Volume 116, Issue 2
the VISTA
Flu Virus Plagues the Nation
“Our Words, Your Voice.”
ucentralmedia.com vistanews1903 @thevista1903 @thevista1903 The Vista
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
UCO Mural Runs Its Course
Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter
This year’s flu virus is now widespread in the U.S. with many hospitalizations and some deaths, prompting organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to urge people to take extra precautions this flu season. “The one [report] we put out last Friday shows the flu is widespread in the United States, but the flu activity is higher in the South and the West coast,” said Kristen Nordlund, CDC spokesperson. There have been several hospitalizations throughout the U.S., but according to Eric Howard, epidemiologist for the Oklahoma City County Health Department, there have been 1,020 hospitalizations statewide. “Within Oklahoma County we are sitting at 233 hospitalizations,” Howard said. Howard said that these numbers are from Jan. 6 and the data is little over a week delayed. Deaths have also been rising this flu season. Howard said that in Oklahoma, at least 23 have died from the flu this year. “When we have H1N1 season, they are typically less severe than H3N2,” Howard said. “This year has shown that we are getting, nationally, about 80 percent of all cases of the flu are H3N2 and it’s more of a pesky kind
Painted in 1994, 105 years after the Land Run, the mural on the outside south wall of the Communications Building is set to be removed this spring following controversy over the nature of the Land Run. (Vista Archives)
Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter
After more than a decade of controversy, the Land Run mural painted on the University of Central Oklahoma’s Communications Building will be replaced with a more inclusive work later this semester. The announcement came as unexpected news during the Native American Student Association’s Spring Semester Kickoff celebration. “We are excited to announce that in several months, the Land Run mural will be removed and repainted with something that is representative of the UCO students on campus in a
continued on pg. 3
positive way,” said Savannah Anderson, public relations chair for NASA. Commemorating the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, the mural is an especially contentious topic for the university’s Native American community for its celebration of a time when Native Americans were forced from their lands to accommodate incoming settlers. Depicting a rush of wagons, cowboys and a photographer, the 10 foot tall and 107 foot wide mural portrays nothing of the Native American perspective, an oversight that Anderson said is unacceptable for UCO’s inclusive campus.
“The main focus of the new mural will be the cultural diversity that is represented here on campus instead of just focusing on one perspective, which is one of the reasons the Land Run mural is so bad,” Anderson said. Awareness for the historical context of the mural has been a central focus for NASA in recent years, building on the organization’s mission to educate the community on issues related to the Native American community. Last spring, the organization hosted an open forum to discuss both the history and future of the mural. continued on pg. 5
OKC NEWS
Factory Obscura SHIFTs OKC’s Perspective
on pg. 8
BRONCHO SPORTS
UCO Women’s Basketball Locks Down Rivals on pg. 12
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Jan. 23, 2018
the
VISTA
CONTENTS
Flu Virus Jump......................................................................3
Advertise with us!
Around Campus...................................................................4
The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters.
Land Run Mural Jump..........................................................5 Dagorhir/OHMERC......................................................6 Step Up..............................................................................7 Factory Obscura...............................................................8-9 Humor Column...................................................................11
Contents
In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both classified, online and print ads. For information or questions contact at: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com
Women’s Basketball/Men’s Basketball...........................12-13 Crockett Feature/Bucking Broncho.................................14-15
On Cover: Left: A group of Shift exhibit attendees huddle underneath a hanging pod on Friday, Jan. 19. (Regan Rosson/The Vista) Sophomore guard Shatoya Bryson defends the goal during a game against Northeastern State University on Saturday, Jan. 20. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
STAFF Cara Johnson Elizabeth Spence Austin Moseley Ryan Naeve Megan Thele Peter Agnitsch
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Online Editor
Christian Tabak Vy Luong Alejandro Gonzalez Evelyn Stewart Katie Standlee Jonathan Goudeau Dylan Brown
Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Sports Reporter Humor Columnist
Michelle Pennza Hayden Barzditis Teddy Burch
Graphic Designer Photographer Adviser
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO
students, weekly during the academic year, 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 and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only. 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.
ADDRESS LETTERS TO:
Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista1903@gmail.com.
Flu Virus
Jan. 23, 2018
3
Flu Virus Plagues the Nation Continued From Page 1 of a nastier strain. It doesn’t respond as well to the vaccine.” According to the CDC’s website, H1N1 and H3N2 are both included in this year’s flu vaccination. Getting a vaccine can protect against similar flu viruses or viruses that are related to the ones in the vaccine. When vaccines are made, there are two types: the trivalent and quadrivalent flu vaccines. The trivalent contains three strains of the flu and the quadrivalent contains four strains of the flu. Howard said most of the U.S. receives the quadrivalent vaccine. Most vaccines are now egg-based, which could sometimes contribute to the effectiveness of the vaccine. “A majority of influenza vaccine manufacturers use egg-based [vaccines]. There are a few vaccines that are cell-based and protein-based, but the vast majority is egg-based,” Nordlund said. “For some reason, specifically with the H3N2 strain ... when it is grown in eggs it kind of mutates and so the virus that is in the vaccine looks a little bit different from what is actually spreading in the community.” Nordlund said this explains the varied effectiveness in vaccines. One way the CDC is trying to urge precaution is through their Take 3 approach, according to Nordlund. The first step is to take the time to get a vaccination, second is to take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs and third is to take flu antiviral drugs if prescribed by a doctor.
