Recent remakes lacking successful storytelling formula (Page 5) The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916
W E D N E S DAY, O C T O B E R 19 , 2 011
W W W.O U DA I LY.C O M
2 010 G OL D C ROW N W I N N E R
ACADEMICS
Oklahoma aims to boost graduation rates OU’s retention goals ahead of governor’s planned initiative BLAYKLEE BUCHANAN Campus Reporter
Gov. Mary Fallin is launching an initiative to increase college graduation rates, but she isn’t the only one with plans to swell OU’s alumni ranks. Fallin’s higher education
initiative aims to increase statewide graduation rates by 67 percent by 2023, according to a press release, but Senior Vice President and Provost Nancy Mergler said a presidential task force at OU has been addressing the issue for more than five years. To bolster graduation rates, President David Boren created the Graduation and Retention Task Force to keep students on track to graduate
on time, Mergler said. The task force, made up of OU faculty and staff, examines graduation and retention rates and suggests solutions to ensure academic success, Graduation Office Director Becky Heeney said. “We’ve discovered that one of the most important factors in ultimately achieving graduation is maintaining a proper pace in the accumulation of academic credits,”
Heeney said. The task force launched the Think 15 campaign to encourage students to enroll in 15 credits each semester. After four years, 15 credits per semester should enable students to graduate, she said. OU’s most recent six-year graduation rate for students enrolled full time beginning
80 %
OU Graduation Rates 1999-2004 OU graduation rates 1999-2004 70% 70 %
60% 60 %
50 % 50%
1999 1999
2000 2000
SEE GRADUATION PAGE 2
2001 2001
2002 2002
2003 2003
2004 2004
GRAPH BY ANNELISE RUSSELL/THE DAILY
INTERSESSION
HOMECOMING WEEK 2011
More signed up for winter Classes to study ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Jersey Shore’ SARAH BEDELL Staff Reporter
PHOTOS BY MELODIE LETTKEMAN/THE DAILY
University College freshman Andrew Row tags microbiology sophomore Ben Laptad with Holi powder Tuesday during the CAC Homecoming Week 2011 Paint the Mall Crimson event. Students were served cookies from Couch Restaurants and Coke floats, and then they were given the colorful powder to color one another.
Sooner spirit smeared across students the colored powder, which comes from an Indian festival of the same name, and throw powder at each other. Andrew Belliveau, an internaJAKE MORGAN tional business and economics juStaff Reporter nior, came up with the idea to use The Walker-Adams Mall be- Holi powder as part of the homecame a vibrant battleground of coming festivities. “Consider that this orange, yellow and year’s theme is ‘Paint purple hues Tuesday “It’s just as fun the Town Crimson,’ afternoon. as paintball but we really wanted As part of OU’s H o m e c o m i n g without the pain.” to paint the town,” Belliveau said. Week, the Housing Belliveau, whose C e n t e r S t u d e n t TARYN HILL, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN face was eventuAssociation and ally blasted by purCampus Activities Council’s Homecoming Executive ple Holi powder, said the Indian Committee collaborated to stage Student Association graciously a Holi powder war. In a powder University College freshman Eric Jensen examines his colorful person after particSEE POWDER PAGE 2 war, participants take handfuls of
CAC stages war for students to ‘paint the town crimson’
ipating in the CAC Homecoming Week 2011 Paint the Mall Crimson event Tuesday.
OU December Intersession enrollment begins Oct. 31, and recent statistics show more students are taking advantage of this education alternative. In 2010, 1,455 students opted for winter intersession courses, compared with 1,375 in 2007, according to the OU College of Continuing Education and the College of Liberal Studies. If this increase persists, professors such as Anna Gurley may have a packed house come December. Gurley teaches the course “Harry Potter” and the Hero’s Journey, which the professor said will use student’s interest in “Harry Potter” to introduce critical theories of the 20th century and then apply the theories to the books and movies. But Gurley’s class is just one of many available to all students, regardless of year and major. Classes range from statistics to Jersey Shore-Depictions of Gender, Race and Class on the Shore. Classes such as “Harry Potter” still will cover the same information a semester class and count as a three-hour, junior-level elective class. Biochemistry senior Matthew McKeever said he opted for an intersession SEE DECEMBER PAGE 2
OPINION VOL. 97, NO. 44 © 2011 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25 cents www.OUDaily.com www.facebook.com/OUDaily www.twitter.com/OUDaily
INSIDE News .......................... Classifieds .................. Life & Arts .................. Opinion ...................... Sports .........................
2 7 5 4 8
NOW ON
Values matter more over race in news
Students get tangled up to relieve class stress
Society should consider important issues instead. (Page 4)
Students’ pockets full of sunshine New campus organization works to bring smiles across campus. (Page 6)
SPORTS
Cold front pushes through Norman
Former Sooner now sports entrepreneur
Frost could be a result, meteorologists say. (OUDaily.com)
Basketball writer creates website job with what he already knows. (Page 8)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Victim’s story to offer lessons
LIFE & ARTS
NEWS
CAMPUS BRIEF
DARIAN HARMON/THE DAILY
University College freshman Jacob Moore plays a game of Twister on Tuesday at Walker Center. Walker Resident Students Association put together a game night for the residents to relax.
A documentary detailing the domestic violence that led to the death of a Pennsylvania woman will be shown Thursday night on campus. The film, “Telling Amy’s S t o r y ,” s t a r t s w i t h t h e November 2001 death of Amy McGee and examines events in reverse to see what could have been done to prevent it. The documentary is called a fatality review, Verizon Wireless spokeswoman E lys e R ichards on said.
Fatality reviews are used as training tools to identify signs a person is a victim of domestic violence. The film is being shown around the state as part of domestic violence awareness month — which is October — and is sp ons ore d by Verizon Wireless’ Hopeline campaign, Richardson said. Thursday’s documentary will be preceded by a speech from Carol Stoops, OU football coach Bob Stoops’ wife. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Molly Shi Boren Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public. Chase Cook, Managing Editor
2
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011
NEWS
Chase Cook, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666
DECEMBER: Upperclassmen make up majority Continued from page 1 course to complete remaining graduation requirements. He said he took an intersession course to finish up a foreign language requirement. Intersession Director Renee Williams said the total number of classes for the upcoming intersession is not finalized because professors are continuing to submit
TODAY AROUND CAMPUS Decorate a pumpkin from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s First Floor Lobby. The event is free and sponsored by the Union Programming Board. A homecoming fundraiser will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on the South Oval. All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. A seminar on note-taking will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Housing Learning Center in Adams Center. Students can learn how to take more effective and informative note in this next seminar of the Student Success Series. A documentary, “Telling Amy’s Story,” chronicling a woman’s struggle against domestic violence, will be screened from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Union’s Molly Shi Ballroom. A documentary titled “The Laramie Project” will be screened from 7 to 9 p.m. in the union’s Meacham Auditorium, followed by a discussion on hate crimes, bullying and strategies for change. Donations also will be taken for The Welcome Project, which encourages businesses in Norman to welcome the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
THURSDAY, OCT. 20 A symposium, titled “The Eugene B. Adkins Symposium: Cross-cultural Influences in the Art of the American Southwest,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Mary Eddy and Fred Jones Auditorium in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Free food will be available on the South Oval, sponsored by the Campus Activities Council for Homecoming Week. Food is available while supplies last. A workshop aimed to help student organization leaders learn how to gain funds will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in Ellison Hall, Room 132. The workshop, titled “It All Makes Cents,” will be led by students with the aid of Kent Stroman, a professional nonprofit fundraising consultant. A free concert featuring Stars Go Dim will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. in Meacham Auditorium, courtesy of the Union Programming Board and the Campus Activities Council.
