Law student Jason Waddell has more than just judicial talent up his sleeve as a new member of the Superior Court of the UOSA Student Congress. Waddell is a former truck driver, a competitive cyclist and an extreme sports enthusiasts.
Waddell graduated from Mustang High School in 1992 and began a career as a truck driver for Locke Supply Co., a wholesale company that serves contractors.
"I started on the graveyard shift pulling orders for the next day's deliveries," Waddell said. "Within three years, I had moved up and was offered the opportunity to become a driver, and I obtained my Commercial Drivers License (CDL) to operate 18-wheelers."
Waddell said the main benefit of becoming a truck driver was that he was able to work less hours for more money, which allowed him to focus on his budding cycling career.
"I would drive the truck from Oklahoma City to Shawnee, Okmulgee and then Broken Arrow each day making the deliveries and then cycle in the afternoon," Waddell said.
Channeling Lance Armstrong, Waddell, 36, became a bike enthusiast at a young age. Since childhood, he had been involved in various cycling sports.
"I was a BMX racer o na national level from childhood until the age of 19," Waddell said. "I spent a few years motocross and mountain bike racing until 1996 when I decided to solely focus on cycling and road racing."
This focus paid off. Literally. Waddell said he acquired reasonable regional results, which allowed him to get on better teams with more financial support. Throughout his career, he raced in more than 55 races per year.
"I then was able to secure results at national-level races," Waddell said. "These results allowed me to draw salary from sponsors as well as covering every aspect of equipment and travel aspects."
Waddell said he raced from 1998-2004, but retired to finish his education and attend law school.
"I had always planned on going to law school," Waddell said. "But, I decided at a young age that I had to pursue my athletic ambitions while I Was young, and put off law school."
Before retirement, Waddell single-handedly organized the Mathis Brothers/Sharmer Image cycling team, associate dean of the Honors College and former teammate Rich Hamerla said.
Hamerla, a competitive cyclist himself, met Waddell 10 years ago while riding his bike 20 miles outside of Norman when Waddell drove up beside him in his truck.
"He was the first person I met in Norman," Hamerla said. "We were both competitive cyclists, and he wanted to know who I was because I was 20 miles outside of town. The cycling community here is pretty tight."
Hamerla watched Waddell's brain child, the Mathis Brothers/Sharper Image cycling team, grow into something successful.
"He took the team all the way to the U.S. National Road Championships in Philadelphia,"Hamerla said.
Waddell's commitment to the sport of cycling gives him an edge within his new position as superior Court Justice, Hamerla said.
"You have to be extremely disciplined; you have to ride your bike 20-30 hours a week year round, when you do htat for 10 to 15 years you've established a sort of character that is applicable for the rest of your life," Hamerla said. "That postion is going to be demanding, and he's experienced different things in his life that will allow him to be better at his position"
Post-cycling retirement brought Waddell to OU to attend law school after graduation from Oklahoma City Community College. Waddell said he transferred to OU in 2005, and enrolled in the liberal studies program with a concentration in administrative leadership.
He received his degree in 2006, and too a year off to travel before applying to law school.
"I enjoy the learning process," Waddell said. "Everyone should strive to better themselves by learning not only about things that interest them, but things that will braoden their understanding of the world in which we live."
Waddell is set to graduate law school this coming May.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
News Story- Gum Disease
Gum disease can now be stopped thanks to OU researchers. A group of students and professors from various departments unearthed a molecule arresting the development of thrush, an oral yeast infection, recently.
The study began in 2008 when researchers decided to focus on the bacteria mutanobactin A after researchers at the Health Sciences Center, headed by microbiologist, Dr. Felicia Qi, sequenced four strains of Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Qi, who has been sequencing the microbe’s genome since 2002, said S. mutans bacteria is present in everyone’s mouth, but the strain differs from person to person, which provides for interesting findings.
“We think these differences may determine whether a particular bug is more virulent than another strain,” Qi said in an e-mail.
