Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
Volume 121, Issue 9
VISTA The
Bronchos v. Ichabods Page 6
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022
“OUR WORDS, YOUR VOICE.”
Volume 119, Issue 19
Rising tensions: Israel-Palestine conflict sparks global concern and division
774 reports of Islamophobia and 388% increase in antisemitic events: community members speak out Jake Ramsey & Sam Kozlowksi Managing Editor & Reporter
It has been one month since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel from Hamas, and with that event, as well as further attacks from Israel, both Jewish and Muslim groups all over the world have faced threats to their communities leaving them scared and with a feeling of uncertainty towards their neighbors. “Personally, I’ve noticed a shift in the public attitude towards me because I am obviously muslim,” said a UCO student who preferred to remain anonymous, “And I have been sent hate and death threats online.” “Everyone knows someone so we’re all being affected,” said Rachel Johnson, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, an organization that provides programs and services to the Jewish community and helps build bridges with other interfaith communities. “There’s a sense of helplessness. This is the biggest attack that the Jewish community has seen since the holocaust,” Johnson said. According to a study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League, a center for antisemetic research, there has been a 388% increase in anti-Semetic incidents since Oct. 7. With that, a study conducted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations found that the foundation had received 774 reports of anti-Islamic incidents in the U.S. from Oct. 7 to Oct. 24. The increase in anti-semitism is alarming to the Jewish community, but security and safety have been an issue for many years. As a result, the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City has kept a solid relationship with local and federal law enforcement in the state. “I’ve noticed an increase of fear and unsettlement in my community, family and friends,” said a student at UCO and member of the Muslim Student Association who preferred to remain anonymous due to safety reasons. “I fear the irreparable damages that will be caused by ignorance,” said the student. “This isn’t a new situation for the Muslim community,” said another UCO student who preferred to remain anonymous. They
This is a locator map of Israel and the Palestinian territories. (AP) go on to discuss the fears faced on campus even having said, “Even the thought ‘Am I safe walking across campus?’” When talking about experiences during these times. “As a Muslim, they are our brothers and sisters in Islam, and we are all one body,” said the student, “So when one part of the body hurts, the whole body is affected.” “I’m always against the killing of innocent people and children. A lot of people think that because I’m Jewish, I’m automatically pro-Israel. It’s unfair,” said another UCO student who preferred to remain anonymous. With the rising increase in anti-Semetic and anti-Islamic sentiment across the U.S. it has left both groups feeling alienated, as described by several members of the communities. While groups in the U.S. are under threat of hate and anti-Semetic and anti-Islamic attacks, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has continued. On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Iraq, Turkey and the West Bank. A State Department spokesperson said Blinken made it clear that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced. He also warned Iran and its proxies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen
and Shia militias from Iraq that the Biden administration is committed to defending its allies and military personnel. Along with a $14.5 billion aid for Israel passed on Thursday, the United States military may now be gearing up to enter the war. The U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower and the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carriers have been strategically planted in the Eastern Mediterranean, along with three guided-missile destroyers, each with their own squadrons. As the war in Gaza rages on, the conflict is beginning to expand to other regions. With artillery and tanks on the ground, Israeli jets and Hezbollah militants have started engaging in combat South of Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the recent attacks against the IDF “won’t be all” Hezbollah does. With no formal military, armed factions in Palestine are left defending the 2,324 square miles of the small nation which is slightly smaller than Delaware, the second-smallest state in the United States. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad is the second strongest militant group in the country behind Hamas, and they share similar ideologies. They have been fighting together and alongside a third group, the Pales-
tinian Front for the Liberation of Palestine against Israel’s military. “Israel is also fighting on behalf of its people, they wanted to show the Israeli people that we are doing something about it,” said Mohamad. “But at the same time they are confronted with the reality that there are 2.2 million people living in Gaza.” Approximately 10,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, have been killed since the combat escalated in October. About 1,400 Israelis have been killed since October, mostly civilians from Hamas’ initial attack. “Yes some Palestinians can leave, but they need a permit,” said UCO professor of political science Husam Mohamad, “Gazans have no future.” “You’re cheated out of life,” said Mohamad. The impacts of the war are continuing to harm both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as Jewish and Muslim people across the world. The UCO Arab Student Association will be hosting an event on Nov. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to explore and understand the differing perspectives of the Israel and Palestine conflict, the event will be held in Constitution Hall.
Reporting during wartime
Journalism in a war zone: Israel/Palestine conflict puts journalists on frontlines Madison Simon Contributing Writer
The recent escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict has placed journalists in an unenviable position of danger and desperation as they report the unfolding events under the same life-threatening conditions faced by the population in Gaza. Julie Pace, executive editor and senior vice president of The Associated Press, captures the essence of the situation. “Working in Gaza right now is extremely difficult and that’s in large part because our staff are both covering the story and worrying about their own safety and the safety of their families,” Pace said in a recent interview. Foreign journalists have been barred entry since the closure of
Israel’s Erez crossing after a Hamas attack, leaving a limited number of reporters on the ground, many of whom have evacuated from northern parts of Gaza, including major bureaus like AP and Agence France-Presse (AFP). “This is a population that, over the years, has been used to fairly extreme situations, but I think they would all say that this is on a much, much bigger scale,” said Phil Chetwynd, global news director for AFP, referencing the previous conflicts between Israel and Hamas. In a candid admission on CNN, journalist Ibrahim Dahman shared his personal anxiety. “I feel intense fear,” Dahman said. “I am worried about myself, my wife, and my children.” The vulnerability of civilians and journalists is palpable in Dahman’s
concern, which resonates across the journalistic community in Gaza. Luke Baker, former Jerusalem bureau chief for Reuters, emphasized the critical role of journalists. “Eyewitness reporting is the best, being able to report what you see,” said Baker. He stressed the value of experienced journalists who can discern and rely upon truthful sources, especially in a war zone. As resources dwindle, concerns grow about the sustainability of reporting under such conditions. “There’s a concern about when supplies are going to run out without reinforcements, including power… It’s not constant and it’s not reliable,” Pace said. This sentiment is mirrored by MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow during coverage of the conflict.
