Hauntings and Hamptons

On Tuesday Nov. 9th Tabitha Randall spoke about her supernatural experiences at the Hampton Inn Norman. She claims that when she works alone she see apparitions and hears noises coming from room 115.

Randall admitted to working late in the evening around 10:30 in August when she had her first supernatural encounter. She claims to have been working in the back office when she heard a gurgling noise coming from the housekeeping section of the Inn. She went to investigate when she saw an orb of light "flash" and then disappear.

"I didn't really think anything of it," Randall said. "I went back to work, but then something really strange happened."The phone rang and the guests of room 117 called complaining of a loud television noise coming from room 115. When Randall checked to see who was in room 115, the "slot was empty." Randall went to check in room 115 and opened the door to find it empty.
"All I remember was feeling really cold and looking at the thermostat to see that it read 60 degrees. I thought that was really bizarre."In late May of this year a man of about 60 years visited the Hampton Inn and committed suicide in room 115. According to General Manager Jennifer Crook the man entered the side door on the west side wheeling a helium tank and a small bag. Early the next morning Assistant General Manager Heather Hicks discovered the body with a plastic bag over the head connected to the helium tank.The Norman Police Department would not release the name of the man, but did say that "it only requires five minutes of helium inhalation to asphyxiate and die."
When asked about the future plans for room 115, the Hampton Inn employees said that they try to assign room 115 as little as possible, but they have no plans of closing the room.

PHOTO CREDIT: ERIN WILSON

PICTURED ABOVE: Room 115 at the Hampton Inn Norman

Ray Bribiesca: Fearless Journalism

Ray Bribiesca speaks in the Hall of Fame Room at Gaylord Hall

"60 Minutes" veteran camera man Ray Bribiesca spoke in the Hall of Fame room in Gaylord Hall on Nov. 1st about his life as a journalist. He identified that he filmed footage of every war since his time spent as a U.S. marine in the Vietnam War. Bribiesca claimed that he will end his career with CBS as a camera man for "60 Minutes" after his final asssignment in Yemen.

Ray Bribiesca speaks with students about his career in photojournalism

PHOTO CREDIT: ZACK HEDRICK

Bribiesca followed the 106 combat outpost with Captain Hints to fully understand the violence in Zurac. He fearlessly posted himself on the front lines to obtain what he calls "crazy shots" with his back to gunfire and his camera focused on the faces of the soldiers. The story of the troops was his main objective and he wanted to translate his war information back to the United States to inform the public.
While he leads a fearless career and life, Bribiesca's time with CBS will be coming to an end after his final assignment in Yemen. Bribiesca is proud of his career and comments saying "It's been a great, great ride."
Bribiesca visted the "most dangerous frontier in the world" with reporter Lara Logan to cover war U.S. war efforts along the Pakistani border in Afghanistan. "Bullets cracked and whistled over our heads," said Logan recounting the time that their vehicle was stuck on boulders when the enemy attacked. Although they were in a life threatening situation, "Ray was just standing there...calmly filming everything." reports Logan. "He wasn't reckless, he wasn't stupid, he just wasn't afraid."
Although Bribiesca will be ending his career with CBS, he asserts, "I'll still be out there." He claims that he will be working for National Geographic as a photographer pursuing his passion for wildlife photography.