Oral Roberts University · Oct. 2, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 4 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports
Avoid mundane mealtimes with creative ideas for using everyday cafeteria staples.
The Guide to Golden Week ORU prepares to celebrate its 50th birthday. PAGE 3
The Last Down Former student’s life changed after one play. PAGE 8
PAGES 10-11
Golden Eagles fall to OU Woman’s soccer remaining upbeat after loss. 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 W. Jonathan Cyprowski Director of Student Media wcyprowski@oru.edu
Cristi Eschler-Freudenrich Business Services cfreudenrich@oru.edu
SCENE
Editorial Sydney Ilg Editor-in-Chief oraclechief@oru.edu
Rachel Anderson Managing Editor oracle@oru.edu
Section Editors
Graphics / Photography
Meghan Drake Online Editor Russell Dorsey Sports Editor Madison McDaniel Features Editor Victoria Atterberry Scene Editor Alyssa LaCourse News Editor
Gerald Brown Senior Designer Tabitha Levi Design Editor Ethan Norvell Designer Quentin Harrup Illustrator Wyatt Bullard Photography Editor Nikolai Stophel Senior Photographer Sarah Davis Senior Photographer Frank Witaker Photographer Choyce Hays Photographer Josh Carpenter Photographer Reagan Tifft Photographer
Reporters Solomon Williams Staff Writer Parrish Purnell Jr. Staff Writer JJ Johnson Senior Staff Writer Emerald Dean Staff Writer Valeria Hernandez Staff Writer Daisha Fowler Staff Writer Jadyn Watson-Fisher Staff Writer Erica Ludwig Senior Staff Writer Jovana Poljasevic Staff Writer Audrey Gray Staff Writer
Applications Want to work for the Oracle? Stop by LR 175 and fill out an application. Positions include photography, graphic design and reporting.
Membership - Associated Collegiate Press - College Media Advisers - Oklahoma College Media Association - Columbia Scholastic Press Association
EVERY SONG IS A STORY PAGE 16
Rachael Ngwarai Sales Mgr. Amoi Blake Sales Rep. Amir Curry Sales Rep. Gabrielle Garza Sales Rep. Kaylin Henderson Sales Rep. Jeff Mead Sales Rep. Kyra Valderas Sales Rep.
Corrections In the Sept. 18th edition of the Oracle, it was incorrectly reported no credit is given to students attending the Disney College Program. Some credits may be granted.
Have a thought or story idea you’d like to share? Send us an email at oraclechief@oru.edu.
Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports 2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
TULSA FAIR PERFECT FOR ALL STYLES EXPLORE FAMOUS FAIR EVENTS OCT.1-11 PAGE 15
Advertising
Letters to the Editor
SCENE
FEATURES THE GARDEN KEEPERS PAGE 6
News Guide to a Golden Celebration Prayer Tower Ribbon Cutting 1p.m. Monday Ultimate 5K Arena Challenge 8 a.m. Saturday
Alpha Class Reunion
50th Anniversary Service
6 p.m. Wednesday
3 p.m. Thursday
7 p.m. Thursday
50th Anniversary Gala 7p.m. Friday
Groundbreaking ceremony - New Sports Facility
50th Anniversary Parade 4 p.m. Saturday
50th Anniversary Concert 6:30 p.m. Saturday
50th Anniversary Fireworks 8 p.m. Saturday
Faculty/Student Showcase
TBA Saturday
*Schedule subject to change
Courtesy Photo
Australian rock-worship band Planetshakers will headline a concert during Golden Week on Saturday Oct. 24 at J.L. Johnson Stadium. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display.
50th brings big names SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief
Historic Golden Week will bring alumni and friends of ORU from around the globe to Tulsa, including famous faces and names. On Tuesday, Oct. 20 Alumnus and FOX News Anchor Kelly Wright will be joined by Baylor Professor and Islamic Expert Chris Van Gorder and historical author Stephen Mansfield for a panel discussion. The Ultimate 5k Arena Challenge and a student gala will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24.
The Australian band, Planetshakers, will headline the week with a concert on Saturday, Oct. 24 to cap off the 50th Anniversary Celebration. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in J.L. Johnson Stadium. The Planetshakers vision and modern rock-worship style resonate with the founding vision of Oral Roberts to see the world changed by the love of Christ and the present vision of President William M. Wilson to bring ORU to the uttermost bounds of the earth.
Don’t miss the 50th commemorative edition of the Oracle on Friday of Golden Week. Follow @oruoracle on Twitter, or visit the Oracle on Facebook to take part in this historic event.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 3
Science vs. Religion
Dr. Halsmer’s book seeks to marry conflicting topics AUDREY GRAY Staff Writer
Dr. Dominic Halsmer, director of the Center for Faith and Learning, is in the midst of writing his first book, “Hacking the Cosmos.” He is halfway done and expecting to have it finished by the end of 2015. This is a book made for all audiences as a hope to connect and bring peace to the seemingly conflicting spheres of science and religion. Halsmer received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at UCLA and received his master’s degree in biblical literature at ORU. Continuously hearing arguments from both sides of the spectrum, Halsmer was inspired to write “Hacking the Cosmics” to explain how “you need all fields of knowledge to understand the uni-
verse.” A major point in the book is affordances, which is any ability that provides a capability. Halsmer brings an example of how a chair affords sitting, or a cell phone affords communication, or how the more scientific outlook of biochemistry affords living organisms, which Halsmer believes points to the conclusion of a grand designer creating the universe. “All of these affordances in nature point to [an] engineering influence behind it all,” said Halsmer. The book is not out yet but Halsmer is presenting it every third Thursday of the month starting in October at the Tulsa chapter of the Reasons to Believe, a ministry devoted to explaining how science and religion work together.
GOP sees green in OKC ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
Three 2016 presidential candidates stopped in Oklahoma City in the last week to campaign and fundraise. While Donald Trump came to campaign at the Oklahoma State Fair, Carly Fiorina and Jeb Bush came to raise campaign funds. Bush’s invite-only event cost $2,700 a plate, while Fiorina fundraised with the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association. The 2016 election is projected to be the most expensive presidential election to date, with upwards of $5 billion spent on campaigns. During the 2012 presidential elections, the total cost of campaigning was $2,621,415,792. Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson announced Wednesday his campaign has raised $20 million in the last three months. Democratic frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton also announced her campaign raised $28 million in the last three months. The race for funds is forcing candidates to make stops in predominately red states to fundraise. 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
According to a 2010 poll, 48 percent of candidates funds come from large individual donations. The same poll stated that less than 10 percent of Americans have ever donated to candidates for any office, and about .5 percent have given more than $200. “Some [candidates] brag about accepting lots of small donations, of $10$25 and do not seek out big donors so they can claim they are not being bought by ‘special interest groups’ like the oil and gas industry,” said Sonny Branham, assistant professor of government at ORU. Fundraising is important and candidates seek volunteers to help with campaigning, Branham said. “Over 40 students were taken to Iowa twice in 2011 to campaign for [alumna] Michele Bachmann,” said Branham. “In 2008 nearly 150 ORU students were taken on chartered buses to Colorado and paid $50 per day plus all expenses covered to campaign for Republican candidates there.”
