January 18, 2013 Print Edition

Oral Roberts University • Jan. 18, 2013 Tulsa, Okla. • Vol. 47, No. 9 www.oruoracle.com

WHAT A LADY

First Lady Alison Rutland is celebrated for her service to the university with a special day named in her honor. Jan. 16. PAGE 9

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FEATURES

PAGE 12 How to look like a stylish stud this season THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 2

LIFE Photo by Stephen Salmon

Alumni-Student Center nears Feb. 1 opening

By Hannah Covington and Nathan Porter Don’t worry. You weren’t the only one to notice neon lights flashing from the construction site of the new Armand Hammer Alumni-Student Center over the past week.

The curious light show serves as just one more colorful sign that the new building nears completion.

The grand opening is planned Feb. 1, following chapel. An exclusive Oracle tour of the building on Jan. 16, revealed a space boasting abundant light, clean, sloping lines and pops of vibrant colors.

A massive television monitor, the largest in Oklahoma, dominates a main wall on the ground floor. Pool tables, a fireplace couch area and gaming center offer students a way to unwind after classes.

“The main point of this building is food, fun and fellowship,” said Jeremy Burton, director of Public Relations.

A series of Student Association offices extends on one section of the ground floor. The spacious office at the end of the hallway is reserved for Stu-

dent Association President Dan Holman, who will enjoy a grandstand view of the residence halls.

Red staircases lead to a second-floor area dedicated to already-operational offices and an in-progress conference room that will feature the artwork of L.A. artist Tyler Ramsey.

The bright, white atmosphere resembles a kind of mix between an Apple Store and a modern lounge cafe.

Atmosphere aside, the main question among students remains: What about food?

The student-alumni center will feature two new food services: Moe’s Southwest Grill, a Tex-Mex restaurant; and Jasmine’s Café, a Sodexo brand coffee shop.

Students should anticipate changed hours for Chick-fil-A and Freshens and the closing of the Internet Café after the opening of the student center. Late night in Saga also will end.

In a survey sent out last semester, students were “overwhelming in favor” of keeping Chick-fil-A over late night, said ORU COO Tim Philley.

“It was kind of a trade-off,” Philley said.

Around the outside of the building, tables, chairs and a fire pit promise students a place to enjoy this new cuisine.

On Jan. 27, students are invited to attend a unique type of outdoor launch party on the south side of the building.

Organized by GuRuStu, a marketing design firm in downtown Tulsa, the event features an environmental projection that will play a short video for students.

Refreshments will also be provided.

Students may note the distinctive architectural design as one of the building’s defining characteristics.

The construction for the architectural endeavor began as an $8.5 million project, but after contributions from outside donors and board of trustee members, the budget expanded to $11.5 million.

Philley said donors and trustee members wanted to see that the building remained under budget and on time.

Consequently, the administration chose an unconventional method of construction for this project called design-build. In this building method,

constructors and architects design part of the project, and then design the rest as the building is constructed.

Whereas most methods consist of complete architectural designs prior to any sort of construction, design-build allows for more freedom in design and conceptual building. An advantage to design-build is that it is much quicker.

“Had we not done design-build, we probably wouldn’t have started on construction until three or four months ago,” said Philley.

Key Construction of Tulsa was awarded the primary building contract.

Despite occasional set-backs, students can expect the new building to open in just two weeks, right in time for homecoming.

Jan. 27 : Outdoor launch party Jan. 28 : Restaurants open

(limited hours) Feb. 1 : Dedication and opening

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 3

Homecoming includes more than 60 events This year’s gathering will be celebrated Jan. 31 to Feb. 2

By Greg Brown The beginning of February will mark an important event in the ORU community.

Homecoming events for alumni, students, parents and friends of the university will be held Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, just in time for the dedication of the Armand Hammer AlumniStudent Center on Feb 1.

Unlike other universities, ORU plans its yearly homecoming events around a basketball schedule rather than a football game.

Jesse Pisors, director of Alumni Relations on campus, is excited about this year’s

winter event.

“It’s exciting to bring hundreds, maybe even a thousand, alumni and family members back to campus to see the first new building in 30 years,” Pisors said. “Not just to see a drawing, to see the concrete evidence that ORU is alive.”

Pisors said that the new building shows that the university is “thriving and growing”and that the school’s “best days are ahead of us.”

The dedication of the Armand Hammer StudentAlumni Center is not the only homecoming event, though.

More than 60 events will take place between the ORU basketball games on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2.

Some of the events include a chance to view the Green

family’s collection of biblical artifacts, a Prayer Tower openhouse presented by the Class of 1973’s 40-year reunion, a legacy-parent breakfast for parents of current students who are alumni of ORU and an alumni business showcase.

The showcase will have alumni business and nonprofit leaders set up booths in Christ’s Chapel, showcasing their businesses and connecting with students.

“We like to combine so many events in such a short time so that everyone has a lot to choose from,” Pisors said.

“If I invited you to come back from across the nation, or even the world, to one dinner, you probably wouldn’t come.”

A homecoming worship service will take place Feb. 1

Finalist for new president submitted to ORU trustees ORU Board of Trustees Chair Mart Green announced Jan. 11 in an email to faculty and staff that the Presidential Search Committee has selected a finalist for university president.

That person must be approved by the full board, which is scheduled to meet Jan. 29-31 on campus.

Green is one of nine members on the search committee, all of whom are keeping the finalist’s name a carefully guarded secret. Other members of the committee include Trustees Don Argue, Mark Banks, Robert Hoskins and Gilberto Velez; ORU Women’s Chaplain Carol Holderness; Professor Timothy Norton; former Student Association President Jentre Olsen and ORU Alumni Board Chairman Matt Rearden.

Current ORU President Mark Rutland announced Sept. 21, 2011, that he planned to step down after the

2012-13 academic year. The Presidential Search Committee was commissioned in January 2012, and last April members hired the CarterBaldwin Executive Search firm in Atlanta to assist them with the process.

In November, the committee narrowed the field of applicants and interviewed “a small group of semifinalists Nov. 28” in the Dallas area.

“We are grateful for the prayers and support that we have felt over the past several months and ask that you continue your prayers for the candidate and the Board of Trustees,” Green said in his recent email to staff and faculty.

Officials have not shared when and where the announcement of the new president will be made. When Rutland was selected as ORU’s president in January 2009, the announcement was made on Jan. 28, the Wednesday that the board was meeting.

4 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

at 8 p.m., featuring Stephen Mansfield, a best-selling author, historian and ORU Alumnus of the Year for service to the community.

This service will also feature many alumni worship leaders, including Don Moen, president and co-founder of Integrity Music.

Integrity Music has been one of the biggest and most influential producers of worship music throughout the United States and the world. Joining Moen will be Glenn Packiam, co-founder of Desperation Band.

Alumna Hannah Luce will speak at a reunion dinner. She is the sole survivor of the May 11, 2012, plane crash that claimed the lives of three ORU students and a former

instructor who were flying to an Acquire the Fire event.

Other alumni attending include Jim and Tamara Graff, who will be honored as Alumni of the Year for their service to God; and Gordon and Linda Helm, Alumni of the Year for service to their alma mater.

“Homecoming is often thought of as an alumni event...” Pisors said. “It’s for anyone that wants to come.

Students, parents and friends of the university are all welcome.”

Anyone who wishes to find more information on homecoming events can go to http:// www.oru.edu/alumni_and_ friends/alumni/ and find the “Homecoming Events List” link.

Providence OPC Tulsa A new, reformed church just two miles east of ORU

Life-changing Preaching Orthodox Worship Reformed Faith Dynamic Love everything necessary for life and godliness

Pastor Jim Stevenson

ORU alumni: Bob Getchell and Randy Pickard invite you to come and worship

Sundays @ 10:30 am Holland Hall’s Chapel

5666 E. 81st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137 (918) 704-0124 www.providencetulsa.org

Proposal suggests changes to open dorms policy

By Hannah Covington Open dorms is not a closed issue at ORU. Three months after the original proposal, two rounds of revisions and one concerted effort to increase residence hall interactions, Student Life and the General Assembly continue to work on amending the current open dorm policy.

