morley STAFF WRITER

The tension between the United States and Russia is at its highest point since the Cold War. Russia and the United Kingdom have been in a bitter diplomatic fight since Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal, 66, and his daughter, Yulia, 33, were poisoned in the English cathedral city of Salis- bury on March 4. The nerve gas used to poi- son the former spy and his daughter is Novichok, a military -grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Since the poisoning, the A campus tour will be the highlight of the day tomorrow for Riverfield’s Upper School students. PHOTO: OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY U.S., European Union countries, Canada, and Ukraine have expelled more than 100 Russian By Brenden Paul laser tag, and finally, Breig said we would have our traditional diplomats. STAFF WRITER game of broomball. He said broomball is very fun, and all The attempt on the life of freshmen or new students must play it. the spy on U.K. soil is not the he long-awaited Spring Trip is tomorrow! Not As he explained it, broomball is basically a mix of soccer first line Russia has crossed in many details have been leaked about the trip yet, and hockey. It is played on ice wearing normal tennis shoes recent years. On top of their but this will be your first look at all of the exclu- while running around with a broom trying to score goals, simi- expansion into Ukraine, war sive details. lar to soccer and hockey. crimes in Syria, and their med- It will all take place tomorrow, and we will be The trip may seem like it won’t be a very long excursion, dling in the 2016 U.S. presiden- Tvisiting Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. The trip will but the estimated return to Riverfield is between midnight and 1 tial election, tensions are high begin in the morning with a campus visit, then we will do all a.m. the next morning. not only between Russia and the kinds of fun activities until late at night when we return. Most of the freshmen are excited to go on their first Upper U.S. but also NATO countries. I recently asked Mr. Hodges and Mr. Breig what activities School Spring Trip, and I am excited to try broomball. This is a On March 26. British Prime we will do. They said after the OSU campus tour, we will go to great bonding experience for all students and a good way for Minister Theresa May said, Incredible Pizza, then bowling and skating. We will also play seniors to visit local colleges. “The United Kingdom will stand shoulder to shoulder with the EU and NATO to face down these threats.” Earlier that day, Russia said it planned to retaliate against the Speech & Debate takes 3A State title U.S. if its diplomats were expelled. A statement from the By Andrew Jordan Starting with Cross-X De- and Carson Keesling all made it Jordan took 5th Place in Dramatic Kremlin read, “the principle of STAFF WRITER bate, the teams of Jad Jaafar and to the quarterfinals. Duet. reciprocity will be enforced.” Noah Laubach, James Morley In Foreign Extemporaneous, In Standard Oratory, Alex Despite that threat, the U.S. On April 5 through 7, and Connor Keesling, and James Puls got 5th Place, Smith won State Champion, the announced its plans to expel Riverfield took 21 students to Shashu Singh and Mitchell Shashu Singh got State Runner- first freshman to win State in a Russian diplomats. It was a Norman for the Speech & Scott all made it to the quarterfi- Up, and Jad Jaafar won State long time at Riverfield. good move for the U.S. It shows Debate State Tournament, nals, and the team of James Puls Champion. All in all, Speech & Debate our commitment to the E.U., where they walked away with and Tobin Anderson took State In Domestic Extemporane- had a spectacular showing. Even and it also shows Russia that their second 3A State title in a Runner-Up. ous, Noah Laubach placed State though there were a few speed there are lines that shouldn’t be row. In Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Runner-Up and James Morley bumps along their way, they dom- crossed. With both the Debate Robert Hale made the quarterfi- won State Champion. inated the State Tournament again The expulsion of the diplo- teams and the Speech students nals while Evan Keely took In Speech events, Evan this year, earning their second 3A mats is the harshest check on doing outstandingly well, State Runner-Up and Hannah Keely won State Runner-Up in State Championship. Russian actions since former quite a few Raven speakers Grenier won State Champion. Dramatic Interpretation. Congratulations to Mr. David President Obama expelled 35 walked away with either State In Public Forum Debate, Ethan Shaw won State Run- Wright and his talented students! diplomats after interference in Runner-Up or State Champi- Charlie Heldebrandt and Noah ner-Up in Prose Interpretation. Once again, you’ve made us all the 2016 presidential election. on honors. Hall along with Miles Capehart Gracie Rowell and Andrew proud.

THE COMMONS is published biweekly dur- VOLUME XII ISSUE 12 ing the school year by the Upper School Newspaper elective class SPRING 2018 STAFF at Riverfield Country Day School, 2433 W. 61st Street, Tulsa, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ...... James Morley Oklahoma 74132. The staff reserves the right to edit any article or THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018 letter submitted for publication. Send all MANAGING EDITOR ...... Brenden Paul submissions to the Editor-in-Chief at NEWS EDITORS ...... Logan Payne, Jack Bluhm [email protected]. All opinions SPORTS EDITORS ...... Noah Laubach, Brady Heinig DESIGN EDITORS ...... Jake O’Shaughnessy, expressed are those of the individual writ- OPINIONS EDITORS ...... Kip Derryberry, Quinten Nokes ...... Jack Jones, Mason Malloy ers and do not reflect positions of the staff, A&E EDITORS ...... Connor Keesling, Maddy Edwards GRAPHICS EDITOR ...... Elise Wagoner adviser, or school administration. REVIEWS EDITORS ...... Alex Milton, Andrew Jordan COLUMNISTS ...... Grace Clark, Grant Heinig, Online: riverfield.org/community/student-newspapers.cfm FEATURES EDITOR ...... Will Dozier, Hana Saad ...... Alexis Lipe, Adaira Reid

