THURSDAYY N NOVEMBER OVEMBER 19, 2009
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Green Corn Revival will perform in Norman this weekend. Find the preview inside. PAGE 11
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FIRST-DEGREE ARSON HEATS UP CRIME ON CAMPUS Chemistry department coordinator charged with starting three fires RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer
An OU staff member has been charged with three counts of first-degree arson in relation to three small fires that occurred in the Chemistry Building earlier this semester. Susan Lauterbach, coordinator of instructional labs and facility safety for the OU chemistry and biochemistry department, was charged with three counts of arson Tuesday after she allegedly attempted to start fires in the Chemistry Building and the Chemistry Annex Sept. 8, 10 and 11, Cleveland County
District Court documents stated. not my problem.” “It was learned through the course of this Lauterbach has been on administrative investigation that Lauterbach’s lack of in- leave since mid-September and will remain terpersonal skills had been specifiso until the case is resolved, OU cally criticized and noted during her spokesman Jay Doyle stated in an personnel evaluation and through e-mail. statements from other supervisors Leach later states that Lauterbach and co-workers,” OU Fire Marshal was angry with the OU Chemistry Kevin Leach stated in a probable Department for not including her cause affidavit. “Lauterbach had a in conversations regarding the inpersonal dislike for her supervisor stallation of security cameras in the Robert Houser and believed him to chemistry buildings. Lauterbach SUSAN be an adversary.” also felt she was unappreciated and Leach states Lauterbach sent an LAUTERBACH undercompensated and that her e-mail to a colleague that seemed authority had been downgraded, questionable in how she felt toward Houser. Leach stated. “I’m not fighting with him anymore,” “Control of the budget for the Instructional Lauterbach states. “If the building burns, it’s Labs had been taken away from [her],” Leach
stated. “Lauterbach had become upset with how changes were occurring in the chemistry department and her role in the decision making process.” While OU officials investigated the fire Sept. 11, Leach stated Lauterbach attempted to interfere with the investigation. “Lauterbach was a disgruntled employee that was looking for other employment,” Leach stated. Leach stated the fire in room 326 of the Chemistry Annex Sept. 8 was found to be intentionally set. “I have determined that the fire was intentionally set by igniting paper towels inside a locked teaching assistant closet located ARSON CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
International students adjust to US drinking laws Power outage leaves students in the dark Students stuck in elevator during blackout RICKY MARANON Daily Staff Writer
laws by his friends in Italy. He was not, however, told that beer from gas stations could not be higher than 3.2 percent alcohol by volume. Prasad said the first time he drank beer from a gas station in Oklahoma it felt like he was drinking water. “The fact that you’re drinking more, [makes] you think you’re getting more drunk, but you’re actually just fooling yourself,” Prasad said. Prasad’s roommate, Saydi Nurmanov, is a petroleum engineering senior and
Two students were trapped in an elevator of Couch Center Wednesday morning because of a power outage. At 5:20 a.m., a power outage occurred in campus housing, a few academic buildings, and the Oklahoma Memorial Union, OU Physical Plant spokeswoman Amanda Hearn stated in an e-mail. The Physical Plant experienced an electrical cable fault in OU’s underground utility system, and crews restored power to campus housing by approximately 7:20 a.m., she stated. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate the understanding of the OU community,” Hearn stated. “Power outages are uncommon, but our system may occasionally experience a fault. When that happens, we just do our best to return power to campus as soon and safely as possible.” Hearn stated when the electricity went out, two students were trapped in an elevator in Couch Center. Allen Hicks, University College freshman, was on the first floor of Couch Center and assisted in helping the two students get out of the elevator. “I was on [the 10th floor] when the power went out,” Hicks said. “I wasn’t sure what was going on at the time so I thought that it’d be safe if I went down to the first floor just in case there was an emergency.” Hicks said when arrived on the first floor, he saw an OU employee trying to open the doors to the elevator.
DRINKING CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAGDI NURMANOV
At a bar in Kazakhstan, Sagdi Nurmanov (left), petroleum engineering senior, toasts a beer with his neighborhood friend Nariman Tokymbekov. At the time of the photo, Nurmanov was 18, which was of legal age to drink in Kazahkstan, but not in the United States.
First drink in other countries often a family experience TROY WEATHERFORD Daily Staff Writer
Eight years after his first drink and five years after first legally purchasing alcohol in Italy, Rakash Prasad was finally old enough to drink in Oklahoma. Prasad, computer engineering senior, came to OU from Italy when he was 18 years old. He had been going to bars in Italy since he was 13, but waited three years before he could enter a bar in the United States at 21.
“It’s [screwed] up, because all of a sudden you can’t drink,” Prasad said. In Italy, there is no minimum drinking age. Although bar-goers are supposed to be at least 16, bartenders never checked IDs, Prasad said. Prasad said he didn’t stop drinking when he got to the United States, he merely adjusted his habits. Although he stopped going to bars, more stricter drinking laws didn’t stop him from drinking in his dorm room and at parties, he said. Before coming to the U.S., Prasad said he was warned about differences in the alcohol
Times reporter speaks to students Former OU football star leads blood drive Speaker says reporting overseas difficult but necessary
Students help blood shortage, give back through donations
CAITLIN HARRISON Daily Staff Writer
Richard Oppel, Jr. is no stranger to international affairs, but he said Wednesday while visiting OU that more newspapers are unaccustomed to foreign issues than ever before. Oppel, New York Times foreign affairs correspondent, said Wednesday while his newspaper and a few prominent others have several reporters placed in countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan to cover conflict, many papers no longer do so. “I think collectively, it’s the kind of story you would think the media would collectively have more people covering, but it’s an expensive story to cover too, and now’s not the right time to be covering expensive stories,” Oppel said. Mike Boettcher, journalism and international and area studies professor and friend of Oppel, said it seems like there are fewer reporters these days who want to cover conflict halfway across the world. REPORTER CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
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Richard Oppel, Jr., foreign affairs correspondent for the New York Times, answers questions from students in a military diplomacy class Wednesday afternoon in Hester Hall.
