The Oklahoma Daily by OU Daily

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2010

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Read The Daily’s guide on what to do this weekend, see page 2B.

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SOONERS SIGN HIGH-PROFILE ATHLETES Quarterback, safety highlight OU football team’s National Signing Day haul BRANDON BROADHURST Daily Staff Writer

OU received 28 letters of intent on National Signing Day, pulling in recruits from six states. The Sooners received letters of intent from all its recruits relatively early in the day. “It is always fun when you have your signees and letters of intent in by 11:30,” OU football head coach Bob Stoops said during Wednesday afternoon’s press conference.

Stoops and his staff had several high-profile athletes sign Wednesday, including quarterback Blake Bell from Bishop Carroll High School in Kansas and safety Tony Jefferson from Eastlake High School in California. Stoops said Bell, a nationally sought-after quarterback, will get a chance to compete for a starting position next season. “We have no intention of redshirting anyone,” Stoops said. “They will compete for their positions.” Bell was a dual-threat quarterback in high school, and Stoops said he plans to take advantage of that talent. “We don’t plan on him running the ball all day long but maybe a few runs here and there,” Stoops said. ATHLETES CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

MARCHIN RUTKOWSKI/THE DAILY

Head coach Bob Stoops speaks on signing day about OU’s latest recruiting class on Wednesday in the Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Former UOSA president finds success State Rep. Jabar Shumate credits career achievements to role models, education

Prominent business owner dies

DIONNE BUXTON Daily Staff Writer

KATRINA GLENN/ THE DAILY

Rep. Jabar Shumate at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday. Shumate served as UOSA president from fall 1997 to spring 1998.

He walks the halls of the state Capitol, reading proposed legislation, meeting with concerned lobbyists and giving advice during session. Shoulders back, head up and one foot in front of the other, he walks in a building that would swallow many, but his determination, strong ambition, love for his community and bright smile makes him look larger than life. State Rep. Jabar Shumate, former UOSA President from fall 1997 to spring 1998, is responsible for historymaking changes at OU and in the Oklahoma House of Representatives where he represents District 73, a precinct that struggles with poverty, high drop-out rates and crime — the same area that he grew up in. Shumate credits strong role models, influential educators and his mother with raising him in a supportive environment. “The raising of a child is so important that it requires a village,” Shumate said. “Most of the folks I grew up around were my mom’s friends and they were educators. The whole community would wrap themselves around me so that I could never get too far out there.” Shumate said the next key element of his success was his college education, something he said he still considers essential to any young person’s success in life. Education was stressed in the their household, said Cleatte Shumate-Johnson, Shumate’s mother. “College wasn’t an option,” Shumate-Johnson said. “The question would be ‘Where are you going to college?’ and never if.” Once he arrived in Norman for his freshman year at OU in 1994, Shumate served as Couch Center president, a role he took seriously, he said. The school tried to close the dorm for renovations, but Shumate organized protests to preserve a building that had become students’ refuge and home on campus. He said his impromptu meetings with OU President David Boren about Couch Center started him on the path that would eventually lead him to the UOSA presidency. Hoping to continue a legacy that inspires others to become leaders, Shumate said he believes his opportunities should pave the way for someone else to follow. Erick Harris, public administration graduate student,

SHUMATE CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

UOSA considers love for the glove Problems and Projects Committee discusses installing condom machines in the dorms KATHLEEN EVANS Daily Staff Writer

Condom machines may be installed in OU dormitory basements, depending on a UOSA committee decision. This year’s Student Congress Problems and Projects Committee began discussing the need for condom machines during the fall semester, but has not reached a conclusion, said Jonathan Vann, committee chair and advertising junior. Committee members conducted one survey in November to gauge student attitudes toward the machines, Vann said. However, they had a hard time narrowing the field to just those who lived in the dorms and only polled 3,000 students. “From what we’ve seen the majority of students are neutral,” Vann said. “There is a small percentage against them though.” The committee is meeting this weekend for the first time this semester and will discuss options of conducting another poll, Van said. CONDOMS CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JALL COWASJI/ THE DAILY

The Diner will reopen this weekend after services are complete CASEY PARVIN Daily Staff Writer

Mark Amspacher, owner of the popular Norman restaurant The Diner, died Monday at the age of 56. Amspacher’s family shut down the restaurant in honor of his death, but announced today via a note in the window the restaurant would reopen Saturday Amspacher owned The Diner for more than 15 years and his daughter, Sarah Amspacher, said The Diner will remain in business. “Not everything has been settled yet but I’ve been managing for some time now,” she said. The Diner has been given many accolades including being featured on the Food Network’s television program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Amspacher’s daughter said. The restaurant was featured on the show in November. “He loved feeding people and showing his love,” Amspacher said. Robin Allen, owner of Fancy That, a cafe and bakery next door to The Diner, said Amspacher was a great man. “He was a wonderful and extremely nice man,” Allen said. “He was extremely friendly and always had a smile on his face.” Amspacher spoke with The Daily in fall 2008 and said people came to The Diner for the atmosphere and authentic diner food. “You could come in here and find a policeman by a college kid by a homeless person by a sorority girl,” Amspacher said. The family first notified the Norman community of Amspacher’s death by posting a note on the front door of the restaurant stating what had taken place. Later, the family began writing updates and funeral service information below. Sarah said she and her family have received much outreach and uplifting from the Norman community “We’ve gotten a slew of phone calls, flowers and candles,” she said. “We’re really touched by all the support.” On Wednesday, a candle was found burning in front DINER CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

VOL. 95, NO. 90

2A Thursday, February 4, 2010 Caitlin Harrison, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

OUDAILY.COM » THE DAILY’S BRICE BECKWITH AND BRAND RACKLEY DISUSS THIS WEEK’S BEER OF THE WEEK, BUDWEISER WHEAT.

Shumate

C A K L B

Continues from page 1 met Shumate while campaigning for state Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre in 2002. “Like him, I’ve decided to dedicate myself to helping others through political and policy efforts,” Harris said. “Representative Shumate has and continues to lead the path for others like me to follow.” Shumate said his interest in politics started at a young age. He ran for his first office — the presidency of his church’s usher board — when he was 5 years old. “I’ve always been fascinated by the Presidents of the United States,” Shumate said. “I’ve visited half of the presidential libraries that exist. I grew up thinking that I wanted to be the President of the United

H I S T O R Y m o n States.” Although becoming the U.S. president is no longer a goal of his, Shumate said he is excited he got to see the first black president during his

lifetime and assures that in 10 years he will still be connected to politics. “If I had a dream job it would be to perhaps create a consulting firm where I could help folks in politics,” Shumate said. “I want to help manage campaigns for people I believe in because there are so few t h African Americans on the consulting side of politics.” Shumate urged students to not get comfortable on the issues of race just because we see diversity everyday. He said race will still remain an issue until students continue to create dialogue about the racial issues.

Condoms

Diner

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE DINER?

Continues from page 1

• Services for Mark Amspacher will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the McFarlin Methodist Church • The Diner will reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday. • The Diner will still be open for business despite Mark Amspacher’s passing.

The Daily asked eight students in Cate Center on Wednesday how they felt about the issue. Of those eight, only one said he was against it. “I think it is sending the wrong message,” said Beau Burciaga, dorm resident and University College freshman. “They are not necessarily condoning it but it sends the wrong idea.” Five students said they are for the installation of the machines because it would allow students to make safer decisions. “I am definitely for it,” said Sydney Elliott, University College freshman. “Pregnancy rates are high right now, especially for teens. Anywhere [teens] are, contraceptives need to be.” Elliott currently lives in the dorms. The remaining two students were neutral, understanding both sides of the argument. University College freshman and dorm resident Alex Cramer said access to condoms would be nice for those who are sexually active, but machines could make others uncomfortable. Although the committee is not definite on the logistics of the machines, Vann said, the current thought is to put one in the basement of each of the dorms. It decided against selling them in Xcetera because of students’ apprehension at purchasing condoms in public.

