College recognizes
Faculty, staff remember
Johnna Ray News Editor
Thirty-five years ago, many high school graduates were called into the fifth year of battle in Vietnam. Over 400 campuses nationwide temporarily closed due to protests of the war - however, in Oklahoma, at least one college opened its doors for the first time.
Oscar Rose Junior College held its first day of classes Sept. 21, 1970 after three years of planning, building and preparing its campus. Over 1,700 students were enrolled that first semester.
Dr. Bill Brown, associate vice president for Academic Affairs/ University Parallel Programs, remembers that first day.
“I taught at Star Spencer [High School] and came over about [4 p.m.] and the place was a mess, full of discord; the first day, naturally, of any college, you think that [it will be chaotic],” Brown said. Classes were filling up faster than expected and many adjunct professors - called supplemental professors at that time - were called in to help teach. Brown was one of those and taught an English Composition I course that day with no role sheet, book or lesson plan. After teaching the class, Brown was interviewed and subsequently hired.
Charter member Joy Rupp executive Director of Human Resources Development, began at the college as the only woman of four chairmen – a position now labeled as “dean.” Susan Loveless, associate vice
35 years of sharing knowledge
history of campus, improvements to school
president for Resource Development and executive director of the RSC Foundation, is the only other charter member, besides Rupp, remaining at the college. She started the Child Development Center and ran it for three years.
The ‘80s brought about a new name for the college - Rose State College - and a new logo as well. Loveless explained the reason for this change.
“After we opened, a few years later, we became what was called a full partner in the state system, which meant we still kept our community designation and community support. But, it also meant we could participate fully in state funding along with the other colleges and universities,” Loveless said.
“Then, in the early ‘80s, they wanted to do some changing, they wanted all of the colleges and universities that were a part of the state system to carry part of the name … they were adding ‘State’ to the name and they chose to drop Mr. Rose’s first name from the institution and just keep the Rose State College.”
In 1991, several title changes occurred. Chairmen were changed to deans, assistant chairmen became associate deans, faculty members were changed to professors and supplemental faculty became adjunct professors.
After the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in 1995, RSC planted trees on campus to remember victims. The same year, RSC celebrated its 25 th anniversary as a junior college. In 2000, Dr. James Cook was
named as the person who would replace Larry Nutter as the new RSC President.
Since the first days of class in 1970, enrollment has increased
from under 2,000 students to more than 9,000 students per semester in 2005. As RSC celebrates 35 years of service to those seeking a qual -
Literary magazine “Pegasus” accepting submissions
Bryan Trude Sports Editor
Submissions are now being accepted for the 26 th edition of the Pegasus Literary Magazine, published annually by the RSC Humanities division.
Pegasus - which is a collection of short stories, poetry, essays, photographs and reproducible artwork created by the students, faculty and staff of RSC - is edited by faculty editors Susan Dawson-O’Brien, professor of journalism and Karen Holt, professor of English. The
2006 student editor is library technical assistant major Erin Waltman.
“All works submitted for Pegasus must be in black and white, or reproducible in black and white,” DawsonO’Brien said. “Anyone who currently attends or works at RSC can submit. It does not have to be work produced in a class.”
The Pegasus for which the magazine is named is a creature of Greek myth. A white winged horse, the Pegasus is said to have sprung from the body of Medusa after it was
slain. Myth goes on to say that with one blow from his hoof, the Pegasus caused the fountain Hippocrene, which was used by the inspiring Muses, to flow from Mount Helicon. For this reason, the Pegasus often serves as a muse for poetry.
This is the second year Dawson-O’Brien has served as co-faculty editor. From ’91 to ’04, Coordinator of Honors Programs Carl Sennhenn served as a co-faculty editor, and was honored for his work in the 2005 edition of Pegasus.
Sennhenn was named Poet Laureate of the State of Oklahoma by former Governor Frank Keating in 2001. He has taken part in every Poetry at Rose, an annual reading of poetry by faculty and Axley Award-winning students, since the first one in 1989, and has published two collections of poetry, “Harvest of Light” and “Center of Noon.” He is currently working on his third collection.
Waltman is the second student editor in the history of Pegasus. The first was Amy Hynson, student editor for the 2005 edition. Waltman is a recipient of RSC’s James Axley award for poetry, named after a former RSC professor. With one recipient for short stories and poetry annually, award winners are the only students allowed to read at “Poetry at Rose.”
Students can submit writing entries to Holt in the Humanities building, Room 231. Artwork and photography can be submitted to O’Brien in the Communications Center, Room 120. Students whose work is selected for publication will receive a free copy of the book.
“[Pegasus] is a good opportunity to get your work published,” Waltman said. “A lot of student writers do not have the ability or the knowledge or the drive to go out and find publishers. Pegasus is a great way to get their work out in the world and in front of people.”
For more information, contact Dawson-O’Brien by email at sdawson@rose.edu. btrude@rose.edu
ity education, Cook continues to work with the campus and community to help students “finish what they start.” jray@rose.edu
Many theories offered for Humanities building ‘hot spot’ mystery
Heath Sitton Assistant Editor
For many students, finding a comfortable spot to spend time before or after classes is hard to come by. Some students, however, have already found such a spot.
On any given school day, one can find a crowd of people gathered near the Humanities building. This crowd has many people wondering just why the Humanities building has become such a popular hang out.
