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Norman sees increase in shoplifting Records show petty larceny citations in Norman steadily increased in June RICKY MARANON The Oklahoma Daily

Norman saw a spike in shoplifting citations in the month of June. According to data from the Norman Municipal Court, the number of petty larceny citations jumped in the month of June to 36 adult offenders compared to the months of April and May, which saw the number of shoplifters remain steady in the low 20s. “The City of Norman has a few hot spots for shoplifting,” Norman Municipal Court Clerk Ronda Guerrero said.

NORMAN PETTY LARCENY ARRESTS April

May

June 36

= Number of adult offenders

= Number of juvenile offenders

ILLUSTRATION BY LUKE ATKINSON

“Homelands and Wal-Mart Supercenters are the places where many petty larceny citations are given out, but we have given out a lot at the [Sooner] Mall too.” Guerrero said the number of shoplifters is more than what is given out in daily police press releases because those reports do not include juvenile offenders. When juvenile offenders are taken into account, the amount of shoplifting in Norman appears to steadily increase over the past three months from 30 citations in April to 47 citations in June. In some cases, the juveniles have helped offenders in the act of shoplifting. “I use to work in retail sales, and I saw people use their kids and their strollers to help sneak merchandise out,” said Joanna Owen, who was shopping with her daughter Tuesday at the Norman Sooner Fashion Mall. But security at the mall is more complicated than it appears. “Even though some businesses like the mall have their own security companies, Norman police handles all cases of shoplifting and petty larceny,” Cap. Leonard Judy of the Norman Police Department said. “In cases where people use juveniles to help them commit petty larceny, they could also be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.” Judy said minors who are caught shoplifting sometimes could be treated as adults depending on the circumstances of the incident. The penalty of shoplifting in Norman is a citation ranging from $50 to $750 for juvenile and adult offenders alike, but adults may also receive up to 60 days in jail in addition. Shoppers feel the effects of shoplifting go beyond the fact that crime is happening in a place where they and their families come to shop. “If people steal from the stores then that means that there will be a loss in revenue and prices will go up,” Owen said. She said all stores should place detectors by doors so shoplifters will set the alarm off when removing the unpaid merchandise.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ELI HULL/THE DAILY

“If we allow people to steal, then the mall will become a place where people will feel comfortable committing crime, and if that happens then people won’t want to come here with their families, let alone shop at night,” said Christin Clift, who was shopping at the Norman Sooner Fashion Mall Tuesday afternoon. “If we don’t increase the penalty for shoplifting and stealing continues, it will eventually ruin the experience of going out to shop.”

TORNADO PROMPTS NEW SAFETY PLACARDS Some summer residents say they never received specific tornado safety instructions KYLE WEST The Oklahoma Daily

OU’s Housing and Food Services is taking new steps to ensure occupants in the dorms are ready for the next round of severe weather following the June 12 tornado that hit Norman. Housing and Food has ordered new tornado safety placards to be placed in Couch Center because many of the 500 residents had little idea what to do June 12, said Jennifer Brewer, a camp counselor for the Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism and a recent OU public relations graduate. Even camp counselors, who are expected by Housing and Food to be in touch with all the safety procedures, were generally unaware of how to face the tornado warning, she said. The chaos that followed raises a very important question: Is OU truly prepared for a tornado? Brewer said she witnessed the participants’ panic during the tornado warning. Brewer said she was on the 11th floor when the warning was issued. Not knowing what to do, she said she went downstairs to ask the help desk, and was told to go the basement. She was able to shepherd most of the students on her floor into the basement and went back to the 11th floor to get the rest. When the tornado warning system came on, instructing residents to go the “designated area,” she said. “It doesn’t even say where the designated area is,” Brewer said. “The alarm blaring should have said the designated area was the elevator lobby.” When she returned with the second group downstairs, they were held up at the fifth floor due to a stairwell clogged with people trying to access the basement. The sirens were going off, and adding to the confusion was a football coach yelling for no girls to be on his floor. Brewer said eventually a resident adviser led them to the second floor stairwell, which is a designated safe zone. According to Brewer, part of the problem June 12 was a general lack of information. Brewer said she was never given any information on what to do in the case of a tornado. She said the only advice she had was printed on a single tornado safety procedure sign located in the basement. Lauren Royston, spokeswoman for

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A Severe Storm Refuge Area bulletin is posted on the wall in the basement of Couch Center. Dozens of posters similar to the one shown are on display in every floor of the dorms, displaying safe places to stay during severe weather. Housing and Food, said that all camp coun“We had to go off our natural instinct,” selors were given an information packet Bryce said. “Had that been a real tornado which told them what to do in the case of a [that struck campus], that’s really scary when tornado. you’re responsible for those kids. It was just “They get a packet detailing safety proce- chaotic. We didn’t get any guidance from the dures and are encouraged to read it,” Royston people who were supposed to be keeping it said. “We try to make sure camp counsel- under control.” ors distribute the Royston said safety information. Housing and Food Upon checking in, does everything it Total fatalities of tornadoes which passed through they also get staff can to make sure Cleveland County since 1875 numbers.” counselors receive But Brewer said safety information. DATE SCALE DEATHS she never received OU Summer Camp May 3, 1999 F5 36 any such packet. Coordinator Pam “I never received April 25, 1893 Sullivan said the F? 31 a packet or anything, March 28, 1924 university sends eF? 8 even after it hapmails to incoming Nov. 19, 1973 F3 5 pened,” Brewer said. camp supervisors F? 4 “Evidently it was June 9, 1937 and counselors with given to our supervi- April 30, 1949 attached packets deF? 3 sor, and I’m not even Sept. 14, 1957 tailing safety. F4 2 positive she got it. “The way we’ve F? 1 Definitely whenever May 16, 1910 always approached we checked in, they safety is that it’s evSOURCE: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE should have gone eryone’s responsiahead and given us bility,” Royston said. one of these things.” “We encourage that camp counselors share OIDJ Camp Counselor Megan Bryce also the information with all campers.” said she never received a packet. Royston said basement overcrowding

