Rose State Launches New AI & Machine Learning Program Nex Benedict, A Year Later
By Ylleana Berryhill Assistant Editor
A year ago on Feb. 7, Nex Benedict reported that they, along with a few friends, experienced bullying from their peers. They were later assaulted in the bathroom by three girls.
The altercation started from Benedict splashing water on the girls. Sue Benedict, Nex's mother, took them to the hospital upon arriving home. She described them as being covered in bruises. She then called the police at the hospital to begin an investigation regarding the altercation. However, due to the fact Benedict initiated the fight, the court would treat the circumstances as a mutual altercation.
On Feb. 8, Sue Benedict called the paramedics due to raising concerns about their well-being. Benedict was rushed to the hospital and later died in the emergency room. Benedict was 16.
A wave of grief entered the United States.
"I found out from doing a ride along the day after Benedict was pronounced dead," said Elijah Morris, President of the Gay Straight Alliance at Rose State. "I overheard a few police officers talking about it. I felt like the world was out to get the trans community once again ..." Moreover, the events that occurred leading up to their death stuck out to many. "Clearly Benedict's story is one that many LGBTQ+ Oklahomans can relate to daily - the constant harassment, bullying, dead naming, and public shaming associated with their sexual or gender identity ..." said Aaron Bachhofer, Professor of History and History Program Coordinator. A search warrant was granted to investigate the incident in the bathroom. Owasso High School also gave the police video footage of who entered the bathroom and when on
By Ylleana Berryhill Assistant Editor
With Artificial Intelligence becoming increasingly popular over the past year, more opportunities arise. With only two other programs like it in the state, Rose State introduced its own Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning program last semester. Currently, Rose State is the only school that offers this program at a twoyear level. Southwestern State University and the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute offer
similar programs to this one at a four-year level.
“The state regents approached us about creating a degree as a workforce development initiative for the state," said Travis Hurst, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Additionally, Whitney Alvis, Dean of Workforce Development, spoke with a variety of employers and businesses who anticipate they will need these skill sets.
"I think it's changing so quickly that we don't know all of the applications,” Alvis said. “In some ways
that's like the fun part, right?
It is constantly changing. I think it could be intriguing to people who like being on the cutting edge of that stuff."
This program doesn’t focus on software engineering but prompt engineering instead. Moreover, it gives a basic introduction to technical components and focuses on how to use big data sets.
AI technology is everchanging. With that, comes a considerable amount of questions.
The introductory courses for this program focus on a common question
individuals have regarding AI, that being ethics.
Michael Hanegan, Adjunct Professor of AI and Machine Learning, teaches Artificial Intelligence Thinking. This course dives into exactly that.
Regarding ethics, various topics become apparent such as data and privacy, environmental impact, increase or decrease in employment, how fast is too fast and working out problems in real time. Hanegan describes that as people are discussing these
The LGBTQ+ Flag waves in front of various businesses. (Photo by Ylleana Berryhill)
FEATURES
“Being a transgender male who has gotten beaten up since I was forced to use the female bathroom, I was terrified of what was going to happen to me after all of Nex’s story came out to the public.”
-Elijah Morris, President of the Gay Straight Alliance
NEX, from Page 1
the day of the altercation. According to the search warrant, Sue Benedict did not want to file charges. Instead She urged a discussion to be held among school officials and police officers regarding the fight.
On March 14, the state medical examiner's office ruled Benedict's death as a suicide due to an autopsy report that showed drugs in their system. Because their death was ruled as a suicide, the teens involved in the dispute did not face any charges. During their investigation, the police also discovered a suicide note written by Benedict. Thus, concluded the investigation.
In late March, Molly Young reported for The Oklahoman that the U.S. Department of Education
launched a civil rights investigation on Owasso High School to examine any previous allegations.
Thousands of individuals across the United States were moved by Benedict's death. Vigils were held in several cities across the country, Edmond being one of them. As individuals commemorated their life, others rose to protest. LGBTQ+ advocates cried out for something to be done about the discrimination the community often faces.
