Oh You, Observations?

2010 observation

2010-05-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

OU RUF recently instigated a game of humans v. zombies.

It was epic, to say the least. About 750 people played for an entire week, and hardly anyone on campus could avoid noticing all of us running around with bandanas (on the neck/head for zombies and on the arm/leg for humans).

Anyway, what it taught me is not only that this campus would be very dangerous in the event of a zombie invasion, but also that there are more routes of escape than I originally thought. Even if a zombie is coming at you from a crosswalk, you can at least hide in the shadow from the monolith that is Gaylord Hall. They might not notice you--for about five minutes. Just long enough for you to have your next hiding place planned out.

Note to self: Cate Main has too many glass doors.

Here goes a new year

2009-09-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

We're all back on campus. A new academic year has started; we have brightly colored new syllabi in our folders; David Boren has addressed the freshmen; and our days are spent dashing between the North and South Ovals. Well, my day is spent going back and forth...You may be so fortunate as to have classes all in roughly the same area of campus, or at least have a schedule that allows enough time in between classes for you to have a leisurely stroll through the brick corridors.

This year is so different from the last. This year, now that I live off campus, I find myself appreciating the architecture and beauty of the campus so much more. My new motto? "Look up more." Both literally, and figuratively- to God.

Some things I've noticed this year:

1) We have a lot of fountains. Does anyone know how many? I want to go around and count, maybe schedule a fountain-counting day

2) The ghost bike is no longer there! See previous posts for explanations of what this was. At the PSC there is only a normal, silver, empty bike rack.

I wonder what else I'll notice this year.

When you take a tour...

2009-04-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like I've discovered a lot of new places on campus recently. Hunting down professors and talking to different departments has led me to a number of places, especially on the North Oval, where I would not normally go. So here is a short list of things that I've learned (and that I wish I'd been told a little bit "sooner")

1. If lost in the Fine Arts Center, remember that there is always another stairway or hall. It might not be in the place you expect it to be, but just follow the weird stairways and halls until you come to a door. Oh, and the basement goes in a gigantic loop.

2. Sarkeys does not make sense, but with a little bit of time and a trusty compass, you are sure to eventually get to those hidden elevators. Some unique features of the building are its unreliable cell phone reception, secret hallways, and strategic location to gauge wind strength. The cafe downstairs is quite nice.

3. The Old Science Hall is beautifully renovate

d inside. You might be so busy admiring the cleanliness of it all that you fail to notice the creepy mural of two gentlemen that is painted on the back of the door (someone's watching me!!!)

4. What is Ellison? Ellison is the building across from the library that houses the administrative offices for the College of Arts and Sciences. If you choose to explore, it is helpful to note that the elevator inside the front door is not the only way upstairs. If you walk a little ways through the entry room, a nicely carpeted staircase will lead you to a study area on Floor 2.

5. The Visitors Center has maps, but not always advice...

6. Gaylord is a large building from the outside, but inside, the grand staircase and abundance of glass make travel fairly straightforward.

7. Come see the Honors College! Everyone thinks of it as so mysterious and different, "Cate 5? Where's that? What in the world is David L. Boren Hall?" but it really just has classrooms, offices, and a cozy library, with the dorm part on floors 2-4. And it has a computer lab- stop in to study! We may not have food for the stomach, but we do have food for thought.

8. Reynolds Performing Arts Center does not have normal elevators. "2" is the Modern floor and "3" is the Ballet floor, but "3W" is a half floor for the music practice rooms. If the button has an "E" next to the number it means that the door will open on the opposite (theater) side.

9. There are four theaters all in relatively the same area.

Rupel Jones: located off of Elm Street; larger of the two FAC theaters

Weitzenhoffer: also on Elm, but smaller and circular inside, I think

Holmberg Hall: located on Parrington Oval (the roundabout) with large wooden double doors and a burgundy interior

Lab Theater: there's one in the Old Science Hall and possibly one on the 2nd floor of the FAC...Probably best to ask for directions

10. The Towers have become a lot simpler than they seemed at first. I constantly got them mixed up in my first week as a freshman. Couch is by Couch restaurants and thus is the furthest. Walker has Xcetera (you "walk" through it) and Adams has a "family" of towers with a post office in one.

