THURSDAY MAY 28, 2009
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Tomorrow’s Weather
news Residents of OU Traditions Square East are upset over being relocated to new buildings for a different reason than they believed. PAGE 2
OU hosts the NCAA Midwest Track and Field Regional Friday and Saturday, and several Sooners are in contention for titles. PAGE 6
87°/63°
SERVICES’ R ICESS’ STAT STATEMENT TEM E ENT ABOUT THE HOUS HOUSING SI CONFUSION AT OU TRADITIONS SQUARE EAST. OUDAILY.COM » GO ONLINE TO OUDAILY.COM TO READ HOUSING AND FOOD SERV
‘SUMMER BREEZE’ SERIES MAKES NORMAN FEEL FINE Free concert series brings diverse acts to Norman — Page 3
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VOL. 94, NO. 154
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Thurday, May 28, 2009
James Lovett, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051
HOUSING CONFUSION DISPLACES RESIDENTS LUKE ATKINSON AND KODY SHIPLEY The Oklahoma Daily
Residents of OU Traditions Square East experienced some confusion and anger when they were relocated within the complex within the past two weeks. Students who had signed summer leases for specific apartments were given a notice by Housing and Food Services stating the student residents needed to move out of their apartments so that maintenance and renovations could occur. However, after moving to their new apartments, several students reported seeing new residents moving into their former rooms. “There were people walking by in the window and two floors below my room, too,” said Cory Martin, meteorology junior. “I was furious when I saw them.” Martin said he had signed a summer lease earlier in the spring semester, and believed he would retain the apartment he lived in during the fall and spring semesters. Martin is not the only student who has been relocated; residents in buildings A, D and E were asked to move into other apartments as well. Travis Darling, meteorology junior and resident of building A, said he also requested the same room in his summer lease, but was moved into another building. Darling said he didn’t mind moving for renovations, but was confused when other residents began moving in. According to a statement released by Housing and Food spokeswoman Lauren Royston, multiple buildings within Traditions Square East were to be unavailable for summer occupancy due to necessary maintenance procedures. However, due to the housing needs of summer program participants, the maintenance would be postponed. Some residents believe that Housing and Food Services are giving preferential treatment to the program participants and were dishonest in claiming maintenance as their reason to move out. “I think if the University is going to move students to
accommodate out-of-town students, they should tell the current students why they’re doing it,” Darling said. “I’m not happy that they haven’t done that.” Housing and Food Services said they offered students affected by the relocation free boxes and box tape, moving assistance and discounted monthly rates. Letters junior Katy Hawkins said she was not offered any discount. “I asked them specifically, ‘Is there going to be any discount or reward for staying here all summer?’ She told me no, not this summer,” Hawkins said. Darling said his roommate was offered a discount on summer rent, but because he signed his contract late, he was not. “I feel like they thought they could just weasel out of this one,” Darling said. “It makes me upset that they are trying to do that. In general, given the quality of service I’ve seen from Housing and Food [Services], it doesn’t really surprise me that they would pull something like this.” Darling said the new residents moving in were a part of the National Weather Center’s program, Research Experiences for Undergraduates. Since he is a meteorology major, he said the REU program lasts 10 weeks during the summer, which gives Housing and Food Services little time to complete the maintenance. “How can the university call this a short-term program?” Darling said in response to the statement claiming the students would only be accomodated for short-term needs. The students said they are unhappy with the displacement, and wish that Housing and Food Services would have told them the truth. “I wouldn’t mind it if they were honest,” Darling said. “I am upset that they didn’t tell us what was going on. I think we are more than deserving of at least a clarification or an explanation of what is going on.” You can read Housing and Food Services’ statement online at OUDaily.com. James Lovett contributed to this report.
ESTEBAN PULIDO/THE DAILY
Travis Darling, meteorology junior, stands in the doorway of his new apartment next to the remnants of unpacking his belongings. Darling signed a summer lease with OU Traditions Square East, but was relocated to another apartment after Housing and Food Services needed to house summer program participants in Darling and other students’ apartments.
