Sept. 23,2011 Oracle Print Edition

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

From left: ORU students Seth Swank, Jonathan Mannis, Daniel Tsubota and Victoria Malone pray during the Chapel service Sept. 21.

Oral Roberts University • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011

Alumna Christina Voth comforts Kristine Towne at the Sept. 20 prayer vigil where staff and students mourn the death of ORU freshman Carissa Horton.

PAGE 10

A Community Grieves Together

Photo by Stephen Salmon

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Contents 5

Life:

7

Faith:

9

Sports:

12

Shutter:

16

Scene:

17

Muse:

LRC cell reception project stalled

Josiah Melton: healing in progress

Team defeats all odds

Any Other Universe

The Editor’s Note Roy-Gene MacIninch, Editor-in-chief Of the many funerals I’ve witnessed, one in particular I remember quite vividly.

The lady had been someone I’d known only through visits to her nursing home.

She had been old when she died, probably nearing eighty years of age. Her body had been frail for many years, and she bore the many cares of life on her face. In the casket, however, I remember her countenance being of a calm, tender peace.

At the funeral, I was sitting near the front and with tears in my eyes I watched her younger sister lean over and kiss her gently on her forehead. In a voice just above a whisper, she said, “Goodbye, my darling sister.”

People have a sort of inherent understanding of death, but when they feel its effects themselves, they begin to understand there’s something viscerally disquieting about it. Scripture speaks very harshly against death, often personifying it in the role of an adversary. It also makes clear that at least our own understanding of and experience with death is not what God intended in his original plan for Creation—something else was meant to be.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” said Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. Strange words, to be sure. Contradictory statements like this were a hallmark of Christ’s teaching nevertheless, and though they rarely seem true when it feels our souls will be ripped apart by the agony of loss, somehow they are.

What’s more, the questions that flood our minds often fly in the face of this truth. Maybe the Lord even answers them sometimes but often and for whatever reason, he doesn’t. We might even doubt God’s goodness when we hear nothing in response.

But, perhaps that’s God’s way of handling things.

After all, knowing the reason won’t take away the sorrow. Instead, maybe the Lord simply comes alongside us, drapes his arm around our shoulders and gently says, “I’m here with you.” I don’t know, but that might be a far greater comfort than simply having answers to our questions.

I talked a lot about justice in our last issue and those words feel hollow and feeble in the shadow of two of our own being savagely ripped away from us. Yet, I’m still drawn back to the knowledge that justice is something that often lies outside human understanding.

The maddening, sickening fact remains that human beings can commit heinous acts for which there is no justice—no justice, at least, that can be brought through human devices. Justice, like our ultimate salvation, is something to which we must look forward in resolute assurance, confident that it will come in God’s good time and in God’s own form.

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Kristine Towne, chaplain on Anointed (Claudius 2 East), and Katie Pace, a junior New Testament major, pray at the the nighttime vigil on Sept. 21 in the wake of the murder of freshman Carissa Horton.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 3

Life

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15-year-old enrolled, excelling in college courses

By Charlie Meadows He may not be old enough to live in the dorms, but 15-year-old Jacob Humpleby is currently enrolled at ORU and is a biology pre-med major.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Humpleby scored a 26 on the ACT... in the sixth grade.

It wasn’t long before college letters started pouring in.

Every college from Duke to Stanford had heard the name Jacob Humpleby and were expressing interest in this “child prodigy.”

This straight-A student was captain of the Academic Club at Sequoyah Middle School in Broken Arrow, had a full load of Advanced Placement classes and said he was “bored.”

Humpleby felt that home schooling was his next best option.

At first, his mother tried to discourage him from the idea, fearing that he would miss out on the typical high school experience.

However, the determined

CORRECTIONS •In the Sept. 9, 2011, edition of the Oracle, we mistakenly omitted the names of several GA members from a story covering the election. The names which were not included in that story were Ariel Arguelles, Corbin James, Daniel Appel, Joel Pagan, and John Richards.

•A photo caption on page 11 of the Sept. 9, 2011, edition mistakenly stated that Oral and Evelyn Roberts flew to Tulsa for a Chapel service on Sept. 14, 2011. The actual date of the service they attended was Nov. 13, 2001.

Humpleby was up to the challenge and on June 1, 2010, began his accelerated home-school program.

After working hard and still managaing to keep up with his friends, Humpleby accomplished his goal, completing the program by June 6, 2011.

“My goal was to finish all four years of high school in one year,” said Humpleby. “It wasn’t always easy, but I made it.”

Humpleby’s first college semester is currently loaded with 17-credit hours, such as biology and chemistry.

“I love it here,” Humpleby said.

“My older brother is enrolled here too, so it’s pretty cool to get to hang with him.”

His father also works for ORU in the accounting department.

While some might think being in college at 15 years old would be challenging socially, Humpleby said it wasn’t a problem.

“I haven’t really had to deal with the whole “being younger” thing

Humpleby completed high school in just one year. because a lot of people really don’t know.”

Humpleby is not the first 15-yearold to be enrolled at ORU. Jonathan Hall, a graduate student, also enrolled at the age of 15.

“It was definitely a weird experience,” Hall said.

Photo by Charlie Meadows

Humpleby has other nonacademic interests, such as playing the drums.

“My academics are the most important thing right now though,” Humpleby said. “I have to make sure my grades are set before I do anything else.”

Fall revival will feature Munsey brothers

By Jackie Collins Brothers Phillip and Steve Munsey, who pastor churches in California and Indiana respectively, will be the featured speakers at the three Fall Revival services Sept. 28 and 29 in Christ’s Chapel.

Services are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Thursday, and from 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday.

Classes are canceled all day Wednesday and through 1:30 p.m.

Thursday. Attendance is required for all full-time faculty and students.

President Mark Rutland will

4 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

speak at the two morning services with Phillip Munsey.

Steve Munsey will preach at the Wednesday night service.

Phillip and Steve Munsey are the sons of Frank and Ruth Munsey, who founded Evangelistic Temple more than 50 years ago outside of Chicago.

The 18,000-member congregation, now known as the Family Christian Center of Munster, Ind., is led by Steve Munsey and his wife, Melodye.

Their son and daughter-in-law, Kent and Alli Munsey, serve under

them as executive pastors, making it a three-generation ministry.

Steve Munsey is an international speaker, pastor and author. His program “Yes You Can” airs on TV and broadcasts on the radio around the world.

Pastor Phillip Munsey has been in full-time ministry for more than 30 years.

In 1985, he and his wife, Jeannie, founded Life Church, which has over 2,000 members and is located in Mission Viejo, Calif.

Phillip Munsey also serves other ministries in various capacities.

LRC reception stalled; project in progress Students express concern when cell reception is still missing ploy cellular repeater techpossible to start all of them

By Lindsey Buie nology in order to increase at the same time.

Students applauded at usage on the major provider Bender said they are last spring’s chapel when the networks (funded by the mastretching every dollar to Green family announced jor providers),” Bender said. they would be giving another get the maximum amount of While this $10 million would result to ORU for in a minimal campus renovainstallation tions. expense for One of the the the newer more anticipattechnology, due ed renovations to competing promised was resources, the the installment brokers and of cell phone ORU are besignal repeaters hind on kicking in the LRC and off this project.

