April 10, 2015 Print Edition by ORU Oracle

Oral Roberts University · April 10, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 49, No. 13 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports

RETURNING TO THE BIG TENT Tent meetings commemorate 80th anniversary of founder’s healing from tuberculosis PAGES 10-11

SA Announces Presidential Candidates Sophomore media major to take on Junior marketing major for top spot. PAGE 3

Dancing Home University to pay final tribute to Dance Director Amy McIntosh after battle with cancer. PAGE 7

Looking Elsewhere Men’s basketball parts ways with seven players. PAGE 13

Address 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74171 Web www.oruoracle.com Phone (918) 495-7080 Email oracle@oru.edu The Oracle is the premier student news media organization of Oral Roberts University. Our mission is to serve the ORU community with accurate and relevant media content, integrity, creativity and a focus on continual improvement.

Faculty Advisers Jonathan Cyprowski Director of Student Media wcyprowski@oru.edu

Cristi Eschler-Freudenrich Business Services cfreudenrich@oru.edu

Editorial Kristy Sturgill Editor-in-Chief oraclechief@oru.edu

Section Editors Meghan Drake Online Editor Morgan Redding Copy Editor David Sauer Sports Brooke Thomas Features Victoria Atterberry Scene Greg Brown Muse JJ Johnson News

Reporters Madison McDaniel Staff Writer Solomon Williams Staff Writer Sierra Quant Staff Writer Parrish Purnell Jr. Staff Writer Russell Dorsey Staff Writer Ryan Woods Staff Writer Dominique Johnson Staff Writer Sydney Ilg Staff Writer Kaylin Thompson Staff Writer Alyssa Lacourse Staff Writer

Corrections

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Rachel Anderson Managing Editor oracle@oru.edu

Graphics & Photography Gerald Brown Print Production Mgr. Matthew Dean Graphic Designer Tabitha Levi Graphic Designer Audrey Gray Photography Editor Nick Conroy Photographer Joshua Carpenter Photographer Abrienne Summerer Photographer Hannah Anderson Photographer Laurie Kaneta Photographer Mike Giammarino Photographer Cassandra Van Dam Photographer Reagan Tifft Photographer

Advertising Danielle Coy Sales Mgr. Mariah Taylor Sales Rep. Alex Brandt Sales Rep. Jordan Dillard Sales Rep. Rhea Flagg Sales Rep. Nika Munoz Sales Rep. Will Paulsell Sales Rep. Hartley Royalty Sales Rep. Rachelle Rummage Sales Rep. Anthony, Sequeira Sales Rep. Cassandra Van Dam Sales Rep. Stephon Walsh Sales Rep. Sarah Yeary Sales Rep.

Applications Want to work for the Oracle? Stop by LR 175 and fill out an application. Positions include photography, graphic design, and reporting.

Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports 2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

Staff Photo

Members of the ORU Student Media team traveled to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater for the Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association conference and awards ceremony. Students attended workshop classes in the morning and the awards luncheon at noon in the OSU Ballroom. Back row from left to right: Matthew Dean, Dominique Johnson, Brooke Thomas, Rachel Anderson, Rachel Frazer, Mark Hyde. Center row: Victoria Atterberry, Kristy Sturgill, Morgan Redding, Cassandra Van Dam, Chandler Branzell, Nick Conroy. Front row: Russell Dorsey, Parrish Purnell Jr. and David Sauer.

ORU STUDENT MEDIA WINS STATE NEWSPAPER AND YEARBOOK AWARDS ORU Student Media earned top awards from the Oklahoma Collegiate Media Association last Friday at the annual conference held in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Texas Collegiate Media Association judged 17 newspaper and four yearbook categories in Division 1, the largest four-year state and private schools, Division 1A, the smaller state and private schools and two-year schools’ divisions. ORU Student Media competes in OCMA’s D1 category, which included the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. ORU earned first place in Overall Newspaper, first place in Overall Yearbook and second place in Online Newspaper. According to W. Jonathan Cyprowski, director of ORU Student Media, “We have a committed team, who tirelessly serve our readers. It’s an honor to be recognized in this way.” ORU placed in individual and team categories:

Oracle Team Awards

First Place, Interior Page Design Honorable Mention, Front Page Design Honorable Mention, Team Investigative Reporting

Perihelion Team Awards

First Place, Yearbook Content & Coverage First Place, Yearbook Layout & Design First Place, Yearbook Theme Second Place, Yearbook Photography

Individual Awards

Kristy Sturgill, First Place Feature Writing JJ Johnson, Second Place Feature Writing David Sauer, Third Place Sports Reporting Greg Brown, Second Place Columns Hannah Rundell-Weiand, First Place and Third Place, Yearbook Feature Writing Hannah Rundell-Weiand, First Place Yearbook Sports Writing JJ Johnson, First Place, General News Writing & Reporting JJ Johnson, Honorable Mention, Reporting Portfolio Madison McDaniel, Third Place, General News Writing & Reporting Mary Foley, First Place Columns Matthew Dean, First, Second & Third Place, Cartoons Russell Dorsey, Second and Third Place Yearbook Sports Reporting Caryn Renfroe, Second Place Yearbook Sports Writing Nick Conroy, First Place News Photography Kristy Sturgill, Third Place News Photography Austin St. John, Honorable Mention Feature Photography Austin St. John, Second Place Photography Portfolio Austin St. John, Honorable Mention Sports Photography Chandler Branzell, First Place Yearbook Feature Photography Chandler Branzell, First Place Yearbook Sports Photography Charis Schneider, Second Place Yearbook Feature Writing Courtney Dilley, Third Place Yearbook Feature Photography Audrey Gray, Third Place Yearbook Sports Photography Austin St. John, Second Place, Yearbook Feature Photography Austin St. John, Second Place Yearbook Sports Photography

News

SA presidential elections underway

Only two candidates on ballot

“Students should have a voice. I believe in an open SA – one that is active, transparent and accessible. Information should be readily accessible for all students about all SA department functions and events. I believe intentional openness will increase campus life involvement and provide the opportunity for our diverse student body to let their voices be heard. SA is a representative organization designed to actively serve; however, SA can only fulfill this mission by consequently showing students that their insights and perspectives are valued. My goal is to give students an active voice, allowing our student body to be truly represented within SA. The individual voices of students form the Peyton Luke foundation of my campaign – and the basis of an active, transparent and Sophomore: Media, accessible Student Association. Convergence Journalism In this light, I stand for: Effective, public meetings; clear and timely schedules; caring and understanding outreach; frequent, informative updates; wider student knowledge of, and participation in, the electoral process; and a continual “open door policy.”

“The past three years, I’ve experienced ORU from a variety of perspectives: from commuting my first year, moving on campus my second year, and becoming an RA my third year, I’ve gotten to participate with ORU’s culture in a variety of facets. I’m excited to be a student at ORU right now, especially with the recent changes regarding student life. Students are speaking up and administration is listening. I feel like, now, we need to focus on building school spirit. We are only on this campus for a few years, and we need to take every advantage of the opportunities in front of us. By rallying behind athletics, I believe this would enhance our campus experience and make us proud to have #GoldInOurVeins. We are bombarded by notifications of events via cork boards and chapel announcements, but I never remember when clubs are meeting or what time the game starts. Having an accessible calendar that’s always up-to-date and sends out push notifications when changes happen would increase attendance and create a more exciting environment. I think Student Association already has a solid team built for next year and plenty of awesome events are already planned. If elected, I would remain committed from the beginning to the end of the year to enhancing the everyday experience of students on campus.”

