Oral Roberts University · Nov. 6, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 6 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports
MEETING THE FUTURE IN-LAWS CAN BE FULL OF SURPRISES
How “You Can’t Take It With You” went from a script page to the playhouse stage.
Flu Shot Failures Discussing the facts and fiction of flu shots PAGE 4
Sharp Shooter Inter-conference transfer settles into new role. PAGE 13
PAGES 10-11
My Chinese-American Life The real impact of China’s one-child policy PAGE 18
SCENE
“SPECTRE” PAGE 17 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.
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FEATURES SAVE YOUR BENJAMINS! PAGE 6
NEWS
ISIS moves in on Christian Syrian city CHRISTEN LATINI Staff Writer
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) continued to encroach upon Syrian territory, occupying the town of Maheen Sunday. Maheen is along an advantageous highway through the Homs Province, and conflict has already begun down the road outside of the predominantly Christian town of Sadad. Housing 15,000 Syriac Orthodox Christians, 14 churches and a monastery, Sadad appears to be the next target for ISIS. It is estimated ISIS will utilize their established method of going door to door and offering each family two options: Abide by strict stipulations intended to protect the Muslim population from Christianity, or face brutal martyrdom. The militant group has been invading Syrian and Iraqi cities in the name of perpetuating Sharia Law and establishing a caliphate since 2014, and it has recently spread to the African continent, massacring Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya in February. Terry Law, founder of World Compassion, which brings humanitarian aid and the Gospel to nations in need, said
all of the cruelty intended to silence Christianity serves a different purpose. Law cited the aftermath of the slaughter of Christians in Libya. “Families of the martyred went on live television and publicly forgave ISIS, electrifying the nation,” Law said. “Muslims began to question—what kind of religion do we have?” Law has developed close relationships with multiple contacts in the Middle East, including highly-ranked government officials and religious leaders. One of these, Archbishop Daoud of the Syriac Orthodox Church, spoke to Law in earnest of the disconnect between Syrian and American churches. “We are your elder brothers. We are sitting here dying for our faith while you have no idea,” Law quoted Daoud. And the disengagement is real. “Never in my lifetime have I seen more Christians martyred for their faith than right now,” Law said. “It is a tragedy. We need government action, but we need young people to stand with fellow Christians.” In fact, young people from around the world—Britons, Germans, Americans and others—are joining ISIS. Youth are attracted through propa-
ganda and social media utilization and has resulted in the recruitment of over 15,000 people from more than 80 countries last year alone, according to the International Business Times. ISIS targets “lonely, disaffected young people, especially women, offering power and control of a beautiful country. Promises they are unlikely, and probably unable, to keep,” said Law. While there are dozens of ministries affecting the crisis on the ground in Syria and government officials arguing
the appropriate way to end ISIS’s grip on the Middle East, students must not underestimate their own sphere of influence while living across the Atlantic. While ISIS uses social media to recruit youth around the world, Law suggests using the same platform to combat the group through awareness. “ORU students could mount campaigns to stand with the persecuted church,” Law said. “And never discount the power of prayer.”
Graphic by Ethan Norvell
ISIS forces continue to overtake territory in the Middle East, specifically in Syria where they currently threaten the Christian city of Sadad.
Oklahoma bans, punishes texting and driving EMMA SHAW
Contributing Writer
This week, Oklahoma became the 46th state to ban texting while driving. The law, known as the Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015, applies to all drivers and went into effect Sunday. The law was named after two state troopers in Seminole County who were involved in a collision with a driver who was updating social media behind the wheel. Officer Dees was killed, and Officer Burch was seriously injured. “A lot of people have been waiting for something like this to happen,” said Tulsa Police Department Officer Brandon Smith. Sarah Bistline, an ORU freshman, had the same reaction to the ban.