The General Assembly, ORU’s representative body for students, discussed the original proposal Oct. 8 and presented it before members Nov. 5. Authored by Josh Wagoner and Kai Good, the proposal suggests scheduling open dorms twice weekly, according to the General Assembly website.

As vice president of Student Association and president of the General Assembly, Wagoner then presented the proposal to Aaron Brown, director of Student Experience at the university.

Traditionally, the student body president and his cabinet present a list of open dorm dates

to administration for approval.

Last semester, the governing body did not present traditional dates to Student Life while the proposal was in discussion. Finally, in November, the men’s and women’s residence halls hosted a dualopen dorms, the only one of the semester.

With only one open dorms held last semester, many students question the progress of these proposed changes, wondering about the delay and if open dorms will occur at all this spring.

“There was never any intention to cancel open dorms and keep them on the backburner or anything like that,” said Brown.

“We just need dates proposed.”

On Jan. 16, Wagoner said he submitted a list of dates to Brown for open dorms to occur every other week in the spring semester.

Despite the observance of traditional open dorm times, both Student Life and the General Assembly said the

proposal is still in the works.

“The goal this semester was to enter into a better dialogue about it,” said Brown.

For the past few years, open dorms have taken place every other week, alternating between the men’s and women’s residence halls.

Photo by Chandler Branzell Students often take Goodfellas host a black light party on their Wesley 6 wing last fall. advantage of these strictly monitored “We had been talking about ers like resident advisors, who visiting hours by spending time this way before SA proposed must be present during the with brother/sister wings and visiting hours. this,” he said. friends in the opposite gender “That’s very taxing on the His department is not dorms.

RA to be there during every alone. In 2010, a student-led Wagoner said he sees the time, and I’m very careful pullpetition aimed to get 1,000 interactions as crucial to a stuing on their time,” Guajardo signatures in support of exdent’s on-campus experience. said. tending open dorm hours for “Open dorms are imporJunior Adam Mullenix residents. tant to developing the social serves as the resident advisor In speaking of a process adeptness of every student to for Wesley 6. Known as Goodthat has already spanned sevbe able to cultivate healthy fellas, Mullenix’s floor prides eral months, Student Associarelationships and encourage itself in hosting special events tion President Dan Holman social maturity,” he said. “It is said he wants students to know for every male open dorm, vital that we constantly look to that they are still working for including a black light party improve student experience.” last semester. change.

Vice President “The guys planned it out, “I empathize with [stufor Student Life rallied together and got it dents] for waiting on this,” he Daniel Guajardo done,” Mullenix said.” “It was said. “I want them to know agrees. great to see how that created that we are working on it “Learning how and are doing a lot to get this a sense of community on the to live with one floor.” passed.” another and love He said many of the guys The procedures attached to one another and living on his floor have expolicy change stands as one of learning about pressed the wish for more open the barriers. our diversity, our dorms and disappointment in “When you make policy uniqueness and having only one last semester. changes, you want to go really our ethnicity, that Though concerned about slowly to make sure you’re covreally comes into the potential time commitering all the necessary things,” play in visiting ment involved for RAs, Mulsaid Brown. each other,” Gualenix said he would be open Guajardo said one of adjardo said. to the changes the proposal ministrators’ main concerns is Guajardo suggests. safety, particularly in light of added that the “If this is something the the recent violence on schools idea to revise the student body president and the and campuses nationwide. current policy is administration want to push The other is the burden nothing new. forward, I’d be behind them twice-a-week open dorms would place on student lead-

100 percent.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 5

ORU’s tradition of practicing justice reborn

By McKensie Garber On Dec. 3, four young men took the seats of those before them 35 years ago in GC 5114.

“Once you are here, you are on jury duty,” the judge, better known as Dr. Winston Frost, said, looking to his right at the mock jury made up of students. “This is a semester’s worth of work,” he said.

The four men seated before him were serving as prosecuting and defense attorneys in a mock trial for the Trial Advocacy class.

The event served not only as their class final exam, but also as practice for the spring semester when ORU will begin participating in the Intercollegiate Mock Trial Competition. They are looking for new members.

The pretend defendant, Kaylee Sipris, was being tried on charges of aggravated assault and theft. Sipris allegedly took the cellphone of Elena Lopez to read text messages that were sent to her boyfriend and threw the phone back to Elena, who ducked, causing the cell phone to hit baseball player Jax Afron, leaving him blind in one eye.

The prosecuting and defense attorneys questioned the defendant and witnesses. Six jurors (half the number in a real trial) were chosen to determine a verdict. All of the roles were played by ORU students.

Senior government and prelaw majors Kai Vincent Turley Good and Josh Wagoner served as the prosecuting attorneys.

Prelaw majors junior Samuel Malaiki Simmons and sophomore Eric Gavin filled the roles of defense attorneys.

Students of the Trial Advocacy class played the roles of witnesses. Everyone participating in the mock trial received a grade for their preparation and

performance, besides the jurors, who were student volunteers for the event.

The judge at the stand was 1982 ORU Law School graduate Winston Frost, whose academic peers included 2012 presidential candidate Michelle Bachman. He went on to become a practicing attorney, editor of the California Bar Journal and president of a Christian law school. He returned to ORU two years ago to become a prelaw professor.

So how did this mock trial for the Trial Advocacy class come about?

Frost said the 14 students were divided into teams and allowed to pick their partners at the beginning of the year. They then went through an orientation of trial skills. After the first round of trials, they drew for their partners. A Tulsa practicing attorney scored the teams.

The two highest scores from the second round trials made it to the Dec. 3 mock trial.

The top two teams then flipped a coin to choose which side of the case they would be representing. The winning team will go on to represent ORU this spring semester for the Intercollegiate Mock Trial competition.

The ORU mock trial team is in need of members. The team will travel to compete in Dallas, on Feb. 15-17, and then on to Tennessee if they qualify for nationals.

Practices are held Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested can contact Dr. Frost at 495-6066. His email is wfrost@oru.edu.

“I want to build a team of different skills,” Frost said. “I need people who are good at taking notes, speaking and cross

6 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Photo by Stephen Salmon

ORU senior and prosecuting attorney Kai Vincent Turley Good presents his case to the mock jury as Dr. Winston Frost presides over the Dec. 3 proceeding in GC 5114. examination, people who are good orators and who can elicit information congenially.”

“These people function as a team. It’s not just two people out there. It is all of the people behind them who help them win a case,” he said.

Frost said debate team members would be great assets to the mock trial team.

“I believe that ORU students have an even better advantage during these mock trials because the Holy Spirit gives them insights that allow them to see the other side of the case,” he said.

It’s easy to infer that this mock trial team is his “baby.”

In addition to building up this mock trial program, he will be holding a law camp for high school students in the summer where they will participate in mock trials and become better advocates.

What was the outcome of the mock trial/class final in GC 5114? Everyone went home a winner.

Pretend defendant Kaylee Sipris was charged on the crime of aggravated assault, but not found guilty of theft.

Awards were given for performance skills such as best opening and closing statements, best cross examination and best witness.

ORU senior Kai Vincent Turley Good has been participating in mock trials since high school.

“This was my redeeming moment to come back, because last year I placed second in state,” he said.

Turley Good hopes to attend St. Paul Law School next year in Minnesota and become an attorney.

“Changing the law involves more with legislation, but an attorney can change lives by dealing directly with people and their situations,” Good said.

Turley Good’s partner in the mock trial, Josh Wagoner, serves as the Student Association vice president. Wagoner hopes to gain an internship and then potentially attend law school at the Univer-

sity of Chicago.

