a student newspaper of the university of tulsa
february 20, 2017 issue 18 ~ volume 102
graphic by Elias Brinkman
The Collegian: 2
News
20 February 2017
TU Anthropology Club brings activity fair to Kendall-Whittier students
On World Anthropology Day, TU students led Kendall-Whittier elementary schoolers in a variety of exercises to teach them about different facets of anthropology. Giselle Willis Managing Editor
TU students danced, excavated and hunted with Kendall-Whittier Elementary School children last Wednesday, all in the name of anthropology. The American Anthropological Association again hosted World Anthropology Day this year to encourage anthropologists to engage the community in their discipline. Thus, on Feb. 15, TU’s Anthropology Club, otherwise known as Lambda Alpha, organized a series of activities to do just that with KendallWhittier students. Kim Ivey, Lambda Alpha treasurer, said World Anthropology Day is important because it gives anthropologists the chance to share their work with a broader audience. She said anthropologists can take on many roles to study pressing problems such as
“globalization, climate change, the spread of infectious diseases and the relation of socioeconomic status to health.” According to Ivey, Lambda Alpha’s goal in hosting the event at the neighborhood elementary school was “to inspire them to think about attending college and to get them excited about the possibilities within anthropology.” Eight Lambda Alpha members worked the different stations at the event with the support of faculty sponsor Dr. Macdonald. Graduate students Dolores Davalos Navarro and Molly Noah led the children in dance moves to represent ethnochoreology, the study of how dance relates to culture. At another station, children worked with graduate students Katie Williams and Kim Ivey to investigate two replicas of skeletons with magnifying glasses and also played a game of “pin the bone on the skeleton.” One table featured a mock excavation (which, according to Ivey, came “complete with dirt, artifacts and even a fake rattlesnake to keep things realistic”) with graduate students Colleen Bell and Melissa Miller. There was also an area for students to throw rubber-tipped spears at a target and learn from graduate student Marco Martinez
courtesy Kim Ivey
Lambda Alpha members showed Kendall-Whittier students mock excavations, on the left, and skeletons, on the right.
Galicia and undergraduate Greyson Chance about the different types of weapons humans
used in the past. Around 140 children attended.
Earn Your Law Degree at the #1 Best Value Private Law School • Tuition only $24,600/yr for all full-time JD students • Top 100 Law School (US News & World Report, 2017) • #1 Best Value Private Law School (PreLaw Magazine, 2016) • #25 in the nation for graduate employment in full-time longterm bar license required JD advantage positions • Merit-based scholarships available for those who qualify • Spring, summer, or fall start Learn more and apply for a fee waiver today: law.utulsa.edu/tuition2017
TU is an EEO/AA institution.
Sustainability Committee performs waste audit on TU campus for Recyclemania The waste audit focused on plastic bottles and drove the committee’s efforts to reduce plastics on campus. Kayleigh Thesenvitz Social Media Manager As part of the TU Sustainability Committee’s eight-week Recyclemania program, a waste audit was conducted across campus on February 8. Five students examined all the trash and recycling that was thrown out in a 24 hour period piece by piece in order to aggregate data for the audit. The group presented their findings at a plastics awareness event on Monday, February 13 to an audience of approximately 70 students and faculty. Included in their presentation were the following results:
At TU, more than 78,000 plastic bottles are used per year. Over 9,000 plastic bottles are thrown into the trash each year. In the library alone, almost 30 percent of plastic bottles are incorrectly disposed of. Almost 20 percent of plastics are clogging the waste stream. “We focused the waste audit on plastic bottles because we are wanting to see what plastics waste TU creates, and to start a legislative appeal to require less plastics on campus,” said graduate assistant for sustainability Bobi Deere. The Committee plans to repeat the audit quarterly to track patterns over time. They also asked that students take part in a quick survey about plastics on campus. Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/MK28B9G
Bioinformatics minor coming in fall Computer science, biology and math professors have worked together to introduce the minor. Michaela Flonard News Editor Although students won’t be able to declare a Bioinformatics minor until next fall, the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences has the minor planned and ready. Professors in various departments have been discussing the minor for several years, but have worked on its structure for about a year. John Hale, professor of Computer Science, said the minor “establishes a formal credential that tells prospective employers and graduate schools that this student has a depth of experience and background in
bioinformatics.” This field, he believes, will become “more prominent over time.” Both regional and national opportunities in bioinformatics exist for students. At a local level, the major health care systems need people with bioinformatics training, and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research has established internships and jobs for TU students with bioinformatics training, Hale said. Hale expects computer science, biology, math, psychology and nursing students to be the best candidates for the minor. Brett McKinney and Hani Girgis, professors of computer science, are involved the bioinformatics program in the computer science department and helped build the minor. Estelle Levetin, chair of the biology department, and Bill Coberly, chair of the math department, also contributed to the minor.
THE RICHARDS GROUP TRG JOB #: SBU-16-0050
COX. CONNECTED. A Year Of Investment. A Lifetime Of Returns.
CLIENT: SMU TITLE: Master’s College Print PUB: University of Tulsa Collegian INSERTION: November 2016 TRIM: 5.125" x 10.5" COLOR: CMYK LINE SCREEN: SNAP/85
Get A One-Year Master’s Degree
FOR QUESTIONS CALL: Kathleen Pendergast 214.891. 2918
Management Maximize your market value with a solid business foundation.
Business Analytics Launch your career in big data, marketing or consulting.
Finance Attain success in corporate finance, investment management and consulting.
Accounting Enhance your skills, prep for the CPA exam and jump-start your career at a top global accounting firm.
Sport Management Join the only sport management master’s program in DFW, the #5 sports market.
Hone your professional skills. Access 40,000 alumni in 80 countries. Jump-start your career.
Learn more at coxmasters.com.
SMU does not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
SBU160050 Mstrs_Cllgn_5_1x10_5.indd 1
10/31/16 9:26 AM
20 February 2017
News
The Collegian: 3
TU Dining involved in several sustainability projects Since 2012, TU Dining has contributed food to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, a composting group and a pot-bellied pig rescue camp. Alex Garoffolo Student Writer TU Dining began contributing to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma on April 17, 2012. According to Mike Neal, Head of Dining Services, the program had a slow start due to logistics, but reinvigorated efforts in 2015, and 2016 saw some 14,700 pounds in donated food. Food intended for donation is picked up from the cafeteria and ACAC twice a week. Cuisine from the food court is donated, along with foods that have been prepared but do not get put out for actual service. Neal said that all of the food’s temperatures, holding times and cooling times must be fully documented. Most of this food is proteins and vegetables. A few starches, such as rice, make their way in as well. Currently, between ACAC and the cafeteria, TU Dining donates 400-500 pounds per week to the food bank and another combined 500 pounds per week between a community composting group and a pot-bellied pig rescue camp called “Hamalot” that feeds over 300 rescue pigs. Last semester alone, TU Dining donated over 3,390 pounds of food to these efforts. Which items go to the
pigs and composting? Foods like desserts, sandwich makings and salad bar items, which all cannot be legally donated for human consumption, along with overripe fruits and stale Einstein’s bagels, are perfect for composting. According to Neal, food for pick up is placed in special containers, complete with food holding and production paperwork that must be completed on both the giving and receiving sides. Closely monitoring food temperatures during this process is critical. TU Dining is also invested in sustainability. All to-go ware throughout campus (except the styrofoam cup at Chick-Fil-A) is compostable and landfill friendly. The Apex dishwashing system at the cafeteria operates at a high efficiency, saving ten percent or more on energy, water and soap needs versus standard equipment. Every drop of grease used on campus is recycled and used as biofuel. The dining department, with the help of Physical Plant, recycles aluminum, paper, plastics, glass, cardboard, motor oil, antifreeze and fluorescent light bulbs. On top of all this, TU Dining’s donation efforts have helped support the Tulsa Day Center, Kendall Whittier Food Bank, Campus Methodist Church Food Bank, True Blue Neighbors (via healthy cooking classes) and the John 3:16 Mission. According to Neal, dining staff are deeply entrenched in the fight against hunger in Tulsa. They’ve assisted with free cooking classes, the digging of neighborhood gardens, personal food drives (TU Dining employees raised 1,800 pounds of food during a drive last
spring for donation to TU Campus Methodist Church’s food bank) and sustainability projects on campus (why the cafeteria no longer uses trays). In fact, TU Dining partners with Whole Foods to take produce that would otherwise be thrown out and funnels it to the pig farm
and other green waste recycling projects. To boot, TU Dining partners with TU to take kitchen waste from campus and, using its ORCA 600 (600 pounds of food scrap capacity) composter (located in the cafeteria), turns it into viable compost for community gardens and farms.
photo by Michaela Flonard
ACAC and the cafeteria donate 400-500 pounds per week to the food bank and 500 pounds per week between the composting group and pot-bellied pig rescue camp.
Oklahomans start paying Amazon sales tax in March Students comment on how the law would affect their online shopping habits. Grace McFee Student Writer Beginning March 1, Oklahoma joins a growing list of states that will collect sales taxes on purchases made online through Amazon. The online retail giant had previously relied upon a 1991 Supreme Court decision that bans states from forcing out-ofstate online vendors to collect taxes if they
don’t have a physical presence in the state. This changes with the Oklahoma Retail Protection Act, which requires those same vendors to either voluntarily collect the sales tax or to send customers a notice at the end of the year to pay the tax. Amazon has chosen to voluntarily collect the sales tax in states like Mississippi, Missouri, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and now in Oklahoma. This means that as soon as you type in your mailing zip code, the sales tax for your city and county will be added to your purchase. According to officials, the Amazon sales tax alone has the potential to generate
tens of millions for the state and is supposed to remove the financial incentive to shop out-of-state. Amazon is one of the websites college students use most often for online shopping, making the sales tax an especially hot topic on TU’s campus. When asked about her feelings on the sales tax, junior Aileen Polanski said “Before, when making a particularly large purchase, I’d make it on Amazon because I wouldn’t be paying tax and that meant the effect on my wallet would probably be less. I guess [the sales tax] seems weird because I don’t feel like I’m making the purchase in Oklahoma. The internet is virtual. It doesn’t have a location.” Similarly, sophomore Hayley Harris
smaller local stores trying compete with the ease of online orders. It’s probably beneficial in the grand scheme of things, but it is unfortunate for individuals who rely on the accessibility and cheaper options online.” On the other hand, sophomore John Nguyen, who is unconcerned about the tax, commented: “The main reason I go to Amazon is for the lower prices. So the addition of tax doesn’t bother me too much, because it’s still going to cost less in the end.” When asked for her thoughts, sophomore Samra Arain answered “I don’t think it will have an effect on me. We already pay sales taxes when we shop in person, and adding it to Amazon purchases will not be a huge change. As more and more people shop on-
“‘I think it could be avoided if our government could manage money better than a three-year-old with a checkbook. ’”
courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Students were split on whether Amazon taxes would affect their online shopping and whether the extra income would help the state.
responded “I think it could be avoided if our government could manage money better than a three-year-old with a checkbook. People keep saying ‘yeah, no one likes paying taxes, but it’s the right thing to do in this case.’ Really? This is okay, but a 1 percent increase in sales tax that’s required to go toward our state’s broken and broke education system isn’t ‘the right thing to do?’” Sophomore Keerthana Krishnakumar, who is more moderate on the issue, said “I do a lot of shopping online, so it will probably hurt me quite a bit, but I think overall it will help even out the playing field for
line, states are losing income, and taxing Amazon could only help our state. I just hope some of the income from this tax will go towards education because it is no secret Oklahoma is struggling when it comes to education.” Ultimately, the Amazon sales tax is an unavoidable development, regardless of student opinions. Oklahoma residents will discover whether or not it has a substantial effect, either on student wallets or state revenue, when the tax is implemented in March.
We End Violence speaker addresses students about sexual violence
The group We End Violence hopes to educate people on bystander intervention and everyone’s role in ending sexual violence. Alex Garoffolo Student Writer
On Thursday evening in the Reynolds Center, in front of a crowd of students from the athletic and Greek Life communities, Jeffrey Bucholtz gave a talk on the topic of sexual violence. The talk was part of SAVE and Advocacy Alliance’s Consent Week. He represents a group called We End Violence, which offers a variety of educational services to groups of all kinds, from college students to soldiers. The group’s goal is to educate the public on bystander intervention, preventing sexual violence and how we all can make a difference in the fight to end violence. “Where did you learn what good sex is?” Bucholtz asked the crowd of students in front of him. Answers came back: family, porn, friends’ claims, porn, movies, TV shows and porn. “The average age men in America are first exposed to porn is 11,” said Bucholtz. He also told students that there are studies proving that the more porn one views, the more likely one is to be dissatisfied with sex in real life. This image of what sex is creates
a large problem for those looking for real information about it. Americans are now growing up with a warped view of what sex should be and how to go about obtaining it. The speaker said a huge part of the issue is that the media (movies, shows and music videos) present sex as something for which one cannot plan. It’s supposed to be “spon-
taneous, hot, steamy” and is sold as something that is out of one’s control. Bucholtz played popular songs such as “Animals” by Maroon 5 and “Every Move You Make” by the Police and analyzed the lyrics to show that popular culture promotes stalking behavior. Often, love is presented as something one is addicted to.
photo by Alex Garoffolo
Jeffrey Bucholtz, from a group called We End Violence, talked about sex education and consent last Thursday.
But the issue is, according to Bucholtz, that an addict can never enjoy what she’s addicted to because, by definition, she can never get enough of it. And that is not a healthy representation of love or sex. He also said that assault is a quite a considerable problem on campuses around the country because of the ambiguity of nonverbal language. Many times, people don’t verbalize their intentions, looking instead for body language cues that someone is interested in them and assuming they know what these “signals” indicate. Bucholtz went so far as to say that the idea of “no means no” is not a good way to think about consent because it implies that someone is required to say no (i.e. one has consent by default). Bystander intervention, in his words, is about “changing the culture we live in.” We End Violence wants people to understand that rapists think that other people think exactly like they do. As long as people sing the classic refrain of “I’m not a rapist; it’s not my problem,” it sends the rapists the message that nobody is standing against them. Apathy signals acceptance. “Everybody can do something and collectively, it will add up,” stated Bucholtz. From telling that guy at the club that the girl really just is not interested in him to telling a rape victim “I believe you,” everybody has the power to stand for what’s right.