Cross since February. “I was working in Dallas, but the director, who’s an alumna of OU, offered me this position in Norman,” Perkins said. “Since I played football in Norman, it was a good SUMMAYAH ANWAR Daily Staff Writer idea to be back around campus. It will be a good opportunity for me to give back to the Antonio Perkins set records and played community.” for championships while decked out in OU’s Perkins was not alone in wanting to give crimson and cream. Now, he’s doing his back to the community. part to boost a different kind of Cleveland “I want to be able to help out those who County crimson. suffered at Fort Hood and anyPerkins is the blood donor reone else who needs it,” said Justin cruitment representative for the McCullough, University College American Red Cross in the Cleveland freshman. County area. Tricia Vanscoy, however, was a “I hope to get at least 40 people little anxious. here today, if not more,” Perkins said “I’m scared to death of needles, Wednesday while sitting in the OU but I’m still going to give blood. I Armory. “I want to make students want to give back to the community and this community aware of how ANTONIO and help save lives,” said Vanscoy, crucial blood donations are. Blood PERKINS pre-dental hygiene sophomore. is used for everything from [chemoPerkins said her donation could therapy] to premature births. Surgeons even be life-saving, and not just for one person. plan surgeries around the availability of “One person’s donation can save up blood. I want people to be better informed to three lives. That’s a pint of blood that of the process. Blood is currently obtained could save three lives,” Perkins said. “Every only through donations.” Perkins has been working with the Red BLOOD DRIVE CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
© 2009 OU PUBLICATIONS BOARD
VOL. 95, NO. 65
2 Thursday, November 19, 2009 Meredith Moriak, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051
Reporter Continued from page 1 “There are really only a handful of reporters who continue to cover this on a full-time basis, and Rich is one of them,” Boettcher said. “The biggest danger of all is not bombs there, but it’s ignorance here.” Boettcher, a veteran CNN and NBC reporter, is also an international journalist. He has covered foreign affairs in Iraq and Afghanistan, and returned from the Middle East last summer after he and his son were embedded reporters there. Oppel, who has worked for the New York
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Times since 1999, began reporting overseas in 2004. He has reported from Iraq, Afghanistan, and most recently, Pakistan. While in Pakistan, Oppel covered major stories including the Mumbai bombing and the Taliban takeover of the city of Swat. Oppel said the most difficult part of reporting in a foreign country was getting his feet on the ground and establishing sources. “When you go to a new country like that, there’s a pretty steep learning curve in figuring out sources,” Oppel said. “It takes a lot of work to get your feet on the ground with sourcing, and just understanding this very complicated nuance story.” Although Oppel was embedded in
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Afghanistan, he said it was not necessary to do so in Pakistan. “Much of Pakistan is quite safe. There’s always a bombing risk and a kidnapping risk anywhere in the Middle East, I suppose,” Oppel said. “But there’s a lot of it that’s not hospitable, so you just have to know which is which.” Oppel said he wanted to report overseas to do something different, and that he has found foreign reporting produces an interesting story. Boettcher noted that Afghanistan is one of the most difficult stories he has tried to tell. “ In t h re e d e c a d e s o f d o i n g t h i s, Afghanistan is the most difficult story that
Blood drive
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
“We were told that there was an emergency device we could trigger to open the doors, so we got a wire hanger and tried to active the device that would open the doors,” Hicks said. He said he was in the process of opening the doors when an OU Police Department officer made them stop and wait for the fire department. “We almost had it figured out, but the police officer was worried we were going to damage the door,” Hicks said. “If they thought we were going to damage the door, then I can only imagine how the officer felt when the fire department took a crowbar to the door.” Hicks said the Norman Fire Department was about to use the Jaws of Life to open the door when physical plant employees showed up with a metal wire to trigger the emergency switch that would open the door. “They were doing the exact same thing we were doing at first, but only they were going from right to left instead of left to right,” Hicks said. Hicks said the two students appeared to be somewhat shaken up but not totally freaked out. “When people get stuck in an elevator, there are emergency phones available for them to use,” said Lauren Royston, OU Housing and Food Services spokeswoman. Royston said Housing and Food worked to notify other OU departments that a power outage had occurred, in case some students’ alarms were affected by the outage. “When we do have outages, we try to get in contact with Resident Life,” Royston said. “Resident Life will reach out to University College, and they will notify certain professors that an outage has occurred and some students may not be present in class.” Royston said she had not heard of many students who were affected by the outage.
community needs to have a good supply of blood, in case a catastrophe happens.” Perkins said working with the Red Cross has allowed him to become communityminded and use his name to help save lives. “While I was playing football at OU, coach Stoops always encouraged us to do community service,” Perkins said. “People look up to athletes and if they recognize and appreciate them, they will recognize and appreciate what they do,” Since he began working with the Red Cross, Perkins has helped set up two other
Arson Continued from page 1 inside a secured room...,” Leach stated. “I ... determined the fire to be willful and malicious, based upon its nature, elimination of other accidental heat sources and circumstances associated with this investigation.” According to the affidavit, the damages in the first fire are estimated to be valued at $13,000. Leach also stated Lauterbach cleaned up room 326, and later requested extra compensation for her work in the room. She was denied extra compensation, the affidavit stated.
I’ve encountered to try to tell, to get around them, to just understand it as a place that we’re in, and its people, what makes them tick,” Boettcher said. “It’s a much harder story to tell than Iraq.” Oppel said he will go back to Afghanistan soon, and then on to Pakistan in December for a couple months. “It’s exciting,” Oppel said. “It’s a really interesting story. I’m looking forward to it.” Boettcher said reporting in the Middle East is incredibly complicated and takes many experienced people to carry out. “It’s a tough, tough place to work, just like it is for our military...” Boettcher said. “I haven’t seen anything like it.”
blood drives at OU. “We did one during the Homecoming Week in Cate Center and last week we had a battle of the bands between the Pride [of Oklahoma] and the [Oklahoma State] band to see who could raise more blood,” Perkins said. Perkins set an NCAA record in 2003 by returning three punts for touchdowns against UCLA. He also shares a record for punt returns for touchdowns in a college career, with eight. Those performances gave him a chance to go to the NFL and establish his name, but he stayed another year to finish his degree. “My mom always embedded in me to have a fallback,” Perkins said. “I was
The fire Lauterbach allegedly set Sept. 10 took place in room 304 of the Chemistry Building. The third fire occurred in room 115 of the Chemistry Annex. According to the affidavit, Lauterbach allegedly found a recycling bin, threw flammable material in each and then lit the bin on fire with a match. Leach stated Lauterbach allegedly would light the fire, walk away and when asked to investigate the odor of a fire, would blame the smell of smoke on the Sept. 8 fire. He also stated she would allegedly find ways to delay her arrival to the scene of a potential fire to investigate. It is unknown when Lauterbach’s first hearing is.
encouraged to take [advanced placement] classes in high school and that helped me in college. I finished my degree in human relations in four years and did my master’s in it in two years.” Perkins completed his master’s while playing in the NFL. “I was drafted into the NFL with a pulled hamstring and that set me behind from the beginning,” Perkins said. Perkins played for the Cleveland Browns for 2 1/2 years. After his release, he said he realized athletics weren’t everything. “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot, but I’m still young and have opportunities to learn and grow from my mistakes,” he said.
Drinking Continued from page 1 international student from Kazakhstan. He said people who drink at a younger age become more familiar with the effects of alcohol and are more mature drinkers because of it. Before Nurmanov arrived in the states, he was nervous about drinking underage in an unfamiliar country, but he said this fear was alleviated quickly. “It was very weird ... I didn’t feel free. I became dependent on people to buy me alcohol,” he said. Prasad said that in Italy, drinking with family helped
people build maturity and become more responsible drinkers before they went out drinking with their friends. “[In Italy], the first time you drink, it’s with your grandfather or with your parents,” Prasad said. “When you’re drunk, you really have to trust the guys you’re with. With family, whatever happens, you have more control.” For some international students, adjusting to Oklahoma alcohol laws was easy. Takayuki Tsukamoto, a first-year zoology graduate student and exchange student from Japan, said he didn’t drink very much in his home country and said he hasn’t drank at all since coming to the U.S.
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National Geographic picks up OU researcher’s findings Lack of minerals in certain ecosystems could slow global warming MATTHEW MOZEK Daily Staff Writer
In the Amazon jungle, animals and microbes that break down dead plant cells into carbon dioxide are suffering from a lack of a vital mineral. However, the lead scientist, whose findings were picked up by National Geographic News this month, has found it benefits the environment. Michael Kaspari, an ecologist in the OU Department of Zoology, led a research study in the Peruvian Amazon to discover why some ecosystems across the planet function at a faster rate and more efficiently than others. Kaspari, whose findings were picked up by National Geographic News this month, said ecosystems are increasingly salt-starved the farther they are from the ocean. The loss of sodium inland does have a big impact on the carbon cycle, he said. Kaspar i said animals and
microbes need the sodium but the plants do not and will keep growing as they have. Due to the lack of salt, animals and microbes operate at a lower efficiency, he said. “It’s equivalent to the Sooners playing in September on a hot day and not having any Gatorade on the sidelines,” Kaspari said. “They’re going to cramp up, they’re going to slow down, and they’re not going to be working at their peak efficiency.” To demonstrate this, while conducting research in the Amazon, Kaspari said he sprinkled salt water on some plots and sprinkled regular, distilled water on others. After three weeks, salt-starved termites ate the plots sprinkled with salt water leaving the others untouched, he said. Kaspari said this is important because it shows how the presence of sodium leads to an increase in the number of decomposers. Plants capture energy, which is converted to carbon dioxide, which is then released and piled on the forest floor when the plant dies, he said. When decomposition takes place, carbon dioxide is produced and pumped into the atmosphere,
JEREMY DICKIE/THE DAILY
Dr. Michael Kaspari, an ecologist in the zoology department at OU, observes Ph.D. student Natalie Clay’s demonstration of sodium effects on ants Wednesday afternoon in Sutton Hall. Kaspari and Clay researched in the Peruvian Amazon, and their research was published by National Geographic. causing the atmosphere to warm, advantageous because it will slow he said. down the effects of global climate He said in order to keep Earth change, he said. cool we must keep the number of Kaspari is also the recipient of decomposers in check. This would a National Science Foundation lead to a decrease in the amount of EAGER grant, awarded for “high carbon dioxide being pumped into risk, high reward” research, and said the atmosphere. this recognition is a testament to the While the lack of sodium in relevance of his research. the Amazon forest is a loss for the “It means a lot because NSF’s animals and microorganisms, it is money means that other scientists
recognize that this work is interesting and are willing to put their money where their mouth is,” Kaspari said. Natalie Clay, a doctoral candidate in the OU Department of Zoology, participated in the research phase of the project and said her experience working with Kaspari gave her a new perspective. “It was a really great experience. He’s an excellent teacher. I learned a lot from him,” Clay said. “I’d been to the tropics before, but he taught me a whole bunch of new methods I’ve never used as well as just general natural history and scientific principles. It was really great working with him.” Kaspari and Clay both said it was their general curiosity made them want to pursue a career in zoology. “I’m generally curious about things and I like to get some answers,” Clay said. “I’ve really always enjoyed being outside and this was a great way to combine those two interests of mine and do it in a way that’s going to be productive on many different levels.” Kaspari and Clay plan on continuing their research in Ecuador next summer.