“I would prefer to have them put in the bathroom, but it is a good idea,” said Natalie Seefeldt, planned programming junior. “The men and women’s bathrooms seems like a more appropriate and private place for them.” Students would probably have to buy condoms with change and the price would depend on how costly the maintenance for the machines was, Vann said. Ideally, the committee would restock the machines, but it might have to pay an outside company to do so. According to Daily records, the push for condom machines is not a new one. In an article from February 2006, Vice President of Student Affairs, Clarke Stroud, said the dorms had machines in the early 1990s but the vendor removed them because of vandalism and low profits.

CONDOMS ON CAMPUS Goddard Health Services and the Women’s Outreach Center offer free condoms for students to use. Sources: Goddard Health Services and Women’s Outreach Center’s Web sites.

of the front door while a small bouquet of flowers was placed in the door handle. The family requests supporters make donations to Food and Shelter for Friends in Amspacher’s name. Services for Amspacher will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the McFarlin Methodist Church.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY

Source: Sarah Amspacher, daughter of Mark Amspacher, the owner of The Diner

Athletes Continues from page 1

The Daily has a long-standing 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. The Daily has a long-standing 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. In Wednesday’s edition of The Daily, the resident advisor’s name in “OU Student Vies for Date with Pop Star” was misspelled. The name of the resident advisor is Devon Mobley.

Bell, Jefferson and the other signees make up what ESPN has said is the No.5 recruiting class in the nation. Stoops said this year’s class will reload positions left from injuries and departing players. He said this class is much more than just athletic. “This year’s signing class is full of high character kids,” Stoops said. The Sooners now look ahead to spring practice, which is scheduled to begin March 8.

be good to your February is National Heart Health Month. some of the f e a t u r e s t h a t s e t u s a pa r t

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Visit OU Health Services during the month of February to receive a $10 Cholesterol Screening.* For more information, please contact the OU Health Services Laboratory: 325-4611 Ext. 41142 *An 8-12 hour fast is recommended for accurate results. Limited to OU students, faculty, staﬀ and dependents. Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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Love University Faculty, Staff and Students Get 5% Off with OU Identification!

Art Museum Store Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art Corner of Elm & Boyd on Campus

For accommodations on the basis of disability, call 325-4611. The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Safety officials encourage precautions on campus Students urged to pay attention while walking on campus MICHELLE STEPHENSON Daily Staff Writer

For many students walking to and from their homes, security may not be on their mind. But for the few who have been mugged or followed, walking alone can be out of the question. Megan Raitt, University College freshman, said she only walks to and from the dorms with a partner, especially at night. “I used to run at night but after I heard about the man looking through a couple of sororities’ windows last semester, I never go by myself and look around while I’m walking,” Raitt said. “I try not to be really paranoid about it I just thought that stuff didn’t happen here.” Precautions need to be made by students in order to minimize crime and harassment on campus and surrounding areas, said Jennifer Newell, Norman Police spokeswoman. “If you see something suspicious, call immediately. We will go to the scene and look for footprints, broken windows, any form of broken entry. Our goal is to catch the person,” Newell said. Students can practice certain precautions to ensure they are always alert, Newell said. “Do not walk or run with headphones, it distracts you,” Newell said. “People need to be

able to hear their surroundings. Talking on the phone almost takes away your peripheral vision. If you’re not paying attention it’s easier for someone to attack you. If you hear or see something then get on the phone.” Caitlin Dama, early childhood education sophomore, takes night classes and said she walks from South Greek to the Sarkeys Energy Center in the evenings. She said she thinks OUshould change its parking lot times to allow students to park closer and earlier without receiving a ticket. “I know that it’s unsafe to walk across campus in the dark,” Dama said. “It’s scary. I hate doing it. But I don’t have 25 dollars every Tuesday and Thursday in order to park in the parking lot and receive a ticket. So, I end up taking the risk or have someone pick me up.” The blue emergency poles around campus are strategically placed to offer police assistance. By either lifting or pressing the button, a call is immediately directed to the OU Police Department and an officer is sent to the location. OUPD encourages the caller to speak to the officer who answers the phone and describe what assistance he or she needs, but if that’s not possible an officer will be sent regardless, said Lieutenant Bruce Chan, OU Police spokesman. Although Newell said she hadn’t seen a “change in pattern from other years” concerning student safety, students’ awareness can always help maintain campus safety.

POLICE REPORTS The following is a list of arrests and citations, not convictions. The information given is compiled from the Norman and OU Police Departments. At times, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department and the Oklahoma City FBI will contribute to these reports. All those listed are innocent until proven guilty. ASSAULT AND BATTERY John D. Baxter, 45, 1600 Village Dr., Tuesday HOSTING OR PERMITTING A LOUD PARTY Cory William Bayles, 22, 1516 E. Lindsey

St., Tuesday Sophia Louise Devries, 21, 1516 E. Lindsey St., Tuesday COUNTY WARRANT Robert Lee Bullock, 35, 1219 Classen Blvd., Monday David Advontage Williamson, 24, East Alameda Street, Tuesday Susan K. Jankovsky, 41, 1912 Shelby Ct., Tuesday

Jordan Christopher Contreras, 41, 1002 SW. 24th Ave., Monday Kevin Allen Long, 49, 901 N. Porter Ave., Monday Byron William Seiler, 39, 3310 NE. 108th Ave., Tuesday, also county warrant POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Marlon Jose Taylor, 42, 208 E. Mosier St., Tuesday

DOMESTIC ABUSE Brian Charles Young, 39, 401 SE. 12th Ave., Tuesday

MUNICIPAL WARRANT Kevin Paul Matthews, 35, 201 W. Gray St., Tuesday

PUBLIC INTOXICATION

DRIVING UNDER A SUSPENDED LICENSE

Timothy Blaine McDonald, 21, 1681 E. Lindsey St., Tuesday, also municipal warrant DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED Lindsey Mae Reed, 25, Peters Avenue, Tuesday

LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER OFFERS FREE REPAIRS FOR RECALLS Fowler Toyota is offering free service to owners of recalled Toyota vehicles. “We have several people waiting to help drivers out,” said Jay Wilson, general sales manager at Fowler Toyota. “We will help out anyone driving a recalled Toyota. You don’t have to have necessarily purchased a car from us.” Wilson said if owners think their cars may be included in the recall, they may call Fowler Toyota at 866-455-4811 or 888-391-9558 to have their questions answered. On Jan. 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles equipped with faulty gas pedal assemblies and the company suspended sales of all eight models involved in the Jan. 26 recall. Fowler is the only Toyota dealership in the Norman area certified by the Toyota Motor Corporation. According to a statement by Toyota, the accelerator pedal on certain models may stick in the accelerating position, making it difficult for the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Vehicles.

Lentz said Toyota is doing everything it can to address the problem. Stopping production of recalled models was the best decision, he said. “We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals and we know what we have to do to fix it,” Lentz said. No vehicles under Toyota’s Lexus or Scion brands are affected by the recall. Toyota stopped production of vehicles equipped with the faulty pedals this week to manage the recall.

—Ricky Maranon/The Daily

Toyota Vehicles Affected By The Recall Include: • Certain 2009-2010 RAV4s • Certain 2009-2010 Corollas • 2009-2010 Matrixes • 2005-2010 Avalons • Certain 2007-2010 Camrys • Certain 2010 Highlanders • 2007-2010 Tundras • 2008-2010 Sequoias Source: Toyota.com

CAMPUS EVENTS

TODAY ENGLISH CLUB English Club/Sigma Tau Delta will host a movie night from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Gittinger Hall, room 109. There will be free pizza and drinks.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Steven Andrew Thrower, 40, East Boyd Street, Monday, also possession of controlled dangerous substances

POETRY READING Douglas Goetch will read poetry from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Jacobson House Native Art Gallery at 609 Chautauqua Ave. as a part of The Mark Allen Everett Poetry Series.

