October 31, 2012 Print Edition by ORU Oracle

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Oral Roberts University • Oct. 31, 2012 Tulsa, Okla. • Vol. 47, No. 6 www.oruoracle.com

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Life:

Southern Hills Hilton becomes Crowne Hill

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Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle 2 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

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Hilton hotel on Lewis Ave. becomes Crowne Plaza

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By McKensie Garber Whenever family and friends come to visit you in Tulsa for graduation or other activities, don’t try reserving them a room at the “Southern Hills Hilton” across the street. This hotel, located at 7902 S. Lewis Ave. immediately across from the Mabee Center, is now called the “Crowne Plaza Tulsa-Southern Hills.” It’s still owned by the McSam Hotel Group, one of the largest hotel developers in New York City, but the 11-story inn changed brands in September. The hotel originally was developed and owned by ORU in the early 1980s. The university purchased the land for the hotel from a farmer who had been on the corner of 81st Street and Lewis Avenue for many years. ORU opened it in 1982 as the “Directory Hotel” to accommodate the anticipated influx of people coming to the City of Faith hospital, according to Dr. Bill Jernigan, ORU’s dean of learning resources. “At the time 81st Street did not go all the way through to Riverside,” Jernigan said. “In fact, there was no Riverside Drive. Due to the increase in construction and anticipated growth, the surrounding areas developed to what we see now.” The hotel was built by Hardesty Companies on 30 acres leased from ORU at a cost of $17 million with designated smoking areas in a nonsmoking hotel. Jernigan said that staff employed by the university managed the hotel, and it was soon realized that the university was not successful at managing it. When the anticipated traffic did not arrive, the hotel did not prove to be a wise investment so the university sold it to another hotel chain, Jerigan added. Sometime later, the university reclaimed the hotel and renamed it the “Grandview.” Again the university

did not have much success running the hotel and in 1998 ORU sold it again. The hotel then became the “Southern Hills Hilton.” That name remained until this fall. The Crowne Plaza Tulsa-Southern Hills contains 286 rooms, a presidential suite, six junior suites, 13,000 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, pool and an attached casual restaurant called “Legends Grill.” Kristine Chambers, coordinator of reservations and sales for the hotel, said officials have spent almost $1 million on new carpeting, bedding and wireless systems, with a renovations to come by the end of next year. Michelle Saunders, the mother of an ORU graduate as well as two current ORU students, stayed at the hotel when it was still the “Southern Hills Hilton.” “We stayed there several times, and we always enjoyed ourselves,” Saunders said. “It was very nice. I liked the décor and found it to be very clean.” Jernigan, who has been with the university since it opened in 1965, coordinates graduation ceremonies each spring and has had a long-standing relationship with the hotel. “When we owned the hotel, we channeled all of our contacts through there because it was convenient,” he said. “Many of our staff do choose to have guests stay at the hotel. When we have large events such as graduation, we do not exclusively use that hotel but we recommend other hotels within a 2-mile radius of the school.” Chambers acknowledged that the hotel experiences an influx in guests when the school year begins, during College Weekend and around the time of graduation. She added that the newly renovated hotel has a special ORU rate of $84 for anyone affiliated with the university, including students and family members.

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 3

ORU College Democrats make comeback By Kristy McCreary The national Democratic Party had no trouble deciding on a presidential candidate this year. The ORU College Democrats weren’t so lucky. While Barack Obama will be on the Nov. 6 ballot seeking re-election as commander in chief of the United States, the leader of ORU’s Democratic Party club remains a mystery after 2011-12 President Jonathan Townsend graduated last May. No one has stepped forward yet to take his place. Last year under Townsend’s leadership, the ORU College Democrats hosted several

memorable events on campus. One was a state Democratic Convention held in Zoppelt Auditorium. Democratic candidates elected all over Oklahoma came to ORU. “While on campus they spent time discussing how they incorporated their faith,” Townsend said. “Unfortunately there is a stigma about being Democratic, but you can be a Democrat, and a Christian.” The ORU College Democrats also sponsored an event titled “Pray for our leaders.” Although the Democratic club hosted it, the event was bipartisan.

Townsend invited ORU Republican club members as well as independents to attend. “This was the most beautiful event we hosted last year,” Townsend said. The club also offers many opportunities to volunteer with campaigns. Townsend, for example, worked as campaign coordinator for John Olson, who is running for Oklahoma’s 1st District seat in Congress and state Rep. Jabar Shumate, who is running for a state Senate seat. Townsend is also the unofficial spokesman for the Tulsa Democratic club’s Young

Democrats. Josh Wiedenhaupt, who served as vice president of the ORU College Democrats, is assisting with finding and training new leadership for this year’s club now that Townsend has moved on. Wiedenhaupt encourages students to get out and vote if for no other reason than the good feeling it brings and the chance to be part of this nation’s government. “If you do not vote, I would go so far as to say do not talk about politics, because you did not exercise your right,” Wiedenhaupt said. Bethany Allan, a new

member of the club’s leadership, said it’s important that ORU have student political clubs for both major parties. “We must have both clubs strong on campus, because it is our job to show people why it is important to care,” she said. Townsend encourages the new leadership to remember the passion the club had last year. “The issues from last year, they are still relevant,” Townsend said. “Keep motivated. Keep moving on to bigger and better things. So much is still to be done.”

College Republicans put Fall Break to use campaigning

By Aba Hammond The ORU College Republicans offered about 30 members an opportunity to contribute to the national GOP effort by spending their Fall Break campaigning for candidates in Oklahoma and Colorado. Students got a firsthand lesson in national politics thanks to Americans for Prosperity, a nonprofit political advocacy group. “I think this is a great way to start off the year for the ORU College Republicans,” said Joseph Jackson, co-president of the College Republicans. “It’s an awesome opportunity for the students, especially any looking for campaign experience.” The students spent the first two days of the trip in Southeastern Oklahoma, mainly McAlester and Durant, and volunteered on the U.S. Congressional District 2 race on behalf of Republican Mark Wayne Mullin. “The purpose of the trip was to help increase awareness of the need for a change in public policy,” said Brent McNeely, co-president of the College Republicans. The ORU College Republicans then

Courtesy Photo

The College Republicans traveled to Southeast Oklahoma and Colorado over Fall Break to campaign. accompanied Americans for Prosperity sion on some of the minds of Colorado an important state for the “biggest presito Colorado to help inform voters of the voters that the current presidential dential election in decades.” need for change in public policy. administration’s public policies aren’t “Our presence [in Colorado] this They spent the fourth and fifth days working.” weekend was so important in reaching running polls, researching, door knock“During an election year like this, out to the many undecided voters who ing and making calls for the organizaeverybody steps up their game to a have the capability of determining this tion. whole level,” said Grant Reynolds, a election,” Reynolds said. “It is important for all voters to sophomore. “What goes into a campaign “It is important for students to exerconsider the economic ramifications of at the local and national levels are two cise their right to vote,” said McNeely. social ideals,” said McNeely. “The ORU completely different experiences. “Our country allows us the privilege to College Republicans made an impresReynolds believes Colorado will be express our opinion in casting our vote.”