CORRECTIONS
ideas for new classes. Students worried about finding an open class should not be worried though. Williams said she does not believe the number of students enrolling in intersession will greatly affect enrollment immediately, because in the past, upperclassmen have taken the most advantage of the courses offered. Juniors usually account for 26.1 percent of intersession
enrollment, and seniors total 58.4 percent of the intersession population, with freshman enrollment less than 2 percent, according to information provided by Williams. Students will be able to enroll for December intersession at the same time they enroll for the spring 2012 semester. Intersession enrollment is done online through oZONE or at the intersession office
OUDAILY.COM Link: Learn more information about intersession classes and enrollment at the College of Continuing Education at 1700 Asp Ave. Students wanting to enroll in more than one class must get permission from the dean of their college.
GRADUATION: Rates increasing with each year Continued from page 1 in fall 2004 is 64.5 percent, Mergler said. In 1999, the sixyear graduation rate was 56.2 percent, according to the OU Factbook. Mergler said OU’s improved graduation rate is due to the addition of Lissa and Cy Wagner Student Academic Services, more p ro f e s s i o na l a c a d e m i c
UPDATE Student government Executive Council • A bi-weekly newsletter will be launched and distributed to the presidents of student organizations to inform them about events of other organizations on campus. • UOSA tailgate will take place 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday with free food and drink on the corner of Lindsey Street and Asp Avenue. • Campus Night Out will take place Nov. 8. The event aims to educate the OU community about opportunities in Cleveland County. Graduate Student Senate • Cole Jackson was appointed as the fall 2011 UOSA election chairman. Undergraduate Congress • A ballot question was added to the Fall 2011 UOSA election ballot to reform districts, reflecting changes in college and major titles. • A ballot question added to the Fall 2011 UOSA election involving the creation of designated smoking areas if a smoking ban is passed • A resolution was passed welcoming TCU to the Big 12 Conference. • Representative constituent service, required hours for each member, begins next week for Student Congress. Joel Shackelford, Campus Reporter
The Oklahoma Daily has a commitment to serve readers with accurate coverage and analysis. Readers should bring errors to The Daily’s attention by emailing dailynews@ou.edu.
advisers, enhanced tutoring programs and modified administrative policies to promote timely graduation. Heeney said in addition to Wagner, the establishment of the Center for Student Advancement — an office to assist students struggling academically, the Graduation Office’s Graduation Planner, the OU Cares program and many other programs have been the key to the improved
graduation rates. Despite the added programs, OU alumnus Gharrett Workun said while he believes the Think 15 program is good, the other programs were not really helpful during his time at OU. “I didn’t really use Wagner or my Graduation Planner. The only thing that seemed useful from time to time was the Writing Center,” he said. OU’s graduation rates,
however, are increasing with each year, so OU’s graduation task force may be making progress. Heavy faculty recruitment also is key, said Nick Hathaway, task force chairman and executive vice president for Administration and Finance. Hathaway said OU is winning recruitment battles for new faculty against other state flagship institutions.
POWDER: Clothes become casualties Continued from page 1 donated the Holi powder for the event. With the help of Melissa Borja and Allie Kallmann, program director and vice president of HCSA respectively, Belliveau organized the event. Borja, management information systems sophomore, said it took some planning to pull off the Holi powder event. “We first brought up the idea in the General Council meeting,” Borja said. “It took a lot of work to convince the university that the powder wouldn’t be a complete mess.”
Although the war may have not been a complete mess, to call it ‘clean’ would take away from its spectacle. Students broke into mischievous laughter as fistfuls of magenta powder exploded across their chests. Clouds of orange dust drifted away as the wind swept across the battlefield. University College freshman Taryn Hill willingly participated in the fun, and her white shirt, tarnished with a slew of orange, yellow and purple, became a casualty of the war. “There were not a lot of girls getting involved, so I just jumped in,” Hill said. “It’s just as fun as paintball but without the pain.”
Campus Activities Council Presents: The University of Oklahoma ® 2011 Homecoming Royalty Court
2011
royalty
Vote today for your 2011 Homecoming Royalty King Court
Use classnav. ou.edu to search for classes for enrollment.
Jeff Abbott Corbin Carter Stuart Downey Matthew Farley Matthew Nash
No sign-in required. Sort by several fields. Filter selections. Search within results. Easy to use. Accessible any time.
Queen Court
Holly Berrigan Laura Bock Chinh Doan Melissa Mock Ganga Moorthy
vote at elections.ou.edu Printing funded by UOSA. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call (405) 325-3163. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.
NEWS
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 •
IMMIGRATION
Deportation numbers up Largest removal numbers recorded at nearly 400k MIAMI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton said Tuesday his agency deported nearly 400,000 people during the fiscal year that ended in September, the largest number of removals in the agency’s history. Morton announced the Fiscal 2011 numbers in Washington, saying about 55 percent of those deported had felony or misdemeanor convictions. Officials said the number of those convicted of crimes was up 89 percent from 2008. Authorities could not immediately say how many of those crimes related to reentering the U.S. after being deported. Individuals can be convicted of a felony for returning to the U.S. or being found in the U.S. after they were deported. Among the 396,906 people
JACQUELYN MARTIN/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Director John Morton of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Fiscal 2011 numbers report about 55 percent of deported immigrants have felony or misdemeanor convictions.
deported, more than 1,000 convicted of homicide. Another 5,800 were sexual offenders, and about 80,000 people were convicted of drug related crimes or driving under the influence. Last
year, the total was roughly 393,000. “This comes down to focusing our resources as best we can on our priorities,” Morton said. “We continue to hope for comprehensive
immigration reform at a national level, working with the Congress, but in the meantime, we work with the resources we have, under the laws we have.” The announcement comes as the Obama administration has sought to address critics on both sides of the immigration debate. Immigration advocates complain law enforcement officials are spending too much of their scarce resources rounding up families living illegally in the country who otherwise are law-abiding. Others said the administration isn’t doing enough to stop the flow of illegal immigration and protect Americans from potential foreign terrorists and other criminals. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has said the agency is focusing its resources on criminals, recent border crossers, those who repeatedly cross the border and those people the department considers fugitives. The Associated Press
ELECTION ’12
Obama looks to South in bid to keep job U.S. president takes bus tour through Southern states to garner support JAMESTOWN, N.C . — Three years after his surprising wins in Southern states, President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign is doubling down in the region to hopefully turn changing demographics into electoral wins and offset potential losses in traditional swing states next year. Obama’s Southern strategy is at the heart of his three-day
bus trip this week through North Carolina and Virginia. In 2008 he became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win in those GOP strongholds in a generation. With 28 electoral votes between them, wins in North Carolina and Virginia could help Obama make up for defeats in Rust Belt states like Ohio and Indiana, which he won in ’08 but could be hard-
pressed to carry next year. The president’s bus tour started Monday in Asheville, N.C., whose mountains have attracted retirees from the Northeast, and took Obama through rural swaths of the Blue Ridge Mountains. O n Tu e s d a y , O b a m a was making stops in rural Emporia, Va., and Hampton, Va., where the region’s large number of black voters helped him carry the state three years ago. Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were discussing veterans’ issues
Wednesday at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va. Both states have seen politics-altering economic and demographic changes. Next month, he is paying homage to something many Tar Heels hold dear — the University of North Carolina men’s basketball team. The president plans to attend the Carrier Classic on the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego, where North Carolina will face Michigan State. The Associated Press
1 3
2 NATION NEWS BRIEFS
1. NEW YORK
Occupy Wall Street protesters march to demand investigation Protesters were marching to the Manhattan prosecutor’s office to demand an investigation into what they said was an “unproved assault” on a demonstrator by police last week. Activist Felix Rivera-Pitre was seen on video being punched by an officer on Friday. It was unclear in the video what preceded the punch. The Associated Press
