March 7, 2014 Print Edition

Oral Roberts University · March 7, 2014 Tulsa, Okla. · Vol 48, No. 10 www.oruoracle.com

OTE STUDENT ASSOCIATION READIES FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS PAGE 10

(From left) Alex Cevallos, Kristy Sturgill, David Grabovenko, Zay Williams, Lacey Russ and Brandon Richards plan to run for SA office. Photos by Chandler Branzell

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

Faculty Advisers Jonathan Cyprowski Director of Student Media wcyprowski@oru.edu Cristi Eschler-Freudenrich Business Services cfreudenrich@oru.edu

Editorial Hannah Covington Editor-in-Chief oraclechief@oru.edu

McKensie Garber Managing Editor oracle@oru.edu

Section Editors

Graphics & Art

Meghan Drake Online Editor Christa Cervantes Copy Editor Josh Ellison Copy Editor Madison McDaniel News Ryan Woods Sports Print David Sauer Sports Production Dominique Johnson Features McKensie Garber Scene Greg Brown Muse

Rebecca Glenn Print Production Mgr. Michelle Karjadi Graphic Designer Matthew Dean Graphic Designer Sarthak Nigam Webmaster Julie Gonzalez Photography Editor Austin St. John Senior Photographer Violet Mawanza Photographer Audrey Grey Photographer Courtney Dilley Photographer Nick Conroy Photographer Joshua Smith Photographer

Reporters Kristy Sturgill Staff Writer Parrish Purnell Jr. Staff Writer Victoria Atterberry Staff Writer Valeria Hernandez Staff Writer Jonathan DeFriess Staff Writer Ellie Cogles Staff Writer Russell Dorsey Staff Writer Megan Esposito Staff Writer Brooke Thomas Staff Writer

Corrections The Oracle strives for accuracy and integrity in all content. If you find a mistake, let us know: Phone: (918) 495-7080

Member of: - Associated Collegiate Press - College Media Advisers - Oklahoma College Media Association - Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Advertising Jennifer Jost Business Mgr. Danielle Coy Sales Mgr. River Freudenrich Ad Designer Kalista Balagia Sales Rep. Crystal Block Sales Rep. Deliza Elizee Sales Rep. D.J. Jackson Sales Rep. Bianca Lilly Sales Rep. Isaiah Liston Sales Rep. Jack Lucido Sales Rep. Ryan Trujillo Sales Rep. Arron Whitehurst Sales Rep.

Letters to the Editor Have a thought or story idea you’d like to share? Send us an email at oraclechief@oru.edu.

Applications Want to work for the Oracle? Stop

by LR 175 and fill out an application.

Positions include photography, graphic design, and reporting.

Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports

2 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

FEATURES PAGE 9 Cheerleaders prepare for competition

News PAGE 6 HPE department looks into digital aerobics points

SPORTS PAGE 14 ORU gears up for Conference tournament

r

News

Tiered room and board prices provide options

By Dominique Johnson In response to feedback from students, the university will change room and board pricing beginning fall 2014. Instead of paying the same price for all rooms and meal plans, students can now choose from different tiered pricing options.

According to a university press release, “Students almost unanimously asked for four things: tiered pricing, more meal periods, a cheaper option and more Sodexo bucks.”

Next semester all of those changes will go into effect.

“You have to find out how it all [students’ requests and concerns] balances out within a financial model,” said Tim Philley, chief operating officer. “That’s what we did. We did our best to try to listen to students and do our best with what they were requesting. At the same time, we have to be careful that we don’t blow up an economic model.”

The tiered pricing for rooms gives male students five options and female students 10, with the option of living in Gabby.

Philley said every year inflation accounts for about a four percent rise in room and board pricing. With the change, some of the price increases were avoided.

EMR and Claudius double rooms dropped $208 and private rooms dropped $500. Private rooms in Gabby dropped $8 instead of rising. Prices for towers rose about $250.

“We tried to look at [if ] the pricing [made] sense,” Philley said. “Everybody knows that some facilities are nicer than others. Some facilities are bigger than others. So, why are all the prices the same?

We tried to do our best with balancing those out with rating the size and conditions of those rooms.”

Philley said coming up with a balanced price was difficult and probably changed four or five times before settling on a model that made the most sense to them. “ The meal plan will change significantly. You have continuous dining from seven to seven; it never shuts down,” Philley said.

“With the ‘all-access,’ you can come in 100 times a day. When I looked at it from the perspective of cost and savings, you used to have the 19 meal plan or the carte blanch plan. It was unlimited access, but it came with no Sodexo bucks. None. You were paying $2,476 for a carte blanche plan. If you go to the All Access 300, you now get a carte blanche plan with $300

for $20 more. It’s a pretty good deal.”

The new meal plans include three “Flex” plans, which include unlimited dining hall access and a specified amount of Sodexo bucks.

“What I heard from students was, ‘I couldn’t make it to breakfast or I couldn’t make it to lunch. My meal plan doesn’t feel very valuable to me,’” Philley said.

“With any type of change, you’re going to have some people that are happy and some people that are going to be disappointed. With the majority I think we made the right decision for the way we structured the meal plan, and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish.”

There are also two “Basic” plans. The “Basic One” offers 10 meals in the dining hall per week. The “Basic Plus” offers 14 meals per week and $100 Sodexo bucks.

The “Basic One” is the cheapest meal plan.

“Our directive was trying to create tiered pricing and trying to keep the prices as low as we can,” Philley said. “The president wanted a lower price option.

Now you have a lower price option. You have a room that’s cheaper than what it was and a meal plan that’s cheaper than what it was. It may not be the meal plan

you want. But if I’m solely here and in a position and trying to really save, you have some option.”

If you take the cheapest option for the room [EMR or Claudius] and meal [Basic One], you can save roughly $1,400 a year.

“I think some students will be extremely happy about it and some won’t be so happy,” Philley said. “The goal was to make students happy. This definitely wasn’t more in the university’s pocket.”

The average price for housing is $3,099 but will change to $2,889. The average price for meal plans this semester is $2,476 but will change to $2,445.

Philley said administration wanted to be sensitive to pricing and students’ concerns.

“I like the simplicity of the [new] meal plans, and I like how you can choose how much you want to pay,” junior marketing major Joshua Gazelka said. “But I would like having an option similar to the old seven meals a week, 500 Sodexo Bucks.

Also I think a meal plan with only Sodexo [bucks] would be an awesome option.”

For a full list of changes, students can visit oru.edu.

MEAL PLANS

FLEX GOLD

FLEX PLUS

FLEX ONE

BASIC PLUS

BASIC ONE

# OF CAFETERIA VISITS PER WEEK

UNLIMITED

UNLIMITED

UNLIMITED

14

10

$600

$450

$300

$100

$0

SODEXO BUCKS INCLUDED

GREAT FIT FOR

The most choices for students who regularly eat at retail locations, especially for late nights.

A great plan for residential students who want added flexibility for late night retail dining.

A great fit for everyone! Eat at the cafeteria as often as you want and enjoy retail dining with Sodexo bucks. Only

Designed for those Designed for students with limited on with only basic on campus dining needs. campus dining needs.

$200 more than the Basic Plus!

PRICE PER SEMESTER

$2,795

$2,645

$2,495

$2,295

$1,995 THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 3

Crisis in Ukraine sparks Russian military action

By Megan Esposito and Christa Cervantes This past week, Russia flooded around 25,000 troops into the military base at Crimea, a Ukrainian republic. As a result of their military action, an emergency U.N. Security Council met to discuss diplomatic solutions. Any action proposed by the Security Council may be vetoed by Russia, a permanent member of the council.

Meanwhile in Crimea, the Crimean prime minister stated that Ukrainian troops also stationed on the peninsula have started to surrender and pledge allegiance to the large Russian military presence.