“Me personally, I’ve experienced dirty looks or forms of hate whether it be out with my girlfriend or even at my job. Oklahoma is very much a conservative state so it’s not at all that surprising that, that sort of thing happens around here but … the safety of those in the LGBTQ+ community should be taken care of and
Raider Days
Pennina Jackson Photography Editor
Rose State College hosts Raider Days at the start of every semester, giving students a chance to start the term with enthusiasm and determination. This event is a celebration for both new and returning students and was scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Atrium. It’s was an opportunity for students to get back with their classmates, get to know the teachers as well as the staff and feel like they belong on the campus. This helped lower the tension and worry that come with the beginning of a new semester.
Raider Days provided students with the opportunity to explore tools that can aid in their
academic and personal development, in addition to the friendly environment.
Attendees at this event are representatives from a variety of departments and campus groups who offer important details regarding clubs, extracurricular activities, academic programs and student services. Students made use of this opportunity to learn more about possible career paths in college, such as looking into transfer classes. Representatives from numerous schools and universities visited with students to discuss transfer choices, which helps them plan their future beyond Rose State College. Furthermore, Raider Days also assists students in developing a more comprehensive vision of their academic future. Students could learn
voiced their objection to the trans community.
"We are a religious state and we are going to fight to keep that filth out of the state of Oklahoma because we are a Christian state - we are a moral state," Sen. Tom Woods expressed, regarding the teen's death.
over using the appropriate restroom when in public.
live, work, love and thrive without undue hardship.”
not so much as overlooked,” said Bella Medina, the former President of the Gay Straight Alliance at Rose State.
A march containing more than 100 people was seen on the steps of Oklahoma's Capital, asking decision-makers to start making changes.
A multitude of people sent their condolences to the Benedict Family. Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife Sara expressed that they were saddened by their death. Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden expressed that they were heartbroken and that there should be no tolerance for bullying.
Lee Guthrie of the Tahlequah Daily Press reported a panel regarding legislation was held. Benedict's death raised a lot of questions. Some
Over the years, the rights of LGBTQ+ citizens are slowly being eroded. These changes have had nationwide impacts on LGBTO+ individuals' everyday lives. People grow more concerned about the longevity of support groups. Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are important. They provide safety, comfort and a support system for individuals. There is nothing to mask or hide in these communities.
“Student groups are, by and large, the purview of students,” Bachhofer said.
Poor mental health also runs increasingly high as each year passes. In 2022, Preeti Vankar researched mental health among college students. The study concluded that 58% of college students in the LGBTQ+ community reported their mental health had worsened since they were in school.
Trans people have expressed concerns for their safety and wellbeing
“I thought it was a possibility I was going to lose mine if I went out in public and used one, my biological gender bathroom, and two if I was just being myself like how Nex was,” Morris said. “Being a transgender male who has gotten beaten up since I was forced to use the female bathroom, I was terrified of what was going to happen to me after all of Nex’s story came out to the public.”
The Pew Research Center conducted a variety of studies to dictate the overall consensus of how adults in Oklahoma view homosexuality. They concluded 40% of Oklahomans thought homosexuality should be discouraged.
Despite this the Pew Research Center also found 53% of Oklahomans think homosexuality should be accepted.
“Generally, I can say that the level of acceptance, love, and equality extended to LGBTQ+ Americans, and Oklahomans, increased considerably over the last 20 years,” Bachhofer said. “The workplace protections and marriage equality issues demonstrated, I hope, that queer people want the same things that any other citizen wants – the ability to
Acceptance starts with the people. According to Bachhofer, there are many ways one can become a better ally.
“Listen to the concerns of others – really, really listen,” said Bachhofer. “So often we assume that all LGBTQ+ Oklahomans labor under the same burdens. In a sense, we do, but our trans family has been singled out as of late in ways that threaten not only the foundations of their sexual and gender identities, but also their very existence in society.”
These people need a sense of community and love.
“I am reminded of an old labor slogan used by the Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor – 'An injury to one, is a concern of all.' Cliché perhaps, but it still rings true.” Bachhofer said. “The fight must continue lest the other members of the acronym find themselves targeted more specifically in the future. Offer to help, but take direction from those marginalized groups.”
