The Oklahoma Daily by OU Daily

TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2010

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Court blocks FDA from regulating electronic cigarettes FDA worries ruling may increase addiction, number of smokers KATHLEEN EVANS Daily Staff Writer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration can no longer regulate electronic cigarettes, according to a court ruling last week. Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are batterypowered machines that deliver a hit of nicotine vapor, according to the FDA. The FDA had previously tried to seize imports of them, but it no longer can as a result of this ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon. Dillon Summers, an employee at Plantations Inc., a tobacco store in Sooner Mall, said he has seen an increased demand for the product from Norman residents and

OU students. Plantations Inc. does not carry e-cigs but “we do have a lot of people coming in looking for them,” Summers said. Although Summers agreed with the ruling, he said, the store continues not to sell them because of prior bad experiences with manufacturers. “We used to sell them, but we stopped because [the manufacturers] changed the nicotine levels on us without telling us,” Summers said. The Internet seems to be the only place to find them in Oklahoma, Summers said. USACIG Inc., a company that sells e-cigs, said it was excited by the ruling. “This opens up the door for our company so that no bureaucracy will slow down our progress of launching our products in

the U.S.,” stated Peter Michaels, USACIG Inc president. Not everyone is on board with the recent ruling. Doug Matheny, chief of Tobacco Use Prevention Service for the Oklahoma State Health Department, said e-cigs should still be regulated, just like similar products. “I admit that they are not as dangerous without the smoke,” Matheny said. “But the makers of the product are walking a fine line. They are careful not to claim them as cessation products because then they would have to be regulated … but they do tend to promote them as something to get a nicotine fix when smoking is not allowed.” Matheny said he had concerns people may think the products are safe to use, even though he does not think they are.

“It is an addictive product,” Matheny said. “It has not been tested to show its relative safety. You would think it would be safer, but that certainly doesn’t mean it’s safe, if that makes sense.” The FDA stated in a press release they consider the devices to be like nicotine gum or patches, which currently are regulated. Because of the similarity, the FDA said it should be allowed to regulate e-cigs as well. The FDA’s biggest concern is the unregulated devices might actually increase addiction or the number of young people smoking, according to a press release. Biochemical engineering senior Yi Yang said he had not heard of electronic cigarettes but is against smoking, especially because of the negative health side effects, such as secondhand smoke.

THREE STUDENTS PLAN TO MIX CLASS WITH CAMPAIGNING ISAIAH MCCASLIN Democrat Major: Public policy junior Hometown: Tulsa

MATTHEW HECOX Democrat Major: History senior Hometown: Norman

EMILY VIRGIN Democrat Major: First-year law student Hometown: Norman

Democratic nominee for Oklahoma House District 44 seat tightens, as three OU students declare their candidacies CHARLES WARD Daily Staff Writer

There are three declared candidates to become the next state representative from Oklahoma House of Representatives District 44. All three are democrats, and all three are OU students. Matthew Hecox, Isaiah McCaslin and Emily Virgin will be splitting time between the classroom and the campaign trail during the coming semester as they look to replace state Rep. Bill Nations (D-Norman), who cannot stand for re-election because he is term limited. “I probably won’t have much of a personal life, but that’s OK,” said Virgin, first-year law student.

AGE — NOTHING BUT A NUMBER McCaslin, public policy junior, is the oldest of the trio at 25. Hecox, history senior, is 22, and Virgin is 23. All three acknowledged their ages might be an issue for voters, especially if an older, more experienced candidate enters the race. “I think that’s going to be something that some people question,” McCaslin said. “They’ll worry about my credibility. That’s why I’m going to be very active in getting to know the voters. My experiences so far have taught me a great many things.” McCaslin was born in Tulsa and lived in Midwest City before moving to Los Angeles after high school to do humanitarian work there and in east Africa. He returned to Oklahoma and started taking classes part time at OU in 2004. Since then, he’s taken time off from school to take a cycling tour to New Orleans and train for the Army Reserve. He’s also worked as an intern in the Norman City Manager’s office and served on the Norman Sustainability Network’s steering committee. Hecox pointed out youth can be an advantage, as well.

“I’m sure people will [consider age an issue], but at the same time, a lot of great things were accomplished by young people,” he said. “Google was started by young people. Bill Gates started Microsoft when he was young. [OU President] David Boren ran for political office when he was still in law school.” Hecox is a Norman native who graduated from Norman High School. Both of his parents were teachers in the Norman Public School district. “I’m from Norman,” Hecox said. “I’m never going to do anything to harm this city. I’m obviously going to do everything I can to benefit not only the city, but the state. People can just go ahead and say age is a factor, that I don’t have experience. But, really, nobody I’m going to run against will have experience in the state Legislature, either.” Virgin also grew up in Norman but lived in the Noble Public School district and graduated from Noble High School. Her grandfather is George Skinner, Cleveland County Commissioner from District 2. “I’ve been involved in politics pretty much my whole life,” she said. “My family’s been involved in public service as long as I can remember. “When you grow up around something, that’s what you end up loving, and it’s really just what I feel called to do. It’s my passion.” Virgin graduated from OU last May with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also worked as an equipment manager for the OU football team. She cited Kenneth Corn and Ryan Kiesel as examples of people who successfully ran for the Oklahoma House of Representatives while still in school at OU. “Those guys have really set the bar high,” she said. “But they’ve shown you can do it, you can win and you can do a great job doing it.”

