The Oklahoma Daily by OU Daily

The University of Oklahoma’s independent student voice since 1916

Monday, April 25, 2011

www.OUDaily.com

Free — additional copies 25¢

Utilities deal cushions funding cuts University plans ahead for upcoming state budget cuts by outsourcing utilities to private company NICHOLAS HARRISON The Oklahoma Daily

A deal made last year to let a private company manage OU’s utilities will allow the university to weather an expected 3 to 7 percent cut in state funding, President David Boren said. The university earned about $120 million from the outsourcing contract with Corix Utilities Inc., approved by the OU Board of Regents last summer. Part of that sum paid off bonds on the utility plants and part went

for capital projects. Boren also said he set Norman campus, that’s on top of anothaside about $25 million to cushion against er $6 to $8 million we’re having to eat bethe effects of upcoming cause we’re not getting budget cuts. an increase to cover those “The governor wanted costs,” Boren said. This has really been a to do 3 percent,” Boren Over the past three tough period for the said. “But then some of years, OU has absorbed the things she wanted university economically.” $20.5 million in cost inpassed to pay for it didn’t creases while also inpass.” —DAVID BOREN, OU PRESIDENT curring $13.9 million in Boren said the budget cuts, Associate Legislature was currentVice President and Chief ly considering cuts rangFinancial Officer Chris ing from 3 to 7 percent, which would come Kuwitzky said. on top of increasing utilities charges and “This has really been a tough period for heath care costs. the university economically,” Boren said. “So, if we get cut $7 or $8 million on the Boren said he could see this situation

coming four years ago and he didn’t want to see the institution cut back on course offerings or lay off faculty and staff, Boren said. “I didn’t want to see this be a time when we sort of dismantled the things we had built,” Boren said. “So, what do you do? We cannot expect a bonanza of private giving to make up the difference. And we’ve already absorbed 30 million in cuts.” Executive Vice President Nick Hathaway suggested to Boren that OU monetize one of its assets to raise enough money to make it through until the economy started to recover. SEE UTILITIES PAGE 2

OU to offer mental health training for faculty, staff

EASTER STORMS FLOOD ROADS

OU faculty and student volunteers will receive training on how to deal with common mental health problems today on campus. The Talking Helps Mental Health Advocate Program will hold a training session from 7 to 9 tonight in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Regents Room. The nonprofit program aims to enhance awareness about mental health conditions, according to a press release. The training will be modeled after the Sooner Ally Program, event coordinator Ron Haas said. The program will provide information about common mental health disorders and teach basic skills for engaging individuals in distress, Haas said. It will also provide participants with the information and resources necessary to direct affected individuals to professional services available in and around the OU and Norman communities. “We’re excited that the program has all come together,” Haas said. “We will use feedback from the participants to help improve and expand the program next year.” — Russell Taylor/The Daily

SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN

A car drives through standing water Sunday on Lindsey Street in Norman. More than 2 inches of rain fell Sunday in Norman, according to National Weather Center estimates. Scattered thunderstorms are expected again today. Flooding in Norman was minimal compared to eastern Oklahoma where more than 7 inches of rain fell, causing highway and road closures.

New architecture building takes steps to become more green With Gould Hall set to open this summer, College of Architecture students are working to design recycling centers for the building. During Green Week, Interior Design Interim Director Mia Kile presented prototype interior design models for Gould Hall. “We were looking at how do we want to be responsible in that building, so they explored recycle and reuse centers,” Kile said. “Many of the students went around campus and did research on what’s being done at other buildings.” Students researched sustainable materials to create recycling centers because of the amount of materials they use in studio classes, Kile said. “For designers and architects, because we do make models, we use a lot of cardboard and mat board and other materials. So instead of throwing it all away, how can you reuse it if it’s still reusable?” Kile said. College administrators are putting together a Gould Hall Green Initiative Committee to change practices on campus. — Ana Lastra/The Daily

College of Medicine strives to keep medical students in state College dean hopes to remain competitive by raising money for endowed, annual scholarships