11. Finally, there are only two ovals- North Oval and the South Oval- but there is a third sidewalk that looks deceptively like these two and runs perpendicular to the stadium. Located near Asp, you will probably rarely walk here.

Nature Here at OU

2009-03-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

First, I am compelled to note that Oklahoma weather has been putting me into an absolute quandary as to how I am supposed to leave the dorm. Should I bring sunscreen, because it might be almost 90 degrees? Should I bring an umbrella or snow boots, in case it really does get down to 32 degrees? Should I just not leave at all, because a thunderstorm warning has been issued (via the rather frightening intercom in the dorms) and hazardous conditions may develop? There is no shortage of weather excitement around here.

But on those wonderful occasions when the weather is resting at a mild 70 or so degrees, the campus really looks beautiful. Thanks to Daylight Savings Time I was able to see this view of the moon on Sunday, around 6:45 pm, between two of the

Cate Quads:

Another nature happening of note involves the OU squirrels. Yes, the infamous squirrels. They somewhat disappeared during the ice storm and have been scarce in the days since, but a run-in I had to day reminded me that they are still an

active

part of campus...There's something very unnerving about their boldness, almost as if they're perpetually experiencing Finals Week (for squirrels) and cannot help but dash around madly and launch themselves into any object that looks like it could be a landing pad.

Today, in the indecisive grey period before the cold front fully arrived, I was sitting in the courtyard outside of the Union (eating my Big Zeus wrap from the Laughing Tomato; I wouldn't recommend it as highly as California Craze or their whole wheat cookies) when I saw a squirrel scampering among the flower bushes. Typical. I returned to my studying, but when

I looked up, was amazed to see that the squirrel was a mere two feet from my face and staring hungrily at my food! He ran around my table a little bit, hopped onto the chair, and then raced across the ground and up into the flower bushes again. This scenario kept repeating itself. He would investigate another student's table, then pop his little head up onto the chair of my table, and eventually climb up to stare at me before giving a heedless leap over to the covered fountain. Thankfully, I had my camera with me!

Those squirrels.

Eating Environment

2009-02-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,
As some of you know... "The Caf" has been redone! It is a fantastic thing that has happened on our campus! Before, I found myself wandering aimlessly trying to find a place to eat other than the caf. Now I embrace it with a warm, but usually empty, tummy. I have also found that most of the reason why I didn't partake in the caf as MUCH last semester was due to the staunch environment surrounding it. I don't live in the Towers, so I'm not used to the busy, get-out-of-my-way-or-I-will-probably-kill-you-with-one-glance atmosphere. I am used to a calm, independent vibe. So going to the caf was stressful. Plus, who decided to paint the walls white anyway? That's just gross. But NOW the caf is refurnished with colors, dark wood, and black plastic chairs... and dare I even say it... booths of a grandiose size. There's also a lovely stir-fry place (I like the Teriyaki sauce).I find myself wanting to go there...I think I will. Text me if you ever want to go to this lovely place... I may even pay your way in. But really, it depends on who you are.

How much does the "atmosphere" of a restaurant matter to you? Which place on campus do you eat the most? (If you eat on campus at all)

Burning Calories

2008-12-14T21:49:00.000-08:00

The number of people on bicycles has followed the change in temperature.

Last week I ate in the Caf twice. I have never eaten in the Caf before. As I am a transfer student, I was not forced upon its necessity. Of that I am thankful. Were I to have been here my freshman year, my frame would, inevitably, carry more weight than at present.

Most countries have a type of food they are known for (i.e. Mexican, Chinese, etc.). One could make a case that hamburgers or casseroles are the All-American food, but I beg to differ. All-you-can-eat is the All-American food. All-you-can-eat Mexican is American. Chinese buffet is American. Pizza buffet is American. It doesn't matter the quality of the food. If it is unlimited we will eat it. How do you think Golden Corral survives?