Robert Cichewicz , assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said he became involved after Qi approached his group after discovering an unexpected gene in the Streptococcus mutants. After reviewing the data, he became intrigued.
“Almost nothing is known about the natural products produced by microbes that live in humans,” Cichewicz said in an e-mail, “despite the fact that the adult human body has more bacteria than cells.”
Cichewicz said knowing the structures and properties of the bacteria is important to shed light on the relationship that exists between humans, microbes and disease.
“(S. Mutans) is one of the few examples of a complex natural product made by microbes in the body,” Cichewicz said. “It appears to inhibit the transition of Candida Albicans into its pathogenic form. It could have some very important medical applications.”
These applications include new and better drugs for treating infections and provide antibiotics that are not as susceptible to becoming resistant, according to a press release.
The discovery of this molecule also carries with it implications for the university.
“Exciting discoveries help OU attract the best students,” former postdoctoral researcher Dr. Matthew Joyner said. “From a more business-centered view, (a discovery) brings in publicity and potential funding for more research.”
Qi said it also benefits her mind and her field. Qi is a member of the OU Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry, according to a press release.
“It keeps my brain active, and keeps my students updated in the current research and development in the field,” Qi said.
Aside from being lucrative for the mind, studies like this one provide real-world job experience for students, Chichewicz said.
“Your (bachelor’s of science) degree only puts you on par with your peers. However, we (the faculty) can offer the students a critical advantages,” Chichewicz said. “It is not the core curriculum that sets you apart from others; it is the wealth of unique discoveries that your professors shared with you that give you one-of-a-kind knowledge.”
This “one-of-a-kind” knowledge is perpetuated by the different disciplines involved on each project, particularly this one, Joyner said.
“Having experts in both fields allowed us to quickly identify the chemical structure and important chemical features of this new molecule,” Joyner said. “Good collaborations allow great work to happen much faster since everyone is able to contribute in their own expertise”
Chichewicz said there is little end to the project in sight.
“I think things are just getting started,” Chichewicz said.
The study began in 2008 when researchers decided to focus on the bacteria mutanobactin A after researchers at the Health Sciences Center, headed by microbiologist, Dr. Felicia Qi, sequenced four strains of Streptococcus mutans, an oral bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Qi, who has been sequencing the microbe’s genome since 2002, said S. mutans bacteria is present in everyone’s mouth, but the strain differs from person to person, which provides for interesting findings.
“We think these differences may determine whether a particular bug is more virulent than another strain,” Qi said in an e-mail.
Robert Cichewicz , assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said he became involved after Qi approached his group after discovering an unexpected gene in the Streptococcus mutants. After reviewing the data, he became intrigued.
“Almost nothing is known about the natural products produced by microbes that live in humans,” Cichewicz said in an e-mail, “despite the fact that the adult human body has more bacteria than cells.”
Cichewicz said knowing the structures and properties of the bacteria is important to shed light on the relationship that exists between humans, microbes and disease.
“(S. Mutans) is one of the few examples of a complex natural product made by microbes in the body,” Cichewicz said. “It appears to inhibit the transition of Candida Albicans into its pathogenic form. It could have some very important medical applications.”
These applications include new and better drugs for treating infections and provide antibiotics that are not as susceptible to becoming resistant, according to a press release.
The discovery of this molecule also carries with it implications for the university.
“Exciting discoveries help OU attract the best students,” former postdoctoral researcher Dr. Matthew Joyner said. “From a more business-centered view, (a discovery) brings in publicity and potential funding for more research.”
Qi said it also benefits her mind and her field. Qi is a member of the OU Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry, according to a press release.
“It keeps my brain active, and keeps my students updated in the current research and development in the field,” Qi said.
Aside from being lucrative for the mind, studies like this one provide real-world job experience for students, Chichewicz said.
“Your (bachelor’s of science) degree only puts you on par with your peers. However, we (the faculty) can offer the students a critical advantages,” Chichewicz said. “It is not the core curriculum that sets you apart from others; it is the wealth of unique discoveries that your professors shared with you that give you one-of-a-kind knowledge.”