House speaker resigns ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor
Speaker of the House John Boehner resigned from his position in Congress Sept. 25. “[That] morning I woke up, said my prayers as I always do and I decided, ‘Today’s the day, I’m going to do this.’ It’s simple as that,” Boehner said in a press conference. “That’s the code I’ve always lived by. If you do the right things for the right reasons, the right things will happen.” This announcement came the morning after Pope Francis spoke to Congress on living by the Golden Rule. Boehner said he and the pope were leaving the building when the pope put his arm around Boehner and asked for his prayers. The pope’s actions made Boehner think about his position as speaker of the House. Boehner planned on stepping down from his position last year, but felt he needed to stay. He planned on announcing his resignation on his birthday, Nov. 17. “I’ve got plenty of people following me, but this turmoil that’s been churning for a couple of months is not good for the members and not good for the institution,” Boehner said. “If I was not planning on leaving here soon, I would not have done this.” Boehner has five more weeks in Congress as speaker. “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done and I plan on getting as much
of it done as I can before I exit,” Boehner said. The members of the House will now have to elect a new speaker with Boehner’s upcoming exit. President Obama hopes the next speaker will understand the importance of compromise and will lead the rest of the House toward agreement, but with Boehner’s resignation and a new selectee, problems could be stirred up in Congress between the two parties. “If the Congress stays focused on what is important to the American people they will get along just fine,” said Boehner. Boehner believes the number-one responsibility of the next speaker is to protect the institution and find common ground to get things done. “I’m not here to vote, but having said that, I think Kevin McCarthy would make an excellent speaker,” Boehner said. His decision comes after 25 years in Congress and after meeting with thousands of people as an influential congressman and speaker. “I was never in the legacy business. You’ve all heard me say it. I’m a regular guy with a big job,” said Boehner. “I never thought I would be in Congress much less the speaker, but people know me as being fair, being honest, being straightforward and trying to do the right thing every day on behalf of the country. I don’t need any more than that.”
Internet Photo
After four years of service, John Boehner, the 61st speaker of the House, resigned his role amidst heated debates within the Republican Party.
Fight the oak mite bites RACHEL FRAZER Contributing Writer
They’re everywhere. Tiny, itchy red bumps have appeared on the majority of the student body—but no bugs are in sight. Originally presumed to be bed bugs or spiders, these microscopic oak mites have overtaken the region. The mites are not easily visible at only 0.2 millimeters long, but are plentiful near oak trees or nearly anywhere else. Since they are carried by wind, the mites can easily travel from oak trees to grass, and even through window screens indoors. Oak trees can shed up to 370,000 mites each day. Oak mite bites are small, red and itchy. In some circumstances, the bites may be painful or especially swollen, but they are not harmful. Oak mites are smaller relatives to chiggers, and the bites are similar. Since the mites can get stuck in clothing and take up to 24 hours to actually bite, it is helpful to change clothes and take a shower after spending time outside,
especially after intramurals or exercising. Avoiding direct contact with oak trees can also prevent bites, but due to the abundance of mites, some bites are simply unavoidable. So what happens when the mite bites become utterly maddening? While sprays and repellents are widely ineffective, oak mite bites are easily treated with anti-itch creams or lotions, as well as oral antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec. As long as the bite is not scratched or irritated, it should clear up within a few days. The Student Health Services office is currently offering Benadryl tablets and hydrocortisone cream for any student who needs it. Here’s the good news: Oak mites cannot survive indoors, so the dorms are safe from insect infestations. The pests will also only last until the first frost of the season, which usually takes place around the last week of October.
Wi-Fi demands force upgrade KRISTEN LEUPEN Staff Writer
By January, updated Wi-Fi will be ready for use in all student dorms. It’s no secret the Wi-Fi on campus has been lagging in the race to stream Netflix, upload documents and immerse in social media. Information Technology (IT) is aware of the problem, and a solution has been bought. Through installations of 900 access points over the next three years, campus Wi-Fi will experience a facelift. “Everything is mobile today. Students are coming with up to five devices, and staff is coming with up to three devices. We have more devices on campus than ever before,” said Mike Mathews, chief information officer. Wi-Fi was last installed at ORU six years ago, and the average student arrived on campus with one device. Since then, the number of devices has tripled, and the capacity of the Wi-Fi has diminished. Extreme Networks provides Internet for the school. The company also currently provides seamless wireless connectivity to 35 of Fortune 100 companies, in addition to NFL stadiums across the United States. “We chose to work with Extreme Networks because of their experience in multiple technology disciplines and project management expertise they
possess worldwide,” Mathews said. The new Wi-Fi network will also help students make the most of online classes and distance learning. “The primary driver of this initiative is that if we can make education fluid and if we have fluid technology, we can have successful student outcomes,” Mathews said. Mathews has a goal of making ORU a more connected campus. Through the use of technology and telepresence robots, ORU has been able to facilitate campus tours, student interviews and even graduate students over the web. A recent student, located over 1,000 miles away in South Carolina, experienced graduation through the power of the Internet. In addition to improving the Wi-Fi, wireless intelligence analytics will be fully accessible to IT. The analytics will be used to track “hot spots” and connectivity on campus in an effort to give a quality, repeatable user experience. By the end of three years, the 263-acre campus will be fully equipped with roughly 1,300 access points ranging from spots outside the Deli to walkways around campus, as well as additional antennas to improve the service of phone providers. Installation of the new Wi-Fi network has begun in Christ’s Chapel. The dorm upgrades will be finished over the Christmas break.