The duo shared that they spent about 10 hours outside of class to prepare for the trial.

Frost told about his experience with his first case as a practicing attorney. He was defending a person being tried for rape.

Although he did not win the case, he saved his first client by introducing them to the Lord.

“That is the big victory,” he said, adding, “These kids can go out and do far more than I ever did.

“I love to teach them and get them excited that God can help them make a difference in others’ lives. That’s what it’s all about.”

As the students exited the room with their winning prize copy of Frederick Bastiat’s “The Law,” Frost said, “I think it’s just amazing that 35 years ago, some scared little law students were in this room doing the same thing.

“And now they are teaching here and running for president,” Turley Good added.

NEWS BRIEFS Promethia will sponsor literary reading Feb. 2

Promethia, the literary magazine of ORU, will hold a reading of poems and short stories at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, in the Chick-fil-A inside the Hamill Student Center.

Promethia, which is published annually through the English Department, invites student to submit their work for this year’s edition. The deadline is Feb. 13. Please turn in submissions to the English Department on the fifth floor of the Graduate Center.

GEB America programs available on ORU App GEB America, ORU’s television network housed in the Baby Mabee Center on campus, can now be viewed live on the ORU app for iPhone and Android.

The satellite network also can be seen can be seen on DirecTV Channel 363, KGEB Tulsa TV 53, Sky Angel or www.Lifestream.tv as well as online at www.GEBAmerica.com. It is Channel 23 on the Cox Cable lineup.

GEB America, which was rebranded last October, features a lineup of preachers such as Joel Osteen, Rod Parsley, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar and James Robinson. ORU chapel services also are broadcast live Wednesdays and Fridays and rerun throughout the week, and many ORU men’s basketball games also air on the network in conjunction with FOX Sports.

Whole Person triathlon set for Feb. 23-24 in AC

Promethia, Students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in the fourth annual Whole Person Indoor Triathlon on Feb. 23 and 24 at the Aerobics Center, featuring a 400-meter swim, 6.2-mile stationary bike ride and 1.5-mile run.

The individual competition will take

Internet Photo

ORU alumnus and acclaimed pianist David Osborne poses with President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in December. place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Prizes will be awarded to participants with the best time in each age group and the best time for each event.

The team competition will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Teams must consist of three participants: one swimmer, one biker and one runner.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place.

Participants will receive a free Tshirt and can register online at www. signmeup.com/88800. The cost is $30 for individuals, $45 for teams. Registration deadline is Feb. 19. For more information, contact Aerobics Center Director Julie Dunn at (918) 495-6640.

ORU alumnus performs at White House event

Oral Roberts University alumnus David Osborne counts Barack Obama among the six U.S. presidents for whom he has performed on the piano.

The 1981 ORU grad performed at the White House on Dec. 21, solidifying his nickname as the “Pianist to the Presidents.” He had performed for Obama on at least three other occasions before his Christmas holiday invitation.

Osborne, a native of Miami, Okla., has now performed for Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W.

Bush and Obama.

His commander-in-chief performances began in the mid-1980s when he landed a full-time job after graduate school playing the piano at a Marriott hotel in Orlando, Fla. His strongest relationship with White House occupants came after he asked Carter at a book-singing if he could perform at the former president’s Baptist church in Plains, Ga. He got that chance and has been invited back numerous times to perform for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in their home, for birthdays and other special occasions. Carter reportedly has requested that Osborne play at his funeral.

According to Osborne’s website, he has released 27 CDs and sold almost 5 million records. He was recently named “Concert Pianist of the Year 2012” at the 22nd annual L.A. Music Awards.

He received a star at the historic Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Calif., in 2010 and received a lifetime piano achievement award from the L.A. music association that year.

He currently performs classical and romantic show tunes and other arrangements five nights a week at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Before that, Osborne performed for 12 years at Caesar’s Palace.

Osborne’s latest recording is titled “Simply Romantic.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 7

FEATURES Inauguration will feature prayer and Bibles but not Passion founder Religious News Service President Barack Obama chose the Rev. Louie Giglio (above), founder of the Passion Conferences, to deliver the benediction at his Jan. 21 inauguration ceremony, but the Atlanta pastor withdrew Jan. 10, following a furor over a sermon from the mid-1990s in which he denounced the gay rights movement and advocated efforts to turn gays straight.

The liberal group Think Progress posted audio of the sermon on its website Jan. 9, and Giglio declined the president’s invitation the next day, saying “it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer, will be dwarfed by those

seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration.”

“Clearly, speaking on this issue has not been in the range of my priorities in the past 15 years,” Giglio said. “Instead, my aim has been to call people to ultimate significance as we make much of Jesus Christ.”

Meanwhile, Myrlie Evers-Williams (left), 79, the widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, also was invited to pray at the president’s swearing-in. She will be the first laywoman to give an invocation at a presidential inauguration.

The author, civil rights and political activist and former NAACP chairman is a scholar at Alcorn State University

in Mississippi. The Jan. 21 event will mark an interesting confluence of events for Evers-Williams: the second inauguration of the nation’s first African-American president, the 50th anniversary of her husband’s assassination in June 1963, and the swearingin occurring on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “The focus has been on Dr. King and there certainly is nothing wrong with that at all,” she told Religion News Service. “But I have always wanted to see Medgar be recognized for what he did. Medgar’s remains are in Arlington Cemetery, only about four to five miles away from the spot where the inauguration will take place. It’s kind of a miracle for me that all of this is happening at this particular time.”

Evers-Williams also is excited that President Obama will be using King’s Bible to take the oath of office on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “How can a country become more historical than that? she said. “I think it speaks so highly to America’s strength and willingness to change even though it has taken years to bring about efforts from the civil rights struggle into fruition and we are not yet there. But it sends a symbol not only to America, with all of those things combined, but to the world that America is strong, that America does believe in equality for all.”

The King Bible is one of two that President Obama will use to take the oath of office. The other Bible belonged to Abraham Lincoln.

No takers yet for Greens’ campus in Massachusetts Religious News Service Hobby Lobby Stores, owned by the family of ORU Board of Trustees Chairman Mart Green, could not find a Christian college able to take over a 217-acre historic campus it purchased in Massachusetts, so the property has been donated to the National Christian Foundation in Georgia.

NCF now plans to do what Hobby Lobby has tried in vain to do since acquiring the property in 2009: give it to a Christian institution that will honor the legacy of its founder, evangelist D.L. Moody.

“We’re committed to maintaining

the spirit with which the campus was founded,” said Aimee Minnich, president of NCF’s office. “So our first intent would be to find an educational institution as the final owner of the property.”

Although the Greens have long hoped someone would get the campus free of charge, it’s now possible NCF could sell it.

The gift to NCF marks the latest chapter in a saga that began just over three years ago, when Northfield Mount Hermon School consolidated onto one campus and sold its 43-building Northfield campus to Hobby Lobby for $100,000. The

8 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Green family poured $5 million into repairs and renovations with hopes of seeing a new C.S. Lewis College operating on the site by 2012.

But finding a recipient with the means to run the facilities has proven difficult.

First the C.S. Lewis Foundation fell short of fundraising targets to launch a C.S. Lewis College on the site. Then an eight-month search turned up a new recipient, Arizona’s Grand Canyon University, in September. But GCU pulled out when projected costs for maintenance and upgrades climbed from $150 million to more than $180 million.

SURVEYS SAY Fewer Americans view homosexuality as a sin A new poll by the Southern Baptist Convention’s LifeWay Research shows that just over a third of Americans view homosexuality as a sin, down from 44 percent a year earlier.

LifeWay’s survey in November found 37 percent said they believe homosexual behavior is a sin, down from 44 percent in September 2011.

The survey also found that those who identify as “born-again, evangelical, or fundamentalist Christian” are the most likely to say that homosexual behavior is a sin (73 percent). Conversely, those who never attend religious services are the most likely to say they do not believe homosexual behavior is a sin (71 percent).

