Thursday, October 31, 2013

L&A: Change up your Halloween routine this year with our list of little-known horror film classics like ‘Shutter’. (Page 6) The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

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

2 013 PA C E M A K E R F I N A L I S T

T H U R S DA Y, O C T O B E R 31, 2 013

COMPETITION

Contest calls for students’ best pitches Applications for New Venture Pitch Competition due Friday KAITLYN UNDERWOOD Campus Reporter

Applications for OU’s fifth annual New Venture Pitch Competition are due Friday, and the competition is open to all students with an idea for a new business.

The New Venture Pitch Competition takes place twice a year, including a larger competition in the fall and a smaller competition in the spring on OU’s Tulsa campus, said Ronald

Bolen, entrepreneurship professor and executive director of the Sooner Launch Pad. Over $20,000 in prize money and business services will be awarded in this year’s New Venture Pitch Competition, Bolen said.

“We strongly encourage students, especially the ones that are not in the college of business, to try,” Bolen said. “Entrepreneurship is really a collaborative, cross-college experience.”

Ryan Bott, multidisciplinary studies senior, is one such non-business major who competed in last spring’s New Venture Pitch Competition near OU’s Tulsa campus.

AT A GLANCE

Timeline for the New Venture Pitch Competition: November 1: Applications due.

November 5: Judges announce approximately five teams chosen to compete.

November 21: Competition takes place at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

SEE NEW VENTURES PAGE 3

HAVING A HOWLING GOOD TIME

BEAUTY KINGS

Competition begins in Mr. OU Pageant

B o tt a n d h i s tea m pa r t n e r, Dav i d Rainwater’s, venture was a mobile app called Veyo that works with local businesses to allow shoppers to complete surveys about the business.

Instead of a long, convoluted survey process, Bott’s app allows consumers to complete a survey about a business quickly from their phones.

“With our app, basically, you can do it in one to two minutes. By the time you have your food done, the survey is done,” Bott said.

Kids enjoy spooky fun at Adams Tower

International student has high hopes for new cultural experiences in pageant SIMENG DAI

Campus Reporter

Yun Yao (Gary) Chang, an exchange student from Taiwan, hesitated to compete in the Mr. OU Pageant this Saturday because of his language and cultural background. Then he realized that this pageant would actually allow him to do just what he came to the U.S. to do – experience another culture.

Chang, business senior, was nervous because an international student hadn’t ever competed in the pageant, but he was encouraged to participate because of his character and competition experience.

“My friend thought my personal characteristics fit this event, so he recommended me to join it,” Chang said. “It is a totally new competition to me – I need to be innovative.”

Finally, after encouragement from all of his friends, Chang decided to participate as the president of the Taiwanese Student Association.

When his friends in Taiwan got the news, they weren’t surprised.

During Chang’s first two years at university in Taiwan,

CHRIS JAMES/THE DAILY

Above: Leo Faz watches as his 3 year old son Gabe opens a prize from a ghost fishing booth on Wednesday at the Safe Trick-orTreat and Fall Carnival held in Adams Tower.

Left: Three year old Duy Nguyen, dressed as Spider-Man, eats cotton candy Wednesday at the Safe Trick-or-Treat and Fall Carnival held in Adams Tower.

The event, originally planned for WalkerAdams Mall, was moved indoors due to rainy weather conditions.

SEE PAGEANT PAGE 2

FOOD WEEK

BOOKS ON DEMAND

Automated library wows Norman Hoedown shares about real foods

Self-service kiosk also has free Wi-Fi

Students Against a Factory-Farming Economy to hold an educational event

BENNETT HALL Campus Reporter

The Pioneer Library System unveiled a new automated library kiosk Tuesday for members to check out materials 24 hours a day.

The self-service machine, which works much like a Redbox kiosk, is located at the Irving Recreation Center on the east side of Norman.

Users can either scan their library card or type in their card’s number when checki ng ou t mat e r i a l s f ro m the kiosk, said Caroline Dulworth, Pioneer Library System collections manager Librar y members can

SIMENG DAI

Campus Reporter

HEATHER BROWN/THE DAILY

The Pioneer Library System unveiled a new automated library kiosk for members to check out materials 24 hours a day. The library is located next to Irving Middle School on Vicksburg Avenue.

use their cards and browse around 400 books, magazines and DVDs at the location and then check out and check in those items

entirely through the ma“We’ve been talking about chine, Dulworth said. the possibility of a service to The kiosk will also provide provide for residents of the free Wi-Fi as an added service to users, Dulworth said.

SEE READBOX PAGE 3

Sports: Pete Moris is used to working behind the scenes.

Get to know the man controlling the OU football media empire. (Page 8)

Students interested in learning about a group’s campaign for more local and sustainable food to be served on campus can attend a Hippie Hoedown Friday evening.

The hoedown will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday in the ROTC Armory and will include a dance, pumpkin cooking contest and free food, said Bridget Burns, president of Students Against a Factory-Farming Economy.

“It is kind of funny because we hold a ‘hippie’ event in an army reserve building,” said Jason Arthaud, a member of the group and an OU law school student.

The event is meant to educate students about “real” food or, rather, local food that’s manufactured fairly, humanely and in a way that’s sustainable to the environment, Arthaud said.