What happened to the running mate? Dominique Johnson Staff Writer Starting next year, the Student Association vice president position will be discontinued, the Oracle reported in February. In past years, the vice president ran day-to-day SA operations. Aaron Brown, director of Student Experience, said the vice president role will no longer be necessary due to changes in SA’s leadership structure. The SA executive team will operate under a “flattened hierarchy.” This means each team member will have the same amount of authority. Brown believes these changes will allow for the SA executive team members to manage their own departments more efficiently and eliminate the need for a vice president. The changes to SA’s structure came after students shared their opinion on the matter. “In May 2012, SA members began telling me, ‘What we’d really like is a flattened system instead of a hierarchy,” said Brown. Brown spoke highly of David Grabovenko’s performance as the current SA vice president. Grabovenko serves as the last vice president for SA under the current organizational structure. The duties of the vice president will be absorbed by the executive team. This student body, along with the SA president, plans on organizing around 60 events in the next two semesters.

How do I vote for a candidate? Nathan Roberts Junior: Marketing

Presidential debates between candidates Nathan Roberts and Peyton Luke will take place Tuesday, April 14 at 9 p.m. in Zoppelt Auditorium. Students can vote for a candidate Wednesday through Thursday, April 15 and 16 by logging onto vision.oru. edu with your Z number.

Design by Tabitha Levi

THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 3

Next semester to see no curfew, open dorms I.D. cards, extra video survelliance to join changes Brooke Thomas

overemphasized that our entire community shares in campus safety responsibilities.” Guajardo said these changes that discard or Last week, administration announced sweeping modify campus policies that go back 49 years were reforms. Next fall, there will be no curfew for largely due to student opinions. sophomores, juniors and seniors, abolishing a tenet “It starts with us listening to our student body and of student life since the founding of the university. listening to their concerns, their likes, their dislikes and The change will be accompanied by increased video ideas,” he said. “We always want [the students] to feel surveillance and security. like they are a stakeholder, to feel like [administration] Next year will also introduce a 15 percent cost decrease for double occupancy rooms. Co-ed residence is listening to [the students]. We really feel these are great changes for our student body, and we really feel hall visitation will occur more regularly throughout that we have some great young people here.” the semester on weeknights. Administration asked specific student leadership Dr. Daniel Guajardo, Dean of Student Life, said groups for suggestions, held focus groups and there will likely be different I.D.’s for freshman and eventually asked each residential floor three questions: upperclassmen. Director of Security Gerald Isaacs What do you like or enjoy about campus life? What said extra security cameras will be implemented this can we improve on? What suggestions or ideas do you summer to keep campus safe. have that could make campus life better? “We will be using more and more technology to The common suggestions were then evaluated by better accomplish our mission,” said Isaacs. “As for this summer we are focusing on adding additional lighting the student life staff and presented to the president, the president’s cabinet and board of trustees. and video surveillance across campus. It can’t be Features Editor

“What we in student life are trying to promote is purpose and experience with the students, the purpose being the mission and vision of ORU’s core values… and trying to put a positive experience in their hands,” Guajardo said. Although the changes are definite, the way in which they may be implemented is still somewhat undecided and is awaiting confirmation. What is not uncertain is the focus on personal responsibility that comes with the campus changes. Whether it’s the elimination of curfew or opportunities for co-ed visitation during the week, administration is putting emphasis on accountability. “This is freedom with responsibility. This is a process where our students are learning to become who they are going to be as adults and what they believe in,” said Guajardo. “We certainly want to not just help them along their journey, but we also need to give them responsibilities along their journey to help them become who God wants them to be—to hear God’s voice and change their world.”

Apple co-founder talks robots, happiness formula Sierra Quant

out about it.” Wozniak did not partner with Steve Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Jobs in 1976 to make a profit. A larger Computer Inc., discussed an array of vision was at stake. topics ranging from his personal journey “I did not design a computer thinkin engineering to the future of electron- ing I’ll start a company. I designed ics at the Tulsa Business Speaker Forum a computer because we were talking Tuesday. about a revolution,” he said. “A revoluHis road to success started with tion where people were going to comhumble beginnings. He began studying municate like never before—educate electronics in elementary school. Pamlike never before.” phlets, articles and experiments sparked Apple Computer Inc. grew to his engineering curiosity. stunning success. Wozniak felt conflictWozniak devoted himself to studyed with the amount of wealth he was ing and improving. He would often accumulating. He recognized products spend weekends pouring over textwere completed with the help of a team. books in college. His understanding Wozniak wanted to give back to others of technical processes grew, working at the company, and donated $20 milfor Hewlett-Packard Company before lion of his own stock to others. his transition to Apple Computer Inc. The man who helped shape the Wozniak produced the Apple I comcomputer revolution, created a personal puter in 1976. formula for happiness. “I developed my computer and gave “H= s-f. Or happiness equals smiles, it away for free at first. The Apple I, minus frowns,” Wozniak said. “The Apple doesn’t even own the design,” only thing that makes me frown a lot Wozniak said. “It was part of the public is when computer stuff doesn’t work domain before Steve Jobs even found right.” Contributing Writer

4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

Photo by Reagen Tifft

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, talks to Oklahoma State University and ORU students in a Q&A forum hosted by OSU at the Mabee Center. Wozniak spent part of his career building up the next generation of engineers, helping students find inspiration to study electronics. He taught young students for eight years. New technology may be developed in the future, but Wozniak expressed concern for the capability of artificial intelligence. Wozniak noted robots have already started replacing human jobs like some airline clerks. “Smarter people of the world like

Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX are saying we have to be careful—this [artificial intelligence] is the biggest danger mankind has,” said Wozniak. “And we’ve got to be careful to evolve technology in ways that will be caring and treating only as a servant to humans, an assistant to us, not as a master.” He noted humans, and not computers, have the ability to learn.

Students respond: ‘Great politics, bad morals’ Sydney Ilg Staff Writer

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is the first Republican candidate to announce his intent to run for president of the United States, and he did so at a mandatory meeting at the largest private Christian university in the world - Liberty University. “It is the time for truth. It is the time for liberty. It is the time to reclaim the Constitution of the United States,” Cruz said to thousands of college students. “Imagine millions of young people coming together and standing together, saying, ‘We will stand for liberty.’” His first announcement occurred on Twitter shortly after 11 p.m. on March 22. The following day, Cruz made his announcement to nearly 11,000 students at Liberty. Some controversy has arisen regarding the honesty surrounding the announcement. Students are required to attend the school’s weekly convoca-

tion meetings, and many protested the illusion of massive support for Cruz. Students who chose not to attend the event, which took place during weekly convocation, faced a $10 fine. Student Jessica Cramer wrote in a Facebook post that Sen. Cruz’ s “choice to announce his 2016 presidential bid at convocation at Liberty University is a starkly deceptive one.” Hundreds of similar messages were posted on social media, but other students defended Cruz’ decision to make his in-person announcement to the student body. “[This is] about him abusing the system in place at Liberty to make himself seem more popular than he is. Great politics, bad morals,” Christopher Thomas Witting wrote. Though students expressed both their disdain and support for Cruz’ announcement, Liberty President, Jerry Falwell Jr. responded separately. “Convocation speakers do not all line up with traditional Evangelical

Courtesy photo

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz delivers his first speech as a presidential candidate to 11,000 students who were required to attend at Liberty University. Christian viewpoints or even Liberty University’s doctrinal statement,” he said. “A fundamental part of the college experience is being exposed to a variety of viewpoints so students can better understand why they hold their own beliefs and be better prepared to

defend them.” Cruz’ first speech as a candidate addressed reigniting the promise of America, and standing together to “get back the principles that made this country great.”