“I think it’s a law that everyone can generally agree with,” Bistline said. This sentiment could be a reaction to the increasingly alarming statistics related to texting while driving. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cites a report from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute which claimed “text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.” The Oklahoma law deals specifically with composing, reading and sending electronic messages while the vehicle is in motion. If a driver is ticketed for texting while driving, they could be fined up to $100. Certain exceptions do apply, including communicating in emergency situations. Smith said whether or not a ticket should be issued is up to the discretion of the officer. Even if
a driver is pulled over for texting, he or she may be released with a verbal warning if the officer chooses not to give a ticket. Officers will not only look for drivers with cell phones in hand, but they will also be looking for signs that a driver may be texting, such as swerving or other reckless behavior. While the use of a cell phone GPS, music playlist or hands-free device is not technically considered illegal under the new law, an officer may pull over a driver who poses a threat to himself or other drivers, according to the Oklahoma prohibition against distracted driving. “Technically they’re not texting,” said Smith. “But it’s still a violation.” Oklahoma lawmakers and police officers hope this new texting ban will reduce traffic accidents and ultimately save lives. THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 3
CDC touts new, improved flu vaccine EMERALD DEAN Staff Writer
A spike in flu hospitalizations occurred after a strand of influenza was not covered in the vaccination for 2014. Almost 2,300 Oklahomans were hospitalized last year, while only 1,355 were hospitalized in the 2013-2014 season. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) hopes the 2015 influenza vaccine will better fight against dominant strands of the flu this flu season. “There are a number of reasons [the vaccines] may be perceived as ineffective,” said Dan Jernigan, CDC Division of Influenza deputy director. “Individuals who have gotten the flu vaccine in the fall may get another virus in the winter. The vaccine for 2014 was 62 percent effective. It’s not a perfect tool, but it’s the best we have right now.” Ten Oklahomans have already been hospitalized for the flu this season, according to Oklahoma State Department of Health. The new vaccine furthers the debate of whether or not vaccines are harmful or helpful. “There are multiple strands of the flu, so the CDC looks at what they think will be the strongest strands,” said Rachael Valentz, stimulation lab manager at ORU. “They start preparing
in March, but last year they misjudged one of the strands, and we weren’t vaccinated against one of the most prevalent strands.” Pharmacies have different options for the vaccine, but most are a multidose vial, called trivalent or quadrivalent. These are estimated to be $15-$40 without insurance. While there are many health benefits to getting a flu vaccine, there are potential risks including exposure to mercury as well. According to the CDC, there are two types of mercury to which people may be exposed. Methylmercury is the type of mercury found in certain types of fish. Thimerosal contains ethylmercury, which is cleared from the human body more quickly than methylmercury, and is less likely to cause harm. The CDC uses thimerosal. “The side effects of the flu shot are from the preservatives, and the fact the vaccine is man-made. Any time a pharmaceutical is injected, it forces a chemical reaction, which in turn causes side effects,” said Dr. Barry Gardner. “The body does not know the difference between a dead virus and a live one. The body produces antibodies when it detects the virus. The CDC runs com-
puter scenarios and guesses what virus will be most prevalent and produces vaccines to counter it.” Many pharmacies, such as Walgreens, offer a preservative-free vaccine as an alternative protective option for those who ask, pregnant women and people with egg allergies. It is debated whether thimerosal is toxic to the body, or if the vaccine has toxins—anything which causes a negative reaction and is harmful to the body. The preservatives are necessary, however, to be able to meet the population’s demand. “Vaccines are big money revenue sources,” Gardner said. “Pharmaceutical companies manufacture
a mass quantities of the vaccine at one time, requiring preservatives to keep them viable. It is not cost effective to make small batches continually to meet demands.” The new vaccine is not the only way to prevent the flu. Old-fashioned, everyday precautions, such as hand washing and covering your cough, can help prevent catching and spreading the flu.
A white blood cell chases an influenza virus.
Illustration by Quentin Harrup
Student worship leader debuts new album MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor
Album art by Andrea Depuy and Zoey Neimeier
Jalen Thomas’ new album, “In This Place,” is available now. 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
Junior Jalen Thomas’ debut EP “In This Place” releases today on Soundcloud, Noisetrade and Bandcamp. This Christian-alternative album features seven songs centered on the place of intimacy ushered in through the Lord. “The inspiration has come from a lot of time with just me and the Lord and wanting to encourage people,” Thomas said. “Not just engage with the revelations I’ve received from the Lord in that place, but [for people] to find that place for themselves.” Thomas has been working on his EP since freshman year and has drawn from previous experiences. “A lot of the songs are about things
that people won’t know what they’re about by the lyrics,” Thomas said. “They’re very simple songs, but they’re very intimate songs, and they’ve come from a very intimate place.” Through unexpected seasons, Thomas claimed his time at ORU has not been at all what he thought it would be, but it is through these experiences that he has been shaped to self-produce his album.
Want the full story? Visit oruoracle.com for the complete article.
Courtesy photo
Chinese parents send female children to orphanages during the one-child policy in order to have male children to carry on their family name.
China lifts one-child policy after 37 years SYDNEY ILG Editor-in-Chief
After 37 years, China is repealing its unpopular one-child law citing a need to “promote the longterm balanced development of population,” according to a statement released by the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission. The law was enacted officially in 1980 to combat extreme population increases in the 1960s and ‘70s. The repeal, which will go into effect in March of 2016, will allow all Chinese families to have two children instead of the previous one per family, with exceptions. The one-child policy began gradually in 1978, and the Chinese Communist Party sent out a public letter in 1980 requiring the population to adhere. The policy caused a major imbalance in gender
populations and a large gap between the young and elderly generations in China. As of 2014, more than 20 percent of China’s population was older than 55. More than 47 percent was between the ages of 25-55. The law impacted population balance, ratios of males to females, forced abortions and drove China to be the number one country for international adoptions in the world. In 2005, a record breaking 7,906 babies were adopted from China. Beverlee Einsig, previous head of the adoption agency Dillon International and advocate of child adoption, believes this policy will affect how many children are available for adoption rather than the makeup of the Chinese population. “The majority of children being placed from China
now are children with special needs, and I think now you’re going to see a reduction [in adoptions],” Einsig said. “But it may take a while for that to factor in because this is a new policy.” Despite creating stricter adoption criteria in 2007, the country still remained number-one in adoptions. Since 1991, American families have adopted more than 60,000 Chinese babies, most of them girls, altering their lives forever. “I think the bigger picture is how those people who were adopted from China primarily because of the one-child policy,” she said. “How are they going to feel? How is it going to impact them knowing that had this [new] policy been in place, they might be with a family in China.”
