Christmas caution - Hoverboard horror
by Kelsey Morgan Editor-in-Chief
One of the hot items for Christmas gifts this year is the new hoverboard. Sleek, smooth and shiny, hoverboards were introduced to the market early this year, with the main advertisements and promotional marketing being done on Vine, the six-second video app for smartphones. Hoverboards’ target audience is from 15 years of age to mid-30s.
However, safety concerns are starting to rise amidst videos being released of these hands-free scooters spontaneously catching on fire. One woman in Louisiana said her
son’s hoverboard caught fire while charging and destroyed her home.
Jessica Horne said in an interview with WGNO it was like watching fireworks, then minutes later the entire house was on fire.
Florida man Timothy Cade released a video that showed the hoverboard catching fire twice, despite efforts to put it out. The video captured the battery shooting out of the board.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission encouraged consumers to report product safety issues. Over the past three months, at
least eight injuries have been reported involving hoverboards that required immediate attention, but none of which have been related to fires.
The hoverboard caught fire while charging, according to Horne.
The London Fire Brigade reported two incidents in two weeks in October that left them warning consumers to keep an eye on their hoverboards while they charge.
“If people are going to buy one, they should go through a reputable retailer,” said Andy Vaughan-Davies, a fire investigations office for the London Fire Bri-
RSC hosts light ceremony to spark holiday joy
Community-open event offered s’mores, hot chocolate, carriage rides, crafts as trees around campus lit up with holiday lights
by Christian Tabak Assistant Editor
More than 100 students and community members gathered in the Campus Mall for the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony hosted Dec. 1.
The event opened with performances by the Westfall Elementary School Choir and the Destiny Christian Elementary School Choir and was followed with remarks by RSC President Jeanie Webb.
“This is my favorite time of the year. This [ceremony] is about the community, this is about the kids and, most importantly, this is about the most wonderful time of the year,” Webb said.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Let it Glow,” and Webb thanked the Physical Plant for their work in setting up the campus’ extensive light display as well as the leadership scholarship students for their participation with the celebration’s activities.
“This is about family and friends gathering around to drink hot cocoa and talk with Santa. This year is extra special for me because I’m able to bring my grandson here for his first Christmas,” said psychology major Chametra Reece.
In addition to the lighting and choirs, the celebration featured a variety of activities both inside the Hub and around the campus mall for families to enjoy. Activities included horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts, roasting s’mores and taking photos with Santa.
See more photos on Page 4
gade in an interview with Buzzfeed News.
Because of safety concerns, New York City has banned riding on city streets and safety experts encourage riders wear helmets, wrist guards and kneepads.
The UK announced a nation-wide ban on these gadgets, which ironically sent sales rising by 215 percent according to AppliancesDirect.co.uk.
Popularity of this tech toy is slowly growing in the metro and Oklahoma has yet to set any bans in place.
by Becca Stokes Online Editor
Reports from NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution mission indicated the sun is stripping away Mars’ atmosphere through solarwinds.
Data collected from MAVEN was calculated by researchers to determine that solarwinds strip away gas from Mars at 100 grams per second. It was noted the rate of erosion increases with solar storms.
All planets are impacted by these waves of charged particles, mostly made up of electrons and protons, known as solar winds.
Photo by Christian Tabak
NEWS BRIEFS
by Christian Tabak Assistant Editor
Red Earth Center Hosts First Treefest
The Red Earth Festival and Art Center is hosting the first Red Earth Treefest until Dec. 30. The event showcases seven trees featuring unique cultural ornaments from tribal nations including the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation and the Comanche Nation. There will also be a Red Earth Artist Stocking Tree that features Christmas stockings decorated by Native artists that are for sale. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Red Earth at 427-5228.
Enjoy Holiday Movies at Harkins
For the month of December, Bricktown’s Harkins Theaters are showing classic Christmas movies at 7 p.m. each Tuesday for $5 as part of the Tuesday Night Holiday Movies at Harkins. Featured movies include “Elf” Dec. 8, “A Christmas Story” Dec. 15 and “The Polar Express” Dec. 22. For more information, contact Harkins at 231-4747.
The 15th Street News and Mass Communications Club are hosting a blanket drive. Blankets should be new or lightly used. They will be donated to local homeless shelters. Blankets can be taken to Fine Arts, Room 110.
