RETURNING TO CONCERTS rose’s new earthquake detector
AMERICAN FOOTBALL
8 animated movies to watch
IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING LOCALLY coffee talk UPCOMING ARRIVALS TO DISNEY+
personality quiz: introvert or extrovert
letters from the editors
Hello, Rose State! I hope you enjoy this edition of The 6420. A lot of work and time has gone into this issue, and we hope you enjoy reading and looking through everything! The focus of this issue is on building community and being at balance with the world around us. This is especially important within our current times. Community has become vastly more valuable within the past year, and we really wanted to acknowledge that in this issue. A big thank you to our entire staff here at the Rose State Media Group for working so hard to create a publication that we can all be proud of. Thank you to our adviser, Darcy Delaney-Nelson, for guiding us along the way and letting us have fun with our creativity.
Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
Hello, Raiders! We have worked hard this semester to provide you all with news most important to you. I hope you enjoy the stories and designs we created to bring an exceptional edition of The 6420. This issue, we wanted to focus on community relations and shed light on what’s most important going on around us. Thank you for taking the time to pick up this copy and taking the time to read it. I want to shout out to the Rose State Media Group and all their efforts this semester by pouring their hearts into these pages; thank you. And to the program director and adviser, Darcy Delaney-Nelson, thank you for always believing in each one of us and for allowing us to share our creativity and self-expression authentically.
Kendall Walton | Assistant Editor
Hi, Raiders! Welcome to the new issue of The 6420 magazine. Our team has put a lot of hard work and effort into this magazine. We are hoping this issue can shed light on various community topics, while also providing entertainment through lifestyle. Thank you for picking up our magazine and we hope you enjoy reading it just as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. Thank you to our adviser, Darcy Delaney-Nelson, for providing us with the best guidance throughout our journey. Enjoy!
Ahmya Williams | Senior Editor
by Laura Huskey and Mario
Laura Huskey
Kendall Walton
Ahmya Williams
meet the staff
adviser
Darcy Delaney-Nelson is the head of the mass communication program and advises the student publications at Rose State College. She graduated from Rose State College then proceeded to attend the Gaylord College at University of Oklahoma. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, with a minor in sociology and a master’s degree in JMC. She has worked in mass communication for over 20 years.
Coyt Wisdom Staff Reporter
Carsten Clark Staff Reporter
Logan Wood Staff Reporter
David Heller Staff Reporter
Mario Isai-Viezcas Layout & Graphics Designer
Darcy Delaney-Nelson
Hózhǫ́ word of the issue
By Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
Information provided by the Holiday family.
origin: the Navajo language
verb, noun, adjective: anything good and balanced; eternal, internal, and external beauty in the world
“The beauty way is based on living a life that is full of beauty and happiness. Having a healthy balanced life is important in the beauty way ceremony — not only our external views of the world but internal beauty based on a happy healthy body, mind and spirit. Seeking a life that is full of beauty, by seeking positive influence and understanding.”
- Garry Holiday, owner of Navajo Spirit Tours
This word is often considered the most important word in the Navajo language as it is the core of the philosophy of the Diné (Navajo) people. It covers more concepts and meanings than the English language is able to fully comprehend.
Essentially, it means being in the balance with the entire world around you. It can be a state of being, an action or even a description or adjective.
We chose this word for this issue because it represents the importance of community on an even bigger scale: to be in harmony with all things in the universe.
Community feels more important now than it has ever been. Our roles in our communities are our roles in the world and recognizing the importance of that is essential for us all to live lives that feel positive and fulfilled.
Rose State’s first land acknowledgment
By Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
The drafting of Rose State’s land acknowledgment began a few months ago. Now it is finally nearing completion. Native American Studies Professor Dr. S. Matthew DeSpain has formally drafted Rose’s first land acknowledgment with months of research and planning. This is incredibly important because of the area where Rose State sits. As a school in Oklahoma, it’s imperative for us to recognize the history of our state and to recognize those whose lands we reside on.
“Native peoples are asking to be recognized,” DeSpain said. “That their place within the greater history and within the connectivity to the land, which is so key to their tribal identities, be recognized.”
Land acknowledgments have become a common practice within many institutions of higher learning. These have been considered acts of reconciliation. It takes careful collaboration with the surrounding tribal nations to hone an acknowledgment that truly honors and respects the sovereignty each one holds.
WRITTEN ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
We recognize Rose State College resides upon Native land. Long before Rose State College was established, these lands were the traditional home of the “Ndee” Apache, “Hasinais” Caddo, “Títskan wátitch” Tonkawa, and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge that the “Nʉmʉnʉʉ” Comanche, “Ka'igwu” Kiowa, Ni-U-Ko¢n-Ska Osage, and “Ogahpah” Quawpaw nations have a historic relationship to this region as a hunting ground, trade exchange point and migration route. We also acknowledge the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations who were forcibly removed here from their traditional territories and assigned these lands by treaty. We respect the rich history and ongoing relationship Native peoples have with this land and the many contributions to this place so many call home. As a public institution of higher education, Rose State College recognizes the historical connection it has with its Indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment aligns with our core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture, and history that make up our Rose State College community.
Raspberry Shake
RSC’s Geology and STEM Departments’ New Earthquake Detector
By Kendall Walton | Assistant Editor
This semester, RSC’s STEM and Geology Departments received a replacement Raspberry Shake machine from the Oklahoma Geological Survey after flooding issues damaged the original in 2018.
RSC was one of the first schools out of six for the initial pilot tests through OGS. Originally a Kickstarter program, the Raspberry Shake machine is a new tool developed in Panama.
This machine allows educators, students, librarians, surveyors and researchers to understand different vibrations worldwide if the vibrations are strong enough and to log the information in real-time.
“It gives teachers a chance to demonstrate to students how seismic signals are picked up in real-time,” Seismic Analyst Andrew Thiel said. “But it also allows OGS to use the data to locate and monitor earthquakes in real-time.”
Students can jump around the machine or tap the table and watch the Raspberry Shake machine pick up the vibrations.
The Raspberry Shake is a Raspberry Pie single-board Lennox computer that costs much less than full geology stations. Stations start around $15,000 for the setup, while the Raspberry Shake starts at around $500.
OGS funds the product and issues them to various educational parties like schools and libraries throughout the state as outreach and an extension of the monitoring system.
“It has a magnet that
bounces up and down as the ground moves during an earthquake,” State Seismologist Jake Walter said. “The board inside the Raspberry Shake turns the analog signal to a digital signal and logs the time by internet connection.”
The Raspberry Shake can help collect data and detect earthquakes from parts of the state with less dense coverage from the more scientific-grade network.