News
The Collegian: 4
20 February 2017
Mayor Bynum, Pres. Clancy speak at TU Leadership Experience The TU Leadership Experience found new ways to impart leadership skills to students. Nick Rethford Student Writer The University of Tulsa’s annual Leadership Experience was presented on Saturday, February 18. TULE is a yearly SA leadership workshop that traditionally consisted of guest speakers lecturing about leadership, but this year Executive Director of University Events Megan Skocdopole decided to break that tradition. Skocdopole, along with her Associate Directors Catherine Aaronson, Logan Hibbs, Cassandra Meador and Stephanie Kealey, decided to redesign the event in hopes of not only attracting more students than just the required Greek Life and SA members but also providing an interactive experience that will leave students with leadership skills. The theme of this year’s TULE was Disney’s “UP;” all of the activities and decorations eloquently captured the timeless charm of the loveable movie. The theme marks one major change from previous years. Each table had a different colored balloon attached to it, and
students sat at the table with the balloon that matched the one on their name tag, effectively splitting them up from their friends. “I wanted to do this so that everyone got the chance to work with someone they may not know,” Skocdopole explained. “It’s a small enough campus that most everybody is familiar with each other, but this way everyone can get the chance to really get to know people they may not otherwise talk to.” There, students got the chance to get acquainted with the other people at their table over doughnuts and coffee. Mayor G.T. Bynum kicked off the workshop by speaking about leadership and what it it means to him. He relayed everything he had read about about leadership in the six months between when he was elected and when he was sworn in. He shared stories that ranged from Abraham Lincoln’s desire to unify the nation during his presidency to Bill Gate’s leadership discussion with Reid Hoffman over lunch and discussed what each story meant to him. Next, each table participated in a variety of interactive activities that contributed to the overall theme, another aspect that was not present in previous years. For the first activity, each person chose twenty qualities from a list that de-
scribed themselves and then slowly narrowed them down until there was only one remaining. This was meant to help each person decide the most important quality they have and what one quality they look for in a leader. Each person got to fill out an “Adventure Book” to help others around them learn about times they were a leader. Finally, each table collectively chose three items they would keep in a floating house to help build teamwork skills. After brief lunch, President Gerard Clancy took the stage to share his thoughts on being a leader. He discussed the steps needed to initiate change and achieve goals, and he talked about his ten year initiative to close the life expectancy gap between the different areas of Tulsa. The workshop ended with one last activity, “Making a Connection.” During this activity, everyone closed their eyes while Skocdopole read off certain instructions like “connect with someone who you trust” or “connect with someone who works hard” or “connect with someone who is the Russell to your Carl.” Each round, a few selected students got the chance to walk around and pat the backs of people who inspired them in those ways. “This was definitely my favorite activity,” Skocdopole
photo by Nick Rethford From left: Cassandra Meador, Catherine Aaronson, Mayor G.T. Bynum, Executive Director Megan Skocdopole and Logan Hibbs.
commented. “Seeing everyone connecting with the people that inspire them was truly touching.” As to whether or not TULE was a success, freshman Ella Luttbeg has no doubt that it was. “I
definitely enjoyed it,” she said. “It was really cool to get to work with new people and learn about their strengths as leaders. I can’t wait until next year!”
SA charters two religious clubs related to current organizations On January 31, Senate chartered both Muslim American Student Association and Hillel of Northeastern Oklahoma. Brennen VanderVeen Student Writer Although both are just recently chartered, both Muslim American Student Association and Hillel of Northeastern Oklahoma are related to organizations that have previously existed on campus. Muslim Student Association (MSA) and Hillel of Northeastern Oklahoma were marked as inactive in November last semester. That means SA believed the organizations were no longer meeting, so their charter was effectively cancelled. However, that does not mean that the
organizations were completely gone from campus. Muslim Student Association (MSA), still exists, but according to Bisher Akel, the president of the new Muslim American Student Organization, it has basically only one purpose: “to look after the mosque in terms of care and scheduling.” He saw “very little interest in any Muslim-related events or outreach” in MSA. That’s why about eight students sought to create a new organization. Muslim American Student Association is meant to help Muslims connect with each other and with non-Muslims. Because the name Muslim Student Association was already taken, the organization had to be named something else. Akel says that the group chose to put “American” in their name because it “is a title that most Muslims can identify with.” He also says, “So many of us were born in America and
have traditional American values. ‘Muslim American’ is a title that we can connect with and the title in and of itself serves as a form of outreach to show others that there isn’t really much difference between us.” The group currently does not have any set meetings or events. Its initial planning meetings have taken place in the Student Union, and the mosque on E. 4th Place is also a possible meeting place for the future. In regard to events, Akel says ideas range from “interfaith tours and dinners, to interactive seminars and debates and even cultural awareness days.” Hillel of Northeastern Oklahoma is a direct continuation of the organization that previously had a charter with SA. The organization is funded by a local synagogue, so it does not anticipate needing any SA funding. Not needing funds from SA and a leader-
ship transition made it so that the organization’s leadership did not know it needed to communicate with SA and led to the subsequent classification as inactive. Despite not needing funding, Lilly Kopita, the group’s president, says that she wanted the group chartered in order to expand membership. Specifically, she believes that being chartered will help incoming freshmen know of the organization’s existence. Also, she says that having a charter makes it so that “joint events with other religious organizations are more easily obtainable.” Also, she says having a charter “opens up more avenues for interfaith activity on campus.” The group meets in Norman Village behind the pool area, in an apartment marked with a sign. They meet on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6:00 p.m. for free bagels and free dinner, respectively.
Professors reflect on how TU has changed since their time as students Professors who attended the University of Tulsa share their experiences as former students. Nick Rethford Student Writer While the day-to-day changes on campus may not be as noticeable, the university has changed tremendously in the past fifty years. And who better to provide testaments to the university’s growth than professors who double as alumni? Peggy Hill, Bill Hinkle and Earl Johnson provide insight into just how much this university has changed for the better by sharing their experiences as former students. Probably the largest and most noticeable change that the university has experienced in the last century would be the campus’ immense expansion. It has grown from only 20 acres holding a sin-
gle college when it was founded in 1894 to over 200 acres holding four colleges. Hinkle, who enrolled in 1966, notes that the campus growth has allowed more students to live on campus. “Back in the day, it was like going to ‘13th grade’ because everyone simply drove to TU, went to classes, then drove back to their home in Tulsa,” he explains. “Very few people lived on campus.” The growth has included expansions for a lot of the older buildings, as well as the construction of new ones. When Hill, who also enrolled in 1966, was a student, Oliphant Hall had only two floors and was home to the College of Liberal Arts. “The space now occupied by Languages was set up as two large amphitheaters, a bit like the one in Lorton, because basic classes would have 150-200 students each,” she explains. “7th Street was also open from Harvard to Delaware, and across the street from Oliphant
was a sort of malt shop. It was either where the BSU is now, or the Physical Plant offices, and most everything south of 7th Street was a neighborhood with houses that graduate students could rent, or actual Tulsa residents!” The campus’ expansion has led to a growth in the student population as well, with over 4500 students currently enrolled. Johnson is especially proud that the university can offer a home to an increased number of international students. “The international student population has become an even greater source of pride for TU as students from over 70 countries add to the broad diversity of our university experience,” he comments. The university has seen a growth in curricula, too. Not only has the University of Tulsa developed new colleges and degree programs, but it also offers a variety of classes not offered fifty years ago. “The curriculum back then was
courtesy Collegian archives The campus as viewed from the south, ca. 1920, with the president’s home in the building to the right.
courtesy Collegian archives
Chapman Hall, College of Nursing, from an earlier time.
very different than the Tulsa Curriculum we have now. There were virtually no choices, even in your major. I still recall that everyone had to take three specific humanities classes, four specific social studies classes, one religion and one philosophy, and two English writing,” Hill explains. “We had a very strong liberal arts education, but almost no choices.” Hinkle even has his very own Collegian story from his time here as a student. Serving as an editor during his junior and senior years, he faced his own share of controversy, the most notable of which involved the campus dorms. “When I was at TU, we only had two dorms, Lottie Jane Mabee and John Mabee. The women’s dorm had a curfew with hours ending at 11 p.m. Sunday through Friday and midnight on Saturday. You should have seen the number of coeds climbing out of the bottom floor windows into the waiting arms of their boyfriends most every night after rooms were checked by the dorm curfew squad,” he says. “The men’s dorm did not have
any curfew hours. So, for the sake of political correctness and great journalism, I decided to write an editorial to ‘right the wrongs’ of the current administration in terms of the unequal treatment of females at TU. My last line was exceptionally brilliant: ‘I guess the TU administration hasn’t figured out that a coed can get just as pregnant at 2 p.m. as she can at 2 a.m.’ Bad career move. The editorial was distributed on Thursday in the edition which proceeded Parents Day/Homecoming, so thousands of potential readers and parents would be on campus. Dr. Eugene Swearingen, the university president at the time, immediately enlisted his administrative team to comb the campus, picking up every Collegian so the highly-controversial editorial would remain out of sight.” The University of Tulsa has come a long way since it was founded. Hinkle’s experience is just one of many these professors had at TU over the years, as they’ve seen the university grow and change.
News
20 February 2017
The Collegian: 5
2017 legislative session brings new bills and legislators to Okla. Here are some facts about the new Oklahoma legislative session that are important to you as a voter and student. Kayleigh Thesenvitz Social Media Manager
Oklahoma’s 2017 legislative session kicked off two weeks ago with Governor Fallin’s State of the State address. Sessions began at noon on the first Monday in February and must adjourn by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last Friday in May. Here are the basics to prepare you for another year of Oklahoma government.
courtesy Wikimedia Commons
In the Capitol, all bills for the 2017 session were introduced by January 19. Oklahoma senators and representatives have until March 2 and 3, respectively, to get the bills out of committee for presentation on the floor.
House of Representatives There are currently 101 state representatives. The partisan makeup of that sum is 75 Republicans, 26 Democrats. There are 32 “freshmen” representatives, meaning those recently elected for the first time. The partisan makeup of those officials is 25 Republicans, 7 Democrats. Majority leadership includes Speaker Charles McCall, Speaker Pro Tempore Harold Wright and Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols. Minority leadership is Scott Inman and Eric Proctor (Represents District 77 in Tulsa, which is near campus, starting just east of Harvard). District 72, which includes TU’s campus, is represented by Monroe Nichols (D).
Senate There are currently 48 senators. The partisan makeup of the senate is 42 Republicans, 6 Democrats. There are 13 “freshmen” senators, all of whom are Republican. Majority leaders are President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and Majority Floor Leader Greg Treat. Minority leadership is John Sparks and Anastasia Pittman. District 35, which includes TU’s campus is represented by Gary Stanislawski (R).
The Executive Branch Under Governor Mary Fallin there is a team of elected officials, including: Lt. Governor Todd Lamb Attorney General Scott Pruitt (who resigned his position in order to lead the EPA in Trump’s administration. It is unclear who will be filling his position in the interim until the next election) State Treasurer Ken Miller Insurance Commissioner John Doak State Auditor & Inspector Gary Jones Labor Commissioner Melissa McLawhorn Houston Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister Corporation Commissioners Bob Anthony, Todd Hiett and Dana Murphey
courtesy Oklahoma Policy Institute
One major issue for the legislators this year is solving Oklahoma’s debt crisis. Funds are currently appropriated in these percentages.
courtesy Oklahoma Policy Institute
The ten largest agencies receive nearly $6,778,100,000 in appropriations from the state government.
Session Preparations New bills can come from a variety of sources, including by request of a government agency or local government, by request of an interest group, by request of a constituent, from national model legislation (e.g. NCSL, ALEC), directly from the Governor, directly from a legislator’s interest or from an interim study (a study conducted by a committee out of session). All bills must be requested and introduced by a legislator. The deadline to request a bill was December 9, 2016 and the deadline to introduce a bill was January 19, 2017. Interestingly, House members were able to file “shell bills” without substantive language as a placeholder to be filled in later. Shell bills are prohibited in the Senate. This year, 878 new bills and resolutions have been filed in the Senate and 1,364 have been filed in the House. Senators and Representatives now have until March 2 and 3, respectively, to get these bills out of committee and ready for presentation on the floor.
More Information for You If you are interested in more information, here is a brief list of helpful online resources to stay up to date on what is happening in the state: The Oklahoma Legislature Home Page (www.oklegislature.gov) has links to House and Senate homepages. You can also look at specific legislation for its status, wording and intent and search OK statutes and the Constitution if you want to see the current laws on the books. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services provides the Governor’s annual budget and certification estimates which you can see by visiting www.ok.gov/OSF/. Monthly revenue reporting is available through the State Treasurer’s Office which can be found at www.ok.gov/treasurer/. All other state spending and budget info can also be found at www.ok.gov/okaa/. At www.okpolicy.org you can find The Online Budget Guide, the CountySTATS Data App, Bill Tracker and the OK Policy Blog. Together Oklahoma (www.togetherok.org) provides advocacy tips and advice on how to talk to your legislators. And, as always, you can look to us here at the Collegian to help walk you through new bills that catch our eye throughout the legislative session. Our website is www.tucollegian.org.
2017 Springfest band announced at basketball halftime
courtesy susieq3c/Flickr
This year’s Springfest band, Needtobreathe, was revealed at halftime during the Feb. 11 basketball game with a promotional video. Needtobreathe can be described as an indie rock band with roots in southern, country and Christian rock. The April 6 tour date at TU is part of an ongoing tour following the release of their sixth studio album, “Hard Love.”
The Collegian: 6
Jan. 24 7:40 p.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to investigate a drone being flown around the University Square West Apartment complex. Officers met with the students flying the drone and advised them the could not fly in residential areas on campus. Officers reviewed the footage from the device and found nothing inappropriate. The students advised they would no longer fly drone on campus. Jan. 26 1:45 a.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to West Park Apartments for an individual who pushed the button on the blue phone. Upon arrival officers met with the individual who was a non TU affiliate and claimed to be homeless. They pushed the blue phone button because they thought it was the line to get an apartment. The individual had no previous contacts or active warrants. The individual was trespass warned and escorted off the property.
News
9:30 a.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers spoke with a non-University affiliated individual at a financial institution in Ohio. The individual stated one of their patrons had received 2 suspicious University checks from another individual they met on social media. Officers confirmed the checks were fraudulent and advised the individual to make a report with their local police.
