Thursday, August 16, 2012 by OU Daily

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T H U R S DAY, AUG U S T 16 , 2 012

W W W.O U DA I LY.C O M

2 011 S I LV E R C R O W N W I N N E R

Sports: Defense in focus (Page 7)

L&A: The Daily provides freshmen a first-week survival guide (Page 8)

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Watch as new sorority recruits celebrate during bid day.

OU SECONDARY

New sorority sisters celebrate

STUDENTS SERVICES

OU to offer come-and-go orientation to help veterans Scholarships, on-campus services key points of new discussion MELODIE LETTKEMAN Campus Reporter

KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY

Top: Caitlin Miller (right), architecture junior, greets a new Alpha Omicron Pi member during bid day Tuesday. Pledges learned which house accepted them at 2 p.m. Bottom: Caitlin Bentley, entrepreneurship senior, welcomes her new Kappa Alpha Theta sister, University College freshman Addie Hubbard, during bid day Tuesday. For full bid day coverage, see page 8 and visit OUDaily.com.

KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY

Top: Erin Roberts, human relations sophomore, (right) hugs her new Alpha Omicron Pi sister Annie Dills, University College freshman, during bid day Tuesday.

EVIN MORRISON/THE DAILY

For the first time ever, OU will offer an orientation for all veteran students to better explain the on-campus resources available to them. Veteran Students Services will host the come-andgo event Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of Sooner Orientation Weekend. Confusion about benefits and services available to veteran students, including a change to a veteran-specific scholarship, led to the development of the orientation, Jennifer Trimmer, Veteran Student Services coordinator, said. GO AND DO The orientation will Orientation brief students on how to effectively utilize availWhat: Veteran Student able resources, including Orientation support groups, disability assistance and benefits, When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trimmer said. Friday One of the most imWhere: South Oval, portant topics the oriennear the Bizzell statue tation will cover is scholarships, said Kody Roach, Info: 405-325-4308 business and entrepreneurship senior. Roach, who works for Veteran Student Services, said there has been a change in the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship. The scholarship helps nonresident veterans offset expenses not covered by the GI Bill of Rights — a military service benefit that covers tuition, housing and book payments for military members or their dependents. Three-hundred and eighty-two “students using GI Bills, vocational rehabilitation or Departmental Education Assistance chapters” are enrolled for the fall semester, records say, and the number is expected to rise during the next two weeks. Because the worth of the GI Bill of Rights is set by the highest resident tuition in each state, out-of-state veteran students, such as University College freshman Sara Miller, are unable to cover all of their educational expenses through the benefit. The Yellow Ribbon Scholarship is meant to close this gap. Miller said she welcomed the chance to become familiar with the GI Bill of Rights, but the opportunity to discuss the Yellow Ribbon scholarship was even more important. “The only questions I really have are: When will I know if I got the Yellow Ribbon scholarship, and will I have to SEE VETERANS PAGE 3

OU students can make an impact on community Opinion: OU offers several opportunities for students to get involved, so take advantage. (Page 4)

COMMUNITY

Fire took more than expected from staff member College of Law supports one of its own after wildfire destroys his house LINDSEY RUTA

Defense getting better, but still not 2000 team Sports: OU looks to coach Mike Stoops to get the defense back on track. (Page 7)

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Campus Editor

Don Pickel and his girlfriend drove through the neighborhood toward their house. The long drive toward the unknown was interrupted by the ring of a cell phone, with a neighbor confirming their fear. Their house was gone. “We came around the corner, and it’s just like, ‘wow,’” Pickel said. “You’ve seen things on TV and, you know, you see what it looks like, and you think ‘wow that looks horrible.’ But when it’s yours, it looks completely different.” It looked like the fire had “strolled through” Pickel’s neighborhood — near Maguire Road — damaging some houses while sparing others. “ Ev e r y t h i n g w a s s t i l l smoking and flaring up and everything, so we couldn’t really sort through everything,” Pickel said.

“It really made me kind of cry for a while, because I knew I’d probably lost my children’s pictures. That’s stuff you can’t replace. Your kids are only little once.” DON PICKEL, JANITOR AT THE OU COLLEGE OF LAW

Pickel’s house was one of approximately 50 Norman residencies damaged in fires that started Aug. 3, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey said. Pickel, 55, said he first found out his home was in danger of the blaze while at the OU College of Law — where he has worked as a janitor for eight years. When he got off work, he tried to go check on his house, but Highway 9 was

blocked off for miles, Pickel said. He had to wait until the next day for news and said all he could do was hope it hadn’t destroyed his home. The wait wasn’t easy. “I was driving back into town, and I kind of realized [what had happened] ... and I had to pull over because it really made me kind of cry for a while, because I knew I’d probably lost my children’s pictures,” he said. “That’s stuff you can’t replace. Your kids are only little once.” Pickel said the loss hasn’t been easy, but he hasn’t felt alone. The financial and emotional support of his co-workers at the College of Law has been overwhelming, he said. “I feel right now would be a good time to go buy a lottery ticket, or bet on a horse or something,” Pickel laughed. “I’m getting so many prayers that it just makes you feel really good.” College of Law professor Randy Coyne described KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY Pickel as “a true prince.” Don Pickel, a custodian at the OU College of Law, looks at the burnt remains of his house Wednesday. Pickel lost his house in the SEE FIRE PAGE 2 fires that swept across Norman on Aug. 3.

8/15/12 10:51:19 PM

• Thursday, August 16, 2012

CAMPUS

Lindsey Ruta, campus editor Chase Cook and Jake Morgan, assistant editors dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

TODAY AROUND CAMPUS An open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bizzell Memorial Library. Students will have the chance to meet library staff, learn how to utilize resources and attend brief tours of the facility.

FRIDAY, AUG. 17 The First Annual Veteran Students Orientation will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on South Oval. An open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bizzell Memorial Library. Students will have the chance to meet library staff learn how to utilize resources and attend brief tours of the facility. A meet & greet will be hosted by Education Abroad from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Old Science Hall. A screening of “The Life of Emile Zola” will be shown from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mary Eddy and Fred Jones Auditorium. The women’s soccer team will play Nebraska at 7 p.m. at John Crain Field.