Deleting debt VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
Students should be careful as they look for ways to eliminate their debt. Companies promising to consolidate loans are not always what they seem to be. While there are legitimate companies out there that can truly help, be cautious not to get pulled into scams. ORU student Samantha Bruner was promised to have her loans canceled for a short time but soon found out it wasn’t what she thought. “I received a phone number from [a friend] of a woman who had helped her get debt-free. I called and was told she was part of FAFSA and was a loan consolidator. She said, ‘I was debt free if I paid a $600 entrance fee.’” Bruner went on to say she later found out the representative was scamming people. According to Debt.org, the average student debt for a 2014 graduate was $33,000. The total U.S. student debt is about $1.2 trillion. Federal Student Aid usually handles all government loans, but from time to time third-party companies take on a student’s debt. “There are third-party companies out there that work to basically help students consolidate their loans, and they’ll tell them about the forgiveness programs,” said Mariah Michelle from the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Loan consolidation is combining several loans into one. As a result, students will have more time to pay off loans and only one monthly payment is required. Consolidating loans can be a good option for many students, but there are some risks. More payments and increased interest rates may be a result of consolidating loans. Loan benefits that come with the original loan may be lost as well. If a student decides to consolidate his or her loan, he or she should be careful before giving money to a third party. “Pretty much everything they’re [third party organizations] doing the students can do themselves. They charge them a fee for something they can actually do for free,” said Michelle. Federal Student Aid does offer loan forgiveness but under special circumstances such as teacher’s loan forgiveness and public service forgiveness. Other reasons for loan cancellation are rare. Known scams to stay away from are companies offering to fill out the FAFSA or offering to help find financial aid.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 5
Features Garden keepers cultivate more than flowers
Pictured from left to right: Leonel Garcia, Florentino Parra and Daniel Parra cultivate plant life on campus. VALERIA HERNANDEZ Staff Writer
Visitors snap pictures of the Prayer Tower surrounded by intricate garden designs. The gardens throughout ORU are a 15-year labor of love for Greenhouse Director Leonel Garcia. Garcia and his team arrive at ORU before the first class begins. During the spring, Garcia starts by walking through aisles of the greenhouse behind Towers filled with hundreds of different kinds of flowers. “What we have now is 1,500 flats, 3,500 gallons of flora winkles and lantanas, plus 800 Mexican heathers,” Garcia said. Garcia has to ensure the building has an adequate temperature daily; it can’t be too hot or too cold. Temperature must be precise; if not flowers could die. “We check the plants every day so that the temperature is always constant. If not, the plants get burned,” he said. Gardening is a meticulous job. One hair out of its place, and seasonal flower growth can be gone in a second. Every year flowers must bloom, because there are no second chances. “The hardest part is getting the seeds because we don’t buy them,” Garcia said. “We get the seeds out of the plants.” Like other skills, successful gardening comes after years of practice and experience. Garcia has been working as a greenhouse director for 15 years. But Garcia’s first years sowing plants weren’t as smooth as they are now. 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
“When I had the seeds and planted them, if they didn’t have the right temperature they would die,” Garcia said. “It’s a lot of stress, because it is a huge responsibility. All the flowers are from here and, if they didn’t bloom, I started thinking, ‘What was I going to do? What was going to happen?’ It was all for the gardens to look pretty.” Garcia spends his days working in the greenhouse and outdoors. And he wouldn’t have it any other way. “It is a good place to work,” Garcia said. “Plus, here there is work all year round. It doesn’t matter if it rains or snows. There is plenty of work to do.” Garcia works alongside three other gardeners 40 hours a week, which totals 160 hours per week spent on flowers alone. Garcia didn’t have much gardening experience before working at ORU, but he designed the gardens near Claudius, EMR and Timko from the shape to the kinds of flowers in it. He appreciates ORU being recognized by its beautiful landscape. “Whenever I talk to friends and family and they ask me about ORU, I always mention the Prayer Gardens,” freshman Moriah Kerns said. “It is one of the best things to go to, because it is in the bright, dead-center of campus, and it is just so beautiful.” Garcia understands the importance of his job and strives for improvement every day. “Sometimes students tell us that the gardens look good. That makes me feel proud that I am doing a good job and that everything is looking nice,” Garcia said. “That encourages me to keep the gardens look-
Photos by Wyatt Bullard
ing better and better.” Garcia’s team is preparing to receive hundreds of pansies to welcome guests for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration Oct. 19-25.
Garcia prepares flowers in the Prayer Gardens to look its best during the 50th anniversary.
Professor, alumna produce dance for Pope EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer
On Sept. 26 dance professor Roman Jasinski was among those crowded around the streets of Philadelphia to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis. Jasinski wasn’t just preparing to see him, but to dance in front of him and over one million other people. Jasinski and the Osage Ballet were invited to perform at the World Meeting of the Families, a Catholic gathering that happens around the world every three years. The Osage Native Americans have a close relationship with the pope and were picked to represent North America, and also dance the prayer scene from “Wahzhazhe,” which was choreographed by ORU alumna Jenna Smith. The dancers only had seven weeks to prepare for the ballet. They came from all over, and it was crowded and busy during the few rehearsals they had. The music they danced to was difficult to keep count to because of the tribal singing. The dancers kept track through the vocalization of the singers, and the singers had to practice singing at the
same tempo every time. “Wahzhazhe,” which literally translates to “Osage,” was about the history of the Osage people and the importance of prayer to “the life giver.” As the pope came close, people started screaming. Smith got the Osage Ballet cast onto the stage and they waved to Pope Francis as he passed by. He wasn’t able to stop and watch as planned because he was running late. “Imagine this. You’ve seen the Wizard of Oz many times before, right?” Jasinski said. “Do you remember what it’s like to see the good witch floating in on a bubble? That’s what it was like to see the pope drive down the street in his popemobile. He drove right in front of our stage, but the whole popemobile seemed to glow. It was ethereal.” People were packed shoulder to shoulder in Logan Square, yet they bowed down on their knees in prayer. Smith and Jasinski agreed it was life-changing, and they felt the presence of God in the moment. “We began shortly after and once people heard the first beat of the drum, people started running toward the stage
Courtesy Photo
Members of the Osage Ballet perform “Wahzhazhe.” The dancers performed in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, the final stop of Pope Francis’ trip to the U.S. to watch ‘Wahzhazhe,’” said Smith. Smith was honored to have Jasinski, whose repertoire is extensive and impressive, dance the part of a tribal dancer. Although Jasinski had not danced on stage in over 30 years, the
50 days and beyond MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor
Photos by Wyatt Bullard
Joe Cho (top center), a native South Korean, finds his niche in a new culture and new school. In her first 50 days at ORU Isabelle Robinson (Bottom center) forged many new relationships.
massive audience did not faze him. “It was exciting. I had a tremendous time. I had the old feeling of being a professional dancer again,” said Jasinski. “I was nervous, but the nervous energy was used in a positive manner.”
Joe Cho and Isabelle Robinson began their journey 50 days ago. Wideeyed, they arrived on campus full of goals, wonder and anticipation of what the next four years may bring. In the last month and a half, the Oracle has followed Cho and Robinson’s experiences and captured their journeys through both print and video using the Aurasma app. At the beginning of the year, Robinson set her goals for this new season on growing in her faith. She hoped to learn new ways of how to love people better as she grew closer to the heart of the Lord. And she did just that. In less than two months Robinson has become involved in missions and outreach as well as the campus prayer movement. She spends her week nights serving at the Laura Dester outreach and leading a prayer set.
Unlike Robinson, Cho initially set his goals to focus first and foremost on acclimating to both American and ORU culture. As the last 50 days have grown from fresh to familiar, Cho has remained faithful to his original goals but reached beyond to fulfill new ambitions. Now, he focuses his short and long-term aspirations on faith and growing deeper in his relationship with the Lord.
See the final inside look at Joe and Isabelle’s freshman experience by following “oruoracle” on Aurasma. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 7
From left to right: Emeka Nnaka enters the field as a defensive end for the Oklahoma Thunder. Nnaka watches his team play months after Courtesy Photos the accident. Nnaka works tirelessly to regain muscle tone in his upper body. He remains hopeful and confident to someday walk again.