For resources to connect with others, there is the GSA at Rose State. Other resources include https:// glaad.org/, the Trevor project and the HRC.
about the requirements for transferring and the benefits of continuing their education at different institutions by speaking with admissions officials from four-year universities. This helped students in setting reasonable goals
for reaching their academic aspirations and in making well-informed decisions about where they wish to continue their education. By encouraging students to look beyond the present semester, this event helps them see the wider picture
of their academic path and expands their horizons.
Raider Days served as more than a simple welcome-back celebration; It was a platform for students to make plans for the future and utilize all of Rose State College’s
facilities. This event gave students a starting point for a successful semester, whether they want to network with other students, learn about transfer opportunities or just take in the campus environment.
Mid-America Christian University set up a table on Raiders Day. (Photo By Pennina Jackson)
Local Gaming Spotlight
Xander Strickland News Editor
These local gaming stores are just a short drive away from Rose State College and offer spaces for gamers to play.
Though the gaming scene in Midwest City may sometimes provide a sparse selection, passionate gamers can find a treasure trove in some of the locations listed below.
One place to start with is New World Games & Comics, located at 6219 N. Meridian Ave. Here there is a space for gaming and resources for gamers.
Gamers can take a short jaunt down Harr Drive and under the highway into Del City to find this gaming store.
New World opens at noon on weekdays, closing at 6 p.m. A New World employee explained that the shop will often go from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, and run through all hours Saturday, to close on Sunday at 4 p.m.
They have a variety of tables where people can set up their dungeon crawls, including 10 tables that seat eight people each. The tables are first come, first served for the event.
As far as official Magic: The Gathering tournaments or other gaming tournaments, the workers brought up the store’s weekly “Blood Bowl,” or fantasy football.
topics, they often cite data that is at least two years old. AI is more efficient now than it was then. AI is also complicated, it's development moves quickly.
The New World employee had a few recommendations including checking out a room at the Del City library for a sit down gaming session.
Another local store is Got Games. It is located at 4008 SE 15th St. just 4 minutes west of Rose State College.
The atmosphere is lowerlit and not as clean as the library, but their staff is knowledgeable and friendly.
This game store is open afternoons and evenings, closing at 6 p.m. most days. However, their late nights are Monday and Tuesday, which can go as late as 10 p.m.
“Typically we’ll close at 6 p.m. though Mondays are our Commander nights, we’ll go as late as 7 to 10 p.m. those nights. Tuesdays are our other game nights, those are more casual, we have some groups who do drafts but it’s very casual,” Lance Freeman, a Got Games employee said. Got Games keeps a variety of items in stock like comics and gaming figurines. They have multiple copies of many different games across all consoles. Everything is secondhand, with bins overflowing with cards and comics.
When recommending other gaming stores, William Kennicutt, a Got Games employee, noted a location called Video Games Plus. This place is a bit of a further drive out.
Faster than legislation is able to keep up with. As these potential ethical impacts are investigated, Hanegan stresses the importance of context.
“More transparency is better,” he said.
Video Games Plus is located in Oklahoma City. Kennicutt knows a couple of the people who work there. Their hours are the same as Got Games.
Vintage Stock is another option, located at 7201 SE 29th St. #208.
Just over a mile away from the college, it takes 4 minutes to get to the store taking Air Depot and Adair Boulevard.
They open at noon and close at 8 p.m.
This Vintage Stock has tables in the back where players can look for Magic cards amid the stacks.
They keep a variety of items in stock from music to games including a wide selection of comics. From posters to vintage memorabilia like Super Nintendos, Vintage Stock caters well to all manner of comics and gaming enthusiasts.
The workers at New World recommended the Del City Library as a good place to play games for groups who are looking for a spot.
The library has moved from its original location and is now located at 4330 SE 15th St.
People should generally keep the noise levels down, but gamers can also ask for a study room.
This library is just 5 minutes west down SE 15th St.
An advantage of playing at a library is that gamers
The value of this course is from learning alongside AI and teaching individuals exactly what they are working with.
"Technology changes, the brain does not," Hanegan said.
can research their games in both digital and physical form. Gaming guides and information on D&D are available in the stacks.
The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with more limited hours on Sundays.