Students work to protect Guyana’s indigenous population Human rights report submitted to UN Human Rights Council KATHLEEN EVANS Daily Staff Writer
Students from the OU College of Law submitted a report last week to the United Nations Humans Rights Council about the state of human rights of indigenous people in Guyana. The United Nations set up a program to review the condition of the indigenous people of its 192 member states by 2011, said Mike Davis, a third-year law student and cowriter of the report. Uninvolved groups help in the review process of a member state, he said. “The point is accountability,” Davis said. “States make promises about human rights, so this is a public record of it.” The International Human Rights Clinic at the OU College of Law focused on how four areas — mining, deforestation, sex work and human trafficking, and education and health
care – affect the indigenous people of Guyana, that there are only 20 officials monitoring a located in South America. Guyana is bordered country the size of Idaho. by Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil. His portion of the report recommended Work on the report began with research at changes in these areas to bolster the land the beginning of the fall semester and con- rights of the indigenous people. cluded with a final presentation Monday, Sex work and human trafficking is a large said Conor Cleary, a third-year law student human rights problem in Guyana, said Julia and co-writer of the Mills, a third-year law “We were required to work 10 report. student and co-writer “We were required office hours a week. But we of the report. to work 10 office hours “Unfortunately, it a week,” Cleary said. definitely did more than that as is the most lucrative “But we definitely did we got closer to the submission business for women in more than that as we Guyana,” Mills said. got closer to the sub- of the report.” Women often have mission of the report.” limited choices beDavis, who worked CONOR CLEARY, A THIRD-YEAR LAW cause of the lack of on the mining section STUDENT education and develof the report, said that opment in indigenous the Guyana government has made efforts to areas, she said. protect the land of indigenous peoples from The Guyanese government implemented mining, like requiring permission from vil- campaigns and shelters to educate and prolagers to mine and having officials monitor tect women, but indigenous people have mining activity. little access to these because they are often However, Davis said an official, the minis- only in the cities, Mills said. ter of mines, can veto the vote of villagers and She recommended that the U.N. make sure
indigenous people have more access to help and education and that Guyana courts enforce laws against trafficking and sex work. Guyana recorded goals to provide health care and education to everyone, but indigenous people often lack access to these because they do not live in the cities, said Amanda Mullins, a third-year law student and co-writer of the report. Although the government has programs designed to help the indigenous people obtain access, there is not a lot of data on their effectiveness, Mullins said. She recommended that the U.N. provide incentives to doctors and teachers to work in indigenous villages and build bilingual schools. The U.N. will review the report and create its own official report, Davis said. In four years, another group will make an updated report on Guyana to see if conditions have changed. Next semester, the International Human Rights Clinic will report about Panama, Cleary said. Those students will actually travel to Panama to get a better picture of what it is like.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
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Health ranking shows Oklahomans need lifestyle changes As this is being written, The Daily’s newsroom is crowded with editors, reporters, photographers and copy editors diligently working to get Thursday’s edition of the newspaper ready for print. While punching out a front-page story on the keyboard of a computer, one reporter reaches into a bag of gummy bears to satisfy his sweet tooth. A copy editor takes several healthy swigs from a bottle of soda while looking over one of Thursday’s Life & Arts pages. The plastic/aluminum recycling bin against one of the walls overflows with empty soda bottles. And a pack of cigarettes peeks out from an editor’s purse. Empty bowls that used to be filled with candy litter the room. This scene is not unusual
in The Daily’s newsroom, where the four major food groups are candy, cookies, soda and nicotine. And based on a United Health Foundation report released earlier this week, it seems as though this scene is not uncommon in office buildings and homes throughout the state of Oklahoma, either. That report ranks our state 49 in the U.S. in terms of overall health. The only state that finished behind Oklahoma in the report is Mississippi. When we heard the results of the foundation’s report, our initial reaction was one of horror, but not surprise. It’s no
secret Oklahoma has several challenging health issues plaguing its citizens, including high rates of both smoking and obesity. According to the report, as many as 56 percent of all Oklahomans may be obese within the next decade. These findings are sobering reminders that, as a state, we are not as healthy as we should be. But what can be done to solve these problems? Perhaps some may believe a call should be made to state lawmakers to enact more programs and devote more funding to making sure fewer Oklahomans start smoking or more Oklahomans get health insurance. Unfortunately, however, an easy passage of blame does not seem to be available, as Oklahoma actually scored fairly well in funding for public health, according to the
report. No, solving these challenges is going to take a combined, concerted effort from every Oklahoman, including us. As we mentioned before, The Daily’s newsroom is a veritable ground zero for unhealthy behavior. Candy is as at home in the newsroom as reporters are. This type of scene needs to change if Oklahoma’s health outlook is to improve. Hopefully this health report will be an impetus for this change. It certainly has made us take a second look at our health habits. We encourage you to do the same. Start watching what you eat. A vegetable wouldn’t kill you every once in a while. Try to stop smoking if you currently do. And if you don’t, keep it that way. The Huston Huffman Center is open until midnight on most days. Start taking advantage of this on-campus workout facility. Like we said, it won’t be easy. But if we all do our part, we can beat these daunting challenges.