THE COMMONS Thursday. April 19, 2018 ALL DAY TODAY: VARSITY BOYS TENNIS EAST/WEST SHOWDOWN AT SPORTS HERITAGE HALL IN OKLAHOMA CITY … GO RAVENS! 2 — A recap of the big moments — Usain bolt to try soccer MARCH MADNESS By Jack Bluhm 28 mph. Bolt’s top speed is the STAFF WRITER same. Every time the Olympics By Noah Laubach the Final Four. with both UNC and Arizona No, this is not another fake are held, he beats the world SPORTS EDITOR With all of the hype, a few losing on the first weekend. article. This is a legitimate record. In the 2012 London experts thought it might get to Only one half of the 1 and thing. The fastest man in the summer games, he beat his The No. 1 overall seed, them and cause them to lose an 2 seeds made it to the Sweet world is going to play soccer. own world record. Virginia, came into the tour- early game, but no one predict- Sixteen, and an 11-seeded Usain Bolt, the 6’6” Ja- The Jamaican has been nament after destroying the ed them losing in the first round Loyola-Chicago made it all the maican runner, will try out for approached by many soccer ACC, commonly referred to to the University of Maryland way to the Final Four. The the Borussia Dortmund Ger- teams because of his size and as the best basketball, all year. Baltimore County, a 16 seed. Cinderella team ended up fall- man league squad. The former speed. He could head the ball, Led by Kyle Guy and The biggest upset in March ing in the semifinals to one of Olympic sprinter has revealed win headers in the midfield, Devon Hall, two of the best Madness history was just the the hottest teams in college that he has not been fully ac- and attack a third of the field. shooters in the conference, the beginning to a tournament filled basketball, the Michigan Wol- cepted by the German league The fastest player in the Cavaliers were projected to with upsets. Other heavily fa- verines, a 3 seed. squad, but many rumors have game right now is Pierre make a deep run in the tourna- vored teams to win it all, UNC, The other semifinal fea- said that the club will sign him Emerick Aubameyang, who ment, with over 30% of ESPN Duke, Kentucky, and Arizona, tured two 1 seeds battling it during the June transfer win- plays for the English team, brackets having Virginia in all fell before the Final Four, out in what actually turned out dow. Arsenal. He used to play for to be the least competitive of Bolt can run the 100m Borussia Dortmund. If they the two semifinals. The Villa- sprint in 9.6 seconds, which is had kept him, they could’ve nova Wildcats beat the Kansas comparable to a domestic cat had the two fastest players to Jayhawks to return to the Na- which can run at top speed of play the game. tional Championship game for the second time in three years, and after winning the entire tournament in 2016. The Wildcats started the championship game hot, but they cooled down near the end Congratulations to Riverfield’s of the first half. They still went Varsity Girls Soccer Team on the into halftime with a 9 point lead. completion of a good season! Villanova 6th man Donte Divincenzo came out of no- where and was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points, giving Villanova an easy 17- Heinig and Lenard point win to take home the National Championship for the help soccer teams Michigan celebrates after beating Houston at the buzzer. second time in three years. PHOTO: S.YIMG.COM Congrats, Villanova! With spring sports approach-

ing the end of the season, RCDS athletes are showing why they Most are a force to be reckoned with. Valuable Despite low numbers on the soccer teams, both teams have Players played hard and competed for By James Morley their school. Two players who THE NBA PLAYOFFS COMING UP SOON stood out so far this soccer season are Grant Heinig and Ryan is a four-time letter winner for Lenard. the Ravens. Ryan played for- By Brady Heinig only two games. That means tors in the driver’s seat for top Grant Henig — Grant is in ward for the Varsity Girls Soc- SPORTS EDITOR one team could be the No. 9 seed with the Celtics lurking his senior year and is the leader cer team and excelled in her seed, win a few straight games, right behind them. The Cavs of the Varsity Boys Soccer position. Like Grant, she has an The NBA playoffs always and end up in the 4 spot. have mostly disappointed this team. Grant is the one responsi- innate ability to lead other play- manage to get basketball fans The closeness between these season, but they are always ble for keeping this team alive ers on and off the field. During through the long hours of the teams is unreal, and at this point dangerous in the playoffs. after it became apparent they games, Ryan did well because summer, and the playoffs are nobody knows who will be in. There is little drama regarding didn’t have enough players to of her speed and her soccer IQ. approaching quickly. The Rockets have had one of outside teams looking in, the field a team. Grant is a great She has set a great example of These playoffs are shaping the bests seasons in franchise rest is just based upon seeding player because of his willing- success for younger players up to be one of the closest history, and they will have the in the East. ness to work hard and never who will carry on the program races ever, which means the No. 1 seed come playoff time. I predict the Celtics and give up, as seen in his team- next year. Nice job, Ryan! tournament could play out in The Warriors will not have the the Rockets will meet each building efforts. Not only is Ryan Lenard and Grant Hei- almost any way. No. 1 seed for the first time in a other in the NBA Finals, with Grant a team leader off the field, nig are this issue’s MVPs be- The Western Conference few years, and this could add the Rockets winning a close but he also leads the way during cause of their outstanding play has six teams fighting for the motivation to their run. series to claim a national games. There’s no denying that both in practices and games on final five spots in the playoffs, The Eastern Conference has championship. Grant can control the outcome the soccer field. and they are all separated by a lot less drama, with the Rap- Let’s watch and see. of the game with these abilities. Make sure to watch for the Congratulations to Grant, and next issue of The Commons on keep up the good work! May 11 to find out who will be Ryan Lenard — Ryan is named the last two outstanding LiAngelo Ball declares for NBA draft also in her senior year, and she Riverfield athletes of the year.

