The Echo 12.7.12

Tis the season to be bloopered: Professor Jim Wilcox’s compilation of student’s written mistakes

A tribute to my teammate, Chesney Burgweger

More on page 9

Read more on page 6

December 7, 2012 Volume 84 Issue 13 echo.snu.edu

TheEcho

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Boxing Day, Noche Buena and other international holidays Matthew Wellman, Staff Reporter Throughout the holiday season, each family has its traditions. Most of them are centered on their culture. Most of us probably have never thought about what other cultures do around the holidays, so I asked three of our international students what their families do for the holidays.

Mike Hearne (Wales, U.K.) “We don’t really do the usual stuff except on the day after Christmas, the 26th. In the UK, it’s called Boxing Day. I have no idea why. I always thought it was Boxing Day because everyone throws out their boxes from presents, but on Boxing Day I play golf. There is an annual tournament at

most golf clubs. Some other things people do on Boxing Day is a charity swim in the sea, which is bonkers because the sea is very, very cold!

People play soccer with friends and then everyone goes out in the night and hangs out with their friends.

For New Years, people throw parties all over. This year I am going to a fancy dress party where there is a local band playing and having lots of fun. That’s about it!”

Luis Hernandez (Dominican Republic) “My family in particular likes to get together the night before Christmas and enjoy a big meal. It’s kind of like Thanksgiving here. We all

get together and just play games loved ones.”

Carlos Font (Puerto Rico) and enjoy family time together.

“We usually wake up around 10 on Usually the night before Christmas Christmas, my mom makes breakfast, and we start opening presents.

In the afternoon, around 3 o’clock, we go to my uncle’s house where we eat and open more presents. In Puerto Rico, The Three Kings day is probably as important as Christis called Noche Buena or Night mas. It’s basically a second Christof the Good where people get mas where you get more presents together and give thanks for what and hang out with the family. For has happened to them during the New Years, we have a big family year. New Years usually is like a party, and we have typical Puerto big get-together. Everybody is out Rican food. People light fireworks in the streets waiting for the New and spend the whole night with Year and hanging around with their their family.”

“In the UK, the day after Christmas is called Boxing Day”

Neuenschwander honored as Mace Bearer Ronna Fisher, Assistant Editor A little over four years ago, SNU’s Mace was a walnut tree growing on SNU’s campus. Salvaged wood from that tree, along with wood from The Tabernacle – a historic building on SNU’s campus where Nazarenes once worshipped – was formed into what is now our mace.

Provost Dr. Mary Jones shared the story of the mace, “Both of these pieces of wood, though cracked and flawed, were saved by the late Dr. Lyle Tullis, SNU Professor of Sociology Emeritus, whose life and service impacted countless SNU colleagues and students. His son, Dr. K.J. Tullis, used

this wood to craft the mace.”

For those who do not know what a Mace is, Jones explainsedin an email correspondence for The Echo what a mace is.

“The academic mace traces its origins to the medieval battle mace and royal scepter and was adopted in the 14th century as a symbol of the university’s ideals and commitment to learning. On ceremonial occasions, the mace is carried by a senior faculty member at the head of the procession. For commencement exercises, the mace is placed in its stand to signal the beginning of the ceremony and removed to mark the ceremony’s end.”

“The Mace Bearer leads the processional into graduation and presides until the faculty, platform and students are in place. Once the Mace Carrier turns and places the Mace on the stand, the ceremony officially begins. At the closing prayer – the Mace Carrier again leads the recessional out signifying the end of the official ceremony,” explains Jones.

Carrying the Mace at the head of the faculty procession at the commencement ceremony is a great honor. It is given to a senior member of the SNU faculty in recognition of dedicated service and outstanding qualities that exemplify

the SNU motto “Character. Culture. Christ.” This year the honor is awarded to Dr. Ed Neuenschwander, a professor of physics.

“I feel honored . . . I understand because of the history, and also this particular mace has a lot of symbolic significance for academics but for SNU too. The tree was a living thing on campus. Its story shouldn’t die,” Neuenschwander said.

Neuenschwander has been teaching at SNU since 1986. He took a two-year leave in the mid 90s, so his service totals twenty-four years.