CHALLENGES All three candidates will have obstacles to overcome to convince voters they are ready for the seat. Hecox was arrested and charged with drunken driving Dec. 31 by OUPD. He would not discuss the arrest with The Daily, but did send a statement via email about the incident. “I made an out of character error in judgment by HOUSE 44 CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

OU alumnus Ken Miller to run for state treasurer Miller sees campaign as job interview I have good solutions to getting us out of people of Oklahoma as their treasurer.” RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer

An OU alumnus will run for state treasurer this fall. State Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, c u r r e n t c h a i rman of the budget committee in the KEN Oklahoma House of Representatives, MILLER told The Daily he ha s d e c i d e d t o seek the office of state treasurer. “A lot of people ask me why I would want this job, especially in the middle of a large budget crisis, and I believe I am the right person for the job,” Miller said. “I believe I have the right credentials and experience in both the public and private sector that will show voters that

the current crisis we are in.” Miller said he is asking people to see his campaign as a job interview. “If you look what I’ve accomplished in the past, I believe that voters will see me as the best candidate for the job,” Miller said. Miller received his Ph.D. in political economics from OU last spring. “[The degree] has really helped me not only in the Legislature but also in real life situations,” he said. “Critical thinking and problem solving skills that came with my studies have not only helped me when this budget crisis was starting, but if I have the honor of serving, will help me as treasurer.” Miller said serving as House Budget Committee chairman helped him learn the intricacies of the Oklahoma budget. “It has been an honor to serve in the House,” Miller said. “Every day has brought a new adventure with new lessons, but I feel I can better serve the

Miller said by exposing government waste, maximizing and protecting the value of the taxpayers’ money and making wise investments, the state can pull out of its current situation and keep its budget situation healthy. When it comes to solutions to the current budget situation, Miller said there is one option he will never consider when it comes to fixing the state’s budget crisis. “Raising taxes is never an option,” Miller said. “We have all the tools we need when it comes to fixing our budget problems.” Miller said he is looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail. “I’m excited to go around the state and meet people,” Miller said. “I hope people will see me as the best candidate for the job because that is what this campaign is, a job interview. I want them to ask me questions and get to know me.”

UOSA LEGISLATIVE BRANCH SUED Roles of government branches examined KATHLEEN EVANS Daily Staff Writer

The legitimacy and effectiveness of the UOSA legislative branch came under examination in the UOSA Superior Court Monday night. Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society sued the legislature for not acting in a timely manner on ballot initiatives that were approved by the Superior Court last November. Nicholas Harrison, law and business graduate student, represented Matt Bruenig, who petitioned the court, said the legislature was violating student rights and a previous court ruling by not holding a special election for initiatives. “The UOSA Constitution requires that [the legislature] act within a practicable amount of time in setting a special election,” Harrison said. “They have not acted at all, and they have ended up hindering the rights of students.” Harrison said the legislature has not acted UOSA CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

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2 Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Caitlin Harrison, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

House 44 Continues from page 1 drinking and driving,” he stated. “I know this type behavior is unacceptable, not only for the office I am seeking, but as a community member in Norman. I am currently dealing with this issue, and I truly appreciate the support from my family, friends and the community of Norman.” In his statement, he also said he believed he was the right person to represent Norman and District 44. Democratic partisans might also take issue with Hecox’s prior voter registration as a Republican, a status he held until at least 2008, according to oklahomadata.com. He also worked for Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Cole from Oklahoma’s 4th District, which includes Norman. “I’ve always been a moderate,” Hecox said. “I’m a Native American. And a chance to work in an office with the only Native American in Congress was a great honor, not only for me, but my family. “And that is why I did it, and I learned numerous things from him. And, he’s a good man.” Hecox said he is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Tribe. McCaslin also is a newcomer to the Democratic Party, as he said he was registered as an independent until recently. “That is not a reflection of any sort of

OUDAILY.COM » FIND OUT WHAT THE DAILY’S BRICE BECKWITH AND BRAND RACKLET HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE BEER OF THE WEEK.

ambivalence about my convictions or my values,” he said. “There are a lot of people in my generation, I’ve found, that don’t find their identity in the two-party system. They’re deeply passionate about their communities, and they want to do best in their homes and where they’re from.” And, at least relative to lifelong Norman residents Hecox and Virgin, he’s a newcomer to the area, having lived here for six years. “I’ve been actively involved in the community,” he said. “Working with the city manager’s office has been an excellent education in learning about what people care about here.” Virgin will be balancing her campaign with the demands of the first year of law school. This semester, in addition to class work, she’ll also be preparing for the law school’s moot court competition, an endeavor required of all first-year law students. “Trust me, that’s a concern of mine,” she said. “But I feel like I have the background to be able to do it. “I was working close to 40 hours a week [as an equipment manager], pretty much full time, and also balancing school with that.” Virgin also said if she wins the primary, she might take the fall semester off from school to run in the general election. If elected, she said she would take spring semesters off to devote her full attention to the Oklahoma legislative session, which runs from February until May. McCaslin said he will remain a part-time student, and if he “felt like [his] schedule was going such that [he] would have to take semester off, that’s fine.”

UOSA Continues from page 1 because the legislative branch is protecting itself from dramatic changes that could alter UOSA. UOSA General Counsel Mike Davis argued the court did not have the authority to force an election because of separation of powers within the UOSA Constitution. “I have good faith in the legislature,” Davis said. “Just because something did not appear on an agenda doesn’t mean it has not been discussed in committee.” If the court set up a special election, the duties of the court would cross the boundary into the duties of the legislature, Davis said in his argument. “It is not the job of this court to decide special elections. That is the job of the legislative branch,” Davis said. “There are certain things that the legislature does that this court cannot and should not do.”

-An amendment to the UOSA Constitution creating a new legislative body that would represent on-campus student organizations. This would also merge the Undergraduate Student Congress with the Graduate Student Senate. -An amendment to the UOSA Constitution requiring members of UOSA who run and take office in an uncontested election be up for election again in the next general election to confirm voter approval.

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care of that in the near future,” he said. “And, if not, that’s something the future legislatures will have to address.”