The final down: A life-changing game PARRISH PURNELL JR. Senior Staff Writer
The game began and the opposing team won the coin toss. Emeka Nnaka was on defense first, where he thrived. The ball was booted into the air. Nnaka shed the first tackle, and then ran through a block. The returner was the next one in line facing Nnaka and coming full speed. CRACK. The sound of the helmet-to-helmet contact reverberated throughout the crowd. “I remember the impact…BOW,” Nnaka said with his eyes closed. “Right then and there I could feel my head change directions, but I couldn’t feel my body drop. Have you ever just had a weird day? Everything surrounding that day felt different,” Nnaka said as he laid back in his mechanically-enhanced bed. He looked up and pointed to a massive poster on the wall. The poster was of him and teammates walking onto the field during his last football game. “That was about eight minutes before the injury,” he said. It was the last time the 6-foot-4inch, 240-pound defensive end would play football. Nnaka grew up playing sports but loved football the most. He planned to walk on for a college team, but those plans were seemingly shot down when his parents insisted he go to ORU. “I initially didn’t want to go,” he said. “They didn’t have a football team, and I really wasn’t focused on what they 8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
had to offer.” He was accepted despite turning in a late application. “I was heated,” Nnaka laughed. “I guess God wanted me to be there.” Nnaka would bump into Paul Willemstein while working at the Aerobics Center. Willemstein noticed Nnaka’s massive frame and suggested he play semi-pro football. Nnaka got in touch with the Oklahoma Thunder football team. He made the squad. By his second season he had made a name for himself with punishing tackles. Then June, 2009 came. The weird feeling returned. “The whole day started off weird. I didn’t ride the team bus, and I’d forgotten a lot of my gear,” Nnaka said with a reminiscent tone. “I remember before every game my mom and I would pray Psalm 91 together. But this particular day mom was unavailable. As I ran onto the field, I just felt swaggy,” he said flashing his wide, contagious smile. Seconds into the game the feeling was gone. Nnaka laid on the ground motionless, not knowing what was happening, but still conscious of his surroundings. “My teammates kept saying, ‘Meka, get up, the play is over.’ I said, just give me a second; I’ve got a stinger. The feeling you get when you hit your funny bone…imagine that, but all over your entire body; that’s what it felt like.” The chaos of the moment caused
frenzy amongst the trainers and coaches on the field. Meanwhile, Nnaka was stuck to the cold, hard turf unsure of why his body wasn’t responding. “I tried to move my right hand, but it was completely locked up. It wouldn’t budge. I lifted my left hand, but it came back down instantly, smacking my helmet. The only thing I could hear was people repeating, C5...C6.” The trainers, coaches and staff weren’t yelling out plays. They were yelling the number of vertebrae Nnaka had fractured. “I was laying on my right leg. The trainers began to lift it up from under me, and I remember looking at it thinking, foot…ankle…shin…thigh. It’s all there, but I just couldn’t feel it,” said Nnaka. The clock ticked slowly as the ambulance made its way from a neighboring town. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. An hour and 18 minutes passed before the ambulance arrived. “I remember growing up seeing professional players, when they got hurt, put their thumb up to show the crowd they were okay. I wanted to do that, but for the life of me I couldn’t get my hand to do it… I just couldn’t do it.” Later at the hospital, there were other things Nnaka had trouble doing. “The doctors cut my uniform off and put me into the MRI. I remember trying to breathe was so hard,” he said, holding his chest as if he was running
out of breath. “I felt like I was fighting for my life.” Nnaka was paralyzed. “At one point even during the first couple months of therapy, I was thinking of getting back on the field for the rest of the season,” he said with a grin. The conversation fast-forwarded to the rehabilitation process, which Nnaka explained passionately. “The pain I felt while in therapy was excruciating. I also lost over 30 pounds of muscle mass in 10 days,” he said. “They pushed me. They asked me to do things I should have been able to do, but my body was saying I couldn’t do. I was getting frustrated with my body and the physical therapist. I just felt like I was living in a nightmare. I felt like my masculinity was taken from me.” Emeka Nnaka the football player is long gone. What remains speaks of faith, strength and confidence. “I know people need to see how I endure a seemingly unbearable circumstance before I can enjoy my paradise,” said Nnaka. “I believe I will walk again. One day. My injury doesn’t define me. It’s not who I am; it’s just what happened to me. I’m defined by how I respond to my injury,” he said boldly suddenly perking up in his bed. “A diamond is a piece of coal that withstood great amounts of pressure. I am that diamond.”
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918-935-2731 THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 9
THE PICKY EATER’S GUIDE TO SAGA Photos by Sarah Davis
10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
Honey Banana Bites
Cucumber Pita Sandwich
Victoria Atterberry & Erica Ludwig
If you aren’t feeling too hungry, this is super simple but so delicious. 1. Grab some pita chips, cucumbers and hummus. 2. Spoon some hummus on two pita chips. Place a cucumber on one. 3. Place the other chip on top, and you have a light, refreshing and little-effort meal in minutes.
Scene Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Picky eaters and foodies rejoice. Gone are the days of leaving the dining hall disappointed and hungry with no Sodexo bucks to spare. It is easy to get into a Saga slump. Sometimes nothing on the menu sounds appetizing, and salads, cereal and pizza do not make a balanced diet. Luckily, Saga has staples always available to students. These foundations provide a choices for any meal. Take control and treat your taste buds instead of dreading what might be served. When the everyday does not satisfy, try these creative and enjoyable twists on Saga classics.
Salami Pasta Salad
This little Italian pasta dish is a light but filling option. 1. First, grab some pasta from the pizza bar. We opted for penne, but any pasta will do. 2. Add some salami from the cold cuts section. For best results, cut or tear the salami into smaller pieces. 3. Add spinach, grape tomatoes and feta cheese to the salad. 4. Top it off with olive oil, salt and pepper and viola! An Italian delicacy.
Tuna Melt
The Tuna Melt is a simple yet satisfying selection, and it’s incredibly easy to make. 1. Choose two slices of bread and evenly spread the provided tuna salad on one slice. 2. Choose two slices of your favorite cheese (don’t be afraid to change it up), and place them on top of the tuna. Add tomatoes and lettuce if desired. Head to a panini press, and toast the sandwich for about 30 seconds. Pair your tuna melt with chips from the Sub Station for a complete lunch or dinner.
Mexi Salad
This dish is very easy and filling. Sometimes the salad bar can get old when you’re trying to keep off those extra pounds, but this Mexican-style salad is a game changer, especially if you love good Mexican food. 1. Grab your spinach, salad mix, lettuce and some bell peppers. 2. Head over to the rice and beans station, and add a couple spoonfuls to the pile. Rice and beans are often overlooked, but they are a solid choice for both protein and fiber when you can’t satisfy your cravings. 4. Go to the deli with a small bowl, and get some chicken. 5. Finally, add cheddar cheese and sour cream. It will also complement this well if it’s available. 6. Finish it off with salsa for the dressing. Between the flavors and textures of everything on your plate, it doesn’t need much else for zest.
Burrito Bowl The burrito bowl is very similar to the Mexi Salad and is a winner for those who like a southwest flavor. 1. Find a bowl, and layer beans and rice on the bottom. 2. Add chicken from the Sub Station for a second layer. 3. Top it off with a layer of lettuce, cheese and salsa.
