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TRADITIONS HOUSING FRUSTRATES STUDENTS Traditions residents upset with fall housing LUKE ATKINSON The Oklahoma Daily
Housing and Food Services released housing assignments to students Monday, leaving some returning residents upset. Some students who applied to live at OU Traditions Square are unhappy with the results of their housing matching because some returning residents were not given the rooms or roommates they had requested, and many showed their frustration on their Facebooks and Twitters. Megan Underwood, meteorology sophomore, said she signed a contract with Housing and Food Services in October in the hope of getting the room she wanted. “I signed up for who, where and which apartment I wanted to live in,” Underwood said. “We were told since we were early, we would get what we wanted. I signed up at the tables inside Cate [Center] and was guaranteed I would get what I requested.” When Underwood received her housing assignment Monday, however, she did not receive what she had requested. Her assignment
puts Underwood with her requested roommate, but in a different room with additional roommates. Lauren Royston, marketing and public relations specialist for Housing and Food Services, said OU Traditions Square uses a matching system which prioritizes roommates above rooms, which may explain why students weren’t given the rooms they requested. “Roommate preference is the highest-ranked preference on contracts, which could be why certain students receive a housing assignment with their preferred roommate, but not necessarily their firstfloor plan preference,” Royston said in an email. With fewer two-bedroom apartments available, students who do not wish to move out might keep those rooms, making it difficult to fulfill room requests, Royston said. Travis Darling, meteorology junior, received the opposite of Housing and Food Service’s priorities. Darling said he completed an application in April for a fourbedroom apartment and, in May, changed his application to request a two-bedroom apartment. He was matched up with the room he had requested, but not his roommate. “My friend and I had requested each other, but weren’t placed
TYLER METCALF/THE DAILY
Traditions East and West offer students convenient on-campus housing, however, many feel discontented with their proposed living arrangements for the 2009-2010 school year. together,” Darling said. “I went to the front desk and was told a ‘computer error’ didn’t match us.” Underwood said she can understand if OU Traditions Square couldn’t accommodate all of her requests, but was upset that she didn’t know the reason why. “I think they need to be better organized or make it more clearly
known,” Underwood said. For students who would like to change their living assignments, students could go to Housing and Food Services Offices in Walker Tower to speak with an assignment specialist, Royston said. She said students can also apply for a “Move-Around,” which allows residents to relocate, if a move is
possible or needed. “We will do all we can to provide residents with a community that supports them, provides them with useful amenities and keeps them at the heart of their University,” Royston said. Students may also email housinginfo@ou.edu for more information.
Oklahoma football legend Switzer recognized for community service JONO GRECO AND JAMES LOVETT The Oklahoma Daily
Former OU and Dallas Cowboys football head coach Barry Switzer has won national championships and a Super Bowl, and Tuesday night he will add another honor to his vast trophy case. Switzer has been named the recipient of the 2009 John F. Kennedy Community Service Award by the Oklahoma chapter of the Knights of Columbus, and will receive the honor at a 6 p.m. banquet at Our Lady’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Knights of Columbus, a 126-year-old Catholic organization with 1.7 million members, named the award in honor of the only Catholic U.S. president. Former Gov. David Walters, who serves as president of the Knights of Columbus Building Corporation of Oklahoma City, said Switzer is receiving the award because of his service with the Special Olympics of Oklahoma over the past four decades. “One of the things folks don’t appreciate about Coach Switzer is how much he’s done beyond athletics,” Walters said. “He’s been head coach for the Special Olympics and
attended all the Special Olympics games, and has traveled with them all across the U.S.” Walters said the former coach has always been well-received at Special Olympics events in Stillwater, despite his history coaching against the Cowboys. “I always found it ironic that he’s always been warmly received in Stillwater, given his enormously successful athletic record in Stillwater, but it’s an indication of his good work,” Walters said. The award ceremony and dinner will benefit the Santa Fe Family Life Center in Oklahoma City, which is owned by the Knights of Columbus Building Corporation of Oklahoma City and the Uniting Our Community Campaign. The guest list for the event reads like a who’s who of the OU athletics program, and includes current head football coach Bob Stoops, athletic director Joe Castiglione and Heisman Trophy winners Billy Simms and Steve Owens. Individual tickets for the event cost $150, and table reservations for eight range from $2,000 to $5,000. Long-time Oklahoma event promoter Lee Allan Smith will present the award to Switzer.
STEPHEN DUNN/ALLSPORT
Then-head football coach Barry Switzer leads the 1988 Sooners onto the field against the USC Trojans. More than 20 years later, Switzer is being honored with the John F. Kennedy Community Service Award for his work with the Special Olympics and other charitable organizations.
OU receives $500K grant from Ernst and Young OU only school to receive full foundation grant in 2009 CHARLES WARD Oklahoma Daily
A $500,000 grant from the Ernst and Young Foundation will launch a program to attract more students into the field of oil and gas
accounting. The program creates two new classes, one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students, along with an internship program. It also endows $100,000 of scholarships for students that are interested in pursuing careers in energy accounting, and will create the Ernst and Young Learning Center, a room in Evans Hall for the program.