MONDAY, AUG. 20 First day of classes for the fall semester. A printmaking exhibition will be shown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lightwell Gallery in Fred Jones Art Center. Library orientation sessions will be held at 8:30 a.m. and noon at Bizzell Memorial Library.

TUESDAY, AUG. 21 A printmaking exhibtion will be shown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lightwell Gallery in Fred Jones Art Center.

KINGSLEY BURNS/THE DAILY

Don Pickel, a custodian at the OU College of Law, picks up fragments of a mug from the remains of his house Wednesday. Pickel lost his home in the fires that swept across Norman on Aug. 3.

FIRE: Community reaching out to help Pickel Continued from page 1 “He’s an outstanding employee; he’s always going the extra mile,” Coyne said. “[He’s] one of the most friendly and accommodating persons on our custodial staff.” Coyne said he was devastated to hear about Pickel’s loss and immediately wanted to find a way to help support him. Coyne’s band — The Red Devils — hosted a benefit concert for him at The Deli on Sunday. The final numbers aren’t in yet, but he estimates they raised nearly $800, he said. Career Services director Casey Delaney said Pickel is a daily, integral part of the

work environment at the College of Law. “No matter what the task is — no matter how small, how big — he always does it and does it with a smile,” she said. “So you can’t help but just get close to someone like that.” Delaney has been collecting donations at her house since she found out about the fire. She said she is incredibly impressed by the number of Norman residents willing to help out someone they don’t even know. Faculty and staff at the College of Law aren’t the only ones helping out. Pickel said he’s received support from former and current OU law students as well. Delaney said former

students have mailed her checks with notes sharing how Pickel impacted them when they were students. “A recent grad talked about studying one night, and she was down in the pit and she was stressed and didn’t have enough money to buy soda from the machine, and he gave her all the change from his pockets,” she said. Pickel said the support is touching. “I sit down at night and sometimes I cry because it’s so touching,” Pickel said. “I’m a big guy, and people may laugh when I cry, but you can’t help it — and it’s tears of joy, not tears of sadness, because the help is phenomenal.” D e s p i t e t h e s u p p o r t,

Coyne said there still is a lot more that can be done to help. He encourages the OU community to reach out to him with support. While he may have a long way to go, Pickel said he is taking it a day at a time and staying optimistic. “I jokingly say normally a person probably doesn’t find out that they had this many friends and people care so much until their funeral — and then it’s too late,” Pickel said. The bright side of all of this is that he realizes how much support he has so early in life, he laughed. Lindsey Ruta, 405-325-3666 lruta@ou.edu

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RECORD REQUESTS The Oklahoma Daily regularly asks for access to public information from OU officials. Here is a list of the most-recent requests our reporters have submitted to the university. Requested document and purpose

Date requested

The number and gender breakdown of students on OU’s health insurance plan — To learn how many women won’t get birth control coverage because OU is self-insured and thus not subject to the Affordable Care Act.

Aug. 8

Documents and emails related to the salary change and removal of Susan MarcusMendoza as chair of the Human Relations Department — To better understand why Marcus-Mendoza was re-instated and then removed again two months later.

Aug. 8

Visit OUDaily.com/openrecords for a full list of requests

CORRECTIONS The Oklahoma Daily is committed to serving readers with accurate coverage and welcomes your comments about information that may require correction or clarification. To contact us with corrections, email us at dailynews@ou.edu. Visit OUDaily.com/corrections for an archive of our corrections

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8/15/12 10:51:24 PM

NEWS

Thursday, August 16, 2012 •

ELECTIONS

Paul Ryan on Medicare: ‘We need this debate. We will win this debate’ Romney’s running mate proposed Medicare overhaul

2 3

NATION NEWS BRIEFS

STEVE PEOPLES

1. SANTA ANA, CALIF.

The Associated Press

OXFORD, Ohio — Facing what is emerging as a defining issue, Mitt Romney’s running mate Paul Ryan on Wednesday invited debate over his controversial proposal to overhaul Medicare and predicted the G OP would win the argument. “We want this debate. We need this debate. And we will win this debate,” Ryan told hundreds of supporters gathered on the campus of his alma mater, Ohio’s Miami University. Romney named Ryan, a seven-term Wisconsin congressman, as his running mate Saturday. Since then, Democrats have pounced on the plan he authored as House Budget Committee chairman to transform the popular health care system for seniors. Over the past week, however, Ryan did not directly address the intensifying criticism — or even simply say the word “Medicare” during multiple campaign stops across six states. He addressed the issue in a handful of media interviews, but he avoided it while facing voters. That changed Wednesday, the same day President Barack Obama weighed in as well. Obama told an Iowa audience that he strengthened Medicare, despite charges from the Romney campaign

Thousands of illegal immigrants taking steps toward legal work Thousands of young illegal immigrants lined up around the country for their first chance to work legally in America without fear of being deported. A new federal program that went into effect Wednesday could affect more than 1 million illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. A crowd of more than 13,000 lined up in Chicago. Hundreds waited outside nonprofit offices in Los Angeles for help opening the door to the staples of success in the U.S. — a work permit, and later a Social Security number and driver’s license. High school student Nathaly Uribe moved from Chile when she was a toddler. The 17-year-old from Glen Burnie, Md., hopes the program will make it easier to get a decent job and help pay for college. The Associated Press TOM UHLMAN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vice Presidential candidate Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., (left) talks to supporters at a rally Wednesday on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as Rep. Rob Portman listens.

that the president actually weakened the law by cutting more than $716 billion from the program as part of his health care overhaul. But Ryan said Obama had “raided” the program. It was the same charge that Romney had levied earlier in the day during a campaign stop in North Carolina. Neither man mentioned that Ryan’s congressional budget proposal includes the same savings, which are supposed to be realized through lower medical payments and great efficiencies in the program.

“We want this debate. We need this debate. And we will win this debate.” PAUL RYAN, VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

In an election expected to hinge on the nation’s struggling economy, Ryan’s selection has thrust Medicare into the forefront of the debate. The program serves tens of millions of seniors. The issue may be significant in swing states with large elderly populations — Florida, Iowa and

Pennsylvania among them. The Romney campaign argues that major changes are needed to save the program for future generations, while Obama charged Wednesday that the GOP plan “ends Medicare as we know it.” Ryan also echoed Romney’s sentiment that the president’s re-election effort “is all about division and attack and hatred.” In Ohio for a two-day campaign swing, Ryan told the Miami University audience that Obama is running a campaign “based on anger and division.”