“I have always wondered why people tend to gather around the Humanities building,” art major Erica Stevenson said. “Is there something special that we don’t know about or is the administration pumping a special form of oxygen from this particular building or area on campus?”
For no known reason, the Humanities building seems to have developed into a hot spot of activity for students with an excess of free time. There is an infinite supply of questions as to why a building can attract so much attention. However, the answers as to just what makes the building such a popular location are few and hard to come by.
“ ”
The Humanities building holds the key to a parallel universe.
“My guess is that the Hu- manities building holds the key to a paral- lel universe,” business major Charlie Smith said. “There must be some sort of other- worldly force that pulls people toward the building or perhaps the people who gather there are involved in some sort of a cult.”
Charlie Smith, business major
With the proposal of all of these theories, there are only more questions to be asked. These questions only bring forth more theories to feed this marvelous mystery.
“Me and my friends just like to hang out here and talk in between classes,” liberal studies major Jamal Wilson said. “The Humanities building seems to be as good a place as any to spend time in-between classes.”
But why is the Humanities building such a good place to spend time? There are much nicer places to gather around campus. There are benches beneath trees and fountains to gather by.
“The majority of my classes are inside the Humanities building or very close to it,” undeclared major Kenneth Heald said. “In between classes, I usually see a few of my friends and so we just stand here and talk until it’s time to go to class.”
With these theories unable to be proven, the mystery may always continue. Indeed, it seems that the Humanities building may just be the most comfortable place for students to gather while waiting for class to begin. jhsitton@cox.net
File photo
Photo by MORGAN HORNER
The campus is celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. RSC changed its name from Oscar Rose Junior College in 1984, necessitating taking down the college logo to replace the name with its current title.
“Pegasus,” the literary magazine published yearly, is now accepting submissions of art, photographs, short stories, essays and poetry from staff and students.
Briefly Speaking
New senate officers
Student senate has announced their new student senate executive board officers for the 2005-2006 school year:
President - Logan Reynolds
Vice President - Yancy Scott
Secretary - Lynsie Walker
Treasurer - Daniel McClure
Miss RSC/MWC
The Miss RSC/MWC Pageant is accepting applications through Jan. 20 through the Student Activities Office in the Student Center. For more information, call 733-7376 or visit www.rose.edu/stuactivities. com.
Del City Library Events
Preschool Aerobics
Del City Library will have Preschool Aerobics at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 for children ages 1-4 and their parents or caregivers. There will be movement activities, juice and stories.
Castles, Knights and Dragons
Carol Stout returns to Del City Library with her Castles, Knights and Dragons. These stories and displays are for elementary-aged children and will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.
PlayTime
Del City Library’s next PlayTime will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. This program is for children ages 6 months through 3 years. Del City firemen will share fire safety tips with parents during this Fire Prevention Month event.
October Evening Story Time
Children ages 4-8 are en-
couraged to wear their Halloween costumes to Del City Library’s October Evening Story Time and be part of the Annual Monster March at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. There will be Halloween stories and activities.
Child Developmental Screenings
Del City Library is sponsoring free developmental screenings done by the Oklahoma City/County Health Department from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. This is a great opportunity to ask professionals in the area of Child Development about a child’s personal/social skills, fine and gross motor coordination, cognitive skills and language acquisition. Appointments are required and are made by calling 419-4106.
The Del City Library is located at 4509 S.E. 15th St. For more information on the above events, call 6721377. Little Axe Fire Department Haunted House
The annual Little Axe Volunteer Fire Department Haunted House fundraiser is beginning their 2005 season. The Haunted House will be open from 7 p.m.12 a.m. Oct. 14 and 15, 7-11 p.m. Oct. 16, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Oct. 21 and 22, 7-11 p.m. Oct. 23-27 and from 7 p.m.12 a.m. Oct. 28-31. Prices for those up to 15 years old will be $6 and for those 16 years or older will be $8. Any student with a valid student ID will get in for $5. Those who wish to volunteer may contact the Little Axe Fire Department at 386-7700.
Dangers of common law marriage explained
Tips, advice given to college students unaware of the
legalities of presenting as married
Ever since the days of the revolution, it has been possible for men and women to be married and not even know it, often causing a lot of legal problems later in life.
Common law marriage, also known as marriage by agreement, is a grey area in the realm of Oklahoma law. Although Title 43, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Statutes defines marriage as “a personal relation arising out of a civil contract,” common law marriage is a form that requires no contract, such as a marriage license.
“Common Law refers to the body of law brought over from England by the early colonists,” Joseph McKimmey, attorney at law said. “Common law marriage is when two people - a man and a woman - mutually agree they are presently married
and begin acting and presenting themselves as husband and wife. There is no distinction between this and regular marriage in terms of benefits and rights.”
Currently, 11 states and the District of Columbia, in addition to Oklahoma, recognize common law marriages formed in its jurisdictions.
“[Common law marriage] allows couples the same kind of respect of law as most other marriages that are recognized legally,” said Leland Parker, paralegal major. “It also has economic benefits … it also offers the benefits of stability.”
Despite the lack of a legal contract or marriage license, common law marriages formed in Oklahoma are legally recognized in some other states. However, when one of the spouses dies, or any other time benefits can be collected, common law marriages can make things very difficult and confusing.