4 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

Ex-chief of CIA laments lack of leadership By Meghan Drake Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Robert Gates spoke Oct. 24 at the Mabee Center to shed light on the current political spectrum and leadership traits that the nation lacks today. On the domestic political woes, Gates blamed the politicians who are stuck in “ideological cocoons” and who have “biblical levels of self-regard.” During his 90-minute lecture, Gates said that the first step to solve the “political paralysis” in Washington, D.C., is to create “bipartisan solutions.” Politicians, whether Republican or Democrat, must be willing to compromise for the sake of the country, he said, adding that the nation — not the political party — should come first. Whether it is the Middle Eastern revolutions or Iran, Gates said that American foreign policy has been domi-

nated by the events of 9/11. “Getting rid of corruption is the work of decades,” he said. On China, he said that there is no necessity that China become America’s enemy. Although China continues to grow, America has “greater breadth and depth” to its economic experience. To keep up, America needs to revive the business buzz and reform the math and science programs in schools, Gates said. He also addressed the nuclear power question in Iran. Although he suggested that America not interfere militarily, Gates stressed that the U.S. must keep the pressure on Iran, and that the Iranians could easily sabotage oil anywhere in the Middle East. In response to the many revolutions in the Middle East, Gates said, “Real freedom that endures isn’t made through a free election.” He encouraged the founding of

democratic institutions to instill a lasting democracy. Gates said the most difficult decision he had to make as defense secretary was to prolong the tours of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. He called it the “law of 2’s” -They had to spend 2 birthdays, 2 anniversaries, 2 Christmases and 2 Thanksgivings away from home. Gates, who was invited to Tulsa by Oklahoma State University’s business school, posed many leadership traits that he said were “as applicable to business as to government.” Traits like vision, transparency, friendly candor, accountability, courage and common decency are the “essence of moral authority.” Gates stressed the cultivation of these characteristics with the staff. He said that a leader’s talk with fellow workers should not be “career defeating but career enhancing.”

Gates learned from his time at CIA not to interrogate people to exhaustion. He said that the CIA would “yank them from the roots” just to see if there was progress. Don’t be “constantly pestering people,” he told the crowd of about 900 listeners. “Every leader in every organization will face a crisis,” Gates said, adding that it is how your relationships are with your cadre that will determine the next step. Gates’ career is not shy of accomplishments. Apart from serving as director of central intelligence and president of Texas A&M University, he served as the 22nd U.S. secretary of defense from 2006-2011 under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Upon his last day as defense secretary, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award.

Photo by Chandler Branzell

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates spoke at the Mabee Center Oct. 24.

Theology students can earn master’s in 10 months The Modular Program meets just once a month for nontraditional students By Madison McDaniel

There is a way for working adults to further their education through ORU. Established over 20 years ago, the Modular Program hosts students who come to Tulsa from all around the world, every month for 10 months of the year. This program is a format for which students can receive several graduate degrees without having to be on campus. The Modular Program is a delivery system for two of the current masters programs: the Master of Divinity and

the Master of Art and Practical Art and Theology. “Basically [the program] came out of the need for students who couldn’t leave their jobs and needed to get a master’s degree,” Dr. Timothy Ekblad, Modular Program director, said. “They were able to do this while they remained employed in their churches or their places of employment and they just come here for a week at a time.” The Modular Program also enables students to receive their degree without previously attending ORU. “I did my undergrad at Iowa State, and entered directly into the Modular Program as a graduate student,” Emily Dahlby said. “I’m working on my Master of Divinity degree. My undergraduate degree was in psychology, with a minor in child and family services.”

Prior to the monthly trips to Tulsa, a lot of preparation is put into the course work. “Students complete pre-course work before arriving on campus for a oneweek intensive, during which all of the required contact hours for the course are completed,” Dahlby said. The students must then finish any research projects, final papers or final exams within a certain period of time. “Modular students complete the same amount of course work and contact hours as on-campus students, just in a different format,” Dahlby said. Even though Modular Program students are not present on campus throughout the entire school year, they still get an equally whole education. “Throughout the course of our weeks together, we gain just as much from the

experience and input of one another as we do from the actual course material,” Dahlby said. Modular Program students like Dahlby come out of the program having gained more than a mere classroom education. “Not only do I have the opportunity to learn from outstanding professors who bring an incredible combination of scholarship and real ministry life experience to their teaching,” Dahlby said, “but as a part of the Modular Program I get to regularly connect with men and women who are in a wide variety of ministry positions across the country.” The perspective they bring, both as seasoned pastors and leaders and as those just starting in the ministry, is invaluable,” Dalhby said.

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 5

Personnel Building gets a facelift, new name

By Ian Harrup As students walk to and from the Aerobics Center, they may notice the Personnel Building, now named the Stovall Building after its primary contributor, which has been under renovation since January. What they might not know is the story behind the recent developments, and the building’s new role as an administration center that houses financial operations, including human resources, auditing and purchasing. Kim Falcon, senior director of sponsor programs, said the building was originally opened as an athletics dorm; however, when the NCAA changed some rules concerning housing for athletes, the building was re-purposed for office space. “It was literally like moving into dorms,” said Falcon. “This was more than 20 years ago that they turned this all into offices, and then this building was just the one out on the edge of campus. It had nothing to do with students, so it was last on the list for renovation.” As with the other original buildings on campus, it was built before basic building codes were established for total access. It was not until 1988 that the building was retrofitted, and certain aspects had to be updated— though no one knows exactly when this building was constructed. “We’re looking for the paperwork; we just don’t know when this building was built, though sometimes people come in who were here before this building was,” Falcon said. She said the facility had inconvenient features for quite a bit of time. “First of all, it was like living in dorms,” Falcon said. “Our ‘main entrance’ didn’t even work, and our one good door was around the back of the building. Now we actually have an entrance.” The three-story building now has a front entrance, an elevator, new paint and new carpet. “It’s more office-looking now and is entirely for administration, human resources, accounting and other financial officers,” Falcon said. “There are no student resources here now.” Most of the employees in the build-

Top: Photo for ORU Media by Mark Moore. Bottom: Photo by Stephen Salmon

The Personnel Building, now called the Stovall Building, has reopened after inner and outer changes. ing were moved to CityPlex Towers 18 months ago when the building underwent construction. The offices were recently moved back in just before the building’s grand opening Oct. 23. Aside from some basic plumbing and gardening, all the work has been completed. The building now bears the family name of ORU alumnus Jim Stovall, who is a former Olympic weightlifter and author of the best-selling book “The Ultimate Gift,” which was made into a major film. Stovall is co-founder and president of the Narrative Television Network, and he has won numerous awards for helping make television accessible to the visually impaired. Stovall himself is visually impaired. His father, George Stovall, worked for ORU for 55 years before his retirement. Those who come into the new Stovall Building have been amazed with its new look and functionality. Visitors can view a presentation that plays in the lobby, showcasing the timeline of construction as it plays in the lobby.

