RSC professor receives human rights award
By Wilfredo Santosrivera with additional reporting by William Washington
The United Nations Association along with the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance will award Rose State Professor Dr. Nyla Ali Khan with the Oklahoma Human Rights Award. Khan will accept this award Dec. 10 in the House Chamber at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Khan's goal is to engage in reflective action as an educator working with diverse cultural and social groups questioning the exclusivity of cultural nationalism, the erosion of cultural syncretism, the ever-increasing dominance of religious fundamentalism, and the irrational resistance to cultural and linguistic differences.
Khan serves on the Advisory Council of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. The author of four books (“The Fiction of Nationality in an Era of Transnationalism,” “Islam, Women, and Violence in Kashmir: Between India and Pakistan,” “The Parchment of Kashmir: History, Society, and Polity” and “The Life of a Kashmiri Woman: Dialectic of Resistance and Accommodation”) and numerous other published works, this Rose State College and University of Oklahoma professor and granddaughter of a former Kashmiri prime
“I’ve been working closely with a few local organizations, like the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, The Oklahoma Academy. I’m on the board of Generation Citizen, which is about civic education in schools and colleges in Oklahoma. And I do a lot of writing; I’m a prolific writer. For the past four to six months I’ve been focusing on getting published in local Oklahoma newspapers. And as you know, I’m an academic, so I have published four books. Currently, I’m working on my fifth, and I am well published in academic journals. But I’ve been focusing more on local outlets for a while now, so people in the state are getting to know more about my work, which helps.” - Khan
minister, makes headlines in both India and Pakistan.
In a recent article written for the Oklahoma Observer entitled “Women in Oklahoma and Kashmir: A Comparative Study,” Khan compared the situation of women in Oklahoma with women in Kashmir.
"Not just in Kashmir, but in Oklahoma as well, women can play an important role in establishing a more inclusive democracy and new forums for citizen cooperation,” Khan wrote. “Female leaders can lead the way by offering new ideas, building broad-
based political coalitions, and working to bridge organizational divides. In this way, women’s groups can thus pave the way for sustainable peace, universal human rights, and security from violent threats of all kinds."
Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.
Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards will be Saturday, Dec. 10. The event will be hosted by former State Rep. Seneca Scott. The event is free and open to the public. A Free Speech Forum will be held directly following the presentation from noon until 2 p.m. in the Senate Assembly Room.
For more information about the awards program, contact Wilfredo Santosrivera at 405-631-3027.
To view the original press release, visit una-okc.blogspot.com.
Rose State’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
By William Washington & Cassandra Hernandez Multimedia Editor & Photo Editor
Throwback article: The issues back then
The 15th Street News has been around since the early 1970s. Times sure have changed. Check out an archived article that refers to issues still controversial today.
These articles were formulated for the time of original press and do not reflect the current opinions of the 15th Street News or Rose State College.
Women may be entering the Naval Academy as officer candidates by June, according to Lt. Cmdr Bob Lewis, Public Affairs Office (PAO), Annapolis, Md., in a statement made last week.
With the passage of the Armed Services Procurement Bill through the House of Representatives and the Senate, all that is needed is the President’s signature. In the last issue of the 15th Street News the Air Force Academy’s expected preparations, standards and changes were reported. This issue, women in the Naval Academy will be discussed.
Naval selection standards will be basically the same as they are for male officer candidates.
Some adjustments due to physiological differences between men and women will be necessary.
The selection process includes the area of academic achievement, physical capabilities and demonstrated leadership potential. Nomination procedures consist of applying for and obtaining a nomination from a US Senator or Representative of the applicant’s state.
Additions to the Naval Academy staff will include women officers assigned to the Office of Commandant of Midshipmen, who administer Bancroft Hall and military training functions.
A woman officer will possibly be assigned to the Candidate Guidance Office, which advises
potential midshipmen on nomination procedures.
Women will be able to select academic majors under the same ground rules as men and no changes in the academic program are expected.
However, some adjustments to the summer training will be necessary since women are prohibited, by law, from assignments to combatant ships and aircraft.
Since summer training cruises are presently required for all midshipmen during their first and third year, alternatives to extended assignments to ships are being explored.
Drills and parades alongside male midshipmen will be required for women midshipmen. Military duties and respon-
sibilities will be the same for both sexes. All intercollegiate sports except the contact sports of football, lacrosse and wrestling will be open to female cadets and women will also be encouraged to participate as managers for all 21 varsity sports.
Intramural sports participation will be required for women under the same policy that applies to men.
Of 23 intramural sports offered, women will be able to participate in all but five. The five are contact intramurals including football, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing and rugby.
The same basic physical fitness and physical education programs will apply to both sexes with a few minor adjustments made in contents and standards
dictated by physiological differences.
According to the Academy’s PAO, “womens will be integrated into the Brigade of Midshipmen and assigned to various companies in the same fashion as are male midmanship.”
Living arrangements will include two or three persons to a room as it is for the men. “Separate facilities with the necessary privacy, will be provided.”
“The number of women admitted to the NA will be determined by the Secretary of the Navy, dependent upon the needs of the service’ as mandated by Congress,” according to Academy’s PAO.
RSC collaborates with Lawton to spread holiday cheer
By Kirk Anderson Staff Writer
The Rose State College Choral Department presented its Winter Concert Monday evening in the lobby of the Hudiburg Chevrolet Center. The concert featured the RSC Chorus and Chamber Choir, both under the direction of Dr. Tracey Gregg-Boothby, and the Lawton MacArthur High School Varsity Chorale, under the direction of Kevin Slavin.
The concert began with a dramatic piece by a Juilliard-trained composer, performed by all of the choirs, pianist and a string quartet. Following the combined performance, the
young singers from MacArthur remained on stage and sang three songs of contrasting styles without piano accompaniment. The RSC Chorus then sang one song before the eight-member Chamber Choir took the stage for their musical set. At the conclusion of the concert, all singers circled the audience, who were invited to sing along, as they sang four popular holiday carols. The final carol, Silent Night, was performed by candlelight.