TOP TORNADO FATALITIES

shouldn’t be an issue, and that one person is expected to fit for every two square feet of space. “Technically, the basement can hold a substantial number of individuals,” Royston said. According to a safety and security packet Housing and Food distributes to sponsors, coaches and chaperones who stay in the dorms in the summer, residents in Couch or Adams should take shelter in either the basement or central core of the buildings from floors two through six. The packet says residents in Walker should take shelter in the basement while construction is going on. Aaron Gleason, an intern meteorologist at the National Weather Center, said that he would not comment on Housing and Food’s current tornado safety policy, but said that in general with tornadoes, the lower one can get the better. But he also said that some tornadoes are so strong that one would definitely want to be in the basement. “In general the best place to be is away from windows and interior hallways,” Gleason said. “I know the dorms have basements which would be a safe place to be. You will be safe in a basement. But if that’s not possible, get as far interior as you can.” But to Brewer, based on the events of the June 12 tornado, the university isn’t prepared for the worst. “I freaked out,” Brewer said. “It scared me that I had the lives of 27 campers in my hands, and I was responsible for them.” Royston said it’s the responsibility of counselors and supervisors to make sure everyone understands safety procedure. “Safety is every single person’s responsibility, and we really just want to make sure everyone understands they are responsible for following the rules and doing their best,” Royston said. She also said a repeat of the June 12 chaos was unlikely to happen during the school year. According to its safety and security information packet, Housing and Food recommends residents take immediate shelter in the designated areas after a steady storm siren of three to five minutes, and that shelter space should be identified in advance. “During the academic year, it’s a completely different environment,” Royston said. “We have experienced students and available staff to make sure students have the information in a timely manner. During the academic year we have a full staff to make sure those procedures are adhered to. They receive that information in their first floor meeting.”

VOL. 94, NO. 164

Thursday, July 2, 2009

James Lovett, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051

Letters senior helps modernize Oklahoma Republicans Student works toward degree while working with campaigns CHARLES WARD The Oklahoma Daily

Jeff Peters’ introduction to political work would have sent many looking for a different kind of high-school job. “I went door-to-door in a pretty rough neighborhood in Oklahoma City,” Peters said of his involvement in Kirk Humphries’ 2004 United States Senate campaign. “It was pretty intimidating, to go up to people’s doors, and just out of the blue want to talk to them about a candidate... But, overall, it’s kind of one of those things, once you do it a few times, you kind of get used to the abuse and its not that bad.” Despite tough campaigns in rough neighborhoods, Peters still feels his work is important. “The reason I’m involved in politics is because I genuinely feel like it’s the most consequential work,” he said. “These are the people who are crafting legislation that effects our day-to-day lives. The reason I’m involved is because I want to play a part in that.” Peters’ work in politics has come a long way in just a short amount of time, moving from doorknocker to an internship with Mick Cornett’s 2006 congressional campaign, then on to Rudy Giuliani’s campaign for president in 2007. After Giuliani dropped out, Peters went from working for free to earning a paycheck when he accepted a full-time position with the Oklahoma State Republican Party. He did all this while working toward a bachelor’s degree in letters, which he will complete this summer. “I think, anytime I’ve gone to fund-raisers or anything like that, I’m without fail the youngest person in the room,” Peters said. “At first, I thought that would be kind of a handicap, being so young, but I really do think it’s been an advantage because I think that the fact that I’ve done all of this, while being a full-time student.” Peters’ youth is more that just a recruiting

poster advantage, however. He’s been instrumental in moving the state Republicans to increase their presence on the Internet and throughout social media. “I think that’s something,” he said. “Kind of an element that I bring to the table [is] that people who are older, even people who are maybe in their 30s that are just enough removed where they don’t quite grasp how you can integrate Facebook, Twitter, [or] your Web site and use that as an effective messaging tool.” Effective enough for Pat Highland, campaign manager for Randy Brogdon’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign, to suggest students use those sources as a first step into political involvement. “I think that what they can do, first of all, [they can] contact their friends and family members on e-mail, Twitter, their Facebook and explore the issues,” Highland said. Even though the 2010 primaries in Oklahoma are more than a year away, several statewide races are already beginning to take shape. Four candidates have already declared their intentions to run for Oklahoma governor. “I would say it’s absolutely the best time [to get involved],” said Don Hoover, the campaign media consultant for Jari Askins’ 2010 gubernatorial campaign. “I think one of the things for students to know is the earlier their involvement, the better.” Outside of social media, all four of the gubernatorial campaigns are seeking campaign volunteers. “Campaigns always need people to knock doors, hand out palm cards, to attend events and sort of serve as representatives of the campaign,” said Emily Lang, communications director for Drew Edmondson’s gubernatorial campaign. As elections draw closer, paid positions are not out of the question for students. “Generally, students begin in a volunteer and or internship role,” Hoover said. “Many then evolve as the months go by, when the campaign really gets into high gear in the final several months, they evolve into paid positions.”

POLICE REPORTS Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department and OUPD. The reports serve as a record of arrests, not convictions. Those listed are innocent until proven guilty. PRISONER PLACING BODY FLUID ON A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE Samantha Thomas, 22, 901 N. Porter Ave., Tuesday PUBLIC DRUNKENESS Johnny Dale Campbell, 39, 702 N. Porter Ave., Monday MUNICIPAL WARRANT Kenneth Wade Harrison, 45, 3511 Charleston Road, Monday DRIVING WITHOUT A VALID LICENSE Armando Rivas, 32, 333 Interstate Drive, Monday

CAMPUS NOTES

THURSDAY SAM NOBLE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ‘The Basics of Astronomical Observation,’ a free public talk by Nick Lazzaro at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY CAREER SERVICES Career Services will host a job fair in the Oklahoma Memorial Union at 12:30 p.m.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY 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.