6 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

Dean Helland Ministries Outreach to Mormons

• Visit my website to explore important insights into why Christians should vote in the next election. • Learn important facts linking Free Masonry, Mormonism and Islam.

www.deanhelland.com Dr. Dean Helland, Doctor of Ministry, ORU • Former Book of Mormon Believer

FAITH

Fall Outreach to serve Tulsa community By Jessica Sherwood Outreach at ORU is already in full swing and missions is beginning to gain momentum. ORU Missions and Outreach department partners with over 20 local outreaches each week. ORU student-led teams are sent out every day to volunteer with organizations such as Adopt-ABlock and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Carolyn Udall, outreach coordinator for the department said, “Outreach is off to a great start! Our teams have been so faithful and have been coming up with creative ways to serve [the organizations we work with] and love [the people of Tulsa]. Members of the community have already expressed their gratitude and appreciation for ORU.” A large-scale outreach opportunity for the whole student body is Fall Outreach, which will be held on Oct. 31. Students are invited to meet in Christ’s Chapel at 5:45 p.m. and to bring three canned good items to receive a free Fall Outreach T-shirt. Students will go out to the Tulsa community in carloads and collect canned food for the homeless in Tulsa. Each wing can be a sponsor in the global hunger project for Fall Outreach. The goal is for each floor to raise $75, which will feed over 500 children once a week, who live in the slums of the Philippines, through a feeding program

Courtesy Photos

Aaron Quinn, above, and other students, right and below, participated in Fall Outreach last year. This year, Fall Outreach will be held on Oct. 31. Students wishing to participate are meeting at 5:45 in Christ’s Chapel. and Bible teaching. The feeding program will be funded for an entire year if only 52 floors commit to $75. All donations can be brought to Fall Outreach, and the floor that raises the most money will be recognized at the SA After Party. On the missions side, the department is currently looking for team members to serve both nationally and internationally. This year, teams will travel to five states and over 27 different countries around the world. New trips have been added to the program, including South Dakota, Toronto, Chile, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ireland, Albania and Malawi. Trips vary from medical, business, construction, education and evangelism,

but all of the trips seek to communicate the gospel in an effective way and support the organizations on the ground through sustainable development. “The ORU missions program will shake you, stretch you, and build you up to places that never seemed fathomable,” Chelsea Dillon, missions coordinator for the department, said. “The obedience to the Lord is so evident and His presence is tangible in everything about it, including sending out student-led teams to touch parts of the world that is in desperate need of

love and a savior.” Dillon has been profoundly impacted by her experience with the missions program and seeks to communicate the value of going on a trip. “Stepping out and serving those domestically and abroad will expound the student’s knowledge of the world, themselves, and most importantly the power of the name of Jesus,” Dillon said. “I know this program has broken me and made me into the person I am today, and it will carry out the rest of my life.”

Upcoming Events:

It’s not too late to sign up for an ORU Missions Trip! Stop by ORU Missions and Outreach office in Christ’s Chapel. Fall Outreach: Oct. 31 – meet in Christ’s Chapel at 5:45 p.m. Missions Stamp Party (Launch of Fund-raising campaigns): Nov. 13

Follow them on Twitter: @ORU_Outreach #whatsworthit Like them on Facebook: ORU Outreach www.oruoutreach.com missionsoutreach@oru.edu 918-495-7728

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 7

Evangelicals mobilizing for Romney campaign By Religion News Service (RNS) The Romney-Ryan ticket is the first Republican presidential campaign in history without a Protestant candidate, but this hasn’t deterred evangelicals from launching massive get-out-the-vote and registration efforts to help Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan win the White House. Faith and Freedom Coalition founder Ralph Reed, who has been involved in pushing evangelicals to the polls since 1988, has launched what he described as the “largest voter registration, voter mobilization and get-out-the-vote effort ever targeted at evangelical voters.” Working with third-party contractors, Reed and his group were able to identify and mail voter registration packets to slightly less than 2 million unregistered evangelicals based on everything from Census

data to television A recent Pew Repreferences to what search poll showed that books they may have 74 percent of white purchased online. evangelicals support “There are millions Romney, a percentage of Bibles purchased point higher than Sen. in the United States John McCain when every month. Most he was the Republican people aren’t internominee. ested in finding out The allegiance of who is buying those evangelical voters Internet Photo Bibles -- I am,” Reed Ralph Reed has been involved in pushing hasn’t come easy for said. Romney. evangelicals to the polls since 1988. Reed said he has a Throughout the Reelection. voter file of 17 million evanpublican primaries they tended “Every day I’m hearing gelicals in battleground states, to back more conservative about some outreach effort and each household will be candidates such as former Sen. that’s actually taking place contacted seven to 12 times independent of the campaign,” Rick Santorum, in part because before the election through of their discomfort with some he said. mail, email, phone calls and of Romney’s past positions as Chris Long, president of text messages. well as his Mormon faith. the Ohio Christian Alliance, Mark DeMoss, an adviser Long said that although a conservative, nonpartisan, to the Romney campaign who there was some initial hesitanonprofit group, said more has served as the liaison to the than a million voter guides will tion from evangelicals because evangelical community, said of Romney’s faith, that time be distributed to churches and the evangelicals have largely has passed. community groups across the taken it upon themselves to “They are looking at the canstate for guidance on issues as organize for the upcoming didates as who would be the well as federal and state races.

executive of this republic and would be suited to do that,” he said. Though churches have long been a staple of Republican organizing, the Obama campaign is also courting people of faith. Obama released a “faith platform” this year that is heavy on social and economic justice issues, and the campaign has hired a director of faith outreach named Michael Wear. In a column on a Christian blog called “Faithful Democrats,” Wear wrote Monday (Oct. 15), “While we each have a responsibility to engage in the political process, a vote for a candidate doesn’t have to be a declaration that their views fully represent our own. For people of faith, we hold to a set of beliefs that transcend and supersede any political platform.”

As Romney goes moderate, anti-abortion advocates question motives By Religion News Service As Mitt Romney has moved to the center in an effort to overtake President Barack Obama in the campaign’s homestretch, he has by necessity muted -- or even muddied -- his previous opposition to abortion rights, a shift that has left some abortion foes aghast. But veteran anti-abortion leaders say they are confident that Romney remains committed to their agenda and, in the final weeks before the Nov. 6 vote, they are busy trying to keep rankand-file activists from pouncing on the Republican candidate’s ambiguous statements. Their fear? That going after Romney could prompt defections and cost the GOP a surprisingly strong shot at winning the White House. “If it’s hurting him to bring up the abortion issue, then I’m OK if he doesn’t,” said Bradley Mattis, head of the Life Issues Institute in Cincinnati.