A quick and nutritious snack awaits those who want a little sweetness in their meals without a visit to the dessert bar. 1. Select the perfect banana. 2. Fill a bowl with a small amount of honey and grab two packages of peanut butter. 3. Peel your banana, and scoop a small section out with a spoon. Then, scoop a small amount of peanut butter and honey onto the spoon and enjoy this sweet, satisfying treat.
PB&J Waffle
If you hate asking Sodexo workers for one third of the dish they’re serving, or just waiting in those lines, this delicacy is easy, yummy and will spare you the stress of appearing overly choosy. 1. Step on up to the waffle maker, and fill it with the batter to your liking, just like you’re making a normal waffle. 2. While it’s cooking, go grab some peanut butter and jelly packets from the sandwich line, enough to your liking. 3. Once your waffle is ready and you’ve got your PB&J, cover each half of the waffle with the heavenly combination. Then fold it in half just like your everyday sandwich and enjoy!
Other helpful hints: 1. When in doubt, use the panini press. Any good sandwich can be made better using this tool. Don’t forget to leave foods in long enough. 2. Cereal is usually a staple for the unsatisfied patrons of the cafeteria. Try mixing your cereals or using chocolate milk to spice it up. Most upperclassmen will agree this can be a saving grace. 3. Try making an ice cream sandwich by putting soft-serve ice cream between two Saga cookies. THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 11
Sports Fall sports in full swing JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
The 2015 athletics schedule is full of events with each sport in conference play or preparing for the season. Here is an update on each of the ORU teams. Women’s Soccer The team started the season in August and is currently 4-4-2 overall after losing to the University of Oklahoma 2-1 on Tuesday. They begin conference play tonight at South Dakota and will play at North Dakota State on Sunday. The team will travel to Stillwater on Friday, Oct. 9 to play Oklahoma State. Men’ s Soccer The men’s soccer team kicked off the season shortly after the women’s. The team is currently 3-4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. They finished 2-1 in double overtime against Eastern, Illinois last Saturday and suffered a 2-1 loss against Southern Methodist University Tuesday.
12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
The team continues in their quest for the Summit League title against Western Illinois tomorrow at the Case Soccer Complex. They also play Central Arkansas Tuesday, Oct. 6. Volleyball The volleyball team has an 8-7 overall record and is 2-0 in conference play. They finished 3-1 against North Dakota State and 3-2 against South Dakota State last weekend. The Golden Eagles continue conference competition at home this week in the Aerobics Center. They play tonight at 7 p.m. against IUPUI, Sunday against IPFW and Friday, Oct. 9 against Omaha. Cross-Country The cross-country team participated at the Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Oklahoma Sept. 26. The women finished eighth in the university division. The team will compete at the Red Rock Classic in Lawrence, Kansas tomorrow, followed by the Summit
League Championship on Oct. 31 in Brookings, South Dakota. Women’s Tennis The Golden Eagles began the season the second week of September. The team has had 13 individual and four doubles wins. They will compete in the ITA Region Championships Oct. 15-19. Team play begins in the spring. Men’s Tennis The men’s team will begin its season at the ITA All-American tournament tomorrow through Tuesday, Oct. 6. It will be held on the University of Tulsa campus at the Case Tennis Center. Men’s Golf The men’s golf started its season at the UNO Invitational Sept. 14-15 where they placed second out of 12 teams. Freshman Cody Burrows finished in the top 10. The team will travel to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to play in the Zach Johnson
Invitational Oct. 5-6. Women’s Golf Women’s golf started their season this week at the Bob Hurley ORU Shootout. They finished fourth out of 15 teams. The team will travel to Springfield, Missouri to compete in the MSU/ Payne Stewart Memorial tournament Oct. 12. Men’s and Women’s Basketball Both teams begin practice this weekend, and the season begins the first week of next month. Athlon Sports ranked the men’s team No. 3 in the preseason conference poll. Obi Emegano is expected to be a Summit League First Team selection. Each Golden Eagle team is looking to bring home the Summit League title this year.
Photos by Wyatt Bullard, Josh Carpenter and Abrienne Summerer
Golden Eagles remain upbeat despite OU loss
Left: Forward Kylie Dellis dribbles down the field. Right: Midfielder Megan Guico crosses an OU defender. RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
The ORU women’s soccer team held Oklahoma to one goal for 84 minutes, but couldn’t hang on in the end, falling to the Sooners 2-1. The match was deadlocked with neither side giving in, until the 85th minute of regulation when OU Forward Kaylee Dao drove the game-winning shot into the back of the ORU net. “They played fast at times,” said Golden Eagles forward Brittney Lawrence. “We just have to learn how to counter attack and push our pace.” The Sooners came back after half-
time and controlled the match, maintaining possession in ORU’s side of the field most of the second half. The Golden Eagles scored the match’s first goal at the 14-minute mark of the first half. Lawrence broke away from the defense and fired a shot to the top left corner for the score. The goal was Lawrence’s team-leading, fifth goal of the season. The Sooners notched the equalizer in the 43rd minute of the first half. Golden Eagle goalkeeper Maddie Rhodes came out and saved the initial shot but was caught out of position. Sooners midfielder Lizzie Luallin shot the rebound into an empty net to tie
the match. The Golden Eagles had many chances during Tuesday’s match, but couldn’t find a way to score in the second half. “Our passing has improved a lot since the beginning of the season. We just need to focus a little bit more,” said midfielder Tahlor Lyman. “When we get into the final third of the field, we have to make sure those chances count.” The team’s record of four wins, five losses and two draws doesn’t tell the whole story. The Golden Eagles have only lost one match by more than a goal. The team is battling and grinding out matches, something the Golden
Photos by Nik Stophel
Eagles lacked last season. “It’s the identity the seniors have adapted for the program,” said head coach Roger Bush. “They are leading us in that direction; there is an always-inthe-fight mentality and mantra. I’m going to credit them with that; they lead it. I’m really proud of them for that.” The ORU women’s soccer team will face South Dakota today and this season the Golden Eagles look to start conference play on the right foot. “We’re pumped,” said Lyman. “We’re ready to get these first two [conference] wins of the season, start conference, maybe even start on top.”