Obama still not OK in Oklahoma 38 percent of Oklahomans approve of President Obama, less than rest of nation RICKY MARANON The Oklahoma Daily
ILLUSTRATION BY ELI HULL/THE DAILY
Professor creates free online textbook reserve TROY WEATHERFORD The Oklahoma Daily
As students become more accustomed to digital content, some teachers are offering affordable alternatives to traditional textbooks. Kurt Gramoll, aerospace and mechanical engineering professor, developed a Web site that he uses for his classes. Gramoll’s Web site, eCourses.ou.edu, was designed to assist students and professors in basic engineering courses, according to the site. The site contains six complete “e-books,” each for a different class. To avoid copyright infringement and to keep the books free, Gramoll writes the books himself. He said providing books at no cost is extremely important to him. The cost of textbooks has been skyrocketing over the past two decades. From 1986 to 2004, the cost of textbooks rose 186 percent, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The average yearly cost of textbooks for an undergraduate student is now $900, according to the Student Public Interest Research Group. Gramoll said eCourses benefits students in a number of ways. On eCourses, students can do homework, read the books, communicate on the forum and take tests and quizzes. He said students receive immediate solutions to online problems, and the forums allow him to hold increased office hours. “We have office hours that are 18 hours a day,” Gramoll said. “I don’t think anybody else has anything like that. With electronic media, I can set up ‘Web boards.’ One graduate student takes care of it in the morning, another one in the afternoon and I take over in the evening.” Gramoll began working on eCourses more than 10 years ago. It began not as a Web site, but as
a program on compact disks. But compact disks had a short lifespan, Gramoll said. “Some of these book publishers are still idiotic,” he said. “They think they are going to use CDs in the back of the book, and they’re pretty much worthless.” Engineering teachers around the world use eCourses for their classes, Gramoll said. All of the textbooks are available without logging in, and it’s free for teachers to set up a course and for students to register. Gramoll said his Web site could be used for classes other than engineering, but the format is most helpful for math and science courses. Multiple choice questions are not as well suited for English and other language classes, he said.
NORMAN TEXTBOOK SELLERS PREPARE Bruce Mason, physics and astronomy professor, allows students the option of purchasing an online textbook in lieu of a physical book. However, he said few students have taken advantage of the cheaper e-book. Charissa Siebert, manager of Ratcliffe’s Textbooks in Norman, agreed that many students don’t use the CDs included with textbooks. “We know that’s true, because when they come to sell their books back at the end of the semester, oftentimes whatever form they use for e-book is still intact, unopened, unused,” Siebert said. Although e-books are cheaper than traditional textbooks, students have been slow to respond to the shift. Jason Gentry, University Bookstore textbook manager, said when teachers offer a choice between a digital book or a traditional textbook, most students choose the textbook. “There is a certain room in the market for digital content,” Gentry said. “I don’t think it will wipe out textbooks entirely.”
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Unlike a majority of Americans, Oklahomans are not feeling positive about the job President Obama is doing. Only 38 percent of Oklahomans approve of Obama’s work so far, according to a new survey from Public Policy Polling. The North Carolinabased polling organization surveyed 715 Oklahomans about their political viewpoints. Sixty-five percent of Americans approve of the job the president is doing, according to a May 23 Gallup poll. Gary Jones, Oklahoma Republican Party chairman, said Obama’s record in office thus far has turned off many Oklahomans. “Oklahoma is a conservative state,” Jones said. “Obama has turned out to be more liberal and progressive than voters expected him to be, and that is not the direction Oklahomans want to see the country go in.” Jones said many voters who are registered Democrat do not vote along party lines. “In counties where only 20 percent are registered Republican, we see Republicans winning by 65 to 70 percent,” he said. ”There are a lot of people in rural counties that are registered Democrat that consider themselves conservative.” Jones said it is hard to merge conservative philosophy with the platform of the Democratic Party, and that is why many voters disapprove of the president.
ILLUSTRATION BY ELI HULL/THE DAILY
To d d G o d d m a n , O k l a h o m a Democratic Party chair, said his party believes the low approval numbers are an issue of lack of education on current events and facts. “If you look at the numbers, 1.2 million Oklahomans have received a tax cut under President Obama,” Goodman said, “but the average person on the street, they think Obama is a ‘tax and spend’ liberal. [Obama] is really working hard for Oklahomans.” Goodman said the Republican Party and conservative talk radio has been successful in painting the Democratic Party as a negative brand. “We’ve allowed the Republican Party to frame us,” he said. “We aren’t doing a good enough job to counter balance the attacks.” Goodman said people agree with what the president and Congress are doing when they watch him on television and look into the truth of what has taken place. He said when people look beyond the rhetoric and look at the facts, “people see what the Democratic party is all about, and when they see our strong traditions, Oklahomans will return to us.”
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.