ELIZABETH NALEWAJK/THE DAILY
Professor Terry Crain explains the details of the gas and accounting program in his office Wednesday afternoon. OU was the only university in 2009 to receive the full $500,000 endowment granted by the Ernst and Young Foundation that aids in establishing accounting programs in specific fields. FREE — ADDITIONAL COPIES 25¢
“We have the energy management program here, we have a concentration in the MBA program in energy. And, of course we have petroleum engineering here,” said Terry Crain, associate professor of accounting. “And so [the Ernst and Young Foundation] thought it would be a natural fit if we did something in oil and gas accounting,” “We wanted to invest where some of our best and brightest students come fromsaid Ryan Burke, an Ernst and Young partner in Dallas. “One of the things we’re hoping that this does is get folks more interested in energy accounting.” Students with knowledge and an interest in oil and gas accounting are in particular demand. “What we’ve found is that there’s been a shortage of students entering the energy accounting industry itself,” Burke said. “Whether it’s with the big four [accounting companies] , or it’s within one of the large oil and gas companies. One of the things we’re trying to do is encourage people and say ‘Hey, this industry is a large career.’ It’s probably, the No. 1 — from an industry stand point — employer in this part of the country.” The Ernst and Young Foundation gives universities up to $500,000 to establish programs in specific areas. OU was the only school to receive the full amount in 2009. The program begins in the fall, with Crain teaching the undergraduate class. He will teach the first graduate-level class in the spring. Crain estimated that 25 students had
© 2009 OU PUBLICATIONS BOARD
already enrolled for the fall. He said that each class can hold 48 students, but he expects about 30 students in each class. Another part of the program will fund a student researcher who will work with Crain in reviewing disclosures in the financial statements issued by publicly-traded energy companies. The rules surrounding those disclosures changed in the wake of the Enron scandal. Accounting practices in the energy field offer other challenges besides those presented by new rules. “The way that companies do it, is instead of taking 100 percent of the deal, they will share so that everybody takes a quarter of this deal and a quarter of another deal,” Crain said. “So you’ll see one large oil company partnering with another one to develop a field. All of those transactions are very complicated, and the accounting for them are complicated.” The grant from Ernst and Young will fund all parts of the program, except the permanently endowed scholarships, for 10 years. “If we’ve had quite a few students ... getting good jobs, the firms are really looking forward to being able to come here and recruit the students in this particular area, then I would assume that the university or the college would be able to continue it,” Crain said. ”But, you know how the oil and gas industry is, though. It goes up, it goes down At the end of the 10-year period, if we happen to be at a trough point in the oil and gas industry, the answer might be different than if we were in a boom period.”
VOL. 94, NO. 167
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
James Lovett, managing editor dailynews@ou.edu • phone: 325-3666 • fax: 325-6051
CHIPOTLE COMING TO CAMPUS CORNER Freebirds World Burrito ‘not too worried’ about competition from national chain KYLE WEST The Oklahoma Daily
The historic Boomer Theater on Campus Corner will soon open its doors to Chipotle Mexican Grill, marking the first time the Norman landmark will be the home of a retail establishment. “Right now, it’s probably looking like the Norman location will open in November,” said Chipotle communications director Chris Arnold. The Boomer Theater was originally built in 1947, but stopped showing movies in the mid-1970s, according to the Campus Corner Merchants Association Web site. In 1985, the theater was purchased and remodeled by Harold’s Stores, Inc., which vacated the building after filing for bankruptcy last year. Helen Wolney, Campus Corner Merchants Association president, said Chipotle should make an excellent addition to the university-based business district. “This will be an attraction people will come to,” Wolney said. “I think it will add to the element that there are shops and restaurants down here, and not so much office-type space, which will be upstairs.” Wolney said Chipotle likely will be a draw for many students. “Anything that attracts students is a great place,” she said. “And any non-empty building on Campus Corner is a plus.” Arnold said Chipotle restaurants are popular in college towns across the nation. “Students seem to gravitate toward our restaurants because of the quality of food they get for a reasonable price,” he said. Erika Kelly, psychology graduate student, said she grew up with Chipotle in Kansas City and is happy a location is opening in Norman. Kelly said she likes Freebirds World Burrito as well, on the corner of White and Asp Streets at Campus Corner, but has only been there a few times. “Freebirds has a different style, so I guess it depends on what you’re after,” Kelly said. “Sometimes, I’m not in the
TYLER METCALFE/THE DAILY
Construction on the old Boomer Theatre is underway as a Chipotle Mexican Grill prepares to move in this fall. The building is located on Asp Ave and is in the heart of the ever changing Campus Corner. mood for a 10-pound burrito.” Patrick Nesbitt, business senior, also said he is excited to eat at Chipotle’s new location. “I’ve been to Chipotle in other cities, and I like their quesadillas,” Nesbitt said. “I’m definitely excited to go there.” Robert Hernandez, general manager of Freebirds World Burrito in Norman, said the business will face some competition when the new Chipotle opens, but that Freebirds management is not worried. “We’re very confident about what we do,” Hernandez said. “We have such a fanatic base, but it might affect us at the
POLICE REPORTS Names are compiled from the Norman Police Department and the OUPD. The reports serve as a record of arrests, not convictions. Those listed are innocent until proven guilty.