While they do not sell games or comics, people can still check out their graphic novel section as well as nonfiction which might just relate to their topic of choice.
The new library offers a clean and updated environment with new computers. There is also a teen zone.
Game HQ is another option that takes a serious shot at being the best game store on this list.
They are located at 9118 S. Western Ave. B in Moore.
Though a further drive than some others on this list, Magic and D&D players both would recommend them for their clean and airy atmosphere.
Their game room is open as late as 1 a.m. on Saturday nights.
The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and more than happy to open a case if you need to look at a specific Magic card or several.
DZ Comics and Games is a location both the teams at Got Games and New World Comics recommended. It is located in Moore at 625 N. Moore Ave. It is exceptionally clean, well organized, brightly lit and colorful.
The family-owned space has been a Moore staple for years, and has a cafe
Even in the classroom, he implements assignments that require students to annotate their readings via handwriting. Hanegan emphasized the importance of matching the capability of the user with the
inside that serves a limitedyet-delicious menu. DZ has an arcade room where players can game to their hearts’ content.
They open at 9 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. most days.
capability of the technology.
The future of AI is uncertain. With new discoveries and more advancements being made daily, it can be hard to keep up. However, various companies are realizing the potential AI has. Hanegan noted that Rose State does a great job at connecting students to the workforce. He also explains there is an advantage to a twoyear program over a fouryear program. He argues the two-year program is better positioned for future applications, where this degree can be combined with future degree programs.
“I hope this program will appeal to people who have domain experience to
A variety of gaming stores and other options offer gamers their way to play, but DZ offers the highest selection that the 15th Street News has found.
come back and learn more,” Hanegan said.
“Part of our student population, at least in the very first semester in the fall, is a group that was coming back to reskill and upskill," Alvis said.
The creation of AI systems is not new, it has experienced a million rebirths. The technology available today is vastly different from that a few years ago. This program aims to follow the advancements while guaranteeing that students are informed about the ethics of AI. For more information, visit https:// www.workforce.rose.edu/ ai-ml-program.
Impressive upscaled figurines greet DZ Comics and Games guests upon entry. (Photo by Xander Strickland)
Inside, GameHQ holds a trove of rulebook and board games. (Photo by Xander Strickland)
How To Prepare For A Winning Super Bowl Party Every Second An Ocean Album Review
The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it's a gathering place for family, friends and football fans to enjoy a fun-filled evening. A Super Bowl party is a chance to make memories, whether you are watching the commercials and halftime performances or cheering for your favorite team. Here is the ultimate guide to planning a Super Bowl party that will be a huge hit with your guests. Choose the perfect venue.
Selecting the venue for the party is the first stage of preparation. Make sure you have ample seating and room for guests if you’re hosting at your house. Suppose your house is not big enough, try using a friend's home with a large living room or renting a community center for larger events. Since the TV screen is the day's main attraction, it is important to ensure everyone can see it well.
Set the Game-Day mood. Make your area a football paradise with unique decorations. Combine the colors of the two teams competing in the Super Bowl or use the colors of your choice. Hang banners, arrange tablecloths with a theme and set out
Organize fun activities.
football-shaped balloons. Use a whiteboard to show interesting facts about the participants and the game or to keep score. Keep the lighting in mind! Warm lighting can add warmth without distracting from the game. Plan the winning menu.
The highlight of any Super Bowl party is the food. Serve traditional game-day meals like pizza, nachos, sliders and buffalo wings to keep things easy and enjoyable. Add fruit skewers or a veggie dish with dips for a healthier spin. A DIY taco or nacho bar, where visitors can personalize their dishes, is always a favorite. Remember to bring drinks. To satisfy every guest, provide a variety of beer, soda and non-alcoholic options. Make a signature cocktail that draws inspiration from the teams as an additional touch.
Set up the perfect viewing experience.
Your TV setup must be perfect because the game is the main event of the day. Test your equipment in advance to prevent any technical issues. Consider renting or leasing a projector if your TV is small to create a larger-than-life experience. For comfort, place more pillows or bean bags and arrange the chairs so that everyone can see each other.