This “one-of-a-kind” knowledge is perpetuated by the different disciplines involved on each project, particularly this one, Joyner said.
“Having experts in both fields allowed us to quickly identify the chemical structure and important chemical features of this new molecule,” Joyner said. “Good collaborations allow great work to happen much faster since everyone is able to contribute in their own expertise”
Chichewicz said there is little end to the project in sight.
“I think things are just getting started,” Chichewicz said.
Meeting Story
Kaitlyn Bivin
Lab 21
The University of Oklahoma Student Congress (UOSA) elected six potential justices to the Superior Court and the Integrity Council at their meeting on Tuesday evening.
In order to be considered for the UOSA Superior Court one must be a sophomore, junior, or senior, complete four essay questions submit to a 30-minute group interview, then the candidate may or may not be appointed.
Candidates up for election are graduate student Erick Harris, sophomore Jeff Vogt, law student Jason Waddell, junior Sara Wittrock and law student Caleb McCoy. Biographical information was provided by UOSA in the form of resumes and applications.
Graduate Student Erick Harris said his undergraduate student government experience at Tuskegee University will bring a vast amount of experience, leadership abilities and work ethic to the Superior Court position. Harris interned for Congressman John Sullivan's Office in Washington D.C in 2008 and is currently getting his masters in Public Administration.
Sophomore Jeff Vogt is a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, summer intern for Jones, Gotcher, and Bogan, Attorneys at Law from 2007-2009. He is also a National Merit Scholar. Vogt said he bejlieved that he would bring knowledge and comfort to his position on the Superior Court because of his intern experience.
Second year Law student Jason Waddell, said he decided to run for Superior Court because he felt is his skills and experience as a Senator in student government would better serve the students as a whole on the Court. Waddell is a former competitive cyclist for the Sharper Image/Mathis Brothers Professional Cycling Team in 2004.
Junior, Sarah Wittrock, is interested in law, a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and is running for Integrity Council/Superior Court of UOSA. She said she believes the role of the court is not to make laws but to interpret them, and must ensure an environment of fairness to all students.
Second year Law student Caleb McCoy said he believes that feeling has little to do with a judicial officer's duties, rather, (the court) should remove itself from any feeling and approach each case with objectivity. McCoy has a bachelors degree in Business Administration, and acted as a summer associate for the Conner and Winters law firm in Oklahoma City from 2007-2009.
The meeting also included roll call and a flag salute as well as general announcements from the chair, secretary, and general committees. Public Relations announced the commencement of Town Hall Week beginning Oct. 11. Flyers will be sent out via e-mail for the event. T-shirt designs were also discussed. The t-shirt is crimson with a newspaper depicting the words "representing you Daily."
Lab 21
The University of Oklahoma Student Congress (UOSA) elected six potential justices to the Superior Court and the Integrity Council at their meeting on Tuesday evening.
In order to be considered for the UOSA Superior Court one must be a sophomore, junior, or senior, complete four essay questions submit to a 30-minute group interview, then the candidate may or may not be appointed.
Candidates up for election are graduate student Erick Harris, sophomore Jeff Vogt, law student Jason Waddell, junior Sara Wittrock and law student Caleb McCoy. Biographical information was provided by UOSA in the form of resumes and applications.
Graduate Student Erick Harris said his undergraduate student government experience at Tuskegee University will bring a vast amount of experience, leadership abilities and work ethic to the Superior Court position. Harris interned for Congressman John Sullivan's Office in Washington D.C in 2008 and is currently getting his masters in Public Administration.
Sophomore Jeff Vogt is a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, summer intern for Jones, Gotcher, and Bogan, Attorneys at Law from 2007-2009. He is also a National Merit Scholar. Vogt said he bejlieved that he would bring knowledge and comfort to his position on the Superior Court because of his intern experience.
Second year Law student Jason Waddell, said he decided to run for Superior Court because he felt is his skills and experience as a Senator in student government would better serve the students as a whole on the Court. Waddell is a former competitive cyclist for the Sharper Image/Mathis Brothers Professional Cycling Team in 2004.