Jan. 27 2:30 a.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to Lorton Village apartments for report of loud music coming from a vehicle in the lot. Upon arrival officers met with an individual playing loud music in their vehicle. The individual said they did not want to play the music in the apartment because they didn’t want to wake up anyone. The individual was a non TU affiliate visiting a family member who lived in Lorton Village. Officers confirmed the individual’s statement and warned them about the loud music. Jan. 28 12:40 9.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to investigate a parking attendant taking money. Shuttle drivers noticed a parking attendant taking money from individuals that were here for the University of Tulsa basketball game. Officers arrived at the location of the incident and the parking attendant was gone. The park-
Nathan Gibbons Distribution Manager Pakistan kills militants Pakistan claims to have killed more than 100 militants following a terrorist attack from the Islamic State. Last Thursday, a suicide bomber detonated at a Sufi shrine in Sehwan and killed more than 80 people. The attack also left about 250 wounded. Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, said “Each drop of the nation’s blood shall be avenged, and avenged immediately. No more restraint for anyone.” The Sindh provincial government has announced three days of mourning. 18 militants from the southern Sindh province and 13 from the northwest have been killed. Borders leading to Afghanistan, which Pakistan accuses of tolerating militant sanctuaries, have been closed. According to some analysts, crackdowns of this type are common after a major militant attack. The BBC’s M. Ilyas Khan said that the number of militants killed is higher this time. He added that Pakistan’s military needs to offset the idea that they are losing the war.
Two killed in California storm A “bombogenesis,” or “weather bomb,” brought flash floods and torrential rain to California over a few days last week. “The storm looks to be the strongest storm to hit southwest California this season,” the National Weather Service said. “It is likely the strongest within the last six years and possibly even as far back as December 2004 or January 1995.” Hundreds are evacuating the Los Angeles area as fears of potential mud slides increase. The storms spread from Los Angeles up to San Francisco. One man was killed after a falling tree pulled a power line into contact with his car. Another victim died in their vehicle after it was submerged in a flash flood. 20 miles east of Los Angeles, authorities gave mandatory evacuation orders to citizens as they went door to door. Alberto Moreno, a local, told Reuters news agency that he would stay, saying “The neighbours are here so we’re all basically going to help out each other if it comes down to it.” Those who stayed signed notices saying they would do so.
Kim Jong-nam killed in Malaysia
A North Korean national, Ri Jong Chol, has been arrested in the killing of Kim Jongun’s half brother, Kim Jong-nam. He was the first North Korean national to be arrested after an Indonesian woman, a Malaysian man and a woman with a Vietnamese passport had been detained earlier. The latest suspect was detained Friday evening in Selangor, near the Malaysian capital. Kim Jong-nam was waiting to board a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Macau when two women are alleged to have sprayed his face with poison. The detained Indonesian national, Siti Aisyah, says she was paid to perform what she thought was a prank. Kim Jong-nam had been estranged from his family after being bypassed in favor for his half brother for leadership of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, or DPRK. South Korean intelligence officials blame the DPRK for the assassination, but there’s no evidence yet that they were responsible. Malaysia will not return Kim Jong-nam’s body to the DPRK until they receive DNA from one of his next of kin. North Korean officials say they will reject whatever the results of the autopsy are.
United States pledges support for NATO Last Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence told European leaders at the Munich Security Conference that the US will be “unwavering” in its support for NATO. However, Pence said that the European countries’ “failing to pay their fair share” on defence “erodes the foundations of our alliance.” Pointing out that only four NATO countries other than the US have met a 2014 commitment to spend two percent of their GDP on defence, Pence said “the time has come to do more.” Pence went on to say the world community must “continue to hold Russia accountable, even as we search for new common ground, which as you know, President Trump believes can be found.” Russia must honor a 2015 peace agreement aimed at ending the violence in Eastern Ukraine, he added. Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany, also spoke at the conference. Merkel called for increased cooperation among the nations to combat Russian aggression and Islamic terror. She also said the question facing the Transatlantic community was whether “we will be able to act in concert or fall back into parochial politics.”
ing attendant was later identified and the individual was terminated. 4:55 a.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to investigate somebody attempting to enter another students apartment at Mayo Village Apartments. Upon arrival officers made contact with an intoxicated individual, who was of age to consume alcohol, that thought they were at their apartment. Officers were able to locate their proper residence and escorted them safely back to their correct apartment. 3:15 a.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to Norman Village regarding an individual trying to break into a vehicle. While officers interviewed the reporting party, the suspect returned to the vehicle. Upon questioning the suspect, it was discovered that they were a student and the owner of the vehicle. The suspect appeared intoxicated and was under the age of 21. The suspect stated that they received alcohol from the Kappa Alpha Fraternity House. Jan. 30 12:00 a.m. While on routine patrol University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were advised of improper use of bulletin boards in Phillips Hall. Officers were able to locate the flyer that was reported and confiscated the flyer. Officers searched the remainder of the area and found no other flyers.
20 February 2017 5:05 p.m. While on routine patrol University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were flagged down in the Lorton Hall lot for a non-injury motor vehicle accident. Upon making contact with the drivers they were informed that a vehicle was backing out of a parking spot and did not see the other vehicle driving in the parking lot due to a SUV parked beside them. No medical assistance was needed. Jan. 31 12:00 p.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to investigate a individual sleeping near Oliphant Hall. The individual was reportedly unconscious near the east building doors. Officer contacted the individual, a TU affiliate, who had taken a nap. No contact card issued. 5:20 p.m. University of Tulsa Campus Security Officers were dispatched to the Collins Softball Complex to investigate a possible motor vehicle theft. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated they left their vehicle at the Softball Complex when they went inside. When they came outside they noticed their vehicle was missing. Tulsa Police responded, filed a report, and listed the vehicle as stolen. The Collegian does not produce or edit the Campus Crime Watch except for content and brevity.
Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Helmerich Hall, 219 Teach-In: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Immigration & Justice The University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, & iNjustice presents “TeachIn: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Immigration & Justice,” Tuesday, February 21st at 7 p.m., Helmerich Hall auditorium on the TU campus. A panel of TU faculty and students will address the current status of immigration as it relates to their respective disciplines followed by questions and discussion. This event is free and open to the public. For questions, please call 918-631-3631. Tuesday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m. Tyrrell Hall, Tyrrell Auditorium Poetry Reading with Rebecca Eland Rebecca Eland’s spare, musical poems are peopled and placed and imbued with Americana. Eland has performed poetry with dancers from the Boulder Ballet and at venues around the globe including The Royal Botanical Gardens of Glasgow and Edinburgh, The Denver Art Museum and the Watershed Poetry Festival. In addition to poetry, Eland dances ballet. She earned her B.A from Naropa University, an M.F.A from Saint Mary’s College of California and has taught at Deer Park Institute, India. Currently she teaches College Composition. Wednesday, February 22 at 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. McFarlin Library, Faculty Study How Scholars Can Contribute to the Public Good Do you want to find direct, effective ways for your scholarship to contribute to public policy? Join us for a Mixer on Public Scholarship to find out more about how you can directly contribute as a scholar to local, regional and national public debates. This informal gathering (with refreshments) brings together three sources of support for public scholarship: David Blatt and other representatives of the nonpartisan Oklahoma Policy Institute, who can help you find ways to connect with area opinion leaders and policymakers Paola Maynard-Moll and Elizabeth Ghedi-Ehrlich, who are visiting from the national office of the Scholars Strategy Network, which seeks to improve public policy and strengthen democracy by organizing scholars working in America’s colleges and universities and to connect scholars and their research to policymakers, citizens associations and the media. The SSN marshals the findings of university-based scholars to support and develop public policies that enhance American democracy and meet pressing national challenges. Joli Jensen, TU Hazel Rogers Professor of Communication and director of TU’s Henneke Faculty Writing Program, who can discuss ways the program supports faculty members in becoming more effective public scholars. Wednesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m. Tyrrell Hall, Ellen G. Adelson Auditorium Photographic Fixations: Baudelaire’s Feminine Counter-Signature Lecture on the work of the French modernist poet, Charles Baudelaire, and more specifically the connections between Modern Poetry and Photography, given by Dr. Elissa Marder, Professor of French & Comparative Literature at Emory University. Refreshments provided. Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Greenwood Cultural Center
Dreamland Burning Book Launch: Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham, sponsored by Greenwood Cultural Center and BookSmart Tulsa A new novel about the Tulsa race riot that also explores contemporary race relations in the U.S.
Friday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. Circle Cinema “I Am Not Your Negro” Premiere and Discussion Writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, Remember This House, with the voice of Samuel L. Jackson. TU Professor Robert Jackson and Attorney Hannibal B. Johnson will hold a discussion with the audience after the showing on February 24 at Circle Cinema. The Collegian does not produce all event descriptions in the Community Calendar. Contact us at news@tucollegian.org with events.
20 February 2017
Variety
the Collegian: 7
“Russian Ark” immortalizes, romanticizes a nation’s history TU’s Russian Club recently screened the 2002 film “Russian Ark,” which explores Russian history in one take. Jacob Lee Student Writer “Russian Ark” (dir. Alexander Sokurov) is a 2002 Russian film recently screened by the on-campus Russian Club. The film follows a nameless narrator as he explores Russia’s Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. The 96 minute film is shot entirely in one take solely from the first person perspective of the nameless narrator. “Russian Ark” uses a number of devices to push forward its somewhat formless narrative. The Winter Palace functions as the titular ark, wherein it contains the identity of Russian culture across history. Various periods are superimposed on top of each other such that there is a kaleidoscopic shift in time and setting from room to room of the palace. In a sense, the Winter Palace is an amalgamation of itself containing its total historical context. Historical figures, including real life figures such as Catherine the Great and Nicholas II, haunt the movie, with most oblivious to the timeless nature of the Palace and acting only in their own historical context, and others imbued with autonomy and able to interact with the phantasmagoria. Much of the film also focuses on the art contained within the palace, and in part tells Russia’s story through it. The narrator’s movement through the palace and observation of Russia through this unique perspective is one of the primary driving forces of the film. The film also uses an unnamed 19th century French traveler, called the “European” by the narrator and based on the real life Marquis de Custine, to further flesh out the film’s structure and perspective. He embodies typical Western European attitudes towards Russia, which often come across as pompous and condescending. The Euro-
“Russian Ark” fit around 2000 actors inside the palace.
pean accompanies the narrator for most of the film, and their dialogue gives differing views on Russian culture and history. For example, while examining European art in the palace, the narrator’s resulting modest boast of Russia’s sophistication is countered by the European exclaiming “Don’t forget it
courtesy Wellspring Media
tion of it and eventual resounding approval. Though sympathetic to the traditional western achievements of Russia, the European comes to recognize Russia as a vivid culture all its own, both a part of and separate from the rest of Europe. Through purely Russian eyes, however, the film’s portrayal feels like
“The cinematography ... is among its greatest strengths. The dazzling effect of the single 96 minute take cannot be overstated.” was born under Bonaparte…” Their conversation in part seems to be aimed at similarly foreign audiences, where much of it can feel like an attempt to dispel any pretensions and misconceptions surrounding Russia. This is mirrored by the European’s initial disbelief and surprise towards the richness of Russian life being gradually replaced by an apprecia-
a love letter to Russia, examining its highest moments and expressing delight in the various folds of Russian history. The cinematography of the film is among its greatest strengths. The dazzling effect of the single 96 minute take cannot be overstated. The orchestration of it is impressive alone, where the camera will zoom in on art or small details in the environment so some
of the roughly 2000 actors used can get into place and the tight ballet of shifting pieces can compose itself. Large scenes featuring entire orchestras and ballrooms full of dancers are performed seamlessly in the face of its all-in commitment. The result is gorgeous and natural, fully capturing the scope and sublimity of its vision. Costume designs are similarly immaculate and successfully set the tone for the changing periods and settings. The art featured in the palace also adds to the visual spectacle, as the film is not afraid to take time to revel in each piece’s beauty on its own terms. “Russian Ark” is an awe-inspiring masterpiece. Its composition has the carefully structured yet fluid and panoramic weight of classical music, and its many historical nuances add a near bottomless amount of depth. It is first and foremost a poem for Russia, clear eyed and reverent of the spirit and resilience of the land, and singularly timeless in its sprawl.
Uninformed Oscars predictions: Best Picture nominees jerker,’ the kind people don’t enjoy watching but recommend to me nonetheless. Or perhaps taste is subjective.
A set of cynical predictions for the Oscars’ Best Picture category, written by someone who hasn’t seen any of the nominated films.
Hidden Figures “Hidden Figures,” yet another true story to grace the nominations list this year, is meant to document the “untold story” of the black women who worked at NASA during the space race. Despite promoting the STEM field to young black women and lauding the importance of scientific achievement at a time when the president seems committed to cutting funding for similar projects, “Hidden Figures” has a few strikes against it. For one thing, this movie’s qualities, a period drama with inspirational undertones, a PG-13 rating and a marginalized group as the protagonists, conform so closely to the formula for ‘Oscar Bait’ that the academy might not nibble at all. Perhaps most damning of all, this film is not “Moonlight” or “La La Land.”
Trenton Gibbons Variety Editor Not only will I be looking at only one category of the awards — Best Picture — I have not seen a single film nominated in that respective category. In a way, this makes me practically as unbiased as I might be if I’d seen every potential Best Picture. Furthermore, it might be something I have in common with the so-called ‘Academy.’ The Academy so many award winners will thank before or after they’ve gone on a political tirade during their acceptance speech is not, to my dismay, all that rigid in its organization. There are 6,000 voting members, artists almost randomly considered worthy of opinion by their peers or by award winners themselves. Though primary voting sees each member restricted to his or her own field of expertise, the second round is much more free-range. Worse still, there is not and probably never will be a way to ensure the voting members are actually familiar with the nominees. More likely than not, the voters of the Academy simply write off the majority of the nominees as being inherently unworthy of an award, subscribing to their preconceived notions of what an awardwinning film at the Oscars looks like. This is what makes them so predictable! Using nothing but this cynical piece of knowledge and the pattern of past award shows, I’ve ranked the Best Picture nominees from least to most likely below. Hacksaw Ridge Watching this trailer, I spotted more than a couple red flags for this taking Best Picture. First off, this is a World War II film, albeit an unorthodox one for telling the true story of a medic who refused to kill on the battlefield, but nevertheless a WWII film. Secondly, the cast of this movie is not the kind that takes Oscars. With Andrew Garfield in the lead role and schlock-star Sam Worthington supporting alongside Vince Vaughn, the cast will probably be commended for playing against type, but little else besides. Finally, Mel Gibson, who was ousted as an anti-semite and bonafide crazy man, directed this. That his film is nominated at all is perhaps some attempt by Hollywood to be the ‘bigger man,’ to prove that the awards are a display of objectivity, not favoritism. It won’t win. Manchester by the Sea In stark contrast to his brother, who remains trapped in a cycle of miserable Batman movies, in “Manchester by the Sea”
graphic by Elias Brinkman
When it comes to the Oscars, some films were literally made to be nominated.