million in scholarship endowments in the 2008 fiscal year, according to the 2008 association report. It also distributed $543,000 in scholarships, according to the report. KATHLEEN EVANS The Oklahoma Daily Because of the high costs and the low number of scholarships awarded, the college has had a hard The OU College of Medicine is launching a cam- time retaining some Oklahoma students, especially paign to raise $5 million in since Texas schools have more scholarships to celebrate its affordable out-of-state costs, centennial. Cougher said. The goal of the college’s “The costs to go to school Second Century Campaign have remained steady over the is to raise private funds over past years, but students still Number of students attending the next five years and alloleave OU with an average debt OU College of Medicine cate the money toward annual of $147,000,” Cougher said. and endowed scholarships, “We want to change that by Number of students receiving Development Director John giving out more scholarships.” scholarships Cougher said. Through the campaign, col“It’s vital for us to increase the lege administrators are asking Average value of each assistance available to our stualumni to donate toward an scholarship dents in order to keep our top annual or endowed scholarmedical students in Oklahoma, ship fund, according to camIn-state tuition and be competitive in attracting paign materials. Those who fees outstanding students regiondonate more than $2,500 each ally and nationally and keep the year will have the scholarAverage debt of OU costs of medical school affordship given to students in their College of Medicine able for students from all econame. Donations of less than student nomic backgrounds,” alumnus $2,500 will go in the general and college Dean Dr. Dewayne Dean’s Scholarship Fund. Source: Second Century Campaign statement Andrews said in a statement. For endowed scholarships, According to a 2008 report donors must give at least by the American Association $25,000 to set up a scholarship of Medical Colleges, the OU in their name or a designee’s College of Medicine charges the second highest name, according to the campaign statement. out-of-state tuition rate in the region, behind the College of medicine alumni understand the costs University of Nebraska. of medical school and the challenge of paying for it, To balance these costs, the college raised about $8 so they are more willing to donate, Cougher said.

A LOOK AT WHAT’S ON Visit the news section to read about two new restaurants on Campus Corner

By the numbers

650 240 $2,100 $22,567 $147,000

WHAT’S INSIDE Campus ................. Classifieds ............. Life & Arts .............. Opinion ................. Sports ...................

2 6 3 4 7

Max Westheimer wins Airport of the Year award The OU Max Westheimer Airport has been named Oklahoma’s 2011 Airport of the Year by a group comprised of Oklahoma airport managers and officials. The Oklahoma Airport Operators Association presented the award to the Norman airport — known by many students as the home of on-site diner, Ozzie’s — for improvements made on-site over the past five years, according to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission website. The airport’s staff has renovated the main runways, improved heating and air systems, improved taxiways, updated navigation equipment and updated communication and surveillance equipment along with making other general improvements to the control tower, according to the website. The airport staff works very hard to keep the airport safe for everyone, OU Department of Aviation Director Ken Carson said. “We approach it from a team perspective,” Carson said. “It’s an integrated process, and we’re very happy with the award.” Additionally, Westheimer administrator Walt Strong was named Airport Manager of the Year. Strong has worked at Westheimer Airport since 1998 as an administrator, according to the aeronautics commission website. —Rochelle Randles/The Daily

TODAY’S WEATHER

74°| 48° Tomorrow: 20 percent chance of thunderstorms

2 • Monday, April 25, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

CAMPUS

Chase Cook, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

UTILITIES: Contract yielded $120M benefit Continued from page 1

Today around campus » University College’s UC Action Staff will present a Student Success Series seminar on test-taking strategies from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Wagner Hall, Room 245.

Tuesday, April 26 » The Center for Social Justice will present the Sundance Film Festival selection “Miss Representation” from 6 to 8 p.m. in Gaylord Hall, Room 1140. » University of California at Davis’ Peter Wainwright will give a lecture entitled “Coral Reef Fishes: Novelties Underlie Ecological Impact in Nature’s Richest Realm” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History. The lecture is free and open to the public. » As part of the Sutton Concert Series, the OU Percussion Orchestra will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. in Catlett Music Center’s Paul F. Sharp Concert Hall. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students, faculty, staff and senior adults.

» Corrections The Oklahoma Daily has a commitment to serve readers by providing accurate coverage and analysis. Errors are corrected as they are identified. Readers should bring errors to The Daily’s attention for further investigation by emailing dailynews@ou.edu. » In Friday’s edition, “Short plays to target big laughs” incorrectly reported the starting date of 30 Second Plays and Madison Niederhauser’s sex. The plays will start 11 p.m. Friday in the Fine Arts Center and Niederhauser is a man.

“Over three years ago, it was clear that the nation was heading into a time of relative economic turmoil. We thought it was reasonable to assume that the national turmoil would have a negative impact on the state and university budgets,” Hathaway said. “Chris Kuwitzky, Burr Millsap and myself started to have a series of conversations about major assets held by the university that could potentially be monetized.” University administrators investigated this option and hired C.H. Guernsey & Co. to conduct a feasibility study in April 2008, according to the OU regents’ minutes. “Our ambition was to ... avoid the draconian cuts, furloughs and faculty reductions being made at other universities all over the country,” Hathaway said. C .H. Guerns e y & Co. recommended the university conduct a competitive bid process, and Boren appointed Daniel Pullin, vice president for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to head the project. Team members had meetings in the evenings and on weekends. Everybody involved contributed 80 to 90 hours per week, Boren said. “This cross-functional team helped unlock value from legacy university assets,” Pullin said. The university ultimately awarded a contract to Corix Utilities, Inc. — a firm with experience operating