Tuesday’s story “Sooners lose two games in Big XII Tournament” erroneously stated that the tournament had only taken place four times over the past 109 years. The tournament had taken place four times over the past 10 years.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
Dusty Somers, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051
Concert series brings diverse acts to Norman Free concerts held through Sept. 27 MEGAN MORGAN The Oklahoma Daily
The first Summer Breeze concert on May 10 didn’t exactly live up to its name. But the cold and rainy weather didn’t stop Norman residents and students from flocking to the Andrews Park Amphitheater. They just brought warm clothes, raincoats and umbrellas, and some of the children danced in the puddles. “What a beautiful summer night to kick off Summer Breeze!” concert series chairman Steven White said. Missouri bluegrass band Big Smith played the first Summer Breeze event, bringing its harmonies, acoustic sound and humorous banter. “Thanks for being here,” acoustic guitar player Mark Bilyeu said. “You’re tried and true, hardy souls. In the Southwest, people would just say, ‘Let’s get some KFC and rent ‘Napoleon Dynamite.’’” Big Smith has six members, five of which are related. All of the band members sang, and many of them could play more than one instrument, which made for a varied
LIZ GREENE/THE DAILY
Three members of Elephant Revival perform Sunday at Lions Park as part of the Summer Breeze concert series. Free concerts are held in the park every other Sunday evening through the end of September. performance that included bluegrass, country, gospel, instrumentals and children’s songs. The acoustic style continued at the next Summer Breeze concert on Sunday at Lions Park with folk group Elephant Revival, and the weather proved to be more obliging. Elephant Revival is a five-member band whose members are all songwriters and most play multiple
instruments, like Big Smith. Banjo player Sage Cook said the band’s sound is a mix of styles. “We sometimes like to call it transcendental folk,” Cook said. “And there’s definitely traditional and Celtic influences.” The Colorado-based group played many songs that were inspired by nature. Cook said the band’s green-painted tour bus runs on vegetable oil. Elephant Revival
is also scheduled to play at the festival Wakarusa this summer. W h i t e w o rk s t h ro u g h t h e Performing Arts Studio in Norman. The organizer encourages people to attend because the concert series is free and enjoyable. “We’ve really got 10 quality shows,” White said. “It’s something for everybody — with bluegrass, rock, salsa mix and then whatever you would call ‘Hosty.’”
What does music mean to you as an artist?
Q&A: Oklahoma acoustic artist Sherree Chamberlain
It’s just something that I’m still trying to figure out. Once again, as dramatic as this might sound, I always growing up, felt like there was something inside of me — that it is my nature to sing and to play music. I feel so unhappy and discontent if I’m not creating something. I would feel so stifled and grumpy. For me, it’s just part of my nature, and either or not I do something amazing someday, for me that’s not the main goal. For me, the main goal is happiness, therapy and necessity. I’m still figuring it out, but that’s what I’ve got so far.
JOSHUA BOYDSTON The Oklahoma Daily
Acoustic artist Sherree Chamberlain debuted new songs and performed old favorites at the Opolis this past Sunday, in support of Seattle band Telekinesis. Her music is simply stunning, balancing infectious acoustic guitar, poignant guitar and an alluring voice that culminates in a whirl of color and jubilation. After the show, the Stillwater native took the time to answer a few questions about her music, inspiration and her plans for the future.
Chamberlain’s debut record, “A Wasp in the Room,” will be released in the near future, and you can catch her live at the Marquee in Tulsa on June 16. Clips of her songs can be heard on her MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thesherreechamberlainband.
So what inspires your music? It varies. But, I just bought this book. It sounds so cheesy, but it’s PHOTO PROVIDED called “The Artist’s Way,” and it’s just these writing exercises that you have to do every day. Every morning, I’ve been getting up, writing two Sherree Chamberlain performs at the Norman Music Festival on pages. You aren’t allowed to go back and look at it, but it really centers April 25 in front of hundreds of music fans. you, kind of just gets you in the mood. Creativity is a muscle, and if you always been musical, and I started playing guitar when I was about 14. don’t exercise it every day, it atrophies. So I’ve been really inspired lately by this book I’m reading, and really I should be a lot better for the amount of time I’ve been playing. It’s working on these writing exercises and just letting it flow. It makes never been a specific choice for me to play; it’s just always been a part you acknowledge your doubts and your shortcomings, and you have to of my family. Actually, recently I realized what it is to be proactive. There is a differwrite them down. It’s kind of emotional, but it feels good once it’s out ence between someone who is creative and someone who is an actual because you are like, there’s nothing to be afraid of anymore. songwriter, because there is a craft to it. Now I’m realizing that if I want to do this, I have to work. So I started taking guitar lessons. I’ve been What do you prefer about solo shows? reading books and working on exercises to better myself, because there It’s more fun because it is more intimate. I feel like I interact with is no shame in learning more. I’m enrolling in a music theory class in the crowd a lot. And I don’t have to worry about messing up so much — I the fall because it is high time that I started learning that stuff that I mess up all the time during solo shows. It’s fun and I don’t feel that needed to [learn] a long time ago. I decided to humble myself. I liked to pressure. The crowd gets to hear my voice a little more clearly, and what think of it as a natural talent, and I wasn’t “trained.” But during recordI’m trying to say a little more clearly, too. I think sometimes I almost ing, it’s a handicap. I realized that I needed to get over my pride issue reveal too much and say too much. I really do like interacting and talk- and admit that I don’t know everything, and that it’s OK. ing to the crowd. I feel like that’s easier when I’m on my own and there aren’t five guys behind me waiting. Is that where all these newly debuted songs came from?
