How often should veterans be honored? See editorial, Page 2.
Explore the history of the Atkinson house. See feature, Page 5.
Should Dreamworks’ new animation be flushed? See review, Page 6.
Oklahomans vote; campus hosts debate
Johnna Ray Editor in Chief
Oklahomans headed to the polls Tuesday and re-elected Gov. Brad Henry to serve a second four-year term five days after RSC and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce hosted a live debate on campus.
Many polling locations remained busy with a steady turnout throughout the day. And local television news stations reported that the Associated Press announced Henry as the winner, with more than 60 percent of the vote, as early as one hour after polls closed. This result was predicted by many after the debate held at RSC.
The televised debate, held in the Performing Arts Theatre, was one of a series of Town Hall meetings designed to give citizens an opportunity to hear where candidates stood on various issues prior to election.
Linda Cavanaugh, anchor for News Channel 4, mediated the gubernatorial debate and read selected questions sent in by Oklahomans via the Internet. And Kevin Ogle, fellow News Channel 4 anchor, guided several audience members in the reading of their questions for the candidates.
The debating candidates were Henry and challenger Ernest Istook. The theater was crowded with supporters of both who
cheered and, sometimes, even booed the two as they responded to the many questions asked during the hour-long debate.
The first question came from Kevin Fisher, current student and former RSC student senator, who asked why Oklahoma had not used its own private prisons to reduce economic pressures, but had allowed other states to use them. Although he addressed the question to Henry, Istook had won the draw before the meeting and was first to reply.
“Private prisons are part of what needs to be utilized,” Istook said. “We have private prisons in Oklahoma; they’re not being utilized to the same extent as is necessary.”
Henry said there is “tremendous” overcrowding in Oklahoma’s prisons and that those who do not pose a societal risk should not take up space needed to house those who do.
“What we have to do, obviously, is be tough on crime,” Henry said. “But we also have to be smart on crime.”
Other questions included views on English as an official language, uninsured motorists, immigration issues, homeschooling and another question from an RSC student, Daniel McClure, student senate president, regarding raising minimum wage and how it would affect small businesses in Oklahoma.
“I want everybody to earn a better wage,” Istook said. “But you don’t do it by government dictating how much people have to be paid.”
The death penalty, corruption in leadership, mountain lions and education were also discussed.
Henry said he agreed with an editorial in the Oklahoman regarding education, which stated community colleges should be nurtured.
“We’ve got to make sure that we continue to nurture our community colleges, just like [RSC] here that provide for a quality, affordable higher education for Oklahomans,” Henry said.
In the end, the debate served not only as a tool for undecided voters, but also as an opportunity for RSC students and the community to see the dynamics of politics from a very real perspective. jray@rose.edu
Flu shot clinics offer drive-thru
Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor
The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is offering 10 flu shot clinics throughout the metro area, including a “drive-thru” clinic 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Frontier City and the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Tuesday Nov. 14.
The clinic is open to the public, but parents are asked not to bring children younger than 12 to the drivethru clinics. At the other eight clinics, immunizations will be available to everyone older than six months.
This is different than in previous years, when only people in the “high” or “at risk” category were given the vaccine first.
The health department started working on the logistics for the drive-thru clinic six months ago, Tim Flaig, OCCHD Safety Officer and Command Center officer, said. There were two reasons they decided to host a drivethru flu clinic.
“One, it’s our regular flu clinic season and two, we have to have a bio-terrorism exercise [as part] of the contracts with the federal and state governments,” Flaig said.
Those who were unable to attend the flu shot clinic on campus at RSC or who did not have the available cash for the shots, could benefit from this event.
“We’d like to stress these are free shots, some of the other places charge,” Flaig said. “And there is an age limit.”
During the drive-thru clinics, local police and public works will be on hand to direct all external traffic.
There will be a short form to fill out for registration but it will only ask for basic information, Flaig said. People who plan on taking advantage of this drive-thru clinic are instructed to wear clothing that makes it easy to access the upper arm.
There will be eight lanes, with two nurses per lane, to facilitate the public and make the lines as fast as possible.
Graduate wins iPod; one drawing remains
Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor
Job Placement and Career Services added something different this year for students who participate in the various activities presented by their office – an opportunity to win an iPod.
The second winner for the three iPods offered this year was Erin Waltman, an RSC alumnus.
“I used Job Placement and Career Services while I was here, before I graduated last May,” Waltman said. “They sent a survey out over the summer to every one who had used [the services], so I filled it out and sent it in. About a week ago I [received] an answering machine message that said ‘Erin come down to Job Placement and Career Ser vices, you won an iPod.’” The first winner was Louise Moore, who won after partcipating in the Career Fair held Oct. 24, Sally Co hea, Job Placement specialist, said. The last iPod will be given away in December to a student who has used Career Services.
“[I was] stunned and excited because I’d been looking into iPod prices,” Waltman said. “I was planning on getting one eventually anyways.”