The collaboration with Lawton MacArthur stemmed from a friendship between the two directors. The pair met as students at the University of Oklahoma while Gregg-Boothby was a doctoral candidate and Slavin was working on his bachelor’s degree. Upon grad-
uation, Slavin accepted the choral director position at MacArthur High School. The two remained in touch, with Gregg-Boothby even traveling to Lawton to work with the MacArthur choirs.
Those interested in additional performances can attend the RSC Musical Theatre Showcase at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 in the Atkinson Theatre. More performances will also be held during the spring semester. In addition to the Spring Choral Concert, there will be a Faculty Recital April 13 and monthly department student recitals.
For more information on the Choral Program at Rose State, contact Gregg-Boothby at tgregg-boothby@rose.edu.
RSC Chorus and Chamber Choir and the Lawton MacArthur High School Varsity Chorale perform together at the annual Winter Concert Dec. 5 in the Hudiburg Center.
Photos by Kirk Anderson
By Neslihan Mina Onar Staff Writer
Media blackouts vs. democracy
Terrorism is one of the most crucial problems of the 21st century. We have seen hundreds of terror attacks in the last two decades. Some of them left great marks on humanity. For example, the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. On Nov. 13, 2015, the Paris attacks, where three locations were bombed in one night. The airport bombing in Belgium on March 22, 2016, and lastly the attack in Nice on Bastille Day on July 14, 2016.
These are the attacks that we know in a very detailed way. We prayed for the victims. We stood in solidarity with them. We became Paris by saying “Je Suis Paris,” and went as far as condemning the attacker who drove a bus into the crowd in Nice. But, unfortunately, no one talked about the Istanbul airport bombing which happened just a few days before the Nice attack. Yet again, no one changed their profile pictures to Iraq or Pakistan flags due to the attacks in Iraq and Pakistan, which killed more than 250 people each. It is not surprising that most people do not know because it was not in the news. This is because some of the countries such as Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, and Iran have no freedom of press.
On March 13, 2016, Kurdistan Workers’ Party or PKK, bombed the center of Turkey’s capital, Ankara. The PKK bombed the main location for bus stops, subways, and workplaces. Nearly 40 people died and 125 people were injured. It was one of the biggest terror attacks in Ankara’s history. After the attack happened, Turkish government immediately blocked the main social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Also, RTUK, the Radio and Television Supreme Council, created a broadcast
ban for all the main channels in Turkey. Some may think that not reporting the news of such attacks could be beneficial to the communities. It is understandable to think that reporting may create chaos among the people. There are people who would prefer not to hear about the bad news that is going on around the country. They choose to live as if nothing is wrong and go about their daily life, and choose not to see the real, more serious incidents around them. These decisions are made with the intent positively about the future. One might think that reading the bad news every day would not help us to see the bright future. But is ignoring the problem the real solution?
Journalism is supposed to be objective and transparent. Journalists’ essential goal is to inform the community. When one cannot find anything about a great incident, it may feel like some things are trying to be kept secret from the community. For example, during the terror attacks in Turkey, after the blackout, a new generation users of social media drilled all the bans and did everything to get access illegally by changing their VPN settings. Suddenly, accessible DNS settings became the most popular subject among the users. Banning the media outlets was not a problem for the new generation, on the contrary it had an appealing effect. Though, there were still many others who cannot have access to any information. During important incidents and terror attacks, some lost their parents, siblings, children, etc. When it is already hard for the people who have to go through such events, it is even harder not being able to gather details on the event.
Terror attacks affect a large number of people. Even if it does not affect someone physically, it affects mentally and spiritually. People who choose not to hear about the news
are able to ignore the environment. However, people who choose to learn about the incidents that happen in the country are not actually able to reach the details because of the media blackout.
“A short while later, a court in Ankara issued an order blocking access to social media in an effort to prevent the dissemination of photographs from the bombing scene,” Ceylan Yeginsu (reporter for the New York Times) said.
Freedom of press is not only about media blackouts, or media blackouts on terror attacks. For example, there have been several Turkish journalists who were arrested or warned because of their stories. Even the photographs they used in their stories were a problem for the minister’s or even for the President of Turkey himself.
“Now even publishing a not-nice picture of Erdogan would be trouble,” said one prominent journalist, who spoke only on condition of anonymity because she feared she would be arrested, as many of her colleagues have been. “Now we even have ministers calling us and saying, ‘Why did you run that picture of me? I don’t like the way it looks,’” she said. The aftermath of those calls and warnings, might end up with the arrest by the police.
Can Dundar, a Turkish journalist who covered a story about the relationship between the Turkish Intelligence Service and the Islamic State of Iraq/Syria (ISIS), was arrested after releasing a government secret to the public. How can one be a real journalist if he or she will not work for public? “We call on Turkish authorities to stop imprisoning journalists for their views,” said Nina Ognianov, the coordinator of the Europe and Central Asia program of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is one of the many places to see terrorist attacks that have gone unreported due to media blackouts.
Photo by Neslihan Mina Onar
LRC Renovation nears completion
By Rya Underwood Online Editor
Rose State College is experiencing major renovations throughout campus to stay competitive with other colleges and universities. The ground-breaking construction began March 5, 2015. The largest renovation on campus is the Learning Resources Center, which was completely gutted. Construction on the LRC began May 2015.
The workers buried fiber-optic cables underground near the LRC. The cables will help increase the Internet speed and capacity across campus. The south end of the LRC operates as a holding area for equipment and materials. It is still unclear what will inhabit this area. Impressively, with the vast amount of updates taking place on campus, the construction only occupies a small fraction of the parking lot, on the southeast side of campus.