Although Russian President Vladimir Putin states that the Russian troops are present simply as “self-defense forces,” Russian soldiers are preventing Ukrainian forces to retake the Balbek airbase. After negotiations, the Russians and Ukrainians agreed to joint patrols for the airbase. According to The Wall Street Journal, Col. Yuli Mamchur is still “awaiting better results.”

While Russia states that their military presence is for the protection of the people from what Putin calls an “unconstitutional coup,” the new Ukrainian government in Kiev has stated to the U.N. Security council that the strong Russian presence in Crimea “threatened Ukraine’s territorial integrity.”

Putin claims that Russian troops will only intercede to protect their neighbors.

“It [military intervention] will be legitimate and

Internet photo

4 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

correspond to international law because we have a direct request from a legitimate president and it corresponds to our interests in protecting people who are close to us,” said Putin in a statement.

The strong Russian presence in Crimea is a result of the deadly protests that have been taking place over the past months.

The protests that have been taking place since Nov. 21 took a deadly turn as demonstrators stood, and continue to stand, in order to defend what they believe is the single promise for a bright future in Ukraine.

“I think that people are once again fed up with the widespread corruption and hardship, which has always been a part of life there,” said Melanie Westpetal, ORU alumna and Ukraine native. “And the Ukrainian people have more than enough tenacity to see this through. All I know is that if real change can be accomplished by these protests, the people will stick it out as long as they have to.”

The demonstrations began when former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovich, refused to sign an agreement that would integrate the nation with the European Union [EU]. This agreement would allow the country more economic freedom and ease of trade. According to businessinsider.com, this decision was made due to economic pressure from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

These protests later became violent when the Ukrainian government passed laws restricting the right to protest. Although the laws have been recanted, protests are still being met with violent resistance.

Before moving to Tulsa, Westpetal used to live 20 minutes from the square where the lethal protests are occurring.

Westpetal has many friends and family still living in Kiev who support the protesters.

Many of them have attended demonstrations in the square.

According to Westpetal’s friends, “it was the only hope for their country.”

Westpetal remains cautious about the freedom of the Ukraine after the protesting ends.

“I’m mostly worried about what life will be like after it all blows over,” said Westpetal. “If the beginnings of this protest were any indication, the government may find new ways to limit basic freedoms.”

11/21/13:

Ukraine announces it will not sign deal aimed at strengthening ties with the EU, sparking protests.

12/17/13:

Russia agrees to buy $15bn of Ukraine gov bonds and slash the price of gas it sells to the country.

1/16/14:

Parliament passes law restricting the right to protest.

1/19/14:

Ukaraine Crisis

World leaders strive for democracy while Russian intervention escalates the crisis in Ukraine

Protests turn violent

1/22/14:

Two protesters die from bullet wounds during clashes with police in Kiev; protests spread across many cities.

1/25/14:

President Viktor Yanukovych offers senior jobs to opposition, including that of a prime minister, but these are rejected.

1/28/14:

Parliament votes to annul protests law and President Yanukovych accepts resignation of Prime Minister and his cabinet

1/29/14:

Parliament passes amnesty law for detained protesters; under the condition occupied buildings are vacated.

2/9/14:

About 70,000 gather in central Kiev demanding president’s resignation and formation of pro-Western gov.

Photos by Julianne Gonzalez

(Left): Bob Steward, instructor of mathematics, teaches percentages in his Math and Society class Wednesday morning. (Right): Freshman Rachel Oswald takes notes during Professor Steward’s class. Math and Society has been a traditional general education requirement for non-math majors.

University swaps math class for college algebra

By McKensie Garber A discussion is occurring among faculty, students and administration to phase out the course math and society and exchange it for college algebra, starting in the fall of 2015.

“The idea has been percolating for several years now,” said professor of mathematics, Dr. Andrew Lang. “The proposal is something we’ve discussed extensively in the computing and mathematics department, but only recently decided to pursue it. It is still in the very early stage but we’ve received a lot of good feedback from our informal talks with both students and faculty.”

If officially proposed, the General Education Committee, University Faculty Senate and administration would have to approve the proposal to eliminate math and society.

This change would benefit transfer and international students, because most colleges in the U.S. and other countries require college algebra as a general education mathematics course.

“Another part of the discussion is the globalization efforts of the University and the President,” said assistant professor of mathematics, LeighAnne Locke.

“As we create more global partnerships and degrees, there is a need for courses that can transfer among institutions. In the area of mathematics, college algebra would be that type of course.”

This change would also better prepare students for

graduate school, according to Lang. Many graduate schools require an entrance test, the Graduate Record Examination [GRE], with a large portion of the mathematics section covering college algebra skills.

“The General Education Committee has discussed the issue of nationalized exams in the past since most assess objectives that are related to college algebra content. Math and society does not provide the necessary rigor to prepare students for these objectives,” said Locke.

According to Lang, requiring college algebra would better equip ORU students to compete with other schools.

“When we test ORU students against students from other colleges, we do very well except in the area of [algebraic] mathematics mainly because other schools require it, and we don’t,” Lang said.

Nixing math and society could help students cruise faster through their degree plan. Students are able to CLEP college algebra, but there is no CLEP for math and society.

Some departments have already shifted toward this change.

“Many of the individual departments have already chosen to change the required math class to college algebra on degree plans or add college algebra as a choice for their students,” said Locke.

“Each department has its own reasons determined by faculty recommendations, specialized accreditation

requirements or easier transition for transfer students, just to name a few examples.”

While nothing official has happened yet, many majors have already switched their requirements under their own initiative. Due to all of the positive feedback, there may not be a need for a formal process to make the change, according to Lang.

“What ORU students will notice is that starting in the fall of 2014, there will be more sections of college algebra offered and fewer sections of math and society offered,” said Locke. “A student can choose to take college algebra even if their degree plan has math and society listed. A course substitution form can be completed so that college algebra will count as the math course for their degree.”

The mathematics department plans to continue gaining feedback from non-math majors that still require math and society.

“Math and society is a course that provides practical aspects of mathematics for everyday life. It is a liberal arts style course that has the benefit of giving practical information regarding the use of mathematics in daily activities,” said Locke. “However, for globalization efforts, transfer potential and preparing students for future studies, it does fall short.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 5

Aerobics points may get high-tech upgrade

By Madison McDaniel For the past 10 years, the HPER department has looked for better ways to track, log and submit aerobic points. Starting with the freshman class in the fall of 2015, the department hopes to implement a new device that will allow them to achieve this goal.

The device will be a watch-like heart rate monitor that students can wear to track the amount of aerobic activity they exert throughout their day.

“The idea originated from a conference that several instructors went to,” said Fritz Huber, chair of the HPER department. “There was a presentation on the new generation of heart monitor and pedometer units

by Polar.”

Some of the faculty purchased different models from different companies. Polar gave the department some units to test the waters of possible devices.

The model they will choose will allow students to receive better information about their physical activity level, along with other information about their lifestyle.

Although the alternative for logging aerobics points is still in the works, the department envisions the impact it will have on the health of their students.

“We are looking at how this will help the HPER Department be able to better globalize our courses being offered online and being able to educate the whole person around the world,” Huber said.

Photo by Julianne Gonzales

(Clockwise from left): Junior Grace Lee, sophomore Josh Verner and senior Galen Jernigan all work on accumulating their weekly aerobics points. The proposed changes to the HPER Department could completely change the aerobic points system.

Students reflect on Venezuelan protests

By Valeria Hernandez Groups of peaceful student protestors encountered governmental oppression leaving three dead in Venezuela on Feb. 12.

What started as a peaceful march against prevailing insecurity and violence, turned into chaos as two students and a pro-governmental militia were shot and governmental authorities imprisoned hundreds of protestors.

Orlando Delgado is an international student from Venezuela attending ORU. He came to the U. S. in 2010 due to economic and safety reasons. He spoke about the remarkable insecurity in his hometown Barinas.