Spouses can collect death benefits, social security and worker’s compensation as long as they can prove that they are legally married to the victim. Since common law marriage affords no legal documentation or witnesses to the union, proving the state of marriage becomes a long, difficult legal battle, often with the blood relatives of the victim.
“Proving marriage in a common law situation is difficult at best,” McKimmey said. “It all becomes questions of how they acted. Did they refer to themselves as man and wife? Did they file joint tax returns? Did they sign together for home loans or other things? There is a lot of testimony that must be presented and witnesses questioned.”
McKimmey also describes the problem of college students of the opposite sex who “shack up” while in college. They could use their co-habitation status to gain the benefits of marriage while saying between each other that they are not married. However, when one dies many years later, with a spouse from a standard marriage, that spouse could have problems collecting benefits when the partner from college shows up claiming that they were married.
“As with normal marriage, common law marriage requires a legal divorce to dissolve,” McKimmey said. “Only a judge can declare that no marriage existed.”
Although the body of common law is undocumented, common law marriage is also restricted by legal standards. The couple must both be of legal age and legally competent. Also, homosexuals entering into common law marriage are not recognized as a legal marriage since old English common law did not allow for homosexual marriages.
“The fact that the law allows marriage by agreement creates confusion,” McKimmey said. “People waste a lot of time living together, but come benefit time, they can not prove they are married. It is a lot easier to just pay the $10 license fee and get married by a judge.”
For more information about marriage, common law or the legal process of proving a marriage exists, consult an attorney or contact McKimmey at 275-3564. btrude@rose.edu
Wahnee informs campus about sexual harassment issues
Shannon Hoverson
Assignment Editor
RSC offered a Sexual Harassment Seminar Sept. 27 in the Raider Room. The seminar was presented by the Assistant Director for Employee Relations and Development at the University of Oklahoma, Robbie Wahnee. Studies show that 40-70 percent of women and 10-20 percent of men have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission receives approximately 15,000 sexual harassment cases each year. According to the EEOC, the number of sexual harassment complaints filed by men has more than tripled in recent years and 11 percent of the claims involve men filing against female supervisors.
Between 1980 and 1989 there were 19,000 cases filed with the EEOC, by 1999 that figure had jumped to 109,000. Sexual harassment comes under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management states that 62 percent of companies offer sexual harassment prevention programs and 97 percent have a written sexual harassment policy.
Joy Rupp, Executive Director of Human Resource Development, said that this seminar was held as a way to identify employee relationships so that they know what is proper and improper in the work place.
Wahnee started the seminar by doing a brief survey with the audience and asking them some basic questions about sexual harassment, such as what it is and what can be done about it.
“It is a federal law actually, so if you violate this law, you can go to the federal penitentiary and pay federal fines,” Wahnee said.
There are basically two types of sexual harassment:
“Desensitization
quid pro quo.
Wahnee talked about how people have become desensitized to situations that might involve sexual harassment due to what is now shown in all types of entertainment.
Campus celebrates 216th birthday of U.S. Constitution with cake, information sharing, keynote speaker Banz
Shannon Hoverson
Assignment
Editor The 216th Birthday of the U.S. Constitution was celebrated at RSC on Sept. 20 with State Representative Gary W. Banz as the keynote speaker. The event had a good turn out, most of whom were in the American Federal Government class. A large birthday cake with a picture of the American Flag was to be given out at the end of the speech.
Dean of Students, Dr. Jay Kinzer, introduced the keynote speaker, mentioning some of Representative
Banz’s accomplishments. Representative Banz went over the foundations for the U.S. Constitution and also asked the audience some basic questions about the Constitution. He then went into some of the history that made America what it is today. He also mentioned that Senator Robert Byrd from West Virginia made Sept. 17 of each year “Constitution Day.”
“[The Constitution] means the basis of our way of life under the rule of law,” Banz said, adding that he was a “teacher at heart.”
He read several passages from the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as well as the Declaration of Independence.
“You can make a difference,” Banz said in his closing remarks, “We live in a system that’s been tested and stood the test of time. We have a system that gives us the ability to deal with those issues in a civilized way.”
“What we’re about here today what Senator Byrd was all about is making another attempt to make sure that you and the people who come behind you and the next generations understand the full extent of which those who have gone before us have invested in us.”
Banz also said that it is important that people make the exchange to the next generation of those things that are important to out way of life.
At the end of the speech, Banz played a short presentation about the spirit of America. The students and faculty attending the birthday celebration were offered cake and punch. SH0251835@rose.edu
Nursing students visit adopted school
Several RSC nursing majors attended the second grade Willow Brook Elementary classrooms of Mrs. Hixenbaugh and Mrs. Long on Sept. 19 to discuss various areas of nutrition with the students, with a focus on appropriate food portions from the different food groups. As a part of their nursing program curriculum every semester, the nursing majors make two trips to each of the RSC adopted schools – Willow Brook and Telstar - to teach the classroom teachers’ topic of choice. They usually bring nutritious snacks and play games with the children. Machelle McClellan and Jillian Hudson taught the food groups from an updated Food Guide Pyramid while Michelle Barker, Jessica Alexander and Leianna O’Dell passed around common items to help illustrate what size portion a person should eat according to the Food Guide Pyramid. An example of a correct portion size of chicken would be equal in size to a deck of playing cards. Coordinator for Women and Children Nursing Sally Boyster said, “The students really enjoy the nursing students’ visits…both the children and students learn from each other. Everyone has fun and everyone benefits from
Bryan Trude Sports Editor
Photo by SCOTT EVENSON
Photo by MORGAN HORNER
Photo by SCOTT EVENSON
Photo by DEVIN HORST
Many who are married through common law do not realize the impact it may have on their lives.