Nike hosts coaches clinic at Mabee Center JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
ORU is hosting Nike Championship Basketball Clinic today through Sunday at the Mabee Center. “The way it came about is we have a great relationship with Nike. We have a partnership and they’re one of our sponsors,” said ORU Head Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Sutton. “They had called and wanted to be able to use our facilities to put on this clinic. They probably put on eight to 10 clinics a year around the country. When they called, it was obviously something we wanted to do for them, but it also helps showcase our arena and our campus. It showcases the university.” Holding the clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma works geographically for the Nike program, too. “I wanted to come to a place in the midwest,” said
Nike Clinic Director Ed Janka. “I know Scott Sutton, and I know ORU, and it was a no-brainer that we wanted to hold it there.” The weekend is aimed at junior high and high school basketball coaches in Oklahoma and its surrounding states. It will feature 11 coaches including Basketball Hall of Fame Member Bobby Knight and Kansas State Head Coach Bruce Weber. “It’s a great opportunity for coaches in this area, whether they’re from Oklahoma, Southwest Missouri, Kansas or Northwest Arkansas, to be able to come and spend two or three days and be able to learn and listen from some of the best coaches who have ever coached the game,” Sutton said. “Bobby Knight is considered one of the best coaches that we’ve had in our game and obviously brings a wealth of knowledge for coaches.” Speakers will cover various topics from coaching
a team to different drills a coach can use to improve a team’s shooting or defense. The Oklahoma City University basketball team will be used to showcase drills and techniques. “[The best part of the clinics] is to see male and female coaches of all levels come to this and to have success so they can move on and have winning teams and winning programs. Hopefully we give them a foundation for that,” said Janka. The Golden Eagle men’s basketball team will hold their first practice of the season during the clinic. “It’ll be a good experience for us to go out there and practice under different conditions with several hundred coaches in the stands,” said Sutton. The clinic is open to anyone interested. Registration goes until 9 p.m. tonight and costs $170.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 13
Experience will define MLB postseason
RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
The Major League Baseball playoffs begin next week, and there is going to be a major clash between experience and youthful enthusiasm. Teams like the Cardinals, Pirates, Dodgers and Royals are familiar with October baseball. The Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays will all make appearances for the first time in years. The Blue Jays haven’t been back to the playoffs since winning the World Series in 1993. With so many young teams in this year’s postseason, it brings up an interesting question: Is a young team capable of winning a World Series or do they have to learn how to win? The answer is a no. A young team won’t win in October. Developing a winning culture and chemistry
is very difficult in baseball. The Astros led the American League West until losing their fourth straight game to the Rangers on Sept. 15. The Astros had found themselves in second place, after leading the division for 121 days this season. Is it because they were so young? The Astros only have six players who have played more than one playoff game. Very few of their players have been through the grind of a playoff race. The Astros are the youngest team in baseball with an average age of 26.4. The same can be said for the Chicago Cubs, who are the second youngest team in baseball at an average age of 26.7. The Rangers are the exact opposite. They have the experience the Astros don’t have. The Rangers have nine players with experience in at least one World Series game. The Texas roster is full of guys who know what it takes to compete for a postseason spot. Teams with veteran presence and playoff pedigree can never be taken lightly. There is a reason teams like the Cardinals, Rangers, Pirates, Yankees and now Royals are always in the playoff mix. Those teams realize baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. In a 162game season, there are several ups and downs, but knowing how to adjust to those waves separate the
men from the boys. The Atlanta Braves of the 1990’s learned how to win. They lost two consecutive World Series in 1991 and 1992. The Braves even went to the NLCS in 1993, arguably their best team of the 90’s, but still couldn’t get it done. It took the Braves five years after reaching the World Series to win it in 1995. Why? Those teams had a hall of fame manager in Bobby Cox, three hall of fame starting pitchers in Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz and they also had a kid at third base named Chipper, who turned out to be pretty good. So what did it take? Those Braves teams had to grow together. Just because you have all the ingredients to the cake doesn’t mean you can bake one. The Braves had all the right ingredients to put together a World Series juggernaut, but it took the right players, on the right team in the right season for it to come together. This year’s young teams will have to do the same. It’s good for the game of baseball when teams like the Cubs, Astros, Mets and even Blue Jays are playing well. Those teams will now have to prove themselves against the big boys on the big stage and hopefully become perennial playoff contenders with some experience in their pocket.
Players should not try to silence fans
SOLOMON WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Apparently in today’s sports world it takes higher education to voice an opinion about the performance of your favorite team. Why didn’t anyone inform me this was rocket science? When passionate fans are watching their teams make head-scratching decisions, it feels like the lines quickly become blurred between simply going for it on fourth down and hitting the red button in the White House. No fan wants to watch their team make poor decisions and 14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
cost the team a win. And when those game-wrecking play calls result in more losses, teams and players hear it from fans and the media. In 2015, we’ve seen highlights of multi-million dollar heads go brain dead on the biggest stages. Remember Seattle deciding to throw the ball from three yards out? They watched the Patriots intercept their Super Bowl championship trophy by not giving the ball to Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch. In week one of the NFL season, the St. Louis Rams stuffed Beast Mode on a fourth down run by the Seahawks, helping jumpstart an 0-2 start by Seattle. The predictable run call sparked social media criticism from Lynch’s mother, Delisa Lynch. Mama “Beast Mode” took to Facebook to call for the firing of the Seahawks offensive coordinator, saying he is the worst play caller ever while referencing the Super Bowl blunder. Lynch’s mother said she was only venting as a football fan. She
should have that right. Mama Lynch is not the first and won’t be the last fan to express frustration with a team. When the Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a 20-9 loss to the Carolina Panthers, many of their fans griped over the offensive play calling. It’s hard to say they didn’t have a point after watching their team only put up nine points. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, insisted fans need to stay in their place, calling it the equivalent to a kindergartner criticizing a college kid. It doesn’t take a degree in clock management to know the New York Giants had no business stopping the clock when the Cowboys were faced with 98 yards to drive and no timeouts. This is not advocating for the critiquing of everyone while they perform their jobs. It takes an abundant amount of hours spent with any skill to be considered an informed individual, let alone expert. But it’s never okay in any industry for obvious details to be
overlooked. It doesn’t take a mechanic to let you know your car needs gas. For athletes to pretend as if devoted fans cannot recognize blatant mistakes when they are right before their eyes is unrealistic and, in fact, insulting. Fans who help sustain $100 million payrolls should not keep their mouths shut. There are only eight home games in the NFL season. Season ticket holders who hand out dollars by the thousands to be in attendance have every right to voice displeasure. Fans are the backbone of a city’s sports franchise. The attempt to muzzle loyal supporters is foolish. Players should be happy the people paying their salaries still have enough interest to boo poor performances. In many businesses, the customer is always right. It might not be the rule in sports, but the right to boo, complain or be disgruntled has always been the exception. We should keep it that way.
SCENE
Tulsa Fair perfect for all styles CHRISTEN LATINI Contributing Writer
Tulsa State Fair, held at Expo Square, is more than equipped with stages, rides, exhibits and concessions for the anticipated 1 million people next week. The fair boasts dozens of activities and concerts, and it can be overwhelming to select a day or two to experience the enormous event. Between classes, homework, hall meetings and prayer movements—ain’t nobody got time to research the best day to go. Luckily for you, here is a guide to help divide events into easily-managed classifications so you don’t have to. The best fair day for… the country classmate Saturday night offers some lively events. The Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show opens at 10 a.m., with a display of extravagant cakes and confections. At 11 a.m., the Oklahoma State Picking and Fiddling Championships begin, where people of all ages compete in toe-tapping renditions of beloved tunes. In between shows, cool off on White Water, a log flume ride; or see the fairgrounds from the Star Dancer Observance Tower. FuZed, a seven-piece cover band whose repertoire spans the 70s to current Top 40, will be opening up the dance floor at 9 p.m. During the day, stop by the Chubbs n’Spuds concession stand for a deep fried variety and baked potatoes smothered with an array of sauces. For the biology major stuck on GC 1: After church on Sunday, Oct. 4, visit the Birthing Center where visitors could witness a live birth, or get a peek at tiny new animals. Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo presents “Nature’s Ninjas” at 1 TU
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For the musical thespian: On Monday, Oct. 5 after class, enjoy a comedy pirate show with the Swashchucklers at 4 p.m. Rock and simultaneously roll on the Rock Star, or wander through a fun house like Mardis Gras or the Cuckoo Haus. At 7 p.m., Tulsa’s own FM Pilots perform indie rock and alternative pop music from their recently released EP, “Want Me.” For King and Country, a Christian duo known for “Shoulders” and “Fix My Eyes,” follows at 8 p.m. For dinner, try Pierre’s Trandafir Concession where gyros, frog legs and deep fried ice cream can be found.