Both times I was at the Caf, I ate till I could eat no more. I bet that each meal contained well over my daily recommended calorie intake. Were I to eat at the Caf daily, I would most certainly indulge myself every time (thanks to my quick metabolism).

I feel all alone when I ride down the south oval. Don't be bound by the weather. Ride with me!

North Oval Lights

2008-12-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

As a ballet major, I spend a lot of time in the North Oval. I get to see how it looks at all hours of the day, from 8am to 10pm to 4am (don't worry, that last one wasn't for ballet). Accordingly, I've noticed some strange things about the lights over there...

First of all, the ballet building. Reynolds Performing Arts Center has a very pretty dancer statue/fountain situated right in front of it, which all of us look at when we're distracted in class. One night I was walking out of the building when I saw a shadow projection of the dancer on the bricks of RPAC! There was something strangely beautiful and creepy about it. There's always a "dancer" around, even if she isn't human.

Secondly, during my freezing cold 4 am breakfast at the Union (before a 6:30 flight home) I happened to look up at the Physical Science Center. There was one light on in the building- on the very top floor. Who in the world would want to be alone in the PSC? Let alone at 4 in the morning? If it were me I would be hiding under the desk. I'd probably call Safe Walk, then make them come up the elevators to get me, because I'd be so freaked out at leaving my office...alone...and going down disconnected elevators...alone...and waiting in the maze-like lower levels...alone. Maybe someone just forgot to turn off an office light? It's possible. But still mysterious.

Finally, let's give a "hurrah" to the construction team that finished work on the old science building next to the Chemistry building! It was neat to finally see the fence down, and probably a relief for all those bikers and pedestrians who nearly crashed around the blind corner. However, I do have one question. While the fence was up, the lamppost was clearly bent down to one side to accommodate the slats. Now it's upright again and looks like a normal lamp. So how do you do that type of thing? Just whack it until it bends, then hope you can re-straighten it? Does it still work? Who knows.

The Conundrum That Is...Puppies..?

2008-11-24T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Observer,

Do you you ever wonder what animals do when you aren't around? (That's weird phrasing). We'll go with a different idea-----> There are a lot of animals here at OU. It is a lovely thing to be walking down the South Oval and almost trip over a squirrel, or freak out when a huge black dog followed by a small white, fluffy dog comes barreling towards you. Although I would love to analyze either OU squirrels or the random two dogs one sees over and over, this post isn't about that. This post is about the lack of animal involvement here at OU. As an inhabitant of the dorms, I feel like I am lacking a certain bond with fuzzy creatures that I desperately need. I know many of us reminisce about our furry critters at home with loving thoughts and longing for home...It is a sad journey we have traveled far from them. : (
I have found the bizarre solution! There is this site that has live, and I mean LIVE, feed of a litter of puppies! I'm not sure exactly what kind they are, but they are cute, and they are fun to watch...for...a few minutes...at a time...
Here it is! A pet without having to feed it, take it outside to potty, or hear it bark! http://cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/4/viewer.45.swf?cid=317016
[Actually, I just wanted to share this site with everyone because I think it is so strange, and I had to find a way to tie it into an observation at OU.]

Revision:::/// After reading Thomas' quote, some of you might be thinking..."Whaaaaaat?" Well, if you want to see this said ugliest dog in the world, click the link below. Be careful. This dog ruins relationships and lives just by looking at it. http://www.thelookmachine.com/weblog/uploaded_images/copy_of_sam_july_4_parade_beverly_hills_-760605.jpg

Where's Waldo?

2008-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

The University of Oklahoma and primarily the South Oval is a sea: a sea of faces. As I go about my routine on campus, I must confess, I do not give much thought to the thousands of other people I see. I feel like I see new people every day, and I am sure that I do, but the majority of the people I see are probably people just like me: people going about their routine, giving no thought to everyone else.

There are, however, four people I remember; the square bearded professor, the no-shoes kid, the long-hair bearded smoker, and the classic nerd. I feel like I see them more than the thousands of other people, but in reality I see them no more than the others. What is it about these four individuals that makes them stand out? Why does everyone else 'blend in'? Do they stick out to me? Do they stand out to everyone else?