DOMESTIC ABUSE Leslie Dale White, 35, 2016 Delancey St., Monday POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA Courtney Renee Wilson, 20, 237 Skylark Court, Monday Myron Udell Magee, 55, 1956 Fillmore Ave., Tuesday Louis Edward Zellmer, 54, 104 W. Comanche St. Tuesday ASSAULT AND BATTERY Andrew Charles Adams, 18, 213 Chalmette Drive, Tuesday GRAND LARCENY Pamela Jo Baldwin, 42, 3499 W. Main St., Tuesday Vanessa Marie Campbell, 26, 1400 24th Ave. NW, Monday

PUBLIC INTOXICATION Oliver Barnhart, 34, 2073 W. Lindsey St., Monday Brittney Reynolds, 20, 1920 Atchison Drive, Monday DISTURBING THE PEACE Stephen Tyler Holman, 24, 783 De Barr Ave., Monday COUNTY WARRANT Casey Patrick Kearns, 29, 700 Asp Ave., Tuesday Matthew William Mattox, 30, 2608 Shoreridge Ave., Tuesday DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Sarah Ann Parterfield, 27, Classen Blvd., Tuesday PETTY LARCENY Amber Christine Purselley, 28, 1400 24th Ave. NW, Monday

TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY

Letters senior Jeff Peters stands in front of Kaufman Hall before his Latin class Tuesday. Peters is one of several students at OU who participate actively in political campaigns and currently has a job with the Oklahoma State Republican Party. Peters’ work went from door-knocking to a paid position running a county campaign office and helping to organize a statewide Republican convention. “Almost without exception, everybody that I know in politics started out just as a volunteer or an intern,” Peters said. “It really is one of those things where, if you can show to the higher-up people that you’re a hard worker and that you’ll do it for free for a while, it really kind of builds.” After helping guide state Republicans through the 2008 election cycle and the 2009 state convention, Peters recently accepted a position to work for a GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, one he declined to name because the candidate has not officially

announced his candidacy. “Going forward, I want more direct campaign experience,” Peters said. “Because, the party is great, I’ve enjoyed it, but I want to work on a competitive statewide race. I think I would professionally grow a lot more and get a lot more out of something like that.” Peters said his experiences will hopefully lead him to run for office. “When I first got interested in politics, that’s why I was interested... I envisioned myself as being a candidate,” he said. “As I’ve worked kind of behind the scenes, that’s kind of quelled a little bit. I don’t have a strong passion to run. But I do definitely think its a possibility. Who knows what will happen later in life?”

Thursday, July 2, 2009

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

RODDICK EDGES HEWITT TO RETURN TO SEMIS HOWARD FENDRICH

Associated Press

WIMBLEDON, England — This one meant so much to Andy Roddick. Because of the stakes: a return to Wimbledon’s semifinals. Because of the opponent: 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt. And because of the circumstances: a five-set grind that began under a bright sun and concluded in shadows, 3 hours, 50 minutes later. When it was over, having finally figured out a way to get past Hewitt 6-3, 6-7 (10), 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-4, Roddick let out a sigh and raised a fist, then threw his racket down, sat in his changeover chair and covered his face with his hands. “A mixture of happiness, of relief. In your mind, you’re kind of trying to stay the course for four hours, constantly figuring out what you’re going to do,” said Roddick, who swatted 43 aces in Wednesday’s quarterfinals at the All England Club. “Your mind is just racing.” He hadn’t been to the final four at Wimbledon since 2005; even lost in the second round a year ago. He hadn’t won a five-setter at any Grand Slam tournament in 2½ years. But Roddick came through in the crunch, saving three break points while trailing 2-1 in the fifth set, before earning the

SPORTS NOTES Kansas City radio station. “If it wasn’t for his momma saying that ‘I would not go to Kentucky,’ Xavier would have been at Kentucky,” Carl Henry said on radio station 610 AM in Kansas City. “So Xavier says, ‘I’m going to go to Kansas,’ even though what he wanted to do is go to Kentucky to play under Coach EDDIE Party Points RADOSEVICH Cal. That’s what •Oklahoma he wanted to do. I senior J.T. Wise won expressed this to the 2009 Johnny Bench Award. [Kansas] coach [Bill] Self.” Given to the nation’s top colXavier Henry and brother legiate catcher, the award is C.J. both announced in April named after the Hall of Fame they would both be attending catcher and native Oklahoman. Kansas. Wise is the first Sooner to colThen came an Xavier Henry lect the award, and the sec- text Tuesday night stating ond catcher in the history of he had decided to stay with the Big 12 Conference (Kelly Kentucky. Shoppach, Baylor, 2001). Wise, “I don’t have a problem selected in the MLB draft in the with the rethinking of schools,” fifth round by the Los Angeles Henry said. Dodgers, led the Sooners in Henry made it clear he 2009 with a .359 batting aver- has a great relationship with age, 17 home runs and a .665 new Kentucky head man John slugging percentage and was Calipari, whom C.J. previously tied for a team lead with 62 played under as a walk-on RBIs. at Memphis last season. • Oklahoma freshman Will Then there is the obvious Claye won the triple jump title tie between him and former at the U.S. Junior Outdoor Track Bishop McGuiness standout and Field Championships in Daniel Orton, who is attending Eugene, Ore. After claim- Kentucky. ing the U.S. Junior National record holder in the event, Claye earned an additional Final Thoughts pot on the U.S. Junior National My problem with this sceTeam for the Pan American nario is that Henry will be stayChampionships after finishing ing in Oklahoma City to work second in the long jump. He out. won the triple jump by over five Having not played college feet with a 56-3.00 (17.14) on athletics, but knowing a few his third attempt. who have, I would say working out with your teammates during the summer is key to buildParty Fouls ing relationships. Tuesday night rumors It is during these times swirled in Oklahoma City about when he can mold and tone Xavier Henry, the nation’s No. with a team that will already 8 ranked basketball player be a preseason favorite and according to Rivals.com. After most peoples’ preseason No. committing to Kansas after an 1-ranked team. With him or already interesting and long, without him, Kansas is going to drawn-out recruiting process, be good. it was reported that Henry was Really good. having second thoughts. Eddie Radosevich/The Daily This came after his father, Carl, was interviewed on a Oh how the dog days of summer have taken hold. While Major League Baseball takes hold of the American spor ts scene and most get ready to head to the lake for Fourth of July festivities, let’s take a look at what has become of the Summer of 2009.