“I think our movement has to be savvy enough to understand how political campaigns are run,” he said. “And if they don’t, now would be a good time to have that revelation.” If anti-abortion groups can in fact preach that message of political realism, it could prove crucial for Romney, who has long struggled to present a clear position on abortion and reproductive rights. As governor of Massachusetts a decade ago, Romney strongly supported abortion rights and said he was “effectively pro-choice.” The health care plan he shepherded into law, which was a model for Obama’s 2010 national reform, even included taxpayer funding for abortions. In 2005, as Romney began his quest for the Republican presidential nomination, he announced that he had changed his views and was now “pro-

8 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

life.” But many abortion opponents were never fully convinced of Romney’s conversion, and they blasted Romney throughout the GOP primaries as being insincere. He responded by pledging to work to overturn Roe v. Wade, defund Planned Parenthood, and to take other steps demanded by antiabortion groups. Since winning the nomination and moving to the general election, however, those statements appeared to hurt him with key voting blocs -- women, in particular, but also independents and young adults. So several weeks ago, facing an uphill slog in the polls, Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, a Catholic, began to de-emphasize issues like abortion and gay rights in order to win over some of those voters. When they did discuss abortion, it was in terms that

seemed to soften or even contradict Romney’s earlier positions. While Romney’s campaign has often issued follow-up clarifications to reassure social conservatives of Romney’s underlying commitments, the initial impression of a more moderate Romney endured -- and many abortion opponents who are passionate about their issue took offense. “I’m running out of fingers and toes to count the number of positions he has taken on abortion,” Steve Deace, a conservative radio host in Iowa, told The Washington Post. “This is someone who does not have a deep or abiding position on this issue either way, and I think what it does is it puts pro-life leadership in America in a difficult position. I don’t know anybody in the pro-family movement who is not for sale who trusts him.”

By Hannah Covington Four years ago, young people ages 18-29 turned out in droves to vote. This election, half of that group failed to even register. Hovering at 50 percent, voter registration among young people is 11 points lower than in 2008 and the lowest number in the past 16 years, according to polls conducted by the Pew Research Center. This drastic drop in youth political engagement has many questioning what separates this election from 2008 and why young people are choosing reruns of “Jersey Shore” over the debates and opting to stay home from the very polls they flocked to one presidential election ago. “The political climate four years ago was really different, and I think Obama had a lot to do with that,” said junior Justin Allen. “With people our age, to vote Obama was to usher in a new era.” Lacking an incumbent candidate, this new era stood on the war-worn heels of a previously unpopular administration.

“What was so attractive about Obama was that he had never been president. He was viewed as progressive,” Allen said. This novelty and forward-thinking helped the Democratic candidate garner strong support from young voters for his first term. Barack Obama carried 68 percent of the vote among 18- to 29-year-olds in 2008, according to exit polls conducted by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), based at Tufts University. As a first-time voter in 2008, graduate student Michael Bellew remembers the excitement Obama created among people in his age group. Celebrity endorsements, exquisite campaigning and media exposure grabbed the attention and support of young people across the nation. This support has dropped considerably this time around. But Obama is not the only candidate

failing to connect with young voters. Political engagement is down at least as much among Republican supporters. The Pew Research Center reports that among voters under 40, only 59 percent have given a lot of thought to the election, dropping from 75 percent in 2008. Bellew sees the disengagement resulting from disappointed hopes and frustrations with what young voters thought would be a four-year stretch of change. “A big part of it has been disillusionment,” Bellew said. “In 2008, both candidates ran on a campaign of hope. This time, we don’t have the same hope.” Part of this hope centered on the economy, which was the top voting issue for 61 percent of young people in 2008, according to CIRCLE. About 54 percent of young people believed the economy would improve over the next year, making them 7 percent more optimistic than their adult

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 9

By Amy Lecza

I voted for Obama because I believe that he recognizes the importance of addressing the issues that we CAN fix…He expanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act and placed two women on the Supreme Court without requiring the aid of binders full of women. He passed the Matthew Shepard-James Byrd Jr. Hates Crimes Prevention Act, overturned “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and called on the United Nations to support gay rights, sending a message that equal rights are human rights.

– Katy Miller

Under President Obama’s steady leadership, the United States has ended the Iraq war, is ending the war in Afghanistan, and has decimated the leadership of Al Qaida (including Osama Bin Laden). He has restored significantly the influence and standing of the United States. – Dr. Bill Epperson

Obama is credited with 31 consecutive months of job growth and 5.2 million new private sector jobs. He bailed out the auto industry and saved over 1 million jobs while all government loans were paid back ahead of time. He favors eliminating tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and creating incentives for businesses to bring jobs back to America. He also passed Wall Street reform to prevent future bank bailouts.

Romney, if elected, would make a permanent, across-the-board 20 percent cut in individual marginal tax rates and eliminate the Death Tax. He would also cut the corporate tax rate to 25 percent because he feels that overtaxing big corporations reduces America’s ability to compete effectively in the global economy. He also hopes to reform unions under a policy of “free enterprise.”

Obama’s energy plan revolves around environmental care. His environmental protection plan involves working to keep communities and children healthy, addressing global climate change and preserving national forests and wilderness. Obama’s plan is to take control of the future of American energy and to reduce our dependence on foreign oil all while doubling fuel efficiency standards to save money at the pump, increasing domestic natural gas production, increasing production of wind and solar energy, increasing oil production and improving safety measures to prevent oil spills and investing in clean coal.

Romney wants to make America an energy superpower and “rapidly and responsibly” increase oil production while partnering with Canada and Mexico to achieve energy independence in North America by 2020. He wants to empower states to control onshore energy development, open offshore areas for energy development, pursue a North American Energy Partnership by approving the Keystone XL pipeline which runs for Alberta, Canada to Cushing, Okla., ensure accurate assessments of energy resources, restore transparency and fairness to permitting and regulation and facilitate private-sector-led development of new energy technologies.

Obama, in his first term, doubled funding for Pell Grants and established a college tax credit. His plan is to make higher education within reach more millions more Americans. He capped federal student loan repayments at 10 percent of income. He is looking to keep good teachers in the classroom through incentives, using local solutions to improve schools, investing in community colleges to provide careertraining programs, partnering with states to raise standards and ensuring a good future for veterans. Obama implemented the “Race to the Top” initiative during his first term, which has helped spur 46 states to raise standards for local schools.

Romney hopes to take the first step in tying federal funds directly to dramatic reforms that expand parental choice, invest in innovation and reward teachers for their results. He believes these policies will equip state leaders to achieve the change that can only come from commitment and action at the local level. He will also ensure that students have diverse and affordable options for higher education to give them the skills they need to succeed after graduation so that they can find a job that provides a rewarding return on their educational investment. He will decrease Pell Grant funding and instead encourage the private sector to participate in affordable learning options.

Obama championed the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) during his first term in office. Its purpose was to make health care work for everyone – those holding private insurance, those who are insured through Medicare or Medicaid and those who do not have insurance. In a second term, Obama hopes to end insurance company abuse like capping or dropping coverage, strengthening Medicare and putting women in control of their health by preventing health insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage

Romney staunchly opposes Obamacare and wants to give states the right to regulate local insurance markets and take the burden off the government to care for the poor, uninsured and chronically ill. He will block grant Medicaid and other payments to states, limit federal standards and requirements on both private insurance and Medicaid coverage and ensure flexibility to help the uninsured including publicprivate partnerships, exchanges and subsidies. He also believes in promoting free markets and fair competition to drive improvements in efficiency and effectiveness to offer people quality goods and services at lower costs.