“The truth does matter. It’s the only thing we have here,” she said, highlighting the importance of factual reporting in understanding the human cost of the war. The war’s impact on journalists goes beyond the physical dangers. It is also a battle against disinformation, with news agencies like AP dedicating teams to verify the credibility of online information amid a deluge of misinformation. However, the journalists remain adamant, driven by a mission. “The people who live in this place didn’t make the decision to live in a war zone,” Chetwynd said, adding that their work is not just a professional obligation; it is a testament to the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of truth, even in the darkest of times.
2
The Vista
ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
Weekly Horoscope
Sam Royka Editor-In-Chief
LEO
ARIES
TAURUS April 20-May 20
May 21-June 20
June 21-July 22
July 23-August 22
Explorer, take a chance on yourself. A guided meditation designed to help you listen to your higher self will assist in accessing your depths if you choose. Venus in Libra makes your relationships bloom like the garden they are. Keep your impulsivity in check this week to achieve maximum harmony. Your song is “Take a Chance” by Flume ft. Little Dragon.
Your relationships are at the forefront again, Taurus. Check in with yourself to see what you need to add or change to fill your cup. Inner harmony leads to harmony with others. You’re more likely to see something new in the area of love at this time. Your song is “Change in the Air” by Vance Joy.
Your day-to-day is about to be revitalized. Better self-care via healthy, delicious food or a semi-regular stretching routine to address your shoulder tension will absolutely pay off. This New Moon offers a chance to start something great. Venus encourages you to step into the sunshine. Your song is “Self Care” by Mac Miller.
Pouring into creativity will become extremely rewarding in the coming month. Taking up a new hobby or even just adding 5 minutes of fun to your daily routine has the potential to reduce stress. Venus brings a focus on family and a call to redecorate. Your song is “Focus” by Haux.
Your home or family is starting fresh again, and this could start to make itself known in the smallest of ways. Rest assured that what needs to go will go, and what needs to stay will stay. Venus in Libra calls peace and harmony in, both inside and out. Your song is “Inside and Out” by Feist.
March 21-April 19
LIBR A
VIRGO
GEMINI
SCORPIO
September 23-October 22
Your brain gets a reboot with the New Moon. If you find yourself realizing some things, you are not alone. Venus moving signs calls you to focus on self-love and recognize the ways in which you can realign to better nurture your soul. Your song is “Realign” by Ocie Elliott.
Security and finances come to mind now as the New Moon transits. Venus entering your sign calls a rebalancing into action: now is a good time to seek fairness and compromise. Mercury is active this week, with more aspects pointing you towards overall harmony. Your song is “Money” by Caroline Rose.
SAGITTARIUS
CAPRICORN
October 23-November 21
November 22-December 21
December 21-January 20
The Scorpio New Moon transits your first house, transforming your relationship to yourself. Expect a mix of bubbly new ideas, mid-tone inspiration, and a shifting in your depths. You get to decide what the next chapter of life will hold. Venus in Libra encourages you to treasure what matters most. Your song is “Transformation” by David Crosby.
Secrets come to the surface now, though they may be revealed only to you. Your subconscious has something to say; listen carefully. The Scorpio New Moon transits your twelfth house now, aligning you on a better path. For you, Mercury’s move into your home sign calls up an easier time in communication. Your song is “Better Path” by Wild Rivers.
Brace for a fresh start in your community with the Scorpio New Moon! Venus in Libra brings a better worklife balance while Mercury instigates a sudden intensity in your drive. Where do you feel called? Your song is “Fresh Start” by Joan As Police Woman.
2
August 23- September 22
CANCER
Week 11/6/23 This NewofMoon starts- a11/12/23 new cycle
AQUARIUS
PISCES
Nurture a revamp of your public face and career with the New Moon in Scorpio. Venus in Libra amps up your sense of adventure and calls for a home refresh. Mercury in Sagittarius brings exciting new ideas! When your ruler Uranus clashes with the Sun, stay grounded for stability. Your song is “Stability” by Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Catch a wave of inspiration this week: Venus in Libra brings beauty and softness, while Mercury in Scorpio ignites your drive with Pluto’s help. Meanwhile, Mercury sparks lively chats! Trust yourself and steer clear of impulsiveness. Brace for a fresh start in travel and philosophy with the Scorpio New Moon! Your song is “Catch the Wind” by Donovan.
Week of 11/6/23 - 11/12/23
SUDOKU
Edited by Margie E. Burke
Difficulty: Easy
HOW TO SOLVE:
6 7 3 6
1
Each row must contain the 9 numbers 1 to 9; each column must
2
contain the numbers 1 to 9; and each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
2 9
4
Answer to Previous Sudoku:
7 4 8 9 4
2 8
for all of us on November 13.