PETTY LARCENY David Alejandro Villamizar Garcia, 21, 3499 W. Main St.

ENGINEERING The Welcome Back to Science and Engineering

Party will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Lawrence G. Rawl Practice Facility. ALPHA PHI OMEGA Alpha Phi Omega will hold a rush informational from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Adams Social Lounge.

FRIDAY CAREER SERVICES Career Services will host two professional dress sessions. Professional Dress for Women from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room of the Oklahoma Memorial Union. Professional Dress for Men will be held from

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Frontier Room. TEACHING SCHOLARS The Teaching Scholars Workshop will be from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. ETA KAPPA NU Eta Kappa Nu will host The Mathworks MATLAB Seminar from 1 to 5 p.m. in Devon Energy Hall, room 130. ALPHA PHI OMEGA Alpha Phi Omega will host a road rally from 6:45 to 9 p.m. at Dale Hall Tower. The event will include a scavenger hunt and end with a cookout.

THIS WEEKEND AT YOUR UNIVERSITY Thursday, Feb. 4 Student Success Series: What’s Your Learning Style? | 3:30 p.m. in Wagner Hall 245. Presented by University College. Union Jazz Lounge | 8-10 p.m. in Beaird Lounge, Oklahoma Memorial Union. Featuring Michael Huff and Trio Tenace. Admission is free and so is the food. Presented by the Union Programming Board, There’s Always Something at the Union, www.ou.edu/upb.

Friday, Feb. 5 Free Movie: “Law Abiding Citizen” | free screenings at 4, 7, 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. in Meacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union. The Union Programming Board will have prize drawings and giveaways at the 10 p.m. showing. Presented by the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council Film Series. ALWAYS SOMETHING at the union! Revisiting the New Deal: Curatorial Perspective | 6 p.m. in the Mary Eddy and Fred Jones Auditorium, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Presented by Mark White, PhD Eugene B. Adkins Curator, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Visit www.ou.edu/fjjma for more information. Women’s Gymnastics: OU vs. TWU | 7 p.m. at the McCasland Field House. Visit soonersports.com for ticket information.

Ice Cream Sundae Bar & Back-2-School BINGO | 8 p.m. in the Oklahoma Memorial Union Food Court. It’s time to win some of those back-2-school essentials for the classroom, dorm and apartment at Back-2-School BINGO! Don’t forget to visit our sundae bar and play some board games or Wii with friends. Presented by the Union Programming Board, There’s Always Something at the Union, www. ou.edu/upb.

Saturday, Feb. 6 Revisiting the New Deal: Government Patronage and the Fine Arts | new exhibition on display now through May 9 in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. Visit www.ou.edu/ fjjma for more information. Women’s Tennis: OU vs. Alabama | noon at the OU Tennis Complex. Visit soonersports.com for ticket information. Men’s Basketball: OU vs. Texas | 3 p.m. at the Lloyd Noble Center. Visit soonersports.com for ticket information. 2010 Murder Mystery Dinner | 6:30-9 p.m. in the Traditions West Clubhouse. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm. The show will follow at 7 pm and last for about two hours. For more information or to RSVP, please search 2010 Murder Mystery Dinner on Facebook or contact Glenn at (405) 325-2552.

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.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

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

Letters to the editor can be found online at:

OUDAILY.COM OUR VIEW

COMMENT OF THE DAY »

In response to Brooke Myers’ Wednesday column on fraternities. YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

“Sure there is a kernel of truth to the stereotypes you mentioned, and those guys do exist. But it is offensive when you include everyone into a characterization where not everyone belongs. -tayl4008

We need condoms in the dorms now

It’s a week before Valentines Day and everyone’s thinking about it, even UOSA. Condoms. According to a USA Today article last week, teen pregnancies and abortion rates are on the rise; now’s the time to plan ahead. UOSA is considering putting condom machines in the dorms’ basement bathrooms. If it decides to write and pass this legislation, anyone will be able to go to the private reaches of the basement bathrooms, pay a quarter or so and walk away with protection from such hideous side effects of sex as warts, HPV, gonorrhea HIV and children.

So here’s the question: Why didn’t we have them yesterday, last week, last year or last decade? Perhaps after a dorm birth last year we would have gotten the message: College kids have sex, even in the dorms. We currently have programs to educate students on campus and keep them safe. The Women’s Outreach Center has great programs like Sexperts, a team of sexually informed students seeking to educate the campus about sex. The center is already giving out free condoms in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The

only problem is they’re giving them out from a bowl in a high-traffic hallway. UOSA will charge students for these condoms. They won’t be free. And you don’t always have a quarter, especially when you really need it. However, there are always pennies available; you can find them lying around in rooms and fountains. Penny condoms in the basement would solve a multiplicity of problems. Penny condoms would truly expunge excuses for not using condoms. But UOSA is on it. They’ve been thinking about it since last August; they’re sure to be

about done with it anytime now, right? We’re still waiting. UOSA needs to expedite the process. They are here to solve student problems and this is a long-standing one. We need this to be solved. Now. Cheap condoms in the basement will allow students to get condoms when and where they need them. There will be fewer stigmas buying them in the privacy of a bathroom than grabbing them from a public bowl in a high traffic hallway. So, UOSA, quit thinking about it and give us penny condoms already.

STAFF COLUMN

STAFF CARTOON

Oklahoma needs ballot access reform

STAFF COLUMN

Mark Potts is a multimedia graduate student.

Mouse sperm: value in a humanities degree? Here is a fun fact I learned through NPR: classics departments are closing at schools The deer mouse’s uterus occasion- like Louisiana and Michigan State. Where ally houses sperm from multiple partners. does that leave the few seeking non-profesSperm cells will actually “team up” for a bet- sional degrees? ter chance at reaching and fertilIn his book “Graduate School izing the egg. A Harvard biologist in the Humanities: Just Don’t Go” recently discovered these teams Thomas Benton warns the overare predominantly divided by their worked, debt-plagued, impressionpartners of origin. Finally, the mysable students of the humanities. tery of deer mice seminal combat Benton argues these grad students is solved! struggle against one another to earn Knowing factoids like this is a PhD with the unrealistic expectahelpful in the likely event a student tion of employment at a four year asks an off-topic question. For BRYAN university. Each hopes to find and example: fertilize the great, glowing orb of a HONEYCUTT The first question I was asked as tenure track professorship. It apan instructor at this university was, pears they could learn something “How old are you?” from deer mice sperm. To which I replied something less witty So, the cost of a humanities degree is than, “Old enough to drink, too young to four (or more) year’s worth of tuition minus retire.” whatever income that degree can provide. Kids say the darndest things. The answer is variable. That addresses the Another student would later ask, “Why question of price but not necessarily the are you studying English?” worth of pursuing English. That is harder question to answer. After There are also far nobler pursuits than all, what is the relative worth of a degree in the study of literature or dead languages. the humanities? There are far more lucra- Careers in medicine can substantially imtive pursuits in life. A recent article in the prove the quality or length of many people’s New York Times by Kate Zernike reported lives. Research in the hard sciences can lead college students’ growing desire to see their to improvements in agriculture or clean investment — a college education and de- energy. gree — translate into a reserved spot in the Juxtaposed with curing polio or increasing workforce. food supply, studying Shakespeare seems Professional degree programs, such as pedantic, elitist and irrelevant. I’m remindbusiness or engineering, are experiencing ed of the doctoral dissertation researching greater enrollment where philosophy and botany in Shakespeare.