VETERANS: Scholarship only covers fall, spring Continued from page 1 apply for that every year?” Miller said. All non-resident veteran students receive the scholarship and don’t have to reapply, Trimmer said. However, starting this academic year, the scholarship no longer will cover summer courses. Now that the scholarship is available to all non-resident veterans who apply, it only will cover the fall and spring semesters, she said. “Since OU Norman campus went unlimited, allowing as many students that

AT A GLANCE Info for veterans Veteran Student Services — located in Buchanan Hall, Room 330 — is available to assist on-campus veterans. For more information, call 405325-4308 or email veterans@ou.edu.

qualify for Yellow Ribbon to use it, a vast majority exhausted [theirs] … during the spring semester,” Trimmer said in an email. Roach said the policy was

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changed to protect students from exceeding their yearly cap and forcing themselves to pay for classes out of their own pocket. “A normal class load won’t go over, but summer and intersession courses make it easy to go over,“ Roach said. “Then, the student is responsible for the rest of their tuition.” The orientation also will cover changes in support groups, including the new Veteran Support Alliance and the new national chapter of the Student Veteran Association, Trimmer said. The alliance, initiated in March and composed of faculty and staff, was a major

OUDaily.com Find links to helpful information for veterans oudaily.com/news

part of the development of the orientation and is hoped to function as a recruitment tool as well, she said. The services discussed at orientation are available to students year-round, Roach said. Veteran Student Services is considering making the orientation a spring event as well. Melodie Lettkeman melodie.lettkeman@gmail.com

2. COLUMBUS, OHIO

Two campaigns fighting about early voting rules in swing state A dispute about early-voting rules in Ohio is playing out in a political spat between the two presidential campaigns and in a federal court battle. At issue is the legality of an Ohio law cutting three days out of the early-voting period for everyone except members of the military and Ohio citizens living overseas. The dispute reaches court Wednesday. President Barack Obama’s campaign says the lawsuit is its first filed anywhere for the 2012 election. Democrats and the Obama campaign want the three days restored for everyone. Military groups, such as AMVETS, have opposed the lawsuit out of concern for the precedent that could be set. Republicans see a chance to drive a wedge between Obama and parts of the country where the military culture runs deep. The Associated Press

3. SAN FRANCISCO

Agricultural giants spend big to defeat labeling initiative The nation’s largest agribusinesses and biotech companies are pouring big money into the fight against the country’s first-ever initiative that would require special labels on foods made with genetically modified ingredients. So far, the giants of farming, including Monsanto, Dupont Pioneer and Cargill, have contributed nearly $25 million to defeat the California ballot proposal, much of it in just the past few days. That is nearly 10 times the amount raised by backers of the measure who say California’s healthconscious shoppers want more information about the food they eat. With nearly three months to go before the November election, the measure’s opponents appear to be following the previous blueprint developed by major industries to defeat ballot initiatives in the nation’s largest consumer market: Raise large sums of money to swamp the airwaves with negative advertising. The Associated Press

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Reader comment on OUDaily.com ››

• Thursday, August 16, 2012

“The point of this article shouldn’t be that over-exposure to violence doesn’t affect people, since that’s patently untrue. The point should be that mentally stable people shouldn’t have liberties taken away because of the crazy few.” (braceyourself, RE: ‘‘Call of Duty’ doesn’t create criminals’)

OPINION

Mary Stanfield, opinion editor Kayley Gillespie, assistant editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion

QUOTABLE: “I feel right now would be a good time to go buy a lottery ticket,” said custodian Don Pickel about support he received after wildfires destroyed his house. (Page 1)

EDITORIAL

Take advantage of chances to improve OU community Our View: Don’t miss your chance to make an impact on the OU community.

special interest groups, such as the Abolitionist GO AND DO Society, the Student “Connecting on This week’s Panhellenic rush brought hundreds Climate Lobby and Campus” of women to campus who are devoted to getting in- Amnesty International, When: 4-5 p.m. volved in the campus community. Whether you’re you should have no Aug. 28 part of the greek system or not, you have to admit trouble finding one you Where: Wagner 245 that the men and women involved in the philanare passionate about. thropy, events and culture of sororities and fraterIf politics and activism Info: Part of Student nities have a profound effect on campus. don’t spark your interSuccess Series And, whether you’re part of the greek system or est, there is bound to be not, you should know that students’ effect on cam- a student organization pus doesn’t stop there. devoted to something that does. Religious, ethnic Every student can follow the example of these and cultural organizations offer you the chance not women by finding a way to get involved and create only to find a community of like-minded individuchange on campus. Even those students involved als, but also to share new experiences with other in the greek system should not let their involveSooners. ment end there. After all, the campus community With student government, you can help repoffers so many opportunities. resent the needs and opinions of other students Political organizations and while contributing to decisions that directly affect causes can give you a chance to Sooners’ lives. The Our View is the majority voice your opinion, educate other Even the Hippie Club or Hogwarts on Campus, opinion of students about your cause and, offer chances to affect the campus community — if The Daily’s most importantly, inspire others to only by providing a break from the stress of classes. nine-member take part in the political process. Of course, don’t forget The Daily. Help us keep editorial board With elections looming, groups Sooners informed, entertained and connected. such as the Young Democrats, Those with an interest in writing can apply to be College Republicans and Young Americans for a reporter for the campus, sports or life & arts desk. Liberty will be campaigning for candidates and Those with strong opinions should consider writregistering students to vote. ing for this page. Wherever you fall within the political spectrum, Have an eye for detail? The copy desk may be for this is the semester to get involved. you. Photographers, designers, cartoonists, web If you’re looking for something a little less editors and videographers can all find a place at Washington-focused, campus activism is alive and The Daily, too. growing. And if all else fails, consider starting a new orgaGroups such as Students for a Democratic nization devoted to whatever it is you care about Society, the Student Organizer’s Collective and most. With more than 30,000 other students, a few Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends of them are bound to share your interests. fought hard last semester for gender-neutral housIn the next few months, the nation will see citiing, to protect the Women’s and Gender Studies zens banding together to affect America’s future. program’s funding and to create other kinds of This semester could be just as important for OU. change on campus. So don’t wait to find your place in the communiThese groups and others organize to educate stu- ty. It’s up to you to change OU for the better. dents about social concerns and mobilize the comComment on this on OUDaily.com munity to fight for progress. With so many diverse