Obama’s first bill to sign into law was the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which helps women fight against pay discrimination. Currently, women are paid, on average, 77 cents to every dollar a man makes. In addition, Obama was the first sitting president to publicly announce his support for same-sex marriage and is a vocal supporter of LGBT rights. He repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and endorsed the Respect for Marriage Act, signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and extended hospital visitation and medicinal decision-making rights to LGBT couples. Because of his Obamacare package, many insurance plans are beginning to fully cover birth control without co-pays or deductibles. He believes that a woman’s health care choices are personal decisions, best made with her doctor and without politician interference. Obama also fought hard against attempts to defund Planned Parenthood, one of the largest providers of women’s health care services including breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Romney considers marriage to be critical for the well being of a civilization and is fighting hard to preserve traditional marriage - the joining together of one man and one woman. As president, Romney will appoint an Attorney General who will defend the Defense of Marriage Act and champion a Federal Marriage Amendment to the constitution defining marriage between one man and one woman. He did not support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” As governor of Massachusetts, Romney cut funding for hate crimes prevention and abolished a hate crimes task force. Romney is pro-life and believes that human life begins at conception. He will urge the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and is in support of the Hyde Amendment, which bars the use of federal funds for abortions. He will end federal funding for Planned Parenthood and appoint judges who believe similar.

Romney plans on helping small businesses succeed through tax reform and lightening the load of governmental red-tape. If we keep exporting jobs to other countries, we can’t expect to continue to grow our economy and our nation. – Jonathon Murphy

While many “Republicans” in this 2012 election are simply voting to remove the current president I believe Mitt Romney has picked a running mate that, when pairing their accomplished business minds, can bring our economy out of its current state of recession. These candidates bank less on whim and more on proven, first-hand experience and successes regarding budgets, expenses, and policies. I agree with Romney’s stance on foreign affairs, his overwhelming support of our military defense system, and his plans to create more jobs and get America working again. – Ciera Trisch

Graphics by Mark Niemeyer

By Amy Lecza

– Katy Miller

Graphics by Mark Niemeyer

By Hannah Covington Registered voters of all ages can expect to be carded at the polls Nov. 6. With 30 states enforcing different forms of voter I.D. requirements, election boards are scrambling to get the word out about what kind of identification that voters should bring with them. And you thought picking a candidate was the hard part. In Oklahoma, voters passed stricter voter I.D. requirements in 2010. The law has been in effect since July 1, 2011, requiring voters to bring an I.D. issued by the state of Oklahoma, the federal government or a recognized tribal government to receive their ballot. In the past, voters could use documents bearing their name, including utility bills and banking statements. No more.

The types of acceptable I.D.s include: an Oklahomaissued driver’s license, state I.D., passport, military I.D. and voter I.D. Students cannot use their school I.D.s. Oklahoma voters can receive the voter I.D. free of charge by contacting the Tulsa County Election Board. With this being the first presidential election since the law was passed, many voters remain uncertain about what to bring as they head to their polling places. “People are confused about what the laws actually are,” said Dr. Kay Meyers, professor of English. “In fact, I’m confused.” Shelly Boggs, assistant secretary of the Tulsa County Election Board, said the precincts are expecting lingering questions about

Continued from Page 9 Enter Jeremy Epstein, the 20-year-old college junior in the ill-fitted suit from Adelphi University in New York who addressed both presidential candidates about this knotty issue. Epstein, a first-time voter, opened the town-hall forum style presidential debate Oct. 16. After rather nervously asking a question about finding a postgraduation job, Epstein became a figure for millions like him, the tag “#getjeremyajob” trending on Twitter before the debate’s end. Junior Greg Tanis sees the economy as the thorn pricking the sides of voters his age everywhere, though it’s not a personal main

I.D. requirements come election day. If voters are unable to produce an I.D., they have the option of casting a provisional ballot after first filling out an affidavit and stating the reason why they are utilizing this type of ballot. Boggs said they expect more voters to take advantage of the provisional ballot this year. Tulsa residents should anticipate a slightly longer wait at their polling places. Compared to other states, Oklahoma’s non-photo I.D. requirements stand as

concern in this election. “It’s a main concern because that’s the first thing they feel,” Tanis said. “If the economy is suffering, we feel the nation is suffering, and rightfully so or not, people automatically blame the president for it. That’s what we do,” he said. For this election, Tanis said he will not be voting for either Obama or Mitt Romney. As an independent, Tanis explained that he is left with little option outside of the two-party system. Oklahoma’s ballot will not feature third-party candidates. By law, it also is one of six states that does not allow write-ins. “It’s frustrating to me,” Tanis

12 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

less stringent than states like Indiana, Kansas, Tennessee and Georgia. Fran Roach, assistant secretary of the state election board, said these stricter requirements have sparked nationwide discussions about the legitimacy of voter fraud and disenfranchisement concerns. “There are several cases in the courts right now, and the U.S. Justice Department has become involved,” Roach said. Graduate student Rachel Whitlock said she is one voter in favor of the stricter laws to prevent fraud. “Most polls and news outlets are saying this race is really close, and so I’d like to eliminate any foul play,” Whitlock said.

said. “So, I am forced not to vote federally…but I am voting in local elections, which are just as important,” he said. This conscientious choice not to vote has left some outside of the American political system feeling confused. “It makes me think that they don’t care about their country,” said freshman Shinwoo Lee. Lee is a native of Seoul, South Korea. She moved stateside when she was 13 with her parents to take advantage of America’s educational opportunities. “If I could vote, I would. It’s strange how people don’t really care about these elections,” Lee said.

“When I know that the procedures are done correctly, I have a lot more confidence in voting,” she said. Some argue that the risk for voter fraud is too slight to enforce stricter I.D. requirements. Dr. Michael Hirlinger, professor of government and chair of the history, humanities and government department, said he believes that the I.D. laws will create difficulties with certain groups of voters. “Typically, about 10 percent of your eligible voters do not have some kind of identification, and it is going to keep some people away… in the name of voter fraud,” he said. Traditionally, this has included the elderly, minorities and lower-income voters.Meyers said she would tell every voter—including students—just to show up and

Some first-time voters like Tanis, however, would argue that it is because he cares about the election that he is choosing not to vote for president in 2012. “I am more politically involved than most people I know, but I am getting flack for refusing to support either candidate. They say I’m wasting my vote and that I’m slapping veterans in the face,” Tanis said. “The real slap in the face would be not to pay attention except once every four years and mindlessly vote for your party’s candidate even though you do not even like him.”