STAFF COLUMN JEREMY DICKIE/THE DAILY
STAFF COLUMN
Fair trade schmaltz: An open letter Dear Cindy Woods, president Student Organization for Fair Trade The Student Organization for Fair Trade’s (SOFT’s) campaign to make OU serve only fair-trade coffee undermines our freedom. As students of OU, we have the right to purchase coffee that is unfairly traded. I know it sounds bad that the coffee in my $3 venti latte with honey, extra cream and zero-calorie sugar was grown by a farmer who is paid less than $1 a day; that the farmer can’t afford to send his children to school; that his children are weighed regularly to see if their level of starvation is severe enough to qualify them for international food aid. MAX But Cindy, just because these foreign AVERY children are hungry doesn’t mean I should pay an extra 50 cents for my $3 venti latte with honey, extra cream and zero-calorie sugar. I’m sure these chronically malnourished children understand. We should worry about what’s closest to us. We should worry about local workers. This is why many people go to Target instead of Walmart. Target pays its employees better than Walmart does, but neither care how their products were made, simply that they’re made. That’s why the places that do care – Native Roots, The Earth and Forward Foods – always seem to be struggling. Walmart doesn’t care about girls working 18-hour days to make their SALE jeans. It would cost them a lot of money to care. We should follow this example and take a patriotic approach – only worry about Americans. We should forget the Ethiopian, Chinese and Indonesian workers spending 90hour weeks 52 weeks a year in drudge-work watching their children slowly starving to death. God knows what would happen if they were to get sick. With this system, when I’m feeling down after some girl rejects me, I have a ready-made pick-me-up. I can go to the store, buy a bunch of cheap consumer items, and feel better about life. Trust me, it works. It’s good for the soul, and it’s the new American pastime. After all, buying cheap shit is the key to happiness. If these people were paid as much as I’m paid for my time –barely over minimum wage – I’d be blowing several hundred dollars to feel better about myself. That really isn’t an economically viable option for me at this point in my life. However, your organization makes a point. The subsistence poverty the economic system has created is unstable. If there’s a crisis these people can’t protect themselves, and
they die. But then we good, altruistic Americans gain international favor by sending aid. We can give them some of our surplus for which we’ve worked so hard. It makes us look like their benefactors, not their masters or their slave-drivers. Who are you to say that because people in another country people aren’t paid enough I should pay more for my coffee? I like things the way they are with our overly affluent way of life, and I have the right to support it with my unfairly traded venti latte with honey, extra cream and zero-calorie sugar. We see self-righteous, do-gooders like you imposing “common” values on everyone else far too often. Just look at: 1. The pro-lifers, pushing their values on everyone else. They want to deny me my right to not have a baby when I screw up, so to speak. 2. The homophobes who tell us who can and can’t get married while breaking their wedding vows right and left. 3. The pansy who wants to take my guns away when killing each other is a way of life here in America. 4. The prudes who say I can’t bone that pretty hooker; all right, bad example. 5. The people who say I can’t shoot that guy who slept with my girl; no one should argue with this one, it’s a matter of my honor, my manhood. These intransigent bigots are all saying I can’t do something I want to. And they all have the same reasoning; it’s for the greater good. Why is it that the greater good never seems to include me, the affluent upper-class white male American who’s just trying to get by? I’m sick of this rich man’s burden challenging my place in the world and not other people’s. We need to only worry about ourselves. If we all work for our own interests, and forget the rest, we’ll prosper. Then the lazy and weak will finally go the way of the dodo. A simple study of economic history will tell you that. Seriously Cindy, don’t tell me what I can and cannot drink. Don’t tell me what I can and cannot buy. And don’t guilt-trip me when I don’t buy your shtick. My freedom is too sacred to be violated for poor foreigners who didn’t have the sense to be born in America. Bottom line, buy unfairly traded coffee, it’s better for business. It’s better for me. Sincerely, Max Avery Another member of the great silent majority that appreciates the true meaning of freedom.
Fliers make campus unpleasant There is one thing about the campus I don’t like. It’s not the traffic, crosswalk or the construction. It’s the fliers. I can recall one instance where I was handed two fliers at once without even being told what I was being handed. Instances like that cause me to go out of my way to avoid being attacked by whatever organization happens to be handing out fliers that day. I understand that it isn’t really a choice for those who are trying to support their organization or proCAMERON mote their event, and they MASINGALE aren’t to blame. They’re more likely than not just doing what they’re told. But there has to be a more effective way to get students to attend whatever function needs to be advertised. If you glance in a trash can near a “flier gauntlet,” you’ll see how effective promotion-via-small-pieces-of-paper actually is. I think a mass e-mail would be more effective. Indeed, many organizations use e-mail for advertising. An e-mail subject that catches your attention is all that is needed. Sidewalk chalk reminders are effective as well. However, I understand why this method isn’t always utilized, with the time needed to do it and the message being at the mercy of the weather. Fliers just seem unnecessary and can be very annoying when there are multiple organizations handing them out on the same day. If a physical reminder was necessary, why not use the trash cans to advertise instead of having advertisements in the trash? OU could rent out the sides of the trash cans lining the sidewalks. With an average-sized poster, a message could be read from a distance, and with there being so many trash cans, you’d get multiple opportunities to read it. On top of that, you wouldn’t upset environmentalists by printing hundreds of fliers that will end up in the trash. Of course, taking a flier is a choice as well. You could always bypass the fliers entirely by just saying “no.”
Max Avery is a political science and history senior. Cameron Masingale is a journalism junior.
T=: O@A6=DB6 D6>AN Jamie Hughes Editor-in-Chief Meredith Moriak Managing Editor Charles Ward Assistant Managing Editor Ricky Ly Night Editor Will Holland Opinion Editor Michelle Gray, Merrill Jones Photo Editors
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
5
Former US Army general wary of sending more troops thousands of Americans their lives, Woerner “[The Patriot Act] is terror: regional campaigns like we are facsays he has less idealism about the United ing in Iraq and Pakistan, global multinational States’ ability to interfere and enact positive the tip of the iceberg. campaigns to reduce terror in all states that I’m not concerned change in other countries. support it and a domestic offensive of antiTROY WEATHERFORD “The utopian view of the U.S. on a moun- about the tip, I’m terrorism that delicately balances protections Daily Staff Writer taintop is jaded for me. I feel our ability to freedoms. concerned about the andFighting change things is greater than anyone else’s on these three fronts requires a base.” grand strategy that must address four core A former U.S. Army general said he does not want President but is still miniscule,” Woerner said. Woerner said that there are six questions of objectives, Woerner said. Barack Obama to commit any more troops in Afghanistan. The strategy must reduce the causes of Retired four-star Gen. Fred Woerner gave a speech titled fundamental importance facing us in the war GEN. FRED WOERNER on terror: terrorism, must deter terrorist attacks by ag“The War on Terrorism and U.S. Values” - What is the halfgressively pursuing terrorists, must reduce Wednesday evening in room 270 of “The utopian view of the U.S. the risk of “super terrorism” — terrorism with the intent of Nielsen Hall. His speech was the final on a mountaintop is jaded for life of Sept. 11? - Does terrorism represent a new activating a weapon of mass destruction — and it must retalione in the Presidential Dream Course “Small Wars — Low-Intensity Conflict,” me. I feel our ability to change threat to the battleground of the 21st ate when other deterrents fail, Woerner said. Resources that should have been in Afghanistan were things is greater than anyone century? taught by John Fishel. - I s A m e r i c a’s d o m i n a n t wasted in a misguided invasion of Iraq, Woerner said. “We don’t have the resources and the else’s but is still miniscule.” power the source of its newfound Gen. Stanley McChrystal, top U.S. commander in level of will to face ... this level of war for vulnerability? Afghanistan, spoke in favor of increasing troop levels in the next 30 years,” Woerner said. - Will the attacks of Sept. 11 be Afghanistan at a speech in London Oct. 1, Woerner said. Woerner developed the American GEN. FRED WOERNER the martyr of our foreign policy in the Although Woerner is a friend of McChrystal’s, he believes support strategy for counter-insurgency the general spoke erroneously in London. operations in El Salvador in 1993, according to OU’s School 21st century? - Is the constitution responsive to threats to our nation’s “His job is not to tell the president whether we should go of International and Area Studies Web site. The United States into Afghanistan, his job is to do the orders given to him,” committed less than 100 troops to the operation, but it was a and individual’s security? - What should America’s response be to Sept. 11? Woerner said. success, Woerner said. Woerner said that there are three fronts to the war on Although Woerner disagrees with McChrystal’s call for inAfter witnessing a failed strategy in Vietnam that cost creased troop levels in Afghanistan, he does think McChrystal is the right man for the job. CAMPUS NOTES POLICE REPORTS “He’s been given an impossible task, but will do the best Job” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The following is a list of arrests also municipal warrants job of limiting the loss of U.S. life,” Woerner said. TODAY in the union’s Crimson room. and citations, not convicWoerner is concerned bills like the Patriot Act are eroding CAREER SERVICES tions. The information given citizens’ freedoms. He isn’t concerned with any particular PUBLIC INTOXICATION Career Services will help is compiled from the Norman element of the bill, just the concept of curtailing freedom in LANGUAGE PRESENTATION Levi Thomas Lairson, 28, 1201 students with resumes, cover Police Department and the lieu of security. The OU and Oklahoma State E. Robinson St., Tuesday letters and job search strateOU Police Department. All “[The Patriot Act] is the tip of the iceberg. I’m not conUniversity departments of Guy Eugene Libiszewski, 46, gies from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the those listed are presumed cerned about the tip, I’m concerned about the base,” he modern languages will present N. Flood Avenue, Monday Oklahoma Memorial Union. innocent until proven guilty. said. a German-language lecture on Steve Lawbence McCreary, 37, Career Services will host “How the history of the Berlin Wall at 506 N. Porter Ave., Tuesday, to Find a Federal Government OUTRAGING PUBLIC DECENCY 6 p.m. in Dale Hall, room 206. OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY also assault and battery Brandon Curtis Danford, 20, Shaun Paul Thompson, 32, 700 Asp Ave., Saturday Riles issued the ruling that The Daily has a long-standing 783 De Barr Ave., Tuesday
Dream Course speaker doesn’t believe we have resources for U.S.-Afghan war
COUNTY WARRANT Desiree Marie Felts, 38, 2401 N. Porter Ave., Tuesday DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE PRESENCE OF A MINOR Brett Allen Green, 33, 1700 Iowa St., Monday AGGRAVATED DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE John David Green, 39, Asp Avenue, Tuesday, also leaving the scene of an accident
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PETTY LARCENY Jamie Susan Hawkins, 23, 333 N. Interstate Drive East, Tuesday,
CRIME REPORTS
MUNICIPAL WARRANT Brian Michael Leatherwood, 43, 2401 N. Porter Ave., Tuesday, also possession of drug paraphernalia Dana Farrel Mason, 21, 1500 E. Lindsey St., Tuesday Ernest Wade Robinson, 49, Glen Oaks Drive, Tuesday POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Byron Robert Morris, 19, 1111 Oak Tree Ave., Monday DOMESTIC ABUSE William R. Plunkett, 40, 1009 Madison St., Tuesday
NORMAN POLICE SAY BODY STILL NOT IDENTIFIED The Norman Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Norman Fire Department are continuing to work with the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity of the person found early Sunday inside the trunk of a burning vehicle, Norman Police Spokeswoman MPO Jennifer Newell stated in a press release. “At this time, there is no positive identification of the person nor has a cause of death been determined,” Newell stated. “The vehicle has been moved from the medical examiner’s office to a secure facility where forensic investigators continue a detailed examination of the charred remains of the vehicle.” Newell stated earlier that Norman Police are investigating the incident as a homocide.