NATO flexes muscles with massive war drills DAISHA FOWLER Contributing Writer
Faced with the challenge of Russia’s presence at its eastern and southern borders and the threat of a failed state in Libya, NATO has inaugurated its largest and most ambitious drill exercises in over a decade. “Since the end of the Cold War these drills have decreased, but with the rise of Putin and the increased tension between Russia and NATO, it may be important to show this commitment again,” said Paul Vickery, former counterintelligence officer with the U.S. Army in Europe and professor of history at ORU. More than 35,000 troops are cur-
rently participating in NATO’s monthlong Trident Juncture war drills. These drills are a collaboration of militaries from 30 different capitalist governments aligned with NATO alliance, which is supported by an infrastructure of 140 warplanes and 60-plus warships. These massive NATO war games are taking place in Italy, Spain and Portugal and will cease on Nov. 7.They occur annually to demonstrate their capability and commitment to defend Western Europe from communist aggression. They are designed to prepare NATO forces for possible large-scale warfare and to display a new increased level of ambition amidst tension with Russian actions in the Middle East.
In the past week NATO showed its air power with Typhoon, F-18, F-16, Tornado and AMX aircrafts. An MQ-9 Reaper drone was on static display. “This sends a very clear message to any potential aggressor,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Phillip Breedlove, NATO’s top military officer and leader of U.S. European Command, in an interview with Defense News. The NATO powers are preparing their militaries in anticipation of further destabilization of Europe’s political order and developing a necessary process to combat new wars and interventions along Russia’s eastern frontier. “Let me take the analogy of a football team. They’re all super, they have
strikers, they have goal keepers, but they have to form a team,” Breedlove said. “Now when they come together, they need training to win next Sunday’s match.” The intensity of the current war drills is an expression of the fact that a general war in Europe is now viewed as possible, even likely, by leading factions of the Western militaries. “Any attempt to violate the sovereignty of one NATO nation will result in the decisive military engagement of all NATO countries,” said Breedlove.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 5
Features By using these tips and tricks to ease through your requirements, you can
Save those benjamins!
Eight ways to supplement on-campus courses AUDREY GRAY Staff Writer
Next time group advisement makes its way onto the schedule, look at the following course credit tweaks to save money. According to the ORU Registrars office, each credit hour costs roughly $998 for on-campus undergraduate students.
For HPE Classes
1) If you are a senior and dreading HPE, check out the aerobics proficiency class. This class allows the student to skip 9:50 a.m. HPE classes twice a week and run a more difficult field test at the beginning of the semester. If the field test is passed, the class is completed with BMI and aerobics points. If not, another field test chance is given at the end of the semester. 2) HPE courses after Health Fitness I and II can be decreased to half of a credit-hour in order to get the total 18.5 credits allowed per semester.
Double Dip 3) Students may be able to use the same course to fulfill multiple requirements, and if a class is required under two different degree plans. This move, called “double dipping,” is often done by using the same class to fulfill Gen Ed or cognate requirements and the 6 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
minor. Humanities classes are required in all majors, but it only takes an additional two humanities classes to attain a humanities minor. Don’t forget, using a class to fulfill both requirements doesn’t mean it double credits are earned.
Take a CLEP Test
4) ORU has a list of classes eligible to be transferred in from advanced placement (AP) high school courses. College credits are awarded once an AP test is passed. 5) Students can test out of many Gen Ed classes for $105 or less through the College Level Exam Program (CLEP). 6) There are also summer internships offering college credit. For example, Apple Tree in New Mexico offers an opportunity to earn three to six credits in humanities, social work or sociology. All internships must be approved and students must be enrolled in an internship class before credit will be given.
For Study Abroad 7) There are several study abroad opportunities provided through ORU and other organizations. Dr. Eric Newberg, associate professor of theology and history, is coor-
dinating a trip this summer to take students to Israel on a three-week trip. Students can earn up to six hours of credit in general education Bible classes and other theology classes. During this time students will take courses at Jerusalem University College. The Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) offers several unique opportunities for college students of different majors. CCCU provides music majors a semester in Nashville’s Contemporary Music Center. Media majors may learn at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. The CCCU has study abroad programs in Oxford, Australia, China and other countries.
Full Immersion
8) For those studying a language, immersion in a foreign country is recommended to become fluent. ORU has connections to learn in Spain, France, Costa Rica and China. Studying abroad includes an indepth study of history, geography and art. Students learn about the country’s culture while having an opportunity to put what they have learned in the classroom to practical use. These experiences can be as short as two weeks, with students earning a language 203 credit; or as long as a semester with a maximum of 15 credit-hours achieved.
Co-Director of the ORU Study Abroad Program, Brenda Calderon helps to place students in the ideal situation for their learning experience. “It helps finish degrees and completely changes your life,” said Calderon, co-director of ORU’s study abroad program. Before making changes, check with your academic advisor to ensure these tips and tricks will work for your individual needs.
