While working on my final project, I was able to capture OU Pride performing Amazing Grace. Here is a clip of the song...enjoy!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Something to be Proud Of
Every year
the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University meet on the football
field. But what happens on the field is more
than just a game—it’s a competition, a rivalry, and a battle. Tickets sell for outrageous prices, fans
travel to support their team, and the tension is high.
An
important element of the game is the crowd and the participation of the
fans. If the crowd is excited, it often
encourages the football players to perform at their best.
The OU
Pride practices all week in preparation for every game each week. The dedication and energy they put into their
practice reflects their performance on game day. The band enhances the excitement of the fans;
without the band it’s hard to say that the game day experience would be the
same.
This year
halftime is different. On November 17th
of this year, OSU women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke died in a plane
crash. Assistant coach Miranda Serna,
the pilot, and the pilot’s wife also died in the crash of this small private
airplane.
In recognition of OSU’s loss, the two
teams’ marching bands decided to perform together at halftime. They banded together and set the rival aside
in order to honor the lives that were lost.
A member of
the band, Tyson Misak, comments on why they are performing with the Cowboy
Marching Band. “We’re doing this to show our support for our other fellow
Oklahomans in a time when they’re struggling with a loss—a great loss.”
No matter
what team wins, the OU Pride is supportive of the Sooners and the University of
Oklahoma. Their job is to perform to
their best ability during the game and at halftime in order to get the crowd
excited for the game and to keep the OU tradition alive.
Lead in:
This year
at Bedlam, the OU Pride and the Cowboy Marching Band performed Amazing Grace at halftime in honor of
the OSU coaches who died recently. OU
Pride spends several hours practicing every week in order to perform their best
on game day.
[VIDEO: Slanchik, 1:57]
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Finally Ready for Finals!
THE NEWS
With finals only two weeks away, students are beginning to take their studies more seriously. John Bell, a retention specialist at OU, provides helpful tips and hints on how to study and succeed this semester.
THE IMPACT
Bell explained a four step plan to prepare for finals. This includes:
1. Gathering information
2. Making a plan
3. Implementation
4. Taking the test
Bell explained each of these steps and broke down the logistics into simple terms and ideas. He encouraged students to prepare early for the next few weeks to come. "Taking action now will prevent cramming later," said Bell.
THE CONTEXT
During the lecture, Bell passed out a "VARK" packet to everyone in the room. This packet contained a short quiz that would reveal the type of learner each person is. The four categories are: Visual, Aural, Reading, and Kinesthetic. After a student knows how they learn, they can take action by taking in information differently so that they retain it in a way that is best for them.
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
For freshman at OU, this is their first time taking college finals. Katie Carroll is a freshman early education major who found this lecture beneficial. "I know more about how to prepare for finals now. I already started studying, but this helped break things down for me." Carroll says her hardest final will be in philosophy. Lindsey Jackson is a political science major, and she's also a freshman at OU. Jackson said, "I really liked today's lecture. I liked the learning test we took to help us find out what kind of learners we all are." She says her hardest final will be in Constitutional Studies. "It has to do with my major so I really want to do well," says Jackson.
WHAT'S NEXT
Bell says his best piece of advice to students is: "Make a specific plan for your studying." Students who are struggling in school or are just looking for ways to improve their study habits can visit Bell at Wagner Hall with an appointment.
With finals only two weeks away, students are beginning to take their studies more seriously. John Bell, a retention specialist at OU, provides helpful tips and hints on how to study and succeed this semester.THE IMPACT
Bell explained a four step plan to prepare for finals. This includes:
1. Gathering information
2. Making a plan
3. Implementation
4. Taking the test
Bell explained each of these steps and broke down the logistics into simple terms and ideas. He encouraged students to prepare early for the next few weeks to come. "Taking action now will prevent cramming later," said Bell.
THE CONTEXT
During the lecture, Bell passed out a "VARK" packet to everyone in the room. This packet contained a short quiz that would reveal the type of learner each person is. The four categories are: Visual, Aural, Reading, and Kinesthetic. After a student knows how they learn, they can take action by taking in information differently so that they retain it in a way that is best for them.
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
For freshman at OU, this is their first time taking college finals. Katie Carroll is a freshman early education major who found this lecture beneficial. "I know more about how to prepare for finals now. I already started studying, but this helped break things down for me." Carroll says her hardest final will be in philosophy. Lindsey Jackson is a political science major, and she's also a freshman at OU. Jackson said, "I really liked today's lecture. I liked the learning test we took to help us find out what kind of learners we all are." She says her hardest final will be in Constitutional Studies. "It has to do with my major so I really want to do well," says Jackson.
