College freshmen have to decide what to take to school
University of Oklahoma resident assistant Beth Anne Underwood holds up some of her essential items in her room at Couch Tower. (Photo by Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman)
As many of you know, I’m occasionally called upon to step away briefly from the entertainment brief and contribute stories from other areas to The Oklahoman’s special sections and projects. This story is from today’s Collegebound special section for next year’s college freshmen. I’m posting it here in the hopes some of you might find it useful or interesting.
Will it stay or will it go?
College freshmen graduate from high school belongings
Once they’ve picked the right school, selected their class schedules and agonized over a major, college freshman have another decision-making process to navigate: what to take along and what to leave behind when moving into their new home-away-from-home.
“I brought way too much stuff to the dorms. … I ended up taking like two big tubs back home,” recalled Stephanie Bidelspach, now a junior physical geography major at the University of Oklahoma. “Dorms are rather small, especially when there are two people living in them.”
Incoming freshmen often worry so much about taking essential items that they overpack. When Bidelspach first moved from Chickasha to OU’s Couch Tower, she toted along too many clothes, sheets and towels. And she wasn’t alone.
“Some of the people that I roomed with were from at least 200 miles away, and they too brought a lot of stuff that they really didn’t need and ended up having to leave it in their car until they went home next,” she said.
New students should remember that they will have to haul everything they bring to their room, and on moving day, elevators may be hard to catch. They also will accumulate more stuff during the course of the school year.
In the excitement of moving away from home, students shouldn’t forget to stock up on necessary school supplies, along with an umbrella for the inevitable cross-campus walk in the rain.
“I went through a lot of notebooks … and pencils and pens do disappear,” Bidelspach said.
The most useful item Bidelspach said she brought along her freshman year was her laptop.
“There’s a lot of stuff on the Internet that you have to do for school,” she said. “It gets really inconvenient when you go down to a (computer) lab and there’s not a computer available.”
She also suggested that freshmen invest in a mini-refrigerator, coffee pot, microwave and storage shelves or boxes for snacks. Stocking drinks and munchies from the supermarket is much cheaper than constantly hitting the vending machines, campus store or coffee shop.
“I did a lot of cooking in my dorm with a microwave. There’s a lot of recipes out there that you can use a microwave for instead of an oven, and that saved a whole bunch of money,” said Bidelspach, who now lives in a house off campus.
While microwaves and coffeepots are permitted, Beth Anne Underwood, a resident assistant at OU’s Couch Tower, cautioned students against turning their rooms into a restaurant. Indoor grills and mini-stovetops aren’t allowed, and neither are alcoholic beverages.
“You can’t bring candles or anything with an open flame,” added Underwood, a junior majoring in social sciences and organizational students.
The Alex High School graduate advised incoming students to buy storage devices that will help them maximize their small residence hall space. A shoe rack that hangs on the back of a door, squat plastic tubs that can fit under a bed and shelves or cubbies to stow toiletries in a shared bathroom can keep roommates and suitemates organized.
Another essential item no college student should leave home without: their health insurance card. Underwood, who also works in the campus health clinic’s pharmacy, said parents should request an extra card from their insurance company before school starts.
“Students will come in and they’ll just be like, ‘Yeah, I have insurance, it’s through my parents.’ And then we’re like, ‘Well, do you have your card?’ ‘No, you should be able to look it up, can’t you?’ No, we can’t,” Underwood said. “Even a copy would be better than nothing … as long as they have both sides of the card copied.”
But OU freshmen can leave at home the often-recommended rolls of quarters for laundry. The campus washers and dryers don’t take coins; students swipe their ID card and use their debit account to operate the machines.
“All the kids that come with quarters get really angry. … It’s like, ‘Sorry, go spend them at McDonald’s because they’re not going to do anything for you here,” Underwood said with a laugh.
-BAM
NBC looking for ‘Losing It With Jillian’ families
Can’t make the open casting
call for “Losing It With Jillian” in Los Angeles today (Nov. 8)? Don’t sweat it — not yet, at least.
Just make plans to attend auditions in either Dallas (Nov. 17-18), Nashville (Nov. 22), Detroit (Dec. 8-9), Chicago (Dec. 13), Boston (Jan. 12-13) or Washington D.C. (Jan. 17).
The nationwide search is for families who want to get off the couch and get healthy with the help of “The Biggest Loser” trainer Jillian Michaels.
And cameras will follow the families for “Losing It With Jillian,” an eight-episode series scheduled to premiere in 2010 on NBC.
Every episode, Michaels will invade a different family’s home and give them her own characteristic brand of tough love. She will get to the bottom of the issues each family member faces — ones that affect their health and happiness — and will arm them with the tools necessary to make life-altering changes.
