INSIDE • Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 2 • Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 3 • Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 4 • Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 6 • Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGES 7 & 8
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THEVISTA University of Central Oklahoma
The Student Voice Since 1903
U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball team prepares for 2012 Paralympics •Page 7
WEDNESDAY • June 13, 2012
THUNDER UP!
Students and faculty, wearing Oklahoma City Thunder apparel, gathered in front of Old North June 12 to show support for the opening game of the NBA finals. The Thunder and Heat will play the second game of the series Thursday, June 14 at 8 p.m. at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Photo by Kat Wells, The Vista
Campus Life
As troops return from Middle Eastern conflicts, UCO has seen a steady rise in veteran enrollment M.A. Smith
Contributing Writer The bronze and blue have seen an increase of the red, white and blue around campus. With more and more troops coming home from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, this year, UCO has seen a spike in veteran enrollment. Last year, UCO Veteran’s Affairs Office enrolled 1,541 students for the 2011 spring, summer and fall semesters, said Adam Johnson, UCO associate vice president and registrar. This included 608 for spring, 273 for summer and 660 students for the fall semesters. These numbers are up from 1,510 the previous year and 1,240 in 2009. UCO also received about $1.5 million in G.
I. Bill money for the students’ tuition and fees. “The students certified were active duty service members, veterans of active duty service, currently active Selected Reserve and Oklahoma National Guard service members, disabled service members under the VA Vocational Rehabilitation program and eligible dependents of certain categories of veterans.” Johnson said. Veteran’s Services also attributes the increase to changes in the G. I. Bill and new benefits. “There has been an increase since the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill came into effect in the fall of 2009,” said Linda Wright, UCO Veteran’s Administration coordinator. She also said the numbers show that the increase will continue into next year. “The VA expects the numbers to keep going up due to
the downsizing of troops and because there will be fewer National Guard members and Reservists serving as Active Duty service personnel.” UCO doesn’t have numbers for veterans who have graduated. But, Wright said that is about to change. “We have never tracked graduation rates for veterans, but effective with the fall 2011 term, we did put in to place a procedure to start graduation tracking,” she said. These trends show one thing; the troops are coming home, and they want something better for themselves, their families and their children. They want an education. “With the Afghanistan pullout by 2014, there will be more and more soldiers returning home, getting out of the military, and moving on to another chapter of their lives.
Business
The door to that next chapter opens by using their educational benefits and getting their degree,” Wright said. The increase in enrollment is not centralized to Oklahoma. Veterans across America are also taking this time to get their degrees. According to an article by CNN, there were 923,836 service members who received federal education benefits last year. Nearly half (555,329) of these service members received money under the Post 9/11 G. I. Bill changes. While the veterans say the money allows them to attend college, it is the support and friendships they have on-campus that really matters. “A lot of us are loners. When you get out of the military, you kind of don’t know where you’re at,” Vincent Acevedo, 26, retired Marine who served in Baghdad, told CNN.
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Oklahoma economy improving despite decline of fuel prices Signs of a diversifying economy are appearing in OklaStaff Writer homa, as the state treasurer’s office recently announced that the state’s revenue had increased for the month of April, even though oil and natural gas prices were still low. In the latest edition of the Oklahoma Economic Report, State Treasurer Ken Miller wrote that unemployment in the state was three points lower than the current seasonally-adjusted national unemployment rate, which sits at 8.2 percent and credited the state’s recent economic growth to higher income and sales tax collection rates. He also levied criticism at out-of-state commentators, such as Wall Street Journal writer Stephen Moore, who were opining negatively on Oklahoma’s “failure to eliminate the state income tax.” “Tax reform should not be confused with simply eliminating the state’s largest revenue source on a wing and a prayer,” Miller wrote. “Tax cut promises are easy to make when necessary cuts in spending and tax incentives are ignored.” Miller lambasted the comparison of Oklahoma to Texas, which does not currently have an income tax. “One editorial pointed to Texas’ lack of an income tax as proof that Oklahoma shouldn’t have one either,” he wrote. “It stated that Texas pays its bills with a sales tax, but ignored its property tax burden is about three times higher than in Oklahoma. Interestingly, Oklahoma has had positive in-migration from Texas for three years running and a per capita income Trevor Hultner
growth rate that has outpaced most no-income tax states during the last decade.” The report claimed that due to the rising income and sales tax collection rates, the state had earned more than $1 billion in revenue, an increase of 7.7 percent from last April, while gross production dropped by more than 20 percent. “People are working and earning more money, so we’re seeing an increase in income tax collections, and people are buying more goods, so we see an increase in sales tax collections,” Deputy Treasurer Tim Allen said over the phone on Friday. He said that the treasurer’s office has seen a steady growth in income tax and sales tax collections for a while, and they’re
continuing to rise. “We continue to see positive signs in the Oklahoma economy,” he said. Other areas of the report dealt with the history of Oklahoma’s energy development as well as details on the Keystone XL pipeline, which will run from the Alberta Tar Sands in central Canada to Cushing, Okla. The line is controversial among environmental groups because of initial plans to run it through a highly sensitive area above the Ogalalla Aquifer, the largest fresh groundwater reserve in the western hemisphere. Gov. Mary Fallin will be representing Oklahoma at the 2012 Global Petroleum Show in Calgary, Alberta, Canada this week, where she will be speaking with industry leaders about the pipeline, according to the Associated Press.
Opinion
THEVISTA
Page 2
June 13, 2012 Editorial
‘Homa’s where the heart is
THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 vistauco@gmail.com
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with a maximum of 250 words, and must include the author’s printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.