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decisive break in a 14-point game to go ahead 5-4. “It’s going to pay big dividends, winning a tight match like this,” said Roddick’s coach, Larry Stefanki. “He hasn’t done that in a long time.” Roddick-Hewitt was the only quarterfinal pitting two men who have been ranked No. 1, and the only one involving two men who have won a major championship. It also was the most riveting contest, not to mention the longest. “It certainly wasn’t short on drama,” Roddick said. “It was tough from a mental standpoint, because Lleyton wasn’t going away, and there were kind of a lot of ebbs and flows.” Next up for the No. 6-seeded Roddick: a semifinal against No. 3 Andy Murray, who beat 2003 French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. Murray is trying to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936, so he will be backed by quite a crowd in what the locals will bill as “Andy vs. Andy.” “We might be able to count the people for me on this AP PHOTO hand,” Roddick said, raising his right mitt. “I’m just going U.S. tennis player Andy Roddick returns to Lleyton Hewitt of to pretend when they say, ‘Come on, Andy!’ that they mean Australia during their men’s singles quarterfinal match Wednesday me.” at Wimbledon. The other semifinal Friday is No. 2 Roger Federer against No. 24 Tommy Haas. It’s a rematch of a June 1 French Open other winners as he reached the semifinals at a 21st Grand fourth-round match in which Haas took the first two sets Slam tournament in a row, extending his own record. No and was five points away from winning, before Federer won one else in tennis history ever made it to more than 10 consecutive major semifinals. en route to claiming his first title at Roland Garros. “It’s hard to believe I achieved it, because looking back, That gave Federer his 14th Grand Slam championship, tying Pete Sampras’ career record. He can surpass that it’s not just I’m looking back on a few weeks or a month or a year or so. It’s really way back,” said Federer, who last exmark here. ited a tournament before this stage at the 2004 “It would be writing in the history books of French Open. “Quite a streak.” tennis,” Federer said, then cautioned: “It’s not It’s not there yet. Indeed it is. Consider: The other men left in there yet. Still far away. Many points, many Still far away. Many the tournament all have Grand Slam semifinal serves, many forehands.” Seeking a sixth Wimbledon title, he beat No. points, many serves, streaks of exactly one. Murray and Haas never had been this far at Wimbledon before, while 22 Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (3). Haas many forehands.” Roddick lost to Federer in the 2003 semifinals knocked off No. 4 Novak Djokovic of Serbia 7-5, and the 2004 and 2005 finals at the All England 7-6 (6), 4-6, 6-3. ROGER FEDERER Club. Federer completely took the sting out of the Roddick’s only major championship came at intimidating serves of the 6-foot-10 Karlovic, the 2003 U.S. Open. In trying to add a second, who had won 79 of 79 service games through more than 9 hours of play across his first four matches at he recently tweaked his diet, says he’s in the best shape Wimbledon — and 128 of 128 service games if you add in of his career and has tinkered with his game since hiring Stefanki for this season, working on returns, volleying and his previous tournament, too. So wouldn’t you know it: Federer needed all of 8 minutes backhands. Those elements helped against Hewitt, who gutted things and two Karlovic service games to break the big fella. Federer hit three return winners, including a forehand out Wednesday despite a bothersome left thigh. Roddick started close to perfectly, making one unforced off a 122 mph serve on break point, to take a 3-1 lead. That error in the opening set. He won 20 of 26 points on his serve set the tone. Karlovic, best known for upsetting defending champion in that set, and also received a bit of a gift from Hewitt, who Hewitt at Wimbledon in the first round in 2003, was asked double-faulted twice in a row to get broken in the second why Federer dealt with his serve better than other players game. But in the match’s first tiebreaker, Roddick blew a 5-2 do. “Oh, it is only because he is better than everybody else,” lead, then three set points. He also wasted a 2-0 lead in the fourth set. Karlovic said. “That’s it.” “A lot of chances to hang his head,” Stefanki noted. “He Federer outperformed Karlovic by winning 74 of 85 points in his own service games. Only once did Karlovic so didn’t.” much as get to deuce on Federer’s serve, midway through the third set, and here is how the Swiss star responded: service winner at 129 mph, ace at 128 mph. Take aces out of the equation — Karlovic led 23-7 in that category — and Federer wound up with a 32-6 advantage in By Bernice Bede Osol

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Thursday, July 2, 2009 CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Try not to take recreational activities too seriously, because there’s a good chance you could make a mountain out of a molehill, especially if your ego gets wounded over losing a silly game. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Honestly appraise your chances for success without going to the opposite extreme and thinking negatively about your hopes and dreams. If you’re prepared to work hard, anything is possible.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Others will be supportive of your efforts as long as you’re not dictatorial and you keep everything light and breezy. The moment you attempt to pressure people into compliance, you’ll lose their help. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Don’t try to force unnecessary changes in order to hurry things along. Instead, let events dictate the courses they take. If you don’t gum up the works, things will work out.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Don’t let a poor attitude impede your progress for success. There’s a good chance you could be the one who puts obstacles in your own path.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Iron out all the details in advance before making any commitments. By doing so, you will avoid unexpected and unplanned conditions that might cause you to regret giving your word.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Trying to force change prematurely would be like trying to drive square pegs into round holes. The harder you push, the greater the degree of resistance you are likely to encounter.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- When it comes to handling signiﬁcant ﬁnancial situations, it’s extremely important that whoever handles them totally understands your needs, or they could really botch things up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Who gets the credit isn’t always the most important thing. If a companion or co-worker has a better idea about handling a job, be supportive and help him or her to pull it off.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- If today’s activities aren’t likely to appeal to your mate, consider his or her feelings before ﬁnalizing your plans. Don’t let recreational differences hurt your relationship.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- When involved in something you don’t fully understand, be careful not to let your ego get in the way of seeking assistance, even if it comes from someone you dislike.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Those in the military have a saying: “Never volunteer for anything.” It might be wise to follow this axiom so that you don’t get caught up in something you’ll greatly regret.