“There is an unofficial curfew after

seven or nine o’clock due to people risking getting robbed or kidnapped,” said Delgado. “People literally have to sleep with one eye open.”

After the Feb. 12 march, Leopoldo Lopez, the leader and organizer of the oposition, was charged on the grounds of arson, terrorism, murder and conspiracy. Lopez turned himself into the police on Feb.18, only after recording a video meant to inspire young adults. The most serious charges, murder and terrorism, were later dropped.

“I haven’t committed any crime,” Lopez said in a video released before giving himself up. “If there is a decision to legally throw me in jail, I’ll submit

6 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

myself to this persecution.”

The Wednesday night protests unleashed a series of clashes resulting in 13 people dead during the following week,” said Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz.

Zoar Sarai Munoz, 20, is an ORU student born in Venezuela. Munoz moved out of the country with her family, and has been living in the U.S. since a young age. Munoz has faith the anti-governmental protests will cause the change her country has been awaiting for years.

“I feel happy to share Venezuela is raising up their voice,” said Munoz.

“Churches are moving, declaring this is the end. Thank God students and

universities got together to protest.”

Venezuela has one of the highest inflation rates in the world at 56 percent, as well as severe shortages of basic goods like cooking oil, toilet paper and corn flour used in typical Venezuelan dishes. The nation has limited importation due to currency exchange problems.

“Some [protestors] are being killed, giving their life for Venezuela because they know something has to happen,” said Munoz. “Something has to change.”

Students find success at Model UN

By Jovana Poljasevic Twenty-six ORU students represented the university at the 54th annual Midwest Model United Nations Conference Feb. 19 in St. Louis, Mo. The event is designed to give students experience with working with urgent international issues.

Representing the role of another country and facing their issues give the students new experiences and knowledge of how to handle and face big world issues.

Students are grouped into delegates, with each group representing a different country. ORU students represented the countries of Russia and Guatemala.

Several ORU students received awards for their efforts. Kedemah Evans won the award for outstanding delegate in committee on the status of women, representing Russia. Ruth Adams and Mariah Shyroch won honorable mention in the General Assembly.

“80 percent of Model UN participants from ORU had never represented the school in this field, but those students still achieved major success,” said Faculty Advisor Ruby Libertus.

Megan Esposito, a senior international relations major, was a first-time participant.

Courtesy Photo

Twenty-six students participated in the competition. (Front row to back, from left): Victoria Lopez, Mariah Shyrock, Rosina Albanese, Larissa Nugroho, Kristin Towles-Esparza and Andrea Castillo. (Second row): Violeta Sarria, Julianne Gonzalez, Kedemah Evans, Delmy Henriquez, Megan Esposito and Vanessa Garcia. (Third Row): Ale Mejia, Tammy Dang, Joshua Gardner, Ruth Adams, Oswald Ayee, Mrs. Ruby Libertus, Ryan Sullivan and Dario Beslic.

(Fourth row): Charlie Cancino, Tae Hwan Jin, Jesse Himes, Timothy Johnson, John Omiesh and David Grabovenko.

“It was a memorable experience, and I would encourage students in majors other than international relations to join. You gain real world, hands-on experience and meet incredible people,” said Esposito.

The Model United Nations class will be offered again during the fall 2014 semester. Interested students in any major can enroll now.

*

off your entire food purchase* Photo by Julianne Gonzalez

Tammy Dang and Ryan Sullivan celebrate ORU’s success at the recent Model UN competition in St. Louis.

9718 Riverside Pkwy (918)298-7010

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 7

FEATURES

11 Ways to ensure that #MySpringBreakIsBetterThanYours

By Mike Wilson 1. Pick a destination – Think BIG. Go somewhere you’ve never been before. In just a few years (2 months for some), you will have graduated and have a real job without the flexibility of doing something like this.

Fall Break 2012, I took a road trip with friends to Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach in a week. Go all out and find somewhere to make all your friends jealous.

2. Friends – They make or break your trip. Go with friends you get along with. They have to be flexible and able to be endured for long periods of time in a car with ZERO sleep. Preferably people you trust to drive your car in the middle of the night…

3. Drive – It’s all about efficiency.

Driving is always the cheapest way to go especially when you’re splitting gas four ways. Don’t be afraid to drive through the night. Have the back seat sleep while the front seat stays awake. Then switch.

Plus, there’s nothing a case of Red Bull can’t solve.

Most importantly, don’t make any pit stops at all, except when the gas light comes on.

4. Bring a cooler – Mr. Igloo. That’s the name I have for my cooler. He comes on all my trips. Sandwiches are hands down the cheapest method of eating. They’re easy because you only need meat, cheese, and bread, or maybe just PB&J. This

eliminates the need to stop for food and alleviates the financial burden of eating fast food everywhere.

5. Music friends to– Nothing brings gether like singing “Life is a Highway” to start off a road trip. Make a playlist with a wide variety and find some music on your iPod that you didn’t realize was there. Whether it’s a Taylor Swift break-up song or the ever classy Justin Timberlake, make sure you have a trip DJ. The DJ is solely in charge of making sure the music is seemless, including smooth transitions from George Straight to T-Pain in only three songs.

6. Sleeping – What? Never heard of it! In the event that you do choose to sleep eventually, find a free place to stay. Whether it’s a friend’s apartment at an all women’s school in Boston or an old boss that now lives in Philadelphia’s Chinatown (yes, both have happened), you can always find somewhere to stay for a night. If not, then just stay up all night in NYC (yes, this also happened). At the very least, use Hotwire to find a really cheap hotel. A Labor Day trip, with friends to Brewers, Cubs and Royals games was a great experience with $50 hotels.

7. Do free things – No such thing as a free lunch. So lunch will cost you about $1 for the

8 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

PB&J you packed, but there are 147 free things to do in any city. Go sightseeing, visit museums and walk. Walk everywhere.

It saves so much money and it even helps you earn aerobic points.

8. Plan one big day – Splurge. Have one day where you go all out. Go skiing, to a professional sports game, a Broadway show or find your favorite band on tour. Do something that is really memorable and cool enough to make up for a week in a car eating turkey sandwiches with no mayonnaise because it spoils. Don’t forget to eat the local food favorites.

9. Do something EPIC -#MySpringBreakIsBetterThanYours. I don’t know if this is going to be a hash tag or not, but whatever you do, find a trip that is so cool, even the Manifesto can’t help but mention you in their next issue. There is nothing as satisfying as having your picture or quote over a urinal in EMR because of how awesome your break was.

10.Documentation – Pics or it didn’t happen.

Whether it’s Facebook or Snapchat use social media to inform all of your friends and followers of how much fun you’re having. The more jealous they are, the more it confirms how great a trip you planned.

11. Tradition – Traffic cones and Cracker Barrel.

Make a tradition. No matter how silly or crazy, find something fun to do every time you road trip. When I roll into

Tulsa from roughing it in the mountains of Colorado with my roommate this spring break, I’ll be at Cracker Barrel with the “lost” traffic cone in my trunk per my traditions see you there!

Clockwise from top left: Mike Wilson in front of US Capital, with Kristie Chute, John Arriola, Tyler Traut, Andrew Walter, Quinlyn Ryan and Makenzie Carroll at the Grand Canyon, with Tyler Traut, John Arriola and Andrew Walker in Washington D.C., with Morgan Beams in Florida.

SPORTS

@oruoraclesports

Behind the halftime routine and sideline stunts

The ORU cheer team

By Jonathan DeFriess Cheerleaders contribute similar amounts of time to practicing their discipline, but the ORU cheer team does not compete on a weekly basis like other sports.

The ORU cheer team uses performances at games and other campus events to refine and prepare for Nationals, its one competition of the year.

Having only one competition requires a high level of focus and a consistent and concerted effort throughout the year.

“You’re not running around for 40 minutes like basketball, or playing nine innings of baseball,” said John Michael Arriola, a senior on the cheer squad.