February 19-March 20
January 21-February 18
3
5
4
8 3 1 6
1
Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate
1 2 7 3 6 9 4 8 5 6 4 9 5 1 8 2 7 3 5 3 8 7 4 2 1 6 9 3 9 5 4 8 7 6 1 2 2 6 4 1 9 5 7 3 8 7 8 1 6 2 3 9 5 4 4 7 2 8 3 1 5 9 6 8 1 6 9 5 4 3 2 7 9 5 3 2 7 6 8 4 1
The Weekly Crossword
by Margie E. Burke
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ACROSS 1 Christian's "Ford 14 15 16 v Ferrari" co18 19 17 star 5 Present 22 20 21 occasion 10 Flower stalk 23 24 25 14 Bounce back 28 29 30 26 27 15 Strong dislike 16 Tuesday treat? 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 17 Large amount 38 39 40 18 Vegas' Park MGM, previously 41 42 43 20 Guaranteed 44 45 46 47 22 Caning need 23 Panache 52 53 48 49 50 51 24 Drops a hint 54 55 56 57 58 26 "Elementary" actress 61 59 60 28 Grocery carrier 30 Soothsayer 63 64 62 31 Safe to swim in 66 67 34 "Beetle Bailey" 65 dog Copyright 2023 by The Puzzle Syndicate 38 Potbelly, for one 39 Convent dweller 4 Beach 36 Astronaut drink 49 First lady after 40 Islamic text accessory 37 Not taken in by Hillary 41 Sharpen a knife 5 Small, as a fee 40 Work with 50 Room at the top? 42 Type of camp 6 Nostril wrinkler dough 51 Subway 44 Ceremonial act 7 Middling poker 42 Say again entrance 46 Windsor, for one pair 43 "Love on the 53 Antidote 47 Freudian topic 8 Studio shout Brain" singer 56 Motel offering 48 Repairs the wall 9 Came into view 45 Big-ticket ___ 57 Dog parasite 52 Diner dish 10 Officer's quar48 Chris of "The 58 Spore producer 54 Alternative word ters, at sea Magnificent 60 Youngest 55 Compromise 11 Fruity desserts Seven" Lincoln 59 It often replaces 12 Striking success Answers to Previous Crossword: human labor 13 Mars has two G A W K T O F U F O R T Y 61 Run the show 19 Parakeet keeper O X E N I C O N O P E R A 62 The Bee Gees, 21 Aesop piece A L L I G A T O R R I S E R e.g. 25 Early online D E M E N T E D L E D G E R 63 Prey grabber forum H E A R L O S E R 64 Computerphile 26 Luxurious F A C T S E V E N T A C T 65 Diplomacy 27 Very fond of R I L E A D O L E S C E N T 66 Fluid buildup 29 Artillery unit N O R T H A N O N M O R E 67 Part of G.M.T. member E B A Y O M N I S C I E N T 32 Go farther than D E N W O M E N A N D E S DOWN intended G R A Z E G I R D 1 Clutter 33 Egyptian boy S P L I T E N D C O R N E T 2 Censorshipking D E M I M O O R E H E A V E fighting org. 35 Kid's backyard E L A N P E G S O S I E R 3 Contract adverb retreat P O S T S D A N G S L O T
TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
The Vista
5
Campus AI policy: in progress but not complete
Zak Royka Reporter
UCO faculty and staff have released several resources for both students and professors, including links to even more guides and data. All of this information is available on the internet for everyone to use. Two resources are the ChatGPT and AI technology page at https://www.uco.edu/technology/trc/chatgpt-ai-technology and the UCO library resource directory at https://library.uco. edu/ai/ These both provide access to several resources
ranging from explanations of the usage of AI to the ethics involved and resources for using them in day-to-day applications. Late last year, ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLM) shook the world by offering compellingly human prose at the press of a button; this lit a fire under academics that has yet to go out. By synthesizing convincing arguments with such ease, LLMs had many claiming they would usher in the end of modern education as we know it; this was not true. Teachers, faculty and staff are all essential parts of the education system, and no computer will be able to emulate their understanding and care in the nurturing of students and their learning. Engineering professor Cole Prather pointed out a possible strength of ChatGPT and generative AI models in creating descriptive and experiential learning that helps form a more intuitive understanding of concepts, particularly in a way that textbooks seem to struggle with. By being less rigid, the AI can relate information more directly than textbooks. Plagiarism and academic integrity are both parts of the discussion surrounding AI in academia, with most institutions operating with AI in a gray zone of acceptability. As part of a UCO-hosted panel on ChatGPT back in March, manager of academic technology & training Amanda Keesee said “a knee-jerk reaction tends to be to ban this type of technology, … but what we want to do is to find appropriate ways to use this to make it effective in a teaching and learning environment.”
(TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)
A recording of that panel is publicly available through the website https://www.uco.edu/technology/trc/chatgpt-ai-technology, a QR code is provided.
Director of the 21st Century Pedagogy Institute Eric Kyle was on the panel as well. In a blog post, he elaborated his own opinion on the matter. The following paragraph is from the post which is linked in a QR code below. “I would rather spend my time teaching students the skills to be better consumers of information and teach them how to use this new technology as yet another tool in their writing and researching arsenal than spend my time policing every document to see if it was written by an AI program.” According to the Fall 2023 UCO student information sheet and syllabus attachment, students must receive authorization before using
any form of AI. The exact wording of which, “This policy specifically addresses the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or technologies to gain an unfair advantage in academic activities,” leaves much unsaid. The lack of a comma between “tools or technology,” allows it to apply to anything from Grammarly to unmodified AI-generated essays. However, LLMs can be a very effective tool for educators to increase retention, decrease the workload put on teachers and improve the rate of pupils’ learning. Prather said, “We can use it as a tool to enhance our learning because it will actually make us more critical of the information.” Prather said “It’s better to describe than to explain and so if you can use AI to describe things rather than asking for the answer directly, they might give you a more experiential or relatable example. Descriptions are something that we can relate to based on observation whereas an explanation is more like ‘this is just the way it is,’ and as we know in science, we don’t know anything for certain.”
