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By
Sam Speer
on December 7, 2008 7:56 PM | | Comments (0)
License to Wed
marryme.jpgImage by: Google

Standing at the end of the aisle stood Brooke's future husband, Kyle Ramsey, and former KU journalism professor, Malcolm Gibson.

Gibson conducted Brooke Hesler and Kyle Ramsey's wedding ceremony on August 6, 2005 in Liberty Hall.

"We both wanted Malcolm to officiate our wedding.  It went back to an old joke the three of us had when Brooke and I worked at the Kansan and Malcolm was the adviser.  Brooke and I didn't always get along as co-workers, and Malcolm joked we would someday get married," Kyle Ramsey said.  "Not believing that would ever happen, Brooke joked that Malcolm could perform the ceremony."

useapplication.gifImage by: www.wcm.org

Gibson is a perfect example of the online ordination trend, receiving your ordination certificate through the mail.

Kansas law states that not only can a marriage be performed by an officiant from any religious denomination or society, but the two parties can even conduct the ceremony themselves.  Online ordination can legalize a friend or even family member to conduct a ceremony between two parties that is recognized by the law.

Ordination, online or in a church, makes it possible for a ceremony to be conducted by a friend, relative, or even former teacher.  Gibson became ordained in 2004 to conducted a students wedding, and is performing his sixth ceremony in May.

"I interview people who've had a part in their lives, and I tell stories...that sometimes surprise the bride and groom!" Gibson  said.

Since it is increasingly easier to obtain an ordination online to conduct ceremonies, some people like the simplicity of it.

 "We wanted a ceremony that was less focused on religion and more focused on the celebration of our marriage.  We knew Malcolm would be happy to accommodate.  Instead of reciting versus from the Bible, Malcolm had gathered stories and memories from our friends and family to use in the ceremony," Ramsey said.  "It was both touching and embarrassing."

Although it is easy to obtain a do-it-yourself ordination certificate, there are other ways, for example through a church, to become ordained.  Ministers ordained either way can conduct weddings, funerals, and even ceremonies to share their beliefs.  But, some religions and countries have a much more thorough process in order to conduct ceremonies that are recognized by the church.

"For example the United Methodist church has many levels of ministry and I wish that weren't true.  It requires an ordained minister to have an undergraduate, a master's degree, and several years of appointment continuing education," religious lecturer Sherry Wright said.  "There is a high education expectation."

All religions have restrictions and regulations about the acceptance of an ordained ceremony, but the process to obtain ordination through the church is not always an extensive process. 

"Some people are just called to ministry and they are not extensively educated but some churches allow less rigorous level of education," Wright said.

While many weddings conducted in the United States are considered religious ceremonies, other cultures and countries do not focus on religion in the ceremonies.

"I do know that in countries that aren't particularly religious,  for example in China, weddings are not religious ceremonies," Wright said.

Traditions vary from culture to culture, but the customs and traditions are strong within that culture. In China there is a giving handkerchief and wishing good luck tradition while in Columbia there is a candle ceremony.  In India the focus is on the marriage of the families versus the marriage of the two people.

Although the legality of an online ordination varies, wedding ceremonies are still sacred traditions in religions societies and cultures as the union of two people ceremonially and legally. Law professor Robert Casad believes the law-even internationally- can set certain  formalities, but they are still not very restrictive.


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Image:KS Legislature


 "I can say that in the United States, state law determines the legal domestic status of persons, except for the D.C and federal territories. I assume a state can determine by legislation or common law what formalities may be required to achieve marital status, including who may be married, who may officiate and what media may be used for the rite," Casad said. I assume the same is true of every civilized country."

While many religions and countries have different traditions and customs to ceremonies, the option of online ordination is still just a click away. 

"For us, it was a simple way for Malcolm to be able to officiate our wedding within the framework of Kansas law," Ramsey said. "Malcolm's ceremony felt more personal than most weddings I have attended."


"You can perk it up, perk it down...or put it in your pocket..."

By
Sam Speer
on November 16, 2008 11:01 PM | | Comments (0)


PB120509.JPG Photo by: Sam Speer

A flamingo pink bow tie, three overused cow-shaped hacky sacks, and a small black framed picture of the word passion are within arm's reach of Malcolm Douglas Gibson.  Keeping the memories that Malcolm values the most, KU memorabilia, a picture of Nelson Mandela and multiple family photos liter the walls of Stauffer-Flint 120.

Utilizing his passion for life, journalism professor, Malcolm Gibson has a wide range of experiences under his belt. 

"Life is to live and I've tried to live it fairly but take advantage as much I possibly can so I do things like climb Kilimanjaro, jump out of airplanes, take a freighter to Africa, edit a newspaper or drink beer with Nelson Mandela or meet Winnie Mandela, and have a one-on-one with Jimmy Carter,  "Gibson said. "That's the great thing about journalism it has allowed me to do all the things I've really wanted to do in life including what I'm doing now." 