“It is easier to send and help install one of these devices through, let’s say, a school rather than sending a seismic technician sighting and asking people to install stations around the state,” Thiel said.
At some of the stations located in more dense areas, it is harder to find a hypocenter. Having more stations closer to the hypocenter allows for more accurate information and data to be collected.
The machine can fit in the palm of your hand, yet is powerful enough to feel vibrations from places like the Middle East and Japan.
“We have seen a 6.0 earthquake from California and even an 8.0 earthquake from Japan,” Thiel said.
A few years ago, the Raspberry Shake network picked up a large earthquake on the border of Iraq and Iran.
“It took 10-30 minutes for the waves to reach Oklahoma and our Raspberry Shake machines,” Education and Outreach Coordinator Molly Yunker said.
The machines had also picked up blast vibrations from the McA-
lester Army Ammunition Plant when the plant was disposing of ammunition.
Many of the Oklahoma earthquakes are a result of deep wastewater injections and petroleum extractions. Because of recent legislative decisions, Oklahoma can no longer inject wastewater as deep to help save the planet and reduce earthquakes.
“Fracking is the process of extracting oil and gas from tightly packed soil,” Rose State College Geology Major Emily Tompkins said. “Oil and gas companies drill down to the layer they want and force pressure down to cause small fractures then pour a slurry of sand and water down to keep the fracture open and extract the oil or gas. If you want to be more specific, the wastewater that comes from fracking can cause earthquakes.”
Rose State College’s Geosciences and STEM majors are excited for the replacement Raspberry Shake machine and the educational information it can provide.
“This technology has, in my opinion, put a new lens on how one might view the retrieval of data,” RSC Mechanical Engineering major Damarrius Hurte said.
“Having data in this form is extremely comprehensive and gives students an amazing pool of information to study and learn. For me, it shows that there are always new possibilities on how to accomplish challenges, and people are willing to help for the sake of knowledge.”
Tanenbaum Family Donates
$1.3 Million For RSC’s New
Aerospace and Cybersecurity Facility
Article and Photos by Kendall Walton | Assistant Editor
Rose State College held a donation ceremony in honor of Dick and Glenna Tanenbaum’s donation of $1.3 million, plus a $900,000 contribution from Economic Development Administration toward the new Aerospace and Cybersecurity Center on Oct. 28.
“We could not be more grateful for the Tanenbaum generosity towards our mission of delivering high-quality learning opportunities to our students,” Rose State President Dr. Jeannie Webb said. “By training skilled cybersecurity and aerospace professionals, we are helping Oklahoma’s businesses and economy grow more securely and efficiently.”
Aerospace and cybersecurity jobs are in great demand due to education requirements and an untapped job market. With Oklahoma advancing in aerospace engineering and cybersecurity, this new facility helps fully train students with handson experience and equipment for the growing job market in Oklahoma.
“Aerospace and cybersecurity are huge parts of Oklahoma’s economy,” Gov. Kevin Stitt said. “It is so important that our education system is training students with the skills to meet those businesses and our needs.”
The donation from the Tanenbaums goes toward naming rights, furniture, program equipment and tools.
According to an RSC cybersecurity student, Saturn Reneau, one of the most valuable benefits for the new center is that most labs will become more physical since most labs are currently virtual.
“Tech changes so rapidly. The tech from ten years ago is nowhere near the level it is today,” Reneau said. “It becomes better, faster, smarter every year. So another benefit is the ability to keep up with current technologies.”
In 2019, Rose State College established the first Center for Workforce Excellence in Aerospace and Cybersecurity in Oklahoma. RSC’s Chamber Singers sang “Happy” by Pharrell a capella with Anthony Bishop as the soloist.
Coffee TALK
By Coyt Wisdom | Staff Reporter
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Some people cannot even function without drinking their first cup of coffee when they wake up, and for some, coffee gives them that warm and comfy feeling, especially in the fall and winter months.
We are now in the colder months in Oklahoma and hot coffee is one of the few things that can make someone feel warm and pleasant. But what if coffee became scarce?
Earlier this year, there were multiple reports that a coffee shortage could occur. Some experts even say that it could last three years.
The thought of coffee being limited to consumers is alarming. People would most likely be cranky due to not having their everyday caffeine fix.
There are major coffee chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and even 7-Eleven. However, some prefer local coffee shops over the chains. For one local coffee shop, they have a contingency plan in case the day comes that a coffee shortage does happen.
Jitters coffee and tea owner, Jeff Clark, said if a coffee shortage does happen, Jitters would be flexible when it comes to the type of coffee beans they use.
Clark said Jitters buys their coffee beans from coffee bean farmers, and they can change the type of coffee bean it uses if need be. Such as changing from using Columbian coffee beans to Robusta coffee beans.
Jitters is not the only coffee shop that has a plan to prepare for a potential coffee shortage.
Mina Thompson, supervisor and barista of Rose Perks Coffee Shop in the RSC Student Union, said she tries to order enough coffee in advance in case a shortage does happen.
According to Thompson, the drink specials at the Rose Perks Coffee Shop rotate seasonally. The current seasonal coffee drink is a pumpkin pie coffee drink.
Another local coffee shop that could be affected by a potential coffee shortage is The Underground Coffee in Midwest City.
Co-owner Jacob Hussain, said Underground Coffee has dealt with cup shortages and syrup shortages, but never a coffee shortage.
Hussain said Underground Coffee has two very consistent coffee roasters who provide the coffee they use.
“I’m confident that they have enough of a supply that it would not hit us quickly,” Hussain said.
A potential coffee shortage would not only affect coffee shops, but also everyday coffee drinkers like Elaine Melton from Harrah.
Melton said she has even begun stockpiling coffee in order to not be without coffee if a potential coffee shortage occurs.
“I hate to be a hoarder, but that’s what I’m gonna have to do about coffee,” Melton said. “I couldn’t do without it.”
The price of coffee has increased in recent weeks due to inflation. The price hit a seven-year high due to the increase.
According to multiple reports, the price of coffee is up by 90% over last year.
“I hate that it is happening, but I don’t think there’s anything anyone can do about it,” Melton said.
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Time will only tell how these events will affect this popular drink.
LANDBACK
what does it mean?
By Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
The Land Back movement has existed for generations now but has increased in popularity and in usage within the past few decades. This straightforward phrase can make people feel fearful and apprehensive if they don’t understand exactly what the movement is about.
This phrase has many meanings and is incredibly nuanced. It may mean something different for every individual. It is a complicated topic for many.
One goal is to “get Indigenous lands back into Indigenous hands,” according to the NDN Collective. This means returning land back to tribal jurisdiction.
From a Western perspective, calling for the land back can come across as aggressive, but it’s important to recognize that many Indigenous perspectives in the Americas have a completely different concept of land “ownership” from the usual Western view.