COLLEGE CHECK-LIST:
Save Money
Graduate with an easier load
Visit (and study) in another country
Enjoy taking HPE
Ace the field test
Graduate on time
THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 7
Titan swimmer reveals university swim legacy VICTORIA ATTERBERRY
Sanchez wrote a letter to the athletic department whole university was very good for me,” he said. voicing his concern. Later the whole swim team deSanchez is currently living in his home country of The 1993 National Independent Championship cided to visit the athletic department personally. Venezuela. He manages a swimming club and overConference in Charlotte, North Carolina drew the “They were realistic with us,” said Sanchez. “The sees about 120 swimmers of different ages. fastest collegiate swimmers in the country including budget wasn’t enough to keep the team, as “My prayers are that [ORU] gets back that former ORU student Amabilis Sanchez. well as two others [athletic teams]. But, they swimming team we used to be,” said Sanchez. “I have Sanchez felt the butterflies and pressure of the big encouraged us to do our best, and if they saw always dreamed about carrying the dream coach Kerr stage, but he put his nerves aside and finished first in the results they expected, it might change left.” the 100-meter freestyle. the fate.” ORU swept the podium as Osman Monsalve and Sanchez knew he and his teammates Diego Henao took the silver and bronze medals. It would have to do better to keep the swim was a defining moment for Sanchez. Each had times team alive. a little over 45 seconds. The Titan swim team set mul“All we wanted was to show how tiple records and gained national attention. champions get to the top,” he said. “It “We were so nervous and excited, and we did it. was a new challenge to be the best, and We made several golds, like we never did,” Sanchez to prove we deserved to stay in the said. “It was unbelievable. It was awesome. People budget.” congratulated us, and we were in the Tulsa news.” Sanchez went to swim camp MisSanchez came to ORU in 1991 after receiving an sion Viejo in California to prepare athletic scholarship and being recruited for the team for the rough year ahead. by Coach James Kerr. He came back to “[Kerr] had a team of intercampus and posted the national swimmers,” best season of his ORU said Sanchez. career in 1993, and his “I felt like teammates did the something same. The OR U special, beThe team won Aerobi swim team m c eets in s Cente cause he was the gold, silver the cla r pool. ssroom recruiting all and bronze next to the the best, and I medals in was there. Just 100-meter freestyle. with that you feel Sanchez, Monsalve and Henao very special.” posted Olympic trial qualifying The team strugtimes in several events. gled during the 1991 The swim team season. They trained ranked around 200 hard to be competiin ‘91 and rose tive. Sanchez worked over 50 spots in the the nao national rankings d e endlessly to improve v , He ecei s lve r nd place rr stand by the end of the his technique, and to a s n o o e c K se h e, M increase his swim times. 1993 season acplac l, and, in al. Coac d r i d h a e t d His day typically startcording to Sanchez. m n e I ze m e silver . n o r ed at 4 a.m. and ended at 11 It was the successful h b t m s tea ived p.m. The next year brought year the ORU swim team had to have. rece ly by hi d greater challenges as the Titans prou Despite the obvious success and rise in the Scene Editor
faced a higher level of competition. Coach Kerr pushed his team to succeed. “The great James Kerr was the one who made me improve all my swimming times,” said Sanchez. “I never saw such a fast improvement as I saw in myself. He had a very good plan. He was cheerful all the time, and he really was into it.” The swim team celebrated their successes, but rumors began to swirl around about the swim team being cut. ORU was making serious budget cuts and the swim team was likely going to be a part of it. 8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
national rankings, ORU had no choice but to cut the team. Sanchez received an athletic scholarship to Florida State University and finished his collegiate swim career with the Seminoles. any records Despite not being able to finish his degree swim team set m RU O e th d an z Sanche at ORU, Sanchez looks back at his time in ason. during the ‘93 se Tulsa fondly. “For me it was really great. ORU is a very Photos courtesy of Amabilis Sanchez good school. They have wonderful people, wonderful teammates, wonderful roommates. The
THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 9
“You Can’t Take it With You” plays tonight and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play tells the story of ERICA LUDWIG Senor Staff Writer
Sawdust sprinkles the floor, and students can be heard running up the steps to the stage laughing. Technical director Dan Williams enters the scene shop, coffee in hand, prepared for a full day of dress rehearsals. Matt Satias, set builder, manager and master carpenter with a face strangely reminiscent of Adam Levine, also finds solace in the scene shop. He fits there, among the orderly wood scraps, buckets of paint and ply10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
wood. Howard Auditorium is their home, and a place where they can make the stage the audience’s home. The same holds true for the set for “You Can’t Take it With You.” “It’s like sitting in the living room with the actors,” Satias said. The piece by Kaufman and Hart has been around since 1936. The story of a rich man from a family of snobs meeting his new fiancee’s well-meaning-but eccentric relatives-in a house to match has been told time and time again through a film and five stage revivals. The comedy most recently won the 2015 Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
at the Tony Awards. “I think [the set] shows the eclectic nature of this family,” said Williams. “They are just as eclectic as the Victorian period. The environment in which they live in. They are very unique people, and this is a very unique home.” The creation of this elaborate, Victorian living room is the collaborative effort of director Courtneay Sanders, Williams, Satias and theatre students in the university work study program. The back of Howard Auditorium houses a scene shop where the students and faculty brainstorm and create the sets that invite the audience into the world of
an eclectic family hilariously sorting through their problems in their Victorian living room.