For more information, call Cohea at 733-7377. shoverson@rose.edu
Photo by JENNIFER WIMER
Gov. Brad Henry replies to a question posed by an Oklahoman during a debate with Rep. Ernest Istook. The debates were held in the Performing Arts Theatre at RSC on Nov. 2, five days before the polls opened. The debate, hosted by RSC and the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, was televised by local news station KFORTV with Linda Cavanaugh, news anchor, mediating.
Photo by JOHNNA RAY
Traffic backs up at each exit near Frontier City as guests make their way to partake in a free evening of rides at the theme park during a Cox Customer Appreciation Day held Sept. 29. Events like these assist Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department Drive-thru Flu Clinic coordinators in estimating possible traffic issues they could experience at the park on Nov. 14.
Photo by JENNIFER WIMER
Gov. Brad Henry and Rep. Ernest Istook answer questions during a debate held in the RSC Performing Arts Theatre.
Photo by JENNIFER WIMER
Briefly
Speaking
Excellence in Teaching Nominations for the Excellence in Teaching Award for the fall semester will be accepted through Nov. 30. For more information, contact the division dean for the professor’s department or the Academic Affairs Office, located in the Fine Arts building, Room 100. Poetry reading in Norman
The Second Sunday Poetry Reading will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Norman Train Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave., Norman. The Performing Arts Studio will feature Larry Bierman during the reading. Light refreshments will be provided and admission is free. For more information, call 307-9320 or visit www. thepas.org.
Del City Library events
Andes Manta will perform “Sounds of South America” for guests, ages 8 and older, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Del City Library. There will also be a story reading at this event. The library will present “We are Thankful for Stories,” for the November Evening Storytime reading for children ages 4-8 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21. For more information on library events or directions, call 672-1377.
Domestic violence seminar
Students in Free Enterprise will host guest speaker Tim Ballard at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 in The Tom Steed Center as he discusses domestic violence issues. Ballard is a business professor at RSC and a former Del City police officer. Donations will be accepted at the end of the seminar to support the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse: The Delores Fund. For more information, call Kevin Brokish at 922-3258 or email kbrokish@yahoo.com.
Campus urges no smoking
The RSC Wellness Office and student volunteers will provide “thank you” gifts to smokers who adhere to state guidelines regarding smoking near public entrances during the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 16. Also on Nov. 16, a demonstration of a real pig’s lung will be presented from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the west entrance of the Social Sciences building.
Veterans hold auction
The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located at 921 N.E. 13th St., Oklahoma City, will hold a silent auction open to the public on Nov. 17. For more information, call Ralph Gosselin at 737-0843 or the hospital at 270-5162. NTSO hosts speaker
The Non-Traditional Students Organization will host guest speaker Rita Crockett at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Social Sciences building, Room 123. Crocket will discuss mental stressors that college students often face.
Scholarship offered
Women enrolled at RSC may apply for a $500 scholarship for the spring 2007 semester now until noon Nov. 21. The Zonta Chapter of Central Oklahoma sponsors the scholarship and students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester to be eligible. For more information, call 732-9946 or e-mail pemmons@rose.edu.
OPINION/FEATURES
Day of honor downplayed, editor says
Johnna Ray Editor in Chief Veterans. We all have heard the word many times throughout our lives and most of us know at least one person who can be referred to as one.
Veteran’s Day. This is the day that we are supposed to look at our veterans and show them honor and respect for what they sacrificed - and sacrifice still - so that we can have the freedoms that we take for granted today. Freedoms such as the voting choices - or the choice not to vote - that those of us 18 or older made a few days ago.
Many men and women who fought for our freedoms are not known to us as veterans now because they gave their lives in battles and wars that not every American necessarily agreed should be fought. And others remain almost forgotten in nursing homes, their own homes or, possibly the most shameful for us to allow, the streets.
I remember, as a child, writing and recording on audiocassette, letters to my cousin who had served in the Vietnam War. Many still refer to this as a conflict, rather than a war. Many
that did not fight in it, that is.
My cousin, however, knew first hand that this was indeed a war. And the rest of the men, and boys, who served during that time knew it too. Many live today with horrific images of those times and the lessthan-hero’s welcome they received when they returned home.
So, why is it that we have a day to celebrate veterans and a day to celebrate those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - Memorial Day - yet we all but overlook these men and women the other 363 days of the year?
Granted, there are many who work in volunteer positions and who donate money, food or other items to homeless or impoverished veterans, but what about everyone else?
Veterans did not serve only for those who would honor and respect them later - they served for even those who would ridicule them, protest them and fight against them.
Veterans are not just an old group of men who gather together sharing war stories and battle wounds. Many veterans are women, as well and one common thread among all of these brave and dedicated souls is a love for country, a pride that goes
beyond waving a flag and singing the national anthem with their hands to their chests.
Veterans, both men and women, do share stories of the wars they fought and discuss those they lost during and after the wars. And yes, many veterans are now old, but not all are.
As a matter of fact, all veterans were young once and full of hopes and dreams for a brighter future where wars would no longer be necessary evils.
These hopes and dreams led them away from families, friends, apple pie and baseball games and into muddy, leach-infested swamps, in cold fields and hot ones, too. They led them into battlefields where they saw their best friends - their brothers and sisters - riddled with bullets or torn apart by grenades.