Kids’ snow day activities to avoid cabin fever
by Cassandra Hernandez Staff Writer
Many students of all ages become excited at the thought of a snow day. Classes are cancelled, roads are closed and catching up on a favorite show becomes attainable. However, when elementary and middle schools are closed, younger children can instantly struggle with cabin fever.
Entertaining kids can be challenging. To avoid boredom, try out these activities: Indoor Activities
• Baking is a fun way for kids to help and it can keep them from being bored. Plus, who can go wrong with warm cookies on a cold day.
• Have a fashion show and dress up in crazy outfits with your kids. This could keep you entertained for a while and makes great memories.
• Stock up on arts and crafts supplies so when you do get snowed in you already
have everything you need to get crafty with your kids. Pinterest has a lot of great and easy craft ideas.
• Turn your living room into a fort. Grab as many pillows and blankets and start building.
• Have a treasure hunt.
Outdoor Activities
• Fill up bottles with water and food coloring, they can color the snow and do some graffiti art on the snow.
• Go sledding. You can use cardboard boxes, lids to plastic bins and other stuff like this around the house to go sledding.
• Have a snowball fight.
• Hide items in the snow and have a game of “Hot or Cold” Treasure hunt. For more ideas on cheap snow day entertainment, check out Metro Family Magazine at metrofamilymagazine.com.
Preparing vehicles for the colder weather
by Michelle Rojano News Editor
The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host their annual Dodger Dash 5K and Fun Run Dec. 19 at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Bricktown. The Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $35 and all fees go toward the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. Participants and spectators are also encouraged to bring coats, gloves and other winter clothing for donation to OKC public schools. For more information, contact the Dodgers at 218-1000.
Winter is just around the corner and it is important to know how to properly prepare vehicles for the freezing temperatures.
Juan Rojano, an mechanic with more than 20 years of auto mechanic experience, reveals tips and tricks to help cars get through the winter. One of the basic things to do is allow the car time to warm up. He recommends to warm up a car by leaving it on five minutes at idle speed. Warming up the car allows the antifreeze to warm up and the heater to begin warming the car, which prevents stalling. Be cautious of leaving a running car unattended.
Using de-icer fluid on door handles, windows and windshields to melt ice can prevent damage. Putting the fluid on and allowing it time to work is important. It might be necessary to apply de-icer fluid to the side rearview mirrors before attempting to adjust them.
“Never pour hot water on your windshield,” he said. Hot water can cause the windshield to crack and in some cases shatter. Buying a few gallows of de-icer fluid to have for winter can save hundreds of dollars in windshield repairs.
A good set of tires is important for the winter. An entire penny should be able to fit between the tire tracks lengthwise.
“Decreasing the tire pressure a bit will help the tires get a better grip on the pavement,” he added. Over-inflated tires will slide easier and can cause an accident.
Lastly, he recommends buying winter appropriate oil for the car. Retailers sell oil specifically for winter weather. It will have a different viscosity and will make it easier to start the car in the cold temperatures.
“Always have an ice scraper, de-icer and patience,” Rojano said.
15th Street News Blanket Drive
Photo courtesy of Tribune News
OKC Dodger Dash 5K and Fun Run
During exceptionally cold weather, it is important to limit young individuals’ time outside to avoid illness.
Photo by Kelsey Morgan
Winterizing vehicles is vital when attempting to prolong the life of the engine and the car itself.
Spring enrollment open, classes filling up
by Christian Tabak Assistant Editor
Enrollment for the spring semester is open and the Office of Academic Advisement encourages students to enroll early before classes are filled and to check with their division’s academic advisers for semester specific and new classes.
“While students can enroll any time from now until after the semester begins Jan. 18, it never hurts to schedule your classes early on and secure your first choice of professors or classes,” said Academic Advisement Assistant Frances Grant.
Students can enroll with their respective academic advisers, the Office of Academic Advisement or through the college’s Online Administrative and Student Information System (OASIS) at oasis.rose.edu.
Some divisions, such as the Health Sciences Division, have degree-related programs in which the application processes are only available in the spring semester.
“Most of our programs have spring appli-
cations, so students should check with their advisers to see if they are able to apply,” said Linda Reichelt, academic adviser for the Health Sciences Division.