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12.7.12

NEWS

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Neuenschwander honored as Mace Bearer, continued Neuenschwander is a man with many interests. When he can, he enjoys motorcycle trips, working with old cars, astronomy, drawing, hiking, and reading.

“I think a person ought to become an expert in one thing and try to appreciate many things,” he recommends.

One of his more interesting hobbies is playing the saxophone. He picked it up five years ago when a friend told him, “The real tragedy is when you die, and the music is still inside you.”

Dr. Neuenschwander is full of sagacious advice for graduates, two notable pieces of advice be-

ing: “In the absence of a burning bush experience, follow your interests. Sharpen your tools. Your passion and interests are God’s gift to you.” and “There is a trade off between adventure and security. Try to have some adventure in your life.”

With commencement bing to-

morrow, Dr. Jones also wants to leave graduates with some wisdom: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.’” Mark 12:29-32

The Luke Commission simulates clinic to inform students Brad Crofford, Editor-In-Chief The quick touch of a paper clip to a finger. A long wait in line. A brief consultation.

These small things were designed to help inform the students who attended the HIV/AIDS testing simulation late in the evening on Monday, November 26 about the realities of HIV in Swaziland.

Harry (M.D.) and Echo (PA-C) VanderWal from The Luke Commission ran the simulation as if it were one of the clinics they run twice a week in Swaziland. According to its website, The Luke Commission “takes free health care and the Good News of Jesus Christ to the most isolated and underserved populations, in partnership with the Swazi people and the Ministry of Health.”

Director of the SNU Fund and Advancement Programs Brent LaVigne, who lived in Swaziland as part of the Swaziland Partnership, began the event by providing some context.

“Swaziland has the highest HIV infection rate in the world, about one in three people” LaVigne said.

“In a country with no health care, the only barrier between life and death is your immune system.”

HIV takes away this protection, LaVigne explained. The problem

is widespread. Unlike in the US where HIV is mostly found in certain high risks groups, one is surrounded by it in Swaziland, LaVigne said.

Such high rates has severe societal effects. Harry VanderWal noted later in the simulation that about 20 percent of all Swazis (and 40 percent of Swazi children) are orphans. His wife added that that is the equivalent of about 80 million people in the United States being orphaned.

As the simulation got underway, Harry VanderWal began by emphasizing God’s faithfulness.

“Whatever happens here today, God is there to help you,” Harry VanderWal said.

Students lined up to be “tested.”

They lined up to have their fingers prodded with a paperclip (a fill-in for having blood drawn) by three students filling in as nurses. They then waited to get their results.

Though the simulation did not administer a real test, the room was near silent as people waited for their results. Feet bounced up and down as students read and reread the story of the person they represented. This waiting period was an important part of the simulation. While students only had to

wait for about a half hour, Echo VanderWal said that in Swaziland “Sometimes our patients have to wait six to seven hours... It is gutwrenching.”

“As I was trying to live into this African woman’s life, all I could think about were there thousands and thousands of children who live each day without a mom or dad because of this disease,” Junior urban ministries major Shelby Oxner said. “I couldn’t even begin to imagine what that might be like to sit and wait to see if I would be there to continue to provide for my children.”

After waiting, students went up one at a time to hear the results of their “test” from either Harry or Echo VanderWal. Even though not a real test, this moment was impactful for some of the students in attendance.

“I tested negative based on the results for the simulation,” junior English major Samuel Duce said.

“I did not expect that at all. I felt silly, but I was strangely relieved.”

After the simulation, the VanderWals answered questions about their work in Swaziland. They have been working there for almost eight years and estimate that they have seen about 8,000 people test

positive for HIV. “Our part as The Luke Commission is to get people to test,” Echo VanderWal said. “We probably see more people in one day than the rest of the country... We test about 150 people a day, two days a week.”

Their modus operandi is to set up temporary clinics in rural schools.

They provide numerous services in addition to HIV testing, which actually helps their HIV work.

“It helps to have it in a comprehensive setting,” Echo VanderWal said. “It’s more relaxing for the patient and makes them more willing to test.”