Becoming a media master: Fallacies and how public opinion is swayed Sam Kozlowski Reporter
was incapable of having these weapons. Despite criticism from a few, the majority of Americans and media outlets supported the war at the time because of hype, fear and a lust for revenge after what happened in New York. In 2004, editors from The New York Times issued an apology to the world for their not-thorough-enough fact checking, even though fact-checking is their job. Like The New York Times, many media outlets have published unverified claims in order to avoid controversy. After learning from their past
You have probably noticed media conglomerates like CNN, FOX and NBC pushing their own agendas and bias. Why are they doing this though? And how can you identify it? These billion dollar media conglomerates are still businesses after all. With the goal of maximizing profit, corporations such as AT&T (CNN), Comcast (NBC), Disney (ABC) and more are doing exactly that. Many of these corporations that own the media companies have their own political biases to varying degrees. Although some corporations aim for well-balanced news coverage, others do not hide their favoritism. Some more heavily biased right-leaning online media are Breitbart, FOX News, New York Post and Independent Journal Review. Left-leaning online news outlets include MSNBC, The Huffington Post, The New Yorker and Vox. It is common for these websites to not include all of the information given, or (TESS PETERS/THE VISTA) to frame the facts in a way that will trigger an emotional or irrational response. However, this sensationalism leads to increased ratings and mistakes, The New York profits, which is often the goal of media outlets Times has been more reliable in recent years. because so many people allow their emotions to You can combat these errors by looking for the usurp their logic and critical thinking. same story or topic on other accurate, centered Following 9/11, the United States deployed publishers. An asset more valuable than ever, troops into the Middle East, thus starting the knowing reputable news sources that shy away Iraq War. In an effort to bolster support, U.S. from drama and inaccuracies. Although it is rare intelligence claimed that Iraq had ‘weapons of for media outlets to not lean left or right, some mass destruction’ that threatened the lives of accurate and unbiased online media outlets genAmericans. However, experts believed that Iraq erally include: AP News, BBC, Reuters, News-
week, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Wall Street Journal. Corporations frame information in a way that best suits their own narrative. By doing so, framing issues in a way that suits their agenda retains satisfaction for loyal consumers, regardless if the information is biased or not. As long as journalism has existed, editors have been selectively editing quotes, speeches and events, in order to push narratives for their employers. Identifying when information has been edited to push certain agendas can save you stress and time, as well as keeping you more informed than the general public. Language is at the root of literally everything we do and consume. Good writers take advantage of this, using persuasive language to prove their point. Perceptions toward others are often created because of the descriptions people give them. Writers sometimes use language to portray characters within the news as heroes or villains, through the appeal to authority, generalizations, hyperbole, either-or fallacies and more. In fact, there are over 100 logical fallacies and the vast majority of people are completely unaware that the content they are reading is full of them. Even learning a few will help you ‘better identify bullshit from miles away’. After five minutes of scrolling, we absorb more information than people thirty years ago could absorb in an entire day. Remember to take a step back from online overstimulation and re-evaluate the facts, graphics and posts presented to you.
4 The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
‘News deserts:’ recent events in Wewoka shine a light on lack of info Jake Ramsey Managing Editor
In the monthly State Board of Education meeting held on Oct. 26 at the Oliver Hodge Building, State Superintendent Ryan Walters and other members of the board addressed agenda issues such as discipline reform and gender identification in schools. Walters announced plans for a comprehensive discipline reform across Oklahoma. “This is going to be a roadmap for other states to be able to follow,” Walters said. “This is what putting back discipline in the classroom, ensuring that we’re not only going to have high expectation on academics, we’re also going to have high expectations on classroom behavior.” In a detailed report, Walters praised Oklahoma public schools like Woodward for their early introduction of Career Tech programs and commended Guymon Public Schools for their optimal use of resources. He emphasized the importance of local job opportunities that do not require college degrees, while also drawing attention to the need for discipline for overall student success. Walters also responded to complaints about an email from Stillwater Public Schools Superintendent Uwe Gordon. The email sent by the Stillwater superintendent was in regards to the last board meeting which implemented an emergency rule that told schools they could not alter gender-designations on school records. Although the email was in line with the board’s ruling, it included resources and counseling offices for students. “The fact that they were
(TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)
sent out an email that would slam parents, undermine parents, and attempt to circumvent these rules is a great measure of concern,” said Walters. “I will always stand with parents. I will not allow any rogue administrator to undermine these rules.” A public comment section was another focal point of the meeting. Peggy Howell emphasized the anticipation of over 700,000 students & parents regarding board actions and pointed to the availability of $5 billion for resource allocation in public schools. Other concerns raised included issues of molestation at Noble Public Schools, unrealistic proficiency expectations in state tests, and advocacy for recognizing gender changes in school records. Derek Colson, along with others, called for respect and equality for all students regardless of their background. A notable presentation was delivered by Dr. Ebony Johnson, the
Interim Superintendent for Tulsa Public Schools. She emphasized the central mission of improving student outcomes and shed light on Tulsa Public School’s three main areas of focus: training teachers on the science of reading, corrective action plans for underperforming schools, and new internal controls implementation. Walters questioned the means to enhance reading proficiency among students, with Dr. Johnson emphasizing the significance of active family involvement. Requests from various public schools to change gender designation in school records were denied. “We have two genders; those are the genders that are set,” Walters said. This sentiment was countered by grandparent Candice Hoyt, who urged the board to focus on education rather than ideological debates. Walters expressed concerns over reactions to the situation in Israel from higher education institutions.
He emphasized that K-12 teachings should communicate that Israel has the right to exist and that any attacks against it originate from terrorist organizations like Hamas. “We believe it’s essential to be clear on this issue. Our young people don’t need to be confused on this, it should be crystal clear where the country stands and where basic human emotion, stability stands.” said Walters. Ensuring that the curriculum is free from anti-Israel or antisemitic sentiments is a priority for Walters. The meeting, which saw the swearing-in of newly appointed board member Zachary Archer by Walters, discussed the change of the upcoming meeting date from November 19 to November 30. This new schedule also sets the stage for discussions on regular meeting dates for the 2024 State Board of Education.