Opinion: It’s okay to satisfy your sweet tooth, but eat sweets in moderation to prevent obesity. (Page 4)

SEE REAL FOOD PAGE 2

VOL. 99, NO. 54 © 2013 OU Publications Board FREE — Additional copies 25¢

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• Thursday, October 31, 2013

Campus

OUDaily.com ›› Interfraternity Council presidential candidates debated Wednesday evening for students to see who they want elected next week. Decide who you want to vote for by reading coverage of the debate online.

Arianna Pickard, campus editor Paighten Harkins and Molly Evans, assistant editors dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com • Twitter: @OUDaily

Pageant: Students to compete for Mr. OU title Continued from page 1

Today around campus A conversation with author Naomi Shihab Nye will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History’s auditorium as a part of the Neustadt Festival.

A trick or treat event will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s first floor lobby. Students can stop by the UPB table for free candy.

A Halloween costume contest will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on the South Oval. Come dressed in your spookiest costume and get your picture taken by The Oklahoma Daily.

A free concert will take place at noon in the Oklahoma Memorial Union food court.

Dustin Scheller will perform as a part of the Mid Day Music program.

Corrections In a p. 1 story in Wednesday’s edition of The Daily about a grant given to engineering programs at OU, Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University, the amount of money given was misreported. The amount was $70 million.

An Oct. 29 online AP story about an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that a state law restricting abortion effectively bans abortion drugs had an incorrect headline. The correct headline is “Oklahoma Supreme Court decides that law bans all abortion drugs.”

Visit OUDaily.com/corrections for an archive of our corrections

he participated in a lot of competitions – so much so that his friends started calling him “Gary Competition Talent.” He even was invited to perform on a TV show in Taiwan called “University” because of his competition experience.

Most of the competitions were traveling shows that took him to different countries and showed him different cultures, he said. This eventually prompted him to go to college in the U.S. “The influence does not fade away,” he said.

Chang believes the competition experience helped him become brave and willing to try new things.

“I hope I can be in Top 5.

At least the talent show can impress the judges,” he said.

Chang said he plans on playing music on the flute that represents cultures from each of the continents for the talent portion at the pageant.

At t h e p a g e a n t , h e’ l l

be supported by all of his American and international student friends, he said.

Brittany Ribble, an Asian studies senior, said she’s impressed with how easily Chang makes friends.

“Gary impresses me in his interactions with other people. He is good at making friends, taking care of the people around him and leading others in a way that encourages everyone involved,” she said.

GO AND DO Mr. OU Pageant When: 7 p.m. Saturday Where: Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium

Tarah Hancock, professional writing and psychology sophomore, said Chang portions all areas of his life well.

“He is a very well-cultured and balanced young man who knows how to be

Photo Provided

Yun Yao (Gary) Chang, business senior poses on campus. Chang will be competing this Saturday for the title of Mr. OU.

as equally studious as he is adventurous,” Hancock said.

The Mr. OU Pageant was created in 2012 by Dehra McGuire, said Alexandra L e n , t h e e v e nt ’s s o c i a l media director. Last year, 14 students participated and this year 13 students are participating.

The pageant includes three categories: sportswear, talent and formal wear and

an interview portion, Len said.

Contestants have a chance to win the Mr. OU crown, a sash and $100, Len said. The fan favorite will win a $50, and winners of each category will win $25.

The Mr. OU Pageant is free to attend and will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday in Meacham Auditorium in the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

Food: Student group advocates for sustainability Continued from page 1

an international and area studies senior. “Many young people don’t know how to cook.”

Some of the events held this week included a food justice The group is beginning a campaign to implement the Real fair, a cooking workshop and a movie screening about how Food Calculator to help students see how much “real” food is food changed after the Great Depression, Burns and Arthaud served on campus, Burns said. said.

Using the calculator, students would be able to classify food and rate it on how “real” it is, according to an invoice provided

by OU Housing & Food, she said.

Burns said the group hopes to see OU Housing and Food serving at least 20 percent “real” food on campus by 2020.

The hoedown will top off Food Week, which the group organized this week to educate students about real food, Burns said.

“Food Week is important because we all eat,” said Burns, Photo provided

Campus

readbox: Reading gets more convenient Continued from page 1 east side of the city for a while,” she said.

The most popular kinds of materials that residents in that zip code circulate through the library will be available for direct checkout through the machines. Residents will also be able to browse and make pick-up orders from the entire library catalogue, Dulworth AT A GLANCE said.

Dulw or th said Automated Kiosk public libraries The Pioneer Library System are a great asset to automated kiosk is located students looking outside the Irving Recreation for pleasure readCenter off Vicksburg Avenue, ing material besouth of Alameda Street on cause they stock Norman’s east side. Library books that are membership is free to all more aligned with current OU students. personal interests than the academic focus of university libraries.

“I would love to see college students using the system.

They could just go and get a DVD if they don’t have Netflix or something,” she said.

The grand opening of the kiosk will take place Friday, but Dulworth said it is already seeing regular traffic throughout the day.