-Ricky Maranon/The Daily
commitment to serve readers by providing accurate coverage and analysis. Errors are corrected as they are identified. Readers should bring errors to the attention of the editorial board for further investigation.
A story in Wednesday’s edition of The Daily about Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society violating UOSA election rules incorrectly attributed quotes. Kiel Ward, University College district representative, made the allegations against Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society, not UOSA Election Chairman Jeff Riles.
Student Affairs should handle the incident instead of UOSA, not Ward. Where Riles’ name appeared in the original story, Ward’s name should appear, and vice versa. Also, Student Affairs did not approve of a chalking message that stated, “Recall the BUMS.” A story in Wednesday’s edition of The Daily about John Roberts’ speech at the College of Law contained the following quote from Roberts: “Back then, [chief justice] was considered a desirable position.” Roberts did say that, but the comment was made in jest.
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6
Thursday, November 19, 2009
CAMPUS BRIEFS NORMAN DEPOT CELEBRATES 100 YEARS The Santa Fe Depot will celebrate its centennial this week with a host of exhibitions and events. Sponsored by The Performing Art Studio’s Centennial Committee, the main events take place Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Depot on 200 S. Jones Ave. Vintage train cars and railroad memorabilia will be on display and showings of “Depot Memories,” an oral history DVD, will be screened all three days. The Norman Community Choral Society will perform Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday’s festivities include a community lunch, performances from the Norman High School band and the Broadway Kids from The Studio of Sooner Theatre and remarks from city and state dignitaries. All events are free and open to the public. Jones Avenue between Main and Eufaula Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. For more information and a full schedule of events, contact PAS at 307-9320 or visit thepas.org. -Nicole Hill/Contributing Writer
BOREN TO SPEAK AT PHILANTHROPY EVENT The OU Women’s Philanthropy Network is hosting its inaugural symposium Thursday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The symposium aims to encourage attendees to uncover how they can make a difference on campus and in their community. Those who attend will also hear stories about how philanthropic gifts have made a difference at the university by enriching academic life. OU President David L. Boren will kick-off the event with a welcome speech at 10 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., OU women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale will present “Why I am a Philanthropist,” and explain her views on the importance of giving back to the community. Angela White will present the keynote address at 12:35 p.m. Following White’s address, there will be two breakout sessions about OU women philanthropists and OU women of excellence. All are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.ou.edu/give/ home/womensphilanthropy.html. -Melissa Foy/Contributing Writer
SOONER ALLY TRAINING BEGINS FRIDAY The Women’s Outreach Center and Student Affairs will host the second annual Sooner Ally training from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday. Sooner Ally training is designed to teach participants about the needs of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender students and how to provide support. The four-hour session aims to address issues of homophobia and teach about campus resources available to the gay community. After completing training, participants can officially join the Sooner Ally program. Registration is required and is limited to the first 20. Register by
emailing woc@ou.edu or calling 325-4929.
UOSA TO END TAILGATE ACTIVITIES
-Kelsey Witten/Contributing Writer
NUMBER NYNE SEEKING STUDENT EMPLOYEES Number Nyne, a crisis hotline at the OU, is looking for students to help answer calls for next semester. Students can earn up to three credit hours by enrolling for Number Nyne through courses in the psychology department. Students should contact the educational psychology department at 325-5974 to get permission to enroll. The experience is recommended to students who are majoring in psychology, social work or human relations. Students will be trained to cope with concerns from callers, such as suicide and school issues. Four weekend training sessions will be offered in January at the OU Counseling Psychology Clinic. Students must reserve a seat by contacting Number Nyne Coordinator Julie Arcaroli at numbernyne@ou.edu. For more information, contact Elizabeth McHenry at elizabethmchenry@ou.edu. -Claire Brandon/Contributing Writer
NEW BUS ROUTE SERVES WEST NORMAN A new bus route will be implemented next week into Norman’s public transportation system, making it the first new route in more than 16 years. Cleveland Area Rapid Transit will debut the new route, or the West Norman Link, Monday. The route is the first CART route to not originate on the OU campus. The route will “link” with the Main Street bus at a few locations, with the main one being River Oaks Drive at Cotswold Drive north of Sooner Mall. It will provide access to 36th Avenue N.W., Tecumseh Road and 24th Avenue N.W., featuring stops at the Norman Regional HealthPlex, Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, University Northpark, Brookhaven Village and many residential areas along the route. Those who ride the first day receive a free “Get Linked” T-shirt. CART will also not be charging any fares that day to celebrate the new route. The West Norman Link will fit into CART’s regular hours of operation, which are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Bus fare is 25 cents for seniors, those with disabilities and those six to 17 years of age. Children under six ride free and all others pay 50 cents. For more information, contact CART at 325-CART or visit www. RideCART.com.
-Clark Foy/The Daily
UOSA will not host a tailgate prior to the Bedlam game Saturday, Nov. 28. UOSA Student Congress Chairman John Jennings told members of the Undergraduate Student Congress Tuesday that the event at the OU-Texas A&M football game was the last UOSA Tailgate of the football season. “I want to thank everyone who helped out with the tailgate,” Jennings said Tuesday. “This was a great event for the student body, and we should be proud of what we accomplished.”
FILM INCENTIVES PAYING OFF FOR OKLAHOMA The recent in-state filming of the movie “The Killer Inside Me” is providing an economic boost to Oklahoma, a recent legislative study stated. The movie, made in Oklahoma last summer and starring Jessica Alba, Casey Affleck and Kate Hudson, gives Oklahoma a projected $43 million for fiscal year 2010, State Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow stated in a press release. “Apparently, the incentives are really beginning to bear fruit in our local economy,” Wright stated. “The true test of any incentive program is the return on investment. It appears the film incentive program has been money well spent.” Since 2005, officials estimate film productions in Oklahoma have provided a combined economic impact of more than $135 million, Wright stated. “Because of the current budget climate, we must carefully review all existing tax incentive programs to ensure working families’ tax dollars are not needlessly wasted,” Wright stated. He also stated many small towns in Oklahoma received an economic boost during production of the movie.