So you’ve been playing since you were fairly young? Before I even played, in like second grade, I went to my first concert, which was Bryan Duncan. He was some cheesy Christian musician with like a purple suit and black patent leather shoes. I remember lying in my bed trying not to cry thinking about how I wanted to do what he was doing and how I didn’t get to because I was too young. My family has
Yeah, I swear to God I’ve written them all in the past four days. I’ve just been really refreshed. Our record is finished in the duplication stage ready to be finished, and some of those songs are about six years old. I’ve just felt this burden of ‘I can’t move on because I have nothing to show for what I’ve done’ and now that this is finished I’m ready to get in and start an EP because I’m ready to put new stuff out. In the future, I just want to keep writing music.
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The next Summer Breeze is 7:30 p.m. June 7 in Lions Park and will feature local musician Travis Linville. Linville is returning to the Summer Breeze stage to play his blend of blues, folk and jazz acoustic music. Linville also started a recording studio in Norman called DirtyBird Recording. As White mentioned, the infamous Norman musicians known as the Hosty Duo is also scheduled to perform 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Lions Park. The duo consists of Michael Hosty, who sings and plays guitar, kazoo and bass pedals, and drummer Michael “Tic Tac” Byars. Rockabilly guitarist and singer Wanda Jackson, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will play at 7:30 p.m. July 12 at the Andrews Park Amphitheater. The Summer Breeze concert series also includes Norman rock band Dorian Small, salsa group Son del Barrio, folk guitarist and songwriter Darrell Scott, Oklahoma’s “First Lady of the Blues” Miss Blue and Americana country band John McEuen and Sons. McEuen is the founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. For more information, check the Performing Arts Studio Web site at http://www.thepas.org.
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Thursday, May 28, 2009 GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Don’t be stalled by the slow thinking of associates or friends. Once you make what you think is a good judgment call, act on it. If the others can’t keep up, so be it.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- If you step up to the plate when there is trouble in the outfield, harmony and balance can be restored with regard to an important team effort. You’re the one who can bring everything home.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Chances are there are some developments taking place behind the scenes that could benefit you in material ways. It won’t be long before you become aware of these happenings.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Don’t sit around waiting for someone to intervene on everyone’s behalf. Implement those needed changes to improve conditions concerning your work or career.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Generally, apart from camaraderie, little happens through friendships. But it might be a good friend who points to something on the business scene that can be of use to you.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Conditions are conducive to rebuild a complicated network that involves others, so don’t sit around waiting for things to happen on their own. Start nailing the planks together immediately.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- It’ll be far easier to achieve two important objectives if you keep a low profile and don’t broadcast your intentions. People won’t deliberately trip you up, but they may do so unwittingly. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Any constructive suggestions you have with regard to a group endeavor will be greatly appreciated. Don’t hesitate to speak up -- even if you aren’t personally part of the undertaking. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Go ahead and do what needs doing instead of waiting for someone to ask you to complete a certain job. There’s a good chance that success will be dependent upon your contribution.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -If you simply get off your duff and start doing what needs to be done, a lot of dangling loose ends can be tied down. You’ll feel good once everything is completed. ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- If your methods are better than the procedures of others, don’t be surprised if you capture lots of attention. Your bosses will be pleased, and your friends impressed, leaving your enemies upset. TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Don’t be too quick to loosen your purse strings just because your financial picture is improving. Pay your bills first before deciding how lavishly you can spend.
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COMMENTS OF THE DAY »
Thursday, May 28, 2009
In response to Tuesday’s column about public pools in Norman
Luke Atkinson, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051
YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM
OUR VIEW
“So how should communities raise the money to pay for these pools? Do you want to pay more in sales tax? You’re an economics major so you should realize pools don’t magically appear without loads of up front costs and on going fixed costs. I can only imagine what the cost of insurance
for a pool is considering the potential for expensive lawsuits when some poor child is injured. Pools are fun and it would be nice if the city would build a pool for every resident, but that just isn’t feasible.” - dargus
STAFF CARTOON
Housing confusion unfair for residents Students residing in OU Traditions Square East experienced a bit of a bump over the course of the last week, when contracts were unfairly broken to rearrange student housing. According to Housing and Food Services, occupants of certain buildings were asked to relocate within the complex because of necessary maintenance procedures. These buildings were marked as unavailable for the summer. Unfortunately, the memo must not have been passed along. Students had already signed summer leases requesting to stay in their same rooms, but were later told to move out. This request is inconvenient, but understandable. But the maintenance H&F has promised isn’t the priority. Students participating in summer internships have moved into these rooms, which has stirred anger within the relocated
residents. The relationship between students and H&F has been damaged because of this dishonest and unfair treatment. The preferential treatment given to the summer interns is upsetting, and the housing needs for these interns should not interfere with current residents. H&F needs to make other arrangements to satisfy the needs of the interns so this confusion doesn’t happen again. Breaking a contract and unexpectedly asking residents to move out for renovations – and not telling them about the new students moving in while they are moving out – isn’t the best or most honest approach to take when dealing with your residents. As for current residents, H&F should rectify this situation by making sure all residents affected by the relocation are offered a discount in rent and given a proper apology.