Behind thin wire-framed glasses and brightly colored bow ties is a life-long lover of Africa and journalism, a professional at tying bow ties and juggling, and a professor of what led him to do all these things: his passion for journalism.   

Born and raised an east-coast boy Gibson found his passion for Africa at a young age, and his love for journalism not long later. 




Video by: Sam Speer

After starting his journalism career as a reporter in the army, Gibson finally established himself as a journalist at the Tampa Tribune, while keeping his lifelong goal of editor of the Gainesville Sun in mind. 

"I didn't really have to look for a job, people were just giving me work," Gibson said.  "It was a great time for journalists."

In 1971, while working at the Miami Herald, Gibson was sitting around a table at a bar with two friends when he decided it was time for a change.  Making plans for a trip, Gibson, walked into work the next day, and announced his decision to leave on the first of the year.  When starting to plan his trip, he was reminded of his childhood passion: Africa. 

"You think things are by chance but often when you look back and really investigate them- I really look back on my childhood- we probably got to Africa because I started resurrecting these things from my growing up when Africa was a fascination to me," Gibson said.  "I was in love with Africa, it's an extraordinary place."

Upon returning after his several month-long stay in Africa Gibson established himself at The Gainesville Sun, but it was not long before his passion for Africa pulled him back and once there, there was just one thing left to do.

"If you go to Africa Mount Kilimanjaro is a major vocal point it just sits there.  [My friend and I] were reading a paper and saw that twelve blind children had gone to the top so we figured we could make it and we latched onto a European tour," Gibson said.

After a decade of bouncing from newspaper to newspaper, and getting his degree in African Studies from the University of Florida, Gibson started to develop his infamous quirks in the newsroom. 


Video by: Sam Speer

"Everyone in my newsroom, even visitors, always learns how to tie a bow and to juggle," Gibson said.  "It helps clear your mind and find your focus."

After 34 years in the reporting and editing field, Gibson decided he wanted to move onto teaching, and applied at the University of Kansas, but did not have a positive outlook once on his way.

"I was on the plan saying no way in hell I'm moving to Kansas," Gibson said.  "I was an east coast guy and didn't think much of the rectangular states."

Yet, in pursuit of his passions, Gibson and his family moved to Lawrence in Aug. 1996.   

Twelve years later, at the age of 65, Gibson still teaches editing, juggling and the art of bow tying.

"The first day I'm not happy here will be my last day of work and when I do retire I'm going to sky dive into memorial stadium," Gibson said.  "Why? I think it would be a great way to retire. I already told Bob Hemenway, I mean they do it during football games sometimes so why shouldn't I?"


Pedaling to safety

By
Sam Speer
on October 26, 2008 9:51 PM | | Comments (0)
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Photo: Sam Speer

Making sure his helmet is in place and light on, AJ Brenn, Garden City senior, gears up for his occasional nighttime bike ride.  Brenn usually bikes through only 8 miles of the 53.5 miles of on-road designated bike routes. 

            With safety as a top priority Brenn knows a helmet, a back flasher and front light at night are a necessity if he decides to bike on road. With a total of 126.9 miles of bike trails and bike lanes, the safety of bicyclists and other automobiles on the road is the most important thing to recognize.

            "I bike on a regular basis, not like hardcore or anything.  It just keeps me in shape and I enjoy it," Brenn said.  "Besides it's another way to get around."

            With Lawrence being a bike-friendly city, the safety regulations of bicyclists, which are the same as all vehicles, are strongly enforced to create a safe road for all motorists.  Although bicyclists and other motorists tend to bump heads when it comes down to the black and white of the issue, following the laws and safety requirements will keep all motorists safe.

            Since it is required in the city of Lawrence to register your bicycle, as you would a car, bicyclists are well aware of the laws and rules they are to obey.  Yet to the surprise of many cyclists the safety regulations, fines, and violations are the same as all other motor vehicles.

            "[The number of bicyclists] has increased over the years, we think more people are inclined to use them versus cars to save money," Schuyler Bailey, KU public safety captain said.  "But, people are surprised to find running a stop sign on a bike costs them $130, same as cars."

While there are a climbing number of bicyclists on city roads each year, partially because of rising gas prices, the KU commuting population is climbing, increasing the risks of accidents in both places.

"I definitely think campus is the riskiest place to ride," Sunflower Outdoor and Bike employee Peter Montecuollo said.  "There is so much activity, motorcycles, mopeds, other bicycles, buses, people on feet; people come zooming around buses, and no one pays attention."

Since there are always a few bicyclists that are careless when it comes to following laws, motorists are noticing unsafe cyclists on the street, slowing traffic and causing problems which creates aggression amongst motorists. 

            "I hate when there are bicyclists on the street next to me when I'm driving, honestly sometimes I just want to hit them," sophomore Rachel Horewitch said.  "They should just ride on the sidewalk."