The literary and artistic journal of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is currently seeking health-care related short stories, poems, and artwork for publication in its 2011 edition. For submission guidelines, please visit http://ww http://www.ouhsc.edu/bloodandthunder All entries must be received by May 31st, 2011 For a copy of our 2010 edition, please visit these retailers: Full Circle Bookstore 50 Penn Place Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Ratcliffe’s Medical Books 410 NE 10th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104

utilities plants on military bases. The company would take over the responsibility for operating and maintaining the university’s utility plants. The contract’s net benefit to the university was about $120 million, Kuwitzky said. Part of that money was used for capital projects and part was used to eliminate the university’s bond obligations on the utility plants. However, Boren said he set aside $25 to $30 million to cushion against the effects of upcoming budget cuts. “If we don’t have to use it all over the next three years, we’ll hold it back because we could face this kind of situation again,” Boren said. Boren said that the funds could also be used for the creation of the College of International Studies and the renovations of a monastery in Arezzo, Italy for the university’s study abroad program. When the project was complete, Boren awarded each of the team members a bonus – ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. He said he also assigned Pullin to regulate the rates that Corix could charge the university and raised Pullin’s salary by $50,000 to reflect the added responsibilities. Boren said that each of the university’s employees who stayed on with Corix after the deal was completed also received a $10,000 signing bonus. About 30 employees received these sums, university spokesman Chris Shilling said.

Research campus adds fountain as part of expansion project A new fountain was added to the research campus south of Constitution Street and east of Jenkins Avenue with the intention of providing the area with a more park-like feel. “It’s not like any other fountain we’ve ever put in on campus,” Facilities Management Director Brian Ellis said. The fountain is about 30 feet tall with a base almost 40 feet wide, Ellis said. Facilities Management workers also planted trees and installed park benches around the area. “There aren’t really any sort of social gathering areas outside on the south research campus, so this will be the first one of those,” Ellis said. With these additions the area will display more of a parklike atmosphere, Ellis said. These installations were all Facilities Management workers were able to complete by the time of the fountain’s dedication, but there could be more installations in the future as part of expansion and development of the research campus. —Reina Lyons/ The Daily

Monday, April 25, 2011 • 3

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

LIFE&ARTS

Autumn Huffman, life & arts editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-5189

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Twilight’ hunk impresses

George Miksch Sutton Lecture Series Tuesday, April 26, 7 p.m.

Sam Noble Museum, 2401 Chautauqua Ave. Free and open to the public. Reception following.

STAFF COLUMN

Laron Chapman

The passionate words of author Sara Gruen are beautifully envisioned by director Francis Lawrence’s (“I Am Legend,” 2007) adaptation of her best-selling novel “Water for Elephants.” The film paints a canvas of a depression-era landscape, a lavish circus production and an unrequited romance. With a gifted cast, stunning visuals, a moving story, and, yes, a lovable elephant, Lawrence and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (“The Bridges of Madison County,” 1995) have crafted the year’s first great film. “ Tw i l i g h t ” s u p e r s t a r Robert Pattinson breathes life into the character of Jacob Jankowski whose extraordinary life is told as a flashback by the great Hal Holbrook. Jacob is a charming, bright young student studying veterinary medicine at Cornell University. Before he’s able to secure his license, tragedy ensues with the death of his two Polish-immigrant parents. He is left orphaned and homeless, carrying his possessions in a briefcase and traveling down an isolated railroad track. He hops on the first train that approaches and, conveniently enough, finds it is a majestic circus train with a myriad of colorful and eccentric characters. However, Jacob’s concentration is on the show’s star attraction — Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). This poses a dilemma for Marlena’s husband, the sadistic ringmaster

Peter Wainwright, University of California, Davis “Coral Reef Fishes: Novelties Underlying Ecological Impact in Nature’s Richest Realm” This program is sponsored by the Sam Noble Museum and the University of Oklahoma Department of Zoology in the College of Arts and Sciences. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. For accommodations on the basis of disability, call (405) 325-4712

www.snomnh.ou.edu

PHOTO PROVIDED

Jacob (Robert Pattinson) and Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) in a still from ‘Water for Elephants’. The movie was released nationwide Friday. August (Chistoph Waltz) who attempts to throw Jacob off the train until he learns of his skills with animals. These skills come in handy when he and Marlena are assigned to train the show’s newest member, a four-ton, middle-aged elephant named Rosie. As the two tackle this task, they form a romantic bond. Now, cast into the effervescent world of entertainment, Jacob has the life he’s always dreamed of. The only thing missing is a ravishing partner to share it with, an aspiration the menacing August will stop at nothing to dismantle. The movie is a work of passion full of energy and emotion. Gruen’s tale of a oncecrumbling economic world splashed with vibrant colors and the prospect of hope makes for a tasty treat.

However, the film is not merely eye candy. Waltz is as bloody brilliant as August, charming and pleasant on the outside but cruel and rotten at his core. Twi-hard fans will adore their beloved Pattinson proving he has more range and depth than his beastly alterego permits him to explore. He and Witherspoon make an electric romantic duo.