Extreme weather seen as a sign of end times More than a third of Americans believe the severity of recent natural disasters is evidence that we are in the “end times” described in the New Testament -- a period of turmoil preceding Jesus’ Second Coming and the end of the world.

“It’s hardly a fringe belief,” said Daniel Cox, research director at the Public Religion Research Institute. “It’s nearly four in 10 Americans who are embracing this.”

The conviction is particularly strong among white evangelical Protestants (65 percent), and less common among Catholics (21 percent) and the religiously unaffiliated (15 percent).

Overall, 36 percent of Americans see signs of the end times in Mother Nature’s fury.

The PRRI study also revealed that: • 15 percent of Americans believe that the end of the world, as predicted in the Book of Revelation, will occur in their lifetimes.

• College graduates are four times less likely to believe the world will end in their lifetimes than those with a high school education or less.

• About three in 10 white evangelicals (29 percent) and minority Christians (27 percent) believe the end of the world will occur in their lifetimes.

From Religious News Service

Hobby Lobby facing fines

University celebrates first lady in chapel Student body president Dan Holman declared Jan. 16 as “Alison Rutland Day,” leading a surprise chapel service to honor the first lady.

The worship team played a medley of her favorite hymns, including “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” and “He is Wonderful.”

Sophomore Lacey Russ read a history of Alison Rutland’s life as she sat in an armchair in the middle of the stage.

Russ also read letters from Rutland’s brothers. The special honor also featured a video by Dr. Mark Rutland and a voice quilt from her friends. Dr. Rutland

Photo by Austin St. John

Student Association President Dan Holman proclaims Jan. 16, 2013, as “Alison Rutland Day” in Wednesday’s chapel, a surprise for the first lady. commissioned ORU Worship Center Director Jonathan Swindal to sing a hand-picked song for his wife, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” As

an additional surprise, the Rutlands were joined by their Tulsa-based daughter and son-in-law and their children, as well as their son, Travis, who

is a pastor in Georgia.

The first lady was also given a charm bracelet, a scrapbook of letters and a portrait painted by senior art major Caleb Connell.

Photo by Stephen Salmon

The Anna Vaughn College of Nursing hosted its second annual “Baby Shower for Ghana” on Jan. 11.

Ten nursing students and two faculty members will travel to Ghana on Jan. 24 to personally deliver four boxes of clothes, 10 pairs of shoes and $280 cash to the Manna Mission Hospital and to House of Grace, a home for young girls in Kumasi, Ghana.

By Kristy McCreary As the new Affordable Care Act goes into effect, Hobby Lobby is faced with up to $1.3 million in fines a day for refusing to comply with some of the requirements, particularly emergency contraceptives for women.

The Oklahoma Citybased retailer has been able to delay paying those fines, which were intended to begin Jan. 1.

Peter M. Dobelbower, general counsel for Hobby Lobby Stores, said in a statement released through the Becket Fund that, “Hobby Lobby discovered a way to shift the plan year for its employee health insurance, thus postponing the effective date of the mandate for several months.”

The company claims the mandate violates their religious beliefs.

They say the morningafter pill is tantamount to abortion because it can prevent a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in a woman’s womb.

Kyle Duncan, who is representing Hobby Lobby on behalf of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said in a statement posted on the group’s website Thursday that Hobby Lobby doesn’t intend to offer its employees insurance that would cover the drug while its lawsuit is pending.

“The company will continue to provide

health insurance to all qualified employees,” Duncan said. “To remain true to their faith, it is not their intention, as a company, to pay for abortion-inducing drugs.”

Churches, religious organizations and some nonprofits have been granted exemptions and are currently discussing those who are and aren’t exempt.

As of August 2012, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, requires employer-provided health care plans to provide “all Food and Drug Administration approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures and patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity,” according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Internal Revenue Service regulations now say that a group health care plan that “fails to comply” with the Affordable Care Act is subject to an “excise tax” of “$100 per day per individual for each day the plan does not comply with the requirement.”

Hobby Lobby has more than 500 stores, taking in $2.6 billion in sales. It is owned

by David Green and members of his family.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 9

Illustration by Chelsea Boen

If Time is Money,

then it may cost a little bit to get to class

By Ian Harrup It’s time to go to bed. You set your alarm for the next morning and then throw yourself into the awaiting embrace of your bed, confident that the alarm will wake you up the next morning.

But today you didn’t hear it.

You wake up and have exactly 10 minutes to get to class. But how much time do you really need to make it there?

Getting from your room to the doorway of any dorm building will take between 1 and 2 minutes; it’s longer if you’re stuck waiting for the elevator.

What about when you have HPE in the morning?

How much time does it take to reach the AC? What about getting to class once you’ve entered the building? For most classes, it’s between 1-1.30 minutes from the doorway to the classroom, as long as you skip the elevator. Some of them, especially those on the first floor of the LRC, may take a little longer.

Keep in mind that all of this was timed at a brisk pace, neither hurrying nor trudging along. Some students can run to their classes in 2 minutes; others start earlier, go slower and take a little longer. It all depends on your backpack, your fitness and your motivation.

You could even earn aerobics points if your heart rate is high and sustained in a trip.

At the very least, give yourself 10 minutes to get anywhere on campus on time. When setting your alarm, give enough time to shower, dress, pack your books, eat breakfast and make that trek across ORU.

TO AEROBICS CENTER: TOWERS : 5 minutes Claudius : 6 minutes

TO GRADUATE CENTER: TOWERS : 5 - 6 minutes Claudius : 4 minutes EMR : 4-5 minutes Gabby : 3-4 minutes Commuter Lot : 2-3 minutes Upper Lot : 4 minutes Lower Lot : 3.5 minutes

EMR : 6-7 minutes Gabby : 8-10 minutes

Illustration by Chelsea Boen

If Time is Money,

then it may cost a little bit to get to class

By Ian Harrup It’s time to go to bed. You set your alarm for the next morning and then throw yourself into the awaiting embrace of your bed, confident that the alarm will wake you up the next morning.

But today you didn’t hear it.

You wake up and have exactly 10 minutes to get to class. But how much time do you really need to make it there?

Getting from your room to the doorway of any dorm building will take between 1 and 2 minutes; it’s longer if you’re stuck waiting for the elevator.

What about when you have HPE in the morning?

How much time does it take to reach the AC? What about getting to class once you’ve entered the building? For most classes, it’s between 1-1.30 minutes from the doorway to the classroom, as long as you skip the elevator. Some of them, especially those on the first floor of the LRC, may take a little longer.

Keep in mind that all of this was timed at a brisk pace, neither hurrying nor trudging along. Some students can run to their classes in 2 minutes; others start earlier, go slower and take a little longer. It all depends on your backpack, your fitness and your motivation.

You could even earn aerobics points if your heart rate is high and sustained in a trip.

At the very least, give yourself 10 minutes to get anywhere on campus on time. When setting your alarm, give enough time to shower, dress, pack your books, eat breakfast and make that trek across ORU.

TO AEROBICS CENTER: TOWERS : 5 minutes Claudius : 6 minutes

TO GRADUATE CENTER: TOWERS : 5 - 6 minutes Claudius : 4 minutes EMR : 4-5 minutes Gabby : 3-4 minutes Commuter Lot : 2-3 minutes Upper Lot : 4 minutes Lower Lot : 3.5 minutes

EMR : 6-7 minutes Gabby : 8-10 minutes

What’s in for male winter and spring fashion

By McKensie Garber You often find yourself glancing at your reflection in the golden mirrors of the Prayer Tower on your way to class. You’re probably wondering if you’re up to date with the latest trends in male fashion.

After studying the designer looks in men’s fashion for this winter and spring season, I am here to fill you in on all things you need to know to keep up that stud-like persona.