Of course, I’m also reminded of the Harvard biologist who studied the esoteric promiscuity of deer mice. I’m reminded of recent ivy-league law school graduates forced to work in the public sector for a lack of the openings in private firms. No profession is free from the risks financial insecurity or appearing irrelevant. Attending college is often and rightly thought as necessary to earning a supersistence living or finding a spouse who can. Hence, I return to grad school as my undergrad career awarded neither. The price of a degree will vary by the job market and cost and duration of your degree. Unemployment and tuition have both been on the rise as of late. The worthiness of what you study, however, is largely up to you. Is it to find a job, make the world a better place, make your mom and dad proud or place yourself within a realm of eligible bachelor and bachelorettes? Whatever it is, it can be measured by the ability to get to sleep at night. My own answer doesn’t speak for all students of English and much less for all of the humanities. I can sleep soundly (after grading essays, writing my own, and preparing lecture notes) even with the question “Why do you wanna study English?” gnawing at my brain like a deer mouse. When asked, the words of the Italian Stallion lull me to slumber. “Because I can’t sing or dance.” Bryan Honeycutt is an English graduate student.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

IN RESPONSE TO BROOKE MYERS’ COLUMN ON FRATERNITIES What does going Greek mean? Our founders created fraternities with the vision of creating the “ideal Greek man.” They wanted to fashion the next Socrates, Euclid or Leonidas. They wanted to instill the ideals of excellence in young men for their success now and in the future. Greeks are scholars. You matriculated in OU to learn and graduate with a degree, and going Greek is a greater commitment to yourself to fulfill this obligation. This is why I have maintained a 4.0 since joining a fraternity. This is why the GPA of Greek students is higher on average than that of non-Greek

students. Greeks are leaders. Of the Fortune 500 companies, more than half of the CEO’s are Greek. Greeks contribute more philanthropy in this community than any other group. U-Sing, Homecoming, Scandals and Big Event would all be miniscule affairs without Greek participation. Greeks are athletes. Intramural Sports are dominated by Greek houses. While the American obesity epidemic is on the rise, Greeks get off the couch and commit to their lifelong health. Greeks are gentleman. No rational

individual joins a group for the purpose of boozing and womanizing. If such groups exist, they would starve themselves from lack of success. The long-standing tradition of fraternities is evidence that claims to the contrary are unfounded. Sure, fraternities have fun, but paramount is the respect of our fellow human beings. Consider your values. If your goal is to become the best you can be, then you share much with Greeks. Matthew Granato is a computer engineering senior and secretary of Pi Kappa Alpha.

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

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Oklahoma has the worst ballot-access laws in the nation. To run for president as a third party requires a candidate to collect signatures equal to 5 percent of the number of votes cast in the last presidential/gubernatorial election. To run as an independent requires 3 percent which, although slightly lower, is still impossibly high. Even under the best case scenario, a thirdparty candidate or independent attempting to meet the 3 percent signature threshold still has to collect as many as 44,000 valid signatures to get on the ballot. Taking into consideration many signatures end up being invalidated because the signatory is not a regisMATT tered voter or puts wrong or BRUENIG illegible information, this signature requirement can, in practice, easily double. In a state with a fairly spread out population, this requirement is extremely difficult to meet. In fact, in the last two presidential elections, Oklahoma stands out as the only state in the entire country where the voters could only cast a vote for a Republican or Democrat. How do the Republicans and Democrats get on the ballot? So long as they can manage to draw 10 percent of the vote in every presidential and gubernatorial election, they do not have to collect a single signature. With third-party and independent candidates effectively barred from competing with them, something catastrophic would have to occur to prevent them from meeting this benchmark. So, the system is rigged. Republicans and Democrats get automatic access to the ballot so long as they meet a fairly low level of electoral support and third parties are not even allowed to run unless they meet a nearly impossible signature requirement. This is bad for democracy and bad for voter choice. If an independent or a third-party candidate wishes to run for an office, they are basically prevented from doing so. This means fewer choices, fewer ideas, and less debate. Would anyone seriously argue in a country as large and diverse as the U.S., a ballot which features two center-right parties has enough choice? Even those who are perfectly satisfied voting for Republicans or Democrats should at least recognize the democratic rights of others to run for office and vote for whom they please. Practically speaking, under current Oklahoma ballot access laws, those rights are denied. Some might argue we need these strict re q u i re m e n t s t o prevent a flood of This means However, fewer choices, choices. one need only look fewer ideas, and at other states to see less debate. that is not the case. In Louisiana, for instance, a candidate for president is only required to collect 1,000 signatures or pay a $750 filing fee. Even with this low bar, the state had only nine presidential candidates in 2008.. If we lower the bar, more candidates will be able to run and Oklahomans will have a luxury voters in other states are already afforded: electoral choice. Obviously the Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature have no incentive to make it easier to be challenged. So the likelihood of them getting behind such a measure is not too great. But, maybe in the next legislative session after they have passed another bill to intrude upon the private medical decisions of women, they can focus some time on fixing this serious infringement on the democratic rights of their fellow citizens. Matthew Bruenig is a philosophy junior.

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

Guest columns are accepted at editor’s discretion. ’Our View’ is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily. Editorial Board members are The Daily’s editorial staff. The board meets Sunday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in 160 Copeland Hall. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

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

« FOOTBALL For more on OU’s National Signing Day visit OUDAILY.COM

OU suffers blowout loss to Texas

New commit Bell has chance to make impact next season

The No. 13 OU women’s basketball team was on the losing end of the Red River Rivalry Wednesday night in a 75-57 loss to No. 17 Texas. “I thought the big difference was intensity,” head coach Sherri Coale said. “I didn’t think we competed. OU struggled offensively going only 3-10 through the first seven minutes in the contest. “I’m frustrated because Texas looked like they wanted to win it worse than we did,” Coale said. Midway through the first half the Sooners established some rhythm, but OU still trailed 20-14. The only Sooners with points on the stat sheet were junior Danielle NEIL MCGLOHON/THE DAILY Robinson and senior Amanda Junior Guard Danielle Robinson breaks Texas’ defense during the Thompson. game Wednesday night. OU lost 75-57. It looked like OU had cut the deficit at 24-22, but the Without Robinson in the game, Texas went Sooners went cold again without another field up 50-41. goal before halftime. “(Robinson) gets her fourth foul and we just Texas cooled off slightly around the bas- completely splinter from that point forward,” ket finishing the half shooting 50 percent on Coale said. 14-28 shooting, but the Longhorns still carried Coale said the Sooners lacked toughness a 33-22 lead into the locker room at the break. and moxy, which allowed the Longhorns to Coale said the Sooners had a chance in hold onto a large lead. the last four minutes of the first half, but they Thompson finished the game leading OU let the Longhorns go on a nine to zero run to with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Robinson close the first half. fouled out with two minutes remaining and 16 OU went into the break shooting 29.6 points. percent. “Everybody was on difference places and It only took four minutes for OU cut the 11- that’s what it felt like,” Robinson said. “We point lead to five to trail the Longhorns 35-33. weren’t having fun. The Sooners looked like a much invigorated Coale blamed the loss on her team’s offenteam. sive performance. OU kept it close, but the Sooners could not “We didn’t shoot it well and your not going steal the lead from the Longhorns, who strug- to beat anyone shooting 31 percent from the gled from the field more in the second half. field,” Coale said. OU was also in foul trouble with senior cenNext up for the Sooners is a trip north to face ter Abi Olajuwon and Robinson on the bench Bedlam rival Oklahoma State in Stillwater at 2 each with four fouls. p.m. Saturday.