Though in all fairness, the true scene-stealer of the film is the enormously talented Rosie. The four-ton beauty has more brains and personality than her co-stars combined. This sweeping romantic spectacle has something special to offer everyone. — Laron Chapman, film and video studies senior

Freshmen: Enroll Now! 1. Get advised to make sure you are enrolling in the classes you need to GRADUATE A SOONER! For more information on advisement, visit ou.edu/advising. 2. Log onto oZONE.ou.edu !" Click on the Academics Tab and look at the Enrollment Tools Channel, where #$%"&'((")*+",-(%-.(/"'*0$12-3'$*"-.$%3""""""" enrollment, including tutorials. !" Click on Enrollment Window and Registration Status for information 1/4-1+'*4"/*1$((2/*3"5$(+6"-*+"3$")*+" your Registration Time. !" Search for classes by clicking on Look Up Classes. Be sure to write down the !" Course Reference Numbers for easy !" enrollment during your Registration Time.* !" When your Registration Time comes, click on Enroll and Add/Drop. 3. Think 15! Enroll in 15 hours or more to stay on track to Graduate A Sooner!

www.ou.edu/ 15 *Trial schedules are a valuable resource to help you plan for a successful semester. These can be found in your Graduation Planner or at ou.edu/graduatesooner! If you have any questions or need assistance, contact your academic advisor or the 71-+%-3'$*"80)9/"-3":;<=>"?@=A<B;C"$1",'-" email at graduatesooner@ou.edu. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

4 • Monday, April 25, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

OPINION

THUMBS UP ›› OU’s Max Westheimer Airport named 2011 Airport of the Year (see page 1)

OUR VIEW

OU celebrates its staff Around OU, the staff is working hard to make campus a little bit brighter and a much better place for us all. From those who plant flowers on the South Oval, to the men and women who clean, cook and keep this university running. They are the unsung heroes of campus, and OU is celebrating the work they do with OU Staff Week, which starts today. The appreciation week will encompass a variety of events, including a canned food drive and a health fair. OU Staff Week is a chance to give back those on campus who work the hardest for the least amount of pay. The minimum income of a full-time OU staff is $9 an hour, according to The Daily archives. Especially considering how dedicated some employees are to the university. In February, The Daily reported about Roads and Hauling supervisor Marty Jackson and his crew who worked to

clean up the ice caused by this semester’s storms. Jackson said during the cleanup, his crew worked 12-hour shifts in freezing weather. It is work like this that shows how important these people are. When we were all snuggled up nice and warm in our beds, there were people out making sure we would be able to safely attend classes. Despite whether students were happy or not to have to roads cleared off early, these workers made sure students would have a safer route for their ride to campus. This week, the university honors its employees for the hard work they do. We should do the same. Even though there is already an event scheduled for today, and every other day this week — let’s make today a day to say “thank you.”

Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

Event schedule » Monday: Bingo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Oklahoma Mem. Union’s Santee Lounge » Tuesday: Staff awards ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Union’s Molly Shi Boren Ballroom » Wednesday: Hamburger cookout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CCE forum » Thursday: Ice cream social from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the armory » Friday: Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. North of the armory

COLUMN

Find your own meaning of good People pay millions to listen to a person ramble for We certainly cannot prove that good does not exist, and hours about how to do good, how to be good or how to since it would presumably give meaning and direction to feel good, so why is it that nobody bothers to explain what our lives, it has to be the most important and useful thing this good is? This is not just some academic question for we could ever find. perfectionist-philosophy professors. It is a question that So only the most sophisticated sort of imbecile could ideally ought to be answered before we do anything. It is give up the glorious chase and just assume it never was, at once the most abstract and the most practical problem cynically asking “what is goodness?” to those exhorting we can examine. them to be better. We all want something we think will be good for all of Any hypothetical is-ought they might defend themselves us — and yet to get what we want, it sure with presupposes the non-existence of helps know what it is. the good in the first place and is an abWe certainly cannot Someone trying to buy a stapler withsurd excuse. It is merely saying, “I have prove good does not out knowing what a stapler is — just no obligation to search for the good, begoing to a store, trying to decide what cause I’ve assumed it isn’t there.” exist, and since it would feels most like a stapler to him — would It is not as though we have no clue presumably give meaning be an interesting sight, especially when at all about what good might be; books and direction to our lives, have been piled up dealing with theories he starts attaching pieces of paper toit has to be the most gether with a nail gun. of it. Some say an object’s goodness lies important and useful Yet, this is precisely what lots of people in its fulfilling its complete potential, or are doing right now; simply going about thing we could ever find.” performing its unique, specific role. life, following whatever their blind-fickle Others have taken a more Epicurean emotions tell them is good — instead of rationally deter- approach, reducing goodness to human happiness, while mining what good is. the Stoics insist on some mysterious, universal plan that Their method might work, depending on the nature of we must conform to. Many have come to identify good the good. But of course, we can only know whether their with existence – after all, nothing exists which does not method works if we already know the nature of the good. have anything good at all about it, and we call things bad What makes their plan especially bold is that, should they mostly when they destroy other things. choose very poorly, their entire life might be wholly worthEven if our intellects turn out to be too small to find less – and that, most of us can agree, would not be good. goodness itself, then, at the very least, it is still good to look They are really just putting the rest of their entire life and for the good. its years of work up to chance; if their emotions pull them — Gerard Keiser, the wrong way, then it was all a waste. Suppose there is no such thing as good, or that a set of linguistics and classical languages junior rules objectively determining what we are to do with ourselves cannot be found. But that is an utterly senseless Comment on this column at OUDaily.com thing to believe.