They saw images that most of us only know in watered-down war movies and our imaginations. Yet, they continued to fight for their dreams and continued to wave their flags and bow their heads in prayer in hopes of maintaining liberty for all Americans - no, all people.
If this is not a good enough reason
Spotlight On: Liberal studies graduate featured
Jennifer Wimer
Assistant Photographer
It is time to focus on Jan Echols, as she is in the “spotlight” this week.
Echols is well known around campus not only because she is the supervisor for PayrollBenefits, but also because she has worked at RSC for 30 years.
Echols started at RSC as a student. She then decided that she would like to earn an income, as well as attend class, so she joined the RSC staff. She started in the Computer Center as a keypunch operator.
Next, she moved to the Information Technology Services department and eventually made her way to the payroll office where she first worked as a clerk.
on-the-job training and life experiences.
Additionally, she worked hard to achieve her goals while, at the same time, being a single mother.
“I have been truly blessed with my wonderful son, Matt,” Echols said. “My proudest accomplishment has been rais-
she has accumulated over the years.
She has been happily married for the past 10 years to James Echols, who also works for RSC as the Safety Specialist.
“My family holds the dearest spot in my heart and really just keeps me going,” she said.
“My favorite teacher was my English professor, Karen Holt,” Echols said. “She just inspired me.”
Echols received an associate degree in liberal studies at RSC. All of her other abilities came to her as a result of
ing [him]; [he] has become a good man.”
Matt is 21 years old and is currently a student at RSC. Echols has also opened her heart and provided encouragement to other “children”
While she is busy at work, Danny, her one-yearold cat, makes her house a kitty paradise. Her hobbies, when she is not at work, include making jewelry, gardening, doing anything crafty and taking road trips with her best friend, Phyllis Morris. Echols’ goal while at RSC is to do the best job possible until her retirement in 2011. After retirement, she will enjoy life with her husband and family.
“Some of my best moments [at RSC and in general] have been running a booth at Global Oklahoma with my husband for the last three years,” Echols said. jwimer@rose.edu
to really take note of this day, to take note of those who gave so much; if this is not a good enough reason to fight to end the homelessness and suffering that many of our veterans live today, then I guess I don’t know what is.
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day; it is a day to honor veterans and show them how much we appreciate their service and sacrifices.
My proposal is that we do more - let’s make every day a day to remember. Let’s make every day Veteran’s Day. jray@rose.edu
CAMPUS CHAT
by jennifer wimer
Q: What is your favorite board game?
A: Scrabble. I like to pretend I am smart.
Q: If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
A: A Monkey Puzzle tree because it sounds cool.
QQ: What is a funny moment from work?
&
A: I kept dribbling my Dr Pepper, so my co-workers bought me Sippy cups.
Q: What is your favorite coffee mug saying?
A: If God wanted us to see the sunrise, He would have made it later in the day. Major: Safety Hobbies: Beer Pong and boat races. When did you first start at RSC? Fall ‘06 What are your goals while at RSC? Meet a lot of hot girls, make a lot of friends and hang out with Stacey. Major: Graphic Design Hobbies: I like to draw Anime and Anthro. When did you first start at RSC? Summer ‘06 What are your best moments while attending RSC? When Professor Hahn told me to
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, 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.
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Jason Beardman
Jamie Ball
Brandon Worsham
Micah Meeks
Golden Scaler awarded
Photo by JENNIFER WIMER
Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor
At the May 2006 Honors Ceremony, Michelle Gaddy received the Golden Scaler Award sponsored by Hu-Friedy and presented by the RSC Dental Hygiene Program.
This year 248 students in the U.S. received this award and more than five of those were from Oklahoma colleges. However, while Hu-Friedy provides the award, it is the program faculty that decides who will win.
The Golden Scaler Award began in 1979 to honor the exceptional accomplishments of Dental Hygiene students.
Gaddy did not know she had won the Golden Scaler Award until her name was called at the ceremony.
“I was excited, shocked,” Gaddy said. “You just don’t know [who will win]. You go to school with 12 other girls; anyone can win it.”
She said that she wouldn’t have received this award if she hadn’t attended RSC because everything she knows came from the Dental Hygiene program.
“Thanks to [RSC’s] Dental Hygiene program for all their hard work,” Gaddy added. shoverson@rose.edu
Julie Farris
Contributing Writer
‘Good Doctor’ breaks record
Julie Farris Contributing Writer
Rick Nelson, RSC’s new theatre professor, has now directed the first of his drama productions at the college and has made a new record in dinner theatre sales.
The dinner theatre for “Narnia” sold out with 150 tickets sold in the spring, which set a new record at that time. “The Good Doctor” sold 208 dinner theatre tickets, breaking that record and leaving fewer open seats for those who purchase tickets on the night of a showing.
“The Good Doctor” opened Thursday, Nov. 2. And while dinner theater tickets have already sold out, there will be encore performances at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 11.