JONO GRECO Daily Staff Writer

ANNELISE RUSSELL Daily Staff Writer

once Jones either graduates or gets replaced, an option many OU fans would have taken at different points during OU’s Redshirt freshman quarterback Landry disappointing 2009 season. Jones has some competition now that Jones was under a lot of scrutiny folquarterback recruit Blake Bell signed his lowing Heisman-winner Sam Bradford’s letter of intent Wednesday. shoulder injury in the season opener. Bell, a four-star player by Rivals.com Jones put together some impressive wins from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School during the en route to an 8-5 season, but in Wichita, Kan., is a 6-foot-6-inch dual- he will be remembered most for his two threat quarterback who has been verbally fourth-quarter interceptions against Texas committed to OU and his five-intercepsince he was offered a tion performance in a “He’s a talented guy when scholarship in July. loss against Nebraska. “He’s a talented you look at his ability to Despite Jones’ hardguy when you look at throw the football. He’s an ships, Stoops fervently his ability to throw the excellent pocket quartersupported his quarterfootball,” Stoops said. back and was repaid “He’s an excellent back, which is a staple of with a nearly flawless pocket quarterback, what we do.” performance in the which is a staple of Sooners’ 31-27 victory what we do.” against the Stanford HEAD COACH BOB STOOPS Bell’s most attracCardinal in the Sun tive features are that Bowl. In OU’s first bowl he will be a new style of Sooner quarter- victory since 2005, he completed 30 of back. There have been few quarterbacks 51 passes for 418 yards with three touchwho could both run and pass well, and the downs and an interception. coaching staff has stayed away from callBut Jones’ solid victory does not guaring run plays for its quarterbacks. antee him the starting role next season. With Bell’s versatility, offensive coor- Stoops said he plans on having Bell ready dinator Kevin Wilson can open up his to provide competition for the startingplaybook. Stoops said he would not have quarterback position when he is able to a problem with running Bell six or seven suit up for practice. times a game. “[Bell will] compete from the first day “Blake is more athletic than any quar- he’s here,” Stoops said. “Getting him snaps, terback we’ve signed as far as being able to getting him comfortable and seeing what pull the ball down and run,” Stoops said. he’s able to do and bringing him along.” “We’re not ever going to run him much; But Bell’s chances of starting next seawe don’t like our quarterbacks getting beat son are slim. up for a lot of reasons. In the end we’ll run During the Bob Stoops era, Stoops has him sparingly.” never started a true-freshman quarterback During Bell’s two years as starting quar- in a season-opener and he has started just terback in high school, he passed for 5,992 two redshirt freshman, Bradford and Jason yards with 69 touchdowns and 15 inter- White, on day one. ceptions and rushed for 1,165 yards with So, all signs do not point toward Bell 34 touchdowns. He led his school to a state starting in 2010, but his future at OU looks title during his senior year. bright and the starting-quarterback job “You love he’s a winner,” Stoops said. could be his in 2011. But Bell will have to prove he’s a winner

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Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

FOOTBALL

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY 2010

his season, OU brought in 28 new recruits from six different states (highlighted above). A majority of the Sooners’ commits (16) came from Texas. Four of them are from Oklahoma. OU managed to snag the top three recruits from Kansas. The Sooners also got two recruits from California, and one each from Missouri and Florida. The Daily’s Clark Foy took a look at six of them, with information provided by Rivals.com.

6-6, 210 pounds

6-0, 210 pounds

6-4, 230 pounds

6-3, 197 pounds

P r o - S t y l e Quarterback

Linebacker

Defensive End

Athlete

Dallas, Texas Skyline HS

Hutchinson, Kan. Hutchinson HS

Shawnee, Kan. Bishop Miege HS

Recruited by: GENEO Brent Venables, GRISSOM Kevin Wilson

Recruited by: Jay Norvell

Grissom completes OU’s sweep of the top three players coming out of the state of Kansas. He features a 4.6 40-time to go along with his wide frame and long arms, which helped him record 7.5 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 2009.

McCay’s size is a blessing for the wide receiver position, and he ran a 4.5 40-yard-dash. While he did manage 926 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, many have questioned whether he would make a better receiver or linebacker.

Wichita, Kan. Bishop Carroll HS Recruited by: Josh Heupel

BLAKE BELL

Bell was the sixth-ranked quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com He is a running threat as well as a passer, as he rushed for 839 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior.

Running Back

Nelson gave Texas A&M a solid verbal commitment and has long been expected to fulfill it. However, he visited Norman and finally signed with OU on signing day.

JUSTIN MCCAY

ou can’t talk OU recruiting without taking a peek at what the Sooners’ main rivals were able to do on Signing day. The Daily’s MJ Casiano breaks down the recruiting class from OU, Oklahoma State and Texas.

Niceville, Fla. Niceville HS ROY FINCH

Finch is the No. 4 all-purpose back according to Rivals.com and is an established route runner as well, adding 504 yards and six touchdowns receiving to his 1,659 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns as a senior.

6-0, 196 pounds Safety Chula Vista, Calif. Eastlake HS Recruited by: Bobby Jack Wright

COREY NELSON

Analysis: Big 12 rival recruiting classes

5-8, 170 pounds

Recruited by: Cale Gundy

Recruited by: Brent Venables

TONY JEFFERSON

Jefferson is ranked as the No. 4 safety by Rivals.com. Jefferson finished with 88 tackles, 12 for loss, four sacks, two fumbles forced, two recovered and two interceptions his junior season at Eastlake.

It’s safe to say Texas has one of the best incoming recruiting classes in the nation. Texas currently has 25 commitments, although only three have enrolled. Although one recruit was in OU territory, athlete DeMarco Cobbs from Tulsa Central , his questionable speed and uncertainty about his position make him a less viable prospect. No surprise here: 22 of the Longhorns’ 25 commitments were from Texas. Jackson Jeffcoat, a “five-star” defensive end from Plano West high school in Texas, was once considered to be leaning toward OU. Many compare him to Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers based on his speed, size and strength. Jeffcoat, who should have an immediate impact, signed with Texas on Friday and solidified the Longhorns future at strongside defensive end for years to come.

Even though OU lacks a fivestar commitment, the Sooners still brought in a promising class of players. Currently 28 players have committed to OU, and five have already enrolled. The OU recruiting specialists did a fine job spreading out commitments around the country as usual: Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Florida and California. 16 of the 28 commitments hail from Texas. The most intriguing of the bunch goes to quarterback Blake Bell from Bishop Carroll in Kansas. Bell is a prostyle quarterback who has been compared to players like Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett and Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger because of his size, arm strength and ability to escape the pass rush. Bell does more than just move in the backfield, as he rushed for 839 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior quarterback on top of throwing for 32 touchdowns. It’ll be interesting to see when Bell gets his first regular season action in the future.

Oklahoma State brought in the 31st ranked recruiting class in the nation according to Rivals.com, and 5th in the Big 12 conference. Oklahoma State has a recruiting class of 29, and with four of those players enrolled. The Cowboys leaned heavily south into Texas territory, signing 20 recruits from the state. Suprisingly, Oklahoma State only signed four players from Oklahoma. OSU’s most interesting recruit may not be their best recruit, but none of the Cowboy’s additions stand out significantly from the others at this early stage. Johnny Deaton, dual-threat quarterback from Charles Page in Oklahoma, highly resembles former quarterback Zac Robinson in playing style, size and speed. According to Rivals.com, the Cowboys got four other four-star recruits, all of them either being defensive players or being undecided on their positions. MJ Casiano/The Daily

Thursday, February 4, 2010

ONLINE Âť

Joshua Boydston, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu â&#x20AC;˘ phone: 325-5189 â&#x20AC;˘ fax: 325-6051

Read about the season premiere of Lost on yOU, a student life blog, and watch a discussion on the show at the multimedia tab at OUDaily.com

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night A tribute act does its part in keeping the spirit of The Beatles alive. ALEX EWALD Daily Staff Writer

St. Pepper fans can twist and shout in honor of The Beatles for a tribute to the iconic rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; n roll band Friday and Saturday night in Sharp Concert Hall. Hosted by Beatles cover band 1964, â&#x20AC;&#x153;1964: The Tributeâ&#x20AC;? will include a presentation about the Beatles

at 6 p.m, a cover band of OU School of Music professors, MidLyfe Crysis, performing at 7 p.m. and the cover band 1964 performing at 8 p.m. The Beatles were a musical group that stabilized in 1962 with members Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harris in Liverpool and arrived the US in 1964, starting the phenomenon known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beatlemaniaâ&#x20AC;? and begginningg the British Invasion of rock â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roll music. The band broke up in 1970 after undeniable critical and commercial popularity and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