GC over the “Although summer. this delay may However, not be popular, those that it is absolutely spend any the best path amount of time that could have on the first floor been taken for of the LRC, and ORU,” Bender other areas on Photo by Sami Pritchard said. “Not only ORU’s campus, Students get little to no cell reception in the LRC, but is the plan to are still plagued help is on the way have the project by a weak technology possible. funded almost entirely by a signal.

They elected to use ORU third party, they also look at It’s evident that the probIT employees on the projects our entire campus and will lem has not been fixed. instead of hiring contractors, increase the cellular footprint Fear not students, the celthus limiting the workforce wherever they find it doesn’t lular repeater project is still availability. exist or is inadequate.” under way.

The project faced another This means that the posHowever, due to a few sibility of cellular signal imsetback when the intended constraints, the project of provement would reach not technology turned obsolete. putting up antenna-like Bender shared that, while only the first floor in the LRC devices to improve cellular and GC, but also the Mabee the newer technology works reception is behind schedCenter, Aerobics Center, better, it comes with an ule. dorms, etc.

Mark Bender, ORU’s chief expense almost 10 times the “We are in contract necost of the original estimate. information officer, said that gotiations and hope to have “We have creatively with the number of projects an agreement soon,” Bender funded by the Green family’s found service provider brosaid. kers in the market that dedonation, it was nearly im-

Students can keep couches until Christmas

By Roy-Gene MacIninch “Don’t be grouches, just give us our couches!”

This was the mantra of a group of students who were ready to take their dissatisfaction with the enforcement of a dorm nofurniture rule to the streets.

Originally planned to take place Monday evening, Sept.

12, on Lewis Avenue, “the Great Sit” was called off as a temporary agreement was brokered between Student Development and the organizing students.

According to Narnia (EMR 3 South) resident Wesley James, when his RA inspected the rooms on Sunday evening, Sept. 11, James was informed that beginning the following day, fines would be issued to those individuals who still had couches in their rooms.

It was at that time, according to James, that the people began to organize the Great Sit. “Dan Appel and Joe Crow were going around and basically pitching this idea called ‘The Great Sit’ where the student body … would

sit on Lewis as a peaceful protest,” James said.

Later that afternoon, several students including James and Appel, a representative in the General Assembly, met with Dean of Men Matthew Olsen, Dean of Student Development Dan Guajardo and Brandon Almeida, director of Housing.

The result of the meeting between the students and deans on Sept. 12 was that students may keep their couches until the beginning of Christmas break. Even so, the possibility of a proposal from the General Assembly for a permanent policy change was left open.

Appel is part of the effort to write such a proposal, and among the different possibilities the General Assembly will be exploring will include having furniture inspected to ensure no pests are present during move-in or students renting couches from the university for the year.

Read the full article online at ORU Oracle.com

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 5

Students share tips on personalizing dorm rooms Donough.

So far, some tips for having a cool Online shopping also gave her

By Ana Grajales However, he feels that a dorm is dorm are to find a comfortable set-up the liberty to grab the best deal, makFor four years, you live inside a not complete if it does not tell you and stick to it, as well as personalizing the process stress-free. room composed of four walls. something about who lives there. ing your dorm by adding pictures.

“I thought [shopping online] You call it home.

“A ‘must-have’ for every dorm We say goodbye to Sean and was easier because I compared the It’s where you eat, sleep, study room is something that makes it perwalk over to Frances. Our next stop different products and prices before and chill. sonal,” McDonough said. “I have my is Freshman Chantel Valiga’s room on I chose the ones I wanted,” Valiga That said, the importance of havthe 12th floor. said. ing a cool and comHer door, halfway open, Although it is her first year at fortable dorm room is has Post-Its, nametags and ORU, Chantel has found a way to a concept that almost drawings all over it. make her dorm feel like home. every college student If you walk inside, “One of the first things I did keeps in mind. you’ll notice a reoccuring was to go out and buy some fishes, It’s a great idea, pattern on her side of the because I had fishes back home and but how do we acroom.

I love them, so I had to have them complish it without “Everyone who knows here too,” Chantel said. spending the money me knows I love pink and Her advice to ORU students is to we have set aside zebra [print],” Valiga said. find a theme for their dorm. for next semester’s “Anyone who walks into “Stick with a main theme and get textbooks? my dorm is like ‘oh this has matching stuff. Don’t get stuff that Two ORU students to be Chantel’s room.’” doesn’t match, and just stick to your have found some Chantel was excited theme,” Valiga said. practical and affordto start her able ways to spruce first year of up their dorm rooms, college and and they were kind began designenough to open their ing her dorm door and allow us Photo by Ana Grajales room before to get some ideas on Freshman Chantel Valiga, an art education major, enjoyed planshe arrived on how to jazz up dorm ning how she would decorate her dorm room in Frances. campus. rooms in an affordposters and some other pictures that I “I went on the Inable way. keep to show a part of who I am.” ternet and I just started At first glance inside junior Sean He also admitted that having putting together and McDonough’s room, you are greeted unique pictures or items make great picking out stuff from by two “epic” posters: “The Lord of conversation starters whenever different websites and The Rings: The Two Towers,” and the people visit his dorm. eventually I had it all,” “The Legend of Zelda.”

As advice goes, Sean believes that Valiga said.

Look around, and you’ll notice a by displaying pictures and memories, “I ordered it all pretty big TV and a Wii gaming system, a your dorm will automatically feel much before Christmas.” necessity for most guys. and appear cooler.

Shopping online Continue looking, and you’ll ob“Put up something [like] a poster, not only made it more serve a well-ordered reading station a painting, or even a mask you got convenient for Valiga, comprised of a modest lamp and a on a mission trip,” McDonough said. but she was able to save lawn chair. sports nutrition “Add some flavor to the room and a couple bucks.

The dorm is set up in a way that weight management make it feel less like a dorm room “Buying online has Sean written all over it. was cheaper because I “My favorite thing about my dorm and more like your room.”

And doing this can be easy and looked for coupons to is that it works,” McDonough said. get discounts and free “I’ve had a similar set up since fresh- inexpensive, according to McFor more info on Amway nutrition and wellness products, Donough. shipping,” Valiga said. man year, so I know where everycall Jesse and Jennifer Martin, (918)398-3383 or visit us at “If you need to, just print out a “And I didn’t have to thing is and I’m able to relax when www.amway.com/jesseandjennifer. few things or go to Wal-Mart and pay for gas to go to an I want and have a spot to do homeget some poster board and make it actual store,” Valiga work when necessary.” yourself,” McDonough said. said.

Comfort is an essential for Mc-

nutrition & wellness

6 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

Faith

The Faith Editor is Nathan Porter You may contact him with comments or questions at n8thegr8@oru.edu

Student’s 5-year-old son is a living miracle

By Josh Copeland Imagine the day when you get to hold your baby for the very first time.

Everyone wants to hear the doctor pronounce the baby “normal” and healthy.

For ORU student Olivia Melton, this was not the case.

When her son, Josiah, was born, she received news that any new mother would dread.

Josiah was not “normal.”

Olivia had to have an emergency C-section when Josiah weighed less than 4 pounds.