Students are also encouraged to complete degree audits at the start of the semester to ensure that they are on track for graduation. While an important step within the graduation process, this is an application often overlooked, according to the Office of Graduation and Career Services.
“If a student has not done one, they need to do so. This is a necessary step for graduation,” said Julie Atkinson, Graduation and Career Services coordinator.
Students can complete their degree audits at the Office of Graduation Services in Room 106 of the Student Services Building or with their respective academic advisers.
For more information on enrollment, degree audits or for academic advice, contact the Student Success Center at 733-7334.
MARS continued from Page 1
The particles stream out from the sun at about a million miles per hour. Earth has a strong global magnetic field - something that the Red Planet lacks. The magnetic field would shield the planet from direct impact by these charged particles.
NASA reported that a series of solar storms hit Mars in March 2015, accelerating the process.
Mars’ atmosphere is considerably thin, being only 0.01 that of Earth’s atmosphere. It is composed of 95 percent carbon dioxide, which is pulled from the air by chemical reactions with rocks to form carbonate minerals.
However, there is evidence that Mars once held liquid water. NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter observed the presence of hydrated minerals found in features that resemble valleys carved by flowing water. The seasonal appearance of these minerals indicates that briny water may flow beneath the surface of the Red Planet. The atmosphere is currently too thin and too cold to support a large amount of water.
“Water is a game-changer in terms of future missions,” said Laurie Cantillo of the Office of Communications at NASA.
The evidence of these features suggest that Mars may have once had a thick enough atmosphere to support an abundance of water, which leads to the question of life also once being supported. With the solar winds slowly stripping away at Mars’ atmosphere over the span of billions of years, this thick atmosphere has slowly dissipated.
“[MAVEN] certainly gives us information that Mars was once a warmer and wetter planet. [It] gives us an idea of where water or ice once was,” Cantillo said.
MAVEN was launched Nov. 18, 2013, and began examining Mars’ outer atmosphere September 21, 2014. Its mission was to gather data in order for scientists to understand how the sun influenced the atmospheric changes of this dry planet. It completed its primary mission Nov. 16. MAVEN will complete extended missions for additional information and will continue in orbit for an undetermined amount of time.
Cantillo stated that with this new information, it will give researchers more to keep in mind as NASA plans for the possibility of human exploration in the 2030s.
NEWS BRIEFS
by Christian Tabak Assistant Editor
Theatre Program to perform “A Christmas Carol”
RSC’s Theatre Program will perform Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 3-13 at the H.B. Atkinson Theatre. Adapted by RSC Professor of Theatre Rick Nelson, the cast features RSC students, faculty and staff as well as local community members. Admission is free for RSC students, staff and senior citizens, $3 for other students and $5 for the general public.
SandRidge Santa Run
Oklahoma City’s annual SandRidge Santa Run will be held Dec. 12 at Leadership Square on 211 N. Robinson. The event includes a Kids Dash at 8:45 a.m., a one-mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. and a 5K race at 9:30 a.m. Other activities include a costume contest and warm-ups with Rumble the Bison and the Thunder Girls. Registration is $35 for the 5K race, $20 for the Fun Run and free for the Kids Dash. For more information, contact Downtown OKC at 2353500.
Rolodex of Hate
Comedian Bianca del Rio will perform her Rolodex of Hate Comedy Special at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Hudiburg Chevrolet Center. The season six winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race on LOGO TV, del Rio’s performances contain outrageous stories and life experiences. Ticket prices range from $38-81.50. To purchase tickets, visit www.okcciviccenter.com/shows.
Holiday carolers wanted
The Oklahoma Railway Museum will host a Christmas Train Ride with Santa Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. The event also will include free hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a reading of “The Polar Express” Trains run at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Dec. 19 and noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 20. Admission is $15 and free to children under 3 years. For more information, contact the Railway Museum at 424-8222.
Photo by Christian Tabak
Community members interested in enrolling as well as current students are encouraged to enroll in classes as soon as possible.
“How did you find out Santa was not real?”
Campus Chat
Amanda Anderson, Pre-Education
“I suspected in the third grade because of some presents donated by a church that said, ‘From Santa.’ I confirmed with my parents in fourth grade, but played along for the sake of my younger brother.”
Breanna Rentfro, Business Administration
“I had started to doubt Santa was real, so I asked my parents about his existence and they told me he wasn’t.”