Keep things interesting with interactive activities where the game is the main event. Create a betting pool where visitors can put money on the outcome of the game, the halftime show or the most hilarious commercial. When you have any downtime or breaks, have a football trivia game available. Set up a different space with games, crafts or a smaller TV for films or cartoons for children or non-sports fans. This guarantees that everyone has a great time together. Have a clean-up plan.
Cleaning up can seem overwhelming after a day of festivities. During the party, provide guests with clearly marked garbage and recycling bins to make things easy. Reduce the amount of time spent washing dishes by using disposable cups, plates and utensils. To tackle the cleanup together, enlist the assistance of close friends or relatives.
Send Invites and Confirm RSVPs.
At least two weeks before the event, prepare your guest list and send out invitations. Make e-cards or paper invites with entertaining footballthemed designs. Provide important information such as the time, place and any special supplies that guests need to bring, such as drinks or snacks. To adjust seating and food numbers, follow up with RSVP confirmations as the day gets closer.
Creativity and thorough planning can make your Super Bowl party a memorable occasion that is enjoyed by your guests. Every little thing, from delightful refreshments to entertaining games, adds to the enjoyment. So prepare to cheer, light up the grill and grab your favorite jersey because this party is going to be a huge success!
Peter Monden Online Editor & Cartoon Editor
Grundeis quickly became one of my favorite bands when I came across their first album, “Amygdala” in 2023. Amygdala is among my favorite albums because it has many great songs and even the less remarkable songs are still worthy of a listen.
Grundeis is an obscure German post-punk band that manages to stand out among other contemporary goth bands. Many modern goth rock/post-punk bands seem to have an overly homogenous sound.
Darkwave seems to be the dominant subgenre under the goth umbrella, and Grundeis is more experimental on that front. While the band is primarily post-punk, they effectively merge shoegaze elements into their music.
Grundeis also utilizes multilayered guitars which helps contribute to a hazy and ethereal sound that isn’t common in post-punk these days. Their sound resembles proto-shoegaze post-punk bands like the Chameleons in some ways.
Considering the band’s obscurity, I wasn’t holding out hope that they’d be releasing a new album any time soon. Fortunately, I was proven wrong. Grundeis’ second album, “Every Second An Ocean,”
released on Dec. 12, 2024. So did it meet my expectations?
One way this album sets itself apart from Amygdala is in its relative vibrancy. Amygdala was very dry/ bleak tonally, while Every Second An Ocean still has elements of that tone, it feels less bleak and slightly more energetic.
“Distanced Far Gone” makes for a great opening and does a good job of setting the tone of the album. The song starts out slow and droning but builds intensity over time.
“Plain Sight” is another great track from the album, maybe my favorite. The song has a lot of range and it builds in a way that’s very satisfying. The song is sufficiently long but still leaves me wanting a little more. It’s a perfect song to leave on repeat for a while, but it also mixes well enough into a playlist.
Other highlights include “Graviton,” “Another Life,” “Strange,” “Ignoring People” and “Bizarre.” These make half of the 14 tracks personal highlights. As I’ve come to expect from Grundeis, even the less noteworthy songs are great and continue to grow on me. A year from now, I might insist they’re all highlights.
Initially, many of the songs did not stand out to me. But my appreciation of the album has continued to increase after multiple
listens. Sometimes the best albums are somewhat of an acquired taste.
In comparison to Amygdala, Every Second An Ocean feels less emotionally focused to me. I connected with Amygdala more and appreciate that it fills its niche in a highly specialized way. Conversely, I think Every Second An Ocean is a half-step closer to pop in its approach.
The highs are just a little bit higher on Amygdala as a result. It’s a greater risk, greater reward situation. There’s a more overt emotional range and expression with slightly less depth at times. That’s the tradeoff this album makes.
Ultimately, Every Second An Ocean is a great album, but doesn’t quite live up to the heights of its predecessor. More importantly Grundeis has proven they aren’t stagnant and they haven’t sold out to the miserable and regressive cycle of trying to become pop music. I highly recommend Every Second An Ocean to fans of shoegaze, post-punk music and fans of rock in general. You can stream the album on Spotify or purchase it digitally on Bandcamp. A limited vinyl release is also currently available but may not be for long.