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THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 5

HPE professor, alumnae deported from USA Madison McDaniel Staff Writer

Twelve years ago Deborah Skinstad left South Africa with two bags, two suitcases and $2,000 in her pocket. Now, after temporary residence in the United States, Skinstad’s Visa is calling it quits and forcing her to fight for permanent residency or leave the U.S. In 2004, Skinstad came to ORU on a full-ride tennis scholarship from South Africa. In 2009, she graduated with her masters from ORU, and then took a job working for ORU. Skinstad’s visa expires Aug. 8. Following the hooding ceremony and graduation this spring, ORU will no longer claim Skinstad as a faculty member. To be able to stay in the U.S., Skinstad must have a employer sponsorship to continue her visa. Without this sponsorship from ORU, Skinstad will be forced to return to South Africa. “I knew there could be a possibility just with the immigration regulations as they currently stand, and obviously there is a timeline involved with visas, so I knew there was an expiration date,” Skinstad said. “Did I know that it would actually come to this particular end? Not in your life. Because there is an option with that particular visa to extend it, but with no sponsor, I can’t.” Skinstad has been advised to go back to South Africa by attorneys. “The trouble is, I left South Africa 12 years ago, I don’t have a home to return to,” she said. Skinstad has been accepted into a program in England to study and finish research in sports medicine and performance nutrition. Most of Skinstad’s family lives in England, yet the process to obtain residency in the U.K. is just as tedious. In order to obtain a visa to enter England, she will have to pay the first full year of tuition and show the financial stability to stay in the country as an international. The exchange rate with England is $1.49 for every American dollar. “It’s a very competitive degree,” Skinstad said. “The mere fact that I was offered a place to study was huge. I just don’t have the finances. It’s going to cost me at least $33,000.” Skinstad has been fixed in Tulsa since 2004, but she has prepared herself for a culture shock wherever she may end up. “I’m up for the adventure,” Skinstad said. “I just wish at 32 I would have a little bit more sense of security. Being in the states by myself all these years, no family, but, hey, that always gives one resilience. I’m always keen, up for a challenge. I 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

Photo by David Sauer

Adjunct instructor Deborah Skinstad teaches Joshua Gallego a one-handed backhand during her 8:50 a.m. badminton class. A”Indiegogo life” account has been set up to help her reach her home. would just like to know on an immigration front what America is going to do to curb this issue.” The “brain drain” has become a concern, according to Skinstad. Students from different countries like India and China are learning at U.S. universities on scholarship, and the government is doing little to keep them here to use their education to further the economy and American industry. “We experience brain drain from third world countries losing our cream of the crop. America, if it doesn’t fix its immigration and start from the ground up, starting with the minority groups, which would be the legal, educated immigrant, then I don’t even know what to say,” she said. To advance President Wilson’s globalization vision, Skinstad believes the visionaries of the university and the human resources department need to be on the same page. “If Dr. Wilson has high hopes of global learning centers and things like that, which I think is great, we’re going to have a cream of the crop thrust coming through this place,” Skinstad said. “And if they are battling with little idiosyncrasies of taking care of one of their own faculty members, a former student, let’s just say I wouldn’t want there to be a backlash.” Skinstad is taken aback by the way immigration is set up to almost, by default, place status such as hers in the same category as illegals.

“So 12 years I’m known as temporary. Dictionary definition doesn’t even describe that as a temporary status,” Skinstad said. “So if I were to apply for a green card, which I can’t self-petition in any way, an employer would have to offer me a position, sponsor a green card, after I’ve been on the green card for five more years, then I can apply for naturalization. Then after 17 years I can say ‘Hey, I want to be an American citizen.’” Skinstad leaves the international office and its students with the advisement of being aware from the beginning of their education in the states. “Before an international student comes to this particular university, they need to be schooled thoroughly, not in a pessimistic way, but what is black and white,” Skinstad said. Despite her departure, Skinstad does find joy in the years she has spent in the U.S. and at ORU. Her fondest memories are found in the hospitality of America and her students. “They’re the reason I come to work every day,” Skinstad said. “I’m up at 5 a.m. every morning, passionate about their health and wellness. Just seeing people sit in that chair with tears in their eyes and tell me how their lives have changed on their health aspect and thanking me for my contribution. It’s a small contribution, but, nonetheless, it’s why I come to work every day.” “I came here and I stayed,” Skinstad said. “And if it wasn’t for ORU, I don’t know where I’d be.”

FEATURES

Gone too soon: Dance director passes in Missouri. While in New York, she studied extensively with artists Risa Sternberg and Jose Limón. After working for five years at Belhaven, McIntosh “The zest of life that exuded from her could match moved with her husband to Tulsa, where she served as an adjunct professor at TU for a year before becoming no other.” “You taught me the great value in living vulnerably director of Living Water Dance Company. She eventually began teaching at ORU. and authentically.” “She tried very hard to bring a balance in the way “So wise, so strong, so beautiful. students saw their body and saw their craft,” Holland Messages litter Amy McIntosh’s Facebook said. “She cared deeply for students.” page; messages of sorrow, rememHer deep care flowed beyond the brance, hope for the future and dance studio into every area of her gratitude. A candle seemingly life. snuffed out before her time, “I am sold out to the Whole McIntosh lost her batPerson vision of ORU,” she tle with cancer Friday, wrote in her bio. “What does April 3. She died in marriage and being a mom her recliner at home have to do with dance? surrounded by dancers, Everything when we are her family and dearest whole persons.” friends. She leaves beHer dance reflected her hind a husband Jacob awe and love of Christ; and her two children, her attitude was bold and Morgan, 8, and Jusbrave. She encouraged, tice, 4. She was 37. challenged and uplifted, “Amy was like a reminding her students their daughter to me,” said bodies and abilities were more Chair of the ORU than a gift from God. Her Communication Arts and motto was “ride the beast,” and Media Department, Laura into her last days on Earth, she did Holland. McIntosh touched just that. countless lives with her kindness Presently, the dance program is seeking and authenticity and became family a professor to fill McIntosh’s shoes. to dance students across campus. “Amy was brilliant, and I would love to pay attenThe ORU Dance Program as ORU knows it would tion to that legacy,” Holland said. not exist today if it weren’t for McIntosh. If it wasn’t The messages that flood McIntosh’s Facebook and for her, a Dance Degree might not exist. If it wasn’t for McIntosh, a key part of worship as a whole person messages from students speak eloquently and lovingly of a beautiful soul seemingly taken before her time. would be lost. “It’s a great loss,” Holland said. “I’ve lived long “She made me rethink what dancing meant to me. enough to know that God has a reason. I can’t ever Because of her I think of dancing as being more of a venture to say why, but it will be clear. The more we gift given by God and something that I do for him [rather] than for the people in the audience watching walk this out, it will be clear.” “I am haunted by the question of whether heaven me,” said Emerald Dean. “She made me want to be as really refers only to the after life… Heaven and Earth genuine as her.” are designed to overlap and interlock,” McIntosh Before coming to ORU, McIntosh was the tenwrote in her last performance program, a seemingly ured associate chair of dance at Belhaven University goodbye whisper to a world she loved so well. in Jackson, Mississippi. Before teaching, McIntosh A full funeral service for Amy McIntosh will take received her MFA in Dance Performance and Choplace in Howard Auditorium April 15 at 1 p.m. reography from the State University of New York in Brockport and BFA in Dance from Stephens College Sydney Ilg Staff Writer

What’s Happening?