I hold that these four individuals do stand out to everyone. Perhaps some of you see them too. They stand out because they do not fit in. They don't look like the rest. They have achieved what we all strive for: individuality. We all want to stand out, to be our own person. We want people to remember us. We want to leave behind a legacy. It is a shame that so few have achieved this. Most of us go about trying to achieve individuality by imitation. We model our lives around individuals. We wear what they wear. We do what they do. What a shame. We are afraid that no one will like us if we are who are. So, we change ourselves to fit in and in so doing we nullify what we are trying to achieve.

Next time you walk on campus, I encourage you to look for these people. Who do you see the most? Do you see me?

from Russia

2008-10-30T01:04:00.000-07:00

Things you didn't realize that you observe at OU:
(ie, things I am not observing in Russia, and wishing I could observe)

- toilet seats on public toilets
- more than 10 hours straight without rain
- wifi that actually works
- somewhere to plug a computer in when wifi is finally found
- something besides soup to eat
- customer service, i.e. politeness
- riding in a car every once in a while (I only ever ride the metro or walk). Oh, or driving a car.
- having something to do

that's all I can think of right now.

Words

2008-10-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

I don't really know if this is an observation, I guess it is. Have you even noticed when you comment on a blog or are buying tickets from ticketmaster or something along those lines you have to enter in the random assortment of letters to make sure that you aren't a robot or something. Crazy. Well, I always wonder what if we made those letters words!?! I realize that this is not an original thought, but some of the definitions for the words are. I can't really think of any off the top of my head, but I just thought I would share that with you guys. Those "words" should be words, numbers and all. Yay for not making any sense!

This is the "first page"... of the "brochure".....

2008-10-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome fellow bloggers who have been chosen to participate in our observations of the esteemed, and sometimes unusual campus (University of Oklahoma) we dwell in. This will be an interactive endeavor to document our time here at the University of Oklahoma...so we can tell our grandkids! There are some Rules and Regulations to adhere to whilst ensuing our fun and outlandish observations on campus.
Said Rules and Regulations:
1) Observe. Observe things, situations, people that would not be considered everyday occurrences. For example, today I noticed about 40 kindergartners strolling merrily along the South Oval. Regular occurrence on our campus? I think not.
2) Explain.Explain your feelings or opinion upon seeing your observation. For example:
DO NOT type- "A naked man ran into the Union today while I was eating curds."
DO type- "Whilst sitting down to enjoy my daily portion of curds, I was shocked and appalled by the sudden appearance of a rather pale skinny NAKED man running through the Union."
The more, the better.
3) Evidence. If it is possible to substantiate your observation with a picture of sorts it would be kindly appreciated. You might have to alter your daily routine of getting ready...for example if you get ready in 5 seconds then take 2 more seconds to grab your handy camera and put it in your back pack to help you uncover the hidden world of observations.
4) Frequency. Although your observatory motors will be running throughout the day as you become more aware of this hidden world, this doesn't mean that you must blog about every experience you encounter. But, don't let that statement make you a stranger to this blog. We value your observations. We don't want to see you fade away in the distance. With each observation made you bring a new light to our views of the campus and together we can uncover the "real" OU.
5) Familiarity. So other readers are aware of the author of each blog simply sign your name at the bottom of your post. And then we will know.

We've created an easy acronym that is a simple statement for you to remember these rules by. O.E.E.F.F. (pronounced Oooh, eph!)

Alas, the thought just dawned on us.....This is actually a multi-purpose blog that you really can post anything on!!! YouTube vidoes, pictures, just whatever you're thinking about!

Happy Blogging!

*Technical note. This is by no means an exclusive blog! If you feel like you can enlighten the members of this blog and the rest of the blogsphere in some creative way, please email an existing member. Also, a note to members-- if you do decide to allow new members, make their membership known in your latest post.
*Other note. This blog welcomes observations made on other campuses. By the way,Anna just bit me.

Once again, Happy Blogging.
Blogging---it's ballin',

Julie, Anna, and Lindsey