Oct 4, 2013 Print Edition

Oral Roberts University 路 Oct. 4, 2013 Tulsa, Okla. 路 Vol. 48, No. 4 www.oruoracle.com

GREAT HEIGHTS Nika Mostahinic soars above the net for a spike in a recent match.

PAGE 14

NEWS Murder trial postponed to January 2014 Pg. 3

FEATURES Two ORU grads use Instagram fashion photos for a cause Pg. 11

Photo by Austin St. John

SCENE Find out why you dress like your mother Pg. 12

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Feature Where does the fox stay?

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SPORTS PAGE 13 Plenty of local options for ORU football fans

scene PAGE 17 Taste the season with Tulsa coffee houses

PAGE 8

News

Student murder trial moved to January 2014 District attorney says informant issues responsible for most recent trial delay

By Hannah Covington It has been two years since freshman Carissa Horton, 18, and her boyfriend, Ethan Nichols, 21, were killed nine miles from ORU’s campus on Sept. 18, 2011, in Hicks Park.

Police arrested and charged Jerard Davis, 23, and Darren Price, 21, with two counts of first-degree murder by Sept. 20, two days after the murders.

Prosecutors announced they are seeking the death penalty in March 2012 arraignment hearings.

Court documents from a Jan. 10, 2012, preliminary hearing reveal both men admit to being in Hicks Park the night of the double-homicide shooting.

Neither has admitted to pulling the trigger. Based on this conflicting evidence, the two await separate trials.

Twenty-four months after the arrests and several litigation postponements, neither defendant has gone to trial.

But these delays are not unusual in death penalty cases, according to Tulsa District Attorney Tim Harris.

Harris, a 1983 graduate of ORU’s former law school, has served as Tulsa’s distict attorney for 14 years.

“It shouldn’t take this long, but it has, and it’s not odd for death penalty cases to take this long,” Harris said in a Sept. 30 phone interview. “We try to get them accomplished in less time than this, but for lots of different reasons, it has taken this long.”

Jail informant issues are the cause for the most recent delay in Davis’ jury trial. Tulsa County District Judge Bill Musseman reset his trial for Jan. 27.

Harris said the postponement came after prosecutors informed the defense

of their intent to use a jailhouse informant as a prospective witness.

Oklahoma law mandates the defense must be informed about such a witness 10 days before trial.

In early September, Davis’ attorneys requested additional time to investigate the informant’s criminal background.

Defense attorneys will look into whether the inmate has talked to police and been used in prosecution before or received any benefits for doing so, Harris said. He describes the witness as a “career criminal.”

Harris did not object to the additional delay.

“We want to make sure no stone goes unturned with the things we have to put [the defense] on notice about,” Harris said. “I don’t want any error in the record where we’re seeking the most serious punishment we can seek, which is death.”

Price’s jury trial is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Students who knew Horton remember her as an 18-year-old freshman with a peaceful demeanor and love for singing.

“There’s still not a day that goes by that I don’t think about her and the impact she had on our floor,” said senior Jessica Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was Horton’s resident advisor.

Both Horton and Nichols moved from Keokuk, Iowa, to Tulsa and began dating when the freshman started her studies at ORU. On the night of Sept. 18, the couple was walking in Hicks Park when two males confronted them.

The pair then forced Horton and Nichols on their knees and shot them execution style.

Their bodies were found by a woman and man walking their dogs in the park the next morning, according to police reports.

Though Harris is seeking the death penalty, the 12 Tulsa residents serving

Courtesy Photo

ORU student Carissa Horton was murdered Sept. 18, 2011. The two men charged with her murder in Tulsa County are to be tried separately, one Nov. 4 and the other Jan. 27. on the jury in each trial will ultimately decide the punishment for the crime, he said.

There are currently 12 Oklahoma prisoners on death row convicted of crimes in Tulsa County.

Of those 12, two cases took six to nine years from the date of the crime to the date of conviction, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

The remaining 10 took an average of 22 months to be convicted, making Davis’ and Price’s case about two months longer than the current Tulsa County average.

Though the delays in getting the

defense to trial are normal, Harris said the drawn-out timeframe is not ideal.

“My heart really goes out to the family,” Harris said. “This is a long time for them to heal, and after they get through that healing process and deal with their grief of losing their loved one under tragic and violent means, the trial just reopens that wound.”

Upcoming trials Darren Price: Nov. 4 Jerard Davis: Jan. 27

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 3

Engineers discuss creation, origin theories

By Dominique Johnson Engineering students arrived at their weekly seminar Wednesday for a discussion void of calculus and physics.

The topics? Just the creation of the universe and origin theories.

Dominic Halsmer, engineering professor and director of the Center for Faith and Learning, led the seminar.

“We’re preparing our engineers but we’re also preparing them to be missionaries to scientists and engineers,” Halsmer said. “Those are the people they will be rubbing shoulders with wherever God’s going to lead them.”

The weekly seminars cover a broad range of topics.

About once a semester, they address science and faith.

Halsmer explained six different origin theories. He attempted to present the information from a neutral standpoint but said that can be difficult.

Engineering student James “Bear” Britt said Halsmer succeeded in allowing students to make up their own minds about the theories.

“I think Dr. Halsmer did an excellent job as

always,” Britt said. “He did a very good job at balancing his opinion and giving all the students an opportunity to make the decisions for themselves.”

The theories included the ideas that a creator did not have a hand in creation, God directs evolution and God created the earth 10,000 years ago.

“One thing that I find trivial is some of the differentiations,” sophomore mechanical engineering major Andres De Valle said. “I find that if He planned [the world] all out, He planned it all out. If He just made it in an instant, He made it in an instant. I’m not too concerned, either way.”

De Valle said the seminars cover subjects most people don’t talk about.

“A lot of people wonder if you’ve examined your faith,” De Valle said. “If you haven’t done it before, this [seminar] is a great introduction to what you should do. And if you have done it before, it’s affirmation of something you’re doing right.”

In addition to preparing students to defend their faith, this seminar related to the topic of engineering.

“In engineering, students are coming to see much

Photo by Dominique Johnson Matthew Fulton and Joshua Williams talk in an engineering seminar Wednesday afternoon.

[dialogue about] science and theology hinges on the question of design in nature,” Halsmer said. “Engineers can recognize design in nature.”

Engineering students don’t get credit hours for attending the seminars. However, Britt said they prepare him for the real world.

“This is something that needs to be brought up now so that when we go down the line we can most definitely be ready to answer,” Britt said. “If there’s one thing you have to know, it’s what you believe.”

Tulsa mayoral race heats up; candidates spend big

By Kristy Sturgill Despite Tulsa having its first nonpartisan mayoral race, the Nov. 12 election ballot will have both a Democrat and a Republican.

Members of groups such as Republicans for Kathy express that they are voting for Democrat Kathy Taylor despite their Republican views.

Taylor wrote on her campaign website, “A group of Republicans make it clear that in this no-partisan election, the only thing that matters is who will run an accountable, transparent city hall that will get our city back to basics and not continue to mislead Tulsans.”

Mayor Dewey Bartlett claims to have the Republican Party vote on his campaign website.

“We are proud to stand with a united Republican Party to keep Tulsa headed in the right direction,” said Bartlett.

“We’ve seen a pattern from Kathy Taylor of trying to rewrite history and bury her past but Tulsans won’t fall for those tactics.”

Bill Christiansen, a primary candidate, originally offered his

endorsement to Dewey Bartlett because he is a Republican. Recently, however, Christiansen revoked his endorsement of Bartlett, and instead refuses to endorse either opponent.

At a press conference, Christiansen was quoted as saying, “Bartlett is not a true Conservative, instead he is a spendand-tax liberal.”

Christiansen also mentioned the

4 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

alleged attacks that Bartlett made against his wife during the primary election.

“I would like to send Mayor Bartlett a message to make sure your team does not go after my wife,” said Christiansen.

“I think all women in Tulsa should take a good hard look at that action.”

The Tulsa mayoral election is also proving to be expensive. Kathy Taylor

Tulsa spending vs. New York City Kathy Taylor (Tulsa) $5.88 per citizen $2.3 milllion raised total Dewey Bartlett (Tulsa) $2.11 per citizen $836,600 raised total Christine Quinn (New York) 95¢ per citizen

$7.82 million raised total Anthony Weiner (New York) 69¢ per citizen

$5.69 million raised total

Graphic by Matthew Dean

Students registered in Tulsa county can vote for mayor Nov. 12.

has raised a little over $2 million. Dewey Bartlett has raised about $1 million.

Kathy Taylor has invested $1.6 million of her own dollars into the race.

In comparison, Mayor Dewey Bartlett has invested only $180,000 into his campaign, but has received $656,000 from donations.

Bartlett’s donators contributed more in price than Taylor’s. Bartlett received donations from $1,000 to $5,000, and the contributors are mostly vested in oil and gas. Taylor received donations from $200 to $3,000 from contributors mostly in law firms.

Tulsa voted to amend the city charter in 2011, and made the mayoral race nonpartisan. The change hopes to focus elections on individual candidates and not party affiliation.

In the primary election, Dem. Kathy Taylor received 42 percent of the vote, Rep. Dewey Bartlett received 34 percent of the vote, and Rep. Bill Christensen received 23 percent of the vote.

About 29.3 percent of Tulsa’s registered voters cast their ballot.