WHAT'S NEXT
Bell says his best piece of advice to students is: "Make a specific plan for your studying." Students who are struggling in school or are just looking for ways to improve their study habits can visit Bell at Wagner Hall with an appointment.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Be a Healthier Student
NEWS
"Has everyone eaten something today? Food is a good thing." These were the first words the room full of students heard from Patti Landers as she started the Student Success Series lecture last Thursday. Landers gave a PowerPoint lecture presentation on eating right and being a healthy student.
IMPACT
Landers informed the students that eating regular meals is very important. "Breakfast is especially vital because it wakes you up and prepares you for the day." She also discussed the importance of protein, fiber, and drinking enough water. Landers provided the formula to figure out one's BMI (Body Mass Index) and one's ideal body weight.
CONTEXT
Landers is the dietitian at Goddard and has been for the past six years. She spent 14 years at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. She has been a dietitian for a total of 35 years.
HUMAN DIMENSION
"I don't usually eat breakfast, but I think I'll try to start," said Shelbi Youngblood, a freshman business major. She said, "it's really hard to get up and make sure I eat breakfast...I usually just get out of bed ten minutes before class." Youngblood came to the lecture today because she's, "interested in learning more about health, especially because I'm a freshman and I'm still adjusting to college life."
WHAT'S NEXT
Landers said, "If I could give one piece of advice to students who are trying to be healthier, it would be this: eat your fruits and vegetables." She welcomes students to visit her and seek further health-related advice at Goddard. "We have some really good services over at Goddard that students should take advantage of!"
 |
| Patti Landers sharing health tips with students |
IMPACT
Landers informed the students that eating regular meals is very important. "Breakfast is especially vital because it wakes you up and prepares you for the day." She also discussed the importance of protein, fiber, and drinking enough water. Landers provided the formula to figure out one's BMI (Body Mass Index) and one's ideal body weight.
CONTEXT
Landers is the dietitian at Goddard and has been for the past six years. She spent 14 years at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. She has been a dietitian for a total of 35 years.
HUMAN DIMENSION
"I don't usually eat breakfast, but I think I'll try to start," said Shelbi Youngblood, a freshman business major. She said, "it's really hard to get up and make sure I eat breakfast...I usually just get out of bed ten minutes before class." Youngblood came to the lecture today because she's, "interested in learning more about health, especially because I'm a freshman and I'm still adjusting to college life."
WHAT'S NEXT
Landers said, "If I could give one piece of advice to students who are trying to be healthier, it would be this: eat your fruits and vegetables." She welcomes students to visit her and seek further health-related advice at Goddard. "We have some really good services over at Goddard that students should take advantage of!"
 |
| Simple tips and instructions to help live a healthy life. |
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Cherokee Ballard Returns to OU
 |
| Students and professors listen closely to Ballard and Follett. Photo by: Lauren Nevitt |
Cherokee Ballard and Britten Follett spoke to a room full of Gaylord students and professors in the Hall of Fame room last Wednesday, November 9th. They spoke about the importance of truth in journalism, and presented information on their experience of covering the Kelsey Briggs story.
THE IMPACT
They informed the audience on the opportunity that journalists have to hold people accountable for their actions. The importance of truth was also discussed, "Be a truth teller. I got into the journalism world because I believe in telling the truth," says Ballard. While it may take time to find the truth, it's important to remember that in the end, the truth may help save someone's life.
THE CONTEXT
While working as reporters, Ballard and Follett both had an interest in the Kelsey Briggs story. Briggs was a two-year-old girl who died in 2005 because she was abused. The question remains today, who killed her? Ballard and Follett had a strong interest in the case and finding a resolution. Together, they gathered information, interviewed important people in the case, and eventually wrote a book titled,"Who Killed Kelsey?" As they discussed the process of working on the book, Britten commented, "Through our role as authors, we were able to obtain information that we wouldn't be able to as reporters." With the book, the two women were able to raise child abuse awareness, including details specifically pertaining to Briggs' case.
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Ballard and Follett expressed to the students that journalists have a chance to help protect and save lives. Although there is an opportunity to protect and save lives, it does come with some consequences. Ballard mentions, "I think it's impossible to not become attached [to your story] in some way."
They informed the audience on the opportunity that journalists have to hold people accountable for their actions. The importance of truth was also discussed, "Be a truth teller. I got into the journalism world because I believe in telling the truth," says Ballard. While it may take time to find the truth, it's important to remember that in the end, the truth may help save someone's life.
THE CONTEXT
While working as reporters, Ballard and Follett both had an interest in the Kelsey Briggs story. Briggs was a two-year-old girl who died in 2005 because she was abused. The question remains today, who killed her? Ballard and Follett had a strong interest in the case and finding a resolution. Together, they gathered information, interviewed important people in the case, and eventually wrote a book titled,"Who Killed Kelsey?" As they discussed the process of working on the book, Britten commented, "Through our role as authors, we were able to obtain information that we wouldn't be able to as reporters." With the book, the two women were able to raise child abuse awareness, including details specifically pertaining to Briggs' case.