1203 Rebecca Lane, Saturday Ronald Gene McPherson, 65, 4400 W. Main St., Friday Desirae June Shipman, 20, 24th Avenue SW, Saturday
OUTRAGING PUBLIC DECENCY Ethan Michael Angle, 27, S. University Boulevard, Sunday
COUNTY WARRANT Ronald Ray Pierce, 35, S. Berry Road, Saturday James Douglas Copher, 20, 4201 48th Ave. NW, Saturday John R. Morris, 34, Hickory Bend Drive, Friday Nicholas Eugene Orrie Rockholt, 19, Creekside Drive, Saturday
PUBLIC INTOXICATION Nicholas Peter Cicarelli, 27, W. Frankin Road, Sunday Tamara Ann Danker, 26, 2556 Classen Blvd., Saturday MUNICIPAL WARRANT Cory Don Clark, 20, 24th Ave. SE, Sunday Destiney La Star Davis, 24, 300 Hal Muldrow Drive, Sunday Tonya Lynn Mandrell, 34, Crestland Drive, Sunday Angel Rae Sherrell, 29, 1500 Iowa St., Sunday Matthew Grant Joseph, 19,
DISTURBING THE PEACE Curtis Lynn Walkup, 38, 508 Cripple Creek Drive, Saturday FAILURE TO DEVOTE FULL TIME AND ATTENTION TO THE ROAD Shannon L. Webster, 32, 18000 E. State Highway 9, Sunday TRESPASSING Brian T. Foster, 20, 1100
Oak Tree Ave., Saturday Kylie Lynn Goochey, 21, 1100 Oak Tree Ave., Saturday Daniel Graham Martin, 21, 1100 Oak Tree Ave., Saturday William Alexander Mitas, 21, 1100 Oak Tree Ave., Saturday POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA Terry Wayne Gee, 35, 48th Avenue SW, Saturday ASSAULT AND BATTERY David Manual Hernandez, 25, 1100 E. Lindsey St., Friday PETTY LARCENY Levi Thomas Larson, 58, 3499 W. Main St., Saturday LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT AND DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE Jared Stephen Slate, 20, 1400 Whipperwill St., Saturday
NORMAN NOTES JIMMIE AUSTIN OU GOLF CLUB The Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club will be hosting the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship until July 18. CITY COUNCIL The Norman City Council will hold its weekly meeting at the Norman Municipal Complex 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.
City Council Chambers on 201 W. Gray St. at 6:30 p.m. CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS The Cleveland County Fairgrounds will host the Norman Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m.- noon until Oct. 31.
beginning. When we have a new place coming in, it always affects the surrounding businesses. It’s not like we’re hugely worried about it. We’re not too worried about what they do, but about what we do.” Hernandez said his restaurant’s cool atmosphere and good service would give them an edge over the competition. “We are ready for the competition,” Hernandez said. “Bring it on.” Depending on the speed of construction and the hiring of staff, Chipotle could open anytime between October and December this year, Arnold said.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
James Lovett, sports editor dailysports@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051
TOURNEY TEES OFF DESPITE RECORD HEAT EDDIE RADOSEVICH The Oklahoma Daily
One sentiment could be heard by spectators and players alike throughout Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club Monday. It was hot. It was really, really hot. As temperatures reached triple digits, 156 players from around the world teed it up for the 84th U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, marking the first time the tournament has been held at a university golf course. Coming fresh off a 36th place finish at Bethpage Black in the 2009 U.S. Open, University of Washington senior Nick Taylor turned heads while carding a 5-under-par 66, taking the 18-hole lead. “All my birdies were close putts. I had a kick-in birdie once, but for the most part they were all five or six feet,” Taylor said. “I just need to stick around par and keep it around the fairway, and not be too aggressive. I hit it great, and if I keep doing that I’ll be fine.” OU was well represented during Monday’s opening round as well. Junior Liam Logan fired an opening round 2-over-par 73. Birdies at the 12th and 17th holes capped an opening-nine score of 35, but the Fort Worth native gave two shots back to the field as he bogeyed the eighth and ninth to finish his opening round. “I thought I would be more nervous than I was, but it really only hit me on the opening tee shot,” Logan said. “I started to fully understand the prestige of this event at last night’s banquet. It’s pretty special to be representing OU.” Logan credited his score on an early tee time, as temperatures were expected to reach nearly 106 degrees Monday afternoon.