Frances Grant, Academic Advisement Assistant
“I was 6 years old. My older sibling informed me he was not real.”
“I was about 8 when I heard that my uncle was going to dress up as Santa. So I knew then that Santa was not real.”
RSC opens Facebook page for alumni and retirees
by Kelsey Morgan Editor-in-Chief
The Office of the President has started a Facebook page in collaboration with the Board of Regents for student alumni, retired staff and friends of RSC. The page will distribute information on upcoming events and reunions.
The President’s and Foundation’s offices encourage alumni, retirees and friends to “like” the page and reach out to their friends.
“It is impossible to keep up with addresses and Facebook is [the community’s] best connection to us,” said Debbie Williams, executive assistant to the President and Board of Regents.
To receive information on upcoming events, log into your Facebook account, search “Rose State College Alumni & Friends” and “like” the page.
Those without accounts should contact the Office of the President at 733-7300 or the Foundation Office at 736-0352 to be placed on the mailing list for outgoing information.
“When my older sisters made me hide behind the recliner to watch for Santa. I had my first doubt about Santa since he wouldn’t show himself unless we went to bed.”
How to keep pets safe during winter weather
by Jackson Parker Chief Photography
Winter is coming, which means everyone is going to be gearing up and taking precautions to be ready for the weather, but do not forget your furry friends. Here are some easy ways to make sure your pet stays warm and safe in the winter weather.
Bring them inside
First, if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for them. It is OK to let dogs and cats out during the day, but the temperature drops during the night. Temperatures at night are not safe for pets, especially house cats.
Make sure their water does not freeze
If you have a pet that is primarily outside during the day, make sure their water bowl is not going to freeze over. If it has already frozen, pour warm water from the sink over it. If your pet is primarily an indoor cat, make sure you are giving them room temperature water.
Mix wet food and dry food
Wet dog food is fattier and tends to stick with your animal longer. But switching from one type of food to another can upset your dog or cat’s stomach and potentially make them sick. By mixing the two it makes it a little more familiar for your pet and makes the food last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Forgo grooming
Do not shave/groom your pets. Instead of giving them that perfect show dog look, allow their coat to thicken in order to keep them warm during the winter weather.
Bathe sparingly
Too much bathing can make them sick. In cold, wet weather people have a tendency to bathe their pets more often, but this is not in the best interest of your pet. Over-bathing can cause your pet to lose their fur. Also, if you do give them a bath, make sure that they are 100 percent dry before allowing them to go back outside; this is especially important with long-haired pets.
Additionally
Your dog’s nose should be wet. If it is not, take it to a vet. If it has been snowing and your dog’s been outside, check their paws for frostbite or other forms of weather-related injuries. Make sure your animal has some form of shelter outside, preferably in dry space out of the wind. If you know it is about to snow, lay down a tarp in your yard, so when it is time for your dog to do its business, you can pull the tarp back so there is grass available.
Diego Cedillos, Nursing
Sandra Keneda, Professor of English
The President’s Office and the Foundation Office collaborate to spread awareness of social media outreach.
Photo by Kelsey Morgan
by Christian Tabak Assistant Editor and Becca Stokes Online Editor
Photos by Christian Tabak
Holiday shows and events in the metro
by Becca Stokes Online Editor
The holidays mean time with loved ones to enjoy the season. Here are some shows and events in OKC that can be enjoyed with both family and friends.
Shows
Alcoholidays
“Alcoholidays” is playing from Dec. 4-20 at the OKC Civic Center Music Hall in the Cityspace Theatre. This comedy follows Meg and Jacob as they try to make the most of an abundance of holiday parties. When forced into corners to discuss physical ailments and family drama, they result to drinking. Tickets are $20 and $15 for students and seniors. “Alcoholidays” is intended for mature audiences only and exhibits strong language. No children under 18 years of age without parental supervision will be admitted.
Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker! An Interactive Ball
Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker! will be open Dec. 11-19 at the OKC Civic Center Music Hall in the Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall. Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker! is an interactive holiday play created by the Reduxion Theatre Company featuring Regency era music, dance and food. Guests can enjoy tea and holiday pastries while sharing a dance or song with characters from some of Austen’s most beloved novels. Regency costumes are encouraged. General admission is $30.