ISSUES: -THE BUDGET

-EDUCATION

Through the first six months of Oklahoma’s 2009-2010 fiscal year, Oklahoma’s general revenue collations are more than $750 million below budget estimates, according to the State Treasurer’s office. This has resulted in a 10 percent cut in allocations to state agencies. “The solution is smarter government [and] prioritizing agency spending,” McCaslin said. “[We] probably need to tap into the Rainy Day Fund. It probably needs to happen. If there’s ever been a rainy day, it’s probably right now. And identifying and selecting tax exemptions that have been created over the last many years that serve smaller interests.” Oklahoma’s Rainy Day Fund contained nearly $600 million at the end of 2009. McCaslin also wants the legislature to take a longer look at the state budgeting process to avoid future revenue shortfalls. He favors a proposal made by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jari Askins that would dedicate every other legislative session solely to approving the state budget. Virgin also favors tapping the Rainy Day Fund and using federal stimulus money remaining from 2009. There is nearly $600 million in unused stimulus money for Oklahoma. Hecox said he was confident Oklahoma’s budget problems would be fixed over time. “Hopefully our elected leaders will take

Justices appeared concerned that the legislative branch did not want to abide by court rulings. “Mr. Davis, what you just said was that the legislature makes the laws and enforces the laws, and when it breaks the laws, there is nothing we can do about it,” said Chief Justice Kyle Eastwood. “Aren’t we here to make sure that students’ rights aren’t violated?” Harrison argued an election should have taken place at the start of this semester, and since the legislature appeared to be apathetic toward the court’s rulings, the court had the power to step in. “The things to take into consideration is that all three branches work for the student body,” Harrison said. “It’s all right if there is conflict between the branches, but we are talking about student body rights.” But justices also questioned Harrison about time constraints surrounding the date of the ruling and whether an early election was practical. “We issued a ruling, but

AMENDMENTS SURROUNDING THE COURT CASE

He also said the unit he serves with in the Army Reserve has a “fairly low” chance of being deployed.

1 6 0 1 E . I m h o f f Roa d | No r m a n , O K 7 3 0 7 1

All three candidates said funding education would be a large plank in their platforms. “We’ve got to be able to provide our students the best teachers possible, the best updated technology possible, the best books we can get our hands on possible,” Hecox said. “And also find more creative ways to teach them.” Virgin said she will focus on education because so many people in District 44 rely on OU for their livelihoods. She said it is also important to keep the cost of tuition low. “Tuition concerns are ... very pressing on students, and I understand that,” she said. “Everybody who’s been a student does. But at the same time, I know that President Boren and the administration are doing all that they can.”

THE CAMPAIGN McCaslin and Virgin have registered their campaigns with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, while Hecox said he was in the process of doing so. McCaslin hosted his first fundraiser Friday, while Virgin said she would begin knocking on doors and other campaign activities during spring break. The primary is July 27, and candidates can declare their intentions to run until June 9. The general election is Nov. 2. -Information from the Associated Press was used in this report

we obviously had Thanksgiving, finals and Christmas break approaching,” Justice Clint Claypoole said. Davis said appointing a special elections chair, hiring poll workers and setting up other logistics required in an election was strictly the job of the legislature. But Justices were still upset Congress has not acted upon their ruling. “That does not change the fact that [Student] Congress has not acted on the measures,” Claypoole said. “We issued a ruling almost [two and a half] months ago.” Justices also argued if they set an election date, they could be setting up a slippery slope to setting up many special elections in the future. The Superior Court will release their decision in written court documents in the near future.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Devon Energy Hall provides improvements Computer science, electrical, computer engineer majors to benefit from new technology CASEY WILSON Daily Staff Writer

Devon Energy Hall is wired for learning and will be dedicated in a public ceremony today. Devon Hall is the new home of the School of Computer Science and the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The new building allows students to learn in classroom and laboratory settings, stated Karen Kelly, external communications coordinator for the College of Engineering, in an e-mail. “The classrooms provide learning technology consistent with the current best practices for the Norman campus,” Kelly stated. “The laboratories contain a wide range of highly sophisticated equipment and instrumentation to conduct world-class research in electrical engineering, computer engineering and computer science.” The five-story Devon Energy Hall, which is 103,000 square feet, features areas built for students to work with one another on projects, Kelly stated. “Engineers and computer scientists work on increasingly complex matters in our rapidly changing world that require an interdisciplinary team approach,” she stated. “We have designed the new buildings to promote collaboration, to promote learning and research on complex topics, and to prepare our graduates for the teamwork environment.”

Kelly stated all the advanced technology available to students in Devon Energy Hall will allow them to succeed in the industry once they have left the university. Students have expressed excitement to be learning in a new high-tech building. Patricia Anderson, computer science senior, said Devon Energy Hall is a big improvement from where her classes used to be in the Engineering Lab. “There’s no windows, it’s dark and it’s kind of creepy,” Anderson said about the Engineering Lab. “You didn’t know if you’d get lost.”

POLICE REPORTS

JEREMY DICKIE/THE DAILY

Students sit and study in the south hallway of Devon Energy Hall Monday afternoon. This hallway was just one of the many renovations that were done to Devon Hall.

Stompdown competition returns to OU Organizers ‘excited’ to bring event back from hiatus MICHELLE STEPHENSON Daily Staff Writer

Stompdown, a step group competition, will return the last weekend in March after a two-year absence from OU’s campus. Hosted by the Black Student Association and National Pan-Hellenic Council, this year’s event will be themed after a Stompdown competition from 40 years ago. A comedy show, history of step, cookouts and karaoke night will take place around campus during the week of March 22, ending with the competition March 27 in the McCasland Field House. “We are going to host a show that the alumni expect,” said Lauren McMillan, BSA president and English writing

senior. intense steppers in the Southwest Step groups from OU and universi- Region,” she said. “It is an event of ties from surrounding states will com- promise to the BSA/NPHC charter pete for a $2,500 cash prize. A represen- members, as well as the masses.” tative from each National Pan-Hellenic Catherine Fuller, professional writorganization will judge the event and ing sophomore, said she plans to attend determine the winner. Stompdown. For Stompdown’s 27th year, NPHC “I’ve only seen one step group and and BSA titled it, “The it really impressed me,” Prestige,” based off of the “We are going to Fuller said. “I’m excited blockbuster movie title. they brought it back so host a show that “In the film, the magi- the alumni expect.” campus could enjoy the cian makes something distradition again.” appear and then reappear, LAUREN MCMILLAN, BSA Stompdown audiences similar to Stompdown have reached up to 1,500 PRESIDENT AND ENGLISH people, and event organizreturning this year,” said Latasha Mosely-Edwards, WRITING SENIOR. ers said they expect a large Stompdown chairwoman turnout. and chemistry senior. “I’m really excited about the compeMosely-Edwards said committee tition this year; it’s going to be a big one,” members have been working on details McMillan said. “It’s my senior year, and for Stompdown since last March. I want to go out with a bang.” “Stompdown is more than a comTickets will be sold at ticketstorm. petition between the most skilled and com for $7 to $15.