A majority of the LRC is comprised of glass paneling to bring about a more modern and chic environment. Inside, the LRC will feature a new cafe and coffee bar to help energize students, faculty and staff. The main entrance to the LRC remains in the same spot. However, the side of the building has been expanded. The second floor previously featured an outside bridge that has now been enclosed with glass paneling.
Glass paneling has also been added to the north end of the building. However, the paneling is much more sparse compared to the front.
The LRC renovations are set to be finished January 2017. Until construction is complete, the library is temporarily located in the University Center, on the west side of campus.
A highly anticipated addition to the LRC is a cafe.
The opening date of the LRC was pushed back to spring 2017 due to delays in the renovations.
The temporary LRC is located at the University Center.
Photo by Rya Underwood
Photo by Rya Underwood
Photo by Rya Underwood
Tragedy strikes
Brazilian soccer team suffers horrific loss
By Nazaret Hernandez Sports Writer
On Nov. 28 in Medellin, Colombia, a plane carrying 77 passengers including Brazilian side Chapecoense crash landed, killing 71 with only six survivors; 22 of those deaths were from the Brazilian side.
The team was on their way to Colombia to take part in the Copa Sudamericana Final game, a tournament where only the best teams of South America play, but what made Chapecoense special was the fairy tale behind it.
The club was founded in 1973 and has been around for many years but most of its history has been recognized as a mediocre team in Brazil, but in recent years the team began to be on the rise. In 1979, Chapecoense were relegated from Serie A (Brazil’s 1st Division) after many years in the lower leagues. Chapecoense started its rise back to the top tier in 2013, after a 35-year absence from the Serie A. Over the next three years, they fought to keep the team in the top flight of Brazil. During this season, Chapecoense sat in ninth place with one game remaining in the 2016 campaign. This was one of the team’s best
seasons in history as they also had a fairy tale run in the Copa Sudamericana tournament. Everyone in South America wrote them off expecting them to lose the next game. Chapecoense fought through every game to eventually make their dream become a reality. They were to face the Colombian side, Atletico Nacional, on Nov. 30 to see who would be crowned the Sudamericana champion.
Since the tragic plane crash, Atletico Nacional has asked CONMEBOL, the organization that organizes South American tournaments, to give Chapecoense the championship. On the date of the Final game, Atletico Nacional fans and team held a celebration in honor to remember those who tragically died during the crash.
On Dec. 30, CONMEBOL made it official by crowning Chapecoense the champion of the Copa Sudamericana tournament. As a way to pay tribute to those who have passed away. Many teams around the world have given donations to the club to help them build a new team and are also willing to loan out players to Chapecoense. Many players from around the world also donated to the families of the players, even Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has come out of retirement to offer his services to Chapecoense for one or two seasons to help
keep the team going. On Dec. 3, Chapecoense held a funeral service in the stadium, Arena Condá, for the fallen players and more than 20,000 of loyal fans attended to mourn their fallen warriors. The world of Football has been shocked and are still grieving to this day, our prayers and condolences go out to the friends and family that have been effected by this tragic event.
WESTBROOK
By Austin Russell Staff Writer
Most people nowadays know about Kevin Durant leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Golden State Warriors. Everyone in OKC was either shocked or disappointed. They probably thought ‘who can we rely on now?’ Who is going to help this team and the state of Oklahoma keep their heads high due to all of this? The answer is Russell Westbrook. After a while Thunder fans realized that Russell Westbrook’s contract was expiring in the summer and began worrying. After, everyone was excited and happy to find out that Russell Westbrook extended his contract to a three year deal and Thunder fans were relieved by his loyalty to this state and the team.
To start off the season, Westbrook is averaging a triple double every game so far meaning at least 10 points or more, 10 rebounds or more and 10 assists or more a game. He stands out and wants to make a statement that he is one of the best in the NBA. Oklahoma as a state is looking forward to having him the next three years and cannot wait to see what he has to bring to the table in the future.
For Sooner fans, there was a new name to look for when this season started off. Since star receiver Sterling Sheppard from last year’s Sooner team went to the NFL, Sooner fans probably wondered who they could depend on when it came to throwing the ball. Most people already know him but for those who don’t his name is Dede Westbrook. He was known last season but did not stand out as a star wide receiver. This season he came out and
wanted people to know that his is going to be one of the best receivers in college football. His stats have been off the charts with 74 catches for 1,465 yards and also having 16 touchdowns. And to make it even more exciting he is in the finalist for one of the best trophies in college football, the Heisman Trophy. He has made his statement and will go out with a bang in the last game of the season for the Sooners Jan. 2, 2017, against Auburn in the Sugar Bowl.
Two titles, one game: Bedlam 2016
By Jonathan Goudeau Sports Editor
This past Saturday the annual Bedlam football game between the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys took place in Norman, with the Big 12 Championship on the line for the second year straight and a berth in the Sugar Bowl on the line, with the Sooners coming out on top to claim both in a very impressive 38-20 win.
It was an exciting game from start to finish as the Cowboys, despite great field position for most of the first quarter, was only able to muster a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. The Sooners, after trailing 17-10, would go on a 28-3 run to close the game making great adjustments to slow down the Cowboys offense and improve blocking up front for the Sooners.
The Sooners’ defense played surprisingly well given their recent struggles as the held a usually potent Cowboy offense to just 20 points and 403 total yards of offense. They also made life tough for the duo of Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington. Rudolph had a rough day going 11-25 for 186 yards and no touchdowns as he faced a relentless pass rush for most of the game. Washington had an equally frustrating day only catching two passes for 50 yards with 44 of those yards coming on one catch. The Cowboys run game was strong however as he gained 217 yards.
True freshman running back Justice Hill continued his record-setting season as his 16-carry, 99-yard day made Hill the first freshman running back in Cowboy history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. The Cowboys, for the second straight year, lost the Big 12 Championship and Bedlam to the bitter rival and will look to end their season on a high note with a bowl win.