Thursday, October 31, 2013 •

new Ventures: Contest deadline approaches Continued from page 1

Components of the New Venture Pitch Competition: After weeks of preparation, Bott and Rainwater presented their idea at the New Venture Pitch Competition, hoping to gain real-life feedback on the project, Bott said.

“It was definitely very realistic,” Bott said. “It’s essentially as if I was going in front of a board, in front of an investors’ group, so they were asking very detailed questions.”

Presenting his business idea to potential investors helped Bott with his public speaking skills and gave him a glance into the reality of launching a new business, he said.

“It was definitely an incredible experience, very nerve-wracking but very rewarding,” Bott said.

Bott and Rainwater placed third in the long-form pitch competition winning $250.

“I’d definitely recommend it, for me it was one of the most valuable things going forward, especially as I’m trying to start a company now,” Bott said.

Bott and Rainwater took what they learned from the New Venture Pitch Competition and kept working on their mobile app project and are planning to

The long-form pitch:

The elevator pitch:

Requires a 10-minute presentation, according to the competition’s website, including a PowerPoint and speaking points from all team members and a 15-minute question and answer session with the judges, Bolen said. The top three teams place in the long-form competition.

A two-minute long solo presentation without the use of visual aids, Bolen said.

launch the app this year.

“It’s definitely a unique opportunity.

It’s about as real world as I’ve experienced on campus,” Bott said.

To be considered for this year’s competition, students must complete a team registration form and submit a two-page executive summary and PowerPoint presentation about their business idea to the Sooner Launch Pad’s website by Friday, Bolen said.

There are two different components to the competition, the long-form pitch and the elevator pitch.

The $20,000 in prize money will be divided among the three winning

Only one winning team is chosen from the elevator pitch competition.

The competition will be judged by a mix of business college graduate students and alumni.

teams from the long-form pitch and the one winning team from the elevator pitch, Bolen said. The money for the competition comes from the Center for Entrepreneurship’s budget, Bolen said.

“It’s always been started for the same reason, which is to give students at the University of Oklahoma the opportunity to test their business plans out against others students, to be judged, and, frankly, to earn some money,” Bolen said.

Though launching a business while still a student might seem improbable, many students find a way to make it a reality, Bolen said.

Ghosts of Halloweens Past

A look back at a couple of campus’ creepiest costumes

1960: “The Goblins are out tonight”

3

1977: “Good eeevening”

1983: “Crazy Costumes”

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3

Thursday, Oct. 31 Intramural Update: Table Tennis, Badminton, Pickleball | 8 a.m.4 p.m. at the Huston Huffman Fitness Center front desk. $1/ participant for each event, Free if currently living in OU Housing. Singles, Doubles & mixed tournaments will be held for all three events. Contact Jonathan Dewhirst, (405) 325-6755, for more information.

BOOtiful Night | 7 p.m. at Traditions East Apartments. Join your Traditions East RSA for a fun filled Halloween party. Feel free to dress up in your costume or come just as you are and enjoy some FREE food, movie, and spooky surprises. For more information, contact Genesis Cadena at genesiscadena@ou.edu. Presented by the Traditions East Resident Student Association.

Fashion Show, Dance Performance Fundraiser | 7 p.m. at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. The evening serves as a scholarship fundraiser for the School of Dance and is sponsored by the FJJMA with free food provided

by University Catering. Tickets to this fundraiser are $10 and available by phone at (281) 777-7178 and at the door during the event.

Halloween Pre-Party | 8:30-10 p.m. Fred Jones Museum of Art. Come enjoy a hot chocolate bar and desserts! There will be raffles for students in costume, too. Extra raffle tickets for students dressed as an artist or artwork! The party is FREE and open to all college students. For more g at jrfarling@ou.edu j information, contact Jessica Farling or (405) 325-5990.

Friday, Nov. 1 International Bazaar “A Global Marketplace” | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the South Oval. Check out each of the 23 international student organization booths. There will also be cultural performances, music, and handmade clothing jewelry and toys for purchase. Presented by the International Advisory Committee.

Day of the Dead Street Festival | 6 p.m. at the Corner of Boyd & Elm. The Day of the Dead street festival will include food, music, art, and live performances and hands-on activities. Presented by Student Life and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. “What’s All That Racquet?” Tennis Night! | 6 – 8:30 pm at the Headington Family Tennis Center. This event is FREE to all OU students, faculty, staff, and their families. All tennis equipment will be provided and all levels of experience are welcome. (Non-Marking Shoes Required).

Come “play the pro” or learn the fundamentals of tennis! Presented by OU Fitness and Recreation.

University Theatre presents CAROUSEL | 8 p.m. at the Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Winner of 5 Tony Awards®, Olivier Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Awards. The Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” a touching story of hope and redemption. For more information, please contact Fine Arts Box Office, sbent@ou.edu 405-325-4101. Additional showing will be Nov. 2 at 3 & 8 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.

CAC C Concert Series: The Polyphonic Spree | 6:30 p.m. on the

East La Lawn of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Enjoy the FREE concert and costum cos costume contest. For more information, go to cac.ou.edu.

Friday, Nov. 1 (continued) Frida Fri FREE Movie: ‘We’re The Millers’ | 6, 9 p.m. & midnight in Meacham eacham

Auditor Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Enjoy one of the funniest comedies of the year before it is available on Blu-Ray/DVD! Presented by the Union Programming Board and Campus p Activities Council. p. will be Nov. 2 at 3 & 8 p.m. and Nov. 3 at 3 p.m p.m.