COLUMN

Evaluating stories, not rejecting them Many people around the world celebrated Jesus’ resurrec- Sadducees. A group of Jews called Pharisees did believe in tion this past weekend, most believe it actually happened. the resurrection, but even their party was given to disagreePaul wrote “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile… ment as to what that term meant. if in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people In seeking to appeal to their Jewish contemporaries, one most to be pitied” (I Corinthians 15:17-19). would suspect an appeal to previously existing beliefs about Some might call resurrection stories “the product of a de- the resurrection. One would be wrong. veloping tradition and as powerfully true metaphorical narInstead of adapting to current resurrection assumpratives,” as liberal Protestant scholar Marcus J. Borg does. tions, the early Christian community departed from them This interpretation fits nicely in Western society, where re- in a number of ways. Christians argued resurrection transligion exists primarily in the private sphere and is equated to formed the physical body, not simply reanimated it or ocvalues, and therefore seen as inherently subjective. curred in a purely spiritual sense. They argued about while Asserting Jesus’ resurrection actually resurrection for all people did happen at happened moves the question from the prithe end of time, it had already occurred for Many people argue vate sphere to the public realm where such one particular man. that such assertions subjects as history and science are housed. They argued a resurrection connected Many people argue that such assertions about the resurrection to righteous living and baptism for living about the resurrection are oxymoronic — believers or simply as vindication for why are oxymoronic — the resurrection is a scientific impossibility Jesus was no longer around. the resurrection is a or a-historical at best. Something happened changing their scientific impossibility preexisting views of resurrection and moInstead of being driven by consistent or a-historical at best.” tivated them to advance those views in a logic, the authority behind their argument is cultural: the post-Enlightenment concept society that counted them as strange and of fact or hard-truth has exiled the supernatural. worthy of persecution. Furthermore, these alien views I want to put this essentially anti-theistic bias aside and ask came to be held by former persecutors, like the above-quotif we can believe with sufficient justification that Jesus physi- ed Paul. cally rose from the dead. If Christians had fabricated the resurrection, they would We can observe the body of facts dealing with the resur- have been better off leaving out women – as demonstrated rection and attempt to determine which explanation best ex- by second-century Celsus’ misogynistic quip: “But who replains the evidence. ally saw this? A hysterical woman…” Let us assume Jesus did not actually rise from the dead. Certainly their stories need to be analyzed and evaluated, His disciples either deliberately fabricated such stories or but analysis is not tantamount to discrediting or a predeterwere mistakenly convinced Jesus rose after his body was sto- mined rejection. len from the tomb, buried in a common grave, eaten by dogs and crows or resuscitated. What kinds of resurrection stories — Trevor Clark, would they have invented? professional writing and religious studies junior Many Jews believed in an afterlife of darkness and slumber, though some did not believe in any sort of afterlife, like the Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

Meredith Moriak Chase Cook Chris Miller Tim French James Corley

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Sports Editor

Autumn Huffman Ashley West Chris Lusk Michael Lloyd Judy Gibbs Robinson

160 Copeland Hall, 860 Van Vleet Oval Norman, Okla. 73019-0270

phone: 405-325-3666

Life & Arts Editor Photo Editor Online Editor Multimedia Editor Editorial Adviser