2. LITTLE ROCK, ARK.
College students anxious after classmate’s body found in pond Students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock are looking over their shoulders as they hurry to class after police announced that a 20-year-old sophomore had been killed. Authorities say student Patricia Guardado’s body was found Sunday in a pond outside Little Rock. Her death has been ruled a homicide, but authorities haven’t named any suspects or released details about her death. Police haven’t ruled out the possibility that a stranger was involved, and some students say they’re anxious about another attack. Campus police said more students have been asking for escorts to their cars. The Associated Press
3. SAN FRANCISCO
Apple to close stores today during its Steve Jobs memorial service Apple will close its retail stores for several hours Wednesday so those employees can watch a webcast of a memorial service for employees to celebrate the life of co-founder Steve Jobs. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The private memorial will take place at 10 a.m. at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. The Associated Press
You Are Invited! Class of 2012 Ring Ceremony Honoring Dean of University Libraries
Sul Lee
For Over 30 Years of Service to the University Honorary Ring Recipient and Homecoming Parade Marshal
3 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 Class of 1950 Plaza and Oklahoma Memorial Union Courtyard
In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Will Rogers Room. 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.
- THE PRIDE OF OKLAHOMA
3
4
Comment of the day on OUDaily.com ››
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011
OPINION
“Thanks for the kind praise in this article; however, dismissing either Navajo weaving or Northwestern totem pole carving as “clichés” is a mistake.” (ahalenia, Re: COLUMN: New exhibit to lift Native art clichés)
EDITORIAL
Values outweigh skin color Our View: The selection of the next speaker of the Oklahoma House should be significant not due to his race, but his values.
Terrill, R-Moore, told The Oklahoman. This power struggle and the potential reign of social conservatives — who may no longer have a moderate voice to restrict them — is the real Rep. T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton, was selected as news. It should have been he primary focus; inspeaker-designate, naming him first in line to stead, it’s buried in the last half of the story. replace Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Shannon has voted for every abortion Steele when the latter’s term expires in ban or restriction in the past four years, The Our View November 2012. including the ridiculous addition of is the majority questionnaire and ultrasound requireThe Oklahoman’s story covering opinion of the decision ran under the headline ments. He voted to make English the ofThe Daily’s “Lawton man is on track to be first black ficial language of Oklahoma and to keep 10-member speaker.” It’s true that Shannon will be editorial board Sharia law out of Oklahoma, both of the first black speaker, and there’s no dewhich were politically motivated wastes nying this is a newsworthy accomplishof resources. ment in Oklahoma. But for how much longer In 2008, he voted to require students to obtain will these achievements be headline news? written permission from their parents before It’s not that all racial tension in this country they can participate in sex-education classes. evaporated when President Barack Obama took And in 2009, he voted to ban certain kinds of office, but the series of firsts his presidency has stem cell research. ushered in have gone a long way toward breakBut Shannon also sits on the Higher ing down old barriers. Education and Career Technology committee, So at what point do we stop obsessing over the which could mean a greater focus on higher “first black such and such” status? Would the education issues when he becomes speaker. story about the first black parks and recreation His voting record gives little hint as to where he director lead with his race? may fall on important upcoming issues. But it’s We think the more important news — the issues like education and social concerns that news that most affects Oklahomans of all races Oklahomans care about, not the color of his — is that Shannon, known as a social conserva- skin. tive, is replacing Steele, R-Shawnee, who has Americans need to stop viewing each of these been criticized by many conservatives for mod- accomplishments as a check mark on some list erate interests. of “steps to an accepting society.” It’s not that Steele hand-picked Speaker Pro Tempore Jeff easy. And while the first black speaker is defiHickman to replace him. The Republicans’ denitely a good step for Oklahoma that deserves cision to select Shannon instead was a direct re- mentioning, we’d like to see the emphasis on pudiation of his moderate agenda, Rep. Randy what a man does, not what he looks like.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Evolution should be questioned On Oct. 9, OU zoology professor Douglas Mock wrote in the Separation of Church and State should find the policy the Norman Transcript that “we must educate our citizens acceptable: to think critically and question everything constructively.” “As no theory in science is immune from critical examiI wonder how many students in schools, nation and evaluation, and recognizing that “I wonder how colleges and universities would say they evolutionary theory is the only approved have the academic freedom to critique theory of origins that can be taught in the many students in evolution in their science classes. There district/state] science curriculum: schools, colleges and [school should be school district and state polls of whenever evolutionary theory is taught, high school and university students study- universities would say students and teachers are encouraged to ing evolution asking, in this class: they have the academic discuss the scientific information that sup1. Is evolution taught as fact, theory, or ports and questions evolution and its unfreedom to critique both fact and theory? derlying assumptions, in order to promote evolution in their 2. Do you have the academic freedom the development of critical thinking skills. to critique evolution? The same questions “This discussion would include only the science classes?” should be asked of their instructors. scientific evidence/information for and The following suggested “Origins of Life against evolutionary theory, as it seeks to policy” is a realistic, practical and legal way for local and explain the origin of the universe and the diversity of life.” state school boards to achieve a win-win with regard to evoNever discussing scientific information that questions lution teaching. evolution is teaching evolution as dogma. Even the American Civil Liberties Union, the National David Buckna, Center for Science Education and Americans United for Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Squirrels are ‘well-meaning’ animals I find your unjust indictment of the squirrel population of how ridiculous does that sound? OU not only disgusting, but slanderous. Nuttington also wanted me to include a personal message The squirrels are a well-meaning, peaceful race who want from the Squirrel Equality Council: nothing more than to collect acorns and run “Dear Human Friends, around looking adorable. It has recently come to our attention that “I also can assure Sir Nuttington III, head of the Squirrel a suspicion has arisen among OU Students you ... the squirrels following Jake Morgan’s hurtful column pubEquality Council, was so offended by your are not gaining outlandish column that he called upon me, lished in Thursday’s paper. a seasoned lawyer, to impress upon you to We wanted to take this opportunity, with human allies by cease and desist lest we incur further legal the help of our expensive and high-powered promising them action. lawyer, to invite all human students of OU to high standing My client would like me to emphasize observe the inside of our tree nests. We do this there is no such evidence of any squirrel as a sign of good faith and transparency. You in the post-war population harboring mutations for world will definitely not find any secret doorways or squirrel-controlled hidden passages under piles of acorns. domination. There are no underground caverns where squirrel armies train and prepare The council head also would like to pergovernment.” for the coming “species war.” There are no sonally invite the writer of Thursday’s article stockpiles of nuclear weaponry. And most of all, there are to a peace meeting. Nuttington will answer any questions no squirrel plots to coerce the general human populace into and calm any fears this particular human may have about a false sense of security. squirrels. Definitely not. While there, Morgan is free to drink our freshly made I also can assure you and your readers, by personal ac- acorn juice and dine on the squirrel delicacy of acorn patcount, that the squirrels are not gaining human allies by ties, which are not poisoned at all. Heck, why would we poipromising them high standing in the post-war squirrel- son anything, we’re just cute little squirrels. controlled government. A world where, one could imagine, Sincerely, the squirrel populace of OU.” humans are made slaves and forced to gather acorns all day Anthony Beaulieu, under the cruel watch of their squirrel overlords. I mean, sophomore
?