Casey Affleck plays a New Yorker condemned to a small coastal town when his brother dies and he’s forced to become his nephew’s legal guardian. It’s one of those small character-driven films whose trailer text claims it “has a lot of heart,” flanked on either side by clips of actors crying at each other’s emotional cues. It looks surprisingly good for anything produced by Amazon, but not like a real contender for this year’s Best Picture. Arrival “Arrival” looks like a uniquely inspired science fiction film, one that’s more interested in dealing with the intricacies of communication between humanity and a vastly different extraterrestrial species than it is with dazzling visuals or escapist adventure. Its director is responsible for the border-hopping cartel thriller “Sicario” and the upcoming “Bladerunner” sequel, and is currently in the talks for a live-action adaptation of “Dune.” “Arrival” might be high among my film-watching priorities, but a science fiction film apparently lacking in political or social commentary isn’t likely to take home this award. Fences Denzel Washington deserves some credit for not only directing “Fences,” but for starring in a lead role that absolutely twists his usual role on its head. Where in previous films like “Man on Fire”, “Remember the Titans” and “Book of Eli”, Denzel is the fiercely protective father figure, in “Fences”
he seems to have more than a passive dislike for his son. It’ll be an interesting watch for this detail alone, but otherwise, the film doesn’t seem to have much going for it. Almost the entire film appears to take place in a crowded backyard (thus “Fences,” I suppose.) The small scale of this film makes Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress (for Viola Davis) or even Best Screenplay likely, but not Best Picture. Hell or High Water I know very little about “Hell or High Water” besides a trailer I saw months ago and refuse to rewatch for fear of spoilers. As much as I want to see this film, I can gather from memory that the protagonists are poor white men turned bank robbers and if there’s anyone Hollywood won’t be voting for this year, it’s the demographic that reportedly voted Trump into the presidency (that demographic being poor white men, not bank robbers.) That being said, the only reason this film is placed so close to the top is its potential to villainize banks or law enforcement. Lion Dev Patel, who first gained fame in “Slumdog Millionaire” nearly a decade ago, stars as a young Indian man who has made a life in his adopted home, but is tortured by memories of the biological family he’s left behind. The whole thing is “based on a true story,” those words that are capable of momentarily enhancing any film, no matter how boring. “Lion” is probably a real ‘tear-
Moonlight There is a sizable gap between the likelihood of “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight” to take home Best Picture. “Moonlight” is a much more unique story, depicting the uniquely difficult life of a man born poor, gay, and black. Its trailer, at least, hints at a film with haunting visuals to back up this tragedy, and reviewers likely have much more to say about “Moonlight” than that it’s simply “inspiring” or “heartbreaking.” “Moonlight’s” potential to win is heightened further by the controversy of last year’s awards show, in which the absence of racial minority nominations for awards spurred the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite. This year, Hollywood will be looking to divorce themselves from this hefty accusation of racism, and “Moonlight” winning Best Picture would not be seen as undeserved. If only “La La Land” didn’t exist. La La Land I have no intention of ever seeing this film. Even without my general disinterest in musicals, the premise, one of two young talents trying to realize their dreams in Los Angeles, is enough to repulse me. The film, without a doubt, glorifies Los Angeles and Hollywood by association. It confirms every illusion of grandeur and escapism Hollywood elites lay claim to. Never mind that the film has little at all to do with reality, or that the lead stars aren’t all that gifted of singers, or that the dancing could not be described by my own grandfather as anything more than “fast walking.” “La La Land” has tied with “Titanic” and “All About Eve” for Oscar nominations. If past Best Picture winners mean anything — “Birdman,” “Argo” and “The Artist” all glorified Hollywood, or at least filmmaking — “La La Land” will take home Best Picture.
the Collegian: 8
Variety
20 February 2017
TV Heads’ “Total Fucker” is underwhelming but worth a try
TV Heads takes advantage of the Variety section’s unbreakable rule: to always review the random CDs that are physically sent to our office. It unfortunately fails to break the mold. Conner Maggio Student Writer
TV Heads, a Los Angeles based band and alt-rock outfit consisting of members Sean Galloway, Angelica Tavella, Vince Gutierrez and Jessica Lankford, released their debut EP “Total Fucker” in anticipation of their Southwest US tour. If you want to see them live they will be performing in Tulsa at Soundpony on February 22. This EP was produced by Jeff Saltzman, who has previously worked with The Killers, Department of Eagles and Blondie. The EP consists of 4 tracks “Chin Up,” “Cool it Down,” “Total Fucker” and “Flower District.” The first thing that stands out about this EP is the washed out, layered, reverb-y vocals all across the project. They
heavy percussion. The first track, “Chin Up,” displays the band’s ability to seamlessly weave between soft indie, alt rock and even a little post-punk. This song was a great choice for the first song on the EP; it boasts TV Heads’ genre-bending attitude while also grabbing the listener’s attention. Track 2, “Cool it Down,” is a much softer and gentler song. Not that “Chin Up” is particularly heavy, just that the post-punk and rock inspiration didn’t make it into this song. With a track that lasts just over four and a half minutes, this song slows down the EP significantly. It isn’t a particularly bad song but it overstays its welcome and feels like filler, which is criminal considering that it is on a four song EP. “Total Fucker” brings the groove back with a slow indie punk ballad; this track has the meat and substance that “Cool it Down” lacked. The song builds to a passionate and meaningful moment in the EP, where the band’s actual abilities are revealed. This takes what was seen in “Chin Up” and builds more layers of light punk influence into the mix. The track does seem to be a rehashing of “Chin Up” in that they both start with mellow indie singing and transition into watered-down, distant punk screaming.
“The first thing that stands out about this EP is the washed out, layered reverb-y vocals all across the project.” give the tracks a very dark, ethereal vibe which builds up into light punk and indie rock vibes. The synths drive this point further as they create soft, distant melodies which are punctuated with comparably
I would have liked to see more variation in the musical style because these tracks feel incredibly similar. “Flower District” is by far the most unique song on the EP. It breaks from any
The tracks on “Total Fucker,” while enjoyable, tend to blend together.
punk influence that the band had and strides more towards indie singer/songwriter territory. This track adds to the soulful and wistful vibe that is laced throughout the project, while also adding more diversity to the track list. Overall, if you want a soft indie project to listen to in the background then I recommend this album. If you want something
courtesy Wikimedia Commons
hard-hitting and attention-grabbing, then look elsewhere. Total Fucker as an EP isn’t bad by any means but as the band grows artistically I anticipate better projects, for now the focus and experience as a band is not fully developed and the EP suffers because of that. I encourage you to give this a listen if you would enjoy a Smashing Pumpkins and Jeff Buckley collaborative album.
To: Lonely music enthusiasts on Valentine’s Day 2. Modest Mouse - Entire Discography
Choosing an album from Modest Mouse’s discography is far too difficult for this, so I have left it up to the reader to decide what they want to cry to. Modest Mouse has a song for every emotion out there, I swear. What’s your poison? Angry tears? “Teeth Like God’s Shoeshine.” Sad tears? “3rd Planet.” Happy tears? “Float On.” Despondent tears relating to the poor socioeconomic state in which you were raised? “Trailer Trash.” I mean, they’re a band that covers their bases very well. I’ve heard all there is to hear from them, and the most convincing thing I can say to the reader is that if you want to feel, and I mean really feel, hold your nose and dive into this band. Swim through every square foot of that pool and you’ll find what you’re looking for. Tears. It’s tears that you’re looking for. 1. Frank Ocean - “Blonde”
graphic by Elias Brinkman
From: Ethan Veenker Student Writer Last Tuesday, am I right? Valentine’s Day comes every year and there never seems to be enough content with which you can achieve your much-needed catharsis. Well, rest assured, my distraught reader, I have assembled a convenient list of five albums with which you can clear those tear ducts and enlighten that mind. 5. Explosions in the Sky - “The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place” “A bold move,” might say the renowned critics of my lists, “to start this list with an instrumental album.” Yes, it’s true; Explosions in the Sky is a Texas-based post-rock band (post-rock being a genre generally devoid of vocals). “The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place,” however, is one of the finest and most beautiful pieces of music you may ever hear. It doesn’t push the envelope in wildly interesting ways or assault your mind with otherworldly noises in a bedraggled attempt to make “deep” music, no. It’s rather just straightforward post-rock, and it’s extremely well done. There’s swells, climaxes, crescendos — it’s essentially a modern take on classical music. And like the best classical concertos, this one tells a story. A concept album, “The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place” takes the reader on — to use a tired term — a journey. It’s true, if you close your eyes, lie back and listen along, you can almost see a narrative transpire before your eyelids. Vague hints of first love, a fall from grace and a reunion. All of these themes are present and entirely perceptible. Moreover, I have cried to this album an embarrassing amount of times. 4. Wilco - “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” Wilco is great because their discography is such a diverse ocean of emotion. They
have albums like “Summerteeth,” which can pick you right up, and then they have albums like this, “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,” which can sink you deep into an armchair as you stare at a wall. True, this album is nothing short of a musical masterpiece. Also true, it’s an emotionally wrenching piece and should only be heard in confined, personal spaces. The title of the first track “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” should be enough proof as to its melancholy, but another (and wildly popular) track from this album, “Jesus, etc.,” is pretty bluntly about the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This album is most certainly a grower, as it took quite a long time for me to get any emotional punch from it. Perhaps I merely imprinted my own experiences on the songs, or perhaps they are genuinely genius pieces of music that creep up on you. I believe it to be the latter. 3. Built to Spill - “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love” This one is truly a diamond in the rough. Built to Spill is one of those wonderful west coast bands that helped trailblaze the Washington state post-grunge/indie rock scene: potentially my favorite music scene. “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love” is a rare album in that nearly every song is memorable and standout in in its own way. The record is inventive, it’s different and it’s emotional at its very core. Perhaps it’s not the somber, quiet music that you’re used to crying to, but it’s an explicitly charged album that can serve that purpose well if you just let it. From the softly sung “Fling” to the hilariously nostalgic “Big Dipper,” this album scratches all the right itches. With perforated themes of childhood, lost loves and general unhappiness, it cleverly hides the base emotions beneath amazing guitarwork. Before moving on, I should inform the reader that I have never been able to listen to “Twin Falls” without crying, and that’s genuine.
it. Listening to this album is almost dirty; it feels like I’m gazing directly into a man’s soul, like I’m somewhere I shouldn’t be in some deeply private place. Frank Ocean has made something truly special with this record; it has a quality that shows through every track. Need I mention more than the fact that Frank Ocean recorded fifty different versions of “White Ferrari” before finally settling on the version present in the album because it’s the one that “brought him peace?” This album is a landmark; it’s something that should not and will not fade from the public eye for a long time, and that is for the overwhelming best. Oh. You didn’t think I’d forget, did you? 0. Neutral Milk Hotel - “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”
The real reason that it took Frank Ocean so long to drop this album was because his equipment kept malfunctioning from the sheer amount of tears he shed onto
tucollegian@tucollegian.org editor-in-chief
Hannah Kloppenburg managing editor
Giselle Willis Cuauhtle news editor
Michaela Flonard sports editor
Matt Rechtien variety editor
Trenton Gibbons commentary editor
James Whisenhunt satire editor
Sam Chott photo & graphics editor
Elias Brinkman
business & advertising manager
Paul Moses
social media manager
Kayleigh Thesenvitz web manager
Sam Chott
distribution managers
Nathan Gibbons, Adam Lux and Trenton Gibbons
I LOVE YOU, JESUS CHRIST.
@TUCollegian
The Collegian is the student newspaper of the University of Tulsa. It is distributed Mondays during the fall and spring semesters, except during holidays and final exam weeks. The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristics including but not limited to the classes protected under federal and state law. Inquiries regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Office of Human Resources, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-9700, 918-631-2616. Requests for accommodation of disabilities may be addressed to the University’s 504 Coordinator, Dr. Tawny Taylor, 918-631-3814. To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accommodations. Advertising Policy: Advertising appearing in this publication does not imply approval or endorsement by the University of Tulsa or The Collegian for the products or services advertised. For advertising information, email the Collegian at advertising@tucollegian.org. The deadline for advertising is 12 pm on the Friday prior to publication. Letter Policy: Letters to the editor must be less than 500 words and can be sent to tucollegian@tucollegian, or dropped off at Oliphant Room 110. Under no circumstances will anonymous letters be published. The name of the person submitting the letter must be published with the letter. We reserve the right to edit or reject all letters. The deadline for letters is 5 pm on the Friday prior to publication. Editing Policy: The Collegian reserves the right to edit all copy submitted by all writers. This editing may take place in many forms, including grammar corrections, changes in paragraph structure or even the addition or removal of sections of content. Editorial Policy: Columnists are solely responsible for the content of their columns. Opinions expressed in columns may not represent the opinions of the entire Collegian staff, the administrative policies of the University of Tulsa, the views of the student body or our advertisers.
Variety
20 February 2017
TU jazz concert brings classic sound with different ensembles
photo by Michaela Flonard
SushiFork fast-casual, but ultimately too inconvenient The sushifork is mostly a branding item and makes for an impractical utensil.