“You are only out there for two and a half minutes when you are competing, and you are out there by yourself. It’s based on the judges.”

Nationals offer one opportunity to compete and win a cheer championship.

“Everything is built up to this one competition and this is our one shot,” said McKayla Merrell, a sophomore ORU cheerleader. “It puts a lot of pressure on you because you have to hit it perfectly that one time.”

Bringing home a cheer championship is preceded by a championship effort in training.

“We practice three to four times a week, Tuesday morning and Thursday morning practice for two hours, a Thursday afternoon practice for three hours, and a two hour Friday practice,” said Arriola.

The ORU cheerleading squad puts in at least eight hours of practice per week. Home basketball games and choreography add to the workload.

“Sometimes we have our choreographer here, and we spend twenty hours practicing that week,” said Merrell.

“Consistency is one of the toughest things in cheerleading,” said Merrell.

“You can learn how to do a bunch of things and hit it one time, but if you do it ten times, you may only hit it three out of ten times.”

Cheerleaders must practice regularly to develop proper technique that trans-

lates to consistently accurate stunting.

“With cheer, you are doing the same things over and over again. It all depends on technique,” said Stephen Guzman, a senior ORU cheerleader.

“If your technique is off, you will not [perform the stunt]. The girl will fall, and you will be embarrassed in front of everybody.”

Performing cheer skills requires physical rigor comparable to other highly strenuous sports.

“It surprised me how physically exhausting it could be and how beat up you can get,” said Arriola. “I wrestled a lot in high school, and those were really intense practices, but cheerleading sneaks up on you. Getting hit by a girl falling from ten feet kind of hurts.”

April Polk, ORU’s cheerleading coach, is not new to championshipcaliber cheerleading. She cheered at Stephen F. Austin for three years and helped win three national championships. Polk’s winning attitude translates to her coaching style.

“I expect my athletes to be athletes, to come in ready to work hard,” said Polk.

One of her passions is working with the cheerleading team at benefit events.

“One [outreach] we do every year is the Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome,” said Polk. “We also are out there for muscular dystrophy. When they have a walk, we are out there. We did the Saint Jude Give Thanks Walk. Any time events like that come up where we can be out with kids and families, we are there.”

The high volume of time together creates strong team chemistry.

“We are pretty close knit; we get along pretty well,” said Arriola. “It’s like a big machine. There is a bunch of stuff going on at once but it just makes sense.”

The ORU Cheer Team will soon compete at Nationals, held in Daytona Beach, Fla. on April 10-11.

(From top): Phaedra Fouts and McKayla Merrell yell encouragement at a recent game; Merrell performs a stunt during a timeout; Eli pumps up the crowd at a game March 2; Ashley Lewman cheers with her teammates courtside.

Photos by Camille Orgel and Joshua Smith.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 9

MEET YOUR SA CANDIDATES

ALEX CEVALLOS KRISTY STURGILL Year in school: Junior Year in school: Junior Major: Convergence journalism Major: Media, business minor Hometown: Houston, Texas Hometown: Oologah Talala, Okla.

Reason for running: Reason for running: “The reason we chose to run together is because “Almost half of the student body are commutSA is about enhancing the experience of the ers, and the other half are residents. [That’s] community overall. I lived on an athletic floor about a 1400 and 1600 difference. We feel that [last] semester, so I understand there’s a big gap the best way to represent the student body is to between the fan base, athletes and residents. have both a commuter and resident representAlso, my first semester, my roommate was an ing the student body. It’ll create a dynamic that international student. I got to experience the will show both sides and both needs because big hoops you’ve got to jump through to get there’s a very different need for commuters and here.” residents.”

General Assembly: “I believe students deserve to have their voice heard. An organization like GA is a decent program to encourage student involvement on a college campus. Although GA allows students to get involved, I want to take a different approach and institute a new student organization called V.I.B.E.S. (Verbal, Interaction, Between, Every, Student.) This system will allow all students on campus to voice their opinions about the school every week.”

Ideas: Alex Cevallos: “Kristy and I are firm believers in the whole person experience. A huge part of the ORU experience is the prayer movement on campus. A lot of students have requested for curfew hours to be extended for those who participate in the late night prayers on Fridays. Kristy and I will do our best to convince administration to have late night prayer in respect to the movement of the Holy Spirit. This upcoming school year, Kristy and I want to lay down three platforms: Scholarships, Bridges and Voice. We want every student to be able to afford the best Christian college education they can and to give them the resources and steps to find outside scholarships to stay in school. We want to bridge the gaps [among students] by sending text messages of social events to every student that owns a cell phone.”

ZAY WILLIAMS Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Government, church administration minor Hometown: Sweet, Ga. Reason for running: “The university is in an extremely important time. The student leader of the campus really needs to be someone who can really set an example of embracing the move of God that’s taking place on our campus. I believe the Lord really wants to release revival here. It’s important [to] really work to advance what the Lord is doing here on the campus. That’s the major reason I’m running.”

DAVID GRABOVENKO Year in school: Junior Major: Double major in international business and theology Hometown: Perm, Russia Reason for running: “I want to be helpful to the student body. Zay and I have a great vision. We have great ideas and a practical vision we can implement for the student body.”

General Assembly: “We believe the GA’s purpose was important and needs to be fulfilled. However, the model in which the GA operated was weak and ineffective. We believe that representation works best through the voice of the masses. A more effective model for representation is through ORU Town Hall Meetings each month. Here students can express new concerns and receive progress on current issues.”

Ideas: Zay Williams: “We aim to make major improvements in school spirit in these ways: Revive the culture of ORU through imparting the rich heritage of the University in students.

Promote athletics by raising awareness of events and hosting campus pep rallies to raise support.

Target the freshman class to light the flame of ORU Spirit by restructuring Blueprint. We desire to make Blueprint more of a student leadership furnace to [rise] up the next class of imminent frontrunners. Another important element of our campaign is fostering the campus spirituality. We aim to push forward the spiritual revival that is already in progress on campus. We’ll do this through campus-wide prayer gatherings and reaching out to athletes for the purposes of spiritual renewal.”

LACEY RUSS: Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Communications major, business minor Hometown: Cordell, Okla.

Reason for running: “We genuinely have a heart for ORU, and we think we have the ability and the passion to see that advanced and maintained. SA’s been a great organization to establish good organization and good culture here at ORU. We want to see that maintained and enhanced in the year to come.”

BRANDON RICHARDS: Year in school: Sophomore Major/minor: Accounting Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.

Reason for running: “We both bring great ideas to the table, and I think this is an opportunity for a phenomenal facet to see these ideas implemented in the future. Honestly, I would love to see Lacey in office, and that’s why I’m running with [her]. I think she’ll make a phenomenal president.”

General Assembly: “I believe the General Assembly could be a great asset to our University under the right leadership.

Understanding the fine line between students being heard for their complaints, yet administration being respected for their decisions is a delicate balance. I believe under the right leadership GA could flourish into a great opportunity for students who desire to serve ORU in that capacity.”

Ideas: Lacey Russ: “SA does a great job of providing entertaining events for students. We would like to expand the student experience by adding intellectual opportunities, and our first way of doing that would be providing a TED Talk location right here at ORU. We know you have great ideas that should be shared with the world outside of ORU, and we want to help facilitate that opportunity for you.

Parking closer has always been a wishful thought for ORU students, and we want to make that a reality by installing parking meters in lower lot. We all have those days where we need to run into our dorms or when we just don’t feel like walking from upper lot. We will collaborate with administration to install parking meters in lower lot for students’ convenience without the hassle of worrying whether they will be ticketed or not.”

Photos by Chandler Branzell

MEET YOUR SA CANDIDATES

ALEX CEVALLOS KRISTY STURGILL Year in school: Junior Year in school: Junior Major: Convergence journalism Major: Media, business minor Hometown: Houston, Texas Hometown: Oologah Talala, Okla.