The series will also feature celebrity chef Curtis Stone who will enhance Michaels’ efforts by ridding the family’s kitchen of all unhealthy foods and educating them on proper nutrition, healthy ingredients, cooking tips and recipes.
For more information on how to apply to be on the show, go to www.nbc.com/casting and www.castingduo.com/jillianmichaels.
–Penny TV
What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 8, 2009
Okemah-born singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
Today’s featured event:
Hear a Tribute to Woody Guthrie at 7 tonight at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley.
For more information, go to www.bluedoorokc.com
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Read more What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 8, 2009 at BAM's Blog
What to do in Oklahoma on Nov. 8, 2009
Okemah-born singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie (The Oklahoman Archives photo)
Today’s featured event:
Hear a Tribute to Woody Guthrie at 7 tonight at the Blue Door, 2805 N McKinley.
For more information, go to www.bluedoorokc.com
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Nov. 8 Today’s Prayer
Lord, help us to seek out places where You are at work and let us join You in Your mission. Amen.
Happy Birthday, Tara Reid
Nov. 8, 2009 — Tara D. Reid, who
played Danni Sullivan on “Scrubs” (2003-05), turns 34 today.
She played Ashley on “Days of Our Lives” (1995).
Her first acting role was as Amanda in the 1987 movie “A Return to Salem’s Lot.” She was 12.
Best wishes to Tara and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Tara Reid arrives at Padres Contra El Cancer’s 8th annual ” El Sueno de Esperanza” benefit gala in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
OSU 34, Iowa State 8: Thoughts and Observations
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
The Cowboys rebounded like a good team with senior leadership should after a tough loss. Zac Robinson was very efficient and the running game and offensive line dominated throughout the game.
Finally a Kendall Hunter sighting. It was good to see the All-American junior get back out there but it’s clear he doesn’t quite trust his body yet. He can’t cut like he normally can but he still had a successful return.
The Cowboys lost offensive tackle Brady Bond but you could barely even notice. The Pokes rushed for over 300 yards including Keith Toston’s 206 rushing yards.
The reason OSU’s defense was so strong against Iowa State’s running game was their aggressiveness. The Pokes clearly decided that Austin Arnaud could not beat them and went about proving it and that’s exactly what they did. They forced the Iowa State QB into several mistakes including three interceptions.
I’m still a big beleiver in getting Tracy Moore involved in the offense a bit more. The freshman from Tulsa Union just seems to make key plays when the Cowboys need it. He has a knack for getting open and catches the ball when he does.
What can you say about Keith Toston. 206 rushing yards, three touchdowns. And it is nothing new, the senior running back has done that all season, he’s been extremely consistent for the Cowboys. OSU is going to miss him next year, I think people take him for granted and some people won’t realize what OSU had in Toston until he’s gone.
One aspect the Cowboys can improve on is their kick returns. They just could seem to get in sync against the Cyclones and haven’t seemed as explosive in recent weeks.
Stat games:
Iowa State ran just 54 plays and OSU had the ball for 39:38 of the game.
OSU had 29 first downs and ran 78 plays.
Ugo Chinasa was solid with 2 tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, one sack and one pass break up.
Once again, Pat Lavine was making plays. The senior had eight tackles, one interception, one sack. BY FAR the most overlooked playmaker on the entire team.
Every Cowboy who carried the football on Saturday had a run of at least 12 yards or more. That speaks to the dominance of the OSU offensive line.
Bottom Line: Now that the Cowboys have moved past the loss to Texas, it’s clear OSU is only focusing on what it can control. And if they play well in their final three games, a Cotton Bowl or maybe even Fiesta Bowl berth is within reason. So while they didn’t accomplish their goal of a Big 12 south title, there’s plenty to play for, plenty to look forward to.
Reader reaction: Backcountry self defense
A little follow-up on last week’s post about self-defense in the backcountry…
First of all, thanks to everyone who participated in the poll. I asked the question, “What do you do for self-defense in the backcountry?” Four possible answers were listed.
Of the 85 votes cast, 41 (48 percent) said they carry a firearm. Twenty people (24 percent) said they don’t worry about self-defense in the backcountry. Sixteen said they would use a knife, axe or hiking poles to defend themselves (19 percent) and another eight (9 percent) bring pepper spray.
The topic is diverse, as you have to think about defense against animals as well as people.
Most people agree that people are the bigger threat, but when it comes to backcountry risks, attacks – human or animal – are extremely rare.
In addition to the comments I received here, I got more via Facebook and still more on the 14ers.com forum. A sampling:
Ian from Tecumseh writes that he would take a shotgun. After living in Alaska for some time, he opts for something with power, albeit something bulky. “If there was a bear it would be very light then. I carried one in Alaska, came across a bear. I did not shoot, it ran off. It (the gun) was very light from that point on.”
Point taken.