SushiFork provides decent food for a short wait, but can’t justify the distance from TU’s campus. Michaela Flonard News Editor
While the opportunity to try your hand at creating a sushi masterpiece or sushi burrito is a unique, new opportunity in Tulsa, SushiFork’s distance from the university makes the restaurant not an ideal choice for students. When it took a few friends and I longer to get to a restaurant than it does to eat there, we realized a mistake may have been made. SushiFork, a fast-casual chain sushi restaurant located in the Tulsa Hills shopping center, perfectly embodies this experience. SushiFork gets its name from its signature utensil, which is a fork on one end and chopsticks on the other. While this does give you the element of choice without looking foolish in your attempt to use chopsticks, we found using them on sushi rolls was difficult as the chopsticks didn’t have a large enough grip to grab the sushi. The menu welcomed everyone, even those who dislike sushi. Kids meals, salads and sandwiches are offered which don’t resemble sushi at all. As for the sushi itself, there were three choices: signature, burritos or build-it-yourself. The signature category featured pre-determined rolls one could find anywhere, such as a California roll, along with a few unique combos. Sushi burritos were fewer in number, but included Dante’s Inferno, made with ghost pepper chili spice, death nectar, tuna and krab mix. This was one of those food challenges you have to sign a waiver for. The burritos, from pictures, appeared to be uncut sushi rolls with a seaweed wrapping. The build-it-yourself section was centrally placed in the menu, as they were the franchise’s trademark dishes. Customers could pick a meat, either raw or cooked, and as many toppings, fillings and sauces as they liked. These options were varied, including strawberry, spicy crushed Cheetos, crushed funyuns and Hot Mess mix. The restaurant also offers desserts, either as prepackaged cookies and brownies made by some outside corporation, or a
the Collegian: 9
strawberry and Nutella wrap. A variety of sides are also offered, including not only staple appetizers such as edamame but also tuna nachos and miso soup. Like many other fast-casual places, you order at the front before sitting, and then find a place and wait for your order. The seating area is somewhat small, as people move in and out quickly, but covered in photos proclaiming individuality, rebellion and similar topics. The time spent staring at these, or even talking, was null, as our names were called almost immediately. SushiFork prepares your order right before your eyes, so you can see the assembly chain-like method. It was much faster than any of us expected, given most sushi places inform you to expect a wait. Only one of us ordered something that wasn’t sushi, and that was the SushiFork wrap. I tried to make my own sushi, and instead of planning something that would fit perfectly together, I went with the strategy of picking items that sounded good independently. So my roll consisted of smoked salmon, strawberries, sprouts, avocados and carrots, topped with mango and rolled in tempura. The mango topping gave some beauty to the roll, but proved difficult to eat without falling off, while the tempura crunch was barely there, seeming as if they’d rolled only an edge in it. The more toppings you request, the smaller in size they get, so making out a distinct flavor combination was difficult. Others at the table picked SushiFork’s signature rolls. These were more balanced than my selection. Unfortunately with sushi, it’s difficult to share. The wrap looked like something one could get at any cafe, just a simple tortilla with chicken and other fillings. Because it was sushi, we were all done relatively fast, but none of us felt like this was a joint you could loiter in. New customers were constantly arriving and there wasn’t much seating. If you’re in the area, and craving sushi, SushiFork may be the way to go. Similar to Noodles & Co or other fast-casual places, SushiFork delivers food quickly and cleanly. Some of the offerings, like sushi burritos and the chance to be your own chef, are novel, but unfortunately the drive from campus means this restaurant may not seem all that worthwhile when closer options exist, like Yokozuna downtown.
Despite some minor sound issues, TU’s jazz bands entertained with a vibrant energy and skilled instrumentation. James Whisenhunt Commentary Editor TU’s jazz bands kicked off the spring semester with their Winter Concert last Thursday. The Gussman Concert Hall was mostly full as the concert was beginning, largely comprised of older adults but with TU students and children present as well. The evening began with a five-piece set from the TU Jazz Guitar Ensemble, directed by Jim Bates, and concluded with an eight-piece set from TU Big Band I, directed by Vernon Howard. The guitar ensemble, consisting of five guitar players, a bassist and a drummer, went through a wide variety of pieces. From fastpaced solo-heavy tracks like Freddie Hubbard’s “Red Clay” to more somber pieces like Jimmy Van Heusen’s “But Beautiful,” the group captured an impressive range of emotions given their limited variety of instruments. Another impressive aspect of the performance was the quality and variety of solos throughout the set. Each guitarist and the bassist had a moment to shine, with some guitarists like Ben Walker having multiple impressive solos throughout their time on stage. The audience seemed a bit indecisive on whether to clap after the solos or not, though. The only major issue with the set was that the cymbals from the drums were drowning out the guitars quite a bit. Granted, I was fairly near the back of the crowd, but the drummer’s ride cymbal was carrying much better than any of the guitars, and some of
the solos were close to silent at parts. For the most part, however, everything was loud enough to be heard and enjoyable to listen to. Soon after the guitar ensemble left the stage, TU’s Big Band I began their performance. The brass section was comprised of trumpets, trombones and saxophones, as well as drums, guitars, bass and piano providing a backing. There was fewer soloists in this set compared to the guitar ensemble, though those people typically had multiple excellent solos. Their set didn’t have as much variety as the guitar set, perhaps due to the composition of the band itself. Most of the pieces were faster and dance-oriented, though there was one slower piece in the middle of the set: “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” by Bob Hilliard and David Mann. This slow, heartfelt track, contrasted with the fast-paced and hedonistic “Smack Dab in the Middle” by Charles Calhoun featured a vocal performance from jazz vocal instructor Sarah Richardson, who provided an excellent performance on the two pieces that required very different energies. This set had almost the opposite problem that the first had. In the guitar ensemble set, the centerpiece of the performance (the guitars) were difficult to hear, while the brass in the big band performance could easily overpower all of the other instruments. Since the brass were the focal point of the performance, this was a much less serious problem, but I could never hear instruments like the guitars, bass or piano when the horns were in full swing. Despite some sound issues (which, again, may have been caused by my place near the back of the venue), the performances were engaging and fun to listen to. The next TU jazz performance will be on April 13.
Across the two performances students played guitars, drums, pianos and horns.
courtesy University of Tulsa
Retrospective on “Starship Troopers:” anti-fascist sci-fi satire Two decades after its initial release, “Starship Troopers” remains a remarkable satire, but for all the same reasons it will never be a great film. Trenton Gibbons Variety Editor When I first saw “Starship Troopers” perhaps a decade ago, I saw it for everything it was and none of it for what it was satirizing. It was a film with one-dimensional characters, a cast best suited for an 80s high school film and an unrepentant tonal clash. Maybe worst of all, it was a film about human civilization flying halfway across the cosmos to shoot giant insects on a desert planet. It appeared, at first glance, to be “Aliens” without the pacing that made its horror so effective. It looked like “Ender’s Game” with the anti-war message and human element sucked out. And it was. I used to hate that. I made it only fifteen minutes into German propagandist Leni Riefenstahl’s “Triumph of the Will” before turning it off for good. I wasn’t surprised by my dislike for the film; after all, I certainly hadn’t gone in with the intention of enjoying genuine Nazi propaganda. Instead I was trying to see why film critics had lauded praise upon the film, to try to understand how a distorted perspective can make even the most vile of institutions alluring. Today, I think the praise “Triumph of the Will” received from postwar film critics was some sort of attempt by them to appear so objective that they were unaffected by their personal beliefs. Of course, it’s nearly impossible for fascism to be anything more than repulsive and at the very least subtly disturbing, even when it’s being presented in a positive light. It wasn’t until I recently rewatched “Starship Troopers” that I realized how wholly its makers had embraced this notion. Before it was a film, “Starship Troopers”
“Starship Troopers” was misinterpreted as being “pro-fascist.”
was a 1960 Hugo Award-winning novel by author Robert Heinlein. The book, when it wasn’t depicting pulpy sci-fi action, had its characters debating capital punishment, incarceration, civic duty and the occasional necessity of war. I’ve never read it and so will withhold judgment, but some critics at the time accused Heinlein of promoting fascism. Paul Verhoeven, the director of the dystopic “Robocop” and cheesy “Total Recall,” was so intrigued by these accusations that he decided to make a film adaptation over thirty years later (but disliked the book so profoundly he forced the other screenwriters to read it and feed him their summaries). The result is a film satirically designed to be fascist propaganda as quietly disturbing as it is outwardly weird and comical. The protagonist is all-American Johnny Rico, played by the rather aryan Casper Van Dien. He is joined by his girlfriend Carmen Ibanez (Denise Richards) and his best friend Carl Jenkins (Neil Patrick Harris). Lending itself to the film’s cheesy tone are romantic conflicts: a different girl, Diz, competes with Carmen for Johnny’s attention, and Carmen herself seems all too willing to flirt with the sleazy Zander Barcalow. Where this roman-
courtesy Columbia TriStar
tic dilemma diverges from similar premises is in the fervor with which our protagonists join their nation’s military. The reality of this universe is ever-present, but the characters distract from it with their own ignorance. In the opening scene, as Rico draws out flirtatious doodles, his teacher, played by the ever-stern Michael Ironsides, lectures on the failure of the “social scientists” and the abolishment of democracy. Before he’s done, he reminds the class that “might makes right,” using the bombing of Hiroshima as an example. Rico is hesitant to agree, at first. There are often distractions from the horrible reality of the universe of “Starship Troopers.” A scene in which military recruits share their motivations for enlisting also has them showering nude in an indiscreet shower room, the nudity seemingly acting as a distraction for their rather melancholy reasoning. They enlisted so they could vote, so they could earn a license for children, so they could pay for their college. Only a handful are patriotic, and they are hardly more hopeful than the others. Reality strikes again in the film’s action scenes. Against insects five times their size
and outnumbering them a hundred to one, the human soldiers barely stand a chance. Their optimism and patriotism is contrasted against a practically amusing amount of terrible gore and violence. Soldiers who had spent the better part of their screentime whooping and posturing have their limbs torn apart and their torsos swallowed whole. It’s not pretty and it’s not even emotionally effective. Still, in the lowest way possible, it is entertaining. I’m hesitant to call this movie brilliant. I can only describe it by warping other media. In any other film depicting this kind of government, there would be an uprising, or an attempted revolution. This film is like the “Hunger Games” through the eyes of a Capital soldier; like Star Wars: Episode V from the perspective of a stormtrooper. Any humanity left in Johnny Rico has vanished by the end of the film. In a warped callback to a previous scene, the three friends who once joined the military on a whim walk together after a grisly battle. One is in his military uniform, one is splattered in the blood of both friend and foe, and one is adorned in a distinctly Nazi-like uniform, with a Raven badge to boot. The film cements its place as the anti“Ender’s Game” in one of its final scenes, when a character reading the mind of one of the insects announces to the other soldiers that their enemy feels fear. In “Ender’s Game,” this drives Ender to abandon the cause to which he blindly devoted himself, and instead to attempt to atone for his crimes against a race he assumed to be emotionless. In “Starship Troopers” the soldiers quickly break into cheers upon news of their enemies’ fright. Like most of the movie, there is no message here. The film lacks any real message, any real meaning. While this might prevent it from ever truly being a masterpiece, it is also it greatest quality. The movie is as devoid of art, emotion and meaning as the fascist society it depicts.
The Collegian: 10
Commentary
20 February 2017
School choice bills inadvisable for education
Although voucher programs or education savings accounts could benefit some students, they detract from Oklahoma’s failing public school system. Hannah Kloppenburg Editor-in-Chief SB 395, SB 396 and SB 399, filed Thursday, Feb. 2 by Senator Kyle Loveless (ROklahoma City) seek to establish an education savings account system in Oklahoma. An education savings account system is a program which would allow families of qualifying students to receive state funding for tuition at private, home or online schools and other expenses. Each bill is referred to as the “Oklahoma Parental Empowerment Act of 2017.” Bills of this type are often colloquially referred to as school choice bills. The Oklahoma legislature has considered school choice bills in the past. Voucher programs were proposed in SB 609 and HB 2949 in the 2016 legislative session, but legislators ultimately decided not to vote on the bills at the time. Unlike traditional vouchers, however, which can only be applied to tuition, an education savings account can apply to textbooks, tutoring, online courses and extracurricular activities. Governor Mary Fallin supports education savings accounts, and in 2016 urged the legislature to pass an education savings account bill for her to sign. The bill was not approved. Proponents of education savings accounts argue that they offer better educational opportunities to high-achieving students who may come from low-income families and poorer school districts. Fallin stated last year that “it’s important to give low-income parents the ability to
determine the best educational opportunities for their children. All students learn differently and should have the opportunity to attend a school that offers the best learning environment for them to be successful.” Proponents also argue that many school choice programs benefit students with special needs who may not have been able to find adequate resources at public schools. One of Oklahoma’s two school choice systems currently in use is the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program, which gives students with special needs vouchers to attend private school. Opponents worry that the savings account program could siphon funding from already-struggling district schools and charter schools. They argue that the money ends up being channeled into private schools, which already have a significant income and are often either religious or for-profit. Loveless dismissed these concerns in an op-ed for the Oklahoman, saying, “Many are concerned that allowing families to make these decisions for themselves will cause chaos to the status quo. I don’t see what’s wrong with that. The current system isn’t cutting it. We have too many school districts, too many superintendents, too much bureaucracy and not enough freedom.” While he’s certainly right that the current system isn’t cutting it (insert any number of statistics about the abysmal state of Oklahoma’s public educations system), I’m highly
skeptical of the claim that the way to solve this problem is to siphon money from the already-struggling system. Don’t get me wrong — I can certainly see the benefit of vouchers or savings accounts in allowing particularly high-achieving children to attend a prestigious school, and I don’t even necessarily mind using government dollars to do so. If those children are smart and work hard,
best of the best off to prestigious schools and leaving average students with fewer resources. It’s worth noting that under Loveless’ proposal, the number of participating students would be capped at one percent of all public school students each year — a seemingly minor expense. However, Oklahoma schools can use all the help they can get at the present, and losing funding for one in
“I’m highly skeptical of the claim that the way
to solve this problem is to siphon money from the already-struggling system.”
there’s nothing wrong with providing them with access to a school that fits their needs, especially if they come from low-income families who might not have been able to provide them with that otherwise. I DO, however, have an issue with providing this benefit at the cost of Oklahoma’s already-failing public school system. I support a system that rewards high-achieving students, but not if it does so at the detriment of their less-than-exceptional peers. By Loveless’ current rationale, the way to fix Oklahoma’s education system is to slap a band-aid on the situation by shipping the
graphic by Elias Brinkman
Allowing children to choose to go to a private school may seem like a good idea initially, but the effect of taking money from Oklahoma’s public schools can be massive.
every 100 students could have a bigger impact than it seems. That said, Loveless is right — the current system isn’t working. I’d argue that we shouldn’t implement school choice systems at all until Oklahoma’s public education system is back on its feet, but I understand that’s a process that is years in the making and easier said than done. As an alternative, I’d like to back the proposal of Senator Rob Standridge (R-Norman), SB 560. It’s very similar to Loveless’ proposal, but would only go into effect if the legislature passes a raise for teachers. (As a side note, under SB 560, children of current legislators would be ineligible. Standridge said he added the provision because he has school-aged children and he didn’t want the bill to appear self-serving, which is the kind of conscientiousness I like to see in my government representatives!). I like Standridge’s proposal because it rewards high-achieving, low-income students while still ensuring that the legislature is taking steps toward improving public education by incentivizing teachers. It’s not perfect — personally, I’d rather see a tuition-only voucher system in place than a savings account system, because I’m not sure Oklahoma has the funds right now to be paying for private school extracurriculars. But it’s a step in the right direction, and it was made with the understanding that Oklahoma needs to avoid slapping a band-aid solution onto a problem that sorely needs stitches.