Typically, Tamiflu, otherwise known as Oseltamivir, is prescribed in confirmed cases of the flu. “It [Oseltamivir] ... reduces viral shedding so you aren’t sick as long,” said Dr. Nithin Devireddy at OU Physicians Family Medicine in Oklahoma City. “The caveat for that is that usually you have to be given Tamiflu or also Oseltamivir within 48 hours of getting fever and kind of getting your first symptoms of your flu-like symptoms.” Antiviral treatment could help keep people who have a high risk of serious flu complications from acquiring milder or more serious illnesses which could mean hospitalization, according to the CDC’s website. “It is definitely still a good idea to get vaccinated if you haven’t been vaccinated. We still encourage that and we still have vaccines available at all three of our City County Health Department Clinic locations,” Howard said. “We are really trying to get out the message about prevention and our main focuses are getting a vaccine, washing your hands regularly, covering your sneeze or cough and staying home from work if you are sick.” For flu vaccines, there is the option to contact a primary care physician, but for those without one or on a budget, Walgreens is offering free flu vaccinations with most insurance coverage. Walk-ins are accepted for these vaccinations.
Biologist Rebecca Gillespie places a vial of flu-fighting antibodies in ice at the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, in Bethesda, Md. Scientists now think people respond differently to vaccination based on their flu history. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018 SPB: DIY Car Air Freshener: SPB is supplying the aroma beads and bags to make your own car air freshener. A table will be set up at the Broncho Lake Clock Tower from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for students to come by and choose a scent. SMART Recovery: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being hosts a meeting for those in recovery to learn tools for coping with urges and managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The meeting takes place at 12 p.m. Women’s Tennis: The UCO Women’s Tennis team takes on Wyoming in Edmond at 12 p.m. Self-Defense Seminar: In the UCO Wellness Center from 1-3 p.m., the Office of Student Conduct is hosting a self-defense seminar in the art of Krav Maga. The seminar is a part of UCO’s Integrity Week and is free to all UCO students, faculty and staff. Flash Mob Meditation: At 1:15 p.m. in the Quad Fitness Room, representatives from the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will offer meditation, tai chi, yoga and relaxation. UCO counselor Jeff Jones will lead the group every Tuesday.
Jan. 23, 2018
Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Non-Traditional Student Support Group: The group is hosted by the Center for Counseling and Well-Being to help non-traditional students find support at UCO. Attendees can talk and relate their life experiences with one another in order to help meet their personal needs. The group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402. Sexual Health Awareness Series: Anatomy 101: This is a monthly event focusing on sexual wellness, identity and expression. The series aims to educate students on the body, STIs, contraception, sexual orientation, gender diversity and consent. The discussion begins at 5 p.m. in Quad 111W. Food and Film: The Plagiarist: An Integrity Week 2018 event, the film The Plagiarist will be screened in the Radke Theatre in the Center of Transformative Learning. The film shows the values of honesty and the consequences of dishonesty. After the film will be a discussion about character and integrity. The film begins at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018
Connections Group: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being will hold a Connections Group from 2-3 p.m. in Nigh University Center’s Room 402 to help students increase communication and social skills in order to connect more easily on campus.
Life Skills Around Eating: This is a group that offers an affect regulation approach to eating disorders. The group focuses on skills that increase mindfulness and to teach appropriate emotion regulation. Life Skills Around Eating meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Be Your Best Self: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is hosting a group for those looking for a positive change in life. The group focuses on self-improvement, relationship building and other skills to improve mental health and wellness. This group meets at 4 p.m. in Nigh University Center Room 402.
Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center.
OrgSync 101: The Student Organizations Office is holding an OrgSync training session for officers, advisors and members of on-campus organizations to learn how to use the website effectively for their organization. The training will take place in the Administration Building Room 101A from 3-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 Stages of Change: In Nigh University Center Room 402, the Center for Counseling and Well-Being will have a support group designed to help students learn how to make and clarify goals and begin lasting changes in their lives. The group begins at 12:30 p.m.
Trauma Recovery: This workshop addresses topics like self-soothing, the mind and body connection, effects of trauma on relationships and healthy relationships. The event is from 2-3 p.m. in Room 402 of the Nigh University Center. Pain Management Support: The OU Physicians Health and Wellness Clinic is offering a 10-week program for those suffering from chronic pain in Room 105 of the Wellness Center from 3-4 p.m. Stress Paws: UCO offers students a chance to take a pause from their stress by seeing the therapy dogs. The dogs are going to be in the Nigh University Center Room 402. Medieval Society Meeting: The UCO Medieval Society is meeting in the Y-Chapel
Around Campus
at 3:30 p.m. to listen to a lecture on ‘Converting Medieval Farm Implements Into Weapons’ given by Christina Petty. Women’s Basketball: UCO women’s team takes on Pittsburg State at 5:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House. Men’s Basketball: UCO men’s team faces Pittsburg State at 7:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.
Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 Anger Tamers: From 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Nigh University Center Room 402, students can learn to identify their own anger triggers and gain tools to help reduce conflict in their lives. The free and confidential group is hosted by the UCO Center for Counseling and Well-Being. Grief Group: From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Center for Counseling and Well-Being is holding a grief group for anyone grieving. Group and individual session will be in the Nigh University Center Room 402. Power Nap: The Center for Counseling and Well-Being is providing a place for students to take a nap from 1-2 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Freshman Leadership Academy: In the Nigh University Center Room 320B, Campus Activities is hosting a one semester program for freshmen to prepare them for leadership and involvement on campus and off. The four-meeting course will look into UCO, leadership development, program development and community development. The meetings are from 2-4 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 Women’s Basketball: UCO women’s team takes on Missouri Southern at 1:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House. Men’s Basketball: UCO men’s team faces Missouri Southern at 3:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.
Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 Mind Strength: This is an open group for students to learn skills to enhance awareness. The group meets from 12-1 p.m. in Room 104 of the Wellness Center. Frisbee Game: The Recreational Ultimate Frisbee Club plays a weekly game of Frisbee in Plunkett Park at 4 p.m.
Land Run Mural
Jan. 23, 2018
5
UCO Mural Runs Its Course
Continued From Page 1
In November, they held a discussion on the negative impact the Land Run had on Native Americans. “Many times underserved communities don’t see themselves reflected in the story of our country in a way that shares the full detail and their full experiences, nor in a way that will allow us to better understand the current ramifications of history and the resulting feelings, emotions and societal challenges,” said MeShawn Conley, director of UCO’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. In 1994, former UCO art professor Robert Palmer and several UCO art students began painting the mural on the 105th anniversary of the Land Run. Funded through a $3,500 donation made by former university student Mac Maguire to the Donna Nigh Art Gallery, former UCO President George Nigh asked Palmer to create the work after seeing several other large murals he had painted near campus and in downtown Oklahoma City. While the mural became a subject of debate shortly after its completion, Palmer said most of the initial conflict stemmed from a perceived lack of consultation prior to it’s creation as well as some objections to the mural’s content. “George was a bit of a historian and since UCO was a territory school, he wanted something that captured that connection,” Palmer said. “Some of those first complaints had to do with the fact that the mural just seemed to appear out of nowhere one day. I think some of the Commu-
Savannah Anderson, Native American Student Association public relations chair, announces during a Jan. 17 NASA meeting that the Land Run Mural on the Mass Communications Building will be replaced this spring. (Christian Tabak/The Vista)
nication faculty didn’t even know it was going on, but that’s kind of how George ran things.” Palmer said he did not begin to hear about concerns over the mural within the Native American community until about ten years ago, when he heard that NASA found the Land Run’s history offensive. Now that the mural approaches its 24th year on campus, Palmer said the mural’s age and weathered appearance makes it a candidate for replacement with a fresh and more
inclusive mural. “Some murals have a certain lifespan largely depending on the surface to which they’ve been affixed, such as brick for this mural, and it is likely that this one has reached the end of its lifespan,” Palmer said. Although discussions surrounding the mural’s replacement have been going on since the start of the controversy, Palmer was not approached by the university until last semester to work with the committee that was considering alternative artwork.
The mural commemorating the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889 was painted on the south side of the Communications Building in 1994. The painting is to be removed and replaced later this spring. (Vista Archives)
“No final design has been approved, but there is an active process underway to do so which includes faculty, staff, students and Dr. Palmer,” said UCO President Don Betz. “I anticipate that a final draft rendering will be presented for consideration and approval soon.” No date has been set for the mural’s removal, but the committee is hoping to see the work finished by April. The process to remove the mural is expected to take several days and the new mural is anticipated to be completed within a week, according to Palmer. Palmer is confirmed to be the primary artist for the new mural, which he said will likely again be a collaborative effort with current UCO art students. The committee will host a forum at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms, where members of the campus community have been invited to share input on a new inclusive design for the artwork. “The hope for the new mural is that it will be one that promotes inclusivity and not exclusivity,” Palmer said. “As murals have the potential to represent more than just the artist and be representative of the entire community, it is important to have as many voices and perspectives as possible involved in shaping this new design.”
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Jan. 23, 2018
Edmond/OKC
Battle Descends on Edmond
Katie Standlee @katiestandlee Reporter
For those with weapons and armor at the ready, a battle is brewing in Edmond for any brave enough to joins this group of fighters. Dagorhir's Alterra chapter is hosting a free event called First Blood in Hafer Park Jan. 27 at 12 p.m. for those interested in battling. “The theme of our upcoming event [First Blood] is going to be focusing on getting our new people ready for event season,” said Mark Jones, secretary for the Alterra chapter. “Some of them haven't been playing very long, so we're having a day event to show them what other events look like. There will be multiple battles during the event, and maybe even a tournament.” Dagorhir is an organization that hosts battle games for chapters and units that come together to fight in events. These sometimes last days with battles, appropriate garb and weapons. “Alterra is the geographical location of north Edmond to Norman. So everything that is in the city of Oklahoma City and its suburbs is Alterra for the Dag chapter,” said Ryan Jackson, current elected president for Alterra.