Eli Hull is a broadcast and electronic media junior.
Kraettli in need of repairs, not Traditions East Summer brings with it many things: trips to the beach, concerts under the stars, ice cream cones, but if you're a resident of Kraettli Apartments, it brings another roofing project. Beginning last Monday, at the bright and perky hour of 6 a.m., workers began their labor. For those who are not morning people, the thought of band saws, hammering and trucks backing up at the crack of dawn can make the most docile person have violent tendencies. While I was able to register my complaint over the brutal opening day of another summer of roof work, it's now time to focus on other issues related to this journey. Kraettli is where the university places families, international and graduate students as well as many members of the faculty and staff. You might think, then, that these apartments would be some of the best on campus. Well, if you think that, then you couldn't be more wrong. The buildings are over 60-years-old and have absolutely no updates I happen to live in one of the apartments that has a completely carpeted living room, but many, as they are vacated have had that carpeting removed or reduced, leaving these units with mostly tiled floors. The heating and cooling systems are a joke. Each unit is attached to the others and we have no control over our heat or air; it's either on or it's off. We also run off of a chiller system, one in which water is used to determine the outside air temperature. If the water temperature goes above 60 degrees, then we get air conditioning, and if it drops below 60, we get heat. The furnaces in each unit are antiquated and blow more
dust into my home than if I were to go outside, grab a bag of dirt and sprinkle it in the unit. At this point, I have become accustomed to being the joke of the university or having to explain that Kraettli even exists on campus, but the thing that troubles me the most is to find out that Traditions East apartments are scheduled for maintenance. Students have been asked to relocate to other apartments for things such as cleaning and replacing carpeting, air duct cleaning, heating and cooling and other general repairs. What? Are you kidding me? Somebody at the University needs to reassess their priorities. Why would buildings that are only a few years old being getting updates and maintenance such as Traditions East when most residents at Kraettli are living sub-standard conditions and cannot even have a plant outside their front door without having it confiscated by maintenance because it's a violation of the lease? I love living on campus, but I only live at Kraettli because I have to. I am an out-of-state student and I make student wages, but I do not feel that the university has any respect for me or my neighbors when we are constantly pushed aside to accomodate the needs of undergraduates. For those residents of Traditions East who felt inconvenience by the university. Welcome to my world. Elizabeth Nalewajk is a master’s candidate in mass communication.
Dreams for the ‘days of yesteryear’ limits some potential I’m not really a huge basketball fan, but lately, I’ve been following the NBA playoffs with some friends of mine. While I’m no expert on the game, one thing seems clear to me and to everyone around me: LeBron James is absolutely dominant in the game of basketball. He seems to carry the entire weight of the team on his shoulders; he averages 36 points a game right now in the playoffs, according to NBA. com. He is, by all outward appearances, unstoppable. But this article isn’t about LeBron James, at least, not directly. It’s about nostalgia and what nostalgia does to superstars like LeBron James. You can hardly watch a Cavaliers game for five minutes without someone (yes, sometimes me) comparing LeBron to Michael Jordan. “He’s a regular Michael Jordan,” “Reminds me so much of MJ,” “He just Jordaned that shot.” This isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be harmful to role models like James. You see, Americans, and I suspect all humans, have a tendency to long for the days of yesteryear. We seem to always
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believe that things were so much better the way they were rather than the way they are. For a variety of reasons, I tend to spend most of my time at OU with older friends. I enjoy their company, but it can be a little frustrating to hear about how great things were before I came around. I sometimes feel that my friendship and company is being compared to that of the people who came before me. Such is the case of LeBron James. It’s one thing to compare him to a great superstar like Michael Jordan, but if we take that too far, we can lose sight of what is really important about James. He is an individual, a unique member of society that happens to be amazing at basketball. His talent, however, should not cause us to overlook his distinction as a human being.
JAMES ISN’T JORDAN, TECHNICALLY Instead of talking about how much James is like Jordan, perhaps we should talk about how James is such a great team player that never lets his ego get in the way of the team
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effort. James may be similar to Jordan in many ways, but he is also different, and it is those differences that make him an individual. But LeBron James isn’t the only victim of our nostalgic comparison. In music, movies and even politics, it seems impossible for our modern superstars to match up to the high standards our society sets for them.