Proposed legislation harmful for LGBT Oklahomans
This legislative session continues the tradition of lawmakers proposing bills that unfairly impact LGBT communities. Raven Fawcett Student Writer Oklahoma’s state legislature has thousands of bills on its schedule for the 2017 legislative session that began February 6. With so many possible bills to look at, it’s easy to miss even highly controversial bills. SB 197 (the Right of Conscience Act), SB 530 and HB 1507 target LGBT people, creating divisive issues for a state torn between LGBT rights and a strong preference for religious liberties. Last year, the legislature proposed more than 25 anti-LGBT bills. None of them passed, but these kinds of pointed bills don’t seem to be going away. The Right of Conscience Act, or State Bill 197, was proposed by Republican state senator Joseph Silk. The bill proposes that individuals (here meaning people or businesses) can refuse to provide services that promote or contribute to “lifestyles” that conflict with the individual’s “sincerely held religious beliefs.” The bill specifically mentions services linked to marriages that involve lifestyle is that are against the service provider’s religion. Purchasing services can, I assume, be misconstrued as forcing the service provider to support people who pursue different goals than them. While this bill’s language does lend itself to anti-LGBT sentiment, it could also impact people from other (presumably nonChristian) religions and other marginalized
groups that could be argued to be against people’s religious beliefs. State Bill 530 is a broadening of the 2015 state bill, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and was introduced by Republican State Senator Josh Brecheen. RFRA protected religious freedoms by stating that people could not be forced or pressured to act against their religious interests. If passed, SB 530 would clarify and expand upon RFRA; it would protect people from “substantial burdens” to their religious beliefs and the practice of those beliefs. The government cannot force people to act against their religious beliefs unless it can prove that the ser-
vice or action required of the individual is both necessary to the state and also the best way to achieve the state’s desired result. Again, this bill does not explicitly mention the LGBT community, and could also impact religions that are not the one practiced by an individual. However, in recent times, the main argument in favor of bills like this one is that they protect people who do not want to serve LGBT customers. House Bill 1507 is a bill that permits any “private childplacing agency to refuse participation in any placement that violated written religious convictions or policies of the agency.” It was proposed by another Republican, State Representative Chuck Strohm.
graphic by Madeline Woods
In the same way that bakers take a stand against LGBT communities by refusing to sell cakes, legislators take a stand by proposing and passing anti-LGBT laws.
The bill goes on to include a clause that would prohibit the adoption agencies from losing their licenses or other punishments from the state should they uphold their religious beliefs with regards to their adoption policies and child placement. Many religious doctrines do not support LGBT families, and a bill like this could ensure that even less children are adopted into happy, if not heterosexual, homes. These bills might come from a place of love, but they effectively increase the potential for discrimination in practice. A wedding cake is a wedding cake, and I don’t believe that every baker that bakes a cake for a straight couple believes that every couple will stay together forever. The argument that divorce was long considered a sin in the Christian tradition does not seem to deter bakers from selling their cakes to people who might eventually act in opposition to the baker’s beliefs. Selling a cake to two women, however, seems to be a pressing concern. The abovementioned bills, and their counterparts hidden in the mountains of legislature proposed for the 2017 legislative session, impact not just LGBT people but the people they care about as well. In the face of increased discrimination, it seems more important to not normalize anti-LGBT laws and sentiments. Tulsa’s state legislators are Republican state senator Gary M. Stanislawski and Democratic state representative Monroe Nichols. The best way to push back against (or support) bills like this are to call or email the representatives’ offices and ask about promoting or discouraging the passing of specific bills or initiatives. Email can be a particularly useful tool for sharing personal stories that might change legislators’ or their colleagues’ minds. Calls can be helpful in obtaining information quickly and giving feedback with minimal time or effort. Just because similar bills have not been passed in the past does not mean that they do not stand a chance of being passed in this legislative session. The best possible way to prevent these bills is to urge your state congress people to vote no on them.
20 February 2017
Commentary
The Collegian: 11
Reform necessary for Okla. sexual assault laws
A strict statute of limitations and limited accessibility to rape kits prove that reform to sexual assault laws is critical. Nathan Hinkle Student Writer Danielle Tudor, an advocate for rape victims, is attempting to pass a series of new bills in Oklahoma governing issues involving rape. These issues include the statue of limitations for rape, adding rape kits as evidence and allowing rape victims to look at outcomes concerning kits. According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, a rape kit is “a container that includes a checklist, materials and instructions, along with envelopes and containers to package any specimens collected during
the exam.” Through these bills, Tudor, with the help of the creator of these bills, Senator Kay Floyd, help provide more power to potential rape victims. These bills are coming on the heels of serious problems facing Oklahoma. According to a quote from the Oklahoma Health Department, “the rate of rape and attempted rape has been 35 to 45 percent higher than the national average over the past decade. Data from state investigators show that the number of reported rapes have increased each year since 2011.” Another big issue involving the prosecution of rape in Oklahoma is the statute of limitations. People must report sexual violence within 12 years and charges may be filed within 3 years of a DNA match. However, this statute of limitations is not a national law. In states such as Alabama, Alas-
these differing statute of limitations laws, Tudor stated “I don’t believe justice by any rape survivor should be dictated by your ZIP code.” She concluded her statement by saying “Depending on where you’re raped depends on what rights you have.” This statute of limitations change would be potentially necessary for many older rape cases, as Tudor and Senator Floyd hope to enact an audit of all the rape kits currently in Oklahoma. Through this audit, they both hope that it would be possible to start solving unsolved rape cases. Another issue at the forefront of these sexual assault bills is the current practice that police are not required to add rape kits to the database of other evidence. Tudor argues that rape kits should be catalogued because they “help police investigate connections between sexual assault reports.” Police
“‘I don’t believe justice by any rape survivor should be dictated by your ZIP code.’” ka, Arizona, Delaware and 12 others, there is no statute of limitations on reporting rape or other forms of sexual assault. It is a varied set of demands from state to state, with some providing extra time if there is DNA evidence to back the claim up. In regards to
can use rape kits as useful tools to help solve future cold cases. Tudor also intends to pass a bill that allows the victims of sexual assault the ability to look at the police report on their specific case and also the ability to have a victim’s
advocate in any stage of the process. These bills all have their own merits. Through these bills, Tudor and supporters hope that justice can be given to rape victims who have been shut out. While statutes of limitations are important because they protect defendants from extremely lengthy cases that could ruin their reputation, cases involving sexual assault are incredibly important but hard to solve. First degree murder currently has no statute of limitations because it is really important that cases involving murder charges be solved. Sexual assault and rape should have a similar set of rules behind them. While rape does not involve the death of an individual, it is still an extremely terrible event and should be properly treated as a crime. While the law concerning the statute of limitations involving rape is more volatile, the other two potential bills are less loaded ideas. The audit of rape kits will help police solve both old and new crimes. Victims of sexual assault should be allowed to view the work being done on their cases because assault was a major terrible event in their lives. While the hunt for justice can easily turn into vengeance, victims should have the right to view their case and the processes surrounding it.
Marijuana bill unlikely to win over legislators
Despite one legislator’s efforts to put legalization on the agenda as a bill, medical marijuana has a better chance to pass as a State Question. Raven Fawcett Student Writer State Representative Eric Proctor proposed a bill to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma’s legislative session this year. House Bill 1877 was modeled on a 2016 bill that passed in Arkansas that allows people who suffer from a list of illnesses to use marijuana legally. Proctor’s argument for proposing a bill instead of trying to put medical marijuana legalization on a ballot is that bills are the shortest route to legalizing weed. A state question could take upwards of a year longer than a bill. But with a state Senate of six Democrats
and 42 Republicans, and a state House of Representatives with 26 Democrats, 74 Republicans and one vacancy, it’s not clear that a bill is the fastest way to go about making medical marijuana a reality in Oklahoma. Can medical marijuana be a feasible outcome with a majority of Republican legislators? It seems unlikely that the bill will make it past committee hearings, much less successfully make its way through both chambers of Congress. Elected officials need to create legislation to vote on, but HB 1877 is probably not the bill that vaults Proctor to in-state fame or legalizes weed for the chronically ill in Oklahoma. As HB 1877 is deferred through committee in the State House of Representatives, State Question 788 is slowly making its way through bureaucratic red tape. SQ 788 would also legalize marijuana if it is approved by a vote put to Oklahoma residents. Both raise revenue for the state, although they go to different accounts. However, there are fewer restrictions on who can get a prescription. Proctor’s bill outlines a set of acceptable medical conditions that would allow people to get a prescription for marijuana. The State Question would only require a patient to be above 18 years old and have a prescription from a doctor. Between a bill and a state question, Oklahomans have to ask themselves which form they would prefer — something voted on
by legislators with more restrictions written into law, or something approved of (or disapproved of) by the state at large with fewer restrictions. Ultimately, the point is that a State Question takes a long time because it is quietly channeled through different levels of government. While that might take a while, a State Question might be more likely to succeed. Republicans are typically against legalizing marijuana in any form, and Democrats have to be careful to not seem too far left when signing on to bills like this one. Politically speaking, this is a difficult bill to pass. There is a Republican majority at present, which implies that the majority of voters are also Republican. However, people often
has little to do with what their constituents want, cannot. Proctor has a limited time to get his bill approved by both chambers of Congress when there are so many more bills to be looked over and decided on. A State Question is not a surefire win, but it does stand a better chance of winning than a bill that could be dangerous for either party to vote on. A possible approach to this issue is for any state legislators who are passionate about medical marijuana to throw their support behind SQ 788. People can call their local state representatives, particularly in the House of Representatives, where this bill is right now, and encourage their representatives to support HB 1877, or encourage
“HB 1877 is probably not the bill that ... legalizes weed for the chronically ill in Oklahoma.” feel differently than their elected officials. The extra time before the vote gives people a chance to change their minds, gather information, or the social attitude towards marijuana to soften. The people behind the bill can also campaign more effectively for public approval with extra time in a way that politicians, who have several different factors to consider when they vote on a bill that
them to encourage their constituents to vote in favor of SQ 788 when the question is up for a vote. State legislators have to be more available to their voting base than national representatives because their support group is smaller and feedback is that much closer. Call, email or tweet representatives on issues that are important to you. More often than not, local legislators are listening.
Johnson Amendment integral to separation of church and state The Johnson Amendment was recently attacked by President Donald Trump, who argued that the amendment does not allow Americans the “right to worship according to our own belief.”
Current political threats to the Johnson Amendment will damage the political system and hinder one’s ability to worship apolitically. Nathan Hinkle Student Writer Senator and future president Lyndon B. Johnson put forward the Johnson Amendment in 1954. This amendment, attached to a tax code law, prevented 501c non-profit organizations, such as churches and universities, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. If these types of non-profit organizations promote political candidates, their tax-exempt status will be lost. The rationale behind the decision being that taxexempt groups should not be able to make political donations without taxation. Donors will also lose their potential tax write-offs. Churches and other non-profit organizations are allowed to be areas where people can vote, but they cannot directly support any sort of political power.
graphic by Madeline Woods
In addition to its political implications, removal of the Johnson Amendment may affect the role of religion in schools.
Trump also stated that his greatest achievement for religions is “to allow you, when you talk about religious liberty, to go
and speak openly, and if you like somebody or want somebody to represent you, you should have the right to do it.” Some people argue that the Johnson Amendment was not put into place because of the need for separation of church and state but was rather an electioneering strategy by Johnson in the 1954 senate race in Texas. The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) argues that without the Johnson Amendment in place, Texas’ Republicanleaning evangelicals would have been able to defeat him and the left-leaning Democratic Party. Because of this, people argue that the Johnson Amendment infringes on their free speech. A court case known as Branch Ministries v. Rossotti occurred when Branch Ministries sued the IRS for infringement on their freedom of speech after their taxexempt status was taken away due to an ad that asked Christians not to vote for Bill Clinton over moral issues. The court argued that the “impact of the revocation is likely to be more symbolic than substantial” due to how churches are treated under the Internal Revenue Code. The Johnson Amendment should stay in place because it helps enforce the very important principle of the separation of church and state. Proponents of the amendment argue that without the Johnson Amendment, political parties, PACs and candidates could easily funnel money through churches without any political oversight. Unlike other 501c organizations, churches are exempt from reporting requirements.
Instead of being monitored by the federal government, this money could be hidden away in churches and then used freely for whatever plan necessary. Churches could potentially be turned into political machines rather than the place of spiritual enlightenment that they seek to be. Politifact states that the point of the Johnson Amendment is “if you want to be absolved from paying taxes, you couldn’t be involved in partisan politics.” While problems of money are intensely connected to the Johnson Amendment, there is another problem in that churches should not be focused on politics and rather should be focused on the teachings of their faith. Politics would merely cause unnecessary fighting and disruption to the patrons of these churches. There is no need for unnecessary arguments about what political candidates the church will be supporting. Instead of these arguments, time could be better spent on discussions of their faith. According to Reverend Barry W. Lynn, an executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the idea of getting rid of the Johnson Amendment would be “short-sighted, reckless and corrosive to religious life. The Republican platform seeks to turn America’s houses of worship into miniature political action committees. I can’t imagine a more disruptive idea for our nation’s religious community or a real impediment to campaign finance reform.”
The Collegian: 12
Sports
Men’s tennis hosts No. 7 UCLA
20 February 2017
Justin Guglielmetti is…
the
bleacher creature Extreme Makeover: NBA All-Star Saturday night edition You know how every Halloween you stumble across a big bowl of candy corn at somebody’s party and get really excited as you envision diving into it and experiencing sweet saccharin nirvana? And then you actually eat a piece, are reminded that candy corn is overly processed and disgustingly textured garbage, and then proceed to spend the rest of the night looking at your reflection in the bathroom mirror wondering how everything went so horribly wrong? That’s my relationship with the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and by extension all of All-Star Saturday night. Its premise sounds so cool! The best players in the world getting together to showcase their limitless talent, moving with the ball, stroking the three and flying through the air with a proficiency that the rest of us can only dream of, what could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, everything. Every year I tune in thinking it’s going to be can’t-miss TV and instead I get approximately 4,771 missed jams and a final between Glenn Robinson III and <MyPlayer>. Oh shoot, wait a minute, they changed his default settings right before the contest. His new name is “Derrick Jones, Jr.” Look I know the ratings usually speak for themselves, but if the Bleacher Creature’s voice has any weight to it at all, something needs to give. I’m sure the event is plenty exciting in person, but there are better things to do with my time at home then watch unoriginal dunks at perspective-distorting angles while Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal jabber incoherently about whether or not “it’s ovah!”
photos by Dalton Stewart
Clockwise from top left: Senior Or-Ram Harel, the twenty-third best player in the country, returns a serve in his match against UCLA’s Gage Brymer, the nineteenth best player in the country. Sophomore Dominic Bechard serves in his doubles match against the Bruins. Bechard and Okkie Kellerman celebrate after winning a point in their doubles match. Their match went down to the wire in the loss to UCLA. Kellerman prepares to return a serve against UCLA’s Martin Redlicki and Evan Zhu.