Escape. I’m not sure where the seed was planted, but it was there. It probably came from something a classmate said. Maybe, it was a deep desire to rebel against my family and become my own man. Maybe, its just because the grass was greener on the other side of the state line. I needed out of Oklahoma. I tried to go to my out-of-state dream school. Funny story; they actually let me in. Must have been destiny. Still, life has the darndest habit of happening, and by life, I mean out-of-state tuition. Either way, I wasn’t going to be attending Destiny U. “High school me” had to face the music. If I wanted to complete my college education anytime soon, I had to stay in Oklahoma. While my classmates and friends were moving to schools across the country and even overseas, “high school
me” obsessed over being stuck in this obese, meth-ridden, red state. Yeah, “high school me” was a twerp. In the years that have passed since that time however, I’ve noticed a strange correlation between all of the people who left the state to go to colleges in other places. When they return, they aren’t coming back to the town that they, long ago, tried to erase from their memory. They’re coming home, and they’re thrilled to be back. Imagine that. “High school me,” thrilled to be back home. In case you hadn’t noticed, Oklahoma City is currently under the spell of the NBA Finals and civic pride is at an all-time high. I love it. “College me” laughs at “high school me.” There is nothing wrong with going out on your own and exploring new places, but never
forget your roots. What shared life experience do I have with anyone from Chicago? None. Land Run Day at elementary school, now that’s something I can relate to. I can also relate to the hottest summer in the history of the United States. I can relate to tornados. I can relate to April 19, 1995. When the fans stand up for their team at the start of every Thunder game, I like to think that they’re not standing as Thunder fans. I like to think that they’re not standing as Sooner fans or Republicans or even Americans. I like to think we’re standing as Oklahomans. Bonded through tragedy, strengthened through unity and victorious even in times of hardship. Oklahoma, our home. Ben Luschen, Managing Editor
The editorial is the opinion of one of The Vista’s management or editorial staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the entire paper, the University of Central Oklahoma or the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges. Comment on this editorial at UCO360.com.
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STAFF
Management
Editorial
Joshua Hutton, Editor-In-Chief Ben Luschen, Managing Editor Sarah Neese, Copy Editor Chris Brannick, Sports Editor
Bryan Trude, Senior Staff Writer Josh Wallace, Staff Writer Mervyn Chua, Staff Writer Trevor Hultner, Staff Writer Adam Holt, Staff Writer Whitt Carter, Staff Writer
Graphic Design Michael McMillian
Advertising
Photography
Brittany Eddins
Kathleen Wells, Photo Editor
Circulation Joseph Choi
Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch
Editorial Comic Evan Oldham
Cartoon by Evan Oldham
How do you think the NBA Finals will play out? SHAMIR GRANG
ADITI PANCHAL
D.J. WILLIAMS
AMBER BRAGG
Graphic Design - Junior
Graphic Design - Junior
Forensics/Psychology - Junior
Biology - Senior
“Thunder in five games. I think Lebron will have one huge game so Miami doesn’t get swept but that’s it.”
“I think the OKC Thunder will beat the heat.”
“Depending on how they play. Tonight’s game is a big factor.”
“Thunder in six. We’re gonna win, that’s it, it’s over.”
News
THEVISTA
Page 3
June 13, 2012
Endeavor Games
Endeavor Games opening ceremony draws a large crowd
Approximately 250 athletes and 140 clinic participants attended the 2012 UCO Endeavor Games. Photo by Trevor Hultner, the Vista
ties, a nationally recognized multi-sport, multi-disability event for athletes of all ages, gathered to kick off this years opening ceremonies with games, movies, food and even a sled hockey workshop. The ceremonies ran from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and started with some brief opening announcements. After an applause from the
Joseph B. Nickell
Contributing Writer
The parking lots were full on Friday, June 8 at Oklahoma City’s’ Artic Edge Ice Arena located at 14613 N. Kelly Ave. Competitors, volunteers and fans of the UCO Endeavor Games for Athletes with Physical Disabili-
WEEKEND LINEUP WEEKEND LINEUP
audience, volunteers, sponsors, and people moved out of the stands and headed off to take part in the activities. “This year The Opening ceremonies are all about fun,” Leigha Pemberton, UCO Sports and Recreation, Sports Programs Coordinator said. “It’s the first social activity of the events and athletes have already started competition today. It gives them a chance to catch up as friends.” The main attraction of this year’s opening ceremonies was a sled hockey workshop put on by the USA Hockey’s Disabled Hockey Program. Anyone was welcome to try on a sled and get on the ice. People of all ages practiced turning, speeding across the ice and some even tried their hand at shooting the puck. The workshop not only drew the interest of crowd members but also that of other Endeavor Games athletes. “Sled Hockey is a very interesting sport. Its exciting and you can get allot of people plying at once,” Monique Burkland, member of the USA Sitting Volleyball Team and a student at UCO, said. Sitting volleyball was also featured Friday as well as pickup basketball games, a photo booth and food trucks from Cupcakes to Go Go, Smokin’ Okies and Wok Stop. There was no shortage of activities for children. You could find them walking from place to place with face-painted smiles. “We wanted to bring back last years face
Little Miss Sunshine By Kara Stewart
Native American Games
A celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jim Thorpe’s record-setting Olympic performance in Sweden, this competition will feature more than 4,000 Native American athletes. Remington Park will be the host site for the opening and closing ceremonies, the Native American Art Exhibition and traditional cultural exhibitions throughout the week. An NFL punt, pass and kick competition and a 5K run will also take place at Remington Park during the Jim Thorpe Native American Games. The games run June 10-17. This multi-day festival features professional orchestra musicians, OK Mozart concert artists and musical performances of international significance. Historically, this festival has been held only in Bartlesville, but OK Mozart in OKC brings a portion of the main festivities to Oklahoma City. All events are held at Oklahoma City University except the Grand Finale, which will take place at the OKC Civic Center Music Hall. Tonight, the Carolina Chocolate drops perform at 8 p.m. The finale takes place on Sunday, June 17 at 2 p.m.