HENRY CONSIDERS SPECIAL SESSION IN JANUARY Gov. Brad Henry is considering a possible special session of the Oklahoma legislature pending the outcome of a revenue report. Henry stated his decision in a press release to call for a special session depends upon the findings of a December report that will make the first revenue estimates for the upcoming fiscal year and review current year revenue projections. “To respond to this crisis in the most effective manner possible, we need the experts to conduct a new review of the current economic conditions, crunch the latest revenue numbers and develop an updated, more accurate revenue forecast as quickly as possible,” Henry stated. “We must have a more reliable fiscal road map in our hands to make the many difficult decisions required to protect core services and balance the budget.”
-Ricky Maranon/The Daily
STUDENT GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE ATTENDEES GET DEMONSTRATION IN LUBBOCK Members of UOSA Student Congress attending the Big 12 Student Government Conference in Lubbock, Texas earlier this month saw a demonstration of how a student government, similar to one proposed by Oklahoma Students for a Democratic Society, could work. Texas Tech’s student government has a nonvoting body of student organizations that advo-
cates student government for change and access to money, said Joe Sangirardi, University College district representative. “This is similar to what is being proposed by SDS,” he said. “Texas Tech [University] allowed [OU representatives] the opportunity to see how a student organization body could work in student government.”
Rachel Tyrell, University College district representative, said clubs and organizations are organized into groups based on similarities in purpose and each purpose is given a coordinator to represent them to the student government body. “Clubs are organized according to hobby or beliefs,” Tyrell said. “For example, all religious groups have a faith coordinator representing them
and political-like groups have a coordinator representing them.” UOSA Student Congress Chairman John Jennings said the conference is just an idea exchange, but if members of Congress want to propose a bill to enact an idea they heard, they are free to do so. -Ricky Maranon/The Daily
THIS WEEKEND AT YOUR UNIVERSITY Thursday, Nov. 19
Intramural Update | 3 vs. 3 basketball entries today! For more information visit recservices.ou.edu or call Jonathan Dewhirst, (405) 325-3053. Student Success Series: Gearing up for Final Exams | 3 p.m. in Wagner Hall 245. Presented by University College. Sutton Concert Series: OU Jazz Bands | 8 p.m. in the Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, faculty/staff and senior adults. Please call the Box Office at (405) 325-4101 for more information. University Theatre: “The Three Musketeers” | 8 p.m. in the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and OU faculty/staff and $14 for OU students. Call the Fine Arts Box Office for more information, (405) 325-4101.
Friday, Nov. 20 EA Sports Lounge: Madden ‘10 | 11 a.m. in Crossroads Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by EA Sports and the Union Programming Board. Guess-The-Score | 11:30 a.m. in the union food court. Think you know Sooner Football? Prove it at the Union Programming Board’s pregame predictions for a chance to win great prizes. Play every Friday during football season to earn points and increase your chances of winning. Mid-Day Music | noon in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Food Court featuring Greg Wilson. Presented by the Union Programming Board. Free Movie: “Inglorious Basterds” | free screenings at 4, 7 & 10 p.m. in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Presented by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council Film Series. ALWAYS SOMETHING at the union!
Movie Night at the Museum | 7-11 p.m. at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. Bring your pillow and a blanket for this cool family movie night in the museum’s Great Hall (film TBA) Galleries open from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Movie begins at 8:30. Evening museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and up, $3 for children ages 6 to 17 and free for children ages 5 and under. Visit http://www.snomnh.ou.edu for more information. Turkey Bowling & Canned Food Drive | 8 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Food Court. That’s right, we’re bowling with FROZEN TURKEYS! Win raffle tickets for prize drawings and you can receive extra tickets by bringing canned and non-perishable food item donations. We will also be serving up FREE turkey burgers. Presented by the Union Programming Board, there is ALWAYS SOMETHING at the union.
Saturday, Nov. 21 Women’s Basketball: OU vs. TCU | TBA at the Lloyd Noble Center. Visit soonersports.com for ticket information. University Theatre: “The Three Musketeers” | 8 p.m. in the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and OU faculty/staff and $14 for OU students. Call the Fine Arts Box Office for more information, (405) 325-4101.
Sunday, Nov. 22 Family Days | 1-4 p.m. in the Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Visit www.ou.edu/fjjma for more information. Wrestling: OU vs. Arizona State | 2 p.m. at the McCasland Field House. Visit soonersports.com for ticket information. Sutton Concert Series: OU Orchestra with Richard Zilinski Singers | 3 p.m. in the Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, Catlett Music Center. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, faculty/staff and senior adults. Please call the Box Office at (405) 325-4101 for more information.
Art After Hours: Pierre Bonnard | 6 p.m. in the Dee Dee and Jon R. Stuart Classroom, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Visit www.ou.edu/ fjjma for more information.
University Theatre: “The Three Musketeers” | 3 p.m. in the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and OU faculty/staff and $14 for OU students. Call the Fine Arts Box Office for more information, (405) 325-4101.
University Theatre: “The Three Musketeers” | 8 p.m. in the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre. Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and OU faculty/staff and $14 for OU students. Call the Fine Arts Box Office for more information, (405) 325-4101.
Sutton Concert Series: Larry Hammett on guitar | 8 p.m. in the Morris R. Pitman Recital Hall, Catlett Music Center. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, faculty/staff and senior adults. Please call the Box Office at (405) 325-4101 for more information.
This University in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. For accommodations on the basis of disability, please contact the sponsoring department of any program or event.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Annelise Russell, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051
«FOOTBALL Tomorrow, The T Daily previews D tthe game against Texas Tech. T LETTER TO THE EDITOR
VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO A&M
New jerseys cause nausea, bewilderment for fans
JAMES CORLEY Daily Staff Writer
The OU volleyball team had a better attack percentage, fewer errors and more blocks than Texas A&M Wednesday, but OU lost to the Aggies in four sets [23-25, 22-25, 25-22, 2325]. The Sooners had just eight fewer digs than the Aggies, but the reason Texas A&M was able to win was a 71-55 kill advantage. The Aggies (15-10, 8-9) grabbed 16 more kills from 15 more total attacks against the highly-touted Sooner defense, but OU’s .223 attack percentage was higher than Texas A&M’s .216 percentage. “It was a hard fought match,” OU coach Santiago Restrepo said. “When it came down to crunch time, Texas A&M simply played better. Things just didn’t fall our way when we needed them to.” The teams traded points in the first set early. The Sooners built an 18-16 lead, but a three-point swing by Texas A&M gave the Aggies a lead and control. The Sooners dropped the first match 25-23. In the second match, the Sooners scored first to lead 1-0, the only lead OU would have the entire set. The Aggies took the lead at 2-1 and never looked back to close the match 25-22. Down two sets, the Sooners responded quickly after the break. OU led for most of the set, controlling the close score until a 13-13 tie. Texas A&M brought the game close with a threepoint rally, but Oklahoma won 25-22. The final set also began close and each team took turns building a threepoint lead, but the Aggies finished the match with a 25-23. Texas A&M committed 29 errors to the Sooners’ 15 and had just five team blocks opposed to OU’s nine . Sophomore Suzy Boulavsky had a huge night for the Sooners, totaling 21 kills, a .351 attack percentage, 15 digs and four block assists. Her 21 kills also matched her career high she set earlier this season.
NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY
Junior middle blocker Chrissy Disaro sends the ball over the net Nov. 18 against Texas A&M. The Sooners lost the match 1-3. Francie Ekwerekwu, redshirt junior middle blocker, was the only other Sooner with double-digit offensive numbers, grabbing 11 kills. She added three block assists. Junior Chrissy Disarro saw her most significant playing time this season and made the most of it. She finished with nine kills and a match-high five block assists.