Saturday, S t d Nov. 2 N Movie Matinee: ‘We’re The Millers’ | 3 p.m in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council.

Sooner Ally training | 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Sooner Room, OMU - Sooner Allies are individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, who are committed to help make OU a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff to succeed. To become an official Sooner Ally, register at studentlife.ou.edu! Presented by the Women’s Outreach Center and Student Life.

Men’s Basketball vs Washburn | 2 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center. The OU Men’s Basketball Team kicks off the 2013-14 season with an Exhibition game. Come check out the Sooners new fast-paced offense! Tickets available at soonersports. com.

Wrestling vs Shorter College | 5 p.m. at Southmoore High School. Wrestling begins their season at Southmoore High School against Shorter College. Cheer on wrestling for a strong start to their season.

Volleyball vs Texas | 6:30 p.m. at McCasland Field House. Students get in FREE with ID. The defending national champion Texas Longhorn Volleyball team is coming to town. Go help cheer on the Sooner Volleyball team as they look to defeat Texas for the 2nd time in the last 3 years at home!

Women’s Basketball vs Cameron | 7 p.m. at Lloyd Noble Center. Students get in FREE with ID. On a busy Saturday for OU Sports don’t forget about checking out the OU Women’s Basketball Team as they also kick off their 2013-14 season with an Exhibition game at Lloyd Noble.

Mr. OU Pageant | 7 p.m. in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union.

The second annual, light-hearted Mr. OU Pageant will showcase some of our student leaders here on campus. This event is FREE for all students to enjoy!

Expect a night of fresh, fun, and hilarious entertainment. There’s ALWAYS SOMETHING in the Union, upb.ou.edu. u..

Sunday, Nov. 3

Drive for Success | 7 p.m. at Traditions West Apartments. Come help us kick off our community food and school supplies drive with CASP and discuss the importance of giving back to the community with some CASP staff members.

For more information, contact Molly Retherford at molly.retherford@ou.edu.

Presented by the Traditions West Resident Student Association.

School of Music debut - Stephen Beus | 3 p.m. at the Sharp Concert Hall. The School of Music presents Stephen Beus Piano Concert, which is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact School of Music, sbent@ou.edu 325-2081.

This Th This Thi hsU University ni in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations iio on nss do doe d does oes no oe not n ot ot dis d di discriminate sc iiminat scriminate i tte on the th h basis basiiis off race, b race ace color, color l national natti tional i l origin, oriiigiiin sex origin sex, sexuall orientation ori orientation, iientati t tiiion genetic tii iinformation, inf in ffo orma age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its itts policies, policies, pol cies, practices pr or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment,

4

• Thursday, October 31, 2013

OPINION

Alex Niblett, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/opinion • Twitter: @OUDailyOpinion

EDITORIAL

COLUMN

Junk food isn’t the sweetest New approaches moderately obese and should not be consuming It’s fine to munch on candy and sweets, but enjoy sugar and treats to the extent of some children it in moderation for your health’s sake. this Halloween season.”

She concludes by noting that she hopes the America is one of the widest countries parents will not allow their child to conin the world, and we don’t mean tinue his or her unhealthy eating the distance from California habits. to North Carolina. We are Regardless of her motalking about the cirtives and intent, this is cumference of our not an appropriate waistbands. approach to conObesity in quering childhood AT A GLANCE America has obesity.

•According to the Centers for Disease Control been an issue Think about and Prevention, Oklahoma is one of the 13 U.S. for years and it. What is she states that had an obesity prevalence equal to has lasting going to hand or greater than 30 percent in 2012 (Oklahoma’s is 32.2 percent — 1.8 percent higher than in consequences. out to the ex2010).

It affects the tremely skinny sizes of clothes kids? Give them •More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese (35.7 percent), also according to CDC. and desks mana heap of candy ufactured, it or a burger? She •For more information on obesity, visit Obesity costs our counis accurate that Society at Obesity.org or ObesityinAmerica.org try billions of obesity is an issue, dollars in medical and it’s a good thing expenses and, most she wants to address significantly, it takes unhealthy eating habpeople’s lives. its. But instead of singling The issue is a literal killer. out “moderately obese” kids, It’s a concern that needs to be it would be more mature and tackled, but it’s also a personal matter thoughtful of her to pass out healthier that needs to be delicately handled. options instead of candy for Halloween.

Today is Halloween, Aside from this letter nonsense, obesiand we all know what that ty is a topic worth addressing because it is a The Our View is the majority means — candy, candy and life-threatening issue, one that is too costly to opinion of more candy. Is a piece of ignore.

The Daily’s candy going to make you The annual medical expenditures that atnine-member obese? Probably not. But if tribute to obesity have doubled in less than editorial board you’re eating an excess of a decade, according to a study conducted by candy daily, you may want researchers at RTI International, the Agency to pull in the reigns on your love for it, startfor Healthcare Research and Quality and the ing with limiting the number of Halloween Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. treats you consume tonight.