WEATHER BRIEF

CAMPUS EVENTS

Up to 7 inches of ice and snow could make travel to and from campus difficult Thursday due to a significant winter storm, said Oklahoma Weather Lab. There is an 80 percent chance the winter storm will effect OU’s Norman campus and precautions are recommended for students driving their vehicles during the storm, said Alex Lamers, president of Oklahoma Weather Lab. The lab is a student-led forecasting organization that operates out of the National Weather Center in Norman. Tuesday should be nice with highs between 50 and 70 before the storm moves in Wednesday night and Thursday morning with the winter mix precipitation, according to the lab’s Web site.

TODAY

—Jennifer Marsh-Curtis, Daily Staff Writer

But she said Devon Energy Hall is very nice and open. The new technology available to students also provides more convenience. Anderson said with the technology available in Devon Energy Hall, she does not have to use her own laptop. “I’ll be programming in the labs up here,” she said. Stephen Easton, computer science senior, said he prefers taking classes in Devon Energy Hall to the Carson Engineering Center. “It has fewer floors, and it’s a lot easier to get to classes that are higher up,” Easton said. “And there’s a lot more places to sit around and work.” Easton said computer science students work with each other on projects, and Devon Energy Hall is well suited for team-oriented tasks. “Everyone will be working on a part by themselves on projects,” he said. “But you are still going to collaborate with other team members.”

POETRY READING Poet, scholar and teacher Tod Marshall will start this year’s Everett Poetry Series with a reading at 7 p.m. in the first-floor conference room in Ellison Hall.

TOMORROW CHRISTIANS ON CAMPUS

Christians on Campus will have its weekly Bible study at 12:30 p.m. in the Traditions Room of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST Campus Crusade for Christ will meet at 9 p.m. in the Santee Lounge on the fifth floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

The following is a list of arrests and citations, not convictions. The information given is compiled from the Norman and OU Police Departments. At times, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department and the Oklahoma City FBI will contribute to these reports. All those listed are innocent until proven guilty. POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES Mickey Ray Cudd, 54, North Flood Avenue, Saturday, also a county warrant OUTRAGING PUBLIC DECENCY Michael Dain Foster, 25, 750 Asp Ave., Sunday Jonathan Ryan Jennings, 26, 570 Buchanan Ave., Sunday MUNICIPAL WARRANT Victor Uriel Gallegos, 18, 1235 W. Main St., Sunday, also obstructing an officer Colby James Hayes, 39, 4400 W. Main St., Sunday DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Bryant James Gingrich, 22, Classen Boulevard, Sunday DOMESTIC ABUSE Cody Richard Harrowa, 31, 3651 72nd Ave. S.E., Saturday Mervin Richard Moyer, 23, 1901 Twisted Oak Drive, Sunday, also driving under the influence PUBLIC INTOXICATION Joshua Adam Larson, 25, 750 Asp Ave., Sunday

William Blake Pitchford, 22, 1000 Brookside Drive, Saturday, also minor in possession of alcohol Joe Lee Warren, 47, North Flood Avenue, Saturday Ryan Austin Wilson, 19, Rancho Drive, Sunday MUNICIPAL DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Brittany Faye Dowd, 23, 300 W. Boyd, Thursday POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Leon Nicholas Wunsch, 18, 1400 Asp Ave., Thursday, also possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of controlled dangerous substances UNLAWFULLY CARRYING OF A WEAPON Arlando Lashon Lewis, 28, N. Peters Ave., Sunday AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Denver Lee Merryfield, 24, Mercedes Drive, Sunday POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AFTER CONVICTION OF FELONY Michael Tyrone Miles, 31, North Peters Avenue, Sunday, also obstructing an officer PETTY LARCENY Roberto Salazar, 36, 3499 W. Main St., Saturday Alicia Sanchez-Castellanos, 36, 3499 W. Main St., Saturday Caitlyn Rhianna Webb, 20, 333 N. Interstate Drive E., Saturday

There will be a Student Oklahoma Education Association, Kappa Delta Pi, and Student Council for Exceptional Students collaborative meeting on

Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be located in the Heritage room, on the 2nd floor of the OU Memorial Union. The meeting will feature a teacher panel that consists of Secondary, Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education teachers. Come ask our teachers questions to help you become more familiar with our future teaching career! We will have free food! All pre-service teachers and education majors are encouraged to come.

Undergraduate Research Day 2010

OU Honors College

This is an annual event for undergraduate students to present their papers and creative works. Topics include the natural sciences, performance art, life sciences, business, engineering, social sciences, critical studies in ancient or modern literature, and the humanities. Prose and poetry submissions and other forms of creative activity are also encouraged. Each participant will have a 10-15 minute period for presentation.

A Call For Proposals

xWHEN? Saturday, March 27, 2010 xWHERE? OCCE Thurman J. White Forum Building 1704 Asp Ave xWHY PARTICIPATE? 3 Gain valuable experience while presenting your work in a supportive environment. 3 Participate in research and creative activity and build a more competitive resume. 3 Demonstrate your excellent scholarship to OU’s academic community. 3 Win cash prizes! Prizes are awarded to the best presentations in various categories.