Patricai Apy commutes to Tulsa once a week from New Jersey to teach her international law and peacemaking class.

Photo by Julianne Gonzalez

International adoption lawyer teaches new course

By Madison McDaniel Sunday night begins the start of a new week in a new state for Patricia Apy. Apy makes the 1,300-mile commute from New Jersey to Tulsa every Sunday in order to teach her international law and peacemaking class on Monday afternoons.

With its first semester underway, Apy, a 1978 ORU graduate, shares her outlook on the class so far and explains the dichotomy of a class that she teaches once a week. Apy specializes in international child and family law.

Beginning last year, the class was in the works among Apy and fellow faculty in the history, humanities and government department. According to Apy, the purpose of the class is to provide international law background to human rights.

“Human rights is a huge issue. A lot of folks on campus talk about it but human rights is a function of law,” Apy said. “It’s a function of an identification of universal principles of human rights and then how they’re applied in which

the world we live.”

Part of the class is about identifying what human rights are, how they are protected, how they have or haven’t been protected in the past and how to apply human rights to the issues that are going on around us today.

Taught like a law school course, students have assigned seating, use the textbooks actually used in international law school and are even given numbers for their tests rather than using their names.

“This class is rigorous,” Advisor and Assistant Professor of International Relations Ruby Libertus said. “Students have to be constantly focused. There is a heavy reading load and students have to step it up in many ways.”

Although there are history and government majors involved in the class, there is a wide range of other departments. This course draws various majors such as business and social work, as well as a variety of nationalities and backgrounds.

“Even though it’s only been offered

for the first time, I am thrilled that it is multi-disciplinary in terms of majors,” Apy said. “It’s provided a real depth to our discussions because we have students who have very practical real life, real time experience to which these legal concepts can be applied, and that makes it work the best.”

International community development sophomore, Joni McLeod is currently enrolled in the class for her own personal gain. Even though it is not required for her major, she is taking it due to her interest in international pre-law.

“I really like the discussion we’ve gotten into because she has us discuss modern day issues going on. So it’s not something that happened 30 years ago, it’s stuff happening today,” McLeod said.

International law and peacemaking is a class that equips its students and gives them a glimpse of what being a student in law school will be like.

“There’s so much that’s happening in real life,” Apy said. “[The students] have a congressional resolution on their

desk that’s a real resolution that they will be working on and providing briefing papers to Congress on.”

When she’s not in Tulsa teaching international law and peacemaking, Apy is in New Jersey, working at her own private practice as a lawyer.

“Half of my work is private practice,” Apy said. “I practice private international law, which includes kidnappings and issues involving families and children on the global level, and then on my public side I do consulting work with the Department of State and Department of Defense.”

Although international law and peacemaking is not officially deemed a permanent part of the course list for next semester, the class is leaving its mark.

“I am strongly committed to it being a class that is hard,” Apy said. “The academic excellence is important to place them in a position in a global world where they will be better equipped than anybody who walks out in the undergraduate class.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 5

The great debaters Debate team finds success in first tournament

By Madison McDaniel Friday, Sept. 27 the ORU Debate Team headed to Hutchinson, Ky., to compete at Hutchinson Community College against 20 other debate teams.

After four rounds of debate, any teams with winning records took a break for semi-finals. The next day, the team competed in individual events, which consisted of dramatic interpretation, informative speeches, persuasive speeches, poetry and impromptu speaking.

This is junior Alex Cevallos’ s second semester on the team.

“Debate is a completely different world that consists mainly of three people: you, your opponent, and the judge,” Cevallos said. “In debate, you are given the opportunity to argue sensitive topics in our world today and, for this short debate, you can actually feel like

you decide the final solution to the world’s problems.”

This weekend, the debate squad brought six teams consisting of two partners each.

“Debate is not as easy as two people arguing and a judge deciding who they like more, but rather it’s more than that,” Cevallos said. “Debate is about bringing your diagnosis of what the real problem is and having the best plan to solve it.”

The debate team returned Sunday morning, bringing home victory. ORU took third in sweepstakes for debate.

“My favorite part is of being on this team is getting to know the team,” Ryan Sullivan, a junior who placed at the competition, said. “I have nothing but respect for every one of my teammates.

I also enjoy being around people who are more than willing to help each other excel.”

Sullivan gives credit to the debate program at ORU for placing fourth

Courtesy Photo

Members of the debate team stand in front Hutchinson Community College during a recent tournament. Back row: Briauna Hoyt, Julianne Gonzalez, Ethorn Bullard, Taylor Casper, Tammy Dang, Ryan Tate-Sullivan and Andrew Parks. Front row: Rosina Albanese, Angela Dance and Victoria Grant. in speaking at his first ever debate competition.

“I was only able to win that award because of the opportunities that I have at this university,” Sullivan said.

The remaining meets will continue to exemplify the work that the team and its coaches put forth.

“Debate makes you a person that can have any controversial conversation and

be able to make a justifiable argument to hear,” Cevallos said. “Whether or not they agree, they always leave knowing more than they did originally, and what better way to change our world in whatever calling we have than being able to spread the gospel in a well formulated structure that anyone can understand.”

Students, Kenyans reflect on Nairobi mall violence

By Christa Cervantes The al-Shabab siege of Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya resulted in 72 people dead and about 175 people wounded. The Kenya Red Cross Society said 61 people still remain missing as the country recognizes an official three day mourning period.

The Somali militant group al-Shabab, considered a terrorist group by both the U.S. and U.K., claimed responsibility for the four-day siege lasting from Sept.

21 to Sept. 24.

Eyewitnesses to the attack reported the militants were strapped in with heavy ammunition as they jumped out of vehicles while accessing three entrances. Kenyan forces reported the militants numbered from 10 to 15 people. After the militant group lit mattresses on fire as a decoy, the already blast-weakened structures of three mall floors collapsed.

The death toll from the attack includes at least 18 foreigners of the 72 deaths. Citizens from the U.K., France, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, Peru, India, Ghana, South Africa and China were killed.

“I felt sympathy for the country, especially when I heard the death toll,” said Josh Carpenter, a freshman ministry major who went to Kenya on a mission trip.

Carpenter is still in contact with Nairobi resident

6 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Don Cameron, who attended Carpenter’s church and mission trip. Cameron and his wife created the ministry Burning Plow in Kenya. For Cameron, Westgate Mall was only 15 to 20 minutes away.

“We have been concerned about terrorism in Nairobi for some time,” said Cameron. “Since Kenya invaded Somalia in October 2011, we have had a bus bombing, a night club bombing, bombing downtown in a shopping district and a grenade tossed into a children’s Sunday school class.”

Al-Shabab stated they attacked in retaliation to Kenyan army occupation in Somalia. Kenyan troops have been stationed in south Somalia since October 2011; Kenya, a member of the African Union, has been aiding the Somalian government fight against the Islamic militants.

Ahmed Abdi Godane, al-Shabab’s leader, had stated these attacks will continue providing that Kenyan troops remain in Somalia.

In response to the threats, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya stated that Kenyan forces will not be leaving Somalia.

Living in Nairobi has brought personal encounters with terrorist attacks for Cameron and his wife.

“The church we frequently attend when in town

was targeted by a woman with two grenades found in her purse, but she was stopped when the motorcycle driver that she had hired to take her to church got suspicious and called the police,” said Cameron.

“Because of incidents like this some missionaries have left the country. But like the vast majority of missionaries here, we have remained.”

The effects these events will have on the economic future of Kenya, a leader in the African economy, is uncertain.

“It’s sad to see that this is happening in Nairobi.

It is an up and coming city and the economy is getting better and better,” said Megan Esposito, a senior international relations major. “Tourists — westerners — are going for a safari or vacation, whatever it is. And now this happens, and it’s like ‘I don’t want to go to Nairobi anymore.’”

Esposito spent time in Kenya during a fourmonth missions trip to Africa, and has visited Westgate mall.

“It’s kind of scary what will happen — what will happen to Kenya,” said Esposito. “It’s a shame. My impression of Kenyans were that they were kind, generous, loving people. They just ultimately wanted to share their culture with Westerners.”

Avoiding the ticket tab

Photo by Chandler Branzell

The university stores abandoned bikes by the greenhouse behind Towers.

Security to donate abandoned bikes

By Hannah Covington Missing a confiscated bike?

Time is running out to get it back, according to ORU security officials.

Security plans to donate 26 bikes left from last year to the Tulsa Dream Center in the next few weeks.

“At the end of the semester, some seniors or other students leave their bikes on campus, either because they don’t have room for them after they graduate, or because they’ve forgotten them,” said Gerald Isaacs, ORU director of public safety and security.

The university collects about 25 to 30 bikes each year and stores them through the summer. The bikes still unclaimed after school starts are then donated to a local charity, Isaacs said.

Bicycles on campus are generally confiscated for one of two reasons, the first being if the bike is left outside without a bike pass.

Students wishing to purchase a bike pass can buy one at any time in the Security Office for $5.

Security will also confiscate bikes chained to areas other than the

designated bike racks around campus.

Junior Lauren Lebsack was living on campus this summer when her bike disappeared for this reason.

Lebsack’s parents had dropped her bike off for her to use in July.

“I hadn’t had a chance to get a permit yet, and I had my bike chained onto the bridge heading up the stairs to towers, like other people usually do,” Lebsack said.

About a week later, Lebsack noticed her bike was missing and called security to ask where it was.