By Logan Payne his draft stock (which actually However, many scouts STAFF WRITER was very little anyway.) said this game meant nothing After this, LiAngelo was sus- to his draft stock. With almost LiAngelo Ball rose to fame pended from his UCLA team, and no doubt, they say he will not because his older brother, his father moved him and his be drafted. Lonzo, plays for the Los Ange- younger brother, LaMelo, to Lith- I think he will bring noth- les Lakers. Their father, LaVar uania to play professional basket- ing to any team he goes to. He Ball, is known for his annoying ball there. is not athletic enough to com- antics and saying he could beat He hasn’t played badly in his pete in the NBA, and there are Michael Jordan in a game of one time with the Lithuanian team, no highlights of him being -on-one. but he has not played great. Due able to finish around the rim. Nineteen year old LiAngelo to his unathletic build and medio- His three-point shot is the one was recently in the news for cre size, he is not on scouts’ lists. thing that he has, and with the several reasons. First, he stole But he did declare for the new generation of NBA being an extremely expensive pair of NBA Draft about a month after based on the three-point shot, sunglasses from Louis Vuitton, scoring 72 points in a Big Baller LiAngelo Ball has no reason Seniors Ryan Lenard and Grant Heinig have set great examples for next which drastically brought down Brand game. to be there. year’s players to follow. PHOTOS BY QUINTEN NOKES