Mary Stanfield, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666
» Poll question of the day Do you consider state Speakerdesignate Shannon’s race important?
To cast your vote, visit COLUMN
Halloween a time for fun, sugar highs
H
alloween is OPINION COLUMNIST right around the corner, and for most college students, that means going out to parties to get drunk instead of getting candy and having an excuse to dress up in Lindsey Morrison slightly inappropriate lindseymorrison@ou.edu outfits. Costumes are a huge part of Halloween. People dress up as zombies, superheroes, animals and pretty much anything else you can think of. Costumes are meant to be harmless, but recently, I’ve seen people questioning whether certain costumes are racist. A friend of mine posted a picture of two people dressed as Native Americans for a Halloween party. The comment she posted on the picture addressed her disbelief that they would dress like that. “The question She was infuriated and becomes: Are thought they were being racist these costumes and making fun of the Native culture. I couldn’t meant to be racist American understand why she was so or stereotypical, upset, though, because the or are they simply outfits weren’t inappropriate didn’t seem to be makjust another way and ing fun of Native Americans in for us to don a any way. My friend then went out new persona for and made a Facebook photo the night?” album of all the pictures of costumes she could find that depicted Native Americans. The album caption said she understood there are stereotypes, but Halloween makes them even worse. Saying we shouldn’t be able to dress like Native Americans is like telling little girls they can’t be Pocahontas for Halloween because it’s racist. They aren’t being racist, they’re fulfilling their dream of being a Disney princess. The question becomes: Are these costumes meant to be racist or stereotypical, or are they simply just another way for us to don a new persona for the night? I’ve never seen an inappropriate Native American costume. Most of them are tasteful and don’t look as if they are mocking the culture. I’m half-Irish and half-Italian, yet I take no offense to anyone who wants to dress up like a leprechaun or a guido. I know it isn’t exactly the same, but it’s still people making fun of my heritage is some way. However, it doesn’t bother me because I know it’s just a person having fun dressing up. I don’t see anything wrong with what those two people did or with the costumes. It’s not as if these people are buying these costumes to purposely make fun of different cultures. They just want to dress up as something for a night while they go out and party. Halloween is about getting away from one’s real life. Costume choice may not please everyone, but as long as you have the right motives behind your costume, go ahead and dress as a Native American or a guido or a Bollywood dancer. No one should stop you from having a good time. Lindsey Morrison is public relations sophomore.
Do you have thoughts and views about issues affecting the university community? The Daily is searching for opinion columnists. Email dailyopinion@ou.edu to apply.
Share your thoughts with us. Join the conversation at OUDaily.com.
The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum and OU’s independent student voice.
Chris Lusk Chase Cook Annelise Russell James Corley Katherine Borgerding
contact us
Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Sports Editor Life & Arts Editor
Kingsley Burns Mary Stanfield Lindsey Ruta Chris Miller Judy Gibbs Robinson
160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, OK 73019-0270
phone:
405-325-3666
Photo Editor Opinion Editor Multimedia Editor Online Editor Editorial Adviser
email:
dailynews@ou.edu
Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 250 words, typed, double spaced 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. Letters also can be submitted in person Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion.
Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are their own and not necessarily the opinions of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board. Our View is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board, which consists of the editorial staff. The board meets at 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Board meetings are open to the public. One free copy of The Daily is available to members of the University of Oklahoma community. Because of high production costs, additional copies may be purchased for 25 cents by contacting The Daily business office.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 •
Life&arts
5
Katherine Borgerding, life & arts editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-5189
Remake retake? or
C
inematic Life & Arts Columnist remakes and unending franchises have obtained a pretty horrid reputation over the years. The perpetual recycling of once-golden concepts in Laron Chapman modern filmmaking speaks Laron.M.Chapman-1@ou.edu to Hollywood’s depreciating stock of creative and original ideas. Rather than focusing their energies on creating fresh, unique and exciting new films, contemporary filmmakers would rather tread over familiar territory in hopes of capitalizing on the success of their predecessors. This is not to imply that a modern re-imagining of classic film cannot unlock different interpretations and solidify one’s appreciation for the original source material. However, more times than not, avid moviegoers watch their beloved works get dismantled, giving new viewers a watered down version of once savory, potent cinematic treats.
‘The Thing’ In a wasteland of grisly, uninspired, and suspense-free horror films, it may be difficult for younger viewers to conceptualize the appeal of the “creature-feature� subgenre. In 1951, director Christian Nyby’s haunting “The Thing from Another World,� the story of a group of scientists who discover a malevolent alien life form that can imitate the behaviors and appearance of any living thing it encounters, cemented the appeal of ghastly monster movies, inspiring a wave of similar products and earning “However, more a place in the National Film Registry for preservation. times than not, Surprisingly in 1982, acavid moviegoers claimed horror director John watch their Carpenter expanded on the technical limitations of the beloved works original, supplying audiences get dismantled, with a gruesome, innovagiving new viewers tive and unforgettable reimagining of Nyby’s honorary a watered down achievement. version of once The same cannot be said of the 2011 “The Thing� prequel savory, potent this past weekend. cinematic treats.� released The vivid artistry and pulsepounding suspense these classic films showcased is wasted in an exercise of lazy, unconvincing special effects. The generic 2011 prequel is comparable to fast food: bland, sloppy and unsatisfying. While equally violent, the film is essentially a brainless, suspense-free carbon copy of a once-brilliant concept.
‘Footloose’ The immensely entertaining 1984 classic “Footloose� established the actor Kevin Bacon’s reputable career. The story of a dreamy, rebellious city boy who shakes up a small town that has banned the listening of rock music and practice of public dancing was a courageous and “relevant� crowd-pleaser, given the stark conservative views of the social environment. With its infectious
Top: The cast of “Footloose� dances in this month’s remake. The film is directed by Craig Brewer and stars Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough. The film focuses on a small Midwestern town where dancing is forbidden. Center: Cast members of this month’s prequel “The Thing� run in fear. The prequel, directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton. photos provided
charm, fiery spirit, noble message and catchy tunes, the film had the power to inspire individuality and freedom of expression. Now, director Craig Brewer — who brought us memorable films such as “Hustle and Flow� and “Black Snake Moan� — does the classic film a disservice with his glossy, witless and silly 2011 remake. Following the original film beat-by-beat, the film will likely fail to connect with a new audience, asking them to
entertainment brief UPB
Turn back time with ‘soda shoppe’ Union Programming Board decided there is nothing like a quick study break to get some ice cream and dance to ’50s theme music at its meeting this week. The Board decided to host a new event, “The Old Time Soda Pop Shoppe,� on Nov. 18 in
the Crossroads lounge in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. At UPB’s general meeting, students who attended were broken up into eight groups and asked to come up with several creative event ideas for the upcoming month. Out of the ideas presented, The board officers decided to host an old-fashioned style soda shop, an event that will be based on a ’50s
Paint your own pottery
Be
Create keepsake silver or bronze jewelry
theme soda shop with different flavors of ice cream and soda. Dancing, games and crafts will also be at the event. U P B p r e s i d e n t , Ma t t Farley, said the board was presented with other ideas before settling on the soda shop. “A f u t u r i s t i c- t h e m e d event and in-door Frisbee were a couple other events that were recommended by
students during the general meeting,� Farley said. Though this event is in its early stages of planning and details have not been ironed-out fully, Farley said UPB is hoping to have live music to compliment the dancing, but if that doesn’t follow through, a jukebox would supply music during the event. Lauren Duff, Life & Arts Reporter
10% off this week if you mention this ad. 10am-7pm Monday-Saturday
(405) 307-9971 bewildforart.com 5VFTEBZ 4BUVSEBZ BN QN t 'SJEBZ VOUJM QN 1006 24th Ave. NW, Suite 130, Norman, OK
These are ‘Small Batch’ Brews for Oktoberfest.