Are you planning to be involved in creating change on campus this year? To cast your vote, log on to COLUMN

U.S. uniforms are just one of many Chinese goods

tattoo artist told me about how much his clientele list has grown over the years. It ranges from college students to tattoo junkies to civil servants and teachers. Tattoos clearly have spread far beyond hippies and sailors. As a writer, people probably expect me to be more liberal or “artsy” in my appearance. But someone who represents a company is better off without visible ink. With my generation, this appears to be changing. According to a February Harris Poll, 21 percent of American adults have a tattoo, whereas Working World states only 1 percent of Americans had tattoos 30 years ago. Tattoos are gaining a better reputation in our society, and maybe even in the workplace, but it’s important to remember that tattoos have had a bad reputation for a long time. If you are pursuing a job or lifestyle that places you in the public eye, you should consider the content and placing before investing in permanent body art. If you already have a job, ask about your company’s tattoo visibility policy. If you want a tattoo for your eyes only, consider a rib tattoo. And, as always, research your tattoo shop before getting inked.

ith the OPINION COLUMNIST Olympics behind us, the controversy surrounding Team USA’s uniforms lingers. On July 17, Rep. Mike Michaud, D-Maine, and Rep. Pete Stark, Kayley Gillespie D-Calif., led a biparkayley.m.gillespie-1@ou.edu tisan coalition of 59 members of Congress, calling on the U.S. Olympic Committee to ensure future Team USA’s uniforms aren’t made in factories overseas. More than a month later, one wonders if this coalition is still genuinely concerned or if it was only a passing attempt to make a cheap political statement. Though national pride is an important concern, it seems hypocritical for Americans to be upset about Team USA’s uniforms’ origins in China when most of the products Americans consume are manufactured there. It only seems logical for the uniforms to be made in China, as this arrangement accurately represents political and economic ties the U.S. pursues with China. Last year, the U.S. imported almost $400 billion of goods from China, and the amount of capital the U.S. has invested in imports from China has increased about 15 percent each year since 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, 2010 data from the department shows the U.S. was China’s top trade partner, investing almost $90 billion more in China than Japan, China’s second most lucrative trade partner. Examine the reverse side or tag of any product you own, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find it’s made in China. We live in a culture that glorifies cheap labor because it means products cost less for us, and we don’t want to wait years for the next iPhone, while Apple and other tech companies invest billions of dollars to build factories in the U.S. — we want it now. Though, to be fair, China began raising its minimum monthly wage in January 2012 and more migrant workers are demanding better conditions and benefits. As labor costs rise, countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand may quickly become the “new China,” with lower minimum wages and less progressive laws for working conditions. This will still result in exported jobs. If Americans truly want to be patriotic, they should take pride every day with the products they consume, instead of waiting every four years to show patriotism. Americans didn’t have any purchasing power with Team USA’s uniforms, but we do have purchasing power when we buy electronics, appliances, toys and clothing. Further, the letter Michaud and Stark sent to the U.S. Olympic Committee stated it is unacceptable the uniforms weren’t made in the U.S. “at a time when so many Americans are still searching for work.” Do these 56 representatives in Washington have even a loose grasp of U.S. economic policy? Is this the first they’ve learned about outsourcing? Are they just recently outraged that the jobs of capable Americans are moved overseas? The 530 uniforms of Team USA are a speck of dust in the scheme of all of the goods China manufactures for millions of consumers each year. Michaud said, “We need to see more ‘made in America’ again, and our athletes’ uniforms are a perfect place to start.” This “let’s start now” argument appears insincere and as manufactured as the uniforms are when you consider the insignificance of 530 uniforms. Time will tell if Michaud and his 58 constituents are sincere in their call to bring more jobs to the U.S. We should be outraged that our annual Thanksgiving turkeys, a symbol of the Virginia Colony’s initial settlement in America, are roasted each year in an oven manufactured in China. What about the millions of dollars that, according to the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, we spend on American flags made in China each year? Perhaps we should be outraged that, on any given day, there is a greater chance Americans are wearing clothing made in China than clothing made in the U.S. For too long Americans have turned a cheek to the business practices their dollar funds, because they happen a world away. But if Americans want to get serious about Team USA’s uniforms, they need to get serious about the many other products not made in the U.S., too.

Elyssa Szkirpan is a journalism sophomore.

Kayley Gillespie is a literature and cultural studies senior.

COLUMN

Tattoos more acceptable than in past Editor’s Note: Elyssa Szkirpan wrote this piece while she worked as a summer opinion columnist. She is now a campus reporter.

AT A GLANCE Where to get inked

recent biology project asked me to survey 100 people to see if they had tattoos. After conducting the survey, I found that 32 of my friends and family had tattoos, while 68 did not. Of those 32 tattooed, most were under the age of 30. I have two tattoos, and I often hear from older people how lenient my generation is when it comes to tattoos. Approaching the working world, students are constantly reminded that tattoos are unprofessional and should not be visible, if they exist at all, because they could make the difference between having a job and still looking . But I find these viewpoints shocking. It feels like many people already have tattoos. And I see tattoos as a personal expression rather than a disfiguration. According to Working World, a website dedicated to career advice based out of Los Angeles, “Tattoos … are becoming more accepted as a form of art and expression.” But the site when on to explain, “While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and … tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.” Tattoos are no different than the hair color you have (or have chosen), the clothes you choose to wear or the jewelry you don. What is the difference between a coworker with a cross tattoo and a coworker with a cross necklace? This view is, admittedly, the product of a generational shift in standards. In previous eras, tattoos signaled rebellion, poverty and lower social classes, rather than a purposeful method of expression. Even though tattoos have evolved into a powerful sign of free speech, many older people remember the rebellion, but don’t see the possibility of inspiring, elegant tattoos. With the swirling scripts, flowering images and awe-inspiring colors of modern body art, elegant tattoos are more than a possibility – they are a fact. When I finally got the nerve to go get a tattoo done, my

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Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed and signed by the author(s). Letters will be edited for accuracy, space and style. Students must list their major and classification. To submit letters, email dailyopinion@ou.edu. Our View is the voice of the Editorial Board, which consists of nine student editors. The board meets at 5 p.m. Sunday to Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Board meetings are open to the public.

Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the views or opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board. To advertise in The Oklahoma Daily, contact advertising manager Kearsten Howard by calling 405-325-8964 or emailing dailyads@ou.edu. One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the OU community. Additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office at 405-325-2522.

8/15/12 8:39:47 PM

Thursday, August 16, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘

You Are Invited! New Sooner Convocation featuring remarks by OU President David L. Boren 4 p.m. TODAY Lloyd Noble Center CART buses will begin loading at 3 p.m. from the east side of the New Sooner Orientation tent for transportation to the Lloyd Noble Center. Following the Convocation, buses will provide transportation back to the tent.

All New Sooners and their families are encouraged to attend. Following New Sooner Convocation, you are invited to attend the New Sooner Cookout and Ice Cream Social at 5:30 p.m. on the Walker-Adams Mall. For additional information or for accommodations on the basis of disability, please call (405) 325-3784. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo oud-2012-08-216-a-005.indd 1

8/15/12 8:32:29 PM

â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 16, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS Announcements

PLACE AN AD Phone: 405-325-2521 E-mail: classifieds@ou.edu

classifieds@ou.edu â&#x20AC;˘ phone: 405-325-2521

Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

DEADLINES

SPECIAL SERVICES University Psychic - Palm/Tarot readings & advisor. Specialize in reuniting loved ones! Walkins welcome. Appts preferred. 321-2401, 1915 S Classen, Norman.

Place line ad by 9:00 a.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

Display Ad ............................................................................3 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads by 5:00 p.m. 3 business days prior to publication.

s r

MISC. FOR SALE

OPEN FOR FALL the place to shop every Thursday, 9-4, First Presbyterian Thrift Shop, 404 Toberman, end of Park St, in First Presbyterian parking lot, 1 blk N of Boyd. Low cost clothing for everyone, OU items, kitchen items, books, and more!

Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Credit cards, cash, money orders or local checks accepted.

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Auto Insurance Quotations Anytime

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MAYTAG Bravos ed. Washer/Dryer, matching white set. 2 yrs. old, excellent working condition, physically pristine, bought new from Home Depot. Washer: top loader, Dryer: front loader. Units are fantastic and dream for any owner. Moving, canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take them. $900 cash only. 832259-2500, separdue@gmail.com.

PAYMENT

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Foreign Students Welcomed JIM HOLMES INSURANCE, 321-4664

Line Ad ..................................................................................3 days prior

Line Ad

There is a 2 line minimum charge; approximately 42 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation. (Cost = Days x # lines x $/line)

HELP WANTED Full or part-time Clerk and licensed Pharmacy Tech needed. Apply in person, M-F, 9-7 at Noble Pharmacy, 125 S Main. Chimyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hiring all positions! Open Sun, Closed Mon. 310-6240. 529 Buchanan Ave, Norman

HELP WANTED

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

Now Taking Applications for Fall 2012. Community After School Program now taking part-time applications to work in school-age childcare programs in Norman Public Schools. Hrs: M-F 2:30 - 6 p.m. Begin work August 17. Closed for all NPS holidays and professional days. Competitive wages start at $7.25/hr. Higher pay for students with qualifying coursework in education, early childhood, recreation and related fields. Complete application online at www.caspinc.org.

J Housing Rentals

804 Humming Fish Dr. 3Bd/2Bth. 4Yr old house 2 car garage,ss, fenced yard/patio will not last long. Craig 830-3085.1611 Surrey Dr 3Bd/1Bth remodeled,wood floors, new kitchen, modern. Craig 8303085, craig.gavras@gmail.com. Clean 3 bdrm, 1 bath near campus, big yard, fireplace, basement, $900/mo. 8264527. Convenient location! 4/bd, 2.5ba, fireplace, 2/car w/openers. Large fenced, patio, all appliances. 364-1633, 210-5633

MOBILE HOMES UNFURNISHED 1999 Clayton Single Wide Mobile Home FOR SALE OR RENT TO OWN. 3bd/1ba, Goldsby. 580-491-2119

HOUSES UNFURNISHED BILLS PAID, 1bd & 2bd - 360-3850

PART TIME NANNY NEEDED. Norman family looking for a Nanny 2-3 days/wk. The days and times are flexible. Email debramauter@sbcglobal.net. Call 226-2666.

502 Fleetwood: 4bd/2ba, CH/A, wood floors, all appliances, lawncare incl. $1350/mo, $1000 dep. No pets. CALL 550-7069

Part-time non-smoker nanny needed for one toddler. Must have transportation & references. 10-20 hrs/wk. 208-9336.

1518 Sunset Dr, 3 bd/1 bth/1 car, centrally located, quiet, CH/A, large back yard, wood floors, ceiling fans. Available now, $800/mo. Call (580) 763-4278.

ROOMS UNFURNISHED Aug12-Jun13 for responsible student. Norman, easy access to OU. $500, bills paid, incl. util & laundry room. 203-8354

Fall Specials

10-14 days.........$1.15/line 15-19 days.........$1.00/line 20-29 days........$ .90/line 30+ days ........ $ .85/line

1 day ..................$4.25/line 2 days ................$2.50/line 3-4 days.............$2.00/line 5-9 days.............$1.50/line

J Housing Rentals

C Transportation

Classified Display, Classified Card Ad or Game Sponsorship

Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521. 2 col (3.25 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ..............$760/month Boggle ...............$760/month Horoscope ........$760/month

2 col (3.25 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword ........$515/month

$445 $515 $440 $510 $700

POLICY The Oklahoma Daily is responsible for one dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrect advertising. If your ad appears incorrectly, or if you wish to cancel your ad call 3252521, before the deadline for cancellation in the next issue. Errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted. Refunds will not be issued for late cancellations.