For the Sooners, this win sealed coach Bob Stoops his 10th Big 12 Championship, giving him more Big 12 Championships than home losses (9). Like the defense the Sooner of fense was strong as well rolling up 629 yards of total offense. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield had a monster game going 13-19 for 288 yards and three touchdowns moves him into fifth all-time in passing yards and fourth all-time in passing touchdowns in Sooner his tory and with his announcement that he will be returning for his senior season he might be able to break both records.
28 yards and one touchdown.
The Sooners run game was strong as well, totaling 341 yards, 239 of them coming from running back Samaje Perine on 37 carriers and added one touchdown marking his sixth career 200-yard game, tying him with Sooner legend Adrian Peterson for second most in school history. Running back Joe Mixon also had a strong game, rushing for 99 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown coming on a
Star wide receiver Dede Westbrook was able to make history in a little over a quarter as he was knocked out of the game with about seven minutes to go in the second quarter after a hard hit from Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns. Westbrook’s four-catch, 111-yard one touchdown game saw him haul in his 16th receiving touchdown on the season is a Sooner single season record. Penn State transfer wide receiver Geno Lewis stepped up big after Westbrook’s injury, catching three passes for
The Sooners win marked the first time in four years that the home team won Bedlam and not only gives the Sooners back to back Big 12 Championships but gives them 46 all-time. This also marks their first undefeated season in conference play since 2004.
The Sooners will look to end their season on a high note with a Sugar Bowl win over Au-
Jordan inducts Westbrook into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
By Nazaret Hernandez Staff Writer
On Nov. 17, the 89th Oklahoma Hall of Fame banquet and introduction has inducted Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Russell was inducted by none other than the legendary ,Michael Jordan. Westbrook being a Jordan brand player and having a close connection to Jordan himself. Led to Jordan coming down to Oklahoma to induct Westbrook into the Hall of Fame, Russell Westbrook was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions on and off the court. Ever since joining the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008, He has impacted the state to progress forward with his help in the community and by helping the Thunder becoming a top team in the NBA. By helping the Thunder reach their first NBA Finals since relocating from Seattle, to being a five-time All-Star, two-time All-Star Game MVP, NBA scoring champion and Olympic gold medalist.
Westbrook has helped the Thunder become a premiere team in the NBA and will look to
further that this season as he has signed a new three-year contract extension and now aims to take the Thunder to the 2017 NBA Finals.
Westbrook’s off the court contribution are just as impactful as his on court contributions, Westbrook’s Foundation has helped him work with Oklahoma communities to improve schooling and family-service programs, his work in the community is undoubtedly next level with opening reading centers for children, holiday dinners for the homeless and helping families that are in need.
Westbrook has become an icon in the state of Oklahoma, and will continue to be for everything that he has done for both sport and community.
“I can be better, you can be better, we can be better together,” said Russell Westbrook after being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Michael Jordan inducts Russell Westbrook into the Hall of Fame among other inductees.
Photo courtesy of the Thunder
Photo courtesy of the Thunder
OU celebrates its Bedlam win for the second consecutive year.
History of the holidays
The Holiday of Christmas
By Michelle Rojano Assistant Editor
December in the United States and many other countries marks the beginning of Christmas festivities. Christmas day is Dec. 25. This day is adopted by most because it is nine months after Jesus Christ is believed to be conceived. A large part of the population celebrate the holiday. The holiday itself is considered Christian since it celebrates the birth of Christ, who is the figure of Christianity. Despite that, many cultures celebrate the holiday even if Christianity isn’t the official religion.
The word “Christmas” is derived from the phrase “Christ mass,” according to new advent.
Although the holiday is supposed to be celebrated on the 25th, many celebrate on it the 24th of Dec.. Festivities include gift giving, decorating and dinner.
As time has passed many traditions have been added to the holiday, like caroling, gift giving and Christmas cards. The way in
which the holiday is celebrated varies from country to country. In the United States, the gift giver is Santa Claus. The Santa Claus that is now popularly known was created by a cartoonist in New York according to John Steele Gordon. He is described as a big man in a red suit and white beard. On the other hand in Scandinavia the gift giver is thought to be a gnome.
Since the central idea of Christmas has become giving or receiving gifts, the holiday has become one of the most profitable events for retailers. People not only are spending hundred in electronics and toys for children, but are going as far as financing gifts with programs like “Lay Away” offered by Walmart, which allows you to set aside an item months in advance and make payments on it.
Despite the business side of the holiday, many families still practice family traditions and use the holiday to spend time together. It is unlikely that the holiday will every die down given the benefit from businesses to families.
Heritage brings holiday to life
By Cassandra Hernandez Photography Editor
With December finally here many anticipate Christmas but there are other Holidays with just as much importance.
One being Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is a week long celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture that runs from December 26 through the 1st of January. Kwanzaa was created as a way to help African-Americans reconnect with their roots and to bring unity among the community and impress racial pride. Each day represents one of the 7 principles.
1.Umoja (unity)
2.Kujichagulia (self-determination)
3.Ujima (working together)
4.Ujumaa (support of one another)
5.Nia (purpose)
6.Kuumba (creativity)
7.Imani (faith or faith in ourselves)
Kwanzaa has a set color scheme of red, black and green which are also seen on the Pan-African flag. Each color represents something, red is their blood, black is for the people and green is earth and the future. These colors are shown on candles which are lit in the evening. When lighting the candle of the day, each person explains what that certain days principal means to them and how they have applied it. The candles must be in a certain color order starting from the left is three red candles then a single black one in the middle and three green to the right of it. Along with candles, they also have seven symbols.
1.Mkeka: A mat woven from straw, kente cloth(silk/cotton blend) or mud cloth(cotton fabric dyed using mud)
2.Mazao: Fruits, vegetables and nuts which symbolize work.