MODERN TAKE ON MUSIC As a former music major, I spent much of my time studying the three great composers: Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. There is no doubt that these men were great musicians, but does that mean that the creation of great music is over with? People all over this campus and other universities insist that there will never be another Mozart. Why is that? Did he use up all of the world’s talent? Of course not, but for some reason, we refuse to believe that any composer could possibly be as brilliant and masterful as Mozart or Bach or Beethoven. As a result, modern musicians, no matter how skilled they might be at their craft, will never be able to measure up to those
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standards. It is a tough life to lead knowing that no matter how much effort you put into your work, you can never be the best. Imagine training for the Olympic hurdles your whole life knowing that you aren’t going to qualify, not because you aren’t good enough, but because the people have already found their hero. Nostalgic comparison is fine in moderation. It is good to remind artists and athletes of who has come before them, but we can’t spend our whole lives living in the past. We must open ourselves up the possibility that the best days are yet to come; perhaps we are making our best memories right now. So don’t allow yourself to be swept up in the current of nostalgic comparison; just enjoy and appreciate our modern heroes and role models for who they are. Perhaps LeBron James is the next Michael Jordan, or perhaps he is even better. Either way, we ought to recognize James for what he has accomplished, not what he might accomplish. Joshua Wesneski 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.
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For Sale PETS Good health, 2 English Bulldogs to a lovely home. If needed contact me at robenwillson@yahoo.com.
C Transportation AUTO INSURANCE
AUTO INSURANCE Quotations Anytime
Foreign Students Welcomed Jim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664
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2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle ............$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month 1 col (1.833 in) x 2.25 inches Crossword .....$515/month
HELP WANTED Bartending! Up to $250/day. No exp nec. Training provided. 1-800-965-6520, x133. 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
3-4 Bdrm homes near OU, Reasonable Call 329-4119 2 bd/1 ba house, $825/mo, W/D hookups, 2 mi from campus. 316-641-2628
1700 Jackson Dr. 3/2/2 $950 Available 6/1 1413 Peter Pan 3/1.5/2 $950 140 Alameda Plaza 3/2/2 $1000 321 Waterfront 4/2/2 $1260 Contact Wendy at KW, 473-6832
, - .$ /
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A drunk driver ruined something precious. Amber Apodaca. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.
ROOMMATES WANTED Available 4/18
classifieds@ou.edu
933 S Lahoma, 2 bd, 1 bth Refrig, w/d, stove, wood oors, no pets, $775/mo, $500/dep. Lawn maintenance optional. Call 329-1933 or 550-7069.
CONDOS UNFURNISHED
HOUSES UNFURNISHED
Sell your stuff.
%&'((& )* ++
Looking for friendly, respectful roommate for summer or fall, 2 bdrm furn at Kraettli, bills incl’d, $300. Ref avail. 405-796-7118
oudaily.com
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Previous Solution
Monday- Very Easy Tuesday-Easy Wednesday- Easy Thursday- Medium Friday - Hard
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Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker May 28, 2009
Being
HIGHLIGHTING OR COLOR
NUMBER ONE is nothing to celebrate.
WITH HAIRCUT • $49.99 WEAVE OR FOIL ADD $10.00
HAIRCUT • $10.99 Non-Requested Stylist Only
Open 7 Days A Week!
The Works $15.99 Shampoo/ Cut/Blowdry
116 S. Main, Noble 127 N. Porter 872-1661 360-4247
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All ads are subject to acceptance by The Oklahoma Daily. Ad acceptance may be reevaluated at any time.
Lease Now or P/L for Fall! *Free Membership at Steel Fitness! $99 Deposit! 1/2 off 1st Month Rent! Models open 8a-8p Everyday! Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com
3 bd/2 ba condo approx 1200 sq feet. Close to campus, recently updated & has a ďŹ replace. Appliances may stay. $62,000 - call Bill Prust 921-4877
Small 1 Bdrm Forest Cottage Close to OU, all bills paid, internet, cable, hot tub, w/d, non-smoking. Available now, lease $640/mo. 701-5931.
MISAL OF INDIA BISTRO Now accepting applications for waitstaff. Apply in person at 580 Ed Noble Parkway, across from Barnes & Noble, 579-5600.
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.
APTS. UNFURNISHED
CONDOS
JUNE RENTAL 202 S Flood - 2bd, $700/mo+bills. 212 S Flood - $600+bills. Smoke-free, no pets, 1 year lease, security dep. 360-3850
Community After School Program is now hiring part-time staff to work in our schoolage childcare programs for Fall 09. Interview now for work to begin August 17, 2009. Must love children and have a desire to improve their lives. Hours: M-F 2:20-6 p.m. We offer competitive wages starting at $7.25/hour. Higher pay for those with qualifying coursework in education and related ďŹ elds. CASP is an off campus work study location. Also hiring for AmeriCorps members to work with our tutoring program starting in September. Complete application at 1023 N Flood Avenue or online at www.caspinc.org. Submit your fall class schedule and current transcript when applying.