Faculty and students learn about sexual harassment during a free seminar Sept. 27.
• Global Oklahoma at 10 a.m. (Main campus, HPER, SC)
–Fireplace Room)
• Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 4 p.m. (LRC202
• ACT users workshop at 8 a.m. (TTR)
• “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
• Drama Club meeting at 12:15 p.m. (HBAT)
• NTSO meeting at 12:30 p.m. (SS137) “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at
• Student Nurse Association meeting at 8:30 a.m. (HE200)
• Mu Rho Alpha Club meeting at 11:10 a.m. (HSA138) • Club Treasurers’ workshop at 1 p.m. (SC123) • Brother to Brother Club meeting at 2 p.m. (SC100V)
• Club Secretaries’ workshop at 3 p.m. (SC123) • “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
TEACH Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123)
Court reporting testing at 8 a.m. (MDR) “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
• Six Thinking Hats workshop at 8 a.m. (RR)
• Sexual Assault Prevention workshop at 10 a.m. (SC123)
• International Students Assoc. meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) Faculty appreciation luncheon at 12 p.m. (West end of MDR) Club officers inauguration reception at 1 p.m. (CC) (Info: 733-7397)
• Court reporting meeting at 2 p.m. (FR)
• “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
Brother to Brother Club meeting at 2 p.m. (SC100V) Dinner theatre at 6 p.m. (MDR) “The Comeback” and “The Golden Fleece” drama production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)
• Fall Break (campus closed) Fall Break (campus closed)
• Life’s Insights workshop at 8 a.m. (FR)
• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby)
• Life’s Insights workshop at 12:30 p.m. (TTR)
• Student Senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • College Fair at 6 p.m. (CC) (Info: 736-0233)
Intercultural Day at 8 a.m. (MDR, TTR, FR) Black Students Association meeting at 12 p.m. (SC137) Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q)
Flu shot clinic at 10 a.m. (RR) TEACH Club meeting at 1:30 p.m.
Flu shot clinic at 10 a.m. (FR) Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) “In the Know” meeting for clubs and students at 11:30 a.m. (SC123) Life’s Insight workshop at 11:30 a.m. (RR) Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) Friends of the Library Club meeting at 3:30 p.m. (LRC110)
• Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q)
• Toastmasters Club meeting at 6 p.m. (SC123)
• Black Students Association meeting at 12 p.m. (SC137)
• Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) • Tinker Federal Credit Union health fair at 8 a.m. (MDR, TTR, FR) • Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Man-to-Man workshop at 12:30 p.m. (SC123) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m.
4
NewS/health
Breast cancer awareness promoted by Wellness program
Johnna Ray News Editor
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Wellness Office will be providing cancer information from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 5 and Thursday Oct. 6 in the Student Center Lobby.
Self-examination models for detection of cancer in the breast or testicular regions will be available for instructional purposes. Wellness prizes will also be offered.
“The number of new cases of breast cancer in women was estimated to be about 212,600 in 2003,” stated the National Cancer Institute Web site (www.cancer. gov).
The NCI Web site further stated “each year, about 1,300 men in this country learn they have breast cancer.”
Breast cancer begins like other cancers.
Often, whenever new cells do not form correctly or at the right time or when old cells do not die normally, they create an excess of cells in the body, which gather together and form lumps called tumors. Although not all tumors signify cancer, this is how it usually begins.
“[Men] need to know what these lumps feel like,” Liz Brown, Wellness coordinator said. “Significant others are the ones who usually find the lumps.”
When these clumps of cells break off and enter the bloodstream or when they begin to enter
into nearby tissues, the cancer is said to have spread. Cancer that does not spread is called benign and is rarely life threatening.
Nancy Graham, professor of mathematics, has had an annual mammogram for several years and said that she believes a doctor should be seen every year for any type of physical, including mammograms because often “there are no symptoms until its too late.”
Risk factors for women include early onset of the menstrual cycle; late onset of menopause; becoming pregnant for the first time after 30 years old; family history of breast; ovarian or prostate cancer; abnormal breast biopsy; obesity; consumption of foods high in fat or drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per day. An online brochure (http://prg.nci.nih.gov/snapshots/Breast-Snapshot.pdf) stated that, “Although the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, there has been a steady drop in the overall breast cancer death rate since the early 1990s.”
The reason for the decrease in mortality rates is often attributed to increased awareness, earlier detection and advances in technology.
In men, cancer survival rates are similar to those of women, but since usually it is detected later in males, the likeliness of the patient becoming fully cured is lower.
Risk factors for men include having a family history of breast cancer, higher levels of estrogen, certain diseases, such as Klinefelter’s syndrome or cirrhosis, or exposure
to large amounts of radiation.
The National Cancer Institute’s Web site stated that men make up less than 1 percent of all cancer patients and of those men, most are between 60 and 70 years old.