Who Can Apply?

Deadline for submission is February 10, 2010

Looking for direction in life? Help others ﬁnd theirs.

All undergraduate students at OU are eligible to apply. Students who have received Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program grants are required to present at some time before they leave OU. You need not be a member of the Honors College to participate. Apply online at http://www.ou.edu/ honors/SRPD-application.html

Pursue a vocation that is about helping others. The Master of Science in Counseling degree from SMU is designed to prepare individuals for state licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, or a School Counselor. New terms begin every 10 weeks, and courses offer the convenience of day, evening, and weekend classes. Held at SMU’s Plano Campus. Call 972.473.3431 or visit smu.edu/mastercounseling.

Southern Methodist University will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. SMU’s commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Tuesday January 26, 2010

COMMENT OF THE DAY »

Max Avery, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051

In response to Ricky Maranon’s article on the protest of the CAIR documentary. YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

“Well, the film was very good. But, I have to say the most telling (and entertaining) part of the evening was when a well-coifed CAIR hater got a curb side drop off in a white, king-cab duelly pickup truck. We need to be protesting big oil, and self-important, gas-guzzling Americans, not OK-CAIR. Bubba-

STAFF CARTOON

OUR VIEW

THE DAILY’S EFFORT TO INCREASE DISCUSSION This semester the opinion page of The Daily is going to be a bit different from previous semesters. The Daily has always attempted to recruit the best and brightest students to be columnists. At times we have succeeded. It makes sense that many of the best and brightest are actively involved in campus organizations. Thus, it should come as no surprise that many columnists for The Daily have been actively involved around campus. It is an honor to have so many great columnists writing for us, to have students writing about issues with which they have firsthand knowledge, promoting many of their opinions with both their words and actions. This isn’t the change. We’ve always had active columnists involved around campus. But now we have more than we have generally had in the past, and several of them are or were officers in their organizations. Instead of only publicly criticizing, these people are involved. They are the movers and shakers who want to see a better OU and maybe a better world.

This means on many issues, they have a stake in what they are saying. The Daily does not intend to be a public forum for various organizations to propagandize the student body without giving opposing views a chance to express their opinions as well. So, here is how The Daily is going to change this semester: When any columnist who also is involved around campus in some way wishes to write a column in which their organization is actively involved, we will contact different organizations leaders who are likely to express an alternative opinion. If they refuse, it will be noted. The two views would then be presented in the form of a point-counterpoint. Each organization and their representative will be noted. If any organizations wish to participate in a point-counterpoint on the opinion page, please e-mail dailyopinion@ou.edu. This is a student-run newspaper for students here at OU. We wish to present you with a diverse set of opinions on a multiplicity of issues. This is one way in which we are trying to do our job better.

AUTHORITY DISCUSSION AJ Stafford is a Psychology Senior

Point-counterpoint, an authoritative discussion For our liberty’s sake, authority must always be questioned

Authority is natural and healthy in moderation

No one who watched the opening cer- oppressive stranglehold of authority. emonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing This is the genius of the American syscan deny they were truly awe-inspiring. tem of government: there are checks and Thousands of Chinese moved as one in- balances to keep authority figures from side an enormous stadium, a mass syn- gaining too much power. Despite its chronization of people orchesflaws, this country has historicaltrated by the Chinese government ly maintained a level of personal to show the West there was a new freedom for its citizens that has player on the world stage. allowed creativity and innovation The 2008 opening ceremonies to flourish. were a testament to the awesome Personal freedom, or liberty, is feats authoritarian governments essential to our survival. Our abilcan accomplish: coordinating ity to choose for ourselves is part mass movements with flawless of what makes us human. When execution and maintaining rigid MICHAEL our liberty is gone, so is our indiPILCHER order without dissent. viduality. When we can’t choose The U.S. a relatively democratic for ourselves, there is nothing to nation, could never have achieved set us apart, nothing to distinsuch a spectacle. I don’t mean that as guish one person from another. an affront to America; blind conformity Without liberty we are machines, forced isn’t natural. In fact, it isn’t human and to fall in line in blind compliance, subject it brings a very important question to the to the whims of a small fraction of people fore: Should authority be accepted and who hold the power. Therefore, liberty followed, or should it be suspected and must be valued over order, freedom over questioned? The Beijing Olympics are security. certainly an example of the best authoriThis is not to say that no authority is tarian order can accomplish. needed. Authority has its place, yet only But it also has a more sinister side. The insofar as to protect our individual liberone-child policy, severe religious perse- ties and ensure that no one treads upon cution and the massacre at Tiananmen our right to exercise our free will. But Square are but a few examples of what un- we must always regard authority with a checked authority is capable. watchful eye, because when left to its own To be sure, Chinese communism is an devices, it will usurp our free will until it extreme example, not the subject of this becomes too great to contain. article but rather an analogy to authority To accept authority without question in general. is to accept the idea that other people Authority at all levels must know what’s best for us. be questioned, from the lead- “Authority requires As citizens, we must quesers of government to local law us to turn our tion authority. We must enforcement to professors and autonomy over to maintain a cautious skepadministrative bureaucrats. ticism because honestly, The reason for this is simple: people who don’t we can’t trust others to do by its very nature, authority always have our best what’s best for us. requires us to turn our auton- interests at heart.” I’m not advocating anomy over to people who don’t archy, but rather the idea always have our best interests we shouldn’t blindly acat heart. cept authority without first evaluating It’s a question of human nature. Human it for ourselves and deciding whether it beings, including those who exercise au- is designed to safeguard our liberty, or thority, will put the collective good second to stifle it. If we surrender our free will to their own self-interests. Too often we and let authority run unchecked, we will forget authority figures are regular people, end up like the performers in the Beijing people with human flaws, imperfections Olympics — perfectly synchronized, like and selfish tendencies. The only way we a well-oiled machine. can ensure our personal interests are proMichael Pilcher is a University College freshman. tected is to fight for them and loosen the