Every Second An Ocean Limited Edition Vinyl. (Photo by Peter Monden)
All eyes on the prize. Football fever is in the air as kickoff approaches. (Photo from Freepik)
Praveena Jackson Editor-in-Chief
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2 Big Brother and Big Sisters Recruitment 11 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. Student Union Atrium* American Indian Association 1 - 2:15 P.M. Student Union* Game Night + Potluck 1:30 - 5 P.M. Student Union* Bingo Night 1:30 - 5 P.M. Student Union*
5 4 3 6 13 12 11 10 9
Random Acts of Kindness Week
10 A.M. - 2 P.M. Student Union Atrium* Spring Academic Degree Fair 11 A.M. - 1 P.M. Student Union*
Zonta Club of Central Oklahoma Monthly Business Meeting 6 - 8 P.M. Student Union*
Coalition to End Poverty Meeting 8 A.M. - 5 P.M. Cybersecurity Center* deadCenter Preparation Student Shine!
GEAR UP Tour
10 A.M. - 1 P.M. Student Union*
21 20 19 18 17 16
27
Horror Scoops for February
Doctor Sponziak* Local Wizard
Aries: March 21 –April 19
Pain, suffering and much constipation are in your future. Stay away from BBQ, saltine crackers and Sour Skittles. If you are intolerant to gluten, ignore everything and eat two grilled sandwiches from Chickfil-A to cure said intolerance. I repeat, do not talk to or associate with any individual with the name Stacy. You may resume communications after this month, but be warned, the relationship won’t be the same between you two.
Taurus: April 20 –May 20
One word, PURPLE. This color is the key to your future: wear it, breathe it, eat it, smell it and most of all, be it. You will have a 99% higher chance of finding love this month if you wear the color, 150% if it’s on Wednesdays! Stay away from old people (someone over the age of 40). You will also regret any and all horse purchases this month. Horse racing is not in your favor. Please do not try to be a jockey. You are far too tall to be one, at a staggering 6’4”.
Gemini: May 21 –June 21
Quit your job immediately. Period. I don’t know what will happen, but I know it’s going to be bad. Trust me, I’m a professional. I’m also feeling really bad mojo from all flavors of Sour Patch Kids. The regular ones, Sour Patch Watermelons, Sour Patch Gum, Sour Patch Strawberry, Peaches, Grapes and Cola Bubbles. All will do evil things to your body except the Red White and Blue ones. The dead spirits are very patriotic. No chance for love this month, don't even try.
Cancer: June 22 –July 22
Your many trips to Dollar General have made you a name for yourself. All the employees know you by name. “Happy New Year!” she said to you, “I’ll probably see you before then. You come here so much!” Embarrassment and shame were something you didn’t expect to walk out of Dollar General with.
You pledged to never return to that Dollar General again. Good news, the entire staff was fired for posting offensive TikToks and selling expired lemons. You’re free to buy White Monster Energy in peace. I see a spouse in your future. You will 100% meet them this month. They will be wearing some kind of purple and a lot of it. Don’t be afraid, just walk right up to them.
Leo: July 23 –August 22
Leo is the sign of a lion. To be specific, the male leader of the pride. You have flowing long hair and several lionesses will surround you and do your bidding while you sit there and look pretty. Sadly, you will lose everything if you cut your hair. You also have to take care of it, just washing it won’t do.
Virgo: August 23 –September 22
Be careful Thursday night. You will be on your drive home, feeling comfortable and calm. You’ll pass a Braum's on the way to your house. There aren’t any stops till your house to use the bathroom, but it’s OK, you're only about 8.1 miles away. It is a straight shot home and you won’t even need to make a pit stop. A mile past the Braum's you’ll start to feel an untimely rebellion down under. It’s OK though, you can make it home, the rumbles just started. BAM, the worst tummy pain in your life hits; you start sweating and the prayers begin. “Please let me make it home, just this time,” you aggressively plead. In an effort to relieve the pressure, you
think about loosening the valve. No, you don’t, it’s a trap you won’t fall for. You start speeding as fast as you can. “No, it can’t be!” you cry. The hatch opens on its own. Silence fills the car. Regret, pain and suffering. You roll the windows down and stop speeding. Getting pulled over with a brown trout in the car would be a little embarrassing.