For many Indigenous people, their heritage and culture are tied directly to the land and taking care of the world around them through stewardship. It is not about owning, but about cultivating and stewarding. Many (but not all) Native cultures view themselves as temporary caretakers of the land.
This stewardship revolves around mutual respect for the land and the people occupying it. With Western viewpoints, it’s often more individualistic, while with an Indigenous perspective, it’s about living with the land and not only off the land. This means working together, not bending the land to fit material needs.
For many, the core of the Land Back movement is to recognize the sovereignty of the tribal nations here in the U.S. Multiple nations have had to deal with broken treaties that have removed more and more land from their jurisdiction. Returning this land back, even in small amounts, is an important process in the full recognition of the sovereignty that tribal nations should possess.
“Many people can support the movement and stay right where they are,” Corinne Grey Cloud, a writer for Powwows.com and an educator, said in a Mother Jones article. “Land Back has many meanings but perhaps most importantly involves allowing Natives to make decisions about land so they have a say in things like the construction of destructive oil pipelines.”
Many environmentalists have begun to recognize Indigenous people as the holders of knowledge when it comes to living sustainably with the land.
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, Indigenous Peoples make up less than 5% of the world’s population but protect 80% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Indigenous people are often at the forefront of environmental efforts, such as in the case of Standing Rock and the NoDAPL movement. There is a sense of responsibility for the protection of the land within many Native communities.
“We mustn’t condemn others for helping to care for what is now our collective land, but we must recognize that it is Indigenous knowledge that has gotten us this far,” activist Kara Roselle Smith wrote in a Youth To The People article.
Gov. Stitt Issues Executive Order To Halt Government Document Gender Changes For Non-Binary And Transgender Citizens
By Kendall Walton | Assistant Editor
Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order to stop allowing birth certificate amendments to replace the “male” or “female” gender with an “X” symbol after finding out about a birth certificate that the Oklahoma State Department of Health had approved with the “X” symbol.
Non-binary, a term associated with the LGBT+ community, stands for individuals who identify as neither male nor female; their identities are outside the binary. Non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals prefer pronouns such as they/them/ their or neopronouns like xe/ze.
The gender binary originated as an idea that there are only two genders because binary means having two parts, male or female; that’s it. However, history, long time, and recent studies prove that gender non-conforming and nonbinary people have been around for a long time.
Out & Equal, an organization dedicated to LGBT+ workplace advocacy has created a resource that traces nonbinary identities from 2000 BCE.
“Identifying outside the binary is not limited to certain geographies, cultures or generations,” Author C.V. Viverito, Associate Director of Global Initiatives for Out & Equal, wrote in an online presentation. “In fact, from about the 15-19th century, the idea of gender as a binary (man/woman) was very much a Western concept that was forced upon native cultures around the world through colonization.”
Many civilizations have a history of transgender and gender nonconforming populations, like early Africa and Asia. Recently in April, South Africa announced it would allow for a third gender on government documents.
Despite the vast resources and educational materials proving nonbinary and gender non-conforming individuals’ existence, Stitt maintains his beliefs in a recent statement.
“I believe that people are created by God to be male or female. Period. There is no such thing as non-binary sex and I wholeheartedly condemn the purported OSDH court settlement that was entered into by rogue activists who acted without receiving proper approval or oversight. I will be taking whatever action necessary to protect Oklahoma values and our way of life,” Stitt’s statement said.
Oklahoma Health Commissioner Dr. Lance Fry abruptly resigned from the position after Stitt’s criticisms.
Shortly after the news broke on Twitter, many Oklahoma House Democrats responded with their support and condolences toward the non-binary and gender nonconforming communities.
“We have a governor who is out of touch with Oklahomans,” Oklahoma Rep. Maureen Turner, an openly non-binary individual who represents House District 88, said. “He lacks the critical thinking skills to be able to care for Oklahomans and he continues to push this idea that he will achieve
a better life by letting communities he isn’t a part of suffer or vanish.”
Oklahoma Rep. Melissa Provenzano said, “We welcome you, we stand with you, we support you. We welcome all Okies. Our governor does not speak for all of us.”
Recently, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 25. This bill requires student-athletes who compete in interscholastic competitions to play on sports teams that correspond with the sex listed on their birth certificate at or near their time of birth.
Several Anti-LGBT+ laws went into effect this year, including seven anti-trans sports bans in Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, Montana and West Virginia. Others included one anti-trans medical care ban bill in Arkansas and four religious ban bills including Arkansans, Montana and South Dakota.
“I am a believer too, but the God I serve loves all his creations no matter how they identify,” said Oklahoma Rep. Monroe Nichols of House District 72.
“The true embodiment of God is unconditional love and unending mercy, don’t let false prophets or intolerant politicians tell you any differently. We see you, all of you.”
Other institutions agreed.
Oklahoma University Health Services tweeted, “Our patients can identify as exactly who they are. Period.”
Riddled with obstacles for nonbinary, gender non-conforming and transgender individuals, the U.S. health system has several
steps required for things like document changes, hormone replacement therapy and surgeries.
“What’s hard for this community is to provide health care services; we require legal documents, whether that be something like a birth certificate or a social security card,” registered nurse and nursing educator Rachael Bachhofer said. “But unfortunately, sometimes those documents aren’t an accurate representation of that patient’s identity, causing patients to feel uncomfortable.”
Bachhofer has centered her doctorate around the clinical considerations of LGBT+ patients and teaches these considerations to health science professionals. Bachhofer and RSC’s LGBT+ student organization, Spectrum Alliance, have teamed up to present a presentation for health care students, including a panel discussion to open the floor for questions to spread awareness and compassion towards the community.
Rose State College’s LGBT+ student organization, Spectrum Alliance, has reported many gender non-conforming and nonbinary individuals throughout campus.
Spectrum Alliance Treasurer Saturn Reneau said, “Governor’s Stitt’s statement made me upset as it would anybody when being told you don’t exist or don’t deserve to exist. His reaction is not based on science or respect.”
Science has proven that gender and sex are two separate entities. Gender is a person’s identity, while sex is either a statement for their assigned birth gender based on social construct features or a preference for a partner like gay or straight.
The term transgender uses the suffix gender to center around gender identity and expression. In contrast, homosexuality and heterosexuality use the suffix sexuality to show preference.
We have a governor who is out of touch with Oklahomans. He lacks the critical thinking skills to be able to care for Oklahomans and he continues to push this idea that he will achieve a better life by letting communities he isn’t a part of suffer or vanish.“
Oklahoma Representative, House District 88
Mauree Turner
Gov. Stitt and Rep. Turner
CONCERTS
By Carsten Clark | Staff Reporter
For most, the thought of being surrounded by hundreds of people simultaneously would feel both dangerous and anxiety-inducing. But as more people become vaccinated, it is slowly starting to become a possibility. This is why, after a lengthy hiatus from the public, live concert performances are beginning to take place again.