“They had cut my brand new bike chain,” Lebsack said.

The Wisconsin native waited until the first weeks of school to get it back.

Security had kept it chained up with the other abandoned bikes behind Towers all summer, but returned it when Lebsack purchased a bike pass.

Isaacs said security makes its best effort to return bikes to their owners before any are donated.

“Just come to security and ask,” Isaacs said.

Photo by Chandler Branzell

Security writes about 700 parking tickets every year.

By Hannah Covington More parking tickets are issued in the first month of school than any other time of the year, accumulating hefty fines for students without parking passes, according to university officials.

Security issues as many as 40 tickets a week during the beginning of the semester, accounting for the highest weekly totals of the year, said Gerald Isaacs, director of public safety and security.

The easiest way to avoid the tickets is to register the car and buy a pass, Isaacs said.

“We want to know that the vehicles belong on campus and that there’s not someone on campus victimizing our students,” Isaacs said. “The idea is to know that the vehicle and its occupants belong here.”

Besides lacking passes, parking in lower lot or the execute lot before 5 p.m. or after 7 a.m. is also cause for a ticket, according to the student handbook.

Isaacs added that students will now be ticketed for trying to drive past any of the parking lot gates, citing safety and cost concerns.

In years past, students have broken and run over the gates by driving straight through them.

The gate blocking the drive from upper to lower lot had to be replaced five times last year, costing about $15,000, Isaacs said.

Despite the influx of tickets in the last month, annual totals remain relatively constant, Executive VP and COO Tim Philley said.

Isaacs expects that total to be about 700 by spring.

Most parking violations cost $50. Philley said this price is based on market research of what other schools charge.

Yearly revenue totals from tickets generally range from $35,000 to $45,000.

This money goes into the university’s general operating account, Philley said.

“It’s not revenue-driven, but it does bring in revenue,” Isaacs said.

The parking lots are patrolled up to 10 times a day, he added.

Students wishing to petition their tickets can bring them to security. At the fifth ticket, patrolling officers will put a boot on the car, which costs an extra $35 to have removed.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 7

FEATURES

WHERE DOES THE

FOX STAY? University sees influx of campus animals.

So far this year, students have spotted a fox, squirrels, blue herons, owls and stray cats.

Fox, heron and owl photos by George Perkins Squirrel and cat photos by Chandler Branzell

By Dominique Johnson Chapel isn’t the only place students can find wild creatures. Both “Towers Cat” and the chubby squirrels are staple figures of ORU culture. However, not many people know that before this land was ORU, it was a large farm, complete with a creek. Through the years, many animals simply adapted to life around the university and students.

“The neat deal is being here in the city, but still having so much wildlife here on campus,” said George Perkins, director of grounds and services. “You wouldn’t think you would have foxes, coyotes and all these other critters.”

While students frequently see geese

and squirrels, other wildlife call the campus their home. In fact, Perkins has documented moles, bats, raccoons, beavers, foxes, blue herons, owls, rats and snapping turtles, to name a few.

“We are a little oasis in the city,” Perkins said. “We have a large chunk of land, and we’re fortunate to have the dominant water feature of Fred Creek.”

Even though it may be tempting to chase the geese or pet the cats, Perkins advises students to keep their distance.

“They [students] just need to stay away,” Perkins said. “I know a lot of people feed the cats. They’re feral cats and they need to treat them like wild animals so they don’t get hurt.”

8 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Perkins said the cats benefit the school by cutting down on mice and rats. The fox population also aids rodent control.

“I really like the foxes,” Perkins said.

“I was very mesmerized by them when I first saw them.”

Along with the cats and foxes, birds of prey help maintain the population of animals on campus. The squirrel population, as well as Canada Geese, has seen the impact of these birds.

“With the red tailed hawk, I’ve physically seen them catch little baby geese, ducks and squirrels,” Perkins said.

“Nature has its own cycles of dealing with stuff.”

However, since federal law protects

Canada Geese, students can receive heavy fines if they harm one.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids messing with the geese,” Perkins said. “They tease them and stuff. But if they ever got hurt and someone knew who it was, the federal government wouldn’t be too happy.”

The geese also pose a potential threat to humans. Perkins recalled a time when a Canada Goose attacked an employee by flying up on his back and scratching him.

Even though they remain on campus year-round, the goose population has decreased over the years.

Continued on page 9

Continued from page 8 “Some of it I attribute to the coyotes and the foxes,” Perkins said. “They were around when the little ones were hatching. They were easy for the predators to snag.”

The university does not remove any animals from campus that do not pose a threat to students. Instead, they take a hands-off approach. However, the presence of animals such as raccoons, skunks, possums and snakes require the university to take action.

“We killed a copperhead that was in the prayer tower last week,” Perkins said, “In the middle of the night,

security was checking the building.

They opened the elevator and it was sitting there.”

After the snake dropped down a crevice in the elevator, Perkins had to call two critter-control services to take care of the issue.

In addition to the diversity of animals on land, Lake Evelyn and Fred Creek contain a large number of fish and a heavy population of turtles. There is no university policy on fishing.

“This is private property, so I don’t think you would need to have a state fishing license to fish here,” Perkins said, “The bass that I’ve seen from the

campus are a good size.”

Perch, bluegill and other species make up the fish population. Many water fowl can also be spotted in the creek or pond.

If students are interested in preserving the animal environment, they can join the Environmental Stewardship Club on campus.

“I love that people respect wildlife,” Perkins said. “This is a campus for you guys, but it’s also a habitat for the animals that they wouldn’t normally have in the city. They’re protected here.

Everybody will enjoy them and respect them for being here.”

Photo by Chandler Branzell

Fall break by bus: Stay-cation information

By Claire Ferguson Those of you who are counting the days until fall break know that it is less than a week away. Many students with vehicles are organizing road trips and visits home.

However, for students without vehicles who may feel limited, there is an excellent resource available — public transportation.

The Tulsa Transit website describes public transport as an economical way to travel around town, stating that paying the cost of public transport is more frugal than purchasing gas.

The purchase of a multipleride pass can save you up to 33 percent over cash bus fares.

The Tulsa Transit buses offer EZ Rider bus passes relevant to fall break from $3.25 to $12.

The 1 Day Unlimited Ride Pass is available for purchase online and on any Tulsa Transit bus.

The 10 Ride Adult Pass, 10 Ride Express Pass, 10 Ride Youth Pass, 7-Day Unlimited Ride Pass and the 31 Day Unlimited Ride Pass are all available online and at any

QuikTrip. The nearest QuikTrip is located on 71st Street, across from McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Students who are 18 or younger are eligible to purchase a 10 Ride Youth Pass.

Unless explicitly titled, most Tulsa Transit bus passes are not Express passes. If a pass is not an Express pass, this means that the rider is entitled to only local routes unless he or she pays an additional 25 cents per Express route.

Express Routes 902 and 909, located in downtown Tulsa, offer a Guaranteed Ride Home service. Buses from routes 902 and 909 will pick up passengers at Tulsa Transit stops downtown and deliver them to their destinations.

The closest Tulsa Transit stop is number 6218, directly between ORU’s D-lot and Wal-Mart.

While Tulsa Transit is usually a reasonable mode of transportation, some destinations are not worth the time of the bus ride. The Farm Shopping Center, near 51st Street and Sheridan, takes over an hour by bus, versus 11 minutes by car. Other sites are not di-

rectly reached by a Tulsa Transit route. For example, anyone wishing to visit the Tulsa Zoo would have to get off the bus and walk for a substantial distance the rest of the way.

For a list of detours and other information, visit Tulsa Transit’s mobile or desktop website: www.tulsatransit.org

1 day unlimited pass

$3.25 10 ride adult pass

$12.00 10 ride express pass

$15.00

10 ride youth pass

$9.50 7-day unlimited ride pass

$12.00 Graphic by Bruce Dixon

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 9

Hudgens back in action

By Parrish Purnell Jr. At the time of the injury, Hudgens Coach Eric Hudgens will never forwas 33 and living a very active lifestyle. get August 2011, when he sustained an He trained professional and amateur injury that changed his way of life. athletes, played volleyball and basketNow two and a half years later, he’s back ball, water skied and sometimes ran up in action, working harder than ever at what to twenty miles in a day. he loves: coaching, teaching and running.

Following the injury, the HPE The day that changed his life, Coach department donated all the proceeds “Hudge” was playing an intense game of from the Fun Run to raise $100,000 for basketball at the Aerobics Center with a Hudgens medical bills. group of students and friends.

“The Fun Run helped wipe my bills He went clean,” Hudgens up to make a The Fun Run helped wipe my said. “That really “LeBron-like” gave me peace of bills clean. That really gave me mind financially.” block on an peace of mind financially. opponent, but After five surgercame down ies and a year and a — Eric Hudgens Photo by Julie Gonzalez awkwardly, half of rehab, HudEric Hudgens teaches total conditioning at ORU. causing his patellar tendon to tear com- gens is back on his feet in full effect. and coaches track and cross country at like I used to.” pletely. The tear also forced his kneecap “I never really stopped doing everyHudgens now spends time telling up into his thigh. thing I did before the injury,” he said. “I Union High School. He’s able to run again, and has returned to training his his story to students and athletes to This freak accident didn’t come as had established an environment where students and athletes. But things aren’t inspire them to always work hard. a shock to Hudgens, who ran track at students could still perform at a high like they used to be.