The study also suggests obesity costs the U.S. Making healthy eating habits takes self-disaround $147 billion annually. cipline and is a matter of choice. One woman Costs aside, health is a primary concern, and in Fargo, N.D., however, is taking it upon herthis is true for athletes too. Many of our football self to make that choice for others. players increase their muscle mass to strengthIn an effort to fight childhood obesity, toen their tackles and blocks, but the additional night she will be handing out letters instead PHOTO weight isn’t all muscle. One study managed PROVIDED by Ohio State University suggests this excess of candy to trick-or-treaters who appear “moderately obese” in her eyes. Guess the weight may lead to diabetes and heart disease larger kids will be getting tricked instead of treat- later in life. That doesn’t apply just to football ed at her door. players — it applies to everyone.

The woman’s letter is short and simple, beginWe know the college lifestyle can make eating ning with a warm wish for a happy Halloween healthy challenging, but it’s important you try to and happy holidays. Then she asks, “Have you watch the amount of food you eat, as well as the ever heard the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a number of nutrients your meals contain. You’ll child’?” thank yourself down the road.

Her letter expresses her disappointment with her local “village” before making an even boldComment on this at OUDaily.com er statement: “Your child is, in my opinion, Our View: Obesity is a serious issue in America.

weaken church

P

ope Francis, in a OPINION COLUMNIST wide-ranging interview with the editor of a Jesuit periodical called La Civiltà Cattolica, addressed issues that have divided more than just the Catholic faith. In discussing abortion, contraception and Corbin Brown gay marriage, the pope said brown.corbin.h@ou.edu he hoped to diminish the Catholic Church’s image as an antiquated institute primarily concerned with theological minutiae and fervently condemning those who spurn Catholic doctrine.

But should the Vatican address these issues? If one desires a Church that can survive the tumults of public opinion, the answer is no.

Alexis de Tocqueville once wrote, “When religion aims to depend upon the principles of this world, it becomes almost as vulnerable as all other powers on this earth … linked to fleeting powers, it follows their fortunes and often collapses together with those passions which sustain them for a day.”

A minute’s glance at the course of Western civilization will be enough to confirm his statement. Throughout its 2000year history, the Catholic Church has supported geocentrism and predestination.

The Church’s former attachment to these ideas has lessened its standing in the world. One could argue that their shifting positions on these issues reveal the Vatican’s somewhat mortal foundation. Rather than solely maintaining its position as the guardian of Christian doctrine, the Catholic Church has demonstrated a keen interest in shifting the course of political affairs.

If the Catholic Church wants to be that guardian, it must first spurn all commentary on those issues that are within the arena of public discourse. Joining this fray will position it as nothing more than another combatant.

Pope Francis’s attempt at changing widely accepted Church doctrine will do little for the Vatican. While it may curry the favor of those who are supportive of gay marriage for the time being, its long-term outcomes appear far from advantageous.

It is plausible that in the face of drastically falling Church membership, Pope Francis is commencing what may be the first of many maneuvers aimed at stemming this decline.

Whether he is successful is a matter of speculation.

Should the Vatican choose to avoid discussing the contentious social issues of today, it will appear timid and willfully irrelevant to many of the Catholic faith who expect the Church to act as a representative for Catholic principles.

Unlike Pope Francis, however, these members of the Catholic laity are not attempting to steer a religious institution in a world where the number of Christians has diminished.

Since 1910, the portion of Europeans and Americans who are Christian has fallen from 93 percent to 63 percent, according to a 2011 study by the Pew Research Center. The increasing irreligiousness of those populations that were once strongly Christian poses the greatest risk to the Vatican’s influence.

The Catholic Church’s insistence on addressing such contentious issues like gay marriage neither improves their influence in the world, nor will a sudden shift in the Church’s official doctrine restore their scattered flock. The century-long decline of Christianity will be difficult to reverse, and a Catholic Church that positions itself as an institution less than divinely-inspired will do little to help.

Corbin Brown is a University College freshman.

COLUMN

Stop wasting time on trivial things and pay attention to what matters

T

OPINION COLUMNIST he world has monstrous, copious problems.

Starvation, debt, wars, depression…there are countless unsolved crises, and yet, people spend their energy strategizing over fantasy football or what level they’ve Chandler Neal conquered on Candy Crush. chandler.v.neal-1@ou.edu Our priorities as human beings have gone by the wayside.

We give too much attention to trivial matters when there are some things — many things, in fact — that should be ignored because they have no lasting significance in this world.

Recently, Fox News covered a story about the Marine Corps adopting a new hat for their uniform. The Department of Defense proposed a unisex hat, rather than having separate male and female hats, which differ slightly in style. After taking an anonymous survey to see which hat Marines preferred, they discovered most liked the style of the female hat better.

Since the survey was released, many critics have said the new version of the hat looks too “girly” and would emasculate the men. Both hats are very similar in appearance, the only difference being that the men’s hat is slightly wider on top.

Who cares? Why does the style of a Marine’s hat matter if he or she is doing their duty? If the Marine Corps have operated this long without their hat causing any major problems, it doesn’t need to be questioned now.

Instead, they should be worried about repaying the debt to the Marines caused by the government shutdown, not spending more money to transform their uniform.