While we are certainly still in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, things such as concerts, movie theaters and conventions are becoming less of a public health risk. This means concerts in particular are a lot safer to attend now as opposed to when the pandemic was in its infancy, but are still not without caution. Many are still skeptical of the idea for various reasons. The most obvious and previously mentioned one is the risk of public health.
While many cases of COVID-19 have been the direct result of concerts, adjustments have been made in order to decrease the odds of it spreading. To ease many concertgoers’ worries, some venues provide free masks to prevent possible spreading, as well as outdoor venues that provide a spacious and safe experience that is accommodating for most concert sizes. Most have enacted a mandatory vaccine policy, stating those in attendance would have to be vaccinated in order to attend.
While these adjustments are not very altering to the overall experience, others are still skeptical of them because they feel the previous experience is no more and the magic of concerts has somehow faded away as a result of the pandemic. On the outside, it can seem that way, but in my personal experience in attending them post-pandemic, the magic is still very much there.
The first concert I attended since the fall of 2019 was JPEGMAFIA at Trees in Dallas. They did not mandate vaccines but instead chose to provide free masks for fans. While there was no mask mandate, most chose to wear them for the entire duration of the set. The concert itself was nothing short of electrifying, as he provided his fans with his usual standards of a quality performance that included chaotic mosh pits, an explosive yet vulnerable onstage presence, and one-on-one interactions both during and after the concert.
It was a nice way to get back into the swing of things, as I was anxious to see how concerts would take place within the ”new normal.” Many felt the same as I did beforehand.
“Free masks were provided with tickets so there was no excuse not to wear one, so I wasn’t all that nervous,” said concertgoer Jack Ising. With knowing the risks but being cautious in the process, there is no reason why concerts cannot still bring the same experience as they did before.
The next concert I attended was $uicideboy$ at The Criterion in downtown Oklahoma City. They stopped by Oklahoma as a part of their Greyday Tour, which also features artists like Turnstile, Chief Keef, Night Lovell and others. It was a four-hour extravaganza that never ceased to be the high octane experience many fans were seeking.
“It felt nice finally being able to attend a concert again,” said concert attendee Dillion Titsworth. “Me and my girlfriend have waited years to finally see them live. Glad we’re finally at the point where all of this is possible again.”
For those interested in attending a concert or live performance, many local venues have vaccine or mask requirements. Tower Theatre and Ponyboy both require proof of vaccination. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic and OKC Broadway require vaccination cards and photo ID (unless attendees are 12 years old or younger). All attendees must wear masks for the duration of a performance.
It may feel a bit odd, and I felt a little out of place at first, but soon after, I was reminded of the joy that is coming together with friends and strangers alike to experience live music. It has proven itself to be a timeless occasion, one that not even a worldwide pandemic could prevent.
The 2021 football season was not expected to be full of chaos, but this was one of the most chaotic seasons in recent memory.
Who could’ve predicted that national power Clemson would have lost three games this season? Oklahoma had a team that was thought by many to be one of the most complete teams, a team many might say has underperformed. And then there is Cincinnati, a team that as of right now is undefeated, and according to the most recent college football playoff ranking, they are a top 5 team in the country.
Through the first seven weeks of this season, 47 ranked teams lost. That is the highest pace in the AP Top 25 since 1936 when the AP Top 25 began.
In the most recent seasons of college football, it seems that the parity has increased. Brad Friend from Harrah thinks this is one of the reasons why this season has been so chaotic.
“It’s been very chaotic and very different,” Friend said. “I attribute it due to the pandemic because of the super seniors.”
In 2020, the NCAA granted student athletes an extra year of eligibility if the student athlete decides to play another collegiate season, which allows many seniors to have another year of eligibility.
Friend thinks the extra experience that the returning seniors have was a major difference-maker and it contributed to the parity this season. However, Friend also thinks the transfer portal has also contributed to the parity.
The transfer portal allows a student athlete to enter their name into a database and transfer to another college to potentially be a member of the team. It has been quite popular and beneficial in recent seasons.
Friend said one of the best examples of how beneficial the transfer portal has been this season is with the Michigan State football team. Michigan State overhauled their roster this season via the transfer portal. As a result, they have only lost one game so far.
Not only has this season seen a lot of parity, but the college football playoff system has been controversial yet again. The playoff system was first introduced in the 2014 season. However, this season has had only four rankings released, and this year’s rankings could be the most talked about.
Chase Buss from Harrah, Oklahoma also thinks this season has been chaotic, but his biggest take away from the season so far is the college football playoff rankings and the controversy that looms over it.
“The part that I think is the most crazy is the college football playoff,” Buss said. “I don’t understand how a bunch of one-loss teams can be ranked ahead of some undefeated teams.”
However, Buss said he is excited to see how this season comes to an end.
There are also some fans that are not thrilled about Oklahoma joining the SEC, like Humanities professor Corey Fitzgerald.
“I’m a Minnesota Golden Gophers fan, so, it’s the Big 10. But down here it’s OU, it’s the Big 12 for now until they go to the SEC,” Fitzgerald said. “However, for those of us that already hated the SEC, and I’m an OU fan, they’re going to the exact conference that I despise.”
The SEC is not a very favorable conference due to how dominant the conference has been for almost two decades. However, conference realignment involves several factors, including money, scheduling and recruiting.
Fans will even devote their time to their favorite team during rough times when their team is not winning many games. Fitzgerald said he stays devoted even when his Golden Gophers are not winning every game.
“I’ve gone when we won only three games the whole year and I loved every minute of it,” Fitzgerald said.
Ryan Manry from Harrah discovered his love of football at an early age when he was playing nearly every sport he could. Manry still enjoys watching high school football when he has time.
Of course, fans also have favorite memories of games that they watched, whether on television or from attending a game. Manry’s favorite moment was at a 2008 OU football game against Texas Tech where the stadium was full of energy after every play.
Football has been around for over a century, but for Manry, that’s one of the reasons he loves football. The history and tradition it has.
And now, the coaching carousel seems to be just as chaotic as the regular season. OU Head Coach Lincoln Riley left OU for the University of Southern California. Brian Kelly left Notre Dame for Louisiana State University.
Two blue blood programs’ head coach positions became available and have since been filled. Marcus Freeman has been hired as the head coach for Notre Dame, and Brent Venables has been hired as the head coach for Oklahoma.