(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.
$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.
Handy Man Special in OKC, 2 bdrm, 1 bth, 1 car, fenced yard, needs TLC, rent free in lieu of repairs. 714-726-1204
2 bd, 2 full bath, w/d, ďŹ rst oor of The Edge, $850/mo, no pets. Call 414-4046.
Employment
TM
Furnished 1 room apartment. Very quiet & private. Easy I35/HW 9 access. Bills paid. Avail 5/09. $375/mo, $250 deposit. 360-9983 or 639-7571
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.
Housing Sales
Phone: 325-2521
L
Photo by Michael Mazzeo
PLACE AN AD
Must present this coupon
129 N.W. Ave. 1215 W. Lindsey 360-4422 364-1325
This year, more than
172,000 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer, and more than
roof above them 53 Caught, as a dogie 57 Covert ___ (army assignment) 59 Seller’s hoped-for number 62 Titlark 64 Lip balm ingredient 65 Enoch’s great-greatgrandfather 66 First Woolworth’s location 67 Prefix meaning “trillion� 68 Polio vaccine creator 69 Hosiery variety 70 Abbr. at the end of a list of names 71 Knotty attire DOWN 1 Certain line-crossers 2 Circle the Earth 3 Said twice, a Washington city 4 Does foundry work 5 Resentful feeling 6 Assistant with a hunch? 7 “___ Enchanted� (2004 comedy) 8 Church pledge 9 Wellesley
graduate, e.g. 10 “___ of a Preacher Man� 11 January sign 12 “Now there’s an ___!’ 13 Lacks life 21 Seasons for carolers 22 “No ifs, ___ or buts!� 26 Cause the downfall of 28 Egg, to a biologist 29 They’re sometimes struck 31 “En garde� weapon 32 All dried out 33 XL x XX 34 Bar in a narrow dish 35 Dizzy musician? 37 Embellished story 40 Item of
making it America’s
NUMBER ONE cancer killer. But new treatments offer hope. Join Lung Cancer Alliance in the fight against this disease.
Previous Answers
earthenware 42 1940s jazz style 44 “Iliad� figure 45 Set, like Jell-O 48 Online stand-in 50 Achy to the max 52 Do figure eights 54 High point for Moses 55 Mademoiselle’s school 56 Array in a newsroom 57 Composer’s creation 58 Tropical helmet material, perhaps 60 “Okay if ___ myself out?� 61 One of Asta’s masters 63 Berg composition
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
Š 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com
DINNER DATE by Cliff Reed
163,000 will die—
lungcanceralliance.org
ACROSS 1 Barnyard creatures 5 Become less of a person? 9 128character set 14 Bone up 15 Citrus hybrid 16 Fills, as a truck 17 Highly adroit 18 Dimwit 19 Free from the sty 20 Evangelist and presidential advisor 23 Ben in “Ben� 24 One put on a pedestal 25 Bored feeling 27 Cutter’s cousin 30 Cuts a rug 33 Man’s best friend 36 Diplomatic agents 38 Information, informally 39 Ad biz awards 41 ___ for Africa (“We Are the World� group) 42 Hole-making tool 43 Biology topic 44 Arbitrarily fine 46 Maiden name word 47 Place for an unwanted ring? 49 Haughty types 51 They have a
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Thursday, May 28, 2009
James Lovett, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051
NORMAN PLAYS HOST TO BASEBALL BATTLE EDDIE RADOSEVICH The Oklahoma Daily
Making their 32nd NCAA Tournament appearance in program history, the Sooners will have one goal in mind — a trip to Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha for the national championship. Earning the No. 7 national seed, the Sooners secured all home games in the regional. Hosting its fourth regional in 10 years, this OU team will happily play at its own “Friendly Confines.” The Sooners carry a 24-4 record at L. Dale Mitchell Park during the 2009 season, an impressive statistic as they look to play in their first super regional since 2006. The winner of the Norman Regional will advance to meet the winner of the Tallahassee Regional. If the Sooners prevail to the next round, they are guaranteed to host the super regional. Joining the Sooners this weekend are No. 2 seed Arkansas, No. 3 seed Washington State and No. 4 seed Wichita State. The four-team, double-elimination regional starts at 1 p.m. Friday and will run through Monday. The Sooners are hosting three teams that are no strangers to the baseball club. Oklahoma split a four-game series at Washington State, lost 8-7 in 10 innings at Arkansas and pounded Wichita State with a combined score of 23-1 in its two games against one another this season.