The Nutcracker
“The Nutcracker” will open Dec. 12-22 at the OKC Civic Center Music Hall in the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre. A family trip to the Civic Center Music Hall to see “The Nutcracker” creates special holiday memories that will last a lifetime as guests witness the story of Clara, her Nutcracker prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Prices vary from $25-75 depending on seating.
Events
Winter Shoppes
These shops feature a rotating selection of boutique-style vendors in a festive holiday setting. The event is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-7 and Dec. 11-14 at the at Myriad Botanical Gardens (301 W Reno). For more information, call 445-7080.
Santa’s Wonderland
Giveaways and crafts. Enjoy free photos with Santa 3 to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 24 at Bass Pro Shops located at 200 Bass Pro Drive.
Downs Family Christmas Lights
This light display is set to music and features more than 18 miles of light strands. Turn your radio to 107.1 to hear and see the show in action. Canned food and monetary donations will be accepted for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. It is open 6 p.m. to midnight through Jan. 3 at 2900 72nd Ave. in Norman.
The Second Annual Film Row Holiday Party
Guests can enjoy food, drinks and live music from Matt Stansberry and The Romance. Kids can have their pictures taken with Santa. The event will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 at Dunlap Codding 609 W. Sheridan in Oklahoma City.
Automobile Alley
Hosted in downtown, Oklahoma City presents a display of more than 180,000 colorful LED lights draped over buildings in a dazzling display of Christmas cheer. This can be experienced either in car or on foot. The lights will be on from dusk until dawn Jan. 1 between Northwest 4th and Northwest 10th Broadway Avenue.
Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular
The light show transforms the Joe B. Barnes Regional Park into a drive-through winter wonderland with 85 different Christmas light displays. This includes a 118-foot Christmas tree sparkling with 9,000 festive bulbs.
Sooners win Bedlam
by Jonathan Goudeau Staff Writer
This past Saturday the Oklahoma Sooners (11-1, 8-1 in Big 12) took on the Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-2, 7-2 in Big 12) in Stillwater for the annual Bedlam game with the Big 12 Championship at stake and came away with an impressive 58-23 win. After a tight first quarter that saw the Sooners holding a 14-point lead, they exploded for a 30-point second quarter and never looked back as they took a 44-20 lead into the half.
The Sooners could do no wrong on the offensive side as they piled up 344 rushing yards led by the dynamic duo of running backs Samaje Perine, who had 131 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, and Joe Mixon, who had 136 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Quarterback Baker Mayfield added another solid game to his Heisman resume by throwing for 180 yards and two touchdowns on 17-25 passing and added 77 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard also had another solid game hauling in 10 catches for 87 yards and one touchdown.
The Sooner defense did its part by holding the Cowboys under 500 yards of offense and forcing two interceptions, both by cornerback Jordan Thomas, with one being returned for a touchdown.
The Cowboys also came into the game with high hopes but without starting quarterback Mason Rudolph, who entered the game briefly in the second quarter going 0-3 with one interception that was returned for a touchdown, because he is battling an ankle injury. That left goal line/short yardage specialist and former starter J.W. Walsh to start. Walsh managed to have a good game in the loss, throwing for 325 yards with two touchdowns and one interception on 25-42 passing in his final home game. Wide receiver James Washington had another big game hauling in seven catches for 169 yards and one touchdown.
The Cowboys have now lost their last two games of the regular season and will look to end their season on a high note in their bowl game. The Sooners, on the other hand end, their regular season on a seven-game winning streak that saw them beating all five of their ranked opponents after winning none against ranked teams last year. This is also the Sooners’ first Big 12 Championship since 2010 and their ninth under head coach Bob Stoops. The Sooners will look to continue their momentum as they head into the College Football Playoffs with a chance at their first National Championship since 2000.
Thunder players send shade toward Jackson after return to OKC
by Garrett Hare Staff Writer
With the return of Kevin Durant from a hamstring injury, the Oklahoma City Thunder played better ball as of late, compiling a season-high fourgame winning streak. The Thunder’s current record is 11-6.
In their last matchup, they faced former-teammate Reggie Jackson in his return to OKC. Jackson was traded from the club on bad terms, and his former teammates sent some shade his way post-game.
“Steven [Adams] did a great job on their best player and Andre
[Roberson] did a great job on their second best player [Kentavious Caldwell-] Pope and Russ did his job,” Durant said in a post-game interview.