Sophomore Caitlin Higgins, sophomore Brianne Barker and senior Bridget Laplante scored the remaining Sooner points, adding seven, five and two kills respectively. Freshman libero María Fernanda had 19 digs. The Sooners (18-9, 11-7) host No. 1 Texas Wednesday, the season’s final game at McCasland Field House. The match will start at 7 p.m.
I got word that the OU football team will be wearing different uniforms for this weekend’s tilt at Texas Tech. My initial reaction was nausea, my second was bewilderment. Why should an apparel manufacturer dictate what uniform is worn by the football team at a public university? The final reaction was outrage. The new uniforms, provided by Nike, have the brand name “Sport Combat,” with the implication that OU football players are “soldiers.” Nike even came up with a fois-gras fed slogan, “Stake Our Claim.” Thank you Phillip Knight for your attention to detail. Combat is part of war not college athletics. The marketing angle by Nike alone is offensive, puerile, stupid and really does not belong in college athletics. Even more alarming is that OU is going along with it all. Who is running the university? I visited OU on Homecoming Weekend. I was not too impressed our stadium was remodeled to look like Times Square, that canned music drowned out the Pride of Oklahoma, and by the fourth quarter my eardrums were bleeding. The argument that all this is needed to fund the other sports on campus is disingenuous. OU offers 16 varsity sports for men and women. By comparison, Mankato State in Minnesota offers 22, Division III Mount Union College in Ohio has 19, so I have to think that very little of the $79 I paid for that end zone seat goes to provide athletic opportunities for the young men and women of Oklahoma. I do know the OU Athletic Department has run up a ton of bond debt. The number I read in the Sporting News is $80 million. There’s the reason OU charges a paycheck for football tickets. You have to ask first: do the new scoreboards, the Nike uniforms, and other glossy add-ons to the football program provide that much more in athletic and educational opportunities for students? Answer, no. Second question, who is responsible for turning the football team into a sports entertainment commodity? Answer, athletic director Joe Castiglione, someone I’d like to see get fired. Like maybe today. College football belongs on campus. It builds a community among students, alumni and town that may not be achieved otherwise. Young men want to play football, just look at all the Division II and II programs full of players who will never play in the NFL. What does not belong on campus are corporate sponsors like Nike meddling in the extra curricular programs of a state university. May we have our college football team back? James Hartman
SOONER SOUNDBITE OU sophomore defensive end Frank Alexander on Texas Tech’s fans Saturday
“I know they’re going to be ruthless this game because how the game went last year. They’re going to feel like they have something to prove this year, but we’re going to have to do like we did last year.” Jono Greco/The Daily
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OU’s season-ending injuries ... so far A lot of the blame for the Sooners’ dramatic fall from the No. 3 ranking they held at the beginning of the season to their current unranked status can be placed on the key injuries the team has suffered throughout the season. OU has lost five players for the season, including four players who earned Big 12 honors in the past, two team captains and multiple key players for weeks at a time. Here is a list of players who went down with season-ending injuries. JONO GRECO/THE DAILY
1.
Senior tight end Jermaine Gresham Date Injured: Sept. 1 during practice. Injury: Cartilage damage in knee. Impact: Gresham was both an excellent receiver and blocking tight end, which meant the Sooners were left with a major hole once he was declared out for the season. Head coach Bob Stoops has tried replacing him with multiple tight ends, but none have been able to put up the kind of numbers Gresham has during the past three seasons. The tight end corps combined to catch 15 passes for 123 yards with zero touchdowns, and has left the offense to find new ways to get into the end zone once it gets inside the 20-yard line.
Junior quarterback Sam Bradford Date Injured: Sept. 5 against Brigham Young. Injury: AC joint sprain in right throwing shoulder.
ZACH BUTLER/THE DAILY
Senior tight end Jermaine Gresham attempts to receive a pass during a game against Texas Tech in Norman Nov. 11, 2008.
2.
Impact: Bradford’s injury put redshirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones in the tough situation of replacing a Heismanwinning quarterback. Jones has shown flashes of good things to come for the 2010 season, but at times has played like an inexperienced freshman. In 10 games Jones has completed 193 of 326 passes for 2,294 yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, including a fiveinterception performance in a 10-3 loss to Nebraska. MERRILL JONES/THE DAILY
Junior quarterback Sam Bradford prepares to pass during the game against BYU in Arlington, Texas, Sept. 5. Bradford injured his shoulder in the game.
3.
Senior linebacker Auston English Date Injured: Nov. 7 against Nebraska. Injury: Tendon damage in foot. Impact: Losing English took away a key component of OU’s defense, but it was able to respond well without his leadership and experience. English had 23 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and recorded four sacks. Sophomore defensive end Frank Alexander recorded four tackles, two for loss, and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown in his only start this season.
MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY
Left to Right: Junioe offensive linemen Josh New (41), senior Brody Elridge (50), freshman Ben Habern (61) and sophomore Jarvis Jones (76) block Texas defense as quarterback Landry Jones (12) throws a pass Oct. 17. against Texas.
4.
Senior offensive lineman/tight end Brody Eldridge Date Injured: Nov. 7 against Nebraska. Injury: AC sprain in shoulder. Impact: Eldridge was one of the best, if not the most diverse players on the Sooner roster. He has started and played well at three different positions —tight end, center and left guard — and was consistently named one of the players of the game this season by the coaches. Eldridge’s injury helped thin out an already inexperienced offensive line, and took away some on-field leadership that he brought into the huddle.
OTHER NOTABLE INJURIES
MICHELLE GRAY/THE DAILY
Senior defensive end Auston English blocks during the Sept. 19 game against Tulsa in Norman.
Junior running back DeMarco Murray : Ankle, missed one week. Senior offensive lineman Brian Simmons: Right leg, missed five weeks. Sophomore wide receiver Ryan Broyles: Shoulder, missed one week, and played very little against Miami and Texas. Junior wide receiver Brandon Caleb: Ankle, missed two weeks.
5.
Sophomore offensive lineman Jarvis Jones Date Injured: Nov. 7 against Nebraska. Injury: Fractured heel. Impact: Like Eldridge’s injury, Jones’ departure took depth off of the offensive line. Jones started in six of the Sooners’ 10 games for an offensive line that has nine players left on its depth chart.
10 Thursday, November 19, 2009 Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu â&#x20AC;˘ phone: 325-2521 â&#x20AC;˘ fax: 325-7517
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PAID EGG DONORS up to 9 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 19-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com Survey takers needed! Make $5-$25 per survey! www.getpaidtothink.com WANTED!!!! Open casting call for model BEVERAGE SERVERS for Riverwind Casino!! MUST have at least 1 year of serving experience in a high volume setting. MUST have an outgoing personality, be professional and reďŹ ned in appearance, and possess a positive attitude. MUST be at least 21 to apply. Apply in person or online: 2813 SE 44th, Norman OK 73072 405-392-4550. Three miles west of Riverwind Casino off of Highway 9. Submit resume to: hr@traditionsspirits.com Online application available at: www.traditionsspirits.com
Bartending! Up to $300/day. No exp nec. Training provided. 1-800-965-6520 x133. Winston Services is recruiting a full time web designer. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in designing and maintaining web sites on a full time basis. This is an entry level position. We are not looking for a wealth of experience, just someone who enjoys working on web sites. In addition to a talent for web design we also need someone who is easy to manage and works well with others. You will work in a business atmosphere with people who appreciate a climate of calmness, focus and serving our customers. Your work place will be Norman, OK. Email your letter of introduction to: hrmanager@winstonok.com. The Cleveland County Family YMCA is seeking AM Lifeguard and PM Swim Instructors. Apply in person at 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE.
J Housing Rentals $400, bills paid, efďŹ ciency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, ďŹ re sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store ofďŹ ce.