“My appreciation for running has ORU from 1998 to 2001. level even without me.”

“It’s bittersweet being able to run always been high,” Hudgens said. “But “Tendonitis plagued my body In addition to teaching HPE, Hudagain,” he said. “Because I can’t do it now it’s grown even more.” throughout my entire career,” he said. gens founded Personal Best Athletics

“

”

Students turn to nearby health clinics for treatment

By Brooke Thomas As a college student, one may be unsure of where to go to receive medical treatments. Whether one has a sore throat or a need for emergency medical care, proximity is key for a college student.

ORU’s Student Health Services, located under EMR, provides general medical care for minor and acute illnesses.

Student Health is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A full-time registered nurse is always on duty, and a physician or physician’s assistant is available on Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Students are seen on a first come, first served basis, and there is no fee for physician visits.

Health Services accepts cash, checks or Eagle Bucks for available immunizations, prescription and non-prescription drugs, tuberculosis tests, strep tests, flu shots and other medical tests.

“I went [about] five or six times last year because I got sick a lot... They were all pretty good experiences.

It was hard to go during the limited time they offer, but they had all of the prescriptions I needed,” said Bria Edgar, a junior.

10 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Off-campus options are available as well.

One option you may choose is ERgent Care.

Located a mere two miles away at 97th and Riverside, ERgent Care is easily accessible when your primary physician is unavailable.

The doctors have emergency room experience and are present every day.

ERgent Care provides fast care at affordable prices with no appointment necessary.

“You should visit ERgent Care for isolated, immediate needs,” said Dr. Sherri Thomas of St. Francis.

“After I filled out paperwork, I waited maybe 10 to 15 minutes. They were super nice,” said Takudzwa Samupunga, a senior. “We were joking about everything, [despite the injury]. I got my X-ray taken and my prescription from the doctor, they put me in a boot, and I was on my way.”

Although ERgent Care is great for immediate

needs, the way to obtain consistent medial treatment is to choose a primary care doctor at a local clinic.

Premier Family Care, located in the parking lot of Citiplex Towers at the corner of 81st and Lewis, is perfect for students looking for a physician at a convenient distance. They can take care of your basic needs and refer you to specialists if necessary.

Another local clinic is St. Francis. St. Francis is a hospital, emergency room and clinic all in one location at the corner of 61st and Yale.

The all-inclusive health care options offered by St. Francis allow for a complete continuum of healthcare services.

All clinics vary on what insurance they will accept; however, most clinics in the Tulsa metro area will take the basic HMO’s and PPO’s. We all have “sick days,” but students don’t have to go untreated.

For more information about local healthcare,

call 918.495.6341 or visit http://www.oru.edu/current_students/my_services/health_services; http://www.ergentcare.com; or http://www.saintfrancis.com.

oruoracle

ORU grads Instagram for a cause

Courtesy Photo

Left: Tiffany Rogers, a senior, participating in the “neutrals” coast to coast challenge. Right: Lindsey (the co founder) participating in the neon and animal print challenge.

By Lara Allen What happens when two humanitarians who share a love of clothes create a small phenomenon using only an app?

In August 2012, ORU alumnae Lindsey Clark and Lauren Palomares found out.

They turned picture sharing into a full-blown mission organization to help women trapped in sex trafficking.

Coast to Coast Central was born when two best friends moved to separate sides of the country after college.

Clark moved to California while

Palomares moved to Florida. Wanting a way to stay in touch, the girls created a series of fashion challenges on Instagram that consisted of specific colors, patterns and trends for that day. They would then hashtag “#CoastToCoastChallenge” on their photographed outfits. Both girls used these challenges as a guaranteed way to communicate every day.

After just a few weeks of posting the challenges, they noticed other young women asking how they could join.

Clark and Palomares opened up the challenges to the public eye and noticed

a whole community of women coming together in the name of fashion.

Since both girls consider themselves humanitarians before fashionistas, they wanted to use the #CoastToCoastChallenge as a platform to do something bigger. The girls turned their simple Instagram game into a social enterprise: Coast to Coast Central.

The organization would soon adopt “to wear love” as their mission statement. The slogan can simply be interpreted as pairing style with purpose.

“To wear love is to leave a lasting legacy, making an impact wherever

you go and leaving a sweet aroma of change,” said Clark.

The main goal is for women to be inspired, challenged and empowered.

Clark states that she and Palomares want to use fashion to help women realize their worth and challenge them to “remove limitations not only in their wardrobe, but in their lives.”

This organization is taking their mission statement of “wearing love” literally, and selling the “Darling Necklace” to fund an ongoing humanitarian effort. The “Darling Necklace” is a small vile filled with gold glitter and a scroll that reads, “Dare to dream a little bigger darling.” Located in Quito, Ecuador, Casa Mis Sueños is partnering with Coast to Coast Central to build a restoration house for women caught in sex trafficking. The restoration house will be appropriately named, “The house of my dreams.”

While the Instagram challenge is not directly connected to the organization’s humanitarian project, the #CoastToCoastChallenge is the gateway.

“Once a girl stumbles upon the challenge, she comes to an understanding that there is an inviting community alongside of it,” said Clark. “The community not only brings sparkle to life through fashion, but also through bringing hope to the hopeless.”

You can find out more information about Coast to Coast Central and their mission statement, as well as purchase the Darling Necklace on their website: coasttocoastcentral.com.

And ladies, make sure to follow @ C2C_Central on Instagram and participate in the weekly fashion challenges every Tuesday and Thursday.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 11

The mash-up era of fashion

By McKensie Garber In today’s fashion, anything goes. Today’s apparel, from the red carpet to the college campus, is an array of influences from past time periods. Fashion philosophers have referred to this as the “mash-up” era of fashion. This broad spectrum offers a fun and free way to express oneself.

19th Century Yes, even fashion today is influenced from centuries past. Fashion from days out on the prairie or the Oregon Trail can be seen today in dainty floral prints and lace up, prairie or combat boots.

Rich floral prints and ornate baroque patterns worn during the Victorian era arrive on retail racks and dominate red carpets.

Dolce & Gabbana took this royal look of gold, baroque embellishments and fancy lace to the fall runway.

The 1960s Retro chic looks that surfaced during the 1960s such as collared shirts, boxshaped dresses, bold prints and cat-eye makeup are very popular today. The 1960s were a decade of style revolution as fashion traditions were broken to mirror social-movements.

At the top of the decade, London modernists known as “Mods” shaped popular fashion for young adults, causing it to change more than ever before in history. The hippie movement came later in the decade, bringing forth bell-bottoms and paisley prints.

Designer Marc Jacobs brought sixties style to the fall runways with antique colors, bold prints, high neck lines and long skirts.

Banana Republic created a Mad Men fashion line in 2011, after the mod-inspired clothes worn by the cast on the show. They are currently out with their third line of vintage colored pieces that create the perfect look for fall…or Don Draper’s wife.

The 1970s Paisley prints and high-waisted bellbottoms rolled over into the 1970s, but with a more bohemian look.

Women wore the still popular Mexican peasant blouses with embroidered flowers. Designer brand Gucci graces fashion spreads this season with psychedelic, paisley prints.

It was the decade of disco, and platform shoes hit the dance floor.

Platform heels and wedges remain shoe trends today.

Later in the decade, disco styles transformed into the punk rock styles of skinny jeans and rhinestones. Rock stars such as David Bowie inspired this glam rock fashion movement.

In recent years, women have brought back the hair center part that became popular in the 1970s when women wore their hair long and natural.

The 1980s The loose fitting pant silhouette of the 1970s reversed in the 1980s at the invention of leggings. Today, skinny jeans (or jeggings) are the most popular leg-wear.

The iconic fishnet and leotard look of the 1980s was influenced by Madonna, and is not seen today unless your name is Lady GaGa. The movie “Flashdance” brought about the popularity of ripped sweatshirts and leg warmers. Leg warmers are a present trend with boots during the winter.

Clothing prints that included neon colors, animal prints, or geometric shapes are still seen in current fashion.

In the 1980s, jewelry took the form of loud statement pieces in bright colors and geometric shapes. Statement jewelry is now a major trend, such as the new J. Crew bubble necklaces.

We can thank the 1980s for bringing all comfortable shoes into the fashion scene, such as sneakers and boating shoes.

Converse and Keds were popular footwear during the decade, and preppy people wore Eastland boating shoes.

Today, Vans and Sperrys are some of the most beloved footwear brands among college-aged people.

The 1990s The 1990s were the decade of denim, particularly acid-washed. The denim chambray shirt worn in the 1990s remains a major fashion staple. Highwasted denim shorts of the 1990s are also making a comeback.

Designer Alexander McQueen introduced low-waisted jeans into the decade, which have firmly remained.

Overalls, corduroy pants, sports windbreakers, graffiti prints and white tennis shoes from the hip-hop decade are not prevalent in current fashion.

Flannel and plaid shirts became popular in the 1990s as people started going for a grungy look. This grungy vibe has carried over into the 21st century of hipsters.

Sophomore Siyana Chekanov resembles Audrey Hepburn in a sixties-inspired collared shirt and color blocking.

12 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

1990s

Sophomore Valeria Hernandez is free-spirited in a knit, bohemian shirt and headband.

1980s

1970s

Junior Lauren Lebsack is 21st century “Pride and Prejudice” in a lavish floral shirt, cameo brooch, and combat boots.