LAYERS

If there is one thing you can’t go wrong with this season, it’s layers! Layer plaid shirts with jackets and sweaters. If you’re feeling casual, unbutton a chambray shirt over a T-shirt.

All designers are utilizing the layered-look, but Burberry really nails it with a collared shirt and tie, underneath a button-up sweater, and topped off with a quilted bomber jacket.

THE BEATLES

This British boy-band has been the most influential and universally acclaimed group of the 20th century. Consistently throughout this season’s trends, I was reminded of the Beatles. Their signature turtleneck and blazer combo is all over the male fashion spreads. H&M executed this look this season.

ALL THINGS TWEED

A sure way to look dapper this season is to wear tweed!

Designer Tommy Hilfiger brought tweed blazers to his season collection. A tweed blazer with patchedon elbow pads gives a vintage, straight-Astudent look.

SHOES

Shoes seal the deal on every outfit. This season, rowan boots, wing-tipped brogues, and any flat lace-up dress shoe are in.

For a spring look, GQ Magazine recommends wearing boat shoes and rolling up your jeans without socks.

Suits have been the most dominating force in men’s fashion throughout history.

This season, play up your suit with fun colors such as burgundy or mustard yellow.

Banana Republic brought this look to the fashion books this season with sweater vests, skinny ties and bow ties. If you want to feel even more like Daniel Craig in “Skyfall,” put on a pair of aviator sunglasses.

Glasses designer Ray-Ban turns 75 this year. A U.S. Army Air Corps lieutenant approached the now-iconic company to design new goggle lenses for pilots in 1929. Just don’t go jumping out of any trains.

Models, clockwise from top left: Benjamin Santiago, Jr., Andrew Choflet, John Bradford, Sarthak Nigam.

Model Photos by Chandler Branzell

NOW HIRING

Rowan boot Internet Photo

Wing-tipped brogues

12 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

THE JAMES BOND

Boat Shoes

81st & Lewis . CityPlex Towers, just across from campus . 30 Entry-level Technical Support Agents . Bilingual Tech Support . Apply today at www.alorica.com. . Or call, 918-281-3246 to schedule an appointment.

Walk-ins are welcome.

SPORTS Southland Conference begins with Mabee Center win Bell-Holter records first 20-20 game in D-I this year

By Billy Burke For the Golden Eagles, the spring semester means that laces are tied, shin splints are ignored and hard work is rewarded. Oral Roberts University has arrived at the threshold of the Southland Conference.

But the road to an NCAA tournament berth is lined with opponents seeking the same goal.

ORU recently played two of its seemingly most important home games of the season: Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin.

Both of these teams are leading ORU in the Southland rankings and pose a legitimate threat down the stretch.

The night of Jan. 10, emotions were running high for ORU. Following the death of head Coach Scott Sutton’s mother, the team rallied to defeat Northwestern State 80-74.

Overall, the win can be contributed to its domination of the glass. Led by Damen BellHolter’s insane performance (25 points, 20 rebounds), ORU out-rebounded the Demons 45-28.

Bell-Holter is the first player in D-I basketball this season to have a 20/20 game.

Outside of rebounds, the two teams seemed equally matched on several fronts.

Were it not for Warren Niles dropping 5 points in the final 40 seconds of the first half, the game may have had a different

outcome.

After the game, an emotional Coach Sutton said he was proud of the team.

“They found a way to win, and they continued to get better,” Sutton said. “Damen continues to play at a very high level, and D.J. Jackson came in and other than his turnovers played a heck of a game.”

“As a family, I told [the team] after the game that we really appreciated,” Sutton said. “We need that in a lot of different ways, and they stepped up and got a big win.”

In ORU’s 61-50 loss against Stephen F. Austin two days later, the Golden Eagles matched the Lumberjacks in rebounds, but that’s about it.

ORU shot itself in the foot by sending SFA to the charity stripe where the Lumberjacks went 15-24; while only getting 2-5 themselves.

When asked about the Eagle’s offensive struggles, Coach Sutton said: “To get to the free throw line you have to get the ball inside.

“We did a poor job of getting the ball inside and then when we did get it inside, instead of taking it to the rim and being aggressive, they kind of shied away from contact and when you do that you aren’t going to get the calls.”

Coming out of this homestead, there are things that ORU needs to improve on but there are also a lot of positives to take from it.

From here on out the Golden Eagles need to have a winor-go-home mentality; and if they do, the sky is the limit.

Photos by Austin St. John

Top: D.J. Jackson shoots a free throw against Stephen F. Austin. Bottom: Coach Scott Sutton speaks to the press after ORU’s 61-50 loss Jan. 12, leaving the Golden Eagles at 8-8.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 13

Scouting our new foes in the Southland league

By Billy Burke Can you smell that? That is the smell of NCAAM college basketball coming into season.

It’s never too early to study the competition and get a feel for the teams which the Ozone will be jeering at in the weeks to come.

jacks have the second-highest winning percentage (62 percent) among Texas schools during the last 12 years.

In 2009 the Lumberjacks had the leading NCAA defense and earned a berth to the Big Dance. (L 59-44 to Syracuse)

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks PPG - Taylor Smith 15.3 RPG - Taylor Smith 8.7 APG - Hal Bateman 6.7

Northwestern State Demons PPG - DeQuan Hicks 14.5 RPG - DeQuan Hicks 6.9 APG - Jalen West 4.9

team is its youth. The team’s leader in scoring and rebounds (Hicks) is only a freshman and their assists leader (West) is a sophomore. With that combo, the Demons could be giving opponents nightmares for years to come.

Sam Houston State Bearkats PPG - Darius Gatson 9.3 RPG - Terrence Motley 5.9 APG - Darius Gatson 2.9

as the “winningest” program in the SC in the past 13 years.

They are also young, with only one senior (Gatson) on the court this season.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions PPG - Brandon Fortenberry 13.4 RPG - Roosevelt Johnson 8.2 APG - Dre Evens 2.7

Coming from the acclaimed town of Nacogdoches, Texas, the Lumberjacks are currently the top dog in the Southland Conference. After finishing 20-12 last season, the Lumber-

The Demons come from Natchitoches, La. However, as proof you should never judge a book by its cover, the Demons actually are second in scoring in the NCAA, averaging 84.3 PPG. What’s scary about this

Being third in the Southland Conference, the Bearkats are a team to keep an eye on.

Sam Houston has dominated the Southland with an overall record of 245-146 since its 2000 conference championship, thus ranking the Bearkats

The Lions call Hammond, La., their home and are behind ORU for fifth in the Southland Conference. The Lions thought last year was their year, with then-junior Fortenberry leading the team with 17.6 points. After his loss, they plummeted to 8-14 and now

By Amber Smith Behind every great man is a great woman. Eddie Sutton is a great man, so you better bet he had a great woman.

On Jan. 8, the ORU community mourned the passing of Patsy Sutton, wife and longtime supporter to the legendary Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Sutton. She will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches’ wives of ORU. At 74, she had been a teacher, devoted wife, loving mother and biggest cheerleader for her three sons and hundreds of college basketball athletes.

Patsy was loved by all and never failed to support those she loved most.

Her battle for her life began when she suffered from a stroke Dec. 28. After fighting for 11 days, Sutton died at Saint Francis Hospital, and a memorial service was held Jan. 11 at First Methodist Church.

Patsy Wright Sutton and Eddie Sutton first met in her hometown of Stillwater, while the two were students at Oklahoma State University. Their journey to greatness began when the two were married after his graduation in 1958.

Eddie’s coaching life began at Tulsa’s Central High School where Patsy was a junior high school teacher. Soon after, Patsy would retire from teaching and take on a new responsibility and job title: Legendary coach’s wife.

Eddie’s career launched into the college level at Creighton University in 1969 and continued onto the universities of Southern Idaho, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State, with Patsy’s support every step of the way.