Thunder Watch Parties
Getting a ticket to the NBA finals eludes many fans, but several locations across Edmond host Thunder watch parties. Henry Hudson’s Pub, Dan McGuinness Irish Pub, Majors, Buffalo Wild Wings and Cafe Evoke will be playing Game Two on Thursday, beginning at 8 p.m.
Two Gentlemen of Verona
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park will begin their presentation of “Two Gentlemen of Verona” on June 14 at 8 p.m. This production will take place on the Myriad Botanical Gardens Water Stage in downtown Oklahoma City. Friendship and passion entangle in this comedy about jealousy and the fickle nature of love. Bawdy bandits, cross-dressing maidens and a “sourest natured” dog named Crab make this one of Shakespeare’s most memorable comedies.
Continued from page 1
Veteran enrollment “That’s what the veterans group is for, to let you know you’re not alone.” While enrollment numbers are up, Wright said the students aren’t gravitating to any particular degree program. “Many young men and women join the military so they will have those G.I. Bill educational benefits to help them afford school,” she said. “We normally have several criminal justice majors and we always have a lot of business and education majors.” Depending on the level of service and other factors, veterans have many options available toww them to help with the cost of college, Wright said. Some students receive aid directly to the college and a textbook and supplies reim-
bursement directly to them. Others only receive a monthly allowance to use as they see fit. The VA also offers tutoring reimbursements and reimbursements for some certification and testing fees. Since the G. I. Bill is transferrable to dependents, children also can receive help if their parents served in the military. “There are Active Duty military members taking classes, but, normally, they do not use their G.I. Bill while they are still on active duty,” she said. Since their tuition is paid by the military while in active service, “they save their G.I. Bill benefits to use after they get out of the military or transfer them to a dependent.”
painter, the kids really loved her,” Pemberton said. Two films were also shown during the evening, “Dolphin Tale,” the story of a dolphin that must adjust to using a prosthetic tail, and “Soul Surfer,” a film focusing on the struggles and triumphs of a surfer who looses her arm in a shark attack. “This is a family event. We have athletes as young as 3 and our oldest competitor is 63,” Grant Leatherwood, UCO’s Wellness Center Communications Officer said. “We wanted to make sure the event is family friendly and that everyone has a good time.” Sponsors also attended the opening ceremonies. Brian Long, a sales representative for Ottobock Healthcare, expressed how gratifying it was to see the product he sells making a difference in people’s daily lives. “It shows how we can adapt to peoples needs. If they are sitting in an office or need a prosthetic for running, we can help them. It’s extremely rewarding to see people benefit from something that you work with everyday.” Long wasn’t the only attendee to express his gratitude for the opening ceremonies, as well as the Endeavor Games as a whole. “It’s a great place to be,” Burkland said. “It changes your life. You see people doing amazing things and its fun for children and adults to compete.
Champ Stop the bandwagon, please. I’d like to jump on. Most of the nation knows about “The Game,” even if they didn’t watch it themselves. The OKC Thunder, pride of the little prairie state, is going to the NBA Playoffs. Most of the nation has been following every move, news article, tweet, picture, post, or YouTube video made about the Thunder and how awesome they are. In return, this makes our flyover state awesome, solely through association. I’m not most of the nation. I don’t even have cable. Actually, thanks to my fantastic little apartment complex, I don’t currently have a working fridge or a working showerhead, either (don’t worry; I’m clean!). But that’s beside the point. I’m so far removed from what the rest of the nation is doing. I’m not entirely sure I know what’s happening on the court. Sure, I see you move that little ball up and down, trying to get it in the little basket, but that is about all I get out of it. I’m trying – I really am – to hop on this fun little wagon and go for a ride. I’m just not sure it’ll slow down enough for me. I’ve been to a Thunder game, actually, right behind the little basket. I went to high school with the little wonders that made the “Beard Like Harden’s” video, and I like to think
I can be very spirited when it comes to watching “The Game.” However, I have no idea what’s going on. It’s not a sports thing. Ask me about almost any other sport, and I can carry a conversation not full of head-nods and “mmhmm.” But, when it comes right down to it, I just don’t do basketball. I would really like to be able to cheer and understand exactly why an entire stadium is standing to their feet for a team of… how many? But, it’s not really important for me. At the risk of sounding like one of “those” people, I’m going to continue to cheer, even when I don’t know why. I’ll probably continue to sound like an idiot, without shame. You can bet your overpriced, less than one-of-a-kind Thunder shirt that I will be wearing something similar and checking my Facebook feed for updates on “The Game.” Why? Because, for me, at least, watching an entire crowd of people who, on any other given day, might hate each other, stand to their feet and cheer for what? Six, eight people? (I clearly have no idea). That’s fantastic. It’s different from football, because there’s no rival here. It’s all one bright blue flag flying for most of the state, and that’s pretty cool. I really need to get cable.
