OIDJ at Gaylord College

Monthly archive

July 2015

Shelters give homeless a chance to escape the heat

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When someone walks into Food and Shelter Inc., they are likely to discover its small-town aura. Everybody seems to know everybody else. People eat and talk at the same time. They joke, play games such as dominos, watch TV or use the two computers. Upon entering the dining area, to the right is a wall covered with posters advertising local events and outreach programs. Under the posters are boxes of fresh fruit. Atop and under a table to the left are computers, games, puzzles and books. Straight ahead is the kitchen, which prepares breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and lunch at…

Too often novels lack character

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An unlikeable protagonist is an instant story killer. In the increasingly popular world of young adult and new adult fiction novels, there are a couple character traits that can turn the heroine we’re supposed to love into someone we love to hate — in a way that the author never intended. The first trait, codependence, is probably the most common of the two. More and more these days, we see characters such as the ever-unpopular Bella Swan from the “Twilight” saga. She spends the entire series repetitively stating how much she loves Edward and doesn’t ever want to be without…

Murals show Norman’s true colors

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Recently, the City of Norman has come to life with bright and vivid detail. Some hard to miss new contributions are murals, which adorn the skylines and walls of businesses and office buildings. One such mural is the newly finished project embodying the mission of the ReStore, 1100 W. Main St., in the former Homeland building, which the mural adorns. The currently untitled mural intertwines visions of Peter Max’s style and late ’60s graphics. Artist Skip Hill is responsible for this piece of artwork, but he hardly considers it his own because of the community’s heavy influence and involvement. “I…

Summer a dangerous time for animals

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With temperatures hovering in the low 100s, Norman, Oklahoma, animal shelter managers are on the lookout for signs of animals suffering from heat exhaustion. The employees at the City of Norman Animal Welfare in south Norman are careful to make sure the dogs in their care have plenty of water when they let them outside in the morning. Amy Jones, adoption coordinator at the shelter, said the dogs usually go out once a day, while their cages get cleaned. They remain outside for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. “They can’t cool off as effectively as people,” Jones said…

OU celebrates anniversary with Galileo exhibit

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To mark the University of Oklahoma’s 125th anniversary, the school is bringing an exhibit to showcase Galileo Galilei’s influence on art, culture, literature and science. The staggered, year-old project, called Galileo’s World, will be distributed across 20 exhibits, seven locations and three campuses starting Aug. 1. “Each of the 20 exhibits represents a unique theme that links the concepts pioneered during the Scientific Revolution to concepts relevant to modern research,” said Chelsea Julian, OU University Libraries spokeswoman. The exhibit highlights the world-class holdings of the OU Libraries’ History of Sciences collections including all 12 works published by Galileo in his…

Sydney Schwichtenberg

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Sydney Schwichtenberg, who could pass for a human-version of the popular smiley face logo, tackles journalism in a deliberate way that allows her to excel. As a junior at Locust Grove High School, she serves as the main editor for the school newspaper. In her free time, she enjoys writing stories about mysteries and horror on a website through which she has won an award. “I have always been drawn to these two genres since I was a little kid,” Schwichtenberg said, adding that she hopes to publish many books in her future. In her extra time Schwichtenberg enjoys writing…

Skyla Parker

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Some people may say being in yearbook, volleyball and softball, and maintaining a 3.9 GPA is a nearly impossible task, but Skyla Jenai Parker has managed it throughout her high school career. She also is very passionate about music. She likes all genres, but gets tired of repeatedly listening to the same thing. “My dad always played music when I was growing up: everyday we would go in the car and listen to his Michael Jackson CD, the whole thing,” Parker said. She has stopped listening to the radio, and began looking for new music, finding an interest in newer…

Bailey Roach

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As a person of many talents, Bailey Roach has made an impact in quite a few lives over the last several years. She’s a junior advanced placement student who makes herself a part of her growing location. “I’m a part of BPA (Business Professionals of America) because I love helping people,” Roach said. “And in BPA, we do many things for the good of the community.” As a member of BPA, she helps her school raise donations and assist the community. She also volunteers for the Special Olympics and sells concessions at school carnivals. Roach is a member of the…

Cheyanne Weller

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Cheyanne Weller has adapted to living in different places, having moved from Oklahoma to Virginia and back. “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling,” she said. “I guess home is a place with family, friends and people I care about.” Moving and traveling have had their advantages, such as helping her gain social skills. “I do talk a lot,” she said. “When I was younger though, I was shy. Now people tell me I’m a social butterfly, but I don’t feel like I am.” Weller lives in Glenpool, Okla., with her parents and younger brother. She also has an…

Madyson Kendall

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Madyson Kendall pushes past the limits of living in small-town Indiahoma, Okla., by enjoying an out-of-the-box hobby. The 16-year-old participated in two beauty pageants since 2014. In her first pageant, Miss Teen Oklahoma City, she scored in the top 10 out of 75 contestants. At her second pageant, National American Miss, she did not place, but said she enjoyed the competition more because it encouraged confidence and promoted poised behavior. Madyson’s participation in pageants is not the only interesting thing about her. She also plays piano and sings. “My favorite song to play on the piano is ‘Fresh Pair of…

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