the play. “I think the set really adds to the story,” said Satias. “Visually, the more of a set you have the more the audience will understand what’s going on.” The design begins with an initial production meeting between the director, technical director and costume designer to vision cast, making sure all aspects of the show are striving towards the same vision. Williams entered this meeting with a few sample sketches to show to Sanders. “Then I had a dream,” Williams said. “This is something that happens to me a lot. I call it ‘God Pic-
tures’ because I’ll have a dream, and I’ll dream about the play, and I’ll see it. I sleep with a sketch pad next to my bed because this happens to me a lot. So I immediately get up, and I start drawing while it’s still fresh in my mind. And that’s when I came up with most of this design.” Satias puts these plans into action as the master carpenter. The scene shop produces all of its own props from inventory or conception. Everything is 100 percent authentic. “That’s basically how I go about it,” said Satias. “Just looking at the plans and figuring out what material I need, what we have in stock and then just building every piece
Photo by Wyatt Bullard
that we have to build. For instance, the printing press that we have, I just went off a picture and had to build it as close to it. Some pieces or props we buy but a lot of them we have to make them. Like this printing press, because it was from the 1800s.” “I love that collaborative process and talking with others,” said Williams. “Developing ideas and picking their brain and them picking mine.” Become a part of the family with evening performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 11
12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
Sports Inter-conference transfer settles into program Former Omaha player Bradley joins Golden Eagles JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
Every university has transfer athletes, but for men’s basketball player Jalen Bradley, ORU isn’t the first school he’s transferred to. He’s been an Omaha Maverick, Northeast Community College Hawk and now he is a Golden Eagle. “I went to Omaha [from 20122014] because it was close to home, and they offered me a scholarship. It was the only Div. I offer I had out of high school, and I felt comfortable going there,” Bradley said. “But I had an injury that ended my redshirt freshman season. So I left because I was looking for more immediate playing time and a bigger role on the team.” Bradley went to Northeast Community College for the 2014-2015 season rather than going to another university. “I would’ve had to sit out again if I had transferred to another Div. I university,” said Bradley. “So instead of sitting out, I went to a junior college in my hometown that I was very familiar with.” He averaged 17.4 points per game
Photo illustration by Ethan Norvell Photos courtesy of University of Nebraska Omaha and Jeromy Vauble
and shot 42 percent from beyond the arc while attending Northeast. In January, he scored 42 points against nationally-ranked Indian Hills, which earned him the national player of the week title. “At Northeast, I had known them since fifth grade. I would go to the gym and play with them all throughout high school,” Bradley said. “When I decided to go there, they told me I had a spot on the team. Them giving me a chance to play at home one last time was pretty cool.” Bradley said having the opportunity to play at Omaha and Northeast was beneficial, but he’s enjoying being at ORU. “I learned a lot at both schools before this and I enjoyed my time at both of the schools, but I really like ORU,” he said. “The teachers know the students on a personal level. I grew up in a small town, and this school is a small school so that fits what I’m comfortable with.
Just on my visit, I connected with the team a lot and with the coaches. Just during the recruiting process, I liked what I saw, and I heard, and it’s been true so far.” The men’s basketball team is looking to earn the first conference title since 2012 and Bradley, who is no stranger to the Summit League, will play a large part in getting the team there. He shot 17 points from the field, went 3-for-5 from beyond the arc and posted four assists in the team’s exhibition game against Rogers State University Monday night. Bradley continued by saying how appreciative he is of the basketball coaching staff. “I would say the coaches here really care a lot. That’s big. I’m not saying other schools don’t, but Coach Brown and Coach Sutton, they’re the ones that recruited me, and they take care of me.” Assistant coach Kyan Brown spoke highly of Bradley’s work ethic. “One thing he impressed us with is his
toughness,” said Brown. “He’s a tough kid that works on his game constantly. Whether it’s with the team or by himself, he’s always in the gym. I’ll walk down the hall, hear some balls bouncing, come around the corner and 75 to 80 percent of the time, it’s him down here by himself in a full sweat. We love the fact he’s competitive, he’s tough, wants to get better and he’s very coachable.” Head coach Scott Sutton has also enjoyed having Bradley on the roster this year. “You can’t say he’s strictly a shooter, because he knows how to play,” Sutton said. “He gets to the basket, and he passes extremely well. He’s a team-first guy because he likes to pass. He likes to score, obviously, but he likes to get the assists too. He’s been a joy to coach, that’s for sure.” Bradley is a junior business administration major, but he said playing the game is his favorite part of the day. “I enjoy playing the game. It’s my favorite thing to do on a daily basis; just being able to do something not a lot of people get the opportunity to do. It makes me thankful.”
Transfer Jalen Bradley is playing his first season as a Golden Eagle, having transferred from Summit League opponent Omaha and Northeast Community College. Center photo by Wyatt Bullard
THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 13
Golden Eagles sneak past Rogers St. 82-74 PARRISH PURNELL JR. Senior Staff Writer
The men’s basketball team faced off with a tough Rogers State team in its home exhibition opener. The Golden Eagles made big shots down the stretch, using a 15-4 run in the last six minutes to solidify a 82-74 win. “Well, it wasn’t pretty,” said Head Coach Scott Sutton. “ I’m actually surprised at how poorly we played. I think one area we could have controlled was our toughness and effort.” ORU played well on offense all night, knocking down over 50 percent of their shots, including a barrage of 3-pointers (9-16), two of which came in the last two minutes of the game putting the Hillcats away for good. “It felt good to out there on the floor, but we were all nervous”, said Jalen Bradley. “Give credit to them. They came out and played really hard.”