1960s

1800s

Photos by Chandler Branzell

Senior Dominique Williams is “Saved by the Bell” in an acid-washed denim jacket from Forever 21.

Senior Krystle Aguilera is looking like a member of “The Breakfast Club” in a boldly printed shirt, high-waist skinny jeans, and converse.

SPORTS

@oruoraclesports

FRIDAY NIGHT

LIGHTS Tulsa style Photos (above) by Austin St. John

Photo by Chandler Branzell

Photo by Chandler Branzell

By Ryan Woods and George Korkian Summer is over and fall has made a glorious return. The return of fall means the return of football in the great state of Oklahoma.

There is something special about putting on a hoodie and heading out to watch a football game on a perfect fall night.

In a perfect world, ORU students would be able to wake up on Saturdays, tailgate with their friends and head over to the stadium to support the Golden Eagle football team. Unfortunately the world is not a perfect place, but grab that hoodie Woods and “Kork” are here to help.

University of Tulsa vs. Colorado St. Division-I college football can be found exactly fourteen minutes from lower lot at the Univeristy of Tulsa.

On Sept. 7, we watched the Golden

Hurricanes play Colorado State.

The fun begins on E. 8th St. hours before the game. The streets surrounding the stadium are filled with an army of die-hard fans tailgaiting.

The grills were fired up, the coolers were stuffed and the corn hole games were as intense as the game they preceded.

After taking in kickoff from the sidelines, we headed to the student section to get the student view and experience. These guys and girls were all about their team, and said they’re always up for some cross-town guests.

When the players headed for the locker room at halftime, they set the stage for one of every fan’s favorite pastimes; stadium food.

At University of Tulsa games, you will find reasonable prices on everything they have to offer. From hotdogs

ORU students get the fan experience at Chapman Stadium. Back from left: Ryan Henley, JaMes Winn, Stephon Walsh, Elizabeth Roames, Madison Marshall. Front: Mike Clayton, Jadyn Tumpkin, Raquel Fletcher, Daniel Jones.

Photos (left): TU gets a win at home in a final score of 30-27. and popcorn, to drinks of literally all shapes and sizes. A 52-ounce drink and a couple of footlongs in hand we headed back to the stand for the second half.

The game didn’t disppoint. Tulsa scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback. The crowd braced for a field goal that could potentially win the game for for the Golden Hurricanes.

Thousands grew more anxious as Colorado State called a timeout to “ice” the Tulsa kicker for the third time. As our level of anticipation grew, so too did our level of appreciation that this experience can be had in our own backyard.

As the kick finally left Carl Salazar’s foot the crowd took a collective breath, as a chilling hush of anticipation swept over Chapman Stadium.

Just as the ball split the uprights,

that seemingly eternal hush was traded in for a roar of jubilant fans celebrating a win for the home team.

It’s a magical moment that happened in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just as it would have in a national championship game somewhere else.

We could’ve attended a game in the middle of a torrential downpour, and still left with a great story to tell. The game could’ve been a blowout with few plays that we’d remember the next day, and we could still leave with a memory we’d always share. That’s what sports, and nights spent as fans of football, is all about.

This weekend is another chance to experience a night like this, and it’s waiting just 14 short minutes away.

Continued on page 14

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 13

Photo by Austin St. John

Continued from page 13 Jenks High School vs. Union High School If you’ve ever seen the show Friday Night Lights you know that high school football can be a towns’ very existence. While Tulsa is no Dillon, some of the country’s best high school football is played here.

Tulsa is home to the top two high school teams in the state; Jenks and Union High Schools.

The Backyard Bowl, as the locals call it, is one of the premier high school football rivalries in the entire country.

The teams compete once in the regular season, and then in the State Championship. Each year the build up and excitement reaches new levels, and this years’ matchup between the two powerhouses did not disap-

point.

The game was played at University of Tulsa’s Chapman Stadium due to its overwhelming popularity.

The atmosphere was electric as 19,000 fans poured in to see the best in Oklahoma high school football write the next chapter in their historic rivalry.

University of Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops and Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops were among the many high profile attendees, as scouts clamored over Steven Parker and several of his teammates.

The game was full of momentum swings. Union appeared to have the game in hand, but as Coach Lee Corso says, “Not so fast my friend.”

Jenks wide reciever Dylan Harding scored a 66-yard game-winning touchdown on a pass from

Cooper Nunley and, you guessed it, the crowd went absolutely crazy. It was easily one of the best football games we have ever seen.

As another weekend arrives here’s a great lineup of games you can attend. Don’t let another weekend pass you by without making some memories of your own.

Tonight @ 7 p.m.

Stillwater High School at Union High School Tomorrow @ 2:30 p.m.

Rice at Tulsa

Volleyball team dominates road opponents

By David Sauer ORU’s volleyball team continued its success last week on the road with a sweep over two Southland Conference opponents.

The first match came against New Orleans last Thursday. Seven of ORU’s ladies recorded kills in the 3-0 victory.

Jessica Pancratz led the way with nine of ORU’s 31 kills, and Laura Rosa hit a career high four aces.

ORU won the first set 25-19, despite a poor offensive performance.

They stepped up in the next two sets, winning them 25-17 and 25-14.

The Lady Golden Eagles added another victory against Southeastern Louisiana last Saturday. A four-point run led to a dominant first set win for ORU. The two final sets were much closer, as ORU won by only a combined six points.

14 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Rosa and Sara Pope led the team with 11 kills. Bruna Silva had a team high 16 digs, and Freshman McKenna Qualls also made an impact with 10 digs and three service aces.

The Lady Golden Eagles are now 12-2 overall and undefeted in conference play.

The two wins increased Head Coach Sheera Sirola’s career total to 199 wins, only one short of 200 for her career.

The Lady Golden Eagles set their sights on getting Coach Sirola her 200th win last night against Stephen F. Austin.

For a complete recap of the game, go to oruoracle.com.

ORU takes the floor again on Saturday at home against Northwestern State. First serve is at 2 p.m. in the Aerobics Center.

Goal Keeper: Freshman anchors Golden Eagles Ben LaCourse enjoying early season success

By Parrish Purnell Jr. From high school to college, red-shirt freshman Ben LaCourse set goals to do it all on the soccer field.

After a stellar pre-college career, one conclusion can be made; this goalkeeper is a winner.

Ben LaCourse’s soccer career began at the age of five.

“I’ve always loved soccer.

I’ve stuck with it ever since I started,” he said.

LaCourse attended Metro Christian Academy in Tulsa, Okla. He began building his soccer resume with 46 wins over four years, including 34 career shutouts and 28 goals.

LaCourse received Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman, and was a four-time All-District and All-Metro honoree.

He picked up All-State honors as a senior and was named team MVP his final three seasons.

LaCourse set a goal early on to earn a soccer scholarship.

After his award-winning high school career LaCourse received a scholarship to play at the University of Tulsa.

“I’ve been blessed to have received a scholarship. I definitely do not take it for granted and I am very thankful,” he said.

LaCourse spent a semester at Tulsa before transfering to ORU. This year is LaCourse’s first year of eligibility, and his first win came against Rogers State University where he recorded nine saves.

LaCourse attributes his play to his competitive nature. “I

Get to know Ben -39 saves through eight games this year

-Favorite food: Sushi and fried rice

-Favorite movie: “Braveheart” -Favorite athlete: Tim Howard

-Favorite activity:

Playing golf or pingpong

- Favorite actor: Jason Segal Photo by Chandler Branzell

Red-shirt freshman Ben LaCourse has quickly established himself as a key member of the Golden Eagles soccer team. can’t stand losing. That’s what motivates me to work harder than the next person”, he said.

“We have set high goals for the season. We are striving to win a conference championship”, he said.

LaCourse sees all the pieces on this team to be successful in the postseason.

“I believe that with the coaching staff and players we have, it is more than achievable for us to win a conference championship”, he said.

LaCourse has thrived at Upcoming Home Games almost every level of athletics; except the professional level.

One can’t help but wonder -Saturday, Oct.12 whether or not he’ll take his Western Illinois at 7 p.m. game to the next level after -Tuesday, Oct. 22 graduating from college.

Incarnate Word at 7 p.m.

“Personally, I want to play at the highest level I can,” -Monday, Oct. 28 Central Arkansas LaCourse said. “If that means at 7 p.m. professional, that would be amazing. As for now, I’m -Saturday, Nov. 2 focused on making all-conDenver at 7 p.m. ference, and helping my team make the NCAA tournament.”

- Favorite band: Bon Iver

- Favorite superhero: Bibleman

- Most inspirational person: His grandfather

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 15

Jennifer Abernathy’s journey to soccer prominence

By Jonathan DeFriess Who doesn’t remember the orange slices and juice boxes at the half times of youth athletic games?

At age six, Jennifer Abernathy first jumped into soccer after seeing the snacks that her brother and his team took part in during the half times of their games.

From the start, Abernathy thrived in a competitive environment. She grew up in a cul-de-sac dominated by guys but did not shy away. Instead, she developed a passion for athletics and competetion.

She continued to compete in high school, playing both basketball and soccer, but started having trouble with her knee.

Abernathy was born with one of her knee caps in two pieces. As a result, her knee would lock up after heavy training. In high school, she had two or three practices a day, which lead to her frequent problems.