Tickets cost $3 for the general public, $2 for students from other schools and are free for RSC students and faculty.
This play is performed in the H.B. Atkinson Theatre, which helps create a more personal, intimate space where the
the U.S., he studied acting with Jerome Bethae in Oklahoma City and performed in “The Nativity Story” and “Macbeth,” in New Orleans. Crystal Ecker, community actress Ecker studied theater at Louisiana State University and has numerous acting credits, including “Noises Off,” “Once on This Island” and “Oliver,” all at Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, “Agnes of God” at Oklahoma City Community College and “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” at the Oklahoma City Theatre Company.
Nicole Domenica Ferlaino, theatre major – Jones, Okla. Ferlaino has performed in “A Christmas Wish,” “The Wizard of Oz” and other musicals and plays.
Chris Johnson, theater major and president of the RSC Drama Club Johnson volunteered as an actor for a series of skits on the RSC campus during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. Additionally, he has acted in
Holly McNatt, sophomore at the University of Oklahoma
McNatt has performed in several past productions throughout the metro, as well as in an Internet theater reality competition with Cast ME! Productions and an award-winning student film, “The Zone.”
Zorro P. Montevideo, community actor “The Good Doctor” is Montevideo’s first production in seven years. Latoya Renee
Although she has studied different types of theater during high school, this is Renee’s first performance at RSC. Beth Rollings, theater major Rollings’ previous performances include “The Wizard of OZ” and “Sojourner Truth.” However, this is her first performance at RSC.
Jeremy Williams, University of Central Oklahoma theater major
This is Williams’ first performance at RSC. He has performed at OCTC in “The Tempest,” OCCC in “Twelfth Night” and “Beneath the Zipper” at the IAO Gallery.
John Q. Wilson, community actor Wilson has appeared in more than 40 plays in the metro since 1990, but “The Good Doctor” is his first show at RSC. His acting skills have also been seen in movies, industrial films, commercials and Radio Theatre Live.
Laura Tucker, RSC theater major Tucker graduated Brook Lane Academy in 2005 and has performed in “Papers” and “Narnia,” both at RSC, as well as “Nutcracker” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Ballet Oklahoma.
Byron Mills, community actor
“The Good Doctor” is Mills’ first performance at RSC. Mills moved to Oklahoma at the age of nine. He enjoys acting and hopes to eventually become a director.
Other crew members for production of “The Good Doctor” include Laura Tucker, stage manager; Byron Mills, assistant stage manager; Martin Steger, design/technical director; Kathryn Baird, costumes; Rick Nelson, director; Megan Skinner, sound operator; Savanna Shaw, costume crew; Rhonda Baughman, set crew; and Kendra Watkins, prop crew. *Information for cast and crew members provided by Nelson and found in the performance program for “The Good Doctor.” farrisnj@rose.edu
International Education Week discussed by speaker
International Education Week was celebrated early this year at RSC and students had the opportunity to learn the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
According to the U.S. State Department’s Web site, International Education Week is a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. It prepares Americans for a global environment and brings students from other countries to study, learn and experience culture in the U.S.
More than 77 countries, along with all 50 states in the U.S. participated in the 2005 observance of the week. International Education Week was kicked off at RSC this year with guest speaker Dr. Edwards J. Perkins. Perkins is the Executive Director of the International Programs Center for the University of Oklahoma. He served as the U.S. ambassador to Australia, Liberia, and South America and was a representative in the United Nations Security Council. “It is a rare opportunity for students to have the opportunity to hear a speaker of his stature,” Dr. Shenethia Manuel, director of Personnel Services, said.
International Education Week is Nov. 13-17, this year. However, Perkins had a previous engagement in Washington, D.C., so RSC chose to have him speak on Nov. 7 in the Main Dining Room. Perkins shared many of his personal experiences, including travels abroad and visits with officials from various governments and what he learned from each of these.
Additionally, he provided guests with his thoughts on the importance of education in the 21st century farrisnj@yahoo.com
FLU SHOTS
continued from Page 1
If severe weather occurs, the clinics will be shut down, but only for harsh conditions such as extreme downpours, icy conditions or heavy snowfall.
“It’s going to work well,” Flaig said. For other non-drive-thru dates and locations where additional, free flu shot clinics may be found, see right. For the Frontier City Flu Clinic, exit I-35 at Hefner and for the Fairgrounds, enter through Gate 5 off May Avenue. For more information call 425-4450. shoverson@rose.edu
11
Day: Parlty cloudy Night:
Day: Partly cloudy. Night: Partly cloudy.
Photo by STACEY McENTIRE
Image provided
NEWS/FEATURES
Students, kids, community offered programs
Julie Farris Contributing Writer
Continuing Education is a program offered by RSC that reaches out to the community by offering classes, seminars, comprehensive education and fitness programs for adults, ages 50 and older and camps for children, 5-13 years old.
And now, Continuing Education has added more than 30 new programs to enrich the community. A few of these are listed below.
Õ Landscape Design – This class, offered during spring 2007, provides an opportunity for homeowners to learn and use fundamental design elements. The class meets 6:30 p.m.- 8:20 p.m. Thursdays and costs $45.