ESTEBAN PULIDO / THE DAILY
Junior Liam Logan tees off Monday at the 84th U.S. Amateur Public Links at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club. This is the first time the United States Amateur Publinx tournament has taken place on a university course. “I’m going to spend the rest of the day inside in the air conditioning,” Logan said. “I’m going to go see `Bruno,’ get a good night’s rest and come out and practice some in the morning. Playing in the afternoon tomorrow, you just have to mentally prepare yourself for the heat. I was more surprised about the lack of wind today, as the wind always blows in Oklahoma.” Others weren’t as fortunate with early tee times. OU assistant golf coach Phillip Bryan drew a late afternoon start, and carded an evenpar 71 despite the hot weather. “I got off to a bad start, but after that I kind of settled down and played well,” said the Mustang, Okla., native who started 2-overpar through the fourth hole. “I really didn’t
hit it that well, but I played smart.” Perhaps the most intriguing golfer on the course Monday was Oklahoma State University phenom Rickie Fowler. Fowler was a first team All-American in 2008 and 2009 at OSU, and was also the recipient of the 2008 Ben Hogan Award and the 2008 Phil Mickelson Award. In front of the biggest gallery of the day, Fowler recorded a 3-under-par 68 while wearing all white pants on a day that will go down as one of the hottest for USGA competition. “Fourteen waters and two Gatorades,” Fowler said after finishing a grueling 18 holes. As for his play? “I played really well. I hit the ball really well and drove the ball well,” he said. “I only
missed two greens and I felt I hit a lot of putts well, but unfortunately missed quite a few.” Fowler missed 31 putts on the day. The second round of stroke-play qualifying is scheduled to finish Tuesday. The low 64 scorers will advance to the match play portion of the championship, scheduled to begin Wednesday and conclude on Saturday.
NOTABLE OKLAHOMANS T-38 Austin Bowman – Perry 73 T-106 Jason Wood – Piedmont, 77 T-147 Dillon Rust – Edmond 82
Tim Lincecum, Roy Halladay to start All-Star game MIKE FITZPATRICK Associated Press
ST. LOUIS — Tim Lincecum plans to enjoy this trip to the AllStar game much more than his last one. The first thing he has to do is stay healthy so he can pitch. The baby-faced San Francisco Giants ace was picked to start for the National League on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium. Toronto right-hander Roy Halladay will get the ball
AP PHOTO
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum throws to the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, July 9, 2009, in San Francisco.
for the AL. Last year’s NL Cy Young Award winner, Lincecum is 10-2 with a 2.33 ERA, making him a natural choice for NL manager Charlie Manuel. Despite a slight, boyish build, the 25-yearold right-hander is tied for the major league lead with 149 strikeouts. Lincecum made the All-Star team last season but missed the game at Yankee Stadium because he was ill. Asked on Monday if he would take any precautions to make sure he doesn’t get sick again this year, Lincecum said he would load up on fluids to remain hydrated and have Giants teammate Matt Cain “put a leash around my neck, keep me in a room.” “This is a great accomplishment for me,” Lincecum said, his long, shaggy hair protruding from under a black knit cap. “I think tomorrow the big thing is going to be just getting to the field. And after that, just getting on the field.” Halladay, 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays, was selected to start by AL manager Joe Maddon of Tampa Bay. This is Halladay’s sixth All-Star appearance, but his first starting honor — and it could be his final trip in a Toronto uniform. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said last week he’ll listen to trade offers for the 2003 AL Cy Young Award winner, who is signed through 2010 and would have to agree to a deal. At a news conference Monday, broadcaster Bob Costas called Halladay a member of the Blue Jays “at least for the moment,” which drew a round of uneasy chuckles.
SPORTS BRIEFS ABEL TAPPED TO WORK WITH USA SOCCER Graeme Abel, assistant coach for the OU women’s soccer team, will work with goalkeepers at a camp for the Under-20 USA Women’s National Team through July 18. “It’s a privilege, both personally and professionally, to represent the United States and be a part of the U-20 coaching staff,” Abel said in a release from the
OU athletic department. “It’s also an honor to represent the University of Oklahoma at this level.” Abel’s experience includes working as an Olympic development coach with Kentucky Youth Soccer. He also serves as a coach with the Region IV Olympic Development Program and National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America goalkeeper staffs. Abel began his career with the Sooners last season, when
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he joined the program to coach goalkeepers. He previously worked as an assistant at the University of Nevada.
ROBINSON HELPS U.S. WIN GOLD MEDAL OU guard Danielle Robinson contributed three points to the United States’ 83-64 win against Russia in Saturday’s gold-medal basketball game at the World University Games in Belgrade,
Serbia. Robinson, a rising junior, also dished out two assists and recorded two steals to help the United States win its seventh championship in the games. “I’m excited,” Robinson said in a release from the OU athletic department. “We definitely worked hard; we’ve been through a lot as a team. We’ve really grown and I’m definitely excited about this gold medal.” Charles Ward/The Daily
“It’s tough. Obviously, I’m somewhere that I enjoy being and have spent my entire career. There’s a lot, I think, that goes into it,” Halladay said. “I think as a player, there’s that will to win, that will to do it in October and basically that’s what all of this has been about. I would like that chance. I’m not saying it won’t be Toronto. You’d like to be three games up in first place and not have to deal with it.” Lincecum and Halladay each pitched Thursday, so both will be on their regular four days of rest.