He had no baby fat and was born with a cleft palate the size of a quarter.

Her obstetrician and gynecologist assumed that his small size was due to a small umbilical cord.

Throughout her pregnancy, she had no indication that her son would be anything but normal.

The doctors did not know that he would have an extremely rare combination of three diseases.

Josiah was diagnosed with Pierre Robin syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, and an extremely rare mutation on the 2nd chromosome, so rare that it is not even named.

His mother calls it “Josiah’s syndrome.”

He spent the first six weeks of his life in the NICU at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.

The physicians weren’t

hopeful.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, but you should prepare yourself for a difficult journey,” a physician said.

Today, Josiah is 5 years old and has required considerable medical and therapeutic treatments since his birth.

Doctors said there was a possibility he may not see or hear, and may not be cognitive or mobile.

But due to his treatment, he has overcome incredible odds.

“I would have had a nervous meltdown if it weren’t for [Jesus and my family] being there for me through every twist and turn, surgery, and decision in our journey,” Olive said.

Since Josiah’s birth, they have seen a variety of specialists, ranging from a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, surgeons, endocrinologists and genetic counselors.

To date, Josiah has had nine surgeries, a feeding tube, eye muscle recess, and cleft palate repair, among others.

His treatment has included physical, occupational and speech therapies.

Josiah will continue with vigorous occupational and physical therapy, speech pathology and nutritional therapy.

He will also continue a daily respiratory routine, growth hormone therapy (by injection) and checkups with

Courtesy Photo

Josiah and Olivia Melton are on their way to raising $5,000 for the Sept. 24 fundraiser. his many specialists.

Josiah has also received treatment at a local Tulsa facility called the Little Light House, a Christian organization founded by Marcia Mitchell.

According to the Little Light House, it is a place that provides “highly specialized education and therapeutic services in a Christ-centered environment to children with special needs.”

Unlike similar educational facilities, the Little Light House offers its services free of charge.

As a nonprofit that does not accept aid from the government or the United Way, the organization runs solely on corporate sponsorships and private donations.

If Olivia had to pay tu-

ition for the care that Josiah receives, it would cost her more than $17,000 per year.

But because of The Little Light House, Josiah receives treatment free of charge.

“I just started my… practicum at the Little Light House and I absolutely love it,” said ORU student and Little Lighthouse volunteer Jessica Waite. “They are getting a wonderful education in a safe, loving environment that stimulates the love and excitement of learning. This school truly is a ministry and is a blessing that has impacted and transformed many special lives in the community.”

On Sept. 24, the Little Light House will host an annual fundraiser called Mini Laps, where all of the

children who have received treatment can show off the progress they have made at the school.

Olivia and Josiah have a goal of raising $5,000 for the event.

As of Sept. 21, they had raised 62 percent of their goal.

They are accepting donations at https://sna.etapestry. com/fundraiser/TheLittleLighthouse/minilaps2011/ individual.do?participationR ef=468.0.4922485 “[Jesus] gave me a promise just a few hours before I had Josiah,” Olivia said.

“Josiah is meant to be a miracle in our day that the glory of God may be seen in the earth... He is my miracle, and he will have his appointed day of total healing.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 7

Professor leads church in theater

By Joshua Copeland Doxa Church is pastored by ORU alumnus and professor, Jimmy Shaw. Shaw earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in missions and one in New Testament, as well as two master’s degrees, one in divinity and one in non-profit management.

He also participated in more than 60 overseas trips to more than 40 countries.

Doxa church has been around for about 4 1/2 years. It was founded from a dream God put on Shaw’s heart during his time at ORU, and the first services were held in his own family’s living room. Before planting Doxa in 2007, Shaw served as the associate pastor at Lighthouse Family Worship Center.

Doxa is a non-denominational church that meets at the Riverwalk theater in Jenks every Sunday at 10 a.m. Weekly attendance averages about 80. Doxa partners with CityChurch, The Gathering, Connections

Church, Freedom Valley Tulsa and other local churches to form the Love Tulsa Campaign.

Shaw said, “We understand the ORU culture and have sought to create an environment where students can encounter God and be challenged by his word. We have small groups that students can join, and we have a strong missions program that provides opportunities for students to participate in overseas ministry trips in the summer.”

Doxa doesn’t have a membership requirement but is in the process of instituting a policy that will require its members to participate in a small group and to actively seek out ministry opportunities. Shaw hopes that making this change will encourage students’ involvement in the local church, helping to resolve a problem he feels is prevalent on ORU’s campus.

“In my 14 years at ORU I’ve seen many ORU students abandon their

faith and walk away from Jesus. The most common characteristic of those who ultimately abandoned their faith was a failure to stay involved in a local church,” he said.

Doxa is the Greek word for glory, and Shaw chose this name because he believes the church is meant to exist for the glory of God. The church doesn’t have a specific mission statement; however, its focus is clear: to teach the Bible and to move people beyond attendance and into action and mission.

Tom Bracciale, a junior at ORU and the worship leader at Doxa, said, “I appreciate that Pastor Jimmy addresses the hard truths of the Bible.

He doesn’t cherry-pick verses or play to the crowd. We study the scripture in context and work through the good, bad, and everything in between.”

Sergey Grushetskiy, who has been attending the church for 2 years, says that he likes the “simplic-

Internet Photo

Doxa Church meets at 10 a.m. Sundays at the Riverwalk theater. ity and lack of hype” typical of a Doxa service. He also appreciates the fact that the pastors are real and relational but can still serve as a spiritual authority in his life.

“I love the fact that I can go see a Thunder game with my pastor or go over to their house for coffee,” he said.

“It also calms my soul that the pastoral staff and the majority of its members are college educated, thus the risk of being presented with false theological ideologies is greatly reduced.”

Philosophy major attracting few students

By Nathan Porter At most Christian universities throughout the nation, philosophy is a prominent major.

At ORU, however, the major is virtually nonexistent.

The philosophy major was first formed by Dr. Samuel Thorpe 11 years ago.

When Thorpe first started the major, there was a large amount of student interest in the degree.

More than 20 students became philosophy majors in the first year alone.

Over the next four years, the major would continue to grow.

However, in 2004, Thorpe left ORU to teach in England.

Upon his return to the

university in 2008, he witnessed a huge decline in student enrollment in the major.

Since then the major has not been able to recover.

“I’ve had two to three majors each year,” said Thorpe. “That’s a lot different than 20.”

The root of this decline remains a mystery.

“I really don’t know what happened after 2004 because I was in England,” said Thorpe. “I just think it didn’t get as much visibility, but then again, I don’t know.”

8 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

In 2001, a few of the philosophy majors at the time came together and started the Philosophical Society, which quickly

Budavich was president of the club.

She now teaches bioethics at ORU. The Philosophical Society eventually dissipated in the next few years due to a lack of student leadership.

Currently, many students are not even aware that a philosophy Dr. Samuel Thorpe, major exists.

Theology Pofressor “I was became a popular beginning to think that organization on campus. maybe it’s just a trend The club hosted annual down and people are losing ethics conferences, bringing interest in the subject,” said in speakers and attracting Thorpe. “But I don’t know if students and people from that’s the case.” the community.