Junior, Sarah Wittrock, is interested in law, a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, and is running for Integrity Council/Superior Court of UOSA. She said she believes the role of the court is not to make laws but to interpret them, and must ensure an environment of fairness to all students.
Second year Law student Caleb McCoy said he believes that feeling has little to do with a judicial officer's duties, rather, (the court) should remove itself from any feeling and approach each case with objectivity. McCoy has a bachelors degree in Business Administration, and acted as a summer associate for the Conner and Winters law firm in Oklahoma City from 2007-2009.
The meeting also included roll call and a flag salute as well as general announcements from the chair, secretary, and general committees. Public Relations announced the commencement of Town Hall Week beginning Oct. 11. Flyers will be sent out via e-mail for the event. T-shirt designs were also discussed. The t-shirt is crimson with a newspaper depicting the words "representing you Daily."
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Semi Precious Weapons review
July 22, 2010:
“We are SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS from New York Mother-Fucking City and we hope you all get LAID!” It seems unreal now that I heard these words spoken from a man clad in chains and sequined platforms, but he does exist, and his name is Justin Tranter, fashionista extraordinaire and front man for Semi Precious Weapons.
I traveled to Dallas assuming that Lady Gaga alone would blow me away, and that like so many other opening bands before them Semi Precious Weapons would be subpar---I was wrong. Immediately the band hypnotized me with their abundance of energy. Tranter stepped on stage looking like a cross between Andy Warhol and David Bowie, kicking and wailing to lyrics like “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m fuckin’ gorgeous” and screaming about his sequined heels. The energy did not deteriorate throughout the set. At one point, he poured champagne upon the eager heads of spectators. Before long, they had me spending exorbitant amounts of money on tote bags, t-shirts, and their new CD “You Love You” released on Jun. 29, 2010.
“You Love You” is only comparable to the raw power of punk rock if punk were born out of Andy Warhol’s factory scene. The debut song “Semi Precious Weapons” brings rock back to it’s roots with simple but effective music, and lyrics that will have you wishing you sported bleach blond hair and leggings. It threatens with lyrics like “I’ve got a diamond in my pocket and a gun in my purse scream SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS or you might get hurt,” a clear statement that glam rock is here to stay, and if it stays far from the likes of Poison and Nelson I welcome it with open arms.
The album also creates a flair for egotism. “It’s not my fault I look better in her party dress...it’s not my fault this is how my momma made me I’ve been magnetic since I was a baby” is the first line on the second single “Magnetic Baby,” which sets the “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” tone for the song and the entirety of the album beautifully. A fun party song, it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
“You Love You” carries more than egotism and fall-on-your-ass drunken rock-n-roll-- it reinvents the power ballad (not ala White Snake). “Leave Your Pretty To Me” depicts the hopelessness of a girl, quite possibly exemplifying Tranter’s gender bending self saying “the only thing that ever came easy to her was me and tragedy..go ahead and drink because I can only be so many things.” It is possibly Tranter’s finest vocal achievement, and solidifies SPW as legitimate artists as opposed to a one-hit-wonder glam band.
From the first night I saw SPW I knew they were special. “You Love You” is kick ass party CD and an anthem for everyone who is too afraid to be themselves. It’s amazing what sequined platforms can do. “Hey DALLAS, do you like my shoes?” I don’t just like your shoes, I love your shoes, Justin.
“We are SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS from New York Mother-Fucking City and we hope you all get LAID!” It seems unreal now that I heard these words spoken from a man clad in chains and sequined platforms, but he does exist, and his name is Justin Tranter, fashionista extraordinaire and front man for Semi Precious Weapons.