HOROSCOPE By Bernice Bede Osol
Copyright 2008, Newspaper Enterprise Assn.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don’t think negative thoughts about your abilities. If you do the best you can, you’ll have no reason to feel down on yourself when placed in a competitive situation.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- When your basic motivation is to provide for loved ones, the chances for achieving your ambitious goals are heightened considerably. This is apt to be the case at this time.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- There is an interrelationship between the present and the future, so consider ventures not merely as they exist but what they could be -- as long as you put forth the effort.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- In your everyday affairs, respond to initial inclinations because they will be more in tune with the moment than your second or third thoughts. Occasionally, there’s paralysis from overanalysis.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -There are numerous opportunities to profit from something for which another has already done much of the spadework. Find one where your skills will make it even better.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Some profitable currents are stirring for you. If you respond to them, these gains could come from something totally new and provide another avenue for future earnings.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Although your judgment is apt to be better than that of another, he or she might be more action-oriented than you. Together, you could make quite a successful team if each realizes the other’s strengths.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Your personal interests can be advanced greatly if you assure helpful colleagues that they, too, will benefit from the enterprise. When you make it, just be sure to stand by your word.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -The amount of zeal you express will set the tone for others to follow. When it comes to workrelated projects, revving up your pace will accelerate your co-worker’s production. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Although you truly enjoy mingling with lots of people, you will have more fun and feel more at ease when participating in small groups. Hobnob where you feel the most comfortable.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- This day could be extremely gratifying merely by occupying your time as productively as you can in ways that make a difference in your life and/or to those who are important to you. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- It’s to your advantage to begin establishing new relationships now while you are in a promising social cycle. The more contacts you make, the more options you’ll have for making friends.
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COMMENTS OF THE DAY »
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
In response to Wednesday’s column about Colt McCoy winning the Heisman Trophy
Luke Atkinson, opinion editor dailyopinion@ou.edu • phone: 325-7630 • fax: 325-6051
YOU CAN COMMENT AT OUDAILY.COM
OUR VIEW
“I like the direction of this article. Haven’t thought much about whether or not people have won the trophy because they faced others who already earned it. But I agree with HoosierSooner. When I read ‘infamous’ I was kinda’ confused. I’m hoping Bradford gets
another and beats out this trend. I think he’s going to be even better this year. I hope that if he gets the trophy, people don’t think it’s because of any trend or default. I want them to think, “Good deal. No one else could’ve earned this. He won out, completely.” - JOESPHTSCHMIDT
STAFF CARTOON
In 1947, Boomer Theater opened its doors to entertain students with films. Thirty years later, it became a concert hall. According to Campus Corner Merchants Association’s Web site, the theater then became home to Harold’s Stores business offices. And now what is in store for the historical landmark? A burrito restaurant. Don’t get us wrong, burritos are a big part of the college diet and the specific eatery moving in, Chipotle, is known for being pretty good. But is there another use that could better serve Campus Corner visitors? Sure. Norman needs more music venues and the Boomer Theater could be an excellent home to Norman’s blossoming music scene. The only place to see new movies in Norman is
Eli Wimmer is a multiple disciplinaries senior.
Boomer Theater deserves better the Hollywood Theatre or Robinson Crossing. Why not renovate Boomer to be a bustling movie theater? Campus Corner should showcase what Norman has to offer its student-citizens and not necessarily fill their stomachs. The dynamic of Campus Corner is changing to chain restaurants and clothing stores, when it should be a place where students want to hang out with each other, not just purchase items. Boomer Theater has a rich history of theatrical and musical entertainment. Why can’t it be returned to its original purpose? By bringing back its entertainment value, Campus Corner could see a Renaissance of student involvement and enthusiam. Burritos are delicious, but in the end, we’d rather see the historical landmark put to better use.
OPINIONATED? The Oklahoma Daily is looking for opinion writers for the fall semester. If you would like to write for the Opinion section, please contact Will Holland at willholland@ou.edu.
A SUPREME RULER COULD FIX THE U.S. In Book VII of The Republic, Plato lays out his vision of the ideal governing structure. His hypothetical utopia, which he calls Kallipolis, is governed by a philosopher king who pays attention to “the seasons, the heavens, the stars, the winds, and everything proper to the craft if he is really to rule the ship.” Plato is on to something here, but I think we can improve on his idea. In fact, perhaps the only philosopher king in history, Marcus Aurelius, laid the foundation for the fall of the Roman Empire because of his indecisiveness and unwillingness to make tough choices. No, the U.S. would need someone a little more practical and impartial. ELIJAH Someone from the social sciences, but LAVICKY with a quantitative bent on reality. What the U.S. needs is an economist king. A representative of the “dismal science” might be the only type of person capable of weighing fairly the costs and benefits of every situation without becoming bogged down by emotions. The idea is not as radical as it sounds. The areas of government that have the highest approval rating year in and year out are the functions that are not democratically elected. The Supreme Court is the most obvious example. A lesser-known but highly effective process is the
Base Realignment and Closure procedure, or BRAC. An independent nine-member commission evaluates a list of military bases to consider closing. The panel presents its findings to Congress and a yes/no vote ensues. The effect is that congressmen aren’t allowed the opportunity to put their grubby little fingers all over the bill. The public is thus spared the teary-eyed representative on TV imploring his comrades to save the small military base in his district. What is the end result? The bases that need to be closed are closed. But an up-or-down vote can still fail. Our illustrious elected leaders still might vote “nay.” N o, w h a t w e n e e d i s o n e p e r s o n i n c h a r g e . Circumventing the legislature in making policy decisions would allow the best solutions to be implemented, not just the most politically expedient. As it stands now, the halls of Congress are where practical ideas go to die. Once in charge of domestic policy in the United States, our benevolent ruler would tackle the most pressing issues. First, he would take a look at our tax policy. Of the myriad possible tax systems, including the FairTax, negative income tax, flat tax and VAT, our current system is by far the worst. It’s so complicated there is a whole industry devoted to understanding and manipulating it. Free from the pulls of the mob in a democratic system, our charitable king could focus on a simple, efficient solution.