In terms of what needs to be done, the VanderWals named education about HIV as one of the key issues. They said that sometimes individuals are “thrown out of the house and ostracized” if they test positive.

They also cite funding as a way in which people can help. It costs about ten dollars to test one patient. According to LaVigne, SNU raised about $2,000 for such testing through its Two Dollar Tuesdays initiative last year.

Individuals can learn more about The Luke Commission through their website, http://www.lukecommission.org/

Who’s Who Selections Robbie Bollinger • Zach Bond • Madie Cash • Brad Crofford • Katie Funk Chase Howard •Jamie Keoppel • Amy Longnecker • Jake O’Bannon • Kenzie Parnell Nitesh Patel • Kara Pirog • Jordan Sloan • Eric Smith • Hillary Underwood

OPINIONS TheEcho

December 7, 2012

Page 3

Prehistoric legends : a rose by any other name is Rosie’s clone Prof Jim Wilcox, Guest Columnist I was blessed by chance to be born with a “wombmate.” (I just can’t think of God as a prankster.)

It has made all the difference (with apologies to Robert Frost).

When we were little, Mom dressed us exactly alike and put us in a stroller-built-for-two, like a scooter with a sidecar. This gave us a little hope to one day be married and prosper.

You’d have to look at our baby photos for yourself, but when there are two of anything, no matter how strange they may look, folks feel bound to say things like, “Oh,

twins. They’re so cute,” and to my mother, who still scowls (we were eight pounds each) any time John or I enter the room, “God has blessed you twice.”

As we grew up, we discovered that this resemblance could really play in our favor.

At church camp one year, we switched “squads” (I think the theme that year was WAR).

All was going splendidly until the awards dinner that evening when my brother went up front to get my “Camper of the Week” award.

In high school, one afternoon

we switched classes. He went to my journalism class and pretended to write a news story. I went to his art class and pretty much destroyed his current art project.

(Who said revenge isn’t sweet?)

It was in college, though, that we really had fun one night. We switched in the middle of a double-date!

At the party, we went upstairs, exchanged clothes and descended into the Land Of Double Takes.

We didn’t plan for every contingency, however. We rarely planned anything back then. We discovered early that life is too

short to be normal (and there was little chance of that, anyway). As John’s date was a “blind date” – only blind girls would date us – and I had been the one to pick her up and meet the parents, he didn’t know how to get her home.

Imagine 15 minutes of driving around, saying things like, “Now, do I turn here? I was steering-wheel dancing when I came the first time,” and “Keep going straight, correct? How about those Giants!!”

Unbelievably, we pulled it off and never saw either girl again.

(The story of our teen lives.)

As I see it: dare to be different Patty Juliuson, Columnist I was going to write a little article about why I have a broom in my shower, but I got distracted watching people, so you’ll just have to live wondering. I think peoplewatching is fascinating. Sometimes you see someone who really stands out, but mostly it’s like observing schools of fish in a large aquarium.

We think America is a culture of rugged individualists, but often our uniqueness extends only to our Starbucks order “Yes, hi- I’ll have a tall half-skinny half-1 percent extra hot split quad shot (two shots decaf, two shots regular) latte with whip.”

Generally, we flock to the familiar and hang around with people who look, dress and act like us.

As Christians, we are called to be different. In Titus 2:14 and I Peter 2:9, God’s Word labels us “peculiar,” which, according to Strong’s Concordance, gives the idea of “being beyond usual;

special.” The Encarta Online Dictionary defines the term as, “unusual, strange or unconventional” or “unique, belonging exclusively to or identified distinctly with somebody or something.” Now, I’m sure we can all admit we know people who are flat-out strange, but when I talk about being different, I don’t mean coming across like a freak show. My kind of peculiar means unique, because I belong exclusively to Jesus Christ and want to be identified distinctly with Him. It’s not always comfortable being different, but as a Christian, I am compelled to show an exterior that contrasts with the world around me. No one can read my heart; people only hear what I say and see how I look, how I act and how I treat others. For me, that means that I make a conscious decision to be kind, to have a positive outlook, to dress modestly, to live according to the Bible prin-

ciples I have learned. I do a lot of things that are different from the mainstream, and I don’t do a lot of things that the mainstream might think acceptable. This is my choice; it is how I live out the faith that is within me.