Forever a family. Thank you Amy for pouring your wisdom, heart, and spirit into our lives and teaching us to love one another. Such a precious gift. Elena Ottaviano A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. See you soon Amy. Kaleigh Noelle Sosebee This weekend we lost a true visionary. Ms Amy McIntosh was a creator, a mentor and a friend. Stephanie Lynn Clark Such brightness. Such goodness. Such life. More than movement, you gave me character. More than academia, you gave me depth. Rachel Akers Thank you for showing me love in the ways that you did. Through dance, through faith, and just through your presence in a room. Jacquelyn Bernard Amy McIntosh once told me that being a good dancer meant being able to do whatever you were being asked to do in that moment. That has become my goal not just in art, but in life. Alli Beams Leatherman Your depth of beauty was so unique and will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything, Amy McIntosh. Brianna Crisler Paduganan THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 7

Bridging the gap between prayer and practice Speaker discusses spirituality, health, wellness

Courtesy Photo

Dr. Candy Gunther Brown spoke during the Monday session of the Celebration of Healing event hosted by ORU. Madison McDaniel Staff Writer

Today culminates the Celebration of Healing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of ORU founder Oral Roberts being healed from tuberculosis. Dr. Candy Gunther Brown presented on the topics of medical documentation and the challenges of alternative and integral medicine, expressing that medicine and Christian faith are not in conflict. Brown is currently a professor of religious studies at Indiana University. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. from Harvard University and has authored several books on science, healing and prayer. Brown spoke during the academic portion of the conference Monday and Tuesday. She addressed two focuses of her expertise, the first of which includes the history of relationship between Christian prayer practices and medicine. “Over time there has been some efforts to show that prayer benefits health,” Brown said. “Medicine and prayer don’t have to be in conflict.” According to Brown, a gap has been bridged between Christian prayer and practices. Taking a look at the medical side of Christianity, Brown collects before-and-after medical records to further develop her research of healing in Christianity. This allows her 8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

to explain the values and limitations of using medical science for a lens of what really happens when people pray for healing. “Christians navigate this whole new world of complete or integral medicine,” Brown said, speaking of the various avenues of spiritual exploration. She explains this is due to a misunderstanding. “Sometimes there are ideas of spiritual energy rooted in different religions like Buddhism and Hinduism,” Brown said. Through her studies, Brown has recognized mindfulness, meditation and yoga as facets of spiritual energy that have become challenges for Christians. When it comes to the health and awareness of younger generations, Brown believes that age has no limit on education. “A lot of times, people in college may assume, [but] it really isn’t something you can put on the back shelf,” Brown said. “There are a lot of college students already suffering. Just to be alive in our culture at whatever age, it is important to be able to navigate what works and why is it that various treatments work. It’s never too soon to ask this question.” Brown believes that it is imperative for young Christians to develop a sense of understanding through asking questions about the implications of what is being experimented and how it will affect their religion. She explains that fully understanding the implications of something such as yoga and thinking that relabeling it as “Christian” has not taken away from its original root of practice and purpose. Yoga in particular has become an acceptable trend even for Christians. “What does it mean to Christianize yoga? Is it enough to re-label it Christian? Protestants tend to think it’s what we believe and what we say and confess with your mouth. It’s what you do with your body that puts you in direct contact with the sacred or divine. It’s not a practice of physical fitness but with your mind,” Brown said. Brown ultimately believes the health of all people, whether or not they are Christian, can be established through understanding the spirit of what activity is being practiced. “The starting point is to really understand cultural associations of a practice. Is there something religious here?” Brown said. “What would it look like to remove the religion? Or is it just acceptable to eat healthy and exercise without taking on the trendy fad of the time?” Brown has authored several books on healing and medicine. Her most recent are “Testing Prayer: Science and Healing” and “The Healing Gods: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Christian America.”

“What does it mean to Christianize yoga? Is it enough to re-label it Christian?” -Dr. Candy Brown

#Flashback Friday $10,000 Computer Morgan Redding Staff Writer

It’s tough to imagine college without computers. They are a common item, sitting on majority of desks across campus. In 1985, the purchase of a computer for Student Association made the headlines in the Oracle. In early April of 1985, a computer system was installed in the office of SA. The system’s estimated cost was $10,000. The computer was used for accounting purposes. Students were also given the opportunity to type papers on the new machine. “Another idea, proposed by Executive Vice President Scott Prough, is the use of a word processing lab. This program will be offered to students for typing term papers and assignments at a proposed fee of $1.50 a page, according to Smith. He hopes to have that service fully implemented next fall.” The past article goes on to explain that there was some opposition to buying the computer. “That was mostly because a lot of people have never used a computer and they weren’t sure if it would be efficient and productive.” Now, majority of students have computers shoved in their backpacks and sitting in their dorm rooms. Looks like they will be typing their papers for free.

THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 9

Celebration of Healing: Tent crusades span 80 years Kristy Sturgill and Rachel Anderson Editor-in-chief and Managing Editor

With only 35 cents, Oral Robert’s family made a long commute to Ada, Oklahoma. Evangelist George Moncey was preaching and healing at a large tent crusade. It was there Oral Roberts was healed of his soon-to-be terminal case of tuberculosis in 1935. Eighty years later ORU is hosting a “Celebration of Healing,” a healing crusade and academic conference, to honor the healing of the university founder. “About 11 o’clock at night, my turn came in the prayer line,” Roberts wrote in his book “The Ultimate Voice.” “Momma and Papa helped me up and almost carried me to Brother Moncey because I was so weak. His prayer for me may have lasted 10 seconds… but it was powerful.” This tent crusade experience greatly influenced Roberts at a young age and inspired him to begin his own tent ministry. His church ministry was in Enid, Oklahoma where he knew most of the people in the community and where he thought it would be most difficult to reach people. “Some of the brethren, however, thought I should hold a larger healing service outside, where I was not known,” he wrote. “I told them, no, I’m going to hold it in Enid where everybody knows me and where it will be the hardest.” Roberts considered the event

successful: the offering covered the rent, 1,000 people attended, and at least one person was healed. Roberts then took a nine-week crusade through Tulsa and had one visit in Nowata, Oklahoma. “One of the things I noticed immediately was that my ministry seemed to be blotting out denominational barriers, color lines and disunity,” wrote Roberts. Before starting his tent ministry, Roberts described himself feeling like a racehorse waiting at the starting gate. During his first healing crusade, Roberts was shot at, but the bullet missed, ripping through the tent just above his head. This shooting brought press to his mission and helped launch his name into the public sphere. The auditoriums Roberts used for his healing crusades quickly became obsolete and he remembered the tent where he was healed. He purchased a tent, semitrailer, chairs,

a piano and equipment and began traveling. His crusades brought in thousands of people looking to hear about Jesus or receive healing. “The crowds continued to grow. I traded in the 3,000-seat tent for a bigger tent. Through the years, the tents grew larger and larger until eventually we had a tent that seated 12,000,” he wrote. The tent was the largest of its kind and could weather winds up to 100 mph. Fast forward to a “Celebration of Healing”, where it took a dozen volunteers and three days to assemble the tent next to the Praying Hands.