Comment on this column on UCO360.com Follow Kara on Twitter @kara_shae
News
THEVISTA
Page 4
June 13, 2012
Food
Nhinja brings soul to the sushi scene Bryan Trude
Senior Staff Writer
Sushi places in the United States, particularly in landlocked regions like Oklahoma, are often viewed as exotic destinations. In Japan, sushi is considered a comfort food, found in diners and eaten with fingers. This is a gap that places like Nhinja, now open in Edmond at the corner of 15th Street and Broadway, are trying to bridge. Located nearby popular haunts such as Starbucks and Chipotle, Nhinja features a stark, modern décor consisting of white settings with orange highlights along the walls. It is obvious that the fledgling chain – with two stores open in the Oklahoma City area, district manager Patrick Sullivan says the company has an eye to expand nationally – is appealing to the younger generation, college students in particular, in a décor that evokes the trendy sushi bars you would find in places like Seattle and San Francisco. When it comes to the menu, Nhinja features a mixture of standard Asian eatery staples and west-coast style health foods, ranging from Gyoza and Tempura Shrimp to a seared Ahi Tuna salad and lettuce wraps. As a sushi joint first and foremost, Nhinja’s selection is diverse without being too expansive, with about 20 rolls, seven styles of nigiri and four varieties of sashimi available. Prices are fairly
Nye Tongmany prepares sushi on Thursday, June 7 at Nhinja Sushi and Wok. Photo by Nhinja Sushi and Wok opened their Kat Wells, The Vista second location on June 1st at 15th and average, with rolls ranging between $4 undeniable, the rice used in the nigiri Broadway in Edmond. Photo by Kat Wells, The Vista
to $10, nigiri around $5 and sashimi around $9. The first word that comes to mind when one is served a plate of Nhinja sushi is “generous,” a phrase diners are sure to repeat throughout their experience. Cuts of fresh tuna and salmon are thick and expansive, akin to sizes seen in more expensive, upscale places, such as Bricktown’s “In The Raw.” “We try to make things less intimidating,” Sullivan said. “People can come in to Nhinja and get quality sushi at an affordable price.” While the quality of the fish used is
sampled was loose and somewhat noncompacted, leaving it to easily part when eaten with chopsticks. Anyone attempting to eat it with fingers will often end up with a sticky mess of rice on their digits. The generous theme extends to Nhinja’s miso soup, where a $1.95 cup comes in a bowl that outsizes miso bowls found in more established local businesses, such as Sumo and Fuji’s. While the soup was rich in flavor, with large leaves of seaweed and tofu cubes, it could have stood to be served a bit warmer. If raw fish isn’t your thing, or if you
are looking for something cheaper than $10 worth of sushi, Nhinja’s noodle and rice bowls are a cheaper – the most expensive selection is $7.75 for shrimp – and flavorful alternative. Nhinja’s chicken fried rice bowl, in particular, was satisfying, with delightfully crisp yet moist wok-fried chicken pieces and a garlic soy sauce that gave the whole dish a wonderful pop. The entire menu is available at www. nhinja.com.
Environment
Research shows growing skepticism surrounding global warming Josh Wallace
Staff Writer
According to new research studies published in June 2012, surveyed citizens of the U.S. and the U.K. are becoming increasingly skeptical of the idea and possible effects of global warming. In one of the studies, researchers found that the percentage of those who believe global warming to be a hoax increased to 20 percent in 2010, compared to just 10 percent of those asked in 2002. While many might believe that global warming is taking hold, researchers found an increasing number of Americans who feel that it won’t affect them in their lifetime. According to a survey published in Britain in 2011, more than one-third of those questioned felt that global warming had been overblown and exaggerated. When asked if they believed global warming was a legitimate event, several students at UCO agreed that they believed in it but had differing opinions on other aspects of the issue. Jason Bean, a UCO MIS major, said that he thought it to be real but could see why some might have shifted, adding, “they might have changed their opinions because of it being presented by a political figure,” such as former Vice President Al Gore. At the same time, other prominent political figures have come out to either question the issue or completely
A man rides an electric bike crossing a street shrouded by haze in Beijing. A senior Chinese environmental official told foreign embassies on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 to stop publishing their own reports on air quality in China, a clear reference to a popular U.S. Embassy Twitter feed that tracks pollution in smoggy Beijing. Jan. 10, 2012 (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)
deny its validity. In Feb. 2012, former Senator Rick Santorum went on the attack against global warming, as well as his campaign rivals at the time. After criticizing former rival Newt Gingrich for wanting congress to act on climate change, Santorum said, “Who is he or who’s Governor Romney to be able to go after President Obama? I’ve never supported even the hoax of global warming.” Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney has seemingly changed
his views on the issue, previously saying that humans are contributing to climate change, while in Oct. 2011 he said, “My view is that we don’t know what’s causing climate change on this planet,” and went on to add that it would not be in the nation’s interest to spend money trying to reduce emissions. While some might be affected by the politics involved, others that believe in climate change haven’t noticed enough day-to-day changes around them to draw a conclusion as to how things
Politics
Romney: teacher criticism ‘absurd’ Steve Peoples
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Mitt Romney says it’s “absurd” to think he wants to reduce the number of teachers, fire fighters and police officers. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee tells Fox News that President Barack Obama’s charges to the contrary are “strange.” Last week, Romney told an Iowa crowd it’s time to cut back on government and specifically cited firemen, policemen and teachers. The Obama re-election campaign seized on the comment as evidence that the Re-
publican wants to cut middle-class jobs. Romney tells Fox News that the criticism is “completely absurd.” He says that the federal government doesn’t pay for teachers, firemen or policemen. While that’s technically true in most cases, state and local governments depend on federal aid to supplement their budgets. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney campaigns in Pittsburgh, Pa. Romney and his allies are pouring money into Pennsylvania even though his party’s nominees have lost it five straight times. Some independent analysts say the same result is likely this year. But few expect President Barack Obama to repeat his double-digit victory of four years ago. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
might turn out. Lyndsey McDannel, a UCO computer science major, said, “Last summer was really harsh, and we’ve had a mild winter, but this summer doesn’t seem so bad so far.” The effects might not be clearly visible in our state right now, but a consortium of scientists from around the globe released a report, published in the June issue of Nature, stating that our ecosystem is on the verge of collapse. Their report points to climate change, the impact of clear cutting land for farming and the development of cities/urban areas and other factors as putting our planet in an “environmental epidemic.” In the report, not only is global warming a threat, but the way in which populations currently live could spell disaster. The authors have laid out actions that could help prevent such disaster including: a decrease in the overall population, lumping populations closer together, and developing new technologies that would create and distribute food in a way that has less impact on the environment. Others believe that global warming is already having a large impact. For UCO kinesiology major Ezell Morris, the signs of climate change are already presenting themselves. “So far we’ve seen disasters in strange areas,such as the tsunami in Asia, and the birds that just fell out of the sky for no reason, which still hasn’t been explained,” Morris said.