New laws take effect covering public safety and consumer protections
The overdose-reversal drug Narcan is displayed during training for employees of the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC), Dec. 4, 2018, in Philadelphia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved selling overdose antidote naloxone over-the-counter, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, marking the first time a opioid treatment drug will be available without a prescription. (MATT ROURKE/ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Natalie Bailey Contributing Writer
More than 200 new laws came into effect in the State of Oklahoma on Nov. 1, bills that were introduced during the last legislative session and signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. One law that was passed in the legislative term was HB 1546, which is also referred to as the Orange Alert System. The Orange Alert System was created to send an emergency alert to those who opt in when an inmate escapes prison. Each prison facility in the state has a special code that can be texted to the number 77295 and that will opt Oklahomans into receiving notifications and emergency alerts when a prisoner escapes from that facility. Another law that went into effect is The Kasey Alert System, which developed a statewide alert system for adults between the age of 18 and 59 who appear to have been abducted. This alert system is named
after Kasey Russell, a 29-year-old citizen of the Cherokee Nation who went missing while walking home from a Casino one night. This alert system expands upon the state’s Amber and Silver alert systems, which are used for missing children and adults over 60 who go missing. Oklahoma drivers might notice a new law that went into effect, which allows drivers to renew their vehicle registration every two years instead of every year. Drivers can opt into this by either selecting to register their vehicle annually or biennially, or every two years. This new law does not apply to commercial vehicles and mobile homes. In an effort to address the rise in opioid overdoses, The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services now must provide medication that can reverse an opioid overdose, such as Naloxone, to places like hospitals, county jails, and prisons. The department is also expected to create a program to help educate inmates at prisons in Oklahoma on preventing
opioid overdoses. Oklahoma has decriminalized the possession of both Naloxone and Fentanyl testing strips, which could help detect the drug if it’s present in another drug or mixture. To close technical loopholes for buying event tickets, SB 650 prohibits people in the State of Oklahoma from using or selling software
to bypass security measures of a ticket seller’s website or sell tickets at an increased or inflated cost compared to the original cost of tickets. If someone is found selling tickets at an increased price, they could face charges under Oklahoma’s Consumer Protection Act.
Kasey Russell, a 29-year-old member of the Cherokee Nation, disappeared after a visit to a casino. The Kasey Alert System is named for him. (FACEBOOK/PROVIDED)
TECHNOLOGY
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
The Vista
5
Campus AI policy: in progress but not complete
Zak Royka Reporter
UCO faculty and staff have released several resources for both students and professors, including links to even more guides and data. All of this information is available on the internet for everyone to use. Two resources are the ChatGPT and AI technology page at https://www.uco.edu/technology/trc/chatgpt-ai-technology and the UCO library resource directory at https://library.uco. edu/ai/ These both provide access to several resources
ranging from explanations of the usage of AI to the ethics involved and resources for using them in day-to-day applications. Late last year, ChatGPT and other Large Language Models (LLM) shook the world by offering compellingly human prose at the press of a button; this lit a fire under academics that has yet to go out. By synthesizing convincing arguments with such ease, LLMs had many claiming they would usher in the end of modern education as we know it; this was not true. Teachers, faculty and staff are all essential parts of the education system, and no computer will be able to emulate their understanding and care in the nurturing of students and their learning. Engineering professor Cole Prather pointed out a possible strength of ChatGPT and generative AI models in creating descriptive and experiential learning that helps form a more intuitive understanding of concepts, particularly in a way that textbooks seem to struggle with. By being less rigid, the AI can relate information more directly than textbooks. Plagiarism and academic integrity are both parts of the discussion surrounding AI in academia, with most institutions operating with AI in a gray zone of acceptability. As part of a UCO-hosted panel on ChatGPT back in March, manager of academic technology & training Amanda Keesee said “a knee-jerk reaction tends to be to ban this type of technology, … but what we want to do is to find appropriate ways to use this to make it effective in a teaching and learning environment.”
(TESS PETERS/THE VISTA)
A recording of that panel is publicly available through the website https://www.uco.edu/technology/trc/chatgpt-ai-technology, a QR code is provided.
Director of the 21st Century Pedagogy Institute Eric Kyle was on the panel as well. In a blog post, he elaborated his own opinion on the matter. The following paragraph is from the post which is linked in a QR code below. “I would rather spend my time teaching students the skills to be better consumers of information and teach them how to use this new technology as yet another tool in their writing and researching arsenal than spend my time policing every document to see if it was written by an AI program.” According to the Fall 2023 UCO student information sheet and syllabus attachment, students must receive authorization before using
any form of AI. The exact wording of which, “This policy specifically addresses the unauthorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or technologies to gain an unfair advantage in academic activities,” leaves much unsaid. The lack of a comma between “tools or technology,” allows it to apply to anything from Grammarly to unmodified AI-generated essays. However, LLMs can be a very effective tool for educators to increase retention, decrease the workload put on teachers and improve the rate of pupils’ learning. Prather said, “We can use it as a tool to enhance our learning because it will actually make us more critical of the information.” Prather said “It’s better to describe than to explain and so if you can use AI to describe things rather than asking for the answer directly, they might give you a more experiential or relatable example. Descriptions are something that we can relate to based on observation whereas an explanation is more like ‘this is just the way it is,’ and as we know in science, we don’t know anything for certain.”