Women’s basketball drops two more to Houston and SMU, losing streak hits five The women’s basketball team pushed their losing streak to five games with only two games left in the regular season. Matt Rechtien Sports Editor The women’s basketball team lost to Houston and Southern Methodist University this week, pushing their losing streak to five games with a tough matchup against South Florida this upcoming week. It was the shooting that cost the Golden Hurricane the game in their 65–62 loss to the Cougars. Tulsa shot 33 percent from the field, while Houston made 47 percent of their shots. The Golden Hurricane outrebounded the Cougars and seven fewer turnovers, but couldn’t make enough shots to overcome the three-point loss. Freshman Kendrian Elliott led the Golden Hurricane with 18 points and had her fourth double-double this season, while Liesl Spo-
erl joined her in double digits with 10 points. “We hung with Houston on the boards, but they shot better than usual and we didn’t shoot very well so a combination of them shooting almost 50 percent and us shooting 32 percent makes a huge difference. I thought we rebounded well and we had open shots,” said Head Coach Matilda Mossman after the game. “Kendrian was good offensively and defensively, and Liesl was two rebounds away from a double-double, but they were the only ones rebounding,” Mossman continued. Tulsa hit the road in their next game, but were outplayed in every phase of the game in the 62–41. SMU led 54–38 in rebounds, 18–7 in assists, 6–0 in blocks and 6–5 in steals. The Golden Hurricane couldn’t hit their shots in this game — making it four games in a row with poor shooting — making only 24-percent of their shots while SMU shot 39-percent. No Tulsa player hit double digits in points, and junior Erika Wakefield led the
Golden Hurricane with only eight points. After the game, Mossman talked about the team’s rough outing. “We knew our posts weren’t going to get a lot of points today, but we wanted them to get touches and kick it out to our shooters, but our shooters just didn’t connect on the perimeter. That’s four games in a row now that we didn’t shoot the ball very well. Hopefully with us not having a midweek game next week they can get in the gym and get some shots up on their own and get their confidence up.” With an 8–19 record and 4–10 American Athletic Conference record the women’s basketball team currently sits in ninth place in the AAC. With tough games against USF (third) and Cincinnati in their final two games of the season, they should finish the season as one of the bottom three teams in the conference. This would give them a matchup against SMU or Memphis in the first round of the conference tournament in two weeks.
Baseball is tradition I’ve established my position on baseball writers before. By and large, they’re a pretty darn dumb group of guys who cling to their whitewashed and nauseatingly nostalgic vision of the game like Linus holds onto his blanket. I don’t ever want to be like them! And yet here I am, about to criticize a proposed rule change in MLB because it violates tradition, for shame. This rule change, which will purportedly be given a test run in the minor leagues this season, would place a runner on second base at the beginning of every extra inning as a means of expediting the game. Joe Torre, MLB’s chief baseball officer, is purportedly a big fan of the change. Why? Why??? Baseball is supposed to be played without a clock and have an indefinite ending, that’s one of the many unique quirks that makes it so charming and different! What would even happen with that runner if he doesn’t score? Do you just have to keep bringing in new guys to pinch run or do we have to completely change the rulebook concerning who is eligible to enter the game, maybe create an entirely new position called the DR? This is just a monstrous affront to baseball as we know it and I don’t even know why the hell it’s happening! I get that nobody actually wants to stick around for a 19-inning game but those happen what, two or three times a year? The vast majority of extra baseball is over in the 10th or 11th, and that extra half hour is usually pretty riveting! Please, for the love of God, let’s make sure this change never occurs at the major league level. Kyrie Irving may be smarter than us Wake up sheeple! Kyrie Irving believes the Earth is flat, and he wants more people to get out there and do their own damn research instead of being shills for academia. Draymond Green tends to agree, citing the fact that if our planet was round, we would all fall off. Shit. How come nobody ever thought of this before? Where’s my phone, I need to call Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
photo courtesy nbcsports.com
Kyrie Irving should think about leaving the NBA because he clearly has a big opportunity in a scientific career path. Look at this picture. People can’t make fake pictures about anything, so this is clearly what the Earth looks like as it hurtles through space. I’m just wondering why so many people continue to perpetuate the “round-earth” theory which has no scientific proof to back it.
Sports
20 February 2017
The Collegian: 13
NBA at the break: state of the Thunder At the All-Star break of the NBA season we take a look at how the Oklahoma City Thunder are faring in their first season without Kevin Durant. Justin Guglielmetti Student Writer
Softball The Golden Hurricane competed in the FAU Strike-Out Cancer Tournament over the weekend, finishing 3–2 for the weekend, putting their overall record at 4–6. Tulsa beat Toledo (5–4), Syracuse (3–2) and Savannah State (4–1), but fell to host Florida Atlantic (1–5) and St. John’s (1– 4). The next tournament for the Golden Hurricane is the Cardinal Classic hosted by Lamar. In addition to the host school the Golden Hurricane will play against Alabama A&M, McNeese State, Northern Illinois and Kansas. Men’s Tennis The men’s tennis team hosted No. 7 UCLA this week, but were swept 0–7. The Bruins were dominant in almost every individual match, winning every individual set except for one. Or-Ram Harel — who is ranked No. 23 in the country — took No. 19 Gage Brymer to the wire after taking the second set 6–0. In the deciding set Harel battled from a 9–5 deficit but fell 13–11 after seeing the match point at seven different times in the set. The men’s team has 10 days between their loss to UCLA and their next game against in-state rival and No. 10 Oklahoma on the road on February 24. Women’s Tennis The women’s tennis team knocked off in-state rival Oklahoma this week to put their overall record at 9–2. Rongrong Leenabanchong / Martha Matoula and Mahitha Dadireddy / Marcelina Cichon won their doubles matches to earn the doubles point against the Sooners. Matoula, Leenabanchong and Cichon won their singles matches to clinch the win over the Sooners. The lone point for the Sooners was No. 16 Lily Miyazaki’s win over Ksenia Laskutova in the first match of singles play. The women’s team will next compete in the Blue and Grey Invite next week, but with only singles play. Track and Field The track and field sent a couple of athletes to compete in the Arkansas Qualifier over the weekend. Freshman weightthrower Aleks Rapp — the co-field athlete of the week — broke his school record for the second straight week with a 21.59-m throw which took first place in the event. Rapps was joined by Baylor Reese who took first in the women’s weight throw with a 14.58-m throw. The men’s 4x400m relay team — consisting of Austin Hostetler, Otugo Ananaba, Grey Howard and Bailey Stewart — took third with a time of 3:14.25. Finally, Breonna Hall took 11th in the 400-m dash with a time of 58.05. The next event for the Golden Hurricane is the American Indoor Championship in Birmingham next weekend.
Monday
The Good Russell Westbrook: So in case you haven’t noticed, Westbrook is a Greek god. All it took to complete his apotheosis was to average a triple-double — the second player in history to do so after Oscar Robertson in 1961-62 — while leading the league in scoring and performing so many dizzying feats of athleticism that he’s almost lulled us into thinking that he’s doing something in the realm of normalcy. That’s really the most amazing about Westbrook: he makes everything he does look so damn easy. When he shrugs off picks, drives past his defender and finishes at will over a seven-footer, all before the viewer at home even has time to blink, we forget that that’s supposed to be freaking impossible. If it wasn’t for his old teammate James Harden similarly lighting things up in Houston at a more efficient rate, Westbrook would be a shoo-in for MVP. Depending on how the Thunder close out the season, he still might get there. Enes Kanter: If the Sixth Man of the Year award wasn’t reserved for the highest scoring ball-hogging two guard that happens to come off the bench, Kanter might actually have a shot at it. In his second season as the Thunder’s go-to second unit scorer, the big Turk is averaging 14.4 PPG and 6.7 RPG on 56-percent shooting from the field, all in just over 21 minutes per game. He’ll likely always be a defensive liability, but dumping the ball into Kanter on the low block is about the only offensive play the Thunder have right now besides letting Westbrook do his thing. The Bad Steven Adams: I’ll admit I probably placed outsized expectations on Adams during last year’s playoff run when I anointed him a future star. Looking back at his stats, I was shocked to see he only averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds when the impact felt more like 20-15. Still, with the elite pickand-roll awareness he demonstrated in the postseason and his Grizzlies-esque, hardnosed, in-your-face defense in the paint, I would have expected Adams to have made at least a mini leap in 2017. Instead, the Kiwi Phenom’s progression has stagnated. Without Kevin Durant
to spread the floor, defenders are clogging the paint and neutralizing his rim-running, and any slight uptick in his stats can be attributed to receiving more minutes. If Oklahoma City hopes to get anywhere with this core, Adams needs to be more than just a role player. Victor Oladipo: The big haul in the blockbuster Serge Ibaka deal, Oladipo never seemed like a great fit next to Westbrook. He has never been a great shooter off the catch and when he played for the Magic, Oladipo often handled the ball almost as much as nominal point guard Elfrid Payton. Russ is one of the most usage-heavy players in history, what he needs is a consistent bomber from deep, not a guy who’s going to receive minimal attention when he’s not holding the rock. The Ugly Andre Roberson: Roberson’s favorite movie is Good Will Hunting. His favorite scene is the one where Matt Damon indignantly asks Robin Williams, “what’s wrong with laying bricks?? That’s an honorable profession!” I like to believe that Andre saw the film when he was a kid and took that scene’s message to heart, because laying bricks is all the guy does on the court. Here are some numbers for you: he’s shooting 43.7-percent from the field, an
name is “James” spelled backwards. This was likely the universe’s way of telling us that he would be the exact opposite of LeBron James, only we were all too blind to see it. Of course, it quickly became obvious when Christon proved himself totally incapable of running an NBA offense in even a limited capacity. Naturally, Thunder Nation rejoiced when Payne finally returned, thinking that they would finally be rid of a point guard who couldn’t shoot, pass, or defend! But Payne wasn’t about to let himself be upstaged in the Oklahoma tabloids and made it a point to regress in every facet of his game in his sophomore season. If it’s any consolation, I wouldn’t be too worried about Payne for the future. He’s just 22 years old, has already shown flashes of competence, and is coming off a major injury. For the time being though, watching these two run the show is a scarier proposition than most horror movies. What To Expect in the Second Half With the exception of the 8th seed, currently being contested by a half-dozen sub.500 teams who would all be swept by the Warriors in the first round anyway, the other seven playoff teams in the Western Conference are set; all that remains at is seeding. They currently sit in the seventh spot with
“Oklahoma City has already outperformed its Pythagorean Win-Loss expectation...” abysmal 24.1-percent (on 2.5 attempts per game) from three, and 43-percent from the foul line. That last number isn’t a typo by the way and yes, you are remembering correctly that Roberson is a perimeter player. When you can look at Rajon Rondo and say to yourself, “man, I wish I could shoot like that guy,” you know you’ve got a problem. Roberson’s stout defense has been enough to justify his offensive ineptitude in the past but he’s never before looked quite so hopeless on that end. And lest we overrate his one above-average NBA skill, it’s important to note that while Roberson is long and quick, he’s not exactly on, say, Kawhi Leonard’s level. Semaj Christon/Cameron Payne: Not even Westbrook can play all 48 minutes, which means that somebody has got to come in and run point in his absence. If only it was anybody else besides these two. Payne, the Thunder’s promising 2015-16 rookie, missed the first few months of the season with a fractured foot, so the backup PG duties fell on Christon. You may have noticed that Semaj’s first
a 32-25 record but have a reasonable chance to rise as high as fourth, behind only the contending trio of Golden State, San Antonio, and Houston. Will they get there? Anything can change with a surprise deadline move or a freefall from one of the teams ahead of them but the smart money is on “no.” Oklahoma City has already outperformed its Pythagorean Win-Loss expectation by four wins and history tells us that a regression to the mean is more likely. As for any hope of a matchup with Kevin Durant and the Warriors or a potential trip to the NBA Finals? I wouldn’t get your hopes up. With the possible exception of a certain green team in Boston and a recent injury to Kevin Love, there has been nothing to upset the overwhelming probability of a WarriorsCavaliers trilogy in June. Unless the Thunder can acquire some more shooters to stretch the floor or Adams fulfills his potential and transforms midseason into 2012 Tyson Chandler, they are probably looking at a first round meeting with San Antonio, and that means a first round loss.
was 12 at the five-minute mark, but Tulsa fought back to close the gap to four at the halftime break. The beginning of the second half looked much the same as the first half, until Tulsa’s offense sputtered out. The 43–40 score with 12 minutes remaining was as close as the Golden Hurricane would get to completing the comeback victory. They mustered only 13 points for the rest of the game, compared to 28 scored by UCF. The Knights took the game by a final score of 71–53. The second game of the season against Cincinnati was also distinct from the first game. The Golden Hurricane almost upset the best team in the American Athletic Conference two weeks ago at home. Travelling to play at Cincinnati proved to be a much
bigger challenge. Similarly to the game against UCF, Tulsa kept up for most of the first half. Cincinnati was able to push its advantage up to 9 at times, but at halftime the difference was only six points. The defining moment in this game was the dominant run to start the second half for the Bearcats. They opened the half with a run that put them up by 20 points, and that was enough to down the Golden Hurricane. The final score was 80–60 in favor of the Bearcats. Tulsa has now dropped their sixth straight conference game, putting their at 12–14 (6–8 AAC). They will look to bounce back against USF on Thursday at home. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Men’s basketball still looking for answers
The Golden Hurricane have struggled recently, adding losses from UCF and Cincy to put their loss streak at six. Joseph Edmunds Sports Writer
This week, the Golden Hurricane men’s basketball played the road half of the season split against two conference opponents, UCF and Cincinnati. The first game was against UCF, a team that Tulsa beat at home by double digits. The road game in the series was a different story. In the first half, the Golden Hurricane were able to match most of the runs made by the Knights. UCF’s largest lead in the half
Tuesday 20
21
Women’s Golf @ Amelia National Golf Course
Women’s Golf @ Amelia National Golf Course
Wednesday 22
No Events
Thursday
Feb 20 – 26 Saturday
Friday
23 Women’s
24
Tennis @ Blue & Grey Invite 6:00 p.m.
Men’s Basketball vs. USF 7:00 p.m.