Libra: September 23 –October 23
All of your hidden schemes will be your undoing. You will be unable to keep anything secret due to factors outside of your control. I suggest you get your affairs in order because people will be looking. If it comes to it, fake your death and hope your recent spell of misfortune is only temporary.
Scorpio: October 24 –November 21
You will have a writing assignment due in two hours, but there is a problem: you have no idea what to do. The darn Scorpio in you is acting up. If only you were born under a better sign. You will slam your head into the table until it comes to you. Ask your teacher for an extension and hope to Saint Scorpio that they are not asleep yet! Great news! Your teacher is a night owl and everyone didn’t do the assignment! Too bad those darn Sagittarius also got a slide.
Sagittarius: November 22 –December 21
Soon you will be driving down the road minding your own business when you find
your house will burn down, but your mother won’t bother you anymore (She will place a restraining order on you).
Aquarius: January 20 –February 18
that your car has been flipped by one who has been using copious amounts of booger sugar. It will not be looking good for you. At the hospital, you have to listen to the doctors as they give you the bad news. They tell you that you’ll have to undergo multiple surgeries and that’s the least of your problems. When your sister finally arrives to comfort you, you vent your frustrations. “No! Olivia!!! You don’t understand! They said I’m clinically a beast! I knew my bulking phase would pay off!”
Capricorn: December 22 –January 19
You are beautiful. While working at a thrift store, you see your coworker head out the back crying after making a big sale. You follow her and see her sitting on the curb behind the establishment. “Hey, how’s it going? You just sold 4 broken TV’s.” You ask.
“Well, you see…” She then proceeds to trauma-dump on you for 40 minutes. You don’t know what to say. This type of stuff isn’t really your thing. Thankfully, your shift ends so you can get out of that mess. You return home and tell your mother the entrancing story. She seems a little off-put, anyway, you return to your room to play Cyberpunk 2077. She comes back about 30 minutes later.
“Um, well you see son, you seem to attract very unstable people,” she said. The words of your mother enrage you. Later that night you will light 32 hand towels on fire at the top of the stairs with olive oil and petroleum. Unfortunately,
Warning. You are cursed for this entire month with lukewarm water. Yes all water will neither be hot nor cold. Your visit to your grandmothers house will end in tragedy. You expect an afternoon of nothing but cookies and relaxation but you will be met with a terrible task of setting up her new computer and her new dating profile. Seconds will turn to minutes. Minutes will turn into hours. Cursed you are, I say cursed. Never to relax. You will always dread a call from her asking you to fix something or help her respond to her match on Farmer’s Only. Don’t expect anything good from this month other than discount Valentines candy.
Pisces: February 19 –March 20
Soon you will find that while you are successful, you are also somewhat lonely. But fear not, for you will be courted by a minimum of three spirits. Very attractive spirits. The first is an alien, he’s the spirit of a dead star who was too tired to keep burning and decided to land in your backyard (and probably stalk you). The second is a snowman. He seems kind of cold, but I don’t think he’s gonna stalk you. The third is a fish. A very flamboyant and dramatic fish. As sad as it sounds, you’re gonna like the fish and just accept who you’ve become. However, your perpetual solitude is being rewarded, because now a (not-so) scary mafia crow tries to (unsuccessfully) steal you away from the acoustic fishie. Unfortunately for the cute little fish, you wake up and find yourself married to a colonel of corn. A scary colonel! But you love him.
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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.
Staff Members
Editor-in-Chief
PRAVEENA
JACKSON
Assistant Editor
YLLEANA BERRYHILL
Assignment Editor
SHANNON LITTLE
Photography Editor News Editor
PENNINA JACKSON
XANDER STRICKLAND
Adviser
Online Editor & Cartoon Editor
PETER MONDEN
Cartoonists
SHANNON LITTLE
PETER MONDEN
AMELIA BEATY
Reporters
DOCTOR SPONZIAK*
Graphic Design & Page Design Editor
MICHELLE JOHNSON
DARCY DELANEY-NELSON
*Writes