MOVIE THEATERS
By Carsten Clark | Staff Reporter
With everyone slowly returning to a state of normalcy, albeit an altered one, it brings along the reopening of movie theaters across the country. The movie entertainment and theater chains were industries that took a massive hit once the pandemic reached its peak.
It was estimated that over $32 billion was lost as a result of the mandatory closings of tens of thousands of theaters. Most had remained closed for the entirety of 2020, and really hadn’t begun to reopen until earlier this year.
It is estimated that over a quarter of theaters nationwide are still closed, whether permanently closed or just temporarily; that is still a huge loss for the entertainment industry.
As billions of dollars were being lost, and with practically every movie being stuck in development purgatory or being delayed indefinitely, Hollywood decided to work around its seemingly grim fate by utilizing the many streaming services available to consumers.
With the biggest companies either having a stake in or directly involved with these services, it gave them an avenue to roll out their slew of planned movie releases, ranging from independent projects to summer blockbusters. Warner Bros. is most known for this method, as it is currently releasing films in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously.
It allowed moviegoers to experience these highly-anticipated movies in whichever way they preferred, but has this method been as successful as it has been vital to these industries? The consensus on that seems to be mixed.
With the current subscription models these streaming services have, it is rather difficult to determine how much a movie grossed based on streaming numbers alone. Services like HBO Max and Netflix offer a flat rate as there is now pay-perview content on them, which leaves the companies with the amount of subscriptions bought as their only way to measure success.
Disney+ is one of the only services to put their releases under this pay-per-view model. As risky of a move as it was, they have seen immense success as a result, with their live action remake of Mulan
grossing over $250 million through streaming revenue and boosted their subscriptions 68%. Black Widow had garnered an additional $125 million through this method on top of its box office revenue.
So with the recent switch to online streaming for these releases, what does this mean for the theater industry as they open back up?
Despite the convenience streaming offers, both consumers and Hollywood execs alike prefer theaters as the ideal way for movies to be seen. For consumers, it is the atmosphere and cinematic experiences that these theaters offer, which many realized they had taken for granted in the midst of the global pandemic.
“You can’t recreate a movie theater experience unless you have the space and money,” Cyber Security major Colby Schrupp said. “So yes, it has made me want to go back to the movie theaters since the pandemic.”
As for Hollywood executives and producers, it is a much less risky venture, since movie theaters have always made the majority of profit for a film. Theaters are slowly but surely getting back to where they had left off previously, with box office numbers returning to their normal amount.
It had seemed that this was one industry that would not make a return after the pandemic, but in a surprise turn of events, it was able to persevere through same day streaming and video on demand releases alike, allowing the cinematic experience of movie theaters to see another day.
$hopping The Importance of Locally
By Kendall Walton | Assistant Editor
In a world of convenience and over-abundance, shopping locally seems too absurd for many American citizens. With options like next-day shipping, packages delivered straight to doorsteps and CyberMonday sales, local businesses struggle to stay afloat while competing with corporate, and online retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses, especially locally-owned businesses, closed due to multiple reasons such as finances, product shortage or staff retention, while online retailers were booming.
The former CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, earned more than a $70 billion increase to his fortune since January 2020 before stepping down from his position, increasing his net worth to $188 billion.
So why is shopping locally so important? Is it to show support to a family member or friend’s startup business, thus helping support their livelihood? Is it to make sure the revenue stays within the community, showing proof towards community improvements? Is it necessary to buy locally sourced items or goods?
The answer to all those questions is yes.
Leaders Eat Last, a book written by Simon Sinek, states, “Boomers started their companies at an average age of 35, whereas the average age at which millennial takes the plunge is 27.”
Because millennials grew with technology and its advances, technology has become their greatest resource allowing younger people to start businesses and compete in today’s market with retailers worldwide. However, during the pandemic, technology seemed to aid national retailers more than local businesses.
“Younger people can adapt more easily,” Dr. Sharon Harrison, Rose State College Business Professor of Management and Supply Chains, said. “A lot of entrepreneurship has centered around new technologies and they can navigate that easier as individuals with an innovative and inclusive mindset.”
Local businesses were scrambling during the start of the pandemic to produce curbside pickup, mobile ordering and delivery service options to keep up revenue while competing with major, successful corporations.
“Even with current supply-chain issues, OKC forecasts a 7-9% increase in sales,” Harrison said.
Widely known for their emotional reactions, millennials also use those emotions to help drive and promote businesses. Black-owned businesses have increased awareness and revenue due to community support with civic movements like Black Lives Matter.
So how much money does stay within the community when shopping locally and
why is it important?
According to an impact survey by KeepItLocalOK, an organization dedicated to promoting locally-owned businesses, restaurants and experiences, it shows there is a significant effect in communities by spending hard-earned money locally rather than online or through a major corporation or chain.
When spending $100 on a non-local retail level, $14 stays while $86 leaves the local economy. Whereas, when spending the same amount on local retail, $45 remains with the local economy and $55 leaves.
The increase is even more significant when compared to locally-owned restaurants. Out of $100 spent on a non-local restaurant chain, $30 stays in the local community and $70 leaves. Taking the original $100 to a local restaurant, $66 stays locally and $34 leaves the local economy.
Co-Founder of KeepItLocalOK, Bryce Bandy, says the organization uses social media influence to help promote local businesses and keep money in the local economy.
“The business pays an annual membership to be a part of KeepItLocalOK. We build the business a profile page for our website that has their contact information, photos, maps and description,” Bandy said. “Then we help the business promote things like sales and events on social media.”
KeepItLocalOK offers consumers a $15 rewards card to participating local businesses and restaurants for various discounts and rewards. This rewards card is to help promote places people don’t know about or aren’t familiar with around the OKC metro area.
“We want to help people find a new favorite restaurant or boutique; we want to keep that money locally,” Bandy said. “Why give that money to a corporation when it goes directly towards their home base area? Why not help support that friend or neighbor’s business? Plus, you never know what hidden gem awaits you.”
WHERE THE SCHOOLS STOOD
By Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
It’s no secret that the colonial government has never treated Natives well, but in recent months, the long and horrific history of the residential schools across the U.S. and Canada has been brought to light.
In May of this year, the Canadian government reported it had found unmarked graves that held the remains of 215 children on the grounds of a former residential school in British Columbia. This school closed in 1978.
In July, Canadian officials also reported 751 unmarked graves containing remains of mainly children at a former residential school in Saskatchewan.
Indigenous communities across the globe rallied in support of the Indigenous communities here in the U.S. and Canada. Many Indigenous communities want to continue investigating the residential schools across the continent and return their children home in the best way possible.
Residential schools were institutions established across the United States and Canada, built specifically to assimilate Native children to Western culture. In the United States, residential schools were established from the mid-17th century, with most operating well into the 1960s. In Canada, the last residential school didn’t close until 1996.