OU School of Music bassoon professor Carl Rath, who organized the tribute concert series, said 1964 is a cover group that formed in the â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s to do a Beatles concert and, after receiving positive feedback, kept going. The band performs as the four members on national tours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw them in the late â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s and was just blown away,â&#x20AC;? said Rath, who also teaches a Beatles seminar through the School of Music. NIGHTS IN THE LIFE â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remembered them again when I was driving to Wisconsin â&#x20AC;Ś I came What: 1964, a Beatles tribute back to OU and talked to band with MidLyfe Crysis. a friend â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we thought it would be fun to bring When: 6 p.m. Friday and them in.â&#x20AC;? Saturday After 1964 performed at OU for several years, Rath Where: Catlett Music Centersaid the concert series was Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall, 500 discontinued due to lack W. Boyd St. of funding, but restarted after he started teaching Cost: Adults- $25 in advance, the Beatles class in 1995 $30 at the door when students wanted the Youth (17 and under)- $15 in series back. advance, $20 at the door â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two years ago it was the first time [1964 was] set up to play with strings and brass,â&#x20AC;? Rath said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got sick, so I handed the whole thing over to another professor, and long story short, it got canceled.â&#x20AC;? However, after a year-long period of phone calls and emails from fans insisting 1964 come back again, the concert was rescheduled as two nights long. Rath brought in speakers for the Beatles presentation including Andy Babiuk, Russ Lease, Cathy Sarver and Steve Loflin, all of whom he met at a Chicago Beatlesfest. The popularity of 1964â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concert series, and other cover bands, shows the enduring legacy of the Beatles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are a lot of other Beatles tribute bands coming through this area,â&#x20AC;? Rath said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the cheapest place you can see them.â&#x20AC;?

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

WEEKEND UPDATE

The Daily’s guide to what’s happening near you.

1. 2. 4.

3. 4.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

IN OKC: Need a jolting dose of rock ‘n’ roll? See The Pretty Black Chains play with local punk legends Red City Radio and celtic-punk act The Righs at 8 p.m. Friday at the Conservatory, 8911 N. Western Ave. AROUND NORMAN: Craving nostalgia? Catch the psychedelic-folk stylings of Brother Gruesome when they release a new cassette tape and celebrate the night with a karaoke party at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Opolis, 113 N. Crawford. ON CAMPUS: Reflect on 1930s art with the opening of the Revising the New Deal exhibit. The opening reception takes place 7-9 p.m. at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

ON CAMPUS: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! The Union Programming Board will be sponsoring a free sundae bar at 8 p.m. Friday in the Union food court. You will also have a chance to win school supplies and room decor by playing Bingo.

AT HOME: Invite friends over to watch the game and eat some food. Watch Super Bowl XLIV, featuring the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. The game airs at 5:25 p.m. Sunday on CBS.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Tax credit available to college students Univeristy officials urge students to investigate possible tax deductions

strategies. Smith also alerted The Daily to another potentially helpful IRS form called Education Credits. It is IRS form 8863 and it is similar to the 1098-T form in that it helps determine your eligibility for the credits.

JONATHAN BROU Daily Staff Writer

OU students may qualify to deduct the cost of their tuition from their taxes, according to the Internal Revenue Service Web site. These credits could save students and their families money during an economic recession and yet many students are unaware of the tax credits. “The only tax deductions I know about are charitable donations and work related deductions,” said Samantha Mysel, Englishwriting sophomore. A tax credit is deducted from your income so that, in the eyes of the government, you have made less money and have to pay less in taxes as a result, according to collegeboard.com. The IRS Web site states that students may only qualify for the tax credits if they or the person who files taxes for them makes less than the income limit of their tax credit. If your parent is the one who pays your tuition and they claim you as a dependent then they may take the deduction. “[My parents] have never mentioned them to me and I’m sure if they knew about them, they would, because they are all about saving money,” said Lindsay Grell, communication sciences and disorders sophomore. The American Opportunity Credit, the Hope Scholarship Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are available to students. Each has their own criteria for qualifying and students may only take one of the credits. “Financial Aid Services tries to inform students about the tax credits that they may qualify for by giving students access to tax

AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY CREDIT

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NEIL MCGLOHON

professionals usually through the Norman Public Library”, Matthew Hamilton, OU registrar, said by e-mail. Hamilton also said OU has just sent out the 1098-T form to students. This form helps students determine whether they are eligible for the Hope Scholarship or the Lifetime Learning credit, Bursar Max Hawkins said by e-mail. The form was sent to each student’s permanent address and if students don’t receive the form within the next week they may contact the Bursar’s office for a copy, Hawkins said. “I hope students will follow-up by making sure they or their parents take advantage of any tax credit opportunity for which the may be eligible,” Hamilton said. “This may mean seeking free tax assistance, reading IRS publication 970 or making certain their or their

parents’ tax professional is aware of the tax credit and has students’ 1098-T form.” OU also mentions the tax credits in their financial aid presentations and includes tax information in the “Ask the Sooners” database, Hamilton said. Myles Smith, certified public accountant, said he has dealt with these tax credits for the last six to eight years. “Some people are [aware of them] and some are not,” Smith said. Smith said if students or their parents have an income just over the limit on a particular credit, they may be able to lower their income through claiming another credit or, if they own a business, increasing the expenses of the business in order to bring down their income. But he said one should talk to a tax professional before acting on any such tax

• Maximum credit of up $2,500 per student. • Limit on income for eligibility is $180,000 for married couple that files jointly and $90,000 for a single filer (income of the people filing; if your parents are filing your taxes then they are the ones who must have a qualifying income). Hope Credit • Maximum credit is $1,800 dollars ($3,600 for Midwestern Disaster areas, such as Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin). • The limit on income for eligibility is $120,000 for married couples and $60,000 for a single filer. • Only available for two years per student. Lifetime Learning Credit • According to Turbotax.com, if your income is between $65,001 and $80,000 ($130,001 to $160,000 if jointly filing) your maximum deduction is $2000, while if your income is under $60,000 ($130,000 or less for couples) your maximum deduction is $4,000. • The student does not need to be pursuing a degree. • Felony drug convictions are permitted. Source: Internal Revenue Service

Visual communications program proves highly competitive Visual communication students must present portfolio and interview to be considered for limited slots NICOLE HILL Daily Staff Writer

To get into OU, Traci Fuller had to show off her grade point average and ACT scores. To get into the Visual Communications program, she had to explain her favorite curse word. For Fuller, fifth-year visual communications senior, the process of getting into her major program was often frustrating. The Visual communications program in the School of Art is one of the smallest and most selective on campus, taking 18 students into the program each year. “Typically, if students are close in terms of the evaluation method we always err on taking a few more than that,” said Eric Anderson, art and visual communications professor. “It’ll vary a little bit depending on the talent level.” Visual communications is a three-year degree program after a year of foundations classes with an average of 54 to 60 students in the major. Its purpose is to train students in communication graphics and prepare them to be graphic designers at design studios, advertising agencies and in-house publications, Anderson said. Anderson said the application process is “reasonably rigorous.” Students interested in visual communications spend their freshman year in Art Foundations classes, which are required for all art students and introduce them to basic studio art and design concepts. After completing those, students will present a portfolio of work the last week of February. Then the visual communications faculty will hold

15-minute interviews with applicants March 4 and 5. “I don’t think you can be a good graphic designer Interview questions range from why they’re interested in the without excellent drawing skills. Most art actuprogram to current events, Anderson said. “Honestly though, they just want to get to know your per- ally has some purpose. There’s a communication sonality,” Fuller said. “They ask you questions like ‘What’s process in art. It’s not just about expression.” something you’re passionate about?’ or ‘Tell us your favorite curse word.’” ERIC ANDERSON, ART AND VISUAL University College freshman Elizabeth Craig is one of the COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSOR hopefuls applying this year. She said she’s nervous about applying because there are more than 40 students vying for around 20 spots. But Craig said she likes the small nature of Craig said she was originally interested in journalism the program nonetheless. but she realized there were some things about typog“I think that’s a good thing because it’s a lot of personal raphy and design she could only learn about in visual attention,” Craig said. communications. The program is small and selective for multiple reasons. At the core of the curriculum is visual performance, The first issue is a matter of resources. There are currently which makes it a goof fit for the art department, Anderson only three professors in the program and the economic situ- said. ation has put future hiring up in the air, Anderson said. “I don’t think you can be a good graphic designer without Beyond that, though, schools with larger programs don’t excellent drawing skills,” Anderson said. “Most art actually do as well, Anderson said. has some purpose. There’s a communication process in art. “There’s a couple schools in our region that take 400 to 500 It’s not just about expression.” students,” he said. “There’s simply not jobs for all those students. So what we don’t want to do is to get into a situation where we’re educating somebody for a profession they really don’t have much hope of competing in.” Because of its small size, most students don’t fully understand what the visual communications program is and why a communications major is in the School of Art. “Some of the art school students feel like what we do has nothing to do with art and is more for business and advertising, which is not so,” Fuller said. “We create art with a function, which is usually to portray certain information to a given audience.”