The class begins Jan. 25 and will continue for eight weeks, with instructor Marvyn Olson, who is also a professional landscape designer
Õ Helping Your Aging Parents
– This course centers on the everyday challenges of aging. It includes insight and instruction on what an elderly parent could be going through, including bereavement or diminishing competence
Many other topics will also be covered in this non-credit course.
The class will meet 6 p.m. -7:50 p.m. on four Tuesdays beginning Jan. 23.
Õ Lunch ‘n Learn Series – The final seminar for the fall semester, “Identity Theft and Fraud,” will be held 11:30 a.m.–1p.m.
Dec. 1. Mike Seikel, retired FBI agent, will be the guest speaker for this seminar.
Scheduled Lunch ‘n Learn Series seminars for the spring ’07 semester include a visit from Midwest City Mayor Russell Smith, “Successful Retirement” discussed by Seikel, “Six Things You Need to Know about Your Estate Plan” with Gary McCoy, guest speaker and financial adviser and “Fall and Fire Prevention,” presented by the Midwest City Fire Department.
Õ Breakfast with Santa – This kid-friendly event will be held 9a.m.-11a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Tom Steed Center.
The breakfast includes a picture with Santa and the cost is $5 per child
Õ Spring Youth Programs –These programs vary and scheduled events include ballet dance
dren ages 8-12, spring break camp, all-sports camp, cheer
An Easter egg hunt and breakfast with the Easter bunny are also planned.
Õ Spring Cooking classes
– These eight-week courses include Basic Cooking – Simple Yet Elegant, Gourmet Cooking Made Simple, Tour of Italy and Cooking Around the World.
Õ Four-week classes – These courses include Learn to Bake, Then Decorate and Baking and Decorating Desserts from
Scratch. Additionally, they will include several one-day workshops, such as Bread Making, Lemon Dishes with a Twist and Italian Pastries.
Enrollment for most programs begins Nov. 27. For more information on dates, times, and costs for each program, call 733-7392 or visit www. rose.edu. farrisnj@yahoo.com
Alternative courses: Pros, cons explored
Julie Farris
Contributing Writer
Innovative classes are being offered at RSC to allow selfmotivated students who would otherwise have limited access an opportunity for higher education.
This opportunity has the same challenges as on-campus classes, but allows for the flexibility of the Internet or television.
“Online classes are easier for me because I work full time,”
Melissa Kramp, Secondary Education major, said. “The online courses allow me to do many other things which would be impossible if I had to take the course
which can be viewed locally on COX Cable Channel 6 or statewide on OETA – non-cable channel 13. Additionally, course tapes can be obtained at the Learning Resources Center and watched in the Multimedia Lab.
Each telecourse has a mandatory orientation at the beginning of the semester.
These orientations provide an opportunity for students to meet the overseeing professor and learn what is expected of them to receive a passing grade.
Tests for the courses are given in the Testing Center located in the LRC.
Photo by JENNIFER WIMER
and succeed in this nontraditional classroom, he or she must have access to a computer and possess basic computer skills.
“The pros are that [online students] can work on the class anytime, anywhere.” Dr. Debbie Lynch, HPER professor, said.
With RSC offering online courses and telecourses, students can keep their work schedules, stay home with children or enroll in more hours at RSC.
However, students must abandon the thought that online classes are easier than on-campus classes. RSC has course management systems in place that ensure that the Internet courses are equally challenging in comparison with traditional courses.
“I like the online courses because I am still in high school so the online courses makes it easier for me to do the classes so that I don’t have to drive all the way to [RSC],” Matthew Williams, high school student, said. “Also, it allows me to work and do the classes at the same time.”
When enrolled in an Internet course or telecourse, students will most likely never meet their professors or classmates. Without the lectures and class participation, students often must communicate by asking questions and interacting on class bulletin boards or via Web CT e-mail.
“With [on-campus classes] I get the opportunity to look into their eyes to see if they understand what is going on and hopefully different learning styles are addressed,” Lynch said. “Also [the students] get to practice skills as-
sociated with the course.”
Compared to an on-campus class, both of these types of courses require students to read more material, including class discussions on bulletin boards, material in textbooks and research of information online.
And students must also be very self-disciplined and commit additional time to the classes.
“I would love to be able to be a full-time student and have the campus experience but it would be impossible,” Amy Hindman, liberal studies major, said. “I am just happy that web courses are an option for working adults.”
Quite often, scheduling time to view the videos or going online to participate in group discussions, could mean the difference between passing or failing grades.
“Campus grades are always better across the board [than nontraditional courses],” Lynch said.
This is not to say that students cannot receive good grades with this type of coursework, but rather that it takes a more encompassing type of commitment.
Therefore, time restraints should not be the only reason that a student decides to take this type of course, Lynch added.
For more information regarding these and other alternative types of courses visit an RSC adviser in the Student Services Building, Room 100, visit www.rose.edu and click the Distance-Learning link or call 733-7951.