News
THEVISTA
Page 5
June 13, 2012
Law Enforcement
Ride along with a UCO police officer Bryan Trude
Senior Staff Writer At the start of every shift, Officer Barrett Chastain of the UCO Police Department presses every button in his car, like a fighter pilot getting ready for takeoff. “You need to make sure all the bells and whistles work,” Chastain said as I hopped in for a two-hour ridealong. Chastain is one of the 13 men and women of UCO’s full time, year-round police force. Fully certified as law enforcement officers by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training, two to three patrolmen are on the road or on campus at any given time, with the full arrest powers granted to any regular cop. Chastain finishes preparing his car, loading his essential equipment to its predetermined places -- A box of jumper cables, a digital camera and an AED. The last piece of equipment, the one I should pay the most attention to, is matte black 12 gauge shotgun. It has one shell in the breech, four more in the magazine and five more attached along the frame. “If you ever need to use this, you can release the clamp down here,” Chastain says, pointing out a small, black button at the base of his electronics console. In the event that it comes to gunshots at any point, Chastain explains that he cannot guarantee that he can protect my life, and that I should be prepared to do so myself. It’s a stark reminder that despite the jovial atmosphere inside the station, the work these officers do is deadly serious. All I can do is nod in understanding and tell him that I hope it doesn’t come to that. It’s something Chastain is all too familiar with. The Johnston County, Okla. native spent a year in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma National Guard, serving in a personal security detail in the volatile Paktia province, near the border with Pakistan. However, right now, it’s time to roll. “19, Headquarters, I’ll be in unit A-7, beginning mileage 10710.” It’s a simple message over the radio to the dispatch center, a squat brick building west of the Education building, but the meaning is clear: Officer Chastain is on the job. That job that begins with a trip behind the UCO physical plant, for some gasoline and a car wash. “Appearance is important,” Chastain says as I duck around his car, trying to avoid get-
Officer Barrett Chastain, of the UCO Police Department, follows a routine to make sure students are safe. Stock Photo
ting sprayed with the high-pressure hose he uses to wash off the previous day’s dirt and grime. “If you don’t respect your appearance, nobody will respect you.” Finally, after 20 minutes, Chastain is back on the road, driving down Ayers Street where, only a week prior, two UCO students were hospitalized after being run down by a van in a hit and run. Even after that tragedy, students walk across the street in front of cars like they own it, with very few stopping to check for oncoming traffic or using the painted crosswalks, he says that international students in particular tend to just walk across streets, not aware of the dangers posed by American traffic levels, one of the few countries where automobiles are not reserved for the wealthy. As Chastain turns onto University Drive, we get to his proverbial place of business, a raised curb on the side of the road north of Wantland Stadium. It is there that we sit. And we sit. And we sit some more, waiting for someone to speed by, or to run the stop sign in front of us, or to just tap on the window and ask for help. As we sit there, Chastain starts telling sto-
ries about calls he’s responded to in this area of apartments north of the campus, usually in support of Edmond police. “I try to back up Edmond police as much as I can,” Chastain says, glancing at the license plates of passing cars. “I want it widely known that we support them, and that they support us.” As we see a red pickup start to round the corner ahead, where University Drive begins its wide turn to the south, Chastain poses a challenge. “How fast do you think that guy’s going,” he asked. By procedure, Chastain has to guess the approximate speed of any car that passes him, and uses the radar to confirm. His margin of error is only three miles per hour. I wager the truck is going a brisk 30 mph in the 25 mph zone. Chastain shakes his head; he figures the truck is going 33 to 35, easily. He hits a button and the radar settles the debate, clocking the truck at 28. No sooner does the truck pass than a white SUV zooms by from behind, and this time Chastain’s suspicions are confirmed by the radar; 35 mph.
He flicks the lights on, steps on the gas, and in an instant Chastain’s demeanor changes. With a simple word, “traffic,” on his radio, Chastain gets to work. It’s the first of three stops Chastain makes in the two hours I rode with him. In all three stops, Chastain does not write a single ticket. Even a driver pulled over for having a license plate four months expired receives only a verbal warning, although it was well within Chastain’s power to impound her vehicle. “It’s all about knowing your public,” Chastain said, explaining how officers like him have a wide discretion, and he chooses not to. Chastain is also quick to mention that other officers who may pull the driver over may not share his sentiment, admitting “I have no control over that.” After two hours, my journey with the UCO Police is over. However, as I climb out of Chastain’s car, I ask him one final question; at the end of the day, is he happy doing what he does? Chastain just puts on a satisfied grin and answers with only two words. “Hell yeah.”
Life
Disney to stop running ‘junk food’ ads by 2015 The company hopes their effort will help curb the child obesity rate and encourage healthy families.
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In this photo Feb. 6, 2012, file photo, the Disney Soda Fountain & Studio Store marquee is seen on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday, June 5, 2012, its programming will no longer be sponsored by junk food, becoming the first major media company to ban such ads for its TV channels, radio stations and websites intended for children. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Adam Holt
Staff Writer Starting in 2015, the Walt Disney Co. will ban junk food and fast food advertising during children’s programming. In a step to help stop child obesity and boost children’s health, Disney will no longer allow advertisements of products that do not meet certain guidelines during Saturday morning cartoons on Disney XD and Disney-owned ABC stations. Though the Disney Channel and Disney Junior receive brand sponsorships and are not advertisement-driven, they will also fall under the same guidelines. Products must meet certain requirements regarding serving size, sugar, fat and calorie content. In 2006, Disney began offering healthier meals at their theme parks. The company plans to continue this trend by lowering sodium by 25 percent in those
same meals. In a released statement, Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Robert A. Iger said, “We’ve taken steps across our company to support better choices for families. And now, we’re taking the next important step forward by setting new food advertising standards for kids.” Brittney Criswell, Coordinator of Health Promotion at UCO, agrees with the steps being taken by Disney. “I felt like they had done research to create environmental strategies,” she said. “Media and advertising is a big part of our environment. They have made higher standards and that will give kids and families a healthier environment.” This plan was presented at the “Magic of Healthy Living” event on June 5 in Washington, D.C. with first lady Michelle Obama. Obama has made it a priority to fight child obesity during her time in the White House.