THE COMMONS Thursday, April 19, 2018 ‘SWAN LAKE Prom’ is Saturday night at the Tulsa OPINIONS historical society. See you there! 3 A fashion alternative: bioengineered leather Facebook deals with data scandal to hit the market By Andrew Jordan It has come to light that Fa- be seen how much it will af- and Noah Laubach cebook sold information of its fect Facebook, although its STAFF WRITERS users to Cambridge Analytica, a stock has dropped. data mining and political con- Facebook’s CEO Mark Facebook was one of the sulting firm. Zuckerberg issued a full apol- biggest forms of social media Reports have shown that the ogy on April 10 when he was almost a decade ago, but with information was as public as testifying in front of Congress. the upsurge of other platforms names and cities of residence, The recent backlash has such as Snapchat and Insta- but also as private as the results prompted Facebook users to gram, its popularity among to personality quizzes. demand that Congress take young people has started to Many are outraged over this action to protect their infor- fall off. because they do not think their mation. Senator John Kennedy However, over the past private information should be (R-LA) said, “I don’t want to couple of weeks a new issue sold. They believe they alone regulate Facebook, but by concerning the information have the right to give out their God, I will.” they have collected and sold info, and not companies includ- It is unsure whether Face- has put Facebook back in the ing Facebook. book will end up being regu- Zoa has provided samples of its bio-leather to fashion houses. PHOTO: MODERNMEADOW.COM limelight, though for the This is another breach of lated by federal laws, but if so, wrong reasons. personal data, but it remains to it may be safer for all of us. By Hana Saad leather look too cheap or are not STAFF WRITER as sustainable. For instance, petroleum-based products are Animal products such as used to produce synthetic fur. leather and fur have been covet- Some companies, however, ed by the fashion world for a are changing the game. Self-driving Uber car kills long time. Considered a symbol Zoa, a brand by Modern of luxury, fur coats and leather Meadow, is one of the first By Logan Payne in Tempe, Arizona on March (passenger) riding in the car shoes are available in almost companies in the world to man- STAFF WRITER 19. Elaine Herzberg was killed wasn’t even looking at the road, every clothing store. ufacture bio-leather. Their around 10 p.m. when jaywalk- which companies who sell the The downside to the leather leather product is created from Recently a self driving Uber ing across the street. The car cars tell you to do. No, she was and fur industry is the cruelty collagen that is not derived car killed a pedestrian walking could not sense her and brake looking down at her phone that the animals, such as foxes, from animals. across the road. This brings up a fast enough. without a worry in the world. are subjected to before they are The product is going to be lot of controversy over how safe I have been worried about When she looked up, it was too late to react and get the car out harvested for their pelts. released for both luxury and self-driving cars are. this from the start, and now my of the way. Through the use of social consumer goods categories Ever since they were invent- fears have been proven valid. I hope this situation is taken media, consumers are able to sometime in 2019. The bioengi- ed, there has been the thought No matter how advanced their very seriously, and they find a witness this cruelty first-hand, neered leather can be used in that no matter how advanced the technology is, machines will way to prevent this. Perhaps self which is leading more people to anything from handbags to car technology is, machines make make mistakes. -driving cars should not be on search for quality alternatives to seats. Zoa has stated, through mistakes and are not always Then, when something like the market until they can figure fur or leather. email, that “pricing is not yet perfect. Perfection is what is this happens, we don’t know Companies such as Calvin available.” needed to have these things on who to blame. Do we blame the out what happened and fix it. Klein and Tommy Hilfiger have Bioengineered leather seems the road. driver, the car, or the lady that Uber has pulled their self- stopped using fur in all of their like a fantastic idea, especially According to the New York illegally walked across the driving cars as a result of this products. And new fashion if it looks and feels like cow Times, the accident took place street? The backup driver accident. brands that don’t use leather or leather. If Zoa’s leather prod- fur are becoming more popular ucts are embraced by the fash- choices for ethical-conscious ion industry, it would be a big customers. step in reducing animal cruelty, But many fashion experts while still giving consumers argue that alternatives to fur and luxury options. OK TEACHERS WALK OUT By Will Dozier Tulsa in protest. According to U.S. News, Nintendo Switch STAFF WRITER According to the Tulsa the situation also causes emer- World, last year Oklahoma gency teachers to be used in- At Riverfield, teachers ranked 47th in the nation for stead of regularly certified should be allowed have relatively small classes public education quality. CNBC teachers who quit because of with sufficient resources and ranked the state worst for teach- low pay. In some cases, un- By Mason Malloy phone. A phone has the ability supplies, and students do not er pay. Just before the walkout, qualified people are now STAFF WRITER to play games, and computers have to worry about receiving according to ABC, the state teaching Oklahoma students. do, too. a bad education. However, legislature and governor ap- Oklahoma Governor Mary The Nintendo Switch is a The problem really comes Oklahoma students and teach- proved several bills that includ- Fallin has not responded well mobile gaming console that has down to individual students. If a ers at public schools currently ed a $6,000 average pay raise to the protest. According to become a very popular over the student cannot control the temp- do not have the same privileg- for teachers. But this was not The Washington Post, Fallin past few months. tation to play games on the Nin- es. enough. The raise leaves them compared the protesting teach- In schools, it has been very tendo Switch during class, they Teachers in the public $14,000 under the national aver- ers to “a teenage kid that popular because students now should not be allowed to play it schools of Oklahoma staged a age, and insufficient funding for wants a better car.” have the opportunity to play during school. How- walkout during the last two schools was included in the The state representatives games with their friends when ever, if a weeks. They refused to go to package. think they have done all they they have free time. student has work because of low pay and Because of low pay, teachers can for education, especially But many free time inadequate funding. Some must look to other means for since they increased the gross teachers (for in- protesters and teachers even wages, taking on more jobs or production tax on oil compa- here stance, at walked all the way to the Cap- moving to other states with bet- nies to 5% to raise more funds have lunch,) itol in Oklahoma City from ter pay. for education. According to confis- they OKPolicy, over time the state cated the should had cut these taxes from 7% to devices be given that the current 2%. or even time to play games, This is not an issue that banned as they do now on their only affects public school stu- them com- phones. For many students, the dents. Some Riverfield stu- pletely. Switch is a good way to have dents have had events can- They claim the Switch is a fun with friends. celled over the strike. “distraction” in a learning envi- However, a learning envi- The teachers’ protest is ronment. They feel students ronment is not the place nor the important, and no matter how should not be playing games in time to be playing games while affected you are by this issue, class. in class. Whether, it is a phone, you should make sure your I believe the Nintendo a computer, a Nintendo 3DS, an Teachers filled the State Capitol during the statewide walkout. voice is heard … especially if Switch is not the problem. In iPad, or the Nintendo Switch, it PHOTO BY JAKE O’SHAUGHNESSY you can vote in November. terms of game playing, it is no should not be used for gaming more of a distraction than a during classes.