Her doctor recommended picking one sport if she wanted to continue to compete. As we know, she chose soccer. The knee no longer causes any issues today.

While at Union High School, Abernathy was captain of the women’s soccer team her junior and senior years. In her four years as a Union Redskin, the team won two 6A state championships out of three trips to the finals.

Abernathy joined ORU in the fall of 2010 and quickly made an impact. She scored six goals in her freshman season and was named Summit League Freshman of the Year.

After a quiet sophomore season, she came back stronger in her junior year.

A career full of accolades -2010 Summit League Freshman of the year -2012 All-Southland Conference First Team -2012 Southland All-Academic First Team -Four career game-winning goals -Through ten games this season, Aberthany’s career goals total stands at 17 Photo by Chandler Branzell

Abernathy has been devoted to soccer from a young age. She has five goals this season, one shy of her career season high of six.

Abernathy scored four goals and tallied five assists. She was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week two times. She also achieved the honor of All-Southland Conference First Team, as well as Southland All-Academic First Team.

Only half way through this season, Abernathy has five goals and five assists and shows no signs of slowing down.

She recognizes her mother and father, Trish and Kieth, as

16 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

her greatest supporters. Abernathy said her mom has, “Only missed three games”, including away games. She said, “I wouldn’t be able to be where I am at without their support.”

When not on the soccer field or in the classroom, Abernathy likes to visit friends at Oklahoma State University.

She also recently became an aunt to a boy whom she said is, “The cutest nephew ever.”

Abernathy, like most other seniors, is anticipating gradu-

ation. She doesn’t feel like she has been here four years, but is excited to move on to physical therapy school.

One thing is for sure, Abernathy will continue to progress as a leader, no matter where she goes.

Abernathy said that a goal for the team this year is to be, “Undefeated in conference.”

On top of being 8 and 2 overall, the ORU Women’s soccer team is currently 3-0 in conference.

The first two conference wins came over the predicted first place and second place teams of the Southland Conference, Stephen F. Austin and Lamar. Abernathy said that, for the team, it, “Feels like we can only go up from here.”

SCENE

Common grounds in local coffee culture

By Chelsey Butler and made with For many stua French press, dents, coffee is a very which gives their important part of drinks an unthe college experimatched authenence, and ORU tic flavor that students are no does not disapexception. From hippoint. The only ster coffee shops to downside of this brand-name coffee shop is that its chains, there’s a large Photo by John Weiand convenient locaselection of places in Shades of Brown coffee shop distion usually means Tulsa to get your caf- plays coffee prices and pick-up sign. that it’s crowded. feine buzz and study However, if that through the night. doesn’t bother you, be sure to stop in For those stuck on campus, there are and try the refreshing “Iced Runt.” a few coffee places relatively close.

A second favorite ORU spot is the The local favorite is Nordaggios, friendly and welcoming Kaffe Böna. colloquially known as “Nords.” This The moment you walk in the door, you comfortable shop is conveniently loare met with a welcoming smile from cated across the street, tucked into the one of the hospitable baristas. shopping center at 81st and Lewis.

This coffee shop is built with stuThough small, they have two comdents in mind. The entire shop is filled fortable couches, several large tables, with large tables and comfortable and a bar that runs along one wall with chairs, perfect for group projects or plenty of plug-ins for those searching study sessions. They even offer computfor a place to power up their laptop and ers for those who don’t have one. do some homework.

The coffee at this shop is more ecThe coffee is reasonably priced centric, offering flavor combinations

that cannot be found elsewhere. Located at 91st and Yale, this shop is a bit further away, but it shouldn’t be hard to catch a ride with a friend.

If you’re willing to drive further to see the real coffee scene in Tulsa, you have to take a trip to Shades of Brown at 33rd and Peoria on Brookside. This location is known for their urban atmosphere and comfortable feel.

“Shades,” as it is commonly known, is very much a hole-in-the-wall, but its personality compensates for the small space. Though the comfy feel may tempt you to study there, it’s usually very crowded and that can be a distraction.

Coffee is also a bit pricey, but is delicious nonetheless, and usually served in a hand-made, ceramic mug. Visit for the experience, but don’t expect to get much work done.

Last, but not least, is The Phoenix.

Though they’ve been open for less than a year, The Phoenix has become a local favorite. The coffee may be priced a bit steep, but it is very delicious and well worth it.

This eclectic shop is located near

downtown at 6th and Peoria. Though it is not very close to campus, it’s a great place to visit.

There is plenty of space to sprawl out: comfortable couches, tall and short tables, booths and even an entire library room.

The Phoenix is definitely worth a visit. If you go, make sure to try out “The Pearl,” a delicious combination of espresso and sweetened condensed milk.

Graphic by Matthew Dean

South Tulsa’s fro-yo fixation cools

By Hannah Rundell at Kingspointe Village has The mystery behind the officially closed,” Peachwave fading novelty of self-serve posted on their Facebook frozen yogurt shops still page. “We loved having you at stands to confuse. In the our shop and eating yummy South Tulsa area alone, at healthy froyo with us … We least two formerly popular bid you a farewell, adieu.” locations for the ORU “It’s just not really trending student body have closed anymore,” said Carmine Griptheir doors. pando, Tulsa Hills Peachwave Students return to General Manager. “It’s not as discover Cherry Berry on popular as when it first came 81st and Lewis, Orange out.”

Leaf on Memorial and Some of the local self-serve Peachwave at Kingspointe frozen yogurt stores have not Village no longer serving felt the effects of dropping Photo by John Weiand frosty delight. popularity as the surrounding Cherry Berry on 81st and Lewis, now closed, No explanations were closing businesses. According to stands vacant of fro-yo and customers. offered as to why the shops Zach Price, team leader at Yolotti shut down. on Riverside, the store’s business over the past three or four “We are sad to announce that the Peachwave years has “stayed pretty much the same.”

Of course there are varying factors involved with the success of each frozen yogurt business, but it is quite possible the diminishing hype of “controlling” the yogurt bar has contributed significantly to the recent closures.

Local students are also noticing the decline.

“I think that the main reason that frozen yogurt is dying out is because of the novelty of it. The novelty is wearing off,” said Emma Taylor, a senior. “The main reason it’s so different from ice cream and so likeable is because there’s the toppings choices and how many types of frozen yogurt you can get. It’s fun at first, but after a few times, you realize it kind of tastes the same as ice cream and it’s way more expensive [after priced by weighing].”

When it comes down to it, the trendiness of people serving themselves yogurt seems to be at a low in South Tulsa. This frozen yogurt fan base may be melting away.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 17

Tulsans ‘pig out’ at Baconfest premiere

By Hannah Rundell Bacon brittle, candied bacon, beef wrapped in bacon, bacon jam, double fudge bacon brownies, dates and blue cheese wrapped in maple bacon, hotdogs and hamburgers topped with bacon, bacon pizza, even bacon flavored snow cones. Feel your cholesterol levels rising yet?

On Sunday, Sept. 29, The Nightingale Theater held Tulsa’s first ever Baconfest in the Pearl District on 4th Street. The outdoor event ran from 11

Photo by John Weiand

Bacon lovers chowed down on creations such as this bacon hotdog.

a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured tastings from locally owned restaurants, baconthemed contests, live music, and prizes for those attending.

The Nightingale Theater held the festival to raise funds for a new roof.

“What I’m looking forward to the most is walking into the theater and not having to mop the floor,” Amber Whitlach, co-owner of Nightingale Theater, said. “They are benefiting an absolute Tulsa gem.”

The expectation for the event was about 600 people, but many more ended up attending. The tickets sold out an hour into the event.

“I love the response,” Whitlach said. “You say ‘Baconfest’ and everyone goes ‘Whaaat?! Baconfest!?’ As a marketing person, I live for that moment.”

The idea came from a bacon festival that Whitlach and Baconfest Tulsa Director Sara Cruncleton attended a few years ago.

“I thank the genius who came up

with it first,” Cruncleton said. “The only thing really similar is the tasting aspect.

We have come up with our own creative spins on it.”

Some of those “creative spins” were a bacon look-alike contest, a bacon haiku contest, and an amateur bacon cooking contest for the attendees.

Also, the attendees voted on each vendor to see who the Boss Hog of Baconfest Tulsa 2013 was. The winner, Dugan Jacks Smokehouse, actually ran out of food for tastings two hours into the event. They received a plaque to display in their restaurant to show off their new title.

Besides a belly full of bacon, those attending got to take home a goodie bag of special offers from the businesses as well as “baconfest swag” that included stickers, tattoos and even floss to get that “bacony goodness” stuck between your teeth.

“Baconfest swag” clothing and other items were also available at cafepress.com/baconfesttulsa2013.

Cruncleton said that even though there were many difficulties in planning this first Baconfest, she is sure this is likely to become an annual event.

“We learned a lot, and have taken a lot of notes for next year,” Cruncleton said.

Photo by John Weiand

Festive couple, ‘‘Monsier et Madame Bacon’’ at the 2013 Tulsa Baconfest.

Everyone’s cholesterol may have increased on Sunday, but so did the theater’s building funds. The love for bacon stays strong in Tulsa, and Baconfest 2013 was proof of that. “[I] had a great time this morning,” Chad McNamar, an attendee of Baconfest, said. “Got my fill of bacony goodness. Well worth the two hour drive from OKC.”