THE VISTA archives at UCO360.com
Obama is a strong proponent of the steps Disney is taking. “This new initiative is truly a game-changer for the health of our children,” she said. “So, for years, people told us that no matter what we did to get our kids to eat well and exercise, we would never solve our childhood obesity crisis until companies changed the way that they sell food to our children. We all know the conventional wisdom about that. Today, Disney has turned that conventional wisdom on its head.” This announcement comes on the heels of mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg’s, controversial plan to ban sugary beverages over 16 ounces in restaurants and some other public venues. Many beverage companies are fighting the proposal, while some citizens believe it is government overreach. Criswell sees more positive than negative in the plan. “Why do we wear seatbelts? Because they
make us safer. It’s about making our environment healthier, and encouraging us to be healthier,” she said. “Research has shown that sugar has attributed to higher obesity in adults and children.” For more information on Disney’s “Magic of Healthy Living”, visit http://disney. go.com/magic-of-healthy-living.
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Classifieds
THEVISTA
Page 6
June 13, 2012
CROSSWORDS
EMPLOYMENT
Camelot Child Development Center 3 Locations now hiring bus drivers and FT/PT teachers.We promote a very positive and fun atmosphere! Please call for specific openings: Edmond-749-2262 Quail-254-5222 Deer Creek- 562-1315
Help Wanted Part-time jobs. Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part-time positions Monday-Friday. We pay $10/hour for energetic phone work. No experience is needed, we will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up interview. Ask for Megan Parris.
Help Wanted Handy Student. P/T Summer. Property and lawn maintenance, painting. Near UCO. Must be self-motivated, trustworthy, able to work unsupervised. Call 641-0712
Advertise with the Vista Call 405-974-5913 or email your questions to vistamedia@ yahoo.com for rates.
RANDOM FACTS
A person of average size and weight burns about 60 to 70 calories each hour just sitting and watching television. The little plastic bit on the end of your shoelace is called an aglet. SeaWorld began as a plan by four UCLA alums to open an ocean-themed restaurant with a marine
Colonel Sanders’ finger-lickin’ formula is locked away in a bank vault in Louisville, KY. In fact, the KFC people are so serious about keeping the ingredients under wraps that two separate companies are used The song “Respect” was to blend the spices, so made popular by a wom- neither possesses the complete recipe. an, Aretha Franklin. However, it was originally written by a man, Otis Redding. The Cashew is in reality a seed. Native to Brazil, the cashew is the seed of a Cashew Apple and contains an irritant toxin in its shell similar to poison ivy. This requires it to be deshelled before shipped off to market.
Across
54. Edible mushrooms
22. Henry Clay, for one
1. To play a trick on
56. Unoriginal work
24. Test, as ore
6. Copy
58. Insight
25. Boeing 747, e.g.
11. Ceiling
62. Bank offering, for short
27. City on the Yamuna River
63. To bring about prematurely
28. H.S. class
14. Ancient assembly area 15. Graceful bird
LAST WEEKS ANSWER
16. 30-day mo. 17. Feeding on plants 19. “___ Cried” (1962 hit) 20. Indic language spoken in Katmandu 21. Part of process of gamete formation
66. Balloon filler 67. Large mammal of Africa
33. Plant that coils around something
69. ___ gestae
35. “Gladiator” setting
70. “Paradise Lost” character
37. Eye layer
71. Tablelands
27. Store convenience, for short
1. Chemistry Nobelist Otto
30. Bottom
2. Arch type
48. Hebrew letters
31. Back
3. An association of individuals (abbrev.)
50. Mouth, in slang
36. Plug 39. Resort area along Mediterranean coast 41. Clear up 43. Not “fer”
9
3
1 7
5
1
44. Combustible heap
5
46. Ashes, e.g.
8 6
9
6 3
9
47. ___ cheese 49. “What’s gotten ___ you?”
2
4
1
51. Cal. col. 52. Swiss city FOR RENT
8
For Rent
1 4 7
3
9
7
7
8
8
2 1 4
40. Engine speed, for short
Down
34. “Don’t go!”
2
38. Makeup, e.g.
26. Amount of hair
32. Gutteral sound from hostile dog
Puzzle 1 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)
31. “The Catcher in the ___”
68. Indications
23. Hogan dweller
SUDOKU
29. Cinema celebrities
Spacious, well-maintained apartments for rent just across the street from UCO Library. 1-bed $455 & two-bed $555. Tenant pays utilities. Call Joyce, 329-2338, Singh Realty
4. Concentrated, in a way 5. Having qualities to move over water 6. Density symbol
42. Indifference to pleasure or pain 45. Fix, in a way
52. Pipe material 53. Cliffside dwelling 54. Crack 55. Adorable one
7. Always, in verse
57. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g.