Jackson has been president of Alterra for eight years. The House Blackwood unit is a part of the Alterra chapter which has been active for 11 years. Dagorhir has chapters and units scattered throughout the U.S. The Alterra chapter travels to many other chapters in order to battle them. “This is one of the cheapest hobbies I've ever been in, and it's easily the most fun,” Jones said. “All that's required to participate at an event is garb, and all you need to fight is a single weapon.” In the battles, the chapter or unit will fight against others using weapons that meet rule book qualifi-
cations. It differs per event who will fight who. A list of the weapons that are approved, as well as the rule book, can be found on the Dagorhir website. Garb is worn and often required at most events, battles and feasts. First Blood does not require garb, but Jackson said it is preferred since there will be a photographer at the event. “Garb can range. You can have really fancy garb or you can literally just wear scrubs with the tag torn off and most of the time we will pass you,” said Jenna Demastus, active member of Alterra. Demastus explained garb as period
Participants in a Dag battle attack each other during an event. Each weapon must be approved by the Daorhir rule book before use in a battle. (Provided/Cooper Waltz)
dress with plain colors. No emblems, symbols or neon colors are allowed. “As a member of the House Blackwood we normally have a tabard, which is an open sided garment that you can put over your armor,” Cooper Waltz, vice president and coordinator, said. “Armor is important because it has to be visible.” Most events have a theme, some participants will tailor their garb and weapons to match the theme. “Dagorhir is a form of LARPing [Live Action Role-Playing]. However, where some LARPing they just go and pretend to do things, we are actually out there sword fighting, dressed up in garb, playing our characters to their full extent,” Demastus said. In this organization, everyone typically has what are called "Dag names" that they use during the battles. This allows the participants to take on a different persona for the battle. For instance, Jones becomes a mute named Don'Droll, and will not speak at all during the event, according to Jackson. “It's my family at this point. House Blackwood is a very tight-knit social group. I have these people that I take care of and take care of me and I couldn't go a day without at this point,” Jackson said. All of Alterra's events are free, but donations are accepted.
Gov. Fallin Appoints UCO Professor Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter
A longtime adjunct professor of industrial safety at the University of Central Oklahoma was appointed by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin to the Oklahoma Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Commission earlier this month. William Young, who also serves as manager of safety services for OG&E, was appointed to the board to represent organizations and industries regulated under the OHMERC, according to Skylar McElhaney, assistant division director for the Department of External Affairs at the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. “Mr. Young has been appointed to represent the regulated community and his industry perspective and experience in safety will be of great benefit to the OHMERC,” McElhaney said.
An oversight commission created under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, the OHMERC consists of member agencies such as DEQ, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Office of the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal and the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. The OHMERC’s overall duties include coordinating with other state and federal agencies, ensuring that Oklahoma remains in compliance with the requirements of EPCRA, and coordinating with the local emergency planning committees, according to McElhaney. A graduate from UCO, Young has been an adjunct professor for the industrial safety program since 1982. Along with teaching core classes in areas such as construction safety and ergonomics, Young also teaches
short-term applied courses for certification in Fall Protection, Confined Space Safety and Scaffolding Safety, according to Robin Lacy, coordinator for UCO’s industrial safety program. “I am pleased that Governor Fallin has appointed long-time OKC safety professional and UCO adjunct Bill Young to the OHMERC,” Lacy said. “Bill’s background, education, experience and current role as the manager of safety services for OG&E Energy Corporation position him for immediate and positive contributions to this important body.” As the program itself focuses on issues related to hazardous materials, emergency response procedures, transportation safety, environmental management, chemistry and toxicology, Lacy said that many of the program’s instructors are experts who are active within the state’s industrial safety community. Along with Young’s position with
the OHMERC, Lacy currently serves as the chair of the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Safety Council and the program’s Professor Robert Delano was appointed last year to serve on the Oklahoma Air Quality Advisory Council. Current full-time and adjunct faculty also include professors who have experience working with the Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City Fire Department and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, as well as other agencies and corporations, according to Lacy. “It is incumbent on all industries and workplaces to make the work environment as safe as possible for their employees, and safety professionals contribute in a positive way to send employees home the same way they came to work,” Lacy said. “It is truly an honorable and important career field.”