211169A01 4.25"

The Oklahoma Daily will not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious preference, national origin or sexual orientation. Violations of this policy should be reported to The Oklahoma Daily Business Office at 325-2521.

small step no. 34

Help Wanted ads in The Oklahoma Daily are not to separate as to gender. Advertisers may not discriminate in employment ads based on race, color, religion or gender unless such qualifying factors are essential to a given position.

FETCH THIS PAPER YOURSELF

All ads are subject to acceptance by The Oklahoma Daily. Ad acceptance may be re-evaluated at any time.

TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY www.smallstep.gov

HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012 Certain new associations and friendships you make in the year ahead are likely to play major roles in helping you achieve some big goals. A few of these contacts will arise from sheer luck, so keep an eye open for opportunity.

INSTEAD OF JUST HANGING OUT ON SATURDAYS

I HELP KIDS HANG IN THERE

AT SCHOOL

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- The only way you are going to be able to advance your self-interest is to be bold when fate requires it. Have faith in yourself and your abilities to get things done.

BECAUSE I DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT.

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED

ÂŽ

Michael Cleveland is part of United Wayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing work to improve the education, income, and health of our communities. To find out how you can help create opportunities for a better life for all, visit LIVEUNITED.ORG.

Previous Solution

Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard

Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.

oud-2012-08-216-a-006.indd 1

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You have a lot of extra pluses going for you, some you might not even be aware of. However, everything will be there for you the moment you need it.

providing you with a second source of income. It might be revealed to you quite soon. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Your skills as a salesperson or promoter can be considerably enhanced through some type of verbal or written communication. Let your thoughts be known. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be dismayed if you get off to a slower start than you had anticipated. The closer you get to the finish line, the stronger youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- It behooves you to keep all of your lines of communication open, because there is a good chance that you will be hearing from someone who has the good news that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting for.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Agreements you make involving friends will benefit both you and your pals. If you negotiate with an eye on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profit, things will work out exceptionally well.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get upset if you are subjected to a change that is instigated by an outside force. What occurs is apt to end up being very favorable for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to get a marvelous opportunity to strengthen your position in a critical area that has a big influence on your work or career. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let it escape you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Do not waste your time on insignificant matters. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to be far more fortunate with issues, projects or endeavors that are substantial and meaningful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- By merely doing what you do best, which is getting along well with people from all walks of life, your probabilities for success are considerably enhanced.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to be far luckier in your commercial and financial dealings than you would be with projects or endeavors that are less monetary in nature. Capitalize while you can.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker August 16, 2012

ACROSS 43 Cubicle 39 Use a shovel Dostoyevsky, 1 Whiskey fixture 40 Noshed on e.g. 43 Become fermenter 44 Basket 12 Word that 5 Arctic ice willow followOF AD COUNCILwider, NOTE TO PUB: DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR ID ONLY.can NO ALTERING PSAs. as Healthy Lifestyles - (4 1/4 x 3 1/2) B&W -pale, HLDYR1-N-12037-N Paperâ&#x20AC;? 85 line screen massand Disease Prevention48 Newspaper Burrowing brown â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fetch this pupils digital files at Schawk: (212) 689-8585 211169 9 Lesson pet 45 Sore ankle orRef#: cask taught by a 50 Afghan application 13 Comics fable money 46 Land west of villain Luthor 14 Involved 52 Prompt the Urals 21 It was chic with, as a 53 They may 47 Tend to, as a for an ancient hobby ask for your bad lawn Greek 15 Happy as credit card 49 Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 22 Covered a ___ number stereotypical serving dish topper 16 Fertilized 57 Money in 26 Zilch 50 Thorn item Nigeria 27 Cammishap 17 â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ the 59 Opera solo bridgeshire 51 Imperial Explorerâ&#x20AC;? 60 Conical cathedral city decree (kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; show) woodwind 29 Composerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 54 Sunday 18 Second word 61 Composer work event of many of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carmenâ&#x20AC;? 30 Mall stand 55 Word with limericks 62 Fractions of 31 Coastal flier â&#x20AC;&#x153;high 19 Spay or mins. 34 TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pressureâ&#x20AC;? neuter 63 Open the Remington 56 It was chic 20 They may mouth wide 35 Yearn to see for an ancient say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Going, 64 King Minosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; again Roman going, gone!â&#x20AC;? realm 36 Smelter 57 Seinfeldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;___ death 65 â&#x20AC;&#x153;For Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s materials old network do us partâ&#x20AC;? ___â&#x20AC;? 37 Write off 58 Broadcast 24 Press into 66 Grew older gradually service and wiser 38 French 25 Bearlike DOWN school 28 Beauty 1 Central parlor positions PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER 30 Adjust space 2 Sightlessness between 3 Memory letters, in lane walk printing 4 Cold coating 32 Feel ill 5 Clean with 33 Ant string 36 Word on a 6 Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left turn sign, weapon perhaps 7 Two-hued 37 They say sea predator the same 8 Marginally thing as makes (with 20-Across â&#x20AC;&#x153;outâ&#x20AC;?) 39 River 9 Not blockers old-school 41 Perfume 10 CBerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 42 â&#x20AC;&#x153;What was sign-offs 8/15 ÂŠ 2012 Universal Uclick ___ think?â&#x20AC;? 11 Tolstoy and www.upuzzles.com

8/16

SO THEY SAY By June Tellison

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Keep a weather eye peeled on a new development that has possibilities of

8/15/12 8:36:05 PM

Thursday, August 16, 2012 •

Sports

Kedric Kitchens, sports editor Dillon Phillips, assistant editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