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Map: Bicycle Safety Guide

            Although some drivers would prefer bicyclists to reserve their pedaling for sidewalks it is illegal in downtown Lawrence, and according to Montecuollo unsafe in other parts.  According to Lawrence Bicycle Laws, it is unlawful for anybody to ride on a sidewalk within 100 feet of any business or store, or any other designated place.

            "There are irritated drivers, but you get less if you follow the rules, if you obey traffic laws they respect you," Montecuollo said.  "Courteous bicyclists have fewer problems with furious drivers, I mean I even get upset at people who ride wide or don't signal, but if [bicyclists and other motorists] following the laws there is mutual respect."

            As the number of bicyclists on the streets increase, there is always a heightened chance for an accident, but contrary to popular belief bicyclists are not big factors in accidents.  According to Bailey thus far this year, there have been seven bike citations, six for stop sign violation and one for inattentive riding (causing an accident) and there have been two accidents involving bikes, with one minor injury.

            "There are actually comparatively few accidents involving bicyclists but when there are they are very serious," Bailey said.  "Just this past year by Chi Omega Fountain a car had stopped and the bicyclist didn't notice and he went right through the back window."

            To protect safety of all motorists it is necessary to follow all laws and although not a law in Kansas, according to Montecuollo wearing a helmet is necessary for cyclists to stay safe and avoid serious injuries if involved in an accident.

            "Imagine, at any speed really, your head hitting an object; head trauma is easy to get and the only way to protect yourself from it is a helmet," Montecuollo said. 

With the top priority of the city and KU police department keeping all motorists safe from tragedies it is necessary for all motorists to follow the laws of the road to stay safe.

            "Obey the law," Bailey said.  "It's really that simple."

For more information about bicycle safety regulations and laws visit the Kansas Bicycle Safety guidelines website.

            .

Samantha Speer Study Abroad Program

By
Sam Speer
on September 29, 2008 1:06 PM | | Comments (0)

What you see is not what you get overseas:

        Depreciating value of U.S. dollar and Study Abroad

               Photo: Sam Speer

The rows of brightly colored fruits and vegetables are almost intimidating to political science GTA Andri Innes, New-Castle, Upon-Tyne native.  As she heads to the checkout, red delicious apples and soft white bread in hand, her eyes open wide in shock at the total price of items found so inexpensive back home.

According to Innes her hometown currency, pounds-sterling, has a higher dollar value than the U.S. dollar: $1 USD equaling .54 pence.  According to USA Today, the U.S. dollar has lost nearly 30 percent of its value in Europe in the last two years; the current value of $1 U.S is the equivalent of.7018 euro.

            "Grocery stores seem so much more expensive here, yet going out to dinner seems cheaper, it's very overwhelming," Innes said.


Data: KU Study Abroad Office, Table: Sam Speer

However, contrary to popular notion, the depreciating value of the U.S. dollar in the world's economy has not deterred students from spending part of their college years abroad.

"[The depreciating value of the U.S. dollar] hasn't affected the study abroad program as far as participants.  The number keeps growing each year, semester by semester," Out-reach coordinator Robert Lopez said.  "There are over 200 students enrolled in the program right now."

            Although the number of students participating in the program has grown from last year to this year, there are still some setbacks because of the U.S. dollar value.

            According to student services coordinator, Michele Arellano, the prices of the program still increases each year, but not enough to keep students away.  Lopez agrees stating that the big difference in price is in personal expenses abroad.

            "Our costs for study abroad take into consideration the depreciated value of the dollar, but studying abroad can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be, the real place that is affected by it is students' spending," Lopez said.

Students have been noticing the out-of-pocket increase in expenses for up to the last two years.

"I studied abroad in England two years ago and was surprised by how much of a difference there was in the value of a euro and dollar.  Things are just expensive, but it was still worth it," Hugoton junior, Burk Nordling, said.

Although students are seeing the increase in their out-of-pocket expenses, the study abroad office is doing what they can to avoid a drastic chance.

            "Prices change- yes they go up every year, but it is pretty consistent, but the when we budget we are aware of [the depreciating dollar] and it affects the total costs," Arellano said.


Data: KU Study Abroad Office, Table: Sam Speer

Economics professor, Sarah Frazelle, noticed the difference in the U.S. dollar and the euro when visiting France over the summer.

            "You don't realize the difference until you are actually there doing the conversions," Frazelle said.  "Not only is the dollar value low, but places over there charged you even more.  You don't get the actual conversion you think you are getting; it's the most deceiving thing."

            While the study abroad program is continuing to thrive, the depreciative dollar is not helping our economy.  The dollar has been depreciating over the last decade, and is continuing to fall, and according to Frazelle, it is not going to change overnight.

            "Our economy isn't as strong as it used to be, other countries are better economically standing," Frazelle said.  "[Our economy] has to turn around first, no one knows when but there needs to be policy change, our economy must get stronger."

For more information on KU's Study Abroad Program click here.


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