Nevertheless, Thorpe In 2003, senior Rachel still recognizes the need

“I just think it didn’t get as much visibility but, then again, I don’t know.”

for philosophy.

According to Thorpe, philosophy is learning how to think through something.

“Every field has a philosophy underneath it,” said Thorpe.

At surface value, the major could seem controversial because it studies the various philosophies throughout history. These theories might go against traditional Christian ethics or ascertain them.

Thorpe asserts that this is necessary because thoughts are not original and every philosophy has an origin.

“If you’re going to go into every man’s world,” said Thorpe, “you need to know that there’s a philosophy in every man.”

Kingsmen, Adel-Phi win Wing Week competition

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

Photo by Kathleen Kelly

Photo by Charlesha Anderson

Photos clockwise from top left: the Walk on Water competition at the AC pool; Natalie Tims, Madison Evans, Leslie Sly, residents of Gucci (Claudius 5 South), compete in the Tug of War; the Mr. ORU competition. Wing Week lasted from Sunday, Sept. 11, to Friday, Sept 16, and featured numerous competitions, including the Mr. and Mrs. ORU contest, won

by Joel Pagan and Justine Rimes.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 9

Mourning their deaths, celebrating their lives Staff Report Carissa Horton and Ethan Nichols had given much to the town of Keokuk, Iowa, even though they had only recently reached adulthood. They had only a few weeks to give back to their new home of Tulsa.

Horton and Nichols both moved here this summer from the town of about 10,000 people in the southeastern corner of Iowa. It’s an 8-hour drive from there to the ORU campus.

All that they had to offer ORU and Tulsa was lost Sunday night when they were ambushed in a park nine miles from campus and shot to death by two assailants now locked in the Tulsa County Jail. The two men, ages 19 and 21, await trial on charges of first-degree murder and robbery.

The news shocked the community here and thousands of people who had encountered them in the 500 miles between ORU and Keokuk.

Horton, who died one week shy of her 19th birthday, was homeschooled in Keokuk.

Nichols, 21, graduated from Keokuk High School. Both attended Southeastern Community College before coming to Tulsa.

Nichols had played sousaphone and tuba in the high school’s band. Horton played guitar at community gatherings and at church.

Nichols attended Faith Family Center of Keokuk, which is pastored by ORU alumnus Jay Zetterlund. Horton also served as worship leader at Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk.

Nichols’ father moved to Tulsa this summer to pursue a new job. Ethan followed him here this summer.

Horton moved here in August to attend ORU and major in music composition. Although she had known Nichols in Keokuk, the two only began dating here in Tulsa.

“They seemed like they were really happy and that they were best friends who just loved to be together,” said Kristine Towne, Horton’s dorm chaplain in Claudius.

Towne said all the girls on their dorm wing, Anointed, enjoyed listening to Horton play the guitar and sing original songs.

10 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

“I lived right next door to her … so I used to just sit and listen to her play her music and [hear] her sing,” Towne said. “I loved living next door to her because I could always hear her.”

Freshman Monica Carpenter lived on the same floor.

“I was very intrigued by Carissa.

I wanted to learn more about her; I wanted to get to know her,” Carpenter said. “The more I got to know her, the more I learned how really extraordinary she was—her songwriting, her everything about her was really different.”

Carpenter and the girls of Anointed learned of Horton’s death Monday evening.

“You would think that my first reaction would be crying immediately, but it was not,” Carpenter said. “I just sat there in shock, and I didn’t know what to do.”

Carpenter said the girls were shocked because they “loved Carissa very much.” However, they have learned from their suffering.

“It has really given us a broader perspective that we are not [going] to be concerned with little things but just go after our purpose in life and live every single day with a purpose,” Carpenter said.

ORU held a prayer vigil at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Christ’s Chapel in memory of Horton. On Wednesday, President Mark Rutland opened the 11 a.m. chapel service with a tribute to Horton. Several members of her family were seated in chapel.

Rutland said the untimely deaths served as a reminder that each person must know with assurance they are prepared for eternity.

He asked if anyone in attendance was uncertain about their relationship with Christ. Dozens of students raised their hands and Rutland then invited everyone to recite a sinner’s prayer for salvation.

Towne said Horton would not want people to mourn her death but to lift up the name of God. “She would want people to remember her with a smile and singing,” Towne said, “but she would want this to bring everyone closer to God and is very much who Carissa was.”

C

rto o H a ariss

n

Photo by Stephen Salmon

Students gather to pray for the victims’ families during a vigil Sept. 20 in Christ’s Chapel.

Two murdered; Two arrested

Etha

n Nic hols Courtesy Photos

“She would want people to remember her with a smile and singing, but she would want this to bring everyone closer to God and is very much who Carissa was.”

-Kristine Towne

Staff Report The lives of Carissa Horton and Ethan Nichols ended Sunday night, Sept.

18, as the young couple went for a romantic stroll in an east Tulsa city park.

Unbeknownst to the 18- and 21-year-olds, two would-be robbers lay in wait for them.

Horton and Nichols attended a Christian concert earlier that evening. They drove Nichols’ 2001 Pontiac Grand Am to Hicks Park, at East 34th Street and South Mingo Road, around 9:30 p.m., to take advantage of the 70-degree evening. It was dark as they walked along the 20-acre park’s half-mile jogging trail.

Tulsa Police would later piece together what happened next.

“They park, and we assume they head south on the trail,” a police account said. The attackers “agree that they ambush the couple in the park. The motive is robbery, however, they put the couple on their knees and execute them near the right center gap of the baseball field fence line. (The gunmen) flee south and discard the victim’s items along the way.”

At 11:20 p.m., the gunmen returned to Nichols’ car and drove away, the police report states. The vehicle was then Darren Price parked at the Salida Creek Apartments, 10137 E. 32nd St., a half-mile from the park.

The bodies of Horton and Nichols were not discovered until 10:52 a.m. Monday by a couple walking their dog. Horton and Nichols both had gunshot wounds to their heads.

Meanwhile, Nichols’ family had called in a missing person’s report after he didn’t return home the night before or show up for his job that morning at Blue Bell Creamery in Broken Arrow.

The family gave police a description of Nichols’ car and later Jerard Davis reported that they had received text messages from his phone as late as 12:15 p.m.—more than 12 hours after he had been killed.

Police said “a plan was devised to set up the suspects using a text to lure the suspects into a meeting to exchange money. Before this could be put in place… patrol officers fanned out and searched all apartment complexes within a 10-square-mile area of Hicks Park.”

Tulsa Police discovered Nichols’ abandoned car at Salida Creek Apartments. Police maintained surveillance on the vehicle until one of the suspects, Darren Price, and an unrelated individual got in the Grand Am and fled. Both suspects were captured after the car wrecked at the entrance to the Bradford Creek Apartments, 3200 S. 108th E. Ave., and they tried to flee on foot.

Police said Price confessed to the crime and the other individual was released after police determined he had no knowledge of the crime. Their investigation, however, led police to Jerard Davis, who was in an apartment at 3139 S. Mingo Road. When police confronted Davis, he fled on foot and was captured. A search warrant on the apartment revealed a 9 mm pistol.

Price, 19, and Davis, 21, are being held at Tulsa County Jail on charges of robbery and first-degree murder. They’re set to appear in court Sept. 27.