Reason for running: Reason for running: “The reason we chose to run together is because “Almost half of the student body are commutSA is about enhancing the experience of the ers, and the other half are residents. [That’s] community overall. I lived on an athletic floor about a 1400 and 1600 difference. We feel that [last] semester, so I understand there’s a big gap the best way to represent the student body is to between the fan base, athletes and residents. have both a commuter and resident representAlso, my first semester, my roommate was an ing the student body. It’ll create a dynamic that international student. I got to experience the will show both sides and both needs because big hoops you’ve got to jump through to get there’s a very different need for commuters and here.” residents.”

General Assembly: “I believe students deserve to have their voice heard. An organization like GA is a decent program to encourage student involvement on a college campus. Although GA allows students to get involved, I want to take a different approach and institute a new student organization called V.I.B.E.S. (Verbal, Interaction, Between, Every, Student.) This system will allow all students on campus to voice their opinions about the school every week.”

Ideas: Alex Cevallos: “Kristy and I are firm believers in the whole person experience. A huge part of the ORU experience is the prayer movement on campus. A lot of students have requested for curfew hours to be extended for those who participate in the late night prayers on Fridays. Kristy and I will do our best to convince administration to have late night prayer in respect to the movement of the Holy Spirit. This upcoming school year, Kristy and I want to lay down three platforms: Scholarships, Bridges and Voice. We want every student to be able to afford the best Christian college education they can and to give them the resources and steps to find outside scholarships to stay in school. We want to bridge the gaps [among students] by sending text messages of social events to every student that owns a cell phone.”

ZAY WILLIAMS Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Government, church administration minor Hometown: Sweet, Ga. Reason for running: “The university is in an extremely important time. The student leader of the campus really needs to be someone who can really set an example of embracing the move of God that’s taking place on our campus. I believe the Lord really wants to release revival here. It’s important [to] really work to advance what the Lord is doing here on the campus. That’s the major reason I’m running.”

DAVID GRABOVENKO Year in school: Junior Major: Double major in international business and theology Hometown: Perm, Russia Reason for running: “I want to be helpful to the student body. Zay and I have a great vision. We have great ideas and a practical vision we can implement for the student body.”

General Assembly: “We believe the GA’s purpose was important and needs to be fulfilled. However, the model in which the GA operated was weak and ineffective. We believe that representation works best through the voice of the masses. A more effective model for representation is through ORU Town Hall Meetings each month. Here students can express new concerns and receive progress on current issues.”

Ideas: Zay Williams: “We aim to make major improvements in school spirit in these ways: Revive the culture of ORU through imparting the rich heritage of the University in students.

Promote athletics by raising awareness of events and hosting campus pep rallies to raise support.

Target the freshman class to light the flame of ORU Spirit by restructuring Blueprint. We desire to make Blueprint more of a student leadership furnace to [rise] up the next class of imminent frontrunners. Another important element of our campaign is fostering the campus spirituality. We aim to push forward the spiritual revival that is already in progress on campus. We’ll do this through campus-wide prayer gatherings and reaching out to athletes for the purposes of spiritual renewal.”

LACEY RUSS: Year in school: Junior Major/minor: Communications major, business minor Hometown: Cordell, Okla.

Reason for running: “We genuinely have a heart for ORU, and we think we have the ability and the passion to see that advanced and maintained. SA’s been a great organization to establish good organization and good culture here at ORU. We want to see that maintained and enhanced in the year to come.”

BRANDON RICHARDS: Year in school: Sophomore Major/minor: Accounting Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.

Reason for running: “We both bring great ideas to the table, and I think this is an opportunity for a phenomenal facet to see these ideas implemented in the future. Honestly, I would love to see Lacey in office, and that’s why I’m running with [her]. I think she’ll make a phenomenal president.”

General Assembly: “I believe the General Assembly could be a great asset to our University under the right leadership.

Understanding the fine line between students being heard for their complaints, yet administration being respected for their decisions is a delicate balance. I believe under the right leadership GA could flourish into a great opportunity for students who desire to serve ORU in that capacity.”

Ideas: Lacey Russ: “SA does a great job of providing entertaining events for students. We would like to expand the student experience by adding intellectual opportunities, and our first way of doing that would be providing a TED Talk location right here at ORU. We know you have great ideas that should be shared with the world outside of ORU, and we want to help facilitate that opportunity for you.

Parking closer has always been a wishful thought for ORU students, and we want to make that a reality by installing parking meters in lower lot. We all have those days where we need to run into our dorms or when we just don’t feel like walking from upper lot. We will collaborate with administration to install parking meters in lower lot for students’ convenience without the hassle of worrying whether they will be ticketed or not.”

Photos by Chandler Branzell

Emmanuel Forcier Junior Baseball St. Hyacinthe, Quebec

Maria Stordahl Freshman Soccer Flatåsen, Norway

WHERE IN THE WORLD? ORU athletes represent six of the seven continents in the world. See where many are from.

Fabien Zierleyn Sophomore Tennis Leer, Germany

Bernadett Balla Junior Basketball Pecs, Hungary Shinwoo Lee Sophomore Golf Gangnam, South Korea

Neville Francis Junior Soccer Clarendon, Jamaica

Raphael Chihambakwe Sophomore Track Harare, Zimbabwe

Sthephanie Mab Senior Volleyball Rio de Janeiro

Marizanne Bouwer Junior Tennis Virginia, South Africa

Maired Cleary Freshman Tennis Sydney

Graphics by Michelle Karjadi

12 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

International athletes impact ORU athletics

By Russell Dorsey When Dr. William M. Wilson took over as the fourth president of ORU in 2013, he emphasized globalization.

With over 72 countries represented, ORU is already becoming more globally diverse. Athletics are an area where this mission is very evident.

ORU has had international athletes for years, but recently it has become more noticeable. ORU track alumnus Andretti Bain was recently inducted into the ORU Hall of Fame. Bain won a silver medal for the Bahamas in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Eleven of the 14 intercollegiate sports that ORU offers have at least one athlete from another country. Many of the teams have multiple international athletes.

Tinashe Mutanga and Raphael Chihambakwe are sprinters on the Golden Eagles track and field team. They are also fellow countrymen who ran against each other back in their home country of Zimbabwe. They both have their own reasons why they chose ORU. Mutanga is a freshman this year but is 21 and brings experience to the team.

“There is a very good track program here,” said Mutanga. “There is also the religious part; I feel like I can be closer to God.” For Chihambakwe, a major part of

his decision was the coaching staff.

“When the coaches talked to me, I didn’t know anything about ORU,” Chihambakwe said. “But out of all the coaches that talked to me, Coach Dial seemed like the guy that I was being called to. I don’t know if it was God’s ways, but that is how I ended up here.”

International athletes not only affect their individual sports at ORU, but their teammates as well. These athletes must adapt to a new country and learn a different culture, but their teammates get a chance to learn about a different culture as well.

Niles Abston and D’Khari Hicks are also sprinters on the track team.

They get to learn firsthand what it is like to have teammates of a different culture.

“It’s definitely a culture shock,” Abston said. “Where I’m from there aren’t really people from other countries, especially in athletics.”

Hicks also had similar feelings about his teammates.

“I like it,” Hicks said. “You get to learn about another culture and the guys are great. But you also know that even though they are from a different country, running is running and times are times.”

Abston and Hicks respect and appreciate what Mutanga and Chi-

hambakwe do for the team. They both realize that it is a benefit to have two guys that are older and have something to share that they learned along the way.

“They’ve taught us discipline and how to prepare for races,” Hicks said.

“They are definitely leaders on and off the track.”

Coaches play an important role when it comes to athletes from other countries coming over to play their sport here. They are the ones who go out and recruit these athletes and better their program. Joe Dial, Head Coach of ORU’s Track and Field Team and Sheera Sirola, Head Coach of ORU’s volleyball team, both know what it takes to bring international athletes to ORU. The two coaches have several members of their team from around the world.