Football

Column

Secondary working to ‘get back on track’ this season, player says

Sooner defense better but still not like 2000

OU aims to boost leadership, focus Kedric Kitchens Sports Editor

The blame game rarely is fair, but fair or not, the loser last year was the OU secondary. The secondary widely was criticized as the weakness of the Sooner defense, giving up big plays at crucial times against Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State. The cornerbacks and safeties spent the end of last season and most of the offseason hearing about how much they messed up. Those mistakes, along with other circumstances, led to former OU defensive coordinator Mike Stoops’ return to Norman. Stoops’ defenses in the early 2000s were among OU’s best ever, and he has brought that attitude back to OU to change the culture. “We just work hard every day to get better,” Stoops said. “That’s all we do. We wanna be better at what we do this year, and that’s what we are concentrating on.” The defense is responding to the change, owning up to its mistakes and moving forward, senior cornerback Demontre Hurst said. “Last year was kind of a bad deal for the secondary and the defense,” Hurst said. “We’re really just trying to chop it away and grind it out and really get back on track the way an OU defense should be performing.” The general consensus of the secondary has been that last season’s struggles can be rooted in a lack of focus and leadership. “Last year, we got a little unfocused, a lot of cameras on our face and whatnot,” junior cornerback Aaron Colvin said. “But this year, it’s just us. There’s not so many people out there with us now, and we’re just out there doing what we do.” Hurst faces the unenvious task of replacing the production of his former running mate Jamell Fleming — now with the Arizona Cardinals. Hurst knows the pressure is there, but he says it’s an

Evin Morrison/The daily

Junior cornerback Aaron Colvin (14) and junior safety Tony Jefferson (1) tackle Tulsa wide receiver Genesis Cole during a game Sept. 3 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The Sooners won, 47-14.

AT A GLANCE Pass defense 2011: 241.5 ypg 2010: 212.9 ypg 2009: 179.7 ypg 2008: 251.5 ypg Source: SoonerSports.com

opportunity for him to stand out as a player and a leader. “I think it’s more of an opportunity to show who I am and what kind of leader I am and just elevate my game even more,” Hurst said. ”Jamell (Fleming) is a great player, and I want to be just like him. Basically, I’m just trying to do what I can to better lead the secondary and the whole defense. That’s what I’ve been working on all offseason, just growing up, being a leader, working on my craft.” Colvin says he feels the same pressure — as an upperclassman and big-time player — to be a leader to younger players. “I feel like I gotta show the young guys what we do here,” Colvin said. “And to be out there at corner on an island, you really have to show them that you can play it. Getting older, playing a lot more, having a lot of experience,

SPIRITS

Are you on Twitter? Stay connected with The Daily

@OUDaily, @OUDailyStudent, @OUDailyArts, @OUDailySports @OUDailyOpinion, @OUDailyGov

you do have to step up and be a leader.” For Stoops, the secret to this defense being a success is much simpler. “We have to play smarter and keep the ball in front of us,” Stoops said. “That’s basic, fundamental football.” And the first step Stoops took to ‘play smarter’ was moving his players back to their natural positions. Colvin, a cornerback by trade, played safety in 2011, assembling the secondhighest tackle total on the team but wasn’t the lockdown cover man he’s capable of being. J u n i o r s a f e t y To n y Jefferson played last season at the linebacker/rover position made famous by former Sooner Roy Williams. But Jefferson is a ball hawk, something he showed in a three-interception performance against Ball State last season. Now that he is back at his true safety position, the deep ball has gone from something that will dismantle the Sooners to something opposing quarterbacks will have to reconsider doing. Those moves seem simple, but the players and Stoops alike say it has been a major,

Joe’s Place

positive change. “We got the guys exactly where they need to be,” Stoops said. “I think they’re all very comfortable.” “At corner, it’s just so natural for me,” Colvin said. “Every little move is just so natural for me at corner. I feel like that’s where I am best at.” Focus once again will be on the OU secondary this season, but this time around, it easily could be a bright spot instead of a sore one. Kedric Kitchens, 760-902-5083 kitchens_kedric@ou.edu

ike Stoops’ Sports columnist prodigal return to Norman has done much more than simply reunite two siblings. Mike’s presence alone has resuscitated memories of his dominant defenses — the 2000 unit in parDillon Phillips ticular — leaving a nostaldphillips85@ou.edu gic fan base aching for the resurrection of a crimson-and-cream-clad championship team. Not so fast. This year’s defense should be improved markedly, but it won’t be 2000-level. In fact, there never ever will be another 2000. Ever. Not even if there’s a fire. The 2000 squad was the third-worst team of the Stoops regime talent-wise, behind only the ’99 and ’05 teams but was the only one of Stoops’ teams to have claimed a national championship. So what set that team apart? Torrance Marshall. Marshall was a 6-foot-2, 250-pound linebacker from Miami who planned to play for his hometown Hurricanes but couldn’t qualify academically. Instead, he spent the first half of his college football career playing junior college ball until the Sooners signed him in 1999. As a senior captain in 2000, he led a team with one winning record in five years to a national title. Marshall radiated a swagger that the 2000 team both needed and embraced. Players like him and blustering nickel back Ontei Jones brought a mean streak to the team the Sooners haven’t seen since. They were nasty. They fed on naysayers, thrived under pressure and refused to succumb to adversity. They found ways to win games. Oklahoma has lacked a hardened leader capable of motivating a team to overachieve. Sure, Travis Lewis was brash and boisterous last year. But his injury-plagued senior season — and the defense’s self-appointed “sharks” moniker — proved to be more bark than bite. Only time will tell if such a leader will emerge this season, but Mike Stoops said this year’s defense “will have that same energy and passion” that it did in 2000. If he’s right, who knows? But it still won’t be 2000. Dillon Phillips is a journalism junior and assistant sports editor for The Daily. Follow him on Twitter at @DillonPhillips_.

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8/15/12 9:09:15 PM

• Thursday, August 16, 2012

OUDaily.com ››

LIFE&ARTS

Watch as incoming freshmen receive bids to sororities and celebrate with their new sisters.