I traveled to Dallas assuming that Lady Gaga alone would blow me away, and that like so many other opening bands before them Semi Precious Weapons would be subpar---I was wrong. Immediately the band hypnotized me with their abundance of energy. Tranter stepped on stage looking like a cross between Andy Warhol and David Bowie, kicking and wailing to lyrics like “I can’t pay my rent, but I’m fuckin’ gorgeous” and screaming about his sequined heels. The energy did not deteriorate throughout the set. At one point, he poured champagne upon the eager heads of spectators. Before long, they had me spending exorbitant amounts of money on tote bags, t-shirts, and their new CD “You Love You” released on Jun. 29, 2010.
“You Love You” is only comparable to the raw power of punk rock if punk were born out of Andy Warhol’s factory scene. The debut song “Semi Precious Weapons” brings rock back to it’s roots with simple but effective music, and lyrics that will have you wishing you sported bleach blond hair and leggings. It threatens with lyrics like “I’ve got a diamond in my pocket and a gun in my purse scream SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS or you might get hurt,” a clear statement that glam rock is here to stay, and if it stays far from the likes of Poison and Nelson I welcome it with open arms.
The album also creates a flair for egotism. “It’s not my fault I look better in her party dress...it’s not my fault this is how my momma made me I’ve been magnetic since I was a baby” is the first line on the second single “Magnetic Baby,” which sets the “don’t hate me because I’m beautiful” tone for the song and the entirety of the album beautifully. A fun party song, it is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
“You Love You” carries more than egotism and fall-on-your-ass drunken rock-n-roll-- it reinvents the power ballad (not ala White Snake). “Leave Your Pretty To Me” depicts the hopelessness of a girl, quite possibly exemplifying Tranter’s gender bending self saying “the only thing that ever came easy to her was me and tragedy..go ahead and drink because I can only be so many things.” It is possibly Tranter’s finest vocal achievement, and solidifies SPW as legitimate artists as opposed to a one-hit-wonder glam band.
From the first night I saw SPW I knew they were special. “You Love You” is kick ass party CD and an anthem for everyone who is too afraid to be themselves. It’s amazing what sequined platforms can do. “Hey DALLAS, do you like my shoes?” I don’t just like your shoes, I love your shoes, Justin.
News Brief
A new molecule that arrests the growth of the thrush molecule, a type of oral yeast infection, was discovered by a group of OU researchers recently.
The study developed as a part of ongoing research of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria led by Dr. Felicia Qi of the Heath Sciences Center College of Dentistry.
Qi, who has been investigating the microbe's genome since 2002, approached assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Dr. Robert Cichewicz's research group to investigate the molecule further.
The research has been going on for sometime with little end in sight.
"I think we're just getting started," Chichewicz said.
The molecule's discovery opens opportunities for new and better drugs to be created for treating infections.
The study developed as a part of ongoing research of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria led by Dr. Felicia Qi of the Heath Sciences Center College of Dentistry.
Qi, who has been investigating the microbe's genome since 2002, approached assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Dr. Robert Cichewicz's research group to investigate the molecule further.
The research has been going on for sometime with little end in sight.
"I think we're just getting started," Chichewicz said.
The molecule's discovery opens opportunities for new and better drugs to be created for treating infections.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Why NAJA ROCKS!
For this blog entry I attempted to researched the Native American Journalists Association. Their website provides a brief mission statement explaining NAJA's purpose. "NAJA serves and empowers NAtive Journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures." Along with promoting culture, NAJA also recognizes Native Americans as a separate society based on tradition and culture. They say, through this initiative, they would like to promote diversity, free press, speech, and expression. Continually, they raise awareness for Native American's in the media, and hope to ensure that mainstream and Native American media obtain a high standard of professionalism.
The Native American Journalist Association's website is an important tool in educating media professionals because it provides a different culture's perspective on one avenue of mass media. Also, they provide various sections for jobs in the media profession such as print, radio, web, television, and reporting. Furthermore, the website provides a list of contact information in case another media professional would like to get in touch with a member of NAJA.