Becoming a media master: Fallacies and how public opinion is swayed Sam Kozlowski Reporter
was incapable of having these weapons. Despite criticism from a few, the majority of Americans and media outlets supported the war at the time because of hype, fear and a lust for revenge after what happened in New York. In 2004, editors from The New York Times issued an apology to the world for their not-thorough-enough fact checking, even though fact-checking is their job. Like The New York Times, many media outlets have published unverified claims in order to avoid controversy. After learning from their past
You have probably noticed media conglomerates like CNN, FOX and NBC pushing their own agendas and bias. Why are they doing this though? And how can you identify it? These billion dollar media conglomerates are still businesses after all. With the goal of maximizing profit, corporations such as AT&T (CNN), Comcast (NBC), Disney (ABC) and more are doing exactly that. Many of these corporations that own the media companies have their own political biases to varying degrees. Although some corporations aim for well-balanced news coverage, others do not hide their favoritism. Some more heavily biased right-leaning online media are Breitbart, FOX News, New York Post and Independent Journal Review. Left-leaning online news outlets include MSNBC, The Huffington Post, The New Yorker and Vox. It is common for these websites to not include all of the information given, or (TESS PETERS/THE VISTA) to frame the facts in a way that will trigger an emotional or irrational response. However, this sensationalism leads to increased ratings and mistakes, The New York profits, which is often the goal of media outlets Times has been more reliable in recent years. because so many people allow their emotions to You can combat these errors by looking for the usurp their logic and critical thinking. same story or topic on other accurate, centered Following 9/11, the United States deployed publishers. An asset more valuable than ever, troops into the Middle East, thus starting the knowing reputable news sources that shy away Iraq War. In an effort to bolster support, U.S. from drama and inaccuracies. Although it is rare intelligence claimed that Iraq had ‘weapons of for media outlets to not lean left or right, some mass destruction’ that threatened the lives of accurate and unbiased online media outlets genAmericans. However, experts believed that Iraq erally include: AP News, BBC, Reuters, News-
week, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and Wall Street Journal. Corporations frame information in a way that best suits their own narrative. By doing so, framing issues in a way that suits their agenda retains satisfaction for loyal consumers, regardless if the information is biased or not. As long as journalism has existed, editors have been selectively editing quotes, speeches and events, in order to push narratives for their employers. Identifying when information has been edited to push certain agendas can save you stress and time, as well as keeping you more informed than the general public. Language is at the root of literally everything we do and consume. Good writers take advantage of this, using persuasive language to prove their point. Perceptions toward others are often created because of the descriptions people give them. Writers sometimes use language to portray characters within the news as heroes or villains, through the appeal to authority, generalizations, hyperbole, either-or fallacies and more. In fact, there are over 100 logical fallacies and the vast majority of people are completely unaware that the content they are reading is full of them. Even learning a few will help you ‘better identify bullshit from miles away’. After five minutes of scrolling, we absorb more information than people thirty years ago could absorb in an entire day. Remember to take a step back from online overstimulation and re-evaluate the facts, graphics and posts presented to you.
6
The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
SPORTS
Bronchos crane over Ichabods in fiery home finale, 41-7
Domination was the order of the day as UCO puts the hurt on Washburn
Quarterback Stephon Brown leaps into the endzone for his second rushing touchdown as linemen Cooper McCoy and Layne Grantham look on (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
Phil Rodriguez Sports Editor
The Bronchos dominated the Washburn Ichabods on Saturday, Nov. 4 by a score of 41-7, capitalizing on an offensive explosion on the ground and through the air as well as a stout defensive effort to improve to 5-5 on the season. The game started off with Washburn taking a 7-0 lead through a touchdown run from quarterback Sam Van Dyne, capping off an 11play, 75-yard drive for the
Ichabods. Washburn came out firing, using a no-huddle style offense predicated on short passes and QB runs. It would end up being the only score of the night for the Ichabods, however, as the Bronchos started an unanswered scoring streak that lasted through the end of the game. The Bronchos utilized both junior transfer quarterback Dawson Herl as well as senior Stephon Brown, splitting drives and sometimes taking turns splitting plays. Brown scored twice
on the ground, once on a 3-yard run with 8:48 left in the 3rd quarter, and again with a 5-yard run with 9:35 remaining in the game. But it was Herl who made the biggest case for being Player of the Game, completing over 66.7% of his passes for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions on the day. After a Nicky Quevedo field goal that made the game 7-3 in favor of Washburn, Herl’s first two touchdowns propelled the Bronchos into their unre-
linquished lead. First at the 11:37 mark in the second quarter was a barn-burning 85-yard dump-off pass to running back Jaylen Cottrell, who rumbled and stumbled past the entire Washburn defense on his way to paydirt and a 10-7 lead for the Bronchos. After a scoreless drive each by Washburn and UCO to keep the score the same, Herl ended the Bronchos’ next drive with an 11-yard connection to red-hot wide receiver Terril Davis for his fourth touch-
No. 34 Payton Scott races onto the field for the UCO-Washburn game Nov. 4. (JAYDON SIMS/THE VISTA)
down of the season and his career. Washburn attempted to respond afterward, their offense driving all the way down to the UCO 28 yard-line on their next possession. But a huge sack from Hudson Grant on Van Dyne saw the Ichabods lose nine yards, followed by two consecutive penalties for an additional 15 yards, taking Washburn from a first-and-10 within scoring range to a third-and-34 on the wrong side of midfield. Another Nicky Quevedo field goal on the next drive gave the Bronchos a confident 20-7 lead going into halftime. UCO scored on the opening drive of the third quarter to go up 27-7, cruising from there behind a stout defensive effort and an easy day on offense. Washburn found it difficult to get in for another score, with the Bronchos adding two more easy touchdowns in the fourth quarter to cement the beatdown. This Saturday, Nov. 11 will see the Bronchos take on Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas in a massive matchup against the second-ranked Gorillas.