Granted, it’s not easy bein’ me.

“We think America is a culture of rugged individualists, but often our uniqueness extends only to our Starbucks order.”

Sometimes I am so full of joy at the great gift of salvation, I want to throw my arms in the air and sing and dance. (Trust me, people, that behavior is not always appreciated.) Sometimes I want SO

MUCH for other people to understand the great treasure they can have in Christ, I wish I could pour out all the blessings in my heart so that they could get just a glimpse of the goodness of God. Sometimes, I am tired, grumpy, worried, upset, frustrated and too human. That’s when I realize my life is not all about me and that I can take my problems to the Lord rather than take it out on someone else. I need to appropriate and act on what I know is right rather than react according to my feelings. Think about it: If I look, think and act just like nonbelievers, what is the value of the gospel message I share?

I pray that you, too, will know Him as “Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord,” and that your relationship with Him will give you the courage to be different.

Have a great holiday and stay safe! See you in class.

12.7.12

OPINIONS

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A tribute to my teammate, Chesney Burgweger Sarah Keller, Guest Writer As I’m writing this, I feel as if I am almost writing an obituary.

On a day in early December 2012, Chesney Bergweger will walk across the stage and will be handed a diploma to ensure the foundation to the rest of her career goals, all the while leaving a rather large void in the SNU’s Women’s Cross Country team. She decided to delay graduation by another semester in order to use up her last season of eligibility, and for that her teammates are grateful. Though Chesney didn’t beat the Kenyans or break any national records, she contributed so much more to our team.

Chesney’s combination of raw talent, discipline, positive uplifting attitude, spiritual direction, constant source of laughs and overall leadership made her a dime among the women’s cross country program during her time at SNU. I am so thankful for the two years I was able to train and compete alongside her. There are several stories that I could tell you about, but I think I will refrain from embarrassing Chesney. She is continuously providing our team entertainment, awkwardly funny moments and long laughs.

There were numerous times that we would have one interval left, one mile, or one stride, and Chesney would pump all of us up right before we started, and then take off for the rest of us to chase her. During hard workouts Chesney had an uncanny way of pushing and pulling me to go a little bit harder. One of my favorite memories of us running together was this year at the UCO Land Run in Edmond in September. Chesney took off with her very recognizable long stride, but in the first mile, I was able to catch up to her. Throughout the rest of the race, she and I were able to run almost stride-for-stride with each other. It was so much fun for me to be using each other to help with pacing, picking other girls off

and general motivation. For every runner, there is a constant battle with a voice in the back of our minds that when the legs start to get heavy, the air is becoming uncomfortably thin, and the finish is nowhere in sight. During the UCO race that voice in the back of my

“I am so thankful for the years I was able to train and compete alongside her. ” mind was shouting at me several times, but I was able to ignore it because Chesney was there to push me a little harder. After the race, we talked about how much fun the race was for us both. Pure fun! I know without us pushing and pulling each other, neither of us would have the feelings we did about the race.

Coach Miller said, “Chesney exemplifies what a student athlete is at the collegiate level. She performed at a high level in the both the classroom and in athletics. She has been a tremendous leader for our women’s cross country and track & field programs and will be missed. The standard she has set paves the way for our current and future team members.”

During her time here at SNU, Chesney has received several impressive rewards for her accomplishments in the classroom as a chemistry and biology major, along with substantial contributions on the field: NCCAA Cross Country National Qualifier 3 x Cross Country Academic All-American 3 x Track and Field Academic All-American Top 15 SNU All Time 5K Performances

Chesney Burgweger. Photo from snuathletics.com

Chesney, thank you for all of your contributions to SNU and specifically to the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field Programs. The bond you have helped our team form will last much longer than our running careers.

Thank you for your friendship and support; you will be missed by us all!

Chesney Burgweger, dressed as Rosie the Riveter, poses with Nate Siems at TWIRP. Photo by Audra Marston.