8. Spot broadcast, often
59. Periodicals (slang)
9. Cad
60. “Empedocles on ___” (Matthew Arnold poem)
10. At the scene 11. Glass baking dishes with lids
61. 1987 Costner role
12. Vegetable crop pest
64. Bean counter, for short
13. Iron
65. Carbonium, e.g.
18. Cheer starter
RANDOM QUOTE
If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down - Mary Pickford
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TheVista
Sports
THEVISTA
Page 7
June 13, 2012
Football
25 Things you need to know about Broncho Football as 2012 season quickly approaches Whitt Carter
Staff Writer This week The Vista begins its look into the much anticipated upcoming football season. Throughout the summer we will look at everything you need to know to get ready for kickoff. Each week we will reveal five. Here are 25-21. 25. Release of new clothing in the bookstores. Every fall, as new freshman arrive on campus, they are starving for bronze and blue clothing. Rightfully so, they need these clothes to don while walking around campus and at football games. Bookstores around campus are notorious for breaking out the good stuff, come August. Whether that be new polo’s, shorts, jackets or hats, they always have something new and it’s usually top-of-the-line. Go get some new gear; it’s worth the money. Trust me, it is a yearly tradition for my friends and I. This is something to be excited about folks. One always cheers louder when they look good. 24. Tailgating and the game day atmosphere. If this is a success this year, it will make a significant jump on this list, come next year. Many individuals have spoken about President Betz wanting to make major changes to our game day atmosphere. We as a university are in
dire need for improvements in this facet. UCO has such a rich football tradition and with the support from alumni and fans, our program can return to the place where we once were. Like I said, it is not a for sure that this will happen, but we can all hope that it does. 23. Herbert Byrd and Sam Moses. The Bronchos return two of the top lineman in Division-II, which should be good for a new staff that is changing defenses in 2012. Byrd is a 5th year senior, who received a medical redshirt last year after being injured early in the season, has racked up 86 tackles and four sacks in his career. Moses will enter 2012 as a threeyear starter with 134 career tackles, thanks to 68 stops in 2011. Both of these stalwarts have been a part of UCO football for a while. Byrd walked onto campus in the fall of 2008 and Moses played in his first game as a Broncho in 2009 at age 17. If the defense is going to improve, these guys will be one of the significant reasons. 22. Amped up coverage of UCO football from the Vista like never before. This is exciting. Sports Editor Chris Brannick and I have a bountiful amount of ideas and plans for coverage of football in 2012. With everything from live blogging during games, to sideline re-
Joshua Birmingham (21) runs a play during a Spring practice at Wantland Stadium, Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista
porting, to in-depth interviews; we’ve got it all. Anything you want from UCO football, we will attempt to give it to you. We plan to travel to several away games, along with our attendance at all home games. If you can’t attend games, we’ve got you covered. 21. A change in offensive philosophy: the pistol. With new head
coach Nick Bobeck comes a new offense. More importantly, an offense will arrive with coaches and players who know it, inside and out. An offense that is considered a hybrid type of offense, the pistol can be a mix of the shotgun and a single-back set. It can be difficult to a defense, because of the closer proximity to the line of scrimmage. All plays occur closer and faster, which
is trouble for a defense. New arrival and projected starter at quarterback, Adrian Nelson, has played under Bobeck and in this offense before. Add in the lightning-quick, scat back Josh Birmingham. Can you say ‘’high-octane” offense? Expect to see gobs of yards and points at Wantland Stadium in the fall.
Paralympics
US Sitting-Volleyball team sets aim on gold Alex Cifuentes
Contributing Writer After winning gold at the Volleyball Masters Tournament in the Netherlands, UCO-based U.S. Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team is looking to take gold again in London. The U.S. Sitting Volleyball Team finished the tournament with a 4-0 record, defeating teams from Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. The tournament gave the team insight into what is to come in London for the 2012 Paralympics, because all the teams they faced have already qualified for the games in London. “It was a good reminder that if we’re not playing our game, then any team out there can beat us,” said Kendra Lancaster outside hitter for the U.S. Sitting Volleyball Team. The Volleyball Masters Tournament helped to focus the team and remind them of their main goal, to take gold in London. The team continues to practice with that goal in mind. “They know we can’t just want it, but we have got to work every day as hard as we can,” said Head Coach Bill Hamiter. The same sense of drive and hard work ethic is what has brought the team this far. With morning practices Monday through Friday, the team works like a well-oiled machine. “A really strong attribute about our team is that we’re willing to put in the hours, and we’re willing to make sacrifices to be here Team USA player Monique Burkland, of Ardmore, Okla., sets up for a spike during a and better the team,” said Lancaster. game at the 2012 UCO Endeavor Games. Photo by Trevor Hultner, the Vista Many of the team’s players have re-located
to Edmond full-time in order to truly dedicate themselves to the team. “It’s working in our favor, and it’s so awesome to have players come in…the improvement is so amazing,” said Lancaster of her fellow Edmond resident teammates. Head Coach Hamiter has taken the team and turned them into champions. “When I took over the team there were a lot of things in the play that I felt needed to get better at, and now, I feel like they’re strengths,” said Hamiter. Under Hamiter’s coaching, the team’s confidence level has grown immensely. “They have learned to have a lot of confidence in their abilities. They understand that I give them the freedom to use those abilities confidently, rather than restrict them,” said Hamiter. Although the team has grown since Hamiter has taken over, they have also faced difficulties. With teammates having to miss entire seasons, the team has learned to be able to take over and continue to strive for their goals. The struggles have helped the team to focus and taught them to be tenacious in all their endeavors. “We’ve been able to really pull through all that adversity and just keep working towards our goal,” said Lancaster. “The ladies just continue to find a way to win. They’re competing well, and they’re fighting for those games, “said Hamiter. Now, the team is preparing for London and hopes to continue to be successful in their upcoming games.
BronchoSports.com
UCO finishes 32nd in 2012 Director’s Cup CLEVELAND (June 12) – Top-10 national finishes in four sports helped Central Oklahoma finish 32nd in the final 2011-12 Division II Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Standings, the best showing by the Bronchos in more than a decade. UCO earned points in seven of the 14 sports used to determine the standings and finished with 395 total points. Grand Canyon led the way with 983.50 points to unseat eight-time defending champion Grand Valley State, which came in second. It was UCO's best finish since coming in 22nd in 1998-99. The Bronchos placed a best-ever fourth in 1996-97. UCO was led by third-place finishes in men's golf and softball, while women's golf (eighth) and wrestling (10th) also had top-10 national placings. The Bronchos also scored
points in three other women's sports -- soccer, tennis and track and field. More than 300 schools sponsor Division II athletics, with 244 scoring points in the final standings. The Bronchos competed as a Division II independent this year, but will be a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2012-13. Central Missouri was the highest-ranking MIAA team this year, coming in 10th with 578.25 points. The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are award on each institution's finish in up to 14 sports – seven women's and seven men's.