Continually, the website establishes NAJA's credibility by listing their numerous awards and scholarship recipients. The Native American Journalist Association also holds an annual convention including programs like Native voices, where students majoring in journalism produce a daily newspaper, radio or television newscast, or a website through the program. NAJA also takes stereotyping very seriously, which perpetuates the idea of diversity in the media. For instance, they denounced a Wisconsin man for cheering on runners in a triathlon for dressing in a traditional headdress and loincloth.
The Native American Journalist Association's website is an important tool in educating media professionals because it provides a different culture's perspective on one avenue of mass media. Also, they provide various sections for jobs in the media profession such as print, radio, web, television, and reporting. Furthermore, the website provides a list of contact information in case another media professional would like to get in touch with a member of NAJA.
Continually, the website establishes NAJA's credibility by listing their numerous awards and scholarship recipients. The Native American Journalist Association also holds an annual convention including programs like Native voices, where students majoring in journalism produce a daily newspaper, radio or television newscast, or a website through the program. NAJA also takes stereotyping very seriously, which perpetuates the idea of diversity in the media. For instance, they denounced a Wisconsin man for cheering on runners in a triathlon for dressing in a traditional headdress and loincloth.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Challenges in Diversity
Personally, being culturally sensitive is not difficult for me. However, for the sake of argument, the biggest challenge presented when the issue of diversity comes into question is the difference between speaking casually and writing. Certain phrases that are acceptable within everyday speech would not be considered acceptable in writing. For instance, one may use the phrase "retarded" to express that they find something to be silly or stupid. Saying someone or something is obviously not acceptable within the realm of writing. As a mass media professional it is important to remain politically correct, which means being conscious of a subject's needs and social background.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Why News Writing is Difficult...
News writing is difficult for everyone. But, I believe it is especially difficult for those who are used to traditional English writing. Journalistic writing is more difficult because one is unable to fully express themselves descriptively. News writing is about being precise, English writing is not. Therefore, it is often difficult to switch gears between being a journalist and being a writer because in Journalism one is never allowed to interject opinion, or personal happenings. Editorializing is where I face the most difficulty. If writing a story on a subject that I am passionate about I have to remember that I am writing a news story for other people.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
You Got Hit by the Grammar Truck!!
Grammar is SO my favorite thing to do. I just loved learning how to properly insert a semi-colon. Did that have to be hyphenated? Honestly, most days I would rather pull my teeth out than talk about transitive verbs. Not to mention, trying to teach someone to how to form a sentence correctly is about as awkward as G.W Bush's press conferences. Nevertheless, grammar is an important part of being a writer, and as a writer, it is a necessary evil. I guess some people may find grammar particularly riveting, but I'm sure they find watching paint dry as well. :)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fun with Writing for Mass Media
Writing for Mass Media (2033) is the second class taken by all students entering the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. This course is designed to instruct the student on many facets of multimedia including: writing, editing, elements of AP style, and core values of their chosen profession. Within the college students may choose to major in either Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, or Professional Writing. For those who require more insight into their profession, 2033 is designed to pique the interests of students into a particular field of study, and aid them in understanding the professional media environment. Specific goals laid out for this class include: building media literacy, improving writing skills, building interests, practicing various types of media writing, developing professional skills, understanding core values of professions, and understanding specific conventions of all media outlets.
Professor Steyn said it best when she offered a window into this course's difficulty "it's not an easy class." Students will be challenged extensively both in class and in lab where they will be required to hone their skills as writers, and as media professionals. Grading is percentage based with lab being 50%, quizzes being 25%, and exams being 25%.
Academic honesty within 2033 is paramount. Any form of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or fraud results in a failing grade, and disciplinary action by the University. During lab, students must fact check their material. Fact checking is the process of verifying facts within a story to ensure legality and credibility. Any misstated fact will cost students 25% of their grade before lab 15. After lab 17, 50% will be deducted.
Lecture classes house up to 165 students, and is based on powerpoint slides. The slides are posted on Desire to Learn, OU's teacher-student communication website, for students to use as study guides. Cell phone use is strictly prohibited, as it is seen as distracting to Prof. Steyn. Students caught with cell phones will be required to leave class immediately.
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