I’m not saying small problems can’t turn into issues that need to be solved. During the civil rights movement, a seat on a bus may have seemed trivial, but it had extraordinary consequences.

There is a point, however, when we need to put priorities in order and realize apathy can be beneficial.

Do you know what sound a fox makes? I don’t. The mysteries of a woodland creature’s vocal habits will remain unknown to me, and I don’t care. I do care that someone made the decision to spend time and money producing a video about the noises of a fox. It’s an outrageous waste of time and energy.

There are times when it’s beneficial to focus on things that don’t have such a divine purpose. It’s healthy to take a step back from the solemn matters of life and do something silly. If we didn’t, the world would fall into depression. But we need to remember where our priorities lie and be sure to give proper attention where it’s due.

Albuquerque, N.M., recently held a fake funeral for the popular television character Walter White from Breaking Bad. They dug a grave, made a headstone and almost 200 people came to “pay their respects” to the imaginary man.

PHOTO PROVIDED

When I first heard about this, I was ashamed at the way people had chosen to spend their time. Then I discovered the town used the event to raise nearly $17,000 for a local charity.

This, I can respect. If we’re going to spend time and money on seemingly insignificant things, at least let it be for a good cause.

There is a time to be frivolous and a time to be practical.

We just need to keep things in perspective.

Chandler Neal is a University College freshman.

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Thursday, October 31, 2013 •

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classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-2521

J Housing Rentals

C Transportation

PLACE AN AD Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A

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

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

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N G F O R S H O R T WA L KS DU TA K E - O U T A RIN G A N I T R S ND G RDE O S LU T S A P NC R T O K I N I T H AT C H S I H B T ST CO ALL HO UG H E O O NG B UR K T E I S N SS G JU OM HE AL EO TH BS YM CE EA NI TY LS LA WS

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POLICY

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T: 10.5 in

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.

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want better health care? start asking more questions. to your doctor. to your pharmacist. to your nurse. what are the test results? what about side effects? don’t fully understand your prescriptions? don’t leave confused. because the most important question is the one you should have asked. go to www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer or call 1-800-931-AHRQ (2477) for the 10 questions every patient should ask. questions are the answer.

D RT E

GOI

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

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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.

TAKE A SMALL STEP TO GET HEALTHY. Get started at www.smallstep.gov

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HOROSCOPE

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By Bernice Bede Osol

Copyright 2012,

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 Plan to have some fun in the year ahead. Decorating, renovating or making a positive move that allows you greater freedom to pursue outside interests will be just what the doctor ordered. Activity and innovation will spur valuable new relationships.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Put more muscle and elbow grease behind any job you’re asked to do.

By taking on more responsibility, you will encourage others to look to you for answers. Take control of your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Don’t give in too easily today.

Do what you can to help others, but keep personal information a secret. Sharing a good time is one thing, but divulging your feelings is something else.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -Take pride in what you do, and you will be given the opportunity to take on more responsibility. It’s a good day to attend to business, sign deals or firm up on an agreement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Expect to receive plenty of suggestions from well-meaning individuals, but when it comes down to making a decision, you will be best served by taking a chance and doing things your way.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- You’ve got what it takes to get what you want. Don’t wait for someone else to step in and take over. Broaden your plans and expect to raise your standard of living.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You’ll thrive on change. Share your emotions and don’t be afraid to stand up to anyone acting pushy. Someone from a different background will spark your interest.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Discuss your plans and get started on them.

The more energy you put behind whatever you do, the more interest you will gather. A partnership will increase your chance to excel.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Work relentlessly and put your signature on whatever you do if you want to receive star treatment. Compliments will encourage you to make an important move.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- He who hesitates is lost. Don’t let an emotional situation ruin your plans or your fun. Getting involved in an event, activity or social gathering will be to your benefit.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Someone is likely to face off against you.

You will have to make an instant decision followed by a fast move if you want to maintain what you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Bend a little, and you will get whatever you want. Conversations will help you gain respect and the support you need to achieve your goals.

Good fortune will come from helping others.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Don’t second-guess yourself. If you don’t understand, ask. Once you have a clear picture regarding what you are supposed to do, you will be able to add your own touch.

10/31

YES WE ...! By Hank Casem

6

• Thursday, October 31, 2013

LIFE&ARTS

OUDaily.com ›› The Neustadt Festival has now begun. See our coverage of the reknowned literature events on our website.

Megan Deaton, life & arts editor Tony Beaulieu, assistant editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/life&arts • Twitter: @OUDailyArts

film

Add mystery to your Halloween Eve with these spooky international flicks you may have overlooked. life & arts columnist

Sama Khawaja Sama.Khawaja-1@ou.edu

I

t’s Hallowen, and you know what that means — scary movie marathons galore. But let’s be honest. The horror movies these days just don’t quite cut it. So why not try a few underground horror flicks?

You might be surprised with a gem you’ve uncovered.

(2004, Thailand) Directors: Banjong Pisanthanakun and Parkpoom Wongpoom Those who have watched the American remake may groan about it, but one sentence will change your mind about the Thai version: originals beat remakes any day.