3.Vibunzi: Corn represents the children and fertility. There is an ear of corn laid out per child
4.Mishumaa saba: A set of seven candles (red,black, and green)
5.Kinara: Candleholder which symbolizes ancestry and history
6.Kikombe cha umoja: A unity cup
7.Zawadi: gifts which are given to children and have cultural/historical meaning. Kwanzaa is celebrated all over world and in different ways but it’s all tied together by the rich culture and love of their history.
Stock
photo
Christmas Mythconceptions
By Jackson Parker Chief Photographer
X-mas takes the Christ out of Christmas
The word Christ is not in X-mas, that’s true, but it doesn’t change the meaning. But that’s because the X isn’t a X. It’s a chi, as in the early church symbol Chi Rho. Chi is the lasting symbol for the CH sound or the beginning of Christ. In earlier days this was used as a shorthand within the church, though overtime is being confused with just being a regular X.
It’s really (insert pagan god here)’s B-day
There are several claims of deities like Quetzalcoatl, Horus and even Mithra being born on Dec. 25. These applications can be found all over the Internet by other people who are either misinformed or just want to make claims against the Christmas holiday. The biggest piece of evidence against these people of course would be the fact that they have. There is no Egyptian text that points to a date for Horus’ birth. Christians were celebrating Christmas long before hearing of Quetzalcoatl. The list goes on and on.
Dec. 25 is Jesus’ real birthday
Well, not really. Same as Horus, the Bible never points to a specific day for his birth. From the textual clues, like the shepherd in the field and the census being taken in the Roman Empire at that time, it would most likely have been late spring or early fall. Many scholars believe the best guess would be somewhere in September. That’s why it’s better to say that Christmas is meant to celebrate Christ’s birth but not his day of birth.
We Three Kings
Although the song is very catchy, there are two errors in the song. First off, nowhere in the Bible does it say that the wise men were kings. Since they noticed the star, most researchers think they most likely would’ve been astronomers or men of science. Second, it never stated how many there are is widely agreed that three is the most likely number
Campus Chat
based upon the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
12 Days of Christmas
Not a Christmas season goes by without this repetitive inventory of what “my true love gave to me” being drilled in the back of our heads, but the song isn’t as simple as that. Many people make the misconception that “my true love” is a romantic interest, but it is actually referring to Jesus Christ. The song was written somewhere in the mid-1500s when it was unsafe for Roman Catholics to practice their faith in the streets of England. So this carol was created with a double meaning so Catholics could sing openly. Each gift represents something that God gave to the church. For example, the two turtledoves represent the Old and New Testaments, the four calling birds are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and their respective Gospels, the 10 lords a leaping are the personification of the 10 Commandments and so on and so forth.
Just a reminder that all offices, LRC, Academic Testing and Wellness Center areas will close at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec.19 through Wednesday, Dec. 21. The entire campus will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 until 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3.
“If you could have a super power, what would it be?”
By William Washington Multimedia Editor
“Basically,
Tyler Nelson, Telepathy
Jaydon Robinson, Super Speed
Zach Coodey, Camouflage
Zeke Linderman, Teleportation
How to keep vehicles winter ready
William Washington By Staff Writer
Snow will fall, roads will freeze and some Oklahoma drivers will continue to cause others to be late to just about every event on their winter calendar.
“Perhaps the most important precaution for safe winter driving – and one that many winterizing a car lists overlook – is servicing your vehicle. If you’re not doing it regularly, be sure to do it as soon as there’s a chill in the air,” according to bridgestonetire.com.
The following are some preventative maintenance tools that every driver can take to stay warm this winter.
Battery Check
After lifting the hood on the vehicle, the battery should be visible. If not the battery is on the driver’s side. On top of the battery there are two caps that are windows to the six cells filled with sulfuric acid and distilled water. If the cells look dry the battery could be bad and either needs to be replaced or refilled with distilled water. Car batteries do a lot of work in vehicles including recharging themselves back. However, if it does not have at least 65 percent distilled water that reaches the tops of the lead plates, it will not work.
Window Maintenance
Keeping the windshield clean and free of debris, cracks or chips allows water to roll down the windshield as it is designed to do. Installing new wiper blades and changing or adding the wiper fluid that contains a deicing formula will help the driver keep clear visibility.
Severe changes in temperature can crack or even break glass. Pouring hot water on the windshield of a vehicle will damage the windshield. Just because it does not happen the first or second time does not mean the windshield was not damaged. No matter how cold it is or how much the wind is cutting through that recently purchased coat, the cost of a new windshield is more than a minute or two of scraping ice. Deicing solution works to get rid of ice from the windshield, but the solution can
also be harmful to paint. Covering the windshield to protect it from the elements prevents precipitation from melting and refreezing to a surface. A windshield cover is a viable solution to that problem. Also covering wiper blades and side mirrors can cut down of start up time in the morning. After shopping, reuse those plastic bags to protect those items from the harsh elements of a winter night.
Wiping windows with a chalkboard eraser can rid them of fog that decreases visibility.
Engine Maintenance
Check vehicle fluids and oils to make sure it has the correct viscosity. Lower temperatures outside can change the temperature of fluids under the hood. If the vehicle has a hard time starting cold, a change from 10-weight engine oil to five might be necessary.
Check for holes or cracks in the radiator.
“It is especially important to have the correct antifreeze/water mixture to prevent fluid from freezing in your radiator,” according to dmv.org. Engine coolant can freeze if temperatures fall too low. The freezing and thawing of liquid in the radiator can cause cracks to expand and exacerbate small problems. Antifreeze prevents the freezing of liquid in the engine or radiator, but too much can cause the engine to overheat. During the summer time a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water is preferred. Depending on the climate and vehicle, the ratio might get up to 60 percent coolant to 40 percent distilled water. Refer to the vehicle’s manual to be sure.