21st Century Tents The new tent weighs 20,000 pounds, and was made specifically for the event at 100 feet by 200 feet. It can seat 3,000 people. The tent was made and transported to ORU by Christ is the Answer, a tent crusade organization that has been traveling the world for 40 years. Christ is the Answer started the ministry shortly after Roberts launched the university. Christ is the Answer currently has tent ministry in 14 different countries. “There are people who will come to a tent ministry that will never step foot into a church building,” said Lens Kel-

ley a member of Christ is the Answer. Bill Meyer, a leader at Christ is the Answer, hopes to find another place to continue the tent ministry in Tulsa after the healing crusade finishes on campus. He ultimately hopes to find people willing to start a tent ministry. His vision is to launch 10 different teams in the U.S. “We really believe the time is right in America for a moral awakening, a moral revolution. Most of today’s ministry is behind closed doors, but most of Jesus’ ministry was on highways and byways,” said Meyer. “Standing on the street corners works. Otherwise there would not be lady liberties selling tax services and people in chicken suits encouraging passersby where to eat lunch. We need to be willing to stand on the street corners holding a Bible and offering a smile.” A Celebration of Healing Many speakers traveled to ORU to present at the Celebration of Healing academic conference this week to bridge the university’s past with the vision

for a global future. The speakers included Candy Gunther Brown, Don Colbert, Kate Bowler, Craig Keener and John Crouch. Each of these noteworthy speakers presented on the different aspects of healing and how it can be applied to everyday life as a believer. As part of the main session on Monday, Bowler reminded audience members of God’s promises of healing and prosperity whereas Colbert provided evidence for integrating faith, prayer and science for healing during the Tuesday session. Wednesday marked the start of the actual healing crusade. Chapel was held as normal in Christ Chapel, but later on at 7 p.m. the “Tent Revival Celebration” took place under the tent by the Praying Hands. “I think it was more personal since we were all closer together its environment that creates an atmosphere of glory,” said Kennia Melendez, junior nursing major. “I was very intimate and very real to be in the tent while the breeze was blowing,” said Christy Kaneta, Freshman graphic design major. Pastor Jentezen Franklin held the Thursday tent service, and President Wilson will end the event today during the regular chapel service, which is held in the tent.

Clockwise From Bottom Left: President William M. Wilson, Oral Roberts speaking at the first ORU Chapel, Oral Roberts lays hands on a member of the miltary, Jentezen Franklin, Oral Roberts, The crowd listens to a healing message at the Wednesday night service, Paul Daugherty, Oral Roberts and the Board of Regents, Marilyn Hickey, students were able to experience tent worship in the tent meeting setting, Judith MacNutt was scheduled, but unable to attend, and Alumni Don Colbert.

Celebration of Healing: Tent crusades span 80 years Kristy Sturgill and Rachel Anderson Editor-in-chief and Managing Editor

12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

@oruoraclesports SPORTS Five players to leave men’s basketball team David Sauer Sports Editor

Korey Billbury, Bobby Word, Jabbar Singleton, Dederick Lee and Drew Wilson will not return to the ORU basketball team next season. Billbury was suspended by Coach Scott Sutton on Feb. 25. He missed the last six games of the season, including the Summit League Tournament. “Both parties, Korey and my staff and I, felt it would probably be best for Korey to look elsewhere,” Sutton said. When asked if he would have brought Billbury back had he wanted to return, Sutton said, “probably not.” “I loved my time at ORU,” Billbury said. “I played under a tremendous staff who I consider family now. I thank Coach Sutton and the rest of the coaches for molding me into the man I’m maturing to be.” Word saw an increased role in Billbury’s absence, but still decided to leave. Word was the sixth man before starting the final six games. “I think the only one that I was a little bit surprised about was Bobby. I think he was probably frustrated through most of this year with his role,” Sutton said. “When Korey got suspended, obviously his minutes went

Dederick Lee Guard

Jabbar Singleton Guard

Korey Billbury Guard

up, and I thought Bobby played really well. He was the only one that I was a little unsure what he was thinking.” Singleton, a New Orleans native, played in all but one game this season. He averaged 12.4 minutes in 2014-15, but his role was limited by the emergence of transfer Aaron Young. “I’m a family guy, and I basically wanted to be closer to home,” Singleton said. “I felt like I needed to be more involved with my family.” Lee was expected to come in and be successful, but never had a significant role with the team.

“Sometimes things don’t work out. Sometimes you can recruit a kid a lot, and see him play a lot and get him on campus, and for whatever reason, it doesn’t work,” Sutton said. “He felt like he needed to go somewhere where he could play and be a bigger part of that team.” Wilson was suspended in December for a violation of team rules and was not reinstated during the season. Sutton said there was no chance Wilson would rejoin the team next season. “He broke some rules, broke multiple rules,” Sutton said. “Drew is a good

kid, he just made some mistakes. You have a responsibility here. You’re going to represent this program and school the right way.” The graduation of Denell Henderson and Adrion Webber means the team will lose seven players in total. Sutton is confident the program can replace its losses. ORU signed four high school seniors to letters of intent in the fall, and recently received a verbal commitment from another senior. Sutton expects the new recruits to have an immediate impact on the team next season.

MVP race: Harden versus Curry Ryan Woods Sports Writer

The four-man race for NBA MVP a few weeks ago, including LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, has slowly but surely returned to the twoman race between James Harden and Stephen Curry. The deciding factor will come down to voter preference since the numbers are all but equal. What’s more impressive: the best player on the best team in the league, or the best player on the second-best team in the Western Conference? James Harden: 41 points, six rebounds and six assists. A solid week for some NBA players is just another night at the office for Harden who torched the Thunder down the stretch on Sunday in OKC. He hit shots, made key passes and forced three steals in the 115-112 victory. That’s the beauty of Harden’s season. What-

ever the Rockets need from him, they get. A tough shooting night (6-for-15 from the floor, 2-for-8 from deep) against Dallas, April 2, was offset by his usual stellar work at the free-throw line (10-for-12). He has powered his team into the No. 2 spot in the West, a seed few would have predicted for the Rockets while they were dealing with injuries to Dwight Howard and Terrence Jones. The circumstances of his success could be the tipping point for Harden in this race. He’s done outstanding work under mostly adverse conditions, and the fact shouldn’t be overlooked in an MVP race. Stephen Curry: Throughout the last decade, the media has fallen in love with the idea of the MVP being “the best player on the best team.” It’s not always technically the case. Kevin Durant’s Oklahoma City Thunder wasn’t the best team in the West last year, but it’s already become the go-to reasoning

Photos by Nick Conroy

when races get this close. Since Golden State just clinched its first division title in 39 years, the storybook ending was already planting its seed. Nothing catches the attention of fans, writers and other coaches more than one component: dramatic change. Golden State is already 10 games better than its 51 wins last year, with eight games left. The Warriors are currently on pace for a 67-15 record, which would make it extremely difficult to side against Curry come voting time. While it’s easy to suggest that Curry’s effort this season has been enhanced by the improved play of the entire group, there is no denying he makes his league-leading team go. Sure, they’d be playoff-bound without him, but his place as the star of this squad makes them favorites to win it all. THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 13

Red hot Golden Eagles rolling at midway point Russell Dorsey Staff Writer

The ORU baseball team is rolling. The Golden Eagles rallied to win 11 of their last 12 games after losing four in a row during a rough start in March. The team carried a nine-game winning streak through the first week of April and continue to play solid baseball. The Golden Eagles are getting contributions from the entire lineup and pitching staff. There is no AllStar voting or midseason game to show off the best of college baseball, but if there were, several Golden Eagles would have to make the list.