Russell Westbrook followed up with some of his own comments toward Jackson. When reporters asked a question regarding Jackson, Westbrook would reply with a calm “who?”
Durant had his best performance so far this year, with a team-high 34 points and 13 rebounds in the 103-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons
The Thunder will play the Sacramento Kings Dec. 6 at home.
Free Christmas meals for community
by Garrett Hare Staff Writer
This is the time of year when everything comes full circle and we are able to appreciate more than we do on a day-to-day basis, although, we should always be grateful. There are many places around the metro that serve free Christmas dinners to give back to the families that need some financial support during the holidays.
The following places offer free Christmas dinner:
Red Andrews
Red Andrews will offer a Christmas Dinner from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It is located at the southwest corner of the Cox Convention Center. Hundreds of families go to Red Andrews for Christmas Dinner every year.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army Red Shield Kitchen will offer free Christmas meals, shelter and counseling to those in need. Located at 1001 N. Penn., the community is welcome to attend.
Jesus House OKC
Jesus House in OKC will offer Christmas dinner to non-residents.
Soldier Creek Baptist Church
Soldier Creek Baptist Church in Midwest City will offer a community Christmas supper at noon until 2 p.m. Christmas Day.
Lemon Pepper Green Beans
Yield: 6 Servings
Ingredients
1 pound fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
¼ sliced almonds
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
Directions:
Place green beans in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water. Cover, and cook until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes; drain.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute almonds until lightly browned. Season with lemon pepper. Stir in green beans, and toss to coat.
Yield: 6-8 Servings
Ingredients
Chesapeake Energy holiday donation
by Kelsey Morgan Editor-in-Chief
Chesapeake Energy has been known to display annual holiday lights outside their campus. However, this year they are doing something a bit different.
The company decided to donate the money it would use on the display to local charities.
“We are refocusing our holiday plans on programs we believe make the greatest impact on Oklahoma City,” said Director of Strategic Communications Gordon Pennoyer.
The oil and natural gas company is collaborating with the Oklahoma City Thunder to fund the Angel Tree program through the Salvation Army. The program provides holiday gifts to children in need within the community. This program is expected to allocate toys to more than 5,000 children this year.
“Additionally, we will continue our partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma by matching donations to the organization during the holiday season,” Pennoyer added.
Chesapeake will match donations until Jan. 15.
Low prices on oil and natural gas have significantly decreased revenue for energy companies statewide throughout 2015, which caused expenditures to be cut.
Chesapeake announced the decision to donate money mid-November, weeks after 740 employees were laid off. It was also noted that the company lost $4.65 billion in the third quarter.
3-4 pounds sweet potatoes, ½ inch - 1 inch thick
1 cup brown sugar
1 ½ cup butter, melted Walnuts, halves and/or whole pieces
Marshmallows
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease. Place single layer of slices flat on sheet.
2. Mix brown sugar into melted butter until dissolved completely. Generously baste the slices of potato with the sugar-butter mix.
3. Bake for 20 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and top with walnuts and marshmallows. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Associate vs. Shopper: Shopping on Black Friday
by Cassandra Hernandez Staff Writer
This year would be the first year I was required to work on Black Friday. I can honestly say I highly dislike it. The week leading up to Black Friday, we had to prepare the store for shoppers and try to sell as much as possible to open up space for the incoming shipments.
We opened at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving day and did not close our store for 28 hours. Black Friday is all hype, as my particular store had significantly better deals on the days leading up to it rather than the day of.
Black Friday also seems to bring out the worst in people despite it being the “most joyous” time of year.
I was required to work from 3 a.m. to noon Black Friday. The crowd was steady and peaked at about 4 a.m., which made it evident that the next nine hours would drag on. Immediately after I arrived at work, I was told a woman used one of our fitting room as a restroom. Fortunately, I was not responsible for cleanup. Unfortunately, I knew it would not be the last incident during the duration of my shift.
Something I did not understand was the constant complaining about how sleep-deprived customers were because of late night shopping, as if they were forced to leave their families.
I never understood how shopping and family time stand on equal platforms, as if one can replace the other equally. Black Friday completely interferes with the time retail associates should have off with their families. In my opinion, Black Friday is overrated and continues to exist because of greedy consumers.