A memorial service for Carissa Horton and Ethan Nichols will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Destiny Church, 1700 S. Aspen Ave. (91st Street), in Broken Arrow.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 11

Shutter

Photo by Shawn Bender

Photo by Heather Egly

Magnolia blooms at Woodward Park

Any Other Universe

By Reid Peterson, Darren Sorrels, and Chelsea Boen

12 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

Sports

The Sports Editor is Billy Burke You may contact him with comments or questions at therevolutionis@oru.edu

ORU volleyball: Summit League underdogs

By Billy Burke Coming into the season the ORU volleyball team wasn’t shown much respect.

The Golden Eagles were picked to finish sixth in the Summit League, despite having more letter winners then IPFW and No. 1-ranked North Dakota State.

ORU was scheduled to play nine of its first 10 tournaments and invitational games away from home, and the road trip didn’t start out well for the Golden Eagles.

Preseason presumptions were justified at the NIke Invitational when the Golden Eagles bombed out, dropping three straight games and losing nine total, only securing one win.

However, the Golden Eagles soon showed why they’re the dark horse of the Summit League. defeating rival Arkansas, an opponent whom the Golden Eagles have not defeated since Sept. 17, 1996.

On Aug. 30, the Eagles played in down-to-the-wire fashion, walking

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

The women’s volleyball team celebrates another victory.

away with a 3-2 victory.

The win gave the Golden Eagles the motivation needed to put them back in Summit League contention.

The Golden Eagles continued their winning streak at the Owls Invitational in Kennesaw, Ga., where the women dominated in all three matches, tallying two sweeps against Chattanooga and Kennesaw State.

A large part of ORU’s dominance during this four-game stretch was due to junior Elizabeth McVicker, who won Summit League player of the week for the games played Aug. 30 to Sept. 4.

McVicker took control of the court, tallying 53 kills while hitting at a .360 clip.

This season, McVicker, who was selected for the 2010 Summit League All-Conference, has a team-high 73 kills (2.81 per set) while hitting .298.

The Golden Eagles then made their way down to the Bayou in Lake Charles, La. Despite playing in three separate states over the course of two weeks, the Golden Eagles stayed hot, win-

ning all three games and finishing the tournament strong by sweeping UL-Monroe.

Although ORU’s streak ended when the Golden Eagles dropped their home opener Sept. 15 to South Dakota State, the Golden Eagles rebounded with a victory against UMKC, sweeping them 3-0.

However, the true test for the Golden Eagles lies ahead in the Summit League.

At this point, the Golden Eagles are 9-4 overall and 2-1 in the Summit League.

The future looks bright for the Golden Eagles’ season.

One thing the Golden Eagles proved in their first 10 games of the season is that they can win on the road (7-3).

With nine of the final 16 games being played away from home, the Golden Eagles must continue to prove they can win on the road and against fellow Summit League teams.

ORU will get the chance to do both, since the last 16 games are all against Summit League teams.

Photo by Nathan Lundeen

The Golden Eagles women’s volleyball team is currently boasting a 9-4 record overall and 2-1 in the Summit League.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 13

Mabee Center floor sees renovations Floor replacement is first in building’s 40-year history

By Billy Burke For the past several decades, the Mabee Center has been a gem in the crown of Oral Roberts University.

It has hosted the ORU Golden Eagles basketball teams, nine NCAA basketball tournaments and countless concerts and events that have featured beloved icons from the past several generations.

With this at the start of the upcoming basketball season, a part of it will be gone.

The Mabee Center’s original hardwood court, dating back almost 40 years ago, is in the process of being replaced with a brand new floor for this coming season.

The new court will display updated team and school logos, as well as its famous “Expect a Miracle” mantra on the sides of the court.

Although it won’t be drastically different than the previous floor, it will have an edgier look to it.

However, diehard Golden Eagles fans now have the chance to own a piece of

ORU history.

Sections of the original Mabee Center court will be sold through the Golden Eagle Club to those who want to add it to their memorabilia collection.

“There have been a lot of great memories on this floor,” said ORU Athletic Director Mike Carter. “With all of the history that has been made, and all of the legendary players who have spent time on the court, this is a great opportunity for people who are fans of the Titans, Golden Eagles or just of the game of basketball.”

The court has seen its fair share of memorable moments.

During the court’s 38year lifespan, the men’s team posted a 417-137 (.752) record.

It has hosted nine different national tournaments, including the NCAA Midwest Regional in 1974 and an epic matchup between Kansas and Louisville in front of a sellout crowd of 10,575.

The 1975 contest against

Tulsa is still the largest crowd to see a game at the Mabee Center, filling the stands with 11,178 fans.

In 1990, Stacy Williams scored 50 points and in 2010, the Golden Eagles women’s basketball team scored 120 points against North Texas, both of which are overall school records.

During their college years, both Michael Jordan and Karl Malone played on the Mabee Center court.

It has served as the site of the Oklahoma state high school playoffs, the Oklahoma all-state contests and is the former site of the NAIA National Basketball Championship.

For those interested in purchasing a piece of the floor, there are four different options and sizes available.

The option is available to have a piece personally autographed by Coach Ken Trickey, Coach Scott Sutton, players Richard Fuqua and Caleb Green, or by Coach Jerry Finkbeiner, and players Krista Ragan and Kevi Luper.

Photo by Stephen Salmon

The Mabee Center floor is seeing its first renovation in the 40 years since the building was constructed.

OSU-TU game paused due to weather concerns

By Billy Burke It was a late night for football players and fans at the Oklahoma State vs Tulsa game on Sept. 17.

The game was scheduled to start at 9:10 p.m., but due to a tornado warning in the area, the game was postponed until midnight.

With the national anthem already played and the kickoff only a few minutes away, fans were encouraged to seek shelter from the approaching storm.

After a three-hour wait, the Cowboys, ranked eigth best in the nation, came out and shot holes in Tulsa’s defense, winning 59-33. Brandon Weeden threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns, while Joseph Randle ran for 128 yards and three more scores.

Weeden had seen late-night games while playing

14 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

baseball, but never anything like this in football. ”When we won the game, everybody’s obviously very excited about the game but everybody’s just walking around like zombies,” Weeden told Associated Press.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane seemed to be doomed from the start.

After losing starting quarterback G.J. Kinne to a knee injury in the first quarter, replacement Kalen Henderson finished with 6-for-20 passing for 104 yards and two TD passes to Bryan Burnham, faltering with three interceptions.

The Hurricane had a few bright spots, with Ja’Terian Douglas rushing 173 yards, including two touchdown runs of 80 and 42 yards, and Trey Watts adding 159 yards rushing with two

lost fumbles.

Cowboys coach Mike Gundy was not happy with the delayed game, especially because of the injuries.

“I’m not real excited about playing at that time, to be honest with you,” Gundy said. “There comes a certain point in the middle of the morning your body is not used to functioning.... I had concerns about injuries on both teams. I was really concerned about losing players.”

The teams didn’t share a weekend off this season, leaving limited options to postpone the game.

Both teams need to catch up on sleep this week, as they both face ranked opponents next Saturday.

Oklahoma State opens Big 12 conference play at No. 9 Texas A&M while Tulsa is at No. 4 Boise State.