Sutton went on to be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame after becoming the first head coach to lead four dif-

ferent schools to the NCAA and bringing in 804 Division 1 wins, 26 trips to the NCAA and 3 Final Fours.

Although Eddie’s personal touch retired with him, the legend of the Sutton family was far from over.

Patsy is survived by her three sons Steve, Scott and Sean Sutton.

Steve, Scott and Sean were raised alongside the sounds of basketball shoes screeching on the court and adrenaline filled locker room speeches and quickly fell in love with the game. Life lessons were learned on and off the court as Eddie and Patsy strove to be great coaches but even greater parents.

In 1995, Scott Sutton followed his father’s lead into the world of coaching in the NCAA as the assistant coach at ORU to Bill Self. Scott soon after climbed the ladder, and in 1999, took over for Self as

head coach. He is known as the most successful coach in ORU history.

Sean Sutton joined the coaching dynasty in 2006, as the head coach at OSU. Sean now sits side by side with his brother at ORU as the assistant coach.

Patsy showed her true strength and courage throughout her family’s ups and downs, especially during the tragic OSU plane Patsy Sutton crash in 1938-2013 2001 as well as when legal and family issues became front page news.

She played a pivotal role in the success of the Sutton name.

In response to her untimely death, many of those who were touched by Patsy’s life

come into 2013 with a chip on their shoulder. Though their record isn’t pretty at 5-9, they lost against Florida, Wisconsin, Louisiana Tech and Marquette.

Their conference record is a respectable 3-1, and they are a team that going forward should not be slept on.

TOP 5 TEAMS

1) Stephen F. Austin 5-0

2) Northwestern State 4-1

3) Sam Houston State 3-1 4) Oral Roberts 3-1

5) Southeastern Louisiana 3-1

ORU community mourns death of Patsy Sutton

14 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

spoke up. Many flooded Twitter and Facebook with loving regards and somber farewells, including OSU star players, an ESPN analyst, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, representatives from the Oklahoma City Thunder and even Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin.

Her influence and kindness went far beyond the basketball court.

In the days following her illness and death, family members appreciated the support from friends and the men’s basketball team. The Golden Eagles rallied for a crucial win against Southern Louisiana for their head coach on the day the news of her stroke broke.

Her legacy will never be forgotten. Her memory will never be rivaled. Her influence will always be present. And her smile will forever be loved.

She is Patsy Sutton: matriarch, mother and forever a true coach’s wife.

Many players contributing to team success Shelton, Key making big impact

career. Luper is only the 48th player in NCAA Division 1 history to reach this goal.

Nicholls State The team’s second SLC game was a close 69-66 loss.

Two turnovers in the last 25 seconds allowed the opponent to open a three-point lead. Then, Luper’s deep three came up short as time expired, giving ORU its first conference loss.

Shelton had a careerhigh 21 points in the loss, and Bigham had another 10-assist game.

Northwestern State After going 36 days without a home game, ORU returned to the Mabee Center in its first SLC home game.

The Lady Golden Eagles had four players in double figures in the 6655 win.

Photo by Austin St. John Luper and freshman Taylor

Cooper led the team with 18 while Key had 15 and Shelton had 11. Bigham, again, had 10 assists and also seven rebounds.

The team took control of the game early with a 14-3 opening run and continued with an 11-0 run coming out of halftime. ORU would lead by double digits for almost the last 15 minutes of the game.

Stephen F. Austin The fourth game of the conference season was a hard fought battle.

Defense led the way in the 63-56 victory as ORU struggled early on offense.

ORU shot only 25 percent in the first half, including a 0-11 start, but came out much better in the second half, shooting 48 percent.

Key was on fire from three-point range, hitting six deep shots and led the team with 20 points. Bigham was next with 17 points and 10 rebounds again.

ORU extended the lead to 11 in the second half and looked to be in control before an SFA rally made it a threepoint game. ORU then went on a 7-0 run and was able to control the rest of the game and get back-to-back home wins.

By David Sauer The ORU women’s basketball team started its first season in the Southland Conference well and experienced some early success.

The Lady Golden Eagles went 3-1 in their first four conference games. Their only loss was to Nicholls State in a game that went down to the final few seconds.

Throughout the stretch, ORU received big contributions from not only the big names, but from other players such as Sarah Shelton and Christian Key, who both had career highs in scoring. Jaci Bigham was excellent directing the offense and had at least 10 assists in all four games.

After seeing four SLC teams, Coach Misti Cussen said that the conferences athleticism stands out as something notable Senior Jaci Bigham drives the lane. about the conference. away from them,” Cussen “We have to continue to play said. aggressive defensively. Rebounding is a Southeastern Louisiana must,” Cussen said.

ORU’s first ever SLC Cussen added that if ORU is game came on the road, going to win the conference, its game but The Lady Golden plan needs “increased continuity and Eagles made it look easy execution of the details.” with an 81-62 victory.

For Cussen and the Lady Golden They opened the game Eagles, these first four games have been with a 19-10 run. A 15-0 a period of learning about themselves run later in the first half and their opponents. gave the team complete “Every team that we’re seeing in control of the game. the Southland right now is doing Bigham was a key something different against our zone,” contributor with 14 Cussen said. “And they’re all doing a points and 11 assists, 10 little trial and error against us.” of which came in the first Videos from the first round are half. Shelton co-led the helping the team work on their game. team with 18 points.

“We’re seeing adjustments we need Kevi Luper’s 18 to make and strengths that they’re points put her over the Photo by Austin St. John trying to play to that we’ve got to take 2,500-point mark in her The ORU women’s basketball team returns to the Mabee Center Jan. 24 vs. Lamar.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 15

SCENE

MOVIE MAGIC: FILMS UP FOR OSCARS “Les Miserables” is must-see

By Chelsey Butler When most newly released movies are jam packed with violence, raw language, drug abuse and rampant sexual “LES MISERABLES” themes, IS NOMINATED FOR it is THE FOLLOWING hard CATEGORIES: to find + Best Picture a movie + Best Actor with (Hugh Jackman) any real + Best Actress substance (Anne Hathaway) or applicable + Costume Design themes. “Les + Makeup and Miserables” Hairstyling (pronounced lay + Music for mizzer-ah or lay “Suddenly“ mizzer-ahbl) is + Production one movie that Design breaks all social + Sound Mixing norms.

This film rendition of one of the the biggest musicals of all time follows the story of Jean Valjean, a criminal released after 19 years. After

“THE HOBBIT” IS NOMINATED FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: + Makeup and Hairstyles + Production Design + Visual Effects

a raw and intense encounter with God, Valjean casts off his old life and breaks parole to become a new man. The inspector Javert, who supervised Valjean while in prison, has vowed to see Valjean once again in chains. To keep a promise, Valjean rescues a young girl, adopts her, and the two go into hiding in pre-revolutionary Paris. Though they hide successfully for a decade, Valjean finds that his past is closer than he thinks.

This movie is aesthetically stunning and beautiful in a very realistic way. The acting is phenomenal, as well as the heartfelt and emotional singing. Les Mis is a movie that contains numerous big-name actors: Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Helena Bonham Carter—and that doesn’t include the number of London’s West End stars who played key roles. These actors were definitely a wonderful concoction on the big screen.

Yes, it’s a musical and yes, with previews, it’s about three hours long, but the radical truth of the movie and the sheer beauty of the film cannot be ignored. “Les Miserables” is one movie you should take the time too see, even if you don’t go while it is in theaters. It is a great film, not only for the acting or the singing, but also for the reality of the life-changing mercy of God and the truth of sacrificial love.

16 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Internet Photo

“Les Miserables (top) and The Hobbit (bottom) are both nominated for Oscars.