“They made us believe we didn’t have souls,” Florence Sparvier, a former Canadian residential school student, said in a BBC
article. “They were putting us down as people, so we learned to not like who we were.”
These schools came about through several policies. The adoption of the Indian Boarding School Policy was accepted with the goal to remove Indigenous children from their homes and “reeducate” them so that they would assimilate into Western society. The phrase commonly paired with this policy was “Kill the Indian, Save the Man.”
Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation report that was released in 2015 said this policy stood for “cultural genocide,” which is defined as a destruction of structures and practices that allow a group to continue as a group.
Hundreds of thousands of Native children were removed from their communities between 1869 and the 1960s in the United States and taken to boarding schools that were run by the federal government.
For many Indigenous youth today, their grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles were affected by this. It is not as ancient of a sin as many in America would like to think.
Within these schools, children were punished for speaking their native languages and displaying any behavior that was related to their traditional cultures.
According to Ethnologue, only 115 Indigenous languages are spoken in the U.S. today compared to the approximate 300 originally spoken in the U.S. Two of the 115 are considered healthy, 34 are in danger, and 79 will go extinct within a generation unless there are measures taken to preserve the languages. This means 99% of Native languages spoken in the U.S. are in danger.
In many schools, these children were forced to change their appearances by cutting their hair or being forced to give up their traditional clothing to wear clothes in a Western fashion instead.
“The residential schools were there to turn
Native Americans into something acceptable for white society,” Naomi Cribbs, an Indigenous student at Rose, said.
Many faced abuse at the hands of those running the schools. The children were raised in institutions that were void of love and care.
This caused a massive loss of cultural identity for Indigenous people across America. A large portion of the elders across the community were taught to be ashamed of their heritage and their culture and never passed down any cultural knowledge because of it. Many Natives today are having to reconnect with their heritage directly because of the effects of residential schools.
Being aware of these atrocities is necessary for the country to heal and become stronger. The wounds are still fresh for many and require care and understanding to heal. The scars will never fade, but the acknowledgment of how they were acquired is key to the development of community within the United States.
“Most people don’t know the history of the schools, even some Natives,” Cribbs said. “It’s because we’re afraid to admit that we aren’t a perfect country after all. It can truly make you uncomfortable to realize so many people within America’s history have suffered so much culturally.”
by Laura Huskey
Disney+ Day
By Logan Wood | Staff Reporter
Disney’s new streaming service has had a strong start these last two years. The service opened with “The Mandalorian” which was talked about all over the internet thanks to a mysterious baby Yoda.
In 2021, Marvel Studios would release their first series for the streaming service. “WandaVision” brought a whole new slew of subscribers to the service. Today Disney+ has an estimated 118 million subscribers.
Earlier this year it was announced that Disney would be holding an event on Nov. 12 where they would be showcasing future shows and movies coming to the streaming service. The event was referred to as a “Disney+ Day.”
Many people expected a massive four hour livestream similar to the investor day event that Disney hosted the previous year, but Disney+ Day turned out much simpler than that. Instead of announcing everything through an elaborate live stream, the announcements instead came in the form of a simple Twitter thread.
Throughout Disney+ Day there were announcements from Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures/Animated Studios. The first announcements to come from the Twitter thread were from Disney proper.
It was announced that the long-awaited sequel to “Enchanted” will release next year with the title “Disenchanted.” Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey are returning for their roles.
“Pinocchio” is getting a live action remake starring Tom Hanks coming Fall 2022.
“Back to the Future” director Robert Zemeckis is helming the project.
And finally, the cult classic Disney Channel show “The Proud Family” is getting a revival on Disney+ in February 2022.
Next up were the announcements from Lucasfilm.
Lucasfilm overall wasn’t very present at the event aside from a “Willow” cast video and a brief “Kenobi” behind the scenes reel. The “Kenobi” sizzle, however brief, did give fans a look at some concept art revealing a few interesting elements we’ll see in the series, including, a rematch between Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. “Kenobi” is set to premiere sometime in 2022.
Marvel Studios ended the day on a high note with an announcement of five new shows through a seven-minute sizzle reel. The first of the new shows to be announced was “X-Men 97.” This is a revival of the classic “X-Men: The Animated Series,” which first premiered in 1992 and ended after its fifth season in 1996.
The next show announced
was another animated show titled “Spider-Man: Freshman Year.” This series will retell the origin of Marvel’s most popular character in an art style that pays homage to its original comic book roots. The most interesting thing about this series in particular is the fact that it will be canonical to the ongoing story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Tom Holland’s take on the beloved character. One show announcement that’s sure to have many fans interested is “Agatha: House of Harkness,” which is a spinoff show about the villain from “WandaVision.” Katherine Hahn is returning as the title character of Agatha and the series is said to explore the character’s backstory, which we saw a brief glimpse of in the penultimate episode of “WandaVision.”
Disney+ Day may not have been the internet breaking event that many people were hoping for, but it did provide a decent look at some of the upcoming content we can expect on the streaming service soon.
After all, it’s always nice to know what you’re paying for.
8 Underrated Animated Movies
You Haven’t Seen or You Forgot About
(and why you should watch them)
By Laura Huskey | Editor-in-Chief
Whether you like animated movies, children’s movies, or both, it’s always easy to be entertained by gorgeous frames and simple storytelling hidden with important lessons. There are many underrated animated movies across the globe that don’t receive as much attention as they rightfully deserve. Here are eight gathered together so you can make a decision for your next movie night.
The Breadwinner
This tale, based on Scottish and Irish folklore surrounding selkies, is an adorable and heart-warming movie. The beautiful and wistful animation fits the story perfectly. A young boy and his younger sister travel together on a journey to free the fairy creatures that have been trapped in the bustling modern world. This movie will play with your emotions. Be prepared to cry.
Rated PG. You can find this movie on Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Prime and YouTube.
Claymation is an incredibly difficult art to master, but Laika Studios worked hard to deliver a seamless animation and story with a gorgeous soundtrack. This movie follows the life of a young boy who takes care of his ill mother. Soon enough, he is hunted by both gods and monsters as he goes on a journey to find a magical suit of armor.
Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu and iTunes.
Based on the book of the same title by Deborah Ellis, this film’s simple but stunning animation spins a sad tale about the subtle horrors of war and life under an oppressive power. The movie follows a young girl who must disguise herself as a boy to feed her family. Using different styles of animation for storytelling, this movie will keep your attention and have you on the edge of your seat. A haunting but beautiful tale.
Rated PG-13. Available on Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, YouTube and Vudu.