Scene

The Oracle Scene Editor is Halle Byrams.

You may contact her with comments or questions at hbyrams@oru.edu

Tulsa State Fair: fried food, free concerts

By Halle Byrams Every year, just as the weather begins cooling down, the Tulsa State Fair makes an appearance for 11 days, bringing along livestock shows, craft and food competitions, concerts, rides and, of course, food.

The fair will begin Sept.

29 through Oct. 4, and is at the Tulsa Fairgrounds on Yale between 15th and 21st.

The fair always has so much going on and it is nearly impossible to experience all it has to offer in just one day.

The Tulsa State Fair is greatly anticipated by Tulsa and surrounding area residents, and it offers something

welcome stars such as Go Dim, Toby Mac, Eli Young Band, Red and Mike Posner, just to name a few.

There will be a concert every night of the fair, all starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets to the headliner concerts cost $15, while others are free with general admission.

New at the fair this year is the Corndog Challenge, a

The fair has so much going on and it’s impossible to experience all it has to offer in just one day. for everyone.

For anyone who enjoys a good concert, the Oklahoma stage is always a favorite.

This year, the stage will

International Film Festival makes its debut in Tulsa

By Francesca Lucido Tulsa will host its first International Film Festival from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25 in downtown Tulsa.

The festival will include screenings of more than 100 world-class films in multiple genres, workshops led by reputable professionals and special appearances by individuals in the film industry.

The festival will take place in downtown Tulsa at several venues, including the Tulsa Center for Creativity, Hyatt Regency, Living Arts, The Jazz Hall of Fame and the Mayo Hotel.

The official lineup and schedule can be viewed online.

Students interested in

participating in next year’s International Film Festival could earn networking and possible opportunities by attending this year’s festival.

The International Film Festival is eager about the up and coming generation of screenwriters and filmmakers and is offering an All-Access entry pass.

The entry pass costs $25 and will allow unlimited access to workshops and screenings.

In order to be eligible for this discounted rate, you must present a current student ID. Students who have made a short or feature-length film are eligible to submit their work under the “Emerging

Filmmaker Division.”

Certain films will be chosen from this category and screened at the Tulsa Center for Creativity.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

Workshops will cover various topics such as “Scoring Your Film, Song Selections and Other Music Issues Regarding Your Film,” “Critical Issues in Film Post-Production,” and “Increasing the Production $$ Appearance of Your Low Budget Film.”

Students interested in attending the Tulsa International Film Festival should visit their website for a list of guidelines and more information at http://www. tulsafilmfestival.org.

5K race where strong- stomached participants must finish a corndog, lemonade and cotton candy while running.

For those up to the challenge, the race takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24.

Registration for the race begins at 4:30 p.m., though online registration is encouraged.

If you don’t think you can stomach the challenge, you can opt to run the 5K without the power snacks.

For those looking for a more leisurely event, sign up for the Fun Run, a one-mile, walker- and family-friendly course.

For the thrill-seekers, the fair added a new extreme

ride, The MAXXX. In addition to extreme rides, the fair has tons of fun rides and crowd favorites, including the Ferris wheel and carousel.

The mega ride pass is a ride wristband that gives riders unlimited rides for the 11 days of the fair.

Mega ride passes can be purchased for $60 at Expo Ticket Express or at the Mega Ride Office, located at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

General gate admission is $10 Friday through Sunday and $8 Monday through Thursday.

More information about the Tulsa State Fair can be found at tulsastatefair.com.

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THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 15

Tulsa Celebrity: Biker Fox

By Francesca Lucido Frank Palmer DeLarzelere III, or more infamously known as the “Biker Fox,” has made headlines all across Tulsa for his desire to encourage healthy eating and exercise habits.

As flashy as the foxtrot on “Dancing with the Stars,” you can see Biker Fox riding up and down the streets of Tulsa, oftentimes sporting his famously vibrant Spandex.

Born in Monroe, La., in 1958, Frank DeLarzelere III or “Trey”- because of the common family name of Frank- moved to Tulsa when he was 5.

The DeLarzelere family moved across the country several times because of Frank’s father’s job as a salesman before finally settling in Tulsa.

DeLarzelere fashioned his trademark nickname and even “coined” it a few years back when he decided he

“wanted a name that Hollywood would never forget.”

He’s still holding out for the legendary “star” on Hollywood Boulevard.

In high school, the ladies used to call DeLarzelere a “fox,” and his recently discovered passion of biking led him to the now legendary “Biker Fox” trademark.

DeLarzelere began his biking career a few years ago.

At the time, DeLarzelere was struggling with eating healthy and weighed in at 240 pounds.

He realized that something needed to change. but after unsuccessfully trying several weight-loss regimens, DeLarzelere became discouraged.

Then, during a Sunday morning church service, a breakthrough occurred.

DeLarzelere found himself on his knees begging God to help him lose the

weight he necessary to feel good.

Soon after, he began biking rigorously and only eating healthy foods at cafeterias across Tulsa.

Once a week, he rewarded himself with a healthy meal at Applebee’s.

As a result, DeLarzelere lost 80 pounds in a mere six months.

“Exercise has to be important,” said DeLarzelere.

“You have to take care of your temple. How you take care of yourself is how you can be happy.”

The Biker Fox suggests riding a bike.

DeLarzelere acknowledged that his biggest inspiration has been God giving him full credit for the position he is in today.

His successful company, Muscle Car Guru, sells car parts all across the country.

However, the Biker Fox does not take his biking pas-

Internet Photo

Biker Fox is a local and often-spotted Tulsa celebrity. sion lightly.

He has a vision to make Tulsa the biking capital of the world.

According to the Biker Fox, if we all took his advice, Tulsa could be known for being the “foxiest” place in the States.

“I hope to see hundreds of people riding bikes back and forth to school and work,” Delarzelere said.

“In other places in the world, biking is an accepted way of transportation and overall safer for the environment.”

ORU Theatre to perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

By Francesca Lucido One of Shakespeare’s most imaginative and delightful works is making its debut in Howard Auditorium starting Sept. 30. It will continue nightly at 7:30 through Oct. 2.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” written in the 1500s

by William Shakespeare, is a comedy set in ancient Athens, Greece.

“Midsummer” will have a modern theme and is directed by assistant theatre professor Chris Crawford.

In addition to performances at night, “Midsummer” will also be performed during the

morning for high-schoolers in the Tulsa community.

Senior theatre arts major Curmira Bill plays the fairy “Peaseblossom.”

“My character’s name comes from the word “appease,” so she’s really a peacemaker,” Bill said.

“She likes things to be beautiful and calm. She likes things in order and tries hard to submit to her queen. “ Bill said the cast spends four hours at a time rehearsing.

“We’re having fun, but it’s about focus,” Bill said.

Bill encourages everyone who loves art and excellent

16 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

work to go see the show.

Leah Sostman, senior drama/television/film major, describes “Midsummer” as “very dreamy.”

Sostman plays Hippolyta, Queen of Amazon.

“It’s a mix between reality and a dream,” Sostman said.

“It’s imaginative and poetic, because it’s Shakespeare.”

Sostman said that Crawford empowers the actors to embody and discover their characters.

“He gives actors freedom to explore characters,” Sostman said.