HIGHLIGHTING OR COLOR 8*5) )"*3$65 t 8&"7& 03 '0*- "%%
)"*3$65 t Non-Requested Stylist Only
Manicure $11.99
Bottle 3Draft/
$
7
Enjoy while supplies last! $ .25 Pitcher Must be 21 to drink
20% discount with OU ID or this coupon!
The Works $16.99 Shampoo/ Cut/Blowdry $6 Bang Trim
116 S. Main, Noble 127 N. Porter 1100 E. Constitution 129 N.W. Ave. 1215 W. Lindsey 872-1661 360-4247 579-1202 360-4422 364-1325
be nostalgic about an era they didn’t live through. While the cast is charming and the music is lively, the film lacks a sense of relevance. None of the issues the film addresses translate to our current cultural atmosphere. Like cotton candy, the film is sweet and colorful, but it dissolves quickly from the mind and the heart. Laron Chapman is a film and media studies senior.
6
Life&Arts
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Random acts of
sunshine Group’s goal is to make more positive atmosphere for students
University College freshman, Josiah Irwin colors a thank you note during Operation Sunshine’s first meeting on Monday. The thank you notes will be given to members of Student Life. The new student organization was started by human relations junior Tonya Kiper.
Brooke Buckmaster Life & Arts Reporter
S
ticky notes, sidewalk chalk and dry erase markers are all items that can be purchased for fewer than $5. However, what those items are used for is worth more than money can buy, according to one new student organization. For OU Operation Sunshine it’s simply this: a smile. The group, whose sole purpose is to brighten someone’s day, is different from other community service club OU’s campus has experienced. Everything we do, we want to bring positive attitudes to us and to others, for us to enjoy and for other people to enjoy it,” said Tonya Kiper, founder of Operation Sunshine and human relations junior. Unlike other philanthropic organizations around campus, this organization is all about the “little things,” according to Kiper and Taylor Trevino, club member and journalism sophomore. “[Operation Sunshine] is all about morale and lifting up someone’s day,” Trevino said. Kiper said some of the organization’s projects include small things like writing words of encouragement on the classroom chalkboards, handing out cookies on the South Oval and decorating a Christmas tree to put in the Oklahoma City Children’s
Hospital in December. “[We’re] not looking to change entire world but change the attitude of campus,” Kiper said. “Each better day builds on the other.” Its newest project will consist of chalking the sidewalks on campus, she said. Instead of advertisements, these chalkings will be words of encouragement saying phrases such as “Have a great day” and “you can make it til midterms.” Operation Sunshine’s goals of encouragement are not solely of an external nature, however. The organization also seeks to lift up those within the group. “At some point it would become a place where if something happens, there is a group there that is there for them for positive encouragement,” Kiper said. The group members realize what they are doing is
Are you on Twitter? Stay connected with the life & arts desk for entertainment news and features from the Norman community
@OUDailyArts www.twitter.com/OUDailyArts
NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCESS During the Regular Meeting Of
Photos by MELODIE LETTKEMAN/the daily
Members of Operation Sunshine advertise their organization’s meeting with a hand-drawn sign Tuesday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.
greater than simply putting a sticky note on a bathroom mirror. According to a study done by the British Dental Health Foundation, “smiling increases happiness both in yourself and those around you.” Although Operation Sunshine is a recent club, more than 40 members are working to prove that smiles are contagious. Realizing what a big difference a small act of kindness can do for someone drives such a large crowd, especially as freshmen and newer students, Trevino said. “As a freshman, it was really hard to adjust to new
The University of Oklahoma PUBLICATIONS BOARD
AT A GLANCE Twitter account
9:30 a.m. Friday Copeland Hall, Room 146
Follow Operation Sunshine on Twitter at @OU_Sunshine
surroundings,” Trevino said. “And having those few people to uplift me really made a difference.” You just never know what may brighten your day, Kiper said.
Students, staff, faculty and others in the community are invited to express their views concerning The Oklahoma Daily or Sooner yearbook to the Publications Board.
Adopt - An - Area Area Ratings For This Week Air Force R.O.T.C.
Delta Upsilon
Phi Gamma Delta
Alpha Chi Omega
Gamma Phi Beta
Phi Kappa Psi
Alpha Gamma Delta
Engineers Without Borders
Phi Kappa Sigma
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Hispanic American Student Association
Pi Beta Phi
Alpha Kappa Delta Phi Alpha Omicron Pi
Iota Phi Theta
Alpha Phi
Kappa Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha
Make A Career Out Of Making Peace.
Alpha Phi Omega Alpha Tau Omega Beta Theta Pi Catholic Student Assoc. Chi Omega
SMU Center for Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management
Information session: evening of January 12, 2012, at the SMU Plano Campus • 214.768.9032 • resolution.smu.edu
Follow us on SMU will not discriminate 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.
Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Delta Chi Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Kappa Psi Omega Delta Phi
Delta Delta Delta
Omega Psi Phi
Delta Epsilon Psi
Our Earth
Delta Gamma
Phi Beta Sigma
Delta Phi Omega Delta Sigma Theta Delta Tau Delta
Kappa Alpha Psi
Lambda Chi Alpha
Delta Chi Be A Professional Peacemaker. Improve your marketability and develop the skills needed to take control of conflict. Earn a Masters in Conflict Management or Graduate Certificates in Dispute Resolution and Executive Coaching. Our small classes, led by industry experts, teach practical skills in negotiation, mediation and team building to better manage organizational and interpersonal disputes –even at the international level. Convenient evening and weekend classes offered at SMU’s Plano campus.
International Leadership Class
Way To Go!
Phi Delta Alpha Phi Delta Theta
Pi Kappa Alpha President’s Community Scholars President’s Leadership Class RUF/NEK Lil Sis Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Gamma Rho Sigma Lambda Beta Sigma Lambda Gamma Sigma Phi Epsilon Zeta Phi Beta Adams Cate Couch Walker
Keep Up the Good Work!
Volunteer � Programs leadandvolunteer.ou.edu Strengthening Our Traditions through Service to State and Society
The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call 325-2340
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 •
Classifieds Phone: 405-325-2521 E-mail: classifieds@ou.edu
Cameron Jones, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-2521
Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A
HELP WANTED
AUTO INSURANCE
DEADLINES
Auto Insurance
Line Ad ..................................................................................3 days prior
Foreign Students Welcomed JIM HOLMES INSURANCE, 321-4664
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.