A certain professor of history, his voice free from any irony or sarcasm, ordered his students last semester to “always question authority.” When asked if he were certain of the expediency of this contradictory demand, he simply repeated it with additional emphasis. Now, ordinarily I would blindly follow everything said by a professor; however, due to the nature of the advice, it seems necessary to turn it on itself, and see whether it is a good idea. I was forced to conclude that this professor, in addition to making himself sound silly, was also, to GERALD a certain extent, wrong. KEISER But first, it would be helpful to defy modernity and define authority, perhaps combining a number of entries from the Oxford English Dictionary to call it “the power or right to influence action or belief.” To be fair, many sources of authority give him plenty of reason for such an opinion. There are more worthless parents and professors than you could shake a stick at in a month of Sundays, our judges’ law is fudge and our enlightened Congress has never made the slightest pretense of intellectual eminence. Then, of course, there are the problems caused by things like Zyklon B and the sacking of Constantinople, both of which could very well have one-writing tracts in favor of anarchy. However, an immature, adolescent attitude, rebelling against authority on principle is unjustifiable. For whenever people group together a hierarchy seems to quickly develop; even tribes with two-dozen members typically have some who are afforded greater respect than others. One could therefore say authority is natural in our species. Then it must somehow be advantageous; otherwise the theist and the evolutionist alike exclaim, why would God/nature teach us this behavior? Of course, rebellion could be a natural instinct. But considering the stage of life in which it is strongest, it seems to serve not so much as a permanent guide of life; instead it gets you to think as an innovative individual and makes you leave your parents’ house. If instinctual deference has advantages, what are they? Many people and positions of authority have some reason behind them;

T=: O@A6=DB6 D6>AN Jamie Hughes Caitlin Harrison Ricky Maranon Lisa Phan Max Avery Michelle Gray Marcin Rutkowski

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the most basic statistics assure us that you are probably not smarter than both your parents and they almost certainly have more experience in any number of practical matters. It is even more improbable that you have outwitted the scientific consensus, or discovered a system of government that requires no taxes. Authority also puts us on the same page, intellectually and socially, thus facilitating collaboration, and helps in solving disputes. Despite the madness in our courts, the quiet, calm deliberation that — at least in principle — comes from distance, is still better at determining the rightful course of action than enraged bickering. Perhaps you do believe in having authority. You only think we should be vigilant against it; we must resist government to prevent tyranny and intellectuals so we all don’t act like sheep. It is true that a certain amount of this distrust is good; otherwise we will end up like the British, whose kind government, according to a 2006 BBC story, obligingly watch over them through a comforting network of more than four million video cameras or like the Medievals, who got in a fair bit of trouble by taking Aristotle with too much credulity. He was brilliant, but not right about everything. You have to be careful about the size of the bureaucracies governments create. They can swell and expand into an over-inflated frog, swallowing down resources until it reduces a bull market to something of the scale the bureaucracy itself once had. That does not mean we have to endlessly work against authority, trying to undermine every rule and treating the lessons it teaches like just anyone said them. If people want to test the limits of authority by pushing against them, the authority can respond by backing down or by pushing back, by punishing them and eventually it will choose the latter, or there will be no more authority. So we should not go bowing down incessantly to some Grand Pooh-Bah of pre-Adamite ancestry. Neither should we let our bulging wrath burst any important arteries. We ought to treat authority like other things that are both useful and dangerous, like water, fire and gravitational force. Be careful, but don’t be disrespecting. Gerard Keiser is a classical languages sophomore.

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum and OU’s independent student voice. Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and should be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced and signed by the author(s). Letters will be cut to fit. Students must list their major and classification. OU staff and faculty must list their title. All letters must include a daytime phone number. Authors submitting letters in person must present photo identification. Submit letters Sunday through Thursday, in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters can also be submitted via e-mail to dailyopinion@ ou.edu.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

« SPORTS For the latest news on OU sports, go to

Aaron Colen, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051

OUDAILY.COM

A TALE OF TWO SOONERS

S u n d a y n i g h t ’s N F C Championship game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints was a showcase of two BRANDON former Sooners BROADHURST who had very different nights. “Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints?” was chorus-like chant after former Sooner kicker and current Saint Garrett Hartley drilled the game-winning 40yard field goal attempt that lifted the Saints to the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings

running back Adrian Peterson will carry much of the blame for his team’s heartbreaking loss.. Averaging more than five yards per carry, Peterson was the go-to guy in almost any situation, despite his newfound tendency to fumble, until this season. During the NFC Championship Adrian Peterson’s polar performance might be the unfortunate lasting image in the minds of Vikings fans. Coughing up the football two times and being tackled for a loss on several different plays, Peterson tried to rebound by running harder and faster than ever before, but it was too late. Although Peterson finished the game with 122 yards and three touchdowns, his careless mistakes with the

football only excited the passionate New Orleans crowd of 71,276. Hartley kicked the game-winning field goal in what had to be one of, if not the biggest games of his life to send the Saints’ to their first Super Bowl in team history. Hartley, who attended Southlake Carroll High School in the suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth and then OU, came into the NFC title game 10 of 12 on field goals this season, making all but one attempt under 50 yards. Two Sooners were prominently featured on the national stage, but the one who most would consider to be the lesser came out on top Sunday night in New Orleans.

Brandon Broadhurst is a journalism freshman.

AP PHOTO/DAVID J. PHILLIP

New Orleans Saints kicker Garrett Hartley celebrates with fans on Sunday after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Vikings.

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Autographs Sports bar, located inside Riverwind Casino in Norman, OK, currently has COOK, SERVER, HOST and KITCHEN MANAGER positions available. Please apply in person at Traditions Spirits Corporate Ofﬁce. Directions: Follow Highway 9 West past Riverwind Casino, travel 2 miles, turn right on Pennsylvania, take an immediate left onto the service road 2813 SE 44th Norman, OK 405-392-4550, or online at www.traditionsspirits.com.