COMMENTS OF THE DAY »

Thursday, July 2, 2009

In response to Tuesday’s column “Fundamentalists should embrace theory of evolution”

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

YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM

“First off, just because someone is a fundamentalist doesn’t mean they’re a young-earth creationist. Youngearthers are the especially mentally ill of the bunch. it’s impolite to impugn the rest of the fundie movement because of it. But you could have just written the editorial

STAFF CARTOON

OUR VIEW

about Christians in general since you never actually discuss what the beliefs of fundamentalists are compared to regular Christians that would cause them to not embrace science. That leads me to think that you don’t know much about fundamentalism.” - JJanowiak

THE GOVERNOR’S DAY OUT

Responsibilty in emergencies critical Whenever disaster strikes, there needs to be an individual trained to take charge and assist others during the emergency. During the June 12 tornado, which threatened to hit campus, there was no one capable of asserting the authority, and the campers’ lives were endangered. Lauren Royston, media specialist for Housing and Food, said campers are given a package detailing safety procedures in case of severe weather. It is their responsibility to lead campers to safety. Campers and counselors who stayed in Couch Center said they were never given this safety package. In the event of an emergency, is reading an emergency package going to provide someone with enough knowledge to relocate 500 people to a safe area? Without some form of practice, it probably won’t. According to Housing and Food, residents should take shelter in the basement or the elevator lobbies of floors

two through six. The policies in place at the dorms seem like they could be improved upon. Having students take shelter above ground isn’t the best idea, if the storm is strong enough. Having basements that are not large enough to house its residents in emergencies is similar to the Titantic having too few lifeboats for all of its passengers – which was the case on June 12 when many campers were caught in the stairwell, trying to reach the basement. The University needs to recognize the potential lack of safety for some students and organize a plan that is approved with the National Weather Center. This plan should then be given to counselors, resident advisers and students who will be staying in the dorm in an orientation presentation. The lives of the students who attend camps and for those who live in the dorm should be reassured of their safety by knowing there is an emergency plan for their living area. Mai-Thao Nguyen is a biochemistry senior.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR If I weren’t sensitive to the slang surrounding diverstiy and minority groups, I’d say that The Daily’s coverage of the OKC Pride Celebration in the June 30 edition was pretty “gay.” However, since “gay” is not a synonym for “stupid” – and because it’s mean to call someone stupid – I’ll just say The Daily’s coverage was piss poor and leave it at that. OK, I’ll admit, my status as a gay journalism student may make me biased. Obviously, my passion is biased towards the support of the Pride Celebration, but let’s look at the facts of The Daily’s coverage. First, there was no advance story last week. How were people on campus supposed to know when and where and what to attend? That info could have been obtained from the OKC Pride Web site in five minutes. (www.okcpride. org just for future reference.) Second, Pride is, at the very least, an entire weekend celebration! Coverage omitted the Friday night block party, the concert and festival in Memorial Park on Saturday; indeed the piece omitted every event from the entire weekend except the parade. The list continues beyond those two points, but this is not a critique of the article for a class, nor is this a personal attack on Ricky Maranon’s writing abilities. But The Daily had ample opportunity to publicize an event celebrating diversity and bring the political discussion of gay rights in general into the public forum of campus discussion and they missed it. Terribly. I know the dog days of summer can weigh us down, but quit being so lazy. Thanks, Kelly Brunkhorst Multidisciplinary studies senior

True nature of music forgotten over time I was privileged to be a part of a unique musical experience last week. The venue was an old, beat down co-op house with smoke bristling out of every hallway. I was hesitant to step into the creaky old home, but a friend had assured me that the music was always good. I tentatively sat down on a couch that had clearly seen better days and eagerly (albeit nervously) awaited the first performer. He was a college student, no more than a year or two older than me, and he brought with him a guitar, a ukulele and a concertino. My apprehension had reached its peak by then, but as a JOSHUA former musician myself, I knew that I WESNESKI couldn’t dismiss him merely by my first impression of him. My second impression quickly erased all doubts. The music that flowed out of his guitar was unlike anything I had ever heard. It wasn’t that the melodies were particularly interesting or that the chord progressions were especially unique, but when his voice joined in with the raw and piercing sound of his guitar, it was as if I had been granted an opportunity to see and feel his deepest emotions. He poured himself onto the stage and sung as

Luke Atkinson James Lovett Elizabeth Nalewajk Luke Atkinson Eli Hull Luke Atkinson

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Night Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Senior Online Editor

if no one was watching. He was completely immersed in the music, as was I. The performance lasted for a little under an hour, after which I eagerly shook his hand and expressed my amazement at his dedication to his art. He meagerly shook my hand and thanked me for the praise before stepping outside for a smoke. I bid the venue farewell and headed home, filled with wonder and awe. I have nothing but respect for classical musicians. The music of the great masters, such as Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, and Mahler, is evident in every form of music you could possibly imagine, but there was something different about the music I heard that night. It had been ages since I had seen or heard someone put their very soul and emotion into their music. His performance was, in a word, selfless. He didn’t do it for himself or the audience; he did it for the sake of making music. In a fast paced and largely commercial world, I think I have forgotten, as many of us have, the true nature of music. It is not notes on a page or catchy melodies. Music can only be defined as the unadulterated expression of emotion: love, hate, fear, anxiety, courage. So, I urge all musicians—be you classical, jazz, pop, rock, or whatever you please—immerse yourself in the music. Give yourself to your art and when you perform,