SPORTS

Extreme Makeover: NBA Edition

By Ryan Woods On June 6th, the OKC Thunder punched their ticket to the NBA Finals. This gave a match-up against the Miami Heat that we all saw coming and could even see coming years down the road. The Spurs tank was blinking “E,” as was the Boston Celtics’; Chicago saw their season halt after losing their only top-30 player, Derrick Rose. This added them to an already expanded group of top-tier hopefuls in Denver, Memphis, Dallas, New York and LA. Move ahead a couple of months and

now there’s a different looking league. Three stars, including top-3 player in Dwight Howard, switched hands in a single trade. The Lakers also added a 2-time league MVP point guard, Steve Nash. The Celtics were able to revamp their roster at a discount price; the Nets moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn with new faces and high hopes after re-signing guard, Deron Williams and signing free-agent, Joe Johnson. The league had a noisy off-season to say the least. Here’s a look at the league’s elite:

Miami Heat Title Odds: 11/5

Given these odds (if you trust them) and the overwhelming talent on this roster, this is the strongest repeat favorite since the “Shaqobe” Lakers of the early 2000’s. Their title run had its ups and downs, but in the end LeBron James proved to be the best player in this or any parallel universe. Wait, what? Seriously though, he did it. The most critiqued and over-scrutinized player in the game got the monkey off his back and finally won his first NBA championship after nine years in the league. Unfortunately for everyone else, he’s not satisfied with just one. This will be the team everyone looks to dethrone. It won’t be easy though; In fact, it may have gotten harder. For Miami to bring back the same group would be plenty to validate the odds, but this summer, the rich got richer. The Heat added two pieces to an already loaded puzzle by signing former Boston Celtic Ray Allen and NBA journeyman Rashard Lewis. Lewis ranks 8th all-time in three-pointers made and Allen ranks No. 1 with 343. Of course, this team isn’t without question marks. Finding the most effective lineups will be tricky, as will be keeping Dwayne Wade’s knee healthy— and there’s always the dreaded “Championship Hangover” (I’m looking at you, Dallas). The Heat will be a force this year, and make no mistake— Miami is the clear favorite heading into 2012-2013.

Los Angeles Lakers Title Odds: 5/2

I’m still very back and forth with this team. Featuring Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard makes this starting lineup truly unbelievable. Adding the league’s best defensive player in Howard, coupled with the potential pick-and-roll paradise he and Nash will live in, immediately vaults this team into championship conversations. This team on paper is eye candy, but in the words of Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend.” At age 38, Steve Nash is entering his 17th NBA season. While he is in great physical condition, he struggles to guard his position far too often. The same can be said for Pau Gasol and, brace yourself, even Kobe Bryant. In other words, against perimeter-based teams in the west like Denver, OKC and even their arena mates, the Clippers, this team will be vulnerable. Especially when considering a seven game series. Coach Mike Brown should be able to get 35 minutes a night from these four stars together, but that still leaves plenty of time for a bench relying heavily on Jordan Hill, Antawn Jamison and Steve Blake to give up valuable leads to superior second units. Against Miami, this team matches up favorably, and it isn’t far-fetched to say they’d be favored in a Finals meeting. However, the defending Western Conference champs may have other plans.

Oklahoma City Thunder Title Odds: 9/2

Coming off their loss to the Miami Heat in the Finals, it’s back to the grind for Oklahoma City. For this team to get over the hump it’s down to the little things. Coach Scott Brooks continued to play trial-and-error with what line-ups are most effective against different teams. In the end, the wrong buttons were pushed, sending OKC packing after 5 games. Late this past Saturday night, after 4 months of negotiations, GM Sam Presti pulled the trigger on a trade, which sent James Harden to the Houston Rockets. Along with Harden go Cole Aldrich, Lazar Hayward and Daequan Cook. In return, the Thunder get Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb and three picks in next June’s draft. For Thunder fans, it’s hard to lose a fan favorite in Harden. In the long run, this deal is a good one. Chemistry may be an early issue, but with time this team will be right in the thick of the Western Conference race. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook return with Olympic gold medals and will be set on avenging last year’s loss in the Finals.

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 13

Misti Cussen anticipates her first season at helm

By David Sauer In sports, a head coach’s success is determined by wins and losses. If you don’t win enough, you get fired. While this is still true at ORU, the new women’s basketball head coach, Misti Cussen, believes that there is more to success than wins and losses. “If the student athletes that leave our program feel that they have been well loved and well served by me and our staff then that’s eternal success,” Cussen said. This serving theme has existed throughout Cussen’s coaching career. During the summer of 2006, Cussen coached a basketball team for Athletes in Action. She led the team on a trip to India where they played exhibition games. Basketball gave them the platform for their primary purpose of serving India’s community through humanitarian relief. Cussen hopes that she can carry this from India to ORU. “To me, Athletes in Action and doing that tour in India was just an international version of what I hope we do here in Tulsa, Okla., on a daily basis,” Cussen said. “We want to use that platform [sports] to further his kingdom and to share the good news.” Cussen believes that doing this internally is the first step before going

out to the community. “If we can demonstrate it with each other as a team as we serve one another and love one another, that’s the same thing that Athletes in Action does,” Cussen said. “But you’re just going out and you’re boldly sharing it evangelically.” Prior to coaching basketball, Cussen played college basketball for two years at Kansas before transferring to Southern Nazarene University. Her college career would be overshadowed by a knee injury toward the end of her junior year and two more knee injuries before her fourth and fifth years at SNU. After college, she decided to take the advice of her parents and coaches to be an assistant basketball coach at SNU. Cussen enjoys being able to combine her love for both basketball and student athletes. “It’s been a great fit,” Cussen said. “It’s been a combination for me of combining my love with the game of basketball along with the opportunity to serve and love these student athletes. Her first experience with ORU came when she was hired as an assistant in 1996. One of her first memories is seeing the Prayer Tower for the first time. “I didn’t know a lot about ORU except the Mabee Center,” Cussen said. “I remember see-

14 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

ing campus for the first time… [and] I remember saying “what’s the funny looking building in the middle of campus?” As an assistant, Cussen was able to get to know players on a more personal level. “Assistant coaches have the ability to get a little more up close and personal,” Cussen said. “We tend to get a little more into the lives of the kids because the assistant coaches are the ones who are building the relationships more during the recruiting process.” Knowing players on a personal level has made for an easy transition from assistant to head coach for Cussen. “One of the things that was a very easy transition for me making the jump…was because I knew these girls like the back of my hand...,” Cussen said. “Just from being an assistant for them for so long and recruited a lot of them.” When not on the basketball court, Cussen enjoys spending time doing something involving either water or the outdoors. Her family, including two daughters, makes up a huge part of her life. Cussen says she has to be extremely organized in order to handle both a basketball team and a family.

Courtesy Photo

New women’s basketball head coach, Misti Cussen, expanded her coaching career with an exhibition team called Athletes in Action.

Women’s soccer prepares for playoff run in Louisiana By Amber Smith Having concluded the regular season, the women’s soccer team is now ranked fifth in the Southland Conference, securing its presence after a 2-1 double overtime victory at Central Arkansas on Oct. 26. Coming off a four-game winning streak, the ORU Lady Golden Eagles lost to Lamar in a 2-1 heartbreaker on Senior Night, Oct. 19. This loss occurred when Lamar took the lead by converting a penalty kick 58 seconds into overtime. Losing this game bumped ORU to third in the Southland Conference rankings, just under second-place Lamar and conference leader Stephen F. Austin.

This game held many missed opportunities for the Lady Golden Eagles, as the team did enough to win, yet let three attempted shots hit the crossbars. Seniors Whitney Booth, Allison Hall, Lauren Parks and Johanna Sheppard were honored on Senior Night for their dedication to the program. These four athletes made up head coach Ryan Bush’s first recruiting class and represent the foundation he built the program on. Throughout their years here, they not only have proved they are excellent players, but that

they are also excellent with their skill and determination. The season record stands at 11-6-2, after a 2-0 loss at home against Southeastern Louisiana Oct. 21. This marks the first time this season that the Lady Eagles have lost in consecutive matches. The Lady Golden Eagles are looking forward to a bit of traveling - they’ll soon be heading south, much like the geese that pervade this campus. The team heads to Lake Charles, La. for the Southland Conference on Nov. 1- Nov. 4. Photo by Chandler Branzell

Whitney Booth, right, was honored with three other teammates at Senior Night, Oct. 19.