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Sandy Beaches needing 2 Nail Techs @ OU dorm location ASAP! Call 364-7344 or visit sandybeachesok.com TUTORS WANTED!!! Available positions in the OU Athletics Department!!! Junior, Senior, Graduate, and Post-graduate applicants only!!! ALL SUBJECTS!!! Hiring for Spring 2010. Call (405) 3254828 for more info!!!

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4 2 7 5 3 2 6 6 3 2 5 5 7 6 4 9 6 5 5 1 4 2 9 1 7 9 3

Previous Solution 8 9 6 1 4 5 3 2 7

2 3 1 7 9 8 5 4 6

4 5 7 3 6 2 9 8 1

6 8 5 2 3 1 4 7 9

7 4 2 6 5 9 1 3 8

3 1 9 8 7 4 2 6 5

5 6 3 4 1 7 8 9 2

9 7 8 5 2 3 6 1 4

1 2 4 9 8 6 7 5 3

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.

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker January 26, 2010

HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- When doing business with a new and unfamiliar firm, get everything in writing and study it beforehand. Conduct business only after you are completely satisfied.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- If in your mind you are not properly acknowledged for a past action, resentment might cause more bitterness than you bargained for. Others won’t be anxious to be your friend.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Usually, you’re thoughtful about not telling a down-andout friend about the good things happening in your life. But in your excitement, you might blurt it all out at this time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Your mobility and independence might be more important than usual. Steer clear of those who can place restrictions on your time, because you won’t take kindly to it at all.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Chances are you’ll have little patience for handling small details. If you’re smart, you’ll temporarily put aside any assignment that requires an aptitude for dealing with them.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Be smart, and don’t talk critically about someone in front of others who know and like this person, even if what you say is true. Listeners are likely to resent you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You’ll have little patience for details so be extra careful when dealing with business involvements. If you forget important little things, it could mean a big loss.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -When put in charge of a group involvement, creating pointless rules will only make you look foolish in the eyes of others. Let each person volunteer what he or she is capable of doing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t put on affectations because it could blemish your image. True friends appreciate you for who you are, so there’s no need to act superior.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- If you pretend to be knowledgeable about something that you’re not, prepare for a rude awakening. It will not make you look good in the eyes of another; you will be found out and embarrassed.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- You might withhold something important from another out of spite. Sadly, the one you hurt the most will be yourself.

Previous Answers

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- If you are enthusiastic about some exciting plans you’ve made, avoid telling a negative friend. Chances are your pal will do nothing but put doubt and misgivings in your mind.

ACROSS 1 Shiverinducing 6 “Boo” follower, in a triumphant shout 9 Lewis with Lamb Chop 14 Make amends 15 It’s extracted 16 Assembly of witches 17 Welldressed dummy? 19 Ropemaking fiber 20 Bad thing to have on one’s face 21 It’s made to measure 22 Status quo language? 23 Abound 25 Nonreader 27 Artificial 29 Relating to stars 30 Brief tussle 31 Attempt to persuade 34 “You ___ dog, you!” 35 Insincere type 39 Hot diamonds 42 Wander 43 Alleviating agent 47 ___ Panza of “Don Quixote” 50 Berth place

51 Certain center of power 55 In-crowd outcast 56 River of Rome 57 Battle venue 59 Aussie animal, briefly 60 Clay pots 61 Riddle 63 Annoyance 64 Every inning has three 65 Lessen, as a storm 66 Flubbed flies 67 Secret of many a redhead 68 MS accompaniers DOWN 1 Reproductive cells 2 Bric-a-brac holder 3 Extended to the max 4 Stop in Vermont 5 Antelope’s companion, in song 6 “___ pay for this!” 7 Toon mermaid 8 Painter Matisse 9 Piano practice exercises 10 Capital of Tasmania 11 Online game

characters 12 Musician’s concert 13 Without sense 18 Surprise in class 24 Where to go off on a tangent? 26 Provider of a pick-me-up? 28 Poodle classification 31 Act lovey-dovey 32 Tangy starch 33 Engage, as a security system 36 Head of the class, briefly 37 A&P’s original business 38 Deserve 39 Carbon-13, e.g.

40 Nitpicky person 41 One who eschews tough love 44 Rugged mountain ranges 45 Along the way 46 Antenna housings 48 Chop chops 49 Cut up (with “around”) 50 Item often left at apartment doors 52 Didn’t avoid 53 Humor with a twist 54 Perfume, as at Mass 58 Literary miscellanies 62 Under the name of, as a co.

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

POSERS WELCOME by George Darby

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Joshua Boydston, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051

LISTEN »

Go listen to samples of Vampire Weekend’s “Contra” at oudaily.com.

Everybody loves their cupcakes, but the story behind Sara Sara makes them all the sweeter. CAMERON MASINGALE/THE DAILY