Also check under the hood for any cracks or scratches in any hoses, lines or cables, and make sure all fluids reservoirs are filled to max.
Tire Maintenance
Tires tread and pressure levels are important as well. The Department of Motor Vehicles said, “Low air pressure and worn tires are especially dangerous on wet or slick roads, as both can reduce traction.” If the pressure is too low the temperature outside can cause the tire to deflate more and cause cracks. If the pressure is too high the
amount of tire tread on the road may be insufficient.
Emergency Kit
Some might think that preparing for the worst means thinking negatively. But ask any mechanic, auto repair or parts store employee and they will say it is just plain smart. “Keeping a safety kit in your car all year is a good idea. Things like road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, and a first aid kit should be at hand no matter what, according to dmv.org.“
Here are a few items that will come in handy in case hoping for the best does not work out:
• Ice scraper and brush
• Bag of sand or Kitty Litter and a shovel
• Cell phone with charging cable
• Flares or flashlight with batteries
• Extra antifreeze
• Car tool and first aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Warm clothing: Extra jacket, hat, socks, boots
• Extra Food/MRE (Meal Ready to Eat)
• Plastic tubing and a box of matches
Nothing will keep a vehicle safer and running better than parking or storing it in a garage, but these tips will assure that it will last the winter. For more information, visit 15thstreetnews.org for links.
Photo by William Washington
Staff Members
Editor-in-Chief
Kelsey Morgan
Assistant Editor,Graphic Artist
Michelle Rojano
Chief Photographer
Jackson Parker
Online Editor
Rya Underwood
Sports Editor
Jonathan Goudeau
Photography Editor,Graphic Artist
Cassandra Hernandez
Circulation Manager
Kat Tabak
Staff Writer
Marshall Niles
Nazaret Hernandez
William Washington
Alexis Harris
Austin Russell
Ashley Fansler
Andrew Smith
Ha’na Ahmed-Coleman
Adviser
Darcy Delaney
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.
Policies
The 15th Street News is published monthly 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 Advisor 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.
Daughter of RSC student named Local Hero by CCFA
By Kelsey Morgan Editor-In-Chief
A RSC student’s daughter was recognized as the Local Hero for the Oklahoma Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America during the annual Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis walk on Nov. 5 at Wiley Post Park.
RSC student Jessica Poyser’s daughter, Alexiah, was honored as a local hero at the fundraising event after being diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease when she was just 10 years old.
Crohn’s is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the gastrointestinal tract, and can affect any part of the tract from the mouth to the anus. Colitis, or Ulcerative Colitis, is a chronic disease of only the large intestine. The lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and develops small open sores, or ulcers, that can produce pus and mucous. Right now, neither one of these illnesses have a cure.
Alexiah was diagnosed when her doctor sent her to a gastrointestinal specialist for what seemed to be a persistent stomach flu. After numerous tests and invasive examinations, she was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease that affected her entire digestive tract, as well as significant damage to a portion of her small intestine. Her case was so severe that she suffered from joint pain, mouth sores, hair loss and extreme weight loss that left her at an alarming 48 pounds. One of the blood tests performed showed a 99 percent chance or higher of Alexiah having complications each year due to the illness, and her doctor discussed the very real possibility of her never going into remission, as well as the chances of the development of cancer in her future.
“As a parent, it’s nothing but a nightmare being told that your child has an incurable illness,” Jessica said.
Alexiah faced an extreme diet change and a trial and error process with numerous medications. Eventually, what started out as a seven daily medication ritual turned to Remicade infusions.
When the chapter asked her to be their local hero this
Seasonal Depression
By Ha’na Ahmed-Coleman Staff Writer
Cold weather is approaching and while for some it means cozy sweaters and time with family, to others it could mean the “winter blues.”
Many people have heard the term “winter blues” but the clinical term is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People who suffer from this illness experience depression during season changes. Usually, those who experience SAD experience the same symptoms around the same time every year. Some of these symptoms are: low energy, feeling depressed for most of the day, trouble sleeping, low interest in activities, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, or weight change.
“Many people accurately self-diagnose themselves and some will seek professional help. It doesn’t always have to be an official doctored diagnosis,” said Joanne Stafford, Director of Special Services and Student Outreach.
Many people tend to think with mental illness are person have to have an official diagnosis by a doctor, but with seasonal affective disorder, many people recognize a pattern in their sadness and usually go seek professional help after self diagnosis.
There are many causes for SAD. Colder weather can cause people to stay inside and be less active. When this happens, those who suffer from the illness miss out on natural sunlight and that can cause a surge in their depression. Another cause is the circadian rhythm, or the body’s biological clock. When daylight savings occurs, the circadian rhythm
year, her mom said she was a little surprised Alexiah said yes.
“She wasn’t very open about her illness,” Jessica said. “Between the time she was asked and the day of OKC Take Steps 2016, she has blossomed.”
Alexiah represents the 1.6 million “warriors” that live with Crohn’s & Colitis in the United States. Despite this, she says she continues making the best of every day, not letting her illness define who she is.
“Not many people have heard of Crohn’s and if they have, they don’t associate it with children,” Jessica said. “[Alexiah] wants to change that.”
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America is a non-profit organization across the nation that is dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn’s & Colitis, and improving the health care and quality of life of the children and adults with these illnesses. They serve more than 600,000 patients through 40 chapters. They have partnered with organizations all over the globe to raise funds to fight the disease and serving those who suffer from it worldwide.
Locally, the Oklahoma chapter works to improve the quality of care and resources available to the nearly 21,000 residents with any kind of inflammatory bowel disease.
“In Oklahoma, we are working on the development of a quality of care protocol with Dr. Tauseef Ali at Saint Anthony’s, as well as important treatment research with Dr. Bergstrom at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation,” Executive Direction Jacquelin Leech said. “Take Steps funds further CCFA’s three-prong mission dedicated to research, education and support.”