“Like all coaches, I have a network of peers, usually former players, who coach throughout the world. When those players know of a local high school player that would be a good fit for our team, they let me know, and I scout them like I would any player,” said Sirola.

The recruiting process can be different for foreign students. With no way to visit the school, foreign athletes can’t see the campus like their American teammates can.

“It’s basically a sight unseen for them.

They can look at the school online unlike kids from US who usually come here physically and look at the school.

Overseas it’s mainly trusting in kids from their country that have been here and have had a good experience and that’s really how we’ve gotten kids from all over the world,” Dial said. “Somebody has known somebody who has gone here in the past that we treat them well and that’s how it happens.”

President Wilson’s mission for diversity is not going unnoticed by the coaches. Coach Dial is very high on ORU’s push for globalization.

“I think President Wilson is internationally minded, and he believes in the same mission that I’ve believed in from the day I stepped in being the coach here. It’s good to know that you have a president that is totally behind what you believe. We’ve been like that from day one,” said Dial.

ORU has made an effort to be more globally diverse, and the university’s athletics program has been positively impacted by the results. Mutanga & Chihambakwe both competed at the Southland Conference indoor championship this past week. With the success of international athletes like Bain, the two look to follow in his footsteps by reaching the highest level of success.

Last chance for Perihelion Women’s scholarship yearbook photos deadline approaches Wednesday, March 12, the Perihelion staff will be on the third floor of the LRC taking photos for the 2014 yearbook. If you did not get your photo taken earlier in the school year, this is your last chance.

The staff has conducted two photo sessions already this school year, once in September and, more recently, the week of February 25-28. If you have already participated in one of those sessions, you do not need to take it again.

The yearbook is published during the

summer and distributed the following fall semester. Graduated senior students can request a yearbook be mailed to them by emailing the Perihelion staff at yearbook@oru.edu.

On Wednesday, the yearbook staff will taking photos directly after chapel until 4 pm.

The ORU Women’s Club sponsors three scholarships for female students.

The award selection based on five criteria, consider areas of scholarship, character, leadership, service and financial need.

Applications are available for those women who will be juniors, seniors or graduate students next fall. Applications may be obtained from and returned to the Communication, Arts and Media Department on the second floor of the Graduate Center.

The deadline for application submission and receiving necessary information and personal recommendations is March 15.

These scholarships are named and presented in memory of Evelyn Roberts, Rebecca Roberts Nash and Suzanne Oakely.

For further information contact the Communication, Arts and Media Department.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 13

THE ROAD to

Katy

Photos by Austin St. John

Korey Billbury (above) and Shawn Glover (below) led the team during the season and need to continue for the Golden Eagles to have post-season success.

Difficult road test will decide ORU’s Southland Tournament hopes

By Parrish Purnell Jr. The ORU men’s basketball team is trying to win their final two regular season games in an effort to secure the fourth seed in the Southland Conference Tournament. The Golden Eagles will have to win the Southland Conference title if they hope to make the NCAA Tournament later this month.

As of Saturday, ORU is currently tied for fourth place in the Southland standings with Northwestern State. The Golden Eagles finish the regular season with two road games.

Stephen F. Austin will present the toughest test Thursday night. The Lumberjacks are on a 24-game winning streak and boast the best crowd attendance in the conference.

ORU faces defending champion Northwestern State Saturday. The Demons present matchup troubles for ORU in the post. The Golden Eagles lost to both teams at home this season by a combined seven points.

“We have to close out,” said guard Korey Billbury.

“We’ll take care of business and then get ready for Katy.”

ORU has seen its share of adversity this season.

Despite what Head Coach Scott Sutton calls one of the “deepest teams” ORU has seen in many seasons, the Golden Eagles have had trouble putting together a full 40 minutes of basketball.

In January, the team looked like a non-contender after losing four straight conference games.

14 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

“I was disappointed we weren’t able to finish some of those games, but even then, I’ve always liked this team,” Sutton said.

Since then, ORU has turned things around, winning all but one game that ended in a thrilling overtime game against Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

The Golden Eagles most recent win came in the last home game of the season defeating the possible number three seed, Sam Houston State.

“I thought we finally stepped up and finished the game tonight, whereas we struggled with that earlier in the year,” Sutton said.

Shawn Glover and Korey Billbury have been the most consistent players on the team throughout the season. Billbury in particular has been playing at an elevated level scoring a career high 29 point against Sam Houston State, 24 of which came in the second half.

“He’s playing at a high level,” Sutton said. “He has great confidence, and he deserves to be on either first team or second team all-conference.”

Despite injuries and early season struggles, the Golden Eagles are very confident going into postseason play.

“A lot of the times this year, we beat ourselves,” said DJ Jackson. “Heading down to Katy you never know what can happen. I’ll tell you what though, we are getting better.”

For coverage of last night’s game against Stephen F. Austin, go to oruoracle.com.

Seniors leave a lasting legacy with teams Coaches, players reflect on impact of veteran players

By David Sauer Four seniors played their final games at the Mabee Center with two meaningful victories.

On Saturday, the men’s basketball team defeated Sam Houston State 80-73, and on Sunday, the women dominated Sam Houston State 80-50.

After their respective games, Shawn Glover, David Mason, Christian Key and Sarah Shelton were honored.

All four of these players are special to their respective teams on and off the court.

Glover is the leader on the court for the men. He leads ORU in several different statistical categories, and ranks fourth in the nation in field goals made and eleventh in points per game.

“Shawn this year has been incredible on the offensive end,” said Head Coach Scott Sutton. “He is as consistent as anybody in America. He’s always right around [20] points. He’s so solid.”

Mason made the transition from team manager to player this year, and made his first start Dec. 21

Photo by Audrey Gray

against Houston Baptist. He played 26 minutes and had 10 assists.

“What a story for him to go from being a manager to being able to play and play some significant minutes. I’m really happy and proud of both of them,” said Sutton. “I was very pleased that we were able to win this game for Shawn and D-Mace. I think it’s important for seniors to go out their last home game winners. That’s a game those guys will remember the rest of their lives.”

Key and Shelton went from being role players on the women’s team behind Kevi Luper and Jaci Bigham, to being key players for their team.

Key leads the team in both assists and scoring.

Shelton leads the team in rebounds and leads the Southland Conference in blocks.

Head Coach Misti Cussen said their success goes beyond the court.

“These two are the ones that my 10 and six-yearold daughters talk about all the time,” Cussen said.

“That just tells you who they are off the court. They are favorites among our team; they are favorites among our coaching staff.”

Both Key and Shelton said their time at ORU has been an incredible experience.

“I’m just really thankful for the opportunity that Misti has given me,” Key said. “I’ve learned so much from all of our coaches on and off the floor. I’m just really thankful for this opportunity.”

“These few years have been great,” Shelton said.

“I’m really glad that I had the opportunity to come [to ORU]. It’s been awesome and I’ve had a great time.”

It was a special thing for the four seniors to go out with a win, but it was just as special for their teammates around them to send them out with a great Mabee Center memory.

“It’s really special,” said Korey Billbury. “Shawn came my freshman year so I was his roommate. Dmace was a manager my freshman year and I just love him to death. We had to get the win and send them off right.”

DJ Jackson echoed Billbury’s comments.

“It was really special because we’re together all the time,” Jackson said. “It was something those guys wanted and as teammates it was only right to give our best effort tonight and try to get that win for them.”

The Golden Eagles will finish their respective seasons on the road. Check oruoracle.com for complete coverage.

Photos by Joshua Smith

From left to right, Shawn Glover goes for a free throw against Stephen F. Austin, Sarah Shelton hugs Head Coach Misti Cussen after her senior day game, Christian Key brings the ball up the court during senior day against Sam Houston State, David Mason checks in to his senior night game against Sam Houston State.