Step Up
Jan. 23, 2018
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Business Owners Step Up for Oklahoma Christian Tabak @CaffeineWallace Reporter
While state legislators continue to struggle in reaching a compromise on a bipartisan solution for Oklahoma’s ongoing budget crisis, Oklahoma business leaders claim to have a new plan that could end the state’s boom and bust economic cycle. Step Up Oklahoma, a non-partisan coalition of Oklahoma’s civic and business leaders, announced their plan earlier this month and called for compromise from all parties involved in budget discussions. Citing education funding as a chief concern of the coalition, BancFirst Executive Chairman David Rainbolt said a resolution for the current budget crisis called for more than arguing over legislation. “We’ve got to step up to partner with our elected officials in finding solutions and bringing citizen support that helps everyone to make the tough choices that will move Oklahoma forward,” Rainbolt said. The plan addresses the financial crisis, calling for broad tax reform for cigarettes, the energy industry, wind-power generation, motor fuels, gaming activities, personal income taxes and refundable income tax credits. The coalition also calls for sweeping political reforms, ranging from modifying term limits for state legislators to providing the governor with direct appointment power over the state’s largest agencies. It includes measures for the establishment of a budget stabilization fund and an independent budget office to combat waste. “We must all support efforts to stabilize the budget while at the same time enacting real reforms,” Rainbolt said. “Revenue combined with reforms will put our state on a firm foundation to better serve our citizens. While this plan is not perfect, it puts the state on a positive trajectory.” While state Democrats have cited concerns over the lack of detail included in the plan, the proposal has been praised by the State Department of Education and Oklahoma Education Association for addressing teacher salaries. The plan calls for a $5,000 increase for state educators, who are paid less in Oklahoma than in any other state and have continued to have promised pay raises fail to pass the legislative process. “Pleased that teacher pay raise
Due to legislators inability to settle on a budget for Oklahoma, the state’s business owners and members of Step Up Oklahoma have put together a funding proposal benefitting teachers as well as oil and gas companies. (Provided/Vista Archives)
of $5K is said to be a part of the #StepUpOklahoma plan by corporate execs. Don’t forget our invaluable support professionals who last received a mere 50 cent raise 12 years ago,” the OKEA said in a tweet on Wednesday. Along with educators, business and industry sectors from across the state have come out in support of the plan. Both the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association endorsed the plan, despite both associations having been against most of the previous plans proposed. “The way this group came together was a realization of that, and the decision that we could no longer be part of the problem,” Rainbolt said. “We had to be accretive to a solution going forward and one that was a compromise not from any one perspective, but from the totality.” The proposal comes just as the state is entering its third year of struggling to reverse a budget deficit that currently amounts to more than $700 million. State legislators attempted to solve this with a cigarette tax last spring, but it was ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma State Supreme Court. Despite Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin calling for a special legislative session to solve the crisis last fall, state legislators failed to reach a compromise by the end of the year.
The legislative stalemate on the issue has forced many agencies to make cuts to programming and personnel. These cuts have been especially difficult for higher education, leaving many of the state’s institutions in a situation where cuts are no longer possible, according to Angela Caddell, associate vice chancellor for communications with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. “While the state system of higher education has continued to cut costs in an effort to protect academic and student services as much as possible, we have reached a tipping point and additional budget cuts will result in increasingly negative impacts,” Caddell said. Oklahoma leads the nation in cuts to higher education funding by more than 17 percent and has been reduced by more than $200 million since 2012. Requests for budget increases have been denied by the state, although the Regents announced in December that they would be asking for a $128 million increase for Fiscal Year 2019. “Colleges and universities in the state system of higher education have a long history of successful partnerships with the Oklahoma business community, and several of the business, civic and community leaders serving as members of Step Up Oklahoma also serve as State Regents and institutional governing
board regents,” Caddell said. “We appreciate Step Up Oklahoma’s support of revenue measures that would help stabilize the state budget and fund core services.” Further cuts to higher education could see the elimination of more faculty and staff positions, reduction of course offerings in key fields such as engineering and manufacturing and reductions in grant and research opportunities across the state, according to Caddell. The University of Central Oklahoma was already forced to increase tuition by 6 percent last semester to counter the 6.1 percent in cuts to state appropriation funding for Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities. At 22 percent state funding, UCO receives the least amount of state appropriations for higher education and has already been forced to enact measures such as hiring freezes and cutbacks on recurring expenses. “Every stakeholder in the state is doing their best to keep business going as usual, all while keeping one eye on the Capitol,” said Patti Neuhold, vice president of UCO’s Department of Finance. “We are hopeful that the legislature will be able to pass a measure that allows higher education to keep serving our students at current levels. A budget impasse would further diminish our capacity to educate Oklahomans.”
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Jan. 23, 2018
Factory Obscura
Factory Obscura SHIFTs OKC’s Perspective Evelyn Stewart @evelynn Reporter
Factory Obscura’s project SHIFT is an immersive art experience at Current Studio in Oklahoma City brought together to support artists and education. The design process for SHIFT began in May 2017 with the physical build starting on Aug. 14, 2017 and opened on Nov. 9, 2017 with the help of 17 Oklahoma artists. The exhibit occupies 1,200 square feet. “Why can't Oklahoma be the next big thing?” said Kelsey Karper, one of the founders of Factory Obscura. Karper said the plans for SHIFT were intended to create something with different types of artists including musicians, theater, dancers, graphic designers and others coming together for an immersive experience. Another founder of Factory Obscura, Tammy Greenman, said that with the success of both Meow Wolf in Santa Fe and City Museum in St. Louis, they felt it was time to bring the talented artists of Oklahoma City together to create a similar artistic experience. “After gathering the artists together, we quickly realized that we were all feeling that now was the time and Oklahoma City was the place to launch Factory Obscura and start to bring this new experience economy to our city and
A man cleans the glass outside of Current Studios in Oklahoma City while people wait inside to enter the SHIFT exhibit on Friday, Jan. 19. (Regan Rosson/The Vista)
state,” said Greenman. The exhibit has two entrances which lead to one central area with hanging pods, fake grass to lie down on and trees with scenes of small bugs participating in human activities. People are able to duck under two of the three pods and experience scenes that simulate being under the sea or in a honeycomb.