Carmen Forman, life & arts editor Westlee Parsons, assistant editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts

Panhellenic Rush

New sorority sisters rush to new homes Sooners endure nerves before entering Greek life Megan Deaton

Life & Arts Reporter

The bottom floor of Walker Center served as a waiting room for families anxiously hoping for important news. Mothers nervously peered at their phones and glanced toward the elevators. After the activities of sorority rush, nervous potential pledges finally received their bids. Anna Fischer, University C o l l e g e f re s h ma n , ha d members of her family to support her, though she appeared confident in her choices. “I’m hoping for Pi Phi or Tri Delt, but I’m thinking it will most likely be Pi Phi,” Fischer said. About 2 p.m. Tuesday, girls burst out of the elevators, collapsing into the arms of family and friends. Some screamed the name of their new sorority, and, just as quickly, started speed walking toward their respective houses. Fischer — whose wish came true when she received a bid from Pi Beta Phi —was hard to spot in the confusion, but another new Pi Phi member, Alyssa Privett, University College freshman, ran into the eager embraces of her mother and grandmother with the good news. As they quickly joined the massive crowd rushing toward the sorority houses, Privett’s guide, Cassie Tyler, explained the process. Tyler

AT A GLANCE Panhellenic sororities Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Gamma Delta Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Chi Omega Delta Delta Delta Delta Gamma Gamma Phi Beta Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Kappa Gamma Pi Beta Phi

was a member of Pi Beta Phi and a Rho Gamma, serving as a guide for rush. “Now we will go to the house and get gifts and T-shirts, and everyone will get to know each other,” she said. This description seemed understated upon arrival at the house. The entire yard was filled with new and old Pi Beta Phi members, all hugging and celebrating with more fervor than the end of a Miss America Pageant. Fischer showed up again in the crowd, making her elation known by yelling over the music blasting so loudly people struggled to hear one another. “I’m shaking,” Fischer said. “Waiting for the bid was the worst 10 minutes of my life. I just like sprinted here, so I’m all happy and sweating.” Fischer’s sister, Sparky Fischer, seemed happy for her. “Pi Phi uses angels a lot as a symbol, and we have angels all over our home, so it really seems like Anna was meant to be here,” Sparky

Evin Morrison/The Daily

Top: University College freshman Blayne Davis (left) embraces her new sister, Pre-nursing sophomore Haylee Harper, Tuesday during bid day. Right: Alpha Phi members Vanessa Prado (left), journalism sophomore, and Rachel Lopo, philosophy sophomore, hold signs to welcome new members Tuesday during bid day.

Fischer said. Even those unfamiliar with the bidding process followed the activities. Anna Fischer’s family friend Patty Nicholson hasn’t been in a sorority but was glad to see Anna had found a new home. “The sorority rush experience is new for me,” Nicholson said. “It’s certainly not for everyone, but I’m still really happy for her.” Eventually, the new pledges funneled through the door

of their house, a place where they most likely will spend much of the coming years. Linda Everett, a family member of a new pledge, had advice for the women. “The point of rush is to find a place that is right for you,” Everett said. “Whether it’s in this house or one you weren’t expecting, a home is all that matters.” Megan Deaton, 405-325-3666 meggiejennie@ou.edu

Kingsley Burns/The Daily

Back to School

First week’s survival guide

he first week on Life & Arts Columnist campus can be overwhelming as Howdy Week activities, stacks of 10-page syllabuses and the general “I don’t know what I’m suppose to be doing” feeling sweeps across the university. Westlee Parsons Here are a few basic tips Westlee.A.Parsons-1@ou.edu to ease the panic and relieve the stress that accompany this. list with magic markers and tissue boxes. So, why spend Know where a bunch of money on fancy your classes are school supplies when the This will help with time first week of most classes management during the only require a notebook and first week. The trek from a pen or pencil? Dale Hall to Sarkeys Energy If it becomes apparent a Center is something to course requires note cards, consider when you have a highlighters or special 15-minute break between equipment, then make sure classes or reconsider if the to get those things in order schedule permits. to keep organized and make Remember the drop your professor happy. deadline isn’t until the third But, if you have to have week of school. color-coordinated notebooks for every class, then Plan for parking go for it. Parking is one of the most stressful experiences at OU. Get a planner Even with a parking permit, This is the one supply that there is never a guarantee is a must. A planner can be there will be an empty spot. a lifesaver, especially during Go over the map of park- the first week. ing lots for designated perIt can be a notebook, a mits in order to avoid tickets yearlong schedule, iCaland incredible frustration. endar or anything else that It also is a good idea to leave plans out what is due each home at least 30 minutes day and contains a calendar. early in order to slightly inMake sure your class crease the chances of findschedule is written in being a space. fore the week starts to keep track of where you need to Look at what be. Once your professors books you need pass out syllabuses, it also is It’s always good to be smart to write all major asprepared for heavy reading signments in the calendar loads prior to classes. This to be sure you always will is a way to make decisions have a copy of upcoming about dropping classes, or- due dates. dering books online or waitRefuel between ing until after crowds die classes down at the bookstores. Keep energy flowing for Get Minimal the first-week madness Supplies with good nutrition and In grade school, students hydration. got long lists of what they Skipping meals to save had to have on the first day, time can lead to a sluggish but in college, there is no feeling that can create more

oud-2012-08-216-a-008.indd 1

stress. Also, eating every couple of hours can be good to keep energy up throughout the rest of the semester. Drinking lots of water also will balance out any caffeine and keep the body hydrated. Oklahoma won’t see any fall breezes or cool weather anytime soon, meaning drinking water is a must.

Start at the same time each day Waking up at the same time each day will help regulate sleep schedules and can be crucial for staying focused. If school or workdays differ in starting times, then waking up at the earliest time each day will provide extra time in the morning, while keeping your body in a routine. Going to bed at the same time each night also will help keep sleep schedules regulated. This will make those all-nighters not so rough later this semester, because the body will have a rested foundation.

Relax The last and best thing a student can do during hectic times is to take deep breaths and just keep moving. There is no need to overthink a new schedule. Get through the first five days, and then the new schedule soon will be the normal routine.

Welcome Students! Find a home away from home at St. Thomas More University Parish.

Join us for fun, fellowship, and yes, lots of food! The Emmaus House Grand Opening Friday, August 17, 6 pm Stinson Street across from 4th Street Food, Ultimate Frisbee, and fun Welcome Mass and Cook Out Sunday, August 19, 5 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Casino Wednesday, August 22, 7 pm at the Union Freshman Lock-in Friday, August 24 at the STM Student Center

If you have any questions contact Erin Snow, Campus Minister, at erinsnow11@gmail.com

Blow off steam It also is perfectly acceptable to go out and celebrate surviving the first week on Friday night and Saturday, but just be sure when Sunday rolls around, it’s back to business. Partying every night is fun but far too tiresome. Westlee Parsons is an English literature senior.

To learn more, visit our website at stm-ou.org/students

8/15/12 9:32:26 PM