Brendan Smith Eli Hull James Lovett Dusty Somers Judy Gibbs Robinson Thad Baker

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

phone: (405) 325-3666

Assistant Online Editor Multimedia Editor Sports Editor Life & Arts Editor Editorial Adviser Advertising Manager

e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu

forget that you are being watched or judged. The musician I saw that night might have been the only person I have ever met to dedicate his body, mind, and spirit fully to his art. No part of him said “I’m not sure if I should be doing this” or “I’m just doing this to be artistic.” His music was good, but his performance was unprecedented. If you want to make music that truly connects with people, I believe that you must do the same: do not settle for an expression of an idea, but rather strive for an expression of person. Everything about you should come out on stage. It is more difficult than you might think to set aside everything you know about social norms and really put yourself out on the stage, but that is what a truly virtuosic musician must do every time he or she performs. It is difficult for me to put into words what I experienced that night. Not an epiphany, but rather a recognition of something I knew along. It wasn’t any of the notes or rhythms he played, but through the metallic twang of his guitar strings, through the powerful “thump” as his foot stomped the ground, through the lyrical echo of his voice, there was something natural, something primal, something unmistakably... human. Joshua Wesneskis is a College of Education 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 Monday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. in160 Copeland Hall. Columnists’ and cartoonists’ opinions are not necessarily the opinions of The Daily Editorial Board.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu â&#x20AC;˘ phone: 325-2521 â&#x20AC;˘ fax: 325-7517 http://oudaily.campusave.com

PLACE AN AD Phone: 325-2521 E-Mail: classifieds@ou.edu Fax: 405-325-7517

Line Ad ..................2 days prior Place your line ad no later than 9:00 a.m. 2 days prior to publication date. Display Ad ............2 days prior Classified Display or Classified Card Ad Place your display, classified display or classified card ads no later than 5:00 p.m. 2 days prior to publication date.

PAYMENT s r

Lost & Found Ads FREE! Call 325-2521, to place your ad.

Announcements SPECIAL NOTICES Acheson Consulting is looking for 50 subjects to participate in a color vision study conducted at the FAA. Subjects will distinguish colors relevant to pilots and air trafďŹ c controllers. Subjects: * Are Between the Ages of 18-55 * Have A Color Vision DeďŹ ciency * Have a Valid Government-Issued Photo ID * Have Transportation * Have 20/30 or Better Visual Acuity (Glasses/Contacts Allowed) Available study dates - week of June 29 - July 2 & July 6-10 faaresearch@bellsouth.net or 405-246-9237

C Transportation

AUTO INSURANCE Foreign Students Welcomed Jim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664

Payment is required at the time the ad is placed. Credit cards, cash, money orders or local checks accepted. Businesses may be eligible to apply for credit in a limited, local billing area. Please inquire with Business Office at 325-2521.

Classified Display, Classified Card Ads or Game Sponsorship

Child care needed for 2 boys: 8a-6p M, Th, and every other F. Some driving necessary. $10/h. Please contact amytyler@sbcglobal.net.

Employment

CITY OF EDMOND Summer positions at Pelican Bay Aquatic Center: Asst Pool Manager, Cashier & Cafe Managers, Cafe Staff/Cashiers, Lifeguard Staff, Water Safety Instructors. Golf Course, Arcadia Lake, Parks & Recreation jobs also open. Job info line, 359-4648 www.edmondok.com Apply at 100 E First, Room 106

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

APTS. UNFURNISHED $99 Deposit! $99 1st Mo. Rent! Free Membership at Steel Fitness! *some restrictions apply Models open 8a-8p Everyday! Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com

CONDOS UNFURNISHED

6 blocks W of OU - 3 bd/2 ba, 2 car garage, dishwasher, CH/A, W/D, refrig, range, new kitchen, no pets. $1500/mo. Bob, Mister Robert Furniture 321-1818 1 1/2 blocks from OU. Attractive, clean, 2/1/carport, W/D hookups. Yard maintained. 404 Page Circle $575/mo 3294321

TOWNHOUSES UNFURNISHED 3116 Ridgecrest Court! Nice 2 bed, 1.5 bath, garage, CH/A, FP! Sundeck! No Pets! $800/month! (580) 772-7665, (580) 774-1608.

ROOMMATES WANTED

Roommate needed for spacious condo! $450/mo w/ all utilities incl, close to campus with pool access. The room for rent is large w/ a walk-in closet & private bathroom. Contact ann.j.burke-1@ou.edu or (316) 304-5909.

2 room mates wanted to share a 3 BR w/study BRAND NEW home So. of campus. Call Julie 918-810-5854. $450 + 1/3 utilities.

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

1109 E Lindsey, 2/3 bd, 1 bth Refrig, w/d, stove, wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, no pets, $775/mo, $500/dep. Lawn maintenance optional. Call 329-1933 or 550-7069.

3-4 Bdrm homes near OU, Reasonable Call 329-4119

Previous Solution

Drink Responsibly.

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

Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker July 02, 2009

Call the Hotline at

ACROSS 1 ___ Moines River 4 Battle-weary 11 Chromosome carriers 14 Mammal that sleeps upside-down 15 Alternative to lager 16 One of wealth or standing 17 Smaller and weaker, say 20 Raises, as a building 21 As found 22 Elkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horn 23 â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ this your first time here?â&#x20AC;? (pickup line) 25 Extinguish (with â&#x20AC;&#x153;outâ&#x20AC;?) 26 â&#x20AC;&#x153;How ___ love thee?â&#x20AC;? 28 Part of Ceylonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new name 31 The Buckeyes, briefly 32 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś ___ a midnight drearyâ&#x20AC;? 34 In a sticky situation (with 40-Across) 37 Type of photography 40 See 38-Across 43 Stolen diamond object 47 Main component of chromosomes 48 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chain Gangâ&#x20AC;? singer Cooke 49 Be more than 400 meters ahead of,

325-5000

to report illegal or unsafe drinking. All calls are anonymous. The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

number

crisis line

[help is just a phone call away]