THE COMMONS Thursday, April 19, 2018 TONIGHT ONLY! FREE CONCERT — ETHAN SHAW will be the featured soloist as the Tulsa A&E Honors Orchestra opens for the Tulsa Signature Symphony at TCC -PACE at 6 p.m. ... 4 The Fortnite Meteor THE CHASE EXPERIMENT creative fiction — when will it hit? By Elise Wagoner less scary. They helped me un- nally go home?” I asked. STAFF WRITER derstand what it's like to be free, Her eyes narrowed, and I By Noah Laubach Towers, there would not only something I’d never felt before. saw pity in them. “Two STAFF WRITER be a huge change to the map, Previously … it was re- “Three dangerous trials will years,” she mumbled. but also to the overall game- vealed that Chase was the take place and shown to the Those two words brought Epic Games’ “Fortnite: play. subject of a medical experi- entire heavens,” she said, put- me to my knees. One slip-up Battle Royal” is easily the There are multiple reasons ment, and his brain had creat- ting her sword back in its in a car is going to cost me most downloaded game so far supporting this theory, the first ed the alternate reality he was sheath. “And I hate to do this, two years of my life? And in 2018. being that the map of Fortnite experiencing … but I am required to mentor you even if I make it through the It is available on all plat- eerily resembles the map of in swordplay and other useful games ... forms and has recently be- Poland, and Titled Towers is “So,” the guardian said. I things.” “We need to get started, come the most viewed game located in the same part of the looked her in those strikingly “For how long will I have to Chase.” on the popular game- map as Poznan, a Polish city grey eyes. “Time to go,” she be trained? And when can I fi- … to be continued streaming website, Twitch. that was hit by a comet in said with a grin that didn’t In order to keep “Fortnite” 2015. quite reach those eyes. relevant, Epic has released Another theory is based on She said she had seen hu- weekly updates, always with the theme of the current Fort- mans go through this before, limited time game modes and nite season, which is space but from her stance it was occasionally new items. themed, meaning that the skins clear this was a first-time Unlike “PlayerUnknown’s and the gliders released in the thing. That I was a first-time Battlegrounds,” “Fortnite” last few weeks have resembled thing. only has one map. Some peo- NASA spacesuits and rocket Although that's not what ple see this as a downside, but ships. worried me. What worried me because the map is updated No one really knows when was facing challenges that I often enough, it continues to the meteor will hit. would have no control over. draw attention. The most common date These “games,” as she called The newest attention grab- suspected is April 30, the last them, were deadly and danger- ber Epic has released is a con- day of the season. But some ous, especially for someone spiracy theory regarding the people believed April 18 who is trying not to die again. destruction of one of the most would be the date of impact, But something about hav- popular cities on the game’s based on the Morse code vi- map. The “Fortnite Meteor” brations that players feel ing wings made this a little Chase listens to the guardian explain. ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA TIDMORE can be seen crossing the sky through their remote during a during both the lobby and game. Did it happen yester- actual games. day? Tilted Towers, one of the Although there has been no newer locations on the map confirmation from Epic, all of and a city where a large num- the evidence is showing that Evans drops Capt. America role ber of Fortnite players drop in this “Fortnite Meteor” may be to start the game, is supposed- more of a big change to the By Connor Keesling May 3, 2019. situation as Hawkeye, where ly the target of this meteor. Fortnite map, rather than just a ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Evans debuted as Cap in he retires to a quieter life off- If it does indeed hit Tilted conspiracy theory. 2011’s “Captain America: The screen. We might be seeing the First Avenger,” and he has ap- Of these two options, Steve end of one of Earth's mightiest peared in six Marvel films. His Rodgers’ death is the more heroes. final two are “Avengers: Infini- probable of the two. His fellow Chris Evans recently said ty War” and “Avengers 4.” Avenger Mark Ruffalo (Hulk) in a New York Times profile Both are finished with filming said at last year’s D23 Expo that he will retire from the and are currently in post- that “everyone dies” in role of Captain America after production. “Avengers: Infinity War.” So the unofficially titled So what does this mean for things are not looking so great “Avengers 4,” which is set for the Captain America character for the first Avenger heading release next year. within the MCU? into this summer’s “Infinity Evans reportedly has no Well, it could indicate that War.” BOOKTALKBOOKTALK interest in returning to the Captain America (or at least Marvel’s “Avengers: Infin- By Hana Saad Marvel Cinematic Universe Steve Rodgers) could meet his ity War” is scheduled for re- (MCU) after his contract ends end in either “Infinity War” or lease on April 27. Tickets are with this fourth Avengers “Avengers 4.” Or Steve Rodg- available now. It is rated PG- “The Cruel Prince” by Holly relationship that Jude has with film, scheduled for release on ers could end up in a similar 13. Black is the tale of three sisters, her twin sister, Taryn, and her one faerie and two humans, who older sister, Vivienne. The rela- have lived in the High Court of tionship between Jude and Faerie for 10 years. They were Taryn was realistic. One second whisked away by a Faerie gen- they are fighting, the next they eral when he killed their parents are joking together. but nevertheless, the Faerie Although The Cruel Prince Great SUMMER CONCERTS COMING up world is their home now. has good qualities, I had two Although Taryn is happy to major issues with the book. The By Will Dozier CAIN’S — BOK CENTER — marry into a powerful family, first was with Jude. As the story STAFF WRITER Sub Pop’s popular dream U2 on May 2 … Jude wants to rise through the slowed in the middle, I was house duo, Beach House on Willie Nelson on May 16 … ranks and become someone of unable to fully understand her Summer is quickly ap- May 5 … Depeche Mode May 29 … importance in the Court. character. She whines about proaching, and there are a lot of Fleet Foxes on May14 … The quintessential dad rock But in order to accomplish everything, and is naïve about concerts to see over the break. Rising rap boyband Brock- band, The Eagles on June 17 … that, she will have to push her- the faerie world for someone Fans of hip-hop, country, rap, hampton on June 11 … self harder than she ever has who has lived there for ten alternative … there will be The Mountain Goats on Sep- OKLAHOMA CITY — before, making a dangerous years. something for everyone. tember 5. The popular ’90s alternative alliance that might save her sis- The second was the lack of group, Smashing Pumpkins, ters and propel her to the throne. conflict. Jude accomplished will perform July 14 at the The Cruel Prince is incredi- everything so easily--which she Chesapeake Arena … bly easy to binge-read. It starts shouldn't have, considering she Soundcloud rapper Smoke- off with a fast pace and lush is a human in the faerie world. purpp at the Tower Theatre on descriptions. Black gives the The story is so compelling, and May 7 … reader enough to picture the I love how Black intertwined Atlanta’s popular metal world, but not so much that it excitement with faerie politics, group Mastodon along with the becomes overbearing. but the conflict and characters Les Claypool-fronted Primus on The story incorporates a were lacking. May 8 at The Criterion … healthy dose of faerie politics. I give this book 3.5 ravens The Pixies at The Jones As- Most YA fantasies do not delve out of 5. sembly on July 1 ... too deep into the politics of the Logic at the Zoo Amphithe- imaginary world, so it is always atre on August 1 … refreshing to read one that does. Great venues, great music! PHOTOS: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Get your tickets now! Black chose to focus on the