Tulsa Oktober Fest

The 2013 Tulsa Oktoberfest is to be held Oct. 17-20:

• • • •

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

Thursday: 5-11 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.

Sunday: 12 – 6 p.m.

Fall TV lineup promises plenty of satisfaction

By Victoria Atterberry The fall TV lineup is in full swing. Several returning favorites usher in a few new shows to keep us entertained during group advisement and midterms.

“Arrow” Season two premieres Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

The story revolves around billionaire playboy Oliver Queen. Queen returns after being shipwrecked for five years, takes on a secret identity and sets out to right the wrongs of his deceased father.

Sunday

“Beauty and the Beast” Season two premieres Oct. 7th at 9 p.m.

A young detective struggles to find the truth about her past, while building a relationship with a man of incredible strength.

“The Carrie Diaries” Season two premieres Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.

The prequel to “Sex and the City” returns this fall. Starring Anna Sophia Robb, “The Carrie Diaries” tells the story of a young teen who finds adventure in New York City.

Monday

“Grimm” Season three premieres Oct. 25 at 9 p.m.

Inspired by the classic Grimm brothers’ fairy tales, “Grimm” is the story of Nick Burthardt. Detective Burthardt fights against fairy tale creatures in order to keep the world in balance.

“Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” Series premieres Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

Based on the well-known classic, “Alice in Wonderland,” “Once Upon a Time in Won-

Tuesday

derland” focuses on the adventures of Alice as she enters into a hidden and mystical world.

“The Tomorrow People” Series premieres Oct. 9 at 9 p.m.

The remake of a 1970s science fiction drama has a new twist.

The show follows a group of humans with supernatural abilities being pursued by a group of scientists that see them as a potential threat to society.

“Supernatural” Season nine premieres Oct. 8 at 9 p.m.

This drama centers on two

Wednesday

brothers determined to track down their missing father.

Along the way they are on a mission to rid the world of monsters, demons and dangerous supernatural beings.

“The Walking Dead” Season four premieres Oct. 13 at 9 p.m.

The agonizing wait is over for “The Walking Dead” fans.g a fourth season, “The Walking Dead” tells the story of Rick Grimes, struggles to survive in a zombie-infested world.

Thursday

Friday

Internet Photos

The Femme Fatality: Study like a hero

By Chelsea Butler When I am cracking down on my studies, the first question I always ask myself is, “What kind of music do I want to listen to?” Inevitably I find myself in the same playlist: video game study music.

The soundtrack from some of your favorite video games can be perfect study music.

Maybe it’s the nostalgia of playing some of my favorite games that keeps me focused, or maybe it’s the fact that I feel like I’m on a mission while writing a simple paper.

Either way, video game music keeps me motivated in a way that no other genre of music can.

Trying this simple playlist could be a valuable tool to aid in your future educational adventures.

Starting out, try listening to the original soundtrack of “The Sims.” It has an upbeat, jazzy piano style. The music has a feel of starting something fun and manageable, just like building a house in the

“The Sims.”

Then try changing it up to music that is slow, with bold, somber melodies, from role playing or adventure games.

Some of these tracks include “Far Horizons” from “Skyrim,” “Cohen’s Masterpiece” from “Bioshock” and “Nate’s Theme” from “Uncharted.” If you are a big gamer this kind of music can bring back pleasant memories of accomplishments and hours of adventuring. If not, it still sounds really cool.

By this point, you’re off to a good start, and you’re still focused. Don’t let it get stale. Switch to songs you don’t know as well from games you aren’t as familiar with. “Soviet Connection” from “Grand Theft Auto IV” and “One Final Effort” from “Halo 3” are two of my favorites.

Not knowing the music as well will give you a chance to gather your thoughts without distraction.

Now it’s time to power through, turn to some-

thing upbeat and powerful such as “Street Fighter 4: Original Soundtrack”. This dubstep-like fighting music is so catchy and upbeat you can’t help but want to work harder. The first few I migrate toward are “Snowy Rail Yard,” “Deserted Temple” and “Training Stage.”

I’m not the only student who uses this as a valuable tool; gamers all across campus enjoy music from thier favorite games while they work.

“One of my favorite albums is the soundtrack for ‘Halo 4,’” said Adam Zsolnai, a business major. “I also like some of the classic ‘Halo’ soundtracks by Martin O’ Donnell and Michael Salvatori, and the ‘Gears of War’ soundtracks. I also really like Batman: Arkham City” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.”

“If I had to choose just one,” said Zsolnai, “It would have to be the song from the ‘Halo 4’ soundtrack, ‘Arrival.’”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 19

Mabee Center, Okie musicians ORU alum among Music Hall of Fame inductees to play for former Concert ceremony president to be held Oct. 15 in the Mabee Center

By Chelsey Butler To be forever honored as musical heroes, six successful Oklahomans are being inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame for their accomplishments in the music industry.

A concert to honor the new inductees will be held on Oct. 15 at the Mabee Center. The concert will feature Rising Star Award winners The Swan Brothers, and sets by all of the living 2013 inductees.

The Mabee Center location is a break in tradition. The induction performance was previously held at the Muskogee Civic Center.

The announcement of the inductees, as well as the change of location for the celebratory concert, was announced Sept. 4 at the Mabee Center which is also being inducted to the hall of fame for its impact on Tulsa’s music scene.

The Mabee Center is celebrating a special anniversary with their induction to the hall of fame. This marks 40 years of bringing large name acts, such as Elvis, Garth Brooks and more to Tulsa.

The Sept. 2013 inductees include country singer Norma Jean Beasler; the inventor of the electric steel guitar Robert Lee “Bob” Dunn; opera singer Barbara McAlister; gospel singer Sandi Patty; country singer/songwriter James “Jimmy” Webb; and comedy music writer Mason Williams.

One of the inductees, Barbara McAlister, is Muskogee native. McAlister is being nominated for her skill as a mezzo-soprano opera singer and for her work to promote her Cherokee heritage. The accomplishments of this small-town girl have reached across the globe, mainly to Europe, where she performed in some of the most famous opera houses.

Photo by Julie Gonzalez

Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Jim Blair announces the 2013 inductees at the Mabee Center Sept. 4. ORU’s Mabee Center is the second venue to be inducted, the other being Cains Ballroom in Tulsa.

The concert on Oct. 15 will feature performances from only a few of this year’s inductees.

The headlining act of the night will be The Swon Brothers, a two-man duo who took third on the fourth season of NBC’s “The Voice”.

The Swon Brothers are not inductees, but earlier this year received the Rising Star honorable mention from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

Previously this year, famous guitarist Neal Schon of Journey was inducted into the hall of fame as well, but will not be celebrated with the other 2013 inductees.

All of these Oklahoman contributors to the world of music will be joining the likes of Carrie Underwood, The All-American Rejects, and many others who have influenced music throughout many genres in many aspects.

20 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Internet Photos

Sandi Patty

Barbara McAlister

From Staff Reports Steinway artist and ORU alum David Osborne will be performing at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga. Oct. 5, in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s 89th birthday.

Osborne is known as the “Pianist to Presidents,” playing his romantic and classical tunes for the administrations of Carter, Clinton and Bush.

Carter has had Osborne perform at his birthday performances for the last three decades.

“One of the things for which I’m truly thankful is that one of the greatest pianists in the world is my good friend for 27 years, David Osborne,” Jimmy Carter said in Georgia Southwestern’s press release.

Carter’s birthday performance is free, but donations will be accepted.

According to Georgia Southwestern’s press release, Osborne will give half of the donations to the support the university’s music program that will go towards scholarships for music students.

Osborne is currently playing at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, after being a Caesar’s Palace performer for 12 years. His 27 CDs cover the romantic, classical, jazz, pop, inspirational, patriotic and Broadway show tunes genres.

Osborne was born and raised in Miami, Okla.

He received his undergraduate degree from ORU and received his master’s degree in keyboard performance and music composition from Pittsburg State University.

MUSE

Rhyme & Reason: One day with Wonde

By Sarah Dinwiddie

“Does someone have to go to the bathroom?”

“No.” “Then why are we slowing down?”

This was the dialogue happening in our grimy white van as our American development team was driven around the winding curves of the chalky Ethiopian Highlands by our driver, Wonde.

We slipped around those mountainous curves like an ice cube, our fortitude melting off of us as we went.

Wonde told us the car was overheating and needed to cool off. Therefore, he had pulled over.

This seemed reasonable. The fat heat squashed up close to my face, under my shirt, and left me praying for our hotel— the very same that had electrocuted me while I was in the shower the night before.

It glistened in my memory like an oasis.

We just so happened to break down right next to where two old Ethiopian men were standing watch along the highway.

They were also selling charcoal alongside what ap-

peared to be firewood.

They had made a waist-high hut out of sticks, dry clay and plastic, and had fashioned a miraculous upper room, in which they’d created cushioning out of cloth and plastic bags. It looked cozy.

One of our contacts began to dialogue with the two crinkly men about Jesus. We waited.

Our companion was sharing his testimony.

Ten minutes go by, and salvation is being offered.

One of the crusty old men began praying to receive Jesus; the other stood back and admitted that he had things he did not want to give up.

Among those things, we realized, was his use of and sale of chat, an African plant that grows in thin stalks, is chewed like sugar cane and is similar to marijuana in its function.

It was a different type of firewood than we had previously thought.

As we stood nearby on the sandy rocks, we had a perfect view of Wonde in the distance. He’d begun trading with the uninterested highwayman.