325-6963 (NYNE)

OU Number Nyne Crisis Line

8 p.m. - 4 a.m. every day

except OU holidays and breaks

perhaps 52 Sports org. that once canceled a season 53 Electrical resistance units 55 Mythical revelers 57 Adding device 61 Asian floor mat 62 Left with no choices 65 Naive expression of wonder 66 University of Wyoming city 67 Studio in early Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Five 68 ___ on the side of caution 69 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m with ___â&#x20AC;? 70 Somaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital? DOWN 1 AKA, in corporatespeak 2 Completely consumed 3 From ___ finish 4 Like some rum 5 Overthrower of Batista 6 Word of dismay 7 One-seventh of a rainbow 8 First name among sitarists 9 Spirited selfassurance 10 Some holes in the ground 11 Out carousing 12 Elegant and stylish

13 Vigoda of sitcoms 18 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Shannon 19 Old-fashioned contraction 22 Squishee seller on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Simpsonsâ&#x20AC;? 24 Whiplash victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s option 27 Steel support 28 â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś and the truth ___ set you freeâ&#x20AC;? 29 â&#x20AC;&#x153;As you sew, so shall you ___â&#x20AC;? 30 The newly elected 33 Mathematicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ordinal 35 Angled annex 36 Society girl, briefly 38 â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ showtime!â&#x20AC;? 39 CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree, often 40 Tokyo, before 41 Asthma

suffererâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aid 42 Casino patron 44 From now on 45 Psychiatrists, slangily 46 Trains in the Loop 50 Level of neatness 51 Frisked (with â&#x20AC;&#x153;downâ&#x20AC;?) 54 ___ Paulo, Brazil 56 Mai ___ cocktail 58 Unorthodox sect 59 2002 Winter Games setting 60 Paying for exercise? 61 Tony Musanteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TV detective 62 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ___ of Innocenceâ&#x20AC;? (Edith Wharton book) 63 Like a 1960s four 64 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Send the Coast Guard!â&#x20AC;?

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

ÂŠ 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com

DOWN BUT NOT OUT by Jeggi Nelson

, - .$ /

%&'((& )* ++

Previous Answers

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.

SOONERS

POLICY

Help Wanted ads in The Oklahoma Daily are not to separate as to gender. Advertisers may not discriminate in employment ads based on race, color, religion or gender unless such qualifying factors are essential to a given position.

$400, bills paid, efďŹ ciency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, ďŹ re sprinkler, no pets, smoke-free. Inquire store ofďŹ ce.

4 BDRM, 2 Bath, walking distance to campus, kitchen appl incld, w/d, lawn care provided, pets OK. Call 826-1335.

Canvassers needed P/T. $10/hr + Bonus. Call Eric at 210-2630.

(located just below the puzzle)

The Oklahoma Daily will not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religious preference, national origin or sexual orientation. Violations of this policy should be reported to The Oklahoma Daily Business Office at 325-2521.

APTS. FURNISHED

4 blocks W of OU - 1034 S Lahoma - 3 bd/3 ba, Florida room, garage, basement, wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, w/d, CH/A, refrig, range, dishwasher, no pets, $1800/mo. Bob, Mister Robert Furniture 321-1818.

Summer Special! Nice 3-4 bd, 2.25 bth, 612 Ash, $750; 916 Branchwood, $775; 826 Jona Kay, $975; 3401 Abilene, $1000. Call 360-2873 or 306-1970.

HELP WANTED

2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle ............$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month

The Oklahoma Daily is responsible for one dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incorrect advertising. If your ad appears incorrectly, or if you wish to cancel your ad call 325-2521, before the deadline for cancellation in the next issue. Errors not the fault of the advertiser will be adjusted. Refunds will not be issued for late cancellations.

J Housing Rentals

HOUSES UNFURNISHED

4 bd/4 ba Condo at The Edge at Norman - avail 7/27/09. $1335/mo for 9 mo lease ***Rent Negotiable w/12 mo lease*** (205) 243-9020

CHILD CARE

Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.

1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month

Bartending! Up to $250/day. No exp nec. Training provided. 1-800-965-6520, x133.

J Housing Rentals

Services

Line Ads

1 day ............. $4.25/line 2 days ........... $2.50/line 3-4 days........ $2.00/line 5-9 days........ $1.50/line 10-14 days.... $1.15/line 15-19 days.... $1.00/line 20-29 days.... $ .90/line 30+ days.......$ .85/line

The J&M Hair Salon is giving FREE haircuts to the ďŹ rst 5 customers on July 30. Come see us at 2220 RU Kidding Lane.

2 bd, 2 full bath, w/d, ďŹ rst ďŹ&#x201A;oor of The Edge, $850/mo, no pets. Call 414-4046.

RATES There is a 2 line minimum charge; approximately 45 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation.

P/T Leasing Agent for west side apt complex. 15-30 hrs per week, $7.50-8.00 per hour. Please call 360-7744.

Pre-school Teaching Assistant in Norman: M Tu W F, 11am-3pm. Th 9am-1pm. $8/ hr. Experience & References Required. Fax resume to 310-6463.

AQuotations UTO INSURANCE Anytime

Employment HELP WANTED

LOST & FOUND

Campus Address: COH 149A

DEADLINES

Lost & Found

Thursday, July 2, 2009

« FOURTH OF JULY

Dusty Somers, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051

OUDAILY.COM

Go online over the weekend to see photos from the Norman Day events at Reaves Park.