Yield: 6-8 Servings
Ingredients
1 Rotisserie Chicken, Shredded
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup hot buffalo sauce
1 cup ranch
1 cup shredded cheese, any flavor
Directions:
1. Add all the ingredients listed above in a large mixing bowl. Mix them together. Transfer your mix into an oven-safe dish and you can top it with more cheese based on preference, (I top it with blue cheese crumbles.)
2. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F/175°C.
3. Remove from oven, cool slightly and enjoy!
Dippers: celery sticks, tortilla chips, carrots, etc.
by Kelsey Morgan Editor-in-Chief
Black Friday used to be a day of early risers, adrenaline and savings. Following Thanksgiving every year, many retailers would have incredible deals on the hottest items.
For years now, I have gone with family members or friends to wait in lines in the middle of the night for the greatest deals. This year, I went alone. Honestly, I hate the fact that Black Friday has been stretched into Thursday. There should be some sort of limit to the time retailers can open their doors.
There was a noticeable decrease in sales this Black Friday, according to ShopperTrak, this year because of the increase in online shopping. Personally, however, I think the sales were down because of the fact shopping started to interfere with the family time during the holiday.
I stopped by Target, Best Buy and JCPenneys and the lines were disgustingly long. People were fighting over limited items and because doors were opening so early, children tagged along. I waited in line for 35 minutes at Best Buy to purchase two USB thumb drives that were admittedly incredibly priced.
However, do the great prices really make up for the fact that retailers like BigLots are not opening at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving Day? Absolutely not.
I do not think it is fair that workers are required to leave their families on Thanksgiving because they have to work. Anyone who works in retail knows that taking off on Black Friday is not an option.
Greed is starting to take over the holidays, which is perfectly shown in Verizon’s celebratory term “Thanksgetting.”
Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
Buffalo Chicken Dip
From allrecipes.com by Cassandra Hernandez by Kelsey Morgan Associate Shopper
entertainment December 4, 2015
Netflix arrivals and departures for December Added
Movie listings from KFOR
• #DeathToSelfie (2014)
• 30 for 30: Chasing Tyson (2015)
• 50 Shades of THEY, season 1
• A Christmas Star (2015)
• A Genius Leaves the Hood: The Unauthorized Story of Jay-Z (2014)
• Amnesiac (2015)
• Broadchurch, season 2
• CBGB (2013)
• Christmas Wedding Baby (2014)
• The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004)
• Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
• Darkman (1990)
• Detectorists, season 1
• I’m Brent Morin
• Jenny’s Wedding (2015)
• Las mágicas historias de Plim Plim, season 1
• Ray (2004)
• Real Rob, season 1 (2015)
• See You In Valhalla (2015)
• Sensitive Skin, season 1
• Starting Over, season 1
• Stir of Echoes (1999)
• Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming (2007)
• That Touch of Mink (1962)
• Tyke: Elephant Outlaw
• Winning Life’s Battles, season 1
• Stations of the Cross (2014)
• Tangerine (2015)
• Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine (2015)
• A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
• Comedy Bang! Bang!, season 4 (new episodes)
• A Case of You (2013)
• Dinosaur 13 (2014)
• Inside Man, season 3
• Vampire Academy (2014)
• One & Two (2015)
• Phoenix (2014)
• Xenia (2014)
• Phineas and Ferb, season 4
• Trailer Park Boys: Drunk, High and Unemployed Live in Austin (2015)
• The Adventures of Puss in Boots, season 2
• The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
• The Da Vinci Code (2006)
• Drown (2014)
• Hart of Dixie, season 4
• High Profits, season 1
• Time Out of Mind (2014)
Staff Members
Editor-in-Chief, Graphic Artist
Kelsey Morgan
Assistant Editor
Christian Tabak
Photography Editor
Jackson Parker
Online Editor
Becca Stokes
News Editor
Michelle Rojano
Campus Media Participation
Garrett Hare
Jonathan Goudeau
Brittany Graham
Adviser
Darcy Delaney
• All About Eve (1950)
• The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, season 1
• Batman Begins (2005)
• Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
• Brian’s Song (1971)
• Brian’s Song (2001)
• The Brothers Grimm (2005)
• The Burbs (1989)
• Cop Land (1997)
• Damien: Omen II (1978)
• The Dark Crystal (1982)
• Employee of the Month (2006)
• Forces of Nature (1999)
• Get Low (2009)
• The Great Escape (1963)
• The Guardian, season 1-3
• The High and the Mighty (1954)
• The Hustler (1961)
• Insomnia (2002)
• Juice (1992)
• K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)
• Labyrinth (1986)
• Last Night (2010)
• Left Behind: The Movie (2000)
• Left Behind II: Tribulation Force (2002)
• Left Behind: World at War (2005)
• Modern Problems (1981)
• My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
• Necessary Roughness (1991)
• The Omen (1976)
• Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)
• The Paw Project (2013)
• The Pink Panther 2 (2009)
• R.L. Stine’s Mostly Ghostly (2008)
• R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: Don’t Think About It (2007)
• Shrink (2009)
• Silence of the Lambs (1991)
• Soapdish (1991)
• Trek Nation (2011)
• Two Can Play That Game (2001)
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Road Rally (2010)
• 360 (2011)
• The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure (2012)
• C.O.G. (2013)
• Ultimate Spider-Man, season 2
• The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, season 2
• Rescue Me, season 1-7
• Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
Secretary
Carol Benefee
Letters to the Editor
The 15th Street News welcomes and encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and are subject to editing for obscenity, clarity and space. Submissions must include name, major and phone number. 15th Street News reserves the right to not publish submitted letters.