Sostman was never interested in theatre before this

play. She was more interested in the television and film aspect of her major.

Sostman described “Mid-

summer” as imagination coming to life.

“I don’t think anyone should miss that,” she said.

The Snow Cone Factory 1/2 Price Snow Cones With ORU I.D. Located at 71st and Riverside

By Open Bible Fellowship.

Muse

The Muse Editor is Kelsie Wardell Contact her with comments or questions at oraclemuse@oru.edu.

The Date Doctor The Attraction Anomaly class?” She nods and you know your foot is in the door. So you follow up with a slightly suggestive, “perhaps we can study together sometime?”

Except your nerves got the better of you. You said it way too quietly and every other word was inaudible. She smiles, but has no idea what you just said.

You ponder what you are going to say to her next time. It takes up all of your thoughts and you are certain the two of you would be very happy together because you are attracted, right? Wrong. Attraction is not that simple.

That magnetism alone is no basis for a relationship. If these emotions start dictating your actions, you’re in trouble. Chances are you are so overcome that you ignore the fact you hardly know her.

It is natural to be attracted to various people throughout your lifetime, but not all of them will play an important part of your life. As a history major, I often find myself attracted

to people in the past. However, just because I am drawn to them doesn’t mean I am destined to build a time machine and convince Tesla that women do not have cooties. Frankly, we both have better things to do.

Being attracted to someone means very little. So your heart flut-

To put attraction in simple terms: Location, Fascination, Duration.

Jaci Brown is a senior history major. She’s in her final semester at ORU and joins us to offer witty, insightful advice into the dating scene.

It’s difficult to explain it, but every time she enters the room you get nervous and you can’t seem to sit still. She ends up sitting in the desk next to you and you know it is now or never to make an impression. “Did you buy the book for this

tered when she entered the room, or your tongue tied when she spoke to you. Yes you are attracted, but to what degree?

On its own, attraction is not enough of an indicator to determine a possible relationship.

Typically, attraction is nothing more than the notification of the person in front of you having a feature you desire to see in yourself. But it is so much easier to take ownership of that feature by dating it than it is to

Lessons Not in the Syllabus

Brenda Richards offers the view from the perspective of a slightly older, non-traditional student.

My definition of “ministry” used to be compact and well defined. Essentially, it was loyally fulfilling some area of volunteer work in the church that occurred once or twice a week. Then there were the occasional church outreaches that also fulfilled that obligation. Having been raised in church all my life and groomed for music ministry, I wore my “ministry” title proudly like a shiny badge. It was expected that I would earn a music degree and continue that

path, but the day came when God asked me to shelve the music ministry for a while.

A few months turned into a few years. I was often quizzed by well-meaning Christians, “Aren’t you in the ministry anymore?”

You see, I had a narrowminded view of “ministry.”

Sure, I was open for opportunities to share the Gospel and the extraordinary things God had done in my life.

But I had put God in a box concerning what area of ministry He was allowed to

cultivate it in your own life.

To put attraction in simple terms: Location, Fascination and Duration.

One is usually drawn to the person that he/she sees on occasion. The close proximity adds to the chances of running into the person and can cause a nervous elation.

Fascination occurs when one notices a trait in the person that they are drawn to and they feel a sensation. Sometimes it is explainable, but often it’s not. Lastly is the duration factor.

If one instantly feels attracted to a person, then there is a good chance that he/she will fall out of affection even faster if there is no other basis for a relationship. A quick example: I was watching an old “Saturday Night Live” video online. John Lovitz played a character called “Annoying Man” and I found myself drawn to him. Instead of working myself up into a panic, wondering if I had indeed lost my mind, I waited. Within a quick moment all feeling was gone Continued on Page 19

Your Definition of Ministry

use me in, and what I was the most comfortable doing.

Every Sunday for years, I was faithful to dress up and sing and play the piano in front of smiling, friendly Christians (well, most of them were). The environment was safe, and the audience was nonthreatening. Frankly when I was younger, I failed to see how God could use a Christian effectively outside of church.

That narrow-minded opinion began to change as I worked in the legal and busi-

ness worlds and saw what an open mission field they were. Believe it or not, God strategically places lawyers, business owners, electricians, doctors and nurses in areas that people may not expect, simply to shine the light of His love. The “ministry” is not only limited to church; it just may become integrated with your job title.

This awareness was driven home with me a few years ago when I was working in a hospital. One night, I had a Continued on Page 19

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 17

And It Was Good Evian-aivety

Hayley Weinhold is a 2011 graduate of ORU and writes about why Christians should be on the front lines of caring for the Earth.

Let’s discuss a very critical and easy way you can begin to care for both the earth and yourself.

Stop drinking bottled water.

It is unclear how many bottles of water America consumes every year because there are many studies citing different numbers. Yet even with the discrepancies, the amount of water bottles that are estimated to be recycled should make you blush with shame.

After numerous studies, safewater.org estimates that “88% of water bottles are

not recycled.” The majority of water bottles end up polluting our oceans and have created massive swirling toilet bowls of plastic in several locations.

(Yes. It’s true. Research Pacific, Atlantic or Indian Garbage Patch and discover how the plastic that runs our disposable lifestyles is killing wildlife and overtaking the oceans.) The others end up in landfills—which is fortunate for us because we never have to see how much waste we actually create.

Bottled water creates waste when tap water does

the job just fine.

We continually hear of tap water having trace amounts of chemicals (another result of our own lifestyle and the waste we put into our water supplies) but that’s because tap water is regulated. Bottled water is not. Depending on the amount of people in a given area, municipal water is tested up to 400 times a month.

Bottled water has no such regulations, and while tap water is tested and results are required to be open to the public, results from

bottled water research do not have to be open to the public.

The Natural Resources Defense Council writes that, “about one fourth of bottled water is bottled tap water (and by some accounts as much as 40 percent is derived from tap water).” But since advertisers have done their job well, it now “feels” like we have to buy bottled water to ensure the water we drink is healthy.

Read the rest of Hayley’s article online at oruoracle. com

The Civil Roar Personality vs. Presidency

ORU alum and University of Colorado graduate Josh M. Shepherd works at a think tank in Washington, D.C. He blogs at TheCivilRoar.com.

Five debates down, 10 to go.

Deciding on the best candidate to match up against President Obama will continue to be a long, winding road over the next several months.

It’s an exciting time, when all manner of center-right ideologies are jockeying for position.

Yet debates are inherently problematic, as the Nixon/Kennedy faceoff famously proved; looking good on TV is all about style, not substance. It’s part of our civic duty to

look past the personalities and oneliners, instead searching for signals of how this man or woman will set priorities, make decisions and lead our nation.

Year after year certain issues emerge as debate fodder: stuff too complex to fully explain in two minutes, but easy to throw rhetorical bombs at an opponent has clearly defined a position. Now I’m a simple guy, so this will only be an aerial view of one such issue. The goal here is to distinguish between a grand vision for America, and just grandstanding.

Since joining the field of candidates in the past month, the governor of Texas has ignited people’s passions—both for and against him.

While the left sees another George Bush, the right finds his nuanced immigration views challenging ... and some corporate connections troubling. Yet what’s undeniable about Gov. Rick Perry is his penchant for putting the national debt in stark terms while other candidates are, by and large, spouting talking points.