Spain’s Castillo finds family, friends and golf success at UCO Castillo herself found to be very important. She was happy to find that the university was like her hometown (“Big but not too big,” she said) and that UCO had a great program for what she was planning on studying, Professional Media. “I don’t want to be in a job sitting in an office all day,” she said, “I know I don’t want to go into politics.” Although her team has become like a family to her, she plans on going home to Spain during winter break and summer break, “mainly because of my great-grandparents,” Castillo said. Castillo is settling into her golf game at UCO and she thinks it is too early to tell for improvements. The season and the following years will tell of her progress. “Let’s see where the wind takes me,” she said. Estela Castillo’s father, a golf coach, helped her excel at an early age. (BRONCHO SPORTS/PROVIDED)
Anne-Marie Hagen Contributing Writer
Estela Castillo, a freshman on UCO’s women’s golf team, started playing when she was 3 years old. She explained that she would only hit a couple shots amidst playing with her Barbies on the course, but eventually she got acclimated, and when she was 9, she competed in her very first tournament. “My dad is a golf coach,” she explained, and after that first victory at the age of 9 years old, she told him, “Dad, I want to win more tournaments.” He reassured her of her potential and allowed her to chase her dreams, leading her all the way to the United States, far away from her hometown of Palma, Spain. Palma and the community of Mallorca features
an array of delectable cheeses and plenty of seafood, all of which Estela misses, yet she is happy to be here. “I feel very comfortable here and I feel very welcomed and I am happy here,” Castillo said regarding the community on campus. Her choice of UCO started with having to take her SAT. Then after that, an agency helped get her in contact with coaches around the United States. She almost didn’t choose UCO: she was about to spring for a school in West Virginia when the women’s head golf coach for UCO, Michael Bond, contacted her. After that Zoom call, “I called my dad, I called my mom and I was like I think I’m changing it and I want to go to UCO,” Castillo said. Bond’s mindset matched her own. Many coaches talk about the long game in golf, but Bond focused on the short game, something that
Estela Castillo (BRONCHO SPORTS/PROVIDED)
ENTERTAINMENT
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
The Vista
7
“Flower Moon:” accurate rendering of the Osage Murders but not Scorsese’s best
This image released by Apple TV+ shows Robert De Niro, left, and Jesse Plemons in a scene from “Killers of the Flower Moon.” (MELINDA SUE GORDON/APPLE TV+ VIA AP)
Britton Summers Reporter
Martin Scorsese is, for my money, one of the greatest living filmmakers of our era. While he is well loved for classic films such as “Goodfellas” or “Taxi Driver,” he’s a far more versatile filmmaker than some give him credit for. He’s made his share of gangster films, religious epics such as “Silence” and “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and historical dramas such as “Gangs of New York” and “The Aviator.” But with “Killers,” he comes back to the crime genre that he’s so intimately familiar with. “Killers of The Flower Moon” seems like a film that Scorsese would excel with. He brings us a tragic crime drama about how greed can infect people and cause them to destroy everyone around them. Scorsese excels at these types of stories. Even so, I wouldn’t put it alongside Scorsese’s best. Though a sincere effort, there was something missing. When I left the theater, one of my first thoughts was that this should have
been a series. Though three and a half hours long, it felt like this movie didn’t capture all that had made the book such a compelling read. I was particularly disappointed with the minimal characterization of Tom White (played by Jesse Plemons) who I found to be the most compelling character in the book. But with what we got, Plemons once again proves to be one of the most dynamic actors working today. I was also disappointed with how I didn’t feel the emotion of what was going on. Despite the strong performances, I didn’t see Scorsese pulling out the emotion in the way that he did with “The Irishman” or some of his best films. However, in the filmmaking, not all was bleak. This film still has the trademarks of a Scorsese film. One of Scorsese’s biggest strengths as a filmmaker is how he manages to capture mundane, daily life. His films have a way where the people who are in them, no matter how foul or bad they are, seem real and could be like people who you would meet in your life. Leonardo DiCaprio once again proves why he’s
one of the best actors of his generation with his performance as Ernest Burkhart. He proves to be both pitiful and despicable in his role as Ernest. Robert De Niro once again proves to be Scorsese’s good luck charm as he plays William “King” Hall, who proves to be a despicable human being despite his affable nature. There were points where I was confused, since I already knew he was the villain of the story, and there were points where he was so nice and charming that you forget that he’s the villain. Lily Gladstone is also fantastic as Mollie Burkhart. She carries herself with a quiet dignity, even as all these horrible things happen to her. The cinematography holds its place as well. Scorsese and the crew make Oklahoma look beautiful and maintain accuracy with the portrayal of the crimes. There’s also the excellent score from the late Robbie Robertson, which is elegant while capturing the heavy vibe with guitar. I wouldn’t call “Killers of The Flower Moon” one of Scorsese’s best. But it’s still pretty good.