Breast Imaging of Oklahoma (BIO) has recently started to participate in a clinical trial of OncoVue-BRE, which uses a DNA sample obtained from subjects with or without breast cancer.
Intramurals offer students competitive outlet
Bryan Trude Sports Editor RSC’s intramural sports program began Sept. 27 with the start of the Flag Football league.
Wes LeFlore, RSC’s new assistant coordinator of student activities, heads intramural sports, a student program of the Student Activities office. Each semester
Intramural Sports presents approximately three co-ed sporting leagues or events that are free to students.
“It is just a lot of fun,” LeFlore said. “It’s a lot of fun getting outside and competing while you meet others out on campus.” Flag Football is a non-contact sport where the players play wearing
specialized belts. The belts have two detachable flags that make a loud popping noise when pulled off the belt. When the flag is pulled, the play stops.
This year’s flag football league features seven teams and is played on the open field north of the tennis courts. Also being offered this semester is a Fris -
bee golf tournament. The goal of Frisbee golf is to throw a Frisbee into a bucket within a certain number of tosses. Whoever throws the Frisbee into the bucket in the least number of tosses wins the hole.
The third intramural sport to be offered this semester is a pool tournament. Pool is a popular tabletop sport where the goal is to sink either a set of solid or stripecolored balls into six pockets placed around the table using a cue ball and a cue stick.
Starting dates for both, the Frisbee golf and pool tournaments, have not yet been set, but sign-up forms are available in front of the Student Activities office.
Tentatively scheduled for this semester is a table tennis tournament.
Also, tentatively scheduled for next semester is basketball, dodge ball and volleyball.
“I think it’s good to have a competitive aspect outside the classroom,”
Cory Churchill, electrical engineering major said. “I would like to see softball offered as an intramural sport.”
For more information, contact LeFlore at 7337387. btrude@rose.edu
The sample is taken through the use of a specialized mouthwash and is used to help determine the risk of breast cancer. (breastimagingofoklahoma.com)
BIO also offers support groups for those diagnosed with breast cancer as well as groups for survivors.
Norma Moore, secretary for the social sciences department, had this advice for anyone who has not yet had a mammogram, “Get one! It’s not as bad as you would think.”
Soccer Club Fall 2005 Schedule
10/1: BYE week
10/2: vs. Redlands Community College @ OU 12 p.m.
10/8: vs. University of Central Oklahoma @ RSC 10 a.m.
10/9: vs. Oklahoma State University @ Redlands – El Reno 2:30 p.m.
10/15 vs. Oklahoma City Community College @ ECU-Ada 4:30 p.m.
For additional information regarding cancer statistics, visit seer.cancer.gov. For information regarding the RSC Wellness program, contact Brown at 733-7525. jray@rose.edu
Supreme
Court Justice Opala to speak regarding origins of law
Heath Sitton Assistant Editor
The RSC Paralegal Club is proud to present Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Marian P. Opala to campus to give a seminar.
The topic of Opala’s seminar will be “The Laws Many Sources of Origin.” Opala’s judicial career began in 1977. He has been serving as justice of Oklahoma’s Supreme Court since November 21, 1978.
In January 1991, Governor David Boren appointed him to the bench as chief justice. Prior to his appointment by the former governor, he practiced and taught law.
Opala has also served as a judge of the Worker’s Compensation Court and worked for the Supreme Court as its referee as well as the administrative director of the courts. He is also the recipient of the follow -
ing degrees from Oklahoma City University: an earned juris doctorate in 1953, an earned bachelor of science in business in 1957 and an honorary doctorate of laws in 1981. In 1968, he earned his master’s degree in law from New York University. The author of numerous legal papers, Opala currently serves as an adjunct professor in all three of Oklahoma’s law schools and he is a frequent lecturer at various national judicial and legal education programs. Since 1982, he has been representing Oklahoma in the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State laws and is currently a lifetime commissioner in that institution. Opala is also an inductee into the Order of the Coif, which recognizes quality legal scholarship. He
Photo by SCOTT EVENSON
Photo by SCOTT EVENSON
Wellness Coordinator Liz Brown uses a breast model to demonstrate the proper way to do a breast self-exam.
Dustin Kincannon, undeclared major, practices in the Cyber Cafe for the upcoming intramural sports students’ billiards tournament.
Midterm stressors addressed, advice given
Erin Waltman Editor in Chief
With many professors prepping their classes for midterms, students new to the college experience may be panicking. After all, midterms are fairly important.
Unlike high school, college classes usually have few grades from which a student’s final grade can be drawn. This makes each assignment and test a very big deal.
Students who are unused to studying may also have trouble trying to deal with the sudden need to study in college. In most cases, gone are the days of reading aloud in class. Students must now buckle down on their own time to plow through the chapters of their textbooks.
With the requirements of reading assignments and homework, students can feel overwhelmed when midterms roll around and professors ask them to take tests over all the information they have absorbed thus far.
The only recommendation I have for students feeling overwhelmed is that they should take a breath and remember: in time this, too, shall pass.