MATT CARNEY Daily Staff Writer

later, Sara Sara Cupcakes became family owned and operated from a 103-year-old building nestled along Ninth Street just off Broadway Ave. A folk Victorian two-story with whitewashed fences and Members of the Brinsons’ extended family contributed a cheery pink door graces the industrial drab along the however they could, and Avery even returned home from Oklahoma City Amtrak through midtown. Denver to help. “There really isn’t a single Inside, the dollhouse theme continowner,” Eric Smith, another cousin of Sara’s, ues; white tables, chairs, ceilings, walls and SARA SARA CUPCAKES said of the shop commemorating her memory. floors are flecked by pink flowers and transpar“We all help run it in one way or another.” 7 NW 9TH ST. ent cases display an enticing mix of cupcakes An aunt, Toni Hoffman designed the place, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK topped with oodles of icings and sweets. Eric (after returning from Chicago) concocted Customers of Sara Sara Cupcakes may asthe recipes, and OU freshman Maggie Cannon, sume they’ve strolled into a little girl’s dream. M-F 7:30 A.M. TO 9 P.M. another cousin, got the word out to the public. SAT 9 A.M. TO 9 P.M. In fact, that’s exactly what they’ve done. “Everybody helps out behind the counter,” she “Sara was quiet, reserved,” Scott Cannon said SUN 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. said. of his niece, who unexpectedly died of cardiac And by everybody, Maggie means everydysrhythmia on April 9, 2007, only 18 years old. body. Even if that means putting in evening “She’d make cupcakes for fun, for family gatherings,” her hours after work as is often the case for Scott, an Oklahoma cousin Avery Cannon said. “She was the reason we opened City police officer. up the shop.” While the store’s initial motivation was (and still is) far “She said, ‘Someday we’re going to open a cupcake bak- removed from earning income, Sara Sara has carved out its ery’ the day before she died,” Scott said. Less than a year own unique niche in midtown as a popular hangout, less

formal than a lunch-spot and livelier than your pedestrian Starbucks. Mokarabia blend coffee and free Wi-Fi lure nearby OU medical students in need of a study lounge. “We get a lot of lawyers on breaks from down the street (Broadway), but you could see a 90-year-old grandmother in line next to a couple of bikers,” Avery said of the shop’s varied clientele. Tea, hot and iced, soft drinks, milk and hot chocolate are all served alongside “the best cupcakes in town.” “Most of the cupcakes have a family story behind them,” Scott said of the shop’s savory sweets. A key lime cupcake is named for a preferred vacation spot, Destin Fla., and the Count Rockula commemorates Avery’s old band. The Judge Joe is covered with Snickers bar shavings in honor of Sara’s grandfather, who always toted a Snickers bar in his back pocket to moderate his diabetes. Proceeds from shop T-shirt sales benefit the Sara Caroline Brinson-Children’s Heart Research Fund, which supports research in the field of arrhythmia. The family intends to soon open a second Sara Sara in Edmond. “It’s just our way of honoring Sara’s memory,” Avery said.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

» VAMPIRE WEEKEND“CONTRA” Key Tracks: “Cousins,” “Diplomat’s Son” Score: 8.6

“DAY-GLO POLO AND BOAT SHOES NOT INCLUDED.” 2008 was a good year for Vampire Weekend. With a self-titled first album, the band crashed the indie pop party, bringing with it a fresh sound that combined Paul Simon-esque African beats with the floating, shrieking vocals of The Shins. Critics and fans alike loved the album. It seemed hard to top. But if “Contra” is any indication, 2010 will be even nicer to Vampire Weekend. The group’s sophomore album has more lyrical sophistication, a more layered sound and a higher level of cohesion than “Vampire Weekend.” Elements of dub, ska,

Oklahoma musicians discuss what they are listening to. This week is Tom Bishop, bassist for ambient band, The Non. Faraquet“The View from This Tower” I can’t stop listening to Faraquet’s “The View From This Tower” from 2000. They’re a three-piece, Dischord Records band from D.C., and they lay it on thick--caustic bass tones and a kind of confrontational, clean and complicated guitar. Their rhythm is impeccable; they do some crazy time signature work that would make ’70s fusion jealous.

TODAY’S RELEASES MUSIC: Los Campesinos- “Romance Is Boring” Lady Antebellum- “Need You Now” Corinne Bailey Rae- “The Sea” Charlotte Gainsbourg- “Irm” The Magnetic Fields- “Realism” Beach House- “Teen Dream” Four Tet- “There Is Love in You”

MOVIES: “Michael Jackson: This Is It” starring Michael Jackson “Surrogates” starring Bruce Willis “Whip It” starring Ellen Page, Kristen Wigg “Saw VI” starring Shawnee Smith “The Boys Are Back” starring Clive Owen The Daily’s picks -AP

RADIOHEAD DOES BIG THINGS FOR HAITI Radiohead raised over $500,000 for Haiti earthquake relief at a special weekend concert that attracted celebrities and die-hard fans. The band performed at the Henry Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles for two hours. The tickets were auctioned online, with pairs of tickets going as high as $4,000. Celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig were in attended. Funds were also raised through the sale of limited-edition show posters and cash donations accepted at the door. The band played a 24-song set that included “Kid A,” “Nude,” “Lucky” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out).” -AP

The Daily reviews the most notable, recent music releases. This week, Annika Larson discusses whether Vampire Weekend can avoid the curse of the ‘sophomore slump.’

jazz and the recently popular electronic indie-pop replace those familiar African beats in most of the songs. “Horchata” opens the album gently with bare instrumentals and calming imagery before launching into the synthheavy and youthful “White Sky,” a song that is quite easy to listen to until the chorus. Vocalist Ezra Koenig can do some lovely vocal tricks, but they’re best when implemented sparingly. An entire chorus of prepubescent wailing? Not OK. “Cousins,” an early single, offers a more punk-inspired foot-stomper with surfinspired guitar work. “California English” has a cool, driving drum rhythm and an interesting effect on the vocals like a delay ANNIKA pedal, despite offering nonsensical lyrics LARSON that don’t really seem to be about anything besides an exercise in wordplay. The strongest song on “Contra” is “Diplomat’s Son,” a sixminute opus about the night when two best friends smoke a joint and find themselves in bed together. It’s a masterful combination of synth, a dub-style M.I.A. backing track, a sort of Caribbean drum beat, airy vocals and great storytelling

lyrics. The tempo changes, and different phases of the song show a new inventiveness that is hopefully only a taste of what’s to come f r o m Va m p i r e Weekend. “Contra” will be one of the best albums of 2010. It is cohesive, creative and well-executed. The songs that are unexceptional are listenable at least and quite good at most. The best part of the album is Vampire Weekend’s ability to use so many musical influences so fluidly, demonstrating a keen reactionary ability, as well as talent and musical sensibility. Annika Larson is a professional writing sophomore.