THE TEAMS
No. 2 Arkansas (34-22) — Dave Van Horn and his Arkansas Razorbacks come to Norman as they make their eighth consecutive trip to a NCAA postseason competition. Arkansas comes into the NCAA Tournament after leaving last week’s SEC Tournament with a 2-2 record. Both Hog victories, however, came at the expense of No. 8 nationally seeded Florida. No. 3 Washington State (32-23) — Making its 15th appearance in NCAA Tournament play, the Cougars come to Norman marking their first trip to baseball’s “big dance” since 1990. Only the fifth Pac-10 team ever to lose its first three games and advance to the postseason, Washington State comes into the Norman regional with aspirations for its first national championship in school history.
ELI HULL / THE DAILY
Junior shortstop Bryant Hernandez (2) hits a pop fly during a baseball game against Texas Tech at the Big 12 tournament last week. Despite losing two of their three games in the tournament, the Sooners will be hosting the 2009 NCAA Norman regional competition this weekend. No. 4 Wichita State (30-25) — The Shockers come to the Norman regional after defeating Creighton 4-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Gene Stephenson’s Shockers are led at the plate by Missouri Valley Tournament’s “Most Valuable Player” Ryan Engrav, who added two hits, a walk and scored a run in the tournament championship. Wichita State advanced to the super regionals last year, where it lost twice to Florida State.
THE GAMES FRIDAY Game 1: Arkansas vs. Washington State, 1 p.m. Game 2: Oklahoma vs. Wichita State, 7 p.m. SATURDAY Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1 p.m. Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 7 p.m.
SUNDAY Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4, 1 p.m. Game 6: Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5, 7 p.m. MONDAY Game 7 (if necessary): 7 p.m.
near world record, or a chance to see the best in the sport, but every once and awhile these collegiate athletes put on a show for the record books. This weekend, Norman hosts some of the country’s best athletes, including many from Texas, Texas A&M and Baylor. OU qualified in the top three in eight events over the weekend. The top athletes will move on to the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Fayetteville, Ark., beginning June 10. With this great opportunity for Sooner fans, it would be a shame to miss the next Jeremy Wariner when the NCAA Regionals start Friday.
OU’S TOP TRACK AND FIELD CONTENDERS
ELIZABETH NALEWAJK/THE DAILY
Junior Gary Jeffrey launches a javelin during Tuesday’s practice in preparation for the NCAA Midwest Track and Field Regionals.
Sooner sports stay hot in summer ANNELISE RUSSELL The Oklahoma Daily
As the summer season begins, many fans wonder where to turn for a bit of athletic action. Unless you have hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to drop on an NBA playoff game, your options are usually limited to baseball or the occasional Met-Rx World’s Strongest Man competition. Instead of flipping through the television channels this weekend looking for the next mediocre sports filler, jump on the bike and wheel over to John Jacobs Field for the NCAA Track and Field Midwest Regional. Beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, the best of the OU track and field team will face the best of the Big 12 and surrounding schools in the Midwest region. Track is not usually a sport which attracts many spectators, nor is Norman a college town known for its track team. However, it’s the sport’s more memorable moments that make it worth the entrance price. While most recognize the track complex because of its proximity to the football field, only a handful of Sooner fans ever make it out to the track. Those fans who have made it out recall some of the greatest moments on the OU track. The spring of 2004 provided one of those moments. Seated in the stands that weekend in May, nobody knew how close they would come to seeing history in the making. The future of the men’s 400-meter race in the United States would be on display that day in Norman.
At the time, Jeremy Wariner was still a rising star at Baylor under Clyde Hart, a historic track coach known for developing Michael Johnson, one of the stars of the 1996 Olympics. Wariner was joined at Baylor by another strong runner, Darold Williamson, a young gun trying to propel himself onto the national and international scene. On that day, with the Big 12 Championship on the line, both runners, still only sophomores, were strong contenders. The race began and it was clear early on it was going to be a close victory for either Wariner or Williamson. As they came rounded the track, the runners were neck and neck, and fans looked to the scoreboard for the official ruling as both athletes drove across the finish. As the scores came across the screen, the crowd watched in disbelief as Wariner had eeked out the victory and not only claimed the championship, but a world record with a time of 44.29 seconds . It was the most exciting event at the track all day, but the excitement was short lived. The officials ruled that Wariner had stepped out of his lane coming around one of the corners, giving teammate, Williamson the win. The world record was left intact. That afternoon foreshadowed what was yet to come in the world of track and field; only three months later Wariner claimed victory in the 400 at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Williamson also took gold in the 4-by-400 meter relay. These types of track events do not always guarantee fans a
MEN
WOMEN
Mookie Salam 100 meters and 200 meters
Leslie Cole 400 meters
Scott Cooper 800 meters
Latoya Heath 100 meter hurdles
Jacob Booner 1500 meters
OU 4-by-100-meter relay
Will Claye Triple jump (top qualifier) and long Jump
TiAnca Mock Long jump
Luke Bryant Discus
Amy Backel Shot put Mikaela Johansson Hammer throw