email: dailynews@ou.edu

Tim French, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

COLUMN

Economics lacks scientific verifications The most persistent delusion among economists is the belief that their discipline has no limitations and that, like in science, everything can be reduced, quantified and calculated. The sooner this hubris is abandoned, the better. There is a consistency to scientific observations that gives support to robust predictive power. The laws of motion or gravity are not capricious — every person who jumps out a window will fall to the ground. Tides go in, tides go out; there’s never a miscommunication. Contrary to what some political commentators would have you believe, these phenomena can easily be explained with a third-grade understanding of science. The observations of economics are dictated by the more complex and inconsistent whims of human behavior, which makes predictions complicated. There is a bias in economics to believe human behavior must also be subject to these immutable laws and the tides of human interaction can be perfectly communicated through a simple equation. John Montier, in his letter, “In Defense of Old Always,” produced a graph that detailed the failure of economic consensus over the last four decades. It demonstrated at no point in time was consensus forecasting anywhere close to predicting actual inflation, bond yields, real gross domestic product or the likelihood of a recession. Despite this, economists and laypeople alike continue to cling to predictions as if they contain any merit at all. The phenomenon of “base rate neglect” explains why this reliance is so tenacious. Humans have a psychological need to make and receive forecasts because they cannot grapple with the idea There is a bias of a chaotic world unaffected by human inquiry and in economics to understanding. believe human As a result, when evaluatbehavior must ing our own belief in the realso be subject to liability of forecasts, we cling these immutable to information close at hand, laws and the such as a recent prediction or intuition, but we discount tides of human the base rate of the relevant interaction can event, such as the percentage be perfectly of failed predictions. communicated On the aggregate, this through a simple means that most humans will accept economic predicequation.” tions without scrutiny, purely because they are discomforted by the admission of ignorance. Economic forecasters, then, are frighteningly similar to snake-oil salesmen; they exploit their desperate consumers with unverifiable quackery to make a quick buck. But unlike psuedo-scientific hacks, if these economic salesmen are exposed, they are given a job as a Treasury Secretary or Chairman of the Federal Reserve. A similar finding was observed by Philip Tetlock, a Berkeley professor of Psychology, who found that ‘socalled’ experts in a variety of subjects performed worse at forecasting events than average people. Tetlock found that the more specialized an individual becomes, the worse their predictions are; there is a point at which hyperspecialization yields worse predictive accuracy than general familiarization. The logic behind the argument should be familiar: imagine you’re searching a massive online database to diagnose your own minor medical ailments (I can’t be the only one, right?). Undoubtedly, the exhausting list of results that appear will be petrifying-- cancer, lupus, maybe even boneitis (what a funny name for a horrible disease.) In the same way, experts with robust conceptual knowledge have a difficult time delineating between random symptoms and real, systemic problems — to them, everything seems systemic. Applying theoretical knowledge to empirical reality becomes increasingly difficult as a function of one’s expertise; the more knowledge one has, the more chains of logic one can hastily pursue, and the further down the rabbit hole one gets. No matter the social science, forecasting is going to be hard. Nevertheless, there are steps that should be taken to improve economic forecasting and the trajectory of the discipline. First, economists need to refuse the impulse to treat their discipline as if it’s science. Human behavior is unbelievably complex and oversimplifying the macroeconomy so that it can be modeled does more harm than good. Second, economic history needs to be taught and reinforced in every school around the world. Too many economists are trying to change lanes without using a rear-view mirror, and such hubristic behavior has resulted in one too many crashes. Third, the public should take economic forecasting with a grain of salt. The dangerous implications of forecasting would be minimized if society treated them like fortune cookies or horoscopes—harmless forms of entertainment. — Evan DeFilippis, University College freshman

Comment on this column at OUDaily.com

The Oklahoma Daily is a public forum and OU’s independent student voice.

Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion.

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 edited for space. Students must list their major and classification. Submit letters Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Letters also can be emailed to dailyopinion@ou.edu.

Our View is the voice of The Oklahoma Daily Editorial Board, which consists of the editorial staff. The board meets at 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday in 160 Copeland Hall. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

Monday, April 25, 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ 5

one day sale too big for just one day

april 27-29 | 9am-5pm visit

acebook.com/ouitstore

FOR THE FULL PRICE LIST Last Gen. 13â&#x20AC;? Macbook Pro (MC374LL/A)

$800

New 8GB iPod touch h

Apple TV

(MC540LL/A)

(MC572LL/A)

$200

$85

Free printer with the purchase of any Mac or PC ($150 value).* All prices subject to change. Prices valid 4/27/11 - 4/29/11. Quantities limited. Free printer while supplies last. No coupons or other existing promotions can be applied to the 3 Day Sale prices. No price adjustments on previous purchases. No rainchecks. Please see ou.edu/ouit/return for return policies.