Our nation’s $14 trillion debt is actually easy to understand. Presi-

18 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

dent Obama recently proposed a budget for 2012 that has one category eating up 58 percent of the total amount: entitlement programs, known popularly as Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid. The first two I listed are the biggies, offering health care and retirement benefits to se-

niors who have paid into the system.

Because Americans are living a lot longer than in the 1930s when Social Security was started, the finances of that program simply do not add up today.

“We have not had the courage to Continued on Page 20

Muse Policy Submitting Letters The Oracle welcomes and encourages letters to the editor.

While print space is sought-after real estate, we do our best to publish (either in print or on our website) each letter we receive.

Letters should be no more 300 words in length and should refrain from personal attacks. The Oracle reserves the right to withhold from publishing any submitted work for any reason.

Writing Columns Again, print space is limited, but we welcome ideas for

columns. If you are interested in writing a column for either print or for the website (or know of someone who is), feel free to contact us.

The Oracle reserves the right to withhold from publishing any submitted work for any reason.

Calendar Events Send us your event to be included on the calendar. Any ORU club or organization can send us notifications.

Submit letters, column ideas and calendar events to: oraclemuse@oru.edu

Your Definition of Ministry (Contd. from page 17)

The Attraction Anomaly (Contd. from page 17)

patient who reeked of body odor. He was given to profanity and inappropriate conversation, and was a most unpleasant individual.

I left the room to gasp for air and prayed silently, “Lord, help me to show the love of Jesus to this man and not judge him.”

That’s when the Lord spoke to my heart. “It’s easy to sing and play the piano in church to Christians, but true ‘ministry’ is showing My love to the unlovely.”

At the risk of offending anyone in church ministry and seeming to discount the importance of those roles, please understand what God did for me in that moment. I used to be defined by music ministry and really never saw myself in any other significant service to God. The gentleman I was serving that night wasn’t going to attend church, but I

times and have had numerSo who am I? And what talked about the glisten of ous first dates with stranggives me the right to give each other’s molars, we ran ers. After a while, I began to you advice? Excellent quesout of things to say. No love recognize patterns of social tion. Although I have never connection there. considered myself much of a etiquette and learned the art I have multitudes of of reading body language. “dater,” I do have thorough awkward stories from the And yes, you read that first-hand knowledge of the backwoods of Tennessee to complications of the shores of relationships. the MediterAlthough I have never considDespite my ranean and the apathetic nature tollbooth guy ered myself much of a “dater,” toward dating in between.

I do have thorough first hand growing up, So yes, in knowledge of the complications my love life has my opinion, been a priority of I have put in of relationships. many. the hours and My family passed the right: my dentist. Before the (even extended), leaders at exams of becoming the ORU date, she had me read his my church, teachers, comdate doctor. medical chart. Apparently munity figures, and even my dentist have all had a special the week before he had seen Got a dating question? my folder and was willing interest in my dating life.

Email Jaci at jacibthe20s@ to go out with me. After we I have been set up many oru.edu.

was so glad the Lord let me be a light to him in a hospital. God changed my definition of ministry, and when I thought for years it would only be in music, it turned out to be in nursing, too.

God needs artists, teachers, plumbers, accountants – whatever your career choice may be – to be a bright light in this dark world. Acts 10:38 says that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and power, and He went about doing good . . .”

So someday God may allow me to participate in the music ministry again. Until then, I aim to be about His ministry of doing good and helping others.

But if you happen to walk by a hospital chapel and hear music, I’ll be the one on the piano worshiping God (during my break, of course).

Rutlandisms: “When Garfield was in the White House...”

By Matthew Dean

THE ORACLE • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • 19

Personality vs. Presidency (Continued from page 18) face, young mid-career professionals or kids that are my children’s age, and say, ‘Listen, this is a broken system,’” says Perry.

“It has been called a Ponzi scheme by many people long before me. We’re going to fix it so that our young Americans that are going out into the workforce today will know without a doubt that there were some people who came along that didn’t lie to them.”

By the way, that 58 percent for entitlement programs contrasts rather starkly with the national defense spending category (19 percent) and foreign aid (2 percent). When anyone asserts we can fix the debt and avoid a fiscal crisis like Greece without dealing

extensively with entitlement reform, ask to see the numbers— because they don’t exist.

It’s true that seniors are a powerful voting bloc and it scares some of them to hear that we must reform these programs. But we can do it and still ensure a strong safety net for those who need the vital support these programs offer. For a real plan with real numbers behind it, check out SavingTheDream. org.

Lately Perry has clashed with Gov. Mitt Romney.

Admittedly the former Massachusetts governor has strengths as a candidate, notably private and public sector management experience.

On this issue he tries to

use Perry’s boldness against him. “The term ‘Ponzi scheme’ I think is over the top, unnecessary and frightful to many people,” Romney says. He then proposed that Perry’s reform proposals for these programs would hurt seniors.

Truth is, it will take strong words and even stronger political courage to make real changes to the drivers of our national debt. Which makes this an ideal way to determine if a candidate is a pathfinder on the biggest factor weighing down our economy, or if one is just posturing.

Next time, we’ll turn to foreign policy and consider what candidates are saying about a rogue state in the Middle East.

Calendar Friday, Sept. 23 • Career

Expo, Noon-3:30 p.m., LRC 3

Saturday, Sept. 24 • Stop

Child Trafficking Now Walk, 8:10 a.m., Riverwalk Crossing, Jenks

Sunday, Sept. 25 • Tulsa

Int’l Film Festival (Last Day) Downtown Tulsa

Monday, Sept. 26 • Tulsa

Health Dept. begins flu vaccinations, free to Community Care insureds

Tuesday, Sept. 27 • Cinema Verite,

Noon to 10 p.m.,

Circle Cinema

Wednesday, Sept. 28 • Revival:

Phillip Munsey, 10 a.m.Noon and Dr. Stephan Munsey, 6-9 p.m., Christ’s Chapel

Thursday, Sept. 29 • Revival:

Phillip Munsey, 10 a.m.Noon, Christ’s Chapel • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 7:30 p.m., Howard Auditorium; continues through Sunday, Oct. 2, various times • Women’s Volleyball vs. IPFW, 7-9

20 • Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 • THE ORACLE

p.m. Aerobics Center; Free admission • Tulsa

State Fair (Sept. 29 - Oct. 9), Noon-11 p.m., (hours vary), Expo Square Friday, Sept. 30 • SA

Movie Night, 7- 9 p.m., Cafeteria Sidewalks

Sunday, Oct. 2 • TWLOHA

ORU Benefit Show, 7 p.m., Agora Coffeehouse • Men’s Soccer vs. Nebraska-Omaha, 2- 4 p.m., Soccer Complex, Free admission • Women’s Volleyball vs. Oakland, 7 p.m., Aerobics Center, Free admission

Monday, Oct. 3 • Group

Advisement, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 4 • PRSSA

Meeting, 5-6 p.m., GC 4116, Greg Kittinger, Labor Relations Institute, $2 non-member; members free; PDPs available to Business students

Wednesday, Oct. 5 • ORU

Fall Festival, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Cafeteria Sidewalks