Quotations Anytime
BICYCLES & MOTORCYCLES Roketa 68A 150cc Scooter - 2 Seater, Runs Great! - $800, 325-8690
PAYMENT s r
r
J Housing Rentals
C Transportation
PLACE AN AD
HELP WANTED
TM
Drivers needed, to service accounts, cash daily, medical benefits, will train. Work locally or nationwide. Job info, 213-4031622, manager, 347-264-6402.
Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Credit cards, cash, money orders or local checks accepted.
RATES
Bartending! Up to $300/day. No exp nec. Training available. 800-965-6520, x133
Line Ad
Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Needed for new extended hours satellite clinic opening in Ardmore, Oklahoma in January 2012. Ardmore, with a population of approximately 24,500, is located in South Central Oklahoma, home of Lake Country. Ardmore is 90 miles equidistant from Oklahoma City and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas off Interstate 35. Rotating shifts including some weekend work. Salary consists of guaranteed base, depending on experience, and incentive bonuses. Excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment. Please send resume with salary requirements to Attn: Terri Black, Family Health Center, 1104 Walnut Drive, Ardmore, Oklahoma 73401 or fax to 580226-2284. Email ccfamhea@swbell.net. STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.
$5,000-$7,000 PAID EGG DONORS up to 6 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 18-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com
There is a 2 line minimum charge; approximately 42 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation. (Cost = Days x # lines x $/line)
HELP WANTED
APTS. UNFURNISHED
Grounds & Pool Person needed mornings 8 am -12 pm M-F. 333 E. Brooks, call 360-7744. The Cleveland County Family YMCA is seeking Lifeguards & Swim Instructors! Apply in person at 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE
J Housing Rentals APTS. FURNISHED Eff LOFTS FURNISHED downtown over Mister Robert Furn. 109 E Main. $450$660 bills PAID. Inquire store office.
APTS. UNFURNISHED Hunters Run 2 Bed T/H $99 Dep/ 1/2 off 1st mo/ free fit* Restrictions apply* $815/mo/Appr. 1400sqft, 2 Car Gar. Small Fenced Yd, Full size W/D Elite Properties 360-6624 www.elite2900.com
HOUSES UNFURNISHED 700 Iowa St. $850/mo, 3bd/2ba, 2 car, W/ D $300 dep. CH/A, call Angela 919-9708
COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK
breckenridge
Vail • Beaver Creek • Keystone • Arapahoe Basin
20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. FROM ONLY
plus t/s
WWW.UBSKI.COM
Being
NUMBER ONE is nothing
climate control
Classified Display, Classified Card Ad or Game Sponsorship
Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521. 2 col (3.25 in) x 2.25 inches
2 col (3.25 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ..............$760/month Boggle ...............$760/month Horoscope ........$760/month
$99 DEPOSIT! / 1/2 OFF 1ST MONTH* Immed. Move-Ins / 6 Mo. Free Gym 1 Beds starting at $445.00* 2 Beds starting at $525.00* Pets Welcome! Large Floor Plans! Models open 8a-8p Everyday! 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com
1-800-SKI-WILD • 1-800-754-9453
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
7
Crossword ........$515/month
POLICY The Oklahoma Daily is responsible for one day’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.
to celebrate.
It’s simple. Heat and cool your home smartly with ENERGY STARŽ to reduce your home energy use and make a big difference in the fight against air pollution.
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.
This year, more than
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.
172,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and more than
All ads are subject to acceptance by The Oklahoma Daily. Ad acceptance may be re-evaluated at any time.
NUMBER ONE
163,000 will die— making it America’s cancer killer.
But new treatments offer hope.
SOONERS
Join Lung Cancer Alliance in the fight against this disease.
Drink Responsibly. Call the Hotline at
325-5000
YOUR HOME CAN CAUSE TWICE AS MANY GREENHOUSE GASES AS A CAR.
to report illegal or unsafe drinking. All calls are anonymous.
Discover steps you can take to reduce air pollution from your home and car at energystar.gov.
The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
ENERGY STARÂŽ is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol
Copyright 2011, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, 2011
Instead of taking gambles on persons or things about which you know little, bet only on yourself in the year ahead. You’ll have several good potential projects and, even if you fail, you’ll know why and what to do about it in the future. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Take care not to let your anger out on an innocent bystander if you are overpowered or outmaneuvered on an important matter. Count to 10 before opening your mouth. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Maintain mental discipline regardless of what happens to throw you off. Underestimating the value of essential elements in your endeavors could cause you to unravel.
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.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) --Keep both your social and business contacts separate and, above all, avoid all speculative arrangements with friends. If things don’t go the way they should, you’ll be to blame. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Taking on more objectives or projects that you can comfortably manage is self-defeating, so don’t gamble on your workload. Dedicate yourself to only one or two targets. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don’t be coerced into putting your signature on something that you’re hesitant about, and be wary of even a verbal commitment. What you agree to might be deliberately distorted. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- It behooves you to be self-reliant, because people upon whom you depend might
make promises they later find they can’t keep. Personal requirements will take precedence over yours. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- If you’re a bit slow and your thinking isn’t quite as sharp as it usually is, forgo attempting to match wits with an adversary. Back off until a riper time. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Look before you leap when attempting to handle a complex assignment. You could easily misread something and end up making your task twice as hard to accomplish. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- There is a strong chance that some social plans you’ve been looking forward to will get canceled or postponed. Be prepared with some backup plans so you won’t experience a total letdown. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- It’s never smart to allow someone who can be dead weight into an arrangement where you and several others are aiming for a specific target. He or she is likely to hold you back once again. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- There is one thing that could cause you much disarray, and that is proceeding forward on an idea without laying out a proper game plan. Take a moment to formulate one. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) --Unless you are prudent in the management of your resources, you’re not likely to have the financial wherewithal to make ends meet when you really need to.
lungcanceralliance.org
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker October 19, 2011 ACROSS 1 Eschews edibles 6 Folder label’s place 9 “Balderdash!� 14 Missouri River city 15 Biological eggs 16 Sierra ___ 17 Less welldone 18 Danny’s fourtime “Lethal� co-star 19 Crowning points 20 He, she or it, in grammar 23 Fail to eschew edibles 24 One thousand Gs 25 Royalty receivers 27 Like the sound of a gong 32 Site of many a shipwreck 33 Terror of the Rue Morgue 34 Ornamental needle cases 36 Make leaner, as meat 39 Cropped photographs? 41 Plant firmly 43 Former Italian money 44 “Ivanhoe� novelist 46 Digestionaiding liquids 48 Org. once led by George Bush 49 Nightly broadcast
10/19
51 Dangerhas-passed signal 53 Plant once thought to cure rabies 56 “7 Faces of Dr. ___� (1964 flick) 57 Suffix meaning “somewhat� 58 The starting players 64 It’s rare in the desert 66 Sail off course 67 “___ words were never spoken� 68 Mexicali mister 69 Part of a snowmobile 70 Down at the pond? 71 Long range? 72 Number of pins in a strike 73 They’re found on staffs DOWN 1 Army outpost 2 Eastern housemaid 3 Indian garment 4 Prefix with “dynamics� or “nuclear� 5 Fish in a can 6 Large reference book 7 Confidently state 8 Wood for plane models 9 Did some
gardening 10 Word on a wine label 11 Business headquarters, for many 12 Bend ___ (listen attentively) 13 Adam and Mae 21 Pentagon on a diamond 22 “... ___ flag was still there� 26 Weak spot for Achilles 27 Criticizes, slangily 28 Cast-ofthousands movie 29 Used 30 Deadened 31 Part of the leg 35 Successfully persuade 37 “Elsa’s Dream,� for one
38 Cheek roller 40 Crockpot creation 42 Some PCs 45 They always include freebies 47 Disperse 50 ___ Lanka 52 Country singer Morgan 53 Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to ___ Thing� 54 Drained of color 55 Romantic rendezvous 59 Drink made from rice 60 Either half of Gemini 61 Some birth control options 62 Hair-removal brand name 63 Warnings from the doghouse 65 Buck’s mate
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
10/18
Š 2011 Universal Uclick www.upuzzles.com
WAY OFF BASE By Nick Coolidge
8
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011
OUDaily.com ››
SPORTS
OU football coach Bob Stoops said his team isn’t concerned with BCS rankings and is focused on Saturday’s game against Texas Tech in Norman.