Best Reliever - Anthony Sequeira, 1B/P Sequeira has been pulling double duty this season. He has been very effective out of the bullpen while swinging a very hot bat as a mainstay in the lineup. Sequeira has been called upon to do more than expected after Nathan Garza and Kyler Stout went down to injuries. Sequeira has four saves and a 1.80 ERA with three walks and 17 strikeouts in 13 ap-

Best Offensive Player - Audie Afenir, C/1B and Anthony Sequeira, 1B/P Afenir and Sequeira have been tearing the cover off the baseball this season. The duo have become a force in the middle of the lineup and fueled ORU into first place in the Summit League. One of the two seems to be at the plate when the team needs a clutch hit. Afenir is hitting .350 on the season with nine doubles, a triple and 22 RBIs. Not to be outdone, Sequeira is hitting .360 with 10 doubles, four homeruns and a team leading 31 RBIs. “Both those guys have been a real steady influence in the middle of our lineup. We saw glimpses a year ago, of both those guys doing what they’re doing right now,” said Head Coach Ryan Folmar. “You can see them maturing, you can see them becoming more confident, and, as that confidence grows, the production goes up as well.” Best Starting Pitcher - Xavier Altamirano, P Altamirano has been lights out for the Golden Eagles. He began the season as a question mark in the starting rotation, but he has silenced his doubters. Altamirano has posted a 2.93 ERA, striking out 44 batters and walking only six. He has four separate starts with at least seven strikeouts. With starters Guillermo Trujillo and Kurt Giller also pitching well, the rotation for the Golden Eagles is solid. “I think the X-factor [coming into the season], was Xavier,” said Folmar. “He’s come in and has thrown the ball really well. He continues to improve each time out.” 14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

pearances this season. “He’s really stepped up and taken a big role in the bullpen for us,” said Folmar. Biggest Surprise - Matt Whatley, C When Logan Domenico went down with a hamstring injury, Whatley was called upon to fill the leadoff hitter role and has not disappointed. Whatley has been a catalyst since taking on a fulltime roll. The Claremore native has made a name for himself, hitting .324 with three homers and 18 RBIs. Whatley’s contributions are not limited to the plate. He has thrown out 56 percent of runners attempting to steal from behind the plate as well. “I think right now we’ve found our identity and our chemistry is starting to kick in,” said Whatley. “Hopefully that continues throughout the season. I know all the guys are behind me, and they’ve all been giving me their advice that’s been huge in my success and the team’s success.” Whatley’s success is not going unnoticed by his head coach. “Matt is one of those explosive type of players. He can do a lot of different things, and he can hit in a lot of different spots in the lineup,” said Folmer. “When Logan went down, he stepped into that lead-off role and has really taken off.” The team will begin the toughest part of its schedule with six of the next eight series on the road. The key for the Golden Eagles in their quest for a conference championship and in the postseason is the ability to stay healthy.

ORU Baseball Injury Report POS.

Photos by David Sauer and Mike Giammarino

Top: Anthony Sequeira has been a consistent bat in the lineup and a solid reliever in the bullpen. Right: Audie Afenir is fifth in the Summit League in batting average and RBIs. Bottom: Xavier Altamirano has anchored the Golden Eagles rotation this season. Left: Matt Whatley leads all Summit League freshmen in batting average, home runs, stolen bases and RBIs.

Name

Injury

Return

Logan Domenico, Sr. Hamstring 2 weeks +

Rolondo Martinez, Jr. Arm/Ankle Day-to-Day

Caden Owens, Fr.

Wrist

1-2 weeks

Nathan Garza, Sr.

Arm

2 weeks +

Kurt Giller, R Sr.

Hand

Day-To-Day

Kyler Stout, Soph.

Arm

1-2 weeks

SCENE

French musician gives masterclass for students Rachel Anderson Managing Editor

Students were recently serenaded with French melodies in a way that inspired and stirred intellectual ambition. Marcel Van Dam, an award winning French singer/songwriter gave a concert on campus for French, music and business majors and local high school students. Van Dam has traveled to schools in Germany, France, Holland and the U.S. to teach students the art of learning French with music. “I write songs to perform in schools especially to play with the French language and to make it funny and to learn stuff in a fun way. I think if you do it [teach] through music, by using the melody, you can remember it more easily than if you have only a lesson,” said Van Dam. Early exposure to music led to Van Dam’s career in music. By age 10 Marcel learned to play the guitar and joined a boy’s choir in Holland. The choir impacted him greatly. They recorded a record, performed in churches and on

television and radio shows. The experience gave Van Dam a platform to stretch his musical abilities, but school became a priority as he put music aside to finish high school, and he eventually obtained a doctorate in chemical engineering. Music remained his passion, and his career path eventually led him to a fork in the road. “I decided that I could not do both as I wanted, music and science,” Van Dam said. “So I followed my heart instead of my head.” Van Dam returned to the music scene as a 22-year-old amateur artist. “I picked up the guitar again and started singing again, writing music, writing songs,” said Van Dam. He began his music career performing his original music in bars, restaurants and other small venues. Van Dam was born in Delft, Holland and moved to Maxeville, France by the time he was 25 years old. He learned French as a third language to Dutch and English. His fresh French

Photo by Abri Summerer

Marcel Van Dam sings for French, music and business students on campus. eyes allowed him to see the complexities and beauties of the language. Van Dam began performing in schools, using music he wrote himself. He realized that he could cater to his audience better and created songs that helped teach the language in an interesting way. “French is a difficult language, but for me, as a foreigner myself, I think

there’s a lot of fun in the language,” Van Dam said. Music is more than a career for Van Dam, for he believes in the power behind music. “We are on this earth to sing. Our bodies are made for doing that,” he said. “When it comes to music I really feel it’s something we are here for.”

Not another prom: It’s banquet season Francesca L. Vazquez Staff Writer

ORU students grab your date fast because the semester is drawing to an end, and that could only mean one thing: banquet season. Traditionally, wings or floors in residence halls plan an event with dancing and food to celebrate the year. An event committee plans the event, and the ticket sales purchase everything for the evening. “Banquet is a unique opportunity to do something different than the norm of hanging out on the floor. I think students look forward to the chance to get off campus and celebrate the year together,” said Resident Adviser Joni McLeod. “Girls love banquet. The opportunity to get dressed up, take cute pictures and dance the night away is one that most girls will always take advantage of.” According to Fred Creek RA Joel Garza, banquet is an opportunity for guys to finally pursue “that special someone he’s been praying for.” It enables

guys and girls to have a good time without pressure or awkwardness. Banquet is not an ORU prom, contrary to popular belief. The dress is not black tie, corsages are unnecessary and banquet celebrates a year spent on the floor, not the few years spent in high school. A social chair for each floor typically plans the social events for the year to create community, including banquet. If not, the planning is completed by a committee of residents on the floor. Parts of the planning process include making a budget, choosing a venue, designing tickets, selecting a theme, choosing a potential DJ, picking party favors and a caterer. “Planning ‘Repulacy’ banquet has actually been easier than I expected. I’m planning it with two other girls from my floor and three guys from Republic,” said Samantha Magnaye of Legacy on Claudius 4S. “Having so many people planning it makes the process a lot more fun and productive. Our priority is having music, great food and cheap tickets.”