STORMSPORTS

TheEcho December 7, 2012 Page 5 The Thunder Cat speaks out about fans, humor Brad Crofford, Editor-In-Chief What exactly is a thundercat?

Despite appearances throughout the year, this festive feline is still something of a mystery. To help our readers learn more about our school’s mascot, we sat down for an interview with the person beneath the mask.

When asked what a thunder cat is, the mascot focused on the interaction with fans.

“I like to think of myself as ‘I bring the thunder of the fans,’” the Thunder Cat said. “I like to bring the roar of the crowds.”

The Thunder Cat attends a variety of events throughout the year, including both sporting events and regular appearances.

“I wish I could attend more,” the

Thunder Cat said. “This semester I attended about 20 events.”

People respond in a variety of ways, from excitement to fear.

“Some people are scared. My favorite is when they get giddy,” the Thunder Cat said. “I will do anything to put a smile on someone’s face. I love taking pictures.”

Like Zorro and Batman, the person inside the suit changes from time to time. Part of the magic is lost though when fans greet the person inside by name, according to the current Thunder Cat. During the interview, the Thunder Cat had a lively sense of humor, often smiling and cracking jokes.

“I’ve always had the thunder inside me, but I really wanted to help summon the storm, so when the opportunity presented itself, I pounced,” the Thunder Cat said.

This humor is also present while in costume.

“I love to grab my tail, tickle the inside of someone’s ear, and then pretend it’s not me. I point to the person next to me,” the Thunder Cat said.

However, the Thunder Cat did want to tell everyone, “PS: the tail is sacred. Don’t touch the tail.”

For information about events that the Thunder Cat will attend, you can check out its facebook page (http://www.facebook. com/thundercrimsonstorm.cat).

SNU

Keep up with results and scores at sports. snu.edu Athletics

The Thunder Cat interacts with Hills RD Katy Bradley and her son Beau. Photo by Stephany Reyes.

12.7.12

SPORTS

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Women’s soccer nationals recap Matthew Wellman, Staff Writer The SNU women’s soccer team played in the NCCAA National Championship this past weekend.

They advanced further than any women’s soccer team from SNU. They breezed through the first round and semi-finals, but were unfortunately taken down by California Baptist University in the championship.

It took only a single goal by Junior Kayla Thompson in the 37th minute for the Storm to bring down Houghton (N.Y.) University in the first game. It was clearly a defensive game and the ladies were able to keep Houghton from

getting any real scoring chances.

The semi-final game against Trevecca Nazarene was not much different from the first.

The Storm was able to keep the defense solid and got two goals from sophomore Mallary Schaub

“I have never been on a team that is as close as this one.” in the 54th and 88th minute.

Freshman goalie Yoli Zamarripa continued her strong play and moved her shutout streak to three as the Storm went rolling into the

national championship.

SNU came in very confident, but the championship would prove to be a test just too tough for the Storm. California Baptist came out with their guns blazing and put up two quick goals in the first four minutes. It was almost as if you could just see the life being sucked out of the Storm.

They just could not get anything going offensively and would end up losing 3-0, as California Baptist would defend their national title successfully.

“My favorite part of the national championship was the team bonding. A lot of teams will

say that they are super close and bonded, but I have never been on a team that is a close as this one.

We really are like a giant, awesome family,” Thompson said.

“My favorite part about this year’s team was just how well we all got along. Most of the other teams I’ve been on have had a lot of drama but this team rarely ever had any conflicts and when we did it was just us being overly competitive,” said Schaub.

The Crimson Storm finished the season 13-8-1. They will lose three seniors from this year’s squad, Rachel Atnip, Kendra Nixon and McKenzie Redwine.

Photos from Kasey Throgmorton

Make sure to support the basketball and baseball teams in their upcoming games!

Arts

ENTERTAINMENT

TheEcho

December 7, 2012

Page 7

Things to do in OKC during Christmas-time Ashleigh Buchanan, Staff Reporter

There is always a lot to do in Oklahoma City during the Christmas Season. Everyone puts extra effort into decorating their homes or businesses, and a lot of places have special events going on during this time of year.