The scenes have the right amount of horror to scare the pants off you, yet convince you to keep watching until the very end. There isn’t much to be said about the plot because it is identical to the 2008 remake. However, the delivery of emotions is definitely 10 times better. It’s not a bad way to start a scary movie night marathon. Just don’t forget the subtitles.

photo provided

“Suspiria” is a 1977 Italian film about a ballet student trapped in a dance school with mysterious happenings.

(1977, Japan) Director: Nobuhiko Obayashi First, it must be acknowledged that the Japanese are infamous for their bizarre ideas. It is no surprise that after you finish watching “House,” you kind of question your sanity.

The story revolves around a Japanese schoolgirl visiting her late aunt’s country home with five of her friends, where they are suddenly pitted against the supernatural and must survive before the house devours them.

This movie is unique, not in the sense that it is the best horror movie, but it is so unbelievably random you don’t know whether to laugh, scream or call up your therapist. It is definitely a much-needed break from all the mundane Hollywood horror movies being pumped out annually.

(1977, Italy) Director: Dario Argento It’s the music that really gets to you in this film. The soft

but eerie whispers in the background never fail to send a chill down your spine.

The movie is about a ballet student who attends a prestigious dance school in Germany and uncovers the truth of why the students are dying gruesome deaths. The movie is a cult classic with its vibrant visuals and rock band-based soundtrack. If you love gory horror films, then this one is definitely for you.

(2009, USA) Director: The Guard Brothers I am a huge fan of plot twists, and “The Uninvited” definitely has a good one.

The movie tells the tale of Anna, who is in a psychiatric ward for a suicide attempt after her mother died in a horrible fire. She returns home to be reunited with her father and sister and also their father’s new wife, Rachel, who was the live-in nurse for their sick mother. The girls suspect there is more to Rachel than meets the eye and can(1999, Japan) not believe what they uncover.

Director: Takashi Miike I don’t want to give away too much since the joy of Oh, Japan, you have done it again. watching this movie lies in its delivery. It’s not Oscar ma“Audition” is about a widower who wants to start dating terial, but you have to admire the dark and disturbing again. To help him, his friend holds an audition to find the idea it portrays. perfect girl. In comes a seemingly sweet girl with a suspicious background. Our character falls in love, everything seems to be going fine and then the death count starts.

See more online Word of advice: Speed dating never works. You never Full article at OUDaily.com know when you’re going to get an overly attached oudaily.com/news/ae girlfriend.

SENIORS ENROLL NOW! DID YOU KNOW THAT ENROLLING IN AT LEAST 15 HOURS EACH SEMESTER OR 30 HOURS EACH YEAR HELPS YOU STAY ON TRACK FOR GRADUATION?

SO DON’T FORGET...

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

YOU ARE INVITED! Public Master Classes

Marilyn Horne Former Star of the Metropolitan Opera, praised by critics as having “the greatest voice of the 20th Century”

7 p.m.

Friday, November 1 Pitman Recital Hall Catlett Music Center OU Arts District Free and Open to the Public For more information, go to www.ou.edu/finearts The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo

- THE PRIDE OF OKLAHOMA

LIFE&ARTS HORROR STORY CONTEST

Library ghost

OU Freshman Programs professor, Jeff Provine, was the winner of The Daily’s horror story contest. Read the winning story below.

I

DAILY FILE ART

The stacks are rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a student.

like to watch them while they study.

I peek at them between the shelves and watch with my eyes, or my impressions of eyes. My own eyes were taken away when the rest of me was buried.

They know I’m there, even though some of them pretend I’m not. They can feel me as they sit at the little desks surrounded by books even older than me.

They have their chemistry or zoology books laid out in front of them, and they pretend to read while they punch buttons on their little wireless telephones. I watch them.

Their hairs stand up on end. Their skin begins to prickle. They can feel what little warmth there is drain away while I watch from behind the shelves. They turn slowly, searching for me, seeing a shadow behind the shelves.

I come closer, creeping over the frosted glass plates in the floor. I’m careful never to step in the middle of one again. That glass broke under me; it betrayed me those many years ago. I remember falling, a quick pain, and then I was looking down at myself. I watched as the men in white coats

took my body away, the neck twisted, something jagged stabbing out. My blue eyes were open wide, staring without a soul inside.

I stay in the decks, moving from one to another to find students to watch. If it’s one I like, I stand behind them, breathing cold breaths on their neck. Sometimes I might even pat their shoulder and feel them cringe under my unseen fingers.

They never stay very long.

Sometimes they don’t notice me and walk right by.

They go hunting for ancient books and never think to ask the one who has spent decades looking through them. I know where every tome and paperback is, and they ignore me.

I follow them. I try to be heard. Frustrated, I scream.

Still they walk on, selfish and leaving me alone. I get so angry I throw books off the shelves.

They notice that, and it makes them run away from me. I don’t like to do it, but sometimes I get so lonely it hurts. I miss talking. I miss being alive.

I wonder if another glass plate will give loose. I wonder if someone will come join me, and we can haunt the decks together.

Thursday, October 31, 2013 •

›››› Sooner Sampler: What are you being for Halloween?

“I’m going to be what I am every year, and that’s a caveman.”

JAMES WILSON, HUMAN RELATIONS SOPHOMORE

“I’m going to be Emma Swan from ‘Once Upon a Time.’”