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Previous Solution

7 4

2 8 1 3 4 4 3 7 2 9 7 1 5 3 5 1 6 8 3

3 2 7 6 8 9 4 5 1

5 1 6 7 4 3 9 8 2

9 8 4 2 5 1 3 7 6

2 9 8 4 3 5 6 1 7

1 7 5 9 6 2 8 3 4

6 4 3 1 7 8 5 2 9

8 6 1 3 2 4 7 9 5

7 3 9 5 1 6 2 4 8

4 5 2 8 9 7 1 6 3

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

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

HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol

Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be philosophical about your problems, and you’ll be amazed at how easily they resolve themselves. The secret is not to take yourself or life too seriously. It’s the negatives that hold you back. PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Something that might appear to be of little significance could be just what you need to fix a disappointing situation. It’s likely to be the small things that make all the difference. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- It won’t matter whether you have to work with groups, committees or an individual on a one-on-one basis. You’re the right person to be in charge of negotiating anything of importance. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Some of your biggest breaks will come from matters that pertain to your work, career or personal endeavors. Now is the time to make that big push. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t hesitate to start planning for ways and means to do something that everyone says is impossible or that can only be accomplished with Lady Luck’s help. Dame Fortune is on your side.

Previous Answers

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -You’re a stretch runner so don’t be concerned if you are not doing well in the early going. Things should improve as you get closer to the finish line.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Things should vastly improve when you join a cooperative endeavor. What skill one doesn’t have the other does, multiplying each other’s luck. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Regardless of the difficulty of the assigned tasks, make an effort to do your best with your God-given abilities. You’ll be surprised at how well you do. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- It’s a smart person who puts you in charge of organizing a complicated development. Instinctively, you’ll know what needs to be done and how to do it. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You can do whatever you think is possible if you envision positive results before getting started. If you don’t let the intensity of the picture fade, you will live up to your vision. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Any unpleasant conditions in the past few days will begin to fade if you continue to have faith and keep on trying. What you hope for is possible. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- That old adage “The harder you work, the luckier you get” will be true in your case, so whatever you do, don’t let down. Keep your nose to the grindstone until you reach your goal.

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Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker February 04, 2010

ACROSS 1 Cause wrinkles 7 “Como ___ usted?” 11 Black-eyed edible 14 Alternative to digital 15 Designating K-12 16 Befitting 17 Attire for manual workers? 19 What Eve was created from 20 “The Hobbit” character 21 Dot on an ocean map 22 Turn toward 23 Barely manage (with “out”) 24 ___ Diego, Calif. 26 King of classical tragedy 28 Academic period 30 500 sheets of paper 32 Unable to react, as helium 33 Acquire, as expenses 35 Shooting marble 36 Editing implements 38 Scottish property owner 39 Rich pastry 40 Karate acquisitions

41 Surrender formally 42 Trader’s word 46 Type of sculpture (Var.) 48 Banned insecticide (Abbr.) 50 “Blame It on ___” (Caine film) 51 “I ___ debt of gratitude to ...” 52 Semicircular part of a church 54 Buenos ___, Argentina 56 Blob of used gum 57 Some county fair awards 59 Big Apple inst. 60 Get one’s dander up 61 An evening party 62 Clairvoyance initials 63 Jewish month before Nisan 64 Tree-trunk growths DOWN 1 Carpentry groove 2 Different from 3 Jack Dempsey, aka the Manassa ___ 4 Common person 5 Madmen, in Mexico

6 Swellhead’s problem 7 Electrified swimmers 8 Downhill ski race 9 “... and baby makes ___” 10 “___ for apple” 11 Low walls 12 Food connoisseur 13 If all goes right 18 Batting order at Fenway Park, e.g. 22 Closing scenes 25 Traveled like a tennis lob 27 Finger or toe 29 Citizen’s army 31 Ragged mountain ridge 34 Nightingale or Barton 35 Having lots

of land 36 Shaped into orbs 37 One placing auction bids 38 Tolerances 40 “Doctor, My Eyes” singer Jackson 41 Linking verb 43 Fielding boo-boos 44 One whose property is claimed, legally 45 Team stat 47 Well-founded 49 Off-limits 53 Crystal-ball consulter 55 Sacred wading bird of the pharaohs 57 Lingerie purchase 58 “Skeptic” or “cynic” follower

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

MELANCHOLY SHADE by George Darby

Thursday, February 4, 2010

PARENTS FOUND GUILTY OF NEGLECTING ILL SON OREGON CITY, Ore. — An Oregon couple who practice faith healing testified they did everything they could for their 16-year-old son before he died, but a jury decided it was not enough, especially just months after the death of their granddaughter. Jeff and Marci Beagley were convicted of criminally negligent homicide on Tuesday after prosecutors argued they failed in their duty to get medical help for their son, Neil, in June 2008. The teenager died of complications from a congenital urinary tract blockage that doctors testified could have been treated up until the day he died. The Beagleys’ 15-month-old granddaughter, Ava Worthington, died in March 2008 of pneumonia and a blood infection that also could have been treated. Instead, Neil and Ava were anointed with oil while the family prayed and laid on hands on them. The toddler’s parents, Raylene and Carl Brent Worthington, were acquitted of manslaughter last year after a trial that tested a change in Oregon law in 1999 resulting from a public outcry over a series of child deaths among members of the Followers of Christ Church. Brent Worthington, however, was convicted of criminal mistreatment and served two months in jail.

The Beagleys and their daughter, Raylene, and son-in-law, Brent, are all members of the small church with roots in Kansas but now is based in Oregon City. Followers of Christ avoid doctors in favor of faith healing. Family and church members packed the small courtroom where Clackamas County Presiding Judge, Steven Maurer, read the guilty verdicts delivered after less than two full days of deliberations. Some gasped and others held back tears while Marci Beagley cried quietly. Now Beagley and her husband face a possible 16 to 18 months in prison under state sentencing guidelines, although defense attorneys plan to ask for probation. The Beagleys remain free, pending their sentencing on Feb. 18. Brent Worthington said just after the verdicts that the family had no plans to comment on the trial. But one of the defense attorneys, Wayne Mackeson, insisted the trial was about the care they provided as parents, not about their beliefs. “It’s never been a referendum on the church. This case involves parents who didn’t understand how sick their child was,” he said.

AP PHOTO

Jeff Beagley testifies about the events leading to the death of his son, Neil, in Clackamas County Court in Oregon City, Ore. Beagley was found guilty Tuesday, Feb. 2, of criminally negligent homicide for praying over their ill son instead of seeking medical help.