For questions specifically regarding telecourses, call the LRC at 733-7544. farrisnj@yahoo.com
Julie Farris
Contributing Writer
Web CT, or Web-enhanced, classes at RSC offer students an upgrade to traditional classes.
Many of these classes still meet at the scheduled on-campus times, but they also include Web-based resources to enhance class participation.
“This [option] gives students as much information as possible,” Amy Hurst, biology professor, said. “If a student missed one or two class periods they would not fall too far behind.”
Such upgrades include access to supplemental notes and diagrams and can also give students an opportunity to further classroom discussions. Grades can also be accessed online and some professors opt to give quizzes and exams on Web CT.
“I like the option of having quizzes online because then [the students] do not lose class time,” Hurst said. “Students are also able, within reason, to take the quizzes at their own pace and be able to use resources.”
Hurst also advises students not to use this enhancement as a crutch. Web enhanced classes should be used as a supplemental tool and not as a replacement for taking notes or attending classes, she said.
These classes could be beneficial to RSC students and allow for a multitude of learning styles, providing students every opportunity to get the grades they desire. Additionally, students who feel uncomfortable asking questions in class might benefit from the private e-mail option available with the program.
Students who wish to enroll in Webenhanced courses for the spring semester should visit with professors or advisers for a list of classes that offer this option. farrisnj@yahoo.com
Students share triumphs with one another as they learn to create their own quilts as the main objective of the Continuing Education program’s quilting course. While students often do take the course very seriously, it is offered as an instructional service and is a non-credit class.
(Above:) Students learn to dance as part of a Continuing Education course taught in the Fine Arts building. (Right:) Bridge players learn strategies while socializing in one of the many Continuing Education courses offered on the RSC campus.
Photos by SCOTTIE SEGER
Photos by SCOTTIE SEGER
Psychology professor Keith Thrasher instructs students of various ages and backgrounds. It is common for students younger than 20 to share a classroom with those older than 40.
Veterans Day, Unknown Soldier researched
Julie Farris
Contributing Writer
Before Veterans Day, there was Armistice Day.
The date for Armistice Day, Nov. 11, was chosen because at 11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918, fighting ceased in World War I. On this day, an armi-
stice, or temporary end of hostilities, went into effect.
The observance of this day began one year later when President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first day of remembrance with these words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the
heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations …”
In 1920, unknown British and French soldiers were laid to rest in places of honor in their countries.
These graves of the unknown soldiers were intended to honor not only these, but all unidentified servicemen and women who died for home and country.
In 1921, the U.S. followed suit. Sgt. Edward Younger chose one of four unknown soldiers to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol – claiming to be drawn to one in particular – and the body was taken to Washington D.C.
Thousands of people passed by to pay their respects during the course of three days. And at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, president Warren G. Harding requested that all Americans pay silent tribute to all unknown deceased American military.
The words, “Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known but to God,” are engraved upon the plain white marble Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower made the decision to
broaden the holiday’s significance to encompass all military personnel who had served their country. Congress amended the holiday to strike out “Armistice” and, in its place, add “Veterans.”
On Oct. 8 of the same year, Eisenhower issued this proclamation: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
Originally, Veterans Day was to be held on the fourth Monday in October, as to not interfere with Armistice Day, according to “Chase’s 2006 Calendar of Events.”
However, this proved to be an un- popular decision due in part to confusion regarding date changes and a belief that observing the two holidays separately took the intended focus off of Veterans Day.
Finally, in 1975, it was decided
Veterans Unknown Soldier researched
that the original date, November 11, would be restored effective Jan. 1, 1978, in order to preserve the histor-
ic and patriotic significance and to remind Americans of the importance of veterans and their willingness to sacrifice for the common good. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Web site at www.va.gov. farrisnj@yahoo.com
(Left:) The Atkinson Heritage Center remains in the care of RSC after being donated to the campus in 2004. Tours of the home and pony barn are given weekly and reservations for meetings may also be scheduled. (Below:) A tree rests in one of the showers located in the Atkinson House. The tree was growing in the area selected by W.P. “Bill” Atkinson for construction of his home and upon learning of its unfortunate location, Atkinson decided to leave it in place and have workers build around it.
Tours available at Atkinson Heritage Center
Spread across several acres in Midwest City in what appears to be
ter his death in 1999, the property was left to the Living Historical Center of Central Oklahoma Trust. Included with this was a $350,000 endowment, which was to be used In November 2004, the RSC
property, now called the Atkinson Heritage Center, located at 1001 N. Midwest Blvd. Carolyn Cuskey was hired in 2005 to work as the custodian of the AHC part-time. Cuskey had been an adjunct history professor at RSC since 2002, but in August 2006, became a full-time professor and coordinator of the AHC.
Midwest City was built the same time as Tinker Air Force base, 1942. Atkinson decided to build the town because he wanted a place where workers from Tinker could live – a self-contained community.
“[Atkinson] was excited about the idea of building a town from nothing,” Cuskey said. “It was going to be the ideal town.”