329 w. boyd on HISTORIC CAMPUS CORNER. Follow us

405.325.1925 | itstore.ou.edu | itstore@ou.edu

6 • Monday, April 25, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

classifieds

Cameron Jones, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-2521

Auto Insurance Quotations anytime Foreign students welcomed

JIM HOLMES INSURANCE, 321-4664

Special Instructor I: Summer Camp Parks and Recreation Experience working with children. $7.50 per hour. Work period: Varies between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday during the summer, May-August (average 25-35 hours per week). Selected applicant must pass background investigation, physical and drug screen. Application Deadline: Open Recruitment. Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman (405) 366-5482, Web: www.NormanOK.gov EOE/AA Marshal (Part-Time) Municipal Court Graduation from College and currently attending law school. Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory motor vehicle record. Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and practices and legal terminology. $10.50 per hour. Work Period: 15 hours a week maximum. Approximately 10 hours in the courtroom on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and 5 hours serving processes. Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., CITY OF NORMAN (405) 366-5482, Web: normanok.gov EOE/AA SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Youth Baseball / Softball Umpires $10 - $15 per game Instructor / Lifeguards $8.50 - $9.50 per hour Lifeguards (Water Slide) $7.25 - $8.25 per hour Pool Cashier (AM or PM) $7.25 - $9.50 per hour Temporary Laborers $7.25 per hour Vector Control Officer $8.40 per hour (plus auto allowance) If you are interested in any of these positions, please call our job line or access our website to find out the minimum qualifications. Selected applicant must pass background investigation, physical exam, and drug screen. Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Department CITY OF NORMAN (405) 366-5482 JOB LINE: (405) 366-5321 Web: NormanOK.gov EOE/AA Animal Emergency Center of Norman Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Taker, & Office Coordinator positions open. Work nights, weekends, holidays FT or PT Apply in person: 2121 McKown Drive, Norman OK - 360-7828 Bartending! Up to $300/day. No exp nec. Training provided. 1-800-965-6520 x133. PT LEASING AGENT 8:30am-1pm, Mon-Fri, Rotating Sats. Pay based on experience Must be friendly and detail oriented. Apply at 2900 Chautauqua Or call 360-6624 for more info.

$5,000-$7,000

PAID EGG DONORS up to 6 donations, + Exps, non-smokers, Ages 18-29, SAT>1100/ACT>24/GPA>3.00 Contact: info@eggdonorcenter.com

Deputy Marshal (Part-Time) Municipal Court Four year degree from an accredited college or university. Currently attending law school is preferred. Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record. Knowledge of courtroom proceedings and practices. Selected applicant must pass drug screen and background investigation. $10.25 per hour. Work period: 15 hours a week maximum. Approximately 10 hours in the courtroom on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and 5 hours serving processes. Application deadline: Open Recruitment. Obtain application at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman, (405) 366-5482, Web: http://www.NormanOK.gov EOE/AA

Juvenile Programs Assistant (Contract) Legal Department Some college or experience with social service agency and/or grant administration preferred. Experience working with juveniles and knowledge of practices associated with facilitation and instruction of planned curriculum, educational programs and juveniles. Selected applicant must pass background investigation and drug screen. Valid Oklahoma Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. $9.00 per hour. Obtain applications at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman (405) 366-5482, Web: NormanOK.gov EOE/AA STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in Norman 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys. Private Investigators Needed for Local Company. Please email Letter of Introduction to winston@winstonok.com Store Manager and sales associate needed. Computer skills, Resale/Retail experience preferred. Apply at Christiana’s Consignment, 1417 24th Ave SW, Norman - 321-4685 Orient Express, 722 Asp, 364-2100 P/T dishwasher, waitstaff and delivery person needed.

The Cleveland County Family YMCA is seeking Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Member Services & Birthday Party Attendants! Apply in person at 1350 Lexington Ave. EOE

Condos for rent, $360, utilities incl. Available 6/01/11. Call 480.225.9779 or email heidiblack@cox.net, if interested.

Just over 1 mile from campus w/ easy access to I-35. Refrigerator & W/D included. 2 car garage. Great back yard. Pets allowed. Available at the end of May. 637-7427 or email seiser@mac. com for details 2 STORY, 3 BDRM HOUSE, basement, perfect for small family, CH/A, hardwood floors, 4 blocks to OU, built in 1924, restored old faculty house, large yard kept by owner, good neighbors, old neighborhood, available now, smoke-free, no pets of any kind, appointment only, 3 yr lease, $1500 + all bills, 1 months rent for security deposit. 1 BDRM APT, 4 blocks to OU, CH/A, hardwood floors, laundry room, restored old bldg, $475 + all bills, 1 months rent for deposit, very charming, one person, available May 5, smoke-free, no pets of any kind. 1 BDRM APT, 5 blocks to OU, restored apt house, second floor, very cute end apt, window air, gas furnace, $425 + all bills, 1 months rent for deposit, one person, smoke-free, no pets of any kind. Available June 1, appointment only. 2 BDRM APT, bills paid, smoke-free, no pets of any kind. Application & application fee required. Call Bob, 360-3850.

RENT NOW!! $99 DEPOSIT! NO APP FEE! 2 Bedrooms Available! Pets Welcome! Alarm Systems! Models open 8a-8p Everyday! Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

Available June 1, 2011! 2 bd/2 ba, The Edge Condominiums. $425/mo per bedroom. Pool, BB Ct, Volley Ct, Wt Rm - 212-6061

3bd/2ba, 1600 sqft house, W/D, 2 car gar - 420-8672 Near OU, 933 S Lahoma: 2bd/1ba, no pets, references req. - $850 1101 E Lindsey: 3bd/1ba, no pets, references req. - $775 914 Drake: 1br/1ba, no pets, references req. Gas/water PAID - $550 CALL 550-7069

Large T/H for rent, 12th & Boyd St! 2bd/ 1.5ba, patio, pool! $579 - Call 290-8864.