Men’s Tennis @ OU 6:00 p.m.
Track & Field @ AAC Indoor Championship
Softball vs. Alabama A&M & McNeese State 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
25
Women’s Basketball @ USF 2:00 p.m.
Softball vs. Northern Illinois & Kansas 2:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday
Men’s 26 Basketball @ East Carolina 3:00 p.m. Men’s Soccer @ Swope Park Rangers 2:00 p.m.
Softball @ Lamar 3:45 p.m.
The State-Run Media
20 February 2017
Professor starts sweating after joke about sleeping with student
TU professor Dr. Cochino acted strangely after a student made a joke in class about professors sleeping with students.
Adam Lux Had to google “Cochino” Students reported business Professor Dr. Cochino laughing strangely and sweating after a student made a joke in class last week. A certain student apparently made a joke about students sleeping with professors for a good grade. The rest of the class laughed appropriately, however Dr. Cochino was not laughing. Instead he was staring towards the back of the classroom with a look of fear and panic in his eyes. This continued for an uncomfortable 45 seconds. Finally a student asked Dr. Cochino if he was
okay. Instead of responding he just starting chuckling awkwardly, as if he consciously knew he was supposed to laugh. That’s when the sweating started. One student described it as “like someone just dumped a bucket of water on him.” Reportedly he had sweated completely through his shirt within ten seconds. Within a minute a puddle was forming at the professor’s feet. “It was like the second most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen,” said one student. Dr. Cochino continued to laugh awkwardly the entire time. After about five minutes students began to get up and leave. Dr. Cochino did nothing to stop them. A State-Run Media representative checked in on Dr. Cochino a few days after the incident. He was still standing in the exact same position. He had stopped laughing but was still sweating. The professor did not respond to any questioning.
I get that people like that I’m sensitive, but why can’t they realize that I’m also yoked?
I want people to see me for who I really am, but also for my hot body
Local beefcake Jacob Lee complains about people not noticing his beauty. Jacob Lee Call him Adonis
courtesy Wikipedia
courtesy Pixabay
I’d like to think that I am a nice guy. It seems almost obvious that I am. Thankfully, people recognize me for this and appreciate my stand-up character. I never have to struggle over people not seeing that I am kind or funny. I do love that people notice my nicer qualities, and I do want people to see me for who I really am. I just don’t want people to overlook how ridiculously hot my body is. Here’s my dilemma: my bod just will not stop. Like Russell Westbrook going back for his fifth straight triple-double, my bod is an unrelenting powerhouse of raw physicality and well-honed domi-
nance equaling an unparalleled spectacle in the art of allure. The problem is that I’m also gracious and humble and honest. I want people to see me for these true, authentic qualities without letting them overshadow the sheer majesty of my meat sack. Typically when I walk into a room, people gasp and applaud because of how fucking great and
cause some are doing so over my genuine heart and soul. Certainly, we could work to strike more of a balance. It would also be a different matter if my bod didn’t outcompete Fabio for People Magazine’s prestigious “best flesh hunk award,” or if it wasn’t used by some nearomnipotent alien race as their definition of “gotdamn ^ ∀ ^” in the
“I just don’t want people to overlook how ridiculously hot my body is.” sincere of a person I am. However, this is not fair. People have to understand that I am who I am, but I am also the biological shell that my consciousness uses as a stroller, and that’s equally deserving of adulation. I understand that not everyone will go into seizures over the sight of my body simply be-
latest edition of The Supreme Galactic Dictionary. However, it has, and I think people should recognize that. Maybe with more maturity and mutual understanding, we as a society can learn to see me for I am, but just not ignore that I am unbelievably good looking too.
Trump starts to build bridges, not walls Student mutes group chat, misses founding of three nations
Trump announces his new highway for Mexican immigrants.
Trump has decided to start making concessions to those he considers his enemies; the first is a one-way highway into Mexico. James Leahy Fake student writer
Ever since Donald Trump’s election to the oval office, many Americans have been concerned for the future of their country. Libbey Real from Berkeley, California said, “Trump is the worst thing to happen to this country since slavery.” And according to recent research by an unbiased source called “The Liberal Left,” citizens are only becoming more concerned. President Trump’s recent actions of initiating the building of a United States-Mexico wall, banning immigration from seven largely muslim nations, and attempting to punish cities friendly to immigrants have led to increased criticism by the public. Many are claiming President Trump has done nothing but put up walls both psychological and physical and destroyed the bridges that connect people and communities. Trump has responded to these comments on Twitter with an articulate masterpiece of commu-
nication using only 5 of the 140 available characters: “Wrong.” When asked by the State-Run Media to elaborate, Trump said, “I build walls, great walls. It’s true. It’s gonna be great. However, I also build bridges.” President Trump went on to tell the StateRun Media about his plans for a bridge connecting the United States to Mexico. “It’s gonna be massive. It’ll be a twenty-lane masterpiece of one-way traffic out of San Jose, California and into Mexico,” said President Trump. The bridge will be named “The Trash Chute.” President Trump announced plans of offering free one-way bus tickets to immigrants for crossing the bridge. When asked how the buses would be brought back to America on a one-way bridge, Trump responded, “America doesn’t want back any buses that have been contaminated by illegal immigrants.” After heated debate among his inner council, President Trump begrudgingly added a free meal at a Mexican IHOP of one’s choosing to sweeten the deal for immigrants using the bridge. “I hate to waste US tax dollars on free IHOP meals for people who illegally snuck into our country, but I just don’t see another way,” said Trump. When criticized about the wasting of US taxpayer money on massive bridges and walls, Trump said “wrong” and abruptly ended the interview.
State-Run Corrections
In last week’s edition of the State-Run Media, we erroneously claimed that there was a Pizza Hut location on campus. ACAC does, however, have a diskshaped grease sponge restaurant.
We called a student who believed that the Hut would have margaritas a “mad prophet.” Now that the Hut has “margaritas,” we would like to apologize to all prophets, mad and otherwise.
Last week’s State-Run contained no references to Donald Trump. Longtime readers will recognize that this was an accident.
Several copies had a manifesto hurriedly scrawled on them by the crazy old hermit who lives in our printing press. This was a mistake; every copy should have contained this manifesto.
When a student put their phone down for fifteen minutes, they realized that the group chat had founded a full three independent nations. Sam Beckmann Only sends emoji When sophomore Will Riley checked his phone last Tuesday, he was surprised to discover the creation of three independent nationstates while he was gone. It was an unusual practice for Riley, who usually keeps up with the chat, to mute it for 15 minutes. “It was constantly buzzing, and I had an essay due in a few minutes. I don’t know what got into me, I just felt I really needed to mute it and focus. Looking back, it was a moment of weakness,” he reported to the State-Run. In the quarter of an hour he wasn’t watching the chat, he missed several important events, including revolutions and political discourse, ultimately resulting in the development of three nation-states, each with their own laws, hierarchies, and ambassadors. Riley let the State-Run know that he was initially shocked to see how much happened in the short time he was away, “but then I thought about it for a minute, and realized that 1000 messages a minute is about par for the course when it comes to that conversation.” And Riley’s report would not be alone. Group chats have
To be fair, the chat wasn’t that fire.
to 13 members. Dr. Jane Tracy, who has performed extensive research on group chats, commented “It’s a troubling trend in the world of interpersonal communication. Everyone constantly feels a need to be reading every message, fear-
“Group chats have moved at increasingly fast rates over the past 10 years.” moved at increasingly fast rates over the past 10 years, as their average size has increased from four
ful that looking up could mean not getting a say in a new Bill of Rights or Magna Carta. In extreme
courtesy Pixabay
cases, youth not paying attention for a few minutes could even be cut out of citizenship of the new republic they wish to participate in.” And nation-building isn’t the only thing those who mute the chats miss out on: there’s also scientific research, corporation forming, drama and occasionally, even weekend plans. No matter what you wish to do, watching the group chat 24/7 is more important than ever. Not to mention thinking on your feet to get the most internet hearts for your witty banter.
20 February 2017
The Collegian: 15
COMFORT
CONNECTION
CONVENIENCE
What do you love about living on campus? n n n
Meeting new friends and attending fun events Rolling out of bed and being minutes from class
Close to fitness center, library, computer labs and more n Wireless internet EVERYWHERE n Convenient laundry facilities n Fill in the blank _____________________ Housing Selection Information Sessions
GENERAL INFORMATION SESSION There will be information booths in the Union Food Court and Pat Case Dining Center on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon from February 14-22. Please stop by and ask any questions.
LIVE CHAT AVAILABLE ON CANELINK! Sundays through Thursdays, Feb. 12-22, chat live with a housing professional from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. To start a live chat, click on the Apply for Housing link within Canelink and look for the tab at the bottom.
@TUCampusHousing
“My room is only a short walk from all of my classes, making it very convenient.” - David Horton, Class of 2017
Housing Office: 918-631-2516
canelink.utulsa.edu 2016 Collegian Ads.indd 6
1/9/17 11:41 AM
20 February 2017
The State-Run Media
the
State-Run media Proudly fact-free since 2043
TREND ALERT: professors are trying this weird party trick Professors have started throwing parties dedicated to reading their “Rate My Professors” profiles. Sam Beckmann Gave himself a pepper We’ve all been known to tempt fate, going a bit too far for the euphoria of a thrill. It’s another thing entirely, though, when your professional ego sits in the balance. Dr. Barbara Sanders, professor of anthropology at The University of Tulsa, sits in her dimly lit but well-decorated family room, bourbon in hand. Close friends and family are scattered around, making light conversation before the main event starts. In front of the doctor lies a closed MacBook Pro, the centerpiece for tonight’s festivities. Downing the rest of her drink in one gulp, she draws the attention of the spectators. “OK, let’s do this.” What Barbara and her family are doing is a growing tradition among college professors, organizing a party around opening their “Rate My Professors” page for the first time. It’s a gruelling practice, and one that is often unforgiving; rarely do you find pleasantries or fair review on the website. Still, educators often remain unfazed , determined to open themselves to the knowledge and brutal honesty of students gifted with anonymity. The website, which is based off the premise of allowing students who just received low grades a forum to rant where they feel
they’re heard, is a staple of college campuses across the world. The whining students have the option to give professors overall as well as difficulty ratings on a 1-5 scale. The website is not so sophisticated, however, to stick to topics of education. Below the other ratings is the website’s trademarked “hotness meter.” In this section, students can specify whether or not they consider their professor physically attractive, with the amount of “yes’s” filling a hot pepper icon. For some professors, this result is more damaging than whatever their overall score may be. A professor viewing their page, of course, is nothing new. Some even make a point to have regular check-ups, excitingly waiting for incoming reviews as they would a tabloid. What is new is organizing parties around the event of first viewing the ratings. The practice lends circumstance to the occasion, as well as providing moral support for the professor making the leap. “It’s a significant step in your teaching career,” Dr. Sean Laughlin reflected on the practice. “It makes sense to add some pomp around the whole affair.” Behind his desk hangs a framed one-star review from the website. When asked about it, he laughs, and highlights the spelling and grammatical mistakes of the post. You see, Laughlin is in the group that embraces Rate My Professors, lightheartedly shrugging off the criticism leveled at him. “I know my style as a teacher, the reviews are more humorous than anything
Sanders reads a particularly cruel and misspelled review.
else,” he commented. Not all in the education circle take it as well as Laughlin, however. Kevin Jenkins, in the marketing department, has never visited the site, nor does he plan to. “I just find the whole process abhorrent. I put a significant amount of effort into my teaching, and would be devastated to face a page full of insults.” Kevin has no pretext that his rating might be high. “I’m a tough grader. Students don’t reflect kindly on
people like me.” And he’s right. The worse a grade a student gets, the more likely they are to leave a negative review. Most professors aren’t backing down to the pressure, however: no one we talked to would ease their difficulty as a result of online reviews. All in all, Barbara’s night went well. With a 3.7 average (I’ll leave out the hotness rating for fear of personal retribution), she was content with the result. Friends threw
courtesy Pexels
insults at negative reviewers while repeating the high praise of positive reports. After a few minutes, someone called for another round of drinks, and the conversation moved away from the posts. For the remainder of the night, we regale one another with anecdotes, and the website doesn’t come up. But Barbara will be back on it before long. After all, classes aren’t going to get easier just because some students are mad.
Just say no: how to not meet new people Five gifs only people who are my friend Rachel will understand
Whether you’re my friend Rachel or my friend Rachel, everyone who happens to be my friend Rachel will find these gifs relatable. Sam Beckmann Rachel’s friend Rachel, we’ve been through a lot together. And after all the ups and downs, we’ve made quite a few memories. This is an article dedicated to all of those special memories we’ve formed together, each complete with its own gif that makes sense to the two of us and absolutely no one else.
Next time you avoid social interaction in favor of being alone, you’ll be in good company.
A student has founded a new organization dedicated to helping other students avoid meeting people outside of their small group of friends. Amy Cairns Has no friends A new student-led organization has appeared on the University of Tulsa campus. Human Acknowledgement & Interaction Resistance, or H.A.I.R., is an organization dedicated to teaching students how to lead safe and healthy lives by never interacting with anybody ever.
“Who needs friends when you have H.A.I.R.?” self-elected President John Hain told reporters at State-Run Media. “Social interactions can be such traumatizing events. It’s better if they just don’t happen.” The club, thus far consisting of Hain and only Hain, will be in charge of going to classes and teaching students how to not interact with other people. Students will be lead in various antisocial activities, such as “Avoid That Person” relay races, How To Fake Your Death training, and roleplaying real-life rejection scenarios. Weekly competitions will determine who can come up with the most convincing excuses to not hang out. “I just want to help people, but, like, without ever in-
courtesy Pixabay
teracting with them. If I can help just one student be alone, then I can feel like I’m really changing the world,” Hain said. In line with the teachings of H.A.I.R., students are encouraged to “lead lives free from violence, social interactions and other dangerous behaviors.” The 10-week program was designed to help relieve students both of peer pressure, and of their peers in general. Hain informed reporters that he hoped the club would take off soon, acquiring many new members, and meeting on a bi-weekly basis. “I just feel like this is an important message. People need to know about how terrible other people are,” Hain said, with a look of pure terror on his face.
1. Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s just a gif of an onion, right? But oh boy, I bet when you see this you won’t be able to stop laughing, remembering that night.
3. The moon. Get it? Get it?
4. Yeah, we’ve all been here. Well, you have, at least, Rachel.
5. I had to go back in the archive to find this gif of us. Ah, memories of our younger, more carefree days. 2. A man holding a screwdriver! I’m pretty sure this gif is self-explanatory to you.