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Ballard and Follett expressed to the students that journalists have a chance to help protect and save lives. Although there is an opportunity to protect and save lives, it does come with some consequences. Ballard mentions, "I think it's impossible to not become attached [to your story] in some way."
WHAT'S NEXT
Both women now work for companies outside of the journalism field. Ballard works as a communications manager at the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company and Follett is a marketing manager for Follett International.
 |
| Ballard and Follett discuss their thoughts on truth in journalism and the book they wrote together. Photo by: Lauren Nevitt |
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Nutritious or Dangerous?
THE NEWS
Complete Nutrition now
sells a product called the CTS 360 kit that contains an ingredient “stronger than
ephedrine without the negative side effects,” according to their website.
THE IMPACT
Brandon Kahre, an employee
at Complete Nutrition, has seen many customers reach their weight loss goals
with the CTS 360 product. He believes
the product is “safe and healthy.” Kahre
says, “I’m a firm believer that things in moderation are okay.”
THE CONTEXT
Ephedrine is a central nervous stimulant
that increases heart rate, decreases appetite, and makes the user feel more
energetic. In April of 2004, it became
illegal to sell ephedrine in the United States.
One has to wonder if a product that is “stronger than ephedrine” is safe
to use. The CTS 360 kit speeds up the
metabolism, making the process of burning calories happen a lot faster than the
body naturally performs.
THE HUMAN
DIMENSION
While Kahre thinks
the product is safe and healthy, Allie Johnston has a different
perspective. Johnston is a psychology
major with an interest in neuroscience and eating disorders at the University of Oklahoma. She says that diet pills are a “gimmick” and
thinks the CTS 360 product should be “taken off the shelves.” She also says that “all diet pills are an
unsafe way to lose weight. If someone
really wants to lose weight, they should do it the healthy way—diet and exercise.”
WHAT'S NEXT
People
looking to lose weight should consider all of their options before beginning
their lifestyle changes. While a diet pill may help
speed the process at first, diet pills do come with side effects, some of them long-term, and some of them very dangerous. Sunday, October 30, 2011
Become a "Whole" New Person in Oklahoma City
THE NEWS
Hundreds of organic and locally grown products have come to Oklahoma City, and they're here to stay. Whole Foods is now open, and the employees have seen nothing but busy days in their grocery store.
THE IMPACT
This new grocery store brings with it not only healthy foods, but hopeful changes for the area and the state. Whole Foods brings jobs, health awareness, options, and an economic edge to Oklahoma. "I've seen customers come from hours away just to buy products from Whole Foods," says John Gallaspy, a supervisor at the store in Oklahoma City.
THE CONTEXT
Whole Foods is one of few businesses in this country that is expanding during America's economic crisis. Interestingly, "one of the reasons Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City is the one in Tulsa was just too busy. We're the largest organic retailer in the United States," says Gallaspy. He says that this one is always busy too. "People are willing to pay for quality food."
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Before Oct. 12, the only Whole Foods store in Oklahoma was in Tulsa. Suan Grant has been selling her award-winning pepper jelly at the Whole Foods in Tulsa since 2009. Now, she can sell her pepper jelly a little closer to home. "I'm very happy Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City...now I don't have to drive as far to sell my jelly! I really think this will help my business," says Grant.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oklahoma City's new grocery store is expecting this expanding business to stick around. Gallaspy says, "having Whole Foods in a central location may even help our state's obesity problems." The future is looking bright and healthy for Oklahoma!
Hundreds of organic and locally grown products have come to Oklahoma City, and they're here to stay. Whole Foods is now open, and the employees have seen nothing but busy days in their grocery store.
THE IMPACT
This new grocery store brings with it not only healthy foods, but hopeful changes for the area and the state. Whole Foods brings jobs, health awareness, options, and an economic edge to Oklahoma. "I've seen customers come from hours away just to buy products from Whole Foods," says John Gallaspy, a supervisor at the store in Oklahoma City.
THE CONTEXT
Whole Foods is one of few businesses in this country that is expanding during America's economic crisis. Interestingly, "one of the reasons Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City is the one in Tulsa was just too busy. We're the largest organic retailer in the United States," says Gallaspy. He says that this one is always busy too. "People are willing to pay for quality food."
THE HUMAN DIMENSION
Before Oct. 12, the only Whole Foods store in Oklahoma was in Tulsa. Suan Grant has been selling her award-winning pepper jelly at the Whole Foods in Tulsa since 2009. Now, she can sell her pepper jelly a little closer to home. "I'm very happy Whole Foods opened in Oklahoma City...now I don't have to drive as far to sell my jelly! I really think this will help my business," says Grant.
WHAT'S NEXT
Oklahoma City's new grocery store is expecting this expanding business to stick around. Gallaspy says, "having Whole Foods in a central location may even help our state's obesity problems." The future is looking bright and healthy for Oklahoma!
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