Newcomer Bradley had a major impact on the game, knocking down three bombs from behind the arc in route to his game-high 17 points. Bradley also led in assists finishing with four. Despite the impressive offensive showing, ORU struggled with turning the ball over and rebounding, allowing RSU a 40-26 advantage. Sutton was not happy with the lack of effort on the boards but wasn’t overly concerned about the close game. “This is what these types of games are for,” said Sutton. “We’re trying to get the new guys acclimated to this level of playing.” ORU kept tradition going steady, now 27-0 in exhibition play since the 2002-03 season. The Golden Eagles will complete exhibition play on Saturday in a game against the University of Central Oklahoma. The game is set for 7 p.m. at the Mabee Center.
Photo by Abby Friedman
Guard Obi Emegano defends Rogers State guard J.C. Hartzler during Monday night’s game.
Let the free agency games begin RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor
The World Series is over, and this means one thing. It’s time for owners to get their checkbooks out and start throwing some serious cash around. This will be one of the more interesting winters in recent memory as there are many significant free agents available including two Cy Young winners and a host of all-stars.
Zack Greinke, Starting Pitcher (32)
Chris Davis, First Baseman (29) Projected Deal: 4 years - $65 million Chris Davis is a slugger. He’s led MLB in home runs two of the past three seasons. Davis isn’t a defensive liability, but is better suited for the American League where he can be utilized as a designated hitter. Davis does have flaws. His big time power comes with big time strikeout numbers, but this shouldn’t scare teams away. Left-handed power is always in high demand and with few power bats on the market, Davis is a commodity.
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Projected Deal: 6 years - $175 million You’re probably wondering why David Price isn’t on this list, but stay with me. Both Price and Zack Greinke have been two of the most consistent and dominant pitchers in baseball the past eight seasons. Both are Cy Young award winners, but their post season performances separate them. Price has an 5.12 ERA in six postseason starts. Greinke has a 3.55 ERA in six postseason starts. Greinke has also been effective in big and small markets, showing teams he can handle the pressure of a major city. Price will be a very wealthy man when he signs his next contract in the area of $200 million, but I’m sticking with Greinke here for the price and postseason.
Yoenis Cespedes, Left Fielder (30)
Projected Deal: 5 years-$100 million When the Oakland Athletics signed the Cuba native four years ago for $36 million, they knew they were getting an elite talent, but even they didn’t know Yoenis Cespedes would become an MLB superstar. After being traded to the New York Mets in July, Cespedes proved he could carry a ball club. This season, he set career highs in almost every major category including doubles (42), home runs (35) and RBI (105). Cespedes is a free swinger, which produces a low on-base percentage and high strikeout numbers. I’m not a fan of free swingers, but Cespedes is a big-time run producer. He will definitely cash in this winter.
Jason Heyward, Right Fielder (26)
Projected Deal: 5 years- $60 million
Jason Heyward is the most underrated free agent of the offseason. When Heyward came into the league, he was supposed to be the next Willie Mays, but has never truly reached his potential. Heyward hasn’t had a 40-40 season yet (which he has the talent to do), but he may have found his niche. Heyward hit .293 with 16 homers, 60 RBI and 23 steals in 2015. He cut down his swing and started making more contact producing a higher batting average. He also played his usual Gold Glove caliber defense. Heyward is only 26 years old and, although he may never hit 35 home runs and drive in 100 like many thought he would, he’s still an elite talent and coveted by many teams.
Transfers set ceiling for basketball program SOLOMON WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The most important pieces to the puzzle for Head Coach Scott Sutton, and the ORU men’s basketball team will be those who weren’t originally in the picture. Although there aren’t supposed to be any shortcuts to success, college basketball fans may have overlooked one system hack which is finding transfers who can step into a program and produce right away. It is the X-factor for mid-major schools. There’s no secret some programs have their work cut out for them when trying to grab top talent. Convincing a prestigious recruit to turn down a large, well-known school to play in a mid-level conference sometimes takes a miracle.
But if ORU can serve as a viable safety net for players whose Plan A didn’t turn out quite how they expected, the program as a whole will see more rewards in the near future. During the two-year stint ORU competed in the Southland Conference, 50 percent of the all-tournament teams consisted of players who transferred into the conference. After returning to the Summit League last year, it was more of the same. At least 50 percent of the last two all-tournament teams for the conference have consisted of transfer athletes. Over the past two seasons the leading scorers for the Golden Eagles were Shawn Glover and Obi Emegano. Both guys were at previous universities, Glover from Utah and Emegano from
Western Illinois. Emegano, a key ingredient for ORU, now enters his senior season as the preseason conference player of the year, and he was once not even in the mix. Sutton isn’t shy when it comes to playing his new acquisitions. Three out of five players who played the most minutes last year transferred in from other programs. “This could be the deepest and most talented team we’ve had in quite some time,” Sutton said. The heart of this team’s depth and talent will be found in new pieces. This year’s roster is loaded with transfers who are expected to contribute. Darian Harris played at Creighton during the 2013-2014 season and returns this season.
Point guard Aaron Young is back; he transferred in from Eastern Oklahoma Junior College last season. Aaron Anderson should also be a key piece since transferring from Fresno State and Central Oklahoma after the 2013-2014 season. Center Tre Vance and combo guard Jalen Bradley were also junior college additions in the offseason. Emegano has succeeded since leaving Western Illinois. Now he will need guys who have previous college basketball experience to help him. He is a guy Sutton has labeled as capable of “putting the team on his back.” Whether they realize it or not, the Golden Eagles will need a few more journeymen to help with the luggage if they want to enjoy this year’s ride.