James Corley, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666
Men’s basketball
Former OU student creates his own job Basketball writer builds career with his knowledge, hard work RJ Young
Sports Reporter
He was one of the first civilians into Lloyd Noble Center on Friday, eager to watch a team the Big 12 coaches picked to finish last in the conference. He sat in the first row of seats at the first practice of what will be known as the Lon Kruger era of OU men’s basketball. He wrote neat notes on a small notepad he brings with him to games. He was happy to share his thoughts about a team none of the experts expect to perform well, a team that’s a long shot to be selected into the NCAA tournament in March. But those sitting around him listened closely; they were learning something. He used Twitter to articulate his thoughts about what he saw on the court: “Lots of emphasis on communication on defense,” he tweeted. “Sam Grooms is built wider than I thought. Bulldog like guard” was another. At the end of practice, he chatted up OU assistant coach Chris Crutchfield. The conversation lasted longer than you would expect. Later in the evening, he posted his thoughts about the game on OUhoops. com — a website devoted to Sooner basketball — where he is a frequent contributor. He sounded like just another OU basketball fanatic; a grown man going to extremes to prove his fanhood. But there is a big difference between Sam Duren and any other OU fan: When he speaks, people who are
supposed to know what he’s talking about listen. Justin Young, editor of NationalHoopsReport.net and a national college basketball writer, was one of the first to take note of Duren’s ability to see the game differently. He said he started by following Duren on Twitter. “I follow a lot of people, mostly because I want to find out who knows exactly what they are talking about,” Young said. “So when I kept up with Sam via Twitter, I realized the kid was pretty connected and knew what he was talking about. Then he showed that he wasn’t afraid to hit the highway and grind it out.” You ng h e l p e d p ro p e l Rivals.com’s basketball recruiting coverage, and his work has been published by USA Today, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, FoxSports.com, SI.com and The Sporting News. He said he respected Duren for his work ethic and knowledge of the game. He said he saw a bit of himself in Duren, and that’s why he gave him a shot to head up recruiting and analysis in Oklahoma. “That’s how I got started,” Young said. “I just worked and worked. We saw eye-toeye in that regard. When I decided to expand my site, Sam reached out and knew he was going to be the guy because of what I already knew about him. It was an easy choice.”
Leaving college Three years ago, Duren was just months removed from graduating from Jenks High School. He was one of many freshmen at OU who
RJ Young/The Daily
Former OU student Sam Duren (left) talks with Sooner men’s basketball assistant coach Chris Crutchfield after an open practice Monday. Duren created and operates the website OKhoops.com.
wanted to pursue a career in journalism. But after two years, Duren decided college wasn’t for him. “It was just too many prereqs, and I wasn’t focused enough,” he said. “I wasn’t doing well, and it was a waste of money.” Duren stayed in Oklahoma, doing what he could to earn money and looking to his mother for extra support. But he also kept writing, feeding his dream of becoming a fulltime basketball writer.
Sports Briefs Women’s basketball
Golf
Expanded SoonerVision will improve broadcasts
Sooner men, women win, bring home tourney titles
For the first time in program history, every OU women’s basketball home game will be televised, including the team’s pair of early exhibition contests Nov. 2 and 10. Because of upgrades to SoonerVision, 13 additional broadcasts have been added to the seven games already slated for TV by Fox Sports and ESPN. OU also acquired the rights to broadcast four road games on its regional Sooner Sports Network and SoonerSports.com using the host school’s production. Daily staff reports
The 23rd-ranked OU women’s golf team won the Susie Berning Maxwell Classic on Tuesday at Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club. Th e S o o n e r s e dg e d s e c o n d -p l a c e Texas Tech by a stroke to win the 17-team tournament. The OU men’s golf team won the David Toms Intercollegiate on Tuesday in Shreveport, La. Oklahoma finished 2-under par as a team, beating second-place Lamar by 10 strokes to win the 11-team tournament. Daily staff reports
help is just a phone call away
9
number
Best Mexican Food
Tasty lite menu
crisis line
325-6963 (NYNE)
WEDNESDAY ALL DAY 5 lb. Burrito Grande Dinner
OU Number Nyne Crisis Line
8 p.m.-4 a.m. every day
except OU holidays and breaks
with choice of topping cheese sauce/sour cream sauce, with rice and beans
$5.99
1000 East Alameda
579-1221
To the Norman Campus Community: You’re invited to a presentation of The University of Oklahoma’s Draft Bicycle Master Plan. When: Thursday, October 20th, 2011 from 3:00-3:50 p.m. Where: Jacobson Hall, 2nd Floor in the Molly Shi Boren Presentation Room
Don’t miss out! For more information please call the office of Administration and Finance at (405) 325-5161.
“I spent about six months doing nothing,” Duren said. “I was helping out with OUhoops.com before [dropping out of college]. I met with a guy, and we decided to do a little writing, shoot a little video about Oklahomaarea high school basketball, and it blew up.” And blow up it did. Duren became an administrator for the website, which has been running for nearly three years. During OU basketball game days last season, he said OUhoops.com received
2,000 hits per day, and during the search for coach Lon Kruger last March, the site averaged more than 3,000 hits per day.
Starting a website In May, Duren saw another need he could fill: Oklahoma high school basketball recruiting analysis and information. So the 21-year-old created OKhoops.com, and the site has taken off quickly. He admitted to not having a pedigree or academic standing to claim he knows
what he’s doing, but that hasn’t stopped the him. “I’ve got no background; I’ve just been trying,” Duren said. “I give my opinions, and people agree with it, so I just go with it.” He also has an insight into people and the nature of recruiting talented high school basketball players to play in college programs. “It’s relationships,” Duren said. “If a coach has an in with a high school coach, the player is going to listen to him. “Coaches lie about their systems. They’re going to tell the kids what they want (to hear).” The person who is least surprised to hear about Duren’s success is, fittingly, his mother, Lou Ann. She said her son isn’t the most athletically gifted person she’s ever seen, but his love and knowledge of basketball is unmatched. “He has a gift for remembering things,” she said. “And he’s always loved sports and basketball. He used to read the sports section in all our newspapers.” Lou Ann said she was at peace with her son’s decision to leave school if it meant pursuing his dream. “I supported him, and this is what he loves to do, and I don’t want him to miss out on the chance to do what he loves to do,” she said. At the next day’s practice — just the second of the season — Duren was tweeting from Lloyd Noble again. “Second practice of the Kruger [era] just starting, personally I’m taking full advantage of getting to watch D-1 practices and see what I can learn.”