Even the bathroom was part of the exhibit, made to feel as if it were underwater. “It was fun to cooperate with other artists,” said Amber Rae Black, an artist for SHIFT. Both sides of the exhibit are connected with a tunnel illuminated by UV lights for attendees to crawl through. Black, who created
this particular idea, said that it was the help from the other artists that brought it to life. Greenman said she was impressed with how well the artists worked together and talked out their ideas. “We worked to make sure that everyone felt a part of SHIFT,” Greenman said. SHIFT ends on Feb. 25, but Karper said that it doesn't stop there. Factory Obscura has plans in the future for a permanent installation in 2020, along with many other projects before then. Anyone can volunteer for future projects. “Just volunteer and show up,” Karper said. “The biggest thing about putting SHIFT together was the artists who stuck it through and showed up.” All artists are welcome to join the next projects and create a place in Oklahoma where an art community can grow. Current Studio is finalizing details for their next experience that will open later this year. A group of insects are arranged to look like pirates fighting and observing a map inside a small orb in a tree of the SHIFT exhibit. Several of the trees have small orbs featuring insects participating in human behaviors. (Evelyn Stewart/The Vista)
Factory Obscura
Jan. 23, 2018
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Above: Glow-in-the-dark paintings cover the inside of the tunnel under the other exhibits. Kids and adults are both able to crawl through the tunnel to view the artwork. (Regan Rosson/The Vista) Left: An attendee of the SHIFT exhibit immerses himself in the cocoon-like structure that features an underwater scene on Friday, Jan. 19 at Current Studios in Oklahoma City. (Regan Rosson/The Vista)
Above: An attendee of the SHIFT exhibit uses a cellphone to photograph a caterpillar that is embedded in a tree in the forest portion of the installation. Several of the trees have small orbs featuring insects participating in human behaviors. (Regan Rosson/The Vista)
Above: Mat Hirsch, an Oklahoma City resident, observes the paintings in the optical illusion room on Friday, Jan. 19. Hirsch and his co-workers visited the exhibit from the Hyatt Hotel down the street from Current Studios in Oklahoma City. (Regan Rosson/The Vista)
Left: A man lays in the fake grass underneath a sky of origami stars in the SHIFT exhibit. (Evelyn Stewart/The Vista) Above: Small insects are arranged to look as if they are having a picnic inside a tree in the exhibit. Several of the trees have small orbs featuring insects participating in human behaviors. (Evelyn Stewart/The Vista) Right: A woman sits inside one of the pods installed in the forest area of the SHIFT exhibit. (Evelyn Stewart/The Vista)
Humor Column
Jan. 23, 2018
11
Dear Mr. Tide
a letter from a satisfied customer
Dear Mr. Tide, It is the twenty-second day of January, in the year of our Lord 2018. I am writing this letter during the happiest time of my life. Finally, the delicious taste of Tide detergent is becoming popular after years of people making fun of me for eating it. I am able to consume the liquid soap that so many people and warning labels have told me not to consume. When your product was in powder form, I would sprinkle it on my food like salt. When your product was in liquid form, I would pour it on my pancakes every morning before school. Now that Tide Pods are available, I am eating detergent every second of every day. It’s a Pod Parade in my mouth and everyone is invited. Winston Churchill once said, “Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Give a man a fishing pole, he eats for the rest of his life. Give a man a Tide Pod and he will never want to eat anything else again.” For over 70 years, you have been changing the way people do laundry while also changing the color of my teeth after drinking a bottle of your detergent. I have been drinking your product since I was a little boy. My mother was always impressed with my excitement for cleaning my own clothes. Little did she know, I was really just hungry. My favorite flavors are all of them. But if I had to choose, my number one favorite would be Ocean Mist. It really does taste like the California coastline. My second favorite would have to be Spring Meadow, especially after a hard day’s work. The Spring Meadow flavor helps you relax and enjoy life for the few seconds you’re eating it. However, the Original Tide taste will forever have a place in my stomach. I don’t think I could ever get sick of eating Tide Pods. Except when I’m actually getting sick from eating them. Your company has always put the consumer first and that’s something I’ve always liked about you. Now I go outside, pop a pod and walk around town with a smile on my face.