Jackson does it again with “Hobbit”

By Ian Harrup First of all, I am going to say that “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a topnotch, first-rate film that everyone needs to see, but I will also say that you should not see it if you have not read the book. If you are a fan of the book, or have at least read it once, it is always worth seeing a visual presentation of the material done in a manner that befits the cinematic medium. Remember, Peter Jackson is a fan of the books too, and that’s why he directed this film and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Keep in mind that there are many liberties taken with the story, some of them quite radical. This is because the story found in the book has been translated into film, which is like an entirely different language. The film focuses more on the character and decisions made by Bilbo Baggins, and enhances the importance of his actions in the story. The film essentially stream-

lines the episodic nature of the book into a well-contained narrative where everything included is an interesting and important part of the story. Concerning the decision to split the 300-page book into three films, remember that Peter Jackson is an extremely detailed filmmaker, and that he would have definitely done the same thing with “The Lord of the Rings” if he had the budget; after all, he had to cut things from that story, and he doesn’t want to do that with “The Hobbit.”

To those unfamiliar with the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, I will say to enjoy and use this film as an entry into the amazing world he crafted. To the purists, who understandably revile deviations from the source material, I will say to at least watch it once and enjoy it simply for what it is: a fan’s cinematic homage to the amazing works of Tolkien. I rate this film 9 out of 10.

An “Impossible” masterpiece

By Madison McDaniel Based off the true occurrences of the tsunami that hit Southeast Asia in 2004, Director Juan Antonio Bayona sweeps away the audience of “The Impossible” into the lives of a family who endured the brutal storm.

While on vacation in Thailand, Henry (Ewan McGregor) and Maria (Naomi Watts) take their three sons for the holidays and find themselves being held hostage to one of the worst natural “IMPOSSIBLE” IS NOMINATED disasters of FOR THE FOLLOWING this time.

CATEGORIES: Bayona creates the + Best Leading Actress perfect il(Naomi Watts) lustration of the theme of equalthe catastrophic ity. It seems unthinkimpact the storm able to me, being makes on tens of born in 1991, that thousands of lives the entire population through his cinof America regarded ematic technique, African-Americans setting and cast. as subhuman. In 150 The use of years, America went documentary-like from not even allowing footage for the tsuracial minorities to vote nami scenes creates to having a black presia gut-wrenching dent. It made me think depiction of how about the entire people Southeast Asia was groups (racial, religious turned upside down and sexual minoriand stripped down to ties) that are mistreated, the remains of a once abused and victimized fruitful country. every day Bayona in Amerbegins “LINCOLN” IS NOMINATED FOR ica, and the THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: what + Best Picture movthe + Best Leading Actor (Daniel Day-Lewis) ie in future + Best Supporting Actor (Tommy Lee Jones) providholds + Best Supporting Actress (Sally Field) ing just for + Production Design + Cinematography the them.

“Lincoln” well worth 2.5 hours

By Amy Lecza “Seeing Lincoln, because nothing says Christmas Break like a 2.5-hour historical film.”

That’s what I tweeted as I took my seat in the IMAX Cinemagic theater in Merrimack, N.H., alongside my mother, who begged me to see “Lincoln” after I had dragged her to “Les Miserables” (which was amazing, in case you were wondering) just a few nights earlier. I conceded and accompanied her to the film, and I can honestly say that the hype was not just hype. Though it is technically a historical film, the premise was very relatable and easy to understand.

The movie focuses on Abraham Lincoln (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), and the process by which the 13th Amendment, the Emancipation Proclamation, was passed.

I’m going to give it to you straight. This movie is two and a half hours long. If you’re not

down to watch a movie that long, you probably won’t enjoy this. If you’re not into history, you probably won’t enjoy this.

However, if you’re willing to take a chance on “Lincoln,” you won’t regret it. In addition to stellar acting on the part of Day-Lewis (you will legitimately think that Abraham Lincoln is playing himself ), the costume design and sets are impeccable.

Looking past the superficial – the acting, sets and costumes – there is a genuine lesson to be learned from this movie.

The clear theme of the film is equality. The first half of the movie focuses on trying to get the amendment passed in the legislative sense. The last half delves into the emotion of the matter, and follows the lives of several African-American slaves and servants as the issue of freedom comes to pass.

As I watched the movie, I was personally challenged by

+ Costume Design

+ Sound Mixing

+ Film Editing

+ Writing

+ Music Score

+ Directing

right amount of background of the family before leaping into the storm itself. Rather than dragging the audience along for a monotonous half-hour of family dynamics, the relationships are established early on.

The most intense scene, which introduces the tone for the rest of the movie is the tsunami sequence. Obviously, Bayona could not recreate the horrific storm, but with the help of special effects and some on-set shots in Thailand, a terrible yet beautiful sequence of scenes were strewn together to depict absolute terror.

Full of several scenes of the tsunami, “The Impossible” also shows the aftermath of the storm and what becomes of McGregor and his family after the storm. Just how thousands of families were separated back in 2004, the movie focuses on how McGregor and Watts reunite their family despite the impossible obstacles that keep them apart. The casting of Bayona is what truly makes the movie that much more emotional. In casting Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts as the leading characters, the audience is able to feel that much more connected during both the hopeless and hopeful climaxes of the story.

The events of the tsunami that took Southeast Asia and left it to shreds was transformed into both an equally saddening and beautiful masterpiece in “The Impossible.” With a strong cast and moving story line, this movie introduces a new meaning of what it means to create a powerful story that not only entertains, but leaves the audience changed as they leave the theater.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 17

McNellie’s plans to open restaurant in South Tulsa

By Chelsey Butler One of ORU students’ favorite restaurants, McNellie’s Public House, is setting up camp in a new location on the corner of 71st Street and Yale.

The restaurant, famous for its $3 burger night, announced a new location will open this spring three miles from campus. This means when the craving for a delicious burger and some sweet potato fries hits, one more option will be available for Tulsa residents than the 1st Street and Elgin Avenue downtown.

Since the pub opened in 2004, it has become a local favorite in the Tulsa restaurant scene. This success sparked the opening of two more McNellie’s restaurants, in Oklahoma

City and Norman. This will be the first time McNellie’s has placed any of its locations in a more suburban market. Besides students, the owners hope this location will attract those employed at nearby offices during the lunchtime rush and South Tulsa residents at night.

McNellie’s South will reside in an old restaurant formerly known as Diamond Jack’s. It closed in June 2012 after 47 years of service. The building is only half the size of McNellie’s downtown restaurant and will seat about 300 patrons and employ a staff of 60 to 70 people.

Not only are the owners expanding McNellie’s to South Tulsa, but they are putting in a second Yokozuna at 91st Street

Photo by Jeanette Derubeis

The current McNellie’s is located on the corner of Elgin Avenue and First Street downtown. and Yale Avenue.

The McNellie’s Group, most famous for revitalizing the downtown Tulsa nightlife with its signature McNellie’s Restaurant, also own several other restaurants in the same area:

ElGuapo’s Mexican Cantina, Yokozuna and Dilly Deli. They also own the Dust Bowl Lanes.

An official date hasn’t been set for the opening of the new McNellie’s other than the spring. Nonetheless, the open-

ing of this new James E. McNellie’s Public House should be a great advantage for ORU students who enjoy the relaxed Irish aura of this eatery, but do not wish to make the drive to downtown Tulsa.

Bieber “flies” into the BOK Center

Internet Photo

Justin Bieber arrives at the BOK wearing wings.

18 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

By Ryan Woods Arguably the most popular teenager on the planet, Justin Bieber, literally descended into the BOK Center on Jan. 9 for a return concert.

The sold-out show attracted the most energetic and boisterous crowd I have ever been a part of. These girls ranged from 5 to 50 years old and came ready to sing, cheer and scream in their homemade “I love Justin” T-shirts.

Tickets to the show were hard to come by for many. One woman told me she called just 2 minutes after tickets went on sale only to find out there were none to be had.

Some tickets sold online for as much as $2,500.

When I say this place was loud, here’s a little

idea: On the screen was a 10-minute countdown signaling when he would come out. At the 5-minute mark, the crowd of about 18,000 was already on their feet chanting his name, “Justin! Justin!