— AP

University fundraising falls 12 percent in 2009

SEATTLE — Charitable contri“We knew that this was going to butions to colleges and universi- be a bad year,” said Ann E. Kaplan, ties plummeted an average 11.9 director of the survey, who noted percent nationwide in 2009, the that 2009 was a bad year for both steepest drop in at least three de- the institutions and the donors cades, according to who support a new report. them. “Nothing Individual giving “If the past is an that came out dropped in both dol- indication of the future, of the numbers lars and participa- things should start to surprised me tion numbers. Gifts very much.” f o r e n d o w m e n t s recover now.” One area of and new buildings giving that did saw the biggest de- ANN E. KAPLAN not decline as creases, according to much was gifts the Council for Aid to from organiEducation, which released its 2009 zations, including corporations, fiscal report on Wednesday. foundations, religious organizaDonation declines piled on top tions and other nonprofits. of endowment drops averaging 22 Stanford University took in percent, plus state budget cuts for $640.1 million and was at the top public colleges. of the fiscal 2009 fundraising list,

followed by Harvard, Cornell and the University of Pennsylvania. The annual report was based on 1,027 survey responses. Stanford held onto its top spot, despite a drop in fundraising income of $175 million, because most of the other universities on the Top 20 list also saw dramatic decreases. Har vard’s fundraising income went down $50 million, the University of California, Los Angeles, dropped by nearly $105 million, and even the school known for attracting the most medical research dollars — Johns Hopkins University — saw its income drop by about $16 million. A few saw changes in the opposite direction, including Cornell University, with a fundraising

increase of $38 million, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an increase of about $7 million. Kaplan said on Tuesday that many universities are expecting 2010 to be a better year for fundraising because some donors were waiting to see the stock market improve before making some planned gifts. But she did not expect the improvement to bring donations back up to 2008 levels. “If the past is an indication of the future, things should start to recover now. How quickly that’s going to happen, I’m not sure,” she said. The 20 institutions that raised the most money in 2009 brought in $7.28 billion, which was $1.13 billion less than the top 20 schools

raised in 2008. But 2009 wasn’t bad for every college. The University of Washington — No. 12 on the Council for Aid to Education’s list — had its best fundraising year in history, said Walt Dreyfoos, associate vice president of advancement services. It brought in $324 million in fiscal 2009 — an increase of more than $20 million over 2008. Individual donations were down at the Seattle university last year, but corporate and foundation dollars going mostly to research remained strong. In addition to research money, the university was still collecting on multiyear pledges from a record-breaking capital campaign that ended in June 2008.

— AP

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Obama responds to ire over 2nd anti-Vegas remark LAS VEGAS — President Barack Obama is known for having a way with words, but some lawmakers from Nevada wish he would pipe down about trips to Sin City. After sparking a firestorm of criticism from Nevada’s elected officials for suggesting that people saving money for college shouldn’t blow it in Las Vegas, Obama told U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in a letter that he wasn’t saying anything negative about Las Vegas. It was the second time since taking office that Obama singled out Las Vegas as a potential example of spending excessively. “I was making the simple point that families use vacation dollars, not college tuition money, to have fun,” Obama said, according to the letter released by Reid’s office. “There is no place better to have fun than Vegas, one of our country’s great destinations.” Obama said he always enjoys his visits to Las Vegas. A White House spokesman referred to Obama’s letter to Reid and said the administration had no further comment. Perception and reputation are sensitive issues for Sin City as it struggles to find footing amid a two-year meltdown of foreclosures, bankruptcies and unemployment. Tourism is the Silver State’s backbone, and several lawmakers said they were shocked

STATE BRIEFS BIBLE COULD BE COMING TO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS OKLAHOMA CITY — High schools across the state could begin offering an elective course in the study of the Bible under a measure approved by a Senate committee. The Appropriations Subcommittee on Education on Wednesday passed the bill. It now goes to the full Appropriations Committee. Elk City Democrat Tom Ivester says schools in Oklahoma already are offering similar courses — but says his measure would provide guidelines to ensure the classes are focusing on the historical context of scripture. The head of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State says he sees some merit to the idea, but only if teachers are trained to teach the course objectively. Mike Fuller says his group’s concern is about the possibility of teachers endorsing religion. ANTI-ABORTION ADVOCATES RALLY AT CAPITOL OKLAHOMA CITY — Anti-abortion advocates want state lawmakers to approve new restrictions on a woman’s legal right to end a pregnancy. Dozens filled the state Capitol’s rotunda Wednesday for the annual Rose Day rally. They visited lawmakers’ offices and distributed roses while asking them to support anti-abortion measures. Anti-abortion bills pending in the 2010 Legislature include some that were invalidated by an Oklahoma county judge last year. They would require women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound examination and affirm the right of health care professionals to refuse to participate in an abortion. Other bills would regulate use of the abortion pill RU-486 and prohibit wrongful-life lawsuits arguing a disabled child would have been better off aborted. TEEN TO BE TRIED AS JUVENILE IN FATHER’S DEATH A 16-year-old girl charged with first-degree murder of her father will be tried as a juvenile. Cleveland County prosecutors say Brittany Herrera’s case has been moved from adult to juvenile court. Assistant District Attorney David Brockman says details can not be released because it is now a juvenile matter. Herrera and her boyfriend — 18-year-old Matthew Gene Fox — were both charged with first degree murder in the January 2009 stabbing death of Leroy Herrera in his south Oklahoma City home. Both have pleaded not guilty and Fox has said he stabbed Herrera in self-defense. Fox remains charged as an adult in the case. — AP

that Obama singled out Las Vegas again after commenting last February that bailed-out banks shouldn’t go to Las Vegas using taxpayer money. “When times are tough, you tighten your belts,” Obama said, according to a White House transcript of his appearance Tuesday at a high school in Nashua, N.H. “You don’t go buying a boat when you can barely pay your mortgage,” Obama said. “You don’t blow a bunch of cash on Vegas when you’re trying to save for college. You prioritize. You make tough choices.” The comments quickly sparked a flurry of reaction in the Silver State, which supported Obama in the 2008 election. Nevada had an unemployment rate of 13 percent in December. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman said during a hastily called news conference that Obama is no friend to Las Vegas and would not be welcomed here if he visits. “I’ll do everything I can to give him the boot,” Goodman said. “This president is a real slow learner.” Goodman and others are worried that Obama’s words will discourage visitors from coming to Las Vegas and depress the industry further. “Enough is enough!” Democratic

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley said in a statement. “President Obama needs to stop picking on Las Vegas and he needs to let Americans decide for themselves how and where to spend their hard-earned vacation dollars.” Nevada’s tourism has been hit hard during the past two years as consumers everywhere tighten leisure spending and companies spend less on meetings and conventions. Reid, one of Obama’s closest allies, issued a statement headlined “Reid to Obama: ‘Lay off Las Vegas’” and was unusually blunt in his reaction. “The President needs to lay off Las Vegas and stop making it the poster child for where people shouldn’t be spending their money,” Reid said. “I would much rather tourists and business travelers spend their money in Las Vegas than spend it overseas.” Sen. John Ensign, a Republican, complained that Obama “failed to grasp the weight that his words carry.” “Once again he has threatened the struggling economy of Las Vegas,” Ensign said, recalling what he characterized as Obama’s “irresponsible” comment in February 2009. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons and Rep. Dean Heller, both Republicans, and Democratic Rep. Dina Titus also disparaged the

president’s remarks, while Republican candidates hoping to unseat Reid this year called for an apology. One year ago, Obama commented during a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Ind., that corporations shouldn’t use federal bailout money for trips to Las Vegas, the Super Bowl or corporate jets. Tourism and casino officials said the comment hurt the city as companies canceled meetings in Las Vegas and rescheduled them elsewhere. Obama later said during a May 2009 trip to Nellis Air Force Base outside of Las Vegas that it was nice to get out of Washington and “there’s nothing like a quick trip to Vegas in the middle of the week.” Goodman said he thought Obama had a “psychological hang-up” of using Las Vegas as an example of excessive spending, and that this time, an apology wouldn’t be enough. “He has to step up right away and say, you know, he wasn’t thinking,” Goodman said. “Sometimes when he’s not using his monitors and reading what he says, he doesn’t think. And this is one of those times he didn’t think, and he should straighten out the record because he’s been here, he knows Las Vegas is a great place.” — AP