Steven from Shawnee had one word of advice: “Prevention!”
Augie from Denver goes for a handgun, something light enough not to be a bother. “I have a small .380 that I take. It’s just enough for me to be comfortable with.”
Jim from Colorado Springs gives this perspective: “In my mind, it’s a matter of probabilities and cost/benefit. You’re far more likely to be injured or killed in a fall than in an attack (human or animal) in the … backcountry. Also, in the unlikely event of an attack, it’s possible to defend yourself to some extent with materials on hand (sticks and rocks), so it’s not as helpful to carry a weapon around. An ice axe (or whippet) is a good compromise, since it’s a general safety tool as well as a sharp pointy thing, so you’re not just wasting pack weight on something that will be used once every 100 years.”
Leigh from Chicago says this: “I just hope for safety in numbers — I have yet to backpack solo, but I would likely prefer to be armed if I choose to do so. When dayhiking alone, I usually carry mace and a small knife.”
Lots of food for thought. In my experience, I’ve found that my grade school playground was more threatening than the backcountry. I even went to a church volleyball game where I faced a greater threat (from a person) than anything I’ve run up against on the trail.
Preparation, however, is not something to be undervalued. Whatever length you go to accomplish that, the end result should be constant: to be safe.
Bob Doucette
bdoucette@opubco.com
Sunday Flashback: The Relics at Clarence Ford Park
Ideas Great But Where’s The Action?
By Robert E. Lee
Wednesday, February 8, 1995
MARY JO Nelson is still worried about the architectural artifacts located in the 1 Santa Fe Plaza (parking garage) building downtown.
That subject was mentioned herein some time back, and Mary Jo got some great suggestions on where the items might be placed – but no action!
Clarence Ford Park was created in a tiny courtyard of that building which, until recently, housed the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
The courtyard held several fragments of Oklahoma City’s architectural history, most collected as buildings gave way to urban renewal.
When the chamber moved to new quarters, that left no one to look after the fragments of Oklahoma City’s architectural history.
It left them an easy target for vandals. Or thieves.
Ann Byrd, state president of Colonial Dames, suggests moving the artifacts to the Overholser Mansion, a Dames’ project.
Dixie Jensen nominated Myriad Gardens, since most of the items came from buildings that one stood on and near the gardens’ grounds.
Bill Robinson, president of Harn Homestead Museum, thinks they should go to that museum’s grounds.
Byron Gambulos wants them in Carpenter Square Theater, which he owns, one of the few pre-urban renewal buildings left on Main Street.
Harold Stansberry, president of Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority, suggests they go to the old Union Station, now headquarters for COTPA.
Suzanne Silvester, secretary of the Oklahoma County Historical Society, recommends its Museum of the Unassigned Lands, 4300 N Sewell.
James Work would like them moved to Kerr Park. His law firm, Shirk Work Robinson & Work, worked on the bond package for expanding Kerr Park and several other downtown projects such as parking garages, pedestrian tunnel, botanical tune, etc. (Incidentally, Jim told Mary Jo he always wanted to find a law partner named Fish, so the firm could be Shirk Work & Fish.) Rosemary (Mrs. Earl) Wiltsie would locate the items throughout Bricktown, downtown’s most-successful urban renaissance.
Rosemary also suggests the chamber’s Convention & Visitors Bureau produce a brochure picturing and telling about the artifacts. (To which Mary Jo and I add “amen. “) Mary Jo’s own idea would be to locate them at one or more of the upcoming Metropolitan Area Projects. Her second choice is Myriad Gardens, which is my first choice.
Enough for suggestions.
Now, how about some action before vandals ruin ALL of those wonderful bits of Oklahoma City history?
Beer Championship Series first round is complete
The Thirsty Beagle here, checking in live from the Northwest Oklahoma County Memorial Sports Coliseum. Taking this OSU-OU intermission as an opportunity to provide the updated bracket for the Beer Championship Series. The voters have taken us from 64 beers down to 32. Check in Monday morning for the start of voting in the second round. We’re going to have some serious heavyweight match-ups.
Here’s how the bracket shapes up now.
Are here are Friday’s results:
-Oklahoma Region: Mustang Golden Ale – 64 percent vs. Choc 1919 – 36 percent
-International Region: Taj Mahal Lager – 52 percent vs. Corona – 48 percent
-USA Region: Shiner Bock – 85 percent vs. Coors Light – 15 percent
-Europe Region: St. Pauli Girl- 59 percent vs. Amstel – 41 percent
-Oklahoma Region: COOP Native Amber – 72 percent vs. Belle’s Blond – 28 percent
-USA Region: Anchor Steam – 77 percent vs. Miller Lite – 23 percent
-Europe Region: Newcastle Brown Ale- 81 percent vs. Carlsberg 19 percent