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6 2 9 7 4 5 1 3 8
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Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker November 19, 2009
HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol
Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Take command of your destiny, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become depressed over things that may never happen. Maintain a positive, hopeful attitude at all times. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unlike you to be stingy or tightfisted with your funds, yet when it comes to dividing up the tab, you might try to shave off some of your share. Get back in character. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Although you might be exceptionally ambitious, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have your head on straight, you could waste time pursuing a meaningless objective. Be discerning about your targets. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Suffering in silence wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help solve a thing. If a family member or a friend does something disturbing, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s OK to speak up -- in a diplomatic manner. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generally unwise to immerse yourself in the problems of another, especially at this time. Instead of being helpful, you could stir things up and muddy the waters even further. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Being prepared to fend for yourself doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bother you one bit, which is good, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to do. There wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be anyone backing you up; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be on your own.
Previous Answers
Avail Dec 21 - brick house, 911 S Flood, 3 bd, 2 ba, wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, CH/A, W/D, dishwasher, disposal, garage, no pets, smokefree. Do not disturb occupant. Call Bob 321-1818 for appointment. Others this side of campus available in May.
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TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- You will collect more guilt than you can handle from not getting certain duties or jobs done. So do them right away because chances are you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to them later. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Unless you know with whom you are doing business, you would be smart to hold back until you learn more about this person. He or she may be withholding vital facts thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cost you big bucks. CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Be cooperative with those who appear to be treating you well. If you suspect someone is trying to take advantage, however, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be rude, but it might be wise to be a bit standoffish. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- You might have trouble distinguishing between constructive criticism and simple nitpicking. Keep your opinions to yourself, or someone could accuse you of being harsh or rude. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have money in the bank to pay charges on your credit card, be wise for once and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make matters worse with a lot of foolish spending. Be smart and frugal. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- As a member of one of the more congenial signs of the zodiac, you rarely treat others ungraciously. If you are out of sorts, however, you might do just that. Be careful not to make others feel ill at ease.
ACROSS 1 Boyfriend 5 Completely infatuated 9 Tour de France segment 14 Leprechaunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land 15 Like many a thesis defense 16 Arthur Hailey work 17 Be excessively eager 20 American dogwood 21 Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stomach 22 Travelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transport, often 24 A choli is worn under it 25 Degree from MIT Sloan 28 Bit of work 29 Jaffa is part of it (with 45-Down) 31 Forbidden romance 33 Substitute scepterwielder 36 Country hick 37 One way to fall in love 41 â&#x20AC;&#x153;___! Who goes there?â&#x20AC;? 42 Superfluous 43 Fighting fleet 46 Understood, as a punch line 47 ___ mitzvah (Var.) 50 Urban grid abbrs.
51 Preceders of special days 54 Mild dehydration symptom 56 Feeling of hatred 58 Rousseau title character 59 Dreyfuss/ Julia comedy of 1988 63 Anticipate, as an arrival 64 Quaint â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yipe!â&#x20AC;? 65 Stare slack-jawed 66 Effectively concise 67 Rip violently 68 Breakfast smear DOWN 1 Part of B.C. 2 Chalkboard accessory 3 Feeling feverish 4 Tenantless 5 State VIP 6 Surveyorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calculation 7 Provides outfits for 8 Hawaiian salutation 9 Arab prince 10 Attempt at a carnival booth 11 Sampled from the smorgasbord 12 Styling goo 13 Claus helper 18 Pontificated publicly 19 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sleepless in Seattleâ&#x20AC;?
23 25 26 27 30 32 33 34 35 37 38 39 40
director Ephron Building block company Stakedriving hammer Strained pea catchers â&#x20AC;&#x153;... how I wonder what you ___â&#x20AC;? The L of L-dopa Advertising catchword â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tat-tatâ&#x20AC;? preceder Line on an invoice High-school math subj. Mature male red deer Shade trees Hollerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Timesâ&#x20AC;?
actress Rolle 41 Consumes 44 Signify 45 See 29-Across 47 Kind of gown 48 At a slant 49 A woofer is part of one 52 Abu Dhabi bigwig (Var.) 53 Sudden flow, as of water 55 Adult insect 56 Big-billed cuckoos 57 Bridge length 59 Ring padding 60 Verb in IOU 61 Paddle kin 62 Put two and two together
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
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ABOVE ALL ELSE by Cameron Rooney
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cassie Rhea Little, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051
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« MULTIMEDIA OUDAILY.COM
S video footage of See Green Corn Revival onl online.
NEWCOMERS TO LEAD ALT-COUNTRY REVIVAL You would never think that altcountry would be in need of revitalization here in the Mecca of Western music. JOSHUA But with BOYDSTON a shortage of true Americana bands, cowpunkers Green Corn Revival are doing their part in putting the ‘y’all’ into “y’allternative.” The group came together less than a year ago, hoping to fill the void in alternative country left by recently deceased acts like The Rounders. Vocalist and guitarist Jared Deck, bassist Ryan Houck and drummer Kenny Holloway formed the core of Green Corn Revival after a disbanded project (Voice Of ). They recruited Houck’s wife, Natalie, to add vocals, as well as Caleb Creed for keys and Kyle Burrows for lead guitar. Being the lone local band in the genre has afforded them some great breaks despite their short existence, and it was an opportunity they had been looking to take advantage of from the start. “There’s not a lot of altcountry in Oklahoma, so we were wanting to get to
the point where we could be the local opening band when really cool, national, alt-country acts come through the OKC/Tulsa area,” Natalie Houck said. The band has already made big strides in that direction, opening for the likes of Cotton Jones, Two Tons of Steel and Greg Ginn (Black Flag). The latter act seems especially fitting. Ginn is a punk icon, and despite the prairie coating over GCR’s tunes, the punk influence runs deep in them as well. But in Green Corn Revival’s case, the rebellion comes from a much more profound place than a lot of punk acts can boast. Based out of Weatherford, Okla., the band’s rural roots consisted of small town culture filled with football, church services and vintage country music. The band honed their musical talents in the forums that were available, often in music classes and church hymns. “We all grew up singing choral arrangements, and that has really added a lot to what we can do vocally and arrangement-wise as a group,” Houck said. Each member grew out of that small town environment and continued on their various paths, and over that path they were forced to struggle with their rural roots and new
PHOTO PROVIDED
Country music band “Green Corn Revival” posing for a photo. The band will be performing at 7 p.m. Saturday at Othello’s.
conflicting ideals. “O u r s o n g w r i t i n g i s about reconciling your ideas growing up with the ideas you have when you get older, whether dealing with faith or love, education or music,” Deck said. “It’s a matter of learning how to appreciate how you were raised and still be able to live the life you want to live as an adult.” Going from listening to
traditional country music and melding that w ith new found love for acts like Wilco, Arcade Fire and Neko Case, as well as transforming from country kids to grown adults, has culminated in a sound marrying rebellion with luscious melodies that the band actively coins as “cowpunk.” Its recently released “Oklahoma EP” reveals the term to be more than
fitting. The brisk “Hang On” breezes through twangy guitar pangs into full, gorgeous melodies before deconstructing itself into riled punchy bridges. “Never That Easy” sinks from vivacious, dazzling wafts into vintage banjo shakes and breakneck drumlins. You can clearly hear the fits of revolt flare up only to be subdued and settled by each song’s end.
You will be able to witness the bouts with rebellion at 7 p.m. Saturday at Othello’s, 434 Buchanan Ave. So come on out, join the revival. Get your own taste of “cowpunk” and remind the rest that Oklahoma does it best. Joshua Boydston is a psychology sophomore.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
WEEKEND UPDATE » ▲
FREE MOVIE
The Daily’s Life & Arts staff put together a list of things happening around Norman this weekend.
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The Union Programming Board will present “Inglourious Basterds” at 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Friday in Meacham Auditorium on the second floor of the Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave.
CONCERT
Green Corn Revival will perform with Eclectic Roots at 7 p.m. Saturday at Othello’s, 434 Buchanan Ave.
▲
CONCERT
Moonlight Drive will perform at 10 p.m. Saturday at Coach’s Brewhouse, 110 W. Main St.