Bacon. Choose from Bacon MacCheese Fries or Chocolate Bacon Poppers.
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For the hipster roommate: Saturday, Oct. 10 starts with a farmer’s market at 10 a.m. Peruse fresh fruits and vegetables to stock up the microfridge before catching the dangerously artistic Chainsaw Carving demonstration at 11 a.m. Before the Great Cat Experience, take a wild ride on the Crazy Cat Coaster or the Comet II. Be the first to hear Tom Basler’s Dueling Piano concert at 7 p.m. While there, taste Cajuns Limited Concessions for various items like shrimp etoufee and gator on a stick.
For the bearded fellow: After classes on Tuesday, Oct. 6, hit up Expo Square for a masculine craft exhibit by the Northeastern Oklahoma Woodturners at 5 p.m., featuring intricately carved wooden sculptures. The Chipper Experience at 6 p.m. will have bearded chins filled with wonder and laughter. Catch Andy Grammer, singer of “Honey, I’m Good” at 8 p.m. Test your courage on the MegaDrop. For dinner, satisfy any bacon cravings at Backstreet BBQ Burgers’ Everything AIR
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p.m. At 2 p.m. see the Great Cat Experience, and discover more about man’s best friend at the All Star Stunt Dog Challenge at 4 p.m. Before observing a real-time operation in the Surgical Suite at 6:30 p.m., whirl around on the Quasar and the Zero Gravity rides. The Northeastern Beekeepers Association will exhibit all day and Tulsa natives Alaska Holloway and Madi Metcalf of “The Voice” perform at 8 p.m. Bierocks Concessions will feed guests with traditional German bierocks, cabbage rolls and bratwurst.
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THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 15
‘Every song is a story’ Rapper Andy Mineo on music and inspiration
said Mineo. “My best songs and my best lyrics come from conversations with people and through my own perChristian rapper, artist and prosonal experiences. I’m always thinking ducer Andy Mineo will visit Tulsa Friday during his “Uncomfortable” tour. of ways to translate the common, everyday human experience into something Mineo hopes to spread the message of meaningful.” “embracing the uncomfortable situaMineo’s ability to relate with real life tions,” a motto he has been learning experiences is one of the reasons why so over the past few years. many are drawn to him and his music. “Expect a great story. Definitely Even with all the success and fame, more than just your typical concert,” Mineo aims to bring all glory to God. Mineo said. “We put a lot into our live His relationship with Christ has made shows. Make sure it’s a memorable him the person he is today. experience. It’s also going to be a lot “I became a Christian a few years more adventurous. It’s not going to be Photo by Five Nineteen Photography 40 minutes of the same thing. It’s going ago, and my relationship with God Sarah Dinwiddie finds a new passion through music and songwriting. has altered the way I think about the to have a lot of ebb and flow.” world, the way I think about life, the Mineo started listening to rap in way I think about relationships, money his adolescent years. During middle and success,” said Mineo. “That’s a real school and high school, Mineo made a studio in his basement where he would authentic relationship I have with God I think that spills over into my music.” record music. He continued the trend Growing as an artist is the next step in college and was soon discovered by for Mineo. As he continues to write Christian rapper Lecrae. Reach Reentitled “Fiction.” Her inspiration for AUDREY GRAY Staff Writer more music, Mineo will strive to write cords signed Mineo, and the young “Fiction” came while she was editing from “inspiration” instead of “need.” If Students are constantly told to rapper launched his music career. her first novel, “On the Outside.” In he’s not inspired to write, he won’t. “make no little plans.” These are the Mineo’s music gained traction fast one of the chapters, the main character “I think growing my music is going words that Sarah Dinwiddie has kept and brought thousands of fans. His first is in a soda shop and she sees an atin her heart even after graduating. She album, “Heroes for Sale,” reached num- to be largely in part me growing as a tractive boy. She daydreams about what graduated from ORU in May of 2014 ber four on the Top Rap Albums Chart person, as an individual, as a thinker,” could happen between them and the Mineo said. “That’s where my inspirawith a degree in writing. With just a and his EP “Never-Land” reached future they could have. tion comes from through my life expeyear out of school she has already writnumber one on iTunes. “On the Outside” is a book about a riences, and I think that as I continue ten a book and created an EP. Telling his story is how Mineo has girl who has grown up in a small town “I have really found my voice and truly connected with his fans. His latest to grow as a person I continue to grow and notices something odd about her creatively.” flourished post-grad,” said Dinwiddie. album “Uncomfortable” continues to best friends. Throughout the book she Mineo will be in concert tonight at The EP is called “Paint by Numbers” uncovers mysteries about her friends tell more of his life experiences. and will be published in the second “Every song has its own story. Every 8 p.m. at Guts Church in Broken Arand her own life, weaving an underlyrow. General admission is $20. Tickets week of October on Spotify, Apple song has its own inspiration behind it, ing theme of trauma. can be purchased at andymineo.com. Music and iTunes. Her album has an but collectively it’s just through life,” Dinwiddie finished the book and is acoustic, folk-pop sound. She wrote all currently working on publishing it. She of the songs on the album. was never part of the music scene at Dinwiddie was inspired by her ORU, but she self-taught herself guitar favorite author Annie Dillard and by while working on her degree. She began finding wonder in the mundane routine succeeding in music after graduation. of life. Her friend Charlie Ross, who has Title track “Fiction” carries an been in the music business professionupbeat, catchy tune, while songs like ally for 10 years, encouraged Dinwiddie “Carved Heart” speak from a broken to pursue music. Through the process of place and grapple with difficult situamaking the album, she found the coltions such as divorce. lection of songs to unveil a new under“[Carved Heart] is a song of believ- standing of herself and a new passion. ing for joy, believing in hope even when “I never would of thought music you feel desperate and grieved by life,” would be my passion,” Dinwiddie said. Dinwiddie said. “Creativity is a means of healing.” Internet Photo Her first single is already on Spotify Andy Mineo will perform at Guts Church tonight at 8 p.m. VICTORIA ATTERBERY Scene Editor
Alumna finds new voice, records album
16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
Double take
Celebrity look-alikes on campus VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
Download the Aurasma App and follow @oruoracle to see the celebrities these students resemble.
Hey, is that Anna Kendrick? Probably not. If you have seen any major celebrities walking around campus, it’s more than likely just fellow students. These students have been mistaken for celebrities one too many times. Strangers have asked for autographs and have really believed these students are celebrities. Regardless of the mistaken identity, these students are normal people walking around with the faces of some very famous people. Here are five students with famous doppelgangers.