Miranda Bullard, social chair on Kalos, is planning an unconventional banquet theme. This year, Kalos and their brother wing, Flint, are planning a messy paint party to alleviate the formal, traditional pressure. This banquet will be complete with a water balloon and water gun fight, filled with paint instead of water. There will still be music, dancing and food, but the goal is to create a unique environment for the upper classman on the floor to enjoy themselves. Banquet serves as an exciting opportunity for students to escape the stresses of the end of the semester work load. If you are looking for a chance to celebrate the year, get dressed up or eat good food; now is the time to start investigating which wing is planning the best banquet of the Spring.

THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 15

Spring into the season at Tulsa Springfest to offer. Peek into the birdhouse decorating contest and auction inside the property’s mansion. Stop by Contributing Writer the Adopt-A-Pet van from the Tulsa Society for Roll out the picnic blankets. Unpack those ham- the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. These furry friends would like a visit, even if a dorm room can’t mocks. Spring has sprung. Tulsans can enjoy the season at the 2015 SpringFest Garden Market and be their new home. Munch on a snack from the Festival. The Tulsa Garden Center hosts this annual Melted Cheese on Friday or grab a piece of pizza event at 2435 S. Peoria Ave. Admission is free. Join from Andolini’s food truck on Saturday. The Tulsa Master Gardeners and the Linnaethe fun April 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. us Gardeners can assist visitors with creating an The festival offers a variety of activities for those enchanting garden. The Linneaus Teaching Garden with a green thumb, and those without. Over 40 features pass-along plants. Professionals will answer vendors will be present. Plants, garden art, jewelry, home décor and other treasures will be available for gardening questions and give advice. Local nurseries purchase. Check out J &B Jewelry, Mud and Metal, will sell popular Oklahoma plants as well. Adults are not the only ones who can enjoy the and The Ugly Mug Mobile Ceramic Studio, to name festivities. A children’s area featuring garden activa few. ities and face painting will be available to entertain Mike Blake, the Education and Marketing Manager at the Tulsa Garden Center, described how the little ones. The Tulsa City/County Library Reading Van will also make an appearance. guests may find unexpected surprises. If it rains, grab an umbrella and rain boots “We are offering the opportunity to ride around on because the event will go on even if the weather a Segway, for a fee,” said Blake. Take advantage of this new activity at the festi- doesn’t cooperate. Proceeds from the festival benefit val. Roam the property on a Segway, 20 minutes for the Tulsa Garden Center educational programs. Invite a friend or make a floor event to enjoy the 2015 $20. Spend an afternoon enjoying all the festival has SpringFest Garden Market and Festival. Sierra Quant

Highlights • • • • • • •

Face painting for children Library reading by the Tulsa City Library Adopt-A-Pet drive Birdhouse decorating Segway rides for $20 Birdhouse decorating contest Food vendors

Photo by Kristy Sturgill

Kendrick Lamar’s new album hits home Russell Dorsey Staff Writer

Rapper Kendrick Lamar recently released his second album, “To Pimp a Butterfly,” back on March 16. The album gets back to the grassroots of music featuring a jazz/soul feel. The album also discusses issues that are pertinent in the African-American community like struggle and identity. Lamar, is from Compton, California, and understands what many of his listeners go through. Lamar discusses his past and the events impacting who he became in his first album “good kid, m.A.A.d city.” Lamar goes deeper and focuses on problems, pain and struggle affecting the African-American community as a whole in “To Pimp a Butterfly.” The tracks “The Blacker the Berry” and “King Kunta” portray African-American issues very vividly. “The Blacker the Berry” speaks to the negative connotations of being black, using them to become stronger. Lamar believes society portrays being

16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

black or embracing black culture as a sin, and the song attempts to disprove the stereotype. Sophomore Chris Power appreciates how Lamar discusses the struggles in the black community. “I feel that Kendrick does a good job being balanced: showing the struggles of being an African American, and yet finds beauty in that struggle,” said Power. “Sometimes our generation gets so caught up in the struggle, that we forget that we can use the struggle to our advantage.” He encourages African-American people to look at themselves as kings and queens instead of just seeing themselves as the descendants of slaves. In “The Blacker the Berry,” Lamar wrote, “I’m African-American, I’m African/I’m black as the moon, heritage of a small village/ Pardon my residence/Came from the bottom of mankind.” Many times in the black community, the thought of being successful is futile. “King Kunta” aims to shift

Courtesy Photo

In the latest Billboard 200, “To Pimp a Butterfly” is ranked No. 1. This is Kendrick Lamar’s third album. It sold 325,000 albums in its first week. the paradigm and shows the black community the possibility of success. Lamar’s isn’t the only hip-hop artist tackling real social issues. J. Cole’s “2014 Forest Hill Drive” also attempts to discuss problems going on in the African-American community, and shines light on topics most people are hesitant to discuss. The new rhetoric has begun to reshape the black community and hiphop as well. Some may wonder how

an album like “To Pimp a Butterfly” can apply to people outside the African-American community. The truth of the matter is, struggle and pain are universal, and everyone should look at themselves in a positive light. Lamar has taken barbershop discussion and turned it into a global conversation, showing people around the world that struggle has many different voices and there is no color excluded from the conversation.

MUSE

‘If you can’t beat them’

Keith Gogan

Contributing Writer

I need to get with the program. Allow me to explain. It seems that I have been using classic forms of words instead of much shorter, truncated forms of words, and in doing so, I am out of step with the masses. As far as I can tell, it’s cool to truncate words, reducing their number of syllables, apparently because using one or two more syllables creates intoler-

able work for today’s speakers of English. A few examples of this trendy truncation are in order. Today, it’s common to hear “disconnect” (verb form) instead of “disconnection” (noun form), when the longer noun form is expected: “There’s a disconnect of ethics and business,” someone might say. (In fact, my computer just flagged the use of “disconnect,” in the sentence above, as an error.) Other examples include these: the use of “reveal” instead of “revelation” (“Get ready for the big reveal!”), the use of “fail” instead of “failure” (“His attempt was a big fail”), the use of “invite” instead of “invitation,” (“Send me an invite”) and so on. This bandwagon is rolling fast, so I’ve decided to jump on it. So, from now on, when I speak or write about foundations in American history, I’ll refer to the “Declare of Independence.” Concerning the termination of slavery in the U.S., I’ll refer to the “Emancipate Proclaim.” Moving onward in our history, I’ll refer to the great “Civil Rights Move” of the

1960s. Because I teach at a Christian institution, I see myself, from now on, periodically referring to events in Christian history, as well, by truncating words. I’ll refer to the astounding appearance of God in the flesh as “The Incarnate.” I’ll refer to his glorious rising from death as “The Resurrect.” I’ll refer to the triumphant consummation of God’s plan as the central theme of the “Book of Reveal.” Furthermore, I’ll refer to a certain landmark event in Christian history as “The Protest Reform.” Yes, I think I’m getting the hang of this. In conclude, I resolve to get up to speed with society. To do so, I resolve to buy a pair of non-prescription fashion eyeglasses. I resolve to install an app that reminds me when to exhale. Most important, I resolve to dismember every noun audacious enough to make me utter even one extra syllable. With that last resolve, I have great expects about the future of the English language.

THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015 • 17

Edible Marijuana: Legal but deadly

Daisha Fowler Staff Writer

The third death associated with marijuana edibles has the state of Colorado in a whirlwind since the 15-month-old law that legalized recreational marijuana was issued. Just last Friday a service was held for recent ORU graduate Luke Goodman, 23, who was reported to have taken five edible marijuana candies before shooting himself in the right temple. This is not the first death that is blamed on edible marijuana products. Wyoming college student Lacy Pongi, 19, leaped off a Denver hotel balcony after consuming a marijuana-infused cookie. “Marijuana Intoxication” was

listed by the coroner as the significant factor in her death. Kristine Kirk, 44, was shot and killed by her husband, Richard Kirk. She called 911 reporting her husband was hallucinating after taking marijuana candy. Richard Kirk was charged with first-degree murder. Edible forms of marijuana have a completely different effect than smoking because edibles contain a very high concentration of the active ingredient, THC. When smoking marijuana, the drug is processed through the lungs. When eating marijuana, the edibles are processed through the stomach and the digestive tract. Most users who ingest marijuana are not familiar enough with the potentially hazardous side-effects like hallucinations and rapid and incoherent speech. Smoking marijuana causes less dramatic effects such as drowsiness,

dizziness and shallow breathing. Drug specialists warn that, while the effects of smoking marijuana are quickly noticeable, it takes much longer for the effects to take place after ingestion. The lengthier digestion process gives young users more time to ingest alcohol, hallucinogens or prescription narcotics and other substances before they even realize they are high. Edibles account for 45 percent of marijuana sales in Colorado, therefore, new rules are currently being implemented requiring warnings about the effects. Packages will be required to contain products with individual doses of THC and bottles must be child proof as well. There have been several deaths and children hospitalizations due to marijuana ingestion in Colorado since recreational marijuana has been available. In Washington, another state that legalized marijuana, 44 children under

the age of 12 were hospitalized this year for edibles. It is apparent these legal, commercialized edibles are causing harm and even death. Lawmakers should take into consideration these harmful effects and remove them from the shelves of local stores until there is more research done on the products, and better regulations can be implemented. It is not worth a life.

“Most users who ingest marijuana are not familiar enough with the potentially hazardous side-effects like hallucinations and rapid and incoherent speech.”

Understanding Autism: Not all great minds think alike

substantial relationships. Yes, it can be challenging to befriend those with autism spectrum disorders. But meaningful communication can eradicate much apprehension and difficulty. Many people don’t engage in relationships with autistic people because they simply don’t know how. The solution is simple: communicate. Instead of immediately offering prayer, Christians can take time to get to know their autistic friends. How Dominique Johnson so? Ask the right questions. Staff Writer Don’t be afraid to ask questions and give feedback. April serves as Autism Awareness Month. Many Some people with autism grow uncomfortable in people will take to social media to share messages noisy or crowded environments. Some do not like of support and encouragement to those with autism bright, flashing lights. Learning such information spectrum disorders or other special needs. But April about an autistic peer can help a person navigate will soon end, and the publicity will fizzle out. After through social situations with them. Symptoms of the hashtags and Facebook statuses disappear, the autism come with much variability, differing from prevalence of autism will remain. person to person. Sometimes, an autistic person can Christians have a year-round responsibility to present an inappropriate behavior, unknowingly. It’s love their neighbors. As someone with a nephew okay to offer correction in the right context. Speak the with an autism spectrum disorder, I get to see how, truth in love. in the realm of those suffering with special needs, the After meeting someone with autism, one should responsibility has been mishandled. The church should take the time to learn the idiosyncrasies of his or her rethink how they relate to people with special needs. disorder. Some will be more willing to share than Pity is in no short supply, but acceptance and friendothers. Patience and communication are key. ship are much more powerful. Here are a few tips to Don’t give up on friendships when communicanavigate a friendship with someone suffering autism. tion becomes difficult. Don’t offer prayer without friendship. Recent studies suggest that some children can Christians are quick to pray for their friends suffer- “grow out” of their autism. But for most, autism is a ing from mental disorders, but are slow to engage in lifelong diagnosis. Autism presents many hardships 18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015

“The Church should rethink how they relate to people with special needs.” for people, young and old. People with autism desire meaningful human interaction like everyone else, but their disorder makes communication a difficult process. But “difficult” does not mean “impossible.” Obstacles are meant to be surpassed. It is a good human’s responsibility to offer friendship to those who need it the most. Don’t look down upon people with autism. There is a stark contrast between friendship and charity. Many people are quick to offer the latter. Befriending someone with autism may require a little more patience than usual. Navigating social situations and picking up social cues do not come easily for them. They may need a little extra help in some areas, but they do not need pity. Find common interests in the relationship, acknowledge the obstacles and embrace the perseverance. Sometimes it will seem impossible to establish a meaningful relationship with someone with autism. But it will be worth it for everyone involved. Autism is an ailment, but it does not diminish the humanity of the person.

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Electronics’ end-of-life plan responsibility falls on users

Sierra Quant

Contributing Writer

A 2014 study released by the Environmental Protection Agency found less than 20 percent of cell phones are recycled. News flash: Motorola Razors are not going to make a comeback. What is E-Waste? Electronic waste, or e-waste, accumulates rapidly in the Digital Age. A study conducted by the United Nations Environment Program found 20 to 50 million metric tons of E-waste are generated worldwide every year. That’s a lot of old cell phones, PCs, TVs, MP3s and VHS players. E-waste produces positive results if disposed of correctly. Responsibly recycled electronics benefit people and the environment. But not all recycling programs have positive impact. According to the Silicon Valley Toxic Coalition (SVTC), E-waste is commonly dumped in developing nations, like India, Nigeria and China. SVTC and other organizations work to ensure people receive appropriate protection and choose reputable programs. Location, Location, Location Students claim they don’t have enough time to recycle, or the process is too complicated. Locating a recycling program is easier than ever with the interwebs. Earth911’s website finds recycling facilities based on user location. This location-based tool allows users to search specifically for the items they want to recycle. Recycling centers are found in common locations such as Target, Goodwill, Lowe’s, Best Buy and many other area stores.

Old Laptops Have Cash Value Like an episode of Myth Busters, SVTC points the finger at the chemical impact of laptops. Just one computer can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride. These chemicals can lead to serious health problems or contaminated water sources if leaked into the soil. Old laptops and phones have more value than they suggest. Many electronics are made with extractable, precious metals. Some companies will give cash or store credit for old electronics—and Apple is one of them. Apple qualifies equipment into reuse (if the product has monetary value and can be resold in the secondary electronics market) or recycling (has no monetary value). The products Apple recycles are dismantled into like materials (metals, plastics and glass) and used in the manufacturing of new products. This reduces the need to mine raw materials and saves energy. Microsoft refurbishes computers to donate them in developing countries; Pakistan, Chile, Vietnam and Kenya have been on the receiving end. U.S. organizations have similar programs, with the Stone Foundation recycling computers back into schools and community technology labs. Sustainable Electronics Recycling International estimates a 33 percent growth by 2020. The anticipated growth in electronic devices requires an intervention. It’s up to each person to manage the end-of-life device determination: reuse or recycle. Landfills will appreciate the combined effort.

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20 • THE ORACLE • Friday, April 10, 2015