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 15

SCENE

Nhira fundraises for ‘Hope’s Stand’ album

By McKensie Garber Senior communications major and worship minor, Brian Nhira released his “Hope’s Stand Album Project,” on Feb. 17. The campaign will run through March 20, and will fund the creation of his debut album “Hope’s Stand.”

The project is going to cost a total of $25,000. Forty-five percent of the budget is allocated for production and recording and 20 percent will fund the first run of CD production. The remaining 35 percent will fund album marketing, the release concert and other essentials.

The mission of this project has been focused on using the gift of music as a strategic tool to rekindle hope.

“It’s not about being ambitious or successful, it’s about being led by the Holy Spirit and doing what He’s called me to do at this point. This is not something that’s necessarily in my comfort zone,” Nhira said. “If I had my way the money would just fall in my lap, and I’d give my music away to the world. Recording a project takes thousands and thousands of dollars, 25 in my case.”

The singer-songwriter developed his love for music at a young age, when his parents, missionary evangelists, threw

him on stage at the age of 4 to sing, “Jesus Loves Me.” He “hasn’t looked back since.”

Nhira began honing in on his musical skills during his time at Jenks High School when two music directors noticed something special in him.

“That’s when I realized singing was what I was made to do,” Nhira said.

He has reached thousands with his music since and leads worship every week in ORU chapel services.

At the beginning of Nhira’s mission of hope, an EP was birthed called “The Hope EP,” for which he wrote, composed and sang each of the five songs on the album. Nhira received countless testimonies of how the music helped people through difficult situations in their lives and rekindled long-lost hope and purpose.

The next step in his mission is producing his debut album “Hope’s Stand,” which will feature 10-12 songs, including “It’s Time” and “Hold On.” In order to produce the most impactful and powerful album possible, he needs help.

“People have expressed their support and love and I’ve asked them just to go beyond their words and support

this, because this project is more than me. This is a movement of hope,” Nhira said. “I’m asking people to join me on this God-given mission to bring hope to the hopeless.”

The team at Brian Nhira Music created 12 reward tiers to show appreciation, based on the various levels of support. Rewards include t-shirts, album recognition, free CDs, VIP meet and greets, free tickets to the album release concert and more.

Nhira hopes to begin recording and producing his album this May. “The purpose of this album is to be a catalyst for hope’s triumphant return as a driving force in our lives,” Nhira said. “I believe this project is going to be something that people listen to that breathes life into their dreams and meets them where they are and helps them move forward.”

Photo by Dominique Johnson

To find out more about Brian’s “Hope’s Stand Album Project,” visit briannhira.com.

Highly anticipated ‘Son of God’ impresses audiences

By Victoria Atterberry From Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s “The Bible” series comes the highly anticipated and inspiring movie “Son of God.” Movie goers flocked to theaters last weekend to see this film bringing in about 25.6 million dollars in sales. Starring Diogo Morgado as Jesus, Sebastian Knapp as John, and Darwin Shaw as Peter, “Son of God” delivers a strong depiction of the life of Jesus.

“Son of God” used several creative devices to set it apart from other Jesus movies. First, Jesus’ life is told from the perspective of the disciple John. Secondly, the movie evokes great emotion from the audience.

Each actor gave a strong performance and allowed the audience to feed off their emotion.

Also, the crucifixion scenes were well done. Unlike Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ,” “Son of God” doesn’t focus on the graphic nature of Jesus’ death but on the emotional pain that Christ endured along with

16 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

his close followers.

However, no movie is without flaws. “Son or God” was not perfect and had a few minor problems. The movie was not entirely accurate. Those who know the Bible well will be able to easily spot the movie scenes that happened differently than what was told in the Bible and also the scenes added to the movie that were not in the Bible at all. In addition to the inaccurate depictions, the movie also was slightly sloppy in using computer graphics, due to the fact that many of these effects were very easy to spot.

“Son of God” did not live up to all the hype entirely, but it was a powerful movie. The audience will be enthralled by this dramatic depiction of Jesus’ life.

Believers will especially enjoy this movie as they are reminded of the precious sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. “Son of God” is definitely a must see and will not disappoint movie goers.

Internet Photo

O

DID YOU TUNE IN?

By Josh Ellison On March 2, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted its 86th annual Oscar awards.

Jennifer Lawrence tripped again, and Ellen DeGeneres crashed Twitter.

This marks the second time that the talk show host emceed the awards show. Audiences rolled in the aisles as Ellen made an appearance as Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz,” and turned the auditorium into an enormous pizza party, among her many jokes. It’s safe to say, Ellen won the Oscars.

One of her jokes fell short though. Actress and singer Liza Minnelli didn’t appreciate being called a drag queen, though the rest of the audience seemed to take the joke light heartedly. Pictures of the star not laughing quickly circulated on the internet. Minelli later said she forgave the host.

Ellen also took what’s being

14 RS 20 CA OS

n e l l E , O

called “The Greatest Selfie Ever Made,” including stars like Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pit and Meryl Streep. It quickly became the most re-tweeted picture on Twitter, and circulated so quickly that the website crashed for a few minutes.

There were four performances during the show, including the song “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” performed by Idina Menzel. The two works won the awards for best original song and best-animated feature respectively.

Pink, dressed as an enormous ruby slipper, performed the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in honor of the 75th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz.” The cast and crew of “Gravity” went home with seven golden statues, more than any other film of the night. Many of them were in the highly coveted technical categories, including best cinematography and sound editing.

Best feature film went to “12 Years a Slave,” featuring actress Lupita Nyong’o for her first nomination and win at the Oscars.

By many accounts, Nyong’o’s acceptance speech was the most moving of the night. She thanked the people that she and her fellow actors portrayed, and finished by saying, “When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you.”

The 86th Oscars was all you could ask for. Ellen kept the audience laughing and engaged and the acceptance speeches were touching and sincere.

To top it all off, John Travolta followed up last year’s mispronunciation of “Les Miserables” by messing up Idina Menzel’s name.

Internet photo

The Greatest Selfie Ever Made was taken during the awards ceremony, and quickly became the most re-tweeted picture in Twitter history.

Graphic by Matthew Dean

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 17

MUSE

The Whistleblower: You, me and Ukraine

By Ian Bush

Anti-government demonstrations boiled over into fullblown riots last month in Kiev, Ukraine.

In the days following, police and protestors clashed in the streets, killing at least 82 and injuring more than 1,000 people.

The police blocked the advancement of the demonstrators, under order from the Ukrainian government. They began firing rubber bullets and, later, live ammunition with guns including automatic weapons and sniper rifles. The protestors fought back with crude weapons and makeshift explosives, beating back the government forces.

As a result, President Yanukovych was impeached, and his opposition appointed an interim leader until new elections could be held.

Meanwhile, Yanukovych fled the capitol, ending up in southern Russia. In the days following, Russia released statements that questioned the legality of the new Ukrainian government.

In a potentially menacing move, the Russian gov-

ernment then allegedly positioned troops at airfields near Ukraine.

This is the part of the story where the US government completely embarrasses itself. Secretary of State John Kerry warned that any Russian involvement in the Ukrainian revolution would be a “grave mistake.”

Russia’s response was, essentially, “Go jump in a lake,” because on March 1, Russia’s parliament approved a request from President Vladimir Putin to deploy Russian troops in Ukraine.

President Obama called Putin that afternoon and expressed “deep concern” with what Ukraine is calling an “armed invasion.”

This puny response won’t deter Putin. Vladimir Putin does not fear America or her allies, and really, he shouldn’t.

The idea that the U.S., Britain or France – the only western countries with sizeable, readily deployable, experienced combat forces – might respond militarily to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine cannot be taken seriously.

This is largely the fault of the current administration’s foreign policy track record.