Two young children journey to recover an item sacred to their people and to the earth. This movie has an incredibly unique anima tion style that serves its story well. A tale from the perspective of the Indigenous people of the Andes that covers the arriv al of the Spanish conquistadors, along with teaching how love for the earth and others remains most important. Rated PG. You can find this on Netflix.
This film is based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The story follows the life of a young girl who only ever works and studies. She loses sight of what it means to be a kid, before meeting an old aviator who tells her stories of his travels where he met a little prince. With gorgeous animation in a range of styles and a beautiful soundtrack, this movie tells a bittersweet tale of growing up while remem bering to have fun.
Rated PG. Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes and Vudu.
Long Way North
A French movie with a unique but simple art style. The animation looks like a painting, so for animation fans who enjoy seeing something new, this is for you. This film follows a young Russian girl who wants to find her missing grandfather who disappeared during a voyage to find the North Pole. It’s bittersweet and haunting, weaving together themes of determination and the acceptance of life.
Available on Amazon Prime, iTunes US, Google Play and Vudu.
Brother Bear
This movie is a beautiful classic from Disney. One of the top contenders for the most gorgeously animated Disney movies, it follows a young man intent on finding revenge who is transformed into a bear in consequence until he learns what his life is truly about. Along with an incredible soundtrack with tracks from Phil Collins and Tina Turner, this film entertains with an emotional roller coaster of a story.
Rated G. Available on Disney+, YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and Amazon Prime.
Abominable
This story follows three kids as they journey to return a yeti back to its home in the Himalayas. Beautiful scenery, a touching storyline and calming music all come together to create this heart-warming tale. Even if there was some out of the blue character development, it was still a touching movie, obviously made for kids. This is definitely a feel-good movie, but if you’re easily emotional, you just might cry at the end.
Rated PG. Available on YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon Prime and iTunes.
Song of the Sea
Kubo and the Two Strings
The Little Prince
Pachamama
Are you an Extrovert or an Introvert
?
Directions: First read each question and then choose A, B or C.
Once you’re finished, add up your answers. A=3; B=2; C=1.
With your total score number, you can find your results at the bottom of the page.
You’re planning a night out. Which option sounds more fun?
A) Going out with a group of friends, the more energy the better.
B) Dinner with your best friend, sharing your weekly gossip.
C) Staying in by yourself binge-watching your favorite show.
As a student, would you rather...
A) Participate in a lively group discussion?
B) Participate in a small two-person group project?
C) Listen to an interesting discussion?
After a long day of being in social interactions, how do you feel?
A) Energized. I want to go out!
B) I feel OK just ready for a chill evening.
C) Tired and drained. Bring me my PJs now!
You’re out for a night of dancing with friends. Do you...
A) Dance with the stranger who asked you to the dance floor?
B) Dance with your friends in a dance-off?
C) Sit alone in the VIP section?
You just met somebody new, how would they describe you?
A) Talkative. My new best friend. We have plans this Saturday.
B) You took a while to warm up, but it was well worth the wait.
C) Reserved and calm.
You need to vent about your day. What do you do?
A) See my bestie immediately.
B) Call my bestie.
C) Text my bestie.
Say you created something like a poem, what do you do next?
A) Immediately show a friend.
B) Wait until someone asks to read it and then share it.
C) Keep it to yourself.
In general, do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
A) Yes!
B) It depends on the day.
C) Never.
Scores:
8-13 INTROVERT: You feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas. 14-18 AMBIVERT: You can be shy or outgoing at times, depending on the situation. 19-24: EXTROVERT: You are an outgoing, gregarious person who thrives in dynamic environments.
sUn sIgn mOON Sign AscEndAnt
core self: basic identity, who you are at all times, how you see yourself.
inner self: control on emotions, who you are in private, how your inner circle sees you. outer self: first impressions, who you are on the surface, how others see you.
HOROSCOPES
(July 23-Aug. 22)
Spending time with family and friends throughout
the holiday season will be very beneficial to your mental health. Your career will be prosperous this season.
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
This is a great time to start new projects. Spend more time with family and friends throughout this holiday season. Trust your intuition. It is time to focus on love and creating or maintaining relationships. In order to receive love, you must give love.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Happy Birthday, Sagittarius. It’s time for you to leave the past behind you and start focusing on the present. Bigger and better things are coming into your life and it is time to prepare yourself for these new beginnings. This is going to be a healing season for you.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
This season is all about change for you, don’t be afraid of it. Look into those new opportunities presented to
you with an open mind. You will find yourself wanting to be around good people. This is a good time for you to start juggling your life with your social life and family bonding.
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Spend time with your family and friends this month. This is a good time for you to receive and give love. Try
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
birthday, to be around people who let you be your true and authentic self. This is a perfect time for you to unwind and regroup before the new year. Start getting those resolutions together.
This season you will find yourself being more adventurous. You will be full of passion. You will attract a lot of love, embrace these connections for the present moments, not the future. Your career and personal growth will be prosperous throughout this season.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a good time for relationships for you, but you need to stop letting emotions affect your decisions. It’s time for you to start manifesting the things you want to see in your life. It might be wise to pick up a hobby for stress relief.
LIBRA
Capricorn. You have a lot going on right now. Don’t forget to unwind
and take time for yourself during your season. Your social life will be flourishing during this time, take advantage of it but do not let drain your social battery. This will be a good time for you to start that new routine you’ve been thinking about in preparation for the new year coming.
VIRGO
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
The most import-
ant thing for you this season is being frugal with your finances. Try picking up a new hobby. New friends are headed your way, but you have to rein in your own initial judgments.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
This is a good time to reflect on your past and learn lessons from it as you go into this growing season. Patience is key, what is meant for you is heading your way soon. Take this season to focus on yourself and projects. Love will surround you this season.
Relaxation
is especially important for you this season.
Take part in some self-care activities and stay a step ahead of the stress. Buy yourself something nice and let yourself enjoy your alone time. Be cautious of family drama.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20)
It is time to start living in the present. New opportunities and beginnings are heading your way. Don’t be afraid to confide in your favorite people throughout this season as some tough decisions will have to be made on your end.
Happy
RAT
OX
Optimistic and energetic, people born in the Rat year are likable by all. They are sensitive to other’s emotions but are stubborn with their opinion. Oxen are honest and earnest. They are low-key and never look for praise or to be the center of attention.
CHINESE ZODIAC
TIGER RABBIT
Fiercely independent and possess strong self-esteem, they like to act alone and are not very gregarious.
Rabbit’s quiet personality hides their confidence and strength. They are steadily moving toward their goal, no matter what negativity the others give them.
DRAGON
People born in the year of the Dragon have quick-paced thinking. They excel at activities that most find mentally exhausting.