Danny Charles/Kevin Jonas “I’m from New Jersey. I actually know the Jonas brothers. I went to church with them and my uncle built the Jonas Brothers’ first guitars.” Gabe Kanelopoulos/Flynn Rider “For the longest time these girls I knew called me Flynn Rider because they didn’t know my name.”
Laura Earl/Amanda Seyfried “One time I was back home, and we went out to eat. As we were walking out the door, our waitress came and was like, ‘Hey I don’t wanna make a big scene or anything but would you mind giving me your autograph?’ I was like, ‘No, I think you think I’m somebody else.’ She got kinda upset with me, because I think she thought I was lying to her.” Photos by Audrey Gray and Choyce Hays
Becca Boudrey/Anna Kendrick “I went to Incredible Pizza with student leadership [at ORU]. My friend Mya told all the workers I was Anna Kendrick, and they believed her.”
Seth Turner/Josh Duhamel “People I don’t know send me pictures [of Duhamel].” THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 17
MUSE
Listening to the lyrics
ship r o w n r The theological correctness of mode represents the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies in Every Wednesday and Friday the the Old Testament Tabernacle (Exodus ORU student body, faculty and staff 26:31-34). This is symbolic because the join together for chapel. During each High Priests were allowed to enter into worship song, the music builds mothe Holy of Holies only once a year to mentum and the congregation belts the atone for the sins of the Israelites. chorus or bridge. McDonald works in the Graduate Everyone begins to sing the next School of Theology and Ministry and is verse, but what did the previous statea historian with an emphasis in Hement actually mean? Yes, it rhymed and brew studies. He explained the other it flowed well with the progression of interpretations of priest. the song, but is there an understanding “Still the meaning of the word of what the lyrics mean? priest is not readily known,” he said. Understanding worship songs is “Most define priests by their function. important. When there is meaning The word priest can be defined as one associated with the lyrics being sung, who has the capacity to draw into the there can be deeper worship and greater presence of God.” intimacy with the Lord. When Jesus died on the cross there “When songs are not scripturalwas an earthquake and the “veil” sepaly correct, they do more to put us in rating these two places was torn (Matbondage than to set us free,” said Dr. thew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). William McDonald, assistant professor Jesus’ death was a cleansing sacrifice for of Old Testament. “When songs are believers. It gave them access to a place biblically correct, they release within us of grace and intimacy with the Father an anointing that identifies within us that was previously only available for the deepest core of our being. You shall priests. This first interpretation of these know the truth, and the truth shall set lyrics describes how believers cast their you free.” trust within the grace of God, which The popular Hillsong Live song was bought with the blood of Jesus. “Cornerstone” is an adaptation of the “When Jesus died on our behalf and classic hymn “My Hope is Built on the veil was ripped we are now given Nothing Less.” the opportunity to draw into His presThis song could be considered one ence,” McDonald said. of the most theologically-advanced The second interpretation comes worship songs of today. Many of the from the original hymn “My Hope is verses contain deep insight into Old Built on Nothing Less,” which origiTestament theology. nally read: The full verse from the Hillsong “When darkness veils his lovely face adaptation reads: My anchor holds within the veil.” “When darkness seems to hide His face The original hymn’s meaning was I rest on His unchanging grace. simpler than in today’s famous tune. It In every high and stormy gale could be explained as trusting in the My anchor holds within the veil.” unchanging goodness of God even “My anchor holds within the veil” is when life’s circumstances don’t seem to a prime example. There are two possible reflect it. interpretations for this statement. “Because of my experiencing God The first interpretation says the “veil” in drawing near on a continual basis, SARAH DAVIS
Contributing Writer
18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
that provides an anchor,” McDonald said. “No Longer Slaves” by Jonathan David Helser is another theologically complex song gaining popularity. “I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God” has more meaning than what some might see at first glance. The idea of being free from enslavement was controversial when Jesus first posed it. John 8:31-32 said, “Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.’”
The people were confused and insisted they had never been enslaved to anyone before. To explain, Jesus said when people commit sins they become enslaved by them. Then Jesus said in verses 35-36, “A slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed.” The unspoken truth of this verse is that sons are free. Before singing another line in chapel, examine its meaning. The entire worship experience could be altered if the lyrics’ weight were understood.
Reality (n): The state of being real
SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief
The Caitlyn Jenner story had just blown up; Bruce Jenner’s new body, smooth legs, womanly figure and a face reminiscent of Jessica Lange populated the magazine racks and bookstores around the city. Somehow, over dinner, the conversation swayed toward the Kardashian family, their lavish life and the question of their lives compared to those of “ordinary folk.” “It’s such a shame,” someone commented. “Those people have no concept of reality.” I carried the salad bowl to the kitchen, nodding my head, suddenly unsure
I knew what reality was either. No, I didn’t live the Kardashian lifestyle. My face wasn’t plastered with makeup and my body is not sculpted to the perfect size. My hair isn’t always glossy and there’s gum stuck to the bottom of my left shoe. The World Bank estimates nearly half the world’s population – over three billion people – live on less than $3.00 a day. On that kind of salary, you would have to work two days to afford a grande caramel macchiato, which costs a measly $4.25. To a small child in Ethiopia, bony and weary from lack of food, that’s ridiculous. The $4.25 quickly swiped for a beverage that may be thrown away half empty could be a meal or 18 meals. To the neglected and abused child seeking comfort in the Laura Dester home, it is selfish. It’s rather easy to point fingers at people like the Kardashians. They’re covered in makeup, their bodies are contoured and curved. They’re larger than life, and with every selfie, perfectly arched eyebrow and horrible crying face,
people seem to fall more in love with them while equally despising them. “They have no idea what life is like,” they said, feeding their cat Fancy Feast. But do they? Do we? For some reason, we were not all born into the same level of luxury. I wasn’t born with a camera shoved in my face, and I wasn’t born into nobility. But I also wasn’t born into poverty. I always had clothes on my back, shoes on my feet and a meal, no matter how simple and full of potatoes and cabbage it was. We even go to a missions-oriented school. We see the faces of those children. We are well-acquainted with the suffering of a war-torn country or one shaken by an earthquake. And still, every week, our lavish habits remain. The other day, my friend paid for a woman’s groceries. The woman stood frazzled, switching out brands and trying, without success to make the Kix, milk, cheese and eggs she was purchasing equal the cost of her foods stamps. When my friend offered to pay, the woman beamed. No tears. No screams of joy. Just a smile. A smile of complete
and utter disbelief. There we were, two realities colliding in the middle of Walmart. It broke my heart. “That was really nice of you,” I commented as we walked out. “That was kid food,” she said simply. “She should be able to buy milk and cereal, and go home.” I complain and worry about student debt, but my bank account always has enough for car repairs, monthly payments and the occasional beverage or night on the town. I worry about gas prices going up at home, but my car always has gas. My clothes aren’t the one’s that grace the pages of Vogue, but they’re still nice. New. Current. To me, this is my reality. And it’s painfully skewed.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015 • 19
20 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 2, 2015