BASKETBALL 2012-2013

Men’s Basketball first practice

The ORU men’s basketball team officially started its 2012-13 season as of Oct. 26 with the team’s first full-squad practice. This will be ORU’s first season in four years without Dominique Morrison. The first exhibition game will be Nov. 1 against Missouri Southern at home. The first regular season game will be held Nov. 9 against UTEP.

New Southland participation brings new TV opportunities

Photo by Austin St. John

The men’s basketball season will be covered by Golden Eagle Broadcasting.

The 2012-13 basketball season will be covered by Golden Eagle Broadcasting, the Southland Digital Network and ESPN. Every home game will be broadcast nationally and streamed globally. CBS Sports Network will also air the Great Alaska Shootout the Golden Eagles will be participating in on Nov. 21 at 5 p.m.

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 15

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Jaci Bigham PG #22

Avg. Points 6.8 Avg. Assists 4.3 If there was a hustler award to hand out, it would go to Jaci Bigham. She goes for every loose ball and is always a threat in the passing game. Her stats may not dazzle at first glance, but she is vital for our chances. She’s also a lockdown defender. Last year Bigham finished 4th in the Summit League in assists and 7th with 2.0 steals per game. Entering her senior year, Bigham should provide a crucial leadership role.

Kevi Luper SG #15

Avg. Points 23.8 Avg. Steals 4.0 At this point in her ORU career, what else can I say about Kevi Luper- she’s the Preseason Mid-Major 1st Team All-American player and enters the season with 2,277 points-good for the top spot in both the ORU and Summit League record books. She is also on pace to become the eighth player in NCAA Division I history to finish with 3,000 career points. Hint: don’t leave her open.

Savanna Buck F #13

Avg. Steals 1.2 Avg. Points 5.0 Savanna Buck isn’t going to shock you with top ten plays. But she plays with heart and is the type of quality, role player that a team needs to succeed. Oh, and she can shoot too. Last year Buck played the role of sniper and shot 40.2 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three-point territory. So if you leave her open, get ready to pay the price.

Sarah Shelton C #42 (Sat out due to

NCAA transfer rules)

Shelton transferred to ORU from Southern Methodist University last semester. She gives the Lady Eagles something that is coveted in NCAAWB- size. At 6’3, Shelton provides a legitimate physical presence in the paint. Shelton was a stallworth in high school, averaging four blocks a game and a healthy 10 rebounds. Defense wins championships and is something you can never have too much of. If she brings the pain to the paint this season, she could be a serious x-factor.

Photo by Austin St. John

Kevi Luper looks to lead the Lady Eagles to a Southland Conference title in her final year at ORU. By Billy Burke Each season of college sports is different. Players come and go and chemistry can take time. Finding a team that clicks perfectly can be a once-in-a-blue-moon occasion. It’s just the circle of life for the NCAA. If you follow ORU women’s basketball, then this wretched circle is probably slowly driving you crazy. The past two years the Lady

Golden Eagles have been stacked with talent— ready to drop 3‘s, swipe the ball, run the fast break, just teeming to hoist the conference championship trophy...and they lose. So coming into this year, entering a new conference and playing new teams, what should we expect? Let me make this simple: Redemption. Here’s why.

16 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

Bernadett Balla F #23

Avg. Points 6.5 Avg. Reb. 3.8 Balla has diamond in the rough potential written all over her. Last year she was the only freshman to play in all 31 games and earned the

right to do so. She ranked 12th in the Summit League with .7 blocked shots per game (about every other). She also scored in double figures nine times. If her minute production holds true, she should be bound for a breakout sophomore year.

SCENE

Fall TV lineups have something for everyone By Chelsey Butler Within the tedious weeks of studying for tests, writing papers, and facing perilous group projects, many students seek some form of unwinding entertainment. Though some may shop at the mall with friends, and others enjoy a fierce game of hoops, there are still those unrelenting in the daunting task of keeping up with the latest shows. If you are one of those television enthusiasts, then here is your guide to fall TV. For those enjoy witty and comical sitcoms, there is a lot of variety on the air this fall. The ninth and final season of “The Office” is on NBC at 8 p.m. every Thursday. Directly after “The Office” you can catch an episode of “Parks and Recreation” at 8:30 p.m. also on Thursdays. ABC’s “Modern Family” comes on at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and NBC is proud to present “Community” at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays. CBS show “How I Met Your Mother” will

be on Mondays at 7 p.m., along with “The Big Bang Theory” at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. If you have a taste for more dramatic shows, you can expect to be delighted for the return of several hit series. Everybody’s favorite ABC fantasy fairytale show “Once Upon A Time” airs on the screen at 7 p.m. on Sunday nights. The premiere for “The Walking Dead” is set for 8 p.m. on October 14, after which the show will occur weekly at the same time. “NCIS” will be on CBS at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights. The new shows for this season vary from serious, hilarious, raunchy, and even controversial. CBS’ new show “Elementary” is a contemporary, partially gender-reversed version of the classic Sherlock Holmes. “Elementary” will air at 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Quirky animal humor can be expected in the new NBC show about a veterinarian with a monkey sidekick.“Animal Practice” comes on at 7 p.m on

Maintenance worker releases country album By Kristy McCreary At age 44, ORU maintenance man Mike Ogle and is achieving his dream of becoming a country music recording artist. Against all odds, Ogle has recorded his first CD and will have his national release Nov. 6 through Tate Music Group. “Getting a record label at my age really just doesn’t happen,” Ogle said. Ogle’s wife, Beth, is an ORU alumna who now teaches second grade at Bell Elementary in Tulsa Public Schools. She encouraged Ogle to pursue his dreams and is his inspiration for his first CD. “Mike has really sacrificed so much for our family, and now it is time for him to pursue his dream,” Beth said. “While I was in the process of school I knew that is what he wanted.” Ogle’s path to his dream began not only with his wife’s encouraging words, but also with her affirming actions. Beth was working for a restaurant that

regularly had karaoke and music, and she encouraged him to come and play. By saying yes to his wife’s suggestion, Ogle was unknowingly saying yes to the beginning of the pursuit of his passion. Ogle was quick to put his music aside for his young family. For years he worked to provide for his daughters and his wife. Now Ogle is hoping to get the opportunity to perform his country music, tour and make a living while doing it. Ogle’s first CD is a love letter to his wife, and the lyrics can inspire any couple to feel that same love. The song “I’d Do Anything” took Ogle almost 15 years to complete, and it begins “I loved you through the years. I’ve held you through the tears. I’ve been there when I could. And if you asked me, you know I would do anything.” Most of his songs took one or two hours to complete. His song “All I Can Do” goes through moments of his life and the love for his wife, and

Wednesday nights. One show that is causing quite a bit of controversy is NBC’s “The New Normal.”This show follows the life of a gay couple and their surrogate mother in their quest to start a family. If you’re interested in seeing what all of the commotion is about, you can check this show out for yourself Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. For those with limited or no TV access, keep in mind that Hulu (www.hulu.com) always offers the five most recent episodes of any current show. This can help the student without a TV stay up on all their favorite shows. Those listed here are just a few of the many shows on television this season, there are some which will not return until next spring, or even next summer. The hit AMC show “Breaking Bad” will not return Summer 2013. As for now, there is a plethora of good shows on air this season, and plenty to catch up on already.