Dylan Brown, UCO student, prepares to consume a Tide Pod at lunch on Thursday, Jan. 18. Brown eats at least five Tide Pods each day to maintain a “healthy” diet. Photo Illustration. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)
It is so exciting to witness the future of your company, what other flavors you might come up with. I think you could start a Tide Bar; a place where people can go to eat Pods and talk about eating Pods. I am mainly writing this letter to thank you for the years of deliciously satisfying detergent snacks you have provided for people everywhere. As your number one customer, I hope to continue to see other customers like me eating Tide Pods. Thank you, Dylan Brown P.S. - Am I smart for eating detergent? Dylan Brown, UCO student, brings a bag of Tide Pods to class each day so he never misses a meal. Photo Illustration. (Cara Johnson/The Vista)
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Jan. 23, 2018
Sports
SPORTS
UCO Locks Down Rivals James D. Jackson @JamesDJackson15
Contributing Writer
As the No. 19 Bronchos add another win to their record, defeating the Northeastern State RiverHawks 81-55, their defense continues to lead the conference. Throughout the season, the Bronchos have held their opponents to an average of 56.8 points per game and a shooting percentage of 34 percent. This places them best in field goal percentage defense and third best in scoring defense in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference. On Saturday, the Bronchos held the RiverHawks, who average 66 points a game, to just 55 points and a 32.2 field goal percentage, while not allowing any RiverHawk to score in double-digit figures. “Generally if we hold someone in the 50’s, we’re going to win, regardless if we shoot it good or not,” said head coach Guy Hardaker. “We’ve won a bunch of games early in the year, not shooting it very well, but defending.” The Bronchos who are 16-2 on the season place 12 out of 14 in their conference in offensive field goal percentage, by shooting 39%. Hardaker said because of their shooting struggles, the Bronchos have relied
Senior guard Melinda Murillo, No. 22, takes the ball during a game on Saturday, Jan. 20 against Northwestern State University. The Bronchos defeated the Riverhawks 81-55. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
on their defense to win games. Coach Hardaker said the defensive game plan against the RiverHawks was to run them off the three point line, specifically their team’s two leading scorers, Cailyn Long and Cenia Hayes. Long is the RiverHawks best 3-point shooter and is second in the conference with 39 made threes, while Hayes has 28 made threes on
the season. “Those were the two that we were really trying to get,” Coach Hardaker said. “If they score a few times on [Jesheon Cooper] in the lane, they can’t score enough to beat us, but they can make enough three's to beat us." The Bronchos held Long and Hayes to a combined 1-9 from
behind the 3-point line. Coach Hardaker praised Madison Lee for her defensive performance on the RiverHawks best scorer. “Madison Lee without a doubt is our best defender and just the heartbeat of this team, in my opinion," Hardaker said. "[Cailyn Long] made one three and she only attempted two because Madison Lee was guarding her." Coach Hardaker said he believes the reason the Bronchos are so good on defense is that this is one of the most athletic teams he has had. With the conference-leading shot blocker, 6-foot-5 Jesheon Cooper, protecting the paint with 50 blocks on the season, the other members on the team can put more of their focus on outside shooters. The next five opponents the Bronchos face are in the top half of the conference in scoring. Bronchos will play Pittsburg State on Jan. 25 at home.
Freshman guard Jo’Nah Johnson, No. 23, guards NSU point guard Tree Brooks, No. 21, during the Saturday, Jan. 20 game in Hamilton Field House. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
Sports
Jan. 23, 2018
13
Bronchos Soar Past Riverhawks Derek Parker @D_Park2
Contributing Writer
The University of Central Oklahoma men’s basketball team cruised past the Northeastern State RiverHawks on Saturday, 87-60, in an all-around effort. After a slow start, the Bronchos went on a 9-0 run in the first half, starting with a Jordan Hemphill 3-pointer. Shortly after, Northeastern State went on their own 9-0 run. A Marqueese Grayson 3-pointer quickly deflated the RiverHawks momentum. The Bronchos would lead the rest of the game. Head coach Tom Hankins commended his team's execution defensively. “We worked for a couple of days figuring out the best way to guard them, and our guys did a phenomenal job," Hankins said. The combination of Anthony Roberson and Hemphill held the RiverHawks leading scorer, Jamir Andrews, to just four points in the game. Northeastern State fought back at the end of the half, cutting the deficit to five with just under two minutes to go. Hemphill hit two 3-pointers in the final minutes of the half, including one at the buzzer, to give the Bronchos a 40-30 lead into halftime. The Bronchos started the half with five straight points from Kole Talbott, to extend their lead to 15. Northeastern's Trent Cantrell tried to mount a second half comeback by hitting back to back three’s, but
the Broncho's defense held strong. The Bronchos held the RiverHawks to just 3-18 from behind the 3-point line. Hankins said he was very pleased with his team’s defense on the perimeter. “We definitely stressed perimeter defense this game," Hankins said. "We did a great job of keeping them from making threes." After a 71-69 loss at Emporia State last week, Hankins said he was satisfied with his team’s defensive effort against Northeastern. “My philosophy is you’re going to have nights where you don’t score it well, but if you can defend and rebound every night, you’ll always have a chance to win," Hankins said. The Bronchos led by as much as 27, shooting 52.8 percent overall. UCO finished with three players scoring in double digits, including Hemphill, Grayson and Corbin Byford. The trio combined for 48 points, all coming off the bench. “It really helps when you can bring your guys in like that and give your team a boost off the bench," Hankins said. Hemphill scored 20 points on only six shots, finishing 4-5 from 3-point territory. Grayson had 15 points of his own, and distributed the ball, finishing with a team-high of six assists. Byford’s 13 points also contributed to the double digit win over the Riverhawks. The Bronchos next game is against conference rival Pittsburg State on Jan. 25.