Summer Dance goes ‘Around the World’ MEGAN MORGAN The Oklahoma Daily

OU’s School of Dance presents Summer Dance this weekend, promising to take attendees “Around the World in 80 Minutes.” The show’s subtitle reflects the variety of dances that will be performed, from classical ballet to contemporary dance and modern dance. During the school year, these styles are usually separated into different shows. Mary Margaret Holt, School of Dance director, said that when she and other contributing choreographers began to plan the event, they realized the dances selected were associated with several cultures without being what is generally recognized as “world dance.” “We have been influenced by cultures from around the world, hence the title,” Holt said. The styles include a Spanish classical ballet; Middle Eastern fusion music and dance; jazz in Long Island; artistic styles of Egypt; and much more. “The audience will be treated to an artistic voyage without ever leaving the Reynolds Performing Arts Center,” Holt said. Holt said attendees can expect to see an emotional performance, accomplished by the “sheer artistic athleticism of the dancers” and the “evocative beauty of the costumes and lighting design.” All of this is done on a production schedule of only three weeks, she said. Sherry Tay, a ballet performance senior participating in Summer Dance, said the short preparation time is a challenge that really tests dancers’ abilities. “It’s been tiring, but exciting at the same time,” Tay said. The variety of performances in the show gives it uniqueness, Tay said. “It’s interesting to see how the dance steps can be so malleable and different depending on the country,” she said. This is the second summer that ballet performance junior Tara Gragg has danced at OU. She said the schedule is intense but that it has its benefits.

ELI HULL/THE DAILY

Dancers rehearse Wednesday in the Reynolds Performing Arts Center for the School of Dance’s production of “Around the World in 80 Minutes.” The show opens Thursday at 8 p.m., and runs through Sunday. “It’s lots more dancing and less homework, which is fine by me,” Gragg said. Gragg also said dancing in the summer is interesting because instructors feels freer with their material. “I would encourage people to come because it’s when the faculty gets to experiment a lot more with the dancers,” she said. Dance can be enjoyed by anyone, Holt said. “I am often asked if one has to know a great deal about dance to enjoy it, but I really believe all one has to do is to be open to the experience,” she said. Summer Dance includes the involvement of 18 dancers,

including participants from Complexions Dance Company, Oklahoma City Ballet and Metropolitan Classical Ballet. Two of the guest artists, David Barocio and Ruben Gerding, are alumni of OU’s School of Dance. People should come to this performance to be entertained and impressed, Holt said. “Summer Dance is a great escape into the imagination and the beauty of the international language of dance, expressing the joy and depth of the human spirit,” she said. “Around the World in 80 Minutes” opens at 8 p.m. Thursday in Reynolds Performing Arts Center, and runs through Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE STATE The Daily’s Joshua Boydston guides you through Oklahoma’s Independence Day festivities. LIBERTYFEST Edmond This is the premiere July Fourth event in Oklahoma. It was recently ranked among the top 10 Fourth of July events nationwide by CNN, and with good reason — it’s one of the biggest firework displays around, preceded by a parade, games and free food. The day-long event is located in and around UCO’s campus, with the firework display launching off around 10 p.m.

NORMAN DAY Reaves Park, Norman If you don’t want to go too far to celebrate

Independence Day, you are in luck. Norman Day is a day-long celebration filled with music, eating contests, a baby crawl and pony rides. The activities start at 4 p.m. and the fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.

RED, WHITE AND BOOM! Bricktown, Oklahoma City This is a two-day affair, with each night being equally spectacular. On Friday, you can catch the Oklahoma City Philharmonic at 8:45 p.m., complete with fireworks, on the corner of Reno and Joe Carter. Then on Saturday, you can catch live music from several local bands along with the firework display at 10 p.m. on the corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue.

FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Frontier City, Oklahoma City So, maybe you are looking for a few more thrills throughout the day. Why not head over to Frontier City? You can cap off a day full of loops, splashes and twists with a sky full of explosions. Is that enough thrills for you?

MARSHALL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FIREWORKS SHOW Kingston Are you heading down to Lake Texhoma to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family? Well, you are not out of luck. On Friday, you can catch an all-out display that boasts more than $25,000 worth of fireworks. You could probably even catch the show out on the lake, but your best bet might be to head over to Lake Texhoma State Lodge around 9 p.m. for an optimal view.

LET FREEDOM RING Woodward ELIZABETH NALEWAJK/THE DAILY

Fireworks explode over Reaves Park during Norman’s 2008 fireworks show.

What is more American than fireworks, country music and George W. Bush? Well nothing really, and you can catch them all at once during this two-day event in

Woodward on Friday and Saturday. This one will actually cost you money though ($25 in advance and $35 at the gate), but if you are a fan of Asleep At the Wheel, Stoney LaRue and the former president, it might well be worth it.

ONEOK FREEDOM FEST Tulsa This is Tulsa’s largest fireworks display, with three viewing/activity areas along the Arkansas River. The show will begin at 9:30 a.m. with music, face painting and a motorcycle parade during the day. This is definitely the best bet for those in the Tulsa area.

FIRELAKE GRAND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR FireLake Grand Casino, Shawnee Fireworks are good and all, but maybe you want a little bit more excitement beforehand. Well, just head over to FireLake Casino in Shawnee where you can gamble your heart out before 10 p.m. Then, you can either look at the fireworks as a celebration of your success, or as a bit of a cheer-up if you are a little less lucky.

OKLAHOMA CITY REDHAWKS VS. OMAHA ROYALS AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, Oklahoma City Why not celebrate the nation’s independence by watching America’s favorite-ish pastime? Plus, afterward you can catch the various fireworks displays that will be going on all over Bricktown. The game starts at 7:05 p.m.

THE GUNSHIP The Deli, Norman Maybe you aren’t a fan of fireworks (weirdo). Why not head down to

JUNE 25-JULY 4TH 11 Great Events Celebrating Our Nation’s Independence! Selected by CNN & USA Today as one of the Top 10 places to be on the 4th of July! Edmond Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitedmondok.com or call (405) 341-4344

JERRY WOFFORD/THE DAILY

A fireworks stand near Norman displays a variety of pyrotechnics for sale in 2008. Fireworks can be purchased from June 15-July 6 and Dec. 15-Jan. 2 each year. The Deli to catch some good old fashioned rock ’n’ roll courtesy of Norman favorite The Gunship? There aren’t too many things more American than cheap beer and rock ’n’ roll. Joshua Boydston is a psychology sophomore.