THE COMMONS Thursday, April 19, 2018 In our last issue of the year on May 11, look for more REVIEWS reviews of movies, games and music … 5 ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Dead Magic’ ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ By Alex Milton paintings adds to the immersive REVIEWS EDITOR experience that “Kingdom By Kip Derryberry found to be common . Come” offers. The visuals, how- STAFF WRITER “The Mysterious Vanishing Since the inception of the GAME ever, come at a significant cost of Electra” is the album’s first genre, most role-playing games in performance. The game runs Swedish artist and organ- real climax. Almost every sin- have used a fantasy theme, not Night poorly on consoles and PCs. ist Anna von Hausswolff un- gle instrument sounds in the unlike Dungeons and Dragons, Despite its many technical right place, and the progres- By Alex Milton derwent a strange progression with magical spells, dragons, shortcomings, “Kingdom Come: of genres since entering the sions on this track create a and other mythical creatures. Deliverance” provides an excel- scene, starting with a chamber compelling soundscape. “Kingdom Come: Deliver- world or completing side-quests. lent gaming experience through pop album in 2010 and devel- The crescendo of the sec- ance” takes a different ap- From the game’s first fight, its surprisingly engaging story, oping an experimental rock ond track leads to the apex of proach, telling a more grounded when the main character engag- deep combat, and unforgiving sound towards 2015. For a the album, “Ugly and Venge- story based in 15th century Bo- es in a fist fight with a local first person RPG mechanics. while, it seemed like the artist ful.” This 16-minute track fea- hemia, a relatively small-scale peasant, the depth of the combat The game’s challenging hadn’t found a comfort zone tures a fantastic progression of story of a young man trying to mechanics is apparent. combat, technical issues, and in terms of genre. elements of both drone music avenge the death of his parents Understanding the ins and strong emphasis may prevent the In her new album released and metal and merges a power- during King Sigismund’s raid outs of combat in “Kingdom game from appealing to most just last month, “Dead Mag- ful doom sound with darkwave on their village. Come: Deliverance” takes a lot people, but fans of story- ic,” Von Hausswolff incorpo- characteristics. While the game’s open- of practice, with the game’s intensive role-playing games rates a neoclassical darkwave However, after this there world map opens to the player punishing difficulty leaving lit- will have a blast with this one. sound, reminiscent of Dead are only two remaining tracks. after completion of the tutorial tle wiggle room for mistakes. “Kingdom Come: Deliver- Can Dance’s prime works. The closing tracks are more segment, the game’s emphasis The game’s world is surpris- ance” earns a 3.5 out of 5 ra- However, all the influ- subtle in sound and fail to do on the central questline and its ingly well detailed for an open- vens. ences Von Hausswolff pulls the rest of the album’s peaks unforgiving difficulty encour- world game of its size. Every- together here put a fresh new justice. Despite a closer that ages the player to focus on the thing from the depiction of Bo- spin on the genre, making leaves the listener wanting main story instead of getting hemian castles to the in-game “Dead Magic” a truly memo- more, “Dead Magic” is a hall- distracted by exploring the map that is styled after medieval rable album both in the mark of the artist’s record and artist’s discography and the of the very genre it innovates. entire genre. It is possibly the best album The album opens with released in 2018 so far. I give “The Truth, The Glow, The it 4.5 ravens out of 5. Fall,” a blissful 12-minute track that eases the listener into the resounding vocals and haunting synths that are later