SARAH BIGGS, UNIVERSITY COLLEGE FRESHMAN

“We’re actually not dressing up for Halloween ... we’re focusing on school.”

SUMYR MOFFITT, PRE-NURSING JUNIOR

TEAM TRIVIA

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Stay connected with The Oklahoma Daily

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

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7

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• Thursday, October 31, 2013

OUDaily.com ››

SPORTS

The football team has faced an uphill battle with injuries this season, but it has bounced back with young talent.

Julia Nelson, sports editor Joe Mussatto, assistant editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666 oudaily.com/sports • Twitter: @OUDailySports

Dillon Phillips • Inside the Huddle editor

P

ete Moris’s office is a bit of a mess.

One part coach’s office and one part dive bar, it’s covered with mementos from the OU assistant athletic director and director of communications’ past — its tabletops and walls so cluttered with NFL memorabilia, knickknacks and keepsakes, that half a dozen picture frames sit on the floor, leaning against the wall until the day comes when they finally can find a place to hang among the others.

These items document Moris’ history and disjointed journey from Wisconsin to Iowa to Indianapolis to Florida to Kansas City back to Wisconsin and finally to Norman. Along the way, he’s ascended through ranks of football front offices across the country.

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ow a 20-year veteran of the sports information field, he heads the communications department at Oklahoma. While the job allows Moris to stay close to the sport he’s loved since he was a kid, it hasn’t been easy on him. Or anyone, for that matter. “It’s relentless,� said Kenny Mossman, OU senior associate athletics director and director of external operations. “It doesn’t take a day off, especially during the season, but even outside the season it can be the kind of job that stays in your face 24-7.�

In Moris’ current capacity, he acts as the media liaison for the football team and oversees the communications departments for OU’s 20 other varsity sports teams. While the job isn’t for everyone, Moris said, he believes the work ethic his parents instilled in him has allowed him to manage his work diligently. “I grew up with people who — that’s kind of what they did — they worked,� Moris said. “They worked. They went to church. And then they went to sleep.�

M

oris was born on Oct. 30, 1970, in Mount Hope, a small town in Grant County in rural southwest Wisconsin. The only child of dairy farmers, Moris took an interest in sports at an early age, especially football, thanks to the popularity of the Green Bay Packers.

Unfortunately for Moris, pickup games in his backyard or at recess or after school were the only opportunities he had to play the game he so loved — Grant County was too small to field 22-man football teams. “I kind of had to live vicariously through watching it on TV and kind of playing in the backyard,� Moris said. “So then when I kind of had the opportunity to work in football, you still kind of live vicariously through those players and coaches.�

Unable to play football, Moris still had an itch to play sports, so he chose to pursue basketball. By the time he graduated from West Grant High School in 1989 — a graduating class of a whopping 25 people, Moris said — he had become a team captain.

After high school, Moris attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he played basketball.

But Moris soon realized his future wasn’t in basketball.

After his sophomore season, Moris sat down with his coach, former Wisconsin assistant and Saint Louis coach Brad Soderberg, to talk about his career plans. Moris had yet to declare a major, but Soderberg asked him, point black, where he saw himself in five years.

Half-joking, Moris said he wanted to be the general manager of the Packers. Soderberg asked him what he was doing to get there.

Moris was taken aback by his coach’s directness, but Soderberg persisted. He told Moris to come back in a week with a plan to become the next GM of the Packers. “That kind of got the wheels turning,� Moris said.

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take care of it

rom there, Moris started working in Loras’s sports information office and began compiling a portfolio.

After his junior year, he started applying for internships in NFL front offices.

The summer between his junior and senior year, Moris received a training-camp internship with the Indianapolis Colts.

During Moris’s four-week internship, the team’s director of media content, Craig Kelley, quickly learned Moris’s work ethic set him apart from the other interns. “He was willing to go whatever path it took to get where he wanted to go,� Kelley said.

Upon graduating from Loras, Moris took a year-long internship with the University of Florida’s sports information

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office, where he saw now-OU coach Lon Kruger lead the Gators to their first ever Final Four appearance.

After completing that internship, Moris hunted for a fulltime position, recruiting the help of Kelley to search for openings. Just prior to the start of the 1994 season, Moris got an internship with the Kansas City Chiefs. His boss, nowChiefs Historian Bob Moore, noticed the same qualities in Moris that Kelley mentioned. “You put him in a room with five other people, and he becomes the top guy because he outworks them all,� Moore said.

Moris worked his way up to a full-time position and continued to climb the Chiefs’ ranks. In 2002, he became the associate director of public relations — a position he would until he left the organization.

B

ut after the 2010 season, with the franchise still reeling from the 2006 death of owner and founder Lamar Hunt and uncertainty about the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement looming, the Chiefs fired 11 employees. Moris was one of them. “I was there for 17 years and kept coming to work until they told me not to come to work,� Moris said. “I love Kansas City, love the Chiefs. It was a great place to work, but it was kind of a perfect storm of a lot of different things.�

DON’t FORGET to pick up your vouchers!

scary

It can be out there without them!

OKLAHOMA MEMORIAL UNION, CONOCO CENTER

Monday-Friday Noon - 7 pm

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