This week in Swiftstory: ‘Grab your passport, and her hand: Swift goes international’
Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour” in Los Angeles on Aug. 7, 2023. Swift is releasing her “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film on Oct. 13. (AP/CHRIS PIZZELLO)
Matilda Harvey Copy Editor
This week, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour heads to South America for her first-ever tour appearance in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While Swift has embarked on numerous tours since opening for Rascal Flatts’ “Me and My Gang” tour in 2006, her international dates have always been limited. As an opening act, her only international stops were in Canada as part of the “Bonfires & Amplifiers” tour headlined by Brad Paisley. During the “Fearless” tour in 2010, Swift’s international stops included England, Australia, Japan, and The Bahamas, with support from Gloriana, Kellie Pickler, and Justin Bieber. From 2011-2012, during the “Speak Now” world tour, Swift honored the tour name and visited numerous new locations across Oceania, Asia, and Europe. The “Red” tour similarly included even more new tour stops for Swift; the singer jetted to China, Indonesia, and Malaysia for her first per-
formances in the countries. That tour includes the only show ever canceled by Swift. Due to political unrest in the region, a show scheduled for June 9, 2013, in Bangkok, Thailand, was canceled. The 1989 World Tour covered numerous locations Swift previously visited, with her first tour stop in Scotland occurring during this tour. As with every tour, Swift performed in England and Canada, her most common international stops. The “Reputation” stadium tour was Swift’s shortest tour, with only 53 stops; her international stops included England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The Eras Tour began in March 2023 and is currently scheduled to end in November 2024, though more dates may be announced at any time. This tour includes 21 different countries for the international legs, with the Latin American leg of the tour taking place in the last third of 2023. In August 2023, as part of the Eras Tour, Swift played her first Mexican shows at Foro Sol Stadium. Sabrina Carpenter opened for all four
shows, continuing her tradition of writing unique outros for the song “Nonsense” for each night. From November 9 to 11, Swift will perform in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Estadio River Plate. The stadium was opened in 1938 and is used primarily for the Club Atlético River Plate, the Argentinian National Football Team, and the Argentinian National Rugby Team. It was renovated first in 1978 for the FIFA World Cup, which was won by the host country, Argentina. Estadio River Plate has a capacity of 84,567. The stadium has a higher capacity than the largest NFL stadium, as Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, has a capacity of 82,500. Swift’s three Argentina shows will be opened by Sabrina Carpenter and Argentinian performer Louta. Carpenter was announced on Swift’s social media in June when she announced the Latin American leg of the Eras Tour. Louta announced his slot as opening act via social media on Monday. “So happy, extreme admiration for Taylor and all she does,” wrote Louta in an Instagram
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The Vista
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023
POP CULTURE
Gregory And The Hawk’s “Quarantunes” sings softly Zak Royka Reporter
With the new album (well, more of an EP, really) “Quarantunes,” Gregory and the Hawk descends from the mountain of folk music to grace us mortals with angelic choruses, ghostly guitar and haunting melodies. The group’s first full-length album in nearly five years since the Patreon-funded video album “Texas Collectious,” G&TH plays their harplike melodies straight with a new trance edge. With the opener “For Now,” Godreau combines the feeling of playing “Animal Crossing” with the heart of falling in love. Another highlight is “Peace Like Rivers,” a piercing emotional ballad about a relationship fraught with difficulties, pulling this theme home with the haunting line, “I turn our talk back to work now, say there are certain games I won’t play.” This whole album is littered with motifs of oceanside thoughts and the sounds of seabirds. The strikes through most obviously in the song “Fire At The Ocean,” which paints the story of a becoming lover to off kilter guitar, which forms a deliciously complex polyrhythm that is pointed out by the song itself, mirroring the narration’s misguided but sweet direction. The oceanic theme continues with the song “Name In The Clouds,” seaspray glinting off the timbre of a warm upright piano fading into strings and synthesizer work. The lyrics “My love for you is coming right on down, into the waves and the rays” is uniquely captivating. This album closely beats out 2010’s “Leche” for my new favorite album by Gregory and The Hawk, placing it as my first pick for a rainy day.
LISTEN UP FOR LIVE MUSIC
ond, beercitymusichall.com The Motet, Nov. 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Narrow Head, Nov. 30, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com
Cupcakke performs Nov. 8 at Beer City Music Hall. (PINK FRIDAY ENTERTAINMENT/ PROVIDED)
NOVEMBER Cupcakke, Nov. 8, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Mia x Ally, Nov. 9, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys, Nov. 9, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com ISHI, Swimfan and Coat, Nov. 10, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Des Rocs, Nov. 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Tennis, Nov. 11, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com The Arcadian Wild, Nov. 12, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com JMSN, Nov. 12, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com
Ari Lennox performs Nov. 24 at Paycom Center. (INTERSCOPE/PROVIDED)
Better Than Ezra and Howie Day, Nov. 14, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com Corb Lund, Nov. 14, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Runnner and Sun June, Nov. 16, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Sky Hemenway, Nov. 17, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Taddy Porter and Josh Sallee, Nov. 17, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Jaret Ray Reddick, Nov. 17, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com William Beckmann, Nov. 18, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Trinity the Tuck, Nov. 18, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Glare, Nov. 22, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Rod Wave and Ari Lennox, Nov. 24, Paycom Center, 100 W. Reno, paycomcenter.com Carson Jeffrey, Nov. 25, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Free Throw, Prince Daddy and The Hyena, Nov. 26, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Hiss Golden Messenger, Nov. 30, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Sec-
DECEMBER Rory Scovell, Dec. 1, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Angel Du$t, Dec. 1, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Aranda, Dec. 1, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com A Place to Bury Strangers, Dec. 2, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Asleep at the Wheel, Dec. 3, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Liz Phair, Dec. 4, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Moon Taxi, Dec. 5, The Jones Assembly, 901 W. Sheridan, thejonesassembly.com From Ashes to New, Dec. 6, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Thelma and the Sleaze, Dec. 6, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead.com Cam Cole, Dec. 6, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Josh Fudge, Dec. 7, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Brotherboy, Dec. 8, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Shaun Cassidy, Dec. 8, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Husbands, Dec. 9, Resonant Head, 400 SW 25, Suite A, resonanthead. com Jason Scottt and the High Heat, Dec. 9, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Daniel Donato, Dec. 10, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Deebaby, Dec. 13, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Sunsquabi, Dec. 15, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Paula Poundstone, Dec. 15, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Alexandra Kay, Dec. 19, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com Arkansauce, Dec. 22, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Heartbyrne, Dec. 28, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Devotchka, Dec. 29, Beer City Music Hall, 1141 NW Second, beercitymusichall.com Soft Hands, Dec. 29, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc. com Dylan Wheeler, Dec. 30, Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd, towertheatreokc.com
Ari Lennox performs Nov. 24 at Paycom Center. (INTERSCOPE/PROVIDED)