Here are some ways to make the Christmas season even more eventful:

Monday & Tuesday : 3 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday: 3 - 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Chesapeake Snow Tubing

Most of the year the only sliding that takes place here are Devon Ice Rink at Redhawks players sliding into plate, but you can take a Myriad Botanical home turn doing the sliding during the Gardens Christmas season. $10 gets you an Ice skating is a classic Christmas hour-and-a-half session of snow activity. Is there anything more fun tubing fun down at the Bricktown than putting on scarves, gloves and Ballpark. a hat and going ice skating in the Free Water Taxi middle of downtown where you can see the all the beautiful ChristRides mas decorations in the Myriad The best things in life are free, Gardens? This activity is fun for including Water Taxi rides in the a big group of friends. Whether Bricktown Canal. Guests can you’re an experienced ice skater, or board the boats on Mickey Mantle you look like Bambi trying to walk Drive across from the Chickasaw for the first time, it’s a fun winter Bricktown Ballpark, just west of adventure. the third-base entrance.

Rates: $10 per person for all ages Thursdays through Sundays, (includes skates). $7 for guests who December 1 - Dec. 31 from 6 bring their own skates. p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Hours of Operation: Nov. 23 - Feb. 3

Photo by mr_wahlee used under Creative Commons License

SandRidge Santa Run

What better way to work off all of those Christmas Calories than by participating in a Christmas themed 5K! Run through the streets of downtown OKC as a part of the SandRidge Santa Run on Saturday, December 8th.

The Santa Run includes a 5K race, a one-mile Fun Run and a free Santa Claus Kid’s Dash, plus a warm-up with Rumble the Bison and the Thunder Girls. This year, proceeds raised by the SandRidge Santa Run will benefit The Mentoring Project (http://

okc.thementoringproject.org/).

All runs begin and end at Leadership Square (211 N Robinson) 9 a.m. - 5K Run 9:30 a.m. – 1 Mile Fun Run 10 a.m. – Kids Dash Cost: $40 Go to http://www.downtownindecember.com/SandRidgeSantaRun.aspx for more info on registering!

The “there’s nothing to do tonight” line is officially invalid; go out and experience Christmastime in the great town of Oklahoma City.

Top new Christmas albums Amy Lauver, Staff Writer

The Christmas season is finally upon us. It is now officially socially acceptable to listen to Christmas music.

However, I have been listening to Christmas music for over a month now, and if you’re like me, you just can’t get enough. Of course I love the classics, but I also love it when current artist put their own spin on those classics, as well as write new Christmas songs. This year, many

artists have released new Christmas albums, and I could not be more excited.

A few acclaimed Christian artists have been releasing their new Christmas albums since late September. Steven Curtis Chapman has recorded his album, Joy, for the Christmas season. With 13 festive Christmas songs, this is the perfect album to get you in the “joyful” spirit.

Francesca Battistelli’s album,

Christmas, is very upbeat and jolly.

Her rendition of “What Child Is This?” puts her own style in this song, along with the many other Christmas classics she covered.

Jeremy Camp gives his own modern twist on timeless songs like “Let it Snow” in his new album Christmas: God with us. He keeps a worshipful heart in his cover of classics such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” The up-and-coming Christian rock band, Ashes Re-

main, has released an EP of their first five Christmas songs recorded. They give Christmas songs a rugged sound with their style.

Many secular artists have released new Christmas albums as well. In her album, Christmas in the Sand, Colbie Caillat’s iconic, quirky sound gives a new feel to those timeless songs. She teams up with other artists like Gavin De-------------------------------------continued on page 8

12.7.12

A&E

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Top new Christmas albums, continued

Graw in “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

Lady Antebellum puts a country/ rock spin on Christmas songs in their new album, On This Winter’s Night. Christina Perri, the artist behind the song everyone fell in love

with, “Jar of Hearts,” has released an EP called A Very Merry Perri Christmas. Perri’s unmistakable voice puts a lofty tone in her covers of songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

I love Christmas music instrumentals from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. If you like instrumental Christmas music, then I encourage you to listen to August Burns Red’s

Christmas music. Their new album Sleddin’ Hill is Christmas carols recorded with just instruments and given a rock/metal sound. This is my favorite Christmas album out right now.