From Fresno State and Central Oklahoma. Anderson returns after sitting out last season.
From Omaha and Northeast Community College. He is looking to produce results immediately.
From Summit League opponent Western Illinois. He is tabbed as conference preseason POY.
From Creighton University. He returns to the team for a second season.
From Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. This year is his first season as a Golden Eagle.
From Eastern Oklahoma State. Young returns having the seventh best 3-point shooting percentage in a season in ORU history.
Photos courtesy of ORU Athletics
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Scene Be a thrifty barista with these savvy tips SARAH DAVIS
Contributing Writer
Let’s be honest. Starbucks is expensive, but how can a college student be expected to study without it? Luckily, ordering the right way can keep costs down and still produce delicious results. College students could profit from a Starbucks education. It might take a little memorization, but their bank accounts will say thank you. One of the most popular drinks on the Starbucks menu is the hot or iced latte. These can be some of the most The ultimate Starbucks hack lies in spicing up a cup of coffee. This is the most cost effective and also has the most caffeine. Try ordering a tall coffee in a grande cup with steamed milk to the top. At the condiment bar try adding cinnamon powder and honey for a Café Miel flavor and no extra cost. The relative cost of this beverage is $1.85.
expensive items on the menu. A latte is made with shots of espresso and steamed milk and possibly an added flavor. A grande latte costs about $3.65. There are several money-saving alternatives to spending $20 a week on lattes. On top of saving money, students can also look forward to sounding like a Starbucks pro when ordering a crafted beverage. Mistos are cheaper, and some say taste smoother than a latte. This is made by combining 50 percent brewed coffee with 50 percent steamed milk, and flavors can be added. The relative cost for a grande misto is $2.70.
Adding any kind of drizzle, whether caramel or mocha, adds an additional 60 cents. However, a caramel macchiato and caramel Frappuccinos come with caramel drizzle. Double chocolaty chip and java chip Frappuccinos, basically any Frappuccino with yummy chips in it, are made with mocha drizzle on top as well. Here’s the pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for extra drizzle for no extra charge when ordering one of these beverages.
Not all Starbucks flavors are created equal. Flavors are either syrups or sauces. Sauces are thicker. Syrups include vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, cinnamon dolce, toffee nut, peppermint and raspberry. All syrups cost an additional 50 cents. Most of these come in a skinny version. Sauces include mocha, white mocha and skinny mocha. These cost 50 cents as well. Caramel mocha lattes add a 50 cent charge for caramel and an additional 60 cents for mocha syrup. However, if one orders a zebra mocha (mocha and white mocha mixed) you are only charged 60 cents because both are sauces. Ordering either a syrup or sauce, but not both, can save some money.
Graphics by Ethan Norvell
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According to the “Hemline Theory,” the length of hemlines speaks to the economic and moral state of society. RACHEL ANDERSON Managing Editor
Clothing can be a true picture of a society. “Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening,” said Parisian designer Coco Chanel. Each piece has a reason and purpose, marking shifts in social movements and historical events. One such influential piece of outerwear is widely known as the “skirt.” According to the 1927 Hemline Index, the length of a skirt or dress indicates a country’s wealth and prosperity. Known as the “Hemline Theory,” this idea was supposedly conceived by George Taylor, an economist who claimed the length of women’s skirts could predict the stock market’s rise and fall. In theory, when money is tight, women tend to wear longer skirts to hide their lack of stockings, a fashion staple among women of the decade. When the economy was thriving, women tended to hike up their skirts, exposing perfect, stocking-covered gams.
Some debate exists over the credibility of the theory, but there is evidence of a correlation between skirt length and the economy. In 1927, hemlines rose a shocking 18.6 inches from the floor as the Dow Jones Industrial Median soared to 178. “The decade spelled economic freedom. Women threw off the shackles of the heavily-corseted Edwardian period and hemlines became dramatically shorter for the first time,” said Sonnet Stanfil, fashion curator of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In the 1930s, the Great Depression ravaged the country and people desperately saved every penny, struggling to make ends meet. Women had fewer reasons and means to dress up and wear stockings; therefore, 8.8 inches were added to hemlines as the Dow Jones Industrial Median fell to a historic low. Hemlines slowly rose in the ‘40s averaging 14.5 inches off the ground because there wasn’t enough fabric to go around. Women settled for practical, onthe-knee skirt length, the Dow Jones was comfortable at 140 and WWII raged on.
VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor
Download the Aurasma app from the App Store or Google Play and follow ORU Oracle to view the “Spectre” movie review. Hold the phone over the picture of 007 to the left, and watch the Oracle’s take on the 24th installment of the acclaimed James Bond series. In “Spectre,” an old cryp-
2 0 1 5 Illustration by Quentin Harrup
The 1950s brought a cautious post-war mood reflected in the mid-length skirts and dresses as the hemline slowly expanded to 11.6 inches off the ground. The stock markets slowly rose in revenue as the economy began to rebuild itself. The ‘60s produced one of the most iconic trends of fashion history: the miniskirt. The average length of the ever popular, short skirt was 25 inches off the ground and worn predominately by teenagers, the new youth culture taking the consumer industry by storm. Social disconnect, however, erupted when the decade switched gears in the ‘70s. The Vietnam War, unexpected inflation and the oil embargo of 1973 caused stock values to fall, as did the floor-length maxi skirts. With a new pop culture and new sense of teen angst, skirts lengths varied during the 1980s and ‘90s. Since 2000, likewise, skirt lengths are both touching toes and hiked up high as nostalgic pieces from all decades dominate the fashion industry.