NETFLIX REVIEW: ‘Jessica Jones’ S2 PUBLICITY PHOTO: ROADTOVR.COM

By Alex Milton ca to further investigate people REVIEWS EDITOR connected with the organization. While Season 2 continues to Marvel’s “Jessica Jones: provide an interesting story with ‘ready player one’ Season 2” struggles to live up to well-implemented sub-plots on the high expectations set by the addiction and PTSD, the show By Connor Keesling main cast members (Olivia somewhere in between good show’s fantastic first season. feels as if it lacks the focus of ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Cooke, Ty Sheridan, and Ben and bad. It is sad that a film But it excels at telling a compel- Season 1. David Tennant’s char- Mendelsohn) deliver good per- with so many good things ling story through well-written acter, Killgrave, gave the first “Ready Player One” is the formances, with Cooke being going for it can be shackled characters and meaningful sub- season structure through the newest film from Hollywood the standout. The visual effects with a script that constantly plots, despite its lack of a mem- creation of a memorable villain. legend Steven Spielberg and is are also top-notch, but the ef- takes you out of the film by orable villain. Season 2 feels unsure of the based on the bestselling novel fects start to wear out because trying to impress you with its Season 2 takes place not direction it wishes to go in com- of the same name. over half of the film is set with- knowledge of pop culture. long after the events of Marvel’s parison. Is it a Spielberg classic? in the entirely computer- Also T.J. Miller is super “The Defenders” with Jessica While “Jessica Jones: Sea- No, sadly it never manages to generated world of the Oasis. miscast in his role and often continuing her work at her pri- son 2” feels disappointing in soar to the heights of many of By far the worst thing about shifts the tone of his scenes in vate investigation firm, Alias comparison to the previous Spielberg’s other films. the movie is its writing. It is so a way that hurts the movie’s Investigations. She began to season, the show continues to This film is a mixed bag, incessant on shoving pop cul- overall tone. receive much more attention excel at telling a meaningful so let’s start with what ture references down your throat I’m giving “Ready Player after stories of her superhuman story through its returning cast worked. Spielberg is still very in just about every other line. It One” 3 ravens out of 5. The strength spread across New of great characters. Despite its much on top of his game, and gets old after the second time film is rated PG-13. York City. flaws, fans of Season 1 will that saves the movie from be- they do it, then you realize there In the first episode, Jessica likely find plenty to enjoy in ing really bad. He is not the are two more hours left. receives a case from a man with Season 2. only thing that warrants Over all, “Ready Player superhuman speed. He gained I give this series 3.5 ravens praise, though. All three of the One” is a movie that finds itself his powers from the same mys- out of 5. terious organization that gave Jessica her abilities after the fatal car crash that killed the rest of her family. This sparks Jessi- ALBUM REVIEW: XXXTENTACION’s ‘?’ By Quinten Nokes lude),” “Smash!,” “I Don’t Even songs. The song starts with a STAFF WRITER Speak Spanish LOL,” kind of sad beat, then he repeats “Changes,” “Hope,” “Schizo- the chorus. Quizzically titled “?,” the phrenia,” and “Before I Close “Changes” — This song was latest album made by My Eyes.” also released before the album, XXXTentacion was released on On this album, X switched and it is another of the best March 16 and debuted at No. 1 up and started making songs tracks. This one does not have on the Billboard 200. like “Sad!” and “Changes.” such a sad vibe to it. It’s pretty Tracks include: “Introduc- These are very emotional songs, much the same as “Sad!,” just a tion (Instructions),” “Alone, and they are two of the best in little happier. Part 3,” “Moonlight,” “Sad!,” the album. They are also the Overall, this album is pretty “The Remedy for a Broken most popular. good. I give it 4 ravens out of 5. Heart,” “Floor 555,” “NUMB,” “Sad!” — Released before “Infinity (888),” “Going the album, this is definitely one Krysten Ritter reprises her role as the superhuman private detective: Down!,” “Pain = Best Friend,” of my (and others’) favorites, as Jessica Jones. PUBLICITY PHOTO: NETFLIX “$$$,” “Love Yourself (Inter- it was one of his most viewed

THE COMMONS Thursday, April 19, 2018 Llamapalooza is almost here! On Saturday, April 28, FEATURES 14 student bands will perform starting at 6:30pm … 6

State Science Fair held on April 6 s

By Brady Heinig next level of competition. hours wasn’t a blast, but the 2018 ISAS ARTS FESTIVAL STAFF WRITER The State Science Fair was time was filled with judges held again in Ada, Oklahoma at coming by to talk about my Earlier this year, many of East Central University on April project and others talking about our students participated in the 6, and Oklahoma’ brightest their own experiments. Riverfield Science Fair, and minds showed up and delivered. There were many students Middle and Upper Schoolers Students from around the from the Tulsa area, but I was researched and experimented state came to the Fair and surprised to see so many kids their way to amazing boards. brought projects that they had from small towns in Oklahoma Brenden Paul won the fair, been working on for months. I who had really good projects. but many Ravens advanced to had the opportunity to attend, This is the second straight the regional Fair. Riverfield and I was able to take in some of year Riverfield has sent kids to claimed many awards and the incredible projects that were the State Science Fair, and recognition, and again a few of there. hopefully that streak will con- our students moved on to the Standing up for four straight tinue in years to come. Requiem for Stephen hawking