Letters to the editor may be hand-delivered to FA110 or sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15th, Midwest City, OK 73110. Letters must be typed.
Policies
Computer Guru Scottie Seger
Staff Writer
Cassandra Hernandez
Open
The 15th Street News is published 16 times a year and is a designated public forum. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. 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.
Anyone having a complaint may contact the Editor-in-Chief, 733-7400.
15th Street News is a member of OCMA, OPA, ACP, Great Plains Journalism Association and the Society of Professional Journalists.
This publication is printed by the Edmond Sun, issued by RSC and authorized by the Adviser of Student Publications.
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.
Storm Raiders
Andrea Kennicutt Long Range Forecaster
Ian Skinner Short Range Forecaster
5-Day Forecast Dec. 4-8
The Storm Raiders’ team is made up of three students in the forecasting program run by Steve Carano, KOCO
Bonnie Bishop Long Range Forecaster
Changing seasons
Ian Skinner Short Range Forecaster
Everyone can tell when the seasons are about to change. The winds shift, the temperature either warms or cools and the air outside just feels different. But why do the seasons happen?
The sun is the driving force of the seasonal cycle. The amount of incoming solar radiation or insolation reaching the Earth’s surface determines what season it is.
The Earth rotates on an axis and tilts as it revolves around the sun. The angle at which Earth is relative to the sun determines the intensity of radiation. The distance the Earth is from the sun has a negligible effect on the amount of insolation we receive. The intensity of the sun’s radiation determines the ground temperature of the Earth and therefore the air temperature because the Earth heats from the ground up. The reason summer is hotter than winter is because the Earth is tilted toward the sun and is receiving more direct radiation rather than in the winter when the Earth is tilted away from the sun, which causes insolation to strike the Earth at a less severe angle.
The same thing is true for the Southern Hemisphere; however, it is just the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. While June, July and August are the Northern Hemisphere’s summer months, those are the Southern Hemisphere’s winter months.
26 __ button
Sufferer healed by Jesus
Game-ending declaration
Bledel of “Gilmore Girls”
Where billions live
Watch someone’s kids
Ellington’s “Take __ Train”
“Et alia” lang.
Letter-erasing key
Genre of the ‘60s hits “Pipeline” and “Wipe Out”
Wyoming’s __ Range
Benjamin of “Law & Order”
Ibuprofen target
Trapdoor location
Capital south of Lillehammer
Ottawa-based law gp.
Not in the clergy
Wholeheartedly, or words that can precede the first and second parts, respectively, of 17-, 31- and 49-Across
__ well
Actress Téa
“Inferno” poet
Opposite of post-
Prince Charming’s mount
18 Sun, in Sonora
23 Peru’s largest city
25 With 2-Down, “Hulk” star
Did something
Endures
29 Philanthropist Yale
30 “Everybody Loves Raymond” actor 32 French-speaking island country 33 Connect with
Pierre’s toast
Elephant ancestor
Son of Adam
__-American
Ogles obliquely
Sculptor’s medium
French port on the Strait of Dover
Sell a bridge to, say?
Producer’s nightmare
Hideaway