Sports
THEVISTA
Page 8
June 13, 2012
Opinion
Baseball
Full Timeout
Campers come to UCO for a week of learning and games
By Chris Brannick Sports Editor
Another step in the process Writing a column while simultaneously gearing up for the NBA Finals makes it hard to think of anything else to write. Seriously, I woke up humming AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck!” I quickly found the first Thunder shirt I could and got in the car to head to school. As I began to listen to the radio sports talk about the NBA Finals, I became increasingly excited. I haven’t felt like this about a team before, and I have been a rather over-the-top sports fan for almost all of my life. I have cheered through seven World Series’ trips and five victories for my beloved Yankees and five Super Bowls, four victories for the “New York Football Giants.” Championships are merely business trips for me. This is not. I specifically remember the day that I saw “Breaking News” on the bottom line of ESPN followed by “NBA approves Seattle move to OKC.” This was not just breaking news to me; it was reminiscent of the happiness I felt on my wedding day. Now I had a team to call my own in the NBA. The taste test of the big leagues that the Hornets brought us for two seasons was pretty cool but now it was locked in and official; we were big league. Cheering on a team can be tough sometimes. I quote a dear friend. “Maybe I should just not like sports anymore so I’ll quit being so angry.” If your team is 3-29 it can be easy to say, yeah whatever, maybe we’re not big league. But it was then when Oklahoma City really became “Big League.” With a dismal record, their team in the gutter and no reason to celebrate, the Oklahoma City Thunder slowly matriculated from the corner of Reno and Robinson downtown out to nearly every household in the state. Thus began the craze that now has grabbed hold of not just every household in the state but everybody in every household. The following season, Oklahoma City saw glimpses of what was to come. A lot of people said that no one thought we would be in The Finals three years ago, but the signs were there. And a lot of people got the chance to see those signs in the playoffs against eventual champion Los Angeles. Last year, the Thunder lost to, again eventual champ, Dallas. There was a hint of bitterness due to the fact that Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, voted against Seattle’s move to Oklahoma. But again, we saw glimpses of a team destined for greatness. Kevin Durant made a comment about people thinking he was crazy for saying playoffs when we squeaked in as an 8-seed, and they would think he was crazy for thinking Championship too. The Thunder was knocking on the door. This season, the Thunder just kicked the door down. Playing in the NBA Finals is big, as suggested by a recent ad campaign by the NBA. Oklahoma City, its local businesses, its tourism and a multitude of others benefit from these next two weeks. Especially the super fans that wake up thinking that there is a strange energy in the atmosphere. Like, maybe, there is a Thunderstorm brewing.
Brock Coleman, 7, jokes with Austin Rycroft, a recent UCO Graduate and Daktronics Inc. All-American during Dax Leone’s Baseball Camp on Thursday, June 7. Photo by Kat Wells, The Vista
Chris Brannick
Sports Editor If you have ever wondered why baseball players act like 10-year-old boys after they win a big game, the answer can be found at Dax Leone’s Baseball Camp. Leone, who just completed his second season as head coach of the UCO Baseball team, held the first of two camps last week. Leone also earned AllIndependent Collegiate Athletic Association Coach of the Year while leading the Bronchos to a 31-17 record. The camps are for anyone ages 5-12 years old and are an opportunity for lo-
cal kids to come out and have some fun with the players here at UCO. “It’s a positive experience,” Assistant Coach Jeff Steele said. “We try to create an experience that is conducive to learning but also fun.” Camp broke down into day-by-day sections, focusing on different mechanics in each day. Starting on Monday, there was hitting. Throughout the week, that changed to pitching, catching, throwing and fielding. By Thursday, the time came to play some ball. “We’re just going to play a little longer today,” Steele said. Steele also said that the kids think it
is really cool to be able to play with the guys. On Thursday, the camp moved to the football field because of the rain. The teams set up with two UCO baseball players and half of the kids versus two other UCO baseball players and the other half of the kids. In one inning of the scrimmage, a 5-4-3 double play was turned, and the campers went crazy. “We just want to make them feel a part of the team,” Steele said. Steele added that not only do they have a lot of fun and learn a lot, but they might also be at our games next season.
Campers take a break during Dax Leone’s Baseball Game on Thursday, June 7. From left, Tracy Damon, 9, Kylan Lacaze, 10, Jaxon Dowell, 10, Colin Flowers, 10 Jackson Bolt, 10, Connor Neelvy, 10 and Jacob Fitzer 9. Photo by Kat Wells, The Vista
Football team is looking for golfers for fundraiser Whitt Carter
Staff Writer
Follow Chris on Twitter for more coverage @chrisbrannick85 scan this code
UCO Football head coach Nick Bobeck and the rest of the Broncho program will host their annual golf tournament on Friday, July 20, 2012 at Coffee Creek Golf Club in Edmond, OK. The tournament is a fundraiser for the program and donations are broken down into a five-tier donation system. The entry fee is $125 per player, which includes an 18-hole green fee, cart, lunch, a UCO football t-shirt and hat. Lunch is scheduled for noon, followed by a shotgun start at 1:30. Fast registration is necessary, as the tournament is limited to the first 33 teams that register. The tournament is a four-man scramHead Coach Nick Bobeck runs drills during a Spring Practice at Wantland Stable and teams will be split up into a twodium, Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Vista tier prize system. Prizes will be awarded to both tiers of scoring. Registration deadline for the golf tourFollow @UCOVistaSports on Twitter for breaking nament is Friday, July 6, 2012. news, coverage and information For questions regarding the tournament, feel free to contact head coach about the Bronchos Nick Bobeck at (405) 974-3439 or nbobeck@uco.edu.