Sports
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 •
9
Column
Schools should stop pursuing new jerseys Sports Columnist
Kedric Kitchens kitchens_kedric@ou.edu
T
he world of college football uniforms, to be blunt, has gone completely insane. When Oregon first began wearing a different uniform every game a few seasons ago, it was exciting, groundbreaking and, above all, unique. However, now there is a long line of imitators backed by Nike polluting college football. But this has been a common thread throughout this season so far, and last week was no different. Michigan, Michigan State, Oklahoma State and Washington State played as horrendous examples of a frightening trend. When Michigan faced off against Michigan State, it was a matchup of in-state and conference rivals, top25 teams and mind-bogglingly awful uniforms. Michigan State sported green jerseys, Nike Pro Combat-style numbers and gold helmets. The overall effect made the team look like a bastard love child of Oregon and Notre Dame, which was far less appealing than it sounds. On the other side of the ball, Michigan wore retro jerseys, which could only be described as seizureinducing because of the shoulders — a blue-andyellow-striped pattern busy enough to send anyone into an epileptic episode. Oklahoma State’s jerseys
Dean Hare/The Associated Press
Michael Thomas/The Associated Press
Al Goldis/The Associated Press Al Goldis/The Associated Press
Top left: Washington State’s jersey from Saturday’s game against Stanford. Middle left: Oklahoma State’s jersey from Saturday’s game against Texas. Bottom left: Michigan’s jersey from Saturday’s game against Michigan State. Above right: Michigan State’s jersey from Saturday’s game against Michigan.
weren’t overtly terrible this week, but they were just one in a line of mediocrity. (We all remember those awful matte-gray jerseys earlier this season.) The Cowboys’ jerseys often are awkwardly matched, and the central point of the collection — the gray and orange stripes on the pants and shoulders
— are sloppy at best. Moreover, the orange stripe looks closer to pink on TV. But Washington State took home the blue ribbon for ugliest jersey this week, a flat gray set that would be indistinguishable as Wazzu without the cougar logo on the helmet. Never has a uniform that was so boring been, at the
same time, so ugly. If the 30-point beatdown WSU received at the hands of Stanford wasn’t embarrassing enough, the pewter table clothes the Cougars had to take it in should have done the trick. It’s so bad, ESPN recently took a trip to the set of E!’s “Fashion Police.” Why should Kelly
Osbourne or Joan Rivers be qualified to comment on anything even slightly related to football? And more importantly, when did college football become a beauty contest? Despite all the new uniforms, the people’s favorites remain the OUs, Alabamas and Texases of the world — schools whose jerseys
haven’t changed in 50 or more years. Progress can be good, but if it’s progress for progress’ sake, what’s the point? Stick to the classics, people. Kedric Kitchens is a journalism sophomore. You can follow him on Twitter at @KedricKitchens.
10
Advertisement
• Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The University of Oklahoma Announces a Milestone in the History of Arts in Oklahoma: The Opening of The Stuart Wing Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
Opening Oct. 22, The Stuart Wing provides a new 18,000-square-foot expansion of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art to house the museum’s many collections. Designed by noted architect Rand Elliott, the new addition is named the Stuart Wing to honor a $3 million lead gift from the Stuart Family Foundation made possible by the generosity of OU Regent Jon R. Stuart and his wife, Dee Dee, a member of the art museum’s board of visitors.
You are invited to visit The Stuart Wing The collections housed in the Stuart Wing allow visitors to view works of art that complement the already outstanding collections held by the museum, including the Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism, bringing the total to nearly 16,000 works of art. The Roxanne P. and William H. Thams Collection of Southwestern art by members of the famous Taos Society of Artists, also known as the Taos Colony, came to the University from OU alumnus William H. Thams of Midland, Texas, in memory of his wife, Roxanne P. Thams, who also was an OU graduate. It includes 31 works by such artists as Ernest L. Blumenschein, E. Irving Couse, Nicolai Fechin, Leon Gaspard, Bert G. Phillips, E. Martin Hennings and Joseph Henry Sharp.
Eanger Irving Couse (U.S., 1866-1936) The Medicine Maker (n.d.) from the Priscilla C. and Joseph N. Tate Collection.
The Priscilla C. and Joseph N. Tate Collection, a gift from Priscilla C. and Joe Tate of Tulsa, includes 12 masterworks by members of the Taos Society of Artists. The collection features paintings of superior quality ranging from Kenneth Adams to Walter Ufer. The Tate paintings do not duplicate the works in either the Thams or the Fleischaker Collections, but add strength and extraordinary depth overall.
Walter Ufer (U.S., 1876-1936) Going East (n.d) from the Eugene B. Adkins Collection.
The Eugene B. Adkins Collection������������������� works of American and Native American art from the Southwest, amassed by Eugene B. Adkins who was born in Tulsa, Okla., includes paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery and basketry on display in the new Stuart Wing of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. In 2008, the Eugene B. Adkins Foundation awarded stewardship of the collection of more than 3,300 objects to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa.
Helen Hardin (U.S., 1943-1984), Winter Awakening of the O-Khoo-Wah (1972) from the James T. Bialac Collection.
Nicholai Fechin (U.S., b. Russia 1881-1955) Indian Girl with Pottery (n.d.) from the Roxanne P. and William H. Thams Collection.
The Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sandor Photography Collection features vintage works by Bill Brandt, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward S. Curtis, André Kertész, W. Eugene Smith, James VanDerZee, Garry Winogrand and others, including many works depicting people. The collection was given by Ellen and Richard Sandor of Chicago, in honor of University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren and First Lady Molly Shi Boren. Ernest L. Blumenschein (U.S., 1874-1950) Taos Valley and Mountain (n.d.) from the Richard H. and Adeline J. Fleischaker Collection.
The James T. Bialac Collection includes more than 3,700 works representing indigenous cultures across North America, especially the Pueblos of the Southwest, the Navajo, the Hopi, many of the tribes of the Northern and Southern Plains and the Southeastern tribes. James T. Bialac of Arizona gave one of the most important private collections of Native American art in the country to the university’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.
André Kertész’s (1894-1985) Piet Mondrian, Paris (1926) from the Dr. and Mrs. Richard L. Sandor Photographic Collection.
The Richard H. and Adeline J. Fleischaker Collection of approximately 450 major pieces of art, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, basketry and Native American artifacts, was built over several decades by the late Richard H. and Adeline J. Fleischaker of Oklahoma City. It includes works by such notable artists as Thomas Hart Benton, Marc Chagall, Childe Hassam, Henri Matisse, Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso. The Native American paintings, sculpture and pottery include work by such contemporary and historical artists as Allan Houser, Maria Martinez, T.C. Cannon, R.C. Gorman, Stephen Mopope, Fritz Scholder, Jerome Tiger, and Pablita Velarde. Western artists include Ernest L. Blumenschein, E. Irving Couse, Nicolai Fechin, Leon Gaspard and more.
Also housed in the wing are other important works from the collections of Jerome M. Westheimer, Sr., Rennard Strickland, Carol Beesley Hennagin and other works of photography.
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
For more information visit www.ou.edu/fjjma The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is closed on Monday. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.