Another pressing issue is health care reform. The United States could implement a system identical to Britain’s NHS and still pay less than the federal government currently squanders. All told, the United States spends nearly twice as much on health care as the country in second place (Switzerland). Instead of allowing Congress to craft its own health care bill, which would be rife with loopholes and handouts to especially persuasive companies, our economist king could come up with the proposal that would actually be best for the country. Our generous leader would also understand the importance of preserving perhaps our most sacred tradition: the sovereignty of bowl games in college football. He would move quickly to put a stop to the meddling currently going on in Congress to replace our efficient Bowl Championship Series with a playoff (gross!). He would understand that when it comes to college sports, playoffs are for basketball and Division II hockey, not our beloved college football. This end-all policy fix is all well and good until you step back a bit. The problem is obvious, the solution is foolproof, but the implementation is impossible. Show me a congressman who would be willing to give up policy-making power, and I’ll show you a pig that can fly. Oh well, it was a thought. Elijah Laviky is a finance senior.
Road construction should take place one lane at a time Dr iving the highway to and from Oklahoma City can be a stressful adventure. Oklahoma does not exactly have the best drivers, and our roads are usually in awful shape. In an attempt to reduce traffic across a growing Norman and Oklahoma City, officials have decided to widen Interstate 35 by adding lanes. Construction first began in 2002 and has continued on and off even to this day. The total costs of all the projects have been estimated to DARA be around $250 million from 2002- MIRZAIE 2008. Currently, State Highway 77’s exit to and from I-35 is closed off, limiting the only options drivers have who do not like
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to drive on the busy and constantly weaving interstate. In addition, there are barely, if any notifications for many of the blocked entrances and exits to I-35. I, myself, have been frustrated on numerous occasions by having to drive miles out of my way in order to get on I-35. The construction company has said that the construction could take anywhere from 18-30 months to complete before they begin on a sixyear project to focus on portions of I-35 south of Main Street in Norman, which seems like an awfully long time to have such a potentially dangerous situation. Parts of the highway are reduced to only one lane with barracks on both
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sides; it takes one car to stall, over-correct or blow out a tire to cause a serious accident. Maybe instead of starting up construction on three or four different sites along the highway, the crew could just focus on one part at a time. That way any construction would last just a few miles, instead of the whole highway. It may take a little while, but having construction over a major highway for such a long stretch is endangering drivers. The highway from Norman to Oklahoma City is a very important one for many college students. Many alumni who get jobs in Oklahoma City stay in Norman because of the cheaper housing and college-town atmosphere, among other things. Many travel daily up and down I-35. While I agree that
Assistant Online Editor Multimedia Editor Sports Editor Life & Arts Editor Editorial Adviser Advertising Manager
e-mail: dailynews@ou.edu
I-35 does need to expand, there is no point of rushing things if it makes it nearly an unbearable journey now. If they have to do construction for such a long period of time, then workers should still leave at least two full-sized lanes for both sides. I do not really see the point of bringing traffic to a near stand still for six years in hopes that afterwards our new six-lane highway will reduce traffic until the need for eight lanes. Instead, we should reduce back the projects to only work on one smaller portion of the highway at a time. Even if it takes longer, motorists would not have to suffer a one-lane highway for part of their journey. Dara Mirzaie is a economics senior.
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.
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thad Baker, advertising manager classifieds@ou.edu • phone: 325-2521 • fax: 325-7517 http://oudaily.campusave.com
PLACE AN AD Phone: 325-2521 E-Mail: classifieds@ou.edu Fax: 405-325-7517 Campus Address: COH 149A
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AUTO INSURANCE Quotations Anytime Foreign Students Welcomed Jim Holmes Insurance, 321-4664
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Employment HELP WANTED Some college or experience with social service agency and/or grant administration preferred. Experience working with juveniles and knowledge of practices associated with facilitation and instruction of planned curriculum, educational programs and juveniles. Valid Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record. $9.00 per hour. Obtain applications at: 201-C West Gray, Human Resources Dept., City of Norman (405) 366-5482,
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
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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.
IMMEDIATE MOVE IN $99 Dep/$99 1st mo/free gym *some restrictions apply Models open 8a-8p Everyday! Elite Properties 360-6624 or www.elite2900.com
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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
HOUSES 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
Avail Aug 1. 1609 S Pickard, OU area. 3 bdrm/ 2 bath, lg fenced yard, garage, study. Lease & dep. $1350/mo. 366-1700 or 818-4441
The onset of eye disease may not be as visible as the appearance of new wrinkles. An eye doctor can
problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as other serious
1109 E Lindsey, 2/3 bd, 1 bth Refrig, w/d, stove, wood oors, no pets, $775/mo, $500/dep. Lawn maintenance optional. Call 329-1933 or 550-7069.
health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Early detection is key. For men and women over 40, it might be wise to look into your eyes. For more
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spot the early warning signs of vision
from Vision Council of America and AARP.