Having a full plate can be very worrisome, but midterms are usually not that hard. They are a small part of the entire course, and as long as students stay caught up with assignments and try to review information every once in awhile – perhaps by rereading chapter summaries – then they will be able to keep the information relatively fresh in their
Full name: Summer Sutterfield
Title/Major: Paralegal
Hobbies: Volleyball
When did you first start at Rose State? August 2005
What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? The classes are great; The students and professors are so friendly. I’ve made so many friends.
minds, thus making midterms and finals easier to deal with.
And while most college students have packed lives – school, jobs, family and friends can all make huge demands on time, and they all seem to want the same block of time on the same day – it does not take a very long time to review a page or so of summarized information at the end of a chapter.
If a particular textbook does not have a summary page, then try making one of your own. It is relatively easy to write down some of the main points of a chapter and review them later. Plus, writing information down often helps cement it into a person’s mind. Recopying the notes later can help further set the information in your memory, making it easier to pull the information back up later when you need it.
Recopying notes can be done during commercial breaks on a favorite show or in a 10- or 20-minute stretch before you go to bed. It is another activity that does not take too much time out of the day but can be invaluable to passing a course.
Above all, though, the best thing to do when stressed is to calm down. Getting upset about an assignment, test or paper does not do anything but blow things out of proportion. Being stressed about something will only lead you to be more stressed about it. Worries build on worries.
Relax, take it easy and remind yourself that you can do this. ewaltman@rose.edu
CAMPUS
CHAT
Full name: Kenneth Dewey
Title/Major: Professor of Information Technology
When did you first start at Rose State? December 1990
What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? Working and Associating with the students.
By Scott Evenson
Full name: Quientin Shepas
Title/Major: Cyber Security
Hobbies: All things linux, pool, coffee and cigarettes
When did you first start at Rose State? March 2003
What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? Attending clubs and classes that I am not even enrolled in or apart of.
(73 percent), by studies conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control.
Full name: Dr. Kristin Vermillon
Title/Major: Professor of psychology
Hobbies: OSU sports, reading, golfing, snow skiing, going to church, biking, and building new friendships
What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? Being able to help students find a career and earn their degrees.
Counseling Tip #6
SUPREME COURT
The typical person with major depression is unable to work or perform everyday activities for about 35 days each year. Those with the most severe depression lose about 90 days each year. Depression is debilitating, but it is not isolated. It is treatable.
If you want more help, contact the RSC counselors at 7337373 for free confidential assistance.
A workshop on depression will be offered Tuesday, Oct. 4, in the Student Center.
is an elected member of the American Law Institute and has served as a public member in the Administrative Conference of the United States.
He has received the 1997 Oklahoma Bar Association’s Award for Judicial Excellence, the 1999 Leo H. Whinery Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contributions to the Oklahoma law of evidence.
Continued from Page 4
In 2000, he received the OCU School of Law Lifetime Achievement in Law Award and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Freedom of Information Oklahoma conferred on him in 2002, its First Amendment Award to honor his commitment to the constitutional freedom of expression.
“We are extremely pleased to bring such
a great and honorable man to campus,” paralegal major Michelle Bruton said. “Myself and the entire Paralegal Club are extremely excited to hear his lecture.”
The event will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 in the Tom Steed Auditorium. The event is open to all who wish to attend. jhsitton@cox.net
One informational flier provided by the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault stated that, “Immigrant women often suffer higher rates of battering than U.S. citizens because they may come from cultures that accept domestic violence or because they have less access to legal and social services than U.S. citizens.”
Domestic violence is not a private issue that should be kept secret. It is a serious issue that can affect the victim, the abuser, the children of victims and those that share a connection with them, including friends, family, co-workers, instructors or professors.
“There is always someone in class who has experienced [domestic violence] and wants to share,” Dr. Kristin Vermillion, professor of psychology said. Vermillion teaches a unit near the end of
Other statistics gathered from these studies showed that over 70 percent of murder victims killed by their partners are women and that 74 percent of battered women were harassed by their partners while at work.
Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college. Editorials are written by the editorial staff. Letters to the editor may be hand delivered to FA110; sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, 73110; e-mailed to the secretary, [cbenefee@rose.edu] or recorded nights on PhoneMail at 733-7400 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Letters must include the writer’s full name, Social Security Number or ID number and telephone number. Letters will be printed with full name and must be 500 words or less. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy, but ideas will not be altered. Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Publications
Board chairperson, Towry Barnard, 733-7379. 15th Street News, a student newspaper serving the Rose State College community, is published weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110. 15th Street News is a member of Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters.
This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publications. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color. This paper is recyclable. RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.
the semester regarding domestic violence and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. She also brings in guest speakers and films for students and requires those in her class to perform research regarding domestic violence.
Dr. Joanne McMillen-Stafford, director of Special Services and Student Outreach, has also put together a “visual display project and presentation” on the RSC campus. The project involves a poster/project contest for students who research and interpret issues of violence in relationships.
Any student who is interested may participate in the presentation, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the Student Center. The committee of judges will observe the entries beginning at 1 p.m.
In addition to this, the Office of Special Services and Student Outreach will be sponsoring a series of free workshops on campus, two of which will be held in October.
“Overcoming Depression and Anxiety”
will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the Fountain Room. Dan Benton, M.A., counselor for Mid-Del Youth and Family Center will speak at this event. Victims of violence and their families, often experience depression or anxiety during and following incidences of violence.