The Take Steps Walk offered attendees a live DJ, outdoor laser tag, kids’ games, raffles and IBD-friendly foods.
“Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis convenes the IBD community to raise critical research funds, awareness and recognize the valuable contributions our community has made toward curing IBD,” Walk Manager Jessica Jenkins said.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
may be disrupted and can cause depression for some.
There are treatment options available for those who experience seasonal affective disorder.
Light therapy is a popular way to treat SAD. There are special lamps that can mimic natural sunlight and being in a well lit room will help. Being active helps as well. People who experience this illness tend to stay inside and won’t participate in any activities. By being outdoors and being active, those who experience SAD will get the natural sunlight they need and that can help treat it.
Anyone can experience seasonal affective disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing the “winter blues”, they can contact the Rose State Counseling Services at 405-733-7373 to set up an appointment.
Front page photo by Kelsey Morgan
Holiday gift guide
By Michelle Rojano Assistant Editor
Gift giving can be challenging for some people. Here is a quick guide on options for those on a low budget.
Food
The easiest way to get out of buying multiple gifts is baking! Bake a batch of cookies, buy a few decorative baggies, which you can find at any grocery store or even Michael’s and tie it together with a nice red bow. To add more there is always the option of adding a Christmas card.
Money
It may seem crazy to gift money when it is running low, but a simple five to ten dollar gift card to Starbucks, Chick-fil-A or even Walmart can be a great gift. Pair it with the cookies or Christmas card. After all, the thought is what counts.
Basics
There are a few universal low cost gifts that can be given to almost anyone. These
include gloves, scarfs, socks, watches, mugs and phone cases. Simply find out the phone type and order the case online a few weeks before the occasion so there is plenty of time for arrival and wrapping. Some stores offer free gift wrapping with the purchase of items. Most of these items can be found for less than five dollars at your local stores.
DIY
Making things for others as gifts is easy on the bank. Frames, coasters, decorated mugs and more could be customized and easily given to different people of different ages. Many ideas could be found on Pinterest.
Remember that even though gift giving is a fun part of the holidays, it is not necessarily the most important. If money is running so tight that nothing is affordable, just bring holiday cheer and love to the gatherings.
We are a student-led publication with various multimedia outlets, and we offer an opportunity for anyone to become involved. It does not matter what your interests are or what your major is. Contact us at 15thstreetnews@gmail.com or 733-7400 to learn how to get involved!
Warm weather is proof of global warming
By Carlos Salinas Staff Writer
Oklahoma has had a very mild start to the winter, some would argue that winter has not even truly begun with how hot the weather was in the month of November. Temperatures have been as high as 86 degrees and that was on Nov. 16, right in the middle of the month. I do not think anyone was expecting a winter wonderland at this point in the season, but to still be considering Hawaiian shirts to wear outside in the middle of November is a little unexpected to say the least. The reason “the most wonderful time of the year,” is beginning so slow, is up for debate. Of course it is hard to narrow it down to a single cause but for some people it is undeniably the cause of global warming. Global warming is a scientific fact and has been for years. It is a part of nature and would be occurring even if humans were not influencing it, but the fact is that humans are accelerating the warming of the earth through pollution, from emissions from giant factories or simply through the burning of fossil fuels in our homes for heat or through our vehicles. Now the emissions from our vehicles are not as intense as the emissions from a factory but still they do not help the earth.
If we as a people continue with our fossil fuel dependence future generations might not get to make future generations as the Earth will no doubt be in peril. Oklahoma has no doubt always benefited from the oil and natural gas industries which some would argue are very big causes towards the speeding up of global warming, luckily we are making steps towards the right direction. More and more wind farms are beginning to sprout up across the state and across the nation as well. Will we be free of fossil fuels in the next 20 years? Unless development of renewable energy sources accelerate tenfold, then probably not, but as renewable energy sources become more efficient and affordable hopefully we as a country and eventually, the world, can help turn back the tides of global warming.
We must start thinking of the future and care for the Earth around us. Think globally, but act locally. Carpool if you can, reduce, reuse, recycle, picking up trash and properly dispose of it.
These acts will not stop the melting of the ice caps by themselves, but if more people follow these practices, hopefully those ice caps will stop melting.
Top 10 Podcast Recommendations
By Toni Ross Staff Writer
Podcasts are a great alternative to learning new information in a fun and interesting way. They can be found for free online, in the automatic podcast App on iPhones and also on the Spotify Premium App. Here’s a list of our favorites from 2016
1. Serial : This podcast entails an investigative reporter looking into a case where a 17-year-old boy might have been wrongfully convicted for murder.
2. Stuff You Missed in History Class : Two women give you information about the strangest and greatest topics from history that most people didn’t know even know about.
3. Up and Vanished : This podcast follows a movie producer looking into doing a documentary over an 11-year-old unsolved case of a Georgia beauty queen disappearance, this case is known as the largest case file in the history of Georgia.
4. Crimetown: This podcast investigates the culture of crime in different American cities. Hosted by two men trying to decipher the
By Emma Hammett Staff Writer
good guys from the bad guys. May contain explicit content, recommended for ages 13 and over.
5. Reveal: This podcast from the Center for Investigative Reporting is about uncovering hidden stories. Taking you inside stories that reveal injustice and hold the powerful accountable. May contain explicit content, recommended for ages 13 and over.
6. Women of the Hour: Podcast miniseries hosted by Lena Dunham as she talks with different influential women about friendship, love, work, bodies and more.
7. Historically Black: A podcast based upon the history and meaning of the objects donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History.
8. Sword and Scale: This podcast covers true-crime stories, high-profile trials, unsolved murders and missing persons cases. Some of the stories covered contain explicit content, not recommended for people under 17 years of age.
9. In the Dark: This podcast follows an APM reporter as she looks into the child abduction case of Jacob Wetterling and how law enforcement mishandled it and caused the case to be unsolved for 27 years.