The older part of the house, built in 1942, was suggested by the base commander and Atkinson offered to let the officers of Tinker use it as an Officer’s Club, as they did not have one on base. Atkinson built several homes in the ‘60s, but they were not selling so he had the idea to put a Shetland pony in the back of the first 100 homes in Ridgecrest and offer a free one with the purchase of a new home.
“The children in the families who came to look at the homes sold the homes for him, he didn’t have to give a sales pitch,” Cuskey said. Those families who did not want to keep the ponies in their backyards could stable them at Atkinson’s “Pony Barn.” Kids could visit their ponies, ride them on Atkinson’s
property and have fun pretending to be Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Now the Pony Barn has been converted to a museum of local Midwest City history.
As part of a fund raising activity, Cuskey said she is going to have people buy statues of Shetland ponies and decorate them, similar to the buffalo seen downtown in Oklahoma City. Once the ponies have been “decked out,” they will reside in the stalls of the Pony Barn.
Also, housed in the AHC is the complete archive of the Oklahoma Journal, Atkinson’s newspaper which originated to compete with the Oklahoman. Each is neatly bound in a leather book and has
issues from 1963 all the way up to 1979. Atkinson sold the paper in 1979 and it went out of print shortly after, but these archives can be seen during a tour of the AHC. The newer part of the Atkinson house was built in 1955 and has been preserved. All of the carpet, furnishings, draperies and wallpaper are from that time period. Also, several items from the family can still be seen in the house, including several of Rubye Atkinson’s dresses, hats, purses and gloves. For more information or to schedule a tour of the AHC, call Cuskey at 732-5832 or e-mail history_center@rose.edu. shoverson@rose.edu
Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor
a remote, rural area, sits the former
U.S. servicemen and women tend to the medical needs of Iraqi civilians, including many small children, as part of their daily service responsibilities. Many of these soldiers must rely on others, still in the U.S., to tend to their own children’s scrapes and bruises.
Photo by STAFF SGT. ISAAC B. SCRUGGS, U.S. ARMY; Released by U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Photo by JOHNNA RAY
Photo by JOHNNA RAY
A garden shed, located on the west side of the Atkinson estate, has become a popular hangout for small wildlife, such as raccoons. Their visits are so frequent that the door to the building must remain open to prevent the animals from eating through it.
Photos by JENNIFER WIMER
The furnishings in the Atkinson home are all original to the ‘50s era. The chandelier that hangs in the entry hall near the large, winding staircase is no exception.
FEATURES/PUZZLES
How to... Shop smarter; become ‘consumer savvy’
Shannon Hoverson Assistant Editor
You work hard for your monthly – or weekly – paycheck and don’t want to be cheated out of it by a bad purchase.
It is time you learned how to become – insert big booming voice here – “CONSUMER SAVVY.”
I’m here to give you a few tips on how to spend your riches wisely and hopefully save some for the future.
The first thing you need to do when looking at any purchase is finding the best price. Even if you are only
buying a can of beans, you can still be a smart shopper and get the best value. Check out weekly mailings for coupons to use in your weekly shopping. Many times grocery stores, such as Albertson’s and Wal-Mart, send out coupons – take advantage of them. The same goes for clothing and other items. If you are looking at a big purchase, such as furniture or a car, go online and research prices. You can also hit the pavement and go from store to store checking out how much the items will
Sudoku
Each smaller square, called a cell, is to be filled in with a numerical figure from 1-9. These numerals are not to be repeated within horizontal or vertical rows or within a large square, referred to as a 3 X 3 block.
Logic and the process of elimination are key to solving these puzzles.
cost.
Remember, you want good quality at the lowest price you can find. Don’t sacrifice quality for a price; it will come back to haunt you at
How to...
a later time when you have to constantly replace broken items.
Always read the fine print in any warranty or contract you obtain. Some warranties
have stipulations on them that, if unaware, can sneak up on you. The same goes with contracts – make sure there aren’t any hidden fees or agreements. Trust me, you don’t want to buy a car thinking you received a great deal only to find out you signed a contract stating you had to pay out the nose for the remainder of your life. Try and avoid any “rent-toown” situations. The interest levels for these things are astronomical; it is much better to save some money in a savings account until you
have enough money to buy it outright. Keep all your receipts, warranties, owner’s manuals, contracts and written estimates. Store them where they can be easily found. If you do need to return an item or contest a dispute, it is easier when you have the actual documents to prove you bought an item or had a full warranty.
If you follow my advice, you will be on your way to being consumer savvy and getting the best deal out there.
shoverson@rose.edu
Raider Response
Look for the results of last week s Raider next week
Look for the results of last week’s Raider Response question next week.
Aries March 21April 19... Start planning now for the end of the world; you never know when it might happen. Remember the Boy Scout motto – Be prepared.
Taurus April 20May 20... Beware the Hungarian toadstool you bought last month for Halloween; it will soon take over your bathroom.
Gemini May 21June 20... The yellow orangutan in your closet has been stealing all your Oreos – you might want to think about changing to Chips Ahoy.
Cancer June 21July 22... Your life is full of enriching experiences, but that doesn’t pay your monthly cable bill. You need to watch your checkbook like a hawk.