Ashleigh Buchanan, Staff Writer

needs decorations, or if they are a student thinking about the necessities students need (coffee, junk food and Arrested Development DVD sets).

Get Creative. Here is the most obvious statement ever: College students don’t have a ton of money. So this adds another challenge to Christmas shopping. How can we get presents for everyone we care about, without taking out another loan to cover the costs?

Remember in elementary school, when our teachers would have us make gifts at Christmas to give to our parents? Things that we put time into mean more than something we go buy anyway. So think about gifts you can make with supplies you already have. Also, Pinterest can and should be used in these situations (Guys, its okay to go on Pinterest for ideas, just don’t pin girly stuff because you will get judged).

Get Thrifty. If thrift stores aren’t your best friends by now, what are you waiting for? Thrift stores are a gold mine for funny stuff that would be great for gag gifts. Or you could combine this tip and the last one and fix up a thrift store item to make it cooler or give it a new purpose.

Get Talking. It’s totally okay to ask other friends for ideas of what to get someone. They might have

ideas or maybe the person you are shopping for has dropped some hints they could tell you about.

And finally, Get Excited and Get Busy! Like basically anything in the world, with gift giving you get what you put into it. So enjoying the shopping process will yield better results in the end. Christmas is just around the corner so get shopping and get crafting! Happy gifting!

Christmas-time is here! This means decorating Christmas trees, hearing Christmas music on the radio, seeing all the houses decked out in Christmas lights, and of course Christmas presents.

Christmas shopping can be fun, but it can also be stressful! There is a lot of pressure to find the “perfect” gift for everyone on your shopping list. Most people make Christmas lists, but that takes the fun out of Christmas when someone knows what they are getting before they open their present.

Shopping without a Christmas list is a challenge, but it can be successfully done! Here are a few tips on how to be a great gift giver: Get Personal. Think about the person you are shopping for.

The stage of life they are in could help you figure out something they would like. Take into account if they recently bought a house that

How to be a great gift giver

Photo by mr_wahlee used under Creative Commons License

Jake’s movie review: Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, played by us about the events, but the film bring the group together every time Jake “The Movie Guy” O’Bannon, Daniel Day-Lewis, was well-liked tells us about the man.

Staff Writer without fail. It was scenes like these Almost one year ago to the date I wrote a review over “The Muppets.”

In that review, I talked about my trip to the theatre with my grandfather, father, and brother and how that particular film appealed to all three generations. Maybe it’s the Thanksgiving season, but I had a similar experience this year with a very different movie.

I am going to make a judgment call here and assume you know what Lincoln is about. Rather than doing that, I want to tell you about how this incredible man was portrayed in Steven Spielberg adaptation of the 16th President’s life.

by the majority of Americans toward the end of his first term as President. He was a kind man, he appealed to the masses, and he made decisions that we able to bring together party lines. That last characteristic changed quickly though when he tried to abolish slavery.

Lincoln’s path to the abolishment of slavery is essentially what the film is all about. As an American who has learned the story though textbooks and teachers, I was opened up to a whole new perspective of the story through Spielberg’s portrayal. History tells

The man was someone who cared more about the masses than he did himself. “Lincoln” really puts you in his shoes through the entire process. We find that it was not just the South that was against his decision, but there were people in his own cabinet that were against him. One of my favorite elements of the film, and it was a part that often gave comic relief, was when a heated discussion would be taking place and Lincoln would calm everyone down by telling a humorous story. His audience would always be confused and a bit displeased when he would start, but the story would

that told the story of the man behind the legacy.

One of the main criticisms of this film is that it moves slowly and does not have the action that the public was expecting. I must say, that analysis could not be more false. I understand why people are saying that though, because the action that filled this film is almost non-existent today. The action present came through the life of Abraham Lincoln and what he stood for. Lincoln was a man of action – he believed strongly in something, and instead of strictly having a strong belief, he combined

12.7.12

A&E

9

Jake’s movie review: Lincoln, continued belief with action to create change.