By Kip Derryberry origin of the universe, and he Hawking’s book, “A Brief STAFF WRITER answered questions that per- History of Time,” is his mag- plexed other scientists. For in- num opus. It explains prob- On March 14 of this year, stance, he showed that black lems of astrophysics to people the world lost Stephen Hawk- holes are not completely devoid outside that field. He intro- ing, a legend in every sense of of any sort of energy. Rather, duced his discoveries as a the word. they emit subatomic particles physicist and used the con- In terms of influence, known as Hawking radiation. cepts he developed to tackle Hawking had it all: famed the- This was later proven. questions that other scientists oretical physicist, ALS fighter, Since black holes trap light had difficulty answering. and an icon in everything he in their gravity, they cannot be He left in his wake many stood for. Due to his sharp measured directly. So they have answers and concepts that intellect combined with wit to be measured by these parti- substantially advanced the and a sense of humor, Hawk- cles affected directly by the human understanding of phys- ing became a beloved figure black hole. Hawking was the ics. He was an astounding not only in his own communi- one who discovered these parti- figure in both mind and per- ty of scientists but also in the cles, and thanks to him, we now sonality. There are still many world at large. are able to study black holes and questions, but Hawking’s re- In major ways, Hawking how they played a role in the search took our understanding contributed to the theory of the creation of the universe. of the universe to new heights.

During April 12 through 14, Riverfield Upper School students showed off their talents and skills at the ISAS Arts Festival, held at Hockaday School in Dallas. PHOTOS BY ISAIAH WEAVER 2018 Mustang GT

I was recently given an mission that has been CO- opportunity to drive a 2018 BUILT by GM and Ford. SYLVIA RIVERA, a pioneer in Mustang GT Premium Perfor- TEST That’s right, Ford and General mance Pack courtesy of Bob Motors have put their brains Hurley Ford. Here are my im- DRIVE together to produce a transmis- the lGbt rights movement pressions. sion that is ever so perfect. It For 2018, the Mustang By Grant Heinig finds its way into many Chev- received a somewhat contro- rolet and Cadillac vehicles and On June 28, 1969, police versial redesign to the front lots of Ford Performance vehi- raided the Stonewall Inn just THE end. A softer front fascia and a happened under the bodywork, cles as well. Shifts are rapid as they had other gay bars in more squinty headlight look however. No longer does the and virtually unnoticeable New York City. The people in wonder sent some customers scram- Mustang trail in power to its even at full throttle. the Stonewall Inn fought back, bling away. closest competitor, the Chevro- The Mustang GT also re- one of the leaders being a Ven- women Ford was following a mod- let Camaro. ceived some small chassis ezuelan-Puerto Rican By Alexis Lipe ern car company trend of a Now putting down 460 tweaks and suspension re- transgender woman who common front end style across horsepower, the Mustang feels working to make it more stiff would go on to become a pio- the model range. The new faster in the higher RPM range. to handle corners better. neer in the LGBT rights move- transgender women they Mustang shares a similar head- Gobs of torque in the mid-range It is too soon to reach a ment. She was Sylvia Rivera. housed in a trailer. STAR light design with the Taurus make it readily usable on the proper verdict on whether to Sylvia was born Ray Rive- members, especially Sylvia and a front grill with the base street. love or hate the new design of ra in New York in 1951, and and Marsha, worked more and model focus, albeit a bit more Arguably the most consider- the 2018 Mustang, but one test when she was just three, her more so they could fund the aggressive. able improvement for this year drive reveals the excellent mother committed suicide. STAR house. The significant redesign is the 10-speed automatic trans- grand tourer it is. Young Sylvia was sent to It was at a transgender live with many different peo- house in Brooklyn that Sylvia ple, all of whom abused her. met her long-term partner, At only 11, Sylvia ran away, Julia Murray, also a 2018 mustang GT becoming a sex worker to transgender woman. Sylvia Specifications make money. She changed her helped Julia work through a name to Sylvia while a teenag- mental health crisis, while POWER 460 hp er. Julia helped Sylvia end her

TORQUE 420 lb.-ft. Sylvia was a founding use of drugs and alcohol. member of STAR (Street Sylvia Rivera died at the 0-60 3.9 seconds Transvestite Action Revolu- age of 50 in 2002 of liver can- ENGINE 5.0 L V8 tionaries), an organization fo- cer with Julia at her side. She

TRANS 10-speed automatic cused on helping homeless fought tirelessly for LGBT transgender women. At one rights, even after being abused MPG 21 mpg combined point, she and contemporary and thrown in jail. It never CURB WEIGHT 3,705 lbs. Marsha Johnson worked as occurred to Sylvia to give up,

PRICE AS TESTED $39,717 prostitutes to support the al- because she had to fight just to The iconic Mustang has been redesigned for 2018, and the changes are most two dozen homeless, be herself. impressive. PHOTO BY GRANT HEINIG