Courtesy Photo

Mike Ogle, an ORU maintenance worker, is becoming a recording artist. he makes it clear that all he can do is love her. Ogle wants to encourage others to take opportunities if they have them. “Even if nothing comes out of it, I

can at least say I have tried,” he said. Ogle is striving to make a living while playing and getting to be on the road. He also hopes to have a No. 1 hit.

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 17

Give Thai a try: Restaurants cater to tastes Does Thai food always equal terribly spicy foods?

By Jessica Sherwood Although many people believe Thai food to be quite spicy, sometimes a bit of education is all it takes for those with mild taste buds to give Thai food a second chance. There are a variety of Thai food restaurants in Tulsa, which offer authentic Thai food along with affordable prices. Before giving Thai a second chance, there are some helpful hints to know about which foods will put a better taste in your mouth even before

you walk in the door. Thai food varies from region to region; there are similarities between all Thai food. Across the world, Thai food is often cooked with the same basic ingredients such as garlic, chilies, limejuice, lemon grass and fermented fish sauce or shrimp paste, which makes the food salty. Rice is the staple food in Thailand and is usually eaten with every meal, along with soups, curries, fried vegetables and nam prik. This tradition carried over to the United States, as rice is served with the majority of the dishes in Thai restaurants. Many people assume

Thai food means spicy food and yet, Thai food can be catered to each individual’s preference. At most of the Thai restaurants in Tulsa, there is the option of asking for a dish to be made mild, somewhat mild or spicy. At Lanna Thai most dishes can be made spicy on a range of 0 to 5 stars. Dishes marked with an * are already spicy. Simply by reducing the amount of chilies or increasing the amount of lime juice, chefs are able to lower the heat on certain dishes. Oftentimes, simply by knowing a few basic Thai words, the menu will not seem as overwhelming. For example, the Thai word “kang” means

curry, so expect curry in any dish that has the word “kang” in it. “Tom” means soups in Thai, so a dish called Tom Kha Gai is simply coconut chicken soup. Senior ORU student Rebecca Butcher not only enjoys eating out at Thai restaurants, but also making her own Thai food, specifically Pad Thai. “Thai food is delicious, but even better when you make it yourself,” Butcher said. “I love the spice in Thai food, but Thai food doesn’t have to be spicy if you don’t like spice.” Whether you enjoy mild or spicy food, Thai food in Tulsa can cater to your needs, you just need to know what to ask for.

‘SHER’ BETS Thai Restaurants Lanna Thai Location: 7227 S. Memorial Drive Lunch hours: Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat-Sun: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Thai Village Location: 8102 S. Lewis Ave. Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m. Sunday: Noon – 9 p.m. Bamboo Thai Location: 5079 S. Yale Ave. Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Words to know before you go...

Internet Photo

Pad Thai- a dish of stir fried rice noodles with eggs, fish, peanuts, or shrimp and is garnished with lime juice or kuri

Internet Photo

Thai Spring Rolls- contains vegetables

and meat wrapped in fresh noodle sheets and topped with sweet chili sauce 18 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE

Nam prik – a hot sauce, prepared in a variety of ways and differs from region to region Pad – stir-fried

Tom – boil or soup Kang – curry Yum - sour and spicy salad

Internet Photo

Thai Sweet Tea- sweetened

tea served with coconut milk

Subjectively Objective: Superheroes and villains

Research Participants Needed in a Brain Imaging Study of Depression The Laureate Institute for Brain Research in Tulsa, Okla. is currently recruiting participants for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) study of depression. Participants must have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. We are also recruiting healthy individuals and individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. Participant Requirements: • Female • Ages 14 to 25 • No history of an eating disorder • Body Mass Index of 18.5 to 25.0 • No psychiatric medications within 3 weeks of scanning (6 weeks for Prozac); participants will NOT be asked to stop current medications. • Right-handed • Native English speaker

Compensation is provided for time and effort related to participation.

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By Nathan Porter It would be easy to use this column to promote the agenda of a specific presidential candidate; But I won’t. The stress of politics can make a person want to escape and watch a series of thoughtless movies or read a long, nonpolitical novel. At times, fantasy seems much more appealing than political realism. But believe it or not, there is a similarity between the world of politics and the world of film and literature. That is, both are filled with perceived superheroes and villains. Whether we’re watching the Avengers dismantle Loki, the Dark Knight rise up against Bane, or the Powerpuff Girls defeat Mojo Jojo yet again, it’s clear Americans are infatuated with superheroes and their archenemies. The crazy part is, this affinity for good versus evil has transcended the big screen and found its way into American politics. Elections are no longer a matter of problems and solutions; they have become a subjective matter of arbitrary heroes and villains. It’s as if we’re subliminally persuaded into thinking that one candidate (whoever they may be) is inherently noble, undefiled, trustworthy and super, while the opposing candidate is inherently treacherous, deceitful, destructive and villainous. Of course, we put our passion and support behind the “super” candidate, because no reasonable human being would support a villain…right? There’s only one thing our superhero candidate needs from us to defeat the presumed evil villain: our vote. This gives us an interactive role in this epic story and the chance to empower our faithful political defender.

So we worship our vote and we give it sacred value, because it not only makes us feel “big and strong,” but also in our minds, it allows us to empower a superhero and indirectly defeat a villain. But what if it’s not so black and white? What if neither candidate is completely good or completely evil? What if there are no superheroes or villains in an election, just men? This is a question many Americans eventually face, and it can be daunting to answer. I personally struggled with this question’s reality and the political apathy that comes with it. It was tough to accept that no matter who I voted for, neither candidate would have web-shooting wrists, unfathomable strength or a large “S” on his chest. At first I felt deceived and my vote seemed futile. All these years, campaigns promised Superman, but in the end delivered Clark Kent. I felt as if politicians (specifically presidential ones) should apologize for their humanity. My eyes were opened to the fact that politicians are flawed, sinful human beings, capable of committing horrendous acts and incapable of saving me from all of life’s woes. But as I basked in fury one day, my eyes were opened to another question. What if I was never the one who needed saving? I never stopped to think that maybe just as I had been hoping for a superhero president, the president may have been hoping for superhero citizens. Even more, what if my vote isn’t the greatest thing I can give to the president? Could there be a more important gift I’m neglecting to give him? I can’t help but wonder. I don’t know who the winner of next week’s election will be, but he has my sincerest apology. So Mr. President, whoever you are, I can’t promise you’ll have my vote, but I can promise to give you the only super

THE ORACLE • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • 19

FUN RUN

David Batchelder (left) and Jonathan Harper (right) tied for first place at the Fun Run. Their time was 10:38.

Photos by Chandler Branzell

The male runners and walkers, above, kicked off the Fun Run bright and early on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m.

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20 • Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 • THE ORACLE