“How to Know When You Are Dating a Loser – The Power and control tactics of Abusive Relationships” part of the “Life’s Insights” series will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 18, in the Fountain Room of the Student Center. Matt Atkinson, director of education for the YWCA Crisis Services will be speaking at this workshop. For more information about the poster and project contest, counseling services, or the workshops, contact McMillen-Stafford at 733-7373. To learn more about domestic violence, visit www.ocadvsa.org or call the Oklahoma SAFELINE at 1-800-522SAFE (7233). jray@rose.edu
Staff Members
Manager Gerald Richard [grichard@rose.edu]
Carol Benefee [cbenefee@rose.edu]
Editor Bryan Trude [btrude@cox.net]
Photo by SCOTT EVENSON
Local H promoted by columnist
Heath Sitton Assistant Editor
In recent days, upon investigation into the paranormal abstract thoughts of Queen Elizabeth III, I have come to the conclusion that I should talk to you about one of the most important events to come about in recent history. By recent history, I mean recent musical occurrences in the local area. There is a band on the horizon of OKC, hailing from Chicago, Illinois. This band is none other than Local H. In the beginning, the word was H and the word was with H and since 1995, they have proven themselves to be messiahs of the rock and roll culture. While their main emphasis lies somewhere in between
How to...
the lines of rocking, they have always proven themselves to be a group not afraid to roll. Now many of you out there may be wondering who or what Local H is? Local H is a twoman band formed long before the recent cultural rise in twoman banding. They have been making albums before The White Stripes even thought of becoming a band. You have heard the H on the radio and in your dreams they have filtered through the airwaves and imbedded themselves deep inside your brain. I am now going to sing the
chorus of the song that you will know: “And you just don’t get it, you keep it copasetic and you learn to accept it, you know you’re so pathetic.” Are you with me now? I hope so. Their new album came out September 13 and they are currently touring to support it. This will be my third time to see them in concert and I must say they one of the best bands I have ever seen live. Local H will be playing with ANDY at Bricktown Live Oct. 8. Tickets are currently on sale for $10 in advance. You may
The Music Stand
purchase them from Homeland or online at www.dcfconcerts. com. I know that Oct. 8 is the day of the OU/Texas game, but who really cares? Is football going to change your complete existence? No, it will not! Local H, however, will bring salvation to your souls and you will be made complete. They will provide headaches for your eyes and orgasms for your ears.
The revolution is coming and it is knocking at your backdoor. Open the door, bring the revolution inside and make love to it for all eternity.
Cook it breakfast in the morning and prepare your place in heaven where you will stand at the feet of messiahs while choirs of angels start to sing. jhsitton@cox.net
Writing a ‘blog’ explained for the Web log challenged
Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor
Web logs, commonly called “blogs,” have become very popular in recent years, but some people may not know how to start one.
Prior to 1999, there were only a handful of sites that were identified as Web logs, which were named by Jorn Barger in December of 1997.
By July 1999, the World Wide Web was bursting with blogs of all types and the software developers where cranking out programs to feed the growing need to make online journals.
The Web log started out as a sort of “filter” for the Net, a list of links for people to check out while surfing online. However, blogs have evolved into a sort of online diary or journal that is updated on a regular basis. But how does one create these online journals?
First, to be able to create a blog, a person needs to go one
The features of a blog include:
of these free Web sites: Blogger. com, Rediff.com, Pitas.com, Xanga.com or LiveJournal. com. If what is most wanted is a unique address for a blog, try going to dotEarth.com or dotster. com, where $15 per year will buy a domain name. Follow the simple instructions at Blogger.com to set up the blog. It is best to experiment a bit with the posting functions of each service and try out the available templates to see which one is the best. While looking at the Web log management page ask the following questions:
• Can one easily identify how to create and delete an entry?
• Can one easily change the way the site looks?
• How does one add the name of the Web log to the page?
• Does the service offer clear
instructions?
• Is it easy to get help when needed? Is there a link for help?
• Is it easy to understand the functions just by looking or does one need to look at the directions?
• Are there user forums where one can ask questions?
Once the desired Web site has been chosen, a person needs a host - also referred to as a server. From this computer, the Web log can be viewed by anyone who has the correct uniform resource locator or as it is generally known, the URL or ‘Web address.’ The only rule when selecting the tools or elements of a Web log is to choose one that closely matches an individual’s needs.
Once a host has been chosen, it is time to write. One can write about anything and everything and update their blog
Anatomy of a Blog Explained
• Date header: The date the post is written. Posts are generally presented in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Title: Each post is given a title. This is a pithy phrase, a pun or even a series of symbols.
• Time stamp and/or permalink: The time the post is uploaded to the blog. The time stamp often is a link to a permanent page just for this post. This allows other bloggers to link to a post.
• Post: A word, sentence, paragraph or essay, with links and names and current news.
• Author nickname: The name or nickname of the person who wrote the post. For blogs written by one person,
as often as they like. There is no set way to write in a blog, but most bloggers do try to use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Rebecca Blood, author of “Weblogs: A History and Perspective,” calls for a code of ethics to be used by bloggers, but so far nothing has been made a hard fast rule.
Although Heather Tubbs, wellness major, has never written a blog herself, she said, “If you are going to do [a web log], might as well do it right.”
Susan Dawson-O’Brien, professor of journalism, thinks it would be “very difficult to fact check opinion,” and said “Anything that appears online, from an e-mail to Internet humor is part of this intangible public domain.”