tic message leads the infamous James Bond (Daniel Craig) to the capitol cities of Mexico City and Rome. There he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the widow of a vicious criminal. After uncovering the ominous organization SPECTRE through infiltrating a secret meeting, Bond searches for the one thing that can help him uncover SPECTRE: Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of an old nemesis. Meanwhile, M, head of the Secret Intelligence Service, fights against political forces to keep the
secret service alive. Unaware of the shocking connection between himself and SPECTRE, Bond aims to get closer to the organization to reveal its deceitful lies. “Spectre” brought in $80.4 million in the U.K. its opening weekend and was the biggest debut in U.K. history, according to Variety.com. “Spectre” will be showing tonight at AMC Southroads 20, B & B Tulsa Starworld, Cinemark IMAX, and Broken Arrow Warren. THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • 17
Muse
One in 60,000: My life after the one-child policy
JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer
Last week, the Chinese government announced it would allow two children per family after holding a strict one-child policy since the 1970s where officials used abortions, fines and forced sterilization in an attempt to control the population. “To promote a balanced growth of population, China will continue to uphold the basic national policy of population control and improve its strategy on population development, China will fully implement the policy of ‘one couple, two children’ in a proactive response to the issue of an aging population,” the Communist Party was quoted in a communique by Xinhua, the state-run news agency. Some are unhappy with the decision. Human rights activists think the government should have no say in
the number of children a couple has. Chinese citizens are upset because many are now too old to have a second child, and others say more children could drain the country’s economic and ecological resources. Others like White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest think the policy is a “positive step.” I’m conflicted. I was adopted at nine-and-a-half months old from China. I was left by a statue in front of the train station by my parents, a place where I would be found and taken to an orphanage. I was only around 10 days old. I don’t know anything about my family. I don’t know if I was the second child, if I was the first one and I was given up because I’m a female or whether it was because I was considered special needs. I might never know. With the now two-child policy, I am forced to think of what my life would have been like if it was in place before I was born. I would have had a different life. I would have known my biological parents. I would have lived in a different culture thousands of miles from where I am now. I would’ve truly been Chinese. But I have to wonder,
would I have an education? Would I even be able to read? Would I already be married with my own children? Would I even have a home? While I wonder about the possibility of my “other life,” I remember the one-child policy gave me more than I could have ever imagined. It hasn’t always been easy, but I was blessed. I was one who got a forever family. I got a mom, dad, brother and sister. I’ve been surrounded by Christ-followers who love and support me emotionally and spiritually. I get to pursue higher education, and I’m doing what I love. Although I’m oddly thankful for the one-child policy, knowing families can now legally have two children is a relief. Too many lives were lost while the one-child policy was in place. Hopefully this will be the start of a new era. My parents brought me home from Guangzhou, China in May 1997, and my life was changed.
A call for reversed missions LAURIE GARCIA Contributing Writer
Christians desire for the world to know Jesus. Many of our hearts burn for souls around the globe. We beg to go out into “all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Christians are more than willing to pack their bags and enter into the homes of unreached people groups. Yet, political, economic and social barriers are consciously placed against these people when they make the move into our homes. Syrian refugees are turned away from neighbor countries, labeled as unwanted pests. President hopeful Donald Trump proposes his immigration plan, which calls for Mexico to pay for an impenetrable U.S.-Mexico border. There is no doubt immigration and foreigners are a hot topic in today’s society, but don’t overlook an issue that should be of great importance to Christians because it is often sensationalized. 18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 6, 2015
During the 50th anniversary celebrations on the ORU campus, Lee Grady spoke of the four barriers he believed would be knocked over by the Holy Spirit in 21st-century ministry. The “racial barrier” was the first mentioned. Grady reminded students when the Holy Spirit moves, he brings “all types.” How interesting then it is that so many evangelicals are eager to support with endorsements, votes and finances current and/or future plans to close America as an avenue to desperate people on the run for a better life, no matter if they are from Mexico, Guatemala, Syria or Malaysia. The security and proactive protection of this nation is a highly politicized issue, and it certainly is an issue to be mindful about. Keeping the country safe, however, is not synonymous with a stronger border and tighter immigration quotas. For those immigrants who do find refuge in the U.S., they should not be shamed for their cultures or
esy Photos court
son-Fisher
of Jadyn Wat
their origin. They are people with souls, created by God, and their differences should be celebrated. The growing body of Christ should be of more value than national pride. America is the “Melting Pot” of the world and this is one of the unique qualities which makes America beautiful. Remember, God made and loves “all types.” Let us as Christians allow them to enter into our houses here in our home country. Let Jesus’ open arms be just as strong here as it is on any mission trip, no matter whether they speak English or not, and whether their culture is foreign to us or not. The Holy Spirit is ready to demolish the “racial barrier.” He is eager to demolish any lingering prejudices and stereotypes. At ORU, we love ministering to different people groups on missions, of course; therefore, we should equally love when the opportunity to minister to these people groups as they come to us.
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