DOG
Honest and loyal, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.
BOAR SNAKE HORSE
SHEEP MONKEY ROOSTER
Roosters are complex people who seem strong but deep down, need validation from loved ones. Pigs have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune in life.
Monkeys’ most defining trait is their intelligence. As children, they win awards and the praises of teachers. As adults, they gain professional recognition and make great leaders.
Sheep are able to persevere through any difficulty. They have high tolerance and motivation.
Horses are full of energy, albeit a bit too much. Both studious and athletic, they are strong believers of chasing after dreams.
Snakes are humorous and sophisticated. They don’t like small talk or thinking about small everyday problems.
CELTIC ZODI AC
ROWAN (Jan. 22 - Feb. 18)
Rowan signs are idealistic visionaries with strong humanitarian and spiritual concerns. They enjoy change and dislike restriction and conformity. They tend to be “out of the box” thinkers and do well as artists. They are natural leaders and do best taking the lead, as they aren't good at following others.
ALDER (March 18 - April 14)
People born under the sign of the Alder love to travel and strike out on their own. They’re quite brave and competitive. They’re funny but become angry easily. They make great parents and entrepreneurs.
HAWTHORN (May 13 - June 9)
Hawthorn people are charismatic and creative. They make great communicators and are often found performing for a crowd. They are clever strategists with a strong sense of humor, but need to watch their temper.
HOLLY (July 8 - Aug. 4)
Holly signs are practical and strong, with a tendency toward perfectionism. They prefer to take a supporting role in work and relationships. They don’t take criticism well and have been known to retreat from the world. They do great in banking and insurance.
VINE (Sept. 2 - Sept. 29)
ASH ( Feb. 19 - March 17)
Ash individuals have a dual nature, trying to balance their artistic and vulnerable side with their logical and realistic side. They are compassionate and sensitive, with a strong intuition. They could do well financially if they followed through on their ideas.
WILLOW (April 15 - May 12)
Willow individuals are intelligent and stubborn. They are powerful allies and fierce opponents. They can be secretive, making it difficult to get to know the real them. Family is very important to them. They excel as teachers and in positions where they can influence the public.
OAK (June 10 - July 7)
Oak individuals are charismatic, determined and self-motivated. They make great leaders and have an infectious optimism. Their biggest downfalls are they don’t always know when to keep their mouth shut, and they tend to take financial risks.
HAZEL (Aug. 5 - Sept. 1)
Hazel people are clever and detail-oriented, often analyzing every situation. They tend to have low self-worth and a lot of nervous energy. Their strength is their mind. They are great planners and organizers, and often excel as scholars. Vine individuals are very refined and perceptive. However, they have a tendency to mood swings – being happy one moment and sad the next. Their kind and gentle nature helps them to do well in public service.
IVY (Sept. 30 - Oct. 27)
REED (Oct. 28 - Nov. 24)
Reed people easily grasp the complex. They’re great friends and leaders, but need to curb their jealous streak. They tend to be quite proud and do well when faced with challenges. Their inner strength is so great that at times they need to remember to do the right thing.
BIRCH (Dec. 24 - Jan. 21)
Birch individuals are goal oriented and have a strong need to succeed. They do best with a lot of routine. They do well with money, but need to be careful that they don’t become workaholics. They’re happiest when they have a goal to work toward.
Ivy signs are exuberant and unique. They seem like the Energizer bunny, with a steady stream of energy that allows them to keep going and going. They’re very friendly, funny and optimistic. Although they usually don’t do well in school, they’re so talented they often receive a lot of public honors and recognition.
ELDER (Nov. 25 - Dec. 23)
Elder individuals are highly intelligent and energetic. They do best when there is a lot of variety in their life. They tend to waste a lot of time when they’re young and don’t begin to get their life together until they’re older. They have the frustrating habit of always thinking they’re right, and the annoying part is that they always are.
Holiday Events in Oklahoma
By Coyt Wisdom | Staff Reporter
Safari Lights
The Oklahoma City Zoo is hosting a new event this year called Safari Lights. This event has a large display of wildlife-themed lights. The event has a drive-thru for a portion of it and a walk-through portion as well. An online reservation is required for this event. Safari Lights runs through until Jan. 9.
The Polar Express
The Polar Express is currently at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. Board the Polar Express and enjoy some hot chocolate while also being visited by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. For those who are fans of the movie, they will feel the nostalgia, however this is fun for everyone who attends. The Polar Express will not depart until Dec. 31.
Lyric Theatre Presents: “A Christmas Carol”
The Lyric Theatre is celebrating its 11th year anniversary of producing “A Christmas Carol” outside. For anyone that wants to see a live performance of this classic tale, then this may be the event for you. Tickets are limited to 150 attendants. This event runs through until Dec. 23.
Crest on Ice
Another ice rink event in the Oklahoma City metro. This event is taking place at the Norman Crest location. This event runs through until Jan. 3.
Oklahoma
Winterfest
Looking to get out of Oklahoma City for a bit but still enjoy a big city festive experience? Look no further than Winterfest in Tulsa. This event is located in downtown Tulsa. It has horse carriages, holiday light displays and more. Winterfest runs through until Jan. 3.
Edmond Electric’s Luminance - An Enchanted Stroll
This event is a walk-through light display experience. Located at Edmond’s Mitch Park, this event is available until Jan. 3.
Christmas in the Park
Located in Yukon, this event is one of the most popular holiday events in Oklahoma. This event connects three parks and turns them into a holiday light extravaganza. Five million lights are on display. Christmas in the Park also has train rides. This event runs through until Dec. 31.
Holiday in the Park
Drinking hot cocoa and eating s’mores while seeing a massive display of lights is not the first thing to come to mind when thinking about Frontier City, but this and more is the experience that Frontier City is offering for the holiday season. This event is ongoing until Jan. 2.
Oklahoma December
1. Lifeshare Winter Fest
Opening daily from Dec. 18 - Jan. 2, the Lifeshare Winter Fest offers snow sledding through the Bricktown Ballpark. For session times and tickets, visit OKCDodgers.com/ WinterFest
2. Midwest City Holiday Lights Spectacular
Drive through and see over 100 animated displays or enjoy a new “walking” experience. The Light the City event starts the season on Dec. 1. Visit MidwestCity.org for more information.
3. Downtown OKC
Devon Ice Rink
Take the family or a loved one downtown to ice skate in OKC’s biggest outdoor skating rink. The ice rink runs Nov. 20 - Jan. 30. Visit DowntowninDecember.com/devon-ice-rink/ for more information.
4. Guthrie’s Candlelight
The trolley takes guests around of Oklahoma as onlookers decorated in bright colorful Visit firstcapitaltrolley.com
find your voice.