He started loading charcoal onto the van’s roof.

Then, he started loading bundles of chat, while the sacred scene of salvation continued in the foreground.

They view narcotics more leniently in Ethiopian culture than we do. When we alerted one of our contacts, he shrugged and pointed out candidly, “It happens sometimes.”

Members of my group proposed with a lisp of sarcasm that perhaps there had never been anything wrong with the van.

Perhaps Wonde saw the grassy piles in the distance and thought he’d stock up—probably to buy enough to sell once we made it back to the capital city, as well as to enjoy for himself.

I knew they were right. In Wonde’s eyes, a man has to make a living somehow.

I think I may have glimpsed God’s sense of humor in that exchange, that ironic crisscrossing of our stank, sweaty grime, our childish ignorance and his turn-ablind-eye grace made way for fat, black tears of glory.

It brought new meaning to the verse “God makes all things work together for the good of those who are called according to his purposes in Christ Jesus.”

And we cried many-layered tears of joy.

Sugar is the new cocaine

By Kaylin Thompson When you struggle to keep your eyes open, want nothing more than to lie down, or just need something to wake you up, what do you reach for?

The answer is most likely something sticky, sweet and extremely sugary.

A study at Boston University has found that eating sugary snacks activates a region in the brain called the nucleus accumbens. This area of the brain is also stimulated by drug use.

By consuming sugary snacks, your brain acts like you are taking class A drugs along the lines of heroine, ecstasy and cocaine.

It has long been argued whether or not food could be classified as an addiction. Some say that because we need food to survive, we naturally crave it, so there is no way that it can be classified as an addiction.

However, the images revealed in MRI scans of the nucleus accumbens area of the brain, which is part of the

dopaminergic mesolimbic system, indicate eating for pleasure activates the same areas of the brain as hard drugs.

Dr. Lennerz of Harvard Medical School claims that this information is enough to classify food as an addiction.

Overeating is also facilitated by the consumption of junk food. A study by Harvard Medical School found that when given two different milkshakes, one with a much higher glycemic index than the other, the consumers of the milkshake with the higher amount of sugar were hungrier than those who had consumed the healthier shake.

This renders those who attempt to lose weight unable to do so.

Though there is definitely a need for more intensive research on the correlation between food and addiction, the information uncovered thus far in regards to how your body reacts to sugary snacks should be considered before consumption.

Coke, anyone?

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 21

Date Doctor: How to ask her out

By Caleb Koehler

Someone recently came up to me and asked me how to ask a girl out. It seemed like common sense to me, but I decided to write about it anyway.

1. Set yourself apart. When you ask a girl out, don’t do something cliché.

Don’t even use other people’s ideas.

You need to make it your own and ask her in a completely original way that demonstrates your personality.

2. Don’t be cheesy. Pick-up lines aren’t the way to get a girl’s number or get her out on a date. They are cheesy. If you are going to ask a girl out, do something to make her swoon, not scoff.

3. Be clear about the direction of the relationship. If you ask a girl out and aren’t clear about what you want, you will drag out the relationship and experience unneeded pain. I once heard it described as “being upfront about your intentions.” Granted, you don’t have to spill everything right away.

However, you might want to let her know where the relationship is going.

4. Read the signs. Girls are masters at giving off signals. If they like you, they may not tell you directly, but it should be obvious through everything they do. The way they act around you, talk about you or even the way they stand or move when talking to you can give off hints of whether or not they are

interested. Remember, even if all the signs are a go, that still isn’t a sure yes.

Some women are naturally friendly, which can be mistaken by men as flirtatious, and that doesn’t necessarily mean they like you. Sometimes that’s how they treat everyone.

5. Prepare yourself. Think about the general things you want to say.

Walk up to the girl and get a conversation going. Talk about her interests and build on those. See if there’s an activity you can do together. When you ask her out, she has an incentive to go because it’s something she finds enjoyable.

6. Don’t be afraid of rejection. If you get rejected, move on. Don’t wallow in your own sorrow. If anything, think about why it didn’t work and fix it. Some guys try the same thing with every girl they meet, and they get rejected a lot. Every girl is different and needs to be treated differently.

7. Look good, smell good and feel good. A female colleague once told me a story about a rather unattractive guy who walked by and she thought nothing of it. But once she smelled his cologne, she just wanted to be near him because it was an extremely attractive scent.

8. Don’t make it a big deal. Guys get so worked up about asking a girl out. Sometimes it’s their downfall.

Calm down, take a breath and get a conversation going. A lot of girls don’t like guys unsure of themselves. Men ask women out every day. Relax.

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Syndicated Cynic: Vote for Jesus

By Gregory America Brown I haven’t personally visited Heaven, and honestly I would like to postpone the trip for at least a few more years, but I have a strong feeling that it won’t be a red state.

I grew up in rural Oklahoma, one of the reddest of red states... think somewhere between blood and tomato.

It’s a place where George W. Bush is a legendary name and labor unions are essentially worthless.

I’ve heard over 2,000 sermons in my life from various speakers to different congregations, and though I absolutely adore my small town and my home church, there was one thing there that drove me nuts as I grew older.

Political indoctrination exists within the church.

Of course, I’ve never had a pastor explicitly tell me who to vote for, but time and time again, I was indirectly taught to believe that I had some moral obligation to vote for a certain party who may or may not be represented by an elephant.

As I moved to Tulsa and attended a greater variety of churches, and now sit in ORU chapels week in and week out, I am being more forcefully prodded in that direction than ever before.

Why does the American church preach a political agenda in general?

The gospels make it pretty clear that Jesus stayed out of politics, so who are we to put Him in them?

I honestly don’t think it does our Creator much justice to tie a political party to Him. He is bigger than that, and no political party that ever exists, from sea to shining to sea or otherwise, could accurately represent Jesus Christ without tainting the idea of the Gospel.

Does the Bible showcase strictly earned prosperity? No. I think there is a principle in there somewhere that says something about getting what we don’t deserve.

Do the scriptures support the notion of bombing other countries because they have different governmental beliefs than us? Of course not.

That sounds more like the ethics of extremists. Did Jesus talk about loving God and your neighbor more than yourself ? Yes. So, instead of preaching for or against any political party, or pretending that there is a clear moral obligation to vote for a certain candidate, maybe we should focus on loving those around us, serving God with all that we have as human beings, letting individuals decide their own take on political events around us and keeping personal politics out of our pulpits.

That will make a much larger difference in the world than any occupier of Washington could.

SAGA??

Graphic by Matthew Dean

22 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE

Subjectively Objective: Back to school in Syria Editor’s note: Nathan Porter is a 2013 English writing graduate and former columnist. He is now interning at The Washington Times.

By Nathan Porter The raging civil war in Syria seemed to hit a peak in American interest over the past few weeks.

Images of men, women and children killed by what is believed to have been chemical weapons made the reality of this two-year conflict nearly impossible to ignore.

On the surface, this situation didn’t seem to have any bright spots.

But then I saw one.

Two weeks ago, foreign reports revealed that in the midst of the violent conflict, Syrian children were still going to begin their school year.

The classroom had become a battlefield, yet they deemed education a necessary priority.

After hearing this, I was immediately convicted.

As a kid, I looked forward to the day when I’d be done with school forever the same way a prisoner looks forward to the day he’ll finally be freed from his cell.

That day arrived for me this past May, and I’ve been experiencing this once-presumed “freedom” for the past five months.

Though I certainly don’t miss the late nights hovering over a textbook or early mornings rushing to class, I must admit, there was something liberating about being in an environment centered entirely on obtaining knowledge.

To the average American student, stuck in between homework and lectures, this statement may seem insane.

But to the Syrian children, stuck in the middle of a senseless, sectarian war, it is not.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a smart man. He even once practiced as

an ophthalmologist.

The rebel groups of Syria seem to be primarily comprised of radical yet politically informed individuals from every walk of Middle Eastern life.

Due to limited perspectives and skewed thinking, however, the two opposing sides appear to only be able to reason in blood.

The sad reality is that war is an equation with no simple solutions. It is an essay painstakingly difficult to finalize.

As the conflict rages on, individuals all over the world will be searching for reasonable answers to liberating the Syrian people.

International politicians are throwing around words like invasion, air strike and diplomacy.

I certainly don’t confess to knowing what the solution to this two-year conflict is, but if I had to guess, I would say that the real hope for any long-lasting solution is probably sitting at a desk in a Syrian school, with his or her eyes piercing forward, and his or her hand raised in the air.

That image should be a symbol of hope for Syrian citizens and a symbol of humility for American students. For Syrians, the struggle is all too real.

The next time an American student complains about how the school year brought about all-nighters, boring classes and the loss of social life, they should think of their brothers and sisters in Syria, and how the war brought about night bombings, destroyed classes and took lives.

Still, wherever one lives, the process of education is not an easy one.

Studying can be stressful, teachers can be difficult and the classroom can often become a battlefield.

Nevertheless, I’m sure that Syrian students and educators would agree that true holistic education is a concept worth fighting for.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • 23

Gravity Deflying ORU sophomore Brennan Harrup launches his egg entry from the fifth floor of the stairs in E.M. Roberts Hall during the annual Engineering and Physics event Sept. 25.

Seven groups competed, and their engineered devices were judged on safety and weight.

Photo by Julianne Gonzalez

24 • Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 • THE ORACLE