10. TED Radio Hour: Podcast based on
talks given by riveting speakers about new ways to think and create, fresh approaches to old problems, astonishing inventions and fascinating ideas.
Winter break reading list
Princess Diarist
Me to Forget Loner
A troubled college freshman becomes obsessed with a young coed. The students desires become his main focus at the worst of times. The dark narrative sheds light on issues we deal with today on college campuses, making it seem like fiction is becoming reality.
Teach
A story of Ellery, a girl who plans to end her life. Ellery goes through a series of complications with the gun she plans to end her life with. After having to torment the customer service associate by using the wrong receipt, she runs into someone she once knew and secrets.
Princess Leia fans will love this chapter of Fishers life. The new collection of autobiographical essays focus on the making of the first Star Wars movie while connecting us to the famous character we continue to love and praise.
It is difficult to find motivation to get out the door during finals week. Long hours of studying combined with last minute projects and freezing temperatures can add a lot of stress.
Oklahoma is just finally beginning to feel like winter, but with winter comes a lot of changes to wardrobes and outfits.
The outfit basics like white T-shirts, converse and torn jeans should be traded in for
sweaters, boots and fleece leggings.
For the final days of school, the best outfits will include comfy cozy items like scarfs and long socks.
A sporty outfit including leggings and a long Rose State sweater can be the perfect outfit for this time of year.
Visit the Rose State Bookstore for sweaters, sweat pants and even leggings to show raider pride.
Full of greens
By Neslihan Mina Onar Staff Writer
Ingredients:
Lettuce
2/3 cup green lentils
1 cucumber
Half a lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
An avocado (optional)
This salad has been my favorite since I discovered it and wanted to share with you all. It is very easy to make, very nutritious and healthy!
All you have to do is to wash and boil the lentils until they’re soft, and cut up the lettuce, cucumber and avocado (if you choose to add). Mix it all together and then add your lemon juice and olive oil. That’s it! You can eat it by itself or as a side dish next to delicious pasta.
Rose State College professor named Teacher of the Year
By William Washington & Andrew Smith Multimedia Editor & Staff Writer
Professor James Davenport, a political science teacher at Rose State College, will be receiving “The Teacher of the Year Award” from the OPSA. The award, “Honors current instructional faculty of any institutions of higher education in Oklahoma who display exemplary skills in teaching political science classes.”
Davenport received a $3,000 grant from the Institute for Humane Studies through the Templeton Foundation’s Politics for “Power & People” panel discussions.
Dr. Guy Crain, professor of philosophy, was reached for further information. When asked about how Professor Davenport has affected his involvement with learning Crain said, “It’s been good, I’ve learned a lot, I definitely owe him quite a bit because he’s gotten me into a lot of things I would have said ‘no’ to.”
Crain also said, “Clearly, I think he sees his political science classes as a grander social vision for generating public aware -
ness, civic engagement, that kind of thing,” he continued. “His end goal is not only book-learning or cramming information
into student’s skulls or something like that. He clearly wants to generate certain kind of citizens [that] change what they
Davenport has been awarded many grants for his political science program at RSC.
Photo courtesy of rose.edu
Red Earth Tree Festival Dec. 12, 2016-Jan. 13, 2017
Devon Ice Rink Ongoing through Jan. 11, 2017
Midwest City Holiday Light spectacular Dec. 12, 2016-Dec. 30, 2016
RSC Musical Theatre Showcase Dec. 12 @ 2 p.m.
Hanukkah Tunes with Temple B’nai Youth Choir Dec. 18, 2016 @ 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Doughnuts w/ Santa at the OKC Zoo Dec. 13 @ 10:30am
OKC Thunder Game Dec. 31 @ 7 p.m. Thunder vs Clippers
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol Nov. 30–Dec. 24
Snow Tubing @ Bricktown Ballpark
Myriad Gardens Bringing Books to Life Dec. 7-Dec. 28
Yukon’s Christmas Lights
Bricktown Canal Lights
Ongoing through Jan. 1, 2017
Automobile Alley Lights on Broadway Nov. 19 to Jan. 1, 2017
The Nutcracker Presented by Devon Energy Dec. 1 - Dec. 18
Ongoing through Jan. 1, 2017
Holiday Pop-up Shops At Midtown
Ongoing through Dec. 22
Ongoing through Dec. 31
Devon’s Saturday w/ Santa Dec 10 and 7 @ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Castle Christmas Ongoing through Dec. 31
Opening Night (New Years Eve Celebration) Dec. 31 @ 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Puce (2 words) 55 Shoe size
“Uncle Remus” rabbit
7th incarnation of Vishnu
Cathode-ray tube (abbr.)
45 Rhine tributary
46 Crustacean
47 Blood (pref.)
49 Amer. Assn. of Retired Persons (abbr.)
50 Eng. spa 51 Abate
52 Yorkshire river
53 Race the motor
54 Israelite tribe
15TH STREET NEWS HELPS WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CREATE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER
By Michelle Rojano & Rya Underwood Assistant Editor & Online Editor
Willow Brook Elementary reached out to Rose State College’s 15th Street News this fall semester for help creating a school newspaper. During which, members of the 15th Street News visited the school to teach kids how to create a newspaper. The children have been taught how to write and edit articles, as well as designing printed publications. The Willow Brook students were able to learn about recording videos. In fact, they recorded their own Aurasma video, as seen here. Since the beginning of the program, the number of students participating in the Willow Brook newspaper has doubled.
The first issue of the Willow Brook Elementary Newspaper will print spring semester. The 15th Street News plans to continue mentoring the children and spread interest in journalism and mass communication to younger generations.
Starting from back left: Kahdaffi, La’niya, Savannah, Faith, Joseph; Front left to right: Gracie, Cheyenne, Liliana and Brooklyn
Photo by Rya Underwood