Johnna Ray Editor in Chief
The world beneath our feet must be quite an adventurous one and quite humorous for adults and children alike, as well. At least this is what seems to be true during the one and a half hours “Flushed Away” runs.
This brilliantly scripted, animated, directed, produced and voiced film has all of the strengths of the Shrek movies - plenty of silly giggles for the little ones, multiple storylines surrounding a much larger central plot, adult-themed innuendos that sneak by smaller children, an upbeat musical soundtrack and lots of funny surprises. Additionally, there are crazy characters that steal your heart and make you want to cheer them on throughout
their journey to the movie’s end.
References to several popular movies, including X-Men, Finding Nemo, Batman and others appear throughout the animation, but don’t let this disappoint you - the movie is original and creative on its own with these little references added in as special treats for viewers.
Although not a Disney movie - “Flushed Away,” a DreamWorks Animations production, opens with scenes that reminded me of “Toy Story.” For instance, our leading man, er, I mean mouse, Roddy St. James, (voiced by Hugh Jackman) breaks free of his cage, once his human family has left on holiday, and runs around the house having fun with all kinds of toys that are perfect for his
The question and responses will run bi-weekly in order to give those who would like to comment ample time to respond.
The and responses will run in order to those who would like to comment time to respond
Remember to send responses or ideas before noon Nov 13 to jray@rose edu or hand-deliver to the Fine Arts Room 110
Remember to send responses or question ideas before noon Nov. 13 to jray@rose.edu or hand-deliver to the Fine Arts building, Room 110.
Leo July 23-August 22... The Moon and Neptune will meet causing chaos, this is the time to put on your rose-colored glasses. Living in your own fantasy world is so much better than dealing with the real world.
Raider Question No. 5:
Raider Response Question No. 5:
What is your favorite holiday memory?
Virgo August 23September 22... Lack of sleep will cause you to see cats – not dogs – cats, lots and lots of cats.
Counseling Tip No. 8
For many people, the holidays can bring a sense of overwhelming responsibility and even dread. You can do something to preempt holiday stress and the blues. Watch the remainder of this semester’s tips for helpful strategies. Be realistic. As families change and grow, traditions might need to change, as well. Hold onto those family rituals that you still can – a special food or holiday activity – but understand that some might no longer be possible. Find new ways to celebrate. REMEMBER, THIS IS A TIME TO ENJOY AND APPRECIATE
this s , rituals that you but understand that some ways to celebrate. APPRECIATE
Computer-animated flick not for sewer
size. And when he drives a little sports car around the house, I found it hard not to picture Woody and the rest of the “Toy Story” gang romping around in their own little
tivities during the short time since the family left and realizes that he is very lonely in the house with no one else
home. Enter Sid (voiced by Shane Richie) - the dirty sewer rat who comes bursting into Roddy’s life through none other than the garbage disposal.
Roddy, a high-culture, city mouse of sorts, sacrifices loneliness to rid himself of the unwanted intruder, but instead is tricked into a free ride down the hole of the toilet and into the sewer. Once inside the sewer, he finds himself in a fabulously-created, working city full of other rats, slugs and cute little she-rat, Rita (voiced by Kate Winslet). The two do not immediately start off on a good note, but soon they are teamed up to defeat the villain frog, The Toad (voiced by Ian McKellen), win back or replace the prized, family ruby and discover what catastrophe The
Toad has created for half-time during the final game of the World Cup.
Throughout the course of their adventures, little slug creatures add spice and flavor to this already adorable family flick. Their sporadic appearances could possibly be the first scenes viewers remember when recalling the movie and definitely solicited the most laughs from young and not-so-young moviegoers alike.
“Flushed Away” opened Nov. 3 and is available in theaters everywhere. It is rated PG due to the attention it gives to the fact that parents who accompany their children will also want to enjoy the movie - and in my opinion, that is exactly what they will do. jray@rose.edu
Libra September 23-October 22... Your psychic adviser was fired so your horoscopes are now courtesy of the Cosmic Temp Agency. They say you will have a sort of unpleasant day at some point in the next year or so.
Scorpio October 23-November 21... The stars say you really shouldn’t have had that séance at Halloween. Be sure to always order for two – that ghost you conjured up will be with you for years to come.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21... The Rolling Stones need a new groupie so now is the perfect time to dye your hair some outrageous color, get a tattoo and pierce an unmentionable part of your anatomy – who needs a 9-5 job anyway?
Capricorn December 22-January 19... The cosmic voices in my head are telling me you will become allergic to the astral plain. Lucky for you, you don’t live on the astral plain.
Aquarius January 20-February 18... Your perseverance will be harshly put to the test at work, home and in the supermarket. Just take a moment and hum that song – you know the one I mean.
H o r o s c o p e s
Pisces February 19-March 20... Saccharine Venus and sumptuous Jupiter are arguing again. This means your love life is going to go down the tubes; or maybe, it means your neighbor is going to leave his garbage on your porch. Either way, it isn’t good news for you, I’m afraid.
Answers from Nov.3 puzzle