Taylor Ridge Townhomes 2 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath, Fully Renovated Townhomes near OU! Pets Welcome! • Call for current rates and Move-in Specials!!! Taylor Ridge Townhomes (405) 310-6599

Roommate Needed For Next Year Roommate to share a condo at The Edge. Rent $360 utilities incl. Available 6/01/11. 480-225-9779 or email heidiblack@cox. net if interested

Monday, April 25, 2011 • 7

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com

SPORTS Also on OUDaily.com

TOMORROW ›› The Daily’s Luke McConnell says OU fans should be glad Bedlam is not as extreme as the Alabama-Auburn rivalry

SOFTBALL » Sooners have Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde weekend against Texas A&M

GOLF » Chirapat Jao-Javanil leads Sooner women to fifth-place finish

BASEBALL

ALSO LAST WEEKEND

Oklahoma returns to form

OU rediscovers passion, finds missing offense in pair of wins over Huskers

Friday

» Men’s tennis closes regular season with 4-3 win over Huskers » Softball drops key conference game to Texas A&M, 3-0

Saturday

» Women’s tennis ends regular season with 6-1 Bedlam win in Stillwater to tie program-best conference record (9-2) » Katie Norris’ first career walk-off homer leads softball to rebound win over Texas A&M, 2-0 » Annie Martin breaks OU record in 3,000-meter steeplechase at John McDonnell Invitational » Eric Bailey clocks season-best time to win 400-meter hurdles at LSU Alumni Gold Invitational » Tia Brooks shatters program record in women’s shot put; five other Sooners win events at Michael Johnson Classic

James Corley

The Oklahoma Daily

The last OU-Nebraska baseball game was canceled because of Sunday’s torrential downpour, but the Sooners still did enough last weekend to send the Huskers packing for the Big Ten with a final parting gift. Oklahoma won the first two games of the weekend to nab a series win against the Cornhuskers in Nebraska’s final visit to Norman before leaving the Big 12. After Friday’s 9-2 shellacking of the Huskers, OU coach Sunny Golloway said the team had returned to championship form. “Our team was looking for a spark or something. Today was the first day we played with a passion we haven’t had,” Golloway said. “Everybody was all in — everything about Sooner baseball today was positive.” Senior ace Michael Rocha pitched all nine innings Friday, throwing a careerhigh 123 pitches. “He’s one of those guys [who] wants to finish what he started,” Golloway said. “That’s old school.” The Sooner offense also reappeared against the Cornhuskers. Senior third baseman Garrett Buechele hit an RBI double and two RBI singles, and junior catcher Tyler Ogle launched a three-run homer. O k l a h o m a’s s u c c e s s

James Corley, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 405-325-3666

Sunday

» Women’s golf finishes fifth at Big 12 Championship

THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA SCHOOL OF DANCE AND UNIVERSITY THEATRE PRESENT

OKLAHOMA FESTIVAL BALLET Steve Sisney/The Oklahoman

Senior pitcher Michael Rocha pitches against Nebraska during OU’s 9-2 win over the Cornhuskers on Friday at L. Dale Mitchell Park in Norman. Rocha tossed a complete game, picking up his eighth win of the season by throwing a career-high 123 pitches. continued Saturday in a 4-1 win. Junior righty Burch Smith pitched a career-high-tying 7.1 innings and threw nine strikeouts. Smith didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning, contributing to Nebraska’s season-low three hits. OU earned 14 hits against the Huskers’ pitching staff, led by Casey Johnson. The senior outfielder was 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.

“We spread them out. We bunted a couple guys up and got some key hits,” Johnson said. “It was enough today.” Golloway said he was happy with the way the Sooners closed out games against the Huskers. “We’ve had opportunities in ball games where we could have stepped on the gas and moved away, but didn’t,” he said. “We did [Friday] night and we did it [Saturday] in the eighth

inning.” The Sooners will look to continue their late-season momentum Tuesday in a mid-week matchup against TCU in Fort Worth, Texas, before a crucial trip to Austin against the Texas Longhorns, who sit just above Oklahoma in the Big 12 conference standings at No. 2. Zack Hedrick contributed to this report.

8 P.M. APRIL 29-30 8 P.M. MAY 5-7 3 P.M. MAY 1 AND 8 RUPEL JONES THEATRE

TICKETS (405)325-4101

The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution.

8 â&#x20AC;˘ Monday, April 25, 2011

The Oklahoma Daily | OUDaily.com