Whether one is writing for purely personal pleasure, or for other reasons, the Web log is here to stay.
SH0251835@rose.edu
the author is often left off. For collaborative blogs, the author helps to differentiate contributors. The nickname can also be a link to a page of all the author’s posts.
• Category: Individual postings are often labeled as part of a category.
• Comments: A software feature that allows readers to leave their own comments and reactions to the author’s post.
• TrackBack: A way for one blog post to link to the post of another blog.
*Courtesy of Blogging 101 – An introduction to reading and writing a web log, by Anton Zuiker, (www.unc.edu/~zuiker/blogging101).
Cronenberg’s “The History
Bryan Trude Sports Editor
I do not know who that impostor was who was occupying my slot last week. Man, you cannot spend time roughing up the yahoos responsible for Jar-Jar Binks anymore without some vulture circling your baby like a rotting carcass.
“A History of Violence,” the latest expulsion from New Line Cinemas and director David Cronenberg, tells the story of a psycho mob guy from Philadelphia who tries to get himself a new life in some bumble scum cow town in the heart of Indiana, and fails spectacularly.
It opens when these two oily idiots knock off a prototypical American family who are running some slum of a motel, thus reinforcing that a film entitled “The History of Violence” would be violent
Aries March 21-April 19... You know the saying, ‘Every dog has his day’? Well, that saying does not really apply to you this week. All seven days have already been spoken for. Maybe next week, you will get on the ball and get a day before everyone else claims them.
Taurus April 20-May 20... Remember how I gave you the advice of keeping your shoes tied last week and guaranteed that would help your week go smoothly? Well, I was wrong. Apparently, you were supposed to keep a belt on. The shoe thing is this week’s advice.
Gemini May 21- June 20... Someone wise once said, “You learn most when you play against an opponent who can beat you.” But, does your ego really need a pounding right now? Play against the scrawny guy you know you can whip, and stop trying to learn deep lessons.
Cancer June 21-July 22... When life seems to be going horribly, just remember that it could be worse; it could be raining.
Leo July 23-August 22... Whatever you do this week, just keep this in mind: they feel the same way about you. And yes, I am being deliberately cryptic. I have to get my jollies some way, right?
Virgo August 23-September 22... Things are going wonderfully! Everything is looking up, the sky is blue and it seems nothing can go wrong. Of course, this fortune applies to a different astrological sign entirely - for you, things look a little bleak. Better luck next week.
Libra September 23-October 22... Do you see Virgo’s horoscope above this one? Yes, that good stuff applies to you. Wallow in it this week - how often does good luck come your way, after all?
Scorpio October 23-November 21... If you are in need of cash this week, I recommend looking into some thrift stores or pawn shops. Besides, it is time for you to do some cleaning before you really get lost in your room.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21... Last week may have been stressful, but this week will be blissfully simple. Nothing is coming your way, good or bad. Enjoy the lack of everything and try not to get too bored.
Capricorn December 22-January 19... Doom! Or possibly “mood!” The spirits have been a little hard to understand lately.
Aquarius January 20-February 18... Trust no one. And enjoy a marathon of “X-Files” reruns. That should keep you busy this week.
H o r o s c o p e s
Pisces February 19-March 20... This week is looking stressful. Invest in a massage now, before things get too crazy.
of Violence” delivers what title promises
Eventually, these two twits are offed when they attempt to rob a diner in said cow town owned by Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen). Now, Tom is an upstanding guy, with a kinky lawyer wife (Maria Bello), total wuss son (Ashton Holmes) and “Monsters Inc.” reject daughter (Heidi Hayes).
Problem is, the name
“Tom Stall” is not really ol’ Tommy’s name. It just happened to be available for use when he changed his name from his real name, Joey Cusack, who just happens to be said psycho mob guy.
So, Tom knocks off these punks, and he is lauded as a local hero, thrown on the news across the country. This attracts the attention of Carl Fogarty
(Ed Harris), a one-eyed sucker who thinks “Tom” owes him a debt from Philly. Thus ensues a bloody and violent caper. Cronenberg takes the violent theme a little overboard, although it features some impressive makeup work.
I mean, have you ever seen a guy’s nose impacted straight into his skull, leaving a face made up mostly of blood and bone splinters?
After this movie, you will. Also, for the inner pubescent hormone machine in all of us, this movie is not all about violence. It is about half-violence, halfporno. Between Maria graphically 69’ing Viggo in an old cheerleader outfit and Viggo quasi-raping poor Maria on the stairs, I am of the distinct
Glasses
opinion that dear Mr. Cronenberg is a certifiable pervert.
Thankfully, he is an equal opportunity pervert. For the ladies, during said rape scene there is a shot of Mortensen’s butt, and not two minutes later the men are given a full frontal shot of Miss Bello.
Needless to say, this is not for kids.
“Violence” is a bloody, sexy, testosterone-laden romp for the teenager in all of us. However, the utter lack of compelling dialogue, Mortensen’s lack of emotional range versus Bello’s excess of emotional range, and generic mobster names like Joey, Richie and Frank combine to make this cinematic gore fest a moderate success.
Personally, I think I would rather read the book.
btrude@rose.edu
by Erin
Waltman
Reel Talk