Justin!” By the 1-minute mark the arena was so loud you could hardly hear yourself think.

He entered the stage wearing wings that extended 30 feet on each side, flying from the top of the arena down to center stage — a flight that took about 45 seconds. The 2-hour show was filled with explosions, lights, video and a guest appearance from Nicki Minaj across four LED screens. One of the high points was during the song “One Less Lonely Girl.”

Bieber’s manager picked a lucky girl out of the crowd to go on stage and be serenaded by Justin during this song. She also received a bouquet of flowers from him as she exited.

The crowd, at this point, was cheering wildly for the girl on stage who was living out all of their dreams right in front of them. Bieber continued on with song titles such as “Beauty and a Beat,” “Take You” and, of course, “Baby.”

As he left the stage, Bieber shared with the crowd his appreciation for their unending support and love that “allows him to live his dream every day.”

The tour, titled “Believe,” is a tribute to his fans who have been loyal

since day one. The most intense fans call themselves “Beliebers,” and they travel as an army of love and support for this talented 18-year-old. The song “Believe” was written specifically for these fans.

It was really cool to see an artist give back to that magnitude and to see how well received it was. Overall, I was extremely impressed with the talent, heart and attitude of this teenager.

Due to overwhelming demand, Bieber has added 30 dates to the tour. He will be in cities all across the country, including several dates overseas.

The two closest venues to Tulsa will be Oklahoma City on July 2 and Dallas on July 3.

Subjectively Objective: The complex maze of life

By Nathan Porter

is particularly denounced in the curWe’re only two rent culture, because it appears we as and a half weeks an educated society have concluded into 2013 and my ignorance is anything but bliss.

New Year’s resoluBut assuming that ignorance was tions have already bliss, would we want someone to tell withered into my us? undisciplined sea of Although we often condemn ignoforgetfulness. rance, we often indirectly embrace it as After years of well. failed resolutions, it’s difficult to not The reason we turn our heads away be cynical about the impact of these when we see a gory scene in a movie habitual goals. and stop reading midway through an Although many argue that resoluuninteresting article is because at times, tions are a silly practice associated more we recognize ignorance can be an ally. with superstition than productivity, I Neither supreme human ignorance think there is something inherently nor supreme human intellect provides a natural about establishing resolutions proper escape from our problems. for the New Year.

Amid the complexity of both sides, Even if they don’t last beyond Jan. there exists a longing for something 2, New Year’s else. We’ve grown Life can seem like a dark resolutions hit tired of over-analysis maze that we feel our way at the core of and have learned through in the hopes of evenhumanity’s to resist the perils hope of resolve. tually exiting the maze and of not knowing A few short entering complete truth. anything, so we long glances at any news for the middle ground: channel will reveal that this isn’t merely simplicity. a personal issue, but one currently It’s this child-like absence of complaguing society as a whole. plication that we all hope for.

Despite the change in the calendar The world would seem to be a year, a plethora of perplexing questions much more tolerable and comforting and issues continue to stare us in the place if the solutions to our problems face. were simple. But sadly, they are not.

From the pros and cons of gun con- And so we’re left to wander through trol, to fiscal negotiations and conflict the dark, perplexing maze of human abroad, at times it can feel as if society experience. is plagued with puzzling questions.

Man has developed a habit to deSo much time, energy and thought mand answers on how to navigate out are spent on solving what seems to be a of this maze. But humanity has never cycle of never-ending questions. received all the answers and no new The moment one constraining ques- discoveries indicate we ever will. tion is primarily resolved, another quesStill though, we constantly scream tion rises from the intellectual ashes. out for some sort of cryptic, revelatory On particularly somber days, life message that could serve as a guide. can seem like a dark maze that we feel Although the answer to all of life’s our way through in the hopes of even- questions will never drop down clearly tually exiting the maze and entering on society, amid the darkness, we find complete truth. something I believe is exceedingly more There are two types of individuals beneficial than answers: a hand. in the maze: those who press for more Despite the fact we don’t have all information and those who bask in a the answers, the solution all along has degree of ignorance. been a simple one. That is, to hold that The mentality of the latter group hand and walk.

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THE ORACLE • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • 19

Beloved professor remembered for his legacy

By Kelsie Wardell Any one who knew Dr. Joseph Mukasa knew his distinctive laugh, his passion for prayer and his untiring efforts to encourage every one he met.

The assistant professor for communication never missed a chance to remind students, staff and colleagues that they were loved.

His students meant so much to him that he carried around a note card in his breast pocket with all of their names written on it to keep them “close to his heart.”

“He loved to pray and he spent so much time praying for his students,” junior Matt McAfee said.

“I know because even on his office hours sheet, he would block out times where he’d be unavailable because he’d be out praying.”

After teaching for two decades at Oral Roberts University, the Ugandan native passed away peacefully Jan. 13 in Texas.

Mukasa, 76, began the Fall 2012 semester, but had to take a medical leave from his classes in October and never returned to campus.

He died from a disease known as amyloidosis, according to longtime friend Dr. James Barber, assistant professor of practical theology at ORU. Mukasa never married or had children of his own, but Barber said, “ORU was his family.”

He was known by students and faculty for his “zeal and energy for his job, his students and life in general,” McAfee said.

“He always made everything into a ministry,” junior Tamoura

A memorial service for Dr. Joseph Mukasa will be held at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in Christ’s Chapel.

20 • Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Mukasa stands outside Good Shepherd in Uganda with the two cows donated by ORU in 2011.

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He never spoke to you as the person you were, he spoke to you as the person you wanted to be.

- Matt McAfee

Morris said. “If someone coughed, he would say, ‘You need the cough drop ministry!’ He always made us laugh.”

And he laughed right along with them.

“We will always hear his laugh in the Communication, Arts and Media department,” said Dr. Agena Farmer, assistant professor of communication. “And we will continue to see the light that shined in his eyes shine in the eyes of the people he touched while he was here.”

Mukasa was born May 5, 1936, in Kibaale District, Uganda. He moved to the United States in 1974, fleeing the brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.

Mukasa earned two bachelor’s degrees with

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honors and high honors, three master’s degrees and a doctorate in dramatic arts within 25 years. He began teaching at ORU in 1992.

“He was singlehandedly one of the most encouraging men I’ve ever met,” McAfee said.

“He never spoke to you as the person you were, he spoke to you as the person you wanted to be.”

Colleagues echoed those sentiments.

“Dr. Mukasa had a strong ‘protective nature,’” said Denise Miller, communication arts instructor. “Every decision was based on how it would benefit the students that the Lord had entrusted to our care.”

One of Mukasa’s biggest passions was Good Shepherd Chil-

dren’s Home in Uganda.

His mother started this orphanage. He took over after her death, raising funds any way he could to return every summer while he was in school and teaching.

ORU is familiar with Good Shepherd Children’s Home. In 2011, one of the missions projects funded through chapel offerings bought two cows named ORU and COTEAM for the orphanage, where they are alive today.

Over the years, the orphanage has helped 50 to 60 young men and women, and Mukasa even helped some of them through school.

His vision for Good Shepherd was “so that the children would continue to thrive physically, spiritually, intellectually and even professionally,” Miller said.

The man currently running the orphan-

age was an orphan who started out in Good Shepherd.

Another passion of Mukasa’s was Compassionate Outreach to East African Missions Inc. (COTEAM). He founded and was the president of the nonprofit organization.

Mukasa told Barber to not let COTEAM or Good Shepherd Children’s Home die.

“It will live on past him,” said Barber, vice president of the Good Shepherd board. “Something his mother started, he kept going, is still going now. That will be his legacy.”

Barber was with Mukasa in Texas during the last few hours of his life and remembered what his friend of 27 years said to him: “Now I’m graduating and I’m getting my heavenly diploma.”