9
8 4 6
6 9
2 7
8
A public service message 3116 Ridgecrest Court! Nice 2 bed, 1.5 bath, garage, CH/A, FP! Sundeck! No Pets! $800/month! (580) 772-7665, (580) 774-1608.
Previous Solution
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information, visit checkyearly.com.
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smoke-free. Inquire store ofďŹ ce.
SOONERS
Universal Crossword Edited by Timothy E. Parker July 14, 2009
Drink Responsibly.
ACROSS 1 “The 39 ___� 6 Type of pear 10 Low range 14 Woman who lost her Butler 15 Third Genesis male 16 Back of the kitchen? 17 Old-time actor Karloff 18 Was a passenger 19 People often stick with it 20 Beach sights 23 Rowland of a famous department store 24 Barracks VIP 25 Wild blue yonder 26 ___ Dolorosa 29 Once around the sun 31 Greetings 33 Hawkeye State 35 It’s in the eye of the beholder 37 Racket 41 Beach sights 44 So far 45 Boarding pass datum 46 Plunk down 47 Droll humorist 49 Messy type
Call the Hotline at
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to report illegal or unsafe drinking. All calls are anonymous. The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
9
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
51 Place to wallow 52 Louisville Slugger wood, perhaps 55 Little john? 57 Give off 59 Beach sights 65 “The Handmaid’s ___� 66 Layered sandwich 67 Treasure cache 68 Neck-andneck 69 German auto 70 “Sesame Street� figure 71 Monopoly payment 72 Must-have 73 Film spools DOWN 1 Weeps 2 Biblical pronoun 3 Make money 4 Spectrum revealer 5 Move nonchalantly 6 Farm enclosures 7 Wind up on the stage? 8 Midsize car 9 Grip tightly 10 Pleads 11 Place of legends 12 Smelled awful 13 Run-down
21 Immobilize through freezing 22 “Nothing ___!� 26 MasterCard alternative 27 Debtor’s notes 28 Out of whack 30 Gets up 32 Minestrone, e.g. 34 Not many 36 Type of cost estimate 38 Misfortunes 39 Piggy bank opening 40 Spot at a distance 42 Beatles song “Any Time ___� 43 Chemistry class models 48 Stranded
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motorist’s need, perhaps Resentful Fall bloom Get rid of stubble Lady of Troy Worth Dodgers manager Joe Hot cross buns season Au naturel “___ of your business!� Wicked Notices
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
Š 2009 Universal Press Syndicate www.upuzzles.com
SUMMER VACATION by Billie Truitt
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.
Male Roommate Wanted - 2 bd/1 ba in Moore. $350/mo, full house privileges. Call Jimmy 414-5967
$400, bills paid, efďŹ ciency LOFT apartments, downtown over Mister Robert Furniture, 109 E Main, ďŹ re sprinkler, no pets,
(located just below the puzzle)
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Selling lease at Campus Lodge. Will pay ďŹ rst month’s rent. Very clean. Call for more info 918-348-9914
Web: NormanOK.gov EOE/AA
2 col (3.792 in) x 2 inches Sudoku ...........$760/month Boggle ............$760/month Horoscope .....$760/month
POLICY
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2 bd, 2 full bath, w/d, ďŹ rst oor of The Edge, $850/mo, no pets. Call 414-4046.
Classified Display, Classified Card Ads or Game Sponsorship Contact an Acct Executive for details at 325-2521.
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6
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NEW MUSIC TUESDAY »
Dusty Somers, L&A editor dailyent@ou.edu • phone: 325-5189 • fax: 325-6051
OUDAILY.COM
Go online to read The Daily’s reviews of new releases from Discovery and Blue Roses.
THE WITCHES OF ‘WICKED’ DROP IN TO TULSA DUSTY SOMERS The Oklahoma Daily
because you move to New York, and you’re auditioning for all these parts and there are so many people vying for the same job. The real battle I’ve faced is inside of myself. You kind of put blinders on, and what other people are doing doesn’t matter. It’s about your path. It’s scary because when you get rejected from a job, it’s not academic; it’s very personal. Facing that with grace and confidence is important.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, the Tony Awardwinning musical “Wicked” has played to more than 17 million people worldwide. Now, the show that tells the story of the witches of Oz, pre-Dorothy, is coming to Tulsa as part of a national tour that has been running since March. “Wicked” begins a 4-week engagement Wednesday at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, and will run through Aug. 9. Heléne Yorke stars as Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked,” and spoke with The Daily about the show.
WILL “WICKED” BE A SHOW THAT ENDURES, AND REMAINS POPULAR FOR YEARS TO COME?
HOW HAVE AUDIENCES BEEN RESPONDING ON THE TOUR SO FAR? They totally freak out. It really is a story that affects everybody. The word of mouth is what it is because it is such a great show, and people respond so well to it. It’s really infectious.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE AUDITIONING FOR “WICKED,” AND THEN FINDING OUT YOU GOT THE PART? The audition process is pretty intense. You go through several steps — you’re seen by all echelons of the powers that be. You go through people that OK you one by one.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Heléne Yorke and Marcie Dodd perform as Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West in the national touring production of “Wicked.” The tour makes a stop in Tulsa beginning Wednesday and running through Aug. 9 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Getting a part like this [gave me] an incredible sense of accomplishment. Especially as a woman, to get a part as large as this one is truly an incredible feeling. I got the phone call [that I got the part], and I was crying and screaming in my dressing room. It was really an incredible day. There are so many people who want to be doing this, and I’m one of the lucky ones.