Junior guard Kole Talbott, No. 21, dribbles the ball during the Saturday, Jan. 20 game against Northeastern State University in Hamilton Field House. The Bronchos won 82-71. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
Above: Senior center Jake Hammond, No. 12, shoots the ball during a game against Northeastern State University on Saturday, Jan. 20 in Hamilton Field House. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
Sophomore guard Marquis Johnson looks down the court on Saturday, Jan. 20 during a game against Northeastern State University. (Gerald Leong/The Vista)
14
Jan. 23, 2018
Sports
Dreams Turning Into Reality Jonathan Goudeau @Goudeau_jdg
Sports Reporter
Throughout his career, University of Central Oklahoma wide receiver Josh Crockett was taught to trust the process. That piece of advice is now serving him well as he prepares for the upcoming NFL draft. This past weekend, Crockett participated in the fifth annual Dream Bowl in Salem, Virginia where players from FCS and Division II and III schools perform in front of NFL and Canadian Football League scouts. “The Dream Bowl experience was great," Crockett said. "It was an honor to go up there and not only represent the school, but my family and the state of Oklahoma. It gave me an opportunity to show that players from DII can still pursue their dreams.” The three-day event started off with a combine where Crockett clocked in at a 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash, an 11-foot broad jump and a 41-inch vertical jump. Although he placed in the 90th percentile in combine drills, Crockett said he believes he can improve on those numbers. “I definitely want to improve my 40,” Crockett said. “I think I can get it down to a 4.4 and in the broad jump I can go a little further than 11'1".”
Crockett capped off his weekend taking a screen pass 80-yards for a touchdown, outrunning every defender in sight. “When I turned up the field and saw that I had two linemen in front and green grass, I knew it was over,” Crockett said. His performance at the Dream Bowl earned Crockett offensive MVP of the game. “It was a blessing,” Crockett said. “It's good to see hard work coming together step by step and it's nice to bring the hardware back to Oklahoma where it belongs.” Crockett is training at Athletic Inc. in Oklahoma City while finishing up at UCO for graduation in May. “We work a lot of range and mobility,” Crockett said about his training. “Now we're starting to prepare for pro day so I can put up big numbers.” Crockett said he is hoping his combine numbers, along with his performance in the Dream Bowl with scouts in attendance, will be enough to hear his name called on draft day. It would mark the first time since 1994 that a Broncho was drafted. “Draft day would be meaningful because my mom and little brother wouldn't have to worry about anything,” Crockett said. “I know there's still a lot of work to do, but all I want is an opportunity.”
Wide receiver Josh Crockett, No. 6, stiff arms Central Missouri defensive back Monteze Latimore, No. 26, as he heads for the end zone in Wantland Stadium on Oct. 28, 2017. (Hayden Barzditis/The Vista)
Senior wide receiver Josh Crockett, No. 6, kneels on the field after a last-second attempted Hail Mary against Fort Hays State on Sept. 16, 2017. (Hayden Barzditis/ The Vista)
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Sports
Jan. 23, 2018
15
Bucking Broncho: NBA’s Super Punch Out Peter Agnitsch @peteypete33
Online Editor
Last week, NBA players weren't so happy with one another and referees. The week started on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an NBA landmark holiday, but players would do less celebrating and more fighting with there being 21 technical fouls called. This made the NBA the main topic of discussion, which is something that it shouldn't be scared to embrace. The star attraction of the night was the Clippers and Rockets' fight, with the game being broadcasted on TNT. Rockets' James Harden, Trevor Ariza and Gerald Green followed Chris Paul down the Staples Center's yellow brick road, that is the secret tunnel, to try and break into the Clippers locker room after the game. The Drama of the day showed how the NBA dominates social media more than any other professional sport with NBA fans and shows not getting enough of the fight, with it dominating mainstream media for days and especially for that night. ESPN NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski's tweets that contained details of the fight did the impossible and got more attention than what President Trump tweeted that night. Twitter wasn't the only media source blowing up the fight. TNT's Inside the NBA joked about the fight on their show the entire night and arguably led to one of Charles Barkley's greatest TV moments. The drama between the two teams is must-see TV and left fans begging for a Rockets vs. Clippers playoff series.
The next day, the Orlando Magic shooting guard Aaron Afflalo threw a monster punch at Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Nemanja Bjelica. The punch brought up the question “what is going on with the NBA?” The NBA, for a non-contact sport, has always been a physical league that sometimes fights. Teams in the past have made their whole legacy from that reputation, like the Detroit Pistons “Bad Boys”, Pat Riley's Knicks and Pat Riley's early Heat teams. So, maybe most of it came from Pat Riley teams, but the league has always had fighting even if it was mostly from his teams. The NBA has made rule changes since the 1990's that lowered the physical play with the main example being hand checking. This hasn't eliminated fighting, but has just made it a rare occasion to see a fight. Last season, the NBA had one memorable fight between Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez and Toronto Raptors power forward Serge Ibaka. Now, no one wants to see players actually just sit there and fight each other like a boxing match. They just want the build up and the drama that would lead to a fight. Look at professional wrestling: everyone knows its fake, but people tune in each in every week and its not to see the fighting. It's to see the soap opera that professional wrestling creates and watch a story play out. With the NFL going through the struggles they are right now, the NBA has a legitimate chance to take over as Americas top sport. The all drama of last week, has leaving fans wanting more. When the NBA is on prime time TNT, they know drama.
Orlando Magic's Arron Afflalo, left, gets into a fight with Minnesota Timberwolves' Nemanja Bjelica, center, as D.J. Augustin, right, comes in to help break it up during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. Afflalo and Bjelica were ejected from the game. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, and Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza have words before both of them were ejected in the closing seconds of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)