My grandfather was moved by this film, as should anyone be who watches it. Afterwards, he came up to me and told me that this is the kind of change we need today.

He reminded me that Lincoln was a man who believed in something

Jim Wilcox, Guest Writer

so strongly that he would not rest until he saw it happen. I will not soon forget my grandfather’s words, because he is right. Today we seem to lack one important factor in the change equation. We have the beliefs (and we sure are passionate about our beliefs, aren’t

Adviser: Melany Kyzer Content Editor: Kendra Nixon Layout Editor: Kira Roberts Assistant Editor: Ronna Fisher

good time to give you some movie suggestions for the Christmas season. It’s very simple; after you’re done watching “It’s a Wonderful Life,” go see these two movies: “The Hobbit,” and “Les Miserables.” Easy assignment, right?

Have a great Christmas!

Tis the season to be bloopered

Not that this matters to you of course, but most of the people on campus who are over 40 and have begun that long slinking into their shoes – the older we get, the shorter we become…and our feet start getting longer. It’s God’s plan for our coffins – may remember that I collect student bloopers and put them in the last ECHO issue of the fall semester.

It’s like a Christmas gift from your haggard uncle. So without further nonsense, let’s get to some really memorable gems.

“Chicken Express is very covenant” (That’s a promise of convenience.)

“Because of the abnormality on the cell-protein, the mucus of the cell becomes ticked.” (You’d get mad too if folks were talking about your abnormal mucus.)

“Cyclists like Lance Armstrong are people’s heroes and remodels.” (“Yeah fellas, just go ahead and take out that trophy case, will you?”)

“Sex is a natural process that should only be endured by adults.”

(That’s not what Dr. Phil says.)

“He does everything he can to bring the word of Go to those who need it most. (It’s called “The Great Omission.”)

Editor: Brad Crofford

we?), but we lack the action step.

We should take a lesson from Abe on this one; change requires more than just belief. It requires action.

Go see this movie. I promise you won’t be wasting your time.

And with this being the last issue of the semester, it seems like a

“If a person is exposed to a decibel of 150 or higher, it will cause instantaneous rapture.” (Must be talking about trumpet volume.)

“This is the common fear of athletes, especially when they are in season.” (I guess even adult athletes have to endure it someday.)

“It is even more difficult for people to find the motivation to get off the coach.” (People love a winner!)

“The human body has natural defenses against extreme tempters.” (Sounds like a Republican to me.)

“People started to conjugate around Jesus.” (OK here we go everybody. “I fish, you fish, he fishes, we fish, you fish, they fish.”)

“I’d like to do my exa-Jesus on “The Sermon on the Mount.”

(That’s fine. Just be careful of pairof-oxes.)

“Since those two things could not have happened at the same time, these events could not have happened simultaneously.” (Obviously, those two events are thinking and writing.)

“They could have created a law, so drivers would become more couscous.” (We could call it “Sem-

olina’s Law.”) “Please excuse my abstinence today.” (Hey, we all make sacrifices.)

“The athletic fields are far from being close.” (Oh, wiser words have ere been written.)

“He was immediately thrown into the wilderness for 40 days with wild beets.” (Yeah, but did those beets ever conjugate?)

“The NFL has struggled to contain head injuries.” (That’s what you call a “no-brainer.”)

“A higher education provides the opportunity to gain a carrier.” (That’s important when your child’s school has “Carrier Day.”) “The second footman empties the chamber pots. And Kenny, the hall boy.” (Kenny was always overflowing with empty enthusiasm.)

“Too many hours are taken up by facebookers, updating their statues.” (Apparently no facebooker has updated “The Thinker.”)

“This available amount of money will go to improve kids leaving condition.” (Go on, get outta here, you little beggars!”

“Advertising companies tend to materialize children in a negative way.” (Abra Kadabra. A Raggedy Ann!)

And a favorite flash from the past: “The Kirby vacuum cleaner is great for cleaning your cracks and crevices.” (You’d better stay away from me on cleaning day if you know what’s good for you. Do you hear me?)

Mary Christmas and Happy Nude Year, everybody!

Photo by Images History used under Creative Commons license

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