DID YOU EXPECT TO GET THE PART WHEN AUDITIONING FOR IT?
HOW DOES THE CHARACTER OF GLINDA COMPARE TO YOUR ACTUAL PERSONALITY?
No, I didn’t. I got the call from my agent, asking if I wanted to be seen for Glinda, and I said ‘OK, but I don’t think I’m really right for it.’ [But] as the audition process went on, it became something I was more and more passionate about, although by] the final call, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to get it actually.
The journey that she goes through is the thing I most related to — a naïve girl who grows to understand so much of the world through this friend that she has. That growth is very poignant, and is something impossible to not relate to. There’s something very flighty and silly about her, especially in Act 1, and that
certainly is a big part of myself. Yet all the nuances and the things that she goes through in Act 2 — how she grows up — I’ve just been kind of going through that myself.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TRYING TO BREAK INTO THE THEATER BUSINESS RIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL? I think that you have to have kind of a hard helmet on your head. It’s really scary,
I think “Wicked” is the biggest musical of the decade, of this generation. You look at some of the things that were huge megamusicals like “Phantom o f t h e O p e r a” o r “ L e s Miserables” — while being a very different kind of show, I think [“Wicked”] is that of this time. I think this tour will be out for 15 years. A story about friendship and about conflict and about pointing fingers and perseverance and being the underdog and learning and growing — something like that is never, ever going to be outdated. If the musical ever closes 30 years from now, it’ll be revived in 50 more.
Café specializing in comfort food awarded national honor vibe instead. plate was the unbeEntering the restaurant reveals lievable jalapeño an equally fun, though slightly gravy that had a nice cramped interior. Cheever’s is con- bite of spice withstantly buzzing with people, re- out overpowering quiring a reservation ahead of time the dish, as well as for nearly every visit. green onions sprinOnce I tasted the food, I knew kled over the top for why people were constantly a bit of freshness. returning. The steak was As far as the food goes, the cui- t e n d e r a n d j u s t sine is not typical fine dining fare. moist enough, and There is a bit of a home cooked ele- the breading was ment to the dishes, and the portion light and airy with sizes will never have you leaving just a slight crunch. hungry. Each bite simThe cuisine is mostly American ply melted in my comfor t dishes w ith a little mouth, and I had Southwestern flair. enough left for an“We strive to bring a fresh ap- other whole meal. PHOTO PROVIDED proach to comfort food,” Paul said. I also got to sam- Cheever’s Café sits just two miles north of Downtown OKC of the corner of N.W. 23rd Street Menu items include tortilla- ple the grilled veggie and N. Hudson Avenue. The café was originally opened as a flower shop, but today serves food crusted halibut, mixed seafood stack, which is good described as “contemporary comfort food with Southwest influences.” tamales and the customer-favorite enough to convince chicken fried steak, which I had the even the most stubCafé was the true Oklahoma fine over and over again, and somepleasure of trying myself. born toddler to eat his vegetables. dining experience. The diner is so- thing tells me that I will never be The meal began with warm, Basted in a flavorful balsamic mari- phisticated but modest, generous, disappointed. slightly spiced rolls with savory nade, the dish was something that warm, adventurous and inviting. butter. I tried the chicken tortilla was both healthy and delectable. More than anything, Cheever’s Joshua Boydston is a soup, which had a nice consistency I began to realize that Cheever’s h a s m e wanting to come back psychology sophomore. with a crunch of tortilla strips, hearty hunks of chicken and just the right punch of heat. Cheever’s signature chicken fried steak Mary Ann W. Tom W. then came to my table. It was a heaping pile of two separate steaks, spread over a mountain of r ich garlic mashed potatoes. ® Covering the whole Compare and Save!
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Oklahoma may be known best for its steak and barbecue; however, it is a fine dining restaurant that was recently bestowed a national honor. C h e e v e r ’s Café, 2409 N. Hudson Ave. in Oklahoma City, was named as one of 50 restauJOSHUA rants in the 2009 BOYDSTON Diner’s Choice Awards for Best American Cuisine by Open Table Diners. The group was selected from over 9,000 restaurants from every state across the country. Owner Keith Paul was ecstatic to hear the news, he said. “We are excited to be on the list with such other famous restaurants and to be ranked among the top 50 in the U.S.,” Paul said. So, upon discovering that I hadn’t eaten at one of the top 50 diners in the whole country, and that it was only 30 minutes away, I felt obligated to go give the restaurant a shot. After exiting the restaurant, I can confidently claim that my dining experience at Cheever’s rates among the very best I’ve ever had. The exterior of Cheever’s is a little unexpected. It doesn’t reek of the exclusive, swanky feel that most fine dining establishments boast. Instead, Cheever’s is located in an old flower shop, which gives the diner a sort of quirky, romantic
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