In 2008, Russia moved into the small nation of Georgia with absolutely no Western military response.

Even in the more recent Syrian Civil War, the U.S.

made several threats of retaliation, but effectively did nothing to intervene.

The Obama administration has weakened our nation in the views of our enemies by making it clear that we won’t follow through on any threats of force.

Putin, with his well-established hate of the West, mostly blames the U.S. for the fall of the Soviet Union, will take any opportunity to embarrass Obama and the government while furthering the interests of Russia. In invading Ukraine, he is forcefully reclaiming a once-Soviet state, spitting in the face of all whom he blames for destroying his communist Union.

Our biggest international foe, with which we waged satellite wars for two generations, is mocking us. If America loses its credibility in the global arena as a formidable military force, then we are destined for even more conflict.

We need new leadership. Not leadership that wants to start wars, but a government and a president that will do what it takes to keep our country safe. At such an unstable time, we can’t afford to adopt a policy of weakness.

Suppositions: The lenses we employ, Part II

By Peter Wesley Odom

In hoping that readers might have read the last article on exploring faith, I am going to continue with some thoughts on how the nature of faith changed through the Fall.

While discussing this idea with a friend, he asked me a very interesting question: if faith fell along with man when sin was introduced into the world, does that mean that our faith is corrupted? This struck me immediately as something that needed some serious and prayerful inquiry.

After reflection it was clear that notions of faith being corrupted made me feel uneasy.

The backbone of our worldview stems from how we understand faith; thus, one could suppose that the foundation of our convictions is and has been corrupted since the beginning.

Here arises yet another dichotomy.

On one side of the coin it is clear that this idea of corrupted faith is somehow faulty; to accept it would quickly lead to the post-modern cannibalization of our foundations, which would be detrimental. We cannot allow this.

However, on the other side of the coin, faith does not exist outside of man’s employment of it. Here, we know man to certainly be fallen and corrupted in nature.

Can we trust something that only exists within the lens of man’s projections into the future?

The answer is no. I came to realize we are talking about two very different applications of faith. One that neces-

18 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

sitates the rejection of corruption is the submissive faith that yields all trust and hope to God. This faith sees through a lens which focuses on how one’s life can be fulfilled through incorporation within God’s plan. But on the other side of the coin, resides a faith which man employs for his or her own gain.

This faith is selfish and deceived. It is used as a lens through which one tries to fit God’s will into their own plans.

But that’s just the selfish aspect. The deception there may be more dangerous.

The individual engaged in this corrupted use of faith subsumes a lie, which tells them that they are in submission to God. That faith leads the individual through life convinced that they are fulfilling God’s will. But in reality they are only seeking ways to put God into gaps within their own plans where it seems appropriate. This decep-

tion renders God objectified as something only periodically applicable.

I would hope it’s clear to us on which side of the coin our homes should be made, but we are all capable of being deceived. Thus, it is not faith which is corrupted, but ourselves. I must believe that our foundations are sturdy.

This conviction comes from a faith, which, rather than only looking forward to God’s action in the future, looks back to God’s action throughout history.

It comes from a faith that trusts God accomplished what He saw as necessary despite what we may think.

Faith which entrusts the past and the future to God releases more sensitivity to God’s direction here and now.

Parting words of a senior: The best show on TV

By Zach Wells

What is the best TV show of all time? In a poll, there would be several memorable and notable names thrown around, including: Lost, Breaking Bad, House of Cards, Cops, Shark Tank, etc. However, we all know that those answers are not right.

Those shows do provide entertainment and amusement to their viewers, but they do not offer anything other than that.

When I think of criteria for the perfect show, I think of how it affects me as a person when I am not in front of the TV. I look for a show that will change how I see life and how I live it.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that the best show on TV is The Bachelor, with a close second being Jersey Shore.

How? Why? What? Unlike these questions, the answer is not as simple.

To begin, The Bachelor offers helpful insight on how to date multiple women at the same time (ladies, please refer to the Bachelorette for tips on dating numerous men).

Other than watching Cheaters or Sister Wives, there really is not that much content to study the taboo subject. However, with the help of The Bachelor(ette), men and women alike can learn some basic techniques in regards to having multiple companions, such as: how to play favorites, how to properly manage time spent with each partner, and even how to dump a handful of women at a cocktail party with

several million people watching.

With all joking aside about the contestant’s dating culture, The Bachelor does teach a truly valuable lesson: With a limitless date budget, you can make anyone love you.

I’m not saying these people are shallow or anything like that, but take for example, Episode 3, Season 18, when Juan Pablo chose Cassandra to go on the One-on-One date.

Did Juan Pablo take Cassandra to the park or go see Bad Grandpa at the dollar theatre? Nope. He took her to the beach, where he would use an amphibious Jeep to drive across the ocean to their private yacht.

That’s pretty nice for a first date. Yes, I said it. First date. Most people spend like forty dollars on a first date, which is equivalent to the cost of the fuel Juan burned in his hour-long WaterCar

joyride.

To my judgment, Cassandra instantly fell in love with him, making it that much worse when he dumped her on her birthday two weeks later, while on vacation in New Zealand.

Despite this, his extreme budget worked and is pretty much a given for those struggling to maintain interest nowadays.

Sounds enticing, right?

Well, if the allure of beautiful women making rash decisions based on fear and hesitation is too much to resist, please tune into the Bachelor season finale, where Juan Pablo will discover who is The One after only six weeks of knowing the entire group.

Graphic by Matthew Dean

THE ORACLE • Friday, March 7, 2014 • 19

Syndicated Cynic: Stacks on stacks on stacks

By Gregory Brown

I was reading the Bible once, and you know what? I couldn’t find the verse that tells Christians to become infatuated with monetary gain upon conversion. I tried, guys, and it wasn’t there.

That being said, I’ve heard many sermons that are solely focused on money.

Cash. Bills. Stacks.

For reasons unbeknownst to me, the Christian religion, or at least what I’ve seen of it, has largely become a business.

Preachers pray for profit, sermons are centered on salaries and instead of focusing on how to really help others, build relationships and progress as a body, we focus on how to make the next buck.

Can’t you just buy a Dave Ramsey tape?

“...maybe we can wipe

the dollar signs off of our eyes and do something like feed the poor.

”

There’s something to be said for the fact that many churches have to continually tell tithers that the reason they’re giving their earnings to this institution is so that they can, in turn, have monetary blessing.

Shouldn’t we just realize that the church, like any other organization, needs money to operate every once in a while?

Are we so shallow that our only incentive to give to the church is to get something back out of it?

All of this brings a certain verse from the book of Matthew to mind.

Here, Jesus, the guy we’re supposed

20 • Friday, March 7, 2014 • THE ORACLE

to be worshipping and listening to, says that it’s really difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

I know some people are up for a challenge, but, seriously, go learn to do a cartwheel or something.

It will be really hard to get into heaven when you’re starring on commercials on Fox News because you’re old and rich. I mean, maybe it won’t be hard for you. You’re better than the rest of us anyhow.

Are many American Christians truly afraid of those practicing Islam because they’re one-upping us, paying an extra ten percent in alms?

Do you even know what alms means, or have we, the Christians, ignored the subject because we’re trying too hard to get rich and buy multiple houses, one of which is in California?

Of course, money cannot be ignored completely. Money is needed to get things done.

That’s a simple fact. However, maybe

we can wipe the dollar signs off of our eyes and do something like feed the poor.

They’re probably still hungry. I’m not even that poor, and I’m pretty hungry. I guess you should feed me.

Also, there are many Christians that are not focused on money. I meet them sometimes, and it makes me really happy. We should live more simply than we do. We’re selfish. We’re human. It’s sort of gross.

So next time that we say “not of this world” in reference to isolating ourselves from people we don’t like, we should also consider that money is a very human, worldly entity. It shouldn’t be the focus of Christians.

On that note, give me twenty dollaz.